Struggling to survive at Hogwarts

Chapter 297 Another Christmas

It was deep winter, and heavy snow was falling without restraint. Harry and Hermione had only been out for a short while when a thin layer of snow had already accumulated on their shoulders.

However, they were no longer in the mood for joking around with the heavy snow.

They are exhausted now. Physical fatigue can be relieved by rest, but the loss of their dearest friend makes it difficult for their inner wounds to heal.

But they still had to keep going.

Who knows, Ron might suddenly show up?

Maybe they'll find a clue in the next minute?

Under the same sky, Harry and Hermione encouraged themselves with these thoughts.

"ah--"

Hermione's sudden exclamation made Harry involuntarily look in the direction she was marveling at, and at the same time, he gripped his wand even tighter.

The next second, Harry was also stunned.

Not far away, the silhouette of the church's tall windows reflected the lively cheers inside, and details that they had previously deliberately ignored now came to light.

The sweet aroma of fruit pies wafted into their noses, and Harry realized that the last time they had eaten their fill was about two days ago, when Hermione traded a large book for a few palm-sized loaves of bread and a small amount of meat.

“It’s no big deal,” Hermione said, taking a big bite of bread. “Anyway, I’ve memorized everything in that book!”

Hermione acted as if nothing was wrong, but Harry noticed a glimmer of tears in her eyes.

Harry didn't say anything about gratitude or remorse; he just gripped his wand tighter.

"Harry!"

A rare smile appeared on Hermione's face.

"It's Christmas today!"

There was no painful longing for loved ones, nor any contempt or disgust for their plight; Hermione was simply delighted by the coincidence of the holiday.

We will definitely succeed!

The arrival of Christmas seemed like some kind of new magic potion; at least Hermione was instantly boosted to her maximum enthusiasm by its effects.

"It definitely will."

Harry's cooperation made Hermione's smile even brighter.

The two continued walking, and the snow gradually stopped.

They both stopped in their tracks as they passed by a pile of ruins.

Harry stood frozen in place, staring blankly at the ruins before him.

"Today is indeed a day for family reunion..."

After an unknown amount of time, Hermione vaguely heard Harry's murmur.

Before Hermione could say anything, Harry walked straight ahead.

It wasn't until Harry picked something up from the ground that Hermione, who had rushed after him, was able to see what it looked like.

—It's a commemorative plaque.

It was originally stuck to the nearby hedge, but it fell down because of the heavy snow.

Harry reached out and gently brushed away the snowflakes from its surface, revealing the clear writing.

Hermione peered over curiously, and the words on it were concise: "I am with you, heroes Potters!"

"Ha!" Harry chuckled briefly. "We're not fighting alone, are we?"

"Of course!"

Hermione nodded emphatically.

Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.

After saying goodbye to the Potter family site, the two went to the cemetery.

Having already seen the ruins of his own home, Harry wasn't particularly shocked by his parents' graves. However, as they passed by, they both spontaneously conjured a bouquet of flowers with magic.

Although they can only last for a limited time, this is the limit for the two of them.

They are still on the run, and danger still lurks around them.

It is worth mentioning that they also found a grave of Dumbledore in the cemetery.

"Where the treasure is, there the heart is."

Harry remained silent for a long time as he looked at the words written on the tombstone.

The heart, already pierced by the ruins of the former residence and the tombstones of his parents, ached even more at this moment.

He tried his best not to resent Dumbledore for hiding things from him, after all, not everyone should be honest with him.

Everyone has secrets.

He needs to learn to accept this fact.

Can…………

Harry bit his lower lip, the sting in his heart causing his eyes to redden.

But I trusted him so much!

Because of the word "savior" and a few lessons about the mysterious person's background, he fell headlong into this huge pit!

But what about the professor?

He died without saying a word, leaving behind only a hidden gold thief!

He risked his life, but the professor... he wouldn't even tell him this small thing.

He thought... he was different.

In the end, he knew nothing about the professor.

The snow, which had just started to lighten, seems to have gotten heavier again.

Amidst the swirling snowflakes, Harry and Hermione both spotted the blurry figure.

"She...waving at us?"

Hermione guessed,

"Is it... Bathilda?"

Harry snapped out of his daze and tentatively asked.

The man nodded and waved to them again.

The two exchanged a glance, both seeing wariness and determination in each other's eyes.

Whether it's a trap or not, they have to take the plunge.

In any case, finding Bathilda was part of their plan.

Because Bathilda was completely wrapped in a robe, and the heavy snow obstructed their view, neither of them noticed the stiffness in her movements.

To help the old woman walk, Harry and Hermione followed slowly behind her, also taking the opportunity to scout out their surroundings.

The roadside tavern was bustling with activity, the clinking of glasses was crisp and pleasant, men were toasting heartily, and women were not to be outdone, everything seemed normal.

This normalcy continues until the destination is reached.

Harry became alert as he looked at the dark door in front of him.

Bathilda seemed oblivious, slowly unlocking the door with her key. Perhaps due to her age, it took her a long time to open it.

Upon entering the house, the musty smell, dust everywhere, and the stench of spoiled food immediately assaulted Harry and Hermione's senses.

"This is terrible..."

Hermione muttered a complaint under her breath, and Harry nodded in agreement.

"Snapped!"

Bathilda knocked over a broom in the corner. She seemed to want to bend down to pick it up so she could clean the house, but she was really old, and her unsteady movements made Harry and Hermione's hearts tremble.

"Let's do it, really! You should rest for a bit first!"

The two quickly picked up the brooms and began working efficiently.

Bathilda seemed to be taken aback for a moment, and then slowly walked upstairs.

Harry guessed that she might be giving them something.

Is it a precious sword?

Or a Horcrux?

Or perhaps it was a clue left to them by Dumbledore?

Harry became more and more excited as he guessed, and he even worked harder!