Brave [Harry Potter OC]

Chapter 7

Memories

Things had gotten quiet since the match. Hermione and Alice had spent much of their time in the library, searching for anything on Nicolas Flamel. Harry often accompanied them and Ron often fell asleep. Unfortunately, they have found nothing so far.

As the days passed, the weather grew colder and colder. Christmas was approaching and the castle was beautifully decorated with garlands and holly. Alice typically spent Christmas with her father, waiting until night when her mother would finally get home. This year, her parents had given her the option to return home for break. However, they were even busier this year and they wouldn't be home for Christmas until late at night. So she decided to stay at Hogwarts. While most of the students were leaving, she knew Harry would be with her.

Alice had wanted to make her friends some friendship bracelets before they left for the break. She wanted to surprise them so she stayed up late and waited for everyone to leave the common room.

Sitting alone in front of the fireplace, Alice tapes down each stretchy band to the floor to not let the beads fall through the other end. She tapes down six in total. She has her beads separated in bowls beside her.

"Trevor!" She hears Neville call out from the top of the staircase.

She watches as he descends the stairs until he reaches the bottom and looks up, finally noticing her. "Alice? What are you doing up so late?" He asks.

"I'm making some friendship bracelets... for Christmas," she says. "Want to join me?"

Neville smiles. "Well, I was looking for Trevor. Slippery toad escaped again. But um— yeah I'd love to."

Alice moves to the side as Neville joins her on the other side. "I separated each person's beads into each bowl. You can do whatever pattern you like," she explains.

She tapes down one more string on her side. The two start stringing the beads. "How did you get Trevor?" She asks.

"My Nan got him for me. So I wouldn't be lonely when I got here. Something to remember her by... which is funny because she does kind of look like Trevor," Neville snickers.

Alice laughs with him. They are quiet for a moment as they continue stringing beads. Alice speaks up. "What's it like living with your nan?"

Neville hesitates for a moment as his face turns a bit red. Alice wonders if she shouldn't have asked about his nan. "Hm... well, she is a tough lady. Very strict about upholding the family honour. I'm sure you've heard some of the howlers she's sent me. But she can be really protective of me and very caring. So, I know she loves me. And sometimes she makes really good biscuits."

Alice hums, intrigued. "I was curious because I've never really met my grandmother. She was never very impressed by my father's career in Magizoology. So they don't really talk... ever. My uncle talks to her sometimes. So I think maybe I could meet her one day. Maybe she's something like your nan." Alice chuckles.