George and Fred immediately pushed their way forward, both spreading their hands and deliberately shouting at the top of their lungs:
"No, no! It was too fast, we didn't even see it clearly, it doesn't count!"
Hermione, both embarrassed and anxious, glared at the twins. "You two aren't satisfied with just causing trouble! If you keep this up, I'll have the professor take all your prank props away!"
Hagrid settled the large fir tree, and soon returned, beaming with joy.
He brought out a litter of pure white ferret babies from some corner of the Forbidden Forest.
The little creatures were round and fluffy, with bright black eyes, and they weren't afraid of people at all.
As soon as it landed, it took off running around the Great Hall, sometimes crawling under the long tables, sometimes rubbing against the students' clothes and spinning around.
The wizards were overjoyed and knelt down to tease him. Even the usually serious senior students softened their expressions.
Draco and Hermione exchanged a glance, then simultaneously lowered their voices and began speaking quietly to the little furballs in animal language known only to each other.
The lead ferret tilted its round head back and started grumbling and complaining:
"Humans are so noisy, stomping all over the floor, making it impossible for us to sleep peacefully."
Draco looked at the little ferret at his feet, its head tilted back in a complaining manner, and couldn't help but smile slightly.
Then he lowered his voice and coaxed her in a tone only animals could understand:
"It was a bit noisy, but it's Christmas today, so a bit of liveliness is in the spirit."
"If you find it noisy, just come over here from now on, and I'll chase those noisy guys away for you."
The complaining ferret seemed to understand, nuzzling against his shoe as if it had forgiven him.
The other hand clung to Hermione's palm, refusing to let go, its little nose twitching as it craved a butter cookie.
Hermione gently cradled it, her fingertips softly stroking the soft fur on its back, her eyes tender and gentle:
"Eat slowly, don't rush, no one's going to take it from you. I'll secretly save you the crispiest piece later, so Ron and the others won't get it."
The little ferret squinted comfortably and made soft purring sounds.
I heard the boldest one announce, "From now on, I'll only follow you guys."
Draco and Hermione exchanged a glance, both seeing a smile in each other's eyes.
Draco reached out and gently touched the little ferret's head. "Alright, then you're our little ones now. No one can bully you."
Hermione echoed softly:
We'll come to see you often, bringing you delicious food and keeping you company.
Olivia squatted to the side, watching the little ferret chattering and nuzzling around Draco and Hermione, and couldn't help but ask softly:
"What... what are they saying? Can you understand them?"
Draco glanced down at the few little furballs at his feet, a mocking smile playing on his lips, and looked at the crowd, saying:
"Nothing much, it's just that you guys are making a lot of noise and it's getting annoyed with you."
Cho Chang was slightly startled, let out a soft "Ah," and quickly asked, "Why? We didn't bully them."
Draco didn't hide anything from them and told them the truth:
"They said the Great Hall was too noisy and they couldn't sleep well. They also said that the pair of red-haired twins almost hit their tails earlier, and they're holding a grudge."
As soon as he said that, a murmur of laughter rippled through the crowd.
Ron couldn't help but laugh, pointing at George and Fred and slapping his thigh with laughter.
Neville, Hannah, Susan, and the others smiled with their lips pursed, their eyes crinkling.
Goyle Vincent grinned widely, clearly enjoying the spectacle.
George immediately stepped forward, looking unconvinced:
How do you know so much? Are you just making this up to tease us?
Draco chuckled, raising his chin towards the little ferrets. "Whether it's made up or not, just look at the way they're looking at you."
As everyone looked, the little ferrets were indeed raising their heads, their bright black eyes fixed on the twins.
Their little noses were twitching slightly, looking wary and disgusted, showing no sign of affection whatsoever.
Fred's face immediately fell, looking utterly dejected. He muttered angrily, "Damn it... someone as interesting as me, how could... how could they not like me!"
Upon hearing this, the entire Great Hall burst into laughter, and even the usually reserved Hermione couldn't help but smile.
--
After the banquet began, dishes were served one after another, with the aroma of roast chicken filling the air and the sweet and soft pudding.
Ron's mouth was glistening with oil from eating.
Hermione ate the snacks slowly, only to be interrupted from time to time by the treats Draco offered her.
Goyle and Vincent held their plates and ate with great relish.
Even the usually aloof Slytherin students were less sharp-tongued and more festive today.
After a while, Professor Flitwick suddenly jumped onto the table and directed the candles and colorful balls on the Christmas tree to fly through the air, forming glittering "Merry Christmas" signs.
The Great Hall was filled with cheers, and snowflakes drifted in through the windows, landing in the candlelight and melting gently.
The lights in the Great Hall gradually softened, and finally came the most anticipated part of the Hogwarts Christmas dinner—the exchange of gifts.
Beautifully packaged boxes were piled on the long table, ribbons and silver ornaments gleaming softly.
People opened their gifts in twos and threes, laughter echoing throughout the room.
Draco, however, kept clutching a small, velvety box in his pocket, his hand slightly clenched.
Once the surroundings had quieted down a bit, he gently nudged Hermione's arm and handed her the small box.
He told her, "This is for you," making sure she heard it alone.
Hermione paused for a moment, her fingers trembling slightly as she took the box.
The deep blue velvet has a delicate feel, and upon opening it, a fine silver pendant lies quietly inside.
The chain is thin and light, and the pendant is in the shape of a tiny star.
The edges were polished smooth and rounded, with a tiny, very pale blue crystal embedded in the center, which glowed slightly when it touched her body heat.
"This is..."
"A teleportation pendant," Draco explained softly, his gaze unusually serious.
"As long as you pull it off the chain, I'll be instantly teleported to you no matter where I am in Hogwarts."
"You can use it if you encounter trouble, are scared, or... just want to reach me."
Hermione held the cool pendant, and her heart suddenly skipped a beat.
She looked up at Draco; the light fell on his light gray eyes, making him appear gentler than usual.
Almost simultaneously, she also handed over the gift she had prepared long ago.
A soft, black wristband made of a special silk material that is resistant to friction.
Two small letters, HG, are delicately embroidered along the edge in silver-gray thread.
Draco spotted the two initials at a glance. He gently stroked the stitches; the lines were neat and delicate, clearly hand-embroidered by Hermione herself.
A meaningful smile curled at the corner of his lips.