Christmas Collection Challenge. Prompt: [Title] Home Alone

Home Alone

Hermione sat on the sofa, her legs curled under her and a blanket over her. She hadn't been able to concentrate on her book - instead, she stared at the two letters.

Two Christmas invitations.

She picked the first one up - one that a bird that looked remarkably like a Peacock had dropped off. Though it couldn't have been, after all, everyone knew that Peacocks couldn't fly very high or for long distances. The letter held the Malfoy seal.

She knew this was Harry's doing. He didn't want her to be alone for Christmas and he felt guilty for wanting to spend Christmas with his boyfriend, now they were officially together, rather than shagging in 'secret' which wasn't that secret. Hermione just didn't feel comfortable at the thought of returning to the Manor just yet, so, with her best writing, she politely declined the offer and sent the letter off with Hedwig.

The second envelope was approached more cautiously. She had no doubt who it was from before she even opened it.

Though her friendship with Ginny had faded, over Ginny's jealousy of Harry's new relationship and Ron's treatment of Hermione, she knew that Molly or Arthur would have the invitation sent to her.

She opened the envelope to find an invitation to spend Christmas day with the Weasleys. On the back was Molly's handwriting, inviting Hermione to stay for a few days over the holiday too.

She shook her head. Though she had no real problem with Molly, Molly had been quite frosty towards Hermione for a while after her relationship with Ron turned sour. Hermione knew that the Weasley Matriarch hadn't learnt the whole story, but it wasn't really any of her business. It wasn't the first time Molly jumped to conclusions about Hermione, and it wouldn't be the last.

Hermione lost herself in the memory of Molly's behaviour towards her during the Triwizard tournament, when Rita had printed her lies.

She wrote a polite reply, declining the second invitation. She didn't feel as much like part of the family as she had when she was younger.

~O~

Remus quickly read the invitation before writing a letter to decline. Though he did love the hustle and bustle around the Weasley house, he also liked his quiet.

For Remus, Christmas had always been a quiet event: his parents taking turns to sit with him on the floor and play with the toys, whilst the other tended to the food. Curling up together with Christmas movies, and falling asleep in front of the fire whilst his parents read Christmas stories.

He was planning on a nice quiet Christmas this year.

Thanks to Lynn for betaing :)

So, this story doesn't seem as popular as my other Hermione/Remus stories, but I don't mind. I'm still going to finish it.

Review Please :)