adored by him | *under editing*

first year × 10

The quartet trailed after Hagrid on the way to his hut after Harry's spectacular display on the Quidditch pitch. However, they weren't feeling very celebratory after Hermione had filled them in on what she had caught Snape doing. Harry was fuming, especially now their theories about the greasy-haired man were making more sense.

"Nonsense! Why would Snape put a curse on Harry's broom?" Hagrid questioned, not believing their protests.

Nadia folded her arms across her chest. "Who knows?"

"Why was he trying to get past that three-headed dog on Halloween?" Harry challenged. Hagrid immediately stopped in his tracks, whipping around to face the children with an unreadable look on his face.

"Who told you 'bout Fluffy?"

"Fluffy?" Ron repeated in disbelief. Nadia furrowed her eyebrows too, not knowing how a vicious dog like that could be named 'Fluffy'.

It seemed Hermione agreed with her as she asked, her voice dripping in disgust, "That thing has a name?"

"Well o'course he has a name! He's mine! Bought him off an Irish fella I met down the pub last year. Then I lent him to Dumbledore to guard the..." Hagrid trailed off, catching Nadia's curiosity.

"Yes?" She prodded.

"I shouldn't o' said that. Don't ask anymore questions! That's top secret, that is."

"But Hagrid, whatever Fluffy's guarding, Snape's trying to steal it!" Harry exclaimed exasperatedly.

"Codswallop." Hagrid dismissed. "Professor Snape is a Hogwarts teacher."

Hermione tutted. "Hogwarts teacher or not, I know a curse when I see one. You have to keep eye contact and Snape wasn't blinking!"

"Exactly." Ron added.

Hagrid sighed and eyed each of them. "Now listen here, you four are meddlin' in things that aren't to be meddled in. It's too dangerous. What that dog is guarding is strictly between Professor Dumbledore and Nicolas Flamel." Then, his eyes suddenly widened in realisation.

"Nicolas Flamel?"

"Shouldn't o' said that. I should not have said that." Hagrid mumbled repeatedly as he retreated into his hut, leaving the four bewildered children outside.

"Nicolas Flamel? Who's Nicolas Flamel?" Ron spoke.

"I don't know." Hermione sighed and shrugged.

Nadia turned to the trio, a steely look in her bright eyes. "I guess we'll just have to find out."

***

Christmas time arrived quick for the students of Hogwarts. The air was crisp and bitter-cold. Pure white snow blanketed the grounds, as though sound-proofing the entire castle. And the Great Hall was the most entrancing thing which Nadia had ever seen. There were beautiful Christmas trees line up behind the teacher's table, decorated royally. Graceful snowflakes fell from the bewitched ceiling, dissolving before they hit the tables. It was so warm and homely.

Nadia was supposed to be going home for Christmas but her plans took a sudden turn when Astrid, the family owl, brought her a letter the night before.

Dear Nadia,

There are not enough words to express how sorry your mother and I are to write this letter. Unfortunately, you won't be able to return home this Christmas, khlape. Your mother and I are incredibly busy and we think that it's unfair to burden your Christmas with that.

Again, we are so sorry and hope that we see you soon.

All our love,

Mum and Dad xxx