Barely Acquaintances

•seven•

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"Remember to spray it with your perfume before you wrap it!"
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It was December the 19th, 6 days until Christmas, and the day of Buckbeak the Hippogriffs death. It was hard to feel festive when deep inside me I felt bad for the creature. Yes, he did hurt poor Draco, but surely that didn't mean he deserved death? I knew there was nothing I could do, so I pushed the thought to the back of my mind.

Since there was no classes today, a trip to Hogsmeade had been arranged for the students who didn't return home for Christmas. It was the second time we'd all been, and the little village was truly a magical sight, especially at this time of year, so I was excited to say the least, plus, it meant I would finally get a chance to buy gifts for people.

I got dressed, in warm winter worthy clothes. Some black thick leggings, black boots, a dark green woolly jumper that I'd received as an early present from Mother just this morning, and my Slytherin scarf. On top, I had a thick coat stuffed with feathers, perfect for the snow.

Before pulling my coat and scarf on however, I made my way into the great hall for breakfast, I sat in my usual place, in between Draco and Pansy. Pansy had also stayed at Hogwarts this Christmas. Like mine and Draco's, her parents also had to travel rather last minute, although for a more pleasant reason, I'm sure. I instantly picked out some toast and eggs and poured myself some tea, warming my hands with the mug, even inside the castle, you could very much tell it was winter.

Since that night with Draco and I, I hadn't noticed him and Pansy acting so strange together. And as a result, my stomach had stopped doing flips whenever I caught them whispering and giggling together. I was glad to say the least, but still wanted to know what was happening.

"Good morning y/n" Malfoy greeted me with a mouthful of toast, I frowned slightly at the boys manners, before giving in and laughing at him.

"Morning Malfoy, morning Pans" I warmly smiled at them both, before tucking into my own food. Beside me, Pansy lifted her head to shoot me a smile before returning to the letter she was writing, presumably to either a boy, or her parents.

"Are you going to Hogsmeade today?" Draco turned to me, still with food hanging out of his mouth.

"Draco I do wish you would swallow your breakfast before speaking to me!" My disgusted face only made the boy grin more, rolling my eyes, I answered his question, "and yes, me and Pansy are going together, why what're you doing today?"

This time he actually did swallow his food, then spoke "can I come with you? Otherwise I'll be with Crabbe and Goyle all day" he sighed. It was unfortunate for him, Zabini had returned home for the holidays so he wasn't an option.

I felt bad, but there was a reason I didn't want him around today. "Sorry Draco, it's a..." I paused, not knowing what excuse to use.

Pansy looked up, just finishing with her letter, "it's a girls day, girls day, so no boys, sorry Draco." She said whilst folding her letter and standing up from the bench. "Y/n I'm going to the owlery to send this, I'll meet you in the common room?" Her black hair bobbing around as she fumbled in her bag for something.

"Don't be long!" I joked, and with a friendly wave she was gone. Leaving Draco and I at the table alone, his two minions most likely sleeping in.

"So what time does that bloody chicken meet his end?" I looked into his eyes, his face was rather blank, as if he didn't know what to make of my question.