A Christmas Gift To Last Forever

Holland Sauce

Rating: PG13
Genres: Romance
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 01/01/2005
Last Updated: 01/01/2005
Status: completed

Harry and Hermione realise their true feelings for each other with the help of their friends in time for Christmas!

Chapters

1. A Christmas Gift To Last Forever

1. A Christmas Gift To Last Forever

A Christmas Gift To Last A Lifetime

The morning of Christmas Eve brought a surprise to the locals of the quite Gloucestershire village of Embery.

Snow!

And not just a dusting but a good five inches which gave the village a certain `Christmas Card' look which left most of the Villagers feeling slightly bemused especially considering the Weathermen on both the BBC and ITN News Programs the night before had predicted quite a mild day for this particular time of year. Not even Mrs Wells, a former Headteacher and a keen amateur Meteorologist could explain it. Of course everyone was so busy looking at the snow that no-one were really paying any attention to the young man with messy black hair and green eyes who was stood in the doorway of the very last cottage in the village whilst holding a mug of coffee in his hand and a wry smile on his face.

The Cottage for those readers who want to know is called Godric's Hollow.

Harry Potter, the nineteen-year old star Seeker for the Chudley Cannons and England and, more importantly, the vanquisher of the Dark Lord Voldermort, couldn't help but feel a small amount of satisfaction as he looked at his handiwork and as he did so the smile slowly turned into a grin.

`Someone at the Ministry must be going absolutely ballistic right about now,' he though with a chuckle as he took a sip of his coffee just as loud ping from the direction of the kitchen.

“Pies is done Mr Harry!” called Dobby's voice from the Kitchen.

“Okay Dobby,” said Harry before closing the door and making his way down the hall to the kitchen where he found Dobby levitating two trays of hot mince pies over to the counter that stood in the middle of the kitchen.

“How do they look Dobby?” asked Harry as the House Elf placed the trays gently on the counter before jumping up onto a chair so he was at the right level.

“They's look good Mr Harry,” replied Dobby with a toothy grin whilst his ears stuck straight up in the air.

“Good,” said Harry chuckling at the sight of his small friend. “How about the living room?” Here the grin on Dobby's face grew even larger.

“Come and see,” he squeaked and bounced off the chair before hurrying through the door to the living room with Harry right behind him.

“Oh yes Dobby,” said Harry with a broad grin as he looked around the room which was tastefully done in gold and red with occasional patches of white. “This is brilliant!”

“You thinks Mr Wheezy and Miss Hermy will like it?” asked Dobby with a nervous look.

At Dobby's mention of Hermione, Harry suddenly felt a nervous lurch in his stomach. It had been happening every time he'd thought about his best friend more and more often over the last couple of years and seemed to get even more intense when he was with Hermione.

At first Harry hadn't thought anything of it but as time had gone on he'd found himself constantly comparing the Witches he was dating with Hermione which resulted in none of the relationships lasting more that a few weeks before he, or more often the by now usually quite annoyed Witch he was dating, would break it off.

Then, the morning after he'd broken up with Melanie, the last Witch he'd dated, Harry had woken up to the realisation he was in love with Hermione!

Needless to say this had caused Harry a certain amount of panic as falling in love with his best friend had most certainly not been something he'd planned on. His first reaction had been complete denial but that had barely lasted half an hour before his sub-consciousness had won and made it quite clear that he WAS in love with Hermione.

Then in the panic that had follow he'd gone and just made the whole situation even worse when he'd missed three straight lunch appointments with Hermione without even contacting her. Of course this had only made him even more miserable but at the same time he'd inadvertently sent Hermione into a panic of her own and she'd scared the hell out of him when she apperated unannounced into his kitchen in almost hysterics!

However, once she'd calmed herself down and reassured herself that Harry was fine she had angrily torn into him for scaring her unnecessarily. Harry of course had immediately begged forgiveness pleading that after breaking up with Melanie (although he had managed not to reveal why!) that he'd just not been in the mood for dinner or company but at the same time admitting he should have at least called her to cancel their lunch. Thankfully Hermione, whilst still annoyed had at least calmed down and had accepted his apology and had even ranted on about Melanie being a callous, self-serving cow who should be hexed with an inch of her perfectly manicured fingernails. This had been enough to break the tension and after staring at each other for a few seconds the pair had broken into laughter. Harry had then, as way of an apology offered to cook Hermione dinner which she'd accepted and the pair spent the evening catching up while at the same time Harry came to the conclusion that even if he loved Hermione he wasn't about to do anything to wreck their friendship.

“Mr Harry? Mr Harry sir, is you alright?”

At the sound of Dobby's voice Harry shook his head and turned to the House Elf.

“Sorry Dobby, what were you saying?” Here Dobby blinked and then pointed to the tree.

“I was asking if you thinks Miss Hermy and Mr Wheezy would like the decorations?” said the House Elf still looking at Harry oddly.

“Dobby,” said Harry turning to take in the room again. “They'll love them!” What he didn't see was Dobby quickly pulling out a pouch from which he poured some pale blue powder into his free hand and blow it towards Harry before replacing the bag with a small guilty grin on his face.

Part one of Mr Wheezy's plan was now in effect.

***

In her Office at the Ministry of Magic, Hermione Granger, the senior Assistant to the Head of Muggle Relations, plopped the last file into her out tray and watched as it flashed out of existence before leaning back in her chair with a sigh.

“Finished,” she muttered as she reached up and removed her glasses (an unfortunate legacy of too many late nights studying small text books in candlelight) and pinched the bridge of her nose before feeling a small smile crossing her face as she thought of her plans for the next two days.

Two whole days with `Her Guys' as Harry and Ron had been dubbed by Ginny.

Ron, her `unofficial' big brother and Harry….

The man she'd fallen in love with.

Of course this had not been something Hermione had been planning on and like Harry she'd panicked as falling in love with her best friend had most certainly not being something she'd been planning on.

Unlike Harry however she didn't hide away from him although she had nearly embarrassed herself on several occasions when she'd been with Harry. At the same time she'd suddenly found herself getting jealous of every girl Harry dated although she wasn't exactly a nun herself and had dated Roger Davis for her last year at Hogwarts and for several months after until Roger had dumped her for Susan Bones, an act which had got him a serve `talking to' from Harry and Ron which had both annoyed Hermione but at the same time made her realise that it was also a way of the boys showing how much they loved her although in Harry's case she wished he would see her as more than his best friend.

Of course Hermione being Hermione she'd immediately started to try and work out when her feelings for Harry had changed and whilst she'd not be able to exactly tell when she'd fallen in love with her best friend she'd figured it had probably been between their fifth and sixth years although she knew for certain she'd been in love with him by the time he'd kicked Voldermort's arse.

She was suddenly brought out of her thoughts by a rapid knocking at her door.

`What on earth?' she thought slipping her glasses back on.

“Come in!” she called and almost at once the door flew open and Hermione groaned inwardly.

“Percy, what brings you here?” she asked managing to keep the irritation out of her voice.

“Your friend Harry `I'm-the-saviour-of-the-Wizarding-World-so-I-can-do-anything-I-bloody-well-please' Potter, that's what brings me here!” growled Percy Weasley looking down his nose at her. Unlike Fudge and Umbridge who'd both been sacked after it was revealed that Voldermort had returned Percy had somehow managed to stay on at the Ministry although he'd been tossed into a mediocre dead-end job in the Improper Use of Magic Department when he spent his days monitor magical activity looking for signs of it being used inappropriately.

“Oh,” said Hermione with a sense of genuine curiosity. “What's he done now?”

“He made it snow of Embery! That what!” snapped Percy angrily. “Of course, we had to send some people out to make sure it snowed over the whole of the damn West Country so no one would get bloody suspicious!”

`You mean they sent you and Hopkirk,' thought Hermione desperately trying to keep a straight face.

“I understand from my Mother you're seeing him today!” continued Percy still looking at her with disdain although in fact Hermione outranked him significantly.

“Yes,” said Hermione with a nod. “Harry's invited Ron and me to spend Christmas with him at Godric's Hollow, why?”

“Well, maybe he'll listen to you then!” growled Percy. “Would you tell him to bloody well stop showing off otherwise the Muggles are going to start getting suspicious!”

“I don't think it's my place to ask,” replied Hermione coolly. “Besides, didn't the Minister give Harry pretty much the right to do what he pleased when he granted him the Freedom of Merlin?” Here Percy bristled visibly.

“Why they had to revive that damned award I'll never know!” he spat.

“Probably because the ORDER of Merlin didn't seem sufficient for someone who saved all of our bloody arses, including yours, you pompous oaf!” snapped Hermione allowing herself to say what she really thought of Percy whose eyes now widened before he glared hard at her and turned and headed over to the door and yanked it open to reveal Hermione's friend and colleague Neville Longbottom who'd obviously just been about to knock.

“Oh, is this a bad time?” asked Neville turning to go.

“No Nev,” called Hermione. “It's Okay, Percy's just leaving!” Here Percy snorted and stormed out before Neville stepped in still looking down the corridor at the retreating form of Percy's back.

“What was that about?” he asked now turning to Hermione as he closed the door.

“Oh, apparently Harry's been keeping him busy,” replied Hermione with a wry grin. “He made it snow in Embery last night!”

“Oh my,” said Neville with a chuckle. “No wonder Percy looked pissed!”

“Uh-huh,” agreed Hermione. “Anyway, what can I do for you Nev?”

“Well, for a start, Merry Christmas,” said Neville and lifted up a bag which he now offered to Hermione. “I know Ron's Office is closer to mine but I figured they might stayed wrapped until tomorrow if I gave them to you.”

“Oh, thanks,” said Hermione taking the back with a broad smile. “I've got you're here, hang on a tick and she turned to rummage under her desk. As she did Neville quickly pulled out a small bag from which he tipped some powder that he quickly tossed over Hermione as she now sat up holding a small box. Thankfully for Neville she didn't seemed to have seen what he'd just done and merely handed him the box.

“Happy Christmas Neville,” she said smiling broadly. “So what are you doing tomorrow?”

“Oh, I'll be at the Burrow,” said Neville with a sheepish grin. “You'll be there Boxing Day right?”

“Wouldn't miss it,” said Hermione with a chuckle. “Of course, the fact Molly would probably not talk to us for six months if we don't turn up probably has something to do with that!” Here the two friends laughed before Neville bid farewell and headed out the door and back down to the floor below where he headed straight for the staff canteen.

***

On arriving in the canteen it didn't take long for Neville to find who he was looking for and after grabbing a plate of sausage and mash he made his way over to join Ron Weasley who looked up as his friend approached and grinned broadly.

“Whap cha Niv,” he spluttered through a mouthful of Chicken Curry causing Neville to grimace slightly.

“Jeez Ron! Do you have to do that?!” he muttered as he pulled up a chair.

“Sorry,” said Ron sheepishly before leaning forward slightly. “Did you do it?”

“Yeah, I did it,” said Nev. “What was that stuff anyway?”

“Oh, just a little something to help Hermione and Harry see something we've all know for years!”

“Wait a minute!” hissed Neville in alarm. “Are you talking about a love potion?”

“No, no nothing like that!” said Ron quickly. “Relax Neville, it's nothing illegal!”

“Then what does it do?” said Neville still feeling slightly worried but at the same time feeling a bit curious.

“Well,” said Ron. “Their not going to fall in love at first sight but let's just say it'll help them express their feelings for each other! At least George and Fred said that's how'd it work!”

“Fred and George made this stuff!” Neville spluttered. “Oh Merlin! They're going to kill us!”

“Relax Nev,” said Ron clapping his friend on the shoulder. “It's going to be fine!”

***

The truth was Ron WAS quite nervous about his plan and knew that if it did go wrong Neville was right. If the plan did go wrong he was dead!

And so it was a quite nervous Ron who apperated into the living room at Godric's Hollow after lunch.

“Hello?” he called out before suddenly he was tackled from behind and landed on the floor with a thud.

“Merry Christmas Ron!” called Harry cheerfully ruffling his friend's hair.

“Gerr off you git!” laughed Ron feeling relieved that at least Harry didn't know anything was going on. Harry now stood up and then pulled Ron up and then pulled him into a bear hug.

“Good to see you mate,” said Harry with a chuckle after releasing his friend.

“You too mate,” said Ron with a grin before looking around the room. “Wow, you've really pulled out the stops haven't you?”

“Yeah, well I had some help,” said Harry with a grin.

“Ah,” said Ron with a knowing nod. “I thought I detected a bit of Dobby's magic!”

“Just don't tell Hermione,” said Harry quickly.

“No problem mate,” replied Ron. “But you do know she'll work it out eventually!”

“I know,” replied Harry with a nod. “But I did pay Dobby, plus I managed to persuade him to have lunch with us.”

“Well, that will probably just get you a ten minute ear bending,” said Ron before bursting into laughter which Harry soon joined him in.

“So,” said Harry after they'd calmed down a bit. “What do you want to do until Hermione gets here?”

“How about…” started Ron but Harry quickly threw up his hands.

“Not chess!” he said firmly. “Do you know I had Ginny over the other night to see if I could beat her and she kick my butt seven times!”

“Yeah, she did say something about that,” said Ron with a snigger. “Alright then, how about something on that X-Box thingy?”

***

Hermione apperated into Harry's lounge two hours later just in time to distract Ron and causing him to crash and letting Harry win his fourth round of Need for Speed 2 on the trot.

“Thanks `Mione,” chirped Harry with a grin whilst Ron glared at her. “Ron almost had me then!”

“You couldn't have waited two damn minutes?” asked Ron with an exasperated sigh. “Two minutes, that's all I needed!”

“Nice to see you too Ron,” said Hermione with a raised eyebrow.

“I on the other hand am very pleased to see you,” said Harry with a grin as he got up from the floor and crossed over to Hermione before scooping her tiny frame up in his arms and swinging her around causing her to shriek with laughter whilst Ron watched on.

“Harry! Put me down!” giggled Hermione. “Your making me dizzy!”

“Yeah, suddenly I don't feel to steady myself,” admitted Harry as he placed Hermione on the floor but kept hold of her before the pair staggered drunkenly a few steps before tripping over Ron's long legs and crashing down on top of their friend.

“'Ere, watch were you landing will you!” laughed Ron as the trio lay on Harry's living room floor in a heap before they all burst into laughter.

“Oh, it's good to see you two again,” said Hermione grabbing `Her Guys'

“You too `Mione!” croaked Ron. “But could you ease up? I'm running out of air here!”

“Oops, sorry,” said Hermione sheepishly as she released her hold on Ron. The three now pulled themselves up and then slumped down on the couch with Hermione between the boys.

“The decorations look lovely Harry,” said Hermione. “How long did they take Dobby?”

“Oh, just a few….What did you say?!” exclaimed Harry, his head snapping round to see Hermione grinning at him whilst Ron was looking at her with bulging eyes.

“I asked how long they took Dobby,” said Hermione enjoying see Harry squirm.

“I paid him,” offered Harry weakly. “And he's staying for lunch tomorrow!”

“Relax Harry,” said Hermione patting his hand. “I know Dobby's different from other House-Elves and I know you treat him alright. He volunteered right?”

“Yeah,” said Harry sheepishly. “And I'm not exactly the most artistic person in the world so I figured he'd make a better job than I would!”

“Well it looks great,” said Hermione. “Where is he by the way?”

“Back at Hogwarts probably,” replied Harry. “Gone to see Winky and the others.”

Hermione nodded before a small grin crossed her face. “By the way, Percy came to see me this morning.”

“Oh yeah,” said Ron with a grunt. “What did the git want?”

“Let me guess,” said Harry with a snort. “He wasn't too chuffed about me creating a little snowfall right?”

“Right,” said Hermione.

“Wait a minute,” said Ron sitting up sharply. “Are you saying there's snow outside?”

Here Hermione and Harry exchanged a look before Harry turned to his red-haired friend.

“Yes,” he said with a smile.

“Well what are we sitting here for?” said Ron jumping to his feet and grabbing his coat. “Come on!”

“Ron, we're nearly twenty,” Hermione sighed albeit with a broad smile.

“So?” said Ron. “You're never too old for a snowball fight!”

“Come on,” said Harry patting Hermione on the knee. “You know he only get in a grouch if we don't!”

“Oh, alright,” said Hermione with a dramatic sigh as she let Harry and Ron pull herself up.

“Tell you what `Mione,” said Ron with a broad grin. “You can have Harry!”

“I beg your pardon!” exclaimed Hermione whilst Harry stared at Ron who now waved his hand at them.

“I mean you two can go against me,” he clarified.

“Oh, right,” said Hermione, her cheeks suddenly feeling rather warm as the trio headed for the back door.

***

The snowball fight continued until finally the darkness and ensuing chill forced them inside where the trio quickly changed out their wet clothes before Harry headed into the kitchen where he put on some hot chocolate whilst also making up some rolls for tea.

“Can I help,” asked Hermione as she walked in drying her hair with a towel.

“Nah, I got it all under control,” said Harry with a broad smile. “You could grab some mugs out the rack for the chocolate if you want.”

“Okay,” said Hermione as she slung the towel around her neck and walked over to the rack and selected three mugs. “Where's Ron? I thought I heard him come down with you.”

“Probably looking under the tree,” said Harry with a grin. “You know what he's like.”

“Oh yes,” sighed Hermione with a grin of her own before turning towards the door. “Ron, leave the presents alone!”

“I'm not touching the presents!” called back Ron.

“Then what are you doing?”

“I'm…eh, well….,” spluttered Ron. In truth he was implementing the last part of his plan but there was no way he was going to say that.

“Ron, leave the presents alone!” repeated Hermione at which Ron sighed deciding it was as good as cover as any, especially since he was almost done.

“Alright, alright,” he sighed before quickly pulling out his wand and muttering the charm Fred had taught him then pocketed his wand before heading into the kitchen.

“What smells good?” he asked as he sniffed the delicious aroma.

“Oh it a Christmas loaf, it's an old recipe of my Gran's,” said Harry.

“Your Gran's?” exclaimed Hermione. “But…how?”

“Well,” said Harry as he wiped his hands on his apron before turning to his friends. “I had to go to Gringotts a couple of weeks back and when I did I decided to have a bit of a look around. Found the book in one of Mum's trunks and Dumbledore confirmed it was my Gran's. You know, I knew Mum's folks were Muggles but I'd never thought about what they did and it wasn't as if Pertunia even said anything. From what I could work out she cut herself off from them when she married Vernon.”

“That's awful,” said Hermione.

“Yeah,” agreed Harry. “But anyway, I asked Dumbledore and he knew. Apparently Granddad was a butcher and Gran worked in the shop with him. From what Albus told me she was actually quite famous for her pies and stuff but her cakes were pretty hot to!”

“Well Ron's right about it smelling good,” said Hermione.

“Yeah,” said Harry. “I have to admit though, this is the first time I've tried it so I'm just hoping it turns out Okay!”

“Well it can't be any worse than Hermione's scones mate,” said Ron with a chuckle. Here Harry grinned whilst Hermione rolled her eyes albeit with a smile.

“Alright, so my culinary skills might need a little work,” she sighed.

“A little work?” said Ron with a raised eyebrow. “This from the girl who almost set her kitchen on fire!”

“Oh honestly,” huffed Hermione. “I'd hardly call a bit of smoke a fire!”

Ron chuckled and was raising his mug to sip when he happen to glance over at Harry who was watching his two best friends with a broad smirk.

“What?” said Ron causing Hermione to turn her own gaze to Harry.

“Nothing,” said Harry, the smirk still on his face.

“Harry,” said Hermione in a warning tone looking over the tops of her glasses at Harry who quickly raised his hands.

“Alright, I was just thinking how I missed this. You know, the three of us together and the two of you fighting!”

“Oh, charming,” snorted Ron albeit with a smile.

“You know what I mean,” retorted Harry. “We don't do this nearly enough, just us three together.”

“No, we don't,” sighed Hermione.

“Alright then,” said Ron with a grin. “Why don't we make ourselves an early New Years Resolution? From now on we get together at least once a month, just us three. No extra Weasleys, no Grangers and no Girl or Boy friends, just the trio. What do you say?” Here Hermione and Harry turned to each other and smiled broadly before turning to Ron.

“That's a brilliant idea Ron,” said Hermione.

“Yeah Mate,” said Harry. “Nice to see that brain of yours isn't totally Quidditch addled!”

“Oi, watch it Potter!” grunted Ron whilst Hermione giggled. Harry meanwhile just grinned and shrugged.

“Sorry mate, couldn't help myself!” he chuckled clapping Ron on the shoulder.

“Git,” groused Ron albeit with a large a grin. “You spend too much time hangin' out with Fred and George!”

Before Harry could reply the oven pinged and a small grin crossed Hermione's face.

“Saved by the bell Ron,” she giggled causing the boys to both groan loudly.

“That was awful `Mione!” said Ron with a snort as Harry opened the oven and pulled out the Christmas Loaf.

“Better than some of yours,” retorted Hermione before turning to look at the loaf that Harry had now placed on the counter. “That looks lovely Harry.”

“Smells good too,” added Ron as he gently draped an arm over Hermione's shoulder causing Hermione to look at his arm and then turn to him with a wry smile.

“Careful Ron, what would Luna say? Putting your arm around another girl?”

“Oh come on Hermione,” said Harry with a chuckle. “This is Luna! It'd take a hell of a lot more than just Ron having his arm around you to get jealous!”

“That's true,” said Hermione whilst Ron just laughed.

“Yup, that's my Luna,” he said with a nod before looking at the spread Harry had prepared before looking up at Harry.

“Mate, have you been taking lessons from my Mum?” Here Harry grinned and gave a shrug.

“I always take lessons from the best,” he said shooting a look at Hermione who blushed profusely whilst Ron watched on with an amused expression.

`Patience Ron,' said his inner voice. `Don't alarm them!'

“So,” he said clapping his hands together. “Can we eat or are we going to stand around looking at it all evening?” Here Harry grinned and shook his head.

“Tuck in guys,” he said with a grin.

“Excellent,” replied Ron as he grabbed a plate.

***

A few hours late, their bellies full the three friends sat on the couch watching a DVD Hermione had brought with her and which was causing Ron to roar with laughter whilst Hermione and Harry watched their friend with amusement.

“Oh that was classic,” said Ron shaking with laughter as he wiped the tears out of his eyes while the credits rolled at the end of the film. “I especially liked the Knights of Ni!”

“We'd never have guessed,” said Hermione with a chuckle. “I have to admit though it might be old but Monty Python and the Holy Grail is one of my all time favourites!”

“Yup,” said Harry with a nod. “I remember watching that once when the Dursleys where out one evening during the summer after sixth year. I thought I was gonna die laughing!”

“I know what you mean,” said Hermione with a nod. “The first time I watched it I thought my sides were going to split I was laughing so hard!”

Suddenly Ron gave a yawn, which turned into a sheepish grin as he turned to his friends.

“Sorry Guys, I was up at three this morning `cause I had a meeting in Norway about the World Cup next year.”

“How's that going?” asked Harry whilst Hermione turned to Ron with genuine interest on her face.

“Well, we've got a site for a stadium,” said Ron. “The construction will start in the new year just before the last round of Qualifiers.”

“Speaking of which,” said Harry jumping to his feet and crossed over to his mantle place and picked up a scroll of parchment and tossed it to Ron who merely grinned as he unrolled it and nodded slowly.

“Twelfth straight call-up,” he said as he read the parchment. “That a record for a seeker isn't it?”

“So I've been told,” said Harry as he flumped backed down next to Hermione. “Although I've got the feeling that's only the English record. I think Krum's on about twenty for Bulgaria.”

Here Ron looked up from the parchment and turned with a grin to Hermione.

“Speaking of Krum. Have you heard from Vicky recently?”

“Don't call him that!” bristled Hermione in annoyance. “And if you must know yes I have. Actually he sent me an invitation to his wedding next year.”

“Yeah, who would have thought him and Cho Chang of all people,” said Harry with a snort. “So, will you be going?”

“I don't think I can,” said Hermione. “It clashes with Dad's fiftieth birthday party.”

“Aw, what a shame!” cooed Ron causing Hermione to turn and glared at him until she suddenly yawned to.

“Oh dear,” she sighed. “Sorry guys.”

“Not a problem,” said Harry. “How about we reheat the rest of the Chocolate before we go to bed?”

“I'll do it,” said Ron. “And before you say anything `Mione I think I can reheat some chocolate!”

“I didn't say a word,” said Hermione with a grin as Ron headed to the kitchen leaving her and Harry alone and for a few moments a nervous silence fell over the room before Harry turned to his best friend with a broad grin.

“So anyway, how's work at the moment? We've heard what me and Ron are up to but you've not said anything.” Here Hermione gave a small nervous grin and looked down at her hands before looking back up at Harry.

“Actually, I handed in my resignation last week,” she said causing Harry's eyebrows to disappear into his hairline.

“You what?!” he exclaimed. “But…but why?”

“Well, I've decided working at the Ministry isn't for me,” said Hermione. “Actually, I've decided to take my Teaching Exams. Professor McGonagall's retiring in a couple of years and she thinks I'd be an ideal replacement.”

“Well she's right,” said Harry. “You'd be great. I always thought you might become a teacher someday.”

“Yeah, I guess I thought I might,” admitted Hermione as Ron now entered the room carrying a tray and three mugs of steaming hot chocolate.

“Thought you might what?” he asked curiously as he placed the tray on the coffee table.

“Oh, Hermione's quitting the Ministry to taking her teaching exams,” replied Harry.

“You what?!” exclaimed Ron, his eyes widening in surprise before a smirk crossed his face. “Poor kids! They won't know what's hit them when they found themselves at the tender mercies of Professor Granger!”

“Oh you!” snorted Hermione whilst Harry chuckled. Ron merely grinned and nodded at the mugs.

“Come on, drink up while it's hot!” he said grabbing a mug.

As Hermione and Harry both grabbed their respective mugs and began to sip at the warm brew neither noticed Ron looking at them from over the rim of his mug.

The final part of his plan was now in place. Let the magic begin.

Quickly finishing off the dregs of his mug Ron scourgified his mug and placed it on the tray with a sigh.

“Well, I don't know about you two but I'm off to bed. See you in the morning,” and with that he rose and headed out the door into the hall.

“Night Ron!” called Hermione and Harry before turning to their own mugs.

“Is it me all does this taste sweeter than usual?” asked Hermione.

“I think your right,” said Harry with a nod. “Still, you know Ron. He likes his sweet things sweet!”

“It's amazing he's still got all his teeth still,” said Hermione with a chuckle. “If my Mum or Dad knew how much sugar he gets through in a day they'd go spare!”

“Spoken like a true Dentist's daughter,” said Harry with a chuckle as they both scourgified their own mugs before Harry rose to his feet and turned to Hermione with a broad smile.

“May I escort Madam to her room?” he asked with a broad grin causing Hermione to giggle before extending her hand.

“You may,” she replied as she now let Harry pull her up whilst trying to ignore the butterflies in her tummy

`For Merlin's sake girl calm down or you'll go and say something you regret!' warned a voice in her head.

However as she let Harry lead her towards the door Hermione's eyes caught sight of something, which made the butterflies increase tenfold.

Then, hanging in the doorway was a sprig of Mistletoe. Hermione now stopped dead causing her to jerk Harry's arm slightly and making him turn to look at her unaware that he was standing right under the mistletoe.

“'Mione,” he asked. “Is something wrong?”

“No…not at all,” said Hermione with a nervous smile. Then before she knew what she was doing she'd pushed herself up on tiptoe and placed a quick kiss on Harry's lips before pulling back and seeing the surprised look on his face.

“What…what was that?” he asked clearly stunned by what had just happened.

“Well, it's kinda traditional to kiss under the mistletoe,” said Hermione blushing profusely.

“Mistletoe?” said Harry before looking up. “Oh!” Then suddenly Harry and Hermione both suddenly felt an odd tingle run through their bodies. Then slowly their gazes met and both suddenly found they couldn't move.

`What the hell….?' Thought Harry and opened his mouth to speak but what came out wasn't exactly what he'd been planning on saying. In fact he heard himself telling Hermione about how he'd fallen in love with her and his true feelings for her.

`Oh crap, oh crap, oh crap!' chanted Harry's inner voice. `This is NOT good!'

But then Hermione began to speak and said pretty much the same words while at the same time Harry saw panic, confusion and bewilderment in her eyes.

`What is going on here?' said the inner voice before suddenly doing a retake. `Wait a sec. Did…did she just say she loved me too?'

Then suddenly the tingle was gone and they could both move on their own again. However, they merely stayed where they'd been for the last few minutes staring in shock at each other before finally Harry swallowed the lump in his throat and spoke.

“Did…did you mean that….that you love me?” he asked, his heart filling with hope. Hermione hesitated for a second before giving a nod.

“Every word,” she replied, tears shimmering in her eyes. “What about you?”

“I've wanted to tell you for a while,” said Harry with a weak smile. “But I was scared of damaging our friendship and I'm guessing that's why you've never said anything either right?”

Here Hermione gave a soft smile and nodded.

“You know me so well,” she said.

“And vice-versa,” replied Harry with a chuckle. The pair now stood looking into each others eyes for several moments before Harry suddenly swore loudly.

“Goddammit!” he barked causing Hermione to jump. “We've just told each other we love each other and I'm still worrying over kissing you!” Then suddenly and without warning he gently placed his hands on either side of Hermione face and then gently leaned in and soon pressed his lips against her. This time however it was no quick kiss but a long passionate one that came from years of pent-up emotions and when they final broke apart both were red in the face and slightly flustered.

“Wow!” said Harry with a sheepish grin. “That was….”

“Wow?” supplied Hermione with a giggle.

“Yeah, that would be about right,” agreed Harry as he pushed a stray lock of hair out of her face.

“So, now what?” said Hermione.

“Now, we should probably go to bed,” said Harry. Here Hermione nodded and now allowed Harry to take her hand and lead her upstairs and along the landing until they were standing outside of Hermione's room.

“So,” said Harry.

“So,” replied Hermione. “This has been an interesting evening.”

“You're telling me,” said Harry. “What do you think happened there?”

“I don't know,” admitted Hermione. “And you know something? I don't really care!”

Here Harry raised an eyebrow.

“Hermione Granger not wanting to know an answer to a question? Good grief! Call the Daily Prophet!”

“Oh shut up and kiss me!” sighed Hermione rolling her eyes, a wry grin crossing her face.

“With pleasure,” said Harry and leaned to claim another kiss only for Hermione to grab a handful of his shirt and start pulling not towards her room but Harry's own room.

“I don't want to be alone tonight,” she said softly. Here Harry's eyes widened with surprise.

“Are…are you sure?” he asked suddenly feeling another attack of the butterflies.

“I'm sure,” said Hermione and pulled him through the door before pushing it close.

Neither had noticed the door across the hall that was just ajar allowing the occupant to view the scene.

Ron now smiled as he pushed his door closed.

“Happy Christmas Guys,” he said before heading to his bed.

Well, there you go, not exactly Whitbread Book of the Year stuff but for something that I've done in the third of the time it usually takes me I don't think it's too bad. Anyway, I'll be back soon with the next part of The Staff of Merlin.

Until then keep well and have a great 2005!

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