Being a Greengrass after all should sound pretty serene.
But being a part of "the Emeralds" should not, especially when hearts become entangled with the infamous Regulus Black.
Goodness, lawfulness, or evilness. Which path will they tread in the ti...
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December 23rd, 1976
As December arrives, the winter chill settles across Hogwarts, the castle taking on a festive air. The festive spirit in the castle is tangible, the Great Hall decorated with lush garlands and magical snowflakes that swirl around the ceiling as if dancing in perpetual motion.
And, the day has come when the Hogwarts Express is set to depart, signalling the start of Christmas break. The platform is bustling with commotion as students prepare to board the train, saying their goodbyes to friends. Most of the students choose to go home for the holidays, leaving behind some teachers and a few students who have chosen to stay. Avery is part of the latter group this time.
Usually, she used to return home for Christmas but now, knowing that her sister is busy with work and won't stay with her at home 24/7, she decides to just stay at Hogwarts. A part of her misses her mother, but she would choose her school over their parents' daily routines.
She and Regulus stand at the platform, bidding goodbye to their friends before they step on the train and it disappears down the tracks. Regulus has always opted to stay at Hogwarts during Christmas since their second year, so it isn't anything new to them unlike Avery's decision this year. The two of them stand in silence for a moment, watching as the last wisps of smoke from the train finally disappear in the distance.
Avery glances at Regulus, her curiosity piqued. She's always wondered how he spends his time here alone while everyone else goes home.
"So," She begins, her voice somewhat hesitant but curious. "What do you actually do here by yourself during the holidays? Like, all day? Every day?"
"It's quiet," He says simply. "I get a lot of studying done. And I have the library all to myself, so that's a plus."
"That's all?"
She presses, a hint of disbelief in her voice. He just shrugs.
"What else is there to do?"
"I don't know. Anything?"
He answers with a hint of his signature dryness.
"I could always write to my parents."
Avery snorts, her lips curving into a small smile. The thought of Regulus exchanging cheerful Christmas letters with his family is completely outlandish.
"What about you?"
He counters, turning the question back on her.
"Plans for the break?"
"Not really. I mean, I've always spent Christmas at home."
He watches Avery for a moment before coming up with, "We could go to Hogsmeade."
Avery cocks an eyebrow, a little surprised by the suggestion.
"Hogsmeade?" She repeats, as if considering the idea. It's not that she hasn't been to Hogsmeade before, but the thought of spending time with Regulus there, just the two of them, is definitely intriguing.
