Winter Wonderland Errand

After an unparalleled Christmas break, Meyra was back at school like all her classmates and peers. While she wished the holidays hadn't ended so quickly, she had to admit that finding her way back to the old castle felt good, like returning to a second home and a second family. There were several things she missed and people she really wanted to see again. Like her cousins ​​Raizel and Jun. Meyra wondered how they had spent the rest of the holidays when they had left seeing each other. And incredibly and unbelievably, she even missed the irritating and annoying presence of the McCoire twins! She still couldn't believe how small the world could be, revealing that her connection with them was a little deeper than she ever imagined.

Meyra still hadn't had the courage to confront her parents about what she had done and discovered. And the fact that her mother, Harumi, hadn't yet noticed the letter she had stolen was a pure miracle. The young Gryffindor had found herself holding her breath more than once every time her mother called her during her time at home, each time waiting for the inevitable moment when she would have to admit what she had done and what she now knew about her biological father's family. Mey felt like a coward in this matter, but every time she thought about talking to her mother about it, it was as if her heart split open and wanted to leap from her chest. Therefore, subconsciously, there was always that fear that the subject would come up when she least expected it. Especially now that Colin and Liam also knew who she was, wouldn't the twins have told their parents? And wouldn't their parents be able to talk to Harumi, unintentionally revealing what Mey had done? Her secret was becoming too tangled to remain untangled, and that scared her. Another reason to feel that small relief upon arriving at Hogwarts, at least if she had to exchange words about this matter, perhaps it would hurt less if she had to do it via letters instead of face-to-face.

As she wandered through the castle corridors, letting her thoughts invade her mind, as if thinking about all of this somehow helped her prepare for the inevitable future, Meyra was surprised by sounds of excitement and euphoria coming from the area of ​​the tall, heavy library doors. With a feeling of strangeness and curiosity, Mey frowned as her feet carried her to the source of those sounds. She had barely gotten close when she found out that the reason for so much joy in that place was by no means extra homework, but the enchanted winter paradise that welcomed them inside.

Meyra's mouth dropped open in awe and astonishment. The library had always been one of her favorite places at Hogwarts. A place where you could always find a moment of peace and tranquility that she loved so much. Not to mention the immense number of books on the vast subjects she adored and that fascinated her. But that day, the view made the space even more beautiful and inviting. It was snowing inside the library! It looked like something out of a winter castle from one of the fables she loved to read, and it was with a huge smile that the young Gryffindor entered that space that was so dear to her.

She walked until her green eyes met the large gift box in the librarian's desk, Miss. Doukas. Once again, her curiosity got the better of her, as she saw others taking small packages from there. Her curiosity, however, was quickly satisfied, since some less prepared students had let their chocolate frogs slip, letting them get lost among the snow covering the floor or jumping high onto the shelves or behind some piece of furniture.

Approaching the desk and the beautiful gift box, Meyra also took one of the packages for herself, not forgetting to softly nod to Ms. Doukas and greet her, "Good afternoon Ms. Doukas! This was a wonderful and incredible idea! Thank you so much!" She thanked her kindly while also taking one of the messages from inside the glass container next to the gift box. Unfolding the piece of paper, Meyra read, "Share with the person next to you a Christmas memory that makes you smile every time you remember it."

Her first reaction was unintentionally make her smile to fade slightly as soon as she finished reading that sentence. The idea of ​​talking to someone she hadn't yet met made her a little uncomfortable. She didn't like drawing attention to herself, much less sharing things about herself with strangers. But shyly, she lifted her gaze from the small piece of paper and looked to her side, simultaneously searching for a memory that she could share.

Mey cleared her throat and gave a tight-lipped smile to the person beside her, a smile that did little to disguise her discomfort, seeming more like a grimace than a pleasant, friendly expression. "Well...uh..." she began with hesitation, "Finding my mother and my aunt cooking and chatting happily in the kitchen on Christmas Eve always makes me smile. Especially when my cousin and I can join them." She finally revealed, shrugging slightly in an impulsive gesture that served more to shake off her nervousness than anything else.


Mentioning: @Colin McCoire, @Raizel Voltrouz, @Jun Mayumi Mochizuki, @Helen Aletheia Doukas

Reducio

Speech: df0c0c
Thoughts: 0f0cc6

Date: 11 January 2026

Alex was alone for the New Year for the first time in his eleven years. He couldn't go to his home for some reason, which his parents were not ready to disclose. He spent both his Christmas and the New Year at Hogwarts. It wasn't like Alex didn't have any friends, but also, his friends went home for Christmas and the New Year celebration, and Alex was alone. He was sitting in the Hufflepuff common room, looking through an album he brought with him with photos of him and his parents. He stopped right at a photo of him with his parents and an apple pie made by his mother. His eyes turned a bit watery when he wiped them with the back of his hand.

Alex thought to himself,"No point staying here like this!! I should go somewhere. Maybe Library! I can get some books on Defense Against the Dark Arts and Transfiguration to study. Yeah! Let's go!!" Alex went to his dorm to keep the album and then went out of the common room to go to the Library. In the way, he thought about the things he wanted to do research about and study in the Library.

Alex walked into the Library and was stunned by what he saw. The Library was filled with snow. There was a table with multiple treats, and whatnot. The shelves were enchanted to repel water. Alex's first thought was to make snowballs and play snow fight with someone, but no one was there to accompany him to do so. Alex felt a bit sad about that before looking around to find so many people. Alex thought to himself,"Seems ike I am not that lonely. This is amazing.. Thank Goodness, I wore my gloves and scarf before coming." Alex tapped the Hufflepuff scarf around his neck and rubbed his gloved hand to ensure he had both of them. Alex roamed around to find that the whole Library was covered with snow. He picked up some snow and just tossed it in the air. He made a plan.

He started to roll a small fall of snow, and slowly slowly made a big ball of snow. Similarly, he made another bag of snow and placed it on top of the big one, making a snowman. He pulled out his wand and said,"Tarantallegra!!" And the snowman started dancing. He laughed watching the stupid snowman dancing and turned around to look once again. Finally, he saw a big gift in the front with a red cover and a golden ribbon wrapped around it. He rushed to the gift and pulled out a small box from the big gift box. He found 2 chocolate frogs, 10 sickles, and a note saying,"Write a note to your 'enemy' wishing them a Merry Christmas." Alex thought for a moment. He didn't have any such enemy, but he still picked up his quill and panchment and started writing, "Hey, I guess we both started from the wrong foot, but Christmas is when we can correct our mistakes. Everyone makes mistakes, maybe even I made one. Maybe I never understood what you meant by the action that made me your enemy. Let's grow past that and trying friendship. Merry Christmas!!" Alex was delighted. He couldn't spend his Christmas and New Year at his home, so he spent them at his second home, Hogwarts.

Credit Avery Gray

Interacting with: Open!│ WC: 412/400│ Date: January 11th, 2026│Outfit: X
│Stamina- 9 Accuracy-7 Wisdom-5 Strenth-8 Evasion-4 Arcane Power-7│

It was finally the weekend after a busy first week back from Christmas, and boy was it cold. Emiline had at least three pairs of socks on but yet her feet were still blocks of ice sitting numb in her shoes. She was wearing a long, insulated top underneath her t-shirt which was underneath her pale blue fluffy jumper. So she should be warm right? Not at all, just something about Hogwarts or just January in general just meant she was always freezing.

Despite it only being the first week back, there was an errand already! And considering it was in the library, Emiline just knew it would be a great errand. Books and cold weather are the perfect combination; so she signed herself up.

Admittedly, she did forget that it often snowed at Hogwarts so even after layering up, she was still cold and looked like a marshmallow. With a sigh, she quickly moved towards the library, a very familiar path for this third year. The brisk walking through the chilly halls did warm Emiline up a bit but not much, she was looking forward to the nice cosiness of the library.

She pushed open the door, and to say the least, she was shocked. Snow was falling from the ceiling and a good layer had settled on the floor. It was like in slow motion, ever so gracefully floating down like small fakes of feathers. Stepping inside, she grinned as the flakes somewhat settled on her sleeves and attached themselves to the wool of her scarf. This was nothing like the cosy library she had spent many hours studying, talking and crying in. It was nice for a change, the library now oozed Christmas and childhood joy.

Stepping further into the library she scanned the faces of the few people there, she didn't recognise any of them yet. With a crunch as she walked, she saw the cosy corner with armchairs and sofas with very much welcomed blankets. She wondered if she could take one and drape it over her shoulders for this errand, but it seemed like that was a 'safe zone' of sorts. But Emiline was in no way going to sit in the safe zone just for something as trivial of warmth.

Looking towards the librarian's desk there was a big crimson present which was like the symbol of Christmas other than Christmas trees and Father Christmas. Emiline grinned, and tugged her scarf around her tighter.

Banner Credit Adora Fletching

Maisie would never skip a party. After all, each was an opportunity to try out a new creation that previously had only lived in her sketchbook. And this party would allow her to test out winter style. The obvious choice, of course, was winter white. She love the way it matched the snow that lingered on the building edges or the little ears of gargoyles as she passed through the school grounds.

So, she would arrive in a white dress she'd designed. With a wide Peter Pan collar and a tiered hem at the knee, it was simple and light, but the hand-made lace pattern of her jumper echo'd that of a fresh snow. Perhaps others might not dress up, but Maisie saw no reason not to. And besides, she had a new mission beside her. They had to make Avis popular so that annoying Gabriele would never bother her again—or that he would. Although they had discussed it before, Avis wasn't completely sure if she wanted to get rid of him or not. But a great outfit would help no matter what was the preferred outcome—of this, Maisie was certain.

"Hold on," she stopped, "you've got a stray hair, just there." With a gentle hand, she reached up to adjust the headband she'd made for Avis. "There," she said as they rounded the corner, "So, do you think he'll come?" Operation Fun had been much easier to plan because they shared a common room with Mylo and knew his general habits. Operation Popular was much more of a shot in the dark. And yet, Maisie wrinkled her nose with determination. This Gabriele fellow had upset her best friend and she would fix it.

Upon arriving, Maisie squinted looking for the culprit, but she couldn't see anyone who matched his description. To pass the time, she'd fix herself a cup of tea. As she scooped two sugars into the cup, she noticed the box that sat lonely on the librarian's desk. Gifts were welcome, but they came with a price: that glass box. Her eyes narrowed—how bad could it be?—and her hand reached inside, swirling. Pulling it out, she read it swiftly like a note in a fortune cookie. "This is...our chance!" she turned to Avis, "There's a billion of these and it gives us a reason to talk to him. Do you want this one? It's about an 'enemy' so that's pretty clear." She held out tentatively for Avis to take and swap with her. Part of this was by chance—what luck!—and part by design—because she really, really, really, really did not want to say anything to Costanza Jewelweed.

That was four 'really's.

With permission to godmode @Avis Greymond

credit to Skylar Astor

Zephyr had no idea what to expect when he heard that something was happening in the library for everyone. They just came back from their school Holidays, and he still has a hangover from his vacation. To say the least, he's got a severe separation anxiety right now, and he didn't know how to deal with that. Is there a potion that could combat homesickness? He doesn't think so, and this was the reason why he decided to join this tea party that everyone was talking about.

The difference was evident once you went inside; he immediately realised this was not a normal event at all. There was snow, an actual snow, inside the library, no less. He stopped just past the door and glanced down at the floor, where his boots sank into a layer of soft white. His first thought was to check the shelves, somehow expecting some professors or even the librarian to be yelling about wet books or shelves, but everything looked fine. In fact, they're as organised as he could remember from last year. His assumption was that everything in that library was probably charmed.

Being the shy person he was, he was naturally drawn to the calmer corner of the place, which featured blankets, cushions, and armchairs. That looked definitely more like his thing. But before he could take further steps, he noticed the big red box on the librarian's desk. It was hard to miss. Was there something special in there? He watched as a few students reached in and pulled something out of it; some were even smiling when they opened them, and for a moment, he did consider doing it too. There's no reason not to try if everyone else was doing the same, right?

He waited for his turn, and when he did, he excitedly reached into the box and rummage around until his fingers felt a wrapped package. He pulled it out of the box and opened it, and found two chocolate frogs inside. Seeing that, he grinned. That would be a nice addition to his collection. There was also a little note hidden inside, so he read the message, smiled, and folded it before putting it into his pocket. He greatly appreciated that someone thought about him despite not knowing him. About to leave that place when he noticed the glass container with slips of paper inside. A different one perhaps? He shrugged and got one himself, only to wince at what he saw... "Strike up a conversation with the person who comes to sit beside you regarding their Christmas traditions and share yours." He really sucks at starting a conversation, but why not? It depends on whether he's in the mood for it.

Credit to Clark Baird for the awesome banner. Interactions: @Helen Aletheia Doukas, @Violeta Roux, @Emiline Hunter + open to interacions Date: 1/11/26 Speech: #3CB371 | Thoughts: italics Outfit: xx Christmas break had been … unremarkable, thankfully. That wasn’t to say that she didn’t enjoy the break. Oh yes, she enjoyed it … even if a lot of her time was spent studying and reading. That part didn’t change, no matter where she was. It was at her family’s home, as opposed to within the castle’s walls. In her opinion, breaks were a fantastic time to learn … especially without the constraints of having to study for all of her classes. For her favorite class at Hogwarts, Herbology, she could do the one simple action while at her muggle home … that being physically seeing and touching the plant. Of course, she had her amazingly cute honking daffodil plant, but that only scratched the surface when talking about magical plants. There were plenty of others … as evidenced by her textbook and her ever-growing plant journal. The young fourteen-year-old heard of something happening in the library, and she knew that she had to attend. She loved libraries! They were one of her favorite places! The St. Ann’s library was practically a second home to her. While she had her friend group there that she’d hang out with, the library there was a regular staple for her. And, of course, her local library to her muggle home was well-visited, as well! Sadly, she didn’t have as much time at that one, but she still enjoyed her trips there! Now, the Hogwarts library … Kaitlyn fell in love with. It was so vast … filled with so many awesome books! Of course, it certainly helped that it was full of magical books! She was under the impression that there would be no possible way for her to read all of the books in the library, and she was perfectly fine with that knowledge. But, she also enjoyed spending time there … and looking at the Herbology books. She had to find another source of more awesome plant information for her plant journal, after all! As she entered the library, Kaitlyn’s eyes grew wide. There was snow … in the library. The books! The parchment! Her blue eyes danced around, unsure if she should be upset to see the library in this fashion. Yet, she had faith that the new Hogwarts librarian would have taken precautions for the potential impacts of the snow on the books. Frankly, she wasn’t a stickler for the rules, at any rate. Who was she to judge, anyway? Sure, she was a prefect, but she frankly had no interest in micromanaging her fellow students … especially if it wasn’t actually harming anyone. As a matter of fact, her prefect badge was safely in her pocket. The Slytherin stepped into the library, a giggle crossing her lips as the snow crunched under her heels. There were already a few students here, as well. A few she recognized, and a few she didn’t. While she wasn’t anywhere near a social butterfly, she wanted to try her best to try to socialize. She was far from the stuttering mess that inhibited her in her first year, but she was still pretty shy. Not that she minded all that much, but it was still something she was well aware of. With a shy glance around, Kaitlyn approached the librarian. Despite the snow, her movements were still graceful … due to her background as a dancer. “Hi, Ms. Doukas,” she curtsied. “Thank you for such a wonderful treat,” she smiled. Her eyes grew wide again when she saw the tea set up in a calmer section. She knew she wanted to go try it … but first, an attempt at socialization … if possible. Kaitlyn spotted a fellow third-year Slytherin girl … and if her memory served her, this girl was pretty good at Quidditch, too! Shyly, she gracefully crunched over to her. “Hi,” she greeted her quietly with a small smile. “I don’t think I’ve spoken to you before … So, Hi, I’m Kaitlyn.” Her voice was polite, with her shy kindness shining through. She was naturally quiet, however, and her voice held a light, mystical property. Glancing around again, Kaitlyn spotted yet another third year … and one that she had talked to before. This one was a Hufflepuff girl. “Hi, Emiline!” She waved. Word Count: 713 words

Speech -- Thoughts

Pam's winter holidays had been amazing. Ipswich was always really cold and really pretty, layers of snow covering the streets and houses. She'd been really glad to be with her dad, and they'd spent a whole day baking and baking and baking, because if there was any time perfect for binging on sweets and baking stuff she didn't normally bake, then it was Christmas.

And gods, those skates.

Pam's Christmas present had been a pair of brand new ice skates. Unfortunately for her, she hadn't gotten the time to actually try them out since she'd returned to Hogwarts. It was fine though. There was still a lot of time before winter ended.

Although she did kinda wish the holidays hadn't been so short, she was glad to be back in the castle, and back to school. Over the last year and a half, she'd grown to adore Hogwarts and magic in general. Honestly, she couldn't wait till she turned of age and could actually show her father what she had learnt instead of writing about it in the letters.

Pam tripped down the familiar corridor that led to the library, stopping outside the wooden doors in surprise at the noise and ruckus that seemed to be coming from inside the library.

Since when was the library of all places so noisy?

Pam hesitated for a few seconds, hovering in the doorway, before curiosity got the better of her and she decided to take a peak inside.

Snow! Pam blinked, unable to believe her eyes as she saw that the inside of the library was, indeed, covered with snow. Little snowflakes and balls of white seemed to originate from the high ceiling and the floor was already covered in a thick layer of ice.

Pam walked in, mouth open in shock and awe. The library had been transformed into some sort of a magical winter party, complete with tea, snacks as well as cushions and blankets.

She walked through the throngs of students until she reached the librarian's desk, spotting a pretty red and green box from which students seem to be pulling out tiny wrapped packages. Curiosity made her draw out one for herself, opening it to find two chocolate frogs. The girl couldn't help but giggle at the sight, shyly thanking Ms. Doukas.

She then noticed the folded pieces of paper in the glass container beside the box, and went to pick one up, unfolding it to read, "Share with the person next to you a Christmas memory that makes you smile every time you remember it."

Well this was awkward. Pam grimaced, wondering if she could just told the paper, put it back inside and pretend that hadn't just happened. No-one would notice, right? She risked a glance around. Most of the students were busy with themselves. Still the thought made Pam feel guilty. Maybe she could just say something small and impersonal, so it wouldn't feel like oversharing....

The girl next to her was equally awkward about it, flashing her an uncomfortable smile, before telling her about her christmas. Pam blinked, unsure of what to do with the sudden assault of information, by the other's awkwardness made her feel a little better.

Was she becoming vindictive?

"Well, I um...." She blinked, thinking hard for something she could share too, "I, uh... Bake a lot with my father during Christmas. Specially on Christmas Eve." She smiled, letting her words hand awkwardly in the air.

Should they exchange names?

Wc:580

The winter break was over already and had gone by so fast Rose didn't even realise it although she had great time with all her family. She was now back at Hogwarts where classes had started again and where the commotion of the castle has returned to normal. It was if the castle were welcoming back the students which couldn't be totally wrong thanks to the presence of the paintings that were talking and to the ghosts wandering around.

As for Rose she liked quietness more but she couldn't deny she had missed the specific atmosphere of this place. She was heading towards the library where she heard about a Winter Wonderland Tea-Party being hosted. Although Rose usually didn't like this kind of events her curiosity has been risen by the name of it and its description. Plus it was in the library her favourite place in the castle. At least she would find herself in her comfort place if the atmosphere was not her cup of tea. Nevertheless she knew this type of events would help her to meet more people and overcome her shyness. However when she found herself in front of the library and entered in she wondered why she had decided to come here her shyness and nervousness taking over her again. But as she walked in she noticed snow falling in the room. Suddenly her face lighted up as a smile appeared on her lips. She raised a hand to let snowflakes falling on her palm. Although she was a half-blood and has been surrounded by magic since a young age she was still amazed at everything that could be achieved through magic. Such as making snowing in a closed space.

Rose who let herself being distracted by the magic snowflakes remembered why she had come here on the first place as her eyes screened the library. They fell on a side area where armchairs and couches could be found. Not to far from it blankets and cushions were also available. Finally teas and treats were offered. All of this set up created a warm and cozy atmosphere to make students comfortable. At least that's what Rose felt and unexpectedly it was as if her worries about coming here had faded away. She went to this space and found herself a seat. From where she was Rose spotted the librarian desk she hasn't seen earlier. Two things could be found on it. One was a box decorated like Christmas present whereas the other was a glass container where many papers were in. Rose was curious about the contents of both the gift-box and the glass container as she stood up framing herself a way through the others students here. Speaking of she hasn't even paid attention to who was here and if there may be some of her friends. She quickly glanced as she did spot someone but her cheeks felt warm. It was Zephyr.

Lost in her thoughts she finally reached the librarian desk and put her hand into the box that looked like a present as her fingers felt single wrapped packages before closing onto one and taking it out. She then put her hand into the glass container from which she picked up a folded paper.

Rose went back to the armchair she was sitting in and open the wrapped package to find inside two chocolate frogs along a Christmas wish. Her lips curved into a small smile at the kind words she read. She carefully put it all in her pocket before reading the other paper.

"Build a snowman with the person next to you." Rose's eyes widened a bit as she read this prompt. Thankfully Rose liked building snowman but the other student?

She felt worried and nervous again at the idea of asking to the person next to her to build a snowman with her out of the blue. Rose didn't even know who was next to her as she hasn't really looked.

Hopefully that would be someone who likes snowman.