"She's your what?!"

"Ron, for the third time, Mavis is my godmother. If you ask again, I'll hex you so you can't say anything at all, let alone stupid questions," said Anna tiredly.

After seeing her absence in the dorm for the previous evening, two certain Gryffindors couldn't help but poke in her business. So, the morning had consisted of her fessing up what had happened the previous night - everything except for her reconcile with Harry.

"I do have a question, though," started Hermione carefully, "Why would you forgive Professor Mavis so quickly? You're usually not one to give in that easily...no offence."

"Well...I understand what it's like to have the evil in your life consume you. She didn't mean it-"

"Are you looking for a mother in her?" she asked, receiving a cold look from Anna.

"No. And even if I were, I bet anyone would be better than what I would've had. Leah was said to be either brilliant or a whore. Either way, I don't know enough to be attached," Anna said bitterly, resisting the temptation to fiddle with the new bracelet on her wrist.

"What does she even look like?" asked Ron. The blonde handed her a photo from her bag, the one she'd kept from Sirius' funeral. "Bloody hell, your mum was hot!"

"Ron, you're a disgusting git," muttered Harry, snatching the picture back. He caught Anna's thankful eyes, returning her small smile. "Anyway, are you ready for the match today?"

The redhead turned dangerously pale, the bright maroon and yellow of his uniform a strange contrast to the sheen of his sudden paper skin. "Don't remind me...is it too late to drop out of the team?"

"Stop it, you'll do fine, it's only the first game!"

The past week had been a rough one for Ron and everyone that encountered him. The ginger was a painfully inconsistent and self-deprecating player. He also had anger issues, becoming loud and violent multiple times. 

These issues wove their way into the four's friendship as well. Ron was especially mean to Hermione, constantly shutting her down and ignoring anything sensible she had to say. Anna saw the likeness of an old married couple between them, both constantly fighting with neither backing down. 

Harry was the only one who could talk sense into the red-head. He was a perfect mixture of kind and stern, encouraging and harsh, any two traits that could balance on a razor blade. 

"Ron, calm down," said Harry carefully, holding back a smile. "You haven't even had a substantial breakfast or anything to drink...What do you want? Pumpkin juice, coffee, or tea-"

"I want to starve!" he yelled dramatically, receiving confused looks. Ron sighed and put his head down in defeat, mumbling 'pumpkin juice'.

Harry made mild conversation, pouring the juice and bringing out a vial of golden liquid as well. He tipped it over the drink quickly before giving the glass to Ron. "Cheers, mate."

"Don't drink it!" exclaimed Hermione, "He put something in it, he's even holding the evidence!"

"You're mental," said Anna with a smirk, watching Harry put away the bottle quickly.

"I couldn't care less. I hope you poisoned me." And with that, the ginger tipped the drink back, downing it in a gulp.

Hermione's eyes were lit with anger, "He probably did! I'm going to go before he drops dead!"

"You're not invited to the funeral!" called Ron after her, receiving a glare.

They ate and chatted, trying to distract Ron from his impending doom. After a bit, Anna felt a tap on her shoulder and turned around, greeted by a pair of electric-blue eyes that held pride, but also a bit of hurt and confusion. She had a feeling it had to do with her standing him up the previous night. "Caspar? What-"

"We need to talk."

The words sent a jolt to Anna's heart. Although she was nervous with the situation itself, the fact that Harry was glaring harshly made her feel embarrassed. "I, uh, can it wait? People might notice-"

"No, it can't," he said sitting next to her. "And that's what I wanted to talk to you about. I'm sorry that I said we had to keep it a secret...I was just worried for certain reasons, but I've realized that I don't care anymore."

"Caspar, please...it's fine, really," pleaded Anna. Although she was confused about where this was coming from, she didn't want to speak of it at the moment, in fear of gathering attention. It was one aspect that she liked about their relationship: it was under wraps.

"No! It's been a month and I've realized you're more important than anyone else's opinion-"

"What the bloody hell are you on about?" questioned Ron, oblivious as could be.

Caspar grinned, standing up. His voice became loud and proud. "Oh, I'll tell you what I'm talking about...I love Anna Black! She's beautiful and bold and perfect, and I don't give a damn what anyone says! We've been dating for a bit, and I have faith that it'll last...I'm so lucky!"

Everyone's eyes were on the couple, and some clapped while others sat in shock, as they thought she dated Harry.

Anna's face burned red with embarrassment, and she wished she could just crawl into a hole and die. The look of severe disdain that Harry gave her made it all worse.

"There's nothing to see, so stop gawking," she barked, making many gazes quickly snap back to their plates

Ron's eyes were rounder than a prophecy and his mouth was open so wide he could fit in a whole meal. "You guys...you're dating?!"

"Merlin have mercy," muttered Harry as he facepalmed. "Yes, mate."

"Bloody hell! Is that why you sneak off so much-"

"Okay, stop, enough, we're done here." Anna regained her composure. "Caspar, I appreciate the...well, whatever that was, but we need to go to the Pitch."

"Oh, okay," said the boy sheepishly, his voice holding strained defeat.

She whispered in his ear, "We'll talk later...I'm happy you care. I really do appreciate it."

Caspar broke out into a grin, giving her a sweet kiss that made her heart pump warm, pure love into her veins. He gave her a wave before starting towards the door.

Before either of the boys could tease her, she said, "Let's go. Slytherin's gonna beat us if we're late."

The three walked to the pitch, the frosty grass crunching beneath their feet. The cold air burned their lungs in the most refreshing way possible, and they knew it was going to be a lively game.

They were greeted by Demelza who was shaking with joy. "Guys! I've got some awesome news! One of the Slytherins chasers took a bludger to the head. Even better is that Malfoy's out sick too!"

"Brilliant-"

"No! T-that's not good!" stated Anna, her eyes wide with fear. "Do you know what's wrong?"

"Um, all I was told is that Harper's taking his place...sorry, Anna."

The blonde's mind raced trying to figure out what was wrong. Draco had been looking worse with every passing day, becoming so withdrawn Anna had barely seen him anywhere. He skipped meals and classes. She wanted so badly to talk to him, to help him...but how? 

She knew he had dark affiliations, but she couldn't bear to believe it. So, she gave in to his issues, ignoring him as he asked.

"How lucky, eh Ron?"

"Wait..." the ginger pondered for a bit, "Did you...did you actually put it in my drink? The luck potion?!"

"We better get going, yeah?" suggested Anna blandly, heading to the changing room. She just wanted to get this game done and over with...it'd be odd not seeing her cousin on a broom, egging Harry and the others on the whole game.

It was funny seeing those in her house get worked up over childish insults. They had no idea how similar the two houses were.

The team got ready, exchanging words of encouragement, especially to Ron. He didn't need it, though, as he believed to have Felix on his side.

They entered the pitch, smirking at the crippled green team. Harry shook hands with their captain, Urquhart, as he claimed he didn't want to "catch the madness" by touching Anna. 

With the blow of a whistle, the game began, the players became blurs in the air.

The game consisted of short-lived snarky comments from new Hufflepuff announcer Zacharias Smith, immense cheering - the loudest from Caspar - and extraordinary skills from every team member.

Demelza, Dean, and Katie scored many goals and easily dodged bludgers. Anna and Jimmy hit everyone on the other team at least once, their charisma in the game was almost on par with the twins. Harry, of course, did great catching the snitch.

But Ron, oh Merlin. 

It was the first time the team had seen him play well, to be frank. Ron had saved every goal, even if it had been by his fingertips or nearly falling off the broom, he did a phenomenal job...and everyone knew it, especially himself.

"You shouldn't have done it, Harry! That was illegal and you know it!" said Hermione exasperatedly once she met up with them after the game.

Harry turned away to pack up his bag so they couldn't see his smirk while Anna merely watched, internally gloating. "Done what?"

"Ron only saved all those goals because you slipped him Felix Felicis!"

The raven-haired boy pulled out the vial from his pocket and tossed it to her, its wax seal unbroken. Ron's face broke into a grin while Hermione turned bright red.

"Ron only saved those goals because you slipped him Felix Felicis!" mocked Harry. "Yeah, right. Ron did it on his own, he only thought he was lucky."

"Yeah, take that, Hermione! I can do something right without anyone's help!"

"Oh shut it, you thought he put it in," she spat.

"Yeah, thought, but I've still got the skills." Ron's head was held high as he slung the broom over his shoulder and started for the door. "If you'll excuse me, I'm going to go to my party in the Common Room."

Harry and Anna felt uncomfortable now upon seeing Hermione's trembling expression, not expecting the plan to backfire.

"Well, I'm not going, I don't want to feed into his ego," she said quietly, leaving the changing room as well. 

Anna went after her, grabbing her by the arm. "Hermione, you really should come."

The bushy-haired girl spun around, her face red with anger. A jolt of fear flooded through Anna. "Why?! So you guys can cut me out of your group like always? So you can make me feel bad? So your ego can overrule any of my common sense? No thanks."

"'Mione, it was just to help him-"

"It's not just that...you don't get it, I've always been the odd one out. You and everyone else always put me down, and, quite frankly, I don't think I deserve it."

Anna knew she was right and these words pained her. The topic of conversation was always about everyone except for her. Nobody asked how she was doing nor did they give her much credit. Harry and Anna were always in the limelight, and Ron was charismatic and funny to make up for it. Hermione was just a know-it-all.

Yet she was right, she always was the sensible one, and they very much so needed that constantly.

"Hermione, we do love and care about you. Sometimes we just get wrapped up in our own issues and drama," said Anna carefully. "We need to be less selfish though, you're right, and I promise we will be...now, just come to the party, it's can't hurt anything. We want you to be a part of it."

"I'll think about it," she stated simply and walked off, leaving Anna wondering if she had said enough.

The party was insane but fun. Everyone greeted and congratulated Harry and Anna upon their arrival, which they tried to make lowkey. They attempted to be modest, as they really just wanted to hang out together...but that didn't work out too well.

Many girls kept trying to cling to Harry, especially the gorgeous Romilda Vane. She was trying to get Harry to invite her to Slughorn's Christmas party. And, although he shrugged it off, Anna had a feeling he wanted to say yes.

She ignored the stab to her heart. 

The night went on though, as they ended being encountered by everyone at some point, but that wasn't the main event, it was Ron.

The ginger's head should've been physically swelled with ego, as he was more brutish and conceited than ever before. He took all of the credit, recognition, and attention from girls.

Especially Lavender Brown. 

The two ended up snogging in front of everyone, receiving cheers and wolf whistles...but not everyone was impressed.

Hermione had slipped out, and Harry followed only seconds later, concerned as ever. Anna had been away from them in that moment but still knew Hermione had been hurt, as she always had fancied him.

She left the party, searching for her friends, after a few minutes, she heard crying down the corridor. The two were seated on a step, and, as she was about to intervene, she stopped when she realized they were deep in each other's comfort.

"Hermione, you know he didn't mean it-"

"Just shut it, Harry! Don't act like you don't understand!" she cried, her voice strained. "I know how you feel about Anna, how much you hurt whenever she's with anyone else. You look at her with as much love as you did six years ago! You're hopelessly in love, and you can't deny it!"

"I-"

"Especially when she and Ron dated...oh, Harry, you know how much it hurt! And all you can do is stand back and hope she'll realize what's right in front of her-"

"I'm trying to move on," he cut her off calmly. "Yes, I still love her, but I can't be in love with her if it's not mutual. She told me to get over her...so I am."

"Oh, really?"

"Yes."

They sat in silence, his arm around her. Hermione stared up at him, thoughts madly swirling in her mind, be he didn't seem to notice. 

"Harry?" she whispered.

He turned to face her, but before he could respond, Hermione's lips connected with his. They both felt a jolt of...something.

Anna stood there, every nerve in her body burning with pure agony. She wanted to scream, to fight, to do anything to stop them, especially when they deepened the kiss, yet her body was paralyzed with pain and her voice was stolen by heartbreak.

She hated Hermione for taking advantage. She hated him for kissing her back. She hated herself for being a selfish hypocrite.

She knew she was wrong for being angry, acting as if she were any better. She even told Harry to move on, to love someone else, but the mere idea of doing so pained her. She wanted Harry to be hers and only hers, even if they were together.

I hate love, she thought bitterly, watching her two best friends through her hot tears.

They were interrupted by giggling from further down the hall. Upon seeing Ron and Lavender enter the room, she scrambled back to the Common Room, her heart racing with fear and anger and jealousy.

As she filled her cup and her rage was spiked by burning Butterbeer, she silently wished she was Hermione in that moment, kissing Harry, but still felt a sense of hatred towards the muggle-born.

Love was cruel.

~=~

Hey everyone! Sorry this chapter was late, as I've been extremely busy with work and finals. Luckily, it's over now, so I'm going to be able to do more...

1) I will most likely be releasing a new story soon! It'll be a greek-ish HP one. No, it won't have Percy Jackson and the crew, but it'll still incorporate some similar themes. I'm hoping it'll work out and won't be a flop.

2) Okay, so I wrote a Draco story about a year ago. It was about that Hufflepuff who had to change her identity and starts falling for Malfoy and all that jazz? Well, I think I'm going to continue it...should I? Pls let me know!

Anyway, that's about all. My next update should be sometime soon, but just in case, Happy Holidays!

~Question of the chapter~
What are you plans for break/the holiday? Any cool traditions?
(I binge 'A Christmas Story' ALL DAY on Christmas Day!)

Pls vote, comment, follow, and keep reading :)

Love to all,
Lumos