Here's my seventh oneshot!

Harmione Winter Oneshot #7 – The Party

Harry Potter glanced down at his costume unsurely. And up again, sighing when he couldn't get his wild hair to calm down. The small mirror showed that it looked like a bird's nest. He gave up and shut the passenger visor. His final piece of his costume (antlers) resting on his lap.

"Are you sure, Theo?"

"Yeah, dude. It's a costume party. Others will be dressed up like you."

"Well, if you say so…"

"And there's the fact that you don't have an extra set of clothes with you."

That was true. Harry didn't even think of having a backup plan.

At least Theo was dressed as a snowman, making Harry feel better. A puffy costume that jutted out and touched him even in the passenger seat. It was squishy yet still firm. His roommate/co-worker was a cool guy. He knew fashion really well and wouldn't lie about a fun dress-up party.

"Ok, let's go."

They got out of Theo's car (with Theo struggling a bit) and stood in the parking lot. Harry then attached his antler headband on top of his head. It was really only a hard plastic band with teeth on the bottom and hollow wooden antlers glued on top of it. Harry finished and watched as Theo adjusted his fake snowballs, making sure it wasn't crooked. The two gave each other a seal of approval before nodding.

The men went inside the building. Tonight was the annual office Christmas party. Almost immediately Theo went over to a small group of their co-workers, leaving Harry alone. He looked around and saw many others dressed up. There were lots of trees, santas, elves, gingerbreads, presents, ornaments, and even a Jack Frost.

Just then Hermione Granger laughed, drawing his attention. She was talking to a fellow employee. Her beautiful laugh wasn't the loudest in the room, but she wasn't that far from the door either. Harry turned his body in her direction and began to walk over.

Harry thought Hermione looked so pretty. She also wore a reindeer costume, like him. A full-length onesie that was a little breathable. The material was thin but not too thin, having fur covering all of it just like his own costume. But the difference was that hers didn't have clunky plastic hooves at the end of her fingers, like his did. She also wore an antler headband on top of her head too, like himself.

Hermione then scanned the room and her eyes lit up when she saw Harry. She was so excited to see him that she quickly apologized to Lavendar and finished her conversation abruptly. Hermione was relieved that other woman wasn't mad and found someone else to talk to.

Hermione then walked over to Harry.

"Hi Harry!"

"Hi Hermione!"

Her antler base was engulfed by the thick hair at the top of her head. But he could see the fake bones proudly standing up and jutting out at different angles. Much like his own did.

All in all, he thought she looked amazing.

He struggled to think of something to say.

"Having a nice time?"

"Ok. But better now that you're here."

Harry's heart thumped faster.

"Oh me too! Well, I know that I just arrived, but the party's definitely better with you here!"

Suddenly the music switched from a slow Christmas song to a fast one.

"Say Harry, would you like to dance?"

"Yeah! Let's go!"

Hermione was having fun with Harry. Sure they weren't good dancers, but that was fine. Hermione felt sort of free in her costume. And it also helped that everyone else was wearing one also.

After they had danced to a handful of songs, he asked if she wanted refreshments, which she said yes to. Walking over to the food and drinks table, Hermione and Harry both got plastic cups and served themselves. All that moving made them thirsty.

"I'm glad you came tonight, Harry."

And se really was. When she had mentioned it to him at the start of December, she had tried to tamp down her excitement. She knew they both had a lot of work they were handed over the holidays, including dreaded paperwork. But she made sure to stay overtime and finish all of it so she could come to this party. And what a good decision she did so. Because she got to see Harry in another light.

He was smiling and relaxed as he talked and danced with her, she noticed. His smile reached his eyes. Most days he looked tired, much like herself. But even on those days, she saw how he tried to power through and how her visits to his cubicle were welcomed. And what was a bonus in her eyes was when he had freetime after his work was done for the day, he would visit her in return.

It had been three years of this same routine, but Hermione wasn't sick of it. She thought Harry might feel the same.

"Yeah I know. It sucks that Mr. Bartman gives us so much during the holiday season. He really ought to give us all a bonus."

"Yes, could you imagine? I could get the new book series I've been telling you about! Honestly, it's a crime I haven't even been to the bookstore in weeks!"

"Hermione Granger not surrounded by books for that long? What is the world coming to?"

Harry gave her a friendly nudge to her shoulder. Outwardly he was laughing but inwardly he was panicking slightly. He hoped she wouldn't buy the series the first chance she got, otherwise his gift to her would go to waste. He knew it might be considered inappropriate to give it to her at an office secret santa gift exchange *based on how much more the price was than the average present), but still. It gave him a little happiness that he was able to buy her something cool that she spoke highly of.

Unless of course, he was crossing the line of friendly co-workers?

And then his brain kept overthinking.

Wasn't the point of secret santa to get vague gifts? Or at least not let the other know that you were the one who picked it out? Harry was the only person Hermione talked to so openly. The moment she opened her present, she'd know it was from Harry.

All his worries melted off his back when Hermione laughed again. His smile beamed huge and his eyes sparkled.

"Oh trust me, I have many books at my apartment."

"I'd like to see that."

What the hell? Talk about foot-in-mouth disease! Not that it wasn't true since he did want to know more about her (and would love to be in a relationship with her), but to say it outloud?!

"Maybe someday."

Hermione said it in a normal enough tone. Her smile was still on her face too. But inside she felt like yelling from joy. He actually meant that?! Oh, what she would give to be Harry's girlfriend and have him in her personal space like that.

Before they could talk more, a clinking glass was heard and a loud voice boomed over the area. Everyone stood silent and looked at their boss.

"Thank you all for coming to our annual Christmas party. We are thankful to Oswald Corporations for lending Bartman & Fisher Corporations their banquet hall this evening."

Everyone clapped for that. It was really fancy. Much more then any of them had ever seen.

Bartman continued.

"After dinner will be time for gifts, so if you plan on personally receiving yours, I suggest you all go to the tree. Single file please. There will be no rough-housing tonight. However if you want to leave early, we can have your parcel mailed to you or you can opt to have it on your desk at work."

Everyone nodded in understanding.

Hermione listened, even if it was the same spiel as three years ago. It had started when some guy kept on complaining that he would miss receiving his gift while he was out of town. Mr. Bartman had gotten so annoyed that he made his secretary, Lavender Brown, handle it. And all the gift requirements onward.

Safe to say that everything was much more organized ever since. Hermione smiled as she remembered Lavender excitedly speak on how she helped keep things afloat with no mishaps. Her friend certainly knew how to get things done.

Mr. Bartman continued.

"Please enjoy the rest of your night. Merry Christmas and Happy New Years."

"Aw man, looks like no bonuses this year. Again. What a shocker."

"Have faith, Harry. He might surprise us."

Nodding, Harry served more punch for Hermione and himself.

"Yeah, I guess."

"Anyways, do you have any plans for Christmas?"

"Nah, not really. Just eating and watching the specials on TV. What about you?"

"Oh the same. My family have decided to travel and have an extended vacation."

Harry was a little confused.

"Without you? That can't be much fun."

Hermione shrugged.

"Well, they asked me to go but I had too much work to do. So, I opted to wish them well and ask for lots of pictures and videos instead."

Harry smiled. That was smart of Hermione. He thought quickly and tried to put a positive spin on things.

"Well, that's good. That way you won't miss out too much on what they did."

Hermione bit her lip and smiled at him.

"That's what I thought, too!"

As much as Harry enjoyed talking to Hermione, his bladder made a sudden appearance. Harry quickly excused himself to go to the bathroom. Dodging people left and right. It sure was packed in the giant room. More than any other year. Harry even waved to Theo as he passed his roommate.

When he was safely in the loo, it took a bit to fully unzip the onesie since it was long. Somehow Harry managed it by firmly sliding it down with only his thumb. Luckily this zipper was bigger than a regular one. He was able to get his finger on top of it and slide it down with enough force. He was glad the teeth weren't snagging and that they were kind of loose. Harry stood there with his reindeer costume around his ankles and was glad it was a one-person bathroom with a lock.

After doing his business, Harry washed his hands and left after reapplying his outfit fully. Making sure his hands were completely dry too, since wet material on his skin would be no fun.

When Harry stepped out into the open fully, he was Hermione waving near the back of the buffet line.

While the costume did allow him to straighten out his fingers and wiggle them slightly, Harry wasn't able to bend his thumb or curl his fist. So he would ultimately have trouble holding the silverware. Plus, the fuzzy fabric was slippery on the outside.

"Hey uh, I'll go look for an empty table for us."

"Oh, sure Harry. Do you want me to save your place in line?"

"Ah no, that's ok. Thanks anyways, Hermione."

Now sitting at a round table, Harry was slightly anxious. How would he eat? Should he skip dinner and eat after he got home? But his growling stomach nixed that idea. And if his stomach kept up it's noises right next to Hermione, it might make things awkward. Since she offered to save a place in line for him. One that he still hadn't gone back to by the way.

Plus how would it look to be the only guest who didn't eat from the buffet? What would his higher-ups think?

Hmm what to do…

Before he could worry anymore, Hermione plopped down in the chair next to him with her own plate of food.

"Whew, what a long line. I'm glad you found us a seat before they all filled up."

She looked around to the many workers at other tables.

Hermione smiled at Harry, before focusing on cutting a piece of her sliced ham and eating it. She chewed and then frowned at him.

"Aren't you hungry, Harry?"

"Ahhh yeah, I am. It's just my costume kind of makes it hard to grip stuff. Not to mention, there's these clunky hooves."

He wiggled them slightly for emphasis.

"Oh! Well here, let me just…"

Harry watched as Hermione went back to the buffet and grabbed more food, this time for him. After, she came back and retook her seat.

"I didn't know what you like so I got a variety. I hope I'm not overstepping…"

Harry gave her a grateful smile.

"You're fine. Thank you for doing that."

Hermione then gently took his fork in her own hand. She then speared up some chicken chunks and held them up to his mouth. Harry blushed hard. She looked so cute and her expression was so open. She waited with the fork in the air in front of his lips.

Harry continued to stare, not moving.

Was this really about to happen?! His crush was going to feed him?!

Hermione turned a light pink when she noticed this, thinking she was upsetting him. When she really wanted the opposite. She truly did like him and wanted to show that. Little did she know that he felt the same way about her.

"Oh I'm sorry, Harry! I should have asked. You're probably embarrassed to be hand-fed! I mean it's one thing to gt you a plate of food but another thing entirely to feed you!"

Shaking his head quickly, Harry felt the antlers wobbly slightly. Reaching up, he scooched them back into place. He then rushed to reassure Hermione by touching her unoccupied hand. Sure there was faux fur separating them, but Harry liked to think she was comforted by his touch nonetheless.

"No that's not it, I'm ok with that! Trust me! But I don't want to burden you, Hermione. Don't you want to eat your own meal?"

Her eyes softened as she looked up at him.

"No worries, Harry. I've got you."

With that, he leaned forward and took the bite offered to him.

"Harry?"

"Yes, Hermione?"

She looked away, taking a deep breath before looking back at him. He was still staring at her, but she steeled her courage. She always got a little thrill when he focused on her.

"I was wondering, would you like to go out with me sometime? As in a date?"

Harry didn't even stop to think as he rushed to answer her.

"YES!"

A few men and women looked at him, but Harry didn't notice. Hermione wanted to be with him!

He watched as she blushed before stuffing her mouth with food.

"I'd love to go out with you, Hermione!"

"Thank you, Harry!"

Dinner went by swimmingly. Even with their excitement filling the air around them.

Finished with their meal, the two stood up to throw away their trash. Joining their fellow employers in line afterwards.

Hermione and Harry stood close to one another while they waited for their present. Not minding they were near the end. No, both were focused on something much more important.

Planning their date.

Where they wanted to go and what they wanted to eat. Hermione was wiggling and flailing her hands as she painted a picture. It didn't bother Harry, since he was doing the same thing.

"How about some activities in the snow to start our day? I know a hillside place that hardly ever gets any people this time of year."

"That's brilliant! We can go sledding, have snowball fights, and make snow angels!"

"And build a snowman! Plus, there's a ice skating rink not too far from here."

"Great! And we can bring some thermoses to help keep warm."

"And afterwards go get something to eat."

"Of course! And I have just the place."

"Yeah?"

"There's this cute bakery that sells different confections this time of year. Would you like to check it out?"

"Sounds good! Afterwards, we can make a stop at the store and grab some stuff for a hearty Christmas dinner."

"That sounds excellent!"

Nodding to each other, they finalized a time and day.

As they finally got to the tree, Hermione and Harry each got their presents. They were about to return to their table when a higher-up employee stopped them. He pointed to around the curve of the lower branches. The two looked and were gobsmacked.

Littler reflective red baggies were on a tiny wooden table. Each individually sealed with a worker's name on them.

"You don't think?"

"I do!"

Harry and Hermione looked at each other in happiness.

"Our bonuses!"

With springs in their steps they took the ones with their names and hurried back to their table. The two opened them at the same time and were pleasantly surprised at the amount of money inside. But it made all the extra work and projects worth it.

Besides being in each other's company, of course.

"Now, open your present!"

"Ok!"

Hermione tore open the wrapping paper and gasped.

"Oh Harry, thank you so much!"

She leaned forward and hugged him.

"You're welcome, Hermione."

"Now you!"

"Gotcha!"

Harry also tore open the wrapping paper.

He squeaked as he saw ticket to the upcoming monster truck rally show. He'd mentioned once to Hermione how he'd like to go, but hadn't thought he'd get the time. Now he had some, plus a ticket that she bought him!

"Thanks so much, Hermione! I can't wait to go! It'll be awesome!"

"I'm glad you like it!"

He then saw her glance away before looking back at him.

"What? What is it?"

"Well, I probably shouldn't tell you this but here goes…"

Harry waited.

"I actually bought a ticket for myself as well. You just sounded s enamored with the event that I wanted to see it for myself. And with you too, if that were possible. But I didn't want to invite myself along out of nowhere. So my paper is at home. I hope that isn't creepy."

Harry was surprised. She wanted to go with him? She even bought herself a pass too? So they could watch it together?

Hermione filled the silence once again.

"I'm sorry, Harry. You can go by yourself and I won't be offended. We can just forget my actions happened."

"No way! I want to go together! Please? I'll show you a good time, I promise!"

Hermione's eyes widened in shock but then they sparkled.

"Oh! Then I say yes!"

Harry then pulled Hermione in for a hug, much like she did him. Thanking her for the gift.

Soon the party was over. But the fun for Harry and Hermione didn't end. In two days would be their first date with each other. They exchanged phone numbers and addresses. By the end of the night promising to see each other soon.

As Harry got into Theo's car, the man turned to him.

"So how was it? Did you have fun?"

"It was fantastic."

Harry had a content smile on his face.

The sixth annual Christmas party turned out to be an excellent one.