The Granger family had a lot more than just one muggleborn witch. Hermione's uncle, Malcolm, was just like her. Born to two muggles, but was a wizard. The magical gene was then passed onto his only son, Matthew. When Matthew and Hermione end up at H...
The holidays were vastly approaching, and Matthew had never experienced a buzz quite like the one that lived in Hogwarts Castle. Hallowe'en had come and gone, and the only thing that holiday seemed to prove was just how chaotic the school year would be. As if Matthew didn't have enough on his plate, now he was worried about the trouble Hermione might be getting into this year with Harry Potter. The two first years, along with their Weasley friend, had managed to take down a rogue troll that had found it's way into the castle on Hallowe'en night. Hermione had been the one to stand up for the boys, so Professor McGonagall let them all off easier than expected. She was just glad they were alive.
Toby had spent his thirteenth birthday studying in the library, his friends surprising him with a cake and gifts, quietly celebrating to avoid getting kicked out.
With Christmas around the corner, it was time for students to decide if they were going to be staying at the castle or going home for the break. Matthew and Cedric made plans with Toby to go to his home for Christmas, to meet his mom and learn more about her time at Hogwarts with Professor Snape. Toby agreed to let them come, but on the one condition that the boys didn't bother his mother the entire time they were at his house. Andrew and Hermione wanted to come also, but Andrew's parents wanted him home for the holidays and Hermione decided that she didn't need to intrude on the plans her cousin made with his friends. They saw each other at school all the time, and didn't need to spend the night together as well. Hermione knew Matthew would tell her everything when he got home.
Matthew woke up in his four poster bed, his body one with the cushioned mattress and blankets of different shades of yellow all around him. Thankful that the weekend was finally upon him. Classes were busy this time of year, with professors cramming in as much work as possible before the Christmas break. Content with being in his warm bed while flecks of snow fell from the sky just outside his window, Matthew pulled up the closest blanket to him; one that was thick and knitted, and the same colour as a baby chicken. However, the boy pulled a bit too hard and ended up punching himself in the chin, groaning at the impact and stretching out his jaw.
Now slightly less happy than he was a few moments ago, Matthew threw the torturous blankets off himself only to be met with the icy December air that lingered in the dormitory. Matthew's mood was slowly declining as he got ready, not being able to find his socks, wand, and reason to actually get out of bed. His chin didn't hurt anymore but the skin was warm, and Matthew knew it was red and splotchy without even having to see it. Matthew made his way to the common room, only to be met with the grinning faces of his friends. Cedric and Andrew were on a couch while Toby sat across from them on a chair with his legs over the armrest.
"What's gotten into you three?" Matthew asked, narrowing his eyes as he walked over to an empty chair beside Toby.
"Andrew and I are going to Hogsmeade today," Cedric replied.
"And I just really like the snow." Toby added on, getting up from his chair. Before Matthew could sit down Toby grabbed his arm and started leading him towards the door of the common room. "Now the four of us are going to breakfast." He stated, all four boys leaving Hufflepuff Common Room.
Breakfast was short lived, since Andrew and Cedric were heading to Hogsmeade for the day. Toby and Matthew walked them to the entrance hall so they could meet up with the professors and other students that were also going to the small village.
"What is Hogsmeade, exactly? Dad doesn't talk about it much." Matthew asked Toby as the two boys waved goodbye to their older friends.
"Your father's a wizard and he doesn't talk about Hogsmeade?" Toby looked over at the blonde, his eyebrows furrowed.
Matthew shrugged in response, not knowing what to say. He dropped his hand that was now tired from waving.
"It's a village near Hogwarts that third years and above can go to. There's different shops, it's kind of like Diagon Alley." Hermione spoke as she walked up from behind the two boys, startling both of them with not only her presence but also her facts.
"How do you know that?" Matthew asked, his facial expression matching the confused one Toby held.
"I read about it." Hermione replied, looking over at the boys with a proud grin. Toby rolled his eyes and looked away, as if to say 'of course you did.'
"Speaking of reading, I have a History of Magic essay to finish." Matthew pointed out, knowing he should utilize this day to his advantage. The light snowfall and most of his friends being out of the castle for the day meant he'd be spending his time in the library until Andrew and Cedric got back and distracted him with stories all about Hogsmeade.
"Actually, I have something to do today too. See you later!" Hermione said, rushing away before they could say anything to her. Matthew turned to Toby, his eyes narrowing as his mouth turned into a frown.
"That was weird." Toby said what Matthew was thinking, looking past the boy as he watched Hermione walk briskly away.
"Change of plans. We're finding out what she's up to." Matthew said before leaving the same way his cousin did, and ignoring Toby's protests.
"You're serious? It's Hermione, she probably just forgot to bring a library book back!" Toby called after him, before sighing heavily and following him.
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