professor? ( ✓ )

chapter ten

It was nearing the holidays, and therefore the hallways were filled with an exciting chatter as students discussed their plans for the break. The Great Hall was decorated in wreaths, garland, and a giant Christmas tree that Professor Flitwick took pride in decorating. As excited as the students were to get some time off, the teachers were even more thrilled.

Over the break, they'd be able to catch up on any final grading assessments before the semester change, and if they were all caught up, well, they'd have two weeks to do absolutely nothing! The only teachers that didn't seem thrilled over the impending short vacation were Draco and Harry.

The bond that still showed prominently on their wrists -thanks to McGonagall- made it nearly impossible for either boy to not think of the other when they caught a glimpse of their marked wrist. Harry shivered at the thought of being so far away from Malfoy over break, but did his best to believe it was just faux-feelings induced by the enchanted bond between them. But, Draco also felt odd at the idea of ditching Potter for such a period of time.

Time with Narcissa Malfoy wasn't as pleasant as Draco would like to pretend it was, but he wasn't about to just leave the still grieving woman to herself over the holidays. At one point, he'd decided maybe he should ask his Gryffindor roommate to join him for break, but figured that it'd be impossibly too weird, and he could vaguely recall the messy-haired professor mentioning something about spending time with Weasley and his Mudblood girlfriend.

Before said holidays were due to start, however, Professor McGonagall had called all of the staff to the Great Hall in order to have a meeting whilst the students headed towards their common rooms after supper one night.

"I'm sure you're all very curious as to why I've called this meeting," McGonagall began, and a few of the professors nodded in agreement. "Well, I assure you that we're here for a good reason. For once. I've done a bit of thinking and I've decided that the students could use one last hurrah before their break; this being said, I'd like to throw a ball."

A few of the teachers began to look back and forth at each other in wonderment, as well as uncertainty, but the Headmistress rose her hand and all talking ceased.

"I'm not talking about something as ridiculously important as the Yule Ball, but, I believe a nice semi-formal dance would be nice for the students. It will be scheduled for next Friday, as the students are due to leave next Sunday, and I'll need all of your help to get it ready. I'm making the announcement Monday morning at breakfast." McGonagall finished, and one of the professors rose their hand timidly.

"But Minerva, isn't Monday a bit of a short notice to the students? Think of the girls. Not all of them have dresses lying around: same goes for the boys and suits." The little second Muggle Studies teacher claimed.

"I guess you're right. Tomorrow at breakfast then." With a wave of her hand, the meeting was dismissed and the teachers fled to their quarters at once. Harry was the only one to stay, waiting to speak with the Headmistress.

"Professor, it's been over a month now, and Malfoy and I are still bonded. It's becoming more and more impossible with him, so do you think you could cut us a break over the holiday?" He asked, rubbing his wrist self-consciously as he spoke. He'd been thinking about this all day, but had never had a moment alone to talk to her.

"On the contrary, Mr. Potter, I believe you and Mr. Malfoy are working quite well together. For once." She spoke, a twinkle in her eyes.

"Then why's the bond still there? Why are we still living together? I have no personal space. No privacy." Harry began to complain, but McGonagall rose her hand dismissively.

"All these mysteries will unravel themselves soon enough, Mr. Potter. Good night." And with that, she walked away, leaving Harry with his mouth agape.