My Christmas Gift

A/N: This is my third fic. This will be a short story, but I'm not sure how many chapters! Dumbledore is alive in this story and it does take place in sixth year, but it doesn't center around that fact. Please read and

review! Love constructive criticism!

Disclaimer: When I talked to the lawyer, they informed me this was still JK Rowling’s story.

My Christmas Gift

Chapter One

A New Home

It was two weeks until Christmas break, and three weeks until the holidays. Harry Potter was on his way back from the Library because of the coming exams. He had left Hermione in the library, who insisted on five more minutes of studying. Harry was walking up the stairs towards the Gryffindor Common Room. Harry was thinking of a special someone, and what he could get her to show that they were more than just friends for Christmas. He thought of her beautiful curly brown hair, sparkling brown eyes, and a smile that would make an guy weak in the knees. He was pulled from his pleasant thoughts when he heard someone calling him.

“Harry! Harry!” Harry turned around and came face to face with the last person he wanted to see right now, or ever really, Draco Malfoy.

“What do you want Malfoy?” The displeasure of this conversation clearly shown.

“Oh, I just wanted to give you an early Christmas present.” With a smirk that only a Malfoy could manage, Malfoy threw an old shoe to Harry. Harry caught it with his amazing seeker skills and looked at it with a skeptical look.

An old shoe? Was this Malfoy’s idea of a joke? But before he could answer he felt a familiar pull behind his navel and started to spin. Before he could realize what was going on he arrived at the feet of none other than Lord Voldemort. He looked around and could see all of Voldemort’s loyal followers, Death Eaters. He knew this wasn’t good wanted to shake in fear, but Harry was prideful after all and restrained… for now.

“Ah, my dear friend Harry. How nice of you to join me? I was just telling Wormtail here, how I was hoping for someone to have a little fun with,” Voldemort let out a shrill laugh. Wormtail could only laugh nervously as he did feel a little guilty about being a traitor, but his path was chosen now, no turning back. His path was chosen for him when he had no other choice but to reveal where Lily and James were hiding.

“Well, looks like you got your wish Tom.” Harry responded using his old name Tom Riddle knowing how mad it would make him. Voldemort could feel the his smile slide right off his face with the use of his filthy father’s name. How dare that---that kid talk to him like that! In reality, he was just buying some time to try and figure a way out of this place. By the time someone figured he was missing from Hogwarts, it could be too late. Hermione! She knew he was going to wait up for her! Surely, she will check become curious when he’s not there, but her five more minutes of studying could easily be an hour.

The Death Eaters, all drew there wands and had them fixed on Harry in no time. Voldemort merely waved to them.

“Don’t touch the boy….yet. Right now, he’s my toy. ” Voldemort’s smile was back and was bigger than before. It was very disturbing to see him smile, not only because he was his enemy but because it was enough to make anyone want to puke. “Now Harry, I see you still have not learned your lesson. I’ll guess it’s time to start learning. Crucio!” Harry felt needles all over his body. He was in so much pain. He could hear himself screaming, but he didn’t want to give Voldemort that satisfaction! He hated hearing Voldemort’s twisted laugh! What seemed like 20 minutes later, Voldemort lifted the curse. “Now, where is Dumbledore to protect you know? HA! He thought he could keep you safe, but he only put you right in the middle of it all! Since I am feeling very generous right now Harry, I will give you one simple choice. Join my side. Together, Harry we can have all. I could even bring back your parents and godfather. Think Harry. Having people fear your name? The power we could have together,” Voldemort rubbed his finger down Harry’s scar as Harry tried to ignore the pain this caused him. “So Harry, what do you say?”

Harry didn’t have to think for a second but for the sake of making Voldemort mad later, he made it look like he was actually thinking about it.

“Well Tom, it is so tempting, but I will always say no. My answer was no two years ago and it is still no today. I would never join you, bow to you, or follow your orders! I am not and will NEVER be like your wretched, heartless Death Eaters.” Harry replied, his voice full of hate.

Voldemort’s anger was easy to see, but all he said was, “Very well boy, your destiny has just now been sealed. Lucius, take Harry to where he will be staying. Have your fun with him, but DON’T kill him! That will be left to me for a later time. Is that clear Lucius?”

“Yes Master,” Lucius said as he bowed to Voldemort‘s feet and quickly got up to retrieve Harry.

“Good. Oh and Harry?” Voldemort said. Harry looked up to Voldemort, but he was still trying to recover from the curse. Voldemort gave another of his sickening smirks, “Crucio!”

Harry was determined to stay strong through it. He didn’t care how bad it hurt, he just hated to look weak. He closed his eyes to make it through the pain. He wasn’t going to give Voldemort the satisfaction of showing pain again, no matter how bad it felt. Soon he felt the pain fade away. He opened one eye and then the other, but Voldemort’s wand was still trained on him! Voldemort’s face fell. How did a sixteen year old boy throw off the Cruciatus curse? Voldemort would have to make it stronger…yes that’s what he would do!

Voldemort and his faithful Death Eaters watched as Malfoy and Goyle dragged a weak Harry behind them with Malfoy carrying a painful array of torture tools. Harry’s screams could be heard throughout Voldemort’s headquarters meaning they must have made it to Harry’s new home. Voldemort could not help but laugh while Wormtail tried not to shake from the screams of pain. He heard the whip crack and knew that the whip was the least of the torment Harry would endure, but it was better a Potter than him.

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Hermione made her way back to the Gryffindor Tower. She told Harry she would only be five more minutes, but it ended up being a good twenty. She let out a loud yawn as she told the Fat Lady the password (gingerbread cookies). She walked into the Common Room to look for Harry. She knew he always waited up for her to make sure she got back alright. The idea just warmed her heart. Every time she thought of his beautiful emerald eyes, dark hair, and perfect smile, her heart skipped a beat.

She looked around the common room at the tables and by the fire, but Harry was not here. She thought this odd since he had waited on her all year so far. They hadn’t gotten into a fight either. Her heart began to beat a little faster. She just had a bad feeling about this. She silently scolded herself. She knew Harry was safe inside Hogwarts, but that fear it was still there. She decided she would go up and check on Harry anyways.

She quietly walked up the boy’s dormitory towards the Sixth Year room. She silently walked into the room and walked over to Harry’s bed, but she didn’t have to. She saw his curtains open and his bed empty. She didn’t care to be quiet anymore as she ran to the boy’s bathroom to see if by any chance he was there. He wasn’t. Then, she had an idea! The Marauder’s Map! She quickly ran over to Harry’s trunk and opened it. She searched the map before running to Run know having confirmed her biggest fear.

She ran over to Ron’s bed, “Ron, wake up!” Ron just rolled over as Hermione started to tap him or hit him whichever and screamed more persistently, “Ron, Harry! He is missing! Get up Ron!” Ron quickly sat up as did the other boys in the dormitory.

“We have to go tell Dumbledore! NOW!” Hermione screamed with tears falling down her face.

A/N: I hope you are enjoying this so far! I know I'm not that great of a writer but I had to write this idea of mine! Please read and review!

Hanging on by a Thread

Ron and Hermione walked at a fast pace to Professor Dumbledore’s, the Headmaster of Hogwarts, office and immediately said the password, hot chocolate. As they were going to knock on Dumbeldore’s door, he said ‘come in’. Not being very surprised by this as Dumbledore was the most powerful wizard in the world, they walked in to his office. When they walked in, they saw all the members of the Order, people who rallied against Voldemort, and immediately knew that Harry was in trouble. Hermione didn’t have to say anything to confirm her fear after all she wasn’t one of the brightest witches for nothing, but she spoke her anyways.

Hermione began to shake and whispered, “I’m guessing you know Harry’s not at the castle then.”

“Unfortunately yes, Miss Granger, Professor Snape just informed us that Harry has been captured.” Dumbledore replied, his usual sparkle in his eye gone. Ron could have sworn he saw Professor Dumbledore getting a little teary eyed over it. This was suppose to be Harry’s safest place, but Harry was not here and not the least bit safe.

“Professor, you have to get him back! They’ll kill him, what if he’s already dead? Oh my gosh, no, no Harry’s not dead. Please tell me he is not dead Professor!” Hermione was starting to go weak in the knees, her worst nightmare coming true in her head. Luckily Ron was there and guided her into a chair. Professor McGonagall, head of Gryffindor House, came over to Hermione and started to soothe her. Professor McGonagall looked a little worse for wear for a woman who was known for her strict appearance. Everyone knew she was quite fond of Harry even if she did have to hide it most of the time.

“No, Hermione. Harry is alive,” Hermione looked up at this, “…for now. Severus informed me that Voldemort has some plan to keep Harry alive for a little while, but what they plan to do to him in the meantime is something we intend to stop as soon we come up with a way to get him out of there safely.”

“How long does intend to keep him alive?” Someone voiced before Hermione could. It was Mrs. Weasley, Ron’s mom who was the closest thing Harry ever had to a mother.

Dumbledore looked at Mrs. Weasley and said, “I’m not sure Molly, but I have a feeling that Voldemort will enjoy Harry’s pain more than just killing him. Although Harry may be going to what can be described as going through Hell and back right now. We are going to try and have Harry out of there in four days max.” Dumbledore stopped and became silent for a moment then said, “Hermione and Ron, it’s late I think you should head back to bed. We will inform you if anything important happens.”

Hermione jumped up from her chair and screamed, “No! I can’t sleep when I know Harry is going through Hell! I want to help, I need to be here. I need to help.”

“Ms. Granger, I know you are upset, but it will all be alright. You know Harry would want you to get some rest.” Professor McGonagall replied soothingly.

She looked to Ron for help, but she saw none. She glanced back at Dumbledore and new there was no hope.

This seemed to convince Hermione she wasn’t going to get her way, so she turned and walked out. Ron just sighed knowing this wasn’t going to be easy until Harry was back. He knew Hermione l-loved Harry as much as he hated to admit it and that she was going to be a wreck until he was alright. He slowly followed Hermione making sure to keep enough distance from her so she couldn’t go off on him. When Hermione was upset, she got angry. An angry Hermione could be worse than facing a Death Eater at times especially when it involved a certain green eyed, raven haired boy named Harry Potter.

When Ron made it back to the Gryffindor tower, he watched Hermione walk up to the boy’s dormitory in a zombie like state. He wrinkled his brow in question and followed her. He walked in his dormitory and saw Hermione.

Hermione was sitting on one of the many beds in the room. She sat crying silently, her shoulders shaking slightly. Ron walked in and sat on his bed. He looked at her and felt just as torn, but he had to be strong for her and Harry.

“It’ll be okay Hermione. It always is.” Ron said.

Hermione looked up and Ron gave her a small smile. What else did he have to offer in the middle of the night?

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The smell of death was everywhere. Just looking around the place would make one shiver with fear. It was a dark, dank dungeon. Blood spots could be found everywhere. Chains were on the floor with blood stains on them as well, showing signs that someone had at one time occupied them. In the corner of the dark room a boy was lying. The Death Eater wouldn’t have known he was alive had it not been for the slow rise and fall of his chest. Looking at the helpless boy brought a smile to the twisted man’s face. Without wasting any more time, Malfoy walked up to the boy and kicked him hard in the stomach.

“Wake up you poor excuse for a wizard.” Harry slowly opened his eyes to reveal brilliant emerald eyes. Eyes that at one time held a sparkle in them, but that light they used to hold was gone. He had cuts and bruises covering his body. His once black robes with the Gryffindor crests were all torn and ragged. The dungeon he was staying in was freezing cold as it was the middle of winter. His will to live, to be strong helped him make it this far, but his love had kept him alive. No one would have known that Harry had only been here for a day, Lucius Malfoy made sure of that. Harry Potter slowly raised his head. Malfoy seemed to be enjoying his pain.

“Come on Potter! Is that all you’ve got? The famous Harry Potter can’t save himself, much less the wizarding world!” Malfoy just started letting out a shrill, mocking laugh. Harry could feel his anger start to boil. Harry started to raise himself up, but Malfoy noticed this. He pointed his wand at Harry and let out a cold ‘Crucio Powup!’! Voldemort wanted to try out the new and much more painful Crucio curse. Voldemort’s new and improed curse obviously had the intended effects. He watched and laughed even harder at Harry’s pain and piercing screams that echoed throughout the dungeon. “Savior of the wizarding world?!? HA!” Malfoy was laughing so hard his stomach was starting to hurt while letting the curse continue on all the while enjoying Harry’s pain. “This is what you get Potter for hanging out with that good for nothing , undeserving Weasley, who calls himself a pureblood and that horribly smelling, Mudblood slut!” Malfoy let the curse go as he was laughing far too hard. If Harry’s anger was close to boiling a minute before, it was on fire now!

How dare he insult someone like Ron and Hermione! Malfoy didn’t even compare to them!

Harry fought through the pain and raised himself up to face Malfoy and replied in a cold voice that sounded nothing like his own, “Now Lucius, I think we both know that I’m the better person. I’m not the one attacking someone without a wand that is three times my age. You may mock my friends and my life, but we all know that I’m the real man here. You, you are just a coward who is unworthy of calling himself Voldemort’s faithful servant. You wish you could be half as loyal as Ron and your brains don‘t even begin to compare to Hermione‘s!”

Malfoy’s laughing quickly ceased. How dare that brat of a kid call him that? Malfoy walked over to a wall with many different torturing tools. He pulled out this whip-like rope for the wall. At the end of the whip was a claw. Malfoy grinned his rich, millionaire grin and walked over to Harry.

Harry’s beautiful, emerald eyes widened in pain before Malfoy even rared back to strike.

Malfoy just smiled brighter than ever. He rared back the whip and swung it forward. Harry dropped to the floor, so the claw wouldn’t get his face. What was once clothes on his back was gone. He felt the nails of some evil claw connect with his back and go up towards his neck as tears poured from his eyes in pain. He just thought of all his loved ones: Remus, Dumbledore, Mrs. Weasley, Ginny, Ron, and….Hermione. Harry closed his eyes and gritted his teeth in pain, but let his heart dwell on Hermione. Oh Hermione how much I need you right now. Harry screamed and screamed as Malfoy laughed as he dug the claw into his back countless times until Harry passed out from the pain.

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Hermione shot up from bed. She had sweat dripping down her face. What she had just seen couldn’t have been real. It made her want to puke! She dreamed, no had a nightmare, of what Harry was going through. Lucius Malfoy was using some kind of claw to torture Harry! Her Harry! She could have sworn she heard what sounded like Harry’s voice, echoing something about needing her! This was by far her worst nightmare yet. There was no way she was going to sleep after that so she jumped up and and headed in the bathroom for a warm shower.

Meanwhile in Dumbledore’s office, the Order members were still planning how to get Harry back. Harry had been there for a day now, and Snape wasn’t allowed to see Harry so who knew what shape he was in. So far they planned to finish planning the rescue mission today, getting everything and everyone in place on Tuesday, and have Harry back at Hogwarts on Wednesday.

Hermione went on about her day not really focusing on anything. Her mind and heart was somewhere else with someone else although she would never admit to anyone, much less to herself, that she was in love with Harry. News traveled fast, and everyone was now giving her looks of sympathy knowing her love for Harry, even if she was too smart for her own good to know it. She had snapped at people who looked at her like that all day. Hermione hated people’s pity especially when she wasn’t the one who needed it right now. She could only imagine what Harry was going through…

Harry faintly heard footsteps knowing it must play time again. He wondered how long he had been in this cold dungeon. He wondered how much longer he had to be there, but those thoughts left him as he felt some people lifting him up. They took him and hung him by chains so he was sort of dangling in midair. Malfoy pulled out a knife, and Harry knew that the knife was just another one of Malfoy’s new toys. How he wished someone was here to help him. He saw carvings on the knife and knew before Malfoy said anything this knife was full of magic…dangerous magic at that.

Lucius Malfoy walked up to Harry and said, “Well Harry, I have a new toy. It’s a Meshe knife, very ancient magic is stored in here. I wonder how the Wizarding world’s hero can cope with it? You want to find out Goyle?” Evidently there were other Death Eaters in there because he heard several grunt like laughs coming from the other side of the dungeon. Lucius Malfoy opened what was left of Harry’s shirt and started carving into his flesh. He felt his warm blood flowing down as he started to drift off to unconsciousness.

A/N: Hello again! Here’s chapter three! I hope to have up the chapter covering Christmas by Friday or Saturday morning! There might be one more after that. Thanks for all the reviews! I appreciate them all!!! Thanks to my wonderful Beta as well! Please read and review! Thanks again! Now enjoy!

Disclaimer: I still do not own this.

Chapter 3

Carvings

“Okay everyone places!” Dumbledore shouted out. They were out in the forest of Lord Voldemort’s headquarters. Nyphmadora Tonks, Remus Lupin, Alastor Moody, and Severus Snape prepared themselves as they were the first line. After today Snape would not be safe from Voldemort or the Death Eaters, but it was time. As much as he hated Harry because of Harry’s father, James, he did miss ragging him in class.

Remus and Snape pulled one of the two invisibility cloaks over them as Moody and Tonks did the same. Their first job was to take out the four people guarding the door of headquarters. Remus, being a Marauder in his earlier years, was able to make a map that showed where everyone was in Voldemort’s lair just like the Marauder’s map.

Dumbledore looked down at the map and saw two people outside of Harry’s cell. He knew that if they were able to get word of the Order being there before they were able to retrieve Harry, Harry would die. The plan should work, though. The plan was to take out the Death Eaters one room by one. That way there was less chance of being taken by surprise from the back and less chance of someone being able to inform other Death Eaters of there presence. Snape, being a ‘Death Eater’, would be able to apparate right outside of Harry’s captivity room. He would then take Harry, and then the portkey he had would take them to Madam Pomfrey at Hogwarts for Harry to be able to be treated.

Dumbledore looked at where the four people were invisible to everyone but him and gave a nod. The other 16 Order members would move in as soon as the four first Death Eaters were taken out or if there was any problem getting them out of the way.

The four proceeded to the door and successfully stunned the first set of Death Eaters. Dumbledore gave the signal to the other 16 members, who were spread throughout the forest, and suddenly people sprang into action. Snape came back to Dumbledore to check the map of where everyone was before he apparated in to get Harry. When Snape looked down at the map, he saw Malfoy in the room.

Snape looked at Dumbledore and asked, “How long has he been in there?”

“About five minutes,” Dumbledore replied with a heartbroken look in his eye. Dumbledore was taking Harry’s captivity the hardest because he felt he let everyone down. Even worse than letting everyone down, he let Harry down. He couldn’t show this, though; he has to be tough for everyone because everyone relies on his strong appearance.

“From what I’ve seen so far he should be leaving any time now,” Dumbledore looked down at the map and continued, “And here comes Remus, Tonks, and Alastor. By the looks of it, they are dueling with three Death Eaters with two more coming up. You better go get Harry and help if they are in need of it.”

Snape apparated into Voldemort’s Headquarters, right outside of Harry’s dungeon. He quickly said ‘Alohomora’ and unlocked the cell door. He walked in and felt sick at the smell. The smell of blood was everywhere but so was the blood. Snape sighted Harry in a small heap in a corner, and the sight of his cut, abused body made Snape feel faint. He looked around at the walls and saw many torture tools that Snape didn’t even have to guess was used on Harry. He saw many whips, a whip with a catlike claw on the end that Snape could tell was used on Harry by the look of Harry’s back. He saw knives hanging on the wall as well as chains dangling around.

Snape walked over to Harry and called out to him, “Harry, can you hear me?” Snape was relieved to see his bruised eyelids open up after a minute.

At that moment, Remus, Tonks, and Alastor walked in and Remus asked, “Is he going to be okay?” Snape helped support Harry to a sitting position to make sure he was okay for portkey travel.

“I don’t know.” Remus looked at Harry and saw his beat up face turn to pure fear. Remus saw a yellow curse hit Harry and whipped around to see Lucius Malfoy and three other Death Eaters. Remus and Moody both shot stunners at Malfoy. Harry fell with a thud to the ground as did Malfoy a few seconds later.

Snape shouted to Remus, “Get him out of here!” Remus knew that Snape wanted to finish up business since the Death Eaters knew which side he was on now, and someone had to get Harry help now especially since he had no clue what the curse was. Remus grabbed Harry as Snape threw him the broken quill. When Remus caught it, Harry and Remus left the ground and spun until finally Remus’ feet hit the ground holding Harry in his arms.

Lupin hurried and sat Harry on one of the many hospital beds. He then ran over to Madam Pomfrey’s office and wrenched the door open.

When Madam Pomfrey started to snap at him for the sudden intrusion, Remus said, “I need help! Harry Potter was found, and he is in bad condition!”

Madam Pomfrey didn’t waste any more time and hustled out of her office. She gasped at the sight of his bruised and beaten body, but immediately started grabbing potions. She knew there was no time to waste.

“Remus, do you know what happened to him?” She questioned.

“I just know he was hit was some yellow curse. I’ve never seen anything like it before.”

“It’s the Flepident curse.” Lupin and Madam Pomfrey looked up at the unexpected interruption to see Dumbledore at the entrance of the Hospital Wing. “It is a new curse invented by Voldemort himself. It is a stronger version of the stunner, but while the victim is unconscious it makes them relive their most horrifying memories. The victim, in this case, Harry has to be able to fight it off. ”

“How can he fight it off? He’s been through more nightmares in his sixteen years of life than most people see in their entire life!” Lupin couldn’t loose Harry. He felt like he let down James, Lily, and Sirius already by Harry being captured. If Harry wasn’t able to fight off the curse, then he will let them all down again by failing his new found duties of being Harry’s godfather. He cared for that boy more than his own life, and now he was failing him once again. He couldn’t help him at all, and Lupin felt useless.

Dumbledore could see the pain reflecting in Lupin’s eyes. He hated that he couldn’t help Harry either, but he knew Harry was strong enough to fight off the curse, but would he be able to fight off the curse in time?

“I think he needs to be taken to St. Mungo’s. There are more Healers there, and they will be able to keep him nurtured while he is unconscious. I will heal his cuts to the best I can for the time being, but they look to have some poison in them that will keep them from healing properly until we know what the poison is.”

Pomfrey looked by down at Harry to heal what she could and gasped in shock. There on Harry’s chest where something was carved on it. There was too much blood on his chest to be able to see what exactly it was. After a saying ‘Scourgify’ a few times, she gasped again. She could know see what was clearly written on Harry’s chest.

Dumbledore and Lupin came closer to see what was bothering Madam Pomfrey so much. She’s seen a lot and for something to disturb her like this, it had to be something horrible. Lupin walked over and immediately started fuming at what was carved into Harry’s chest, and Dumbledore could faintly here him muttering threats under his breath as he continued to walk towards Harry.

Dumbledore was reached Harry at last and looked down at his chest. The words ‘Lucius Malfoy’ was clearly carved into that poor chest of his right over Harry’s heart. Despite the fact that Madam Pomfrey had just cleaned out the wounds, they were bleeding again.

“I don’t think Harry should stay here any longer. This needs to the help of St. Mungo’s best. Remus, would you please go and inform the Healers at St. Mungo’s that Harry will be there in 10 minutes? Tell them to be ready with several blood replenishing potions as well as poison removing potions. Pomfrey, could you heal his minor cuts that look to be from the Cruciatus curse?”

No replies were need as these orders were from Dumbledore. He may have asked them to do it, but no one questioned Dumbledore’s judgment. Lupin and Madam Pomfrey immediately went in opposite directions in response to Dumbledore’s ‘questions.’

Fifteen minutes later, Harry was admitted to St. Mungo’s. He had the best Healers helping him, but not one had a way of helping him fight the curse.

Harry may have been with Voldemort for three days, but it looked like it had been a year. After a while, the poisons and open wounds were healed. His cuts and bruises were being treated so he could have the appearance of a full recovery despite the fact he was unconscious. How long he would be like this, no one knew.

The next day Hermione demanded to see Harry as soon as visitors were allowed. She immediately started to fill Harry in on everything he missed those four long days as if he was actually awake. Hermione looked a lot better now. It was as if she knew Harry could make it through the nightmare he was reliving over and over again, but how long it would take, she did not know. Hermione didn’t care, Harry was back.

Here is the chapter, we have all been waiting for! Warning fluff is near! I hope you all have a safe and Merry Christmas! Please read and review

Chapter 4

My Perfect Christmas Gift

It had been two weeks since Harry had been retrieved from daily torturing by Lucius Malfoy. Instead, he was now going through the torture of reliving all his nightmares in life. He was still unconscious, but every now and then you could see his eyes moving behind closed eyelids. Hermione had been stationed by Harry’s bed ever since he was allowed visitors. The Healers only asked her to leave once before get a twenty minute rant on why she was certainly not leaving. Ron tried to make her leave by telling her to go eat and get some proper sleep promising he’d watch Harry. When that didn’t work, he threatened to use some of Fred’s and George’s tricks for their new line of Weasleys’ Wizarding Wheezes

Hermione being satisfied by the fact that Harry was back only last for about a day before she went back into her routine of abusing her health for the one she loved.

One afternoon Ron came into Harry’s private room with small snowflakes on him from snow outside to find Hermione once again talking to Harry. She didn’t even look up when Ron entered. Ron had had enough of Hermione looking longingly at Harry and denying her feelings. If she was going to make herself sick over Harry, she was going to at least realize her love for him!

“How long, Hermione?” Ron asked after a few minutes startling Hermione from her one sided conversation with Harry.

“What are you talking about Ron?” Hermione snapped back, upset about the interruption.

Ron didn’t seem to mind her behavior and pressed on, “How long have you been in love with Harry?”

Hermione was about to snap out another rude reply, but stopped short.

After a few minutes she answered him, “I-I’m not in l-l-love with H-Harry. Don’t be so ridiculous Ron!”

“Hermione, I’ve seen the way you look at him. I see that sparkle in your eye every time he enters the room or anytime he smiles. Everyone else sees it, but you two. It’s time you stop ignoring your heart.” Ron retaliated in a calm even voice.

Hermione’s jaw dropped, what happened to the boy who had the emotional range of a teaspoon? He certainly wasn’t in this room.

“So, what do you say Hermione? How long have you loved him?” Ron said after watching all the emotions flash through her eyes.

Hermione looked Ron in the eyes and blushed under his gaze, “Forever,”

Hermione said and let a smile grace her lips, “I was just too busy to stop and realize it.” Ron smirked knowing this was killing Hermione. He knew something before her, and she couldn’t stand the idea of it.

“Are you going to tell him when he wakes up?”

“You mean if he wakes up, and no I will not. What if he doesn’t feel the same way?” Hermione countered.

“Hermione! Don’t talk like that! You of all people should know Harry will wake up. He will live, and how dare you for one second think Harry doesn’t love you like you love him! He has loved you for a long time and was planning on telling you on Christmas. He wouldn’t stop bugging me about what he could get you for Christmas that he wanted more. He didn‘t want to get a book because that would still mean you were just friends.”

For the second time that day, Hermione’s jaw dropped in astonishment. Ron couldn’t help but laugh. Hermione obviously thought he was the dumbest person ever!

Before Hermione could come out of her speechless state, they heard a moan from where Harry was. Ron and Hermione quickly locked eyes and hurried over to Harry’s bed. They could see him obviously fighting some inner battle. His eyes were moving beneath his eyelids faster than they before, and he was muttering incoherent things.

A minute later when Ron and Hermione were about to give up hope that Harry was waking up, his eyes fluttered open revealing his troubled emerald eyes. Setting off the wards by becoming conscious, three Healers came rushing into the room pushing Ron and Hermione out of the room while they examined Harry. Another Healer headed into the room a few minutes later pushing an assortment of potions on a tray.

They could hear Harry muttering things to the Healer which sounded a lot like ‘I’m fine’. Dumbledore approached Hermione and Ron a few minutes later.

“I was just informed that Harry woke up,” Dumbledore explained. “What exactly happened?”

“We aren’t sure. When Harry opened his eyes, it set off the wards, and the healers came rushing in.” Hermione replied.

About ten minutes later, all the Healers left Harry‘s room. Dumbledore approached the ‘Head’ Healer and started talking to him. Dumbledore then walked back over to the three waiting anxiously for news on Harry.

“Healer Loucon said that you are allowed to visit Harry. I must warn you all not to expect him to be like he was before this. He has been through a very traumatizing situation, and I’m not sure how he will handle it. Knowing Harry, he will probably try and play it off as if nothing happened.”

Hermione and Ron were mentally trying to prepare themselves as they started towards Harry‘s room.

Dumbledore, Hermione, and Ron walked into Harry’s room to see him propped up on pillows looking a bit drowsy. At the sight of his company, Harry’s face lit up. He grinned at them trying to forget the horror he’d been through.

“Hello Harry. Feeling better, I see?” Dumbledore asked, knowing he should be the one to break the nervous tension in the room. Dumbledore knew Harry wasn’t ready to talk about what he had been through, especially not to a group of them. He knew that only one brown eyed girl with curly brown hair would be able to talk to him.

“Yes, Professor. H-how long have I been out?” Harry asked in reply, looking out the window in which he could see snow softly falling to the ground.

“Two weeks.” The disappointment of being unconscious that long was evident on Harry’s face. He was tired of missing life. “Christmas is in four days.”

“Do you think I’ll be able to go back home then?” Harry asked. Hermione smiled noticing that he was referring to Hogwarts as his home.

“I think we could arrange something,” Dumbledore replied once again. “Well, Harry I must get going. I’ll leave you to catch up.” With that Dumbledore turned and walked out leaving Harry, Hermione, and Ron to talk amongst themselves.

“So Harry how are you feeling?” Hermione asked with a nervous smile.

“Like I’ve been run over by the Hogwarts Express,” Harry said with a grin, trying to lighten up the mood. Harry looked up to see Hermione with tears in here eyes and Ron with an expression of ‘here she goes again’.

“Hermione, look I’m fine. No need to worry about me,” As soon as Harry said that, he regretted it. This was Hermione he was trying to convince not Ron. She could see his troubled eyes from a mile away.

“Well, someone has to worry about you since you obviously won’t! You aren’t fine Harry! You don’t have to cover it up in front of me.” She said tears now streaming down her face.

Harry reached out his hand, and Hermione took it, “You are right, Mione, I’m not fine, but I can’t talk about it right now,” Harry replied in his nice, masculine voice that made Hermione want to faint right there, but instead she just nodded her head and smiled.

Harry was released from St. Mungo’s on Christmas Eve, and Harry was now staying at the Burrow, the Weasley home, for the remaining Christmas holidays.

Harry was sitting by the fireplace at Midnight deep in thought when he heard a creak from the Weasleys’ stairs releasing him from his thoughts. He turned around to see Hermione in pink flannel pajamas creeping down the stairs trying not to wake anyone. Harry couldn’t help but grin at how cute she looked.

“What are you doing down here?” Hermione asked sitting down by Harry.

“Just thinking for a bit, couldn’t sleep.”

“You couldn’t sleep or were you afraid to sleep?” Hermione questioned with a cock of an eyebrow.

“Both,” Harry admitted, knowing he could talk to Hermione. Hermione went to open her mouth to respond, but Harry continued, “Every time I close my eyes, I see Lucius Malfoy. If it’s not Malfoy, it’s Sirius falling through the veil, Cedric dying, or y-you getting hit by that purple flamed curse.”

“Oh Harry.” Harry heard Hermione say before she tackled him in a hug. Harry was now lying on his back with Hermione squeezing him in a hug on top of him. He could only imagine what this would look like if someone walked in, not that he minded. Hermione felt warm against him, and he felt electrocuted by her touch.

Hermione obviously realized the position they were in because she soon sat up. She held out a hand to help Harry sit up, but he just pulled her back down tickling her on her sides.

Hermione had to fight the urge to squeal, she didn’t want to wake everyone in the house up.

“H-Harry stop!” She managed to get out after a few minutes of his relentless tickling attack. After she caught her breath, she pulled a present out from under the Weasleys’ rather large Christmas tree.

“Here‘s your Christmas present. I didn’t want to give it to you in front of everyone tomorrow. I hope you like it.” She said handing over a small box.

“Hermione, you didn’t have to get me anything.” Hermione only rolled her eyes, and motioned for him to open the present already.

Harry unwrapped the present and opened the box to reveal a snitch necklace.

“I hope you don’t think it’s too girly.” She said while biting her lower lip.

Harry’s face lit up and replied, “No Hermione! Not at all, I love it!” Hermione went to give Harry a kiss on the cheek, but he turned his face towards hers. Their lips met for the first time, and they could feel a shockwave move through them. The kiss lasted only a few seconds but was enough to reveal what the other was feeling. When they broke apart, Hermione had a look of utter shock on her face.

“I’m sorry, Hermione.” Harry said a minute later, knowing that he had just ruined their friendship. “I should have never-” What Harry should have never done, Hermione wasn’t going to let him get out. She crushed her lips against hers and put in all the passion and love she felt for him in it. Harry raised his hand and cupped Hermione’s face and intensified the kiss. When they broke apart, they were both breathless.

“Wow,” was all that Harry could manage out.

“I take it you like your present then,” Hermione said with a laugh.

“Yes, I do, but you didn’t have to get me anything. You were enough.” Hermione started to protest, but Harry quickly rambled on, “All those years I watched Dudley get tons and tons of presents on Christmas, and I wanted that so badly. I wanted someone to love me enough to do that for me, but now I see. I see that I didn’t need so many presents that I couldn’t count them all, I didn’t even need two. All I need was you. If you hadn’t given me anything at all, I would have been happy. Hermione, you are my Christmas gift. ”

Hermione blushed at the end of this, “Well, now you have two.” Harry just smiled.

Harry grabbed Hermione’s present out from under the Christmas tree and handed it to her. “I can’t be out done now can I?” Harry said with a smile.

Hermione took it and opened the present to reveal a beautiful heart locket. It was silver and had two diamonds on it. When Hermione opened it up, it had pictures of Harry and Ron waving at her.

“I love it Harry!” Hermione said barley above a whisper.

“I love you, Hermione.” Hermione gave Harry a deep meaningful kiss that made Harry wonder how he lived this long without it.

When they broke apart, they snuggled up together in front of the fire and watched the snow fall outside.

Harry broke the silence a few minutes later, “Thanks for being my perfect Christmas gift, Mione.” Hermione just looked at Harry and smiled while the eventually drifted off to sleep in each others arms on Christmas morning.

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I hope you liked it! Please leave a review on your way out! Thanks and Merry Christmas!