New Beginnings

Visitor

The further they got into December, the worse Hermione's Christmas Mania became. She was a whirlwind of festive spirit, listening to Christmas songs on repeat and baking endless batches of mince pies.

Draco was getting worried. He seriously considered reaching out to Potter, but couldn't bring himself to do it.

*****

December 18th

'DECK the halls with boughs of HOLLY!'

'Hermione,' Draco groaned. 'Can we please listen to something else?!'

'TRA-LA-LA-LA-LA-LAAA-LA-LA-LA-LA!'

'You're insufferable!'

'You're just a grinch!'

'...what's a grinch?'

'It's a film. Ooh! Let's watch it!'

'Will it make the music stop?'

'Well yeah, we can't listen to carols while we're watching a film!'

'Then let's watch it. Pleaaaase!'

*****

December 20th

'I'm just saying, there's nothing wrong with being green!' Draco said.

'He hated Christmas.'

'Technically he hated everything. Christmas was just a byproduct. But he was green!'

'You need to watch Kermit the Frog.'

'Why do I need to watch a frog?'

*****

December 23rd

'Hermione! For the love of Merlin's left testicle will you please play something else?!'

'Grinch!'

'It's not easy being green!' Draco sang loudly, drowning out the Christmas song with his off-key caterwauling.

*****

December 24th

'I'm headed to church tonight, do you want to come?' Hermione asked.

'You don't believe in God.'

'I know. But I have to go, it's-'

'Tradition. I know. I'm a Malfoy, believe me I understand the importance of tradition.'

'Then why ask the question?'

'Actually it was a statement, not-'

Their doorbell jangled, jarring them out of their playful bickering. They looked at each other, perplexed. Hermione shrugged, shovelling another forkful of Christmas pudding into her mouth.

'Guess I'll answer it then!' Draco pulled at face at her, stomping over to the door. 'Who the hippogriff is visiting us on...MOTHER?!'

Hermione's plate crashed to the floor, shattering loudly.

'Draco, sweetheart!' A tall, blonde woman grabbed Draco into a crushing embrace.