meant to be (1)

26

Christmas was coming. On morning in mid-December Hogwarts woke to find itself covered in several feet of snow. The lake froze solid and the Weasley twins were punished for bewitching several snowballs so that they followed Quirrell around, bouncing of the end of his turban.

The few owls that managed to battle their way through the stormy sky to deliver post had to be nursed back to health by Hagrid before they could fly again.

No one could wait for the holidays to start. While the Gryffindor common room and the Great Hall had roaring fires, the draughty corridors had become icy and bitter wind rattled the windows in the classrooms.

Worst of all were Professor Snape's classes down in the dungeons, where our breath rose in a mist before us and we kept as close as possible to our hot cauldrons.

"I do feel so sorry" said Draco Malfoy, one Potions class. "for all the people who have to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas because they're not wanted at home"

He was clearly looking over at Harry as he spoke. Crabbe and Goyle chuckled.

"I do feel so sorry" I started "for all the people who have to stay at Home for Christmas because they don't have any friends here."

Malfoy had been even more unpleasant than usual since the Quidditch match. Disgusted that Slytherin had lost, he had tried to get everyone laughing at how a wide-mouthed tree frog would be replacing Harry as a Seeker next.

Professor McGonagall had come round the week before Christmas, making a list of students who would be staying for the holidays.

Even though I missed my parents a lot, I was so excited to spend Christmas at Hogwarts. I had already asked them if Mason and I could stay and luckily they agreed.

"You're just staying because of me" Harry said after McGonagall collected the names of all the Gryffindors who would be staying.

"No, Potter, I'm staying because I've been looking forward to Christmas at Hogwarts for years" I snapped back.

"Nah, you want to spend time with me" he said and turned his attention to the Weasley twins and Mason who were talking about Quidditch.

Ron and his brothers were staying too, because
Mr and Mrs Weasley were going to Romania to visit Charlie.

When we left the dungeons at the end of Potions, we found a large fir tree blocking the corridor ahead. Two enormous feet sticking out at the bottom and  a loud puffing sound told us that Hagrid was behind it.

"Hi, Hagrid, want any help?" Ron asked, sticking his head trough the branches.

"Nah, I'm all right, thanks, Ron"

"Would you mind moving out of the way?" came Malfoy's cold drawl from behind us. "Are you trying to earn some extra money, Weasley? Hoping to be gamekeeper yourself when you leave Hogwart, I suppose - that hut of Hagrid's must seem like a palace compared to what your family's used to"

Ron dived at Malfoy and I was yelling at him just as Snape came up the stairs.

"WEASLEY! CLARKE!"

Ron let go of Malfoy's robes and I stopped yelling.

"They were provoked, Professor Snape" said Hagrid sticking his huge hair face out from behind the tree. "Malfoy was insulting Ron's family."

"Be that as it may is, fighting is against Hogwarts rules, Hagrid" said Snape silkily. "Five points from Gryffindor, and be greatful it isn't more. Move along, all of you."

Malfoy, Crabbe and Goyle pushed roughly past the tree, scattering needles everywhere and smirking.

"They're idiots" I stated.

"I'll get him" said Ron, grinding his teeth at Malfoy's back. "one of these days, I'll get him-"

"I hate them both" said Harry. "Malfoy and Snape"

"Come on cheer up, it's nearly Christmas" said Hagrid "Tell yeh what, come with me an' see the Great Hall, looks a treat."

So, Harry, Ron, Hermione and I followed Hagrid and his tree off to the Great Hall, where Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were busy with the Christmas decorations.

"Ah, Hagrid, the last tree - put it in the far corner, would you?"