Chapter 16

Under The Mistletoe

It was the second last day of classes. Finally! I was so happy because finally, in one more day, I would get a break from school…but we still had homework over the holidays…shoot. Even more for me, since I'm covering second year as well as first. It's been a nightmare honestly, but I can't wait to get back home. I would get to see Mum and dad, my dog Tippy, Amelia and Elizabeth…it would be fantastic.

That day, there was a DA meeting. It would be our last one before the holidays and through the whole thing, we totally worked out butts off. We practiced every spell we knew and learned one called "Reducto!" which blows things up. It was so cool! We did a great job!

"Now, since this is our last session before the holidays, I want you guys not to forget what we've learned and keep practicing," Harry said to us, "and well done, everyone!" The room was filled with "Merry Christmas'" as we left the room. I went over to the mirrors to pick up my bag. As I did, I couldn't help but read the article on Cedric Diggory's death that Harry had put on there, basically in memory of him. As I read, I felt this weird pang of sadness inside of me. I didn't even know Cedric, and here I was crying over him. That article just made me so sad; I had no choice but to cry.

"Whoa," Katerina exclaimed, "what-?"

"Are you okay, Karina?" I turned around and saw George standing there.

"I'm okay," I answered. Katerina got the message that we wanted to be alone.

"See you in the common room, Karina," she said, heading out of the room. I looked around the room was deserted.

"You sure?" George asked again, "Cuz you're crying up a storm," I sighed. I guess I should just tell him. He'd probably ask again if I said it was nothing.

"It's that article," I admitted, "how Cedric died. It makes me sad to even think about it,"

"I know," George agreed, "I was so shocked when it happened. Cedric had always been a good guy. He didn't deserve it,"

"I just wonder whether he'd known it all, what Harry's teaching us," I sniffed.

"Oh he did," George assured me, "but You Know Who was better,"

"But it just makes me realize that I'm the next one to be dead," I cried.

"What are you talking about?" George looked puzzled.

"Harry's parents died cuz of Voldemort. Cedric got killed. I know that someone else close to Harry is going to die. And that person, is probably going to be me,"

"Don't say things like that," George said.

"But it's true!" I exclaimed, "I'm next! Voldemort's back!"

"But you are not gonna die!" George exclaimed, "Cuz if he tries, Harry will stop him. And if Harry doesn't succeed, then I will,"

That's when I realized it. George was willing to put his life at stake for me! Oh my god, I thought, could this mean-?

"Cuz I care," he added, "It's because I-," he broke off. I couldn't help but gaze above our heads.

"Mistletoe," I whispered.

"Must be infested with nargles," he muttered.

"What are nargles?" I asked.

"No idea, ask Looney Lovegood" There were no more words for it. He didn't have to say anymore. George wrapped his arms around me. He bent down and kissed me. At first, I was in a state of shock. This was not what I was expecting. I had no idea that he felt this way about me. But then, I stopped worrying. I felt like I was in heaven and I closed my eyes and enjoyed it.

"You do not know how long I've wanted to do that," George sighed.

"Me too,"

"Karina," he started, "you're beautiful. I think I've loved you ever since that day on the train,"

"Me too," And then, he kissed me again.