A MATE FOR LIFE

Chapter Twenty-Two

It was the day before the students were to leave for the holidays, them eager to get home to theamilamilies that they haven’t seen for awhile. Draco was sitting in the Head common room with Harry and Ron while the girls were in Hermione’s room wrapping presents.

“It’s your move Malfoy.” Ron said as his knight crushed Draco’s queen side castle.

Draco moved his queen a couple of spaces to take Ron’s knight. Where Ron moved his queen. “Checkmate.” Ron said gleefully.

“Good game Weasley.” Draco grudgedly said.

“Do you want to try again, Malfoy?” Ron asked hopefully.

“No, why don’t you and Harry play this one.” He answered distractively. He watched as they set up for another game. “Harry, do you think she’ll like it?”

Harry looked to see if the coast was clear before looking back to Draco. “I think she’ll love it. She’ll also like the necklace and the sweater you got her too. Don’t worry about it so much.”

“Are you still going to give her the ring on New Years Eve?” Ron asked as he continued to set up the chess board.

“Yes. If all goes well, she’ll accept.....” Draco halted as the girls came into the room.

“Accept what?” Hermione asked as she sat down beside him and linked her fingers through his.

Draco looked to harry for help, who was smirking back at him. “Accept....that I need your help packing. I have no idea what to bring for a muggle Christmas.”

Hermione smiled, “Well, just bring yourself. For clothes, pack some warm clothes, as we’ll probably spend some time outside.”


Mid-morning next day, Hermione and Draco stood outside the Hogwart’s gates watching the older students apparate to their families homes. “Are you ready?” Hermione asked smiling. At Draco’s nod, she held his hand and her suitcase and the both disappeared with a ‘pop’ to appear in Hermione’s bedroom. It was arranged to apparate there in case her parents had unexpected guests.

Draco looked around as Hermione put her suitcase by the bed. He wasn’t surprised to see a bookcase overflowing with books and several pictures of family and friends scattered throughout the room. “Nice room, it’s so.....you.” She said smiling as he pointed to the books piled around the room. “Did you actually read all those?”

She laughed. “I like to read, what can I say. And yes, I have read them all.” She grabbed his hand. “Now come on, I’ll show you to your room, then we’ll head downstairs.” He was a bit disappointed that he wouldn’t be sharing her bed, but he understood with it being in her parents house. He was glad that the room was right across the hall from hers though.

They went downstairs to the smell of gingerbread in the kitchen where her mum just took out a pan full of cookies, while her dad sat reading the newest dental journal. “Something sure smells good.” Hermione said.

“Hermione!” Her mum cried as she took off the oven mitts to give her daughter a hug. “So good to have you home for Christmas, honey.”

Hermione hugged her mum then went to her dad who had got up to welcome her home. “Honey, good to see you.” He kissed her forehead and looked at her. “You look happier than normal,” he teased.

“I am very happy.” She said as she went to Draco who had stood back watching the reunion. “Mum, dad, I’d like you to meet Draco Malfoy....my boyfriend.” She said smiling as she held his hand. “Draco, I’d like you to meet my parents, Danielle and Steven Granger.”

Her dad came over and ndednded his hand, smiling. “Nice to meet you Draco, welcome to our home.”

Draco gave an answering smile and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you too sir.”

Danielle Granger looked over at her daughter and Draco and could see that they were happy. “Come and sit down, you’re just in time to help dress these gingerbread men here...I just have to roll ohis his dough for the next batch while you start on that.”

“Mum, I’ll do that. Sit, drink your tea and tell me what’s been happening.” Hermione said as she put the apron on and started rolling out the dough. “Oh, did you get those movies for me that I asked for?”

“Yes, not problem. They’re in the den.” Steven answered. “I myself am looking forward to watching them.”

Draco, who had been watching Hermione rolling out the dough as he was sitting ae kie kitchen table heard her request. “What movies?”

“You’ll see.” She said mysteriously.

Danielle had shown Draco how to squeeze the icing on the cookies, and brought out several small bowls of sprinkles and candies. Draco was on his second one when Hermione sat beside him to add an extra smartie button, and then put one in her mouth. Draco looked up to her laughing eyes and reached out to wipe the flour off her cheek. She smiled back as she put a gum drop in his mouth and then look down at his cookie. “Hey, that kind of looks like Dumbledore.” She said laughing.

“Good, because that’s who I was thinking of when I started.” He said chewing the gumdrop.

“We’ll have to save that one for him for when we go back.” She said as she got another cookie ready to dress.

Over the course of the afternoon they made almost all their professors and some of their friends using the icing and candies, and laughing aeir eir efforts. Danielle had been watching the two of them and when Draco had wiped the flower from Hermione’s cheek, she saw how he felt of her in his eyes.

“So what are the plans for this week?” Hermione asked.

“No plans, but we did arrange a hay ride for tomorrow that will go to the village and back. It’s supposed to be a nice tomorrow for it.” Steven said as he popped a broken piece of gingerbread in his mouth.

“Sounds like fun, have you ever been on a hayride Draco?” She asked.

Draco finished chewing a piece of cookie before answering. “No, I haven’t”

“Well, you’ll love it.” Hermione said then looked to her parents. “When are we going to decorate the tree?”

“Well Christmas morning is in just three days, so I imagine anytime before then.” Danielle stated smiling as she started to clean up.

That night they decided to decorate the tree. Draco and Hermione sat on the floor sorting through the various decorations, and putting them on the tree layer by layer. Draco couldn’t believe how many decorations could possibly fit on one tree. When they were done, they stood back looking at the finished results. “Looks good, and no magic.” Draco said, sounding amazed as he linked her fingers through his.


The next morning they woke up and had a quick breakfast before they were supposed to be ready for the hay wagon came to pick them up. Danielle and Steve decided to stay back so they could wrap some last moment gifts while they were gone. The wagon came soon after, so Hermione and Draco quickly bundled up in their thick winter coats, boots and mitts and climbed on the back of the wagon, where there were three other couples already seated in the hay singing Christmas carols.

Hermione snuggled closer to the Draco as they burrowed a bit more into the hay. “So, are you having fun so far?”

“So far, it’s weird not using magic though.” He kissed the tip of her cold nose. “I missed you last night.” He said as he looked into her eyes.

She looked into his eyes, feeling the familiar heat travel through her whenever she looked at him. “I missed you too. It’s only a week after all.”

“A week too long.” He said as he cupped her cheek with his gloved hand and lowered his lips along hers. He pulled back after a few minutes and smiled. “I wanted to do that all day yesterday.”

“Me too.” She smiled back as she leaned back against his warmth and his arms came around her.

The next half hour was spent singing carols and sipping some hot apple cider that the driver had passed around. They stopped at the village and was told they had two hours to look around or shop, then to meet back at the wagon. Hermione dragged him in a few gift shops until she found what she was looking for.

They stepped into the tiny gift shop, where a few other shoppers were milling around. She went up to a rack of scarves along the one wall. “Draco, do you think your mother would like this?” She asked as she held up a black lace shawl with silver thread running throughout it.

“She probably would, she loves wearing black. But you don’t need to buy her anything ‘Mione.” he said as he himself started to wonder around the displays.

“I know, but I want to. I could wrap it up, and owl it to her tonight.” She gave it to the salesclerk and looked around to stop at the jewellery counter. She asked the salesperson if she could see a few items from the display. First she looked at a gold bracelet, then at a cameo broach. “Mum would love these.” She said as she looked at the prices. “I’ll also take the cameo broach please.” She smile to the clerk.

“Please wrap up the bracelet too, separately please.” Draco said as he looked in the glass case.

Hermione looked to him. “It will be for your mum from me. I didn’t get them anything.” He said simply. He looked in the case and saw a delicate gold ring with a tiger eye stone. “Could we see this please.” He asked the clerk as he pointed to the ring.

The clerk handed it to Draco. Hermione looked at the ring. “Oh, your mum would love that.” She cried.

“Actually, I want to get this for you.” As he slipped it on her right ring finger. “For all the years that I was such a git with you, and besides it matches the brown of your eyes.” He looked to the clerk. “I’ll take this too, if it’s alright, can she wear it out?”

The salesclerk nodded happily and wrung up his purchase, which Draco paid for with the muggle money that he had exchanged from wizard money earlier that week. “Draco, you don’t need to do this. I forgave you a long time ago.” She said almost close to tears.

“I know I don’t, but I want to.” He said as he kissed her cheek.

Hermione paid for her purchases and they left to continue their browsing and shopping. Draco had also purchased a bottle of Bailey’s for Hermione’s dad, as she said that was one of his favourite drinks. He also bought a sprig of mistletoe, where he held it over his head, and smirked suggestively to her.

She gave an answering smile and put her arms around his waist and gave him a lingering kiss. She leaned back, her eyes glazed with beginning heat. “Thank you Draco, I’m glad that your are spending Christmas with me.”

“You’re welcome. And I’m glad that I’m here with you.” As he put both arms around her drawing her close again, while people passing by smiled at them.

“And thank you for the ‘firebolt II’ Draco.” She said smirking

“I didn’t......” He saw thok ook of disbelief on her face, “.....how did you find out?”

“When I was in Diagon Alley with Ginny to do some shopping, and while you were with Harry, I went in to the quiddich supply store and asked. They wouldn’t give me a name, but they did give me a description. I would like to pay you back for that.” She said as they started to walk towards the wagon.

“It was a gift, I won’t accept anything for it. The way you play quiddich, you deserve a good broom. I don’t want to see you getting hurt.”

Hermione was touched that he cared , “I’m still going to pay you back.”

“No, you’re not.”

“Yes, I am.”

“No. You are Not.” He said as he looked at her determined expression, and sighed. “Alright, you can pay me half.” He said as he crossed his arms looking just as determined.

She thought about it. “Okay, deal. Let’s shake on it.” As she held out her mittened hand.

He pulled her against him, “How about a kiss to seal the deal instead.” He said wiggling his eyebrow suggestively.

She tilted her head up. “Just a kiss huh?”

“Yeah, just a kiss.”

“Okay.” She gave him a quick kiss on the lips then turned away smiling towards the wagon where they were about to depart.

Draco shook his head. ‘I walked right into that one, that’s the second time she got me with that one.’ He thought to himself as he jogged up to her side.


After dinner that night, they went up to their rooms to gather their gifts to put them under the tree for tomorrow morning. They were both kneeling down, when Draco picked up the one gift to him from Hermione and shook it gently. “Hmm, no to heave....doesn’t rattle, what could it be?” He said as he lightly shook it again while Hermione was laughing and trying to get it away from him.

Just then Danielle and Steven came in with a tray of drinks and two bowls of popcorn. “Now Draco, you’ll have to wait until tomorrow to find out. Put it down and come sit down.”

Hermione laughed and stood up, “You’ve been told.” As she reached out her hand. “Come on, time to watch the movie.”

He sat down on the couch beside Hermione, where she picked up two glasses and handed him one. “What is it?”

“It’s egg-nog and a bit of cherry whiskey added, it’s quite good. Try it.” Shged ged as she took a sip of her own drink.

Draco brought the glass up to smell the contents first then took a small sip, then another. “Mmm, this is good. I’ll have to tell mum about this, she would probably like it too.”

Hermione laughed , “I knew you’d like it.” As she picked up the VCR remote to start the movie, then lean against his shoulder and put the bowl of popcorn on his legs. She watched his reaction as the beginning credits of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ started.

He had his hand in the bowl of popcorn, when he stopped. “Is this the same ‘Lord of the Rings’ books that I’ve been reading?”

“It’s based from the books, it’s actually pretty close to the books.” She said as she grabbed a handful of popcorn. “There’s some parts missing, but if you read the book, you can kind of fill in the spaces.”

They sat quietly to watch the movie. During the course of the movie, Draco had put his arm around Hermione where she leaned back against his chest. He kissed the top of her head and lightly skimmed his fingers along her sweatered arm. Danielle had glimpsed the naturalness of their embrace and looked to Steven, who was also had seen it. She raised her brow, where he smiled in return.

The hours sped by as they all sat enthralled with the movie, until it came to an end. “Is that the way it ends, just like that. Do they find Merry and Pippin?” Draco questioned as the movie seemed to abruptly end.

Hermione tried not to laugh, but couldn’t keep back the smile. “Did you finish reading the second book?” He shook his head. “Well, it’s like a continuous story. It was originally written as one complete story, but was later split up into three parts. Well four if you count ‘The Hobbit’. We have the second movie here to watch next, but the third movie doesn’t come out until next year.”

“I’ll go get us a refill on our drinks, come and help me Danielle.” Steven said as he helped his wife up.

Draco chuckled to himself. “Do you think that means they’re giving us some time to ourselves?”

Hermione who was still leaning back against Draco’s chest, brought his fingers to her mouth. “Most probably.” She started licking his fingers one by one. “Mmmm...butter.” She smiled as she put his thumb inside of her mouth where she gently sucked on it, swirling her tongue around it. Then moved to the next finger.

Draco moaned low in his throat at the erotic sensation she was giving him. At the stroke of her tongue on his thumb, he felt himself harden, imagining her tongue on other parts of his body. He leaned down and brought his hand to the back of her head where he pulled her to him. He ran his tongue along her bottom lip where she opened for him, her tongue going to his.

Danielle peeked out the kitchen door and saw them kissing on the couch. She smiled as she shut the cupboard door louder than necessary, and walked out carrying a plate of cookies while Steven carried out more glasses of egg-nog. Hermione had heard the cupboard door in the kitchen and drew back from their kiss. Hermione leaned back against his chest and put the bowl of popcorn over Draco’s lap to cover his erection. Danielle sat down on the lseatseat next to Steven, “Well, should we watch the next movie. Then it should be time to head to bed, most likely.” As she handed a glassegg-egg-nog to a flush faced Draco and Hermione.


After the second movie was over and they all said their goodnights, Hermione stopped at Draco’s door. “Goodnight Draco.” As she kissed him softly on the mouth, then turned to go in her room. Draco took a step towards her door, then mentally shook himself and went into his own room to get ready for bed. In a short while, he lay on his back thinking of Hermione and her family, and on how close they were. He n rea really felt that with his family. He felt close to his mother, but the years his father was around, his mother was a different person. Over the past few years, he believed that their mother-son relationship has been getting stronger, due to the fact that his mother was finally happy with her life.

He found that he couldn’t sleep, so he turned on the lamp and picked up his book to read. About an hour into the book, he heard his door slowly open. He looked up to see Hermione sneak into the room and take out her wand where she put a silencing charm around the room. “Couldn’t sleep?” He asked smiling thinking of how incredibly sexy she looked.

Hermione gave an answering smile, “No, I couldn’t. I thought maybe, you might be able to help me with that.” She said as she slowly untied her robe and let it slide off her shoulders.
He watched as she slid off the robe to reveal that she wore nothing underneath. ‘God, she’s beautiful’, he thought. He flipped the covers back so she could climb in beside him and held out his hand, where she started to walk towards him.

She smiled, “You have too many clothes on.” She said as she looked at the black silk boxers he was wearing . She waved her wand, where the boxers disappeared to show that he was hard and ready for her. She climbed into the bed, laying partially on top of him to claim his waiting mouth in a kiss that started earlier that evening.

She nibbled her way from his mouth to kiss along his jaw, then to his ear, where she took the lobe in her mouth and swirled her tongue along it. She then left a wet trail as she licked her wayn ton to his neck.

Draco moaned and leaned his head back, letting her have free reign to his neck, as he moved his hands along her back to pull her closer while his other hand went up her side to cup her breast. She slid her hand along his chest to his flat stomach where it quivered at her feathery touch. She kissed her way to his chest, making her way to his sensitive nipples. She licked her way around the nipple, not quite touching the tip. At his moan, she put her mouth over the nipple with the ring and flicked her tongue against it, then pulled gently on the ring with her teeth. Her hand moving lower and lower until she smoothed her hand over the hard length of him.

“Hermione.” He groaned as he pulled her up to ge hge his tongue into her mouth, and then shifted her underneath him. “My turn.” As he kissed along her neck slowly, to finally come back to her mouth. He leaned back on one elbow while he looked into her smouldering eye

He slowly, caressingly moved his hand along her smooth skin. He started along the side of her face, kissing her softly on her cheek and mouth. His hand then moved down grazing her skin with his fingertips down between the swell of her breasts, and down to her flat stomach where he then circled the area with his fingertips, feeling her trembling at his touch. He moved his hand to her hip then travelled up to lightly skim her hardened nipples.

At her mhe bhe bent his head to lave his tongue around the swell of her breast. “Draco, please.” she begged as she threaded her fingers through his hair to pull him closer. He wrapped his lips around the nipple and suckled it into his mouth while flicking his tongue against it.

Hermione groaned, while his hand skimmed across her stomach to her soft nest of curls. She spread her legs and raised her hips as hing fng fingers delved into her slick folds. He kissed his way up her chest where he licked his way up her chin. He leaned his one leg over hers as he sunk his finger, then two deep inside of her slick heat. He kissed her mouth softly looking at her passion filled eyes.

“Hermione, look at me. I want to watch you as you cum. I want to look into your eyes as you come closer and closer to climax.” He said huskily as he moved his fingers slowly up to find her swollen nub, where he massaged gently in a slick circle.

At his request and the look in his eyes, she felt a warm tingle run along her body. She looked into his heated gaze, as his long fingers would rub her clit then draw back and then plunge inside of her, while his thumb continued the sweet torment on her engorged clit. Her breathing deepened and she moved her hips up to meet his fingers. She moved her hand between them as she found his erection to softly stroke him, while her other hand went to her breast where she pinched her nipples.

He felt her hand on him stoking him, and watched as she touched her own breasts. He ached in need for her, wanting to be inside of her. He quickened his movements on her clit until she cried out his name. He leaned down to take her mouth with his, their mingled moans filling the room, as her climax crested it’s peak.

He moved on top of her, his aching shaft at her heated opening, trying to control the urge to plunge deep inside of her. He braced his forearms on either side of her face and gently stroked her heated cheeks. She looked up into the blue of his eyes as he slowly sheathed himself inside of her.

He kissed her lips softly as he slowly pumped his hips against her, his skin glistening with sweat as he held back his own release. “I love you Hermione.” as he held himself deep inside of her.

She looked up into his eyes, while a tear trickled down the side of her face. She brought her hand up to stroke the side of his face, then his bottom lip. “I love you too, Draco. Have for quite awhile now.”

He ran his tongue along the pad of her thumb that was at his lips, then brought his mouth down, kissing her deeply as he slowly increased the tempo to his thrusts. He brought his one leg up, leaning on his one arm, as he smoothed his one hand down her side where he gripped her hip, and she wrapped her leg around his waist. “I can’t hold back much longer.” He said breathlessly against her parted lips.

“Then don’t.” She said as she moved her hands to his hips to pull him closer into her. He took quick, deep thrusts as they both reached a staggering climax that drained them both.

He leaned his forehead against hers as their erratic breathing slowed down to a somewhat normal pace. He lay on his back, pulling her to him, where she leaned on his chest looking down at him. She looked at the clock beside the bed and noticed that it was now Christmas Day. “Happy Christmas Draco.” She said smiling against his mouth.

“Happy Christmas to you too. This is probably the best Christmas present that I ever received.” He said smiling and running his hand along her back.

“Yes, it is beyond a doubt, one that I will remember for a long time.” She kissed his chest. “But, I should be heading back to my own bed. Mum will probably waking me up in a couple of hours.” She said regretfully.

“Just stay for a bit more, I love the way you feel against me.” He replied as he ran his hand along her hip.

Hermione leaned her head against his chest, enjoying the feel of his hands on her naked skin. “Although that sounds tempting as hell, we’ll either not sleep at all and be tired tomorrow, or I’ll end up falling asleep beside you.” She kissed him again as she got up to put on her robe. He slid on his boxers as he walked her to the door where she removed the silencing charm on the room. She hugged him close, “See you in a couple of hours.” She kissed him on the neck. “I love you Draco.”

“I love you too Hermione, sweet Dreams.”

“You bet I will.” She said smiling as she went out the door to sneak into her own bed.