"Qin, you really ought to experience Christmas at Hogwarts at least once... The feast alone—there'll be a hundred plump roast turkeys, mountains of roast meats and steaming potatoes, delicious little sausages, rich, savory gravy, and every kind of fruit you can imagine..." Hagrid was doing his best to tempt Qin Yu with visions of holiday feasts, hoping to persuade him to stay for Christmas.
Truth be told, after half a year together, the thought of Qin Yu leaving for more than ten days unsettled Hagrid more than he cared to admit.
Christmas was nearly upon them. Hogwarts was preparing for the holidays, with many students choosing to stay behind and registering with Professor McGonagall for the festivities.
At that moment, Hagrid and Qin Yu were standing at the edge of the Forbidden Forest, searching for the perfect fir tree to serve as the Great Hall's Christmas centerpiece.
"This one—look at it! Straight as a wand!" Qin Yu pointed at a tall, perfectly straight fir, then turned to answer Hagrid. "I'd love to try Christmas at Hogwarts someday, but I promised Hermione I'd go home and spend it with her this year. Honestly, I miss her—a bit. And Uncle David, Aunt Jenny, too."
"Well, I'm not trying to stop you," Hagrid replied, shrugging with affected nonchalance. "Just wanted you to know what Christmas here's like. The kids really look forward to it, you know."
Qin Yu grinned. "Maybe next year, or the year after. I've got seven years here, plenty of time to try everything."
"True enough. Loads of time," Hagrid agreed, visibly cheered by the thought.
He hefted his massive axe and strode over to the tree Qin Yu had chosen. After sizing up the angle, he swung the axe with practiced strength.
He worked his way around the trunk, chopping in a neat circle. With the final blow, the base of the fir let out a series of creaks, and the tall tree slowly began to tilt—then crashed to the ground with a thunderous whump.
Once the tree was down, Hagrid hoisted one end onto his shoulder and began dragging it through the snow.
Qin Yu followed, carrying the axe for him.
This made the twelfth tree they'd felled that day—more than enough. There'd be no need to come back, so they gathered up all the tools.
Hagrid left a winding trail through the snow, the fir's branches sweeping behind him. Qin Yu followed the path all the way back to the castle.
When they entered the Great Hall, George and Fred were there, faces glum as they helped the professors with decorations. The reason? The twins had bewitched some snowballs, which promptly exploded beside Professor Snape. Their punishment: manual labor for the holiday setup.
Qin Yu's arrival instantly perked up the twins. They called out to him, eager to help hang ornaments on the new tree.
Soon, with the combined efforts of Professor McGonagall, Professor Flitwick, Hagrid, and several students, the Great Hall was transformed—garlands draped from wall to wall, sparkling icicles, hundreds of floating candles, golden baubles, and Christmas trees that shimmered with magic. The air buzzed with laughter and excitement.
Gazing around at the festive scene, Qin Yu suddenly thought of a certain brown-haired, bright-eyed girl.
Maybe that's what holidays are for—being with the people who mean the most.
And the very first person he'd seen in this world would always be the most special.
Back in the Gryffindor dormitory, Qin Yu began packing for his trip. He stuffed his trunk with a few sets of winter clothes, and the rest—gifts for the Grangers. Hermione's share took up nearly half the space: little treasures Qin Yu had picked up here and there, or acquired through various means, until he'd amassed quite the collection.
Staring at the overflowing trunk, Qin Yu couldn't help thinking of Professor Swinton's bag, the one that held dozens of owl figurines. If only he had something like that, he wouldn't have to worry about packing at all.
Next year, I'll definitely talk Professor Swinton into giving it to me, he vowed silently.
…
Two days before Christmas, Hogwarts officially broke for the holidays.
Those staying behind were free to roam the castle, hang out in the dormitories, common rooms, or anywhere else—playing, studying, or just enjoying the break.
Those going home boarded the Hogwarts Express at Hogsmeade Station.
Qin Yu was among them, lugging his heavy trunk onto the train with a determined huff.
There were far fewer students heading home for Christmas than had returned at the start of term. Many compartments were completely empty.
Qin Yu chose one such compartment and settled in.
But solitude proved elusive. Every so often, a passing student would spot him, do a double take, and then excitedly realize he was "that unbeatable Beater from Gryffindor!" Inevitably, they'd poke their heads in to say hello.
Even Cedric Diggory stopped by and politely asked if he could sit for a bit. When Qin Yu welcomed him, Cedric sat down, eyes shining with admiration, and started peppering him with questions about becoming a top-notch Quidditch player.
Qin Yu couldn't help but think, You're a Seeker asking a Beater for advice? Bit backwards, isn't it?
Still, faced with such earnest enthusiasm, he answered patiently. He remembered, with a wry smile, how he'd once been a little jealous of Cedric's popularity. Now, to be on the receiving end of such admiration—it was humbling.
He shared a few tactics from his last match against the Slytherin Seeker, and Cedric was quick to pick up on them, even suggesting ways to dodge aggressive Beaters on the pitch. Qin Yu had to admit, the boy had real Quidditch talent.
Their conversation grew more animated, stretching on for two or three hours.
…
"Qin, I really enjoyed talking with you today. I hope I wasn't a bother?" Cedric glanced at the setting sun, looking a bit sheepish.
"Not at all! I had a great time too. Most of my friends stayed at school for Christmas, so I was bored anyway. And you had some really interesting ideas. Just so you know, I'm definitely going to use some of them next time we play. So if we meet on the pitch, you'd better watch out!" Qin Yu replied with a grin.
"Deal! I'll use what I learned from you too. May the best player win!" Cedric said, his competitive spirit shining through.
Good kid, Qin Yu thought.
But remembering Cedric's fate in the original timeline, Qin Yu felt a pang of sadness.
Of course, that was the old story. This time, things might be different, he reminded himself, raising an eyebrow.
For the rest of the ride, Qin Yu didn't ask Cedric to leave, nor did Cedric seem inclined to go. He genuinely enjoyed talking with Qin Yu—this first-year boy who seemed so much wiser and more open than his age suggested, yet still full of youthful energy. Cedric found himself confiding things he'd never told anyone else.
He spoke of the pressure from his father, the weight of family expectations, the dreams he'd quietly set aside. Not out of resentment—just a sense of being lost, afraid he couldn't live up to the family name.
Qin Yu wasn't sure how to advise him. All he could do was offer gentle encouragement: work hard, but don't be too hard on yourself. You don't have to be perfect.
"Qin, I feel so much lighter after talking with you. I really regret not getting to know you sooner!" Just before the train reached the station, Cedric grasped Qin Yu's hand, eyes shining with emotion.
"Yeah, I wish we'd met earlier too," Qin Yu replied earnestly.
This kid really needs someone to talk to, he thought. Otherwise, why pour his heart out to me?
Still, Qin Yu could sense Cedric's sincerity, and he himself had enjoyed the company. It eased some of the nervousness he felt as he neared home.
As the train drew closer to King's Cross, Qin Yu found himself growing more anxious—a nameless, fluttering feeling in his chest.
Fortunately, the conversation had kept his mind occupied.
When the train finally stopped at King's Cross Station, Cedric was whisked away by his family. Qin Yu took the London Underground, heading back to the neighborhood where he'd spent one spring and one summer.
…
When he finally arrived, dragging his trunk up to that familiar house, a couple and a young girl were already waiting outside.
Of course, it was the Grangers—and little Hermione.
Trigger the owl, well-versed in the route by now, had flown ahead to let them know exactly when Qin Yu would arrive.
Standing there, Qin Yu hesitated for a moment. But Mrs. Granger didn't. She walked straight over, wrapped him in a warm hug, and stroked his hair. "Qin, you're finally home. I really missed you, darling."
Her eyes were red-rimmed as she spoke. Even though they'd only lived together a few months, she truly missed him—as if he were half her own son.
"I missed you too, Aunt Jenny," Qin Yu replied with a gentle smile.
Mr. Granger came over for a hug as well—less demonstrative, but no less genuine in his happiness.
"By the way, Hermione, weren't you always talking about Qin coming home for Christmas? Why so quiet now?" Mr. Granger teased his daughter, who stood a little apart, uncharacteristically silent.
At that, Hermione bit her lip, glancing shyly at Qin Yu.
The Qin in her memories, the Qin from his letters, and the Qin standing before her now—suddenly, she wasn't sure which one was real.
Qin Yu looked at the girl—taller now, but still unmistakably Hermione—and in that moment, he understood the confusion, the uncertainty, the hint of fear in her eyes.
The more you think you know someone, the stranger it can feel to see them again after so long.
She felt it, and so did he.
But Qin Yu refused to let that awkwardness linger.
He stepped forward, closing the distance between them.
Hermione fought the urge to step back, letting him come closer.
Then Qin Yu opened his arms, his clear gaze meeting hers, warm and steady.
Whatever tension Hermione had melted away the instant she saw his eyes.
Yes, he might be taller, a bit more mature, might have lived through all sorts of adventures and met fascinating people—but he was still him. The boy who had encouraged her, helped her, stood by her side, and visited her dreams countless times.
With that, Hermione broke into a radiant smile. She took the step she'd been longing to take, launching herself into his open arms, pressing her cheek against his chest and hugging him tightly. She'd wanted to hug him even before her mum did, and felt a flicker of jealousy that her mum had beaten her to it. She made a silent promise to herself: next time, she'd be first.
All that awkwardness, confusion, and uncertainty vanished in an instant.
Qin Yu felt it too. He wrapped his arms around her, gently ruffling her brown hair, and whispered, "Hermione, did you miss me?"
"Mm." Hermione nodded instinctively, but then, remembering how long he'd been gone, pouted and added, "Just a little."
—Dimensional Wall—
I've thought about this Christmas reunion for a long time, wanting to capture every detail. In the end, this was the best I could manage. Still, words fail me sometimes.
~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~
Explore More Amazing Fanfiction on My Patreon!
Unlock 30+ Advance Chapters and Enjoy Exclusive Stories Early!
��patreon.com/GoldenLong