between red snowflakes and magical biscuits

between red snowflakes and magical biscuit

The first thing she felt was the ice-cold wind biting her face and wrapping her midnight blue cloak around her legs. The snowflakes whirled wildly and caught in her long black hair. Briefly she considered disapparating back and getting a thicker cloak, but that thought quickly disappeared when she glanced ahead and saw the pointed towers in the distance. Even through the snow storm, the towers stood tall and seemed to touch the sky. Evanora felt a sense of home as she thought of the many staircases and colorful windows. The smell of torches and open fireplaces, of cinnamon and chocolate that wafts through the hallways and makes this time of year cozy. When the armor and house spirits sing Christmas carols and the house elves hang up the Christmas decorations overnight, how nostalgic.

Evanora gave a small smile as she remembered that together with her friends Marabelle and Livius, they cast bells on Mr. Filch's back. The ringing could be heard from afar and allowed Peeves in particular to continue fooling around. The memory tugged at her heart painfully. Still remembering the past, however happy and careless they were, Evanora wrapped her cloak tighter around her body. She had an appointment she didn't want to miss.

She trudged across the long bridge to the front gate in big strides. More and more the detailed outline of the castle became visible until she finally reached the inner courtyard. The intricately carved statues looked down at her petrified, the fountain water frozen white. At least the wind wasn't that strong here anymore and let the snowflakes fall easily to the ground. If she closed her eyes, she could distantly hear children giggling and playing. Red and green scarves flapping behind the running students, blue and yellow cloaks rustling around their bodies, bewitched snowballs flying around. But that was a long, long time ago.

The gate swung open of its own as if welcoming her warmly. Evanora whipped out her dark wand and a quick spell made her clothes warm and dry. She looked up and caught a glimpse of the great hall. Her eyes gleamed at the torches on the side, which were also reflected in the Christmas baubles on the twelve large fir-trees. She would have loved to take closer look, but time was pressing and she didn't want to lose any time. Too many memories of their time together, too much guilt. 

As she passed the grand staircase, she ignored some shouts from paintings that seemed to notice her. Later, Evanora thought as she sprinted up the next flight of stairs. She met no one on her way as it was christmas vacation. Arrived on the seventh floor, she stopped in front of the gargoyle and murmured: "jumping chocolate frogs".

Not much has changed since her last visit to the round office. The sorting hat still hung on top of a bust, numerous instruments hummed to themselves and the former headmaster and headmitress of the school slumbered in their paintings. Reverently, Evanora looked at a painting behind the desk, the headmaster around whom many legends have grown.

"I see your habit of being on time hasn't changed." Evanora's head swung up as Headmistress McGonagall strode down the stairs. 

 "And I don't see you changing the habit of the old Headmaster either, Professor", Evanora replied. Professor McGonagall smiled and looked briefly at the portrait of Albus Dumbledore before sitting down at the desk.

"Shame, you couldn't meet him. He was a great wizard; brilliant, ambitious and equally regretful" said Professor McGonagall with a slight deep tone, it almost sound remourseful as if she was hinting at something. 

"I am sure he was. But I also met brilliant wizards of the current time." Evanora tried not to intertrep into it.

"Yes, of course. Well, welcome back to Hogwarts, Ms Ashfall. Please sit."

Professor McGonagall waved her wand, tea cups and teapot dancing in the air before landing on the desk in front of them. 

"I have received your request of borrowing exclusive books from Hogwarts for research purpose. I see you work for Ministry now, the Department of Finding and Researching Dark Magical Objekts. Mind telling me more about it?"