Everlasting ⁂ Harry Potter [1]

Chapter Thirty Six

Olivia had never been a morning person. The task of waking her up in the morning was not only almost an impossible one, but also a highly dangerous one. Hannah and Susan never knew what her reactions would be during the days they were forced to attempt waking her so she wouldn't be late to class. However, there were days, they were rare, but every now and then, Olivia was able to get up with no problem, and even had more energy than she would on any other morning.

Those were the mornings she had something to be excited about. Back home with her dad, it would be going to Diagon Alley or the first day of school. In Hogwarts they came about when it was time to take the train back home. And this particular morning was one of those. Waking in the early morning hours, Olivia let her excitement take over as she checked she had packed everything she would need and was more than ready to head back home for Christmas.

She couldn't wait to see her father and Amelia, although a part of Liv worried a bit about having to tell them about everything that had been happening throughout the first semester. She wasn't sure whether the school had sent word to the parents about the Chamber of Secrets and the Petrifications that have happened in the last months. It was more than likely, and Olivia was sure her family would have plenty of questions when she returned. And when she did explain, she knew they'd be worried out of their minds knowing that she herself was a Muggleborn. Olivia could only hope that their worry didn't go as far as making them consider not letting her return to the school.

With only an hour before the Hogwarts Express was to depart from the station in Hogsmeade, Olivia was now making her way towards the Great Hall, sure she would catch some of her friends there and be able to say goodbye. And in the case of Hermione, Ron and Harry, she also wanted to wish them good luck, more than aware of their plans for the break. Walking into the large hall, she admired the Christmas decorations that had already been set up, the smell of food mixing with the familiar scent of Christmas trees which decorated the corners and sides of the space.

Once she was done admiring her surroundings, Olivia let her eyes turn to the tables in the centre of the room, searching through them for the familiar faces of her friends. Luckily, with the Great Hall being less crowded than usual, it didn't take her long to spot Hermione, Harry and Ron sitting near the middle of the Gryffindor table all gathered together. Liv had seen them enough times in such a state to know they were whispering amongst themselves and plotting, as usual. But suspecting it may be about their Polyjuice Potion plan, she felt confident they wouldn't mind her coming over, and she did just that.

"Hey guys, I just wanted to come and say goodbye and wish you all happy holidays." She spoke once she was close enough for them to hear her, the sound of her voice making the trio part from their little huddle as they looked over at her. Each sent her a small smile, however, Olivia noticed it didn't quite seem genuine. But as Hermione spoke up, Olivia pushed her suspicions aside, prescribing their odd behaviour as worry over their plan.

"I hope you have a great Christmas Olivia, and say hi to your dad for me." The bushy haired girl reached over to Liv and pulled her into a short hug goodbye before releasing her and allowing her to do the same to Ron and Harry, Harry's hug lasting slightly shorter than the other two as it usually did.