The Christmas holiday officially began, and Hogwarts instantly emptied out. Most of the students had gone home, leaving only a scattered few in the castle, their footsteps echoing hollowly through the corridors. Unceasing snow blanketed the castle and grounds, as though everything had fallen into winter slumber. But to Snape and Lin Yanqing, this silence was fraught with uneasy tension.
The abandoned classroom was far less accommodating than the Room of Requirement. They could rely only on limited warming charms, while cold winds occasionally slipped through the cracks in the windows. Snape seemed wholly unaffected by the conditions, devoting even more time to brewing potions and practicing defensive magic, as if he meant to turn all his unease and anger into strength. Lin Yanqing continued with his protective embroidery, slowly but steadily improving under Snape's occasional cutting remarks.
On Christmas Eve, darkness fell early, and snowflakes drifted down soundlessly. Only a dim magical lamp was lit in the classroom. Snape was checking a complicated potion formula, while Lin Yanqing was finishing his latest work—a pair of gloves embroidered with basic protective runes.
Suddenly, there was a soft knock on the classroom door.
Both of them immediately went on guard, their wands aimed at the door at the same time. Who could it be at this hour?
A slightly timid voice came from outside. "S-Severus? Are you in there? It's Lily."
Snape's body stiffened almost imperceptibly. He shot Lin Yanqing a complicated look, then strode quickly to the door. Instead of opening it at once, he lowered his voice and asked, "What is it?"
"I... I'm going home tomorrow for Christmas." Lily's voice came through the door, carrying a hint of hesitation. "I... I brought you some Christmas cake my mum made. I know you probably won't be attending the feast..."