Winter. The Franciscan Garden, Prague, 1992.
The silent winter was reigning outside. The beautiful Prague was covered with the whitest and brightest snow Hermione has ever seen. The girl was walking through the Franciscan Garden, looking around her, observing the trees covered with snow and the big snowflakes flying chaotically.
It was Bellatrix again who practically put Hermione out. Another dissatisfaction of the black-haired witch, that Hermione couldn't understand and determined the girl to go out in order to avoid a quarrel and finally to read the letter received from Draco.
Hermione was at that moment ripe and strong enough to resist and avoid crying in such situations. She only went in a silent place to gather her thoughts. And that day, her silent place was the Franciscan Garden, which was almost deserted in winter. Hermione found a bench to sit down and removed the letter from her pocket. She began reading:
"Greetings from London!
Dear Hermione,
I was so happy to receive your letter, but so sad reading it. I mean, I was a little shocked about your relationship with your parents. You deserve better, oh, no, you deserve best! I don't know how do you endure the situation! I think a mother mustn't behave with her daughter the way Bellatrix behaves with you! Even though, don't worry! I hope better times will come to you and your family and everything will be OK!
Speaking about me, I'm at Hogwarts as you know, the second semester began. After the winter holidays it was hard enough for me to leave Malfoy Manor. I have a close relationship with my parents, who love me very much. You wanted to know how a happy family looks like, so I think I can say that I have a happy family. It's about spending time together with parents; playing games; talking about all in this world; having breakfasts, lunches and dinners together; it's about receiving advice, smiles and hugs. I'm sorry for you! Your family is far from looking like that. Maybe it's not lost and you can change your relationship with your parents. Try to show your love for them, maybe it will save the situation. However, I have an idea! I'll tell my parents about you and I'm sure they will be happy to know you! I'll share my parents with you! Once I'll present you to them and you will be able to get closer to our family and consider it yours too! I think a friend can do this for another.
I'll leave you now with best regards! I'll be waiting for your letter!
Yours, Draco!
P.S. I loved the gift you sent very much and no, it doesn't tighten me as it simply can't! You sent it with your love for your friend, for me, and you must know that love can't tighten, love can't be dangerous! ;)"
As she finished reading, Hermione pressed the letter to her chest and a small tear rolled down from her eyes. "Thank you, Draco!", she said and remained a long time in the snowfall…