The Weasley in Ravenclaw | Draco Malfoy

Silly Rumors

Christmas was Elizabeth Weasley's favorite time of year. The breathtaking scenery of the snowy landscapes, the warm fuzzy-feeling around the fire with a cup of hot cocoa, the loved ones surrounding one another while singing Christmas carols; there was nothing better.

Under normal circumstances, Elizabeth would spend Christmas Eve with her sister, staying up as late as they possibly could, telling one another what they wanted that year and what would be the most embarrassing gift to receive from a family member. (Among other things.) This year, however, was anything but normal.

Following the realization Harry Potter was a Parseltongue, Ginny came up to her in the middle of the hallway one morning while switching classes and all but accused Elizabeth of being in love with the boy. How incredibly ridiculous the statement was. Yet, it didn't stop the latest rumors of Elizabeth Weasley and Harry Potter being head-over-heels in love with each other. Elizabeth rolled her eyes whenever anyone approached her, asking about it or whispering as she passed by.

She was twelve-years-old for Merlin's sake!

So, instead of spreading Christmas Eve with Ginny, along with Ron, Hermione, and Harry, in the Gryffindor common room, Elizabeth found herself nestled up in front of the fireplace in the Ravenclaw tower reading a book about the Muggle Christmas myth of Krampus. Both Isobel and Terry went home for the holiday, so the girl was practically alone with some upperclassmen and a handful of housemates she didn't really socialize with often.

"That's quite the book you've got there," Elizabeth looked up from its pages to see Anthony Goldstein, a fellow second year student, staring at the cover. "Muggles have some strange beliefs, don't they?"

Elizabeth never interacted with Anthony Goldstein.

From what Terry told her about the boy, he was a rather quiet individual who stuck close to his close-knit group of friends, most of whom were in Hufflepuff. A decent student all around, but really excelled at Charms and Transfiguration. Though smart(ish), he did have a knack for getting into trouble every now and then. Even pranking his fellow housemates.

Fred and George would be proud.

"I'll say," Elizabeth marked her page before placing the book on the side table. "How come you're staying at school for the break?"

"My parents are taking a much needed vacation, and I, being the amazing son that I am, told them I had no problem staying at school. They can have some much needed alone time," Anthony answered, running a hand through his somewhat long, honey-colored hair. "I don't even remember the last time they went somewhere without me."

"You must be a handful when you are out of school."

"The absolute worst," he shook his head with a proud smile on his round face. "I'm sure your mom can relate. Your brothers are Fred and George, after all."

"You got me there," Elizabeth chuckled. "It is never peaceful at my house."

"Is that why you decided to stay back this year?" he asked, tilting his head to the side.

"Not intentionally," she answered. "My brother and sister were staying back and I haven't been able to spend much time with them since school started. I figured being in a somewhat empty castle with them would be a good way to catch up. Until Ginny got jealous of me for no reason. She's been acting strange all year."

"Oh, so you're not actually madly in love with The Chosen One, already have your wedding planned out, and know the names of your three future children?"

"Is that really what the gossip has turned into?" Elizabeth groaned, tossing her head back. "We are twelve-years-old!"

"What's a year at Hogwarts without crazy rumors going around, aye?" Anthony slid into the neighboring chair. "What are the chances we have a normal school year without something bad happening?"