When she saw Harley, Professor Dumbledore greeted her with a cheerful smile:
"Harley, Hermione, you're here? Come sit down. Everyone's sitting together today.
After all, there are only so many people left in the castle. Splitting up by house would be ridiculous."
The two of them sat down beside Professor Dumbledore, who proudly showed off his brand-new wool sweater:
"Harley, you're quite skilled with your hands! That must have taken a lot of work."
"Not really." Harley's face turned slightly red, but she hid it by lowering her head.
Before long, Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape arrived too.
Professor Snape had made a point of wearing the new silver scarf he'd received. Even though the Great Hall was very warm, he refused to take it off.
"That scarf looks wonderful. It really suits you," Malfoy said loudly. He was one of the few Slytherins who hadn't gone home.
Professor Snape nodded without saying anything, acknowledging the compliment.
By lunchtime, nearly everyone in the castle had arrived. Most of the elective teachers, who rarely showed their faces, had come to the Christmas feast as well.
"It's a shame Sybill didn't come. I was going to open a bottle of Sherry," Professor Dumbledore said regretfully.
Lunch was lavish. Professor Dumbledore didn't open any Sherry, but he did open a few bottles of Mead.
Professor McGonagall pointed out that there were students present, so Professor Dumbledore shouldn't drink.
But he insisted on having a glass, then poured another toward the European continent.
The drink evaporated rapidly in the air, vanishing without a trace.
Dumbledore didn't suppress the effects of the alcohol, letting it go to his head. The old man's face flushed red, and he wore a look full of memories.
Harley took the opportunity to sample some of the magically made Mead