The attack on Justin and Nearly-Headless Nick had left everyone in the castle riddled with anxiety, especially Harry and Bella. Ironically, it was Nearly-Headless Nick's fate that had the biggest impact; no one believed they were safe if ghosts were now being attacked. Almost everyone was eager to leave the castle for Christmas and there were very few people sticking around: "At this rate it'll be us, Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle for Christmas. How fun." Ron would grumble every time Christmas was mentioned.
Harry and Bella had taken to spending most of their time with each other, both knowing how the other felt. In all honesty, they couldn't wait for the Christmas break to begin; wherever they went people would shy away from them, purposefully taking longer routes just to avoid the pair. Fred and George had, in jest, taken it upon themselves to follow them around chanting 'Heir's of Slytherin, no one is safe, beware!'. Percy had disapproved, threatening to write to their mother to tell her they were upsetting Bella and Ginny would break down in tears every time Fred would ask Harry and Bella who their next victim would be.
This seemed to annoy Draco and every time Bella seen him, he looked furious: "He's angry that you two are getting the credit for his doings." Ron would claim every time but Bella didn't believe that. She played it over in her head more times than she'd like to admit and when she caught him alone she asked him.
"What's the problem?" She asked, blocking his way up the corridor.
"I don't have one." He replied dryly.
"Yes. You do. What is it?"
"I don't have a problem."
Bella rolled her eyes: "I don't have all day Malfoy, what is your problem?"
"It's him." He sighed, throwing his hands ungracefully into the air.
"Who?" She asked curiously.
"Potter. I don't see why you have to be dragged into his mess."
"I haven't been dragged into anything. I'm being there for my friend."
"Well I don't like it." Draco huffed.
"Well, that's not my problem." She replied.
Eventually, the Christmas period rolled around and a calming silence fell over the castle. Not many Gryffindors had stayed for Christmas, meaning they had the entire common room to themselves and Bella kept herself busy most days, curled up in the comfy chairs by the fire with her blanket and her favourite book. Christmas day arrived and Bella woke with a start as Hermione yanked open the curtains around her four poster.
"Wakey, wakey, sleepy-head. It's Christmas." She sang.
Bella groaned and pulled herself out of bed, pulling her jumper over her head and snuggling into herself. She trudged after an energetic Hermione, an enthusiastic Freya and Emily, who looked as tired as Bella felt. Hermione woke Harry and Ron and together, the second-years all gathered in the common room to open their presents.
Bella had done as well this year as she had last year with her presents; she had gotten a picture of her and Seamus in a beautiful frame from the boy in question, Dean had bought her a packet of edible quills, Hermione had gifted her a new muggle book, Freya and Emily had bought her a joint present of perfume and a large box of sweets, a new Gryffindor scarf from Harry, chocolate frogs from Ron and the twins had given her some prank products from Zonko's joke shop. Ginny had made Bella a handmade card with a photo of the pair inside that made Bella tear up when she saw it.
The Christmas feast, as always, was magnificent and Bella was absolutely stuffed when she returned to the common room later that night. She had returned alone as her brother and her friends had decided to put their hair-brained plan in motion and Bella was glad of the peace. She took a long shower and pulled on her comfiest pair of pajamas, ready to spend the night with her new book. However, she was caught off guard by the package lying on her bed when she emerged from the bathroom. She opened it tentatively and her hand covered her mouth when she saw what lay within. The most beautiful bracelet, emerald green in colour, lay cushioned in the long box. The more she looked, the realisation hit that the bracelet was identical to the necklace she had received last year. She pulled the necklace from under her pillow and she noticed she was right, they matched. The bracelet, along with the necklace was stashed under her pillow and she didn't utter a word about it to anyone.
When her friends and brother returned later that night with furious looks on their faces she knew at once that their plan hadn't gone how they'd hoped.
"What happened?" She asked, suppressing her giggles.
"You know fine well how it went." Ron snapped.
"No, I don't. I wasn't there." She snapped back.
"Malfoy said it's not him and he doesn't know who it is." Harry sighed.
"I could have told you that." Bella replied. "Oh wait, I already did. Multiple times."
"We don't need your sarcasm." Ron growled.
"Oh shut up." Bella barked.
"Your dad." Harry said timidly.
"What about him?" Bella asked.
"He's been fined for enchanting the car." Harry answered.
"Great, that's just what mum and dad need." Bella groaned.
"Don't go making me feel worse than I already do." Ron seethed.
"Go and grow up Ronald." Bella snapped, stomping off to her dorm.
She climbed into bed and pulled the hangings around her, angrily pummeling her pillow as she thought of Ron's snappish attitude. Why couldn't they have just listened to her? They would have saved themselves all that hassle.
