Agathokakological

An Invitation?!

First Year

Chapter Sixteen

NOVEMBER HAD ARRIVED ALONG WITH THE COLD, that soon would bring snowy days as they neared December. The mountains around the school became icy gray and the lake like chilled steel. Every morning the ground was covered in frost. And the Quidditch season had begun, and on Saturday the match between Gryffindor versus Slytherin would take place.

But now Ariadne was making her way to the Gryffindor table, as Harry wanted to tell them something, including Hermione, who is now also part of their group. The Great Hall was full of the delicious smell of fried sausages and the cheerful chatter.

Ariadne saw the three waving for her to come, but she quickly steered towards the Slytherin table, making them confused until Snape came and said something to Harry. It was only when he limped away that she sat besides Ron with Harry and Hermione across them.

Harry leaned in to Ron and Ariadne, with Hermione doing the same. ''Listen, last night, I'm guessing Snape let the troll in as a diversion so he could try and get past that three-headed dog, but he got himself bitten, that's why he's limping," he whispered.

''But why would anyone do near that dog?'' Hermione asked. Harry looked at Ariadne, as she was supposed to know the answer to the question, and just stared at him in confusion.

''The day Ariadne and I were at Gringotts, Hagrid took something out of one of the vaults.''

''You're right!'' Ariadne connected the dots. ''He said it was Hogwarts business, very secret. That's what the dog is guarding.''

''And that's what Snape wants.'' Harry finished, and then they heard an owl screeching, making them turn around and see Hedwig brining a package to Harry before she flew away.

''Bit early for mail, isn't it?'' Hermione commented, and Harry then said. ''But I... I never get mail.''

''Let's open it.'' Ron said, and they all helped Harry unpack it to reveal a broom, the new Nimbus 2000.

The next morning, the match between Quidditch and Slytherin was about to begin. Ariadne had woken up early and found Draco along with Crabbe and Goyle, with whom she walked to the Quidditch pitch.

''So, Addy...'' Draco started. ''Will you be going home during Christmas?''

Ariadne already knew how to answer that question. ''No way, I'll be staying at the school. I don't have anything better to do.''

''Won't you be celebrating Christmas with your family?''

Ariadne looked at Draco, wondering if he knew her situation, but it didn't seem so. ''No... My family isn't that big on celebrations.''

''I see, then come and celebrate Christmas with my family and I.''

Ariadne halted and looked more than surprised at Draco. ''I-I..''

''Don't worry, you don't have to answer my question right away. Just let me know soon so that I can inform my parents to add another plate for the table.''

''Draco, I...''

''Don't worry, it's no problem. My mother was the one to suggest it, and I too think it's a good idea.''