Harry found Madam Promfery folding sheets and grumbling about not using magic.
"Yes Harry, what is today?" she snapped him. Harry drew back surprised. Madam Promfery was usually so nice to him. She saw Harry's expression and quickly changed her tone.
"I'm sorry Harry, are you not feeling well?" she asked a little more relaxed.
Harry nodded and explained his symptoms. The nurse stood there for a moment thinking about the possibilities. It had been very cold; maybe Harry was coming down with flu.
She gave him a tonic to drink and sent him on his way explaining he might just need a good night's rest. By the time Harry got to dinner, Ron was ready for desert. Harry was dishing up his food, some steak potatoes and vegetables. Ron scrunched up his nose at the spinach and carrots. Hermione smiled at him.
"Ron you should really just try them, the house elves make everything tasty," she commented thinking about last year. Hermione had wanted to ensure the house elves got wages and time off for working in Hogwart's kitchen. They however would hear nothing of the sort and were only too pleased to work for nothing.
But Ron shook his head with protest. Hermione sighed and continued to eat quietly.
Professor McGonagall stood up for announcements while Madam Hooch tapped her glass lightly with her fork
"As a treat for the whole school tomorrow, you all may visit Hogsmede as you will leave the following day for Christmas," she announced. The entire school broke out in applause and cheers.
"Now I can do my Christmas shopping," said Lavender excitedly.
The next morning Harry was unwell again but the thought of not going to Hogsmede was unbearable. He dressed warmly and hurried down to breakfast where Ron was already eating. Helping himself to some bacon and eggs with toast, Harry ate as much as his throat would allow. It felt like it was closing in on him. Finally he gave up and drank the rest of his orange juice instead. A flutter of wings was heard throughout the hall, and Harry saw his white owl Hedwig flying towards him. After she landed, he untied the note around her leg. It was Hermione asking him to meet her before dinner at Hagrid's.
He hadn't even noticed that Hermione was not at breakfast. Ron quickly explained that she had already been there and had gone ahead with Lavender to Hogsmede. Harry shrugged non-pulsed. He thought she would never forgive him. They soon left the castle and were on their way to Hogsmede. Ron dragged him into the sweet shop and Harry bought a couple of presents for the Weasley family and for Sirius. In fact he hadn't heard from him in ages but Harry knew that he was trying to gather witches and wizards in the resistance against Voldemort. Harry hadn't even told him about being Merlin first class.
"I wonder when we going to start training for the order of Phoenix?" Harry asked Ron.
"Well, I am in no rush to train with Snape, thank-you!" was Ron's reply as he stuffed some sweets into his mouth. Harry decided he would have to ask Dumbledore before tomorrow when he was to go to the Weasley's.
* * * * * * * * * * *
Hermione and Lavender had just left Gladrags, a clothing store in Hogsmede. Hermione had bought herself something to wear for Christmas dinner. It was a tradition in the Granger family to dress up for the meal. She reminded herself that she would have to tell Snape so he could pack something. As for the food, she would also have to cook, so she dragged Lavender into a nearby store and found some traditional Christmas recipes. She knew her mom did not have any because she had known them off by heart. She also bought Ron and Ginny something for Christmas. She wondered if she should by something for Snape or for Harry? Harry wouldn't be expecting anything but she felt she should anyway. Soon they were finished shopping and hurried off to get some butter beer.
By the time they returned to the castle everyone was relaxed and smiling. Packing of trunks had begun and students hurried around gathering their things together. Harry managed to wrap Ron's present whilst Ron was in deep discussion with George and Fred about something. He returned smiling and happily packed his things without sharing any news with Harry. At Dinner Hermione looked happier than she had in the last few days. She had been to see Snape after coming back from Hogsmede. When she explained the tradition he was only too happy oblige. He also told her he was really looking forwards to a few days from Hogwarts with her. Hermione was sure that was something was bound to happen and could not fight off the interest. She cared about Harry, but he obviously had other priorities. She glanced over at the Ravenclaw table to see Cho happily talking to her friends, he cheeks glowing and her eyes sparkling. Cho had beautiful hair and Hermione could not help but feel jealous. Her brown fizzy hair had brought her years of frustration and now that she was growing it again did not help things. Maybe she could convince Snape to help with a charm to straighten it, maybe as a Christmas gift. Now she saw that Harry had finished his dinner and was watching her anxiously. She continued to eat and ignored him. Eventually Harry got up and left the hall, obviously to go to Hagrid's. Hermione played with the thought of not going but knew it was best to get it over with.
* * * * * * * *
There was a note on Hagrid's door when Harry arrived. Hagrid had scribbled on a parchment to let Harry and Hermione know that he would only return at 10pm. Harry smiled to himself. Hagrid was so supportive of everyone, but tonight he went out of his way not to be home. Harry picked up the heavy parcel he was carrying and placed it on Hagrid's bed. He had searched everywhere for new boots for Hagrid and it had not been easy finding a huge size, let alone the thought of Hedwig carrying it to Hagrid's on Christmas Eve. Harry had decided to leave the present a little early, and if they did not fit, there would be time to change them before Christmas. The fire had plenty of wood and the cabin quiet. There was the noticeable emptiness in the hut because fang usually would be snoring gently in his spot.
'Hagrid must have taken fang with him,' Harry thought to himself. He sat down on one of the oversized armchairs and waited. Hermione arrived a few minutes later.
Once inside she took of her cloak and sat down opposite Harry, saying nothing.