𝘋𝘈𝘕𝘊𝘐𝘕𝘎 𝘞𝘐𝘛𝘏 𝘖𝘜𝘙 𝘏𝘈𝘕𝘋𝘚 𝘛𝘐𝘌𝘋/𝘵𝘰𝘮 𝘳𝘪𝘥𝘥𝘭𝘦 (English version)

Chapter 15

December 25, 1993

The school wasn't as crowded as usual; many had left to return to their families.
But despite this, Hogwarts was more beautiful than ever.
Traditional decorations adorned much of the surroundings, small decorated trees were scattered everywhere, but the main one stood in the Great Hall, brought in by Hagrid days before the start of the Christmas holidays.
Snow was still falling thickly, preventing students from venturing outside comfortably, but no one really wanted to, the best was happening right inside the castle.

Sarah woke up calmly that day, knowing it was Christmas and, despite the many recent troubles, she was excited. Since the night with Tom, the girl had felt better, even though there still hadn't been a confrontation with Harry. She had gone out a few times with Hermione and Ginny, greeted Ron distractedly, but nothing more. She had also seen the Slytherins around but had simply lowered her head and walked quickly in the opposite direction.
After getting ready in a red sweater and a simple red and black checkered skirt, the girl followed her roommates down the stairs. She had to remember to send at least one letter to her "parents",she could have worried them since the holiday was beloved by the whole family.
Upon reaching the common room, they found many packages by the fireplace. Harry and Ron were already there, looking around.

Ron immediately stood up and smiled at the three of them.
"Merry Christmas!" he shouted.
Both he and Harry were wearing large red sweaters with a big green R for Ron and a big white H for Harry. Ginny walked over to her brother and took her gift, knowing it would be exactly what the two boys were wearing.
Hermione also received a similar package, and Sarah smiled seeing the girl's delighted reaction.
"I have to thank Mrs. Weasley, this sweater is perfect, really."
"You're not serious, are you? My mom should do something else" Ron replied ,not understanding the enthusiasm.

But that wasn't all. Ron walked over to Sarah and handed her a package.
"I told my mom about you, and from what I probably told her, she likes you."
Sarah took it, confused, and opened it quickly, nearly bursting into tears. Inside was a red sweater with a large white S embroidered on it. She turned to Ron with tears in her eyes.
"Please thank her for me. This gift is... wonderful, I don't know how to thank you."
But Ron stopped her, smiling happily.
"No need to thank me, now you're one of us."

Sarah walked over to the fireplace and saw two more packages: one marked "Settimini" and another without a sender.
She quickly opened the one from her parents, knowing roughly what they would have sent her. Her Christmas gifts were never modest, the Settimini family spent a lot on their children and not just at Christmas. Inside, she found the shoes she had been asking for and a necklace surely chosen by her mother. She smiled, taking the small note inside and read:

Dear Sarah,

Merry Christmas!!!!
The first one away from us, but we know you made the right choice.
Enjoy yourself and eat everything, nothing goes to waste, you know.
Your father and I are proud of you,we couldn't ask for a better daughter.
Your siblings are waiting for you with open arms, they miss you immensely.
Keep us updated, don't forget about us!

We love you so much,
Mom and Dad

She closed the letter, sighing. She missed them, but at the same time, she felt something different in their relationship. She would have to face them, let them know that she knew everything and that pretending was pointless.
She picked up the other package, turning it in her hands: it was completely black, with a small red ribbon wrapped around it to keep it closed. Hermione raised an eyebrow, confused.
"Not even the sender's name? How strange!"
Sarah nodded but didn't waste any time.
She opened it, tearing the paper. Inside the box was a fine, elegant silver necklace with a large black gem, with a B engraved on the back. Sarah turned it in her hands; it was beautiful. She put it around her neck, looking at it through the window that reflected her figure.
The group didn't seem convinced but decided not to make a fuss, after all, there was nothing to investigate.
Together, they headed to the Great Hall for breakfast. Sarah didn't expect to see a large table in the center, where those who had stayed would sit together, without house distinctions.