The Malfoy Mystery

15 • in the spirit of christmas

Snowflakes fell down on Hermione as she awaited the sun to rise. Her red hood was covered with white as she intently listened to the birds chirping on a cold morning. She lightly swung on the swing outside, enjoying every moment of peace.

"Granger, what are you doing this early?" Hermione revolved to see Draco whispering. His emerald jacket further glistened at dawn. Hermione patted the swing next to her, and Draco joined without hesitating. His feet touched the ground, even when he swung upwards.

"Just taking in the silence. Doesn't make sense, does it?"

Draco shook his head as he politely chuckled, "Weirdly, it does make sense. In fifteen minutes, the entire house would be rioting. He hushed himself as he noticed the sky slowly illuminating. "It's great to see the sunrise." Waiting for a reply, he stopped his swing, turning towards the girl.

He held his breath when he saw Hermione's face. Golden shone upon her face, guiding him away from the silver winter. Her eyes crinkled are the sunlight became more prominent, so the girl unknowingly moved her hands to hover over her eyes. As the sun spread warmth across the ground, Hermione whipped her head to see Draco intently staring at her.

Hermione patted her cheeks as she barely shook her head, "Is there something on my face?" Draco closed his slightly opened mouth as he gulped. He ran his hand through his hair, unsure how to respond when a redhead barged in.

"Lovebirds! You're up. That's great. Merry Christmas! I'll go wake everyone else. Get in the living room. We'll exchange gifts after breakfast."

Hermione questioned, "Don't we open the presents at night?"

Ginny was halfway inside, so she stepped out and announced, "You're a buzzkill, Mione. I'll open them whenever I wish to." The young girl sprinted across the hall, and the duo could hear her footsteps.

Draco sighed, "Isn't she too loud? My head's ringing with her obnoxious yelling."

Hermione pouted, "She isn't that loud, but I agree." She stopped the swing as she shook off the snowflakes on her coat. The chilly dawn had subdued into a snowy day as snow blanketed miles of ground. Hermione extended her hand to the blonde and walked inside, rubbing each other's hands.

The duo entered the living room and sat on the couple's armchair. Rosy pink covered faces slightly cuddled in front of the fireplace, soaking in all the heat.

Footsteps echoed in the hall as Ginny hastily climbed the stairs, gasping due to excitement. She woke up earlier than usual and lit up the Christmas tree. The lights glimmered as the clouds often shadowed the sunlight. Unlike like previous years, Ginny desired to celebrate Christmas early.

She barged into the neighbouring room, inviting a startled Harry to rub his eyes while Ronald kept snoring. The girl clapped her hands loudly, having no effect on Ronald. Hence, she did the most practical thing.

"Ronald, there's a spider on your face! It's a Black Widow! Wake up!" As expected, Ron woke up screaming, pinching his skin, and Harry groaned as he clutched his head.