My Christmas Gift by danfan4ever

Rating: PG13
Genres: Romance, Action & Adventure
Relationships: Harry & Hermione
Book: Harry & Hermione, Books 1 - 5
Published: 08/12/2005
Last Updated: 23/12/2005
Status: Completed

Christmas is almost here, but who is missing and where are they? Will they be home in time for
Christmas or will it be one lonely Christmas? Now finished!




1. A New Home
-------------

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.

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

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.



2. Hanging on by a Thread
-------------------------

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?

-------------------------------------------------------------

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.

----------------------------------

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.



3. Carvings
-----------

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.



4. My Perfect Christmas Gift
----------------------------

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!