Those Responses

Early the next morning, the cold wind howled, battering the windowpanes.

In the Gryffindor boys' dormitory, the warm air trembled with Harry's voice. "What did Professor Slughorn mean by telling me to find Dumbledore? Wasn't it the Headmaster who wanted me to figure out a way to get his memory?"

Loren yawned without answering.

He had repeated similar questions many times since last night.

The Roommates staying at school did not answer either. Compared to Slughorn's dispensable memory, the gift boxes piled beside their beds were far more eagerly anticipated. Answering the call of their presents, they all threw back their blankets, climbed down, and sat cross-legged on the carpet to unwrap them.

Loren tapped his wand, and the brightly colored gift boxes hopped over and lined up before him. The tangled ribbons naturally loosened, revealing the gifts and cards inside.

Dumbledore's storybook, the sweater Mrs. Weasley had knitted herself, and the snack gift box Neville had sent—these were all Christmas traditions.

His classmates and friends all knew what he liked, so most of their gifts were snacks. Apart from Honeydukes sweets, there were handmade biscuits, such as the Christmas pastries and crispy peanut wafers Mrs. Weasley had sent, as well as dried-fruit sachima made by Winky, Winky, and Dobby using ingredients bought with their own wages...

Looking at the newly unwrapped Potions Master book, Loren was somewhat surprised. He had indeed exchanged gifts with Professor Snape in previous years, but he had not expected the professor to find time to send him a Christmas present amid such circumstances.

He was a little touched.

After thinking for a moment, Loren took out his communicator and cautiously sent a holiday greeting.

Loren: "Merry Christmas, Professor Snape."

"..."

After waiting several minutes, there was predictably no reply.

Loren pondered briefly, then used