Fred Weasley

A snowstorm raged outside, turning Hogwarts into an island in a snow-white ocean. In the Gryffindor common room, a fireplace blazed, casting dancing shadows on the walls adorned with bunches of holly and shimmering garlands. The air smelled of tangerines, hot chocolate, and the wax from hundreds of candles.

The girl sat in a soft chair, wrapped in a warm red blanket. She leafed through a book, but her thoughts kept drifting to the upcoming Christmas. This year, everything seemed... different. Anxiety hung in the hallways like an invisible fog, but today, at least for the evening, she wanted to forget all her problems.

The door creaked, and Fred entered the room. He held two mugs of steaming drink in his hands, and a familiar mischievous smile played on his face.

The girl looked at him and smiled. Fred walked over and sat down next to her, holding out a mug. "Saving mulled wine," he said with a smile. "With a secret ingredient." "The secret ingredient?" she asked, picking up the mug. "With a drop of firewhiskey added," Fred admitted, taking a sip. She followed his example, feeling a pleasant warmth spread through her body. Resting her head on his shoulder, she took a deep breath, savoring the moment of peace. "You know," she said quietly, watching the flames dance in the fireplace, "the usual Christmas magic has been so lacking this year. Everything seems so… fragile."

Fred squeezed her hand lightly.

“That’s why we have to create this magic ourselves,” he said confidently. “Remember how George and I arranged a surprise this morning – we hung Glowing balls all over our house. And then we made gingerbread cookies. Remember how they burned last year? The girl laughed, remembering that evening when the kitchen at the Burrow had filled with thick smoke, and the three of them had desperately tried to save the 'creation', while Mrs. Weasley had waved a towel in feigned horror.

"And," Fred continued, lowering his voice conspiratorially, "I know where the extra butterbeer is hidden. We could have a feast."