Xmas

Ron was confused.

"Hermione, how is 'Xmas' a proper abbreviation for 'Christmas'?"

Hermione looked up from her book, an exasperated expression overtaking her features. "Does it really matter, Ron?"

"Right now it does!" Ron insisted, staring at the banner above the boy's dormitories.

It read clearly: 'HAVE A MERRY XMAS!'

"Christmas doesn't have an 'X' in it!"

Hermione let out a slightly bitter laugh. "Wonderful," she said lightly. "We have established that Ron Weasley can spell!"

"But really…" Ron said, not taking his eyes off the banner for a second. "It seems rather stupid. Is the 'X' supposed to represent that Jebus bloke on the cross or something?"

"His name is Jesus, Ron," Hermione corrected, "and I honestly do not know why someone decided to abbreviate Christmas in such a way. If you're that interested it might do you good to open a book for once rather than coming to me for the answers."

"But you're the cleverest witch of the age, Hermione!" Ron exclaimed. "You know everything!"

Hermione smiled slightly despite herself. "Well obviously I don't because I do not know the answer to your current persistent questioning!"

Ron looked at her closely with slightly narrowed eyes for a moment.

"I think you do know; you just want to torture me."

Hermione grinned mysteriously at him and slammed the book shut in her lap.

"Open a book, Ron," she instructed before standing up and heading in the direction of her dormitory, grinning over her shoulder at Ron before she disappeared from sight.