Harry Potter: The Forgotten Chronicles-Book 1

Chapter 7

Chapter Seven

As the snow began to gently blanket Hogwarts with a layer of white, the Great Hall sparkled with festive cheer. Enchanted icicles dripped from the enchanted ceiling, casting a magical, shimmering glow over the room. The enormous Christmas tree, standing majestically in the center, was adorned with twinkling golden lights and delicate ornaments, its branches laden with festive decorations. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, a stark contrast to the cold, crisp air outside.

Evelyn slipped through the Slytherin common room, intending to go to the great hall. The dungeons were eerily quiet, the usual murmur of Slytherin students replaced by a hushed calm that signaled the start of the Christmas break. The walls seemed colder than usual, and the torchlight cast long shadows that danced across the stone.

As she walked down the dimly lit corridor, she noticed Draco Malfoy standing by the entrance to the common room. He was meticulously arranging his bags, his face a picture of smug satisfaction. The large, polished trunks and well-packed satchels hinted at a luxurious holiday awaiting him.

Malfoy glanced up and spotted Evelyn, his expression shifting to one of mild surprise. His eyes narrowed as he took in her attire—her Hogwarts robes, devoid of any holiday cheer. He looked back at his bags, then back at her, a knowing smirk spreading across his face.

"So, you're not going home for the holiday?" Malfoy called out, his tone dripping with feigned sympathy.

Evelyn stopped in her tracks, her eyes meeting his with a mixture of weariness and irritation. "No, Malfoy. As you well know, I don't have a home to go to," she replied, her voice steady but edged with a hint of bitterness.

Malfoy's smirk widened, his pale eyes gleaming with a touch of cruel amusement. "Oh, that's right. I almost forgot. You're a charity case. Stuck at Hogwarts while the rest of us get to enjoy a proper Christmas."

Evelyn clenched her fists at her sides, her anger bubbling just beneath the surface. She took a deep breath, forcing herself to stay calm. "Enjoy your holiday, Malfoy. I'm sure it will be as wonderful as you've imagined."

Draco's eyes widened in surprise. It was as if he had expected her to retaliate with equal malice, but instead, she had turned the exchange into a dismissal. The shock quickly faded, replaced by a fleeting scowl. Malfoy's façade of superiority wavered slightly before he regained his composure, his smirk returning, though it lacked its previous edge.

"Whatever," he said with a dismissive wave of his hand. "Have fun in your little Hogwarts bubble. Not that you'd know what a proper holiday feels like."

Evelyn shot him one last glare before she turned on her heel and walked away. As she walked away, she felt a sense of quiet satisfaction, She felt an immense sense of gratitude for the sanctuary Hogwarts provided, and the thought of staying here over Christmas break was something she was genuinely looking forward too, no matter what Malfoy said. She walked into the great hall and slumped into a seat next to Harry and Ron. She let out a long sigh, her exhaustion evident. The late-night research sessions with Hermione in the library had taken their toll, but the warmth of the Great Hall was a welcome reprieve.

Harry and Ron were engrossed in a heated game of wizard's chess. The chessboard was a flurry of action as the pieces moved with a life of their own, clashing and strategizing with a fervor that was both fascinating and intimidating. Evelyn watched the game with interest, her eyes flicking between the chessboard and the vibrant scene around them.

Hermione soon joined them, her cheeks rosy from the cold and her breath visible in the chilly air. "Queen to E5," Ron declared triumphantly, and his queen moved decisively across the board, sending a pawn flying with a dramatic sweep of its chair.