Mistletoes and Baubles

December 20th, 1995

Now, Harry Potter was not an individual accustom to letting his nerves get the better of him. Not by any means. He was a revered Triwizard Champion, a boy who had faced horrors and atrocities unknown to most. Hell, he'd battled a dragon for God's sake.

So posting a single letter to his best friend wouldn't be a big deal. Not at all.

As he repeated that mantra internally, Harry paced the owlery. Short but quick steps back and forth created a silent rhythm as Harry pondered his actions. He'd acted hastily, a spur of the moment thing brought on by a yearning to see his favourite bushy haired, know-it-all friend. In the letter he'd wrote just how much better he'd feel spending this Christmas with Hermione, dancing around the words 'I miss you', trying to embed his emotion into the stained parchment as he wrote. Now he had the letter in his hand, one last step away from sending it to his dear friend. Naturally, Harry feared the possibility of rejection. Despite how fondly and warmly Hermione spoke of her family Harry was still unsure just how comfortable they would be playing host to her scruffy schoolfriend. After struggling to push away the protruding thoughts, he took a deep breath and whistled for an owl and on demand was met by a scrawny barn-owl, it's eager brown eyes meeting Harry's hand holding the letter. Awaiting permission, the barn-owl sat and hooted, its stare fixed upon the letter. Before giving himself the chance to hesitate, Harry handed over the letter and watched meticulously as the owl flew out into a setting sun, carrying Harry's ticket away from the lonely castle.

December 21st, 1995

Sunlight had broken through the window of Hermione Granger's bedroom, casting complex hues throughout her room. For a December morning it was peculiarly warm, making Hermione's struggle to get out of her queen-sized bed even more challenging. Typically she'd be up by now, making breakfast or reading a good book, but she allowed herself to relax during the rundown to Christmas, immersing herself in the idea of spending every day completely at ease.

An idea which did not last long.

As she finally began to peel herself away from her bedsheets Hermione gasped and recoiled in shock upon realising she wasn't alone. On her windowsill a barn-owl sat still, patiently studying Hermione as if waiting for something. It took a second before she realised it was carrying a letter. Regaining her breath, Hermione walked over to her window, propping it open to invite the owl inside and then searching her drawers for the owl treats she kept for Hedwig. She returned to the owl with a handful, and only after she had offered them up did the owl allow her to take the letter. Giggling at the owls antics, Hermione took her letter and let her eyes glaze over the details.

To Hermione Granger,

Harry Potter

After reading the sloppy handwriting that was jotted on the envelope she beamed a smile bright enough to rival the rising sun. She'd only left Hogwarts recently but was already missing her friends, especially her messy-haired Harry Potter. She glanced over the envelope again, smiling at the familiar shaggy handwriting. She treasured Harry's little quirks, she really did, from his perfectly messy hair to his unkempt writing. She relished the moment of knowing Harry was thinking of her until she was grounded back into reality by a lone few 'hoots' from the owl by her window, which nodded its head, presumably in thanks of the treats, before taking back to the sky.

Still smiling a wide smile, Hermione turned over the letter, moving to open it quickly but with caution. She didn't want to tarnish it at all. Letters from Harry were rare and so she treated it as such – a rarity. Regardless, her excitement got the better of her and she ended up tearing the envelope with ease, ardent to get to the letter inside. Finally, she was faced with it and read it as a whisper under her breath.

'Dear Hermione,

I know you haven't been gone long but I wanted to write to you regardless. Honestly, now that you're gone it's lonely at Hogwarts. Hedwig makes for good company, but there's only so much we can really talk about. Anyway, what I mean to say is that I was thinking about what you said, spending Christmas at yours. I know I refused earlier but if the offer is still open I'd love nothing more than to spend Christmas with you.

Thanks,

Harry.'

Hermione couldn't believe it. Really, she couldn't. She knew Harry would be lonely at Hogwarts and was more than happy to have him over. Just the thought of it sent her over the edge and she triumphantly squealed in excitement, much to the distaste of Crookshanks who wasn't quite ready to wake up just yet. After soothing Crookshanks back to sleep, Hermione began to review her next move. She knew her parents would be more than happy for her to have a friend over. Really, they were happy so long as their daughter was happy. Thoughts continued flooding her mind as she began brushing her hair, she'd have to sort it all out later. For now, she just wanted to focus on getting Harry to her house as soon as possible.

And so, in one swift and fluid motion, Hermione grabbed the nearest quill and parchment and raced to her desk.

'Dear Harry...'

{A/N: Chapter two baby. Told you this would be short. Anyway, Christmas at the Granger's is something I've always loved to see so yeah.}