A/N: I kinda finished this a while ago, but never got to posting it.
Sorry!!! And I seriously am trying to write but I'm really busy. I'm nearly
done with chapter ten though. And I've already wrote the first chapter of
the sequel!!! Okay! Enjoy! R&R please!!!!!
Chapter 9 Christmas
It was spring again and Harry and I were sitting under a tree, talking quietly. I was happy for the first time in months. I loved Harry, it was no longer a secret, and he loved me too.
Hermione walked up to us. "Will you two get to your homework already?" I looked at her and smiled, glad that she was back to her old self again.
"Okay, okay!" I looked at Harry and laughed. Hermione sat down and took out her wand and books. I quickly did the same, not wanting her to nag me any more.
We sat there doing homework for a while, when Lila approached us.
"Why hello there." She said.
"Hey Lila." Harry said, obviously wishing she'd go away.
'I would appreciate it ever so much if you could help me with my homework. It must be ever so easy for you."
"Um... well, we're kind of busy with our own homework right now..." I said, really not wanting to help her out. Hermione however, was excited.
"Sure Lila! I'd love to help you!" Hermione really was crazy.
"Thank you ever so much!" So Hermione began tutoring Lila.
We all sat in silence for a while, concentrating on our homework. After a bit, Hermione stopped leaning over Lila and moved away from her. Apparently, Lila now understood what she was having trouble with and moved on to working on her homework by herself.
I was writing a charms essay, now and then stealing a glance from Harry.
Everything was going great, for once, there was no mystery to solve, there was nothing to distract me from just enjoying the simple things in life. Then, however, Lila gave a squeal and I looked up. She was moving her face in an extremely odd way, like she felt a really big sneeze coming but just couldn't get it out. After about a minute, I really thought I was going crazy because I could have sworn I saw her face changing shape. I briefly wondered if Harry or Hermione saw the same thing I was, but that quickly left my mind when I thought I saw her become taller and a bit wider. Her face then seemed to become older and her hair darkened... wait, no. Now she was a... he.
I couldn't believe my eyes. Sitting across from me, looking like absolutely nothing was wrong and he wasn't supposed to be dead, was Sirius Black.
I sat straight up, having no idea were I was. I shrieked and looked around. After a minute or two, I realized I was in Krum's classroom. What time was it? How long had I been sleeping? No, WHY had I been sleeping? I then remembered what happened. What had Krum done to me? Oh gosh, why did I have to be so stubborn? I shouldn't have come here. Where was Krum anyway? And why didn't I remember how I ended up sleeping on the floor of a dark class room?
I got up slowly. I was scared, but I didn't know of what. A chill ran down my spine as I gradually made my way out of the room.
After what seemed like an eternity, I finally reached the door of Krum's class. From there, I ran all the way upstairs and into the Gryffindor common room.
As the fat lady let me in, I checked my watch. 1:30am... it was Christmas.
As soon as I entered, I heard my name being called. At first, I let out a yelp.
"Relax! It's just me! What happened?" Ron tried to sound like he was upset that I didn't die but he was never a very good actor.
I looked at him for a moment, when a brilliant idea popped into my head.
"Vicky is so... smart; So gorgeous too. I wonder who he prefers... me or Hermione." Yes I know, it was evil of me, but I was mad at Ron and had to do it.
He just stared at me. Honestly! He looked as if he were about to cry. I really wish he would have. Although, if he did, I doubt I would have been able to continue pretending I loved Krum because I'd be laughing too hard.
"Well, I guess I'll go to bed now and dream about my Vicky!" I walked upstairs and as soon as the door was shut, it was almost impossible to stop myself from bursting out in laughter.
Soon though, my mind went back to what had just happened. Why couldn't I remember why I was lying there on the floor?
I was too tired to figure it out. The second my pounding head reached my pillow, I fell into a deep, drowsy sleep.
Eight hours later, I woke up feeling strangely happy. I was sure of it; nothing could take away the purity of Christmas.
I looked around the room and smiled to myself as I saw a bunch of presents lying in front of my bed. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes again. I sat in my bed with my warm blanking curved around me, taking the shape of my body. Slowly, I crawled to the edge of my bed and choose a present closest to me. I could tell it was from Mum by the carefully spaced out handwriting.
Dear Ginny, Merry Christmas! I changed the color of your sweater this year. I hope you don't mind. I had some extra maroon thread.... I miss you very much dear! I can't wait until the summer when I can give my baby hug! Love, Mum
Maroon... great. Now I knew how Ron felt.
The next gift I picked up was from Dean. As I untied the ribbon of the perfectly cubed box, a rush of guilt swam through me. I hadn't gotten Dean anything. I wasn't quite sure why. We still talked, we were still friends, and yet, things were a bit awkward between us. That was probably mainly my fault. I made it uncomfortable because I was constantly embarrassed about the way Dean and I had ended up. He didn't seem to mind though. In fact, right before winter holiday, he asked out Ali, a hufflepuff girl in my year, who had fancied him for a while. In normal circumstances, I would have probably been offended with how fast Dean had gotten over me, but I was happy for him. I had treated him like a worthless pile of bat droppings for a long while before we broke up he deserved better than me.
Dear Ginny, the card read. I wasn't sure what to get you, so I got you a muggle object that I enjoy using. If you don't like it, I'm sure your dad will love it! Merry Christmas! Love always, Dean
I looked inside the box and saw something very strange: an object shaped like a bludger that was white with black spots. It was also a great deal easier to carry. What did it do though? I decided to ask Dean when he returned from vacation when I'd give him his Christmas present too...not that I had one yet.
Next, I picked up a present from Ron. As I unwrapped the blue and green wrapping paper, a grin spread across my face. No matter what, Ron and I always managed to exchange presents when they were expected.
Inside the wrapping paper was a bunch of candy from Honeydukes and a sort of powder to make your own butterbeer. On the back, it said that with a flick of your wand, it tastes just like the real thing. I wasn't so sure if I believed that. I was about to try it, but then decided on a chocolate frog instead and moved on to read Ron's letter.
Dear Ginny, Merry Christmas. I wasn't so sure what to get you so I got you sweets. Everyone likes that. Love, Ron
Although he didn't directly state it, I felt his coldness towards me through the letter and I wondered if he felt it through mine too.
When I came to the next gift, I couldn't decide weather I felt more glee or guilt. It was from Harry. For a second, I was furious with Ron because I was sure he convinced Harry to get me a gift. Harry wouldn't have gotten me one with his own will, our relationship being where it was. I had spent ages trying to figure out what to get him. I wanted the find him the perfect gift. I never did though. So, I settled for nothing telling myself that Harry probably wouldn't get me anything anyway and I didn't want to make a fool out of myself or seem like I was apologizing by giving him a gift. That was a stupid thought though; friends get friends gifts even when he or she won't get one in return, and I was Harry's friend. I let out a sigh. That's what brought a knot of guilt to my stomach; he had gotten me a present and I didn't get him one. On the other hand, seeing a long, thin box wrapped in pale yellow wrapping paper with silver bells on it that had "from Harry" written on the center brought that smile back on my face. Only this time, my grin was much more genuine.
I slowly tore off the paper, trying my best to keep it in one piece. I finally managed to get it off with only a few rips here and there. Now all I had to do was open the box. I could honestly say I had no idea what was inside.
I finally opened it to find a single white rose. It represented friendship, truce. And a red rose represented love. Hermione had told me that a few years ago when I saw her reading a book with a rose on the cover.
I stared at it blankly, pretending it was red, wishing that it used to be but had lost all its color. I knew that wasn't true though. Harry could never love me the way I wanted him to. I was nothing like Hermione and I was nothing like Cho and, as far as I knew, those were the only two girls he ever fancied. I gazed at the rose for a few seconds and then slowly picked up the card and read it, hoping for an explanation of why he got me a rose for Christmas in the first place.
Merry Christmas Ginny, You've been acting so odd lately I'm not even sure what you're into anymore. And honestly Ginny, this fighting is getting ridicules. That's why I got you a white rose. I'm not sure if you know this, but it represents friendship. So, yeah, Friends? Miss you, Harry P.S Don't tell Ron I got you a ROSE for Christmas... he'd think it's stupid.
I briefly laughed at the Post Script but then just stared at the card for a moment. Not one time did he say the word love. Not once! He didn't even say "love Harry". No, he said "miss you". And the worst part was, the gift and card were both so sweet and well thought out, that although my mind still wanted to be mad at Harry, I knew my heart would never let me.
Impulsively, I grabbed the letter and ripped it to bits although I instantly regretted it. I knew I could just repair it with a flick of my wand but I still wished I hadn't done it because I was too ashamed and guilty to reach for my wand and I wanted to read the letter a second time.
I quickly went through the rest of my presents, but my happy-christmas- spirit was gone and I didn't care for any of the other presents I received.
When I was finally finished, I knew I had nothing else to do but go downstairs. Where, of course, Harry and Ron would be waiting. I didn't want to have to face them, but I knew I had to do it eventually, so I got up and importunately made my way to the common room, not forgetting to grab Mum's sweater first.
As expected, there they were sitting by the fire and talking, both wearing their sweaters. Harry's sweater was green and Ron's, of course, was maroon.
They didn't notice my entrance so it was up to me to say something first. Honestly, I didn't feel ready to make up with either of them; although it was pure stubbornness and rage at the beginning, I had begun to find some fun in being mad at them, even Harry. I know it sounds horribly malicious but it was true. But, like I said, my heart knew I had to stop acting so bitchy and just forgive Harry and Ron for a crime they didn't even commit... I thought. I wasn't even sure anymore.
"Merry Christmas," I said, forcing myself to sound, well, merry.
"So your talking to us again?" said Harry, jokingly. He showed me that amazing, toothy grin of his, the one where he lifted the right corner of his mouth, leaving the left one where it was yet some how showing all of his white-but-not-too-bright perfect teeth. The type of grin that no one else could pull off with out looking silly, only Harry could make it look breathtakingly stunning. That grin made my heart melt. I loved it when he gave me that smile. I don't remember ever seeing him grin at someone else like that and it made me feel like I was at least a little something special to him. As my heart did a dance, I realized how much I'd missed that smile.
"I don't think we should forgive her. You practically bribed her to, Harry." Ron's voice, however, was cold and serious.
"I thought you didn't want Ron to know-"I began, but was quickly cut off by Harry. I therefore assumed that Harry had told Ron he gave me a gift other than a white rose.
"I was simply giving her a Christmas gift!" said Harry.
"Yeah, but she didn't give you one, did she?" said Ron as I felt myself blush, suddenly felling like a little girl who had acted like a brat and was now being sent to her room by her mother.
"Sorry," I whispered while looking down at my feet. Now, I felt like that little girl was being forced by her mother to apologize. I supposed my "mother" was just my stupid guilty conscience. I guess I really wasn't malicious at all.
There was an awkward silence that was soon broken by me.
"Snowball fight?" I didn't know what else to say.
"Oh no Gins, you're not getting away that easily," said Ron.
"What ARE you talking about?" I responded, matter-of-factly. Ron just gave me one of his "Oh, shut up, you know what I'm talking about" looks. That too, was a look saved only for me. Although, I wouldn't have mind sharing that one.
"What? I don't know what you're talking about!" I seriously didn't.
"You were obviously faking it!"
"Excuse me?!" I thought he was talking about my apology.
"Last night!"
"Ohmigod!" I had completely forgotten about the occurrences of the previous night. Walking into Krum's room, waking up in Krum's room, the dream, and of course, what I did to Ron when I returned to the common room. It all seemed like ages ago.
"Oh, well I was just pissed at you. I should tell you about the dream I-"I was cut off by Ron.
"Why?" Ron asked, getting annoyed.
"Why what?"
"Why were you pissed at me?"
"You're asking me why!??" Harry sensed the anger in my voice and quickly acted as a mediator between Ron and me by changing the subject.
"Did either of you get a present from Hermione?" That was distracting enough.
"No," Ron snorted out.
"She's probably too busy thinking about Krum." I added grimly.
"Yeah, I bet she doesn't even realize its Christmas," Harry said, a bit mockingly.
After another minute of silence – although it wasn't awkward this time, just sad – Harry suggested we really go have a snowball fight now, although he did say it in a fake happy sort of way. As we walked outside, I wondered if it was so obvious when I faked being happy, which I'd been doing a lot lately, but once a snowball was thrown at me, I quickly forgot about it, as well as the fact that I hadn't yet told Harry nor Ron about the night before.
Approximately an hour and a half later, Harry, Ron and I reentered the Gryffindor Common Room feeling wet and cold yet extremely light hearted. It was the first time in a long while I'd felt so happy. The snowball fight was so much fun. I'd gotten Ron in the face at least ten times and Harry twice. I considered that pretty good though, if Harry was quick enough to escape You-Know-Who all those times, I was surprised he wasn't quick enough to escape my snowball twice.
Between snow flying everywhere, I had managed to make a small snowman. Right before going back inside, Harry carved a lightning bolt on the snowman's forehead. I then figured I wanted the snowman to somehow resemble me, too. After all, I had made it. So, I took all the carrot flavored every flavored beans I could find from the bunch I had gotten from Ron that I had stuffed into my pocket, and stuck them onto its head. Then, of course, Ron wanted to contribute too. The red hair was already done, so he found a piece of loose thread from his sweater, pulled it off and stuck it onto the snowman's stomach, saying that, for once, Mum always making him maroon sweaters came in handy. This caused Harry and I to let out a small laugh as we headed back to the common room.
Although it seems so corny and stupid to look back on, I felt so happy. It was as if Ron and Harry and I had never been in a fight, and there was nothing wrong with Hermione; that she was simply on vacation with her parents.
Our care freeness, wasn't going to last very long.
As we went to sit by the fire, we saw three packages awaiting us. The three of us looked at each other; we all had looks apprehension on our faces because we knew they were from Hermione. Weather the packages contained good news or bad news, it didn't matter just yet because all our problems came tumbling back onto our shoulders.
Chapter 9 Christmas
It was spring again and Harry and I were sitting under a tree, talking quietly. I was happy for the first time in months. I loved Harry, it was no longer a secret, and he loved me too.
Hermione walked up to us. "Will you two get to your homework already?" I looked at her and smiled, glad that she was back to her old self again.
"Okay, okay!" I looked at Harry and laughed. Hermione sat down and took out her wand and books. I quickly did the same, not wanting her to nag me any more.
We sat there doing homework for a while, when Lila approached us.
"Why hello there." She said.
"Hey Lila." Harry said, obviously wishing she'd go away.
'I would appreciate it ever so much if you could help me with my homework. It must be ever so easy for you."
"Um... well, we're kind of busy with our own homework right now..." I said, really not wanting to help her out. Hermione however, was excited.
"Sure Lila! I'd love to help you!" Hermione really was crazy.
"Thank you ever so much!" So Hermione began tutoring Lila.
We all sat in silence for a while, concentrating on our homework. After a bit, Hermione stopped leaning over Lila and moved away from her. Apparently, Lila now understood what she was having trouble with and moved on to working on her homework by herself.
I was writing a charms essay, now and then stealing a glance from Harry.
Everything was going great, for once, there was no mystery to solve, there was nothing to distract me from just enjoying the simple things in life. Then, however, Lila gave a squeal and I looked up. She was moving her face in an extremely odd way, like she felt a really big sneeze coming but just couldn't get it out. After about a minute, I really thought I was going crazy because I could have sworn I saw her face changing shape. I briefly wondered if Harry or Hermione saw the same thing I was, but that quickly left my mind when I thought I saw her become taller and a bit wider. Her face then seemed to become older and her hair darkened... wait, no. Now she was a... he.
I couldn't believe my eyes. Sitting across from me, looking like absolutely nothing was wrong and he wasn't supposed to be dead, was Sirius Black.
I sat straight up, having no idea were I was. I shrieked and looked around. After a minute or two, I realized I was in Krum's classroom. What time was it? How long had I been sleeping? No, WHY had I been sleeping? I then remembered what happened. What had Krum done to me? Oh gosh, why did I have to be so stubborn? I shouldn't have come here. Where was Krum anyway? And why didn't I remember how I ended up sleeping on the floor of a dark class room?
I got up slowly. I was scared, but I didn't know of what. A chill ran down my spine as I gradually made my way out of the room.
After what seemed like an eternity, I finally reached the door of Krum's class. From there, I ran all the way upstairs and into the Gryffindor common room.
As the fat lady let me in, I checked my watch. 1:30am... it was Christmas.
As soon as I entered, I heard my name being called. At first, I let out a yelp.
"Relax! It's just me! What happened?" Ron tried to sound like he was upset that I didn't die but he was never a very good actor.
I looked at him for a moment, when a brilliant idea popped into my head.
"Vicky is so... smart; So gorgeous too. I wonder who he prefers... me or Hermione." Yes I know, it was evil of me, but I was mad at Ron and had to do it.
He just stared at me. Honestly! He looked as if he were about to cry. I really wish he would have. Although, if he did, I doubt I would have been able to continue pretending I loved Krum because I'd be laughing too hard.
"Well, I guess I'll go to bed now and dream about my Vicky!" I walked upstairs and as soon as the door was shut, it was almost impossible to stop myself from bursting out in laughter.
Soon though, my mind went back to what had just happened. Why couldn't I remember why I was lying there on the floor?
I was too tired to figure it out. The second my pounding head reached my pillow, I fell into a deep, drowsy sleep.
Eight hours later, I woke up feeling strangely happy. I was sure of it; nothing could take away the purity of Christmas.
I looked around the room and smiled to myself as I saw a bunch of presents lying in front of my bed. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes again. I sat in my bed with my warm blanking curved around me, taking the shape of my body. Slowly, I crawled to the edge of my bed and choose a present closest to me. I could tell it was from Mum by the carefully spaced out handwriting.
Dear Ginny, Merry Christmas! I changed the color of your sweater this year. I hope you don't mind. I had some extra maroon thread.... I miss you very much dear! I can't wait until the summer when I can give my baby hug! Love, Mum
Maroon... great. Now I knew how Ron felt.
The next gift I picked up was from Dean. As I untied the ribbon of the perfectly cubed box, a rush of guilt swam through me. I hadn't gotten Dean anything. I wasn't quite sure why. We still talked, we were still friends, and yet, things were a bit awkward between us. That was probably mainly my fault. I made it uncomfortable because I was constantly embarrassed about the way Dean and I had ended up. He didn't seem to mind though. In fact, right before winter holiday, he asked out Ali, a hufflepuff girl in my year, who had fancied him for a while. In normal circumstances, I would have probably been offended with how fast Dean had gotten over me, but I was happy for him. I had treated him like a worthless pile of bat droppings for a long while before we broke up he deserved better than me.
Dear Ginny, the card read. I wasn't sure what to get you, so I got you a muggle object that I enjoy using. If you don't like it, I'm sure your dad will love it! Merry Christmas! Love always, Dean
I looked inside the box and saw something very strange: an object shaped like a bludger that was white with black spots. It was also a great deal easier to carry. What did it do though? I decided to ask Dean when he returned from vacation when I'd give him his Christmas present too...not that I had one yet.
Next, I picked up a present from Ron. As I unwrapped the blue and green wrapping paper, a grin spread across my face. No matter what, Ron and I always managed to exchange presents when they were expected.
Inside the wrapping paper was a bunch of candy from Honeydukes and a sort of powder to make your own butterbeer. On the back, it said that with a flick of your wand, it tastes just like the real thing. I wasn't so sure if I believed that. I was about to try it, but then decided on a chocolate frog instead and moved on to read Ron's letter.
Dear Ginny, Merry Christmas. I wasn't so sure what to get you so I got you sweets. Everyone likes that. Love, Ron
Although he didn't directly state it, I felt his coldness towards me through the letter and I wondered if he felt it through mine too.
When I came to the next gift, I couldn't decide weather I felt more glee or guilt. It was from Harry. For a second, I was furious with Ron because I was sure he convinced Harry to get me a gift. Harry wouldn't have gotten me one with his own will, our relationship being where it was. I had spent ages trying to figure out what to get him. I wanted the find him the perfect gift. I never did though. So, I settled for nothing telling myself that Harry probably wouldn't get me anything anyway and I didn't want to make a fool out of myself or seem like I was apologizing by giving him a gift. That was a stupid thought though; friends get friends gifts even when he or she won't get one in return, and I was Harry's friend. I let out a sigh. That's what brought a knot of guilt to my stomach; he had gotten me a present and I didn't get him one. On the other hand, seeing a long, thin box wrapped in pale yellow wrapping paper with silver bells on it that had "from Harry" written on the center brought that smile back on my face. Only this time, my grin was much more genuine.
I slowly tore off the paper, trying my best to keep it in one piece. I finally managed to get it off with only a few rips here and there. Now all I had to do was open the box. I could honestly say I had no idea what was inside.
I finally opened it to find a single white rose. It represented friendship, truce. And a red rose represented love. Hermione had told me that a few years ago when I saw her reading a book with a rose on the cover.
I stared at it blankly, pretending it was red, wishing that it used to be but had lost all its color. I knew that wasn't true though. Harry could never love me the way I wanted him to. I was nothing like Hermione and I was nothing like Cho and, as far as I knew, those were the only two girls he ever fancied. I gazed at the rose for a few seconds and then slowly picked up the card and read it, hoping for an explanation of why he got me a rose for Christmas in the first place.
Merry Christmas Ginny, You've been acting so odd lately I'm not even sure what you're into anymore. And honestly Ginny, this fighting is getting ridicules. That's why I got you a white rose. I'm not sure if you know this, but it represents friendship. So, yeah, Friends? Miss you, Harry P.S Don't tell Ron I got you a ROSE for Christmas... he'd think it's stupid.
I briefly laughed at the Post Script but then just stared at the card for a moment. Not one time did he say the word love. Not once! He didn't even say "love Harry". No, he said "miss you". And the worst part was, the gift and card were both so sweet and well thought out, that although my mind still wanted to be mad at Harry, I knew my heart would never let me.
Impulsively, I grabbed the letter and ripped it to bits although I instantly regretted it. I knew I could just repair it with a flick of my wand but I still wished I hadn't done it because I was too ashamed and guilty to reach for my wand and I wanted to read the letter a second time.
I quickly went through the rest of my presents, but my happy-christmas- spirit was gone and I didn't care for any of the other presents I received.
When I was finally finished, I knew I had nothing else to do but go downstairs. Where, of course, Harry and Ron would be waiting. I didn't want to have to face them, but I knew I had to do it eventually, so I got up and importunately made my way to the common room, not forgetting to grab Mum's sweater first.
As expected, there they were sitting by the fire and talking, both wearing their sweaters. Harry's sweater was green and Ron's, of course, was maroon.
They didn't notice my entrance so it was up to me to say something first. Honestly, I didn't feel ready to make up with either of them; although it was pure stubbornness and rage at the beginning, I had begun to find some fun in being mad at them, even Harry. I know it sounds horribly malicious but it was true. But, like I said, my heart knew I had to stop acting so bitchy and just forgive Harry and Ron for a crime they didn't even commit... I thought. I wasn't even sure anymore.
"Merry Christmas," I said, forcing myself to sound, well, merry.
"So your talking to us again?" said Harry, jokingly. He showed me that amazing, toothy grin of his, the one where he lifted the right corner of his mouth, leaving the left one where it was yet some how showing all of his white-but-not-too-bright perfect teeth. The type of grin that no one else could pull off with out looking silly, only Harry could make it look breathtakingly stunning. That grin made my heart melt. I loved it when he gave me that smile. I don't remember ever seeing him grin at someone else like that and it made me feel like I was at least a little something special to him. As my heart did a dance, I realized how much I'd missed that smile.
"I don't think we should forgive her. You practically bribed her to, Harry." Ron's voice, however, was cold and serious.
"I thought you didn't want Ron to know-"I began, but was quickly cut off by Harry. I therefore assumed that Harry had told Ron he gave me a gift other than a white rose.
"I was simply giving her a Christmas gift!" said Harry.
"Yeah, but she didn't give you one, did she?" said Ron as I felt myself blush, suddenly felling like a little girl who had acted like a brat and was now being sent to her room by her mother.
"Sorry," I whispered while looking down at my feet. Now, I felt like that little girl was being forced by her mother to apologize. I supposed my "mother" was just my stupid guilty conscience. I guess I really wasn't malicious at all.
There was an awkward silence that was soon broken by me.
"Snowball fight?" I didn't know what else to say.
"Oh no Gins, you're not getting away that easily," said Ron.
"What ARE you talking about?" I responded, matter-of-factly. Ron just gave me one of his "Oh, shut up, you know what I'm talking about" looks. That too, was a look saved only for me. Although, I wouldn't have mind sharing that one.
"What? I don't know what you're talking about!" I seriously didn't.
"You were obviously faking it!"
"Excuse me?!" I thought he was talking about my apology.
"Last night!"
"Ohmigod!" I had completely forgotten about the occurrences of the previous night. Walking into Krum's room, waking up in Krum's room, the dream, and of course, what I did to Ron when I returned to the common room. It all seemed like ages ago.
"Oh, well I was just pissed at you. I should tell you about the dream I-"I was cut off by Ron.
"Why?" Ron asked, getting annoyed.
"Why what?"
"Why were you pissed at me?"
"You're asking me why!??" Harry sensed the anger in my voice and quickly acted as a mediator between Ron and me by changing the subject.
"Did either of you get a present from Hermione?" That was distracting enough.
"No," Ron snorted out.
"She's probably too busy thinking about Krum." I added grimly.
"Yeah, I bet she doesn't even realize its Christmas," Harry said, a bit mockingly.
After another minute of silence – although it wasn't awkward this time, just sad – Harry suggested we really go have a snowball fight now, although he did say it in a fake happy sort of way. As we walked outside, I wondered if it was so obvious when I faked being happy, which I'd been doing a lot lately, but once a snowball was thrown at me, I quickly forgot about it, as well as the fact that I hadn't yet told Harry nor Ron about the night before.
Approximately an hour and a half later, Harry, Ron and I reentered the Gryffindor Common Room feeling wet and cold yet extremely light hearted. It was the first time in a long while I'd felt so happy. The snowball fight was so much fun. I'd gotten Ron in the face at least ten times and Harry twice. I considered that pretty good though, if Harry was quick enough to escape You-Know-Who all those times, I was surprised he wasn't quick enough to escape my snowball twice.
Between snow flying everywhere, I had managed to make a small snowman. Right before going back inside, Harry carved a lightning bolt on the snowman's forehead. I then figured I wanted the snowman to somehow resemble me, too. After all, I had made it. So, I took all the carrot flavored every flavored beans I could find from the bunch I had gotten from Ron that I had stuffed into my pocket, and stuck them onto its head. Then, of course, Ron wanted to contribute too. The red hair was already done, so he found a piece of loose thread from his sweater, pulled it off and stuck it onto the snowman's stomach, saying that, for once, Mum always making him maroon sweaters came in handy. This caused Harry and I to let out a small laugh as we headed back to the common room.
Although it seems so corny and stupid to look back on, I felt so happy. It was as if Ron and Harry and I had never been in a fight, and there was nothing wrong with Hermione; that she was simply on vacation with her parents.
Our care freeness, wasn't going to last very long.
As we went to sit by the fire, we saw three packages awaiting us. The three of us looked at each other; we all had looks apprehension on our faces because we knew they were from Hermione. Weather the packages contained good news or bad news, it didn't matter just yet because all our problems came tumbling back onto our shoulders.