Another student has been attacked just before Christmas.
This time it was a Half-blood wizard Justin, which made the atmosphere at Hogwarts even more eerie.
Rumors about the Chamber of Secrets being opened and the monster being released spread like wildfire.
Some Muggle and Half-blood- race students are very worried.
Fortunately, the professors formed patrol teams, which reassured the students somewhat.
Even so, the atmosphere at the school remained somewhat fearful and oppressive.
With the Christmas holidays approaching, students rushed to reserve seats on the Hogwarts Express, eager to go home for Christmas.
"Hopefully, everything will be back to normal when the next semester starts." That's what everyone was thinking.
Before Neville left, Silan gave him a Christmas present.
"Is this for me?"
Neville, holding a book titled "The Often-Overlooked Details of Herb Cultivation," asked with some surprise.
Silan nodded. "Of course, Merry Christmas, Neville."
"If you're feeling bored during your holidays, you can take a look at this book."
Neville held the book in his arms, deeply moved.
Even when she wasn't at school, Silan still worried about her studies.
I absolutely cannot let him down!
Even if we can't do hands-on practice during the holidays, we should still study hard to enrich our knowledge so that we can grow herbs faster and better next semester.
Neville made up his mind and assured Silan.
"Don't worry, Silan, I will definitely study hard."
"That way, I can cultivate more land and plant more herbs next semester."
"Great, I'm looking forward to it," Silan encouraged.
It seems my Neville -type fully automated herb-growing kit can be upgraded automatically during the Christmas holidays.
That way, he can plant more herbs next semester.
It's more than enough; it's simply impossible to use it all up.
Neville said goodbye to Silan and walked resolutely toward Hogsmeade.
I started watching as soon as I got on the train!
Silan was about to turn around and go back to the Room of Requirement when a virtual screen suddenly popped up in front of her.
[Trait: Santa Claus (Activated)]
[Effect: Sending 10 or more Christmas gifts each Christmas earns you one chance to win a prize.]
[1 item has been sent out this year]
Silan glanced at the virtual screen, thinking, "I almost forgot about this."
"It's still early, let's go to Hogsmeade."
He sneaked off to Hogsmeade, bought some things, and came back to give them away as Christmas presents.
On their way back, they passed by Hagrid's Hut and Silan gave him Hagrid's gift.
"Oh, Silan. Merry Christmas!" Hagrid, who was sweeping snow with a broom bigger than an adult wizard, saw Silan and asked, "How's Norbert? I haven't seen the boy in a while."
Silan thought with a touch of helplessness, "Norbert's already bigger than your house, and he's still a child?"
"Merry Christmas, Hagrid," Silan greeted him, taking out the gift she had prepared for him. "Although it's still a bit early, this is your Christmas present."
"Oh my god! A little Dragon!"
Hagrid's eyes widened, and he immediately threw the broom aside, carefully picking up the gift Silan had given him. "Look at this little guy, it's so beautiful!"
"It's just a Dragon model," Silan said with a smile, "But I think you'll like it."
"I love it! Of course I love it!" Hagrid shouted, his voice almost lifting the ceiling off the cabin. "Thank you so much, Silan."
As Hagrid spoke, he found an uneven rock in the house and placed it on the table. Then he used the pebbles to make a fence to enclose the Dragon model.
This Dragon model is the same one used in the Triwizard Tournament; it's incredibly lifelike.
After it was put into the enclosure, it flicked its tail and opened its mouth to breathe out a small flame.
"Oh, seeing it is like seeing Norbert." Hagrid's mother's eyes welled up with tears. "This is truly the best Christmas present I've ever received!"
Hagrid pinched Silan's hand between two fingers and shook it. "Thank you, Silan."
"I'm glad you like it."
Silan withdrew her hand and rubbed it discreetly.
"I have to go now, I have other gifts to deliver."
Hagrid chuckled and asked, "Did Dumbledore hire you to Santa Claus at Hogwarts?"
Silan shrugged. "More or less."
Santa Claus delivers them at night, I deliver them during the day, so we're practically colleagues.
He first went to the Owlery and dragged Melba, who was cuddling with two women, out of the warm hut.
"Send this Christmas gift and card to Paris."
Without a word, Silan shoved the Christmas gift meant for Nicolas Flamel Flamel into its hands.
"Not again?!"
Melba, shivering in the wind and snow, said in a roundabout way, "My great master, Christmas is almost here..."
Silan nodded. "I know."
After saying that, he added with a smile.
"Otherwise, why would I ask you to send the gift to Paris?"
Melba flapped its wings twice, looking dejected.
"Remember to deliver it before Christmas." Silan patted its head and turned to walk into the castle.
Melba silently shed tears as the snow fell heavily.
Why didn't Merlin invent a communication Spells back then?!
Were you so busy working on the wardrobe?!
The gift given to Nicolas Flamel Flamel was not expensive; it was mainly to express a sentiment of remembrance.
After all, even if Hogwarts Castle were given to him, Nicolas Flamel Flamel might not find it surprising.
Silan took a stroll around Hogwarts Castle, giving away most of the gifts he had prepared for the professors.
"Professor McGonagall's hat, Professor Sprout's herbal suit, Professor Flitwick's amulet, and a whole bunch of candy from the old bee... Professor Snape's gift remains."
With these thoughts in mind, Silan walked toward Snape's office.
After knocking on the door, Snape was somewhat surprised and frowned as he asked.
"I don't think it's the right time to learn Potions yet?"
"No, Professor," Silan shook her head, "I'm here to give you a Christmas present."
After saying that, Silan took out a small box and placed it on Snape's desk.
"Merry Christmas, Professor Snape."
"What is this?" Snape asked, frowning.
"You'll see once you open it." Silan's face showed a hint of unease and an expression that was clearly forced.
"I made some money selling quill pens this year, and I bought you a gift. It's the best gift I could afford."
[Silver Tongue: Proficiency +1]
Actually, this gift didn't cost more than a few Galleon.
However, to be honest, it was the most expensive gift among the professors' gifts.
Snape glanced at the box, feeling a little expectant, but not wanting to open it in front of Silan, so he pretended to be indifferent.
"Okay, you can go back now."
"Okay, Professor." Silan turned and left.
Snape suddenly frowned and said, "Wait a minute."
Judging from Prewett's appearance, he probably doesn't have much money, yet he's still trying to impress himself by buying himself a gift.
"What a silly boy," Snape thought.
"What's wrong?" Silan asked, turning around.
Snape didn't say anything, got up from his chair, went to his storeroom, and took out a bottle of Tonguefire Grass seeds.
"I had someone order this; it's useless to me right now, so you can take it."
Also... Merry Christmas.
After finishing his sentence in one breath, Snape shoved the Tonguefire Grass seed into his hand and waved it away impatiently.
Let's go.
Holding the bottle of Tonguefire Grass seeds in her hand, Silan felt a faint sense of joy.
As expected of Potions Master, his actions are truly extravagant.
A gift worth several Galleon can be exchanged for a bottle of Tonguefire Grass Seeds, a return of several thousand percent!
Moreover, the seeds of the Tonguefire Grass are exactly what I need.
That's a huge profit!
Silan walked out of Snape's office, feeling in a great mood.
Christmas is so wonderful!
Snape picked up the small box from the table after Silan had left.
Inside was an exquisite Silver Dagger, with the Slytherin crest meticulously engraved on the hilt. It appeared to be a custom-made gift.
In fact, Snape now hardly needs to handle Potions himself anymore; Spells can solve everything for him.
But as Potions Master, he had almost unbearable demands on himself.
Therefore, in most cases, I still handle the materials myself to maintain my skill level.
"That does... come in handy."
The flickering flames in the fireplace reflected the faint smile on Snape's face.
Soon, the Hogwarts Christmas party began.