A very small group in Hermione’s year consisting of the Patil twins, Anthony Goldstein, Hannah Abbott, Michael Corner, and Neville Longbottom had stayed behind. Hermione was somewhat relieved she had Neville. Between the incident with Ron and her public display of affection with Malfoy at the dance, she knew her classmates were fearful and leery of her. Even her friendships with Luna and Neville were a tad strained and distant this year. But if Neville was uncomfortable with her now, he seemed to put that feeling aside for the sake of company and Christmas. And so, the two ate their meals together and passed the time playing wizard’s chess or Muggle card games in the afternoons.