The weeks of winter passed and the orange hue of the environment bleached into a blinding white, snow covering every bit of the ground and forming a thin slip over the window sills, the trees bare and white. The Hogwarts castle was illuminated by warm yellow lights, the interior warm and welcoming, a sharp contrast to the chilled and icy exterior.

Hermione loved the snow. She loved breathing in misty fog, she loved it when her cheeks burned with the chill of her surroundings. She loved the whiteness of her surroundings, so pure and untouched, so full of life and enjoyment. She loved every bit of winter, she loved walking out in the mornings, she loved drinking hot tea and adored the embraces of the fuzzy sweaters.

  •••  

Draco didn't have any particular feelings when it came to the weather, but he did have to admit winter was one of the best times of the year. It was when snowball fights reached another level of seriousness, it was like war. And seeing it firsthand, he could not say to what extent it was true. The entire white surroundings reminded him of nothingness, emptiness, a clear and undisturbed view of everything. It was peaceful, and peace was something rare, but when it came he treasured every moment of it.

  •••  

Warm beverages, sweaters and the entire environment as a whole was a delightful sight, and even during the darkest moments of their lives they had enough mind to enjoy what was indeed a wonderful time.

They still hadn't talked to each other much, just brief words and explanations here and there. Their quiet companionship had become so much more as the days passed, they were now more than just faces from the past. They were more than enemies drawn close, could they be called friends? Neither could answer that question. They were each other's constants: someone who were always there, a helping hand, a reassuring glance, a playful smile and an understanding features. They were something so different and close and just so indescribable that both of them preferred not to think about it. It was better that way, the mystery.

It was when Christmas time came around, when the crowded halls of the castle were left barren and unoccupied as the students left the premises for the homes; to their families, that both the teenagers could feel the loneliness seep back in.

For Hermione, it was the thoughts of her friends, and her parents, both lost and god knows where, that made her smile a little less. She would miss her parents so incredibly much, and Christmas brought back the many jolly memories she was afraid she could never make again that she could not enjoy the winter breeze, or her cup of warm tea. She would miss the burrow, its warmth and coziness, she missed having Molly Weasley take care of her and she missed spending time with their generous family. She missed every good moment spent in those castle walls and outside of them, every memory carried by the breeze as she walked through the open halls of the castle.

And it only brought the nightmares back.

  •••  

Draco wasn't much of a festive person and he did not have much regard for the celebrations and traditions the season had brought, but all those faces he saw in the hallways who were ecstatic at the thought of going home, it made him miss home a lot more. He won't return there, of course not. That house carried more nightmares than his mind could ever remember, and he did not wish to face the somber face of her mother, left alone due to the absence of her father. He would rather stay here and spend his time alone. But the cold evening s brought back happier memories, memories of Christmas eve when his mother would sing him songs on their piano, give him gifts wrapped and boxed in elegant paper, it was these memories that made him slightly homesick. He planned on spending the break all by himself, wandering the forest that surrounded him. He never had done so before, but this time, being his last year the integrity had gotten the better of him. He would, as soon as Hermione left would search and wander the forest. He didn't know why, maybe it was the serenity of his surroundings, the quiet sounds of nature in the stillest of seasons that called to him; gave him peace. He wanted nothing more than walk the forest, and it was unusual, he thought so, for it was the first time he ever wanted to do so.

You're not the same, he thought to himself. Nobody is anymore. Change should be good, he assured himself, though obviously he didn't know anything for sure.

A day before the holidays began, Draco found the school almost entirely empty. Most of the students had left for their homes, and he found himself wandering one of the large Hogwarts gardens. He found himself walking past a large fountain, the water frozen in the pool and a thin film of frost covering its edges. He wiped a hand on the surface of the pool, wiping off the frost and meeting eye with his own reflection.

He looked... different, he thought. His face was the same, the ever pale with strong, sharp features. His hair had grown longer and was peeking out from underneath his hat, but nothing other than had changed physically. However, he found himself staring and saw that the creases on his face had lessened. His brows were no longer furrowed as they always had been. His shoulders did not seem as stiff and upright, and his eyes did not seem as dark as they used to. He would have stared longer if he didn't hear the shuffling of footsteps behind him.

  •••  

Hermione had been roaming the halls, mindlessly wandering from corridor to corridor. She was sure Draco would have left by then, all the trains would have left an hour ago, there was no point in seeking him. Besides, she thought, one shouldn't be dependent on another. She had made a list in her head, of all the tasks she had to these holidays, now that she wasn't with her parents. I've done most of the homework, except the charms essay, and I have to do some reading in defense against the dark arts, Magical history... ummm, no I did that last week- her train of thought abruptly stopped as another thought came to mind, that to of the previous week. Her mind went to a green package up in her room, a gift. She was skeptical about gifts, but what harm could a simple gift cause? She had spent hours on that, and only hoped the person would like it. It was holiday season after all, and there was no one left for her to give anything to, so she thought she might as well give it a go. Suddenly, she felt nervous and twitchy. Her walk through the open hallways was interrupted as she saw a jet black figure against the sharp white of the snow. Stopping with a jolt, she heaved a sigh when she saw a familiar mane of white blonde hidden under a black cap. Why was he here? Hermione thought, but the answer came as soon as the question. He couldn't. He stood against the frozen marble fountain, staring at his reflection. She took in a deep breath and crossed the threshold into the white snow towards him.

  •••  

He turned abruptly, and was shocked to come face to face with Hermione, all wrapped up in layers of sweaters, a hat keeping her curls at bay. Why hadn't she left? All the trains would have left by that time in the afternoon, wasn't she supposed to go to her boyfriend, the weasel?

Boyfriend. The thought made him grimace.

Or her parents you dimwit, he called himself.

He straightened his face turned away as Hermione trudged behind him and sat down on the cold surface of the marble fountain. He wondered if he should ask her anything, it was her life after all. He wanted to ask, but was afraid. He didn't know why.

Eventually, curiosity go the better of him and he said, "Why are you here?"

She didn't answer, for a while and he started to think if she was even there. He turned around to see her staring at the ground, contemplating and weighing her options.

"The Weasleys, they don't live where they used to anymore. I cant go there anymore." she looked up as she answered. "I don't know where my parents are, so not there either."

He nodded and walked over to her, sitting beside her.

"Mr. Weasley, he got a promotion. He needs to travel. Ron and harry are out of the country. They're training for aurors." She continued after a while. The information left him astounded. The Weasleys, promotion? That was an interesting development. He didn't know how to feel about it.

Potter and the weasel, aurors. Huh, he thought. Fitting, for them. What made him wonder was why she was still here? Why had she chosen to come back to Hogwarts?

She didn't ask him about his reasons though, she didn't need to. She was smart, and had made deductions. She knew.

"I-I still have your jacket, though," she said. He turned to look at her and saw her looking earnestly at him. At first he couldn't quite remember what she was saying, but then he remembered, that night on the stairs he had given her his jacket. He saw as she sifted through her pockets ad brought out a small pouch, obviously enchanted for when he put her hand in it went deeper that the actual minuscule depth of the small pouch. He saw a she protruded out her arm, and in her hands his dark jacket, perfectly ironed and folded.

She kept the jacket in her lap and fiddled with the seams. "I-I wanted to return this earlier but I didn't know-"

"Keep it," he said. "I have loads of them. All the same," he said. He hadn't even thought about the jacket since then, it was such a minute and irrelevant detail. He saw as she turned to him, a blush creeping up on her cheeks. She laughed lightly. "What would I do with this jacket? I don't need it, Draco, I have plenty of sweaters of my own." She said she moved it over his lap, waiting for him to take it from her.

"No. take it." He said firmly. He didn't quite know why he did that, he just knew he had too. It felt, strangley right for her to have a part of him. A memory, one that would remind her of how they found each other. How they were there for each other when they needed it most. How he was there for her, one frightful night. A night where the potter and the weasel were gone, and he was not. He would have liked it if she kept it.

His thoughts halted. Why would he want her to remember him? Yes she had apparently forgiven him and they had a strong bond, but... he assumed they would part ways once school was over. Why did he, suddenly want her to have a piece of him? He would remember her though, always. As the brightest witch of their age, the kindest, most loving and wonderful one too. He wouldn't ever forget her. Though her, when shed leave the castle ad return to her friends, he doubted she would remember him. Maybe shed recall him as a passing memory, one that would go as soon as it came. It hurt to think of it that way.

  •••  

Hermione, taking his crisp reply as a sign that he won't argue, hesitantly returned the jacket back to its place in the bag, confused as to why Draco would possibly want her to have it. She sighed as she put the pouch back in her pocket and stared ahead.

She didn't know why he would do such a thing. Maybe in the future when conversation won't be as scarce between them she would ask for an explanation, but for the time being she kept it, slightly happy he had done so.

The source of this giddiness was a mystery to her.

Minutes passed as both of them sat with their hands against the cold marble, breathing in the misty air. After their tiny attempt at a conversation, both of them were clueless as to how to continue it.

  •••  

Draco wanted to talk to her, but he just didn't know what to say. He thought of something, a request. But he didn't know if she would comply. It was an unusual request on his part, and he didn't know how she would reply. It was better than sitting on a cold marble fountain, though.

"Want go to Hogsmead with me?" he said quietly and quickly, before he brief surge of courage ran out.

  •••  

Hermione was somewhat astounded to hear the question. She hadn't expected that at all. Not from him, at least. However he truth was she did wanted to go to Hogsmead, it was a place Harry, Ron and her would spend loads of winter afternoons together. It was the warmest and coziest place to spend winter, and she absolutely adored it.

"Yes." She smiled.

  •••  

Draco looked pleasantly surprised with her affirmative answer, and with a small smile, one that could only be seen if one looked closely, he heaved a sigh and got up.

Hermione's smile grew the tiniest bit wider as she got up and accompanied him to Hogwarts entrance, a long way through the giant maze of hallways.

  •••  

"We better hurry, Its almost dark. Professor McGonagall will be so angry if we got there late." Hermione mumbled as both of them were making their way through the snowy paths back towards Hogwarts. She wanted to hurry so as to not anger the headmistress, and she had kept on walking and not turned back to see Draco wasn't following her.

After spending a pleasant afternoon having butterbeer and cookies, and roaming around the still damaged village, conversation cut short as they observed the people around them. How the commoners had (or were trying to) move on from the damage. Half built roofs and broken windows, crooked houses and tilted doors, yet all the villagers offered was a smile. Warm and welcoming, to all, to their humble home. It was heart warmingly beautiful. A tiny girl had even laughed at Draco and Hermione during their tiny squabble regarding who would pay for the cookies (Draco was about to, but Hermione went on a speech about not having any regard for societal convention and seeing as why not a woman should pay. He would have argued, but he knew her well enough to know she would get her way in the end and let her pay instead.) and it made them stop and laugh too. It felt wonderful. Hermione's satisfactory smile when she handed over the money had made Draco smile a larger of smiles. Shed looked so wonderful, so cute. Her curls surrounded her face around her scarf and shoulders, damp due to the melting snow. She smelt of coffee and scented candles, her blushing cheeks and bright eyes had made him feel like there was still good in the world. There was still hope, and that all was not lost.

Draco's eyes had widened as he became aware of his thoughts. Why was he thinking of such things? Him, imagining someone as cute? The idea revolted him, yet he was astounded at how true it was. Why would he think such a thing for Hermione Granger? Maybe this was what friendship was like, he thought.

It was when they were returning to the castle, warm cups of tea in their hands, that through a tiny ornament in one of the flickering shops had caught Draco's eye. He did not know why it was so special, that it made him stop in his tracks and stare at, ignoring Hermione's rant as she trudged ahead. Still staring, a thought came to him, and on a whim he entered the store.

  •••  

Hermione had stopped talking a while ago and had paid enough attention to figure out Draco was not following her. panic and paranoia seizing her, in a state of frenzy she retraced her steps as she frantically looked for any sign of the boy clad in ebony. She spun her in search for the Malfoy, peeking into shops and alleys. She tried to calm herself and look with a clear, level head. She took deep breaths and went deeper into the village. Just as she turned around she smacked head first into someone.

"Ow!" she exclaimed as she fell back. "I'm so sorry I wasn't looking where I was goin-"

"Hey, Granger, it's me." she heard a familiar sharp voice and looked up to see the Malfoy she was looking for. "What are you doing here? I thought you went ahead to the castle?" he asked, honestly confused. Slightly distraught, Hermione took a while to reply.

"I-I was looking for you, I thought you-" she started waving her hands as she talked. She didn't know what she had thought though, what had compelled her to look for him in such a state of frenzy. She took a deep breath and told him what was on her mind, "I thought something horrible happened. Don't disappear like that again, alright?"

He smiled. "It's okay Granger. I left something at the shop. Went to get it back. Now, if don't wanna stick around, we might as well get back. The headmistress would be furious," he exclaimed with in a slightly happier tone, and Hermione stood staring as he walked past her slowly ahead, enough pace for her to join him. She shook her head and tried to push back the questions that swarmed her, and raced ahead to join his stride.

  •••  

Draco had done his best to hide his smile. He fiddled with the long object in his coat pocket, and wondered if his spontaneous decision would be a good one.

Heck, it was holiday season. Of course it would.

  •••  

As the days passed, Draco became more aware of Hermione and her actions. How her eyes would squint as she laughed or smiled, how her bounced as she walked, he noticed anything and everything about her. he found himself wishing he could see her smile more,  jolting with the thought and wiping it away as soon as it came. He thought of how he wanted to spend more time with her, as if he already wasn't spending his entire day with her. he would find himself wishing her could hear talk, always and nonstop. He would reprimand himself with every wish, yet he still found himself thinking of her most of the time. At least his mind was clearer of heavier thoughts, he wondered.

They would spend entire afternoons and mornings, with no classes they would roam he forest for as long as they liked. They would talk sometimes, recalling memories, long and forgotten, as if from another life. They would laugh and smile and cry as well, a mix of emotions as they roamed the snowy land. They would relish in the peacefulness of their surroundings, and in the company of each other.

Hermione found herself taking note of Draco's every action, every swift and curt movement, long strides and sharp actions and tiny little habits. She could name them all alphabetically, one by one, her list constantly expanding as the time they spent together increased. She liked it when he smiled, the slightest twitch of his lips spoke miles to her, it spoke of hope and improvement, of escape. It also made her heart flutter at the the thought that he was comfortable enough to show her how he really felt, around her. She could not place the feeling, but chose to ignore it when it came.

During those weeks of chilled Christmas, it was easy to forget about their pasts, their nightmare and all that they were afraid of. For the time being, it was just them and the festivities of the season.

Christmas eve was a wonderful occasion, the hall was enchanted so little snowflakes fell all around them and a slight wind blew, yet no body was cold. The dinner was immaculate, a grand feast they talk of in books. The four long tables were full of every type of eatable ever imagined, he candles burnt a little brighter and the faint songs of Christmas played in the background.

Both the Malfoy and the Granger played smiles on their lips, as they ate side by side on the Gryffindor table thinking of what was to come, and for the first time in months they weren't afraid of their future.

The headmistress observed them from the head table, a smile of her own gracing her lips. Two of her top students, two of such contrasting backgrounds and mentalities, and yet such a wonderful pair. She almost laughed at fate, and how the stars played such an interesting game and brought those two together. Mcgonagall saw potential to be great in both of them, and her expectations were high among the stars, but she knew both of them needed support and a slight push. They could learn heaps from each other. Granger could help Malfoy with his future, clearing his name. Malfoy could help Granger with her insecurities. She smiled at the silent pair, and watched as Hermione jokingly rubbed Draco's cheek with a blob of mashed potatoes and him wincing in retreat, wiping it away with his wand and returning the favor by magically sticking a cherry onto Hermione's nose. It was a small squabble, none too noticeable, but nothing left the headmistress' watch. She prayed to the stars that wonderful night, for the best of both of them. She hoped they'd see the best of the world, and the best of each other.

  •••  

The feast was a marvelous affair. Maybe it was the giddiness of the upcoming holiday, or the the chiming of the bells, or the sounds of the Christmas carols ringing in her ears, she and Draco had the best of times. Hermione teased him, expecting silence or maybe an irritant glare in her direction, but she was surprised to see him reciprocate with little food fights of his own. Dinner was the least eventful, but for them the company was enough. Each finally felt at peace, like nothing mattered more to them than the person sitting beside them.

  •••  

Draco could not help but feel warm when Hermione smiled and ate her favourite pudding, magically adding it to his own plate just for a taste. he could not stop himself when he saw there was still some cherry juice on her nose and wiped it away with his own hand, startling her in the process. He felt oddly fond of her. for a brief moment he thought how if his father was her e he would object, call him a coward and a disgrace. But he pushed the thought away, he ad established long ago that he no longer cared for his fathers thoughts. They were flawed as any humans could be, not implying that his views were perfect, but he was eager to learn and correct himself for the better. He no longer cared that the girl beside him was a muggle born. He no longer cared at all, for no one other than the witch sitting beside him, and back home home, for his mother. Them and only them. The thought was enough to put a smile on his face.

  •••  

Hermione felt giddy and flushed at the happenings pf dinner table. She could see how the Malfoy stared at her with a fondness, a fondness she had oh so dearly missed. She could tell he watched her every move, as he could tell she was just as observant as himself. Strange, she thought, how he no longer had any regard for blood status. She did not complain.

It was after dinner the two went on their promised nightly stroll among the hallways. Walking aimlessly, Draco observed Hermione from the corner of his eye. She looked like a strong warrior walking with her back straight, the moonlight accentuating her features, her sharp cheekbones, slender nose and beautiful brown eyes. She looked beautiful. He had never seen her in that light before, but would not lie when he thought of her as beautiful, or even highly attractive. She was and he couldn't deny it. He kept peeking glances at her and he could tell she knew, shed been doing the same.

Draco was difficult to see if not for the moonlight, his dark clothes melting in with the shadows, his movements swift and graceful, just like how a prodigy should be. His features shown with the light of the moon, strangely pale and almost ghost like. His blonde hair shone like waves in the light of the moon. Hermione could not stop looking at strong, sharp features, softened by the current events. He looked handsome, a prince if you would call it, with his back straight and most elegant posture.

Hermione shook herself out of her thoughts. What are you thinking? She thought, but she did not answer, she could not answer. Instead, she tried to focus on the music that was still playing up in the halls, louder in that region of the castle. She swayed on her feet, greeting the music like a dear friend.

Draco saw that Hermione had a certain skip in her step as they reached a part of the castle where the music was evidently louder. He saw twist her feet and spin around to the music, and he smiled. Is she seriously dancing? In the middle of a hallway?

He smiled at her, and she stopped when she saw him staring.

"Haven't seen a girl dance, Malfoy?" she said, obviously blushing under the moonlight as she tucked a stray hair behind her ear.

"Oh I have, Granger, but non so horribly," he replied cheekily.

Her face contorted into one of mock horror, Hermione could almost not believe her ears. Darco Malfoy, making a joke? Ha!

"Spare me Draco, you probably cant tell your left foot from your right. I bet you are worse than I am," she chuckled. She saw his eyes glint with the mention of a challenge, and he smiled too.

"Wanna bet Granger? Lets dance," he said as he swiftly grabbed her by the waist and swung her to the music.

Hermione yelped at the sudden movement, but she grabbed his shoulder and regained her balance as quickly as she lost it.

They moved, faces those of immense seriousness, and twisted and turned with the music. It was when their eye met for a little longer than ten seconds that they both burst out laughing. Slowing to a stop, Hermione stood with her head on his left shoulder and one hand on his right, the other hand holding his with his other on her back. She felt his laughter right above her head, and he felt hers right beside his.

"Not bad Malfoy, not bad. I am seriously impressed," Hermione joked.

"Well then I win the bet, obviously. Though you are not as bad as I envisioned." He replied with a cheeky smirk. They started moving once more, slow and to the rhythm.

"Well, I learnt how to dance with my mum once, we were supposed to go to a wedding and I was dreadful, and we had to dance. My mum had blisters in her toes by the end," she finished with a chuckle.

Draco laughed too, a sound less heard, but soothing once it was. "I can imagine that happening. My mother taught me too, matter of fact. A pure blood must be perfect at everything, and nothing less," he said as his eyes went darker, smile lessening and voice lowering to an almost whisper.

Hermione was worried, so she tried to cheer him up. "Well, you couldn't have been that bad. I once danced with Ron, and I swear to Merlin my feet ached for weeks to come! He couldn't stop stepping on me!"

Draco smiled once again, his eyes still dark, but he was there, with her and listening. "I'm really not that surprised the Weasley was shite at dancing," he said while giving her a twist. Hermione laughed.

She sighed and rested her head on his shoulder once more. They were quiet for a long while, lost in their own thoughts.

"I miss them," Hermione said, breaking the silence after a long while. She felt him tense under her.

"I imagine you would," Draco said, his voice clipped.

"I know you don't like them, whatever the circumstances, and I wont force you too. It's okay. It's just that, when I made the decision to come here, I knew how alone I would get. I thought I would get over it. It turned out to be much harder than I thought," Hermione started. She moved her head to look him in the eye. He listened closely, features slightly worried, grey eyes dark and shadowy. Hermione paused and smiled at him. "I never thought I would find a friend in you, Draco. Thank you so much, for everything. I don't know what I'd be without you," she said and she hugged him. they stopped moving and stood there, silent. Draco's eyes widened and it took him a while to register her words, and then he too wrapped his arms around her. he allowed himself a smile, and closed his eyes momentarily, basking in the warmth of the moment, one that made his stomach churn and heart beat faster, for reasons still unknown to him.

  •••  

Walking back to the Gryffindor common room, hand in hand, Draco paused at the staircase, a few steps below the entrance. They heard the giant castle shaking with the ding of a magical clock, marking three minutes till midnight.

"I-I got you something," Draco said sheepishly. "A gift. For Christmas," he said, not meeting her eye. Hermione was astonished, her mouth wide open and eyes wide open. Her heart raced with the sudden revelation, and she squealed with glee. Draco Malfoy getting her a present? What miracles will the world show her!

"Oh my God Draco, you didn't need to!" she exclaimed.

"Of course I needed to, its Christmas," he said and from his jacket pocket brought out a neatly packed box, wrapped in emerald.

Two minutes till midnight.

He handed her the box, her shaking fingers hesitantly accepting the gift. She glanced at him once before neatly tearing the wrap open, and revealing a black velveteen box inside. She felt the sides for the latch, and moments later opened the box.

Inside was silver chained necklace, glittering and beautiful in the moonlight. Held at the bottom of the elongated box was a pendant, a dark and beautiful rose. The rims set with glittering diamonds, she would have not seen it for it meted with the pitch of the box. She caught her breath as she felt the pendant underneath her finger tips.

"Draco, this is, this is absolutely beautiful." She said, looking up at him.

He looked up from the floor and caught her eye. He smiled. "Its- its enchanted. It, um, changes with your emotions. Like when you're happy it will move, spinning slowly. When you're angry it would grow and spin faster," he moved one step up, closer to her as he explained. "it shrivels when you're sad, but the petals will regrow when you're normal again," he moved another step up, level with her.

One minute till midnight.

"And, if you look at something you love, it will grow. Its petals will move as if they're against a light breeze. Shall I?" he said, extending his hand forward.

Hermione smiled and gently took out the necklace and handed it to him. She turned with her ponytail set to the side. Draco clasped the necklace and turned her around.

He bent down slowly and kissed her cheek.

Midnight.

"Merry Christmas, Hermione," he said and smiled. Hermione, blushing and red, returned the smile.

He turned and went down the stairs.

With thoughts of each other running in their heads, they both found themselves sleeping more soundly, dreaming of all things wonderful.

  •••  

Christmas morning came and the hallways of Hogwarts castle sung, the candles danced and the breeze blew a little lighter. Everything and everyone was jolly and wonderful and perfect.

For the first time Hermione and Draco both woke up with pleasant thoughts in their heads, actually anticipating the upcoming day.

  •••  

Draco wore his usual suit and walked out of the dungeons with a purposeful stride, his back straight and head held higher then he had in months.

  •••  

Hermione woke up and got ready in a hurry, screaming merry Christmas at every face she saw (which weren't many). She still wore the rose necklace, and it moved with an elegant swirl. She pu on her hat and scarves and hurried out of the common room, before pausing and running back to her room to grab a package she had forgotten to deliver last night.

He was in front of the great hall when he saw her, and their gazes met. She smile a jaw breaking smile and tackled everyone in her way and ran towards him.

He was slow to react when she wrapped her arms around him and held him in a bone crushing hug. He laughed as they spun with the impact, his arms held tightly around her, preventing her from fall.

"Merry Christmas!" she sang in his ears. He laughed and put her down, his arms still around her. she stared at him with wide eyes and produced a red wrapped package.

"A gift! You got me one but I forgot to give you yours last night. Nothing extravagant like yours, it's a scarf I made myself and I don't know, I hope you'll like it," she talked quickly and Draco laughed, one hand on her shoulder.

"Hermione, thank you. So much." He smiled.

They stood there as Hermione hugged him once more, and everyone at the professors table smiled a they saw the pair.

Neither knew of it, but their hearts were on a different path than their minds, and soon they wold turn too. But for the time being it was just the two of them in the flickering lights and the breezy hallways, basking in each others presence. For a moment, they forgot of all their inner torments, and lived in the moment, unafraid of their futures for the first time in months.

  ••• 

uneditted and not proofread, will do so in the morning. sorry for the long wait, but a long chapter to make up for it :)

all the love xx