The Reason for the Season

The Reason for the Season
Chapter Nine: Upon a Midnight Clear.


Hermione had just finished putting dinner in the oven, when there was a knock on her door. She brushed the wrinkles from her black slacks and straightened her green cashmere sweater.

When she pulled the door open she found Ron with Fauna on his shoulders and Luna smiling up at her holding her famous Clootie Dumpling.

“Happy Christmas!” the young Weasley family greeted.

“And Happy Christmas to you, come in everyone.” They hugged and kissed.

Fauna reached out for her Auntie who cuddled her close. It wasn’t long before there was another knock on the door. The Potters swarmed a laughing Hermione with hugs and season’s greetings.

“I see he already has you in green” Ginny whispered in her ear as she pulled back from their embrace. She had the audacity to wink at Hermione before heading off to put the drinks in the kitchen.

At five after four, the final knock sounded. Hermione smiled brightly has she let Draco and Adina into her cottage. Draco had given her a hello kiss, as did Adina.

She ushered the siblings into the living room. Luna and Ginny smiled at Draco and welcomed him in. Harry and Ron both stood to shake his hand. Draco was a little surprised but smiled and took a seat in the armchair. Hermione sat on the arm her fingers absent-mindedly playing with his hair, his hand gently moving up and down her leg.

Her friends smiled at how affectionate the new couple was; glad to see Hermione really happy at last.

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Christmas Eve was always a fun night. There was too much food, carols playing and children running amuck. Hermione put on the Muppet Christmas Carol and it wasn’t just the children who watched with round eyes, Draco was just as captivated by the tale.

Adina had found a friend in Fauna. The little girls huddled together with their dolls. The boys were pretending to fly around the house and play quidditch.

As the festivities began to come to a close, and with the new pajamas from Auntie ‘Mione on, the children curled themselves up with their adults and waited for their Auntie’s story.

Hermione’s mother had always recited ‘The Night Before Christmas’ to her as a child, so she carried on the tradition. She stood in front of the fire, her make shift stage, and began the famous poem,

“Twas the night before Christmas, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse…”

By the time she had finished “Merry Christmas to all and to all a goodnight,” the little ones were fast asleep.

The Potters and Weasleys gathered up all their belongings and quietly made their ways home. Ginny hugged Hermione “Bring Draco and Adina to Christmas brunch, I think they will both enjoy it” she said and she slipped out to apparate.

Hermione returned from the front hall and smiled at Draco who had a sleeping Adina in his arms.

“You should stay, we can set up the play room for Adina,” Hermione offered, praying that he would say yes.

“That sounds wonderful, he leaned forward and kissed her, mindful not to squish his sister between them.

After they had tucked Adina in and each given her one last kiss, Draco turned to Hermione, “How about some hot chocolate?” he asked.

“That sounds wonderful, I will meet you in the living-room.” She left to the kitchen and Draco went to prepare her surprise.

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Hermione walked back to the living room in search of Draco. She looked around and didn’t see him anywhere.

“Draco?” she asked into the room.

“I am down here love.” He answered.

She walked around the couch to find his legs sticking out from underneath the tree.

“Any particular reason why you are lounging under the Christmas tree?” she laughed as she placed the mugs on the coffee table and kneeled down next to his legs.

“As a matter of fact yes, come under here for a second.” He hand reached out and pulled her under the twinkling branches with him.

Hermione lay down on her back and looked up. The tree looked beautiful from where they were. She felt entwine him their fingers and bring their hands up to his chest. She smiled over at him and found him doing the same.

“What, pray tell, is the reason for you being under my tree; I thought I already unwrapped you?” She teased.

“This, my dear, is an entirely different present, though feel free to unwrap me at anytime.” He smirked and she blushed slightly. Then his face turned more serious.

“I want to give you something,” he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small box.
“Now don’t panic, it is not that ring, not yet.” He opened the box and revealed a pearl set in platinum, the white orb flanked by two triangle sapphires.

“Draco, it’s…beautiful.” She said as he slid the ring onto her right hand.

“This is a promise ring. It is a symbol that I love you and have promised myself to you, and you alone.” He had rolled on to his side and was looking down at her, still holding her hand.

“I will take that promise and make one myself. I am yours Draco. I love you too.” She said leaning up to kiss him.

He pulled her tight into his embrace; not wanting to ever let her go. She had brought so much life and love into his sad existence; she had given him a reason to enjoy the holiday season, and everyday before and after.

When they finally made their way from under the tree, they spent the night slowly learning only what lovers know. They woke to a bright Christmas Day, which held the promise of many more.

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Four Years Later.

Draco was grinning from ear to ear.

He was watching Adina and Hermione hang the stockings on the mantelpiece. Adina had grown so much; she was home from her first year at Hogwarts, a very proud Ravenclaw.
His wife grew more beautiful as the days passed. Even after all those years, he was still in awe at how blessed he was.

After dinner Adina received an owl from one of her friends and rushed upstairs to read it. Draco shook his head and just prayed it wasn’t some young wizard. He wasn't ready to start threatening them yet.

Hermione was laughing as she saw her husband scowl at the staircase Adina had taken two at a time.

“I say, you have at least two more years before you really have to worry about boys my love.” She said as she walked over and sat on his lap, nuzzling her nose into his neck, loving the scent of him.

“And you have plenty of time for this little one.” She whispered bringing his hand to her flat stomach.

Draco was silent for a moment then pulled back sharply to look at her.

“Are you…?” was all he could say.

“Yes, I am pregnant with our little one.” She smiled as she watched the different emotions play out on his face. The most prominent was love.

He kissed her, one of those kisses that connects two people together to the very cores of their being.

~Fin~

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A/N Hope you enjoyed this little tale, I really enjoyed writing it.

Thank you to all my reviewers!!!

Have a very happy and healthy holiday Season :-)

Cheers!
xox Sarah