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...
Tobias sat on the edge of his bed, staring down at his hands. He was comforted by Matthew's gentle hand on his back, but couldn't bring himself to swallow back the pain and disbelief. His mother had always been a healthy lady, yet now she was suffering from stage three breast cancer. Tobias couldn't believe it, and ignored the letter that sat beside him.
It felt like the two boys had been in the dormitory for hours, with Matthew trying to soothe his best friend. Neither boy even knew what time it was, but Matthew's ears perked up at the familiar sound of Cedric's voice.
"I think that's Cedric. Do you want him to come up?" Matthew asked softly, not sure if Toby wanted anyone to see him in an upset state.
Tobias sniffled as he nodded, and used the back of his hand to wipe away any stray tears that lingered on his cheeks. "I could really use some chocolate right now." He mumbled, glancing up at the boy beside him.
Matthew's heart broke into at least a dozen pieces as he looked at his best friend. Toby's eyes were red and puffy, and his bottom lip had teeth marks in it from biting down on it so hard.
"I'll go get him." The blonde said, gently hitting Toby on the back as he stood up. Matthew choked back his sadness as much as he could before heading to the common room, where Cedric and Andrew sat on one of the large yellow couches. There was stuff from Hogsmeade spread out all over the coffee table in front of them. The boys didn't seem to hear Matthew come down the stairs, as they remained talking to each other.
Matthew walked over to the side that Cedric was sitting on, and put a hand on the older boy's shoulder. Surprised, Cedric quickly turned his head to see who was touching him.
"Hey! We were wondering where you were. Where's Toby? We wanted to show you two all the stuff we got." Cedric exclaimed with a grin, before noticing the solemn expression written on Matthew's face. "What's wrong?"
"Toby's upstairs." Matthew said in monotone, not being able to meet Cedric's hazel eyes. He knew that if he did, he'd break out in tears.
Cedric glanced at Andrew then back at Matthew, overflowing with concern. "What's going on, Matt?"
"Is Toby okay?" Andrew asked.
"Come," was all Matthew said as he started walking back to the dormitory. He took a deep breath in attempt to compose himself before leading the boys to where Toby sat, his face concealed by his hands.
"Toby?" Cedric asked softly, cautiously walking into the room. The dark haired boy looked up, running his hands down his cheeks as he did so.
"Hey, guys. How was Hogsmeade?" Toby asked, not wanting all the attention on him. He didn't want any sympathy, he just wanted to talk to his friends.
"It was, um, it was good. Got pretty cold so we came back early. What's the matter, Toby? What happened?" Cedric looked between Toby and Matthew, waiting for a reply from either one.
"My mum has cancer." Toby replied, his face splotchy with streaks of tears going down his cheeks. A weight fell over the room once everyone knew what was going on, Toby feeling like he was speaking a different language as he shared with his friends the condition of his mother.
"I'm so sorry, Toby." Cedric sat down beside the dark haired boy, resting a hand on his back. Matthew sat on the other side of Toby, while Andrew sat beside Cedric. All four boys squished onto the bed together, Matthew gently nudging Toby as he moved closer. A small smile started to form as Toby was squished between Matthew and Cedric, both boys trying to make him feel better.
The Hufflepuff dormitory was soon filled with soft laughter as Matthew and Cedric wiggled on the bed, Andrew nearly falling off in the process. Toby wiped his cheeks with his hands, taking a deep breathe in as he calmed himself down. The news came as a shock to him, and he could only think of the worst case situation for his mother, but she was still alive.
"I think I'm going to go write her a letter." Toby declared, standing up from his place between his two friends.
"Okay. Do you want me to come?" Matthew asked, copying his actions.
"No, that's alright. I kind of want to be alone." Toby replied with a small smile.
"Okay. We'll be up here if you need anything, just let us know when you're done." Matthew sat back down, his eyebrows turned up in sympathy as he watched his best friend leave the dormitory.
"We shouldn't go to his house for Christmas. He probably wants to be alone with his mum." Cedric pointed out, and Matthew nodded in agreement.
"He said his mum doesn't want any company. You can come to my house. Andrew, you can come too if you changed your mind." Matthew turned to face the two older Hufflepuff boys as he spoke to them.
"My mum still wants me home for Christmas. Thanks for the offer though." Andrew replied, smiling out of appreciation.
"I already told my parents I wouldn't be home for Christmas, I'll just send them an owl letting them know I won't be at Toby's home." Cedric said. Matthew nodded, understanding the change in plans. Toby and Andrew were going to their houses for Christmas, while Cedric would be spending his holiday at the Granger household.
"I'll make sure Hermione doesn't bug you too much." Matthew said with a soft chuckle, gently hitting his knee up against Cedric's.
The boy grinned, hitting Matthew back. "I don't mind her bugging, it's okay."
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