Little White Lies | Book 4

Chapter 15: Flames

It was finally time for students to go home for Christmas break. To me, that meant going back to the Burrow, which I didn't mind doing at all. I missed Mrs. Weasley, and her warm smile. Not to mention, Mr. Weasley and his strange fascination with Muggles.

Anyway, Harry, Ron and I were sitting in a compartment on the train together. Of course, Hermione was still mad at Ron, so she didn't sit with us. "-he was talking about some task he was given by someone. I think it was him who cursed Katie." Harry was saying. Once again, he had listened to one of Draco's conversations with someone, and was making a huge deal out of it. "Once again, Harry, it's not our problem. Who cares what he's up to? I'm sure Dumbledore would do something about it if he knew." I said, resisting the urge to roll my eyes. "Yeah, but what if he doesn't know, Riley? For all we know, Malfoy could be planning to kill us all!"

I snickered. "Really, Harry? You think him of all people has the guts to kill anyone? He points his wand at people with their back turned!" Ron nodded in agreement, while shoving a chocolate frog in his mouth. "Anyway, can we just change the subject? I'm already sick of this one." It was quiet for a moment.

That was when Lavender came up to the glass door, giving Ron a wide grin. Then, she used her breath to fog up the glass, and drew a heart with their names in it. I stared awkwardly at the floor, while Harry played with a strand of my hair. Once she skipped away, I looked up at Ron, and raised my eyebrows. "You need to dump her now."

He sighed, and leaned forward a bit. "All she wants to do is snog me," He said in a low tone. "My lips are getting chapped, look!" I pushed his face back, as he moved closer. "We'll take your word for it!" Harry told him, grimacing. "What'd you get her for Christmas?" I asked, grinning. "Some chocolates. Is that too much?" He replied, making me laugh. "Well, it's enough to give her a mini heart attack. If you wanted to kill her, I'd send a note with it." He rolled his eyes, while Harry laughed. "Very funny, Riley, very funny. Mind me asking what you got Harry?" I shrugged. "I'd tell you, but that would ruin the surprise."

After that, we spent the rest of the ride talking and laughing. I got some more candy from the trolley, which we all downed in 30 minutes. Then, Harry and I curled up in our seat, and fell asleep.

------------------------------------------------

When we finally arrived at the Burrow, I was greeted with a rib cracking hug from Mrs. Weasley, and a warm smile and handshake from her husband. As usual, the Weasley household was cozy, and very welcoming on the inside. The fire crackled merrily in the fireplace, giving the living room a soothing orange glow. The kitchen smelt amazingly of Mrs. Weasley's cooking, and the table was set in the dining room.

After a delicious, and very filling dinner, Hermione, Ginny, and I carried our things up to the room we were sharing, and changed into our pajamas. I had just tuned in to what Hermione had been rambling about. "-I can't tell him who he can and can't kiss, so why bother getting upset? I couldn't care less. If he wants to snog Lavender, fine. I'm not going to stop him." I scowled, pulling a tank top over my head. "Hermione, what have I told you at least a million times. It's not going to last! He's already sick of her. He complained to Harry and I today about his chapped lips." Ginny laughed. "Chapped lips? Wow, and I thought Dean and I snogged a lot."

For the first time in what felt like forever, Hermione cracked a grin. "He actually complained about her?" I nodded. "He's been doing it a lot lately. He thinks she's obsessed with him, which is probably true. Anyway, I'm gonna go find Harry and say goodnight. I'll be back." With that, I walked out, and headed towards the stairs.

I found Harry sitting at the end of the staircase, looking out the window at the night sky. "Hey," I said, making him turn and stand up. "Hi, love. Turning in early?" I nodded, and stopped in front of him. "Just came to say goodnight." He smiled, and kissed me. "Goodnight, my love. Sleep well," I yawned sleepily, and hugged him tightly. "I love you, Harry." He planted a kiss on the top of my head. "I love you too, Riley. I always will."