Chapter Two: Holiday Cheer
"G'Morning, dear," Mrs. Chesson said with a smile.
Catriona grinned. At least someone was on her side. "Stoop today?" she asked, somewhat hopeful. Today was a Hogsmeade weekend. No doubt everyone would make a stop to visit Aramais or send owls to their parents. The thought of being recognised was all too mortifying for Catriona. However, to her dismay, Mrs. Chesson was putting on her gloves and gathering her things. "No, dear, I have to go run a few errands, could you take over the counter for me?"
Catriona blinked. Mrs. Chesson was obviously putting a great deal of trust in her. She couldn't betray that. "A-alright," she said, quite uncertain and, though she never expressed it, unwilling.
"Thanks, dear," Sage Chesson said as she walked out the door. Before the door even had a chance to close all the way, it opened, letting in a Hogwarts student with a gust of chilly, autumn air. She was bundled up in a scarf, but from the bushy hair, Catriona could tell that it was Hermione.
Hermione was digging for something in her pocket, so didn't notice Catriona. If I go now, Catriona thought to herself, She won't even know I was here… I could get Aramais to take the job… Catriona stamped down on that flitting thought with her determination. No, Mrs. Chesson gave me the job, not Aramais. She sighed and cleared her throat.
Hermione looked up. "Oh! Catriona! I didn't think you worked here! Is this where you go every weekend?"
Catriona opened her mouth slightly, mortified. "Y…you know?"
Hermione smiled. "Well, of course, I do. I've given up looking for you in the library, where else would you be?" She paused and examined Catriona's face. "I think it's downright wonderful that you're working so hard for a little extra pocket money. Ron ought to apply here, too. The Chessons are wonderful people. But, you know, the Weasleys have a bit of difficulty getting the money around." She shot to alarm at realising how that sounded. "Not that that's a bad thing, only that if he wanted extra money, it'd be a good thing to do." She leaned a bit on the counter. "Harry and Ron didn't want to come down with me today. They say they're bored with it. After all the fuss Harry made about coming here his third year, I'd have thought he'd value it a bit more. Oh well. Do you mind if I stay in here for a bit? It's getting cold outside and I must admit, I don't have much to do myself here anymore."
Catriona's reluctance gave way to manners. "By all means…" she said.
"Thanks. So, we never really talk." Hermione said, almost as a complaint.
That's the point, Catriona thought in response.
"How many siblings do you have? Harry and I can't sympathize with Ron's situation after all… we're only children of our family. What about yourself?"
"I'm an only child, too," she said, feeling more lonely and "only" than ever. She thought of Harry, alone as well, and felt a sigh escape.
Hermione nodded, slightly sensing the depression and trying to move on. "Well, I'm sending an owl home to my parents. Usually I use Hedwig or Pigwidgeon, but, since it's the holidays, they're all out and about." She smiled, knowing something that would surely cheer Catriona up. "Are you going to go see your parents this holiday?"
Catriona stiffened. "Me? No… I'm staying at Hogwarts," she said, running her fingers over the wooden counter.
Hermione persisted. "Why not? I'm sure they'd love to see you."
"I'm sure they would. The truth is, they've never seen me."
"Why-"
"They're dead," Catriona responded curtly, moving to the cash register. She opened it, just to have something to do.
"Oh."
"That'll be two sickles and one knut," Catriona said, rigidly business-like.
Hermione pulled out the change and tried her best to give a smile. It came out lopsided and pale. "Well… Happy Holidays," she offered, no longer finding it quite as warm or welcome in the Owl Post. She left a message on the counter to be sent by owl before leaving, letting another cool gust in.