Slytherin's angel

Chapter 8- The gift

For the next several weeks, Draco waited for her in the dungeons as she made her way to Potions. Always with Zabini, he made sure the angry wizard did nothing to her. Ashley could tell there was a silent domination between them and although Blaise wanted to most likely kill her, he wouldn't dare overstep his boundary with Draco.

"Don't even look at him." He told her, "He'll think that you're trying to challenge him. Damn, Ashley, I wish you wouldn't have done this, now we have to take all these precautions."

His frustration was wearing thin on her. It was weeks ago that she had cursed Blaise. To her relief, the gossip of the whole situation had died down. Surprisingly, Grace and Hannah hadn't revealed their secret, perhaps relishing in the fact that they were the only two outside of Harry, Ron and Hermione who knew.

"How many times have I told you I was sorry?" She snapped, "If you can't get over that, then it's not my problem."

"Not your problem?" He snarled, "You're the reason that we're in this mess!"

She gritted her teeth, biting her tongue as she turned the other cheek. Draco was stubborn, and the argument would only get worse if she objected further. She would let him win this time.

She did as he told her. She didn't look at him, even when Draco was among them, pretending that Blaise didn't even exist. But she could feel both boys' eyes on her as she passed, whether it was in the dungeons or sitting in the Great Hall. Eventually, she had forgotten the situation with Blaise altogether.

***

December snuck up on the students, surprising them with Christmas decorations one morning in the Great Hall. Ashley had never seen anything like it. Candles were floating in the ceiling by their own manner, casting a romantic glow on the student's happy faces. Gigantic Christmas trees, even bigger than Hagrid, were in all four corners of the hall, decorated with stringed popcorn and bulbs that changed colors. The aroma in the air was intoxicating, filling her nose with cinnamon and rosemary. All of it made everyone so happy and full of energy, knowing that the chance to visit families was quickly approaching.

Her holiday cheer was quickly shattered when she received a letter from her mother:

My dearest,

I hope Hogwarts is treating you well, although I realize it is not the same as Beauxbatons. I miss you dearl, and was hoping to see you this Christmas, but I must say that I cannot. Your father and I are concerned about having everyone at the house. We don't want to take any chances. I ask that you find a friend that you can stay with. If you find the task impossible, please write back immediately so we can make arrangements for you.

I love you dearly and hope to see you very soon,

Mother

Her heart sank as she folded the letter. She looked up to the three of her friends, laughing and talking about what they would all do at Ron's house in a matter of weeks. For the first time she had become friends with them, she felt like she didn't belong.

"Ashley, what's wrong?" Hermione asked her.

She quickly straightened up, folding the letter and putting it in her pocket, glad they couldn't read French. "Oh, nothing, it's just a letter from my family, that's all."

They looked curious, but didn't inquire further, returning to their breakfast. Ashley pushed her eggs around her plate, unable to shake the feeling of devastation.