Chapter 48

25 December 1993
Dear Oliver,
Merry Christmas! I hope that you are enjoying the holiday with your family. It's probably better than mine at the moment. I really regret not going home this year. As you probably figured, I stayed to make sure Harry didn't do anything foolish.
I don't think I told you before, but on our last Hogsmeade weekend, Harry snuck into the village with the aid of Fred and George, though he had me swear to secrecy about how they did it. Even though I know that he snuck in, I'm not too pleased about it.
It was dangerous. So, because I was sworn to secrecy, I can't tell you, sorry. I don't even know if you'd be able to get it out of them. Harry did help Ron and I out though, so I can't fault him for sneaking into town. Malfoy showed up and was annoying us and Harry got the best of him and his goons.
Anyway, I stayed behind as I said, to make sure Harry didn't do anything foolish, well, because we now have confirmation that Sirius Black escaped from Azkaban to come after Harry. Harry overheard a conversation in The Three Broomsticks about it. As it turns out, the man betrayed Harry's parents, and got them killed because he was working for... I don't have a problem saying it, but you might hear it so I'll just say You-Know-Who.
Christmas started out okay, until I messed it all up. I swear I didn't do anything bad on purpose, I was only looking out for Harry, but now he and Ron are mad at me. You see, Harry got a broomstick for Christmas, but there was no name on it. Professor McGonagall and Professor Dumbledore didn't give it to him as he didn't recognize the handwriting on the note. It made me suspicious so I told Professor McGonagall about it before he and Ron could go out and take it for a flight, and she confiscated it to make sure that it was safe. So now they're angry with me and are not talking to me again. So now, I am here with no one really to talk to. I miss you.
Hermione

25 December 1993
Merry Christmas, lass,
Wow, no, you didn't tell me that about Harry on the last Hogsmeade visit. Glad he didn't get into trouble. Also glad that he helped you and Ron out with Malfoy. I really wish that Slytherin snake would quit bothering you. I might have to make him an offer he can't refuse before I go. Aye, I don't think I'd be able to get anything out of the twins either. They can be rather difficult and tight-lipped even with me being their captain on the team.
What kind of broom did he get? Oh, sorry, lass, that's the Quidditch lover in me. You're right of course, since you don't know who it was from, it could be hexed. That sure is something about Black, and I'm glad then, that you stayed behind to keep an eye on him. I wouldn't put it past Harry to try and go after him first if Black really is after him.
I miss you too, but the break will be over soon. You can write any time. I'll give you your gift when I get back.
Oliver
PS. I know I kind of left you hanging on your last note. I apologise. It's just — I wasn't sure you'd really want to hear my answer or wanted me to repeat what I had said on Halloween. I understand your fear of rejection and I, too, want to keep our friendship.
Also, I've never truly thought of you as a little girl just following me around. A little sister — for a time — perhaps, but nothing like you described. On the contrary, I enjoy your company quite a lot. Feelings can be hard things to figure out, and shouldn't be rushed if you're not sure what you feel.

True to his word, the night of his return, Oliver sent her an owl, a real owl, bearing a medium-sized box. In return, she gave the owl a treat and sent back her own parcel. Opening the box, she saw more treats and toys for Crookshanks, and a small, white box in the bottom. Opening it, she let out a gasp, covering her mouth in awed surprise as she gazed down at a pair of earrings of pale pink crystal in a floral design with darker pink centres outlined in silver. A note was sticking up out of the box, and she pulled it out and read:

Merry Christmas, lass,
I was trying to find a book that I thought you might like and wasn't having any luck. I'm not sure that you'll ever have a use for these, but when I saw them, I thought you might like them. Don't worry about Harry and Ron, they'll come round.
Oliver

Hermione picked up the white box and moved it to her trunk. The gift was lovely, and she wanted it to herself. She couldn't be sure, but the gemstones looked real, and she didn't want to tempt anyone who might decide to steal them. It made her feel bad that Oliver had put so much thought into the gift and all she had gotten him were a scarf from Gladrags Wizardwear along with a pair of gloves, a new broom servicing kit, and Quidditch gloves. She thought that she'd spent a decent amount of money on his gift, but really, if the earrings he sent were real, they made her gift seem paltry.

As Crookshanks jumped on the bed and began meowing loudly, causing her to laugh as he rubbed against the box, she decided to make it up to Oliver on his birthday when she recalled that she still hadn't told him about amusement parks.

"Oh, alright!" she scolded Crookshanks and reached in the box drawing out a new mouse and a couple treats. She laughed again and he wolfed down the treats and then bounded after the new toy when she threw it . "You're lucky he likes cats, you know?" she called after him.

She pulled out a piece of parchment and quill and began a letter to her parents when an idea struck her. Pulling her wand out, she transfigured the sheet of parchment to Muggle lined paper and pulled out a spare quill, transfiguring it to a Muggle ink pen. Taking the newly transfigured implements in hand, she began a separate letter to her cousin, Anthony.

2January 1994
Hi Anthony,
Merry Christmas! I hope that you, aunt Margaret and uncle Roger are doing well. Sorry I haven't gotten to write before now, I have been really focused on trying to keep my attendance at my school by keeping my grades and studies up. This year I am taking even more classes than before, so it's even more difficult.
I was wondering if you might be able to help me though. I have a friend, Oliver, who is from a small village in Scotland. I can't recall the name of it off the top of my head. Anyway, I was telling him over the summer about the trip to France I took with my parents. He was rather intrigued about my trip to Disneyland Paris.
Do you think you can search on Janet or whatever you're using now to find me information on the history of amusement parks and pictures to go with it? I think Oliver would like that. His birthday is in March, so I think you have enough time. Just get the information you're able to collect, if you can, to my parents, and they can get it to me. If you order any books, just have them sent to my parents as well. Thank you!
Love,
Hermione

She folded the letter and set it aside, pulling out another sheet of parchment and pulled out her quill and ink.

2January 1994
Dear Mom & Dad,
I'm sorry I missed coming home for Christmas this year. I am glad that you understand that I had some homework to catch up on that I just couldn't bring home and do, and that my friend, Harry needed me. He was spending Christmas here as well when most everyone was going home.
Don't worry about not sending me anything but money for Christmas. There are some stores in the village nearby that I can go to. I even found that I don't have to worry about having Wizarding currency if I figure out the exchange rate and have the proper amount. They've assured me that I can pay them with Muggle money, and they can get it converted when they deposit it in Gringotts. I'm glad mom is enjoying the tea I sent from Madam Puddifoot's. Let me know if you'd like some more and I can have it sent.
You won't believe what Oliver gave me for Christmas! He gave me the most beautiful flower shaped earrings! Maybe I can find something to go with them when I come home this summer. It got me to thinking though, I really didn't get him much this year, and I want to make it up to him for his birthday in March. That brings me to the letter I am enclosing for Anthony. Can you make sure he gets it and return anything he finds? Thank you!
I realised I never told Oliver about amusement parks, when he was interested in our trip to France over the summer. I asked Anthony to do some digging on their history and send pictures so I can show him. I told him Oliver was from a small village in Scotland but couldn't recall the name, so hopefully he won't be too curious about that and dig for the wrong information.
Love you,
Hermione

After she finished, she grabbed both letters as she scrambled to her feet, picked up an envelope and quickly addressed it, tucking the letters inside before heading off to the Owlery and to thank Oliver, feeling that a note just wouldn't do.

Harry and Ron gave her the cold shoulder all through January, but she wasn't too bothered by it after hearing from Oliver that she'd done the right thing and told the Professors about the mystery gift. She didn't get to sit with anyone during meals - not that she didn't want to, but that she was still working hard at her classes and didn't want to waste time, both others' trying to involve her in the conversation and hers when she could be studying, so she was happy to sit by herself for the short time that she was in the Great Hall for meals before she headed off to the library.

One day in January however, she overheard some interesting news as she sat near Harry and Ron in the Great Hall. She hurriedly dug out a quill and parchment from her bag and set to work on a note to Oliver about it.

6 January 1994
Oliver,
I wanted to let you know what I just overheard from Harry when he was talking to Ron. I hope that he will be able to carry a wand during Quidditch games, he might need it. I just heard that Harry will be taking private lessons from Professor Lupin soon on how to defend against Dementors. I hope it works out for him.
Hermione

6 January 1994
Lass,
Sorry to hear that they're still not talking to you. Still about the broom, I suppose. Although it's great news that Harry will be getting lessons on defending against the Dementors since they affect him so much. I'm sure something can be worked out that he can carry his wand during games until they are gone. Don't want a repeat of the last game.
Oliver

12 January 1994

Dear Sweetheart,
We understand not wanting to have your friend be alone while others are celebrating the holidays. It's okay. We also understand your course load this year and that you are dedicated to your studies.

It is nice of you to want to share your experiences with your friends. We will make sure that Anthony gets your letter and that we get his research to you. Maybe one of these days you and Oliver can visit an amusement park together?
Looking forward to seeing those earrings and finding something to go with them.
Love,
Mom and Dad

"Hermione?" Harry asked timidly one evening as she was writing an essay for one of her classes in the library. The days had run together again, and she looked at the top of the essay to see that she had dated it 3 February earlier.

"I'm quite busy, Harry," Hermione said. She didn't want to get drawn into another argument with him over the broom, and she was still busy. She had a whole foot left to go on the essay she was working on.

"Yes," Harry said, keeping his voice low. "I - I just wanted to let you know that..."

Hermione exhaled and looked up at him. "Yes, Harry?"

"He got the broomstick back from Professor McGonagall," Ron called from a nearby bookshelf.

"I see," Hermione said and turned back to her essay.

"Hermione," Harry tried again after a moment. "I just want to say that I'm sorry."

Hermione didn't respond other than to look up at him.

"I was a jerk - and so was Ron."

"Hey!" Ron said in annoyance from the shelves, and Hermione looked over to see the redhead looking disgruntled.

"Well, you were," Harry replied with a smirk before turning back to Hermione. "I can't speak for Ron, but I wanted to tell you that I'm sorry for the way I acted. I know you were only worried about me and I should have trusted you. Especially after what I told you I found out about Sirius Black. You were right to tell Professor McGonagall about the Firebolt. I really thought it had come from her, one of the other professors, or perhaps even the team to replace the one that had been wrecked. Oliver told me that it hadn't. I got it back this evening, and though no one still knows where it came from, Professor McGonagall saw no point in keeping it from me since there weren't any signs of curses or other tampering. So, yeah... I just wanted to say I'm sorry."

"Speak for yourself," Ron grumbled.

"What's wrong with you?" Harry asked in annoyance as he looked over at Ron.

"Scabbers is gone, and I've seen that ugly orange beast roaming around. You know how he's always after Scabbers!"

"He's probably back in the dorms sleeping, like always, you just haven't found where he hid himself this time," Harry rolled his eyes and turned his attention back to Hermione.

"Friends?" Harry asked, holding out his hand.

Hermione looked at them a moment and then lowered her quill. "Friends," she said in agreement, and shook Harry's hand.

"Oh, um, you were busy..." Harry said. "Sorry, I'll let you get back to that."

"We could use some help on ours," Ron added.

Hermione rolled her eyes and shook her head.

"No, Ron," Harry chided him. "You just blamed her cat with no evidence, that's not very friendly. We're on our own with this one."

"Thanks, Harry," Hermione said and returned to her essay.

"No problem," Harry said and waved before heading over to a nearby table with Ron to work on their own essay.

3February 1994
Oliver,
Harry talked to me today, he said that you had told him that the team didn't buy him the broomstick like he thought, and that he found out that neither did any of the Professors. Professor McGonagall returned it to him though after they had tested it and found nothing wrong with it. Harry apologised, but Ron didn't. He's blaming Crookshanks for the disappearance of his rat again, though it didn't stop him from trying to get me to help them with their essay. Harry told him that they were on their own with this one, to give me a break.
Thank you for talking to him about it. I really did miss talking with them. Have a good night. I'm not really hungry so I am heading up to bed early. This schedule is really wearing on me. I might end up dropping a couple classes after all.
Hermione