Happy potter and the orphan girl

{5} Christmas

Hermione is leaving for Christmas break. I have been avoiding all three of them. I feel bad but it has to be done. I've been searching the library any chance I get for any mention of my mother, nothing so far. I have also been watching Snape very closely. He hasn't done anything, I really don't think he is the person we need to be worrying about. Yet, I can't think of anyone else.

Now, eating breakfast in the hall, sitting away from Ron and Harry. I can't help but feel this pit in my stomach. Guilt. I look over to see Hermione talking to them, this Christmas break is going to suck. Just like all the others did.

"Heya Hatstall," I hear Fred say from behind me. I turn around to him and smile. "Something happen with your friends?"

"Not exactly, I've just been busy." I shrugged.

"Well you should try and make time for them instead of eating alone. Anyway, it will have to wait. Professor Mcgonagall sent me for you." Fred explained.

"Oh, alright." I got up and left the hall. My friends going quiet as I walked past. This truly sucks. I reached Minerva's office in no time. I knocked before entering, she was holding a suitcase. "You going somewhere for christmas?" I asked.

"I think you mean, we are going somewhere. I thought it would be nice. We will be back right after Christmas day but-" I cut her off with a hug.

"Thank you," I whispered. I really need a break.

"We are going to Ireland for a few days, pack for rainy weather. It doesn't snow much there." She said hugging me back.

"Yes, oh I can't wait. When do we leave?" I asked excitedly.

"In two hours so hurry up!" She laughed. I ran out of the office and up to the common room. Harry and Ron were chatting on the couch as I entered. I tried to just walk past them but of course that wasn't going to happen.

"Val," Harry called me.

"Yes?" I asked, turning to face him.

"You staying over Christmas break?" He blurted out. Clearly he had no reason to talk to me.

"That's a bit of a stupid question Harry, but I'm not actually." I shrugged before rushing up the stairs. They know I don't have parents but they don't know I live at Hogwarts year round. At least, I don't think they do. The twins might have told Ron. He probably told Harry. I'd be surprised if everyone doesn't know by now. Still, I don't want people to get comfortable asking me a bunch of questions about it. I packed a bag and put on a coat before walking back out of the common room. The boys were gone when I left. I saw them as I passed the great hall, they were playing chess. I heard Hermione yelling about how barbaric it is and couldn't help but laugh.

"You ready?" Minerva asked walking down the stairs.

"Ready!" I beamed. She smiled and we walked to the train. "We will be taking muggle transport. This is all going to be new to you so just listen to me and no magic. Got it?"

"Got it," I replied.

"Val?" I heard a familiar voice.

"Hermione, hi." I scratched the back of my head. This is the first time we have spoken in about a week. Other than the occasional, good morning. She sat down in the carriage we were in and placed her bag on the rack.

"Hi Professor," She smiled at Minerva. "I didn't know you were leaving Hogwarts for Christmas? Where are you off too?"

"Ireland, Minerva is taking me. To get away for a bit," I answered her.

"Valeria," Minerva whispered. Upset that I had called her by her first name in front of a student.

"Oh, it's ok professor. Val told me about her life at Hogwarts before she was a student. I haven't told anyone else." Hermione tried to help me.