A/n:

Hello all. Thank you so much for sticking around and supporting my work. Unfortunately, I have to change the updating schedule (hopefully once per month) due to busy work. The next chapter is in the works and I will not stop writing. I will try my best to uphold my uploading schedule but sometimes writing fests are just too irresistible.

Thanks so much to kaycares for beta on such short notice!

"We'll bring you treats. I promise-" A distant voice called out Ron's name. They turned to find Seamus and Dean waving at him, with firecrackers in their hands. Ron shouted back without skipping a beat, "Be right there!"

He turned back to Harry and gave a pat on his shoulder. "Cheer up mate! I'll see you in a bit."

Hermione and Harry watched their friend run happily on the snowy ground towards the school gate and crash his arms around his peers.

Hermione's brow furrowed as she shook her head in disappointment. She sighed and complained under her breath, "How could he be so immature-"

"It's fine, Mione. After all, this is not the first time anyway." Harry's eyes stayed on his friend, who was going further and further away. Hermione looked into his eyes and saw an expression she didn't know how to describe, but her heart ached for him.

"I'm sorry, Harry. I really wish you could come with us." Hermione didn't feel like making any promises to someone who didn't get the chance to visit Hogsmeade, but leaving her friend behind made her guilt grow enormously. "I can ask if I can come back earlier. I just need to buy-"

"It's okay, Mione. Don't worry about me. Go and have fun." He grabbed her shoulders and turned her towards the exit. He gave her back a little push, sent her off to the snowy field and waved goodbye.

She looked back and returned a weak smile. Knowing Harry wouldn't let her stay and waste her visit, she put on her beanie and tightened her scarf. She turned her back to Harry and went straight, picking up her pace to find Ron.

Ron and the boys had their fun and laugh on the way to Hogsmeade, playing with magical firecrackers that were not allowed in the castle. Hermione admitted that watching them being silly boys that they were did lift her spirit, and let mind her run free of guilt for a while. As they got closer to the village, the others went along on their way, leaving Ron and Hermione on their own.

"What is that?" Ron pointed towards the white snowy field. A tall, dark house stood alone in the middle of nowhere, away from the main path and Hogsmeade. Even the glistening snow couldn't hide its hideous appearance.

"I believe that's Shrieking Shack. Come on."

She walked closer to the path fence without giving Ron the chance to say no. They observed the abandoned house afar, from a safe distance. Her eyes sparked with curiosity. "It's amazing, isn't it?"

"Amazing? Are you out of your mind?" Ron looked at her in disbelief. "It's haunted!"

"That's what's interesting. We have ghosts at school and creatures all around the castle, but still people - wizards - are afraid of what's inside. Do you want to get closer and have a look?"

Ron took a step away from Hermione with his brows shot up, looking wide-eyed. "No, thank you. I'm good where I am-"

"Well, well, well, look who's here." They flinched at the sudden sarcastic remark, while Hermione's heart jumped in secret. "The famous trio, without its leader."

The familiar blond came into view, along with his usual company. He wasn't wearing his house scarf or beanie, but in all grey and black, contrasting with the winter snow. He was much taller, and his dark, slicked trench coat complimented his sharp features and broad shoulders. His lips curved into his signature smirk as he strode forward with his tag-along. Malicious or not, her heart jumped again.

"Look Draco, the Mudblood has moved on to a pureblood," Golye laughed with a hideous smile.

"Probably looking for their future apartment." Crabbe pointed at the faraway house, laughing hysterically. "I bet the Weasleys can't even afford a proper house."

Draco took a few steps ahead, closing in on the two Gryffindors, staring down at them. "Moving on so quickly, Granger? But I guess it's no surprise considering how filthy your blood is."

"Shut it, Malfoy!" Ron scowled, placing himself in front of Hermione, but was stopped by her mid-way.

"I'll deal with it," Hermione said to Ron, pushing back his protective arm and ignoring his obvious disagreement. She stepped up to Draco, drawing closer until the mist they breathed out blended and faded together. Cedarwood and mint surrounded her senses. Her heart was pounding loudly in her chest, running up to her lips. She steadied herself, trying to prevent her wildly beating heart from escaping her body. "What are you trying to say, Malfoy?"

Draco took another step closer, towering over her tiny body. "Heard about you and Potter. I bet he won't be happy knowing how cosy you two are getting along-" He paused, looking straight into her eyes, and with a sharp cold voice, cursed, " Mudblood ."

Her lips twitched, and she bit it down harder. It didn't sound as shocking as it should. The moment she chose to face him head-on, a slur from him was expected. But it still hurt, reminding her of all the heartbreaks she had gone through, and acting as a cruel reminder of how pathetic she was, like a moth flying too close to a flame.

"You! Son of a-"

A snowball crashed onto Draco's face, shocking everyone. He stumbled a few steps backwards, red fumes raging in his silver pupils. He snapped to Ron, who didn't get to finish his curse before the snowball landed, and stomped past Hermione. "How dare you, Weasley!"

For once Hermione was late to react, and she turned around fearing for a potential duel. The innocent, bewildered look on Ron's face let even Draco instantly know Ron was not the culprit for the snow on his nose. Goyle's scream spooked them, followed by Crabbe's, when their pants were suddenly pulled down by an unknown force. They struggled to pick up their pants, and ran as fast as they could while they were still half-dressed in the cold winter. Fear washed over Draco, and he quickly left the scene before anything embarrassing could happen to him.

Ron cracked up watching the three boys scrambling away in fear, but his expressions slowly twisted as the pom-poms of his beanie floated in front of him.

"Harry!" Hermione cried as Harry appeared as he lowered his cloak. "Why are you- How did you get here?"

"Fred and George gave this to me." Harry pulled out the Marauder's Map and showed it to them, demonstrating the two-way spell.

"That's-" Hermione was lost for words, while school rules flew across her mind.

"That's bloody brilliant!" Ron squeezed past Hermione to reach Harry. "Put on your cloak. Let's go and have fun."

Harry gave an excited nod and disappeared again under his cloak.

"Where do you want to go? It's your first time in Hogsmeade."

"I'm really interested in Butterbeer," Harry replied under his cloak.

"Let's see… I think I can ask to get a glass out of the store. We can come back here and enjoy it away from others. Hermione, you coming?"

"I think I'll skip today. I have to go to the bookshop anyway. Let's meet up later."

"Sure, we'll see you around." Ron gave the 'air' a little push and went on his way. She could still hear their little discussion before they disappeared from view.

She doesn't like it, says it's too sweet. Are you hungry? They serve snacks as well…

Hermione was finally alone.

Still processing the whole incident, she let out a small sigh, gave her coat a little pat to shake off the snow, and headed over to the bookstore.

Her mind was running everywhere again. On one hand, she worried sickly for her friends, hoping they wouldn't get themselves into any trouble. On the other hand, as the chatter from her friends faded in the calm snowfield, the word Mudblood again rang in her ears in the voice of Draco Malfoy. But this time it didn't sound mean. Or hateful. Or hostile. It didn't sound like he meant it, not when she recalled looking straight into his eyes and seeing how the warm light reflected.

But she was afraid of the possibility that she was wrong again, and the consequences that would come afterwards.

She had once spent an entire night weeping in the bathroom, and did everything in her power to avoid him in every possible way. What would happen to her this time if he indeed meant what he said, and that she innocently believed otherwise? What lengths did she need to go to pick her broken pieces up again?

A chilling breeze swept at her cheeks, and she shivered at the troubling thoughts in the freezing wind.

"Hey, Hermione."

She was immersed in a history book when a voice behind startled her. She turned around and found familiar curls. Theo was leaning against the bookshelf with his classic charming smile, while Blaise stood behind him flipping through random books on the shelf.

"Hey, Theo." Her lips curled up naturally. When Blaise turned to meet her eyes, she gave him a small nod. "Hey, Blaise."

"Hermione." Blaise returned the gesture. "I'll let you two catch up. Find me in Three Broomsticks when you're done." He gave Theo a little pat on the back and headed towards the exit. Theo waited until Blaise was out of sight, then turned to the girl in front of him. "So, what's troubling you?"

"Nothing." She avoided his gaze while flipping the book in her hands mindlessly, but the awkward silence brought her eyes back to him. His brow shot up high, and his smile turned into a knowing smirk. Hermione rolled her eyes in a surrendering smile and gave in to his persistence. "There's just a lot going through my mind right now. People in general." She shrugged at the thought of a certain person.

"Well, perhaps I can have the honour of brightening up your day." Theo reached for a random book and flipped the pages, mirroring her motions. "You see, I'm spending the holiday at school and Lupin will be on duty. He arranged Boggart practice with me on the day after Christmas. So, if you are staying as well, you can join in."

"Really?" She finally put down the book, with joy sparking in her eyes. "I'd love to! My parents are visiting Australia, and I'm not a fan of the heat. I've been having trouble planning what to do during the holiday. You are truly a lifesaver!"

"Well then, that's a date."

She replied with a sweet smile, then soon shifted her focus back to the books.

"So what else are you going to do after this?" Theo asked.

"Probably read," she answered carelessly.

"I thought you were with Weasley."

"He had… things to do. Besides, I am quite fine on my own."

"Yeah, yeah. I know how much you like to read, bookworm." She passed the History of Magical Creatures and Charms for Daily Life to Theo, and he gladly held the books for her. He watched Hermione scan through a few more books, quickly but in detail, and add two more to his hands.

Theo walked Hermione to the cashier before his departure. As she was paying for her books and stuffing them into her bag, Theo asked casually, "So, where are you going to read, bookworm?"

"Somewhere quiet - Ooh the bookmarks are lovely. I'll get two. - somewhere away from the others - Thank you very much, " she answered, while collecting the change from the shopkeeper.

"I know a place." Theo looked away with his hands tucked into his pockets. "There's a courtyard about half a kilometre south of here. It's known for its meadows of flowers in the spring, and no one goes there in the winter, so I think you'll like it."

"Are you luring me there to kidnap me, Theodore Nott?"

"I don't need to." His chuckles turned into a smirk. "Besides, you're too smart to fall for such traps."

They talked and laughed a bit more, then said goodbye and went their separate ways.

Reading usually took up every ounce of Hermione's attention, but as time passed, her focus gradually danced around the quiet courtyard. It was indeed a nice courtyard, perfect for reading in private, but Theo's smirk and words replayed in her mind. She couldn't sense any danger, but the more she thought about it, the more she suspected behind the coy smile. She was on high alert, even when surrounded by a lovely peacefulness.

Nothing happened for a good thirty minutes, and she berated herself for being too anxious and not fully enjoying her reading. As her alone time was approaching its end and she was preparing to leave, her peace was interrupted by a hint of cedarwood, along with a new scent of fresh mint, the same scent she stood against a few moments ago. She hated how she immediately recognised the smell, and how there was a feeling of reassurance, like she had been waiting for this moment to happen. She adjusted her posture, pretending to read while repeatedly screaming at herself don't panic .

"Hey-" His voice sent a current to her body as the footsteps behind her closed in.

"What are you doing here?" The question shot out without her realising. She kept her eyes on her book, but the words on the page were all meaningless.

"Granger-" His voice was closer, and her heart raced a bit more.

"That's not what you called me earlier." She couldn't help but notice the change in his voice: Not hostile. Almost gentle. Too gentle.

"Look, I'm sorry-"

"I've heard that before." The book in her hands slammed closed, and she snapped her eyes to the tall boy now standing next to her. He caught her expression under the warm sunlight, grimness reflected in her eyes, her brow slightly furrowed and her lips pressed into a thin line. There wasn't anger but frustration and disappointment swimming in her hazel crystals.

Hermione stared at him for a few seconds, seemingly searching for something, before her question finally hit the air. "So what makes it different this time?"

"Granger, I'm so sorry. I swear I didn't mean any of those words, not at all." Draco suddenly panicked at the weight of the uncertainty, that she might never forgive him for making the same mistake. He took a step closer, and found her eyes stayed on his with no signs of rejection. He locked his gaze on her, and placed himself in the empty spot next to her, not even bothering to remove the snow on the bench.

"I know there isn't any excuse for being mean." Her little hand clenched onto the book spine, while the other lay on the hardcover of the book, tightened in a fist. Suddenly, there was an urge in him to grab her fist and hold it in his palms, hoping to ease her stress and soothe the tension. He clasped his hands together and rested his elbows on his knees, trying to hold back the impulse. "But I can't be nice unless-"

He broke his gaze and looked down to the ground. He ran his fingers through his hair until his hands reached the back of his neck, and a pink wash of colour slowly appeared on his pale skin. "Unless it's just you and me."

He stole a peek at Hermione through his loosened fringe. She had turned away and pulled her scarf up, covering her cheeks. "Go on."

"Theo told me that you heard me saying nasty things about you when I was with Crabbe and Goyle."

Of course, it was Theo. She rolled her eyes internally.

"There are people who work for my father, including theirs. Everything I say or do will be reported, and this is not allowed. I'm supposed to hate you"

Hermione thought she had noticed a hint of dejection in his voice, but she doubted herself, believing she had mixed it up with her own despair. "Hate is a strong word."

"Yes," He agreed quickly, a sad smile falling upon his face. "That's what I was taught to do. But I couldn't bring myself to hate you as I should. I figured that out last year."

She looked down at the book, The Sunflower, on her lap, a magical adaption from the Muggle book of the same name. The sunflower on the cover swayed quietly, asking if she was ready to forgive the boy next to her.

"Also, I'm sorry for losing your mirror."

"What?" Her eyes immediately snapped to him. From the suggestion of the courtyard to their conversation, it shouldn't have been a surprise if Theo told Draco everything, but here he was, claiming to not know the whereabouts of her mirror. Her heart clenched. She searched in his eyes, but all she could find was honesty and- terror.

"Last year, the day you were cursed-"

"Petrified," She corrected him, out of habit, then screamed shut up internally before biting her lips together.

"Petrified . I saw you left the Great Hall before the Quidditch Games, but you never returned. I went to find you and saw-" The image of her fallen body flashed before him and he shivered at the dreadfulness. He swallowed the lump in his throat and shook his head to shake off the uneasiness. "I saw you right outside the library. Frozen. You had a mirror in your hand, and I kept it. I wanted to give it back to you, but I could never find the right time. But now, I think I have lost it. I promise I will look for it and-"

"I have it," Hermione whispered under her breath, looking down at her twisting fingers.

"What- what did you just say?" His brows knitted together in confusion.

"I have the mirror," She answered word by word, this time looking at him.

His brows snapped together. "That's impossible. I kept it in my room-"

"In your bedside table?" Draco's eyes widened in disbelief when she finished his sentence. "Theo gave it to me, and gave me a good shock as well. That's why I told him the reason I was avoiding you."

"I have said a lot of things. Words that are too mean to even repeat, and I regret saying them, I really do." He swallowed and continued, "You have- changed a part of me. To be honest, I don't know if that's good or not, but what I know is that I enjoy spending time with you."

He looked over to see her reaction. Her scarf had dropped and her cheeks were pink. He wondered if he should cast a warming charm, protecting her cheeks from getting frostnip.

"I still hate being second to you." He scoffed with his brows knitted, but there was an undeniable smile. "But no one else could do what you do, and it's refreshing to have someone to discuss things with besides Quidditch and gossip."

Finally, there was a small curve forming on Hermione's face, and the mood had lightened up as the sun shined bright above them. "When Theo told me about the mirror, I thought he was covering up for you. Well, let's just say he is quite persuasive. I bet he told you to come here as well."

"He did, telling me I should visit the winter courtyard and stop being a coward. Helped me hold off Crabbe and Goyle, as well. He's one hell of a friend."

Then there was an awkward silence as both their minds bounced in different directions. Neither of them knew what to say, yet neither of them wanted the moment to end. Their eyes danced between the glistening snow, and the little birds that flew by, the book on her lap, and, occasionally, landed on each other's hand where the tips of their fingers became warmer than they should be in this freezing weather.

A chime suddenly intruded on their moment. They both turned to see the distant town clock.

Hermione was the first to break their silence. "I should get going. My friends are waiting for me."

"Yeah, sure."

"Well then, goodbye." She gave a small smile, quickly picked up her books and bag, and turned to leave. Draco replied with a quick nod when the realisation of the end of their meeting washed over him. He awkwardly adjusted his coat, and the feeling of his damp trousers from the snow on the bench finally caught on to him. He watched her leave. Her slim figure became smaller as their distance grew.

Stop being a coward.

Theo's voice echoed. Draco shot up from the bench and braced himself. "Will I see you again?"

Hermione stopped in her tracks. There was a sudden electric shock sent to her veins and up to her neck, making her hair stand. Hermione turned to find his gaze once more and held her breath. Her lips went numb in the cold wind.

"In the library?" he added.

She released her breath, rubbing her lips on her teeth. The cold weather around her cheeks seemed to have warmed. She took another deep breath, straightened her back, and puffed her chest. With a light smile, she gave a nod. "In the library."