Chapter Text
Hermione POV
Hogwarts is eventful. There are so many things to learn or to look at. That if you stop you'll miss out. My classes didn't disappoint either from Charms to Transfiguration and Herbology where I am used to dirtying my hand by touching the earth's soil in the back garden of our house. But the scariest and most difficult thing is Flying on a broomstick because I am afraid of heights. saying up and kicking off is hard the broom doesn't bend to my will like it is supposed to. The other students were pretty decent for all they know. I was pretty smart and can help them with their studies but they can't step close because of my intimidating brother.
Overall, Hogwarts is fine and there is nothing more I want than to be a witch. but much preferred to spend it in the library with Tom. where they can make study guides and a few of her practice notes and it worked wonders.
Tom has been my partner on all of our shared subjects which is a good thing and a faster way to get things done. Of course, she was aware that Tom has many Slytherin boys flocking to him in classes, the great hall even on the courtyard. The Pureblood boys Malfoy, Black, Nott, Mulciber, Avery, and Lestrange. Kind of peculiar and unnerving.
Tom teaches Defense Against The Dark Arts to further improve their spell work and strand of dueling. But Tom has one condition is that I'm forbidden to touch or even look at by the boys. like I'm his precious forbidden jewel. I don't like that Tom treated me delicately like I just might break if I am not with him.
I know that he lied we were Half-bloods for his reason he was protecting me from all the slurs and hate from being a Muggleborn. Noting else matters but our blood status and reputation. He knows how to play the game and much prefers to teach himself. He didn't need Teachers. Given a few textbooks and probably enough time. But both of them has an excellent memory.
Besides, Tom is Tom he will not cross a line he can't control. If he gets out of line I will remind him to stop. and I have a Charms essay due on Thursday anyway so better get to that.
Hermione rushed around the Hallway through the Great hall gathering her bag. Halloween Eve is tonight where candies and ghost stories are exciting.
According to Malfoy. The Colors could trace back their origins like Black represents Bad luck or Red represents Love. Many ways to celebrate Wizard Halloween Eve. But the Muggle way usually places or offers food for their lost loved ones or spirits. Lighting up a candle to guide them with light. and dressing up and having neighbors give candies.
Hermione and Tom make plans to meet in their secret abandoned classroom. To trade candies and tell scary stories. Involved playing and acting the scary voice. Probably from all the candies they eat themselves sick. It was nice just the two of them again and not with his clones. Where most she can tolerate half of them with stupid half remarks and pranks on other students that are not very kind. A bit cruel and boastful just because they have a title to their name they don't have the right to step down a person like they were insects.
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Christmas is approaching. They were in the library scribbling the last Transfiguration subject. Professors assigned assignments to take home for the Yule Holidays.
"Anything interesting?" Tom closed the paper and opened his quill case.
Hermione sighed happily. "Mother wrote that she was excited we're going home for the holidays." Giving the letter to Tom.
"Well. I do miss home where there's none annoying person to bear with."
"I'm saving my galleons. Tom, for Mother and Father to buy wizarding chocolate delicacies on the trolley when we get to the train," said Hermione holding out her pouch of galleons.
"That's not a bad idea, I'm sure Mother and Father will love it."
"Of course, it came from me," said Hermione, smirking.
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Packing my trunk in my room. Tina Lovegood at the last minute gave me a gift of an enchanted violet ink quill. It was enchanting where you can use it to change the colors of the ink of your desire.
I hug her while saying Thank you, I ask her address so I can give my Christmas presents to her by owl. Which she agreed conceding.
Finding a compartment wasn't that hard but this time around. It's just not the two of us. But his boys were with us, including Malfoy. I am sitting in the window not minding the other occupants in the compartment but reading my Jane Eyre.
Nothing but the same they're talking about. Quidditch, pranks, girls, and Quidditch again. Surprisingly, Tom is contributing to the conversation but I know that he was doing it to further convince them that he cares, As if.
"So, Hermione, you like books, We have a library in my house which consists of your wildest imagination. the oldest and rarest of books," said Malfoy grinning wiggling his eyebrows.
Before she answers Tom cuts through.
"She's not interested going to a stranger's house just to look at a library, Malfoy," said Tom glaring.
"I'm not saying that I just wanted to let her know..."
"But you almost implied it."
"No, I didn't mean..."
"If you even think that I would let Hermione out of my sight you have one thing coming. Malfoy. She is mine. Get that through your thick skull."
Malfoy stiffened in his seat. He swung his eyes down to his legs. His mouth was a thin trembling line.
I turn to Tom and my face is probably red from anger. "Tom. that is not."
But one look from Tom had me shutting up. I know that he prefers to talk about our issue privately just the two of us. It can wait until later.
Tom glared at Malfoy and in every occupant in the compartments.
The lively chat of Mulciber and Black was gone. Avery, who was almost asleep, was wide awake reading in his magazine instead. Lestrange looking in his shoes like it's something interesting. Nott staring in the window from the opposite bench. and lastly, Malfoy turns his head down to hide his embarrassment.
The Compartment turns deadly quiet and uncomfortable that I never heard silence quite this loud. Tom has the power to control the Boys. Which there must be something going on that I don't know of.
She let out a sigh. Boys could be so difficult to understand sometimes
I lost my focus on reading when I felt Tom's hand on mine clasping it tightly. He turned to look at me smirking, his eyes held me possessively.
I almost looked away but couldn't like I was entranced. I can see myself in his green eyes.
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At last, The Hogwarts Express reaches the King Cross's Station. Where many families are waiting for their children. Tom took my hand and helped me to carry my trunk. The boys say the last farewell hurrying to get out probably from the awkward uncomfortable compartment.
Mother and Father were waving and beaming. we ended running to them at once. Getting past through the thick people in the way while holding each other's hand.
Helen went to hug her children. "Oh, my Darlings."
Henry beckoned them with misty look tears in his eyes. "Finally at home, We miss you both so much. The house is quiet without you two." touching their shoulders and squeezing them lightly.
This is her family. Her sweet courageous Mother. Awkward but caring Father. and Tom a protective possessive brother who only wants to protect her. Now they were complete, Christmas would be wonderful.
Finally, in the House buoyed up by seasonal cheer and merrymaking, Mother and Father were happy they were home. Mother bakes apple pie for a snack. For she was sure her darlings must be famished in the long train ride.
She beckoned Hermione and Tom to sit on the table while Henry put their trunk in their rooms.
"Eat up, my darlings. I bake it just the way you love them," said Mother while slicing the apple pie.
"Goodness. Mother, I miss your cooking," said Tom smirking. Clutching his fork.
"Oh! Tom, you flatter me. Of course, I'll miss cooking for the both of you to make sure. My darlings are well fed." said Mother giggling while looking worried at the both of them.
"Do not worry, Mother Hogwarts can feed half of London with it's a feast fit for a king," said Hermione convincingly.
"Well, that is good to hear. Oh! I almost forgot that you're both here there is so much to do. The Ladies Society is running a donation drive, and then we have Sunday socials to pack comfort boxes for the soldiers we must contribute. My darling's war is a horrible thing and Germany is miserable right now for the Jews. "
Small blessings, thought Hermione.
Hermione offered. "The London papers say they're under German occupation."
Mother nodded sadly then sighed.
"It is a donation, so I need both of you on your best behavior," said Mother while making her grey tea with milk.
Father clapped his hand. "Alright, all done, that looks delicious my dear."
"Here, dear have some," said Mother, giving Father a slice of apple pie.
At night, while I am looking at the moon by my open window. I hear my door creak. I give a space on the right side of my bed. Surely, it is Tom.
Tom whisper. "Hermione, it is Tom move over."
Inviting himself to my bed pulling my blanket to cover himself.
"What is it now Tom?" I said annoyed.
"It's about what happened on the train? and Mother's donation drive. What do you think about it?"
"I don't know. Claiming me like I'm your pet or a thing. I'm neither one of those Tom. If you keep repeating that possessive behavior of yours. I will not sit with you on the train ride. Ever again. Honestly, you're making a big deal out of everything that they do to me. It's like I'm not allowed to have friends except Tina Lovegood." said Hermione taking deep breaths on her long rant.
" They must know their place. Hermione, especially that Malfoy, you are off-limits and mine. I don't want you to get hurt ever again." Tom said looking determined at Hermione.
They were looking at each other.
Hermione gave a long sighed. Like there is no use talking to Tom.
"You don't have to worry about me," said Hermione, rolling her eyes. "I can take care of myself."
"I know but I worry about these things. Hermione," said Tom worried.
Wrapping his arm on Hermione. To comfort her.
"You never promise. But at least try."
She just let out a tired sigh and turned to her side, presenting Tom with the back of her head.
"For you, Hermione anything," said Tom happily cuddling Hermione.
Morning came, Hermione was bundled up in one of her cream sweaters, hats, and a pair of gloves.
Waiting for Mother downstairs.
While Tom is bundled up in his white undershirt beneath the brown sweaters, black pants. And neatly comb hair.
Annoyingly unfair. He looks good.
"Alright, Hop to the motor car," said Mother while putting on her driving gloves.
I hopped in on the backseat of the Motor car with Tom in tow.
"Darling's, I packed us a good lunch and we'll be stopping at the Royal Aspen Main entrance to the Main Hall. Where the comfort boxes are at and please packed it well and then put in the right box," said Mother while driving.
"Yes, Mother." they both said.
"Oh, I almost forgot Alfie will be there and Alfie's Mother. Mrs. Willow just avoid him or If this is too much for you Hermione we can go home" said Mother looking worried.
Ever since that incident with Alfie. Hermione has lost many friends to play with. The others were afraid of what Alfie told them.
But Hermione knows she is truly a witch. She gained confidence and acceptance for herself for who she is. She doesn't need people to like her. So Alfie does not bother her anymore.
Shaking her head. "No. Mother, I'll be fine, it does not bother me anymore." smiling in benign.
She knows that Tom is looking at her in speculation like he was waiting for Hermione to get caught on her act.
"Are you quite sure?" said Tom raising his one eyebrow.
"Yes, sure," said Hermione looking confidently.
"Do not worry if he ever bothers you. You have a brother to protect you." puffing his chest with determination.
"Oh! Tom, what a determined brother you are. My brave boy." said Mother smiling.
Looking in the rearview mirror to look at her children.
"Of course. Mother, it is my job to protect Hermione," said Tom smirking then looks at Hermione wiggling his eyebrows.
Hermione looks away instead to watch a motor car window passing the city of London. She knows that Tom is baiting her.
Arriving at the Royal Aspen Hotel where other citizens will help to packed comfort boxes are walking to the entrance. Some with Motor car park on the side. Gladly her Mother finds a parking spot before it is gone.
Tom holds my left hand while Mother is holding Tom's shoulder and leading the way.
The Royal Aspen was a grand hotel with sixty-eight rooms and a grand main hall. Mother was at the reception showing the tickets to retrieve our pass. Unfortunately, Father cannot attend. someone has to take over the clinic. Even on Sunday patients has appointments.
This is good. A donation to pack comfort boxes for the soldier.
Tom looks at me narrowed. "Hermione. How many hours do you think we will be here?"
"I don't know, maybe it depends if we finish packing the comfort boxes on time."
"What is Mother thinking? I'm sure these other people will be fine without us helping," said Tom frowning while looking in the main hall.
"Tom, I think it is good that we contribute something in our society besides it is for charity for soldiers, who will be ready for possible war. Don't you know that a German madman is causing havoc on Germany invading half of Europe and the Jews were in terrible danger," said Hermione in a whisper.
"Don't you ever read the daily mail newspaper?"
"No, it doesn't interest me besides they are muggle. We are magical, we have nothing to do about it," said Tom in his superior face.
"Don't be selfish. Tom, it's just packing a box it will not take something from you but your little bit of time and nothing more," said Hermione in her lecture mode.
Tom just frowned.
Packing comfort boxes was productive work. A container where you keep a collection of items that will help a soldier to deal with stress and difficult situations. In the upcoming war like foods and medical kits.
On Lunch break, Mother brought out her basket inside there is Ham cheese sandwiches, sliced banana. English muffins. and raspberry juice in a clear lid bottle.
It was very delicious. Mother knows her foods.
Sitting at the table with Tom while Mother was talking to a elder lady.
Tom bumps her foot on Hermione underneath the table.
"Whatever do you want? Can't you see I'm eating lunch?" I said irritated munching a muffin.
"So, Alfie has kept his distance. After all," said Tom coughing to hide his stupid smirk.
"Yes, I think he doesn't remember or scared," I said, shrugging my shoulder.
It seems that Alfie was distancing himself. From the first that he saw her. He immediately turned the other way around.
That seems comforting. Good, he better do that pretend like they were strangers.
Over Four hundred eighty-three comfort boxes were successfully packed. We started at 10:30 am in the morning And it was already 4:32 pm.
"Excellent, my darling's now wasn't that fun and What a generous comfort boxes were successfully packed. I'm sure the soldiers will appreciate it," said Mother grinning.
After a few farewells. Sitting in a motor car today was tiring Tom held my hand through the ride but she enjoyed it and I'm sure Tom's too.
The Christmas holiday is approaching the most wonderful time of the year. And she can't wait to spend time with her family.