Hermione wasn't a dramatic person, at least not when it came to her personal relationships -she could be a drama queen when her grades were on the line. However, as her long awaited winter holiday went by, Hermione was becoming more and more paranoid.

She threw the letter she had been writing across the room just to pick it up once more to re-read it. It was addressed to the Weasleys. Though, there was just one Weasley she wanted to hear from. Sadly, the other two letters Hermione had sent were still unanswered. What was going on? Was her friendship that easy to forget? Maybe he was terribly busy. Or in trouble!

Her parents did their best to keep her occupied, they were intent on making her concentrate on other things besides her magical world. Everyday there was a new place to visit and another weird family member she had to meet. But it really didn't help, every laugh or awkward encounter she had was another moment she wanted to share with Fred.

After sending her third letter she tossed and turned on her bed, restless, worried, and -why deny it?- a bit angry.

xxxx

Every semester Fred and George yearned for home... until they returned. During their holidays they had to help out with the daily tasks, listen to their older brothers boast, get yelled at by their mum -but still get ignored-, and fight to keep their business private. Being seven siblings wasn't easy. At least they had each other and their good humour to pass the time and not feel too shitty. However, this time Fred had another reason to feel on edge.

He hid the three letters under his mattress. At night he would read them over and over again. Hermione simply asked how they were doing and talked a little bit about her own holiday. Still, Fred tried to find a hidden meaning in her words, maybe there was a secret message she wanted to convey. He was too preoccupied with what she had written to formulate an answer of his own. More than ever, Fred felt the need to play quidditch with his siblings, listen to Percy's ranting, and clean the kitchen with his mother. He could see how his family glanced at him strangely, wondering if he was a domestic elf in disguise.

xxxx

Hermione had always been a lonely girl. She had learnt to rely only on the company of her books. That was, of course, until she became friends with Harry. So, when her stress was almost too much to handle, a figuratively magical letter appeared on her window. Harry wanted to say "Merry Christmas". And another one appeared several hours later, it was Ron, and another one… She opened the envelope quickly, excited to know who had decided to write to her. A loopy, pretty, and elaborate 'Dear Hermione' began the letter and it ended with 'Love, V. Krum.' Hermione had to re-read every single word and have her mother read it, just to make sure she wasn't hallucinating.

Apparently, Viktor had asked Harry for her address -well, that wasn't creepy- because he was dying to get to know her better during the holidays. She didn't even pay attention to the things he wrote about at first. However, the tenth time she scanned it she realised how funny and sweet he was being. Yes, maybe his jokes weren't intentional and, yes, there was no reason for him to be so nice when they barely ever talked. Nevertheless, Hermione felt happy and a little less bitter. There was still no letter from F. Weasley…

xxxx

To distract herself, she continued her correspondence with Viktor and studied hard for the next semester. Sometimes, Hermione would pick up her guilty pleasure novels. Romantic interests were much less complicated in print.

She scoffed at herself every time Fred crossed her mind. Fred who? As if trying to punish him for not communicating with her.

xxxx

"Granger is going to forget you exist if you don't answer," George scolded him. He had found the letters and laughed at him when he explained how he couldn't write back. "And I can see by the look on your face, that's the last thing you want."

He nodded and, with a trembling hand, Fred wrote in a piece of parchment.

George peaked over his shoulder and read the note.

"You're so dumb."

xxxx

Everyone's doing great, thanks for asking.

Cheers,

Fred W.

Hermione wished he hadn't written back.

xxxx

The second task was being prepared for the champions. Everyone was on edge. It would be extremely dangerous. Dumbledore was certain his students could manage, but not without difficulty. There were some rules that didn't sit well with him, and both the excitement and fear he felt made him uneasy...