Author:?

The scent of lavender lingered in your room.
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ou watched the snowflakes fall outside your big window, letting your mind wander whilst you continued to lay in bed. Draco’s arms were wrapped around your waist, pushing you closer to his hot body, a small, timid smile curling at the corners of your lips from the sweet action. It soon fell, though, when the memories of last night became vivid and equally pleasant – a strange mix of excitement and shame bubbling in your chest. You forgave him, you shouldn’t have, but you did anyway.

Slowly, you turned to the sleeping Draco Malfoy next to you, your eyes briefly roaming around his peaceful face before a smile lit up your features again.

Who wouldn’t forgive such an angel?

…
…
…

You moved through your big home in a rushed pace, breathlessly mumbling ‘hello’ to every servant you passed. Hopping down the staircase you stumbled into the main room, your heart skipping a beat when you laid your eyes on the massive Christmas tree shinning silver and the generous amount of presents under it. Your siblings were already ravishing their gifts – Felicira closely resembled a wild boar. Greeting them, you took a seat next to Angelo and pulled the first present your hands touched.

“Buongeiorno sorella. [1]” He greeted you, though not as energetic as you had hoped. “Is there anything you wish to share with us?”

The room fell eerily quiet as they all turned to look at you, expectantly. Gulping, you fiddled with the wrapping paper of your present, suddenly nervous. You knew that your brother would not like what you were about to say, but judging from his expression he already knew – only wanted confirmation. Finally, exhaling a heavy breath, you painted a small smile on your face.

“Me and Draco are back together.”

The squalling of your sisters nearly distracted you from the disappointed look Angelo gave you, turning away and proceeding to unwrap his gifts. You nearly jumped in place when the booming voice of your mother called from the kitchen, happy, and soon she and your father stepped into the main room with champagne in their hands.

“Magnifico figla [2]!” She was chipper this morning, that’s for sure “I am so proud that you forgave him.” Shoving a glass of sparkling champagne into your empty hand she stroked your hair for a second before moving away and shooting a deadpan look at your older brother “You should learn a thing or two from dear (Name), Angelo.”

“Learn what?” He glared at her, “To listen to you more? I’d rather not.”

“Don’t forget who you’re talking to, figlo.[3]” Your father stepped in, “She is your mother.” You saw your brother grit his teeth, mumbling an ‘of course’ as he took another gift and unwrapped it.

Tense silence filled the room – nothing has really changed, every year you found yourself in the same awkward position between your pissed off brother and two happily chatting sisters. And you did the same thing you always did in this situation – zoned out.

Ignoring everyone around you and drowning out their voices, you focused on the music coming from the radio, picking up the card that was in your present.

Dear (Name),
 Hope Christmas goes better for you than last year. I’m coming to visit in a few days, so we’ll talk when I’m here.
    Love,
Millicent

You eyed the beautiful dress Millicent sent you for a second before putting it away, a wild grin curling on your lips as you continued to open your gifts with more energy – it was Christmas after all and no one had the right to ruin that for you.

That energy seemed to disappear when you finally came to the last present, your fingers holding soft parchment with your name written is somewhat crooked letters.

Dear (Name),
  Marry Christmas! I hope you got my gift since owls had trouble flying due to the massive snowstorms here. It’s not much, just something I picked up in Hogsmeade and thought of you.
You missed a lot. It’s not safe to write about it here but I’ll tell you all about it once you’re back.
 Best wishes,
Harry Potter

You eyed the golden bracelet with a small pearl attached to it, feeling moved – it was absolutely beautiful. And he bought it whilst thinking of you?…That’s…You had no words to describe how you felt , merely putting the note away and quickly hooking the bracelet around your wrist. For a second you admired how it sparkled in the light.

“Woah!” You heard Ernesta awe “It’s gorgeous! Who gave it to you!?”

For a moment you didn’t respond.

“A dear friend.” You finally murmured, smiling softly.

~*~

Hogwarts really did feel more like home than your actual home – without Angelo being disappointed at you, your sisters prying into your personal life every chance they got, your mother nagging you and you father encouraging her, your head felt at ease and seeing your friends made those dreadful two weeks of vacation fade away.

The room was eerily quiet, uneasy and suspicious stare’s soon morphing into surprised ones as a bright smile stretched on your lips, eyes sparkling as you gazed at the white light coming from the end of your wand. A figure gracefully landed on the cool ground – a foggy tiger – curiously turning his head back to you. You surpassed an awe – he, or she, was absolutely stunning.

Sadly, your patronus lasted only a couple of second before it faded. Slowly, you let your hand fall back to your side, polite claps echoing in the Room of Requirement.

“I told you she was good,” Harry told, loudly, quickly stepping to you, “That was brilliant, actually.” He said, his grin wider than your own. You felt your cheeks heat lightly from his enthusiasm, a strange thought crossing your mind: was he showing off? You swore he was more awkward. “Now, we’ll practice attack spells. Pick a partner and we’ll continue from that.”

As soon as the words left his mouth your hand was yanked by someone, and spinning round you found Mona smirking at you. Shell shocked, you released a strangled gasp, unable to form a sentence. He dark eyes twinkled like stars, and pulling you along she laughed melodically at your surprised face.

“Bet’cha didn’t expect me here, huh.” She winked.

“I-what-how?” You blurred, finally releasing yourself of her tight grip. She shrugged, a care-free look on her face.

“You know I’m not the Death Eater type,” She said, wiggling her wand, “I’m the white sheep of my family, just like you, chicka.” A small smile curled on your lips, and hooking a loose strand of (colour) hair behind your ear you turned to the yet again speaking Harry Potter. His explanation was short and blunt, then he moved to give a live demo and lastly he instructed the rest of you to follow his example whilst he helped.

“Speaking of which,” Mona said, catching your attention. She fixed herself into a defensive stance – you were to attack – her face crumbled into a frown, “Did they get you yet?”

You surpassed a bitter laugh. Rolling up your sleeves, you showed her clear (colour) skin, absent of the infamous Dark Mark. She nodded.

“My sister was turned on Christmas Eve, “ She told. You blinked.

“Is that why you’re here?”

“You could say.” Mona shrugged, “That and I just like anarchy.”

Despite the circumstances you were glad she was here. When Harry first informed you of ‘Dumbledore’s Army’ you were more than sceptical – what if no one accepted you? Granted, no one did but you cared less since one of your best friends was here to be an outcast with you.

With that thought in mind, you raised your wand, feeling a spark of energy go through your body, your fingers tingling with power as you parted your lips to cast your first combat spell.

~*~

You sat next to Mona when dinner finally took place, briefly catching up with the rest of your Slytherin friends and even turning down some dates – those cocky third years! A grin was pressed on your face as you admired the sparkling food on your silver plate. Hogwarts was not cheap to greet their students back.

You noted Draco strolling through the big door, his grey irises landing on you. A smirk curled at his lips, though he didn’t say anything else. Blaise and Goyle behind him, he took a seat in front of you, not once looking away. You frowned, softly.

“Why are you staring?” You asked, filling your cup with drink. That didn’t faze him.

“I was just admiring your beautiful face.”

“If you think a bad pick-up line will make me forgive you – you’re sadly mistaken, mi amore.” You told.

Now that, that definitely caught him off guard. Despite sharing your bed with him and calling it a day, your brothers disappointed look was still fresh in your memory – perhaps Draco really did need to try much harder to earn you back than just a couple of sweet words. And yet, how will you be able to stay away from those intense steel grey eyes? Silky blond hair? Strong, rough hands and-

You had to stop yourself from going any further than that, and glancing away from your boyfriend you took a sip of cool pumpkin juice to refresh your try throat. Draco stared at you, but after a second his face fell from surprised to angry, lastly he just settled with glaring at you. The game began again.

After dinner you strolled to the Slytherin common room with the rest of green robed students. Feeling a strong hand yank your upper arm you yelped, snapping your head back to glare at the person who had enough nerve to attack you. You found Draco’s angry irises boring into your own, and in a second he dragged you away from the crowd of people to somewhere a bit more secure – an empty classroom.

You freed yourself with a heated huff, frowning at him as he shut the door. Crossing your arms over your chest you patiently waited for him to speak. He didn’t.

“Well?” You pressed.

“Well what?” He snapped, “Shouldn’t I be asking questions?”

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.” You faked innocents.

“What are you doing, (Name)? Starting these games again, what the bloody hell is the matter with you? I thought this was behind us.”

“It will never be behind us.” You had had enough. Taking an angry step to him, you cranked your neck to stare into his somewhat lost eyes. Fists balled, you continued “You broke my heart, and in a moment of weakness I forgave you. I hope you enjoyed it while it lasted.”

“And you mean to tell me that all of that, laughter and kisses and promises were fake?” He tried to stay strong, but a strained note in his voice gave him away. You faltered. Gulping, you wanted to look away and step down, but your pride wouldn’t allow it. Instead, you held your head high, giving him a sharp glare.

“I guess now you know how it feels.” You told coolly, pushing past him and making sure to bump into his shoulder. Throwing the door open, you sent him one last dirty look before exiting the classroom. Draco was left alone.

Marching down the corridor you tried to hold it all in. He needed a taste of his own medicine, you knew he did, but… the worst thing is you didn’t want to give it to him. You just want to be happy. Just want to be loved.

You finally stood in the dungeons, unable to take a step forward. Abruptly, you turned around, on a quest to find the only person that was able to understand you.