"Um… Headmaster… Would you be able to help us with a research project we're doing?" Remus asked.
Dumbledore looked confused for a moment. "Oh, of course. What are you researching? Shall we walk?" The Marauders followed Dumbledore down the hall.
"Tell me, Dumbledore, have you ever heard of some species called Krampus? Big, furry, horned monster?" James asked bluntly.
"Well, actually, yes. Krampus is not a species, though. He is a single entity, the only one in the world like him. He is the malformed version of Saint Nicholas. Whereas Saint Nicholas gives good children presents, Krampus devours and mauls naughty children. His helpers, the frost demons, can wield ice and snow in order to capture children. He is a most ancient legend, originating from Alpine myths, I believe."
"So, is he real? Or just a story? Because if he is, I'm a little worried." Sirius joked.
"Oh, I assure you, while Krampus is indeed real, he is contained. Nobody is in any danger of Krampus this or any year. Well, good night. I have some business to attend to in my office." And with that, Dumbledore headed up the stairs to his office, leaving the marauders behind to ponder what he said.
James turned to the others. "So, we accidentally unleashed the demonic version of Santa Claus onto the castle grounds, along with monster elves who hunt down naughty children, and WE'RE at the top of the list."
"Yep, we really messed up this time." Peter added.
"Ah well. What's Christmas without a monster attack?" Sirius remarked, causing the others to stare at him in confusion.
"Glad ONE of us is being positive." Remus joked, and they walked away. "Where are we going?"
"Library. If we can find anything to help us beat this thing, it should be in there." James replied, and they came to a four way intersection in the halls. James pointed right. "This way."
As they turned the corner, they came face-to-face with an army of what looked like small skeletons made entirely out of ice, with blood red eyes and razor sharp icicle teeth. The creatures all looked at the Marauders and chattered like a mob of insects.
James pointed to his left. "On second thought, I think it's that way." And they took off, sprinting down the halls, followed shortly by the frost demons.
"They're gaining on us!"
"Really?! Gee, Peter, WE DIDN'T NOTICE!"
"Inciendio!" James yelled, firing a firebolt and evaporating the first row of demons. The others repeated the action, and they made it inside the library with none following them. They leaned against the doors, catching their breath.
"What are you idiots doing?" They all jumped and whipped around, wands at the ready, only to see Lily Evans holding a herbology book.
"… Stand down, men. Position 15." James muttered, and the four relaxed and acted like everything was normal.