A loud crack shattered the silence of the Gryffindor Common Room. Fortunately, no students were staying at Hogwarts over Winter Break this year, so there was no need to worry about the House-elf's Apparition startling anyone from their rest.
The Common Room was pitch-black, and an inexplicable chill hung in the air.
Hermione instinctively tugged at her cloak and wrapped it more tightly around herself before drawing her wand and casting the Lumos Charm. Using the faint glow from its tip to survey her surroundings, she gave the House-elf beside her a kind smile. "Thank you, Dobby. I can manage on my own from here."
"Does Miss Hermione really not need Dobby's help?" the House-elf asked worriedly.
"No, I can handle my own affairs," Hermione said gently. "You have plenty to keep you busy too, don't you?"
"All right, then. Good night, Miss Hermione. Dobby hopes you have sweet dreams."
The House-elf gave Hermione a slight bow, then Apparated away.
"All right..."
Muttering to herself, Hermione used magic to levitate the trunk at her feet and sent it back to her dormitory. After examining the gloomy room and icy bed by the light from her wand tip, she cast the Disillusionment Charm on herself to conceal her figure. Then she left the Gryffindor Common Room, heading for Albert's office amid the Fat Lady's startled cries.
Hermione needed to use the Floo Network there to leave Hogwarts, then use the Time-Turner with Albert to return to several hours earlier and attend the Christmas Feast on the other side of the manor.
Watching Albert carefully put away the Time-Turner, Hermione said softly, "The Time-Turner really is useful, but it's a little dangerous."
"Let's go."
Albert smiled and took Hermione's hand. Once Isobel had looped her arm through his, he Apparated with the