slytherin princess [2]

out of the snow and into the fire

Catherine was glad to be back at Hogwarts. No more balls. No more false engagements (Even though it had spread around quite quickly about Malfoy and her). No more parents. After Diagon Alley, Potter had eagerly accepted Pansy into the D.A., and it appeared that Daphne and Fred had started a secret relationship. Other than that, the world had gone back to normal.

Catherine was walking down the silent corridors with Ron as the two patrolled. The two of them usually patrolled in silence, so it was never uncomfortable.

"So, I suppose it would be alright if I asked how you are, right?" his musical voice asked.

She smiled, "Yes, that is quite alright. I'm doing well, how are you?"

Ron Weasley, surprisingly, was quite demure without Harry or Granger by his side. He tended to be quite pleasant when he wasn't provoked. Catherine actually enjoyed his company.

"I'm good. I, erm, don't mean to intrude, but what's going on with you and Harry?"

"You're in the mood for gossip?" Catherine teased.

Ron blushed a deep scarlet.

"No, he's my best mate. I just want to make sure he's going to be alright."

She knew what his words were implying.

"It's nothing really. We're honestly just friends. Me friends with Harry Potter? Now, that is something I never thought I would say."

Ron chuckled, "I didn't either, but I suppose you're a good friend to him. He likes spending time with you, probably too much."

"I like spending time with him, too. Probably too much."

Catherine loved Ron's smile. It always filled his whole face, and it was contagious.

The two continued in silence for the rest of the night. Before they parted ways, Ron sheepishly looked at her.

"I, erm, know we aren't exactly best mates, but can I ask a favor of you?"

"Sure," Catherine cocked her head.

Ron grimaced, "Harry's going to need you, okay? I dunno what the two of you have going on, but he just does. So, be there for him."

Catherine grinned, "As long as he will let me."

She then turned and left Ron Weasley with a small smile playing on his lips. After that day, Ron didn't make any remarks about Catherine in a negative light.

As January slowly ticked by, Catherine felt a sense that something was about to implode. So, when the news finally reached her about the Azkaban breakout, she was hardly surprised. Slowly, Catherine noticed Draco's gaunt expression appearing once again as well.

"Did you hear?" Daphne asked and thrusted the newspaper in her hand.

"Yeah," she nodded. "Did Potter talk to you about it?"

"Yeah, he was pretty shaken up in D.A. yesterday," Pansy said. The girls were getting ready for the day in the dorms, and once Millicent left, they could finally speak candidly.

"How's that going, by the way?"

"Why? Considering joining?" Daphne half-smiled. Pansy and she had been apparently having a blast with it, even if everyone made the girls and Blaise feel less than welcomed. Blaise didn't seem to mind, and he was even gaining quite a friendship with Harry.

"No, of course not," Catherine answered defensively.

"Draco's noticing Blaise being gone. I dunno how much longer we're going to be able to keep this up," sighed Pansy.