A lone pine needle twirled and whistled in the bitter winter wind, broken from its snow-laden branch guarding the edge of the Forbidden Forest. The needle danced its way over the castle looming in the gray fog of January, over the rooftops and past owls bearing messages whipping about under their scaly talons. It came to rest on the stands surrounding the desolate Quidditch pitch- save for one person. Hunched against the wind, the person gripped a knobby, unusually long broomstick out to the center of the pitch. Muttering a spell, she threw the broom in the air. It hovered for a second, then dropped to a height so the girl could step on easily. Despite the cold, she wore a pair of flared jeans and her uniformed white shirt, sleeves rolled up. Steering the broom expertly up through the air, the girl stopped higher to examine her surroundings, brushing back dark brown hair away from equally dark eyes. A sigh escaped her lips. Though Christmas was just past, she no longer retained the joy of the holidays- it had seeped away from her just a week ago. Any escape would do now from winter's unfeeling grasp.
Without any warning, the girl leapt into the air- and executed a smooth back flip, both feet landing safely on the broom again. Grinning now, the girl jumped up again, this time to jump behind the broom and swing up, around, in a circle, hanging by both arms, twisting the broom around in a pinwheel, then catapulting back to her original position.
Wouldn't he like to see me now. The girl thought. The smile that had lit up her face quickly disappeared- he may never see her. Never again. The curse may still yet win.
Ashley let out a deep breath and mournfully watched it freeze into a gray mist, joining with the winter clouds. She sat down on her broom, legs dangling towards the deep snow, and gazed towards Hogwarts.
It looks beautiful- always does. Especially in winter. She could hear Draco remarking. Ashley smirked- she would always agree with him. Especially the Great Hall, now half-shrouded in fog. She could remember the day of the school ball- the Hall would be decked in its best finery, the students and teachers alike dancing the night away. Yet there was always one couple who would never dance, Ashley sighed inwardly. Me and Draco. An idea suddenly popped into her head. With a slight grunt, Ashley stood up and steadied herself on the broomstick. Holding out her arms as if her dance partner were there, she began to waltz around in the mist, gazing into Draco's imaginary eyes. They were a clear blue, complementing his blond hair. He had always joked he would dye it brown someday, and Ashley had always replied with a grin that he would actually look much better with a bright purple. She laughed and dropped her arms by her sides before she felt too silly.
Suddenly, a bang at the edge of the pitch caused Ashley to start. Oh no. She sailed down to the other side of the pitch and onto the ground. If she interfered with the Quidditch practice time, the whole team- no matter what House- would be on her for it.
But- Quidditch is over for the holidays. Not stopping, Ashley rushed to the door leading outside of the pitch- if it wasn't the Quidditch team, who knows who it would be. Ignoring the biting ice on the handle, Ashley shoved forward to open the door. The knob stopped half-way- she was locked in. She bit her lip, resisting the urge to cry out. The wind was growing ferocious now, seeping under her thin shirt, chilling to the bone, its roar almost covering the sound of- footsteps? Whipping around, Ashley held up a hand against the flying snow. A tall figure was discernable- heavily cloaked, head ducked. They were coming closer at a faster pace now, whoever it was.
"Who-?" Ashley's words were cut off by a strong gust of wind, knocking her into the snow bank behind her. The figure stopped as she fell, then started jogging. Ashley searched through the snow for her wand, but couldn't find it anywhere. No use- the figure was almost upon her now, five feet, two feet. The wind subsided to let her see the face of the stranger- a familiar grin was drawn across it, his clear blue eyes sparkling. He quickly pulled off his hat- a shock of blond hair emerged, clashing with the pale snow flurrying about.
"Malfoy-you-you're…" Ashley stammered, then pushed herself out of the snow bank and into Draco's outstretched arms. He grinned and wrapped his arms around her. The week away had been torture- the trip back even worse. It was the first time he could hold her in public, show the rest of the world that he was hers, all hers.
"Ashley, you're shivering." His joy turned to concern. Ashley let out a sob into his coat. He gently pried her away from him until he could look into her eyes, now glistening with tears.
"It's all over now, Ash. I'm fine- it's over. I can be me. I am me." He soothed, hands traveling up to her face. "There's nothing to worry about." Ashley smiled and gave another choked sob, and Draco let her once more collapse into his arms. This time he slowly sat down in the snow, her curled into his lap, his warmth the only thing keeping her warm. He draped his coat over her shoulders as her head rested underneath his neck, the tears ebbing away until there was only left a contented smile.
"I saw you up there." Draco whispered in her ear. Ashley stirred a little.
"What?" She murmured.
"I saw you. Dancing by yourself." He let out a soft laugh and Ashley's cheeks unwillingly turned pink.
"But you won't have to." He reassured. "Not anymore." His arms circled around her protectively, as if she may be once more taken away at any second.
"Because I'll be dancing with you."