Disclaimer: If I owned Harry Potter, it wouldn't be the same. Only J.K Rowling can make us cry like Niagara Fucking Falls.

The Great Hall was buzzing with life that morning.

Just kidding.

Every student looked to be half dead, barely keeping their eyes open as they lazily pushed around the content of their breakfast plates.

But this sight wasn't unexpected. It was Monday morning, after all.

Harry, Ron, Hermione, and I all sat down at the Gryffindor table and began to pile food onto our plates. Out of the four of us, only Hermione seemed to be awake and alert, as I noticed Ron completely missing his cup when he poured himself some pumpkin juice.

I had no idea how I was going to get through classes today. I wasn't able to get to sleep last night for an abundance of reasons.

Hermione was still awake when I got back to the dorm and was hounding me on where I was. I had to make up some excuse that I was taking a midnight stroll to help myself get tired.

She bought it until she realized that I didn't have my black eye anymore.

So then I had to think of another excuse and say that I found a spell that removed the bruise and did it myself.

That she was a bit skeptical of, but she stopped asking me questions and went to sleep.

After that mild crisis was averted, I was still awake in my bed, just thinking.

I was trying desperately to suppress any feelings I might be feeling towards Draco, but as the days went on it was becoming more and more clear.

I actually fancied him. The little git got under my skin and made me care about him.

And I was slowly falling in love with him. Day by day the feeling was getting deeper.

And that scared me. It scared me so much.

I knew it was wrong. I knew it. But I just couldn't help how I felt.

I even contemplated at one point ending what we have now, just so I could get out before I lost the ability to stop myself.

But I didn't dwell too much on that; the thinking would drive me crazy.

However, the rest of the night was spent thinking about Draco's feelings.

He seemed...different. In more ways than one.

I still couldn't figure him out, but I needed to try.

We were two different people.

He was a Slytherin, and I was a Gryffindor.

He believed in pureblood supremacy, and I was a 'blood traitor'.

He was cold and shut down and I was warm and welcoming.

But in the end, we were merely different sides of the same coin.

We shared the same life, but we portrayed the opposite sides of it.

How would it ever work if he had his beliefs and I had mine?

A noise above my head brought me out of my thoughts and signaled that the morning mail had arrived. Owls flew around my head, and I smiled once I spotted Hedwig. She swooped down and landed next to Harry.

Mixed in with the owls was Fane, and I couldn't help but watch as he traveled towards the Slytherin table and landed in front of Draco.

Draco looked up and caught my gaze, but instead of looking away, I just gave a small smile.

He gave a slight one back, but I had to turn my head back when I felt a rush of wind by my ear.

In front of me sat a small tawny owl, with checkered brown and white feathers and dark black eyes. It had a stocky, medium build and a patch of light brown feathers framing its face, almost like a heart.

It was just sitting there, not moving and silently studying me.

"Uh – hello," I began cautiously. "I think you've got the wrong person. I don't have an owl."

The owl squinted its eyes like it was offended I questioned its judgment. It still didn't move, however.

"Christina, I think it's for you," Harry murmured. "It has a letter tied to its leg, open it maybe?"

"But what if the letter isn't for me?" I questioned, still looking at the owl.

"Christina, the bloody owl isn't moving. I think it's safe to say the letter is for you," Ron said, raising his eyebrows.

After giving him a look I cautiously reached out to untie the letter from the owl's leg. It offered no resistance; just continuing to stare at me. I snatched the letter back quickly and wasted no time with opening it. I started to read.

Christina,

Thank you for replying to my letter. I'm sorry I didn't reply sooner, I had to relocate for a while because some Death Eaters seemed to be onto my location. But I evaded them. I'm okay for now. How are things with you? Have you been careful and safe? Like I told you before, the Death Eaters are targeting muggleborns and those who support them...even muggles themselves. Your name is fairly popular now, being a Miro and all. Harry needs to stay safe too; he's even more at risk than you, as you probably are aware. Keep your friends close, Christina. How is Hogwarts? And Dumbledore? What is he doing? And as for my location, I can't disclose much. I'm still in England. I'm not too far from Hogwarts, but there's enough distance to remain inconspicuous. I can't say much more. Buckbeak has taken over his own bedroom. I must say that even for a hippogriff he's rather picky. He misses Hagrid, though. Buckbeak sends his love, and so do I, Christina. Please be careful and respond when you can.

Padfoot

PS: The owl that delivered this letter? She's yours. Name her whatever you wish and I hope you find her to be a good fit.

The letter fell from my hands and I let out a small scream, which made the whole Gryffindor table look at me. Even the owl, apparently mine, jumped back in alarm.

I had to work on controlling my breathing and heart rate before I could even think about addressing the shocked faces of my housemates.

"The owl..." I managed to get out. "She's...she's...mine."

"What?" Hermione questioned, snatching the letter from my hand. She quickly scanned the contents until she reached the PS. Her eyes widened as she looked from the letter to the owl. "Sirius got you an owl?"

"Looks like," I said quietly, locking my gaze with my new pet.

"Bloody hell – that's brilliant!" Ron shouted, clapping me on the back. "So what are you going to name her?"

A mini panic attack hit me. "I have no idea. I mean – I've never had to name anything before," I turned quickly to Harry. "How did you name Hedwig?"

"I saw the name in A History of Magic. I was new to the Wizarding World, so I just decided on that," Harry shrugged. "You can name her whatever you want, Christina."

"Just not some rubbish like Beaky or Fluffy," Ron input.

"Well, we all know what happened the last time we encountered a 'pet' named Fluffy," Harry muttered, and we all burst out into laughter.

"Definitely not naming her Fluffy," I said in between chuckles, feeling slightly better. "The real Fluffy kind of ruined the name for me."

"So, do you have any names in mind?" Hermione asked, gazing at the owl in wonder.

"I don't know," I contemplated internally. "I want it to mean something, you know? To be special." I bit my lip as I was racked with indecision.

Ron suddenly straightened in his seat, "You know Christina, we have been friends since before first year. Maybe-"

"Ron, she's not going to name her owl after you," Hermione cut in, rolling her eyes.

Ron threw Hermione a look, "You don't know that, 'Ermione. So, Christina?"

I laughed loudly, "I don't think so Ron. And besides, she's a girl."

Ron slumped his shoulders, "So?" he mumbled. "Ronette could work..."

I continued to laugh while I still tried to think of a name.

Suddenly, an idea came to mind. "I think I got it," I said, turning to Hermione. "Hey Herms, remember that muggle book you lent me? Les Miserables?"

"Mhm," Hermione nodded. "It was a good book, wasn't it?"

"One of my favorites," I agreed wholeheartedly. "My favorite character was Enjolras. He led the revolution against the 'enemy', trying to make a change for the better. I think that's what we're doing here, too. So maybe if I just shorten it to Jolra? Would that work?" I asked.

Hermione smiled, "I think that sounds wonderful."

Ron huffed, "I still say Ronette would be better."

"Oh stop it, Ron," Hermione scolded lightly.

I looked up at the owl and gazed at her carefully. "Are you alright with Jolra?"

The owl immediately hooted, and I took it as a yes.

When all the owls started to fly back to the Owlrey, Hedwig and Jolra joined them, and I sat back in my seat with astonishment.

I have a bloody owl.

Today was Friday, December 20th.

Which meant...

NO MORE CLASSES!

Well, at least until Christmas Break was over.

Classes today went by rather quickly, which was good, but Snape gave massive amounts of homework, which wasn't.

Seriously, he was the only professor who did that, and I had an itching suspicion he told the Slytherins it was 'optional'. He kept that juicy piece of information from the Gryffindors, however.

Gryffindor also had a Quidditch match tonight, and for that I was excited, but it was against Hufflepuff. That usually was a good sign, but the captain of the Hufflepuff Quidditch team was Zacharias Smith – my ex-boyfriend.

And we weren't on such good terms.

I could only hope that we would put our differences aside and just play Quidditch.

But things rarely went the easy way with me, did they? So I expected at least some trouble.

"Christina, are you ready to go to dinner?" Hermione asked, and I sat up from the couch, startled. I was so lost in thought I tuned the rest of the world out. Hermione smiled knowingly, "Thinking again?" she asked, amusement on her face. "You do quite a lot of that."

I pursed my lips, "You're one to talk," I muttered good-naturedly.

Hermione shrugged, "You're right, Christina. I tend to think constantly too. I guess that's why we're best friends, we're so alike?"

I burst out laughing, "'We're so alike'? Hermione, are you joking? We're barely alike!"

Hermione started to chuckle as well, "I guess I spoke too soon."

I nodded with amusement, "You definitely did. But I think that's why our friendship is so strong. Because we're so different. You know, it's like two puzzle pieces. If they were both the same, how would they fit? But if they each have their own curves and nooks, they'll mesh easier."

Hermione glanced at me for a few seconds, "Okay Christina, I think that's enough thinking for you. You're actually starting to make sense."

I laughed again and nodded in agreement, "I do believe you are right. Besides, I'm hungry!"

"And you need to eat for the Quidditch match after dinner, you'll need your strength," Hermione reminded me.

"I know, but I'm more worried about Ron. He looked positively dreadful the whole day, and I don't think it's because he'll miss going to classes for two weeks," I said as Hermione and I started to leave the common room.

"I'm worried about him," Hermione admitted, "No matter what I do; he's just too nervous and doubting. It's because of that stupid song the Slytherins created. Everywhere we go, someone is singing it. We even heard Luna humming it!"

"You've got to admit, the tune is quite catchy," I murmured, but Hermione shot me a look. "But I know! I'll try to talk to him, but I think he'll listen to you more, Hermione."

Hermione flushed slightly, and I smiled knowingly.

I've been waiting years for Hermione and Ron to get together, and it looked like this year would be the year.

It wasn't obvious, but I could tell that there was something there.

But if I told Harry I knew he would brush it off. That's what he did when I confronted him about Ginny.

Ginny, on the other hand, was more forthcoming with her feelings. After all, it was no secret that she fancied Harry since her first year.

"I will try to talk to him again," Hermione said in a quiet voice. "But what about you? Isn't Zacharias the Hufflepuff Quidditch captain?"

I groaned loudly, making everyone in the corridor turn to me. "Don't remind me of that."

"Ron, you need to eat," Hermione instructed softly, pushing his empty plate towards him. "Would you like some potatoes? Or maybe some steak – I know that's your favorite."

Ron huffed, still not accepting the food.

"Mate, you need to eat. How are you gonna play on an empty stomach?" Harry said, his mouth full of vegetables.

"Then maybe I won't play!" Ron uttered his first words during dinner. "I'm only going to lose the game for Gryffindor."

"That's not true, Ron," I insisted strongly. "You're a great keeper. You have to be because we wouldn't have picked you for the team otherwise."

"You're biased because we're mates," Ron mumbled. "McLaggen would've been better than me. Why didn't he make the team? He only missed one goal."

Hermione suddenly bit her lip and a guilty expression crossed her face.

Interesting. I vowed to question her on that later.

"McLaggen is good, I'll admit, but you're better," I replied, trying to give him confidence.

"Eat and you'll feel better, Ron," Harry said, continuing to devour his dinner. He was going to need a lot of energy for tonight, chasing after the snitch.

I heard movement coming from the opposite side of the table, so I looked up and noticed Lavender Brown standing over Ron's shoulder.

He didn't seem to notice, so when he made eye contact with me, I stared pointedly behind him.

Ron took the hint and turned around, an expression of surprise planting itself on his face.

"Hi Ron," Lavender gushed, her curly blond locks bouncing in her exuberance.

"Uh – Lavender," Ron greeted awkwardly.

Lavender had never been one to be buddy-buddy with us; she usually associated herself with the Patil twins and our other roommates.

"Good luck with the game tonight, Ron," Lavender continued, smiling extremely wide. "I know you're going to do great."

Ron nodded his thanks and look away, back down at his empty plate.

I looked at Hermione quickly, and noticed her pursed lips and squinted eyes.

Uh oh.

"What was that about?" I wondered out loud, peering at Ron curiously.

"No idea," Ron shrugged slightly. "She's been trying to talk to me all week. I mean, it's not like she's noticed me before now," He shook his head. "Girls – I just don't get them."

Hermione huffed quietly by my side, but said nothing more.

Moments later dinner was finished, and Dumbledore was taking the podium.

"Good evening students," he began addressing the Great Hall. "There are a few things I need to announce tonight."

The students all began to murmur quietly, and Dumbledore waited patiently for the chatter to die down.

"First off – Professor Slughorn would like me to announce that he is having a Christmas party for his Slug Club on December 22nd," Dumbledore looked to Slughorn who nodded enthusiastically. "Each member is allowed to bring a plus one."

I scoffed quietly. After the meeting on the train, Slughorn didn't invite me back to the Slug Club.

I had no ties to my 'influential' family, and my grades were not top notch enough to stand alone.

Ron and I were actually the only ones out of our immediate group of friends who weren't in the club.

Harry, Hermione, and even Ginny were members, however.

But it didn't bother me, and it didn't bother Ron either.

Dumbledore continued again, "Secondly, I thought in the spirit of Christmas that all students staying at Hogwarts would like some type of formal outing. So on December 23rd Hogwarts will be having a Christmas Ball."

Students in the Great Hall cheered, while others murmured excitedly to themselves.

"A Christmas Ball?" Hermione questioned.

"I nodded, "I guess like the Yule Ball but for Christmas?"

Hermione frowned, "But we have no dresses?"

But Dumbledore addressed that point before I could.

"For the Christmas break only, we will be opening Hogsmeade to Hogwarts students. We have extended the necessary safety precautions, and have deemed it safe. So you will be able to travel there and get anything you need. But I must urge you to always use caution."

"I've missed Hogsmeade," Harry said excitedly. "You lot want to go tomorrow?"

"I'm in," I said, and Hermione and Ron nodded from beside me.

Dumbledore spoke again, "If you wish to travel home for the holidays, the first train will leave tonight, and last train will leave December 24th. Now, I know that many of you are excited for the impending Quidditch game. So you are dismissed."

All the students in the Great Hall exited happily, all talking about the Christmas Ball, Hogsmeade, and the Gryffindor vs. Hufflepuff Quidditch game.

It was definitely going to be an interesting break.

A/N: Hey all! This chapter is a bit smaller than my previous ones, but I wanted to address a few points. Anyway, first to my reviewers...thank you! Next, if you have been wondering what celebrity Christina looks like or resembles, I do have someone in mind. But I won't say it, because I want you all to picture Christina how you like. But, if you are curious, you can PM me and I will be happy to share :)To the Guest reviewer who said that I didn't post their review...I didn't remove or deliberately not post your review. I'm sorry. Maybe it was eaten up by the site? I do thank you for the review, though, and hope you review again. Thirdly, I've always wanted to write a Yule Ball type scene, but I couldn't have the Yule Ball...so a Christmas Ball was the next best thing! I'm gonna have some fun with that :D Oh and in the book the Slug Club Christmas party was on the 20th. I had to move it to the 22nd for plot reasons. Anyway...I think that's it. Enjoy! :D