Christmas was the most important holiday in Europe, and with guests from two other schools visiting this year, Hogwarts' Christmas Ball was shaping up to be grander than ever.
Everywhere was decorated and bustling with excitement.
Everyone wore a smile, and even Snape, who usually wore a stern expression, seemed more relaxed in class.
"Class dismissed."
He put away his textbook and swept his hair behind his ears, revealing a round face that had grown plump and ruddy.
"Don't forget your homework."
"Hurrah!"
The young wizards cheered and headed out of the Potions classroom in pairs.
Klein didn't hurry to leave. He stayed behind until everyone else was gone.
"Grindelwald, is something the matter?"
Snape glanced at his precious disciple. He knew perfectly well what was going on, but deliberately asked anyway.
"Headmaster, this is your gift for this year."
Klein took a small box from his pocket and, with a smile, set it on Snape's desk.
Snape looked at it, pondered for a few seconds, then opened his textbook and pulled out a sheet of paper.
"In that case, this is for you."
"Thank you, Headmaster. Merry Christmas."
Klein took the paper, carefully put it away, and gave him a sincere smile.
"So, how are your preparations for the opening dance going?"
Suppressing his curiosity, Snape didn't touch the gift Klein had given him just yet. He leaned casually against the desk, his tone unchanged, though his gaze grew gentler.
"There's no need to prepare. It doesn't matter."
Klein couldn't help smiling ruefully.
It was supposed to be just a casual dance, but somehow it had attracted so much attention that even someone as cold and aloof as Snape had asked about it.
"Absolutely not. You're representing Hogwarts. How can you just take it casually?"
Snape's expression turned uncharacteristically