CHAPTER SIXTEEN- Suspicion
Like always, Harry signed up to stay at Hogwarts over the Christmas holidays. The others from Gryffindor staying were Ron, Jasmine, Peggy, Amy, Lee Jordan, Fred and George. Hermione was going to stay with Viktor Krum. Ginny had been invited to her friends house. Fred and George seemed upset Frederika and Georgette were gone but they had promised their mother.
Before the Holidays, however, there was going to be a Christmas dance. On Saturday the sixteenth, the day before everyone was going to leave.
Harry was going with Amy, Ron was going with Peggy and Jasmine wasn't even going to go. "Why not?" Harry asked.
"If I can't go with Draco, I am not going at all." She growled, eyes narrow.
"Your sister is mental." Ron informed Harry after that.
On the Sixteenth, Harry and Ron waited for Amy and Peggy. "Why do girls take about four hours to get ready?" Ron asked, scowling as he glared at the staircase. He was wearing deep brown velvet dress robes (since his brothers had gotten him two new dress robes) that went well with his deep brown eyes.
"I dunno." Harry mumbled, once again in his bottle green dress robes.
"Hi guys! Sorry it took so long!" Amy and Peggy ran down the stairs.
Amy was wearing form-fitting deep purple dress robes and her hair was down but not curled. Peggy was wearing form-fitting deep sea blue dress robes. Her hair was down and the bottoms were curled. She was scowling and nearly tripped in black high heels.
"I hate these shoes."
"You look good. Doesn't she look good, Ron?" Amy asked.
Ron opened his mouth and Peggy shot him a 'agree with her and die' look so Ron didn't say anything. Amy sighed and took Harry's arm and the four of them went to the Great Hall after bidding farewell to Jasmine.
The Great Hall was beautiful decorated with gold, silver, bronze and black bubbles drifting about the ceiling. Four huge pine trees were in each corner. One had scarlet baubles and gold tree-flocking, one had blue baubles and bronze tree flocking, one had black baubles and yellow tree flocking, and the last was green baubles with silver tree flocking. Light snowflakes drifted down from the ceiling and disappeared as soon as it touched the ground. The Great Hall was filled with round tables.
The four of them went to a table and sat down. Soon the dinner started and they ate.
"I wish it would really snow." Peggy sighed, looking up at the ceiling. "A lot of snow. Deep, deep, deep snow."
"Maybe it'll snow tomorrow." Ron said.
After the dinner, the music started and most couples went out to dance. Amy pulled Harry out, but Ron and Peggy stayed at the table.
"Are you still mad at me?" Ron asked.
"No." Peggy said and thought a moment. "Did you ever go back to Honeydukes and find out what Mrs. Black wanted?"
Ron slapped his forehead. "oh my gosh I so forgot!" He said.
Peggy looked at her watch. "Its only 7:30. Honeydukes doesn't close until 9."
"No, it closes at ten since its so close to- wait, are you suggesting we skip the dance and go to Honeydukes?" Ron asked.
Peggy grinned. "Yep."
"But. its the Christmas Dance."
"Oh come on. I hate dancing. You hate dancing. We won't dance. Amy and Harry are having fun without us." Peggy trailed off and gave Ron puppy dog eyes.
"Oh no! Not the puppy dog eyes again! No! I am not. I will not fall for. oh okay. Let's get dressed and go to Honeydukes." Ron mumbled.
After they returned to the Common Room, changed into regular clothes (Ron in jeans and a dark blue sweater and winter cloak; Peggy in jeans, a brown and dark brown sweater and winter cloak) they ran to the secret passage.
"I can't believe we are doing this." Ron said as they slipped down into the blackness.
"Lumos. Then don't believe it." Peggy giggled as they went down the passage with Peggy's wand to guide the way. "Its not liked we HAD to go to the dance. Jasmine didn't."
"I know but its just." Ron trailed off and shrugged.
After a while they arrived in Hogsmeade. They walked into Honeydukes and looked around for Mrs. Black.
"Pardon me, where is Mrs. Black?" Peggy asked the clerk.
"In the back, I'll go get her." He replied. A few minutes later, Mrs. Black came out.
"Oh! I was wondering when you'd return." She said, looking at Ron who grinned sheepishly.
"Sorry I. just forgot." He admitted.
"Its all right. Here." She disappeared in the back and returned with a seven inch tall cookie. "I put a spell on it for it to keep." The cookie looked exactly like Ron.
"Wow, cool!" He said, grinning broadly. "thanks."
"No problem. Oh. I have a question." She said with a smile, as she adjusted her glasses.
"Yes Mrs. Black?" Ron asked.
"First off you can call me Cocoa. Second. isn't there a dance at Hogwarts right now?" She asked.
"Er." The two fell silent, looking guilty.
"Its okay." She said with a smile. "I won't tell."
"Well its not like we're required to go." Peggy said slowly.
"I know. Now then. why don't we go to the Three Broomsticks and get a Butterbeer? My treat, I get off work now."
"Sure." Ron said brightly. The three walked outside and nearly tripped over a large black, shaggy dog standing there. His tongue was lagging out and his tail slowly went back and forth.
"S-" Ron began then caught himself. "Snuffles!" He said and the dog barked.
Cocoa had a look on her face. "Cute dog." She said.
Ron dropped to his knees and hugged Snuffles AKA Sirius Black. "How come you didn't write you were going to be here?" He hissed in Sirius's ear so only he heard.
I didn't know I would be here. I was following a Death Eater here. Sirius said in the thought-language.
Ron jerked back in surprise. "Er, good doggie." He said, petting the huge head.
Ron, I got to tell you. Warn Harry. I think there's a Death Ea-
"It is a cute dog." Peggy said with an extremely weird look on her face and odd tone in her voice. Sirius looked at her and his already big dog eyes went wider.
Oh no. oh God. Sirius thought, staring at Peggy. He began whimpering. Tell Harry to come in Monday at noon. end of town. and warn him not to tell ANYONE! Make sure nobody knows! He informed Ron then ran off as fast as possible, tail between legs.
"What the-" Ron sputtered out. He looked at Peggy and Cocoa. Cocoa looked sad and Peggy looked. well, odd. Her face was glinted over with an odd expression and her eyes were piercing towards the direction Sirius ran.
"Come on Ron. We should be getting back to Hogwarts." Peggy said in a steely voice, hand gripping Ron's shoulder. Rather tightly, at that. "We'll come visit another day, Mrs. Bl- er, Cocoa."
"Okay." Cocoa said slowly. Ron and Peggy went back to Honeydukes, through the passage and straight to the empty common room.
"Peggy, what's wrong?" Ron asked as she stared at the fire.
"Nothing." She snapped. "I mean. sorry, nothing." She repeated in a softer tone.
Ron looked at her face. "Peggy, something is wrong. What did Snuffles run away whimpering?" He asked.
"I don't know."
"Peggy, something is up. I want to know what happened back there." Ron said.
Peggy whirled around, eyes flashing with anger. "Keep your nose out of my business, Ron!" She yelled and ran up the stairs.
Ron stared after her, feeling extremely confused.
*** (Ron's point of view)
The next day, Hogwarts was practically empty. The Gryffindor Common Room seemed huge. But I was confused as of what happened the previous night.
Why did Sirius say 'oh no oh god' when he saw Peggy? And then run off whimpering, tail between his legs? Why did Peggy act mean after that? What was Sirius going to tell me? Warn Harry about what?! There was a Death Ea? A Death Eater? A Death Eater where?
"Hey Harry." I said as we lazed around in our dorm. I looked around making sure no one was around. "I saw Sirius last night."
"You did?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Yeah. Peggy and I skipped the dance and went to Honeydukes." I said slowly. "I saw Sirius there. He said to meet you at the end of Hogsmeade at noon tomorrow." I informed him.
"How come Sirius didn't write to say he'd be in?" Harry asked.
I lowered my voice to a whisper. "Says he followed a Death Eater into town. And."
"And?" Harry asked.
"He started to say something but then. got frightened at something and left. I think he'll tell you tomorrow." I whispered.
"Oh. Okay." Harry said.
"He seemed real-"
"Harry! Harry c'mere!" Jasmine's voice shouted.
We ran downstairs, worried Jasmine was hurt but we found her looking very happy. "What? What is it?" Harry asked, looking around.
"My friend is coming here for a few days! He'll be in Tuesday." Jasmine said brightly.
"Oh, is that all?" Harry asked.
"Whaddaya mean 'is that all'?" She asked.
"Jasmine! I thought you were being attacked or something." Harry said.
"Oh. No. I just thought I should tell you." She said.
"Okay." Harry said.
"Where's Peggy?" I asked, looking around and realizing she wasn't there. Amy was curled up by the fire reading.
"I don't know. She was gone this morning. D'you think she went home for Christmas?" Jasmine asked.
"I doubt it. She'd probably tell us." I said, wondering if her disappearance had anything to do with last night. "I. I'm going to go look for her." I said, ran up to my dorm, grabbed my winter cloak and wand and went to the entrance to the passage. I tapped the hump, hissing the spell and ran all the way to Hogsmeade. I came up into Honeydukes but she wasn't there. I went outside and walked up and down the streets, looking in every window. "Oh come on Ron, she probably isn't even here." I told myself then I spotted her. She was leaning against an oak tree with the wind blowing her red-brown hair back. It looked like Jasmine's red-tailed hawk color.
She was looking around, with her arms folded. She then spotted me. "Ron." She said in surprise.
"Hullo Peggy." I said, trying to smile. I was wondering what was up with Peggy.
"What're you doing here?" She asked.
"Looking for you." I said.
"Oh. I came here to. think."
"There's plenty of places to think back a-"
"I'm going back to Hogwarts." She said and walked off.
I stared at her retreating back, thoroughly confused.
*** (Harry's point of view)
I leaned against a tree at the edge of Hogsmeade, waiting. Shivering, I pulled my winter cloak tighter around me. It was freezing cold. Yet no snow.
Checking my watch, I saw it was almost one. Where was Sirius?
Harry! I looked up and saw the huge dog bounding towards me.
"Snuffles!" I said, hugging him tightly. I pulled a crumbled piece of cake from my pocket, unwrapped the napkin and gave it to him. He ate it then we began walking, he at my heels.
Harry I need to warn you. He said. I couldn't answer him since people were around and so Sirius continued. I followed a Death Eater here yesterday, Harry. He met up with another Death Eater. They talked about something. I didn't hear much but I certainly picked up a few sentences. He continued.
"What's that, Snuffles?" I asked, pretending to be indicating a weird- shaped rock on the ground.
One said 'Are we going to be doing another raid on Hogwarts to get the boy?' and the other replied 'I just found out there is no need.'. Sirius said, looking around nervously. The second asked why and the first said.
My hand was resting on top of his huge head and he was trembling slightly. "Said what?" I whispered.
Harry. he said 'there is no need for we have a loyal one close to the boy'.
I stopped in my tracks and stared ahead. "What?" I hissed.
Harry. someone close to you is not what he or she seems. Someone close to you is a follower of Voldemort.
"No." I whispered.
A friend. Most likely a good friend but I'm not sure. Or maybe someone in Gryffindor.
"But a follower wouldn't be put into Gryffindor." I hissed in a low voice only he heard.
Harry. Wormtail was a Gryffindor. He's a follower.
"Oh yeah." I gulped and closed my eyes. One of my friends a follower? Impossible! Who could it be?
Ron's image came in my head. No, definitely not him. He was so bloody scared of Voldemort. or was that an act?
Hermione's bushy-topped head appeared. Her? She was extremely clever. Voldemort likes clever witches and wizards.
Or what if it was someone new? Amy? She was smart too. And made fun of Voldemort. Was that because she didn't care or because she was his servant and its a mask.
Peggy? She wasn't that clever or anything. But neither was Wormtail. Was Peggy Voldemort's servant?
Or maybe it was someone else. Neville was a lot like Wormtail. Was it him? Dean maybe? Seamus? Donnie?
. or what if it was Jasmine. What if she was really a servant of Voldemort? Nah. couldn't be. Could it?
Harry I probably can't imagine what you're feeling. Sirius said and whimpered slightly. But I want you to be extremely careful. And you can't tell anyone about this.
"What about Ron?" I asked.
No. He could be-
"Ron couldn't be."
Sirius stopped and turned. I seriously doubt it is Ron. But. Wormtail was close to us. We never thought. you know, he could. But he was.
"But. Ron. he." I sputtered out.
Sirius licked my hand and stared up at me with big eyes. Harry.
"Okay. I'll be careful." I whispered, feeling extremely sick.
*** (Jasmine's point of view)
"Is that someone coming?" Draco whispered. I tip-toed over to the door and looked out.
"Filch. passing. passing. gone." I said and returned to sitting on a desk, across from the desk he sat on. It was late Monday afternoon and we had met in the empty classroom to be together.
"I already got your Christmas present." Draco said, smiling.
"Oh really?" I asked, swinging my legs.
"Yes. Really."
"What is it?"
"I can't tell. It'll ruin the surprise." Draco said and I giggled.
"Did you put your name on it?"
"No, I drew a yellow acacia on the tag."
"Okay. I have no clue what I'm getting you and Christmas is like. in one week." I said.
"Whatever you get me, I'm sure I'll like." He said.
"Even if its a sweater-vest?" I asked with a giggle.
"Oh don't even!" Draco yelled.
"Too late, already know what color too."
"Jasmine!"
"Its going to be scarlet."
"Stop!" He said as I laughed.
"With a gold lion and-" I shrieked as he grabbed me and pinned me against the wall.
"I'm going to tickle you for that."
"No! Please! Don't! I'll do anything!" I yelped, squirming under his grip.
"Anything?" He asked, gray eyes dancing.
"Yes! Just don't tickle me!"
"Okay. Then don't get me a sweater-vest or anything like that." He said.
"I promise." I said and he let go.
"We better go. We've been here for almost an hour." Draco said, checking his watch.
"Aw."
"When is your friend coming tomorrow?" He asked.
"Right before dinner."
"So. we can meet earlier?" He asked with a sly smile.
"Yeah, sure. After breakfast?"
"Sounds good to me." He said and gave me a gentle kiss before leaving. I pulled a book out of my backpack and read for about seven minutes then left. Normally I'd wait like, fifteen minutes but since Hogwarts was so empty, I didn't need to wait that long.
When I got to the Common Room, Harry was there, staring into the fire. "Hi Harry." I said and he leapt about fifty feet in the air.
"Oh god Jasmine you scared me." He said.
"Boo." I muttered and sat next to him. He stared at me as if I had lobsters crawling out of my ears. "What?" I asked rather nervously.
"Nothing." He said before getting up and leaving.
"My brother is getting so weird." I mumbled and began reading.
*** (Peggy's point of view)
Ron watched me all through breakfast Tuesday morning. I looked up at him.
"What, do I have a giant bug climbing up my head or something?" I asked.
"Nothing." He said and looked down at his breakfast.
After I finished, I got my winter cloak and went to the passage. Making sure no one was around, I tapped the witch. "Dissendium." I hissed and the hump opened. I slid into the darkness and closed the entrance. I wasn't scared of the dark so I walked down the passage blindly.
I arrived under Honeydukes and started to climbed out. "Hello Peggy." I jerked and turned to see Cocoa Black.
"Oh my gosh you scared me!" I said, feeling my heart race faster then usual. Then realized I was only halfway in the basement. The other of me was in the trapdoor. "Er."
"Its okay, I've known about that passage since my school days." She said with a smile. I climbed out and closed the door. "Any reason why you came here?"
"I was. going to get a Butterbeer." I said, hoping she wouldn't come.
"Have fun." She said cheerfully. I felt relieved as I went to the candy store and outside. Sleet stung against my face as it came down. Hard.
But no snow.
I pulled the hood over my head and walked down the street. Blinking in the sleet, I looked. After finding no sign of that so called 'dog' I returned to Hogwarts feeling numb.
***
"There he is! There he is! MATTHEW!" Jasmine yelled, waving furiously at the incoming Hogwarts train. As soon as it stopped, a young boy ran out and hugged Jasmine.
"Jasmine!" He said happily.
"Oh it is so good to see you." Jasmine said with a grin.
"Great to see you, too. I think."
"Matt!" Jasmine said.
Matthew laughed and looked at Harry. "You must be the famous Harry Potter."
"Right on the mark." Harry said as they shook hands.
"Come on, let's go to Hogwarts." Jasmine said and they got into a carriage where Toad had been waiting, looking very nervous (but that wasn't unusual) and they returned to the castle.
"Wow, big castle." Matt said, staring up at the great turrets.
"Yeah its really cool." Jasmine said with a grin.
"Cool. so seen any sssspppppiiiiirrrrriiiiittttssss?" He asked in a spooky voice as they entered the castle.
"Yes. Quite a few but only one I made friends with. Jason." Jasmine said.
"Jason." Matt said.
"Yep. He's pretty. uh. er. um. he's uh. uh. he's pretty uh. erm. look! Suits of armor!"
*** (Harry's point of view)
My eyes darted at the people in the scene, Wednesday night. Ron. He was playing chess against Peggy and looking very smug but kept glaring at Lee. Peggy. She looked upset as Ron took a knight. Amy. She sat by the fire, reading, deep into her book. Jasmine. She and Matt were talking about something they did as kids. Fred and George. Hunched over a table, whispering with Lee who had a spider on his head (the reason Ron was glaring at him).
Was one of those seven the servant of Voldemort? Or was it Hermione? Or someone else?
I felt sick at this. Suspicion. I now had it towards everyone. It made me sick wondering.
Getting angry, I punched the chair I was sitting in and stormed up to my dorm.
"Harry?" Ron had followed me.
"I'm not in the mood to chat." I said, staring out the window. I couldn't believe I was accusing my best friend of betraying me! Ron would never! Could never! 'But. Wormtail was close to us. We never thought. you know, he could. But he was.' Sirius's voice rang in my head.
"You seem really weird lately. What's going-"
"Ron!" I snapped, whirling around and he back against the door-frame. "I said I don't want to talk."
"Gee Harry. I. I'm s-sorry I didn't m-mean to upset-upset you so much. I'll just." And Ron left.
I turned back to the window and stared out over the lake. It glinted gray, reflecting the gray sky. The edges were skimmed over with ice. I leaned against the windowsill and gripped the stone tightly, shaking my head.
*** (Amy's point of view)
"Hiya Amy." Peggy flopped in the chair next to me. It was late Thursday evening. We were both in our pajamas. I was wearing silk purple boxers, a silk purple top and fluffy purple slippers. Peggy was wearing gray, cloth baggy pants and a gray tank top with two inch wide straps, and socks.
"Hey Peggy. You look down." I said, closing my book.
"Ofcourse I am down! No snow!" Peggy grumbled, staring at the window. The sky was black and icy rain lashed down, against the window. "This totally bites."
I laughed. "Peggy, it will snow."
"Yeah it better."
"You sure love snow." Ron said.
"Ofcourse I love snow!" Peggy shrieked, causing her glasses to slide down.
"Peggy is a snow-freak. A snow bunny." I said, remember the past winters we had had together. Only three but enough to know. Peggy loved snow. "Just one word of advice. If we have a snowball fight- be on Peggy's side."
"Shh, Amy!" Peggy said, giggling. "go telling everyone that and I won't have anyone to destroy!" She whined.
"Oh destroy yourself." I mumbled. Peggy snatched my book. "Hey! Give that back!" I shrieked, leaping to my feet. Peggy stretched on tiptoes and held it high above her head. I had to leap just to reach her elbow. "Give that back!"
"No!" Peggy said, grinning.
"Peeeeeeeggggyyyy!" I whined, leaping. Peggy laughed and jumped back. I began chasing her around the common room. Me yelling and she laughing.
The others were grinning at the chase. No, not everyone. Harry was watching us with a blank expression.
"Somebody help me!" I said.
As we passed a couch, Ron pounced on Peggy and they crashed to the floor, both laughing. My book slid along the floor and I grabbed it. "Thank you so much, Ron." I said.
"No problem." Ron said, arms wrapped tightly around Peggy's waist.
"Let go of me!" She shrieked and giggled, trying to pry his arms off. "I'll bite you." She added.
"Uh-oh. Ron better let go of her." I said.
"She won't really bite. Will sheOW!" Ron screamed as Peggy bit his arm. Ron, nonetheless, quickly let go.
"Hey, I gave you a fair warning." Peggy said with a grin.
"Better go take an antidote, Peggy. You're probably poisoned now!" Fred called from across the room.
"Oh ha, ha. Oh look at this," he held out his arm where there were deep teeth marks. "I'm gonna have a scar or something!"
"Bet you'd like that." I heard Harry mutter though no one else did. I turned to look at him. His arms were folded and his face held a scowl.
"Harry," I went over and sat with him while Ron and Peggy began wrestling. "what's wrong? Something is wrong." I said, putting my hand on his arm. He pulled it away.
"I'm not in the mood."
"Sheesh. What're you, Scrooge?" I teased. Harry just continued scowling. "Something's wrong."
"Nothing is wrong." He mumbled and went up the stairs to his dorm.
I watched after him then heard a scream and a crash. I turned to see Peggy straddling Ron. She had him pinned tightly to the ground and a look of triumph.
I shook my head and began reading again.
*** (Jasmine's point of view)
Saturday the twenty-third came way too quickly. Matt had to go on the first train to London. So I hugged him tightly goodbye and the train puffed out of sight.
"Cheer up." Jason said as we headed to the carriage.
"Oh. be quiet." I muttered.
We arrived to Hogwarts. I had twenty-eight minutes till I was going to meet with Draco so I went ahead and went to the classroom.
To my surprise, Draco was already there. He was sitting on the floor, back against the desk.
"Hello Jasmine." He said, looking up at me. I quickly shut the door and ran over.
"Draco! What're you doing here so early?" I asked, smiling brightly.
"I'd ask the same of you." He said.
I knelt on the floor and rested against him, looking up into his eyes. "Well. I just thought you know, by the time I'd get to the Gryffindor common room. it'd be time to come here."
"Well I always come early. Cause I'd rather be here alone then with Slytherins all glaring at me."
I laughed and rested my slender hand on his chest. "Harry's been acting really weird lately."
"He's always acted weird." Draco said.
"He hasn't smiled since Monday."
"So? I've gone years without smiling."
"Draco!"
"What?" He asked and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me tight against him. "I'm just trying to help."
"I'm worried about him." I said.
Draco kissed my right temple. "I'm sure he'll be fine. Its Harry Potter- the Golden Boy,"
I choked and jerked back. "What?!"
"What?"
"What did you just call my brother?"
"Er, nothing."
"Draco." I warned.
"Okay, okay. I called him 'Golden Boy'."
"Draco!"
"Whaaaat?!"
"That. that is funny." I said and snorted. "Golden Boy, huh?"
"I just. well. I don't know!"
"Oh that is so funny."
Draco couldn't help but grin, too.
*** (Ron's point of view)
"Ron! Wake up! Ron!" I felt myself being shaken awake. Slowly rolling over, I opened one eye.
"Whaddaya want, Harry?" I asked with a yawn. For the first time in a week, he looked very happy.
"Hello! Christmas!" He said with a wide grin.
"Tomorrow." I mumbled and pulled the covers over my head. A moment later it struck me and I sat up. "Christmas!" I said cheerfully.
"That's what I just said." Harry said, shaking his head.
I grinned at the pile of presents at the foot of my bed. "Cool."
"Hey guys!" We looked up as Peggy, Jasmine and Amy ran into the room.
"You're not supposed to be up here." I said, going red.
"Oh shut up." Peggy said, flopping onto my bed with a grin. "Guess what?"
"What?" I asked, making sure the covers covered me up.
"Look outside!"
I looked at the window and saw snow piled on the windowsill outside. "Snow?"
"YEAH!" Peggy shrieked. "Lots and lots of snow."
"It must be about four feet deep!" Jasmine exclaimed, sitting on Harry's bed.
"Come on. Let's open presents downstairs where we can all be together." Amy said. Harry and I got our presents and went downstairs where Fred, George and Lee were waiting.
"Pajama party." Lee said with a grin and I realized all of us were still in our pajamas.
"Let's open presents!" Jasmine said, bobbing up and down with excitement and we began tearing away at our presents.
Soon there was more ripped paper then there were presents and soon I only had one present left. The wrapping paper was blue with silver stars. One silver star was really a tag. It read 'To Ron. I hope this present brings you many sky high days.' but there was no name. I opened the paper and found a broom carrying case? But. I had no broom. The case was purple with a large silver dragonfly on the front, and silver handles and locks. I opened it and my eyes got wide.
"Oh my god!" I yelled.
"What?!" Everyone yelped in fear.
I slowly held up the Dragonfly. Everyone gasped.
"Ron! Someone sent you the top model broom?!" Fred asked in shock.
I slowly nodded, staring at the Dragonfly as if it would explode or something.
"But. who could-who WOULD?!" George demanded, scrambling over a pile of jokes he had gotten from Fred, and staring down at the broom with his eyes wide.
"I don't know." I said slowly and looked at Harry. "Did you.?"
"No." Harry said and shook his head. "I sent you the watch." He pointed at the Chudley Cannons (my favorite Quidditch team) watch on my wrist.
"But who could of. who would of." I stammered, staring down at the broom.
"Give it a try, Ron!" Jasmine said.
"Okay." I hopped on the broom.
"Ron! We are inside! You'll crash or something! Plus your still in your paja-" Peggy never finished. I zipped up in the air and began flying in circles around the common room ceiling. I zipped in tight circles around the chandelier. It had amazing turning. I wondered vaguely what the Windsweeper5000 was like in turning. "Ron! Get down here this INSTANT! You are going to kill yourself!" I heard Peggy yelling.
I flew down to the ground and landed, grinning from ear to ear. "That was totally awesome."
"You were a blur." Amy said, smiling.
"I wonder how fast I was going." I pondered out loud.
"However fast you were going, don't tell mum." George said.
" 'Ron I can't believe you were going that fast how dare you and INSIDE, too?! You could of killed yourself!' " Fred said in a perfect imitation of mum and casting a glance at Peggy who scowled.
I laughed and looked at my watch. "Its getting a bit late. Let's go to breakfast." I said so we went to our dorms, got dressed and went downstairs. I was carrying my Dragonfly in the carrying case.
"Let's go outside after we finish." Peggy said as we ate breakfast, staring out a frosted window.
"Okay." We agreed.
So after breakfast we got bundled up in warmer clothes and went outside. The snow came up almost to my chest.
"Wow." Peggy said and then flung herself into the snow. "Whoo-hoo-hoo!" She yelled, rolling around.
"She's gone." Amy laughed, shaking her head.
Suddenly a snowball hit my face. "Ouch!" I yelped, falling back.
"SNOWBALL FIGHT!" Peggy screamed.
I got up in time to see her pelt everyone else. I packed a snowball tightly and threw it at Peggy. She caught it and threw it back. It smacked into my chest.
The air was alive with flying snowballs as everyone was against everyone else. I found myself being buried under a huge pile of snow the twins sent over by magic.
"Its time for lunch." Amy gasped, checking her watch.
"No!" Peggy said.
"I'm starving." Lee said, shaking snow from his dreadlocks.
"Me, too. Plus I'm frozen and I have snow in my pants." I said, glaring at Peggy who smiled innocently.
"Fine. But can we come back out after lunch? I want to go sledding. and dig tunnels."
"Okay, okay. We'll come out after lunch." Amy promised and we went inside. I sighed with relief at the warmth.
*** (Harry's point of view)
Christmas was over and so was my cheerful mood. I was back to suspecting everyone. It made me sick. But Sirius said. what if he had overheard wrong? Could that of been possible? Maybe it meant there was Death Eater in Hogwarts sulking around secret passages or something. Maybe that?
I couldn't take it anymore. I was going to tell Ron. I knew it couldn't possibly be Ron. I knew I could trust him.
As I told him before we went to bed two nights after Christmas, his eyes were getting wider and wider. "You mean. someone's a-a-a-a follower of Y-Y-You-Know-Who?" He stammered.
I nodded. "Yeah. Sirius told me and told me not to tell anyone but. you know, I had to tell you." I said, watching him closely in case there was any signs of. anything. There was nothing but fear.
"B-b-b-but who c-c-could it p-possibly be?" He whispered.
"I don't know. It could be anyone."
"Anyone." Ron repeated and shook his head. "well that really cheers me up."
"Don't tell anyone." I said.
"I won't. I promise." Ron assured me and I immediately felt better.
Like always, Harry signed up to stay at Hogwarts over the Christmas holidays. The others from Gryffindor staying were Ron, Jasmine, Peggy, Amy, Lee Jordan, Fred and George. Hermione was going to stay with Viktor Krum. Ginny had been invited to her friends house. Fred and George seemed upset Frederika and Georgette were gone but they had promised their mother.
Before the Holidays, however, there was going to be a Christmas dance. On Saturday the sixteenth, the day before everyone was going to leave.
Harry was going with Amy, Ron was going with Peggy and Jasmine wasn't even going to go. "Why not?" Harry asked.
"If I can't go with Draco, I am not going at all." She growled, eyes narrow.
"Your sister is mental." Ron informed Harry after that.
On the Sixteenth, Harry and Ron waited for Amy and Peggy. "Why do girls take about four hours to get ready?" Ron asked, scowling as he glared at the staircase. He was wearing deep brown velvet dress robes (since his brothers had gotten him two new dress robes) that went well with his deep brown eyes.
"I dunno." Harry mumbled, once again in his bottle green dress robes.
"Hi guys! Sorry it took so long!" Amy and Peggy ran down the stairs.
Amy was wearing form-fitting deep purple dress robes and her hair was down but not curled. Peggy was wearing form-fitting deep sea blue dress robes. Her hair was down and the bottoms were curled. She was scowling and nearly tripped in black high heels.
"I hate these shoes."
"You look good. Doesn't she look good, Ron?" Amy asked.
Ron opened his mouth and Peggy shot him a 'agree with her and die' look so Ron didn't say anything. Amy sighed and took Harry's arm and the four of them went to the Great Hall after bidding farewell to Jasmine.
The Great Hall was beautiful decorated with gold, silver, bronze and black bubbles drifting about the ceiling. Four huge pine trees were in each corner. One had scarlet baubles and gold tree-flocking, one had blue baubles and bronze tree flocking, one had black baubles and yellow tree flocking, and the last was green baubles with silver tree flocking. Light snowflakes drifted down from the ceiling and disappeared as soon as it touched the ground. The Great Hall was filled with round tables.
The four of them went to a table and sat down. Soon the dinner started and they ate.
"I wish it would really snow." Peggy sighed, looking up at the ceiling. "A lot of snow. Deep, deep, deep snow."
"Maybe it'll snow tomorrow." Ron said.
After the dinner, the music started and most couples went out to dance. Amy pulled Harry out, but Ron and Peggy stayed at the table.
"Are you still mad at me?" Ron asked.
"No." Peggy said and thought a moment. "Did you ever go back to Honeydukes and find out what Mrs. Black wanted?"
Ron slapped his forehead. "oh my gosh I so forgot!" He said.
Peggy looked at her watch. "Its only 7:30. Honeydukes doesn't close until 9."
"No, it closes at ten since its so close to- wait, are you suggesting we skip the dance and go to Honeydukes?" Ron asked.
Peggy grinned. "Yep."
"But. its the Christmas Dance."
"Oh come on. I hate dancing. You hate dancing. We won't dance. Amy and Harry are having fun without us." Peggy trailed off and gave Ron puppy dog eyes.
"Oh no! Not the puppy dog eyes again! No! I am not. I will not fall for. oh okay. Let's get dressed and go to Honeydukes." Ron mumbled.
After they returned to the Common Room, changed into regular clothes (Ron in jeans and a dark blue sweater and winter cloak; Peggy in jeans, a brown and dark brown sweater and winter cloak) they ran to the secret passage.
"I can't believe we are doing this." Ron said as they slipped down into the blackness.
"Lumos. Then don't believe it." Peggy giggled as they went down the passage with Peggy's wand to guide the way. "Its not liked we HAD to go to the dance. Jasmine didn't."
"I know but its just." Ron trailed off and shrugged.
After a while they arrived in Hogsmeade. They walked into Honeydukes and looked around for Mrs. Black.
"Pardon me, where is Mrs. Black?" Peggy asked the clerk.
"In the back, I'll go get her." He replied. A few minutes later, Mrs. Black came out.
"Oh! I was wondering when you'd return." She said, looking at Ron who grinned sheepishly.
"Sorry I. just forgot." He admitted.
"Its all right. Here." She disappeared in the back and returned with a seven inch tall cookie. "I put a spell on it for it to keep." The cookie looked exactly like Ron.
"Wow, cool!" He said, grinning broadly. "thanks."
"No problem. Oh. I have a question." She said with a smile, as she adjusted her glasses.
"Yes Mrs. Black?" Ron asked.
"First off you can call me Cocoa. Second. isn't there a dance at Hogwarts right now?" She asked.
"Er." The two fell silent, looking guilty.
"Its okay." She said with a smile. "I won't tell."
"Well its not like we're required to go." Peggy said slowly.
"I know. Now then. why don't we go to the Three Broomsticks and get a Butterbeer? My treat, I get off work now."
"Sure." Ron said brightly. The three walked outside and nearly tripped over a large black, shaggy dog standing there. His tongue was lagging out and his tail slowly went back and forth.
"S-" Ron began then caught himself. "Snuffles!" He said and the dog barked.
Cocoa had a look on her face. "Cute dog." She said.
Ron dropped to his knees and hugged Snuffles AKA Sirius Black. "How come you didn't write you were going to be here?" He hissed in Sirius's ear so only he heard.
I didn't know I would be here. I was following a Death Eater here. Sirius said in the thought-language.
Ron jerked back in surprise. "Er, good doggie." He said, petting the huge head.
Ron, I got to tell you. Warn Harry. I think there's a Death Ea-
"It is a cute dog." Peggy said with an extremely weird look on her face and odd tone in her voice. Sirius looked at her and his already big dog eyes went wider.
Oh no. oh God. Sirius thought, staring at Peggy. He began whimpering. Tell Harry to come in Monday at noon. end of town. and warn him not to tell ANYONE! Make sure nobody knows! He informed Ron then ran off as fast as possible, tail between legs.
"What the-" Ron sputtered out. He looked at Peggy and Cocoa. Cocoa looked sad and Peggy looked. well, odd. Her face was glinted over with an odd expression and her eyes were piercing towards the direction Sirius ran.
"Come on Ron. We should be getting back to Hogwarts." Peggy said in a steely voice, hand gripping Ron's shoulder. Rather tightly, at that. "We'll come visit another day, Mrs. Bl- er, Cocoa."
"Okay." Cocoa said slowly. Ron and Peggy went back to Honeydukes, through the passage and straight to the empty common room.
"Peggy, what's wrong?" Ron asked as she stared at the fire.
"Nothing." She snapped. "I mean. sorry, nothing." She repeated in a softer tone.
Ron looked at her face. "Peggy, something is wrong. What did Snuffles run away whimpering?" He asked.
"I don't know."
"Peggy, something is up. I want to know what happened back there." Ron said.
Peggy whirled around, eyes flashing with anger. "Keep your nose out of my business, Ron!" She yelled and ran up the stairs.
Ron stared after her, feeling extremely confused.
*** (Ron's point of view)
The next day, Hogwarts was practically empty. The Gryffindor Common Room seemed huge. But I was confused as of what happened the previous night.
Why did Sirius say 'oh no oh god' when he saw Peggy? And then run off whimpering, tail between his legs? Why did Peggy act mean after that? What was Sirius going to tell me? Warn Harry about what?! There was a Death Ea? A Death Eater? A Death Eater where?
"Hey Harry." I said as we lazed around in our dorm. I looked around making sure no one was around. "I saw Sirius last night."
"You did?" Harry asked in surprise.
"Yeah. Peggy and I skipped the dance and went to Honeydukes." I said slowly. "I saw Sirius there. He said to meet you at the end of Hogsmeade at noon tomorrow." I informed him.
"How come Sirius didn't write to say he'd be in?" Harry asked.
I lowered my voice to a whisper. "Says he followed a Death Eater into town. And."
"And?" Harry asked.
"He started to say something but then. got frightened at something and left. I think he'll tell you tomorrow." I whispered.
"Oh. Okay." Harry said.
"He seemed real-"
"Harry! Harry c'mere!" Jasmine's voice shouted.
We ran downstairs, worried Jasmine was hurt but we found her looking very happy. "What? What is it?" Harry asked, looking around.
"My friend is coming here for a few days! He'll be in Tuesday." Jasmine said brightly.
"Oh, is that all?" Harry asked.
"Whaddaya mean 'is that all'?" She asked.
"Jasmine! I thought you were being attacked or something." Harry said.
"Oh. No. I just thought I should tell you." She said.
"Okay." Harry said.
"Where's Peggy?" I asked, looking around and realizing she wasn't there. Amy was curled up by the fire reading.
"I don't know. She was gone this morning. D'you think she went home for Christmas?" Jasmine asked.
"I doubt it. She'd probably tell us." I said, wondering if her disappearance had anything to do with last night. "I. I'm going to go look for her." I said, ran up to my dorm, grabbed my winter cloak and wand and went to the entrance to the passage. I tapped the hump, hissing the spell and ran all the way to Hogsmeade. I came up into Honeydukes but she wasn't there. I went outside and walked up and down the streets, looking in every window. "Oh come on Ron, she probably isn't even here." I told myself then I spotted her. She was leaning against an oak tree with the wind blowing her red-brown hair back. It looked like Jasmine's red-tailed hawk color.
She was looking around, with her arms folded. She then spotted me. "Ron." She said in surprise.
"Hullo Peggy." I said, trying to smile. I was wondering what was up with Peggy.
"What're you doing here?" She asked.
"Looking for you." I said.
"Oh. I came here to. think."
"There's plenty of places to think back a-"
"I'm going back to Hogwarts." She said and walked off.
I stared at her retreating back, thoroughly confused.
*** (Harry's point of view)
I leaned against a tree at the edge of Hogsmeade, waiting. Shivering, I pulled my winter cloak tighter around me. It was freezing cold. Yet no snow.
Checking my watch, I saw it was almost one. Where was Sirius?
Harry! I looked up and saw the huge dog bounding towards me.
"Snuffles!" I said, hugging him tightly. I pulled a crumbled piece of cake from my pocket, unwrapped the napkin and gave it to him. He ate it then we began walking, he at my heels.
Harry I need to warn you. He said. I couldn't answer him since people were around and so Sirius continued. I followed a Death Eater here yesterday, Harry. He met up with another Death Eater. They talked about something. I didn't hear much but I certainly picked up a few sentences. He continued.
"What's that, Snuffles?" I asked, pretending to be indicating a weird- shaped rock on the ground.
One said 'Are we going to be doing another raid on Hogwarts to get the boy?' and the other replied 'I just found out there is no need.'. Sirius said, looking around nervously. The second asked why and the first said.
My hand was resting on top of his huge head and he was trembling slightly. "Said what?" I whispered.
Harry. he said 'there is no need for we have a loyal one close to the boy'.
I stopped in my tracks and stared ahead. "What?" I hissed.
Harry. someone close to you is not what he or she seems. Someone close to you is a follower of Voldemort.
"No." I whispered.
A friend. Most likely a good friend but I'm not sure. Or maybe someone in Gryffindor.
"But a follower wouldn't be put into Gryffindor." I hissed in a low voice only he heard.
Harry. Wormtail was a Gryffindor. He's a follower.
"Oh yeah." I gulped and closed my eyes. One of my friends a follower? Impossible! Who could it be?
Ron's image came in my head. No, definitely not him. He was so bloody scared of Voldemort. or was that an act?
Hermione's bushy-topped head appeared. Her? She was extremely clever. Voldemort likes clever witches and wizards.
Or what if it was someone new? Amy? She was smart too. And made fun of Voldemort. Was that because she didn't care or because she was his servant and its a mask.
Peggy? She wasn't that clever or anything. But neither was Wormtail. Was Peggy Voldemort's servant?
Or maybe it was someone else. Neville was a lot like Wormtail. Was it him? Dean maybe? Seamus? Donnie?
. or what if it was Jasmine. What if she was really a servant of Voldemort? Nah. couldn't be. Could it?
Harry I probably can't imagine what you're feeling. Sirius said and whimpered slightly. But I want you to be extremely careful. And you can't tell anyone about this.
"What about Ron?" I asked.
No. He could be-
"Ron couldn't be."
Sirius stopped and turned. I seriously doubt it is Ron. But. Wormtail was close to us. We never thought. you know, he could. But he was.
"But. Ron. he." I sputtered out.
Sirius licked my hand and stared up at me with big eyes. Harry.
"Okay. I'll be careful." I whispered, feeling extremely sick.
*** (Jasmine's point of view)
"Is that someone coming?" Draco whispered. I tip-toed over to the door and looked out.
"Filch. passing. passing. gone." I said and returned to sitting on a desk, across from the desk he sat on. It was late Monday afternoon and we had met in the empty classroom to be together.
"I already got your Christmas present." Draco said, smiling.
"Oh really?" I asked, swinging my legs.
"Yes. Really."
"What is it?"
"I can't tell. It'll ruin the surprise." Draco said and I giggled.
"Did you put your name on it?"
"No, I drew a yellow acacia on the tag."
"Okay. I have no clue what I'm getting you and Christmas is like. in one week." I said.
"Whatever you get me, I'm sure I'll like." He said.
"Even if its a sweater-vest?" I asked with a giggle.
"Oh don't even!" Draco yelled.
"Too late, already know what color too."
"Jasmine!"
"Its going to be scarlet."
"Stop!" He said as I laughed.
"With a gold lion and-" I shrieked as he grabbed me and pinned me against the wall.
"I'm going to tickle you for that."
"No! Please! Don't! I'll do anything!" I yelped, squirming under his grip.
"Anything?" He asked, gray eyes dancing.
"Yes! Just don't tickle me!"
"Okay. Then don't get me a sweater-vest or anything like that." He said.
"I promise." I said and he let go.
"We better go. We've been here for almost an hour." Draco said, checking his watch.
"Aw."
"When is your friend coming tomorrow?" He asked.
"Right before dinner."
"So. we can meet earlier?" He asked with a sly smile.
"Yeah, sure. After breakfast?"
"Sounds good to me." He said and gave me a gentle kiss before leaving. I pulled a book out of my backpack and read for about seven minutes then left. Normally I'd wait like, fifteen minutes but since Hogwarts was so empty, I didn't need to wait that long.
When I got to the Common Room, Harry was there, staring into the fire. "Hi Harry." I said and he leapt about fifty feet in the air.
"Oh god Jasmine you scared me." He said.
"Boo." I muttered and sat next to him. He stared at me as if I had lobsters crawling out of my ears. "What?" I asked rather nervously.
"Nothing." He said before getting up and leaving.
"My brother is getting so weird." I mumbled and began reading.
*** (Peggy's point of view)
Ron watched me all through breakfast Tuesday morning. I looked up at him.
"What, do I have a giant bug climbing up my head or something?" I asked.
"Nothing." He said and looked down at his breakfast.
After I finished, I got my winter cloak and went to the passage. Making sure no one was around, I tapped the witch. "Dissendium." I hissed and the hump opened. I slid into the darkness and closed the entrance. I wasn't scared of the dark so I walked down the passage blindly.
I arrived under Honeydukes and started to climbed out. "Hello Peggy." I jerked and turned to see Cocoa Black.
"Oh my gosh you scared me!" I said, feeling my heart race faster then usual. Then realized I was only halfway in the basement. The other of me was in the trapdoor. "Er."
"Its okay, I've known about that passage since my school days." She said with a smile. I climbed out and closed the door. "Any reason why you came here?"
"I was. going to get a Butterbeer." I said, hoping she wouldn't come.
"Have fun." She said cheerfully. I felt relieved as I went to the candy store and outside. Sleet stung against my face as it came down. Hard.
But no snow.
I pulled the hood over my head and walked down the street. Blinking in the sleet, I looked. After finding no sign of that so called 'dog' I returned to Hogwarts feeling numb.
***
"There he is! There he is! MATTHEW!" Jasmine yelled, waving furiously at the incoming Hogwarts train. As soon as it stopped, a young boy ran out and hugged Jasmine.
"Jasmine!" He said happily.
"Oh it is so good to see you." Jasmine said with a grin.
"Great to see you, too. I think."
"Matt!" Jasmine said.
Matthew laughed and looked at Harry. "You must be the famous Harry Potter."
"Right on the mark." Harry said as they shook hands.
"Come on, let's go to Hogwarts." Jasmine said and they got into a carriage where Toad had been waiting, looking very nervous (but that wasn't unusual) and they returned to the castle.
"Wow, big castle." Matt said, staring up at the great turrets.
"Yeah its really cool." Jasmine said with a grin.
"Cool. so seen any sssspppppiiiiirrrrriiiiittttssss?" He asked in a spooky voice as they entered the castle.
"Yes. Quite a few but only one I made friends with. Jason." Jasmine said.
"Jason." Matt said.
"Yep. He's pretty. uh. er. um. he's uh. uh. he's pretty uh. erm. look! Suits of armor!"
*** (Harry's point of view)
My eyes darted at the people in the scene, Wednesday night. Ron. He was playing chess against Peggy and looking very smug but kept glaring at Lee. Peggy. She looked upset as Ron took a knight. Amy. She sat by the fire, reading, deep into her book. Jasmine. She and Matt were talking about something they did as kids. Fred and George. Hunched over a table, whispering with Lee who had a spider on his head (the reason Ron was glaring at him).
Was one of those seven the servant of Voldemort? Or was it Hermione? Or someone else?
I felt sick at this. Suspicion. I now had it towards everyone. It made me sick wondering.
Getting angry, I punched the chair I was sitting in and stormed up to my dorm.
"Harry?" Ron had followed me.
"I'm not in the mood to chat." I said, staring out the window. I couldn't believe I was accusing my best friend of betraying me! Ron would never! Could never! 'But. Wormtail was close to us. We never thought. you know, he could. But he was.' Sirius's voice rang in my head.
"You seem really weird lately. What's going-"
"Ron!" I snapped, whirling around and he back against the door-frame. "I said I don't want to talk."
"Gee Harry. I. I'm s-sorry I didn't m-mean to upset-upset you so much. I'll just." And Ron left.
I turned back to the window and stared out over the lake. It glinted gray, reflecting the gray sky. The edges were skimmed over with ice. I leaned against the windowsill and gripped the stone tightly, shaking my head.
*** (Amy's point of view)
"Hiya Amy." Peggy flopped in the chair next to me. It was late Thursday evening. We were both in our pajamas. I was wearing silk purple boxers, a silk purple top and fluffy purple slippers. Peggy was wearing gray, cloth baggy pants and a gray tank top with two inch wide straps, and socks.
"Hey Peggy. You look down." I said, closing my book.
"Ofcourse I am down! No snow!" Peggy grumbled, staring at the window. The sky was black and icy rain lashed down, against the window. "This totally bites."
I laughed. "Peggy, it will snow."
"Yeah it better."
"You sure love snow." Ron said.
"Ofcourse I love snow!" Peggy shrieked, causing her glasses to slide down.
"Peggy is a snow-freak. A snow bunny." I said, remember the past winters we had had together. Only three but enough to know. Peggy loved snow. "Just one word of advice. If we have a snowball fight- be on Peggy's side."
"Shh, Amy!" Peggy said, giggling. "go telling everyone that and I won't have anyone to destroy!" She whined.
"Oh destroy yourself." I mumbled. Peggy snatched my book. "Hey! Give that back!" I shrieked, leaping to my feet. Peggy stretched on tiptoes and held it high above her head. I had to leap just to reach her elbow. "Give that back!"
"No!" Peggy said, grinning.
"Peeeeeeeggggyyyy!" I whined, leaping. Peggy laughed and jumped back. I began chasing her around the common room. Me yelling and she laughing.
The others were grinning at the chase. No, not everyone. Harry was watching us with a blank expression.
"Somebody help me!" I said.
As we passed a couch, Ron pounced on Peggy and they crashed to the floor, both laughing. My book slid along the floor and I grabbed it. "Thank you so much, Ron." I said.
"No problem." Ron said, arms wrapped tightly around Peggy's waist.
"Let go of me!" She shrieked and giggled, trying to pry his arms off. "I'll bite you." She added.
"Uh-oh. Ron better let go of her." I said.
"She won't really bite. Will sheOW!" Ron screamed as Peggy bit his arm. Ron, nonetheless, quickly let go.
"Hey, I gave you a fair warning." Peggy said with a grin.
"Better go take an antidote, Peggy. You're probably poisoned now!" Fred called from across the room.
"Oh ha, ha. Oh look at this," he held out his arm where there were deep teeth marks. "I'm gonna have a scar or something!"
"Bet you'd like that." I heard Harry mutter though no one else did. I turned to look at him. His arms were folded and his face held a scowl.
"Harry," I went over and sat with him while Ron and Peggy began wrestling. "what's wrong? Something is wrong." I said, putting my hand on his arm. He pulled it away.
"I'm not in the mood."
"Sheesh. What're you, Scrooge?" I teased. Harry just continued scowling. "Something's wrong."
"Nothing is wrong." He mumbled and went up the stairs to his dorm.
I watched after him then heard a scream and a crash. I turned to see Peggy straddling Ron. She had him pinned tightly to the ground and a look of triumph.
I shook my head and began reading again.
*** (Jasmine's point of view)
Saturday the twenty-third came way too quickly. Matt had to go on the first train to London. So I hugged him tightly goodbye and the train puffed out of sight.
"Cheer up." Jason said as we headed to the carriage.
"Oh. be quiet." I muttered.
We arrived to Hogwarts. I had twenty-eight minutes till I was going to meet with Draco so I went ahead and went to the classroom.
To my surprise, Draco was already there. He was sitting on the floor, back against the desk.
"Hello Jasmine." He said, looking up at me. I quickly shut the door and ran over.
"Draco! What're you doing here so early?" I asked, smiling brightly.
"I'd ask the same of you." He said.
I knelt on the floor and rested against him, looking up into his eyes. "Well. I just thought you know, by the time I'd get to the Gryffindor common room. it'd be time to come here."
"Well I always come early. Cause I'd rather be here alone then with Slytherins all glaring at me."
I laughed and rested my slender hand on his chest. "Harry's been acting really weird lately."
"He's always acted weird." Draco said.
"He hasn't smiled since Monday."
"So? I've gone years without smiling."
"Draco!"
"What?" He asked and wrapped an arm around my shoulder, pulling me tight against him. "I'm just trying to help."
"I'm worried about him." I said.
Draco kissed my right temple. "I'm sure he'll be fine. Its Harry Potter- the Golden Boy,"
I choked and jerked back. "What?!"
"What?"
"What did you just call my brother?"
"Er, nothing."
"Draco." I warned.
"Okay, okay. I called him 'Golden Boy'."
"Draco!"
"Whaaaat?!"
"That. that is funny." I said and snorted. "Golden Boy, huh?"
"I just. well. I don't know!"
"Oh that is so funny."
Draco couldn't help but grin, too.
*** (Ron's point of view)
"Ron! Wake up! Ron!" I felt myself being shaken awake. Slowly rolling over, I opened one eye.
"Whaddaya want, Harry?" I asked with a yawn. For the first time in a week, he looked very happy.
"Hello! Christmas!" He said with a wide grin.
"Tomorrow." I mumbled and pulled the covers over my head. A moment later it struck me and I sat up. "Christmas!" I said cheerfully.
"That's what I just said." Harry said, shaking his head.
I grinned at the pile of presents at the foot of my bed. "Cool."
"Hey guys!" We looked up as Peggy, Jasmine and Amy ran into the room.
"You're not supposed to be up here." I said, going red.
"Oh shut up." Peggy said, flopping onto my bed with a grin. "Guess what?"
"What?" I asked, making sure the covers covered me up.
"Look outside!"
I looked at the window and saw snow piled on the windowsill outside. "Snow?"
"YEAH!" Peggy shrieked. "Lots and lots of snow."
"It must be about four feet deep!" Jasmine exclaimed, sitting on Harry's bed.
"Come on. Let's open presents downstairs where we can all be together." Amy said. Harry and I got our presents and went downstairs where Fred, George and Lee were waiting.
"Pajama party." Lee said with a grin and I realized all of us were still in our pajamas.
"Let's open presents!" Jasmine said, bobbing up and down with excitement and we began tearing away at our presents.
Soon there was more ripped paper then there were presents and soon I only had one present left. The wrapping paper was blue with silver stars. One silver star was really a tag. It read 'To Ron. I hope this present brings you many sky high days.' but there was no name. I opened the paper and found a broom carrying case? But. I had no broom. The case was purple with a large silver dragonfly on the front, and silver handles and locks. I opened it and my eyes got wide.
"Oh my god!" I yelled.
"What?!" Everyone yelped in fear.
I slowly held up the Dragonfly. Everyone gasped.
"Ron! Someone sent you the top model broom?!" Fred asked in shock.
I slowly nodded, staring at the Dragonfly as if it would explode or something.
"But. who could-who WOULD?!" George demanded, scrambling over a pile of jokes he had gotten from Fred, and staring down at the broom with his eyes wide.
"I don't know." I said slowly and looked at Harry. "Did you.?"
"No." Harry said and shook his head. "I sent you the watch." He pointed at the Chudley Cannons (my favorite Quidditch team) watch on my wrist.
"But who could of. who would of." I stammered, staring down at the broom.
"Give it a try, Ron!" Jasmine said.
"Okay." I hopped on the broom.
"Ron! We are inside! You'll crash or something! Plus your still in your paja-" Peggy never finished. I zipped up in the air and began flying in circles around the common room ceiling. I zipped in tight circles around the chandelier. It had amazing turning. I wondered vaguely what the Windsweeper5000 was like in turning. "Ron! Get down here this INSTANT! You are going to kill yourself!" I heard Peggy yelling.
I flew down to the ground and landed, grinning from ear to ear. "That was totally awesome."
"You were a blur." Amy said, smiling.
"I wonder how fast I was going." I pondered out loud.
"However fast you were going, don't tell mum." George said.
" 'Ron I can't believe you were going that fast how dare you and INSIDE, too?! You could of killed yourself!' " Fred said in a perfect imitation of mum and casting a glance at Peggy who scowled.
I laughed and looked at my watch. "Its getting a bit late. Let's go to breakfast." I said so we went to our dorms, got dressed and went downstairs. I was carrying my Dragonfly in the carrying case.
"Let's go outside after we finish." Peggy said as we ate breakfast, staring out a frosted window.
"Okay." We agreed.
So after breakfast we got bundled up in warmer clothes and went outside. The snow came up almost to my chest.
"Wow." Peggy said and then flung herself into the snow. "Whoo-hoo-hoo!" She yelled, rolling around.
"She's gone." Amy laughed, shaking her head.
Suddenly a snowball hit my face. "Ouch!" I yelped, falling back.
"SNOWBALL FIGHT!" Peggy screamed.
I got up in time to see her pelt everyone else. I packed a snowball tightly and threw it at Peggy. She caught it and threw it back. It smacked into my chest.
The air was alive with flying snowballs as everyone was against everyone else. I found myself being buried under a huge pile of snow the twins sent over by magic.
"Its time for lunch." Amy gasped, checking her watch.
"No!" Peggy said.
"I'm starving." Lee said, shaking snow from his dreadlocks.
"Me, too. Plus I'm frozen and I have snow in my pants." I said, glaring at Peggy who smiled innocently.
"Fine. But can we come back out after lunch? I want to go sledding. and dig tunnels."
"Okay, okay. We'll come out after lunch." Amy promised and we went inside. I sighed with relief at the warmth.
*** (Harry's point of view)
Christmas was over and so was my cheerful mood. I was back to suspecting everyone. It made me sick. But Sirius said. what if he had overheard wrong? Could that of been possible? Maybe it meant there was Death Eater in Hogwarts sulking around secret passages or something. Maybe that?
I couldn't take it anymore. I was going to tell Ron. I knew it couldn't possibly be Ron. I knew I could trust him.
As I told him before we went to bed two nights after Christmas, his eyes were getting wider and wider. "You mean. someone's a-a-a-a follower of Y-Y-You-Know-Who?" He stammered.
I nodded. "Yeah. Sirius told me and told me not to tell anyone but. you know, I had to tell you." I said, watching him closely in case there was any signs of. anything. There was nothing but fear.
"B-b-b-but who c-c-could it p-possibly be?" He whispered.
"I don't know. It could be anyone."
"Anyone." Ron repeated and shook his head. "well that really cheers me up."
"Don't tell anyone." I said.
"I won't. I promise." Ron assured me and I immediately felt better.