Chapter 25

They year slowly passed from there getting rapidly closer to Christmas. And for once the castle could never have been calmer. Draco had been withdrawn fully from school for the time being meaning, no one was really around to push the problems that most of the school dealt with. Snape was also less out going in his normal style of dealing with students, though no one was fully sure why.

As for Harry, Hermione, and Luna their life was also going along great. Harry's grades where now almost close to rivaling Hermiones, though his overall class grade was still lower. Hermione was also helping Luna with her class work now as well, but mostly just correcting things like spelling. It soon became quiet common to see the three of them somewhere around the castle when they could be together studying and helping people that asked for it, even surprisingly from the Slytherin house once or twice.

Ron for once was studying on and off though this was because what Harry said at the trial was true. Though Ron grades were slowly getting better he was still not doing anywhere enough to do more than pass at the moment. He had become more distant from Harry and his group, but he still talked with them when he could.

Soon it came time for kids to sign the list to head home for the Christmas break. Hermione and Harry at once signed the list since Hermione's mom and dad wanted to take them on a skiing trip. Harry was a little hesitant when he heard this but Hermione promised there were teachers that would show him how it was down correctly. She also pointed out that you could learn at any age. This made Harry willing to give it a try rather than just stay at the school or the lodge when they left.

Luna asked if she could come along seeing as it sounded fun. Hermione was hesitant at first seeing as Luna's father would want to spend time with her. Luna sighed and nodded, but the next day she said she had written to her father about it and said she should go. Hermione was not sure whether to jump for joy or sigh at this. She with Harry's help then wrote to her family and asked if Luna could come along, saying she had sort of invited herself along and already had her dads permission.

The letter did not return for a few days causing Luna to get a little worried they would say no. Hermione tried to help but she knew that Luna had done something slightly wrong and her parents where within their rights to say no. Then a day before the list came around for them to sign if they were leaving or staying they letter showed up late during lunch. But before they could open it the school bell sounded signaling time for the next class to be starting soon. Hermione said they would open it after the afternoon class during dinner time.

Luna throughout the day could barely stand the waiting. She wanted to know, but at the same time didn't. She did not want to leave her new friends just yet, and even if she spent the winter break with her father she knew all her thought would likely be on her friend. Not on other stranger creature that her dad had told her about like normal. And by the time dinner came around she was very stressed out, since like most people that used magic she never learned the full meaning of patience. This was because she was like most other magic user when they wanted something unless it was a broom or something did not have to wait for it, because with a wave of their wand it was done and ready for them.

Luna sat down at the end of the tables as she got to the Great Hall. Then as she saw Harry and Hermione enter she nearly knocked them over as she ran up and asked if they could open up the letter now. Hermione nodded as they walked over to their normal spot and opened the letter carefully as to not tear it. Luna was one pins and needles at this point. She wanted to grab the letter and read it but she fault the need back taking a few calming deep breaths. Hermione finished the letter and handed it to her; Luna smiled and took it carefully before reading it carefully.

'Dear Hermione

We thank you for asking us first, and yes she may come along this time. But next let us invite her before she invites herself along, that way we can set up a better hotel room.

Your loving Mom and Dad.'

Luna grinned and let out a loud "yes" causing most of the hall to look over to where she was. Hermione smiled and hugged her while Harry just smiled to himself. She had realized she had done something pretty rude, but she was still thankful for Mr. Granger for letting her to come along. So with this in mind she signed the sheet for those leaving as well.

On the train ride back they talk about the trip they would soon be taking. Hermione explained many different things she knew about skiing everything from turning to how to get on and off a lift. She also explained about the other things you could do instead of skiing everything from snow skating to snowboard to tubing. About half way through the talk Fred and George showed up and though they did not talk a lot during this trip they listen semi surprised at Harry's, Hermione's, and Luna's plan for the break.

As Hermione and the other reached the station they quickly gathered their things that they needed and left through the gate. They then carefully went through the gate through to the other side and meant Hermione's parents on the other side. Tillie and Sam were quickly introduced to Luna before they were in the car and heading home to pack some things.

It did not take them long and soon they were off to the ski area with a small list of things they would either need to get loaned out or possibly buy. Mostly being equipment for Harry and Luna, and some new things for Hermione since she was almost ready to outgrow her old things, and her cat features where going to make things less comfortable if she didn't get the right things. While Luna could easily fit Hermione's old winter skiing clothing, nether Hermione or Luna were able to use her old skiing equipment. And Harry though like the idea did not want to use anything girly, which got a good laugh out of everyone, even if Sam agreed fully.

Soon they were all piled into the car and off to the hotel where they would be staying. Thanks to some warning before hand Luna brought along a book to read since Hermione pointed out the trip would be a few hours and they would not be getting out of the car till they had reach their destination. By the time they had got there Luna had gotten into the child's habit of "are we there yet?" much to Harry's and Hermione enjoyment, and Sam slight annoyance

After getting settled into the hotel for the night and dropping their skiing stuff at the local Ski area. They settled in for the night, the kids working on what little homework had been giving to them by their teachers, or a lot in Snape's case. While the parents went around the Hotel meeting up with old friends, and even some old skiing rivals. As Harry finished he went over to the TV and turned it one to see what he could find. This caught Luna's attention at once as she looked at the box which was flashing moving pictures.

She was soon distracted by it full in wonderment, sure she had seen panting and even pictures move before. But she never realized just how many different shows and things a muggle could see in one box shape contraption. Hermione seeing this giggled and started explaining the how the television worked. Luna could barely believe fully what she was hearing. It made some Wizarding things like the Radio seem terrible outdate, since when the news came on it was able to show her the current weather predictions for the area and even events accruing around the world.

But soon it was time for them to head to bed when the parent returned. Hermione and Luna quickly fell asleep on one of the beds. Harry ended up sleeping on the other bed quite happily; while Sam and Tillie slept in the room next to the one the kids where in with a door connecting them. This sleeping arrangement was decided after a lot of thought on the parent's part; with the warning in place if they were found in the same bed at all they would be sleeping in different rooms for the rest of the trip.

The next day they were up early getting into their ski clothes getting breakfast and packing a lunch. Luna was still surprised at the amount of clothes one had to wear skiing, but Hermione, and her mom and dad, reminded her a few times that she would need them. As they finally reached the ski area as soon as Luna stepped out she understood why they had such thick clothes on, it was cold!

Very soon all the kids found themselves in half day classes. These were for Harry and Luna mostly to learn correctly, while the ones for Hermione where to retouch her up on her skills. Luna and Harry kept quiet mostly during their classes, Harry from trying to get the skills down, and Luna from just being overwhelmed at what the muggles where doing without using even the littlest bit of magic. Everything from snow makers, to the snow CATs that groomed the runs, and finally the ski lifts.

Then later in the afternoon, after eating lunch, they would ski together as a group as classes where only a half day long. Hermione would ski ahead of them and wait for them to catch up after a little bit. Luna was surprisingly catching on very quickly while Harry was having more troubles. They did this for a while until about an hour before the lifts would close. Then they waited at the bottom of the lifts till they found Sam and Tillie. Once they had found them they packed up their things putting them at the local ski storage building and returning the rentals.

And soon after that they were back at the Hotel where Hermione, Sam, and Tillie would swim since Harry and Luna had not brought and did not have any swimming things that would fit in with their current location. Luna and Harry where not overly happy about this, but since would not be swimming Harry decided to take a walk with Luna outside. This was mostly because Luna wanted to get use to having her feet free of those restricting ski boots. While they were gone Harry started to explain many of the different muggle things and how they worked, including the ski lifts and other things involved in that. When they finally returned to the room they found Hermione had already showered and was reading a good book on one of the beds, she looked up as Harry entered the room.

"Wondering where you have been," She said with a small smile.

"Sorry just been wondering around the place telling Luna what the non-magical community can do over all," Harry said smiling lightly before sitting down.

"It is so interesting; I never knew muggles could do so much without magic. It truly makes the magical world seem so old at times. Like communication, we have nothing that can beat the TV let alone this internet thing you were telling me about yesterday. And you dad said it is only just the beginning," Luna said flopping down on the bed her head spinning. Some of the things the muggle world had made where unbelievable like the plane Harry had pointed out high above their heads.

Hermione just chuckled, "Just wait and see. The non-magical world seems to speed up every day, I once heard my dad joke that soon as soon as you buy something it might be outdate in the future. Though I am not completely unsure about that because just look at the TV you are looking at. There is a newer better model coming out every year."

Luna just nodded and was soon asleep to tire from the day of physical activity, to worry about dinner later. Sam and Tillie laughed a little seeing this and decided Pizza was a good idea for today's dinner just in case Luna woke up.

The next two days continued like this without too much difference in one day to the next. Then on the fourth day things changed up a little bit for one Harry was finally getting the hang of skiing enough that both he and Luna could almost keep up with Hermione. But it was after lunch on that day that things started to get interesting for when they reached the top of the lift that something happened.

They had just reached the warming lodge at the mountain top, and had already taken off most of their extra heavy gear, winter coat, boots, goggle, and gloves. And where resting or in Luna's case regaining the freedom of moving her feet again. They had been resting for only about a minute when two people walked in and stopped at the door and seemed to stare at the group or more correctly Hermione. They were wearing snow coats with black helmets, gloves, and pants; with the only thing that could tell them apart was their snow coats, one was a light green while the other was a blue.

"Well, Miss Granger it has been a while since we have see you," The one with the green coat said as the made their way over to the one the bench seats and sat down. The person said with a female voice.

"You never call, you never write, did you forget us or something," The other said tilting her head.

"I am sorry, but I am not fully sure who you are," Hermione said looking from one two the other somewhat confused.

"Ahh sis I told you she would not remember us," The one in blue said.

"Yes I guess you were right. Fine Hermione we will reveal ourselves and give you one last guess," They quickly removed their helmets, gloves, and goggles. Hermione at this pointed looked at them close as they removed their winter coat and undid their boots.

Hermione looked at them hard as they sat down towards them smirking at the group. They both had dark blond hair that could almost be brown depending on the light. Their skin was rosy from the cold air but their eyes shown with a mischief that reminded Harry a great deal of the Weasley Twins. Their eyes though was what stood them apart, while one had green eyes like a lush forest, the other had ocean blue eyes. The green ones forcefully remind Harry of himself, and the pictures he had of his mom. Their eyes had been matching close to the color the other twin had been wearing. Other than these few things they looked like each other meaning they were probably twins.

Hermione sighed after a few moments, "I know, I know you but I cannot remember from where."

The green eyed one smirked grew a little bit, "now she is getting somewhere sis."

The blue eyed one nodded in agreement, "Yes I agree. But she cannot guess I think it might just be the fact she has not seen us in over three years ever since she started at the lousy school of hers."

"Wait three years," Hermione at once thought harder as her eyes widen, "wait you're the twins I always skied with back before I started at the boarding school. You're Aelita and Aelira right?"

They both smile and nodded as one while the green eyed one spoke. "Yep one and the same, it pains us so when you did not remember us after all these years, even after taking off our ski things."

"Well it has been a while," Hermione said getting up and giving them both a hug before sitting back down.

"Yes it has, when have been wondering where you were going to school so we could send a letter. We even got mama to take us over to your house to get the address from your parents but they could not give it to us. Anyway as to not be rude why don't you tell us who your friends are," The green eyed one said again.

"Oh yes sorry," Hermione said blushing at being a little rude, "This is Luna Lovegood, and this is Harry Potter. Harry, Luna these are my first friends, Aelira and Aelita." She pointed first to Luna then to Harry, then to the twins the green eyed one being Aelira and the blue eyed one being Aelita. Harry then noticed something weird, as the twin's eyes both jumped to him this is forehead for a half a second before they switched over looking at Luna closely. As their eyes refocused on Hermione they faces became almost unreadable, at least to Harry.

"You have indeed met some interesting people at Hogwarts," Aelita said causing Hermione's eyes to widen a great deal.

"Wait how do you know I go to that school," Hermione asked in shock.

Aelita giggled at this, "simple really, our mom keeps us up-to-date on things in the world, wither non-magical or magical. One of these things was knowing where these power players are wither they use the power they might have or not."

"So you magical," Hermione asked still semi shocked.

"Kind of, if you follow us down to the ski lodge we can show you," Aelira said smiling but yawning as she did so.

"Sure I am willing, but what about Harry and Luna?" Hermione said then asked.

"They can come if they want," Aelita said as she relaxed on one of the chairs. She then looked over at Harry and Luna.

Harry smiled, "Sure." Luna nodded as well; wanting to see as well learned about Hermione's first friends.

"Okay meet us at the base of lift two in about ten minutes, we want to rest before continuing," Aelira said yawning.

"Tired I see," Hermione said giggling.

"Well we have been working hard on improving ourselves, and when we ski we do work at it. Either way you might want to get going now unless you want to try and traverse some of those harder runs to get over to lift two," Aelita said rolling her eyes at the tired comment.

"Why should we leave now wouldn't we be waiting for you for a while?" Luna asked slightly confused.

"No because we will be taking the harder runs meaning the trip will be shorter for us over all. If anything we will end up waiting on you," Aelira said her smile turning into a small smirk, "though if you want we can show you what we mean in a few minutes when we leave."

"Sure I want to see just how good you really are," Luna said smiling.

"Okay," Aelira said looking almost happy.

Soon it fell quiet in the room as the twins talk to each other. Hermione watched them thinking to herself while, Luna sat off to the side thinking about what the twins bragged. Harry though was looking at the twins closely in wonderment. He had never know that Hermione had any friends, but then again like himself until a while ago neither of them knew the others history. He knew the basic background of Hermione's life just not details, he wondered to himself it Hermione had any other friends or if these were the only two.

After about five minutes the twins let Harry, Hermione, and Luna they were heading up. They were soon dressed and out the door before Luna and Harry were completely ready. As Harry, Luna, and Hermione joined the two outside they smiled and nodded.

"We will lead and wait some way down the hill for you," Aelita said smiling, "and don't worry we will stay insight."

Hermione just shook her head as they pushed off and down the hill. Luna learned very quickly that the twins had not been lying when they said they would be the ones waiting, and not their group. The twins were easily keeping ahead of them while making larger curves down the slope then they were. It was not long though before they reached the hill that the twins had talked about before. At the top Luna could easily see why they said for them to leave early it was going to take them a little while to get down, with the limited skills in skiing both Harry and herself had.

The twins then pointed out the easy way down for the beginner skiers. It would take a great deal longer but overall was a lot easier and safer way for both Luna and Harry who were not fully ready for this run. They started at once down the side trail while Hermione followed not far behind them. When they finally reached the bottom they saw the twins up onto of the run looking down at them. As they watched the twins took off, one then the other. They quickly shot down the hill with only a few select curves they kept out of other people's ways before they moved on only slowing to keep control.

Then as they came with close enough to Harry Hermione and Luna they curled around them and brought themselves to a rapid halt. They were grinning like fools as they looked at Hermione and the others. Aelira then spoke up, "So Luna was that fast enough for you?"

Luna nodded a little surprised at the skills they had for being the same age as her. "Yes."

"Good now get your stuff together we will show you to our room where we can show you our magical skills," Aelita said before taking off her ski.

It was not long before the skis, polls, and boots were stored and the group up in the bed room. Aelira smiled as she stretched and moved about the hotel room. "Oh how I hate those boots but love skiing."

"I can agree on that," Luna said happy to be in normal shoes again as the set their stuff carefully aside in a small pile as to not forget it.

"It is also nice to see your hotel is only a few blocks off so we can visit you," Hermione said sitting down in a chair.

"Yep," Aelita said sitting down after a rubbing her feet for a few moments.

"So what is it that you wanted to show us, that is so special," Hermione asked getting right to the subject.

"Well it is easier to show than explain," Aelira said before pointed over to a chair off to the side of the room. Slowly it rose into the air before it reformed into a small desk, before changing back to a chair. Harry stared at the chair in shock before looking out the window for the owl that was sure to come to warn about under age magic. Hermione and Luna on the other hand were staring at Aelira in shock.

"You can use wandless magic," Hermione said drawing Harry's attention away from the window.

"Actually, we both can," Aelita said smirking.