Here's the sixth oneshot!

No Voldemort or Death Eaters as usual so far!

I was inspired by a tumblr post about age regression milk recipes by blueplushpup! I myself don't participate in agere, but more power to those who do! The recipes and flavors themselves sounded so good! The different milks are: Galaxy, Alicorn Magic, Gingerbread House, Mango, Angel, Strawberry, and Bedtime Kiss! Can't wait to hopefully try them all!

I don't own Harry Potter. That belongs to J.K Rowling and various publishing companies including Scholastic Corporation, Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc., Bloomsbury Publishing Plc, Raincoast Books, or any other company that has to do with the movies or merchandise.

I don't own the milk recipes either! And the stuff in this fic doesn't follow the recipe 100%.

Harmione Winter Oneshot Six – Snowflakes Falling, Hot Beverages, and Great Company

The Great Hall was silent. But as almost everybody in the castle had gone home for winter break, it was to be expected. Only Harry, Hermione, Crookshanks, and Dumbledore remained at Hogwarts this year. For the past two years Ron had also spent Christmases with them, but this year the other teen had gone to be with his family.

It was nice since Hogwarts had an earlier Christmas break than other schools around the world. Not to mention longer too. It began the first week of December and lasted until a couple days after New Years.

Staring out of the big bay church-like windows, Harry sighed contentedly. In his hands was a steaming cup of milk, done up with the works. There was of course milk, but it also had added ingredients.

The thirteen-year-old boy was glad to be at Hogwarts for another winter holiday. Any time away from his awful relatives was a good thing, in Harry's opinion.

He heard a pitter-patter of feet nearby. He took his time to look away from the falling snow, and was surprised to see a not-so-beautiful face looking back at him. It was Hermione's new pet, Crookshanks. The aging half-kneazle leapt up the long table and started rubbing his face against Harry's arm. He then looked at the wizard with his big amber eyes, which Harry couldn't resist.

Harry had felt little unsure about Crookshanks when Hermione first adopted him before school started. Her parents said she could own a pet as an early birthday present, since she turned fourteen years old. Hermione was so happy that she dragged Harry along to the magical pet store.

He didn't have the best track record with cats. Growing up being babysat by Mrs. Figg sometimes, Harry learnt that half her cats didn't like him. He had tried to befriend those certain kitties, but ended up getting scratched a bunch of times. From then on whenever the Dursleys would demand him to go over there, Harry didn't like it as much anymore. Just in case her mean cats were on the lookout for him.

Though Mrs. Figg did have some nice ones that would love to be pet. Harry liked those cats.

So when Hermione had chosen Crookshanks a couple months ago in September, Harry had been a little doubtful. Not sure if the cat would be friendly to him or not. But those thoughts were quickly put to rest. The orange familiar was friendly to him, and loved Hermione to pieces. It was kind of cool to witness, in Harry's opinion. He was glad Crookshanks and Hermione got along so well.

To have Hermione's familiar here now in the quiet of the night was welcome. Harry smiled at him.

"Hey there, Crooks. How are you tonight?"

He got a long rumbly purr in return. Followed by the little guy trying to climb on his lap. Harry saw a problem with that though, as his human legs were currently dangling off the table so there would be limited room for the feline.

"Hold on, let me just…"

Harry then propped his arm behind him with his hand on the table. With that move, he was able to then propel his body up fully onto the tabletop and swing his legs up too. Finally, Harry crisscrossed his legs so the cat had a little more room to stretch out if he wished. All the while Crookshanks watched calmly, while his tail swished lazily.

Harry's body no longer faced the large window, but it wasn't too bad. He could still turn to the side to look outside at the sky. He spread his arms a bit with his hands facing outward, indicating to his lap.

"Ok buddy, I'm ready."

Crookshanks then moved his limbs one-by-one into the open space of Harry's legs. His paws hit the table first, before he moved them up onto Harry's thighs, turning his fluffy body around and around. Finally he plopped down and curled up in a ball, with his tail sticking out near Harry's thick sock-covered feet. He then rubbed his wet nose against Harry's hand, asking for petting.

Harry chuckled and obliged. While he was doing so, he felt the tendons flex in the feline's small neck. Instantly noticing how Crookshanks was trying to reach his cup of milk while remaining in his lap still. Even though the concoction was cooling down, he still didn't want the kitty to drink it.

"Hey, don't try to live up to your namesake by trying to steal my milk. Being a crook isn't a good thing, you know. Besides…I'm not sure it's good for you, even if you'd like it at the time."

He wasn't annoyed though, for he kept smiling. The half-kneazle seemed to calm down when Harry ran a hand down the length of his body.

"You're a shaggy boy, huh? Yes, you are."

Feeling vibrations travel through his own body, Harry marveled at how powerful Crookshank's purrs were. The noise reached his ears while also sending calm vibrations throughout his body. It was very soothing.

Harry turned his head to the side and looked out the window again. It was still snowing like it was a few moments ago. Harry then raised his arm out pointing at the scene before snapping his fingers lightly, grabbing the feline's attention. There was a momentary pause in the purring.

"Look Crookshanks. Isn't the snow pretty?"

He had no idea if the little guy was looking at the snow or not. Harry hoped he was.

The white snow slowly fell in fat flakes, coming down endlessly. There was tons of coverage for miles away from the castle. Harry tried to see past the flakes falling and into the forest, though he was unable to. But that was okay, since the snow was cool by itself. It was very peaceful.

A couple minutes passed before Crookshanks rubbed his smooshed face under Harry's palm again. The teenager chuckled and resumed giving affection.

"He especially likes it when you scratch underneath his chin. Then if you stop, he headbutts you for more."

He heard her gentle quiet voice before he saw her. Turning his head, Harry noticed his best friend was next to them. She was gazing at him so sweetly, her smile wide. Chest feeling warm, he returned the smile. Trying her suggestion, Harry giggled when Crookshanks did just that. For a small head, the cat had a lot of power to push against his palm.

"Hey, Hermione. Wanna join us?"

"Yes please, thank you."

Harry watched as Hermione took off her shoes and put them beside his. Her thick socks had stripes on them while his were patterned with large snowflakes (which she made for him before autumn began so he wouldn't be cold). Harry watched as Hermione climbed onto the table to sit like him, both their knees touching at the tip. Facing each other, he could see a small smile on her face.

"So, couldn't get to sleep?"

His question caused her eyes to dim a bit. He wondered why.

Playing with the floofy tail in front of her, Hermione shook her head and answered. Her smile dimmed with worry.

"No, I couldn't for some reason. My brain wouldn't stop thinking, so I couldn't relax. I was talking to Crookshanks about it before he wandered out of bed. I hurried to follow him. I get nervous when he wanders unsupervised during the day when the castle is full of awake students and their familiars."

"Aw I'm sorry you feel that way, Hermione."

Reaching out, his hand made contact with her knee. He gave her three pats before retracting. Harry's eyes broke their stare as he rummaged his brain to try to make her feel better. Once he thought of it, he made eye contact again.

"But the good thing is that Crookshanks has been alright so far. Plus, it helps that there's not a lot of pets in the castle bigger than him right now. What with toads, rats, and other cats. He's a big boy, aren't you Crooks?"

Harry heard Hermione let out a small puff of air, before her smile widened. Such a nice smile, much prettier than his own. It showed off her teeth, which parted when she quickly flicked her tongue across her lips. Harry felt a bit of heat come to his cheeks as he blushed.

"Well, that's true."

Harry smiled wider, seeing her do so. He was glad he said something helpful.

Hermione continued, wringing a small portion of her hair in worry.

"But I'm more worried about students doing something to him. Like Malfoy and his goons for example."

Hmm, that was different. Those berks were horrible to other students. Harry shuddered to think of what they'd do to Hermione's cat.

"Well, I can't be everywhere at once. But if I notice that nasty trio are missing and Crookshanks isn't with you, then I'll do my best to help you find him. And make sure he's safe."

Hermione moved her hand and used the side of her thumb to rub from the bridge of Crookshank's nose upwards to his forehead. The purrs continued.

This time Hermione smiled wider and her eyes warmed. Her hands came down and were still as her body relaxed.

"Besides if they try anything, I'll kick their butts."

Hermione giggled. This made Harry's smile return. Good, he was able to calm her down.

"Thank you, Harry."

She had a small blush on her face. Wow, who knew a blush was nice to look at? Or that it caused a jumble of feelings to pool in his stomach?

Harry then felt Crookshanks shift to lay on his back instead of on his paws. But the feline still remained in Harry's lap. Hermione then rubbed her kitty's tummy, Crookshank's amber eyes filled with love as he stared at his owner. The purring continued. Harry stared silently.

Just then another voice sounded out.

"Well, you do have your invisibility cloak. So that'll make it easier not to get caught, don't you think?"

Harry scared so hard that his arms pinwheeled on each side of him. He almost overbalanced and tipped backwards, if Hermione hadn't grabbed his hands and pulled him upright again. Crookshanks let out a displeased noise before quickly bunching up his legs and hopping out of Harry's lap. This time, he sat on the tabletop beside Harry and Hermione. The table was so big that there was lots of space left.

Dumbledore chuckled and walked over to the students. On his way he spied Crookshanks going for Harry's cup and conjured up a saucer of regular milk for the cat. He was glad when the feline went to it instead and immediately started to drink.

"I'm sorry for the scare, everyone. I heard voices while taking a stroll of the castle and couldn't help myself from investigating. You'd be surprised by how much sounds carry when there is silence to help it."

Catching his breath, Harry took a moment to calm down. Hermione too, from the looks of it. Harry turned his bright eyes toward the older wizard with an amused smirk.

"Ah, no worries Professor Dumbledore."

Once Hermione got over the shock, she smiled at the headmaster.

Crookshanks kept his attention on his liquid, his tail swooshing gently behind him.

"Wow, Professor. You sure are light on your feet."

The man had a smile on his face and a twinkle in his eyes.

"Why, thank you. I've been told that on more than one occasion. By my brother Aberforth."

"Brother, sir?"

His best friend's voice captured Harry's attention.

Hermione's facial expression was her normal one of wanting to learn. Harry thought it was cute. He looked at her for a few more seconds before turning his gaze to the older wizard.

Odd. Harry could've sworn the man had a bemused twinkle in his eye. Like he knew something Harry didn't. But when he tried to look for more of that emotion and identify it, there was nothing. Professor Dumbledore blinked then began talking about the past.

"Aberforth is two years younger than me. As kids we hadn't much opportunities for fun, so I would sneak up on him a lot. He scared so easy. Always made each other laugh. Well mostly me at first, then he would join in after he finished pouting."

Albus chuckled to himself, remembering.

Seeing this made the young teens happy.

"Thanks for sharing such a nice memory with us, Professor."

"Yes, thank you."

"Want to join us, Professor?"

"If you have no plans that is."

"That is a most generous offer, thank you. I will."

Albus then took a seat at the bench, with his legs under the table. Both students were content to remain on the tabletop.

"So, Mr. Potter? What's that you're drinking? It smells really good."

Harry tipped the cup a bit to show them what was inside. Hermione's eyes widened and Dumbledore's glittered with curiosity. He was happy to share.

"It's a warm milk recipe. I saw Petunia making some for Dudley once as a late-night snack. I thought tonight would be a good night to have some. I've never made it before, considering there's no microwave. But I tried my best."

They both sniffed at it.

"Smells like cinnamon."

"Yes, and honey too."

"Yeah, I was kind of going for a nice sweet flavor. Especially with the honey. I also added nutmeg too."

"That sounds so good, Harry!"

"Wanna try some, Hermione?"

"Yes, please."

Hermione conjured a cup for herself and watched as Harry filled it. He poured about 1/4th into the cup.

"Do you like it, Hermione?"

"Yes, it's very good! You did wonderfully, Harry!"

He felt himself blush and said a bashful 'you're welcome'. It always felt nice when she praised him. Seeing her drink more, he did the same. Harry looked to his side and spied Crookshanks drinking out of a shallow bowl.

Ever polite, he offered some of his drink the headmaster. The man shook his head no, though.

"No thank you, Mr. Potter. You finish the rest. But it does give me an idea."

Both kids now drinking their milk, watched as Dumbledore conjured the necessary supplies out of thin air. He used his magic to mix and stir things together. Combining them with the liquid in his cup, he then warmed it to his liking.

"What fixings did you put in yours, Professor?"

"Well, Ms. Granger I used multiple fruits. Blueberries, raspberries, and strawberries. And some sugar too."

"That sounds good. I think after trying Harry's drink I'll make my own."

"What's on your mind?"

Hermione tapped her chin, thinking about Harry's question. She began mumbling to herself, unfinished ideas and such.

Before it looked like she came to some conclusion, nodding her head.

"Yes, I think that's a good route. Ok I'm ready."

She then started moving her wand and whispering spell incantations under her breath. Harry and the Headmaster watched as things started to appear out of thin air. Then she wordlessly had her magic pour the ingredients into the cup she was using. Strangely, she put some flowers in too. At least Harry thought so, but the older wizard didn't seem at all confused.

"How come you put flowers in your milk, Hermione? Isn't that poisonous?"

"Oh no, it's ok. I used edible flowers. In this case, lavender in particular. Used in the right amount, it tastes very good when mixed in. And not poisonous at all, don't worry."

"Huh, I had no idea. That's pretty cool."

Harry was in awe of her. She was amazing.

"Thanks! Want to have some, Harry? Professor?"

"Sure, I'll have some."

"No thank you, Ms. Granger. I appreciate the offer though. You are as kind as Mr. Potter."

This made both kids smile and duck their heads.

Hermione poured some of her portion in Harry's cup (that he cleaned out after his other milk drink).

"So have any plans for break, Professor?"

"Alas, not really. Mostly to relax and read. What about yourselves?"

"Oh yeah we do!"

"The two of us came up with lots of things! Making gingerbread houses, building snowmen, having a snowball fight, decorating a mini Christmas tree, reading classic holiday stories, and opening presents on Christmas Day."

"Don't forget our fort building and sleigh ride. Oh yeah. Has our package arrived from your parents, Hermione?"

"No, not yet Harry. I'll have to check tomorrow. Hopefully, since they sent it a few days ago."

"Awesome! Can't wait!"

"My mom and dad sent us ugly Christmas sweaters, Professor!"

The kids started talking about things they asked for on the patterns. Harry's would have a large reindeer surrounded by real tinsel and pom poms. Hermione's would have a large gumdrop surrounded different sized cookies and fake pine clusters.

"Ooh those sound intriguing. I hope you enjoy them."

"Thank you! It's a tradition in our family going back to my great-grandmother! She's the one who would make them for everyone. I'm so excited to share this with you, Harry!"

She looked at her best friend and saw his eyes widen before a large smile lit up his face. She saw him fidget in his spot.

"Me too, Hermione!"

Finally Crookshanks was finished with his milk. He walked over to Dumbledore and layed down in front of him. The man then started petting the cat. Who started purring again.

Silence enveloped the group for a while. It was a pleasant one though. They all watched the snow continue to fall outside.

Finishing off their milks again, Harry and Hermione yawned in tandem. Warm milk sure was good. But it made them sleepy and content.

"I take it, it's time for bed?"

"I think so."

"Yeah, I'm ready to zonk out."

"Sorry to cut our conversation short."

"That's perfectly alright, Ms. Granger. I had a pleasant time chatting with you and Mr. Potter."

Putting on their shoes, they watched as Crookshanks jumped down to the stone floor.

"You ready to head on up, Crooks?"

Harry's question got a meow in return.

"Hopefully he'll stay in bed this time."

Hermione's wish got another meow from her cat.

"Good night, Professor Dumbledore."

"Pleasant dreams, Professor Dumbledore."

"And may Morpheus watch over your dreams, Mr. Potter and Ms. Granger. And Crookshanks too, of course."

Another meow came from the half-kneazle.

Dumbledore watched the two teenagers as they walked off, talking to each other about the rest of the events they had planned over the coming days. Harry was talking about adding in snow angels, while Hermione wanted to add making popcorn garlands. The last thing Dumbledore heard was Hermione suggesting the order of gifts they would open on Christmas Morning. With a caveat that they should open one present the night before on Christmas Eve. He saw Harry nodding along in agreement. Crookshanks was following the pair, his tail up high and twirly with happiness.

The old man smiled to himself.

Harry and Hermione reached the common room, where they had finalized everything for the upcoming weeks.

They both watched as Crookshanks rubbed against Harry's legs before going to Hermione. She picked him up and his kitty tongue licked her cheek. Both humans smiled at the half-kneazle's antics, before Crookshanks wiggled to be put down. Hermione quickly pressed a kiss on his tiny head before doing as her pet wished. Both kids bid him good night as the orange ball of fluff went up the stairs to the girl's dormitory.

Then Harry and Hermione were alone again.

He took a deep breath. Hermione seemed to copy him and let it out through her mouth. Which only drew his attention there. When he flicked his eyes back up to Hermione's, he found her staring at him still.

Would it be that bad if he went for a kiss?

Should he?

Harry felt very nervous but also thrilled. He could do something and maybe the consequences would turn out well. But then, Harry's mind began to wander and not in a good direction. He was a tad bit doubtful. Kissing could make things very awkward for both he and Hermione. Or worse, wreck their friendship.

Harry's thought process stopped when Hermione stepped closer. Even they both were wearing clothes, he could feel her body heat.

He could still see her staring at him. But her eyes had changed. They looked…hopeful? Inviting? Harry wasn't too sure. But he definitely noticed no weariness or confusion or hesitation.

Apparently, he should act. Looking at the ground, Harry let out a huff of breath and wiped his sweaty hands on his pajama bottoms. Then he somehow managed to gather courage when he met her eyes again. He held eye contact as long as he could, leaning his face down to hers.

Holding his breath, Harry felt his heart rate go up.

Plump lips pushed against plump lips.

Watching each other, they both saw the other's eyes crinkle with happiness.

This was so great! Harry felt amazing and wondered if Hermione felt the same.

She let out the cutest little sigh when they separated. Her eyes fluttered open and sparkled as she looked at him. She looked so happy.

"That was so nice, Harry!"

Her voice was excited and yet still quiet, like she didn't want to upset the peace they had created.

"Yeah, it was!"

Harry then moved his head forward again and rubbed his nose against Hermione's. He heard her inhale sharply in surprise before her smile grew wide. This time she gave him a kiss, which surprised him in the nicest way. He eagerly kissed back.

They rested their foreheads together.

"Sleep well, Hermione."

"Sweet dreams, Harry."

As Harry fell asleep later in his bed, he had a feeling the upcoming winter break would be a wonderful one.