A/N:Okay this was actually a harder chapter to write, I guess because I'm not in Christmas mode yet, if I was writing it closer to Christmas it would no doubt be easier but oh well them's the breaks. Hope it's not as terrible as I fear it is.

Disclaimers: See CH 1 for the Potter one, I also don't own A Christmas Carol Charles Dickens does.

A/N: Sorry it's taken so long to get this out to you. I'm teaching for the summer so my days are pretty full on. I had more time on my hands while teaching in China.

Ch 7: I'm Dreaming of a Hogwarts Christmas

Autumn turned into winter as the first of the seasons snow fell. Draco was warmed by the heads common room fire and his changing attitude towards one Hermione Granger. Draco had also recently found out that his mother had a sister who'd married a muggle Ted Tonks, therefore giving him a half-blood cousin, who he'd met the previous weekend when she came to tell him that his mother and sister were safe and also under the protection of the order. They were staying with her mother, his aunt for the time being. Surprised would not suffice to describe how he had felt at the time, he had a muggle in the family! Well that was a well kept secret if ever there was one, he knew that members of family had been banished from the family but he didn't know he had any especially living. Currently he was the happiest he could ever remember feeling, things could only get better.

He was getting along well with Dain now after their talk a couple of months back, he'd had along hard think and observed those he was around as few as there were. He was now more civil to both Granger and Potter, he had been getting along with Hermione on and off, he got along well with her when he had his muggle studies weekend assignment but then after that things went backwards a bit but that was partly his fault, he still hadn't really got it out of his system yet the badgering that is. He still wasn't friends with either of them and frankly couldn't see himself friends with Potter although he did hope he would become friends with Hermione. He was finding that the more time he spent around Hermione, the more he enjoyed her company, they both had a bit in common. It had hurt when she said they weren't friends about a month or so back, he wasn't sure why at the time but now he figured that it meant that he at least wanted to be.

End of term exams were approaching and that found Draco studying in the common room with both heads, which was rare where Hermione was concerned because if she didn't have to be there or around him as he saw it, she wouldn't be, so he found that he was rather enjoying this study session. The closer the exams got the more time Draco spent on his school work especially catching up on Muggle studies. The subject had turned out to be a lot more interesting than he could ever have imagined and looked forward to a time when he could experience many of the things he'd learnt about. Christmas was also approaching and although most people would happy at this time of year, Draco was not one of them. Last year had been the best Christmas he could remember in a long time, his father hadn't been there and so his mother, sister and he could actually have a good time together without any diatribe from Lucius. This year however he wouldn't see them at all, he had no idea when he would ever see them again for that matter, he had no-one to spend Christmas with, he figure both Dain and Hermione would go home and well no one else knew he was there except of course the professors.

"Miss Granger Ī was wondering what your plans are for Christmas? Are you going home?" inquired Professor McGonagall.

"Yes Ī am going home. Why do you ask professor?" Hermione asked somewhat suspiciously while sitting in front of the headmistress in her office.

"Ī was rather hoping you might be staying here studying which in that case would mean company and an eye on Mr Malfoy. If you could stay Ī could arrange for you to see your family on Christmas day. I'll get a port-key to take you straight into your home." McGonagall said shrewdly trying to convey what she really wanted.

"Can Ī think about it?" asked Hermione already half knowing what she would answer no matter how much she'd rather not.

"Of course, but can you let me know soon and I'll organise the port-key."

"Yes Ī will, is that all professor?"

"That is all for now, you may go." Hermione got up and left the headmistresses office, instead of heading back to the heads common she went in search of Harry in the Gryffindor tower deciding she would discuss it with him, though ultimately it was her decision. She knew Harry would say no straight up but she thought she'd still talk to him anyway since he was the only one of her friends that knew about the Malfoy situation.

As Hermione approached the Gryffindor corridor she encountered Harry coming the other way; "Harry, fancy seeing you here?" she chuckled.

"Yeah, it's been a long time, how's the husband and kids?" he joked back.

"They're doing wonderful, little Minnie Me can now read" she continued the joke. "Where are Ron and Ginny? I'm surprised to find you're out without them, especially without Ron it tow."

"I told him that Professor McGonagall requested to see me, so I was going there now, of course he wanted to know what it was about and I just said I didn't know. Then he wanted to come with me but I managed to convince him otherwise as you can see. The guys my best friend but sometimes he can just be a bit too much and a little thick he just doesn't get subtle hints does he? Ginny is studying, but really I came looking for you, I had a feeling you needed to talk am I right?" Harry finally finished.

"Yeah actually let's go back to my room" They casually walked back to Hermione's dorm chatting about the year so far and what they thought might happen in the following term.

Back in the dorm Harry proceeded to trail Hermione up to her room closing the door behind him, he said "so spill, what's going on?" as he sat down on the couch in the room.

"Well I know you're not going to like this, just don't fly off the handle yet and remember in the end it's my decision." Once Harry had agreed, Hermione proceeded to relay the conversation she had just had with their esteemed headmistress.

Harry as promised didn't hit the roof, instead pausing and taking a deep breath before responding "well you know my stance on this I'm sure. I don't like him and to tell you the truth I wouldn't do it if I was in your position, having said that I know that you're more compassionate than I am; besides Ron would have too many questions since I usually spend Christmas with him and his family if not here. You at least have the cover of home and you wouldn't be lying about going home either, before you say it, because technically you would be going home, it would only be for the day if you decided to stay that is."

"That is true, I get the feeling though that I'm not being ask as much as being told even though she said I could think about it. What would I do with myself for the whole time? Of course there is homework but you know me, that'll be done it the first few days."

"Malfoy still has muggle studies to catch up on doesn't he, you could always help him with that" Harry countered with a grin. Hermione gave him an 'as if' look. "I'm sure you'll find something to do, wait does this mean you are staying?" Harry enquired.

"Wow, I guess I have made the decision haven't I? Well I better go and see professor McGonagall and let her know. Your still going to The Weasleys aren't you?"

"Yeah, I am and if they mention having you come over for a day, I'll just say something about you visiting other family or something okay?"

"Thanks Harry, I'll come down and see you guys off and tell Ron and Ginny that I'll be going home a day later because of heads duties. I know Ron won't question that anymore thank Merlin" Hermione said with a smile. Hermione then got up heading out to go see the headmistress while Harry returned to the Gryffindor Tower.

So Hermione's compassionate side had won out in the end, it almost always did. She had decided to stick around and keep Malfoy company (in other words keep a watch out for him so to speak), she knew how she'd feel if she was in the same situation and she hoped that someone would do the same for her, besides no-one should be alone at Christmas that's what her grandma always used to say anyway. It wasn't actually pity she felt but she did empathise with him. Hermione decided against telling him that she was staying unless he asked, she also decided to get him something small for Christmas so she wrote to her parents telling them of her change in plans without really telling them what was happening, she figured they really didn't need to know nor would they understand. She also requested that they find something for a male friend of hers for Christmas. She wanted something muggle because he was a pureblood. What she didn't know was that professor McGonagall had also advised them of the situation only in more detail due to the fact that she now knew the truth about the family.

End of term exams went by in a flurry and all too quickly they were over. For the occupants of the heads dorm it all felt a little surreal most likely because they weren't taking them with the rest of their peers. Then all too soon students were heading home for Christmas, once again Ron was at it with the questions and not letting things rest. It would appear he hadn't learnt, he just couldn't seem to grasp the idea of just accepting what Hermione said, in the end she told him "one day you'll understand what responsibility is Ron but until then just forget it. I still have heads duties to do then I go home in a day or two just accept it". Once again she found herself wondering what she ever saw in him as boyfriend material.

Ron was rather miffed about the responsibility comment but let it go begrudgingly after Harry elbowed him and gave him a 'just let it go, it's Christmas ' look. Hermione having hugged Ron, Harry and Ginny was then approached by some of her newer friends from other houses including that of Slytherin, in particular Theodore Nott who while giving her a hug whispered "I'll write you over the break" letting go she just nodded and smiled while Harry held onto Ron holding him back and shaking his head while saying "she's allowed other friends Ron" sounding rather stressed. Smiling to them all she waved before telling them all she was returning to her dorm. There she found Dain and Malfoy chatting, walking straight over to Dain she plopped herself beside him and waited for him to finish talking with Malfoy so she could bid him a merry Christmas and say goodbye for the holiday.

Draco watched them silently wishing he could have the same kind of relationship with her. 'One day' he thought 'one day I'll have that' as he watched them he noticed that it was only Dain that seemed to have any bags to go home. He realised with a start 'I wonder if she's staying?' "Granger…" he asked her when Dain had left "yes" she replied "I thought you were going home" he ended up making it sound more of a statement than a question like he'd intended. She answered him anyway "I will be…" but at the look of slight disappointment she continued "on Christmas day, I'll take a portkey home for a few hours to spend it with my family, other than that, I'm here so looks like you're stuck with me for company" she finished. Draco found him self oddly relieved all he wanted from the damn girl was friendship but it seemed a battle in itself, hopefully the time they spent together these holidays would help that little cause. Hermione observed him quietly; she had no idea of what was going though the guys mind. She looked around the room and settling on a decision she spoke up bringing Malfoy out of his thoughts "how about we decorate this place and give it some Christmas cheer? I'll go ask professor McGonagall where the decorations are for this dorm and see if we can't get Hagrid to get us a tree. What do you think?" she watched his face as his eyebrows rose and then he nodded in assent.

After lunch was when the Christmas tree and decorations arrived at the house. The two occupants had been sitting talking lightly about nothing in particular when they heard the portrait change (it couldn't always be heard, it depended on the noise level of the occupants in the room). They set to directly after they had finished their hot chocolate. The tree became an instant issue of discrepancy Hermione wanted it by the enchanted window wall where the snowy landscape made a spectacular backdrop, Draco on the other hand wanted it on the other side of the room. After much debate with Draco pointing out "it should be over by the fireplace because it looks better there and that's how we have it at home on the rare occasion when we have celebrated of course" Draco finished. This was of course after he'd suggested sticking it in the middle of the room.

"Oh yeah great idea and we can set it alight too. Well I don't care what you did when you were at home, you're not in Kansas anymore Toto"

Draco gave her a perplexed look, with raised eyebrows "what?"

"This isn't your home!" she replied almost nastily,

"It's the only home I have now" he replied bitingly

"Awe, poor diddums and whose fault is that hmmm?" Hermione mocked back she wasn't sure what had got into her and quite frankly neither did Draco she was being rather cruel. "I want it near the window it'll look better with the snowy countryside as a background. It's not how I have it at home, it's something different. You might as well get used to change Malfoy you've supposedly changed sides so it's going to happen a lot" she finished harshly.

"Now you look here Granger..." he was getting angry now "I'm a Malfoy and what I say goes, so you just get used to it" 'How is it she manages to rile me up so' thought Draco angrily.

"How about you get off your high horse Malfoy, with your father the death-eater in gaol, and you missing to the rest of the wizarding community your name is worthless, you are worthless!" she spat before storming off to the kitchen, she really needed one of her special hot chocolates made with a nip of Malibu, if only she could find and equivalent in the magical world.

Draco just stood staring as she left he was furious but also shocked, she had been so malicious, he didn't know she could be like that. What she had said had hurt a lot, she had been so spiteful, and he thought they would have a nice afternoon and he could work on making a friend out of her but things sure as hell weren't looking to promising. He felt, well he wasn't sure what he felt he didn't think irritated covered it. What was he to do? He moved the tree to where Hermione had wanted it hoping to placate her and imagining what it would look like with snow falling behind it, he figured it would probably actually look pretty good so he relented letting her have it her way. Draco also wondered if he could change the enchantment of the window to make it look as if it was snowing all the time so he headed up to the dorms library to see if he could find a book for it. After a short search of 15minutes going through only a few books he found what he was after. The spell seemed rather complex so he hoped he would be able to perform it. He needed to tap the window wall three times before reciting:

Through which thy can reveal

Let those within these walls

See the changing of the seasons,

And something that much more.

With winters white blanket,

Snowflakes shall flow free.

While autumn colours change,

Let leaves gently rain down.

In summer and the spring,

The season will remain.

The trouble was he had to say it in Latin and as much as his parents had given him stringent lessons he still wasn't overly great at it. Draco decided that he'd try it when Hermione wasn't around that way if it didn't work he wouldn't embarrass himself and if it did well then it would be a nice surprise for her and he hoped it would get him a bit closer to being on her good side.

Returning to the lounge/common room Draco found Hermione sitting on the couch staring at the fire, he didn't want to startle her and he certainly didn't want any more arguments, once upon a time he would have jumped at the opportunity to do such but he was learning quickly that there's a time and place for that sort of thing, while at times it can be as funny as, other times it will only piss someone off especially if they are already ticked. So he moved to where she would see him and waited. When she finally did look up at him he could read nothing of what she was presently feeling or thinking. "Should we start with the tree or the room?" he asked uncertainly just in case she was going to rip his head off. Nodding her agreeance they both set too decorating the room and then the tree, it wasn't long till they found themselves in an easy banter all animosity from their previous argument seemed to have dissipated, Draco found that he was truly enjoying himself and wished that it wouldn't end. They were laughing and getting along splendidly barely noticing that dinner had arrived. After they had finished dinner and the rest of the decorating, Hermione enquired "do you want some hot chocolate?" she figured she'd introduce him to her special blend to see if he liked it and as a sort of apology for how she went off at him earlier, "Yeah, why not, thanks" he replied following her to the kitchenette, he watched as she whipped up some cream while she heated some milk, when the milk was hot she added the chocolate powder, cream and another liquid he wasn't sure of that smelt like coconut "Malibu, it's a coconut rum" she piped up at the look on his face "it's a muggle rum since I've not found an equivalent here in the wizarding world". Hermione handed the drink to him after she dropped a couple of marshmallows on top leaving a teaspoon in it. He nodded his thanks as they returned to the lounge room. Hermione sat down in one of the armchairs and picked up her favourite Christmas story and began to read. She read the book every year it was a tradition of sorts.

Draco sat quietly watching her while sipping away on his hot chocolate, it was the best he'd ever tasted, he wasn't sure of what to do with himself, he didn't have anything much to read, well not much left anyway, he did like reading especially in the winter. He also wanted to talk to Hermione but knew her well enough that she was much like him when it came to a good book. Continuing to watch her he all of a sudden spoke "this is really great hot chocolate Granger". Surprised Hermione looked up at him "did you just complement me?" she asked sounding incredulous. "Yes I did, so get used to it" he counted back with a smirk, 'did he just tell me to get used to it?' she thought to herself 'wow I guess he is changing' she smiled back at him and went to return to her book when he spoke again "what are you reading?"

"A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens… it's my favourite Christmas time read" she replied.

"Can you read me some please" he asked, Hermione looked at him, disbelief written on her face "it's a muggle book you know?". "Okay" he said with a nod indicating that he understood and wanted her to continue anyway. Hermione shrugged her shoulders and opened her book once more starting at the very beginning;

"Marley was dead: to begin with. There is no doubt whatever about that. The register of his burial was signed by the clergyman, the clerk, the undertaker, and the chief mourner. Scrooge signed it. And Scrooge's name was good upon 'Change, for anything he chose to put his hand to.

Old Marley was as dead as a door-nail.

Mind!..."

Draco listened to Hermione's voice as she read, it was smooth and rhythmic, flowing along like a brook over the words, and he'd never noticed how sweet she sounded before. He found himself enjoying the story and her reading, without realising it he fell into a peaceful slumber to the lull of her voice. Noticing he'd fallen asleep Hermione threw a throw over him before turning in herself. Not even an hour later Draco awoke to a room merely lit by the orange glow of the fire. Being the sort of person that when he awakes, he's fully awake he decided now was as good as time as any to try and perform the charm on the window. Going over to the window he tapped it three times and said;

Per quod thy can ostendo sum

Permissum illud intus illa moenia

Animadverto changing of seasons,

Quod quispiam ut plus.

Per hiberna niveus vestis,

Snowflakes vadum flow solvo.

Dum autumn colours change,

Permissum coma placide pluvia down.

In estas quod ver, season mossubsisto.

When it didn't work he figured he'd pronounced something wrong then after a second attempt he had the charm working perfectly the tree really did look spectacular with the snow falling behind it, he went to bed feeling happy and hoping that Hermione would like this little surprise.

Hermione awoke the next morning to the smell of pancakes getting up she headed down to the lounge to discover the enchanted wall had snow falling; she stood there observing the beauty of it, a smile spreading across her face. Draco having noticed her come down approached watching her a moment before asking "so do you like it?"

"You did this? How, when, why?" she asked all at once, Draco smiled "I found the spell in a book yesterday when we had our little disagreement and I performed it last night after you went to bed. As for the reason why, well you said yourself it would look grand if the snow was falling behind it, but since it doesn't always snow, I thought I could change the enchantment so it would and finally I did it for you." He explained feeling slightly embarrassed now. She smiled back at him and without even thinking, she threw her arms about his neck giving him a hug "thankyou" she whispered in his ear. He'd hardly had a chance to hug her back when she was pulling away from him again. "So what's for breakfast?" she asked bounding over to the table. Draco just watched her with a stupid grin on his face.

The rest of the time prior to Christmas saw them working on homework together. Hermione even worked more with Draco to help him complete his muggle studies work and catch up. Draco was enjoying her company so much that he didn't really feel the loneliness of missing his family. Though come Christmas day it all came crashing down and with it sadness, he really didn't want to get out of bed what would be the use, he knew he wouldn't have any presents or so he thought. Hermione too had found she enjoyed Malfoy's company maybe they could be friends, she'd start by calling him Draco. Come Christmas morning she was excited to see what Draco's reaction would be to the gift she was going to give him, that and she would get to see her family, she missed her twin siblings and had been surprised to find out that they too were showing magical ability.

Getting out of bed Hermione knew that the presents that would normally be found there would actually be under the tree. It wasn't necessary for presents to be at the ends of beds since the house had so few occupants. Hermione didn't even bother with changing out of her jimjams, Draco was the only other one there and she really didn't care if he saw her in them or not, she was warm in them and that was how she was going to stay. Taking the steps two at a time she arrived at a rather empty lounge room save for the Christmas tree adorned with presents. A sneak peek she noticed a few for Draco and deciding she really couldn't wait for him so she decided to go down and get him. She hadn't been down to the boys room yet and so had no idea how Dain had designed it.

Draco heard the knocking on the door, he groaned he so didn't want to get up, he didn't care what day it was "yeah Hermione come in" he called before realising he'd used her first name; he knew it was her there was no one else that would be dropping by. She didn't say anything about it when she walked in so he guessed he was safe. "Wow nice room. It's Christmas you know, aren't you coming up?" she asked. He looked at her smiling face wishing he could feel like her, noticing the 'what's the use I have nothing to celebrate' look on his face she approached his bed, sat down and told him "you have presents you know?" he brightened immediately "I'll meet you upstairs" she finished softly before disappearing through the door. He wasted no time in joining her. Hermione received her normal collection of clothes, books, music, jewellery and sweets, she observed Draco who was just like a little kid going through his gifts. He looked so happy it was obvious he hadn't expected anything. Euphoric would probably best describe how Draco felt this Christmas morning, he received more than he could have imagined as far as Christmas presents; from his mother he received his regulatory sweets and robes though this year she had given him deep blue he'd never worn blue robes before and hoped they would look good. His sister Ara gave him some muggle clothes, he'd seen other students wearing them of course, he had just never worn them himself his father would never have allowed it, she had good taste from the looks of things, so it was just a matter of the chance to wear them. He was also surprised to find that he also received some books both wizarding and muggle from his Aunt Andromedia and Uncle Ted he'd never met them but hoped that when everything was over that he would have the chance, from his cousin Tonks he got a mobile phone "wow!" he exclaimed, he'd learnt about them in muggle studies, he settled down to read the handbook on the mobile when Hermione spoke "you have one more gift" handing it to him he looked up at her when he saw it was from her "you got me a gift? Why?" he asked questioningly "Because, I didn't know if your family would be able to give you anything and everyone should get at least something on Christmas day" she smiled. He had the urge to hug her, which of course was a rarity for him; but he refrained. "You really didn't have too, but thankyou" Hermione could hardly believe her ears, it seemed of late that Draco Malfoy was being extremely polite, he had apologised and said thankyou and not for the first time either, it was defiantly an improvement. He ripped open the present to find a Chinese Dragon kite he was gob smacked, "it's a kite" she whispered, he'd never seen anything like it but then that wasn't surprising considering it was muggle. Sure he'd heard of them but was told that only stupid muggle children played with them because they couldn't fly themselves, Hermione helped him pull it out though not to its full size so he could appreciate it more. It was about 100 metres long "kite flying is big with adults as well as children in muggle society, there are a competitions where people do all sorts of acrobatics with them, they come in all shapes and sizes" she explained her smile dancing in her eyes. Christmas was turning out way better than Draco could ever have imagined. They sat down and enjoyed a hot breakfast before Hermione bid Draco goodbye to visit her family.

An hour later Hermione found herself in the entrance hall of her family home walking through she called out "mum, dad, Sebastian and Hope where is everyone?" a moment later Hermione found the twins attached to each leg. "Minnie" they exclaimed in unison as her parents appeared from the kitchen. The kids had grown so much since she had left in September she could hardly believe they were turning five already though not for some months yet. Hermione enjoyed her day with her family; she had a traditional roast with all the trimmings for lunch and caught up on the gossip of the family. It appeared the twins had been up to all sorts of mischief with their magic, Hermione wondered how it was possible that all three of them could possess magic if their parents were muggles. She had asked them once if they were squibs and they had told her no and she'd never seen them using magic so she just went with the theory that it was just an odd coincidence. She was happy that Sebastian and Hope would also go to Hogwarts if it was still standing after the impending war. It was not something she was going to think about for now however instead Hermione played with the twins and some of their new magical toys they'd received for Christmas, she found it fun considering she'd never had anything like it when she was young. The time she spent with her parents was used talking about the magical world and what the latest was, she never found it unusual that her parents showed an interest in the magical world and of course her parents still never let on just how much they really knew, she also told them about the muggle studies assignment that would bring her home again before the end of term and that she would also be bringing with her a particular pureblood, they'd heard enough about Draco Malfoy and his family over the years to know exactly who he was and were surprised when Hermione had told them of the situation he was now in. Richards family knew very well of the Malfoys as one of the more prominent pureblood families in wizarding society, though they had never had anything to do with them because of their views on social order. Before too long it was time to return to school, her family was disappointed but understood the circumstances. Hermione bid farewell to everyone telling them she would see them later in the year when she came home on assignment.

Draco had no idea of what to do with himself while Hermione was at home; he read all about his new phone, Tonks had already charmed it so he could use it in Hogwarts. He would have liked to go outside and try flying his kite though he knew he couldn't, there were still a few students about and so the risk wasn't worth it. At about lunchtime which he spent alone his phone had rung scaring the begeezers out of him, he tentatively answered it finding his cousin on the other end, then he spoke to his aunt and uncle and finally his sister and mother. His mother found it a bit disturbing being able to talk to her son yet not being able to see him but said she would persevere in order to stay in touch, after all staying in contact the muggle way meant no-one would know who and where they were. It meant they didn't have to reveal themselves. He was sad to let them go but was promised that they would speak again soon. Once again he was struck by the loneliness and boredom, he ached for company and wished and not for the first time that he'd had a normal family that wasn't mixed up in all the darkness that his own family was. With the weight of his loneliness he decided to take a nap on the couch till Hermione got back.

Hermione returned to find Draco asleep on the couch and she couldn't help but smile, he was cuddled up to a cushion like a child with a safety blanket or stuffed toy, he looked so young like this, rather than the 17 year old boy that he actually was, she didn't want to disturb him but since it was almost time for dinner she thought she ought too, no sooner had she woken him than there was a knock at the portrait and on Hermione's investigation she found a number of professors that were members of the order, after inviting them in she established that they were there to indulge in dinner with the two students. Draco felt a little uncomfortable by the whole situation but the night went smoothly. Everyone was laughing at some point or another even professor McGonagall which her students were shocked by because they weren't even sure she even knew how to laugh. Before professor McGonagall left she gave them both a Christmas gift that had been left to them by professor Dumbledore, after she left they both sat down to find out what they had received. Hermione was intrigued to find that she had received a couple of old books; one 'The Intricacies of Developing Spells' by Una Spellman, it was about developing spells and curses; the other was called 'The Family Curse - Families cursed throughout the ages' by Isabella Allonby it was on various types of family curses and families that had been cursed. She wasn't sure of the significance of either but figured that with time that the reason for them would be revealed. Draco also received some old books, one was about 'The Macfoy Family' an old wizarding family Draco had no idea as to why he'd been given such a publication if the size was any indication it would take some time to plough through all its pages as well. The other book he received was like Hermione's also on spells 'Spells and Potions - How to combine the two for more powerful results', there was no author on it, it was centred more on how to combine the spells with potions to achieve greater results. This text was so old it was all hand written and Draco couldn't help but wonder if it was something that Dumbledore had written himself. "Well … I guess there's a reason he gave us these, we'll just have to wait and see what it is" Hermione said smiling broadly, Draco couldn't help but smile, typical of her really when it came to books and knowledge.

The last of the Christmas break was approaching quickly but Draco was agitated by not being able to venture outdoors. It had been to long since he'd felt the wind in his hair. So Hermione asked professor McGonagall if something could be arranged before all the students arrived back. One evening Hermione told Draco that she had a surprise for him and told him to be up early the next morning. Before breakfast the next morning before all the students had ventured out and after the sun was up Hermione took Draco outside, he'd been a bit apprehensive at first but once he was told it had been cleared with McGonagall he was fine and to show his appreciation he threw a snow ball at Hermione. She stood stunned for a moment before returning in kind and throwing one back receiving another one simultaneously. They continued on with the war of snow, laughing and talking "I wish I'd brought my kite out, I want to have a go at flying it" Draco complained; "don't worry you'll get the chance Draco but you'll need to wait for a windy day before you can fly it" "a windy day, why would I want a windy day?" Draco inquired with his head to the side and a confused expression plastered on his face, Hermione almost laughed "you need a windy day because a kite needs the wind to lift it into the air, when we go back inside I'll explain it to you" she quickly added, she knew enough of his expressions to know when he was going to enquire further. Hermione quickly changed the topic "How about we build a snowman?" Draco blinked at her, raised his eyebrows and then replied "alright". Draco had never really built a snowman and was rather happy with their perfectly sculptured snow wizard as he preferred to call it. Hermione then charmed the snow wizard with a spell she had worked on adapted from the song so that he could move and talk;

"Frosty the snowman

With your eyes of Juniper

Your Thistle nose

And your Ivy mouth

May you come alive you jolly soul

And dance and talk with us."

It wasn't her best work but it did the job and seeing Draco's reaction to it was all she needed, she could tell he was trying his damndest to not show any reaction but he looked like a kid who'd just got what he wanted. "Who does he remind you of?" Draco asked her, "Dobby" was her instant reply, looking at her "where did you get the spell from to do this" he enquired "actually it's one I made up on the spur of the moment it's not very good but it did the job" she replied with a small smile. Nodding he answered "I couldn't do that, I'm just not that good. No matter what I've said to you over the years about not being better than me, I've always known that really you were" he answered softly without looking at her, another thing he now had to feel guilty for, "don't worry about it, we're both as good as one another" she responded brightly. He couldn't believe her, she was far too nice for her own good, he really had a lot to make up to her and if he could he'd do just that for the rest of his life. Draco watched silently as Hermione interacted with their snow wizard both of them laughing occasionally as they watched its reactions to them. He would like to have been able to fly but knew better than to ask; he knew the risks of him even being outdoors. All too soon it was time to return to the safety of the heads house and frosty was left to become nothing once more. Once inside and warming themselves by the fire with Hermione's special hot chocolate which Draco dearly loved now, he spoke; "Hermione, I can't thankyou enough for doing that for me, I had a really great time" his face was still flushed from being outdoors and maybe also a little from embarrassment. "I'm glad" she answered back she was going to say 'now don't say I never do anything for you but decided against it since he wouldn't get the joke. They enjoyed the rest of the day with more laughs and chats, Hermione explained to him more about how kites worked which only had Draco wanting even more to try it out, he was intrigued at how it could fly with just the wind. Both of them were once again amazed that they could get along so well. As the time progressed they spent more time together talking about their families, school, their likes and dislikes and their friends, Draco wasn't keen on hearing her include Theodore Nott as one of them, especially when he saw the look on her face when she talked about him, he'd seen the bracelet that she got from him for Christmas and didn't like that he was giving her gifts, he knew the guy well enough and had heard that he'd had a bit of a thing for Hermione the previous year, so he knew where this was headed. He knew he shouldn't care but for some reason that he couldn't really fathom he did care and he didn't want it happening. He had to say something so he did "Hermione you know his father is a death-eater? Why would he befriend you? He's obviously after something; maybe it's to get closer to Potter for Voldemort" Hermione looked at him incredulously, they were having a good time and as usual he had to ruin it 'he's a Slytherin himself, he should know better than anyone that they can change or don't have to be defined by their parents' she thought bitterly he continued "don't fall for his nice guy attitude, he's still a Slytherin" Hermione was livid now, she wasn't sure what to say, she opened her mouth to say anything but thought better of it and closed it again and just shook her head all the while looking at him with a look of disbelief, getting up she headed for her room once on the stairs she turned and looked at him before saying "you just described yourself there MALFOY and I'll tell you what I told Ron, I'm a good judge of character and I'll be friends or lovers with whoever I want" with that she left him to it. Draco had shuddered when she had said lovers, was she considering dating him? Was she already? He didn't think he liked that idea, no he knew he didn't like that idea, again he wasn't sure why but probably because he was a death-eaters son and a Slytherin; yep that was it.

Well I hope that wasn't too bad. With the hours I'm working I'm not sure whan I'll get a chance to write up the next chapter but hopefully it won't be too long. I would actually like some feedback on this chapter, especially if there is anything that really stands out as not sounding right or confusing. I was pretty tired typing it up and posting, so please drop me a few.