Chapter 17: Christmas time for Draco

Christmas time was near, Hogwarts was filled with a cheerful atmosphere, the students wore happy expressions, and beautiful music pieces could be heard from the auditorium. Also, the walls were covered with garland ribbons of holly and mistletoe. Twelve Christmas trees were standing in the dining hall. Some of the trees were adorned with small icicles, some were littered with hundreds of candles. It added a little light to the festive atmosphere of the school.

Unlike many of the students who went home for Christmas, both Harry and Ron signed the list of students who wished to remain in school. The former signed because of his circumstances, while the latter was due to Mr and Mrs Weasley. They had gone to Romania to visit Ron's brother, Charlie.

Ron and Harry were talking at the dining table.

"Hermione's still trying to find out about Nicholas Flamel."

"I know," Harry nodded. "I saw her distracted in class today."

"I saw it too," Ron added.

"Something must've happened." Harry tapping the bowl in front of him with his knife and fork, making a crisp sound.

"We should think of a way," Ron said.

Harry nodded. As for Draco, he also felt that something was wrong. He felt Pansy was hiding from him. Usually, apart from Draco's time in the library, at other times, such as at the dinner table and in the classroom, Pansy would always stick to him like glue. Outside of class, Draco would also help her with her homework. Recently, he had taught her two self-defence spells, but in these few days, Draco found that Pansy would never come to him. Even after seeing her, she would immediately escape. For example, now.

"Pansy." Draco greeted Pansy.

Pansy, who was sitting in a chair in the common room, stood up like a frightened rabbit. [Is this retribution?] Draco could only helplessly smile. In the library, Hermione was flipping through a large book. Knowing who Nicholas Flamel is, she was no longer visited the Restricted Section, and after knowing her target and some basic information, she could find much more on him by looking at relevant sources.

The disappointment on the train, the apology and acceptance in the library, Hogsmeade's candy trip, and his fearless expression as he faced the troll, perhaps even with a little indifference. Hermione tried to drive him out of her mind, but couldn't do it.

[Hermione, you have to forget him for a while.] Hermione patted her face and said it to herself again.

Christmas was finally here, some students had stayed in school while some had gone home. Draco also embarked on his journey home. The train journey was short. Draco was sleeping on the train until he reached his destination. After getting off the train, Draco saw Narcissa waiting for him in front of the platform.

"Oh my God, you've lost so much weight!" Narcissa cried exaggeratedly, as she was kissing Draco's face. "Is school bad? I can tell your father to help you out since he's on the board of directors."

"Did Dad not come?" Draco curiously asked his mother.

"He said to me that he has something important to do, what is more, important than my baby!?" Narcissa angrily exclaimed.

"Well, mother, I don't think we have to stand here in the cold. Let's get going."

"Yes, let's go home quickly, you must be freezing, the home's fireplace will warm you up nicely," Narcissa said.

Draco went along with her. Through the Floo Network, the two quickly returned home, and despite the dizziness they felt, they were elated to be home. After a delicious dinner, Draco returned to his room. Narcissa lamented that her son had grown up and didn't talk to his mother more often, although she had never said it aloud before. Meanwhile, Draco wasn't idle in his room, he was worried about the Christmas gifts. Although he didn't have any contact with the two gorillas in school, he still got them some snacks.

{I miss Pansy, I still don't know what to get her,} Draco remembered what Pansy had done, and didn't know what to gift her. He went to Hogsmeade and bought a big quill because he thought it was a suitable present. She had lost her quill so he got her that. the set also included a bottle of rainbow-coloured ink as well. Finally, Hermione. He didn't know what to send her too. [Girls are such complicated creatures sometimes] Draco sighed while writing a few words on a note and tied it to an owl's foot. After doing this, he felt a little sleepy and went to bed. There was another very important thing waiting for him to do the next day. Draco fell asleep and waited until Christmas morning. He went to the Christmas tree in the living room. Below it was a pile of colourful boxes, in addition to gifts from friends in the school, there were also gifts from relatives he didn't know.

Pansy sent him a letter. After reading it, Draco saw a pair of beautifully placed boxes with a pair of gloves. The gloves looked quite dishevelled, but Draco didn't care at all.

Draco thought of the behaviour of Pansy before, and he could not help but laugh. Anyway, this gift made his mood happy. There was one last gift.

Finally, a small piece of paper from Hermione, it read: "Thank you."

{This is the best} He thought.