adiaphoron | d.m

EIGHTEEN

➸ YULE BALL

AS CHRISTMAS ARRIVED, Hogwarts was completely enveloped in winter, with icy clouds hanging overhead. They blanketed the grounds in glistening white snow and filled the air with the scent of pine, creating a stunning winter wonderland. This season was Cecilia's favorite for just that reason.

Cecilia had never been particularly fond of Christmas; to her, it felt like just another day. At the manor, her parents rarely spent the holiday with her. They would shower her with presents, but then rush off to business meetings, leaving her feeling alone and detached from the holiday spirit. As a result, Christmas never brought her the joy it did for others—it was simply another day to endure.

With that in mind, she chose to remain at Hogwarts during winter break instead of returning home. Unsurprisingly, her parents didn't mind; they simply mailed her gifts to the school.

Not many students usually stayed at Hogwarts during the winter break, but this year was different. An electric excitement filled the Great Hall during breakfast as everyone eagerly anticipated the Yule Ball happening that night. Cecilia found herself at the Slytherin table, surrounded by her friends.

"I was thinking we could hang out together and sit by the fire in the common room before we have to get ready," Tracey suggested, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.

"That'd be fun," Cecilia agreed, smiling as she glanced over at Daphne, who nodded excitedly.

"Should we invite Pansy?" Daphne asked, her brow furrowing slightly as she thought about their friend.

"Of course," Cecilia replied. She had always enjoyed Pansy's company, appreciating her unapologetic personality and keen sense of humor. Although Pansy wasn't as close to Daphne and Tracey as the three of them were to one another, she always seemed thrilled to join in on their gatherings.

"Pansy," Daphne called out, her voice cutting through the laughter and chatter of the Great Hall. Pansy, who had been deep in conversation with Blaise, turned her attention to her friend and met Daphne's gaze.

"You don't have plans before the ball, do you?" Daphne asked, raising an eyebrow playfully.

Confusion furrowed Pansy's brow as she shook her head. "No, why?"

"Come hang out with us then! We were thinking of meeting up by the fire before we all got ready together for the ball," Cecilia chimed in, her expression hopeful as she waited for Pansy's response.

"I'd love to!" Pansy exclaimed, her face lighting up with a bright smile.

"What's this I hear?" Blaise's voice rang out, his head poking around from behind Theo, a teasing grin plastered on his face as he looked in Cecilia's direction. "I don't get an invite?"

"It's a girl's thing," Daphne replied, shooting Blaise an exasperated look. "Last time I checked, you're not a girl."

"You're no fun," Blaise pouted, pretending to sulk as he crossed his arms dramatically, but the playful glint in his eyes betrayed him. He then turned his attention back to Malfoy, who raised an eyebrow, clearly amused by the exchange.

Cecilia turned her body to face Daphne and Tracey, a determined look in her eyes. "I'll be back."

She rose from her seat, but Daphne quickly reached out, placing a hand on her arm to halt her movements. "Where are you going?"

Cecilia leaned in closer, lowering her voice to a whisper so only they could hear. "I need to speak to Harry."

The sound of Cecilia's heeled boots echoed softly against the stone floor, muffled by the growing ruckus that enveloped the Gryffindor table. As she navigated through the sea of students, laughter and animated chatter filled the air, a stark contrast to the more subdued atmosphere at her own table. The Gryffindors always seemed to thrive on excitement, their voices intertwining with wild tales of daring adventures.