In Harmony : A Second Chance

Christmas Break

Chapter 18
Christmas Break
words 5445

The Owlery was cold, the wind cutting through the cracks in the stone as owls hooted softly from their perches. Harry stood by the window, the fading light of the evening casting long shadows across the floor. He watched Hedwig flutter gracefully to a nearby post, carrying a small letter tied to her leg, and beside him, Hermione fidgeted with her scarf, her expression conflicted.

"She flew all the way to your parents?" Harry asked, watching as Hermione untied the note from Hedwig's leg.

Hermione nodded, her eyes scanning the familiar handwriting on the envelope. "Yes... they used Hedwig to send it back. They've written to ask if I'm coming home for Christmas," she said, her voice soft, almost guilty.

Harry looked at her, knowing exactly what she was thinking. "And you're not sure if you should go?" he asked quietly.

Hermione bit her lip, folding the letter in her hands. "I don't want to leave you here. It's not fair that you can't go home, and—well, I'd feel awful celebrating with my parents while you're stuck here."

Harry smiled, though there was a warmth in his eyes. "Hermione, you should go home. They miss you. I know how much you talk about them, and it's not like I'll be completely alone."

"But still... it feels wrong," Hermione muttered, glancing down at the floor. "I've been here the whole term, and now—now I'm just going to leave when you can't?"

"You deserve to see them," Harry insisted gently. "Besides, I'll be fine. I've got Neville and—" he added with a teasing grin, "you can write to me if you miss me too much."

Hermione flushed slightly at that, a smile breaking through her serious expression. "Harry."

"I'm serious!" Harry laughed. "Hedwig will be happy to deliver your letters. And I promise I'll write back."

Hermione looked at him for a moment, her resolve wavering. She couldn't hide the soft blush creeping across her cheeks, but his easy smile made the decision feel less heavy. "I suppose... you're right," she finally said, sighing in defeat. "I do miss them. And they must miss me too."

"There you go," Harry said, grinning. "See? It'll be fine."

With a sigh, Hermione pulled out a quill and a piece of parchment, scribbling down a quick note to her parents to let them know she'd be home for Christmas. Harry watched her as she folded the letter and tied it to Hedwig, who gave a gentle hoot and took off into the evening sky.

"There," Hermione said softly, as the owl disappeared into the darkening sky.

"To cheer you up," Harry said, leaning against the cold stone wall, "how about we head to the Black Lake? It's quiet this time of day."

Hermione glanced at him, a small smile playing at her lips. "That sounds nice."

They walked in comfortable silence through the grounds, the air crisp and still, until they reached a giant oak tree by the lake, its thick trunk providing a natural shelter from the breeze. Harry sat down first, leaning back against the rough bark, and Hermione joined him, pulling her knees up to her chest.

For a long while, they just sat there, gazing out at the dark water as it rippled gently under the evening light.

"It's so peaceful," Hermione murmured after a while, her voice barely more than a whisper.

"Yeah," Harry agreed, his eyes on the horizon. "Kind of makes you forget about everything for a bit, doesn't it?"

Hermione nodded, resting her chin on her knees. "I'm going to miss this," she said softly. "Even though I'll be home, I think a part of me will still want to be here."