New Beginnings

Christmas Eve

Several months passed, and it was Christmas again before they knew it. Hermione graduated from NYMU with top results and Draco had recently been promoted to a supervisory position. Hermione had returned to the UK, but she was working to return to New York permanently.

Snow was falling gently as Draco and Hermione stepped out of the Muggle church. The sound of the choir followed them into the street. Hermione was spending Christmas in New York, since it was easier for her to travel freely than Draco.

They tucked into an alley and Draco apparated them away. They landed into another alley across the city. Hermione picked her way through the slush and into the street.

'Why are we here?' Hermione laughed, silvery bursts in the freezing air.

Dennis Creevey's cafe had warm lights pooling onto the pavement. They could hear bright chatter inside. Draco smiled mysteriously and tugged her into the cafe.

Narcissa, Robyn and Mrs Selwyn were talking animatedly at a table next to the roaring fire. Ginny was telling Krystal stories about each of the photographs on the wall, Ginny's son asleep in her arms. Everyone else in the full room was unknown to Hermione.

'What's going on...?'

Draco fixed Hermione with a smirk. She rolled her eyes, and resigned herself to waiting. Slytherins were far too good at keeping secrets.

Draco took Hermione through the cafe, introducing her to everyone. She met a tiny witch from South Africa, who was top of her field in neuro-magicology. A Maori chief, his tattoos flickering in the firelight, regaled Hermione with tales of his time researching potions around the world.

Hermione's head was soon spinning with new names and faces. She was still confused, but her inquisitive mind fixated on the fascinating work these experts did.

Draco left Hermione talking to a dwarf from Peru who specialised in life-altering illnesses. He drifted over to see his mother, wrapping her in a warm hug. Robyn had changed her usual worn robes in favour of a a sparkly Christmas dress. Mrs Selwyn toasted Draco with her champagne glass. Her face was slightly flushed and the excitement made her seem decades younger.

Hermione came up next to Draco, slipping her arm around his waist. Draco dropped a kiss onto her head and smiled into her hair.

'Merry Christmas, Hermione,' Narcissa said. A mischievous glint in her eyes matched her son's.

'Merry Christmas everyone,' Hermione said, smiling brightly at the three woman. She glanced at Draco questioningly. He bopped her on the nose, declining to comment.

As time went on, Draco checked his watch more and more often. As though responding to an unknown signal, a hush fell across the crowd. Hermione looked around in complete bemusement. She saw everyone was staring at the entrance. Draco looked exceptionally pleased with himself.

The door swung open with a flurry of snow and Harry stepped inside. His gaze met Draco's. Harry nodded curtly and stepped aside.

A man and woman walked in. They were wrapped in huge coats and thick scarves. As the man unwound his scarf, the woman's eyes searched the cafe.

'Hermione!' The woman gasped, half-collapsing against her husband.

'Mum?' Hermione whispered, clinging painfully to Draco's arm. 'Dad?'

Her parents ran to her, sweeping Hermione and Draco into a crushing embrace.

'Merry Christmas, Hermione,' Draco squeaked as the air was squeezed out of him.

The End