Disclaimier: They're not mine… -sighs-
A/N: chapter 8 :D It is the Christmas holidays for Harry and Draco! I just want something happening outside of Hogwarts lol Hogsmeade anyone? ENJOY!
Thank you for the reviews!! I love you all :D
For Katsy17: There will be a mistletoe involved in the next chapter :P kissy kissy ;0
Chapter 8: The Gift of Snow
November came and went, and in a flash Christmas was almost here for the students at Hogwarts. The buzz of excitement was apparent; students from all years were thrilled to go back home for the holidays. It had been four months since they last saw their families.
Harry was sitting in the Great Hall playing wizards' chess with Ron. Just as Ron's queen stabbed and tossed out Harry's bishop, Hermione came running towards them. (A/N: I know nothing about chess x.x)
"Well, you lost again mate." Ron said smugly. Harry groaned, and then noticed Hermione standing next to him, breathing rather hard.
"Are you okay Mione?" Harry asked. Hermione nodded her head and took a deep breath before she talked.
"I just received mail from your mother Ron," she looked at Ron, who was currently clearing up Harry's broken chess pieces. "She invited me and Harry over for the Christmas holidays."
"Oh really? I was wondering when she's going to ask you guys. She's been talking about it during the summer." Ron looked up at Harry. "Would you like to stay with us Harry?"
Harry began to pull on his sleeves. "Er… Well uhm, I love to stay with your family Ron." Harry paused. "But… I think I'm going to stay this year."
Ron gaped. "Are you serious Harry?! You know, mum would be disappointed if you don't come this year Harry." Hermione nodded in agreement.
Harry gave an exasperated sigh. "Yea… I know. But I don't want to intrude…"
Ron waved his hand at Harry. "You're not intruding! Mum sees you as family! Come on Harry, stay with us!"
"Harry you've always stayed with Ron during Christmas." Hermione added. "What made you change your mind this year?"
Harry looked at both Ron and Hermione. "Nothing. I just wanted to stay here this year…"
"Well if that's what you want… Then I guess we'll go with it." Ron smacked Harry's back. "It's going to be lonely here in Hogwarts mate."
Harry smiled. "I'll make the best of it. Besides, I can always go to Hogsmeade. I'll write a letter to Mrs. Weasley to tell her I can't make it this year."
"Just don't get into trouble Harry," Hermione chuckled. "We'll write to you."
Hermione took Ron's arms and pulled him up. "Well guess we should start packing. I have your Christmas present Harry. Hope you like it."
"You already got presents? Damn I haven't even started shopping yet!" Harry fretted. Ron laughed at Harry's reaction.
"Don't worry mate. You can send it over later. Be prepared to receive another sweater from mum."
"I like Mrs. Weasley's sweaters, they keep me warm." Harry grinned. "You guys should go and pack; not much time left you know."
Harry stood up and with a last handshake from Ron and a hug from Hermione; Harry waved goodbye as the two left the Great Hall together.
'Now what to do? I should go to Hogsmeade and search for presents to give to Ron and Hermione… As well as the Weasley family.'
As Harry began walking toward the exit, Draco came in. Harry stopped abruptly when he saw Draco walking towards him. Draco stopped and nodded at Harry in greeting.
"Potter."
"Malfoy."
Ever since the incident from their detention, both got along better than before. Of course there would still be some mouthing off, but they can now at least greet each other without biting each other's heads off. Draco has changed, Harry noticed. They were small changes but Harry was glad that they were getting to know each other.
"Why are you down here Mal—Draco?" Harry asked the blond-haired teen. "Shouldn't you be packing as well? For the holidays?"
They both had been trying to call one another by their given first names, in private when there was nobody else around them.
Draco shook his head in the negative. "I'm not going home this year." Harry gave Draco a quizzical look. Draco rolled his eyes.
"…I don't want to see my father that's all." Draco ran his fingers through his hair, "Why aren't you packing Potter?" Draco shot the question back at Harry. He didn't want Harry to ask him why he did not want to see his father.
"Well like you, Draco, I'm staying here as well." It was Draco's turn to be shocked.
"Wait. So you're not going with Weaslebee and Granger?" Harry gave Draco an annoyed look.
"No I'm staying this year; I'm alone by myself with some students and you obviously," Harry walked closer to Draco, "I'm going to go to Hogsmeade later on… Do you want to come with me?"
Draco looked at Harry. "Did you just ask ME to go with you?"
Harry groaned in frustration. "Yes you git! And er… I… want your opinion on picking the right presents for Ron and Hermione." Draco's eyebrows shot up.
"I think the loneliness is getting to your head Pot—Harry."
"NO IT'S NOT!"
"Whatever. But I guess I'll go with you to Hogsmeade." Draco smirked. Hints of laughter grazed upon his lips.
"Shut up Draco! You don't have to—Wait… you're going?" Harry asked in awe.
"Yes I'll go with you…just so that you won't bother me for the rest of the day about it," Draco pointed his nose up in the air in a pompous way. "Also, I have nothing to do anyways."
Harry's cheeks tinged slightly. It was hard for him to contain his excitement.
'He said yes! Harry calm down! He's only going to shut you up.' Harry gave Draco a small smile.
"I'll meet you an hour later at Madam Rosmerta's. Then we'll go shopping for presents!"
Draco was amused at Harry's reaction. He thought Harry looked like a little kid going to the candy store when he agreed to go. But outwardly, Draco kept his expression blank.
"Alright Harry… I'll meet you there later." With a nod, Draco walked out the Great Hall.
Harry smiled to himself and walked out as well.
'Things are definitely looking better.'
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Closing the door behind him, Draco went to his bed and sat down.
"Did I just agree to go out with Potter?" Draco asked himself in bewilderment.
Draco knew he and Harry were getting along better during the past month. Sometimes he even enjoyed Harry's company.
'Well it's not like this is a date or anything… I'm just going out as a FRIEND, an acquaintance.' Draco assured himself. He glanced at his window and saw that it was snowing outside. Draco smiled to himself; he loved snow, the way they fell to the ground and formed fluffy piles, and the way they made everything look brighter.
"Guess I better put on some warm clothing…"
Draco walked to his closet and picked out a dark green wool sweater, black slacks, white scarf, and a black beanie. Since school is not in session, there was no reason for Draco to be wearing school robes. After putting on his clothes he checked the time.
"I still have half an hour… I CAN go to Hogsmeade first." Draco debated. 'Or I can go to the Gryffindor tower and see if Harry is ready.' Finally deciding to check on Harry, Draco took his black coat and headed for the Gryffindor common room.
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Harry practically ran to his dormitory. Any outsider can tell that he was excited about something. Harry went into his room and locked the door.
'Calm down! You freakin look like you're going on your first date!' Harry took deep breaths to calm himself down. 'I am acting like such a girl…'
Sensing a chill in the room, Harry shivered. He looked out the window to see snow coming down in sheets. Walking to his closet, Harry picked out clothes that he thought it was going to keep him warm. After much thought, Harry took a knitted sweater, a scarf of gold and red colors, his mittens, and a pair of slacks. Quickly throwing them on his body, Harry thought about what to get for his friends.
"I could get Ron a new chess set; his old one is getting kind of beat up." Harry tapped his chin with his index finger, "I should get Hermione a new book bag… Or that set of quills that I saw last time I went to Hogsmeade…" After deciding on getting Hermione the set of quills, Harry took his big puffy jacket and went down to the common room.
Harry sat down in front of the fireplace, its warmth spreading across the common room. As he watched the fire cackle, a knock sounded at portrait. Walking to the door, Harry called out.
"Who is it?"
"Open up Harry. It's Draco!" Draco called from the other side, his voice muffled.
Harry wanted to jump with joy seeing how Draco actually came down to get him. But he couldn't let Draco see his excitement so Harry told himself to calm down a bit before opening the door for Draco.
"Hey." Draco greeted as he stepped into the Gryffindor common room. Colors of red and gold bombarded Draco's eyes. He actually blinked a few times before adjusting to the loud colors.
"You're early Draco," Harry led Draco to the couches; they both sat down. Harry saw Draco's eyes twitched when he came into the room. "Are your eyes okay?" Harry asked.
"Oh. Yea I'm fine… I'm just not use to seeing so much red and gold in one room." Draco smirked.
Harry chuckled. "Yes the colors are kind of bright… I prefer darker colors like black or dark green."
Harry looked over to Draco and smiled. "Want to go now?"
Draco shrugged but stood up anyways. "Sure. I've been craving for some firewhiskey. It warms you up in weathers like this." Draco gestured towards the windows. "Shall we go?"
"Yea. Hold on, let me put on my jacket first." Harry took the puffy jacket and put it on. "Alright let's go!" Harry said and ran out the door.
Shaking his head gently, Draco followed Harry out of the Gryffindor common room.
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Walking inside Madam Rosmerta's pub, a surge of warmth surrounded the two teens. Shivering from the cold and wetness of fallen snow, both Harry and Draco peeled their jackets off.
"That was some snow storm!" Harry laughed as he sat down at a table. Draco sat across from Harry and sulked.
"It ruined my coat!" Draco mumbled, "Now it's all wet and it's wrinkled!"
Harry laughed even harder.
Draco looked over at the raven-haired teen sitting across from him. The crisp winter winds gave Harry rosy cheeks and red lips. Draco found this strangely appetizing. Coughing into his hands, Draco tried to get rid of those thoughts from his head.
"What would you like to drink Draco?" Harry asked when he heard Draco coughed.
"Firewhiskey please. You should try it, too. It's quite good I assure you."
Harry chuckled nervously. "Erm… I'm not good with alcohol; my tolerance is really low…" Harry trailed off.
Draco gave a slight laugh. "Don't worry Potter, I won't leave you here drunk." Draco's eyes shone with mirth.
Giving in to Draco's prodding, Harry ordered two firewhiskey at the counter. Harry then brought the drinks back to the table and sat down next to Draco this time. Swirling the amber liquid around, Harry gulped.
"I-I'm not sure I should drink this… I've never tried it." Harry looked down into his glass, "It seems like it's going to burn..."
Draco sighed. "There is always a first Potter. Trust me, you'll get use to the taste."
Draco brought his glass to his lips and drank. The amber liquid rolled down his throat, leaving a trail of warmth behind. Licking his lips, Draco looked over at Harry, who was still debating whether or not he should drink.
"Just take a sip Harry," Draco said impatiently.
Harry let out a sigh and shakily brought the cup to his own lips. Sipping a little, Harry choked as the liquid went down his throat.
"Malfoy this stuff burns!" Harry exclaimed. Draco rolled his eyes and pounded Harry's back.
"Guess it's back to butterbeer for you then Potter; I'll get one for you." Draco got up and went to get a bottle.
"Thanks…" Harry murmured when Draco handed him a bottle of butterbeer. He was red from all the choking and embarrassment.
Draco took another swig out of his glass and smiled into his cup. It was getting warm and Draco wondered if it was from the firewhiskey or the fact that seeing Harry turning bright red made him laugh, not those cruel laughter, but amused and happy laugh. It gave him a warm feeling. Downing the last drop of the firewhiskey, Draco set his glass down on the table.
"When you're done with your bottle we should get going." He looked at Harry who was gulping down the butterbeer to sooth his burning throat.
Harry smacked his lips when he drank the last drop. Wiping his mouth with the back of his hand, Harry left money on the table and stood up.
"Alright time to shop!" Harry said gleefully. Draco just smirked.
"You know you act like a kid right?" Harry looked at Draco and glared.
"I DO NOT act like a kid! Who was the one complaining about being in the infirmary when he twisted his ankle?" Harry shot back, but the corners of his mouth were curved up.
"Yea yea Potter. Let's just go and pick out your presents." Draco started for the door. Harry walked behind Draco and both left the pub.
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Harry dragged Draco into every store possible. Picking up random objects, Harry would show them to Draco and asked if he should get it for someone. The "old" Draco would have hexed Harry long ago for making him stand around in a store and being asked stupid questions. One would be shocked when they see Draco Malfoy, the Slytherin Ice Prince, talking and laughing with Harry Potter, his once arch rival. Things had changed drastically.
Picking up a snow globe, Harry shook the glass ball and showed it to Draco.
"Isn't this pretty? Oh look!! The penguins inside actually move!" Harry giggled. Draco arched his eyebrow when he heard the foreign sound.
"My my Potter… Aren't you a bit…giddy."
Harry pulled his gaze away from the snow globe and looked at Draco.
"Stuff it Malfoy." Harry gently put the snow globe back on the shelf. "I like that snow globe… But I'm not here to get myself presents." Harry smiled and continued walking around the store. Draco looked at the globe that Harry had just put down. The snow was still swirling inside the crystal clear ball.
'It is pretty nice I have to admit… Harry likes it…' With one last look Draco went to search for Harry.
After purchasing a new wizards' chess set for Ron they left the store. Peering in all the shopping bags from other stores, Harry made sure he got a present for everyone.
'I still need to get Draco's… Hope he won't freak out when I give it to him.' Seeing that he had gotten all the gifts, except one, Harry told Draco that they should head back to Hogwarts.
"Can you wait here for a few minutes Harry? Uh… I think I saw something that uhm… Pansy would like." Draco stuttered slightly. Harry tilted his head then smiled.
"Don't take too long. I don't want to freeze into a human icicle." Harry grinned. Draco's mouth curved upward and turned back to walk into the store again.
Briskly walking to the aisle that held the snow globe Harry liked so much, Draco picked it up and went to the counter. The female clerk working behind the counter looked up and smiled when she recognized Draco.
"Mr. Malfoy what can I do for you?" She asked politely. Draco gave her a smile and handed her the snow globe.
"It's a present for a…friend. Can you put it in a box and wrap it please?" Draco asked.
The female clerk nodded and took the globe from Draco. Turning around to a work table behind her, the clerk took a gift box from under the table. Placing the slow globe inside, she closed the lids and sealed it securely with a spell. Turning around once again, she looked at Draco.
"What color wrapping paper would you like Mr. Malfoy?"
Draco pondered for a moment before answering. "Can you wrap it in emerald green?"
"Of course." The clerk turned back to finish wrapping the box. Two minutes later she was done, fully wrapped with a gold ribbon on top. She then proceeded to place the box in a bag, and handed it back to Draco.
"That would be a total of ten galleons and three sickles please."
Draco took out some coins and paid. Before he walked away from the counter the clerk asked him a question.
"If you don't mind me asking Mr. Malfoy… Is the present for a special someone?" she smiled.
Draco gave her a thin smile. 'A special someone? Maybe one day that person would be my special someone…' he thought. 'What am I thinking?!'
"No, it's just for a good friend of mine." Draco thanked the female clerk.
"You're welcome Mr. Malfoy. Have a good day!" the young clerk replied.
Walking outside, Draco saw Harry standing by the entrance hugging himself for warmth, his jacket soaked from melted snow. Seeing him shaking slightly, Draco walked over to Harry.
"You could've headed back to school yourself you silly Gryffindork." Draco reprimanded. Harry jumped a little hearing Draco talk beside him.
"OH! I didn't know you came out… And you told me stay here so here I am!" Harry said through chattering teeth.
Draco smacked Harry upside the head. "What if you caught a cold?! Don't you care about your health Potter?!"
Harry looked at Draco with wide eyes then smirked. "I didn't know you would care about my health Draco."
"I-I don't!" Draco exclaimed.
"Yes you do."
"DO NOT!"
"Yes you--"
"Shut it Potter." Draco began walking away from Harry. Harry ran after him.
"Wait up!!" Finally catching up to Draco, Harry grabbed Draco's shoulder for support; he was gasping for breath and Draco was still walking, but slower.
"Are you a bit short of breath Potter?" Draco asked as Harry huffed and puffed beside him.
"You-you walk… gah… too fast." Harry gasped. "And cold air in lungs does not feel good…"
Draco tried to stop himself from chuckling, but failed. He stopped walking and let the smaller boy catch his breath.
Taking big gulps of air, Harry let his eyes wander to the bag that Draco was holding. He saw a flash of green inside.
"So what did you get for Pansy?" Draco looked into Harry's green orbs.
"Just… something she might like," Draco said airily. "Nothing too special…"
'But it's special to you.'
"Ah… I see. Anyways, when we near Honeydukes I'm going to go in that store that was across from it. You can head back to school if you want Draco." Harry hoped Draco WOULD go back; Harry didn't want Draco to see what he's going to get for him.
Harry almost jumped in joy when Draco nodded.
"Okay I'll go back to school… Guess I'll see you at dinner Harry."
When they arrived at the store mentioned earlier, both Draco and Harry parted ways. With a wave, Draco trekked back toward school while Harry went inside the jewelry store. After taking a few minutes of looking around the store, Harry's eyes found what he was looking for. It was a silver pendant on a white gold chain. The pendant was in the shape of a serpent; its eyes were emerald stones. One word can describe it: beautiful.
Signaling for a clerk, a young man came over and stood next to the green eyed teen.
"Hello, what can I do for you?"
"Can you take out that necklace please?" Harry pointed at the silver snake.
"Sure." The clerk opened the display shelf and took the necklace out and handed it to Harry. Holding the necklace up to the light, it sparkled beautifully.
"I'll take it," Harry told the clerk. "And can you wrap it please?"
The clerk smiled and walked to the counter. Harry followed. A few minutes later gave Harry the wrapped necklace.
"Your total would be fifteen galleons." Harry paid the clerk and walked out the store with the wrapped necklace in his pocket.
'Hope he'll like my present.' Harry smiled to himself.
Not too far way in the Slytherin common room, Draco thought of the same thing.
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A/N: Done with chapter 8 :) Hope you enjoyed reading it! Chapter 9 is coming soon. It would be about the two boys giving their presents to each other What's gonna happen?? Wait and find out:D