MTL NOVEL Chapter 32: December 24 - Snow
Hogwarts truly felt magical, Joey thought as she stood by her bedroom window, watching the snowflakes flutter down. It seemed to snow every Christmas here, and this year was no exception.
Angelina had packed her things early in the morning to head home for the holidays and was now tidying up her bed. "I heard the Weasley boys are staying. Do you have any plans for Christmas?" she asked, smoothing out her pillow.
"Oh, Fred and George aren't going back. They've already written to Aunt Molly," Joey replied, trying to draw a perfect square on the fogged-up window. She frowned when the corners didn't line up.
Angelina walked over, amused by Joey's childish antics. "You're so bored already?"
Joey turned around with a mischievous grin. "I won't be bored tonight!"
Angelina's eyes lit up. "What are you planning?"
"We're going to the Forbidden Forest!" Joey whispered.
Angelina gasped, covering her mouth to stifle her excitement. "That's amazing! I'm so jealous!"
Joey beamed, proud of her adventurous plans.
---
The Great Hall was nearly empty for Christmas dinner. Aside from Joey, Ryan, and the Weasley twins, the only other student staying was Shafiq, a Slytherin and an old acquaintance.
The professors, however, were all present. Dumbledore sat at the head of the table in his violet robes and crimson hat. Sirius, ever the troublemaker, had deliberately seated himself next to Professor Snape, much to the latter's annoyance.
"Let them sit together," Dumbledore said with a twinkle in his eye. "They've always had such a... special bond."
Professor Flitwick, who had been dragged into the seat next to Snape, looked uneasy. "Perhaps Professor Snape is afraid to sit with me?" Sirius teased, earning a glare from Snape.
"Afraid of a dog? Hardly," Snape retorted coldly.
Sirius smirked. "Then you'd better watch your neck."
The tension between them was palpable, and Joey couldn't help but laugh. "Professor Snape, you two really do have a good relationship!"
Snape's eyes narrowed. "Ms. Forest, if you don't stop that ridiculous grin, I'll deduct points as your Christmas gift."
Joey straightened up immediately. "Yes, Professor!"
The other professors chuckled, and even Professor Trelawney, who had been lost in her wine, smiled vaguely.
Dumbledore raised his glass. "To a merry Christmas!"
As he spoke, magical fireworks erupted, and colorful snowflakes began to fall from the ceiling. Joey reached out to catch one, giggling as it melted on her tongue.
Professor McGonagall, her hat dusted with snowflakes, discussed the magical properties of the snow with Professor Flitwick. Snape, however, brushed the snowflakes off his robes with visible irritation.
Sirius, noticing Snape's discomfort, reached over and flicked a pink snowflake off Snape's head. The entire table froze, waiting for Snape's reaction.
Snape's face twisted in fury. "What are you doing?!" he hissed, standing abruptly.
Sirius grinned. "Just helping you out. Your hair's as greasy as ever."
The room collectively held its breath, but Snape, after a moment of seething, sat back down and raised his glass. "Merry Christmas," he said through gritted teeth.
Sirius, stunned, clinked his glass with Snape's. "Merry Christmas."
The tension dissolved into laughter, and the feast began in earnest.
---
After dinner, Joey, Fred, and George met Sirius outside the Great Hall. "Meet me at the edge of the Forbidden Forest at 10:30," Sirius whispered, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
The trio nodded eagerly. With Sirius as their guide, they might finally explore the depths of the forest.
As they left, Snape and Shafiq passed by. "Guess what they're plotting, Head of House?" Shafiq said with a sneer.
"Some foolish Gryffindor scheme, no doubt," Snape replied, his tone icy. He shot Joey a sharp look before disappearing down the stairs.
Joey shivered. "I have a bad feeling. Snape's giving us that look again."
Sirius laughed. "Don't be scared! This is going to be fun."
"Who's scared?" Joey shot back, her Gryffindor pride kicking in. "See you at 10:30!"
---
At the appointed time, Joey and the twins waited by the edge of the Forbidden Forest, engaging in a silent snowball fight to pass the time.
Sirius arrived, wrapped in a ridiculous floral bedsheet. "What's with the sheet?" Joey asked, laughing.
"Disguise," Sirius explained, shrinking the sheet with a charm. "If anyone catches me, I'll say I'm sleepwalking."
"But you're a professor," Fred pointed out. "You don't need an excuse."
Sirius blinked, then grinned. "Right! I'm a professor now. The rules don't apply to me!"
"And if we get caught?" Joey asked.
Sirius smirked. "I'll say I'm taking my star students on an outdoor lesson."
The trio high-fived, thrilled with the plan.
"Let's go!" Sirius declared, leading the way into the forest. For him, it was a return to the adventures of his youth, and for Joey and the twins, it was the start of an unforgettable Christmas Eve.