Sorry if this chapter's a bit meh, I was writing between preparing odds and ends for a party :)
Reviews are greatly appreciated :D
Read Jack's version here: s/8598321/1/Ravenclaw-Misadventures :)
Follow me on Twitter ToniLikesTrains for updates on when I update this, and to ask questions etc. :)
All characters, unless otherwise stated in mine or Jack's versions, belong to JKR :)
The next few months sped by in a blur of laughs and staying up late to finish homework. Mine and Jack's friendship had strengthened considerably, though I still spent time with Draco as much as I could. Jack used his strong point, Transfiguration, to help me develop my Metamorphmagus abilities, and I, with my knowledge of potions, helped Jack to improve, as well as teaching Hex a few tricks.
Draco didn't like it. He didn't like the fact that I was spending time with a Mudblood. He openly stated that, on a regular basis, which upset me a bit. I was always hoping, in the back of my mind, that they'd just give each other a change, seeing past all the racism. I tried not to let it get to me too much, but that little conflict was always nagging in the back of my mind, telling me that something could go wrong and one of my friendships could be suddenly ruined at any moment…
Before we knew it, frost had covered the blankets of leaves that were strewn upon the ground from autumn. Winter had finally arrived. It would be Christmas soon, and most of the students would leave to spend it with their families, Jack included.
The day before the Christmas holidays arrived, and I decided to spend it with Jack, to say goodbye. We sat in the library, as Jack finished his History of Magic essay. How anyone can write more than one page on a set of laws was beyond me, and how Jack had managed four, well that completely baffled me.
"I better get an Outstanding in this," Jack half-grumbled.
My head snapped up from my book, and I rolled my eyes at the 'essay' (Pfft, more like 'novel').
"You're so meticulous with these things," I smirked, "I can't believe you've written like, four pages on a few laws…"
"I aim to please," Jack laughed, shrugging, "Even if History of Magic is the most boring lesson ever."
It was nice, being able to talk to him like nothing had ever happened.
"So… Looking forward to Christmas?" Jack broke the silence.
I sighed "Not as much as you. I'm staying here," I frowned, "Mum's got that trip to Dublin for that meeting with the Irish Ministry, and Dad's working overtime, so I have to stay here."
"That sucks," Jack frowned, "Aren't you gonna be bored?"
"No, Draco'll be here," I said absentmindedly, turning a page in my book.
"Oh…"
Now I'd done it. I closed my book, perhaps with a little more force than I meant to.
"Jack," I sighed, "What is your problem with Draco?" The fact that they hated each other and were seemingly in a war over me frustrated me. I hated seeing friends fight.
"Well, let's see," Jack replied, "He's arrogant, racist, irritating and you seem to trust him over me."
"You're friends with Luna!" Was I not allowed other friends? Did I have to stay glued to Jack's side for fear of him hating me? Why was he making this so difficult for me?
"But whenever you and Luna meet, you chat and giggle and share sweets. Whenever Draco and I meet, he tries to kill me."
"Jack, that is a total exaggeration."
"Look, let's not discuss Slytherin wonder-boy. School breaks up for Christmas tomorrow, and I wanna spend today well."
I sighed and shrugged.
"Alright. No Draco-mentioning in your presence." I said sarcastically.
I tried to look cheerful, but I couldn't help that I had to hide a part of my life from my friend. I just wanted everything to be normal, everyone to be friends. But the two of them were too petty to let their differences aside.
The wind blew my hair into my face, as I stood outside Hogwarts, my hands in my pockets to shield them from the biting cold. I watched and smiled as Hex wrestled with the name tag on the pile of luggage that stood at Jack's feet. I threw my arms around Jack, sad that I wasn't going to see him until the beginning of the next term. We'd spent Christmas together every year for as long as we could both remember, but this year would be different. "Merry Christmas, Toni," Jack smiled as he stepped back to stand beside his luggage again.
"Merry Christmas yourself," I smiled, "Say hi to your mum for me, and little Georgie. I bet she's grown now!" I considered mentioning his dad, but thought better for fear of reminding him of Draco.
"Oh and before I go, I have a present for you," Jack beamed, reaching down and retrieving a red, leather-bound book. He flicked through the pages, and then handed it to me. There were pictures, objects, and various other things taped to its pages.
"I made you a scrapbook of our first year at Hogwarts," He laughed. "See, this are the tickets from the Hogwarts express, and this is the wizard chess piece that Hex chewed."
I giggled at the memory of the horror on Tom's face when the chess piece was snatched from his hand.
"Then a newspaper clipping about your dad, the feather you levitated in Charms class, the chocolate frog wrapper that helped bring us together as friends," he smiled.
I looked at the book, laughing at a picture of us as children, similar to the one I'd given him, but in the snow rather than mud.
"It's great!" I finally managed the words. It was more than great. It was amazing, more than I could have ever asked for. Now I'd be able to remember the year for the good bits, rather than the other bits.
"It's so creative! Much better than what I bought for you," I took out a large parcel, neatly wrapped in deep blue and bronze paper. I pushed it into his hands.
Without a moment's hesitation, he tore off the paper, to reveal a potions kit. I knew potions wasn't his strong point, and wanted to help him make his mother proud by teaching him, and getting him some… better… equipment. His mum was a healer who was incredible at brewing potions. She knew most recipes by heart and could have everything ready to make them before you could say 'Dumbledore's Beard'.
There was a shiny new brass cauldron, some crystal phials, a couple of ingredients I managed to pilfer from Snape with a little persuasion, and a book. The book contained recipes for most of the basic potions, along with some more advanced ones. Every recipe was annotated, to give Jack hints on how to get the best results from my experimentation.
"So you can impress your mum," I smiled.
"That's… Great!" Jack grinned, "Thanks so much!"
A voice called for Jack from somewhere in the crowd.
"I've got to go," Jack frowned, "The train to King's Cross leaves soon!"
"See you next year!" I smiled, and waved after him as he left.
