The Great Hall at Christmas was not as lively as usual.
The scattered young wizards who had remained at Hogwarts had gathered together as well.
Ron pulled Harry over, while the Weasley Twins dragged Percy along too.
Dylan sat beside them.
They had a very lively lunch.
It was just that cold, sinister glances occasionally drifted over from the High Table.
Yet whenever Dylan looked over, he could not find anyone watching him.
Professor McGonagall, on the other hand, wore a radiant smile. She took little sips of wine now and then, a flush spreading across her cheeks as even her pointed hat slipped crookedly to one side.
When she saw Dylan looking over, she nodded to him.
Dylan smiled back.
After lunch, as they were leaving the Great Hall.
Harry and Ron wanted to invite Dylan to have a snowball fight, but at the mention of it, the previously enthusiastic Weasley Twins instantly wilted.
Percy glanced at his two younger brothers and immediately understood. Those two must have played some prank on Dylan, only to get severely taught a lesson in return.
Just as he was about to say something, Dylan waved at them. "I'm going to the Library to return some books. You guys go have fun."
"Oh! But it's Christmas, Dylan." Ron did not notice his brothers' awkward expressions at all and still tried to pull Dylan into joining them.
In the end, Dylan managed to slip away.
"The three books I borrowed last time are almost due. After returning them, I'll borrow two more copies of Herbology Explained."
As Dylan walked along and turned a corner, he suddenly bumped into Professor Snape, dressed in black robes.
"Oh, Professor Snape, what a coincidence. Merry Christmas~" Dylan looked up and greeted him warmly.
Snape swept his gaze over