Outcast

06

It was around mid-December, and Hogwarts was covered in snow. Living in the dungeons in the winter was not something I enjoyed, as it was always freezing in the common room, meaning the fireplace was on at all times. Potions was just as worse.

"I do feel so sorry," said Draco Malfoy, one Potions class, "for all those people who have to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas because they're not wanted at home." I slapped him on the shoulder and stared at him, annoyed, since I was staying at Hogwarts because mum and dad were going to visit Charlie in Romania. He was directing his comment at Harry, who was obviously staying at Hogwarts. I wasn't looking forward to staying at Hogwarts because I would miss visiting Charlie, who is my favorite brother, and I haven't seen Ginny in ages. When Potions was over, I left the dungeon and followed Ron, Harry, and Hermione.

"Hello," I announced.

"What are you doing here?" Ron asked.

"What do you mean?" I asked, confused.

"Why aren't you with Malfoy and his two henchmen?"

"I'm mad at them." I stated simply.

"Why are you mad at them?" Hermione questioned.

"For commenting about staying at Hogwarts for Christmas and... not being wanted." Unfortunately, I related to the last two words greatly. Hermione looked at me sympathetically, as if hearing my thoughts.

We found a large fir tree blocking the corridor ahead. Two enormous feet sticking out at the bottom and a loud puffing sound told them that Hagrid was behind it.

"Hi, Hagrid, want any help?" Ron asked, sticking his head through the branches.

"Nah, I'm all right, thanks, Ron."

"Would you mind moving out of the way?" came Draco from behind us. "Are you trying to earn some extra money, Weasley? Hoping to be gamekeeper yourself when you leave Hogwarts, I suppose -- that hut of Hagrid's must seem like a palace compared to what your family's used to. And what are you doing here, Anna, thought you didn't like your brother?" I winced at Draco's words, I never said that I didn't like him.

Ron dived at Draco just as Snape came up the stairs. "WEASLEY!"

Ron let go of the front of Draco's robes.

"He was provoked, Professor Snape," said Hagrid, sticking his huge hairy face out from behind the tree. "Malfoy was insultin' his family."

"Be that as it may, fighting is against Hogwarts rules, Hagrid," said Snape silkily. "Five points from Gryffindor, Weasley, and be grateful it isn't more. Move along, all of you."

Malfoy, Crabbe, and Goyle pushed roughly past the tree, scattering needles everywhere and smirking. "I'll get him," said Ron, grinding his teeth at Malfoy's back, "one of these days, I'll get him --" I sent a glare at him, reminding him of the conversation we had of which we always avoided.

"I hate them both," said Harry, "Malfoy and Snape."

"Come on, cheer up, it's nearly Christmas," said Hagrid. "Tell yeh what, come with me an' see the Great Hall, looks a treat."

So we followed Hagrid and his tree off to the Great Hall, where Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were busy with the Christmas decorations. "Ah, Hagrid, the last tree -- put it in the far corner, would you?"

"You know, I'd really prefer you not to beat up Draco," I mumbled, only for Ron to hear.

"Well it's not my fault you picked such a twat as a friend," he whisper-yelled.

"I thought we already established the reason behind my choice in friends," I raised my voice.

"Well I don't have to like your judgment," he raised his voice along with mine.