Linley's Christmas Eve

The weather gradually turned colder.

Hogwarts officially began its Christmas holiday.

Before leaving, Cedric had invited Linley to spend Christmas with his family, but Linley had declined.

He had been in this world for over ten years and still wasn't accustomed to the holiday. Moreover, Christmas was meant to be spent with family, and it wouldn't be appropriate for an outsider like him to join.

As for Ian, although he no longer minded spending time with Linley and Cedric, their relationship hadn't progressed to the point where he would invite Linley home to meet his parents.

After a few days of interaction, Linley had figured out Ian's family background.

Like him, Ian came from a pure Muggle family. However, Ian had both a father and a mother, unlike Linley, who was an orphan.

Hogwarts began to feel deserted. Very few young wizards remained in the castle, and even meal times were no longer segregated by house. Instead, the remaining young wizards shared a single table.

Professor Foxx didn't seem like he was planning to leave Hogwarts either. Linley had cautiously brought it up once, and the professor had replied that he was a bachelor now, and wherever he was, that was his home.

The day before Christmas, Professor McGonagall informed all the students staying behind that Professor Dumbledore would be spending Christmas Eve with them in the Great Hall that evening.

On Christmas Eve, Linley arrived at the Great Hall, which had been meticulously decorated by the professors.

A giant Christmas tree stood in the center. Hagrid had personally selected it from the Forbidden Forest, and Linley had greeted him when he carried it over that morning.

The shimmering little stars floating on the Christmas tree were Professor Flitwick's doing.

Given his height, casting spells on the Christmas tree wasn't easy. He had to stand on two stools, and he even asked two young wizards to help steady them to prevent him from falling.

Professor McGonagall had conjured many ribbons, bells, and garlands all over the Great Hall earlier, making the once monotonous hall much more vibrant.

Professor Sprout's floral arrangements and Professor Snape's less-than-gloomy expression added to the festive atmosphere at Hogwarts.

Although there weren't many students left at the school, almost all the single professors were present, including Hagrid, who wasn't a professor yet, the castle caretaker Filch, the librarian Madam Pince, and the school nurse Madam Pomfrey. Everyone gathered together.

Not only the living, but also the ghosts of Hogwarts were there. They escorted Peeves, forcing him to dress up as a reindeer. Led by the Bloody Baron, they too arrived at the Great Hall to join the feast.

Professor Dumbledore had been seated at the center of the long table for quite some time. Today, he wore a red Santa hat and had a gentle smile on his face, looking just like a harmless, friendly old neighbor.

The feast was equally lavish. The long table was laden with Western delicacies: enormous turkeys treated with a swelling charm, tree trunk cakes that looked like actual wood, German gingerbread, sausages, roast suckling pig, and a Christmas pudding for everyone.

After the young wizards, professors, and ghosts sang Christmas carols to the Christmas tree, the feast officially began.

The professors did not sit together but were scattered among the young wizards. Linley's seat was rather peculiar; he was sitting next to Professor Dumbledore.

This was the first time he had been so close to the greatest white wizard of the 20th century. Dumbledore indeed looked very old, with white hair and beard, loose skin, and many wrinkles.

Yet, he still appeared energetic, not like a centenarian.

"Linley Belloc, correct?" Dumbledore's gaze always conveyed a sense of trustworthiness. When Linley first entered, it was Dumbledore who beckoned him over to sit beside him.

Linley felt a little uneasy. Dumbledore was arguably the most powerful wizard in this world. He wasn't sure if the Legilimency he received as a system reward would work. Furthermore, he didn't understand why the Headmaster, who hadn't been seen at the school for half a semester, recognized him.

"Yes, Professor. You know me?" Linley's nervousness wasn't an act.

Dumbledore chuckled.

"Adrien mentions you to me frequently, saying you're the most outstanding student he's ever met at Hogwarts."

Well, the culprit was found!

Linley's expression darkened. He had been betrayed by the professor he trusted the most.

He subtly glanced at Professor Foxx, who was chatting with Professor McGonagall, then shook his head.

"Professor Foxx is too kind. I still have a long way to go. Among the young wizards I know, Cedric in the second year and Ian in my year are both more capable than me."

"They are indeed talented students, but don't underestimate yourself. You all have bright futures ahead."

Dumbledore was carefully savoring his Christmas pudding. Known as "Old Bee," he, like Linley, had a great fondness for sweets.

"Have you been getting along well during your time at Hogwarts?"

"The professors are all very kind, my classmates are friendly, and magic is fascinating. Compared to living alone before, calling this place paradise wouldn't be an exaggeration."

Linley felt his flattery was spot on and would surely please Old Bee immensely.

Indeed, Dumbledore chuckled happily, but his next sentence made Linley unable to join in the laughter.

"I heard from Minerva that your roommates attempted to frame you while I was away from Hogwarts. Don't you resent them?"

Linley pondered Dumbledore's meaning internally but couldn't come up with any clear thoughts. He could only brace himself and say, "Of course, I have some grievances, Professor. But as you know, Hubert has already suffered enough punishment in his current state. Besides, I can't change their minds. I don't hate them; I just want to avoid them."

Linley's emotions seemed a bit low. Dumbledore comforted him, "Belloc, everyone has their own convictions. You don't need to bear anything because of others' prejudice. Think of your friends and the professors who care about you. They are all people you can trust."

"Thank you, Professor Dumbledore."

"You're welcome. Try this pudding; it's absolutely delicious."

While the teachers and students of Hogwarts were celebrating Christmas Eve, in front of the door to the castle's underground storeroom, a little girl in a white dress was happily gnawing on a steak in her hand.

Her hands were greasy, and the area around her mouth was smudged with oil. As she ate, she patted the wooden door with her small hand.

"Sophia wants another piece!"

Shortly after, another piece of steak suddenly appeared on the empty plate in front of her.

The person behind the wooden door said something, and Sophia, so happy she was about to cry, nodded repeatedly.

"I know, I know! I'll leave after I'm full. I definitely won't make Linley suspicious."

I know, I know. I'll post it after I finish writing, and the esteemed readers will definitely vote for me.