The Gloves are Off
It’s a Wonderful Life, He Hopes
Chapter 4 of 15
pokeystarOriginally posted to the Live Journal community Dramionedrabbles, 12 Days of Christmas Challenge. Prompt: gloves.
“Alright, Malfoy. The gloves are off.”
Draco sneered, “Say it, Granger. Only, try not to be a Hufflepuff about it.”
“Better Hufflepuff meekness than Slytherin... all subtle innuendo and poison in Grandmere’s tea!”
“At least I have a passing acquaintance with subtlety, unlike certain people I’ve encountered.”
“Keep the Weasleys out of this!”
Draco inspected his manicure. “I don’t believe I mentioned a name.”
Hermione simply raised her eyebrow at him. It made him want to stop passing notes to Pansy, only he hadn’t passed notes to Pansy in eight years.
“The subject of this argument is brunch on Boxing Day.”
“Is it? Do you have a topic list somewhere? What’s the next item on it – the Ministry’s treatment of house-elves, perhaps?” Draco braced himself. He fancied he could see Hermione’s hair curl tighter.
“I will not invite your parents to the Boxing Day brunch, Draco." Her voice was barely controlled. "Your mother is the queen of thinly veiled insults, and your father is the king of implied threats. They are the epitome of civility around you, but I don’t trust them near my parents.”
“They vowed to be on their best behavior.”
“That is very reassuring,” she replied in a tone that said the opposite.
The silence hung heavy between them for several minutes.
“You said talking about our problems would make us feel better. Do you feel better?” Draco inquired wearily.
“No,” she whispered with tears in her eyes.
“Neither do I.”
They didn’t speak to each other for three days.
-*-*-*-
Hermione Granger answered the knock at her front door.
Draco stood there, present in hand. He gave it to her without a word and watched her unwrap it.
“Thank you, Draco. They are beautiful.” She held up the finely made cashmere lined leather gloves. “But why?”
“I was hoping you would put them back on.”
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Latest 25 Reviews for It’s a Wonderful Life, He Hopes
65 Reviews | 6.48/10 Average
Thank you so very much, for this wonderful series, it has brought me much joy this Christmas season.
Empty nest syndrome is a real bitch, but Draco seems to have the cure.
What a lovely picture you paint, of the family life Hermione and Draco share.
I hope the snowman will be ok, ZuZu will be very upset if he isn't.
Very clever, he knows the list must always be obeyed to the letter.
It is a very special relationship , the one between father and daugther. My grandson and his wife just had their first child, a girl, and she had him in the palm of her tiny hand, from the moment he laid eyes on her.
This chapter is a beautiful tableau of a fathers love.
Mmmm, I wonder what was in those diarys. on to the next chapter and see
Wonderful, I love little Severus, with his chubbie little fingers and lisp, doing his first magic for Chirstmas.
Wonderful, I live little Severus, with his chubbie little fingers and lisp, doing his first magic for Chirstmas.
So funny hormones and magic running wild, and Harry and Draco not telling poor Neville, just mean.
Would be waterproof tinsel?
Trust Draco to focus on the smallest of details , so he can avoid looking at the big picture.
A very beautiful dress.
Getting the in-laws together, always a dicey thim. Emoations will run high, but compromise can be foung.
A lovely gift, only Draco could build bridges with a pair of gloves.
A true dentist's daughter would be able to use her teeth, Draco { a true Slytherin Prince } knows how to get what he wants.
Ahhh, these are the things that will keep us warm, when the world grows cold.
Severus is dead! never a good start for me, but the story is intreguing so I will read on.
Ron, Ron, Ron I just want to give him a good clip 'round the ear, and then a hug for having his heart in the right place.
I'm shocked, shocked I tell you, Has Hermione NO Shame? Griffendor ties , poor Draco, allthough come to think of it I don't think he will mind.
I think, perhaps, my favorite aspect of this scene vignette isn't the happy family indulging in a family tradition, instead , it's the fact that their lives aren't perfect, but they find comfort, solace, and a strengthening of their love in spite of the negative things.Just lovely, as always.
Response from pokeystar (Author of It’s a Wonderful Life, He Hopes)
It's mine too.You can't appreciate the good without experiencing a little bad.
Now that's love!How wonderful that Draco was able to notice and understand her ennui, and find a solution!DaM is a quite remarkable husband.
Response from pokeystar (Author of It’s a Wonderful Life, He Hopes)
True romance, right?A man helping.:-)
Response from Bambu (Reviewer)
True love, indeed.
LOL! I love how cleverly he inserts himself into her hectic days, and subtly (laughs ... not) he makes sure she pays attention to him.He's really rather adorable.
Response from pokeystar (Author of It’s a Wonderful Life, He Hopes)
Isn't he?I always assume his first attempts were subtle. But you know how clueless Gryffindors can be.
So I've zipped through the middle bits and pieces to catch up and haven't left a single intermediary review ... but can I tell you how much I'm enjoying this serial?You've so beautifully captured this moment and what having a small child depend on you can do (especially little girls and their fathers.)
Response from pokeystar (Author of It’s a Wonderful Life, He Hopes)
I'm pouting a little, but only because you give such thoughtful reviews.Mr. P and mini-P were definitely the inspiration behind this addition.We recently found the quote in the author's note for her yearbook tribute.:-)
A wonderful ending! YOu wrapped it up so nicely. Makes me feel all Christmas-y.
Response from pokeystar (Author of It’s a Wonderful Life, He Hopes)
Thank you!*hugs*Especially for sticking around & reviewing, since I know you're Sevvy's girl.(I won't tell him you strayed).
The kids ditched their folks at Christmas? Lumps of coal for them.
Response from pokeystar (Author of It’s a Wonderful Life, He Hopes)
Ever notice that Ron stayed at Hogwarts with Harry a lot during the hols?I can't remember whether Draco or Hermione did.At this point in the timeline, if I remember correctly, most of them are out of the house, either married or working at their first jobs and weren't able to get away.
Awwwwwww that is so damn sweet! Your Draco is a honey pie.
Response from pokeystar (Author of It’s a Wonderful Life, He Hopes)
He has his moments.Both kinds, unfortunately.
Oh they named their first born Severus! How sweet is that? Very. I may consider forgiving you for killing off the original. Maybe.
Response from pokeystar (Author of It’s a Wonderful Life, He Hopes)
Severus was at least partly responsible for them getting together... so, he lives on, in a way.
I am with Mr. Pokey more magic makes a good story! Loved how you worked in into the pregnancy! Fun!
Response from pokeystar (Author of It’s a Wonderful Life, He Hopes)
This was definitely my favorite chapter to write. I'm glad he said something.