***
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***
Chapter 25
Breakfast went by at an elevated speed. Flora and I were eerily curious to see what we'd been given.
The first gift we unwrapped was a box of various sweets from Daphne. Though what else would you expect from that sweet tooth. Next I unpacked a larger box, and inside it was a warm Slytherin-colored knitted scarf. Apparently handmade. The scarf also came with a greeting card, and from that I knew it was a gift from Nymphadora. I could have guessed without that, though, because the scarf was soaked in her scent.
- Wow, what a beautiful scarf! Draco, who gave it to you? And why don't I have one? - Flora asked immediately.
- Oh, it's from our cousin Nymphadora. I got to know her better at Hogwarts. And seeing such a gift, it seems that mine in the form of a magical book is not worth mentioning....
- Hmm, it's the essence of the gift that matters, not the value. So I'm sure she liked your gift too. Ohhh, why didn't she knit one for me? It's so soft and warm..." my sister said wisely, hugging the scarf.
- Well... probably because you just don't know each other. And if you want it, you can have it for yourself. I'm sure Nymphadora will understand.
- You what? I can't take it! It's your gift, so only you can wear it!
- Suit yourself. It's my business to offer..." I shrugged and continued unwrapping my gifts. Mostly there were either cards or candy everywhere. The Weasley brothers were the only ones who'd done a little better, sending a couple of dung bombs. They were in their repertoire.
The unwrapping of the presents went pretty quickly, and then Flora and I started spending all our free time together. After all, in a couple of days I was going to have to get on the Hogwarts Express again and go back to school. I had a rather ambivalent feeling about it. I simultaneously wanted to go back to school, to knowledge, magical books and friends. But at the same time I realized that I would miss my family again, and especially Flora....
Finally evening came, which meant it was time for Christmas dinner. It was, as always, marvelous. And even Hogwarts food couldn't compare to the taste of homemade food. The centerpiece of the dinner was a huge, fat roast turkey. At first sight of it, I wanted to pounce on it and bite into the soft, juicy and pliable flesh with my teeth. And thank Merlin it didn't take long. So soon Flora and I had bellies like balloons, threatening to burst with just one more bite of food. So delicious was all the food. But because of that, we didn't get to enjoy the pudding, but that was no great loss.
***
Two days flew by in the blink of an eye, and it was time to head off to Hogwarts again. We got to the train station with the help of Flying Powder, as always. The station was also decorated in Christmas style. It wasn't clear if it was decorated when I arrived and I didn't notice it because of the joy of being reunited with my family, or if it was decorated later. The train, which was already smoking, was also decorated both inside and out, unless of course what I saw through the windows was a hoax.
- Well... I'll miss you mom, dad, and especially you Flora! - I patted my little sister on the head, her eyes already red with restrained emotion. After all, she was two years younger than me and was not used to parting.
- Brother. Write me letters more often. I will miss you very much! - Finally she couldn't stand it and rushed to hug me, two lonely tears flowed from her eyes.
- Of course I will, you're my favorite little sister. And there's no need to cry. Before you know it, the school year will be over and we'll be together for the whole summer!
- Promise? - She looked up pitifully.
- Of course I promise. You'll miss me before you know it!
- Don't lie, you haven't left yet, and I miss you already! - She frowned, causing a wry smile to appear on my face.
- Draco! - my father decided to interrupt us.
- Yes dad?
- I know it's a little late, but I didn't want you to spend the whole vacation at home sitting behind a book. So Merry Christmas. Here's your present.
- Thanks, Dad! It's the best thing ever! - I was excited, wondering what kind of book my father had gotten me. It was gift-wrapped, so it was hard to guess.
The train horn sounded, announcing that it would be leaving soon, so I said goodbye to my parents and sister once more, then found my roommates in the Slytherin car, who took a seat for me, threw my suitcase on a shelf, and started looking out the window as I watched my parents say goodbye to their children.
After about a minute of waiting, the train hummed once more, jerked slightly, and then started moving smoothly, leaving the station platform behind...
Soon the city scenery was replaced by fields and forests, and my neighbors began to chat animatedly, discussing among themselves who and how they spent the Christmas vacations. Mostly I sat and listened to their conversation, only occasionally inserting my five cents when they asked me questions. And it was due to the fact that all my thoughts were occupied with the book given by my father. And soon, the temptation finally became so strong that I couldn't resist coming to Hogwarts and unwrapping the gift.
*A COLLECTION OF SPELLS FOR ALL OCCASIONS! *
The title of the book was embossed in gold. The book itself was a charcoal-black color, making it seem both rich and ominous. And from the first page it was clear that inside it were dozens of various popular spells, ranging from household spells to attack spells. All spells were accompanied by detailed manuals on how and where they could be used, so without wasting time I started reading the book. Of course, I couldn't practice them on the train, but that didn't stop me from learning what was what.
And I immersed myself in reading so much that I didn't notice that we'd almost arrived at Hogwarts until a voice came over the speakers announcing our imminent arrival. So in ten minutes the crowd of students left the train and got into carriages, heading towards the castle....
***
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