Disclaimer
see chapter 1
Annie
Chapter 11
Throughout the rest of the term, Annie was still being bullied by the Slytherin first years, and despite what Professor McGonagall had said about talking to her, Annie couldn't bring herself to do it. The only consolation was that it was the Christmas holidays in two days and only herself and Tom had signed up to stay behind out of all the Gryffindors.
"We'll have the whole of the tower to ourselves," Tom said to her, once they had found out that they were the only ones staying behind. However, three of the Slytherin first years were staying as well, including Celia, the girl who bullied Annie the most, but Annie secretly hoped that she wouldn't need to speak to her over the course of the holidays.
Most of her Gryffindor friends were reluctant to go home to their families and leave her at Hogwarts; they all knew about how Annie was being treated.
"I'll be fine you guys," she said, as they made their way to the Entrance Hall to wave goodbye.
"And if they do, do anything, I'll beat them up," said Tom, who was just as angry at the Slytherins as they all were.
"Thanks Tom," Annie laughed, "but I don't think it will come to that." Unfortunately, underneath, Annie was scared that it would come to that.
Christmas day came soon enough, and Annie was rather surprised to see a pile of presents on her bed. It felt quite strange to have no one else in the room, but she was happy that her friends had thought to give her presents. She had also given them presents, bought by some seventh and sixth years when they went to Hogsmeade. Her best present though had been from Tom, who had given her a chess set. She told him how wonderful it was when she met him in the common room.
"That's ok," he said, blushing slightly, "but now I challenge you to a game, after dinner tonight."
"Deal," said Annie, who then went on to ask whether he liked his present. It was a small book about harmless and bizarre charms that could be cast on people like jokes. Tom was quite good at charms, almost at the top of the class with Annie, and he was already planning who to target when everyone returned in the New Year.
"We could try them out on all the Gryffindors. Everyone's always up for a laugh."
"Better not try them on the fifth and seventh years though," said Annie thoughtfully, "they'll slaughter us if we get in the way of their revision."
"I'll get the Slytherins then."
"Best not do it while I'm around," Annie looked downcast.
"Maybe you should tell one of the teachers."
"Don't tell anyone, because the Slytherins might find out, and that would make it worse, but I did tell Professor McGonagall. She was really nice about it..."
"But it hasn't stopped."
"I asked her not to tell anyone, they'd find out."
"But if..."
"No Tom, I don't want anyone else knowing. You have to promise me you won't tell anyone."
"Ok, I promise."
Annie looked at the clock above the fireplace.
"Come on, it's time for Christmas lunch. Sophie's brother told her that the crackers are really good, much better than muggle ones..."
AN: ah Christmas...only 7 weeks to go...