Chapter Text
It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas
Toys in every store
But the prettiest sight to see is the holly that will be
On your own front door
Diagon Alley
With the crack of her apparition Hermione landed right in front of the Leaky Cauldron. She accio’d her list of Christmas gifts out of her beaded bag with a flick of her wand.
“Harry, check. Theo, check. Pansy, check. Now to find something for Ginny and Neville,” Hermione muttered to herself reading off the list as she started her walk to Flourish and Blotts.
Hermione had always loved Christmas time. Ever since she was a child this time of the year held a special place in her heart. It started with childhood traditions like putting cookies out for Santa and staying awake late trying to hear the reindeer on the roof. When she got to Hogwarts it was seeing the Great Hall decorated with Christmas trees of various sizes and the Scottish highlands covered in snow. During her adulthood, the holiday reminded her to appreciate the simpler things in life. Now she took the time to bake Christmas sweets and read a well-loved book by the warmth of the fireplace.
There was just something magical in the air this time of the year. It was filled with joy, cheer, and all the warm and fuzzy feelings.
“Off to find Ginny’s gift hopefully at Flourish and Blotts,” Hermione said to herself hoping they had the book she was looking for.
The snow crunched under Hermione’s boots. It had been snowing for weeks now and it was nowhere near stopping. Hermione wrapped her scarf tighter around her neck trying and failing to stay warm, but with the icy weather, she found even her strongest warming charms ineffective against the chill. The large wooden door chimed as she opened it.
“Hello Hermione, it’s so nice to see you again. Out doing some Christmas shopping?” Ms. Jinks greeted Hermione as she walked through the door.
“Yes, Ms. Jinks. Just need to pick something up for a friend while trying to stay warm,” Hermione said, pulling off her gloves and sticking them in her jacket pockets.
Hemione and the older witch went back quite a few years. Ms. Jinks took Hermione under her wing after she graduated from Hogwarts. Hermione spent that summer working here in the bookstore trying to heal from the war and figure out what to do with her life now that she was an adult. She had enjoyed the work, but Ms. Jinks finally told Hermione one day that her brain was going to be wasted working in the store and she needed to take Kingsley’s offer of working at the Ministry. After many heated discussions between the witches, Hermione finally owled Kingsley and asks if the position in the Department of Magical Creatures was still available. He owled back the next day and said he would see her first thing Monday morning.
Hermione owed Ms. Jinks quite a lot for where she currently was in life. Without Ms. Jinks, many of the policies and laws Hermione had championed might have never come to pass, and for that, she would be forever grateful.
Hermione blinked away from her memories, realizing she had started to daydream and reminisce.
“It is quite chilly. Stay here a while to warm up, dear, and let me know if you need help finding anything. By the way, that book you preordered will be here next month. Also, you didn’t hear this from me, but the author is currently planning on scheduling a book signing here soon,” Ms. Jinks winked, going back to the papers on her desk.
“You’re the best and don’t let anyone else tell you otherwise,” Hermione said as she headed towards the romance section.
Ginny had recently become obsessed with a new romance series and Hermione was determined to find the next book in the series for her. She looked up and down the shelf and finally, towards the end of the aisle, she found what she was looking for.
“Ah, here it is, My Night with a Werewolf by Dilys Johnson. Gods, this sounds so cheesy,” Hermione said to herself, muffling a laugh as she read the synopsis on the back.
“I never thought I would see the day that Hermione had her nose in something besides Hogwarts: a History,” a rich, posh voice sounded from her left.
The sudden nearness of another person startled Hermione, causing her to drop the book she was holding. She turned around and there stood none other than Draco-sodding-Malfoy . He walked towards her, bending down to pick up the book, and handed it back to her.
His sudden appearance shocked Hermione completely. She hadn’t seen him since they graduated from Hogwarts four years ago. His hair was longer, long enough for her to grab on to now— wait Hermione stop, she thought to herself. Gods he was so tall, she wanted to climb him - Hermione get yourself together. And his hands… focus Hermione .
Immediately following their graduation from Hogwarts, the Malfoys moved to France to get away from life after the war. Draco and Lucius were cleared of all charges since they deflected to the Order three months prior to the Battle of Hogwarts. Even though this was public knowledge some people still thought they should have served time in Azkaban.
“Interesting choice of literature, Granger,” he said with a smirk eyeing the book cover featuring a half-naked man.
Gods, he was ridiculous , she thought to herself as she rolled her eyes.
“It’s actually for Ginny. I would never read something like this,” Hermione lied, looking straight at him. She was just as obsessed with these books as Ginny, but she wouldn’t dare let Malfoy know that. She would rather be avada’d on the spot.
Leaning against the nearby shelf with a shit-eating grin, Draco casually flipped through another naughty-looking romance book.
“I’m not judging you, Granger. In fact, I think it’s kind of risqué,” He shot Hermione an innocent smile and flashed her a flirtatious wink. Gods, when did he become so bloody attractive? He had always been someone nice to look at, but now it was like a chiseled Greek God was standing in front of her for her viewing pleasure. Would it be inappropriate to write Narcissa Malfoy a thank you note for giving birth to this hunk of a man?
“Oh shut up you arse,” Hermione lightly hit Malfoy on the arm with the book she was holding. She really hoped she didn’t damage Ginny’s Christmas present. She would make sure to check for any bent pages before she left the shop.
Draco and Hermione had struck up a friendship during their 8th year once they returned to Hogwarts after the war. They were assigned together for a potions project and quite quickly learned how much in common they actually had. Hermione’s crush developed shortly after. They were the top students in their class so they received special permission to work on more advanced potions since their skill level had long outgrown that of their peers. Hermione knew Draco was smart but he gave her a challenge she didn’t expect. It also didn’t help that he smelled like Heaven to her. A mixture of citrus and pine.
She never knew if he felt the same way and she was too scared of rejection to ever try and make a move. Some Gryffindor she was.
“Where is Auror Potter when you need to report an assault?” Draco laughed while rubbing his arm where Hermione smacked him, pretending to fake an injury.
“Probably convincing Theo that he doesn’t need anymore Christmas trees displayed at Potter Cottage,” Hermione rolled her eyes in mock annoyance.
“Yes, I’ve heard they finally moved in together. Theo must have owled me right after Potter proposed. I’m truly so happy for Theo, even if he’s decided to spend the rest of his life with the chosen one,” Draco said with an airy tone, but his expression changed to some softer emotion, and Hermione could tell he was genuinely happy for them.
Theo and Harry have been officially together for almost a year now. Hermione hosted a weekly game night for their group of friends ever since they graduated from Hogwarts. One day during a round of cards, after months of thinly veiled back-and-forth flirting, Theo finally couldn’t take it anymore. He leaned over the table, grabbed Harry’s head between his hands and kissed him straight on the mouth.
When they were still pining after one another, the friend group started a betting pool on who would make the first move. Hermione had her money on Harry, banking on his gryffindor courage would help him in the end. When she had to forfeit her money to Pansy for the lost bet, Hermione didn’t speak to Harry for a week.
“You act like you don’t have a soft spot for Harry. You two were thick as thieves during our eighth year,” Hermione said with a laugh, twisting her fingers together. She leaned against the bookshelf for support. Draco was making her flustered.
“Incorrect, Hermione. We just became trauma-bonded,” Draco said with a full-bodied shutter.
“What brings you out in the cold today, Malfoy?” Hermione said curiously.
“I was actually hoping to run into you,” Draco said, his cheeks turning a shade of pink trying and failing to maintain eye contact with Hermione. He felt like his heart was going to beat out of his chest, he was so nervous.
“Really?” Hermione asked, feeling genuinely shocked. “How did you know I would be here?” She only told …
“Harry told me. I’ve been looking for you since I’ve gotten back. I was hoping you would accompany me to go get a coffee?” he said, shifting nervously from foot to foot.
“You could’ve sent me an owl, Draco,” Hermione responded with a smirk.
“I could have… but then that would give you a chance to turn me down.”
“How did you know I wouldn’t turn you down in person?” she asked with a sly smile.
“Let’s just call it a hunch,” he said casually leaning against the bookshelf.
She scoffs at his arrogance but smiles in his direction all the same. “You are lucky you’re cute...Well, alright. I guess I can pencil you in my schedule.” she says pretending to check her non-existent to-do list.
“Perfect!” Draco’s mouth split open in a wide grin looking like a kid in a sweet shop. “Are you ready to go now or did you have a few more shops you would like to look at?”
“Oh, you want to go now?” Hermione asked, genuinely shocked.
“Yes, I told you I’ve been looking for you,” he said matter-of-factly. “I’ve been hanging around this shop all day waiting for you to come in. I even spoke with the lovely lady at the front desk. Did you know she has five grandchildren?”
“You what? Uhh… Yes, I know she has five grandchildren. I have one more stop to make and then I guess I’m all yours.” Hermione paused for a moment, realizing her words could have a double meaning. She felt her cheeks flush in horror. “Well not like that! You obviously know what I mean.”
“Whatever you say, Hermione,” he said with a smirk.
Apparently, the rest of Hermione’s afternoon plans were now to include one Draco Malfoy. Hermione looked at the book in her hands, double-checking that Draco’s arm did not inflict any damage to the corners of her pages. Feeling satisfied with the book's condition, she headed to the checkout counter with Malfoy in tow.
She quickly paid for the book and opted for the additional gift-wrapping option. She carefully placed her purchase in her beaded bag and turned to Malfoy.
“Where to next, Hermione?” Draco asked, offering his arm for her to take.
“Noltie’s Botanical Novelties to find something for Neville.” She slipped her hand through the crook of his elbow. They left the warmth of the bookshop and returned to the blustering chill winter air outside. Hermione put her gloves and scarf back on, shivering in the cold. Malfoy wandlessly cast a warming charm and she nodded her head in thanks.
Together they headed arm-in-arm towards the botanical shop, carefully avoiding the slippery ice on the sidewalk. Hermione took note of all the shop fronts decorated for Christmas with their various displays. They passed by the sweets shop, featuring dancing gingerbread men performing an enchanted waltz. The snow continued to fall slowly melting on her nose.
Once they arrived at the shop, Draco held the door open for Hermione and placed his hand on her lower back as they walked inside. The humidity hit her immediately in the face.
“So… what are you looking to purchase for Longbottom?” he asked her, looking around the shop curiously.
“I heard there is a fertilizer that speeds up the growing process up to two weeks. I am not sure if you heard, but Neville is the new Herbology professor at Hogwarts.” Hermione couldn’t help but boast of his newest role, proud of her friend. Neville returned to Hogwarts after graduation to apprentice under Professor Sprout. He officially took over from her just this past spring term.
“I had not heard the news yet. Good for him. But I did hear that he has been courting Pansy for about six months now.” Draco followed Hermione towards the fertilizer section of the store.
“They make an interesting pair, but they truly bring out the best of each other,” Hermione said, thinking back to the first owl she received from Neville after their first date. He told her that Pansy was the love of his life and he planned to purchase a ring the first chance he got.
“You didn’t hear this from me, but Pansy had quite a little crush on Neville while we were at Hogwarts,” Draco said, carefully avoiding all of the overgrown plant vines as they walked through the shop.
“Really? I would’ve never guessed. I had no idea.” Hermione paused in the aisle and was trying to reach the fertilizer bag on the top shelf.
“Of course you didn’t. I only found out because she got too drunk in the common room back in sixth year and accidentally confessed her feelings. She almost made us take an unbreakable vow.” Draco placed a supporting hand on her back and reached above her to the top shelf.
“It’s that one right there in the green and purple bag.” Hermione got on her toes and pointed out the correct bag for Draco. After a moment she added, “Pansy is hosting Christmas Eve dinner this year because Neville wants her to meet his Gran finally.” Hermione was proud of her friends, for taking the next steps in their relationship.
“Wow, it must be getting serious,” Draco said with the fertilizer in hand, tucking the bag under his arm.
“Don’t tell anyone but Neville bought a ring after their third date. He is just waiting for Pansy to be fully ready for the next step,” she said as they made their way back to the front of the store.
“Good for Longbottom!” Draco exclaimed. Draco and Neville made their peace during their seventh year while working together to ensure that the younger students at Hogwarts were protected from the Carrow twins.
“We are all so excited for them.” Draco placed the bag on the counter for the clerk to ring up. Once Hermione completed her purchase, she shrunk the bag down to fit in her beaded bag.
As they left the store, Draco offered Hermione his elbow and together they walked arm-in-arm down the street. She huddled closer to Draco for warmth as they headed towards the small coffee shop on the corner.
The smell of coffee hit Hermione’s nose as she took a deep breath in. The coffee shop was enchanted with floating tea lights and Christmas garland wrapped around the countertop.
“You still drink the same thing as you did in school right? A cappuccino?” Draco asked, leading Hermione toward a table near the window.
“What a good memory you have, Draco. Yes, I still drink it.” Hermione was shocked that remembered after all of the years. He took her coat and draped it across the back of her chair.
“Perfect,” he said with a smile and headed off towards the direction of the barista.
Hermione pulled her list out of her beaded bag and crossed Neville and Ginny off her list.
Shoot, I forgot Theo and Blaise . She murmured to herself. That’s okay, I still have time.
Draco returned with their order, setting Hermione’s drink in front of her with a gingerbread cookie.
“Here you go, Hermione. I thought you also might want a little pre-dinner treat,” he said, taking the seat across from her. Draco handed her the steaming cappuccino and pastry bag.
“Thank you, Draco. You didn’t have to do that,” she said, wrapping her hands around the warm mug. Her hands were still freezing from the cold.
“It’s my treat. Plus I wanted a blueberry scone and how would I look if I let a beautiful girl like yourself starve?” he said, running his hands through his hair nervously.
“So what brings you back to dreary ole London?” Hermione asked, taking a sip of her drink. The warmth of it immediately warmed her whole body.
“My mother has decided that it’s time for the manor to be renovated. Plus we were all ready to come back home. We’ve been gone for far too long.” Draco said with a shrug.
“What’s your plan now that you’re back?” Hermione asked. She was hoping that it was something long-term. She forgot how much she enjoyed Draco’s company.
“I have actually already been in contact with Potter and he needs a new partner now that Ron has quit. I volunteered for the role. I was an auror in France for a few years and I enjoyed it.”
“That’s wonderful! He hates his temporary partner so I’m sure he would be thrilled.” Ron had decided a few months ago that the auror life was not it for him. He originally liked the appeal of an exciting job, but found out over time that after everything, it was a little too much excitement for him. He lasted in the program for two years before he finally had enough, now working at the joke shop with George and had taken up the responsibility for the front of the shop and marketing their new products.
“Potter said it’s mostly desk work nowadays.” Draco said, picking at his blueberry scone.
“I guess everyone has had enough excitement to last them for a while. Harry mostly gets stuck with naughty teenagers” Hermione said with a chuckle.
“Yeah, that’s how France was too.” Draco paused for a moment to take a sip of his coffee. “So Hermione, any plans for the holidays?” he said as he set his drink down.
“Just plans for Christmas Eve at Pansy and Neville’s place. I think I might go over to the Burrow for a little while on Christmas Day. Ron is taking Susan Bones home for the holidays and I can’t wait to see him make a fool of himself. He is so nervous.” Ron had not brought a girl home for quite some time and Molly Weasley was sure to fuss over her.
“She was in Hufflepuff right?” Draco tried to picture what the witch looked like in his mind.
“Yup!” she said, taking another sip of her coffee to wash down her biscuit.
“How did they get reacquainted?” Draco honestly could care less but if talking about Ron Weasley’s love life meant he got to spend time with Hermione then would gladly make the sacrifice.
“Susan walked into the joke shop one day to buy something for her nephew for his birthday. They ended up striking up a conversation and talking until closing time. Ron was smitten from the very beginning,” said Hermione.
Draco and Hermione continued their small talk, drifting from topic to topic until their drinks turned cold. Hermione finally decided to address the elephant in the room.
“So… earlier you said you were looking for me?” she asked, looking up at him through her lashes and biting her lip.
Draco looked down at the table nervously. Here goes nothing.
“You’re actually part of the reason why I came home,” Draco said, making eye contact with Hermione.
“Me?” she asked in disbelief.
“Yes I missed you,” he said, reaching for her hand across the table.
Hermione’s heart skipped a beat. Act cool, Hermione.
“I missed you too Draco,” she said, a flush returning to her cheeks. Gods, it was getting hot in the small shop.
“I was actually hoping we could do this more often,” he said, casually running his thumb over the back of her hand.
“Get coffee?” she questioned him with a smirk.
“Yes, but I was actually talking about going on a proper date, you smart arse,” he said, rolling his eyes and chuckling.
Hermione couldn’t believe her ears. “Yes I think I would like that very much Draco.” she smiled at him.
“Perfect. Does tomorrow work for you?” he said eagerly.
“I am available. What do you have in mind?” Hermione said, looking down at her shoes nervously.
“Oh no, Granger. You don't get to know that yet." Draco wanted to keep Hermione on her toes. She was always so swotty and had to know everything.
“Well how will I know what to wear?” she asked, faking annoyance.
“Casual and warm.” Draco said, vanishing their empty cups with a flick of his wand.
“Fine. You know I hate surprises, I don’t like being caught off guard.” Hermione said rolling her eyes
“You’ll love this one,” he said, rising from his seat and reaching his hand out to Hermione.
Together they walked outside back into the freezing weather.
“Well Hermione, I need to head back to the manor. My mother gets meddlesome if she’s left alone for too long,” he said, making sure Hermione’s scarf was wrapped around her neck tightly.
“Okay… Tell Narcissa I said hello,” she said, wishing he could stay longer.
“I will, Hermione. See you tomorrow,” Draco promised. He took her palm in his and bent down to kiss her bare hand before apparating away.