Authors Note: Wow! Well haven't I been a very naughty girl?! I haven't
updated in a while, sorry! Fudge runs away from all the mad reviewers who
are trying to hit her! Hey if you injure me I wont be able to write more!
LoL neways, I have had mega writers block on this chapter, I have had no
inspiration to write it, and I have been really busy, so you see why it has
taken this long?! LoL I am hoping to get a few more chapters out before I
leave (FRIDAY - arghhh!) but I am very busy packing and stuff! I have just
sorted out fights back home for Christmas on the Internet (I'm sure you're
all interested), so I will be back on the writing everyday habit, as of
the, err, 14th December, till ermm, early New Year. If you want me to
email you when I update (not sure if my Author Alert works or not - points
at self: clueless) then send me e-mail at Fudge72AH@hotmail.com, with add
me to FanFiction mailing list or summit like that! LoL Anyways, I have
neglected you reviewers for a while, I didn't post thank yous in the last
chapter, so lots and lots and lots to get through this time, thank you all
for reviewing!
Inlovewithcarmelmarchsstory - thank you!
BabyJJ - ahhh who is it, you know you wanna have a guess
Romm - why will it be creepy?
Saffire Shadow - Saff - you know what I think. Thanks for reviewing!
LythTaeraneth - I love that you comment all the time! Its reassuring to know that I am still holding your attention! I quite liked The Mystery Man chapter too, it was my first go at if you like 'pure romance' and it worked! Yippie!
Arrow-card - you're not the first person to say its Snape, but is it?
Dinka - lol, don't apologise for telling me I'm brilliant! I don't mind! As for me not knowing who Hermione will end up with eventually, I knew from the start. As you read through, even the beginning has little clues, but now, Hermione has gone all paranoid and suspects every one, but I think that's good, because it keeps my lovely audience guessing, and that's what I want :) I had to write that bit about Ginny, to be honest I had always intended to, the Ginny fight was a device to show how girls were going to get jealous of her. Hehe see I know what I'm talking about, honest!
Goody - well I am sorry you hate cliffys! I don't like them much either and didn't really intend to put one there, but it kept my audience gagging for more! HeHe! Plus reread the chapter, Hermione wasn't in her dorm, she was still in the common room, so she would have heard it!
Amberrose101 - hehe!
Captain Oblivious - MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Ravengurlie149 - I am very evil - mwahahaha!
Alisama2 - you have had long enough to ponder, do you know yet?! LoL
XxdemonchildxX - Goyle, well that would be a shock! LoL
Dinka - I know sad sad sad :( (you wont have to run away, but don't tell anyone)
Captain Oblivious - I have just realised who you are and that you have changed your pen name, trying to confuse me tut tut tut! MWAHAHAHA!
Someone28 - but I like leaving you all hanging! It makes me feel powerful!
Iheartronweasley - read note below
Arrow-card - who will it be? Also read note below, I do intend to finish the story!
An Anti-Sheep Cheese Muffin - its sad isn't it!
Saffire Shadow - aww Saff, mwah!
Tracey Claybon - I am pleased to hear that you treat your readers so well. In truth I didn't anticipate this story to do as well as it has, and I thought nobody would care that I didn't finish it! As it goes, read the note below. I also have to point out this is my first and only cliffhanger, I don't like them much either, but they keep the story interesting!
Malferz - I hope to reveal who the mystery man is soon - shock horror!
LythTaeraneth - don't die! I wont do option A!
Con - see note below
wowsergirl (randomantagonist@aol.com) - thanks for your opinion, see note below.
RosePetal77 - thank you! Points at note below!
Saffire Shadow - I think this is the third time I have responded to you in this chapter! LoL Thanks for reviewing so much!
Someonelse - things always make more sense in ya head don't they?! LoL Thanks for your suggestion!
Goody - I wont quit!
Ghost - I agree, see note below
Happigolucki616 - OK!
Britt - thank you, please read the note below
LythTaeraneth - I love your constant commenting! Don't stop and don't apologise (did I already say that to you today?!)
Chantal9 - noooo I don't want to kill ppl! LoL A few ppl have thought it was Snape, interesting, very interesting!
Briep0p - thank you for loving me story!
Dinka - feeling light headed is a great way to feel. You can review as often as you like, I love getting reviews from ya! LoL
Ravengurlie149 - it goes on, and on!
Je ne sais pas (happy_faerie_child@hotmail.com) - thank you! I wont stop, and the mystery man will come out soon I think!
Jane air - glad you're interested!
Arrow-card - sorry! You have to admit though, its quite funny the way she reacted! Or not?!
An Anti-Sheep Cheese Muffin - well this is supposed to be a comedy?! LoL Uber-cool what a good expression! LoL
Araz - I know, how much does it make you go ewwww! And it's still funny! LoL
Duzzy and wuzzy - I have lots of people saying ewwwwwww it cant be Snape, and others saying please let it be him! Who will it be?!
Goody - soon with the mystery man! Bare with me, I'm hoping it will be worth it.
Unhealthily-Obsessed - suspense is good!
Eizoku - you know its him do you?! Are you sure? I don't know who else could it be?
Preciousonee - dunno who can it be?
Singingvalentine - dunno which is it?
Well that took me about an hour! LoL! I'm not complaining I love reading reviews, and answering back, plus its my own fault for not doing it on the last chapter! LoL Now in response to your lovely reviews asking me to do option C, I have decided to do option C! that's the option I wanted to do in the first place, but I needed to know if you guys were going to stick around for me! Thanks for your support!
Thank you again everybody! Please keep reviewing! Let me know how I'm getting on. Any tips or plot ideas will be read, appreciated and considered! LoL Don't read that as "help me I'm running out of ideas", its not! I have loadsa ideas still, but it's always nice if you feel you have some input into the story! LoL
REVIEW - you know you wanna!
Love Fudgexxx
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The Letters
With the preoccupations of many difficult lessons, Hermione spent no more time thinking about her mystery man. When she wasn't in lessons she was spending her hours in the library laboriously researching for one essay or another. Days turned into weeks and before she knew it she was being asked whether she wanted to stay at Hogwarts over Christmas.
"You'll stay wont you Hermione? Me and Harry are," said Ron hopefully when the subject was brought up for discussion.
"I'm not sure Ron, I will have to see what my parents are up to, it would be nice to get to see them at Christmas. I hardly ever go home anymore."
In truth Hermione thought that going home would give her a break from the constant effects of the love potion. Over time people around her had gotten used to it, and most of the time Harry and Ron seemed completely normal, but on some occasions things got really bad. There had been a time when Ron and Harry had had a fight over the affections of her. Which had resulted in Harry having a broken nose, and Ron obtaining a broken finger.
So Hermione wrote a letter to her parents, asking what their plans were for Christmas, and if she could be included in them. She got a reply a week later. It read:
Dear Hermione,
It was nice to hear from you, your Dad and I are both well.
I was delighted to hear that you wish to spend Christmas with us! We are going skiing in Canada, but don't worry, Dad has already rung the travel company and they say it is possible to book you in too! Please let us know straight away if you want to come, so we can get tickets sorted.
I know it's not a traditional family Christmas, but we would love you to come with us. I also understand that as its not what you were expecting you may no longer wish to spend the holidays with us.
Write back soon
Are you still flossing?
Love Mum (and Dad)
Hermione sighed. She loved skiing, and in Canada too, she had never been there. But her Mum was right; she had been expecting a traditional family Christmas spent at home. The trouble with skiing is that lots of men do it as well. She couldn't risk having every skier to fall for her. Disappointed and a little annoyed Hermione wrote back to her parents explaining that she didn't feel up to a skiing holiday, due to how hard she was working, she just wanted a restful break. When she had finished the letter she made her way towards the Owlry.
She had considered asking Harry if she could borrow Hedwig to send the letter, but she had reasoned that he would need to know who she was writing to, and then why. So she used one of the brown school owls.
As she attached the letter to the old owls leg, she felt a tug on her heart. And when she released the owl, she felt as though he was carrying more than the letter with him. He took her heart.
She had thought that Christmas at her parent's house would solve her problems; she could recess into the memories of childhood holidays, and leave all her problems behind her. So much for that. Hermione had never felt so alone and needy. During term time, she threw herself into her work so she didn't have to feel this way, but now on reflection, she had always felt a certain void. A void that could only be filled with love.
Hermione didn't know why she was thinking like this. She wasn't usually this gloomy, but she was fed up with the way things were at the moment. There was no sign that Snape was any closer to finding an antidote, and the potion had not relented. A solitary tear fell from her eye. And then another. And another. She was soon a crumpled heap on the Owlry floor, sobs convulsing her body.
She didn't hear anybody enter the Owlry. She didn't notice a pair of eyes watching her. She didn't see the indecision on his face, wondering whether to go and comfort her or to leave her alone.
"Hermione, are you OK?" said a small voice from the corner. It made Hermione jump. She looked up, and quickly wiped her eyes.
"Oh, Neville I didn't hear you come in. I am fine, just a bit, err, homesick you know," she said, trying to sound convincing.
"I didn't mean to disturb you, I'm just sending a letter to my Gran," said Neville, blushing.
"It's OK you didn't disturb me," said Hermione looking down at the floor, so she didn't have to make contact with his eyes. She quickly changed the subject, "are you going home for the holidays Neville?"
"No," said Neville gloomily, "Grans friend isn't very well so she's going to stay with her over the holidays."
"Oh. You wanted to go then?" asked Hermione.
"Yes, I normally go and visit my parents on Christmas Day," said Neville very quietly.
"Oh Neville I'm sorry, I didn't know," said Hermione, feeling she had just put her foot in it. "I really wanted to go home too, but my parents are going skiing."
"Cant you go with them?" asked Neville innocently; glad the subject had moved back to Hermione.
"I could, but, err," Hermione was casting around for a reason, "I have only ever skied on the dry slopes," at this Neville looked puzzled, "like fake snow, and its really different to proper snow. Anyway I don't like the cold much."
"Me neither," said Neville, thoughtfully. After a short pause, he said, "Why were you really crying Hermione?"
"Like I said, I just felt a bit homesick. I really wanted to go home for Christmas, I haven't been in so long, and I had already decided that's what I'd do and it came as a bit of a shock that I wouldn't be able to do it, and. . ."
"Hermione," Neville cut across her, "you're rambling, and when you start rambling it means you're lying. It doesn't matter," he added, seeing the look on Hermione's face, "I just want you to know that, well I understand some things you know, and I know I'm not Harry or Ron, but I'm still your friend, and you're good to me and, well I just want you to know if you ever need someone to talk to about things, I'm here."
Hermione burst into tears.
"What? Is it that bad that I want to help you?" said Neville, shocked and concerned at her reaction.
"No Neville, its just well, thanks, it means a lot," said Hermione, realising how lucky she was to be surrounded by such a great and loyal bunch of people.
"That's OK Hermione. You're a great person you know. You help me so much, and all I can do to repay you is spill burning hot potions over you," said Neville, blushing deeply.
At this remark Hermione sobbed even harder, as it reminded her of all the problems she would still have to incur. Neville moved over to her and took her thin frame in his arms. He cradled her, and made her feel safe. He didn't say anything, or try anything on, and they stayed like that for a long time.
Hermione had never associated Neville with the strength he was now showing her. He rocked her back and forth, and stroked her hair. It was reassuring. It was almost a motherly gesture. It soothed Hermione in a way she would not have thought possible.
When she finally unfolded herself from Neville's arms, he said nothing. She kissed him on the cheek and went back to her dormitory.
When she arrived in her room, there was a big brown owl pecking at the window. It looked remarkable similar to the one she had sent to her parents, but they wouldn't have been able to reply that quickly, the owl wouldn't have even reached them yet. She opened the window and the owl flew onto her shoulder, and obediently stuck out its leg so she could detach the message.
It was written in blood red ink, the words etched, as if by computer, unrecognisable as a specific person's handwriting. She opened the envelope and drew out the parchment. The writing inside was similar, and still in that impersonal script. The letter read:
Dearest Hermione,
I write to you under the pseudonym you seem to have adopted for me. I write in the hope to convince you to stay at Hogwarts over the Christmas holidays. I shall be spending my holiday in the castle also, and I hope very much that we can share the joyous celebration.
If you are to stay I would like to arrange another meeting with you, with no trickery involved this time. I suggest Christmas Eve. I will meet you outside your Common Room, as before, at 11pm.
Send a reply with this owl, look forward to hearing from you.
Love Eternally
Your Mystery Man.
Hermione glanced up to see the owl still sitting patiently on her shoulder; she hadn't even noticed it was still there. Now what? She was staying over the holidays anyway, what harm would it do to meet this stranger? He hadn't hurt her before, and she had no reason to fear him. So she quickly scribbled a reply, agreeing to meet him.
"I will meet you," though Hermione, "and I will unmask you before we reach Christmas Day."
Inlovewithcarmelmarchsstory - thank you!
BabyJJ - ahhh who is it, you know you wanna have a guess
Romm - why will it be creepy?
Saffire Shadow - Saff - you know what I think. Thanks for reviewing!
LythTaeraneth - I love that you comment all the time! Its reassuring to know that I am still holding your attention! I quite liked The Mystery Man chapter too, it was my first go at if you like 'pure romance' and it worked! Yippie!
Arrow-card - you're not the first person to say its Snape, but is it?
Dinka - lol, don't apologise for telling me I'm brilliant! I don't mind! As for me not knowing who Hermione will end up with eventually, I knew from the start. As you read through, even the beginning has little clues, but now, Hermione has gone all paranoid and suspects every one, but I think that's good, because it keeps my lovely audience guessing, and that's what I want :) I had to write that bit about Ginny, to be honest I had always intended to, the Ginny fight was a device to show how girls were going to get jealous of her. Hehe see I know what I'm talking about, honest!
Goody - well I am sorry you hate cliffys! I don't like them much either and didn't really intend to put one there, but it kept my audience gagging for more! HeHe! Plus reread the chapter, Hermione wasn't in her dorm, she was still in the common room, so she would have heard it!
Amberrose101 - hehe!
Captain Oblivious - MWAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!
Ravengurlie149 - I am very evil - mwahahaha!
Alisama2 - you have had long enough to ponder, do you know yet?! LoL
XxdemonchildxX - Goyle, well that would be a shock! LoL
Dinka - I know sad sad sad :( (you wont have to run away, but don't tell anyone)
Captain Oblivious - I have just realised who you are and that you have changed your pen name, trying to confuse me tut tut tut! MWAHAHAHA!
Someone28 - but I like leaving you all hanging! It makes me feel powerful!
Iheartronweasley - read note below
Arrow-card - who will it be? Also read note below, I do intend to finish the story!
An Anti-Sheep Cheese Muffin - its sad isn't it!
Saffire Shadow - aww Saff, mwah!
Tracey Claybon - I am pleased to hear that you treat your readers so well. In truth I didn't anticipate this story to do as well as it has, and I thought nobody would care that I didn't finish it! As it goes, read the note below. I also have to point out this is my first and only cliffhanger, I don't like them much either, but they keep the story interesting!
Malferz - I hope to reveal who the mystery man is soon - shock horror!
LythTaeraneth - don't die! I wont do option A!
Con - see note below
wowsergirl (randomantagonist@aol.com) - thanks for your opinion, see note below.
RosePetal77 - thank you! Points at note below!
Saffire Shadow - I think this is the third time I have responded to you in this chapter! LoL Thanks for reviewing so much!
Someonelse - things always make more sense in ya head don't they?! LoL Thanks for your suggestion!
Goody - I wont quit!
Ghost - I agree, see note below
Happigolucki616 - OK!
Britt - thank you, please read the note below
LythTaeraneth - I love your constant commenting! Don't stop and don't apologise (did I already say that to you today?!)
Chantal9 - noooo I don't want to kill ppl! LoL A few ppl have thought it was Snape, interesting, very interesting!
Briep0p - thank you for loving me story!
Dinka - feeling light headed is a great way to feel. You can review as often as you like, I love getting reviews from ya! LoL
Ravengurlie149 - it goes on, and on!
Je ne sais pas (happy_faerie_child@hotmail.com) - thank you! I wont stop, and the mystery man will come out soon I think!
Jane air - glad you're interested!
Arrow-card - sorry! You have to admit though, its quite funny the way she reacted! Or not?!
An Anti-Sheep Cheese Muffin - well this is supposed to be a comedy?! LoL Uber-cool what a good expression! LoL
Araz - I know, how much does it make you go ewwww! And it's still funny! LoL
Duzzy and wuzzy - I have lots of people saying ewwwwwww it cant be Snape, and others saying please let it be him! Who will it be?!
Goody - soon with the mystery man! Bare with me, I'm hoping it will be worth it.
Unhealthily-Obsessed - suspense is good!
Eizoku - you know its him do you?! Are you sure? I don't know who else could it be?
Preciousonee - dunno who can it be?
Singingvalentine - dunno which is it?
Well that took me about an hour! LoL! I'm not complaining I love reading reviews, and answering back, plus its my own fault for not doing it on the last chapter! LoL Now in response to your lovely reviews asking me to do option C, I have decided to do option C! that's the option I wanted to do in the first place, but I needed to know if you guys were going to stick around for me! Thanks for your support!
Thank you again everybody! Please keep reviewing! Let me know how I'm getting on. Any tips or plot ideas will be read, appreciated and considered! LoL Don't read that as "help me I'm running out of ideas", its not! I have loadsa ideas still, but it's always nice if you feel you have some input into the story! LoL
REVIEW - you know you wanna!
Love Fudgexxx
---------------------------------------------------------------------------- ---------------------------
The Letters
With the preoccupations of many difficult lessons, Hermione spent no more time thinking about her mystery man. When she wasn't in lessons she was spending her hours in the library laboriously researching for one essay or another. Days turned into weeks and before she knew it she was being asked whether she wanted to stay at Hogwarts over Christmas.
"You'll stay wont you Hermione? Me and Harry are," said Ron hopefully when the subject was brought up for discussion.
"I'm not sure Ron, I will have to see what my parents are up to, it would be nice to get to see them at Christmas. I hardly ever go home anymore."
In truth Hermione thought that going home would give her a break from the constant effects of the love potion. Over time people around her had gotten used to it, and most of the time Harry and Ron seemed completely normal, but on some occasions things got really bad. There had been a time when Ron and Harry had had a fight over the affections of her. Which had resulted in Harry having a broken nose, and Ron obtaining a broken finger.
So Hermione wrote a letter to her parents, asking what their plans were for Christmas, and if she could be included in them. She got a reply a week later. It read:
Dear Hermione,
It was nice to hear from you, your Dad and I are both well.
I was delighted to hear that you wish to spend Christmas with us! We are going skiing in Canada, but don't worry, Dad has already rung the travel company and they say it is possible to book you in too! Please let us know straight away if you want to come, so we can get tickets sorted.
I know it's not a traditional family Christmas, but we would love you to come with us. I also understand that as its not what you were expecting you may no longer wish to spend the holidays with us.
Write back soon
Are you still flossing?
Love Mum (and Dad)
Hermione sighed. She loved skiing, and in Canada too, she had never been there. But her Mum was right; she had been expecting a traditional family Christmas spent at home. The trouble with skiing is that lots of men do it as well. She couldn't risk having every skier to fall for her. Disappointed and a little annoyed Hermione wrote back to her parents explaining that she didn't feel up to a skiing holiday, due to how hard she was working, she just wanted a restful break. When she had finished the letter she made her way towards the Owlry.
She had considered asking Harry if she could borrow Hedwig to send the letter, but she had reasoned that he would need to know who she was writing to, and then why. So she used one of the brown school owls.
As she attached the letter to the old owls leg, she felt a tug on her heart. And when she released the owl, she felt as though he was carrying more than the letter with him. He took her heart.
She had thought that Christmas at her parent's house would solve her problems; she could recess into the memories of childhood holidays, and leave all her problems behind her. So much for that. Hermione had never felt so alone and needy. During term time, she threw herself into her work so she didn't have to feel this way, but now on reflection, she had always felt a certain void. A void that could only be filled with love.
Hermione didn't know why she was thinking like this. She wasn't usually this gloomy, but she was fed up with the way things were at the moment. There was no sign that Snape was any closer to finding an antidote, and the potion had not relented. A solitary tear fell from her eye. And then another. And another. She was soon a crumpled heap on the Owlry floor, sobs convulsing her body.
She didn't hear anybody enter the Owlry. She didn't notice a pair of eyes watching her. She didn't see the indecision on his face, wondering whether to go and comfort her or to leave her alone.
"Hermione, are you OK?" said a small voice from the corner. It made Hermione jump. She looked up, and quickly wiped her eyes.
"Oh, Neville I didn't hear you come in. I am fine, just a bit, err, homesick you know," she said, trying to sound convincing.
"I didn't mean to disturb you, I'm just sending a letter to my Gran," said Neville, blushing.
"It's OK you didn't disturb me," said Hermione looking down at the floor, so she didn't have to make contact with his eyes. She quickly changed the subject, "are you going home for the holidays Neville?"
"No," said Neville gloomily, "Grans friend isn't very well so she's going to stay with her over the holidays."
"Oh. You wanted to go then?" asked Hermione.
"Yes, I normally go and visit my parents on Christmas Day," said Neville very quietly.
"Oh Neville I'm sorry, I didn't know," said Hermione, feeling she had just put her foot in it. "I really wanted to go home too, but my parents are going skiing."
"Cant you go with them?" asked Neville innocently; glad the subject had moved back to Hermione.
"I could, but, err," Hermione was casting around for a reason, "I have only ever skied on the dry slopes," at this Neville looked puzzled, "like fake snow, and its really different to proper snow. Anyway I don't like the cold much."
"Me neither," said Neville, thoughtfully. After a short pause, he said, "Why were you really crying Hermione?"
"Like I said, I just felt a bit homesick. I really wanted to go home for Christmas, I haven't been in so long, and I had already decided that's what I'd do and it came as a bit of a shock that I wouldn't be able to do it, and. . ."
"Hermione," Neville cut across her, "you're rambling, and when you start rambling it means you're lying. It doesn't matter," he added, seeing the look on Hermione's face, "I just want you to know that, well I understand some things you know, and I know I'm not Harry or Ron, but I'm still your friend, and you're good to me and, well I just want you to know if you ever need someone to talk to about things, I'm here."
Hermione burst into tears.
"What? Is it that bad that I want to help you?" said Neville, shocked and concerned at her reaction.
"No Neville, its just well, thanks, it means a lot," said Hermione, realising how lucky she was to be surrounded by such a great and loyal bunch of people.
"That's OK Hermione. You're a great person you know. You help me so much, and all I can do to repay you is spill burning hot potions over you," said Neville, blushing deeply.
At this remark Hermione sobbed even harder, as it reminded her of all the problems she would still have to incur. Neville moved over to her and took her thin frame in his arms. He cradled her, and made her feel safe. He didn't say anything, or try anything on, and they stayed like that for a long time.
Hermione had never associated Neville with the strength he was now showing her. He rocked her back and forth, and stroked her hair. It was reassuring. It was almost a motherly gesture. It soothed Hermione in a way she would not have thought possible.
When she finally unfolded herself from Neville's arms, he said nothing. She kissed him on the cheek and went back to her dormitory.
When she arrived in her room, there was a big brown owl pecking at the window. It looked remarkable similar to the one she had sent to her parents, but they wouldn't have been able to reply that quickly, the owl wouldn't have even reached them yet. She opened the window and the owl flew onto her shoulder, and obediently stuck out its leg so she could detach the message.
It was written in blood red ink, the words etched, as if by computer, unrecognisable as a specific person's handwriting. She opened the envelope and drew out the parchment. The writing inside was similar, and still in that impersonal script. The letter read:
Dearest Hermione,
I write to you under the pseudonym you seem to have adopted for me. I write in the hope to convince you to stay at Hogwarts over the Christmas holidays. I shall be spending my holiday in the castle also, and I hope very much that we can share the joyous celebration.
If you are to stay I would like to arrange another meeting with you, with no trickery involved this time. I suggest Christmas Eve. I will meet you outside your Common Room, as before, at 11pm.
Send a reply with this owl, look forward to hearing from you.
Love Eternally
Your Mystery Man.
Hermione glanced up to see the owl still sitting patiently on her shoulder; she hadn't even noticed it was still there. Now what? She was staying over the holidays anyway, what harm would it do to meet this stranger? He hadn't hurt her before, and she had no reason to fear him. So she quickly scribbled a reply, agreeing to meet him.
"I will meet you," though Hermione, "and I will unmask you before we reach Christmas Day."