I unfortunately do not own the world of Harry Potter.

I would just like to say a quick thanks to Allmysoul, SydneyIsQueen, and Celeste Belle.

This is my first fan-fic. Hope you like it!

Just so you all know - I have just posted the first chapter of my new fan-fic - Mysterious Last Name. I would appreciate it if you would check it out. Thanks!

Chapter 8:

Holiday Time

The weeks after Ariella's meeting with the headmaster flew by quickly amidst the classes, bundles of homework, and ordering around. Sooner than thought possible, Christmas break came. Draco was staying at Hogwarts for the winter break, and so, by default, was Ariella. It was the day before Christmas Eve. Ariella had the day circled on her calender. Ariella had spent all day following Draco's orders and doing homework. (The usual). It was 6:30 p.m. Ariella started to make her way up to her dormitory, only to be stopped by Draco. Of course, Ariella thought.
"Where are you going? I didn't say you could leave." he questioned her.

"I'm going up to my dorm. You didn't say that I had to stay either. Good night." And with that Ariella strode upstairs, leaving a shocked Draco down below.

As she reached her bed, she knelt down beside it, and pulled out her truck. She then opened it and reached inside. She then took out a gold Chanukiah, (pronounced Ha-new-KEY-ah) two candles, one blue and one white, some matches, and some chocolate. She set the Chanukiah on her window sill, placed the candles in them, lit the Shamash, set the prayers, and lit the other candle. She then cast a spell to prevent anything catching fire, and to prevent the Chanukiah from tipping over. Then she opened one of the chocolate coins, put it in her mouth, savoring the taste. She then grasped the three necklaces that were upon her neck, and, if you looked closely in the dim light of the room and the fire, you could just make out a single tear from each eye running down her face.

The next morning, she got to sleep in late for what felt like the first time in ages. Then she took her time getting up and ready for the day. Finally, she went down to the common room, and, not feeling hungry, sat down in a chair to wait for Draco, (whom she assumed was still at breakfast). She was proved wrong, however, when he came into the common room through the door that led to the dorms. He spotted her immediately.

"I'll have some hot chocolate. Marshmallows included." He said to her simply. Ariella got up from her seat, and slowly went to a back corner where she kept materials for when Draco wanted drinks, etc. like this. Within minutes, she had a steaming mug of hot chocolate, with ten mini marshmallows in it. She brought it over to Draco. It was silent for a few moments before he questioned her accusingly.

"Have you done any of the homework that has been assigned for over break yet?"

"I'm done with the Charms essay, and half-way through the Transfiguration essay. I was going to go to the library to finish the Transfiguration essay, and to look up some information for the Potions and History of Magic essays that we have to do. After that, all I have to do is the paragraph on counter-jinxs for Defense Against the Dark Arts. Why? Would you like to copy again?' Ariella replied.

"Yes," Draco replied, a sneer on his face.

"I'll give them to you in a few days then, when I'm all done."

"Fine. but no later then January first," was Draco's reply.

"Fine. I'll be done by then anyway." "And with that said, Ariella got up, and went to her dormitory to gather a few things before heading out for that day's work.

Ariella returned at the end of the day, exhausted, but knew that there were two more things that she had to do that night. Well, one she had to do, and one that she wanted to do. She first grabbed a small wrapped package, which contained a small box of chocolate and set of unbreakable vials. Then she ran downstairs to place it under the tree in the Slytherin common room. The note on the outside of the package read:

Merry Christmas Draco! From, Ariella

Then, running back upstairs, she wrapped two other gifts. One for Harry, and one for Ron. Inside each was a little box that contained foiled wrapped chocolate coins. The notes in each said:

Dear Harry/Ron,

Merry Christmas!

From, A Friendly Classmate

And with that, she sent her owl to the Gryffindor common room, where the two boxes lay under the tree waiting for morning. Before going to bed, Ariella lit the Shamash, and used that to light two other candles, one pink, one yellow, on her Chanukiah.

Ariella woke up to the sound of squeals, laughter, and screaming. Everywhere, people where opening and exchanging presents. She sighed and groaned, pulling the covers back over her head. But no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't fall back asleep. So instead, she got dressed, gathered her things, and headed out to the library for another day of homework. No one disturbed her, since it was Christmas Day. And that was just the way she liked it.

On her way back from the library, however, she (quite literally) bumped into Harry and Ron.

"Oi! Watch where you're going!" yelled Ron.

"Sorry!" Ariella quickly apologized. It was then the two boys noticed what exactly she had dropped.

"Where were you anyway? And why do you have all of the homework assignments with you?" Harry questioned.

"The library. I was doing homework." Ariella replied. The two boys gaped at her.

"On Christmas! Jeez, you're worse then Hermione!" Ron said in shock.

"Yes, well, I'd better be going." And with that, Ariella turned away, but not before calling over her shoulder to the two boys.

"Merry Christmas!"

"Yeah!" Harry replied, distracted. Then turning to Ron, he asked,

"Did we just have a civilconversation with a Slytherin? And was she actually being nice?"

"I guess so," Ron replied, "but it's probably just an act since it's Christmas. But what the bloody hell was she doing homework for on Christmas?"

"Beats me," Harry said. "You hungry?" he asked.

"Starving!" Ron replied, and with that, the two boys headed off to the Great Hall, forgetting all about their encounter with Ariella.

Meanwhile, Ariella emerged from behind a gargoyle statue, smiling, as she made her way back to the Slytherin common room for the rest of what turned out to be the best holiday she could possibly remember.

Thanks to all who are reading, and liking it. If you have any suggestions, questions, or comments, please feel free to review/private message me. Also, if you have any ideas at all, or would like to see something happen, let me know, and I'll consider putting them into a chapter. Thanks! ~ Leanora