Christmas was the most important holiday of the year in Britain.
But Igor Karkaroff wasn't feeling particularly cheerful.
"Ugh~"
As he walked through Hogwarts' corridors, the bearded wizard let out a deep sigh.
This was so hard.
Working for the Dark Lord was just too hard.
There was always the threat of bloodshed. Who could stand that?
"I can't go to Slytherin for now; that would be too conspicuous. So I can only try to find a way in through that girl called Granger?"
Muttering to himself, Karkaroff stepped into the Great Hall.
He swept his gaze around the hall, settled on a direction, and ambled over.
"Hello, children."
Straightening his shirt collar and tie, Karkaroff put on what he thought was his kindest, brightest smile and greeted the young Gryffindors at their table.
Silence. Not a word.
As if they hadn't expected a visiting headmaster to strike up a conversation, the young wizards stared at one another in surprise for a long while. Not one of them said anything.
Now it was Karkaroff's turn to feel awkward.
He knew he didn't have the best reputation at Hogwarts, but he was the headmaster of Durmstrang. Was this really how little respect they had for him?
"Ahem."
At that thought, Karkaroff cleared his throat and patiently continued.
"Sorry to interrupt, children. May I sit here?"
"Oh, of course, Mister Karkaroff."
The young wizards finally reacted.
They seemed rather nervous, even stumbling over their words.
Karkaroff didn't mind, though. He kept up his patient smile.
"Phew~ Thank you. Bacon Sandwich? Ha ha, Hogwarts serves a fine breakfast. Much better than what we have at our school."
As someone who had worked his way up to headmaster of a magical school, Karkaroff was quick-witted. His eyes shifted, and he soon found an easy