The Younger Potter

10

"So, let's chat." Samantha smirked as the train started to take off to Platform 9 3/4.

Charlotte and Samantha were going home to see Charlotte's aunt for the entirety of Christmas break.

"What about?"

"Did you hear about Draco Malfoy?" Samantha asked, making Charlotte blush.

"W-what about him?"

"His incident with Buckbeak! He obviously has some mental issues." Samantha rolled her eyes.

"I don't think that about him. I think maybe he was raised the wrong way. Maybe it's the way his parents raised him." Charlotte shrugged, trying to hide her blush.

"Ooh. You're blushing. Do you have a crush on him?"

"What? No!" Charlotte went even redder.

"Aha! You do! You like him! Yes! I can't wait to tell the rest of the girls about this when we get back! They're gonna go crazy!"

Charlotte rolled her eyes as she stared out the window, politely ignoring her friends laughter as the train zoomed on.

---

"Charlie! Wake-the-bloody-hell-up!" Samantha yelled as she hit her friend with her pillow on Christmas day.

"Stop it! I'm comfy! " Charlotte whined as a knock on the door to her bedroom was heard. 

"Morning girls!" Violet greeted. "Who's ready for presents?"

"Yes!" The two friends answered in unison, springing out of bed and rushing to the living room where a pile of presents lay under the Christmas tree, waiting to be opened.

"Merry Christmas, girls!" Violet smiled. "No need to wait, open your presents!" 

"Merry Christmas, Ms. Evans!"

Charlotte giggled. "Merry Christmas!"

She excitedly ripped open her presents, receiving:

A book about quidditch from her brother

An agenda planner from Hermione

A bunch of sweets loaded up like a sleigh from Ron

A huge candy tree from the twins

A light purple sweater with a golden C on it from Mrs. Weasley

A Christmas box from Lindsay

A book of defense against the dark arts from Ginny

A light up box saying,'She may be a Gryffindor and I'm a Slytherin, but we're still friends.' from Arya

A violin book from her aunt

The Divergent series from Remus

And lastly, from Draco, she had gotten a Christmas package from Draco that had macaroons, a mug, a scarf, and a small candle.

"The twins went a little overboard, didn't they?" Samantha asked, pulling her out of her thoughts.

"They sure did." Charlotte laughed in reply.

"Ooh, did you get that from Draco?" she asked, noticing the small smile she had seen when opening her last present.

"Yeah."

"Cuteeee. Are you gonna tell him you love it? And him?"

"Sam! Stop it! I don't love him!"

"But you have a crush on him, and that's practically the same thing!" Samantha giggled.

"Who does my little girl have a crush on?" Violet jumped into the conversation as she returned from the kitchen with two mugs of Hot Choclate in her hands.

"No one!" Charlotte denied.

"Draco Malfoy." Samantha answered.

"Draco Malfoy?" Violet repeated. "As in, son of Lucius Malfoy?"

Charlotte nodded.

"Char-Bear, you could do so much better than that git!" Violet complained, shaking her niece's shoulders lightly. "That kid probably comes with so much baggage and is probably a total red flag."

"Seriously?" Charlotte exclaimed. "You too, Aunt Vi?"

"Hey, I'm just stating facts." Violet countered, "But if he makes you happy, then go for it. As long as he doesn't hurt my little girl."

Charlotte smiled at her aunt, moving to sit next to her on the couch.

Violet smiled back, hugging her niece close to her as she closed her eyes, kissing Charlotte's forehead.

It was times like these that made her miss her older sister.

It was times like these that made her enjoy life to the fullest.

"I love you, Aunt Vi." Charlotte hugged her aunt back. "I never tell you that enough."

"I love you too, Charlotte." Violet wiped a tear away with her thumb. 

"I'm always grateful to have you in my life."

□□□

When the train full of those who had left for Christmas Break returned home for the new term, Charlotte was greeted by Draco waiting for her.

"Draco!" Charlotte's face lit up, rushing forward into his waiting arms.

"Hi, Charlotte." Draco released the girl, giving her a warm smile. "So, I know I already gave you your Christmas gift, but I have a small gift for you."

"Draco, you didn't have to!" Charlotte exclaimed.

"Nevertheless, will you close your eyes and hold out your hands?" Draco insisted.

Charlotte rolled her eyes playfully before doing as he asked, letting Draco place his surprise in her hands.

The moment he had placed the object in her hands, she opened her eyes, a small gasp escaping at the sight of the black kitten she was holding.

"Draco!" Charlotte held the kitten more carefully, almost as if she were holding a baby.

"Before you get mad, let me explain." Draco held his hands out in truce. "She was wandering around my home, when my parents found her. My parents, being my parents, wanted to kill her, but I couldn't let them do that. I know that you'd take good care of her."

"Draco, you're honestly so thoughtful. It's sweet." Charlotte couldn't keep the smile off of her face. "I love her. Thank you. Now, what are we going to call you?"

"How about Storm?" Draco suggested.

"Stormy?" Charlotte questioned at the same time as Draco.

"Stormy. Storm for short." Charlotte compromised.

"I love it."

Draco meant it. His heart couldn't help but sore as he watched the smile that graced Charlotte's features as she cradled the kitten.

Her smile was infectious, as she pet Stormy, smiling softly as she tilted her head sideways, shooting Draco a quick glance.

Draco couldn't help but smile back, hand reaching out to pet the kitten as a small smile set on his face.

"Better move it, you two."

The two jumped, having been lost in their world for some time.

"Sorry, Professor."

"Sorry, Professor Flitwick."

__________________________________________________________________________________

I hope you enjoyed this chapter! Feel free to vote and comment, and remember to take care of yourself. Have a great rest of your day.