The Songbird and The Viper

Gifted

The halls of Hogwarts grew colder over the holiday break as many of the students and faculty were returning to their families out of fear. With the rise of Death Eater attacks and talk after the incident with Katie, some students weren't even planning on coming back after the holidays. The castle was virtually lifeless, save for a handful of students in each year that decided to stay.

It was only a day after her experience with Draco and Snape, and Johanna's head was caught in a whirl. She had of course said goodbye to him the night before, finally able to indulge in a flurry of kisses. She smiled to herself at the thought, unable to even comprehend how all in the span of one morning, she had gotten herself officially involved with Draco Malfoy. It was only a matter of time before people started talking.

Johanna sat by the Black Lake, bundled up in her robes as she shoved her gloved hands under her armpits. She stared down at the glassy surface of the water while trying to think of anything but how awful this holiday was going to be. With Draco gone, she was all alone. Every friend she knew was home with family and she was stuck at the castle. Aside from a few Slytherins who only tolerated her presence, she knew nobody.

When she tried to join in on a group of Ravenclaws talking about their astronomy projects, she was quickly shunned to the outskirts, forced to pick at her food with a first-year Gryffindor giving her sideways glances.

Johanna groaned to herself, tucking her chin to her chest as she shivered. Suddenly, she felt a ball of snow strike her square in the back. Her eyes narrowed, debating on whether she should bother to see who assaulted her. But she was too wrapped up in keeping herself warm and decided to ignore it.

"Do you always ignore attacks like that or am I catching you at a bad time?" A familiar voice mocked.

"What are you doing here?!" She cried out, scrambling to get up.

Draco plopped into the snow, wrapping an arm around her before she could get to her feet. She fell against him, holding him close as she enjoyed his warmth. He kissed the top of her head and sighed, "I decided to spend this holiday with you. It's a bit morbid at home if I'm being honest."

She raised an eyebrow, "I'm sure your mother would appreciate having you there."

"I know she would. But I couldn't do it. I told her I returned home just to pick up some things. She said she'd send my presents for Christmas and I got back on the train. Besides she's got my aunt to keep her company," He rested his chin on the top of her head, turning her so that her back was against his chest and his arms were wrapped around her body.

"What did you tell her you were staying for?" She breathed, taking hold of his arms.

"I said that I was failing some classes and had to stay behind to remake exams and study," He added quickly, "I wasn't lying! It's technically true except for the remaking exams part. Don't even start with me... I just wanted to see you. I knew you'd be alone and I didn't want to think about that while I suffer at home."

She chuckled, rolling her eyes as she relaxed against him, "You're insane."

"You're insane if you think I'd leave you here."

She scoffed, sucking in a breath as her body shivered. Draco felt this, gently starting to rub her arms to generate more heat for her.

"What are you even doing shivering down by the lake? Would have been a goner if I hadn't come by..." He laughed.

"I wanted to get out of the castle. Hardly even explored the grounds and I've been here for months," She shook her head with a frown.

"Well, then how about we take a walk? That way you can warm up before being buried in the snow. I'd hate to have to explain to Dumbledore that I watched my shadow freeze to death..." He chuckled, pushing up to stand above her. He held out a hand for her to take, hoisting her to her feet so they faced each other.