The days had grown shorter, and winter wrapped its icy arms around Hogwarts. Frost crept across the castle windows in delicate, lacy patterns, and the grounds were blanketed in a pristine layer of snow that glittered like tiny diamonds under the pale winter sun. Marley pulled her cloak tighter around her as she climbed the spiral staircase to the owlery, Morticia's cage in hand.

The circular tower was drafty and cold, but its perch offered one of the most breathtaking views of the castle grounds. Marley stepped to the edge of the open archways, gazing out over the scene before her. The Forbidden Forest stood dark and still, its trees capped with snow. The Black Lake mirrored the gray sky, frozen in patches near the shore. In the distance, faint plumes of smoke rose from Hogsmeade's chimneys, blending with the low-hanging clouds.

She inhaled deeply, the sharp, clean scent of winter filling her lungs. It was peaceful here, a quiet sanctuary above the bustle of the castle. Morticia gave a soft hoot, and Marley turned to untie the letter from her leg.

"Good girl," she murmured, stroking the owl's feathers gently before unfolding the parchment. Andromeda's elegant handwriting greeted her:

Dear Marley,
We were so pleased to receive your letter and to hear that you're settling into Hogwarts so well. Your dad and I had been wondering if you might want to stay for the holidays, and while we'll miss you dearly, we completely understand.
Hogwarts at Christmas is something truly magical—enjoy every moment of it. Just remember to stay warm, take care of yourself, and be safe.
We'll be sending your presents by owl, so keep an eye out for Morticia. Speaking of whom, your owl is doing a splendid job; I can see you've grown fond of her.
We're so proud of you, Marley. We love you more than words can say, and we hope you'll write to us again soon.
With all our love,
Mum and Dad

Marley smiled as she folded the letter and tucked it into her cloak. The warmth of her parents' words was enough to stave off the chill for a moment, filling her with a deep sense of gratitude. She turned back to the view, watching as Morticia fluttered to a higher perch and preened herself.

"Nice view, isn't it?"

The unexpected voice startled Marley, and she spun around to see Draco Malfoy standing in the doorway of the owlery. His pale blond hair glinted in the gray light, and his expression was guarded, though his eyes betrayed a flicker of curiosity.

"Oh—hi, Malfoy," Marley said, clutching her cloak tightly. "It is a nice view."

Malfoy stepped further inside, glancing around before leaning casually against the wall. "Staying for Christmas, are you?"

Marley tilted her head, studying him. "Yes, I am. Are you?"

His expression flickered, and for a moment, she thought she saw a hint of defensiveness. "Why would I stay?" he asked sharply.

"I didn't mean anything by it," Marley said quickly, raising her hands. "I was just curious."

Malfoy huffed, crossing his arms. "Well, no, I'm not staying. My parents would never allow it. Christmas at the Manor is a tradition." An edge of bitterness came into his voice.

"That sounds nice," Marley said carefully. "It must be lovely, spending the holidays with your family."

Malfoy's gaze shifted, narrowing slightly as though trying to gauge her sincerity. "It's... fine," he muttered, his tone softening just a fraction. "What about you? Why aren't you going home?"

Marley hesitated. "I wanted to experience Hogwarts at Christmas," she admitted. "It's my first year here, and everyone says it's magical. My parents understood—it's important to me."

Malfoy nodded slowly, though his expression remained unreadable. He turned his gaze out toward the snowy grounds, his posture stiff but less confrontational.

The silence between them stretched, the faint hoots of owls filling the space. Finally, Marley shifted Morticia's cage in her hands. "I should head back—it's getting cold, and I've got homework to finish."

"Right," Malfoy said, stepping aside to let her pass. "Enjoy your magical Christmas, Potter."

"You too, Malfoy," she said softly before beginning to descend the spiral staircase.

A beat passed before he spoke up again. "You should bring a scarf next time you're up here," he said after a moment, his tone quieter but still tinged with that familiar edge. "It's freezing."

Marley blinked, caught off guard by the unexpected comment. Then she smiled. "Thanks, Malfoy. I'll keep that in mind."

He shrugged, his mask of indifference slipping back into place. "Don't mention it."

Marley paused in the doorway, glancing back at him. There was something almost wistful in his expression as he stared out at the snow-covered grounds. She thought again of their previous conversation and the layers of armor he seemed to carry around him.

As she made her way back to the warmth of the castle, Marley felt a strange mixture of curiosity and sympathy tugging at her. Malfoy was an enigma, his sharp exterior hiding something she couldn't quite define. But for now, she let the thought rest, her focus shifting to the promise of snow, presents, and a Hogwarts Christmas.

✦✦✦

The winter chill hadn't eased by the next morning, and Marley made sure to bundle up before heading out to the greenhouses for Herbology. The frosty air bit at her cheeks as she hurried across the grounds with Susan, Hannah, and Daphne, their boots crunching over the thin layer of snow that blanketed the grass.

The three girls chatted as they walked, their breath forming clouds in the crisp air. Marley clutched her cloak around her tightly, shivering underneath the several layers of clothing she wore.

"So, what's everyone doing for Christmas?" Hannah asked, her voice light and curious.

"I'll be staying at Hogwarts," Susan said with a small smile. "Aunt Amelia's working, as usual, so it's just easier this way. Besides, I hear the decorations here are amazing."

"They are," Marley said, glancing toward the castle. "I've only seen pictures from my sister, but I've always wanted to experience it myself."

"I'm going home," Daphne said, her tone tinged with reluctance. "My mother insists I attend the Zabini Christmas Ball." She sighed, her breath visible in the cold air. "It's always the same—stiff formalities, fake smiles, and people trying to outdo each other with their wealth and connections. I'd much rather stay here."

"Sounds dreadful," Susan said sympathetically.

"It is," Daphne muttered. "But it's not like I have a choice."

"I'd trade places with you," Hannah said with a grin. "It's going to be just me, my parents, and our Kneazle, Figgy. Not exactly exciting."

The group laughed, their spirits lifting as they reached the greenhouse. Inside, the warm, earthy air was a welcome contrast to the chill outside. The glass walls were fogged with condensation, and the tables were lined with potted magical plants, their leaves and tendrils glowing faintly in the filtered light.

Professor Sprout bustled in, her round face flushed and her hands covered in dirt. "Good morning, everyone!" she said cheerfully, clapping her hands together. "Today, we'll be working with Puffapods. They're delicate, so handle them with care."

Marley watched as Professor Sprout demonstrated how to handle the plump, pink seedpods, which burst into blooms of flowers when dropped. She tried to mimic the professor's careful movements, but her Puffapod slipped from her fingers, blooming prematurely in a spray of petals that landed across the table.

"Careful, Miss Potter!" Professor Sprout said, frowning as she approached. "You've got to have a gentler touch. You're a Hufflepuff—Herbology should come naturally to you!"

Marley's cheeks burned as the other students glanced her way. She mumbled an apology and tried again, her hands trembling slightly. Despite her best efforts, her Puffapod split open awkwardly, sending a few more petals flying.

By the end of the class, Marley was feeling thoroughly defeated. As the students packed up and left the greenhouse, Susan gave her a reassuring pat on the shoulder. "Don't worry," she said. "It's just one class. You'll get the hang of it."

"Yeah," Hannah added with a grin. "Besides, I'm terrible at Charms. Everyone has one class that's tough!"

Marley smiled faintly, their encouragement easing some of her embarrassment. She resolved to practice more, even if she wasn't sure she'd ever be good at Herbology.

✦✦✦

Later that afternoon, Marley was on her way to the library when Hermione caught up with her in the corridor. The Gryffindor girl's bushy hair was even wilder than usual, and she looked slightly out of breath.

"Marley!" Hermione called, hurrying to her side.

Marley stopped, surprised. "Hermione? What's up?"

"I wanted to catch you before I left for the holidays," Hermione said, her tone brisk but kind. "Make sure those boys don't get too distracted by Quidditch and presents, alright?"

Marley raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Hermione sighed, crossing her arms. "They've been fixated on the three-headed dog and the trapdoor ever since the troll incident, but they're not focusing on the most important part—figuring out who Nicholas Flamel is."

Marley nodded slowly. "Right. You mentioned his name before, didn't you? In the library?"

"Yes!" Hermione said, her eyes lighting up. "I'm sure he's connected to whatever that dog is guarding, but we need to know more about him. I've looked through half the library already, but there's nothing there. Maybe they'll listen to you."

"I'll try," Marley said, though she wasn't sure how much sway she had over Harry and Ron. "They've been keeping me updated, and I'll keep pushing them to research."

"Good." Hermione gave a satisfied nod, then hesitated. "And... you're okay, right? Staying here for Christmas?"

Marley smiled. "Yeah, I'm fine. Thanks for asking."

Hermione returned the smile, then adjusted her bag over her shoulder. "Alright. Have a good holiday, Marley. And don't let the boys slack off!"

With a final wave, Hermione hurried off down the corridor, leaving Marley to ponder her words.

✦✦✦

The castle felt like a different place during the holidays. The usual hum of voices and hurried footsteps had vanished as most students returned home, leaving Hogwarts quiet and serene. The snow outside blanketed the grounds in a pristine white layer, and festive garlands adorned the walls of the Great Hall. The towering Christmas trees shimmered with enchanted baubles and candles, their soft light casting a warm glow over the long tables.

Marley sat alone at one of those tables on Christmas Eve, absently poking at a plate of biscuits she had brought with her. The quiet was comforting yet lonely. She missed the usual chatter of Susan and Hannah, the laughter they shared at meals. Her thoughts wandered to Ted, Andromeda, and Nymphadora. Christmas at home had always been warm and lively, and there was one tradition Marley felt the absence of most keenly—a Christmas Eve snowball fight with her sister.

Her quiet moment didn't last long. The doors to the Great Hall swung open, and the unmistakable sound of chuckling reached her ears. Marley turned to see Fred and George Weasley striding in, their identical grins widening when they spotted her.

"Well, well, what do we have here?" Fred asked, his voice dripping with exaggerated pity.

"Poor little Marley," George added, shaking his head as if overcome by sadness. "All alone on Christmas Eve. It's tragic, really."

Marley rolled her eyes, though she couldn't suppress a small smile. "Thanks for the reminder. I hadn't noticed."

Fred plopped down on the bench across from her, leaning forward with mock concern. "You know, George, this simply won't do. We can't leave her like this, can we?"

"Certainly not, Fred," George replied, taking a seat beside his brother. "No one should have to spend Christmas Eve sulking in solitude."

Marley sighed, but her smile lingered. "I'm not sulking."

"Sure you're not," Fred said, smirking. "What's the matter, Marley? Missing the family festivities?"

Her smile faltered for a moment before she nodded. "Yeah. My sister and I used to have a snowball fight every Christmas Eve. It's just weird not doing that this year."

The twins exchanged a glance, their grins growing wider.

"Well, why didn't you say so?" George said, jumping to his feet.

Fred grabbed her hand and tugged her off the bench. "Come on, Marley, we've got work to do."

"Wait, what?" Marley said, stumbling slightly as the twins pulled her toward the doors.

"A snowball fight, obviously!" Fred exclaimed.

"You can't have Christmas Eve without one," George added.

Before she could protest, Marley found herself being dragged out into the snowy courtyard. The cold air hit her cheeks, making her gasp, but she couldn't stop the laughter that bubbled up as Fred and George immediately began scooping snow into their hands.

"Alright, Marley, pick your side!" Fred shouted, hurling a snowball at George, who dodged with a laugh.

"You're on your own, though," George called, already packing another snowball. "Weasley loyalty doesn't extend to opponents."

"Then why tell me to pick a side?" She exclaimed. Marley grinned and quickly gathered her own handful of snow, launching it at Fred and hitting him squarely on the shoulder. "Gotcha!"

The fight quickly devolved into chaos, snowballs flying in every direction as laughter filled the air. Marley found herself laughing so hard she could barely aim properly, especially when Fred pretended to take a dramatic hit and fell backward into the snow.

As the light began to fade, Marley collapsed onto the ground, her sides aching from laughter. She stared up at the sky, her breath forming clouds in the cold air. The stars were just beginning to twinkle, and the peacefulness of the moment made her heart feel lighter.

"Snow angels, is it?" Fred's voice broke through her thoughts.

Marley turned her head to see him flopping down beside her, arms and legs moving to create his own angel. She laughed again, the sound echoing in the quiet courtyard.

"You're terrible at this," Marley teased, glancing at his uneven snow angel.

Fred shrugged. "It's all about artistic interpretation."

George leaned over them, grinning. "Looks like you two are having a grand old time. Shall we take her to the kitchens, Fred?"

Fred sat up and extended a hand to Marley, pulling her to her feet. "Brilliant idea, Georgie. Marley needs warming up after all that laughter."

The twins led Marley through the castle, their cheerful banter filling the empty halls. They stopped in front of a seemingly ordinary painting of a fruit bowl.

"Now, observe closely," Fred said, reaching up to tickle the pear in the painting. It giggled, and the frame swung open to reveal the entrance to the Hogwarts kitchens.

Inside, the kitchens were bustling with house-elves preparing food for the next day's feast. The warm air was filled with the scent of cinnamon and freshly baked bread, and Marley's stomach growled at the inviting aroma.

"Excuse us," George said, addressing a nearby house-elf with a bow. "Could we trouble you for some hot cocoa for our dear friend here?"

The house-elf nodded enthusiastically and scurried off, returning moments later with three steaming mugs. Fred handed one to Marley with a flourish.

"To snowball fights and new traditions," he said, raising his mug.

Marley smiled, the warmth of the cocoa spreading through her hands. "To snowball fights," she echoed, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for the twins' unexpected kindness.

They spent the rest of the evening in the kitchens, laughing and sharing stories as the house-elves worked around them.

The castle was quiet when Marley finally returned to the Hufflepuff dormitory that night. Her cheeks were flushed from the cold, her hair damp with melted snow, and her hands still faintly warm from the hot cocoa Fred and George had insisted on sharing in the kitchens.

Climbing into her four-poster bed, she sank into the soft mattress, pulling the thick yellow-and-black quilt up to her chin. The gentle glow of the enchanted lanterns on the walls cast a cozy warmth over the room, and Marley felt a contentment she hadn't expected to find this Christmas.

She thought about the snowball fight, the laughter, and the kindness of the twins. For the first time, she didn't feel alone, even though her family was miles away. Her eyes fluttered shut, and she drifted off to sleep with a small smile on her lips.

✦✦✦

Marley woke the next morning to the faint sound of rustling and muffled giggles. She blinked groggily and rubbed her eyes, the early light streaming softly through the enchanted windows. Sitting up, she gasped when she saw the foot of her bed piled with brightly wrapped presents.

"Happy Christmas!" Susan said cheerfully, already seated cross-legged on her bed with wrapping paper strewn around her. Her face was bright with excitement as she held up a new pair of knitted mittens.

"Happy Christmas," Marley replied, her grin widening as she surveyed the stack of gifts.

She reached for the first package in the pile, tearing away the wrapping to reveal a pair of socks in Hufflepuff colors, adorned with tiny badgers. A note was tucked inside: To keep your feet warm in the Owlery—Susan.

Marley laughed and wiggled her toes, pulling the socks on immediately. "Thank you, Susan! They're perfect."

The next gift she unwrapped was a small tin of peppermint toffees, wrapped with a delicate bow. The note attached read: Happy Christmas! Hope you enjoy these—Hannah. Marley popped one into her mouth and hummed in delight as the minty sweetness melted on her tongue.

Among the gifts was a sleek silver hair clip shaped like a crescent moon, which gleamed under the soft light. Marley turned it over in her hands, admiring its elegant design. Daphne's handwriting on the accompanying note was simple yet polite: Thought this might suit you. — D.G.

"Daphne has impeccable taste," Marley remarked, fastening the clip into her hair.

"She's definitely just trying to keep your hair out of the Puffapods," Susan teased, and Marley laughed.

Her laughter softened when she unwrapped a beautifully crafted leather-bound journal. Her name was embossed in gold lettering on the front, and the pages smelled faintly of parchment and ink. Inside, a note written in Andromeda's elegant handwriting read: Write down all your Hogwarts adventures. Remember, we're so proud of you. Love, Mum and Dad. Marley ran her fingers over the cover, her heart swelling with warmth and gratitude.

One package stood out—a small, neatly wrapped box with a note signed in Harry's handwriting. Marley opened it carefully and found an enchanted keychain in the shape of a broomstick. It twitched and hovered slightly in her palm before settling down again.

"That's brilliant," Susan said, leaning over to get a better look.

"It really is," Marley murmured, her smile widening.

She nearly gasped when she unwrapped a soft green sweater with a gold "M" stitched onto the front. She stared at it in disbelief, running her fingers over the stitches. "It's from Molly Weasley," she whispered, barely able to process it.

"The twins' mum?" Susan asked, surprised. "How'd she know to send you something?"

"I... I don't know," Marley said, her voice tinged with awe. She held the sweater close, the warmth of the gesture spreading through her chest.

The final gift was a thick book titled "Great Magical Discoveries of the Modern Era." Marley instantly recognized Hermione's neat, precise handwriting in the attached note: Thought you might enjoy this. Ron didn't help pick it, but he sends his best. Happy Christmas! — Hermione and Ron. Marley chuckled softly, flipping through the pages and marveling at the detailed illustrations and fascinating entries.

By the time she and Susan had unwrapped everything, the dormitory was filled with the cheerful chaos of crumpled wrapping paper and the quiet hum of happiness. Marley leaned back against her pillows, clutching Molly's sweater as she took in the sight of her gifts. Each one felt like a piece of home, a reminder that she was cared for, even miles away from her family.

. . . . . . . . . . 𝙖𝙗𝙗𝙮 𝙨𝙥𝙚𝙖𝙠𝙨 . . . . . . . . . .

I absolutely adore this chapter, the twins and Marley have such a special relationship that means the world to me. And Mrs Weasley has already adopted her into the family (probably on request of Fred and George). Also Malfoy in this chapter just makes me laugh, for reasons that while be revealed eventually!

I hope you enjoy this story as much as I do. Vote, comment your thoughts, and share with your friends!