Okay, I'm back and I think you would agree it's time for a new post! So here it is, all my dear readers!

The aroma of all kinds of delicacies floated around the Great Hall as we ate the Christmas dinner. Our table was filled with scrumptious dishes. Already, my plate had been piled into a mountain of food.

“This is really good,” I commented between mouthfuls to Oliver, who was sitting beside me. (He’d filled Leanne’s spot at the table.)

“Mmhm,” he replied, which I assumed was a “yes”.

Most people were already on their second helpings. Some had left to take walks outside. As for me, I was still on my first serving, trying to savor every bit of food. I noticed Leanne at the far end of the table, not talking to anyone beside her. She kept looking back at the Slytherin table wistfully.

Deciding to not trouble myself on Christmas, I directed my gaze elsewhere, still eating. Soon my stomach was full. Oliver was almost done; he was scraping the remaining food of his plate.

“Want to go for a walk?” He asked brightly. His eyes twinkled at me.

“Sure!” I was eager to take a stroll in the cold outdoors. We fetched our jackets and sauntered outside, where beautiful trees arched. The sky was dark with sprinkles of stars scattered across it.

“I don’t want Christmas to end,” Oliver stated. “I think it’s the best time of the year.”

“Yes, I agree. It’s not only the presents, but just the warmth and love that everyone shows each other.” Pausing for a moment, I muttered, “Well, mostly everybody.” I knew that both our minds flashed to the Slytherins and the fight that the Quidditch team had. I leaned against a nearby tree with a sturdy trunk.

“Let’s not think about it right now,” Oliver suggested quickly. “Let’s think about the good things. I’m so glad that I have you.” He moved closer to me and squeezed my hands. They quickly turned warm.

“You’re the best thing that’s happened to me this year.” My cheeks flushed pink with my abrupt but honest statement.

“You’re the best thing that’s happened to me my whole life,” Oliver said, and drew my face closer to his, kissing me softly.

The same electricity flowed through me as our lips touched. I threw my arms around his neck. His hands rested on the small of my back.

When we pulled away, he gently kissed my neck. “I love you so much.” It was barely a whisper.

Leaning my head on his shoulder, I murmured, “I love you too.” I felt as though I was floating with pleasure.

He pressed me close to his body. I could feel his breath in my hair as his fingers traced my back. Tingles ran down my spine. We stayed in that position for a while, just soaking up each other, definitely not wanting to let go.