He sat quietly on the couch in the common room, basking in the heat of the fire and the casual, careless companionship of his three best friends. It almost made up for the cold sinking feeling in his stomach. He knew it would have to end, he just preferred to avoid thinking about it now. It was Christmas, after all.

It was Christmas. Once again, he felt the warmth of the fire and heard the chatter of three close friends, but now neither could warm his numb heart. His true friends were long gone, scattered by his shameful cowardice. He remembered that Christmas from years ago.

The last good Christmas.