She stared out of the window, sighing. Even though it was morning already, she hadn't been able to sleep.
She had nothing to do as she had already finished all her summer homework.
Her mother and father were asleep, though it didn't matter. They were mostly absent even when they were awake.
Even when they weren't absent, there was a wall of sorts between them.
Not to say they weren't trying though. This trip to France was supposed to be a bonding experience for them and Hermione would be lying if she said that it hadn't helped.
They weren't a loving and amazing family by any means, but at least they could be around each other without being completely awkward or cold.
Speaking of family, Hermione's thoughts drifted to the only three people she could confidently declare family.
Aelurus, Delphinus and Catulus.
She wondering if Harry had gotten her present or not when a tap interrupted her reverie.
She looked up to find a familiar snowy owl outside her window.
She got up and allowed Hedwig in, and said owl stuck out her leg, proudly presenting Harry's letter to her.
She poured a little water in the bowl for Hedwig, who took a few sips before flying off once again.
Hermione, in the meanwhile, opened the letter, which said :
'Dear Hermione,
Thank you for the broom servicing kit. It's amazing!
For a while I though that maybe you and Ron accidentally mislabelled your gifts. I mean, Quidditch books from Ron and not you!
How're things going on with you? Have things gotten better between you and your parents?
Reply soon,
Your little brother,
Aelurus'
She knew why Harry had written 'your little brother' instead of 'love'.
It was to remind her that if things didn't work out between her parents and her, she could always find a family in him.
It was for the first time that Hermione Jean Granger had smiled so brightly.