December rolled around and what used to be frost soon turned to snow, then to snowmen, and then to destroyed piles of mush, it really was an endless cycle. Jessica smiled gently to herself, this kind of weather always reminded her Christmas was right around the corner, this of course brings turkey, presents, turkey, roast vegetables, turkey, Christmas lights, turkey, Christmas trees, turkey, pigs in blankets and of course turkey.
She remembered last year making pomanders with her mother. Her expression hardened then changed to one of hopelessness as she let out a sigh. Her parents weren't particularly pleased with the whole magic thing and therefore with her… well this Christmas should be fun. She reburied her head in her Charms work as she faced the library window. She occasionally lifted her head to see happy children talking about going home to their pleased families for Christmas. Yes, she would be going home but definitely not to a pleased family.
Jessica furiously wiped at the bittersweet, salty tears beginning to roll down her face. She would not show weakness in public. No, that was most certainly not going to happen.
Later on she took one last saddened look at the scarlet steam engine that was about to take her to the most singular, horrible event of her whole downtrodden life.
When who should appear but…
"Hi."
Jessica looked behind her and saw Ruth Gingham, nervously shuffling her feet, still clad in blue and bronze Ravenclaw robes.
"Ruth I-"
"Don't it's… okay"
"Sit with me on the train?"
Ruth's head shot up and ginger, frizzy hair popped out of the already uncontrollable bun.
"Are you sure?"
"Yeah, just don't tell anyone I'm being nice though. I've got a reputation you know…"
Jessica's sapphire eyes looked straight into Ruth's deep, dirty green ones. The ginger nodded her head vigorously.
"Deal, meet you on the train."
Ruth ran onto the scarlet engine. Jessica made to follow when a hand planted itself firmly on her shoulder. He really needed a hobby.
"What?" she sighed, exasperated.
"Have a good time," he replied.
She hadn't even looked at him and she could already tell he was smirking
"Tom, when I get back do me a favour?" her voice was dripping with disdain, "Leave me alone!"
And with that she waltzed from his grasp onto the train. Only. "GODDAMNIT!" She left her case right next to him. Would nothing go right for once?