Snowed Inn

Part 1

DECEMBER 19TH

"Look, look, look," Hermione said, holding a hand up to Draco's chest. "I am not drunk. I promise."

Every Ministry Christmas party was the same. He begrudgingly put on his best suit and tie, mingled with his coworkers, held the same glass of wine the entire night so no one could bother him about why he wasn't drinking - all the while watching out for Granger.

Don't misunderstand - Granger could take care of herself, of course. There was something about Christmas, though, that caused her to consume more alcohol than her normal amount, and no one else at those parties cared about her wellbeing like he did. So he watched out for her - and that's all there was to it.

"I know, you're not drunk," he lied, removing a strand of tinsel from her hair. "But Granger, the party is over. Everyone's going home now."

"So?" she asked, gripping her wine glass for dear life, her eyes narrowing at him.

"So, it's time for us to go home, too." He promptly removed the glass from her iron grasp, set it down on the bartop and scooped her up into his arms.

This has been their custom every year. Draco stayed sober because he knew Granger would drink a little more than her limit, and who was he to keep her from the joys of mulled wine? After she'd had her fun, he would convince her that the party was over before she could do anything she would regret the next day, and he made sure that she got home safely.

"Together?" she asked, a hopeful look in her brown eyes. She's drunk, Draco. Don't react.

He held his composure, making sure not to give away any emotions. Her eyes were clear, focused, but the smell of wine on her breath was enough to make her words meaningless. He wouldn't read into it.

"No Granger, I'm taking you home."

Her lips set into a pout. It weakened him.

"Hold on tight," he said. He felt her hands slide from his chest to wrap around his middle, like a hug. And with a sudden jolt, they Disapparated, leaving behind the bustling Ministry party for the quiet warmth of Granger's London flat.

Draco made an effort not to overstay his welcome whenever he brought Granger home from these parties. He saw to it that she was safe and comfortable - and then he left.

He carried her over to her bed and laid her down, fixing the pillows so that they supported her head. He then stepped back. She watched him observantly.

"I'll see you at work on Monday," he said, but before he could get away he heard a whisper come from her bed -

"Please stay," she said. It's the wine talking, not Granger.

"You need your sleep," he replied. "You won't sleep well with me here."

"I hate being alone on Christmas," she whispered.

It was only the 19th of December, but he knew what she meant. Draco and Granger were alike in that they were both without family during the holidays. She'd been separated from her parents since their memory loss and he'd been estranged from his parents since the War. Christmas was a hard time to be alone.

"Please stay," she tried again. She won't remember any of this, Draco. She never does. Let it go.

Fighting every urge to climb into that bed with her, he turned on his heel and walked away from temptation.

"Goodnight Granger," was all he said before he Disapparated in a flash.

DECEMBER 23RD