by my side¹ - d. malfoy

Twelve

DECEMBER WAS upon Hogwarts now. The castle had more of a draft than usual. Thankfully, there were thick walls and fireplaces.

Laura felt pity for Beauxbaton with their cold-looking carriage and Durmstrang with their ship. Yet, there was a strong waft of single-malt whisky in the air, the apparent preferred drink of the Beauxbaton horses.

The smell was strong enough that Laura felt light-headed. Every time she went to Care of Magical Creatures. However, she would quickly forget about it, as they were still taking care of the Skrewts.

The number of Skrewts fell to ten; it seemed like their desire to kill each other hadn't been exercised out of them. Laura was repulsed by them as they were now about six feet long.

"We'll jus' lead 'em in here," Hagrid said. It was an attempt to place the Skrewts in boxes to see if they hibernate. "An' put the lids on. We'll see what happens."

Skrewts did not hibernate and didn't like being boxed. Soon, Hagrid tried to calm everyone down as the Skrewts rampaged around the pumpkin patch they were standing in.

Most of the class- including Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle- had run into Hagrid's cabin. Laura, Katie, Harry, Ron, and Hermione were some of the few still outside. They managed to restrain and tie up nine of the Skrewts, but not without getting a few cuts and burns.

There was only once more when Draco hesitantly walked out of the cabin, quickly walking to be next to Laura.

"Don' frighten him, now!" Hagrid shouted as Laura shot a jet of fiery sparks at the Skrewt. "Jus' try an slip the rope 'round his sting, so he won hurt any o' the others!"

"Yeah, we wouldn't want that!" Ron shouted angrily in response.

"I see you decided to join me," Laura shouted. Draco shrugged in response.

"Too many people in that blasted cabin," he shouted as he shot sparks at the Skrewt.

"Well, well, well... this does look fun."

Laura glanced over her shoulder to see Rita Skeeter. She was leaning on Hagrid's fence, looking at the mayhem. Her eyes peered as Hagrid launched himself onto the Skrewt.

"Who're you?" Hagrid asked Skeeter as he slipped a loop of rope around the Skrewts' sting, tightening it.

"Rita Skeeter, Daily Prophet reporter," Skeeter replied, beaming at Hagrid.

"Thought Dumbledore said you weren' allowed inside the school anymore," Hagrid said, frowning as he got up.

Laura twirled her wand as she tried to hold her laugh in. Draco put a hand on her forearm as a warning. Laura glanced over to see Hermione looking nervous about the situation.

"What are these fascinating creatures called?" Skeeter asked, her smile growing.

"They're very interesting, aren't they?" Hermione said, quickly butting in. "Aren't they, Harry, Laura?"

"What? Oh yeah... ouch... interesting," Harry quickly said.

"They're some of the most interesting creatures I've ever seen," Laura added shortly after.

"Ah, you're here. Laura, Harry!" Skeeter exclaimed, looking at both of them. "Oh, what a treat, both of the Potter cousins!"

Laura narrowed her eyes. She had a tight grip on her wand now.

"You know it's not a good idea," Draco said softly.

"So, you like Care of Magical Creatures? Both of you?" Skeeter asked.