A/N:  The yuletide season is a time of family and friends… and after spending some time with my family, I was inspired to write this little Christmas fic.  While writing it, I was given much support by four very special ladies… so I am dedicating this story to them… AnniBug, Kirixchi, LadyBrannon and Rainpuddle!!  You are the best!!  *HUGS*

All things Harry Potter belong to the wonderful JK Rowling…  :-)

Summary:

A fluffly little Draco/Ginny romance fic inspired by Tchaikovsky's wonderful Christmas ballet The Nutcracker.

A GIFT FOR GINNY:  A RETELLING OF THE NUTCRACKER

Chapter 1:  Fireside Memories

Ginny was curled up in a warm fleece blanket sitting by the fireside when she felt a small tap on her shoulder.  She looked up and into the loving eyes of her mother.

"Ginny, dear… it's getting late and the rest of the family should be arriving early tomorrow morning… along with all the others."  There was a gleam in the woman's eyes.

Ginny heaved a sigh, "I'll be up soon, mum," she smiled.  The red-haired girl felt safe when she visited the home she grew up in.  And this time of year was especially wonderful since it allowed her to see all of her brothers and sisters-in-law… not to mention the nieces and nephews!  She especially looked forward to seeing her brothers Fred and George… they were her favorite and she did not get to see them too often due to their hectic schedules in running their infamous joke shop… 'Weasley Wizard Wheezes.'

Molly Weasley sat down next to her daughter and placed an arm around her, drawing her into a bear hug of sorts.

"You're crushing me, mum!" Ginny laughed.

Molly released her daughter, eyes shining brightly, "Well now, it's not too often I have all my wonderful children together at the same time anymore… it seems as though Christmas is the only time I can get you all here!"

"Oh really, mum…"

"Really."

Ginny turned her gaze back to the fireside allowing herself to be hypnotized by the flames dancing in the hearth.  Her mind began to wander and thoughts of a very special someone… someone she had not seen for several years… entered her mind.

Draco Malfoy.  Ginny and he became friends during his final year at Hogwarts and though there was a mutual attraction, neither of them acted upon their feelings.  Ginny knew that deep down it would be detrimental to both his and her own families.  Now, however, she was regretting the fact that she did nothing all those years ago.

Over the years, the fiery red-head had learned that Draco did not join the Death Eaters like everyone predicted that he would… but she knew that he would never succumb to the powers of Voldemort, though no one else did.  She had also learned that he traveled to France in order to attend Healing School… beyond that, she did not know his whereabouts and she was certain that he would have finished and gotten his Healing license by now if he had remained on track.  And seeing as he was Draco Malfoy… she was sure that he remained on track.

Ginny heaved another sigh and looked over at her mother who was beginning to doze off, "Time for bed, mum… everyone will be here early in the morning."