Hermione concealed a frown as her friends continued with their questions, realising that it would very well be her loneliest Christmas this year. She only had herself to blame; she had offered to remain at the school, much to Ginny's irritation, but staying at the Burrow without Harry and Ron wouldn't have been the same. Plus, with Draco stashed away in her dorm, she felt responsible for ensuring that he remained hidden, and also for helping McGonagall keep things steady at Hogwarts. And the sad truth was, Hermione was content to let Christmas slip by like any other day this year.
There was too much going on beyond the castle's walls, and it clouded the festive feeling like a thick and poisonous smog. The absence of familiar friends and family would leave an empty space in her chest, and with only a cold Slytherin lover for company, whom she was still struggling to understand, it was guaranteed to be sullen day.
"Right," McGonagall's voice stole her blue thoughts. "If you could all make sure the right students are ready by two, then that's it for today, if there are no more questions?" Only the sound of the pupils gathering their belongings answered her. "Okay then, I will see you all later, and if you see anyone outside, tell them to mind the snow. Hermione, could you stay behind for a moment please?"
"Okay," she nodded nervously, offering her friends soft smiles as they left her with the Headmistress. "Is everything alright?"
"Everything's fine," McGonagall assured her, muttering a Silencing Charm on the door. "I just wanted to see how things were going with Mr Malfoy?"
She tried so hard not blush. "Fine," she managed steadily. "I think…he's settled down a bit now."
"So he's calmed down?" McGonagall pressed. "He's stopped being hostile?"
"No…he's not hostile," Hermione murmured distantly. "He's just…better now. I think we have become accustomed to each other."
"That's good," she agreed. "I wanted to thank you again for staying here over Christmas. Miss Lovegood is still uncertain if she is staying or not, so I know you won't really have any friends here, and this isn't your home-
"It's okay," the young witch shrugged. "It's just another day, right? And Hogwarts feels like home sometimes, but it's just not the same without Harry and Ron."
"Well, I know that your current living arrangements aren't ideal," McGonagall continued with a thoughtful tone. "So I wanted to let you know that you are more than welcome to join the other staff and myself for the day-
"Thanks for the offer, Professor," Hermione interrupted quietly. "But I think I'll just stay in my dorm and keep things normal."
"You don't mind spending it alone with Mr Malfoy?" the Headmistress asked, arching an eyebrow.
"I just want it to be like any normal day," she replied, keeping her features as even as possible. "Plus, it wouldn't really be…right to leave Draco completely alone on Christmas Day. He must feel lonely enough as it is."
Minerva hummed in thought. "You are…softening towards him?"
"I-I just…," Hermione stuttered, releasing she had possibly revealed too much. "I just understand him better, and I doubt leaving him alone would do any good for his…disposition."
"I guess not," McGonagall agreed with a sceptical tone. "Well, if you change your mind, you are free to join us."
"Thank you," she said, rising from her seat. "I'll see you later on, Professor."
With a parting smile from the Headmistress, Hermione shuffled out of the office with a secret reminder to watch how she referred to Draco in McGonagall's presence. Turning into the corridor, she sighed, but it caught in her throat when she felt a masculine hand hook onto her elbow.
"Michael," she breathed harshly when she recognised the set of brown eyes regarding her anxiously. "You made me jump."
"Sorry," he mumbled awkwardly. "I was hoping we could talk about what happened? At the ball?"
"Right," she nodded absently. "Yes, of course, I-
"Perhaps we could discuss it in your dorm?"
"I fancied having a wander," she told him quickly. "Could we walk around and talk about it? I don't really want to be cooped up in my room today."
"Okay," he agreed, leading them into a slow stroll down the enpty corridors. "So-
"I am really sorry," she blurted, pushing a few strands of hair behind her ears. "About leaving you there like I did. I didn't feel very well-
"It's alright, Hermione," he frowned. "You don't need to lie. I know you were thinking about him and that-
"Him?" she repeated. "I-
"Ron," he clarified with a knowing look. "I'm sorry, I didn't realise you two were serious, but Ginny explained everything to me."
"I see," Hermione said uncomfortably, pushing aside some guilt that had invaded her stomach. "Right…well, I-
"I don't want things to be awkward between us," he interrupted, steering her around a corner towards the library. "I consider you a friend, and I wouldn't want things to-
"I'd like us to be friends," she told him honestly. "And I'm sorry I didn't make my relationship with…Ron more clear. It's just a bit complicated with him being away, and the War going on."
"That's okay," Michael nodded. "Would you like me to walk you back to your room?"
"I think I'm going to spend some time in the library," she supplied. "I have some things I need to do, but thanks anyway. I'll meet you later on to start rounding up the first leavers."
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