Luckily, in my case, news hasn't spread about me and Draco. I think the Slytherins wouldn't want any rumours or teasing being brought on them. Of course, Draco was acting unusual as per normal, disappearing after each lesson and only reappearing for meal times. I leaned back at the growing pile of books. We were having our term breaks but before the break starts, Slughorn's hosting a Christmas party, and after break ends, our exams begin. I'm hoping to pass the O. , or even just scraping through would do.

But today was a rather important day, it was my first match as beater against Ravenclaw. We've been practicing and Draco hardly bothered to attend any training. I guess maybe it's due to his father and wealth, everyone allowed him to do whatever he wanted. I pulled on the green Slytherin quidditch robes and wore on my cloak.

Stepping onto the field, I noticed the looks of bewilderment from the crowd as I held up a bat. The Slytherin quidditch team has a female? And she's a mudblood? The twins gave me a thumbs up from the crowd and the Golden trio gave me a smile.

Not only were the crowd shocked, the teachers as well. The look on Snape's face was hilarious. I mounted my broom as Madam Hooch gave us a final run through on rules and fouls. We kicked up broomsticks high, Ravenclaws and Slytherins cheering loudly. Madam Hooch blew her whistle and the balls were released.

The four chasers flew after the Quaffler leaving us four beaters. A Bludger came flying towards me but I smacked it towards a Ravenclaw. Scanning the players for the Beater, I could tell my partner was also looking out for the Bludger as well.

I noticed Draco's eyes were slightly puffy and dark circles could be easily seen. A Bludger was flying towards him and he was barely noticing. I flew towards Draco and before the ball could smack him, I hit the Bludger away with force towards the Ravenclaw seeker.

"Draco!" I snapped my fingers. He looked up and quickly blinked.

"Sorry. Just tired." he said.

"Keep on the lookout for the snitch." I said quickly before rushing to another Bludger to hit it out of the way. Out of the corner of my eye, I noticed something gold and flittering. I think Draco noticed it too because he was flying in that direction. The Ravenclaw seeker just lazily hovered, avoiding Bludgers. But when he saw Draco after the snitch, he mounted his broom shakily and flew in that direction.

I was in luck. A Bludger was sent in my direction from the Ravenclaws with I aimed directly at the seeker. I swung my bat and hit it aggressively, sending the Bludger to the unsuspecting seeker. It hit the end of his broomstick, barely knocking him off. He was hanging on the edge and Draco caught the snitch. Madam Hooch sent the balls back to the chest and clapped.

"Ye! My first game and I won!" I said proudly to Pansy.

"I know! Good job!" Pansy said happily. We were close to winning the Quidditch cup, because we are tied with Gryffindor. If Gryffindor won the next game with Hufflepuff, they win the cup.

"Whatever mudblood." a Ravenclaw shoved past me.

"Excuse me? Just because your team lost doesn't mean you have to be such a sore loser about it. It's was a fair game so suck it up." I retorted. He turned around and glared at me.

"Oh yeah? Fair game? Obviously the Bludger was enchanted or something for it to be easily hit by a girl like you." he sneered. He was obviously taller than me and was very brooding. I barely flinch at his height.

"Professor Flitwick checked the balls before the game even started. So stop being a sore loser and pick a fight somewhere else."

"You started it." he shrugged.

"Because I do not want to be called mudblood." I said hotly. I had done a bit of research on the word. It's a highly derogatory term for a Muggle born witch or wizard.

"Yeah whatever mudblood." he sneered. He turned around but someone grabbed his wrist.

"Apologise to her Flax." Draco growled.

"And the prejudiced Pureblood comes to save the little mudblood witch." Flax taunted.

"Shut up. Apologise."

"Why should I? You have the pleasure of calling anyone a mudblood. Seems easy when you're calling Granger that right? So why is there a difference with Darling here?"

Draco was tongue tied. I could tell. Hermione looked up when her name was mentioned. I think she was also teased by this Flax guy as well.

"Come on Draco. He isn't worth the time." Pansy shrugged pulling us away.

"Cowards." Flax mumbled, but loud enough for me to hear. Anger pulsed through my veins and I spun around and pointed my wand at him. Without saying anything, my wand send him flying and hitting him into a wall. "Bitch." he mouthed. Pansy grabbed my hand before I could point my wand at him again.

I broke free of her grasp and bolted towards the lake. The lake seemed like the perfect safe haven but because it was winter, it froze over. I couldn't stop the tears escaping from my eyes. Mudblood. That was what Lucius Malfoy and Bellatrix called me. I heard footsteps but I didn't bother looking back to know who it was.

"What, Malfoy." I demanded.

"It's Hermione." a feminine voice said. I turned around and saw Hermione standing over the snow. Draco and Pansy were probably hexing that dude.

"Oh." I said.

"It hurts. I know to be called a mudblood. Malfoy called me that all the time." Hermione sighed, sitting on the snow. I wiped my tears.

"But none of them ever called me that." I sniffed.

"Because you're in Slytherin. They just accepted the fact I guess." Hermione replied. "Stay strong okay?" she hugged me. I knew why she had to go because Draco was coming already. I know of their long time feud between him and don't bother about asking her to stay.

"Yeah." I mumbled. Hermione ran off in another direction before Draco could spot her.

"You alright there?" he asked, putting an arm around me. I sniffed a little and nodded. We stayed like that for a while, none of us really wanting to let go.

Just as expected, even though Draco and Pansy tried, the Malfoy family made some elaborate excuse about not having space or something. But still, we were just friends, nothing more right? For the Christmas holidays, I stayed behind at Hogwarts, along with the Weasley family.

Slughorn's party was a rather bore and I left within minutes. Tonight, we were gathered in the Great Hall, just the Weasleys and a few other students. Through this Christmas break, I found myself getting closer to the Weasleys, but no romantic affairs. A relationship between Ron Weasley and I would just be platonic.

"Try this one." Fred said tossing me a piece of candy. I sat underneath the enchanted ceiling along with the twins, Ginny and Ron. Apparently, the twins wanted to start a business selling tricks and candies once they graduate from Hogwarts.

"Oh don't try that one!" Ron said but I popped it in my mouth. It tasted awful, I spat it out, sending them in giggles.

"That's rancid Fred. I can't believe you were going to sell that." I said trying to wash out the taste with some pumpkin juice.

"Oh no, we weren't going to sell that." the twins chorused. "Take it as a prank."

"You gits." I said tossing some candy at them.

"Don't waste valuable candy on them!" Ron laughed. I picked up a few safe candies and chucked them towards Ron which deftly caught them. I can say this Christmas break was going to be a good time, considering how friendly the Weasleys were to me.

George handed me another drink to sample and just as planned, it tasted horrible. I whacked them both on their heads which sent them groaning and Ginny and Ron laughing.

"You deserved it!" Ginny laughed.

"She's mighty strong for a beater." Ron said. The twins looked surprised.

"How come we've never heard of you being as Beater?"

"Word doesn't spread out easily eh?" I said. But not more was to be said because tonight was Christmas eve and within minutes it would be Christmas.

"Three.. Two.. One.. Happy Christmas guys." I said smilingly.

"Happy Christmas to you too Amelie." the family chorused in reply. Almost on cue, presents began arriving for us.

"For you Amelie, mother heard about you staying." Ron handed a small lumpy parcel. Tears brimmed my eyes, I never received much presents on Christmas from my foster parents. Maybe a bit of money and clothes but not more. I tore the wrapper open and saw it was a homemade knitted sweater with my initial on it.

"Mother makes one every year." Ginny said wearing hers on.

"It's ghastly." Ron wrinkled his nose.

"Accept your mother's love!" I said punching his shoulder lightly. "I've got gifts for you all too."

I bought a new chess set for Ron because I heard he loved chess. For Ginny I bought her a notebook, made out of moleskin, the ones you can't find in Wizard stores. And for the twins, I got them also some muggle trick items that seemed way more cooler than the ones in Hogsmeade.

"This is all amazing." the twins said.

"Thank you." Ron said hugging me. Ginny did the same. Suddenly a brown owl came flying in and dropped two parcels on my lap. It hopped about the table hoping for a treat. I tossed a chocolate frog in it's direction and held it back a little.

I tore open the parcels and saw one was from Draco and the other from Pansy. I opened the small box to find a ring but it was banded in gold and the stone was rather unique. It had white swirls but when I wore it on, it changed to a bright shade of yellow, expressing happiness. It was beautiful. Pansy got me a necklace, it had some dust inside of it. A note was attached.

Happy Christmas Amelie! I'm sorry you couldn't come and stay with us for the holidays. Hope this present will make it up for you. Inside the bottle is Floo Powder. You can use it to go anywhere, it's sort of travel for underage wizards. It's the never ending bottle, which means you can use it and it would never run out. Enjoy and happy Christmas again!

-P.P-

I wrote back hurriedly in response to both Draco and Pansy.

Happy Christmas Draco! Thank you for the lovely ring, though it bears much resemblance to a muggle item called a mood ring. Though in the muggle world it never works. I believe with wizarding perks this ring has more to it? Hope you to see you after break, and keep well.

With love, Amelie

Happy Christmas Pansy! It's alright, bit of a chatter here in Hogwarts but not too boring. This is a lovely present by the way, I can now get away from you easily. Joking joking. My present to you is something I think you would like, it's a muggle book, but it's very sad yet romantic. You had always been the one with sappy romance thoughts. Enjoy and happy Christmas to you too!

Much love, Amelie

I attached the presents, Draco's was an moving photo album, which I personally put together. I sent the owl off and into the night. I opened some of the other presents the Weasleys gave me. I received a set of sweet scents from the twins, a small Slytherin pin and a book from Ron and Ginny gave me a box of charms.

Exhausted from our feast and present opening, we lay in our sleeping bags in the Great Hall which had ample space for a sleepover. This was definitely the best Christmas I ever had.

-Note: Draco and Pansy return after the term break and nothing much happens and exams come. Amelie passed her exams with Outstanding and so did Hermione and Draco. Surprising the other Slytherins who snubbed her before. I will be skipping all the way to sixth year because that's when most of the plot thickens.-

I sat in the Slytherin compartment of the train, playing with the necklace and the ring waiting for Pansy and Draco. Blaise and I were already seated, in a bit of small chatter.

"So, how were your O. ? Heard you were muggleborn." Blaise asked. I toyed with the ring which changed from blue (calm) and to pink (embarrassed).

"Outstanding…" I shrugged. "Not a big deal though."

"That's great! Don't have to be shy about your achievements. At least now those other wizards won't tease you." Blaise praised.

I gave a wry smile. "It's not. Once they know I received an outstanding, they would call me a know it all and God knows what."

"Don't stress on it. Those who tease you are just jealous. Personally, I think intelligent women are the prettiest. Women should dumb themselves for a guy." Blaise encouraged. A smile broke upon my face. "If anyone gives you trouble, they have to face the wrath of us Slytherins."

"Thanks Blaise." I replied. "How are things with you and Pansy?"

"Oh, I haven't asked her out yet." he scratched the back of his head. I gasped and flicked him lightly.

"You two are perfect for each other! Man up and ask her!" I exclaimed.

"I will. Soon." he stuck his tongue out. The compartment door swung open and I saw Pansy with Draco. We were all still in our own clothing, jeans and sweater. We would change only when we're arriving Hogwarts. Draco walked in wearing a black tux, looking dapper I can say.

Before I could open my mouth to say hi, a black smoke engulfed our entire compartment.

"Bloody hell." I cursed, coughing.

"What's that?" Draco asked, as the black smoke started to clear off.

"Probably just a first year messing around." Pansy said. "Come on Draco, sit down, we'll be at Hogwarts soon."

Draco took the seat next to me and smiled.

"Hey Amelie. How was your Christmas?"

"Boring." I lied. "But both your gifts sure cheered it up a little."

"Hogwarts. What a pathetic excuse for a school. I'd rather pitch myself over the Astronomy tower than stay for another two years." Draco said, crossing his arms. What's up with him? One moment he was cheery and the next all pissed.

"What's that suppose to mean?" Pansy asked.

"Let's just say I won't be wasting my time in Charms class next year." he smirked looking up. Blaise snickered. "Amused Blaise? See who's just laughing in the end." he said looking up again. I had this weird feeling running up my spine. Like someone's eavesdropping on us. I could feel it, it's right above my head.

"Draco I think somebody's eavesdropping." I whispered into his ear. The feeling ran through my veins again. It was someone, from our year. In Gryffindor. But I kept my mouth shut.

"I know." Draco replied. How could he possibly have known? I looked up at the odd luggage. It wasn't there when I came in nor when Draco and Pansy arrived. It shook a little. Someone's in there. I cannot stand eavesdroppers. I reached in my boots to pull out my wand but Draco placed his hand over mine.

"Don't worry about it. I'll deal with it." he said. I nodded and placed the wand back.

It was already dark when we arrived at Hogwarts. We let the other students get off board first, so that we don't have to be squashed by them. Blaise and Pansy got up, grabbing their carry ons. Draco stepped out to give me way.

"It's someone from Gryffindor. Just thought you should know." I whispered, getting up. He nodded and sat back down.

"You three go on. I need to check something." Draco said. Pansy and I raised our eyebrows at each other but we didn't bother questioning him. I knew what was going to happen. I already knew the eavesdropper. That's why we didn't say much, to the eavesdropper dismay. Harry Potter was spying on us.

"So how was that muggle book?" I asked Pansy. I had given her 'the Notebook' by Nicholas Sparks. It was a good muggle book.

"Lovely. Couldn't put it down for days until Narcissa threatened to burn it." Pansy laughed. "But really, it was a great book. Thanks again." Pansy hugged me. We already were in our robes but not our complete uniform. That could wait for tomorrow.

"Thanks for the Floo Powder as well. Could slip in and out of Hogwarts without anyone noticing."

We headed to the Great Hall for our feast and watched as the first years got sorted. There weren't many first years that made it into Slytherin, to my pleasure, I didn't like those eleven year olds poking around what they shouldn't be poking around in. Five first years out of the whole lot got into Slytherin.

We sat in our seats as Dumbledore made yet another fine speech. This man was inspirational. With a wave of his hand, food began appearing on our tables. It was a real treat this year with more food such as roast lamb, beef, pork and chicken wings, gravy, mash potatoes, stuffed vegetables and more. I helped myself to some of the food but I couldn't help noticed Draco still wasn't here yet.

Suddenly, halfway through my meal, I felt the bench move. Draco sat next to me as he hurriedly placed food on his plate but just picked at it. I noticed at the Gryffindor table, Harry was there. Bruised and scratched.

"What happened?" I asked in a toned whisper.

"Some people should be kept silenced when needed to." he replied vaguely. He then pushed his plate away and stalked out of the Great Hall. He barely touched his food.

"What's up with him?" Pansy asked.

"I don't know."