It was early when Y/n awoke in the Room of Requirement with Hermione wrapped up tightly in his arms and held against him. They had shared yet another passionate night together spurred on by Y/n's dismissal of Mclaggen at Slughorn's party.
Y/n lowered his head as he pressed a kiss to Hermione's shoulder.
"Hermione." He gently called her name.
Hermione stirred but did not wake, so Y/n did the same again a few times before Hermione's eyes slowly opened.
"Good morning." Y/n smiled down at her.
"Mmh Good morning Y/n." Hermione said tiredly as she tilted her head back to kiss him and then rubbed her eyes. The events of the party slowly flooded her mind as she went red.
"Me rushing you here last night....that was only because you punched Mclaggen." Hermione quickly began to say. "It..."
"Hermione." Y/n stopped her as he sat up with a small smirk. "I do not mind you taking control like that sometimes, I dare say it was very enjoyable having you lead for once."
Hermione just looked more embarrassed as she couldn't face Y/n but uttered. "I...I'll remember that."
Y/n just smiled. "As much as I want to stay here with you all day we had better get dressed and back to the common room." He said.
"Yes, before the others wake up." Hermione agreed remembering they only had their outfits from the party the night before to wear back.
They climbed out of bed and quickly located their previously discarded clothes and dressed before making their way back to the Gryffindor common room.
Once back, both quietly hurried up to their dorm rooms and changed into fresh clothes while their dorm mates still slept. Y/n looked out the window to his dorm and saw that the sun was slowly beginning to rise over the Great Lake and that breakfast would soon be beginning.
He left his dorm room to find Hermione waiting for him in the common room.
"I promise to try to be back as quickly as I can." Y/n told her.
"Where are you going?" Hermione asked him.
"I have to go and see Professor Snape, remember?" Y/n reminded her.
"Oh, I'd forgotten. What do you suppose he wants? He said Dumbledore wanted you to visit him didn't he." Hermione wonders.
"Maybe, it has something to do with the dark magic I performed." Y/n suggests.
"But Dumbledore dealt with that by himself and you've had detention with McGonagall." Hermione said.
"It is the only reason I could think of." Y/n said. "You should go and get breakfast with the others, I will join you all in the great hall when I am done with Professor Snape."
"Are you sure?" Hermione asked him.
"Positive." Y/n said as he gave Hermione a kiss. "Oh and if you find Noctis keep a hold of her it will save me searching for her later. She is always so fussy when it comes to traveling."
"I will." Hermione smiled and she watched as Y/n left the common room.
It was quiet as Y/n made his way to Snape's classroom. Upon arriving he knocked on the door and heard a monotone. "Enter." given in reply.
Y/n opened the door stepping inside the classroom where Snape stood in front of his desk, robes fleshed out. The desks had all been moved to the edges of the room leaving the classroom open and wide.
Y/n could see Snape's eyes boring on him and he was almost certain he was trying to pierce at his mind, so he used the skills he had been taught by them last year to keep them out.
"I see that you have been keeping up with your Occulumency..." Snape commented as he relented his assault.
"It is unwise to lower your defenses even for a moment." Y/n replied as he felt Snape would possibly try this.
The corner of Snape's mouth rose for a mere moment before falling as if he had found this to be a satisfactory answer. "Take out your wand Grindelwald." Snape instructed him.
Y/n did as he was asked but not without question. "What is it I need to do Professor?"
"We are to duel one another until one is placed on the backfoot." Snape revealed. "These are the Headmaster's wishes." Snape then added as he could see Y/n's confusion.
Y/n moved to stand opposite Snape properly now and both raised their wands as they then bowed to one another as was the custom in a wizard's duel. Then they pointed their wands at one another and Y/n could see Snape was waiting for him to strike first.
Wasting no time Y/n wordlessly started with a simple disarming spell that was cut out wordlessly by Snape.
Snape then retaliated as he attempted to use the full-body binding curse. But Y/n silently conjured a shield charm to protect himself before trying to throw a Jelly Legs curse back.
But Snape merely stepped out of the way before he waved his own wand and a chair in the room quickly slid across the floor towards Y/n ready to take him off his feet, But he in turn aimed his wand and burst the chair to pieces using the reductor curse.
Snape surveyed the chair that was reduced to ashes for a mere moment before he cast a hex managing to hit Y/n who was still only recovering with the chair.
Y/n could quickly feel his stamina had been affected and realized that Snape had cast a Deterioration hex upon him. Which meant that he only had one or two good spells left within him before he would have to inevitably forfeit.
Using Snape's idea of distraction as inspiration Y/n caught Snape off guard as he targeted his robes with the fire-making spell and set the bottom of Snape's robes ablaze. While Snape was forced to deal with his robes, Y/n used the Professor's distraction to try cast an incarcerous charm at Snape in the hopes of capturing him.
But Snape was no easy opponent and he was able to counter Y/n's spell by firing off the same spell and both sets of ropes collided in the air and fell to the floor in the middle of the room.
Snape raised his wand ready to fire his next spell but stopped when he heard Y/n utter.
"I yield..." Y/n says having fallen to one of his knees but keeping his wand raised. It had angered him to no end to say these words but he knew Snape had fairly beaten him in the duel no matter how close it had been. He'd allowed a small distraction to lower his guard so that Snape could weaken him with such a simple spell.
"...Against a lesser opponent you might have been successful..." Snape commented as Y/n heard what sounded like the closest thing he had ever heard to praise from Snape in his life. "This however does not give you an excuse to not continue practicing."
"...Yes Professor." Y/n nodded still feeling the effects of Snape's spell. "What were my failings?" He then asked.
Snape waved his wand over Y/n who quickly began to feel his energy return to him and he returned to his feet.
"During our duel, you attempted to subdue me rather than to fully attack me, In a real battle this is a weak and unfeasible strategy, the dark lord's followers will not show you such kindness as I have today." Snape listed one of Y/n's failures in their duel.
"You think I am too kind in our duel?" Y/n asked.
"You were also too focused on your defense, it creates openings for others to try and breach it, I rarely ever have students who possess talent Grindelwald but even the Headmaster has acknowledged you have talent, if you were to try using a more offensive approach the results could differ..." Snape offered his opinion.
"I...shall take that into consideration." Y/n said.
"You are dismissed Grindelwald." Snape then told him.
"Before I leave Professor, I wonder if I might ask a question?" Y/n asks.
"If you must..."Snape replies.
"Why did you become a Death Eater Professor?" Y/n asked him managing to momentarily catch Snape off guard.
"Much like yourself recently Grindelwald I had a stupid lapse of judgement." Snape said harshly. But for once Y/n could not work out if this tone was directed towards him or Snape themselves.
When Y/n arrived in the Great Hall he was surprised to see Hermione sitting alone at the Gryffindor table.
"Harry and Ron still not awake?" He asked her as he sat down beside her.
"They've gone already." Hermione told him.
"Gone?" Y/n asked as he began to pile up his breakfast plate.
"Dumbledore had them use floo powder instead of the train." Hermione explained.
"I see." Y/n said looking around. "That would explain why Ginny is not here either. A shame, I had hoped to wish them all a happy Christmas before we parted ways."
"They said Mery Christmas to us before suddenly having to leave." Hermione told him.
"Well, it is what it is I suppose." Y/n commented before he started eating.
"How did it go with Professor Snape?" Hermione asked next.
Y/n swallowed his mouthful of bacon and eggs before replying. "Mixed results."
"What did he want?" Hermione pressed on.
"To duel me." Y/n answered. "Dumbledore asked him to."
"Did he say why?" Hermione asked but Y/n shook his head.
"Why did you say mixed results then?"
"Because I narrowly lost." Y/n said. "I know that Snape is far more experienced and a teacher, but I still hate losing duels like you hate not getting full marks."
"I don't hate not getting full marks!" Hermione was quick to say.
But Y/n just shot her a look.
"M..most of the time anyway." Hermione then added.
"He pointed out some flaws in my dueling strategy so I will be rethinking how I approach my duels from now on." Y/n said starting to eat again.
Hermione just hummed thinking about this for a moment before she brought up a new topic. "I managed to find Noctis, I've put her and Crookshanks together so they can't roam the castle."
"Thank you." Y/n said. "Without Harry and Ron to wait for I dare say you and I will be ready to head to the station soon."
It was mid-day now and both Y/n and Hermione were sitting on the Hogwarts Express as they shared a cabin with Luna Lovegood and Neville Longbottom.
"It's a shame Ginny and Harry couldn't join us." Luna said wistfully.
"Dumbledore and the Ministry thought it safer and quicker for them to not to take the Express this year." Y/n told her.
"Probably best with You Know Who out there." Neville said. "At least people know he's back now, last year everyone was just denying the idea of him being back let alone it actually being true."
"Dumbledore said people prefer to believe what they prefer to be true rather than what is fact." Hermione said.
"Gran said that too." Neville said before his eyes went wide and he looked to Y/n. "I'm sorry Y/n I didn't..."
"It is alright Neville." Y/n gave him a small smile. "Are you looking forward to spending Christmas with her?" He then asked.
"We're just going to have a quiet one this year I think." Neville said relieved he hadn't upset Y/n. "Going to visit Mum and Dad on Christmas day like always." Neville then added feeling no shame in talking openly about his parents with his friends.
"That sounds nice Neville." Hermione said kindly.
Y/n slowly nodded. "Family is important."
"I heard you got into a fight with Cormac Mclaggen at Slughorn's party." Neville changed the topic.
"I would not call what happened a fight Neville." Y/n said. "More like...one overstepping their boundaries and being pushed back down."
"He wasn't very nice was he." Luna chimed in regarding Cormac.
"Well whatever you call it, I heard McGonagall was furious. Gave him several detentions and lectured him for an hour in front of the first years about letting down the Gryffindor house." Neville grinned.
"As long as he keeps away from Y/n and me from now on I don't care what he does." Hermione added.
"Well, we already know Professor Slughorn is not inviting him back." Y/n reminded her and Hermione nodded with a look of relief.
Y/n turned to Luna now. "Did you at least enjoy the party Miss Lovegood?"
"Oh yes." Luna immediately said. "It was very interesting talking to the vampire, but he seemed confused when I asked about Rufus Scrimmergor..." Luna began to trail off.
It was evening as the Hogwarts Express pulled into King's Cross station. Y/n and Hermione had grabbed their trunks and cages, said their goodbyes to Luna and Neville then set off together through the barriers as they looked for a sign of Hermione's parents who had offered to pick them up.
Hermione was the first to spot them as she pulled Y/n along with her and soon they were all greeting one another. Y/n stood patiently as Hermione's parents hugged and fawned over her being back before they turned their attentions to him.
"Y/n, lovely to see you again dear." Mrs Granger started carefully. "How, how are you feeling?"
"Much better now Mrs Granger." Y/n gave her a genuine but sad smile. "Losing my grandmother was truly a painful experience." He started as he took Hermione's hand. "But I have had time to accept it now and I am blessed that Hermione has stood by me through all the difficulties I have faced. I am not certain I would have made it through these hardships without her."
Hermione's cheeks went very red as she felt both very flustered and loved at the same time.
Her parents however could only smile at their daughter's reaction to Y/n's words.
"We wanted to wait till it was an appropriate time to say it, but we really are sorry for the loss of your grandmother." Mrs Granger told Y/n as her husband nodded his head beside her in agreement. "While we only met her once, she struck us as a very strong but kind individual who loved you very much."
"T...Thank you." Y/n accepted their words. "That means a lot to me. I am certain my Grandmother would have been happy to know that was the opinion you held of her. I am also certain she would have been disappointed in me for being upset for so long, and for bringing such a depressive mood to your lovely home during my last stay. Please accept my apologies for burdening you both such."
"Y/n you don't have to apologise for being depressed...You're still very young and had just been left all alone in the world for the first time. It was natural for you to feel lost and upset." Mrs Granger told him in a motherly tone.
"I lost my mother when I was young." Mr Granger spoke up. "It completely threw me for a loop, but Mrs Granger here was able to help me get back on my feet. So believe me when I say know how you felt and that's why we left you to grieve."
Y/n just replied with a nod and sad smile as he knew the two did not know the full story of his Grandmothers death but he intended to keep it that way for Hermione, for he respected her decision to not tell them everything that happened in their wizarding lives.
"We are happy to see that you are feeling much more cheerful again." Mrs Granger spoke up wanting to lift everyone's spirits from the serious talk they had all just had. "We are having a quiet Christmas this year as we thought you might like that but if there is anything you would like to do then please let us know."
"There is one thing Mrs Granger." Y/n spoke up. "If it is alright with you I would like to visit the shops to buy some last-minute gifts."
"Of course Y/n that would be no problem at all." Mrs Granger smiled at him.
"Mrs Granger and I usually go shopping two days before Christmas for any last-minute items that come to our minds so we can take you then." Mr Granger added.
"I was hoping to buy a few things as well." Hermione said beside Y/n.
"You were?" Y/n asked her.
"Secret." Hermione smiled.
Y/n found being back at the Grangers this time around a much more positive experience, instead of hiding away in the guest room he made an effort to spend as much time with Hermione and her parents as possible, He spent time with Mrs Granger in the kitchen helping her to prepare the dinners and talking to her about his aspirations of becoming a teacher.
He would listen to Mr Granger talk about how the Muggle sporting season was going while giving him a rundown on how their own opening game of the Quidditch season had gone.
Both parents were pleased and happy to be able to engage with Y/n like they had when he stayed with them for the first time. His mood had definitely improved and he seemed to be back in a good place, The Grangers had grown fond of Y/n and both parents could not deny that Hermione, who they had always sadly remembered as being a very lonely child never looked happier than when she was in his company.
It was soon December the Twenty Third and Y/n was walking around with the Grangers in the streets of London.
"Now, we'll all split off and meet back here in three hours. Does that sound good to everyone?" Mr Granger asked.
"Sounds good to me dear." Mrs Granger agreed.
"One second Dad." Hermione said before she took Y/n's hand and guided him a little away from her parents. "Will you be alright with using Muggle money?" Hermione asked him slightly nervous about sending him off into the Muggle world on his own for the first time.
"I think I have it all memorized, and I asked Bill to exchange a good sum of Galleons from my vault just so I do not fall short anywhere. What I do not spend I can always have changed back." Y/n told her. "I must say though, Paper money is much more convenient than carrying a bag of Galleons, although it is also easier to lose too." Y/n commented.
"And easier to steal. So keep an eye on where you keep it on your person and don't flash it about." Hermione warned him.
"Understood." Y/n nodded.
"Alright, let's go back." Hermione said.
"You still are yet to tell me what it is you are buying that is so secret." Y/n asked.
"You'll just have to wait and see." Hermione told him as she closed her eyes and let out a proud smile.
Y/n was walking the streets alone as he looked in several shops. Hermione's gift had been taken care of weeks ago when he ordered things from Diagon Alley. However today he was looking for gifts to give to her parents.
"Hmm, this place looks respectable enough." Y/n commented and he entered a store, It was bathed in soft, golden light, the air scented with a subtle blend of leather and luxury. Rows of handbags, shoes, and accessories lined the walls, each piece a testament to high fashion. At the center of this opulent space stood a salesman, impeccably dressed in a tailored suit. His name tag read "Alistar."
His eyes were set upon Y/n as he saw the boy enter the store and look around with a mix of curiosity and uncertainty, clearly out of his element. Alistar was used to asking stragglers or those who looked like they couldn't afford their store's products to leave but looking at the way this boy dressed and carried himself he waited to reserve judgment.
Alistar approached now with a warm, welcoming smile. "Good afternoon! Welcome to Gucci. How can we assist you today sir?"
Y/n took notice of the assistant and crossed his arms over his chest. "Yes, I am looking for Christmas presents for the parents of my Girlfriend."
Alistar nodded, his smile widening. "You've come to the right place then sir. A gift from Gucci is sure to impress. Do you have anything particular in mind?"
Y/n shook his head. "Not particularly. I just want something... nice, you understand? Something practical they can use every day."
"Absolutely sir." Alistar said, his eyes gleaming with enthusiasm. "Let me show you a few options that are popular this season and perfect for a special gift."
Alistar led the boy to a display of handbags first, each one more stunning than the last. "Here we have our latest collection. "This, for example." he said, picking up a sleek, black leather purse with gold accents.
"This is the Gucci Marmont. It's a timeless piece, very elegant and versatile. Your girlfriend's mother would be thrilled to receive it I'm sure."
Y/n's eyes looked at the price tag, even though he was not that well-versed in Muggle currency he could tell one thing. "This certainly looks... expensive."
Alistar nodded understandingly. "Quality and craftsmanship do come at a price, but think about it this way, this isn't just a handbag. It's a statement. It's something the mother can cherish and use for years to come. Every time she wears it, she'll think of you and this thoughtful gift."
Y/n seemed to consider this, as his gaze remained on the purse and he rubbed his chin. "I suppose that is one way to look at it."
"And to complete the gift sir, how about a matching wallet for the husband?" Alistar suggested, guiding the teen to another display. He picked up a beautiful wallet that matched the purse perfectly. "This is the Gucci Marmont wallet."
"It's stylish and practical. Together, they'd make an exquisite set."
Y/n picked up the wallet, running his fingers over the soft leather. "It does look nice." He admitted. "How much for both?"
Alistar quickly calculated the total. "For both, it comes to just over £2,000. I know it's a significant investment, but you're not just buying a gift sir, you're buying an experience, a memory, and something truly special for your girlfriend and her parents. Imagine their faces when they open these on Christmas morning."
Alistar watched uncertainly as Y/n took a few moments to think before making a decision. "Very well." he said finally. "I will take them."
Alistar beamed, expertly wrapping the purse and wallet in luxurious Gucci packagings. "You've made an excellent choice sir. Your girlfriend and her parents are very lucky."
Y/n had to carefully count out the required amount of bills which were each checked by Alistar for authenticity, once satisfied they were Alistar handed over the beautifully wrapped presents to Y/n who placed them in a bag he had brought with him. "Thank you."
"My pleasure sir." Alistar replied. "Have a wonderful Christmas, and I'm sure your gifts will be well received." As the boy left the store, Alistar watched him go with a satisfied smile. Another successful sale, and another happy customer, courtesy of Gucci.
It was now Christmas morning and the Granger family plus Y/n were gathered around the Christmas tree, unwrapping gifts in their cozy, warmly lit living room. The atmosphere was filled with holiday cheer as the snow gently fell outside and Noctis and Crookshanks had curled up in a free armchair by the lit fireplace. Y/n was sitting beside Hermione, handing a pair of beautifully wrapped presents to Mr. and Mrs. Granger each.
Mr. Granger was examining the elegant packaging taken aback. "Oh, this is quite something... You really didn't have to, Y/n."
Mrs. Granger nodded in agreement "Yes, we're just happy to have you with us this Christmas. You've already done more than enough by coming all the way here."
Y/N smiled warmly, encouraging them to open the gifts.
"Go on, Mum, Dad. I'm sure Y/n wanted to get you something special. He's always very thoughtful." Hermione said with a gentle smile.
With a mixture of curiosity and slight hesitation, Mr. Granger carefully opened his present first, revealing an exquisitely crafted Gucci wallet. Mr. Granger looked at his gift, his eyes widening. "This... this is a Gucci wallet! It must have cost an absolute fortune!"
Mrs. Granger was holding up a purse, equally stunned. "Oh my, this is beautiful... but, Y/n, it's far too generous! You should take these back and get your money back." Mrs Granger told him as the purse shook in her hands.
"You do not like them?" Y/n asked worried by their reaction.
"Of course we do son." Mr Granger began. "They're clearly very well made and they're incredibly thoughtful gifts but..."
"They're so expensive!" Mrs Granger cut in. "You shouldn't be using your money on us like this!" She told him sounding worried.
Y/N chuckles softly, trying to ease their concern. "Please do not worry about the costs, I only wanted to give you both something special to show my appreciation. You have not only continuously welcomed me so warmly into your home, but you have also shown me great support when I was in dire need. I am truly grateful. Please, take these as a token of my thanks."
The Grangers exchanged a look, their initial surprise slowly giving way to appreciation. They realized that Y/n's gesture was sincere and heartfelt.
Mr. Granger gave him a grateful smile. "Well, thank you, Y/n. This really is very generous of you. We'll treasure these gifts."
Mrs. Granger nodded in agreement. "Yes, thank you, Y/n. You've made this Christmas truly special."
Mr Granger reached under the tree, retrieving a neatly wrapped parcel and handing it to Y/N with a kind smile. "We both bought a gift for you together, It's nowhere near as expensive as the gifts you have bought us. But we do hope you'll like it."
Y/N, a bit taken aback by the gesture, takes the gift with a gracious nod. "Thank you both so much. You really did not have to, but I appreciate it."
As Y/n carefully unwraps the gift, revealing a beautifully tailored grey wool coat, the Grangers watch eagerly. The coat is classic Grey Belstaff, with a timeless design that speaks to their thoughtful consideration of his style.
"We noticed you could use something to keep warm in this weather. Hermione mentioned you like classic styles, so we thought this would suit you best." Mrs Granger explains.
Y/N holds up the coat, admiring the fine craftsmanship and the soft, warm fabric.
"This is... it is perfect." Y/n said deeply touched. "Thank you, really. It is both thoughtful and incredibly kind of you."
Hermione smiles, pleased that her parents' gift has been so well received. She knows how much they wanted to show their appreciation for Y/n.
Y/N stood up and tried on the coat, finding that it fit perfectly. The Grangers exchanged a satisfied look, happy to see how well their gift has been received.
"It looks great on you, Y/n. We're so glad you like it." Mrs Granger beams.
"Yes, it suits you well. Consider it a little something to keep you warm during your visits to see us."Mr Granger nods.
Y/n, now wearing the coat, looks at them with sincere gratitude. "I will wear it often, and each time, I will think of this Christmas and your kindness. Thank you both, from the bottom of my heart."
The moment is filled with warmth and connection, as Y/N, Hermione, and her parents share smiles and laughter, the new coat, purse, and Wallet becoming a symbol of the deepening bond between them.
Time passed and the Granger household was warm and welcoming, filled with the comforting scents of roasted turkey, freshly baked bread, and spiced mulled wine. The Christmas tree in the corner of the living room glittered with lights and ornaments, casting a cozy glow over the room. The sound of Muggle Christmas songs played softly in the background, adding to the festive atmosphere. Y/n certainly didn't know the words to any of these Muggle Christmas songs but he found them more energetic than the wizarding ones.
At the dining table, Hermione sat with her parents, smiling warmly at the scene before her. To her side was Y/n who was enjoying himself.
"Everything looks wonderful, Mrs. Granger." Y/n said as they took in the lavish spread before them.
Mrs. Granger beamed, clearly pleased. "Thank you, dear. You were very helpful in the kitchen so you get some credit yourself."
Y/N glanced at Hermione, who blushed slightly but smiled, her eyes filled with affection. "I am very glad to be here." Y/n told her. "This is my first Muggle Christmas, and it has been...well, it has simply been lovely."
Mr. Granger, who had been carving the turkey, looked up with a curious smile. "What's Christmas like in your world Y/n? I imagine it's a bit different, with magic and all."
Y/N nodded, a thoughtful expression on their face. "It is, yes. Wizards do celebrate Christmas, but it can be a bit more...extravagant, I suppose. Enchanted decorations, magical feasts, that sort of thing."
Hermione's parents exchanged a glance, clearly intrigued by this insight into the wizarding world. "Well, it might be less fancy but we're still happy to spend our Christmas with you," Mrs. Granger said warmly. "We do hope you feel right at home."
Y/N smiled, their usual guarded demeanor softened in the warm, familial atmosphere. "I do, truly. Thank you for having me. This is exactly what I needed this year."
As they began to eat, the conversation flowed easily, with Hermione's parents asking Y/N about their life, their interests, and their experiences at Hogwarts. Y/N answered politely, occasionally throwing a glance at Hermione for support. She would smile back, giving them an encouraging nod.
At one point, Mrs. Granger turned to Hermione. "So, Hermione, how did you and Y/N meet? You've never really told us the whole story."
Hermione chuckled, setting down her fork. "I think we met on the train first."
"Yes, you were trying to help Neville I think?" Y/n started to remember.
"That's right." Hermione nodded. "A now, friend of ours had lost his pet toad and I was going through all the compartments trying to help him find it." Hermione explained to her parents.
"Oh yes, and you stopped by ours just as Ron was trying to turn Scabbers yellow." Y/n said frowning at the mention of Scabbers.
"We didn't really speak much on the train but we both were sorted into Gryffindor and so we had a lot of classes together. We even were paired up together in our first potions lesson." Hermione remembered. "It was after Halloween that we all became closer as friends."
"What happened at Halloween?" Mrs Granger asked.
"W...Well." Hermione stammered unsure what to say. She hasn't exactly told her parents about the troll incident. In fact, Y/n knew that Hermione's parents were unaware of anything that happened at school or in the wizarding world.
"There was an incident involving a classmate of ours who upset Hermione." Y/n began to cover for Hermione. "So, Harry, Ron, and I skipped the usual Halloween feast to cheer Hermione up and we all just became friends from there."
Hermione nodded accepting this white lie despite the fact it had been Ron who had made her cry in the first place. "And because Y/n and I are dedicated to our studies we quickly grew closer, and we became friends. Good friends." Hermione continued.
"When I started Hogwarts I did not expect to make any friends." Y/n told Hermione's parents who looked a little puzzled by this. "I doubt Hermione has ever told you this out of respect for both myself and my grandmother, but my family is not a very well-liked family in the wizarding world."
"What do you mean?" Mr Granger asked.
"Y/n do you really want to tell them?" Hermione asked nervously.
But Y/n just nodded. " It is alright, I trust them." He reassured Hermione before looking at her parents. "The Grindelwald name is not one that is commonly associated with good in the magical world. Other than my Grandmother and I like to think myself, there has not been a single Grindelwald who has done anything positive to help our kind. In fact, it has rather been the opposite." Y/n paused before continuing. "My Great Uncle, The Brother of my Grandmother, Gellert Grindelwald has spent the last 50 years locked in a tower of his own making after he was defeated by Hogwarts' very own Headmaster."
"Why were they fighting?" Mr Granger asked with furrowed brows.
"Gellert had raised a massive army and started a reign of terror that spread through several countries. This time became known as the Global Wizarding War." Y/n explained. "A lot of witches and wizards lost their lives and the Grindelwald name became a stain to those who had suffered through those dark times. Even as a young child fifty years on, I was thrown disdainful looks or sent hateful letters simply because of my last name."
"Oh..." Mrs Granger said sadly upon learning this.
Y/N turned his head, his eyes meeting Hermione's own with a knowing look. "Hermione is one of the few people who saw past my name, past...everything else. She has been a great friend, and...well, so much more than that. She is the reason why I can keep on going."
Mrs. Granger's eyes softened, understanding what Y/N was implying and how much he truly loved her daughter. "We're glad Hermione has you in her life. You're always welcome here, Y/n."
Y/N's heart swelled with gratitude. "Thank you. That means a lot to me."
As the dinner continued, Y/n continued to enjoy the warmth of the Grangers' hospitality. They shared stories about Hogwarts, talked about their favorite Christmas traditions, and even tried their hand at explaining some of the more peculiar aspects of the wizarding world, much to the amusement of Hermione's parents.
After dinner, they all moved to the living room, where Mrs. Granger served homemade mince pies and hot chocolate. They sat around the fire, chatting and laughing as the evening grew later. Y/n found themselves enjoying the simple, yet profound pleasure of being included in such a loving family gathering...a stark contrast to the often lonely holidays they had experienced growing up. Christmas with the Weasleys had always been fun but he had felt like just a close friend of the family rather than truly a part of it.
As the night drew to a close, Hermione's parents began tidying up, leaving Hermione and Y/n alone for a moment by the fire. Y/n looked at Hermione, their expression one of deep affection.
"This has been... amazing," Y/n said quietly. "I have never felt so welcomed and so at peace during Christmas."
Hermione reached out, taking Y/N's hand in hers. "I'm glad. You deserve to feel this way, Y/N. You're part of my life, and my family. You're always welcome here."
Y/N squeezed her hand, their heart full. "Thank you, Hermione. For everything." With his other hand he took out a well-wrapped parcel and handed it to her. "Merry Christmas Hermione."
Hermione looked at the parcel for a moment before she started to unwrap then gasped in shock.
Y/n had wanted to give her a gift that reflected both his admiration for her intellect and his understanding of her passions. So he had purchased an expensive book on ancient runes, remembering how much she had complained about them during O.W.L.S. He knew it was something rare and valuable that Hermione would appreciate deeply. The book was bound in rich, dark leather with intricate silver embossing, representing ancient runes and spells from a forgotten era.
Inside, Y/n had left a handwritten note. 'To the brightest witch of her age, may this tome of ancient Runes be a reflection of the boundless knowledge and wisdom you possess. Just as these pages hold secrets of the past, our love holds the promise of a future full of discovery and wonder. Yours forever, Y/n.'
"Y/n...it's wonderful..." Hermione said as she turned to him.
Y/n just smiled. "I am glad you like it."
Hermione leaned over and kissed him but before she retracted she leaned toward his ear and whispered. "I'll give you your gift later..."
Y/n just silently nodded as together they sat by the fire, surrounded by the warmth of family and the spirit of Christmas.
It was the middle of the night as snow gently fell outside, blanketing the ground in a soft, white layer. Inside, the house was still, the Granger family having long since gone to bed after an evening filled with laughter and holiday cheer.
Hermione Granger, however, was not yet asleep. Her heart raced as she tiptoed across the hallway, her breath coming in quiet, controlled exhales as she approached the door of the guest room. Gently and slowly she opened the door and slipped inside, closing the door softly behind her.
Y/n lay in bed, his eyes closed, his brown hair tousled on the pillow. He looked peaceful, his chest rising and falling steadily with each breath.
Hermione stood for a moment, just watching him, a smile tugging at her lips. She loved these quiet moments when it was just the two of them, away from the chaos of their everyday lives. She took a deep breath, feeling a mix of nerves and excitement fluttering in her stomach.
A few days ago when they had all split up to go shopping for Christmas gifts, Hermione had made an impulsive purchase. A set of delicate, lacy red lingerie had caught her eye in a small boutique, a daring choice, far removed from her usual practical style. She had hesitated, feeling a blush creep up her neck, but then decided to buy it, thinking of Y/n's reaction when he saw it.
Now, standing in his room, she felt a rush of anticipation. She had changed into the lingerie in her bedroom just across from the guest room, slipping her pyjamma's back on over it for the short walk to his room. The thin straps of the silky material pressed lightly against her skin, a reminder of the boldness she was about to reveal.
Hermione carefully approached the bed, her bare feet silent on the wooden floor. Reaching out, she gently touched Y/n's shoulder, causing him to stir slightly.
"Y/n." she whispered softly, leaning down close to his ear. "Y/n, wake up."
Y/n mumbled something incoherent, his eyes fluttering open. He blinked in the low light, focusing on her face. "Hermione? What is going on? Is everything okay?"
She smiled, her cheeks flushing with warmth. "Everything's fine. I just...I wanted to show you something."
Y/n sat up, rubbing his eyes. "Show me what?"
Without a word, Hermione stepped back, her hands going to the buttons of her pyjamma top. She unbuttoned it slowly, her heart pounding in her chest. When she reached the last button, she let the top slip from her shoulders, revealing the red lace underneath. The lingerie clung to her curves, the intricate patterns highlighting her figure in a way that was both elegant and tantalizing.
Y/n's eyes widened in surprise, his mouth slightly open as he took in the sight before him. "Hermione..." he whispered, his voice thick with awe. He hadn't expected this, but he was certainly not complaining.
Hermione bit her lower lip, feeling a mix of embarrassment and confidence as she watched his reaction. "Do you like it?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Y/n swallowed hard, nodding as he reached out to her, pulling her gently toward him. "You look... beautiful." he breathed, his hands settling on her hips, his touch warm against her skin.
Hermione felt a rush of warmth spread through her, the nervousness melting away in the face of Y/n's adoration. She leaned in, her lips brushing against his as she whispered, "Merry Christmas, Y/n."
Y/n smiled, his hands slipping around her waist as he pulled her closer, their bodies fitting together perfectly. "The best Christmas present I have ever recieved." he murmured against her lips before capturing them in a kiss, slow and deep, the kind that made Hermione's toes curl with delight.
As the snow continued to fall outside, the two of them lost themselves in each other, savoring the quiet intimacy of the night, the world outside forgotten as they embraced the moment, wrapped in warmth, love, and a bit of Christmas magic.