Christmas Party

On the night of December 20, Hogwarts Castle was wrapped in a warm glow that seemed almost like a festive dream. Snow fell soundlessly beyond the windows, while the towers and corridors looked tranquil and distant in the darkness, as though even the shadow of war had been temporarily shut outside.

Professor Slughorn's office, however, was as lively as ever.

The fire in the hearth burned brightly, its sparks crackling as they reflected off the golden snowflakes floating beneath the ceiling. The walls were covered with photographs and clippings of his former "favorite students." The smiling faces flickered in the firelight, as if silently reminding the guests—this was the gateway to the "future."

The Slug Club's Christmas party had already begun.

Hermione stood near the bookshelves, holding a cup of hot apple cider, her expression polite and restrained. She was clearly unused to this sort of social occasion, yet she still made an effort to speak quietly with Melinda Bobbin.

By comparison, the atmosphere on Daphne's side was much more relaxed.

The Carrow Sisters were especially eye-catching. Hestia stood ramrod straight, her gaze alert, as though she were unconsciously assessing everything around her. Flora, meanwhile, smiled with abandon as she wandered through the crowd with a wineglass in hand. Every now and then, she would join a conversation and toss out an ambiguous joke, drawing low laughter.

The highlight of the party was The Weird Sisters' brief appearance.

The moment the flamboyantly styled, extravagantly dressed band appeared in a corner of the office, the atmosphere ignited. Magical notes danced through the air, the rhythm brisk and slightly wild, and several students could not help swaying along. Professor Slughorn was clearly enjoying himself, clapping as he loudly introduced which guest was whose "future star."

Yet beneath all the revelry and lamplight