The cold wind howled overhead, but the fire in the hearth burned brightly, keeping the Slytherin common room pleasantly warm.
The decorations made the room look both festive and inviting. Garlands of holly and mistletoe draped the walls, and several tall Christmas trees stood throughout the space. Some were adorned with glittering icicles, others shimmered with hundreds of candles…
There was no doubt this was all the work of Professor Horace Slughorn. The former Head of Slytherin still held deep affection for the House.
In one corner of the common room, two girls were whispering.
"You mean… Professor Horace Slughorn's invitation?" Astoria Greengrass exclaimed. "He invited us to tonight's Christmas banquet?"
"Yes!"
Her sister Daphne Greengrass nodded, looking slightly embarrassed.
"The invitation arrived quite a while ago, but I was in the Hospital Wing taking care of you and never saw it… It wasn't until just now, when a second letter came asking if we were ready to leave, that I realized."
Since Greengrass Manor felt far too empty these days, the sisters had only stayed home a few days after the Christmas holiday began before returning to Hogwarts to spend the rest of it there.
"What should we do, Daphne?" Astoria asked, looking troubled.
"It seems we'll have to attend… Refusing now would be rather impolite," Daphne said after a moment's thought.
"But doesn't a Christmas ball require bringing a partner?" Astoria asked softly.
"Where would we find one at this point?" Daphne shook her head. "We'll just skip the dancing. It might be a little embarrassing, but there's no helping it. Let's head back to the dormitory and change into our dress robes. We'll meet in the Entrance Hall in half an hour?"
"All right," Astoria agreed with a nod.
The two sisters slipped through separate stone doorways and disappeared from view.
...
Half an hour later, they met in the Entrance Hall.
"Shall we?" Daphne asked quietly, glancing around.
"Where is the banquet being held?" Astoria asked in a low voice.
"In Slughorn's office, I believe," Daphne replied thoughtfully. "I heard quite a few people are attending this evening… even Professor Dumbledore."
"Professor Dumbledore?" Astoria raised her eyebrows slightly.
"Yes," Daphne continued, not noticing her sister's reaction. "It's quite rare for him to attend something like this. I've heard he's been overwhelmed lately over some matter… Apparently, one of his mortal enemies escaped from prison a few months ago…"
"One of Professor Dumbledore's mortal enemies…" Astoria murmured, concern flickering across her face.
Seeing her expression, Daphne couldn't help but laugh softly, covering her mouth as she reached out to ruffle Astoria's hair. "You're still worrying about Professor Dumbledore? Don't be. Someone as capable as him must have everything under control."
Astoria quickly forced a small smile.
Before they knew it, they had reached Professor Horace Slughorn's office.
The closer they drew, the louder the laughter, music, and animated chatter from inside became.
Whether by design or by magic, Professor Horace Slughorn's office seemed far larger than an ordinary teacher's room. Emerald, crimson, and gold draperies hung from the ceiling and walls, making the space feel almost like a grand tent.
The room was crowded and somewhat stuffy, bathed in a rosy glow from a golden chandelier hanging in the center. It looked as though tiny living sprites flickered within, each like a tiny point of light.
From a distant corner came loud singing, accompanied by what sounded like a mandolin. A group of students stood together, chatting excitedly.
Several elderly wizards, deep in conversation, were wreathed in bluish pipe smoke. Meanwhile, house-elves scurried between the forest of legs, balancing heavy silver trays that nearly hid them from view…
"Welcome, my children!" Slughorn boomed as Daphne and Astoria stepped inside. "Come in, come in!"
"Merry Christmas, Professor Slughorn," Daphne said at once, offering a polite smile.
Astoria paused for a moment, studying the somewhat unfamiliar face before her.
Horace Slughorn wore a velvet hat with a tassel that matched his pale green robes perfectly. Bald and plump as a walrus, he had bulging eyes and a thick silver mustache reminiscent of one as well. Though genial in appearance, a calculating glint always lingered in his eyes.
"You must be little Astoria," he said with a warm smile after giving her a glance. "How lovely—you're the very image of Diana when she was young."
"Thank you for the compliment, Professor Slughorn," Astoria replied sweetly.
"I heard you were ill and missed more than half a term," Slughorn went on casually. "But you look quite well now."
"Yes, I'm much better," Astoria answered vaguely.
Slughorn seemed ready to continue, but a sudden exclamation rose from near the doorway. He gave the sisters an apologetic smile before hurrying off.
...
"Look, Professor Dumbledore!" Daphne whispered, pointing toward a familiar figure ahead.
Indeed, it was Albus Dumbledore.
Dressed in his signature pale lilac robes, he sat calmly at the head of a long table. He appeared to be savoring a dish before him—something that looked like a fragrant herbal stew.
"Professor Dumbledore is as eccentric as ever," Daphne murmured.
"Yes," Astoria said, frowning slightly as she nodded in thought.
"Attention, everyone!" Horace Slughorn's booming voice suddenly rang out from near the entrance behind them. "Allow me to introduce two distinguished guests!"
All the guests turned at once toward the doorway.
Standing beside Slughorn was a gaunt old man, along with a young face that seemed oddly familiar.
"From Durmstrang… Headmaster Winston Vance!" Slughorn announced excitedly.
"And his most promising student—Mr. Christopher Patrick!"