Christmas Day was here. How? I didn't know. Even before my eyes had let in the light of day, I could hear the church bells from the castle's stone spire. Due to all the drama and excitement from the ball, I had almost forgotten that it was Christmas eve, as well as the day that followed it. And with that, a new year was on the horizon.

I was beyond happy to have my two closest friends back and now, I couldn't imagine spending a Christmas without them. The three of us had decorated our own beds with holly and tinsel and there was a miniature tree in the centre of the room, that we all shared.

I stretched out my limbs and yawned as I sat up. My dress was hung up over the door and three pairs of high heeled shoes were dotted about around the floor. The two of them were obviously not going to be awake; I knew that before I even opened my eyes, even if it was Christmas morning. I didn't expect anyone else to be up either. I therefore decided to sit by the windowsill and stare out onto the vast winter wonderland that surrounded the castle's grounds.

As I gazed onto the blanket of snow, I wondered to myself how on earth it was already December. I was eighteen. I only had a few months left of school and I had no idea what I was going to do once I left. Hogwarts was my home and had been my life for the last six and a half years.

But why worry about that? I still had, what eight months? There was still two tasks left in the tournament and Harry Potter was still at school. I had time for more excitement. So, while sat on the window side by my bed, I decided to focus on the present. And the fact 1994 ended next week, I thought best to ignore the rest of it.

"A New Year's resolution without a solid plan is just a wish."

That's what my mum used to tell me. I guessed the only resolution I could think of was be better, honestly. I had hurt a lot of people while I was here, even when I thought I was improving.

That's when Y/O/N flew through the window, letter in beak and a small, brown paper wrapped box.

Y/N,

Merry Christmas. I do hope this get's to you in time.
All is well here in London, and I hope the same for you at Hogwarts.

Enjoy the sweets, just like we used to.

Yours,
Sirius

I smiled to myself, even at the thought of whatever was in the mysterious package, of which I was now unwrapping. All butters. The grin on my face widened. They were our favourites. We used to eat at least five boxes of these toffees together at Christmas, back when he wasn't in hiding. I remember it used to make me laugh when we always used to get them stuck in our teeth.

Just when I thought I wasn't possible, I heard the rustling of sheets and I groan. Spencer was finally waking up. She sat up and yawned and then noticed me, candy in hand, sat by the closed window.

"Merry Christmas Y/N."

"Merry Christmas Spence."

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"Sooo, you girls coming to the new years party next week? I heard Malfoy is planning one in the Slytherin common room." Ava said, the three of us enjoying our lunches in the great hall.

"Av, it's only boxing day. Christmas just happened. How are you already thinking about new years?" I said.

"Because Y/N, like I said, a party, in our common room. We never have parties at this school, it's kinda tragic." she nodded.

"Hmm let me think, maybe because we're not allowed them." I suggested sarcastically.

She gave me a look and huffed, "anyways, I expect you both to be there."

"Oh no, no, no, I'll be there. It's about time I let of some steam." I said, taking a bite of my apple.

"Great." she gleamed with pride and excitement.

"Speaking of steam, Diggory's looking at you." Spencer leaned in and I looked over. Sure enough, our eyes met soon after. I gave him a sort of awkward smile and broke the gaze as soon as I could.

"I miss you two." Ava said, pouting and I huffed in amusement, "what??"

"You don't 'miss us'. I don't even think I miss him." I shrugged through the complete lie. I did. And a lot at that. I missed his laugh. His overly charming smile. His comforting hugs that seemed to brighten up the world. I missed everything. Especially the part when we were together.

"I think you should apologise to him. Or at least let him apologise to you. You haven't let him get a word in since you two broke up."

"I spoke to him at the ball." I defended.

"And how did that end?" Spencer tutted.

"I...told him to...basically leave me alone." I took a sip from my tea to avoid any of their eye contact.

"Y/N? Why? He misses you, a lot. I'm pretty sure he's still in love with you." Spencer pointed out.

"What?" I chuckled, "he never 'loved me'. We were just a couple."

"Just a couple. Honey, you were in love with him. It was obvious. I don't see how you can get over someone that easily."

"That obvious huh?" I said, glumly.

"So you're admitting it to us?" Ava said.

"I'm not just admitting it to you, I'm admitting it to myself."

"You were in love with him?"

I still was.

My eyes drifted towards him, like they did every meal and I rested my head on my hand, "how could I not?"

•·················•·················•

I thought it was best. The girls were right; I should apologise to him. I wanted him back in my life, even if we weren't together.

"Cedric! Hey, wait up." I ran up towards him and he turned to face me. "Could I talk to you for a minute?"

"Uh sure."

"Umm, alone?" I said to the two boys stood beside him, scratching the back of my neck.

"Oh yeah, boys, I'll see you later." he said and the two of them scoffed and walked off, out of view. "What was it?"

"I...just wanted to apologise. I was a pretty shitty person and I'm sorry for that. So, if you'l have me back, even as just a friend, that would be great." I fumbled with my fingers.

He chuckled and I looked up confused. "You're getting pretty good at apologies, huh Y/L/N?"

I too laughed and shook my head, "so is that a...yes?"

"Of course. I've missed you. But I'm the one that should be apologising. I was the shitty one. It was wrong of me not to put you first and I apologise for that. And about the bench, seriously that meant-''

''Oh, don't. Please.'' I bit my lip and smiled, "...but, apology accepted. I'll see you later?"

"Yeah, definitely."

"Great." I gave him a small wave and began walking away.

"Hey Y/N?"

"Yes?" I said, almost trying to hide the excitement I now had knowing the conversation had not in fact ended.

"Are you gonna be at that new years party everyone is talking about?"

I began approaching him again, "hmm the one that will be in my common room? Yeah, I mean I'll try and make it." I said sarcastically.

He laughed, "I must admit, I've missed your sarcasm. But I'll see you there?"

"Yeah, course." I nodded.

"Great." he had now began turning around, in order to head towards the end of the corridor.

"Merry Christmas Cedric."

"Merry Christmas Y/N." he smiled and now, he had left.

But I felt amazing. The happiest I had been all week. As I watched his figure disappear into the crowd of students, I heard myself squeal slightly, causing a few looks in my direction. But frankly, I didn't care.

•·················•·················•

do y'all know what boxing day is btw? or is that just a uk thing? idk. anyways its the 26th of dec (day after xmas)

and i've had such bad writer's block, so bare with me xo