Hurnorth: School of Witchcraft and Wizardry

Chapter XXIV: Yuletide Peril

As I step into the grand castle, the air crackles with an enchanting aura of Christmas. The stone walls adorned with evergreen garlands and shimmering tinsel sparkle under the soft glow of enchanted fairy lights. Wreaths adorned with enchanted crystals emit a gentle, pulsating glow, casting prismatic reflections across the corridor.

Each corner hosts a mesmerizing display of festive extravagance-ornaments levitating in mid-air, wreaths sprouting delicate snowflakes that dance around us in a waltz of enchantment. Delicate icicles hang from the ceiling, yet they remain suspended, never melting, preserving the illusion of a winter wonderland within these ancient walls.

Amidst this ethereal scene, students clad in robes of rich, velvety reds and greens move with an almost ethereal grace. Some carry books emitting soft glows, while others weave intricate spells that manifest as swirling patterns of shimmering stars and twinkling snowflakes. Laughter and joy echo through the halls as the castle itself seems to resonate with the festive cheer.

The magic within these halls is not solely confined to the academic pursuit; it's a living, breathing entity, interwoven with the spirit of the season. The essence of Christmas infuses every spell, every incantation, filling each heart with warmth and wonder, turning this ancient place of learning into a sanctuary of mirth and enchantment.

Time truly flies. Christmas Eve is upon us, and tonight calls for a grand gathering. Mamayang eksaktong alas-11 ng gabi iyon gaganapin at lahat ng estudyante, pati mga kaguruan ay required na magtungo. Bago iyon, magkakaroon muna ng simpleng party program sa bawat classroom para mabigyan ng oras makapagdiwang ng kani-kaniya ang bawat section.

Sa kasalukuyan ay alas-4 na ng hapon at papasok na ako sa aming silid. As I step into our classroom, the ordinary space has been transformed into a realm of enchantment. The walls, usually adorned with academic scrolls and diagrams, are now draped with rich velvet tapestries depicting scenes of a winter forest, where snow-capped trees sway in an eternal dance under the shimmering light of a mystical moon.

The ceiling, enchanted to mimic the night sky, twinkles with stars that seem to pulse and shift, forming constellations that tell tales of ancient magic. Ribbons of soft, luminescent light weave through the air, casting a warm, inviting glow upon the room. Tables adorned with elaborate centerpieces crafted from enchanted snowglobes emanate soft melodies that harmonize with the gentle hum of magic in the air.

My classmates, Oliver with his mischievous grin, Morgan exuding an aura of wisdom, Alistair radiating an infectious excitement, Penelope exquisitely poised yet bubbling with anticipation, and Ehann with an air of quiet contemplation, gather around a grandly decorated evergreen tree at the room's center.

Presents, adorned with shimmering bows and ribbons that seem to pulse with their own energy, are arranged beneath the tree, emitting faint whispers of magic and anticipation. The air is filled with an amalgamation of scents-cinnamon, pine, and the subtle aroma of arcane energies intermingling.

"Kung sinuman sa inyo ang nakabunot sa akin, siguraduhin ninyo na maganda ireregalo niyo. Mahal ginastos ko para sa pambili ng regalo ninyo." sabi ni Oliver.

"Kung ako 'yon, tasa ka sa akin Raynott!" pang-aasar ni Penelope sa kanya.

"As if you really bought that yourself, you probably just asked money from your parents. You're such a reckless spender, you fool." -Ehann.

Umobob na lamang ako sa desk ng aking upuan dahil sa antok. Kung bakit ba naman kasi walang available na paper bag para doon na lamang ilalagay ang regalo. Inabot ako ng alas-12 bago pa ako matapos sa pag-wrap ng iniregalo ko. Ang hirap niya gawin tapos wala pa akong manual instruction. Kinalawang ata ang utak ko kagabi dahil hindi ko naisip na gamitan na lamang iyon ng magic. How stupid of me!