Unofficial Portkey Archive

A/N: Hey everybody! Thanks to all who reviewed with overflowing support about last chapter! This chapter is a Christmas Eve/Christmas Chapter, so some time has elapsed, but I am in a wonderfully festive mood, and I don't have much else to write except for this. The things that are in this chapter have haunted me, and I had to use them in this chapter. So, put on some Christmas music, drink some cocoa, get into the holiday spirit, and enjoy this chapter! (And, remember, if you really appreciate it, to review; that's all I want for Christmas is reviews!) Katie

Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter; only the events that I think should happen between him and Hermione.

Chapter 7:

Harry may have given Hermione his first kiss at the lily pond, but it definitely wasn't his last. Ever since that moonlight serenade, they had spent every moment that Hermione wasn't working together, holding hands and giving soft kisses every chance they got. Harry had the love bug bad. He found that with Hermione in his life, he was a much happier person. The loneliness that he had felt that cold day in October when he met her was gone, and he laid his head down at night thinking of her; in the morning he awoke and rushed to get ready to go see her.

Hermione was also much happier because of her boyfriend. She was no longer haunted by her memories of Michael and was as happy as she was when Milea was still alive. Joy overflowed from her to others, and everyone who went to the Bison Witch Café came out feeling like a million dollars. Hermione knew they must think she was on drugs, but she just couldn't stop the joy that bubbled in her heart.

Christmas Eve came with snow and below freezing temperatures. As Hermione finished clearing off tables while singing her heart out to the Christmas carols on the radio, she heard the bells on the door jingle. Turning, she saw Harry come into the bistro. She dropped her rag and ran towards him, arms outstretched. He hugged her ferociously and tilted her chin up to kiss her soft lips as Melba stepped out of the kitchen.

"Ah, ah, ah! No making out in the dining area!" Hermione and Harry pulled apart as if burned. Melba chuckled. "I'm just kidding, you two. Hermione, go on and go. I'll follow you out."

She motioned for Hermione to follow her to the back and Hermione kissed Harry quickly, letting her hand linger sensually as she walked off. She couldn't help but give a little swing to her walk since she could feel Harry's eyes on her.

Melba and Hermione grabbed their coats and went back out to the dining area. Melba locked the doors and followed the lovebirds outside.

"I'll just walk with you guys until we get to the park and then I'll leave you alone."

"Oh, that's alright, Melba." Harry grinned mischievously. He broke away from Hermione and quietly knelt down and balled some snow in his gloved hand. He gently tossed the snowball at Melba's turned back as Hermione began to giggle.

"Harry, boy! Did you throw that snowball at me?"

Harry pressed some snow in Hermione's glove none to subtly.

"Well, I maybe an old lady, but you definitely picked the wrong old lady to wage war on!" She knelt down and grabbed some snow and began to throw it viciously at Harry. He gathered more snow and they began a vicious fight between them as they walked through the park. Hermione rolled her eyes and feigned annoyance.

"Really, you two! I feel like I'm babysitting two preschoolers!" Her boyfriend and best friend stopped tossing snow and laughed.

"Sorry, `Mione." Harry leaned down and kissed her lips tenderly.

"Spoiling all our fun, that Hermione." Melba chuckled.

Hermione looked at Harry and cleared her throat. "Melba, tomorrow it's just gonna be me and Harry tomorrow for Christmas dinner at my place. We would both really like it if you could join us."

"Oh, I wouldn't want to intrude-"

Harry placed his hand on Melba's shoulder. "Melba, really, you won't be intruding! Christmas is a time you should spend with those you love, and we both really appreciate you."

Melba blushed. "Well, okay then. I suppose I'll join you two tomorrow."

"Alright, then! I'll see you tomorrow, Melba."

"Bye, Harry. Bye, Hermione. Have fun tonight!" They waved goodbye and went their separate ways. As Harry and Hermione walked towards Harry's old car, the snow began to fall softly. He opened the door for her, got in on the other side, and drove off towards his castle.

When they pulled up in his driveway, they walked into the house, cheeks pink with cold. Harry led Hermione up the stairs. She had never been upstairs before, and that small, untrusting part of her screamed in caution.

"Here's my room, Hermione. If you want to change out of your work blouse, you can wear one of my sweatshirts." He rummaged about in a drawer before producing a maroon and gold sweatshirt with a lion on it. "Here you go; I'll leave you in peace to change." He stepped outside and closed the door quietly.

Hermione looked around the room, her heart beating a medium-sized staccato on her breastbone. Here she was, in his room. It seemed sensual for some odd reason, and she smiled like a little girl with a huge crush. She took off her shirt and slipped on his sweatshirt, realizing with ecstasy that it smelled faintly of him. She pulled her hair down and brushed it out before sticking her black beanie on her hazel curls. When she emerged, Harry was there waiting for her.

"Hey, you look good in my clothes!" Hermione blushed and punched his arm playfully. "Hey, watch it!" He put his hand on the base of her neck and kissed her with a passion. When he pulled away, she was left to breathlessly stare into his eyes. "Would you care for a walk in the winter wonderland?"

She nodded. "I'd like that a lot." He took her hand and they went outside once more.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

As they walked through the fields surrounding Harry's castle, the snow began to fall softly. The bright white crystals of ice shone in Harry's hair and peppered Hermione's highlights. Harry watched her smiling face with joy. She was beautiful, her cheeks radiant from the cold. He wanted to tell her, but how?

"Uhh, Hermione?" She tilted her head towards him enticingly. "You-you're it!"

She looked at him puzzled, until he threw some snow at her. She screamed in surprise before her retaliation. "You're going down, Mr. Harry James Potter!"

"You've got to catch me first!" They ran about like fawn, chasing each other and thrusting snow back and forth. They paused only to build little forts and the real battle began. Harry wanted to go easy on her, but soon he found she was pulverizing him. They fought for an hour or more until they ran towards each other instantaneously in "surprise attacks" and collapsed against each other, breathless with giggles. They declared peace with a kiss and left their war grounds behind for the moment.

Ignoring the fact that they were enemies, they began to walk hand in hand towards the lily pond. Thanks to Harry's enchantment, the lily pond was luscious green despite its cold surroundings. They sat on the boulder for a moment, just watching the fish swimming about. Harry leaned over and pulled a tendril of hair away from Hermione's face. Without any explanation, he picked her up in his strong arms and carried her towards the house. She shrieked in protest.

"HARRY! What are you doing to me? Put me down this instant!"

He kissed her nose softly. "You're my Christmas Angel." He laid her in the snow and lay down beside her. He began to make a snow angel, and she followed suit. "Sorry, but I never got to do this when I was little."

Hermione looked into his eyes and was once again touched at how sweet and innocent he was. She leaned over to him and kissed him. He kissed her back with all he had in him. They continued to kiss until their kisses grew faster and more furious.

"Let's move this inside," Harry gasped.

"Much-- too cold."

They somehow managed to walk into the castle with their lips locked, and advanced to the den. Harry felt slightly nervous, but he swallowed his fears because of how he felt about the girl that was with him. They sat down on the couch and kissed more. Harry picked Hermione up and set her on his lap. He felt her tongue in his mouth, and he thrust his out to meet hers.

After a very long make-out session, Harry and Hermione sat on the couch in silence, staring into the fire. Harry was partially lying on his back on the plushy red couch. Hermione was lying on top of him, her hair brushing under his chin. It was a very weird feeling for Harry, who had never had a beard or any facial hair, for that matter. Her hand rested right above his heartbeat, and he absent-mindedly stroked her hair with the hand he wasn't using to hold her hand. By this time, the sky had turned black, and the only light was from the fire's flickering flame.

As Harry lay there with Hermione, he couldn't help but realize that that exact moment in time was the best he'd ever felt in his life. There was no mistaking it-he loved Hermione, and if he told her there was no going back. And yet, those three simple words were so hard to say. He gave a sigh and put his finger under her chin to tilt her head up. She looked at him with her chocolate eyes and his heart melted. He felt her heart beating against his body in a place that was driving him crazy with what he wanted to say-what he needed to say.

"What is it, Harry?"

"'Mione. I know this is silly in a way, but I have to say it. I tried to earlier today, but…"

"What do you have to say?"

"I-I love you, Hermione. You're the best thing that's ever happened to me. You're beautiful and perfect, and you're all I've ever wanted."

She looked at him with eyes full of emotion. "Do you really mean that?"

"From the bottom of my heart, yes."

"I love you, too, Har." She kissed him softly and sweetly. "And I love it when you call me `Mione."

Harry smiled shyly. They lay in silence, playing with each other's hands and staring into the fire. After a long time, the grandfather clock in the corner gave twelve chimes. Harry leaned down and whispered in Hermione's thick hazel locks. "Happy Christmas, `Mione." She didn't hear him, though, because she was fast asleep. Harry pulled a blanket over the two of them and smiled sleepily before looking at the fire, muttering a charm under his breath so the fire would not leave the hearth, and fell asleep.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

The next morning, Hermione woke up slowly. She realized that she wasn't in her own clothes and was surrounded by someone. Also, a familiar scent was everywhere around her, and-

Harry.

She opened her eyes in surprise and saw that she had fallen asleep with Harry. Light flooded through the window, and she jerked up in surprise, waking Harry.

"Hermione, what's wrong?"

"Oh, my gosh! I just spent the night here, and-and, I slept with you! Oh, no I don't mean that, but…"

Harry chuckled and put his finger on her lips to quiet her. "It's okay, Hermione. You did nothing wrong, and I would never do that with you, well, unless you wanted me to." He gave her a devilish grin and she fell, frustrated, back onto his chest. "Happy Christmas, Hermione."

She laughed. "Happy Christmas to you, too!"

He enveloped her in a hug. "I would give you your Christmas present now, but I think I'd rather wait for tonight." Hermione looked at him and gave a little pout.

"Oh, alright, if you insist!" She rolled her eyes and burst into laughter. "I'm just joking, dear. You really didn't need to get me anything."

"Yes, I did. Plus, the thing that you're getting is something you really want."

"Oh really?"

"Really."

He kissed her once more and they got up and headed towards the kitchen.

"What would you like to eat for breakfast, ma cherie?"

"Well, it's sort of silly, but…"

"Anything you desire."

"Before Mum died, we would always make and eat gingerbread men for breakfast. It was very unhealthy, I'm sure, but it was so much fun, we couldn't help ourselves."

"Gingerbread men it is." He put on an apron and tossed Hermione one before going to the pantry and gathering all the ingredients they would need. He came back and plopped everything down on the counter. "Okay, then! What do we do first?"

"Well, we blend the butter and sugar until creamy."

Harry finished this task with a wooden spoon he had pulled from the nearest drawer.

"Beat in the Molasses."

"Sift flour, spices, salt and soda and add to the butter mixture, alternately with the water." Harry grabbed the flour bag at the same time Hermione did. The bag burst open and they were soon covered head to toe in flour. Hermione gave a little cough, and flour came from her mouth. Harry started to laugh from the hilarity of it all and he touched Hermione's nose, revealing one spot of flesh in all the flour. His laughter was contagious, and soon Hermione was laughing, too. They finished making the cookies and put them in the oven, all the time eyes tearing up with laughter.

When the gingerbread men began to bake, their laughter ceased and they realized how messy they were.

"Oh, dear. When I get home, I'm taking a shower and getting all this flour out of my hair and body." Hermione ran her fingers through her hair and white powder puffed out.

"You could shower here, if you want. You could borrow another one of my sweatshirts and some sweats until you can get dressed in your own stuff at home."

"Are you sure you don't mind?"

"No. Hermione, I love you so much. What's mine is yours. Maybe, sometime in the future, we'll wake up like this everyday, only there will be no panicked guilt like there was this morning." Hermione blushed.

"Alright, I guess I will."

"You'll find everything you need upstairs."

While she showered in the bathroom off his room, he went to the bathroom he had renovated by magic near the underground dungeon-like chamber. He finished long before Hermione and dressed in blue jeans and an emerald turtleneck sweater. He charmed the flour away and pulled the cookies out of the oven just as Hermione stepped into the kitchen. He almost dropped the cookie sheet when he saw her.

The way her hair was pulled up and her neck was exposed, the way his sweatshirt hugged her body in just the right places, the way the sweat pants hung low on her hips revealing the soft, warm flesh of her stomach-she looked sexy and very sensual.

"Well, you look very nice, Harry."

"Uh, well, same to you."

"Oh, posh. Your clothes don't exactly make me look like a model."

"No, but, well, you look sexy." Hermione blushed but gave a devilish grin.

"Truth be told, you are very sexy when your eyes shine that bright and your hair's all tousled." She advanced towards him and ran her hands through his short, jet-black hair. "Let's eat these gingerbread men quick before we do something we'll regret."

"I'm with you on that one." They quickly devoured the poor little men and left for Hermione's house. Before they left, Harry went to his bedroom, grabbed a long slender envelope with a box beside it, and smuggled it out in his coat.

***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** ***** *****

Later that evening, Melba joined Harry and Hermione for a small Christmas feast. Hermione wore a form-fitting black sweater that she wore just to tease Harry. That morning had been the first time that their relationship had become more sensual than just kissing.

The threesome ate a delicious meal before exchanging gifts. Harry had knitted a scarf and mitten set for Melba (who knew he could knit?). Hermione gave Melba a picture album of all the things they had done together. Melba gave Harry a black sweater that he put on immediately.

Harry knew it was time to give Hermione her present at last. He looked at Melba and winked; she had been in on his plan. He pulled both the box and the envelope out of his coat.

"'Mione, Happy Christmas! I love you." She took both items from his outstretched hand and looked at him curiously.

"What would you like me to open first?"

"The envelope. There will be further instructions inside."

She slowly opened the envelope and pulled out a piece of parchment.

December 25^th

Dearest Hermione,

Happy Christmas to you! And a Happy Christmas it is for me, because you're with me now. I love you, `Mione, and I just want to thank you for loving me in return. You've showed me so much and I've never felt stronger about anyone than I do about you. You are really the most wonderful thing that has ever happened to me, and I love you so much that it hurts.

This letter also contains instructions. Right now, I want you to open the little box that you are most likely holding in your other hand, fingering it softly as you read this.

Sure enough, she was softly toying the velvet box. She looked at Harry watching her, and she slowly opened the box. Inside was a beautiful ring with two stones, one diamond and one cobalt, with a gold heart in the middle. She looked at Harry curiously and he motioned for her to put it on. She slipped the cool metal onto her ring finger and continued to read.

This ring is a promise ring. I promise you that I will love you forever and for always, and that no matter what happens I will never leave you or forsake you. I love you, and I hope you think of me every time you see this ring on your finger.

Your second gift is in the envelope. Enclosed, you will find a test. I want all your dreams to come true, and this test is the transcript to get back into college for the two classes you need to finish. I have arranged everything for your testing time, and I want you to take this. I know you will make it, because you are the smartest person I know, my Brilliant Hermione.

She looked up and gasped, placing her hand over her mouth. She looked at Harry through her teary eyes and her face beamed.

"Oh, Harry! Thank you so much!" She ran to him and threw her arms around him, clutching the letter tightly in her fist.

"Look at the testing note in the envelope."

This test is to be taken by Hermione Jane Granger in an attempt to complete course one of British Literature and the final course of her nursing degree. Please fill out and return by January 10^th of this year.

"Oh, Harry." She breathed again. "This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me!"

"I love you, Hermione, and I want to make all your dreams come true."

Hermione wiped away her tears and laughed at the sight of Melba sobbing behind them.

"It's so sweet, you two! I love you guys!" She gave them a huge hug and they stifled their laughter.

Hermione broke away first and ran to get a huge package from beneath the tree. "Here's your present Harry. I know it's nothing compared to what you've given me, but…"

"I'm sure I'll love it dearly." He opened the card on top and read it aloud, to show Hermione that he truly cared. "To Harry, the most wonderful man alive. I love you so much! From, Hermione. I know this isn't much, but I found it in my mother's things and it made me think of you immediately. With love,"

He unwrapped the box and opened it with a gasp. Inside the box lay a medieval shield made of iron. On the front of the shield was the Hogwarts crest in gold and jewels.

"Oh, Hermione! It's wonderful and it means so much more that this was your mother's." He gave her a tight squeeze, his face glowing with happiness. "But, where did your mother get this?"

"I'm not sure, but it's in a chest of things from her school days. I think it has something to do with her school, and it reminded me of all the artifacts in your main hall."

"I love it. Thank you, Hermione." He gave her a kiss and Melba sighed. She went to the window in an attempt to give them privacy when there was a knock at the door. They all went to see who it was and was greeted by a group of carolers.

"God rest ye, merry gentlemen!

Let nothing you dismay,

Remember Christ our Savior was born on Christmas Day!

To save us all from Satan's power when we were gone astray,

O-oh, tidings of comfort and joy, comfort and joy!

O-oh tidings of comfort and joy!"

As Harry held Hermione in his arms, he felt comfort and joy for the first time in a long time. This was perfect; everything in his life right now, but something in the back of his mind wouldn't leave him alone. How did Milea get a Hogwarts shield? Was Milea actually a witch-and if so, where did that leave Hermione?

A/N: Hahahahaha, I feel evil leaving it with no sense of closure! Not quite a cliffie, but close. Merry Christmas to all! Oh, BTW, the reason that Hermione didn't finish those two classes is because she quit school to help Milea as she was dying, and because of bills and such, she never returned. Anyways, Here's the recipe for the gingerbread men as I got it off of Cooks.com . I haven't tried it yet, but if any of ya'll want to, be my guest.

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