Devotion (Snape × Student OC)

3

As the weeks turned into months, the first years gradually grew accustomed to the school's rules and the demands of their lessons. In the classroom, Hermione Granger emerged as the top point-earner for Gryffindor. However, the House's hard-earned victories were often offset by Snape's dislike towards Gryffindors, and the overall point balance remained relatively stagnant over the previous three months.

A bitter chill filled the air, seeping into the castle walls. Students bundled up in their Hogwarts House-themed scarves, seeking warmth in the crisp atmosphere. Inside the Great Hall, everyone gathered for breakfast, their attention divided between the hot meals in front of them and the flurry of owls flying above their heads.

Owls swooped in, carrying letters and parcels, dropping gifts and delivering messages to each student. Amidst the commotion, an almost electric excitement seemed to permeate the room. Harry's face lit up with a wild grin as he unwrapped his gift. It was clear that this was the first time he had received a present, and the joy on his face was simply heartwarming. Fellow students gathered around him, their faces filled with awe and excitement. "Wow...a Nimbus Two Thousand!" they exclaimed.

Ron's eyes widened in awe, and he looked at Harry with bewilderment. "Who sent it?" he asked curiously. Harry smiled, his happiness evident. "Professor McGonagall..." he replied. Ron unwrapped his presents, revealing a set of handmade clothes from his mother. He held up the garment and said to Harry, "Hey Harry, my mum sent you this one." Hermione looked on, her eyebrows raised. Seamus chimed in, asking, "Where are you all going for the Christmas holidays?" Hermione replied, "We're planning a trip to my grandmother's house."

I quietly observed their lively conversation, still waiting hopefully for any letters or gifts that might be intended for me. Harry and Ron exchanged glances, and Ron spoke up, "My dad and mum are going to Romania to visit my brother Charlie, and Harry.." Harry shook his head in disapproval. "I don't particularly enjoy spending holidays with the Dursleys.." As I sipped on my pumpkin juice, an owl swooped in and dropped a present directly above my head, causing me to flinch in surprise. "Ouch!" I exclaimed, drawing the attention of those around me.

My owl, it seemed, was the last one to deliver a gift. Seamus whispered, his voice barely audible, "Why is she always alone? We never see her talking to any of us..." Hermione rolled her eyes and replied, "Maybe she prefers solitary company instead of socializing with dim-witted individuals like yourself."
T

hey came closer to sit with me. "Hey, Sue. What's up? You received a gift?" My eyes sparkled as Hermione spoke to me. This girl is so admirable... "Good morning.."

I began, then awkwardly added, "yeah, it's a..." I started unwrapping my gift, feeling a mixture of excitement and shyness in the presence of Hermione and the others. My smile widened as I stood up and held up the contents of the gift. "Oh, it's from Miss. Gentiana."
The pack included Gloves, a Knitted Hat, and a Pale Yellow Scarf my favorite color. Ron pointed out, "There's a letter too." I slowly opened the letter and read it silently to myself. "Dear Sue, I hope you like what I sent you... it's unfortunate that I can't spend the holidays with you, but there are some things I need to do... Merry christmas my dear."

My smile vanished in an instant, and Hermione discreetly glanced at the letter. "What is it, Sue?" she inquired. Harry, too, was watching me closely, along with the others, waiting for my response. I attempted to maintain a smile and shook my head. Miss. Gentiana must have something important; I shouldn't be upset. I responded softly, "I think I won't be spending Christmas with Miss.Gentiana... so, I will have to stay at Hogwarts, I suppose."