A/N: This will be a fairly short story to be done before the end of the month. Obviously, it is a Christmas story... so enjoy!
Story Summary: As a class project to bring the kids of Hogwarts together, a new teacher develops a project. This could either bring the children closer togetheror make the rifts between house even bigger.
Chapter One: As December Approaches
November 30th
Hermione spun in circles, feeling the gentle snowflakes fall on her face. She loved the snow and the holidays that came with it.
"Well, I think it a stupid idea Harry," Ron said from where he sat on a blanket in the snow.
A new teacher had come to Hogwarts with in the last few weeks. She acted as a sort of counselor for the students. Ron was dumfounded about how that evolved into her teaching a class about adult life and independence.
"I think Dumbledore just wants to prepare us for the upcoming world. I mean... it isn't exactly getting any safer and we are all close to taking that leap from graduating to being out on our own." Harry plopped dpwn next to Ron and eyed Hermione with a bit of interest.
As if sensing that she was being watched she stopped. "May I help you two"
Ron chuckled as Harry hurled a snowball at Hermione's chest. When it connected it exploded in white dust on her blue jacket. She giggled for a moment before bending over and grabbing her own snowball which, in moments, smashed into Harry's head.
Pansy sat alone on top of a hill gazing down at the three Gryffindors. She scoffed for a moment. Not at them, but at herself for feeling alone. This time of year always hit her hard. It was the time when she was reminded that, yes she had family, but they didn't give a damn about her. In fact her parents were off to the United States this year alone and her grandmother refused to house any of her father's spawn because the women didn't agree with her daughter's choice of marriage.
Feeling a tear roll down her cheek, Pansy rolled her eyes and quickly wiped it away. She was weak right now. She had no one right now. Sighing, the young girl stood and walked towards the castle. She did not want to be seen while she wept.
Draco chuckled as he read a piece of parchment posted on the Slytherin announcement board:
Group and Independent Living Classes will begin on the first of December for all year sevens! All you need is a smile and a good attitude!
This class is going to prepare you for entering the wizard or mortal world after Hogwarts as well as try to lessen the gap between the houses. Scheduling will be sent to you November 30th.
Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor Gorlick "All you need is a smile and a good attitude!" Draco mocked, gazing over at Crabbe who was looking dumbfounded at the announcement. As if on cue a cloud of owls floated into the common room, each landing at the foot of a seventh year. They dropped an envelope before flying back off. Draco leaned over and picked up his. "Speak of the devil," He mumbled. "It's hard to believe they'd mess up everyone's schedule just to fit this happy crap in. And first thing in the morning. How are we supposed to bring our smiling faces when she's taking over my first period class"
Potions was one of the only classes Draco really looked forward to. It just so happened that first period was potions until a few moments ago.
"I have it first too," Crabbe said.
All around the room Draco listened to the moans and groans of seventh years who were almost as unhappy as he was.