Chapter 133 "Invitation"

When Prefect Green began assisting Professor Sprout in tallying the list of students staying at Hogwarts for Christmas, Wentworth realized the holiday season was approaching.

"Wentworth, will you go home for Christmas or stay at Hogwarts?" Green and Cedric inquired as they entered Wentworth's bedroom.

After briefly contemplating, Wentworth replied, "I'll be heading home. If I don't return during the Christmas holidays, my family might suspect that Dumbledore has imprisoned me. I'd rather avoid any more conflicts with Hogwarts. Would you both like to accompany me and meet some of my older relatives?"

Wentworth playfully winked at Green and Cedric, but their expressions immediately shifted, and they waved their hands hastily, saying, "No, no, no!"

"Perhaps another time!" Cedric added.

Wentworth chuckled and didn't take their reluctance too seriously. Instead, he commented, "In truth, they're all good people, and at times, even endearing."

Green and Cedric forced polite chuckles but refrained from further discussion.

"Good? If anyone said that about the Alliance's wizards, they'd be labeled fools by their peers!" the two thought silently.

"How time flies!" Wentworth sighed.

Unnoticed by Wentworth, nearly half a year had passed since his arrival in this world.

On the other hand, Cedric remarked, "Of course, it feels fast! If you were to write a book about your experiences this semester, it would likely exceed 300,000 words!"

Green burst into laughter upon hearing Cedric's comment.

As Christmas drew near, Hogwarts was once again adorned for the festive season.

Wentworth, Cedric, and Green were preparing to board the Hogwarts Express.

Observing the picturesque Hogwarts from behind, Green regretfully commented, "It's been years since I first came to Hogwarts, yet I've never spent Christmas here. Reflecting upon it now, I do feel a tinge of regret."

Cedric chimed in, "That's because we all have families awaiting us, and those classmates who remain at Hogwarts during Christmas may not be as content as you assume."

Listening to their conversation and gazing back at Hogwarts, Wentworth suddenly realized how much he missed Rosier and Abernathy.

Perhaps, in this world, they were the closest thing he had to family, Wentworth thought.

The three boarded the Hogwarts Express and found a compartment to sit in.

As the train began to move, Green retrieved two beautifully wrapped packages from his suitcase and said to the others, "Ta-da! I'm wishing you both an early Merry Christmas. These are my gifts to you!"

Wentworth was taken aback by Green's gesture, but Cedric seemed prepared for it.

Cedric accepted the presents quickly, thanking Green for the gifts.

However, he didn't immediately open them.

In response, Cedric took out his own presents from his bag, handing one to Wentworth and the other to Green. "Merry Christmas, guys!"

Wentworth received a package in each hand and felt somewhat embarrassed as he admitted, "I'm sorry; I thought Christmas presents were sent by owl after we got home!"

Green casually responded, "It's alright, but some students prefer to exchange Christmas gifts on the train ride back to London. It feels more personal to give and receive presents in person. You're still new, so it's understandable that you weren't aware."

With that, Wentworth expressed his gratitude once more and then began opening his gifts, only to discover that he had received something extraordinary.

Seeing Wentworth's actions, Cedric and Green exchanged glances. Surprised, Green questioned, "Wentworth, if you don't have a present for us, you can have an owl deliver it to us when you return home. Don't feel pressured just because we gave you gifts today; you can always reciprocate later."

Cedric rolled his eyes at Green's comment.

After some searching, Wentworth finally stopped and looked a bit embarrassed as he confessed, "I'm sorry, but I have only one suitable gift in my suitcase."

Green and Cedric stared at each other.

"You take it first!"

"No, you take it!"

"You're the prefect; I can't possibly take it from you!"

"I couldn't possibly take it from my junior!"

As Green and Cedric bickered, Wentworth cleared his throat and apologized, "I'm sorry, but this gift isn't for either of you…"

Green and Cedric exchanged confused glances just before the compartment door swung open.

They turned to see Cassandra entering, holding something in her hand.

When Green and Cedric shifted their gaze to Wentworth, he appeared equally surprised.

"Cassandra, what brings you here?" Wentworth inquired.

Cassandra replied with a cheerful smile, "My father returned yesterday!"

Wentworth and the others expressed their delight at the news.

"This is wonderful! It must be your best Christmas present," Cedric sincerely remarked.

Cassandra nodded enthusiastically and continued, "My father was injured and comatose for a while. Luckily, he was discovered by a passing Muggle and taken to a Muggle hospital. He couldn't contact our family since he had no wand and no owl. He only regained consciousness a few days ago and was discharged from the Muggle hospital."

Cassandra pulled out an item from her hand and handed it to the three as she spoke.

Wentworth took the offered item, only to find it was an invitation letter.

Cassandra explained, "To celebrate my father's release from the hospital, I've decided to host a Christmas dinner at our home! I hope you can all join us!"

Hearing the invitation, Wentworth and his friends enthusiastically accepted, saying, "Of course!"

After Cassandra left their compartment, Green let out a sigh and remarked, "Believe it or not, Cassandra primarily organized this dinner to inform her Hogwarts classmates that her father had returned. Her family background remains influential. It's not something you or I can—"

Before Green could finish, Wentworth hastily grabbed an item from his suitcase, swung open the compartment door, and rushed out after Cassandra.

Green was left with a befuddled expression.