"Good evening, my fine students," began Professor Dumbledore. "I know you are all most curious as to why I am here. One month from now, Christmas will be upon us." He looked around the room at the Slytherin seventh years briefly before continuing. "I've come up with a game to promote inter-house unity. I think, as seventh years, it would do well for you all to set a good example for the rest of the students in your House."

Casting a sideways glance over at the Head of Slytherin House, Draco noticed that the angry smirk usually fixed on Professor Snape's face had grown into a full scowl. Intrigued, he turned his attention back to the Headmaster.

"The game we will be playing is aptly called 'Secret Santa'. As I have already explained to the rest of the seventh years, this game is very simple. In here," he said brightly, pointing to a small silver hat, "is the name of a seventh year student who belongs to a house other than Slytherin. You will either purchase or make twelve gifts for this student. That is one gift every day for the twelve days of Christmas. There is a drop-off box outside my office. Each House will be given a designated time to drop off their gifts for delivery so as not to spoil the surprise."

Even the most cool and reserved Slytherins found this game rather interesting. Professor Dumbledore's smile grew wider. "And while we're discussing spoilsports, I've come up with a magical contract. If you choose to participate, you agree to be bound by it. The contract clearly states that if you divulge your identity to the person whom you have chosen, either accidentally or on purpose, you will suffer a rather embarrassing consequence." Professor Dumbledore laughed softly as all the Slytherins' eyes widened. "Calm down, calm down. It will only be short term. And it won't be painful, for the most part. Your Secret Santa will reveal his or herself to you at the Yule Ball on Christmas Day. Now, who's ready to draw?"

Without another word, each student drew a name out of the hat. Draco let out a huge sigh of relief. Looking down at the parchment in his hand, he smiled. He was going to be Hannah Abbott's Secret Santa. He had been sick at the thought of having to buy gifts for Potter or the Weasel.

As Draco looked around his common room, he saw mixed emotions on his friend's faces. Pansy looked absolutely appalled, which meant that she must have chosen a Gryffindor. Millicent looked pleased with the name she had drawn. Crabbe and Goyle both looked confused. Come to think about it, mused Draco, that's how they always looked.

Draco thought the Secret Santa game sounded fun, though he'd never have said so out loud. What could be more fun than getting a gift every day for the twelve days of Christmas? When Professor Dumbledore came down to their common room that night, Draco thought at first that something bad had happened. It was rare for the Headmaster to visit any House common room at Hogwarts. Seeing the twinkle in Dumbledore's blue eyes, however, led Draco to the conclusion that the old wizard had something up his sleeves. He had been correct.

Draco sat back down and pondered. He knew very little about Hannah Abbott, except for that she was a Hufflepuff. He decided to send an owl to his mother and ask for her opinion. After all, he still had several weeks to figure out what to get Hannah.

Meanwhile, Hermione Granger sat on the floor of the Gryffindor common room with her legs crossed Indian-style. She was silent. Her best friend Ron tried to console her, but she shrugged him off.

"Don't, Ron," she started. "It could be worse, you know. I could have chosen that fat, stupid prat Goyle. At least the person I chose has a personality." She grinned over at Harry, who was mumbling obscenity after obscenity about Goyle.

"But Malfoy? He doesn't deserve anything, let alone a gift from you." Ron ran his fingers through his red hair and gazed at Hermione, who was already making a list of possible gifts.

"I know, Ron. I've already thought of all the horrible things I could leave for him. But it's Christmas, and Malfoy or not, I'm determined to be the best Secret Santa I can be. I'm not going to let him ruin my holiday cheer," she said, a hint of smugness in her voice.

"Besides, we've got enough to think about as it is. We've got to make sure your gifts are impressive. This is the perfect way for you to tell Padma how you truly feel about her." Ron blushed as she mentioned Padma's name. Padma Patil was a Ravenclaw, and Ron had an enormous crush on her. He was the only one out of the three friends who was happy about the name he drew.

12 Days before Christmas

Draco woke up annoyed. He didn't appreciate being disturbed from his slumber. Still clad in his pyjamas, he stormed out of his dormitory, intent on strangling whoever was making so much noise.

It was hard for him to remain angry when he walked into the common room. Many of the seventh years were already unwrapping the gifts that had been delivered for them. Unable to ignore the delighted squeals of some of the girls as well as the lively chatter of the rest of his peers, Draco smiled as he watched his friends.

Draco had forgotten about the Secret Santa game. He had owled his mother ages ago to ask for her help and had gotten back twelve beautifully wrapped packages. He hadn't the slightest clue what was in any of them, but his mother had impeccable taste, so he knew the gifts would be more than sufficient. He had placed them in the drop-off box the moment they arrived.

His gift was still sitting by the fireplace. It was rectangular in shape and wrapped in dark green paper. A note was attached to the package. Draco gingerly picked up the gift and went back to his room where he read the note first.

Draco,

What does one get for the man who has everything? I went back and forth with myself trying to figure out what to give you. I hope you'll like my choices. At first, I was really upset at having drawn your name, but now I'm rather interested in seeing your reactions to the gifts I have chosen. The first one is nothing much, just something that caught my eye. Anyway, Happy Christmas!

Your Secret Santa

In spite of himself, Draco was grinning. What a curious note. He knew his Secret Santa wasn't a Slytherin and definitely couldn't be a Gryffindor. That left a Hufflepuff or a Ravenclaw. And his Secret Santa was definitely female. He could tell by the subtle flirtatiousness of the note.

Unwrapping the gift, Draco found himself pleasantly surprised. It was a hardback copy of A Seeker's Guide to Quidditch: Beyond the Wronski Feint. He read in the Daily Prophet only a week ago that this book had just come out. Impressed, he thumbed through the pages briefly before getting ready for breakfast.

In the Great Hall, nearly every seventh year had brought their gift with them. Draco was no exception. He sat, his plate empty, consumed by his book. There were countless strategies designed specifically for Seekers and Draco hadn't even heard of most of them. By the time he tore himself away from the helpful strategy guide, breakfast was over and most of the students had left. He had been so immersed in that book that he didn't even notice Hermione watching him every once in a while with a smile on her face.

***

So, Hermione thought to herself, Draco Malfoy actually enjoyed his gift. She grinned as she remembered the way he had dived into the book during breakfast. She thought Malfoy was a prat, of course, but for the first time, Hermione had noticed how handsome he had become. Blind hatred tends to stand in the way of such revelations, she said to herself. She had spent most of breakfast watching him, noting the way his eyebrows burrowed together when he concentrated.

You're not aiming to impress Malfoy, she told herself. She just wanted him to be so surprised when she unveiled herself at the Yule Ball that he wouldn't have a single insult to throw her way. Quickly, she darted off towards Dumbledore's office to drop off gift number two.

11 Days before Christmas

Draco didn't allow the noise to wake him as it had done the day before. He was the first to rise and had showered and dressed before anyone else woke up. Completely alone in the common room, he stared at the array of presents in front of the fireplace. Some of the packages were neatly wrapped and others were not. It took Draco a moment to find the one bearing his name. This gift was larger and heavier than the one he had received yesterday. Another note was attached, also, right underneath a silver bow.

Draco,

Here's gift number two. I know that by playing this game, we're supposed to be promoting inter-house unity, but I couldn't resist. Everyone knows that Slytherin's biggest rival is Gryffindor. Maybe after the Yule Ball, we can play a game or two. I'll try my hardest not to beat .

Your Secret Santa

Fascinated, Draco looked at the note, thinking he might be able to guess whose handwriting it was. The script was incredibly neat and tidy, but Draco had not a clue. He opened his gift and tried not to look awestruck. His Secret Santa was definitely a Ravenclaw.

Sitting in his lap was a brand new Wizard's Chess set. He had several of them, but none were as intricate as this one. He finally understood the reference to Gryffindor. This chess set was obviously modelled as Slytherin against Gryffindor. All the pieces had either the Slytherin serpant or the Gryffindor lion carved on their backs. He inspected each piece, amazed at the craftsmanship of the set. Draco was surprised that his Secret Santa knew him so well. It was only day two of the game, but so far Draco had gotten two gifts that he had really enjoyed. He wondered how his Secret Santa knew what he'd like without being a Slytherin, because Draco very rarely let anyone outside his own housemates see the real him.

***

Hermione had no idea who her Secret Santa was, but they obviously thought of her as a complete nerd. When she voiced her complaints to Harry and Ron, they burst into fits of laughter.

"Hermione," Harry started, trying to stop snorting long enough to speak coherently, "you are a nerd."

Hermione kicked Harry's shin playfully, spinning her brand new cauldron on the table. She didn't mind the bookworm-ish gifts. After all, she told herself, the gift is in the giving.

She couldn't ignore the delighted smile on Draco's face when she'd seen him playing chess with Blaise in the Great Hall earlier that afternoon. Draco, of course, had made Blaise play Gryffindor's side. She watched them from across the hall, trying not to get caught staring. Draco looked so carefree, so content, and so utterly cute. She was beginning to develop quite a crush on him. Shaking herself back to reality, she decided it definitely was not a crush. It was just that the holidays must put Draco in a good mood, which meant no insults, which meant one very happy Gryffindor.

10 Days before Christmas

Draco was beginning to get excited about Christmas. The ball was officially in ten days, and he had formulated a plan. Normally, he would have gone with Pansy, like usual. They weren't dating, had never dated, actually, though you wouldn't be able to convince the rest of the school of that. They were just good friends. He was going to the ball alone this year. That way, when his Secret Santa revealed herself, Draco could properly thank her for such thoughtful and meaningful gifts.

He could tell by the notes attached to every gift that his Secret Santa had carefully planned what to get him. He could also tell by her notes that she was smart, which was a trait Draco found very alluring in a woman. She was considerate and paid attention to details, he could tell by the gifts she'd chosen. He assumed she would be attractive because each of her gifts was so attractively wrapped. He also assumed she'd be pretty because her notes smelled faintly like lavender. He knew there was not a shred of evidence to prove his assumptions to be true, but he just knew she was beautiful. She had to be.

He was trying to wait as long as he could to open his gift for the day. He made it until just after breakfast. The gift bearing his name was wrapped in white paper. It was tubular, with red curly ribbons on both ends. Draco scooped it up and noticed the note attached.

Draco,

No doubt you've read most of Numerology and Gramatica. Most Arithmancy students have. Some people wouldn't consider this a very fun gift, but if you enjoy Arithmancy as much as I think you do, you'll find it very interesting.

Your Secret Santa

P.S. Excellent job beating Zabini at chess yesterday. I assume that means you enjoyed your new set?

Draco laughed to himself. Who was this woman? He found it terribly charming that she had watched him outwit Zabini in the Great Hall yesterday. Practically spying, she had been! Are you sure she isn't a Slytherin? Draco asked himself, tearing off the paper as he pondered.

What he held in his hands was a scroll. As he opened it up, his eyes widened. It was a very complex Arithmancy chart. He gazed at it for a long while, working problems in his head and smiling as he used the chart to find the correct answer. Amazed, he closed his eyes for a moment and thought about his Secret Santa. How she knew what the perfect gifts would be was beyond him. He had no idea who she was, and yet, she saw right through him. She saw beyond the surly, sarcastic Draco. She saw inside him. He didn't know whether or not that should bother him. Pushing his thoughts elsewhere, he grabbed his notebook and a few quills and headed towards the library.

***

Hermione didn't even look up when she heard the door open. She was busy getting started on the Herbology essay that would be due in February. The footsteps stopped several feet ahead of her table and from the corner of her eyes, she could see a tall figure sitting down.

Unable to contain her curiosity, Hermione looked over and saw Draco Malfoy scribbling wildly, his Arithmancy book wide open in front of him. Smiling, she knew exactly what he was doing here. She stared at him a while longer, absorbing how handsome he was when he wasn't smirking. Being extremely quiet, she stood up and sauntered over to his table, determined not to blow her cover.

"There is something seriously wrong with this picture," Hermione said, her voice startling Draco. "For starters, there is a Malfoy in the library. What's even more intriguing," she continued, amazed at her brazenness, "is that the term is over. What are you doing here?" She placed her hands on her hips and waited for the usual Malfoy retort.

"Granger, why must you torment me?" Draco set his quill down and looked up at her. "If you must know, I am enjoying a gift from my Secret Santa," he said as he pointed to his chart, "and I would greatly appreciate it if you didn't spoil my good mood. I would hate to have to hex you so close to Christmas, you know."

Hermione ran her tongue over her teeth, trying to decide whether she should be angry or happy. "Don't be such a Scrooge, Malfoy," she said as she walked back to her table to collect her belongings.

"A what?" asked Draco snidely. "Don't use your peculiar Muggle terms around me, Granger. You know they're beneath me." He smirked as he watched her turn towards the exit.

She glared at him for a moment. "Bah Humbug to that, Malfoy. If you aren't careful, you'll end up just like Ebenezer Scrooge, you know," she hissed as she stormed out of the library.

9 Days before Christmas

Draco rubbed his eyes and tried to stifle a yawn. He hadn't meant to stay up so late, but his Arithmancy chart was fascinating. He pushed his eggs around his plate and tried not to think about his row with Hermione.

He couldn't stand that insufferable know-it-all. He hated that she performed better academically than he did. He hated that she knew all sorts of weird Muggle terms and insulted him with them, knowing full well that he hadn't any idea what they meant. Most of all, he hated that he thought she was gorgeous.

He let his eyes wander over to the Gryffindor table. Spotting her immediately, he scowled. She was laughing with her little friends, as usual. She must have felt his glare, because at that moment, she looked up. Draco knew he was caught staring, but he didn't avert his eyes. The smile Hermione had been sharing with her friends didn't falter one bit as she looked back at Draco. For a moment, Draco had convinced himself, she was smiling at me. How odd, he thought.

After he finished breakfast, he went for a walk outside. The air was cold and windy, but Draco didn't mind. Not far from the entrance to the Forbidden Forest, Draco sat down and took the small, but heavy box out of his cloak pocket.

For reasons he didn't really understand, Draco preferred opening his gifts alone. Maybe it was because the notes his Secret Santa left always felt so personal. Mostly, though, it was because he didn't want anyone to see just how happy this game was making him. Was it possible, he wondered, to have a crush on a girl without knowing who she was?

Turning his attention to the box, he noticed the paper was dark blue, adorned with silver bows. The note, as usual, just bared his first name in the same remarkably beautiful penmanship of which he was growing quite fond.

Draco,

Here's number four! I do hope you like it. It isn't anything much, but when I saw it, I thought of you. I don't know why. I find myself thinking about you periodically throughout the day. I hope you are enjoying receiving these gifts half as much as I am enjoying giving them to you. I'll write you again tomorrow.

Your Secret Santa

Draco unwrapped the package slowly. He saw "Quality Quidditch Supplies" stamped on the box and he excitedly opened it. Inside was a Golden Snitch. Picking it up, he watched the wings flutter leisurely. It was considerably heavier than a regulation Snitch. Holding it, he realised it was a paperweight. This Snitch didn't have the capability to fly, and he laughed after he tore away the rest of the paper and saw "paperweight" written underneath the stamped name of the shop.

Unusual, he thought. He hadn't seen a Golden Snitch paperweight before. His Secret Santa was so mystifying. He was used to girls showering him with affection, but he wasn't used to this. He wasn't used to someone seeking out the perfect gift just for him. It made him feel special. He couldn't wait for the Yule Ball. If this girl was half as pretty as he hoped she'd be, Draco knew he'd be a fool not to drop everything and spend his time trying to make her feel as wonderful as she had made him feel.

***

Much to her disappointment, Hermione hadn't seen Draco at all after breakfast. She knew she was getting in over her head. She didn't know what she had been thinking, writing a letter like that. She knew that the moment Draco found out she was the one sending him all those gifts, she'd be taunted relentlessly about her crush on him. She couldn't help it, though. Seeing him smile at something she had caused was all it took. She'd never seen him truly smile. All she'd seen before was a smirk. Her gifts were making Draco smile with his eyes as well as his mouth. And wow, she found herself thinking, he does have beautiful eyes.

She was playing Exploding Snap with Harry in the Gryffindor common room when Ron came bursting in.

"She liked it! She liked it!" he exclaimed so loudly that a few people poked their heads out of their dormitories to see what all of the ruckus was about.

Hermione laughed and clapped Ron on the back. "Good for you, Ron," she said with a big grin. Since Padma was in Ravenclaw, Hermione had suggested Ron give her a planner bewitched to remind her of all upcoming assignments and appointments. She had even helped Ron with the spell. Sighing, she soaked up the happiness in the room. She loved Christmas.

Eight Days before Christmas

Draco found himself habitually rising before everyone else, obsessed with being the first to collect his gift. He didn't always open it right away, but he enjoyed having it in his possession as early as possible. His Secret Santa was one creative girl, he chuckled as he saw an enormous box wrapped in green and red paper. There was no note on this box and Draco realised he was disappointed.

Opening it quickly, Draco found another box, this one wrapped in bright red paper. Grinning, he opened that box. Six boxes later, he finally found a note as well as a thick envelope. As usual, he read the note before opening the gift.

Draco,

I'm sorry about all the boxes. Well, no I'm not, really. I'm trying to keep you on your toes. Most people look at you and see only what you allow them to see. I see past it. Maybe I'm not the most brilliant at metaphors, but I like to think of you as a chocolate Bertie Bott's Every Flavor Bean. At first, I'm terrified of it. It could be anything. Mud, earwax, gravy, and all sorts of other nasty things. If I'm brave enough, though, I'll give it a try. And I'll be happy I did, because nothing is as sweet as chocolate. Enjoy your gift.

Your Secret Santa

Draco was stunned. Did his Secret Santa just attempt to make a pass at him? He opened the thick envelope and discovered a gift certificate to Honeydukes waiting for him. He heard a pounding and looked around the room for several minutes before he realised it was his own heart. He was falling for someone he didn't even know. Grinning as he walked back to his dormitory, he also realised he didn't care. He tried to think of the least attractive Ravenclaw of his year and even if his Secret Santa ended up being Mandy Brocklehurst, Draco swore to himself that he'd woo her into his arms, no matter what it took. He knew, deep down, his Secret Santa was special. He sat on his bed and began reading his Quidditch book again until it was time for breakfast.

***

Hermione was waiting impatiently for Ron and Harry to come back from Hagrid's hut. They were almost five minutes late! She decided to just walk to the Great Hall for lunch..

She had no more than turned the corner when she walked straight into Draco, who was running after the three Ravenclaw girls she had just passed.

"Pardon me, Granger," he said quickly as he ran to catch up with the girls. "Padma, Julie, Mandy, do any of you like chocolate Bertie Bott's beans?" he called out to the girls as he chased after them.

Hermione suppressed a laugh and was taken by surprise. She wasn't the only one getting in over her head, she noticed. Draco had actually been polite to her! All because of what she wrote in her note. She couldn't wait to see the look on Malfoy's face when he realised his sweet Secret Santa was none other than Mudblood Granger. The ball was just over a week away, and Hermione was formulating a plan. She'd already owled Madam Malkin's robe shop in Diagon Alley.

Seven Days before Christmas

Draco sat out on the Quidditch pitch, humming softly. He stopped as soon as he realised he was doing it; Malfoys simply don't hum. There was a large purple sack beside him, and Draco couldn't contain his excitement any longer. He ripped open the note.

Draco,

One week until Christmas! I'm so excited. This gift is a simple one, but I'm sure you'll get a lot of use from it. It's something every serious Quidditch player needs. Just to let you know, it's completely compatible with your Nimbus 2001, as well as your new Firebolt. (I made the clerk triple check, just to be sure) Shine away!

Your Secret Santa

Draco reached into the sack and pulled out a brand new broomstick servicing kit. He didn't really need a new kit, but the gift made him happy nonetheless. He was beginning to look forward to the notes almost as much as the gift. This girl, whoever she was, talked to him like he was a friend. It was something he wasn't used to. Draco was used to being distant, standoffish. He wasn't used to strangers speaking to him as though they were old friends.

Smiling, he placed the kit and the note back in the sack and made his way to the common room, without realising he was humming again.

***

Hermione stared at Malfoy's back from the Astronomy Tower. She was beginning to think this was a bad idea. Sure, Malfoy thought his Secret Santa was wonderful now. Would he really think so after the ball? As much as he was beginning to grow on her, Hermione wasn't foolish. Even if Draco did fancy her, they'd have a tough time trying to date. Her friends hated him and his father hated Muggleborns and for all she knew, so did Draco. It was too late, though. She had gone too far already. She may as well just risk it all and go ahead with her plan. She shivered as an icy breeze made its way through the tower. She cast one last look out at Draco and turned to walk back to her common room.

Six Days before Christmas

For the first time in his seven years at Hogwarts, Draco had been nice to a Gryffindor. On purpose. That terrified him. He had been on his way to the Great Hall, his gift in hand. His plan was to open the gift at dinner in hopes of catching his Secret Santa peeking at him. Draco was impatient. Having to wait until the Yule Ball to discover his Secret Santa's identity was agony. He had been so wrapped up in his clever plan that he bumped right into Lavender Brown.

She fell to the floor and the magazines she had been carrying flew in every direction. She looked at Draco with contempt, and before he could catch himself, he knelt down and offered to help her up.

"Are you alright, Miss Brown? I'm terribly sorry for my clumsiness," he said softly, picking up magazines as she smoothed out her skirt.

"Thank you, I'm fine," she whispered, obviously shaken at his change in behaviour. She walked away and Draco felt warmth flood into his cheeks. He knew he was blushing.

If any Gryffindor dared to say anything about it, he swore he'd hex them, Christmas or not. He made his way into the Great Hall and sat down at the end of the table.

Looking around leisurely, he searched the Ravenclaw table, desperate to see a pair of eyes meet his own. With no luck, he decided to go ahead and read the note before looking again.

Draco,

I'm not much of a Quidditch person, but even I know the basics. I'll have you know that I fought tooth and nail for the very last copy of this book at Flourish and Blotts. You owe me big time. I'm only kidding. Seeing you smile is a big enough "thank you" for me.

Your Secret Santa

Draco looked up, scanning the Ravenclaw table again. A girl smiled back at him but Draco dismissed her. He knew she was only a fifth year. Not bothering to mask his disappointment, he unwrapped the present, curious as to what could have possibly made such a wonderful girl fight for something as inconsequential as a book.

Comprehension filled Draco's mind and a warm smile graced his face. Of course she'd fought over this book. It was the latest edition of Quidditch Throughout the Ages. The cover of the book featured the Luxemburg team, who had won the World Cup only a few months ago. Draco, like every wizard his age, was a Quidditch fanatic. Despite rumours of his father buying Draco's way onto the Slytherin team, he had actually turned out to be an excellent Seeker. He gazed at the Ravenclaws one more time before turning to show his friends his new book.

***

Hermione chuckled, which made Ron and Harry look up. She was watching Draco and enjoyed his clumsy attempt to find out his Secret Santa.

Ron, his mouth full, looked at her quizzically. Harry put his fork down and turned to stare at the Slytherin table.

"What's so funny, Hermione?" Harry said, picking up his goblet to take sip of pumpkin juice.

"What?" she asked as her eyes darted quickly to the floor, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "Oh, nothing. I just remembered a funny joke Lavender told me," she lied. At this moment, Lavender threw herself down next to Hermione and told everyone within earshot of the Gryffindor table about her run-in with Malfoy.

Hermione was unable to conceal her smile.

Five Days before Christmas

A week ago, everything in Draco's life had been normal. Who would have known that seven silly little letters could make such a difference in his life? Draco felt like a different person. He knew it was silly, he knew that this was just a game. His biggest fear was that this girl, this intelligent, witty, and cunning girl wouldn't be interested in him after the game was over. While Draco oozed confidence and self-assurance on the surface, he was still a teenage boy, after all.

He ran his fingers down the tubular package. It was very similar in shape to the Arithmancy chart he'd received. The note was attached to a dark blue ribbon. Taking care to release it without damaging it or the package, he slipped the note off the ribbon and felt butterflies flutter in his stomach.

Draco,

Five more days! I'm so excited about the Yule Ball. Meet me by the refreshment stand at 9:00. I'll be waiting with two goblets of butterbeer. Just a note about this next gift: I had to beg like I've never begged before. And trust me, it wasn't pretty. You DO owe me for this one.

Your Secret Santa

P.S. Quit staring at all the Ravenclaws during dinner. People will think you've developed a little crush.

So she had seen him open his gift in the Great Hall, then. He was frustrated that he missed her. Was it possible she wasn't a Ravenclaw? He tried to think of the smartest Hufflepuff girls he knew while carefully removing the paper from his gift.

"WIZARDS AND WITCHES, MAY I PRESENT THE BULGARIAN QUIDDITCH TEAM!" A booming voice exclaimed. Draco unrolled the paper and saw that it was a poster of the Bulgarian National Quidditch team. Bloody hell, he noted with excitement, it was autographed! It had even been enchanted to announce the players' presence.

He stared at the poster with amazement. Each player on the team had signed their name right under their respective pictures. Viktor Krum even left him a personal note. He had written, "Draco, be nice to her and have a happy Christmas."

Draco hung the poster in his dormitory, right by his bed. He thought about Viktor's note. Be nice to her, it had said. Draco planned on being more than nice to her. The moment he knew who she was, Draco was going to smother her with kisses. This was, by far, the best gift he had received so far. Excitedly, he called out to Crabbe and Goyle, wanting to show off his gift.

***

Hermione was walking with Harry to the Great Hall, for lunch. She grinned as she saw Ron not too far behind them, talking animatedly to Padma. Harry was discussing the upcoming Quidditch game against the Ravenclaws and Hermione pretended to listen.

Inside, she was bubbling with excitement. She had been so afraid that Viktor wasn't going to get back to her in time, but he had pulled through. He teased her unmercifully about needing autographs for Draco. She exhaled happily, thankful for the wonderful people in her life.

They were almost to the Great Hall when they began to hear all the whispered chatter. Nearly sixty people were standing at the entrance of the Great Hall. Hermione and Harry ran to see what all the fuss was about.

It took all of her strength not to gasp when she saw what was written on the door. Silvery blue fairy dust had been used as ink. Many of the girls were sighing with adoration. Hermione felt her ears burn and tried to act as nonchalant as possible.

Draco had written, "Secret Santa, V.K. sends his regards. Are you as beautiful as I think you are? Can't wait to meet you."

She blushed throughout the entire meal.

Four Days before Christmas

A snowstorm was making its way to Hogwarts. Draco watched the white flakes dance their way across the landscape of the castle and sipped his cocoa. He was sitting in an oversized armchair in the library, enjoying the warmth of the fire and the scenery outside. His gift lay on his lap, still wrapped. The note was all he cared for at the moment.

Draco,

Where did you get fairy dust? Because of you, I blushed for the rest of the day. Thanks a lot! Surprise, surprise, I got you another book. I read this one over the summer holiday and I think you'll find it rather captivating. Four more days.

Your Secret Santa

Draco set his cocoa on the table and picked up the package. For the hundredth time that week, he was surprised. Draco had an extensive personal library at home, but no one at Hogwarts knew what an avid reader he was. No one, he thought, except her.

He unwrapped a thick book, the cover bearing a face he knew all too well. Smiling at the title, Being Evil Never Felt So Good, A Biography of Salazar Slytherin, he tapped his fingers against the spine of the book. The Yule Ball was in four more days. He thought about all of the gifts he had received and was further convinced that his Secret Santa was the most incredible girl in the world.

***

Hermione scolded herself. "When have you become such a spy?" she asked herself, sneaking away from the library door. She smiled and whispered, "Ever since you fell in love with a Slytherin." The words sunk in the moment she said them.

For seven years, she had hated Draco. This game, however, had let her see a different side of him. After realising that he was indeed capable of feeling happiness, making him smile was becoming an addiction for Hermione. Suddenly, it didn't seem so important what Harry or Ron thought. What was important was seeing his grey-blue eyes light up with joy.

The moment she walked through the portrait hole and into the Gryffindor common room, Harry pounced on her. He looked half amused, half frightened.

"Hermione," he said gravely, "whatever you do, do not laugh." The seriousness in his voice concerned her.

"What's the matter? Where is Ron?" she asked, frowning.

"That's what I'm trying to tell you," whispered Harry. "Ron has had a bit of an accident."

They went together up to Ron's dormitory, where he was sitting at the foot of his bed, looking dismal.

Seeing the worry on Hermione's face, Ron threw a crumpled piece of parchment at her. She picked it up and saw the Hogwarts Crest in the corner of the letter. Confused, she read.

Mister Ronald Weasley,

It has come to my attention that you have violated section 241(a) of the Secret Santa contract you have signed. This section clearly states:

Any person who divulges his or her identity to their designated person agrees to be punished in a manner chosen by the author of the contract.

Unfortunately, Mr. Weasley, a contract is a contract and you will have to suffer the consequence. Do not worry, you will be your normal self come Christmas morning.

Jovially yours,

Albus Dumbledore

Hermione looked at Harry, who was looking at Ron. "Well," she said, trying to sound as optimistic as possible, "what is the punishment?"

Ron cleared his throat as if he were getting ready to say something. He opened his mouth and a beautiful soprano voice came out.

"Dashing through the snow," Ron looked miserable, but the voice that was coming from his mouth didn't sound miserable at all. It was a woman's voice, crystal clear and perfectly in tune. He looked at Hermione briefly before continuing, "in a one-horse open sleigh. O're the fields we go laughing all the way!"

"Oh, Ron," Hermione said gently, "what happened?"

Harry piped up, wiping the tears from his eyes and clutching his sides in silent laughter. "Obviously, he let Padma know he was her Secret Santa."

Harry sat down next to Ron and tried to be sympathetic. "Padma was wearing the bracelet Ron left for her, so he asked her if she liked it. When she said yes, Ron got a little excited and shouted 'I knew you would! Ginny helped me pick it out!' and before he knew it, this letter appeared in his hand."

"Now," he said cheerfully, ignoring Ron's glare, "whenever he tries to speak, his voice is replaced with a woman's voice who only sings Christmas Carols. It took him all of 'Rudolph the Red-nosed Reindeer' to figure it out."

"You know I love you, Ron," Hermione said, patting him on the back, "but that is the funniest thing I think I have ever heard."

She and Harry erupted into laughter, and Ron scowled at them briefly, before finally giving in and laughing with them.

Three Days before Christmas

Christmas was undeniably in the air. The final decorations were being put into place all over the school and Draco couldn't remember a time when he'd been more excited. He and Pansy were both frustrated at the Slytherin dungeon's lack of Christmas cheer, so they bewitched all the fireplaces to glow green.

He had been so busy decorating that it was well after dinner before he realised that he had not opened his gift for the day. Like a cheetah, he sprinted down the stairs to the common room and picked up the only gift that remained by the fireplace.

The box was wrapped plainly in matte silver paper trimmed with gold ribbons. It was thin, but rather long. Draco wasted no time opening the note.

Draco,

I've taken the liberty of bewitching this gift. If anyone other than you tries to use it, they'll be in for a very nasty surprise. I'm trying not to count down the hours until the Yule Ball. But just in case things don't happen as planned, I want you to know how much I've enjoyed being your Secret Santa. I don't think I'll ever be able to look at you the same. Thank you for that.

Your Secret Santa

The gift was a brand new quill. It was black with traces of green in the feathers. Inspecting it, he saw no traces of the spell she had used to bewitch it. To test it, he wrote his name several times on a blank piece of parchment.

"Goyle," he called, motioning for his friend to come forward, "would you do me a favour and write this down?"

Goyle nodded and took the quill from Draco and sat, ready for instructions. Draco put on a serious face.

"Crabbe is an idiot," he said, casting a wicked glance at his friend as Goyle began to write.

Suddenly, he heard a loud crack, and Goyle was covered in boils. Furnunculus, Draco observed. He would recognise that hex anywhere.

Draco laughed for the better part of an hour. With every passing day, this girl seemed more and more perfect for him.

***

Hermione was starting to get worried. Ron had refused to come out of his room all day. Dean and Seamus had goaded him into talking - singing, rather, and that was all it took. Thirty minutes later, Ron was the talk of Gryffindor Tower. Most of his classmates were teasing in good fun, but Hermione knew he was incredibly embarrassed.

She gave Harry a goodie bag filled with Chocolate Frogs and Fizzing Whizbees and said, "Please give these to Ron. If you need me, I'll be in my room." He rolled his eyes at her jokingly and nodded.

Thankful that, for once, her dormitory was empty, Hermione pulled a parcel out from under her bed. She had been waiting all day for some privacy before opening the box containing her brand new robe. Hermione had fallen in love with the robe the very first time she saw it. It was forest green velvet and had silver accents on the sleeves and bodice. She had chosen Slytherin colours on purpose. She did a simple fitting spell and when Yule Ball came around, it would fit her perfectly.

She had no idea what to expect when Malfoy met her at the refreshment stand. She didn't know how he'd react. If he could just get past the fact that she wasn't a pureblood, they might have a chance. Draco was handsome, of course, but he wasn't drop dead gorgeous. Not that Hermione was a beauty queen by any means. She was, as her father often called her, unconventionally beautiful.

She folded the robe neatly and placed it back in the box. She was more nervous now than she had been when she took her O.W.L.s. She ignored the knots in her stomach and sat down on her bed. She tried to read a book, but all she could think about was the ball. Sighing, she put the book down and attempted to sleep.

Two Days before Christmas

Draco noticed Professor McGonagall comforting several crying students outside of the Great Hall. Something is odd, he realised. Not a single student he had passed in the hallway that morning had looked happy.

Professor McGonagall looked sharply at him. "Mister Malfoy," she said, her arm still patting the young student, "do you have any idea where the Bloody Baron is?"

Draco shook his head. "Sorry, Professor. Is something wrong?"

She let out an exasperated sigh. "Peeves. He's causing trouble, as usual. I wouldn't go in there, Mister Malfoy, unless you wish to be insulted."

Draco smiled at the Transfiguration professor and opened the door to enter. Most of the remaining students looked glum. Peeves was floating above the Hufflepuff table, taunting a few third year students.

"Your eyes will fall out, your head will spin, a skrewt will burn you with its blasted end," sang Peeves as he pointed at the students.

The students ran off and Peeves noticed Draco's presence. He floated over to Draco and grinned madly.

"Ah, young Master Malfoy. Come to hear your future? I'm the Ghost of Christmas Future," he said proudly.

"Who?" Draco asked, confused.

"The Ghost of Christmas Future!" exclaimed Peeves, as though repeating it should have made Draco understand. "Honestly, don't you children read anymore? The Ghost of Christmas Future is a character from A Christmas Carol, by Charles Dickens. He gets to go around showing people what awful things will happen to them in Christmases to come! I am him. He is me!"

Peeves let out a loud cackle and threw an apple at Draco, hitting his shoulder. "Do you want to know what horrible thing will happen to you? Let's see," Peeves said thoughtfully, scratching his head, "this Christmas you will have an accident. A very bad one. You'll fall down a flight of stairs. You'll break your leg. It will become infected, very infected. The medi-wizards won't be able to save it! You'll be forever known as Draco One- Leg Malfoy!" Peeves spun around the room, cackling as loud as he could, stopping every now and then to "predict" someone else's Christmas.

Draco grabbed some toast and decided it would be better to eat his breakfast in his room. He still had a present to open, after all.

Christmas couldn't come quick enough for him, he thought. The scent of her was stronger than the other letters. He inhaled the enticing scent of lavender, wondering if it was her perfume.

Draco,

Time flies when you're having fun. I saw Goyle being taken to Madam Pomfrey. You made him use your quill, didn't you? I'd be lying if I said I didn't find it the least bit amusing. This gift is a companion to the last one. It is bewitched, as well, although this time you should just take my word for it. Only two more days. Remember, 9 o'clock.

Your Secret Santa

This was maddening. It was like she was watching him. Draco considered himself to be fairly observant. How was he missing this? He was reluctant to believe that there was someone more cunning than he, but this girl was rapidly proving him wrong. He ripped off the paper and was taken aback. It was a journal made of green dragon's hide. It had his initials engraved in the lower left corner and the pages were laced with gold. Draco, an expert on material things, knew this gift must have set his Secret Santa back quite a few Galleons.

He couldn't wait to see her. He couldn't wait to smell the lavender on her skin for himself. He couldn't wait to smile at her, to tell her how much these gifts had meant to him. He wasn't afraid of sounding too sensitive. This girl was the real deal. He held the note up to his nose and inhaled her sweet scent one last time before going to the Quidditch pitch to ride his broomstick.

Hermione thought that this was Harry's most brilliant plan yet. In an effort to make Ron feel better, Harry had gone to each House common room to collect donations for the Gryffindor-sponsored impromptu Christmas concert.

Seeing all the Galleons and Sickles had convinced Ron to sing. It was embarrassing, of course, but Ron knew it was silly to pass up free money. He smiled at Harry, clearing his throat for a moment before making his way to the Astronomy Tower.

Not all the students attended, but by Hermione's estimate, there were probably around forty people there. She stood up and waved her arms in the air.

"Excuse me," she called out, "I believe we're ready to begin. Ron Weasley will be performing tonight. Don't mind the voice, he'll be right as rain on Christmas."

Most of the audience looked confused.

"He broke his contract with Dumbledore," Harry interrupted, winking at Padma as she blushed furiously, "so, really, don't mind the voice. Ready, Ron?"

Ron stepped out of the shadow, grinning wildly. It wasn't the first time he'd ever made a fool out of himself, and it probably wouldn't be the last. The entire room was silent, waiting for him to begin.

"Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Fa la la la la, la la la la! 'Tis the season to be jolly! Fa la la la la, la la la la!"

The room erupted with laughter at the sound of Ron's high falsetto voice. Grinning widely, he took a deep breath and continued.

It was well into the evening before the concert ended.

One day before Christmas

The final gift from his Secret Santa was moving back and forth on Draco's desk. He had been trying to delay opening it for as long as possible, wanting to relish the mystery and contentment of the past week and a half before it turned into a memory.

He decided to go ahead and open it. After all, he only had thirty more hours before finally getting to meet her. The note was written on much nicer parchment than his other ones had been.

Draco,

If anyone told me twelve days ago that I would enjoy sending presents to you, I'd have put a full body bind on them quicker than you could say "Hogwarts". But the truth is, I have enjoyed it. I don't care what happens after we meet tomorrow. It doesn't matter, because I'll always have this. Christmas is about giving, about sharing with people you care about. I care about you, Draco. I don't know how or why it happened, but I do. Merry Christmas.

Love,

Your Secret Santa

Draco set the note down on the table and turned toward his gift. The box was small, smaller than the one his paperweight had been in.

After he opened it, his jaw practically hit the floor. She had gotten him a model of a Romanian Longhorn dragon! He held the model in the palm of his hand, watching it move back and forth, its dark green scales shimmering in the candlelight of his room. Models of dragons were very hard to obtain, he remembered.

His dreams that night were not visions of sugarplums. They were visions of love.

***

Hermione couldn't sleep. She had tried counting sheep, reading, even summoning a glass of warm milk, but nothing was helping. She glanced at her dress robe, hanging up on her bedpost. Smiling as she snuggled against her blankets, she thought of dancing in Draco's arms. Sleep did not elude her for long.

Christmas Day

Hogwarts was alive with excitement. Every student was filled with wonder and delight, Christmas spirit running freely through their veins.

Even the Slytherins were in good spirits. Draco woke up to find Crabbe and Goyle laughing happily, unwrapping the gifts that their parents got for them.

Draco showered and dressed before he turned his attention to his presents. Suddenly, the extravagant gifts his own parents had left for him seemed unimportant. They were nice, of course, and very expensive, but Draco found himself thinking about the gifts his Secret Santa had given instead. He stood, combing through his damp hair and tried to figure out what to do that would make the hours pass quickly.

***

Hermione and Harry sat by themselves in the Great Hall. Ron, thankful that he had his own voice back, had gone over to the Ravenclaw table, where Padma was smothering him with kisses.

Hermione smiled at Harry. The Christmas Feast had just begun and Harry was stuffing himself full of turkey. Hermione let her eyes roam over toward the Slytherin table. Draco was becoming more handsome to her every day. There was a subtle flush in his cheeks, she noticed, and she felt her heart beat a little faster than normal.

After she could eat no more, she left the Great Hall with Ginny. They were going to spend the rest of the afternoon getting ready for the ball.

***

Draco arrived at the ball fashionably late. Wanting to look his absolute best, he had had trouble choosing which dress robe to wear. Finally, he settled on the charcoal grey robe because he thought it best brought out his eyes.

The Hall was decorated most beautifully. The ceiling was enchanted, as usual, to look like the night-time sky, but he could have sworn that the stars twinkled more brightly now than they normally did. Draco looked around at all the Christmas trees, their lights adding a soft twinkle to the room. He couldn't believe how many people were there. He was incredibly nervous but he hid it very well.

He danced several obligatory dances with Pansy and a few other Slytherin girls. He also danced with Hannah Abbott, seizing the opportunity to unveil himself. Taking a break to sit, he scowled as he realised Granger had caught his eye. She was dancing with Scarhead and looked radiant, unfortunately.

Her golden brown hair was straight and flowed down her back. She was wearing a very form-fitting green robe, and even Draco had to admit it was stunning. She had a smile on her face, the same smile she had had when she caught Draco staring at her. She was easily the prettiest girl at the ball, Draco told himself. That would not always be the case, he smiled as he checked his watch. One hour from now, Draco would be holding the prettiest girl he'd never seen in his arms.

***

Hermione felt completely at ease in Harry's arms. Enjoying their dance had caused her nervousness to cease for a few minutes. She had been watching Draco for most of the evening. He must have come alone, because she had seen him dancing with several different girls.

Her heart melted at the sight of him in those charcoal grey robes. They brought out the blue in his eyes and for the longest time, she lovingly gazed at him from across the hall. The song ended and Harry had begun dancing with Ginny, so Hermione took a seat near the back of the hall, watching her friends and trying to think of what to say when it was time to meet Draco.

The minutes flew by quicker than she had expected. She rushed to get to the refreshment stand, keeping her eyes on Draco. She had two goblets of butterbeer in her hands, but when Draco walked over, he hadn't even seen her. He was scanning the crowd with his back turned to her.

Okay, Hermione, she told herself, it's show time. She took a deep breath and nudged him gently with her elbow.

He turned around and before he could say anything, she handed him one of the goblets and said playfully, "So, Malfoy, how about that chess game?"

His eyes widened, comprehension filling every inch of his body. He set his goblet on the table and stared at Hermione, speechless.

They stood in silence for a few moments, each trying to gauge the other's reaction.

Finally, Draco stammered, "Y-you?"

"Me," she answered, nodding her head.

Pieces of the puzzle were falling into place for Draco. All those books, the Arithmancy chart, the note from Viktor Krum, the reference to bravery in her note about the Bertie Botts metaphor, it all made sense. All this time, he had been looking in the wrong place. He was too amazed to speak.

"Merry Christmas, Draco," she whispered, turning to leave. Her face flushed with embarrassment. How could she have been so stupid to think that he'd change? That he would just forget about their rocky past or who she was? Fighting back tears, she made her way through the crowded dance floor.

Draco watched her walk away. A lump formed in his throat. Hermione Granger, who he thought hated him, had spent all that time and money on gifts for him. He thought back to what her final letter had said. Christmas is about giving, about sharing with people you care about. I care about you, Draco. I don't know how or why it happened, but I do. Draco's heart leapt into his chest. He knew what he had to do.

Running after her, he grabbed her arm. Suddenly, it didn't matter that they were in the middle of the room with everyone watching. It didn't matter that he hated her friends. It didn't matter that she was Muggle-born. What mattered was that for the first time in his life, Draco felt a connection to someone. She had made him feel wanted, desired, and cared for. What mattered was that she was everything Draco wanted in a girl. She was beautiful, smart, clever, and, when needed, cunning. What mattered, he realised, was loving her.

She blinked back tears. "What are you doing?" she asked, her brown eyes sending shivers down Draco's spine.

He delicately wiped a tear from her cheek and smiled down at her. "You said I owe you for the Bulgarian Quidditch poster. Malfoys always pay their debts." And with that, he wrapped his arms around her waist and pulled her into a fiery kiss.

Breathless, she looked at Draco, her eyes filled with delight. She whispered, "I have to know. which present was your favourite?"

His chin rested on top of her head, the smell of her lavender shampoo mesmerising him. He mulled it over for a moment before saying softly, "You, Hermione. You."