The long-awaited Christmas break for the young wizards finally arrived as a thick, silent snow blanketed Hogwarts.
The castle's decoration was grander than in previous years. In addition to the prefects who supervised the setup, Professor Flitwick personally appeared to direct the festive arrangements.
He enchanted the lights on the ceiling and walls of the Great Hall, transforming them into fluttering fairies.
During the day, they became real fairies, flapping their delicate wings and bestowing cheerful blessings to passersby. At night, they reverted into colorful lanterns that glowed softly.
Professor Flitwick also instructed Hagrid to bring in twelve towering Christmas trees and set them in the Great Hall.
The tallest among them was adorned with tiny icicles, hundreds of flickering candles, and ornaments ranging from shimmering holly to live golden owls that hooted melodically. It had everything one could imagine, crowned with a glittering golden star at its tip.
The enchanting tree attracted students from all houses, many gathering beneath its branches to whisper their heartfelt wishes.
Most students chose to return home for the holidays. They admitted the first half of the school year had been vibrant and memorable, though they would have preferred to stay at the castle if it weren't for the burdensome alchemy homework.
Moriarty, meanwhile, chatted with Nicolas Flamel during an accelerated broom testing session.
He joked that the students were beginning to miss Professor Snape amidst the mountain of alchemical assignments.
At least Snape never made them smear lemon oil on a goldfish and write a fifty-inch essay from the goldfish's perspective, nor sing lullabies to turquoise under moonlight.
There were even more eccentric experiments Moriarty left unmentioned. With his alchemical matrix, he could bypass the practical trials and move straight to advanced levels.
Professor Flamel chuckled and reminded Moriarty that after the holidays, they would begin learning the language of alchemical formulas.
The current assignments, he said, were foundational for what came next.
After a few more words, Moriarty bid Flamel goodbye, exited the hidden chamber, and found Tonks waiting at the entrance with a radiant smile.
This Christmas, Moriarty and Tonks planned to spend the holidays at Slytherin Castle.
"Nymphadora, come here," Moriarty called gently.
Tonks bounded over, linking her arm through his, and together they descended into the Slytherin common room, where several of Moriarty's close companions were preparing for departure.
Marcus, the reliable aide; Jericho, the swift runner; and Leon, the composed leader—all stood ready, their bags stuffed with various alchemical materials.
"Blasted alchemy, it's driving me mad!" Jericho complained dramatically. "I could've had a perfectly peaceful Christmas at Slytherin Castle, but no! Look at this homework! Is this what normal wizards do?
If my dad sees me dunking twelve cones in a cauldron, he'll think I've gone off the rails!"
Laughter erupted among the group. A gleam sparked in Soldaya's eyes as he remarked, "Senior, didn't you say after the Dracula match that you needed to take alchemy seriously? What happened to that determination in just two months?"
"Because I'm not like you, a cunning genius!" Jericho snapped, glaring at Soldaya.
Despite being a first-year, Soldaya's aptitude in alchemy was notable. In Slytherin, he ranked just beneath Moriarty, Lilith, and Leon.
This only deepened his rivalry with Jericho, who had once considered him a junior to watch.
"Everyone mocks Jericho," Leon muttered with a sigh, flipping through his alchemy notes.
The mood dulled instantly. As thoughts of unfinished experiments loomed, the teasing faded into grumbling acceptance.
Meanwhile, Lilith and Gemma, along with a few other Slytherin girls, had taken over a table, heads bent in silent focus.
Lilith had opted to stay at Hogwarts this Christmas. Since the Yule Ball, she'd immersed herself entirely in academics. She no longer fretted over the girls orbiting Moriarty—her energy now channeled toward mastery.
The stone door creaked open as Moriarty entered. As he passed Lilith's desk, she glanced up momentarily.
Tonks visiting Slytherin Castle was no secret, and Lilith offered only a knowing smile at the mention.
She and Moriarty, she believed, shared the same path—pursuers of magical greatness.
Lilith reminded herself that she was crafting her destiny—to rise as her own powerful queen.
Without hesitation, she returned to copying passages from an intricate alchemical treatise.
When Jericho, Marcus, and Leon spotted Moriarty, they hurried over with bright expressions. The remaining students watched with a mixture of awe and envy.
Not everyone had received Moriarty's invitation.
Just as they reached the threshold, Soldaya stood abruptly and called, "Sir, what must I do to be a guest at Slytherin Castle?"
Moriarty walked on as if he hadn't heard. Jericho turned and shot Soldaya a silent warning.
Tonks rejoined Moriarty, and through the fireplace in the Headmaster's office, they Flooed to Slytherin Castle together.
The moment she stepped into the gleaming foyer, Tonks felt a whirl of emotions. The last time she had come, she was a guest. But what was she now?
The mistress?
No… The mistress of the Slytherin household should be a refined, noble witch. Someone stately. Someone… unlike her.
Was she Moriarty's girlfriend?
He had never said anything outright.
His lover? His toy?
The thoughts overwhelmed her, and she hesitated at the entrance.
Moriarty, noticing her unease, scooped her up into a princess carry.
"When did my fierce Nymphadora lose her confidence?"
"Eh? Moriarty…" Tonks squirmed, blushing furiously. "Jericho and the others—what if they see?"
"They wandered off," Moriarty replied smoothly, brushing her cheek. "They're out back, chasing unicorns."
Tonks buried her head against his chest. "Where are you taking me, naughty schoolboy~"
"Let's see… the bath? The steam room?" Moriarty's smirk widened. "No, our bedroom. This is your home now."
Before she could respond, he Apparated them straight into the castle's master bedroom—spacious as a chamber vault.
Sunlight streamed through tall, enchanted windows, warming the room in golden light.
Moriarty gently laid Tonks on the plush bed. Her eyes widened. She was in his room. The master bedroom of Slytherin Castle.
She dared not open her eyes, lest it all be a dream.
Then she heard him say, "Luke, another pillow."
Her eyes opened.
Only one pillow and one quilt lay on the bed. He had always slept alone. Now, he called for only one more pillow.
"You scoundrel," Tonks muttered shyly. "No quilt for me?"
Moriarty tilted her chin, his lips close. "We only need one quilt, my charming schoolgirl."
Her heart swelled with emotion. She pulled him into a kiss.
But in the passion, she suddenly stopped him, catching his wandering hands. "Moriarty… I'm not ready. Can you wait a little longer? I want it to be special. At the right moment, I'll give myself to you."
Moriarty, eyes soft, stroked her long silver hair. "I respect your wish, Nymphadora. Don't forget your promise—I'm looking forward to your surprise."
Tonks nodded, voice trembling, "You won't wait long."
"Then let me collect some interest first," Moriarty whispered, eyes glinting as he gazed at her striking beauty.
"Hnn~"
They spent the entire afternoon together in the master bedroom, basking in warmth and closeness, while the three boys frolicked with unicorns in the snowy rear gardens.
By evening, Luke had prepared a magnificent Christmas feast.
Lockhart and old Flint arrived just before dinner began—and they brought along an unexpected guest: old Mr. Foley.