Lynn's fingers brushed over the slightly clumsy star pattern on the scarf, feeling the softness and warmth of the wool. He could picture Hermione awkwardly holding her knitting needles, unraveling and reknitting it again and again just to make those stars as perfect as possible. That earnest effort, however clumsy, touched the cold Star Domain within him more directly than any exquisite magical creation could.
"Thank you." Lynn's voice was low, carrying an unprecedented gentleness and warmth. He did not put it on immediately. Instead, he carefully folded the scarf and placed it on his lap, his long fingers unconsciously stroking the row of deep-blue stars as if feeling the sentiment woven into them.
Hermione watched his movements, her little face flushed like a ripe apple with shyness and anticipation. Gathering her courage, she asked with a trace of barely perceptible nervousness, "Aren't you... going to try it on? I don't know whether the length is right..."
Lynn looked up at her. The golden firelight danced in her bright eyes, reflecting her cautious concern. He nodded, picked up the scarf, and calmly wrapped it around his neck, letting both ends hang over his chest. The pale golden wool softened his composed features somewhat, while the two rows of deep-blue stars rested right above his heart, faintly resonating through his clothing with the Star Stone.
"It fits perfectly." Lynn's voice was quiet but certain. The scarf's warmth wrapped around his neck, driving away the last trace of chill brought by the castle's stone walls. It felt as though that warmth could soothe him all the way to his heart.
Hermione's eyes lit up at once, as brilliant as though the entire Milky Way had fallen into them. Seeing him wear the scarf, she felt an enormous swell of satisfaction and sweetness, and all her earlier unease vanished. She unconsciously touched the Star Moon Brooch she had just pinned to her chest. The cool Silver Moon and warm Star Stone against her skin gave her an oddly reassuring feeling.
"Mine... looks lovely too," she said softly, her fingertips gently tracing the flowing starlight and moonlight on the brooch as the blush on her cheeks deepened.
The fireplace flames flickered, stretching their shadows until they blended softly across the scarlet carpet. The air was filled with the scent of pine, the sweetness of cocoa, and a faint fresh fragrance from a girl's hair. In the distance, Harry and Ron were quietly arguing over where the final puzzle piece belonged. Neville's snores were soft and steady, while muffled laughter and little popping sounds came from Fred and George's direction—probably tests of one of their new products. Everything was shrouded in a warm, peaceful stillness that belonged only to the holidays.
Hermione let out a contented sigh and relaxed into the soft sofa, pulling the blanket closer around herself. She looked at the open copy of Etymological Research on Ancient Runes on Lynn's lap, as well as the Unicorn Tail Hair beside him and the Pen of Stars with the crack at its tip.
"You want to use it to repair your pen?" Hermione asked softly, pointing to the tail hair gleaming with a cold metallic sheen.
"Mm." Lynn picked up the Pen of Stars, his fingers brushing over the sapphire at its tip. Its color was deep and rich, yet marred by a fine crack. "Unicorn Tail Hair contains pure power to ward off evil. It may be able to mend the crack, perhaps even grant it new properties." He paused and looked at Hermione. "Hagrid's gift came at just the right time."
"Do you need help?" Hermione immediately sat upright, her eyes full of interest and eagerness. "The book says Unicorn Tail Hair's magic is extremely pure, but also very... stubborn. Fusing it requires exceptionally delicate guidance and... well... a 'Pure Intent Field' to soothe it?" She recalled the description from the illustrated guide.
Lynn looked at her eager, inquisitive little face and nodded. "The Pure Intent Field is the key." Meaningfully, he glanced at the Moon White Stone pendant at her chest, where a gentle, pure glow was shining.
Hermione immediately understood. Her face reddened again, but she was more excited than embarrassed. She straightened her back, trying to calm herself and focus. As though responding to her will, the Moon White Stone at her chest gave off an even gentler, steadier milky-white halo, like a tiny, pure barrier of moonlight enveloping her. She reached out and, with care and a touch of reverence, lightly touched the cold Unicorn Tail Hair.
The instant her fingertips touched it—
Hummm...
An incredibly faint resonance, as though rising from the depths of the soul, sounded! The cold metallic gleam of the Unicorn Tail Hair seemed to come alive, lighting up with a soft, pure milky-white radiance! The glow formed a marvelous resonance with the light from Hermione's Moon White Stone, blending together as harmoniously as water and milk! At the same time, the Star Stone at Lynn's chest sent out a clear warmth, and deep-blue starlight flashed through his eyes.
Lynn gently brought the tip of the Pen of Stars—the end set with the Starflare Sapphire—close to the Unicorn Tail Hair, which Hermione's intent had soothed and awakened. He used no spell. He merely guided a thread of pure Star Power, as fine as silver filament, carefully toward the crack in the pen's tip, while drawing the pure milky-white current from the Unicorn Tail Hair closer.
The deep-blue Star Power was like starlit solder mending a fracture, while the pure unicorn energy acted as the gentlest adhesive and reinforcement. Within the Pure Intent Field maintained by Hermione, guided by the Star Stone, the two forces slowly and steadily began to close the fine crack under Lynn's incomparably precise control.
It was an exceptionally delicate process, one that allowed no room for the slightest error. Lynn's gaze was as focused as the finest instrument, and fine beads of sweat even formed at his temples. Hermione held her breath as well, concentrating entirely on maintaining the purity and stability of the field. The Moon White Stone glowed steadily and softly, as though singing without sound.
Time seemed to grow thick and slow. Firelight danced across their concentrated profiles. Harry and Ron apparently finished the puzzle and let out a small cheer, but quickly lowered their voices as if afraid of disturbing them. Another muffled thump and quiet complaint came from Fred and George's side.
After an unknown amount of time, just as Hermione began to feel mentally exhausted—
Ting...
A tiny, pleasant chime rang out, like crystal glasses lightly touching!
The fine crack in the deep sapphire at the Pen of Stars' tip had vanished! More than that, the gem's color seemed to have become deeper and purer, and the nebula slowly turning within it appeared to have gained a touch more life! Around the metal band near the tip, close to the gem, a strand of incredibly fine Unicorn Tail Hair fiber had quietly wound itself into place. It was almost invisible to the naked eye, gleaming with pure silver light like a natural magical pattern!
The repair was complete! And it was more perfect than they had expected!
Lynn let out a long breath, the tension in his nerves finally easing. The Star Stone sent out a warm current, as if celebrating. He picked up the restored Pen of Stars and felt the magic flowing within it had become smoother and steadier, with even a trace of pure protective presence.
"It worked!" Hermione also relaxed in relief, her little face full of excitement and accomplishment. The Moon White Stone's light gave a cheerful flicker as well. Looking at the renewed Pen of Stars, she sincerely exclaimed, "It looks even more beautiful now!"
Lynn handed her the pen. Hermione accepted it carefully, her fingertips brushing across its cool body and the sapphire, warm as ever, while sensing the more harmonious power contained within. "It feels... like it has more 'life' now?" she asked curiously.
"Mm. The unicorn's power gave it a trace of pure spirituality." Lynn nodded, his gaze falling on Hermione's face, flushed with healthy color from excitement and concentration. "Your Intent Field was indispensable."
Hermione's cheeks reddened again, but this time with a proud sweetness. She looked at Lynn, then at the pale-gold scarf with star patterns she had knitted herself around his neck, and then at the Star Moon Brooch he had given her on her chest. An indescribable, warm fullness filled her heart. They had exchanged more than gifts—they had exchanged their feelings, their strength, and silent protection and companionship.
"It's nearly midnight," Harry's voice came from the other side of the fireplace, carrying a hint of excitement. "I heard Hogwarts' Christmas bells are special!"
As if to confirm his words, a melodious, resonant peal rang out from deep within the castle. It seemed imbued with magic as it passed through the thick stone walls and howling snowstorm, reaching the tower clearly.
Dong—dong—dong—
The bells were solemn and warm, like the whispers of giants, announcing Christmas' official arrival.
In the common room, Neville woke at the sound of the bells and rubbed his eyes drowsily. Fred and George gave a cheer and tossed several small, faintly golden spheres into the air. The little balls burst overhead, transforming into sparks that would not go out, drifting slowly down like golden snowflakes and drawing a small wave of cheers.
Hermione and Lynn smiled at each other. No more words were needed. There were only the dancing flames in the fireplace, the golden sparks falling through the air, the howling snowstorm beyond the windows, and the melodious bells echoing through the ancient castle, symbols of peace and hope. Beneath their robes, separated by scarf and brooch, the Star Stone and Moon White Stone gave off soft, synchronized glimmers, like two stars quietly resonating and nestling together in the Christmas night sky. Hermione secretly wrapped her blanket more tightly around herself and unconsciously leaned a little closer toward Lynn's warmth, savoring the peaceful beauty of the glowing hearth and their shared understanding. Christmas Eve arrived peacefully beneath magic's blessing.
Before you continue