Disclaimer: I don't own the Harry Potter series
Note: if I got any holiday wrong, please respectfully forgive me and correct me. I'm human, I can make mistakes. If I understand this program well enough, there may be a point when I can correct any mistakes (that is a distant wish, please don't hold your breath for immediate changes I'm still learning)
Chapter 5
December had finally rolled around, bringing crisp white snow to the large brown castle high on the hill once again. Many students busied about while telling tales of what winter break would be in store for them, especially those that celebrated holidays. Winter holidays sometimes varied in dates, so many students couldn't be with their families during the actual festive days. Older students helped and comforted first years that realized this, assuring them communication and compromise was key to living away from home. There were lots of different clubs within Hogwarts that dedicated time to celebrating these holidays if they coincided with school. Religions and beliefs intermingled with learning as the festivities were open to anyone else that wanted to learn different customs and practices. The colorful balls of light that hovered semi-permanently in the halls were a wonderful sight to new eyes and a comfort for the rest. Prayers and fasts were respected and accommodated, and while the tall evergreen gleamed bright with cheer, it was simply a giant pine-scented centerpiece in the great hall. It never took the spotlight from the rest of the decorations or celebrations. And those that did not celebrate anything this time of year were still encouraged to try new foods and to sit in and learn.
Hogwarts was a melting pot of cultures and religions and personalities. The very founders were diverse in thoughts and actions but still worked together to create a safe space for all. Though vastly improved upon and adapted as time progressed, as all long standing things must do, this ideal still held strong. Candles of all sizes and colors, from menorahs to advent candles to anything, could be found in every major gathering place. There were places and rooms for Bodhi Day, Boxing Day, Yule. If there was a celebration or event happening at any point in the year, like Ramadan, Easter and such, Hogwarts would have it in some form. Winter, especially December, happened to be the busiest time for such events. Owls were just as busy, sending messages to family and friends not just in the UK but all over the world. Tales of North and South American holidays like Kwanzaa and Las Posadas and Pancha Ganapati as well as varying traditions of the same holidays. There were clubs for atheism and Jehovah's Witness as well as learning days for each as well.
With all the comradery and warmth and the castle glowing brighter than it had in quite some time, one wouldn't bat an eyelash at seeing a ghost talking passionately with a professor in a hallway. Except, of course, if said ghost is Peeves, who never takes a day off from annoying and pranking and causing general mischief. At the moment, there is no trace of his usual trickiness as he talked; there are even signs of worry in his voice though his posture is lax and careless. It is especially curious if the professor is Evans, who dismisses said ghost's questions and concerns with a flick of her hand and forward movement. She hates having to go through this area at this time of day, as it was his usual spot for play at the same time. Every day now he tries to get her to talk to him about how she feels that day. He is less persistent if there is no cane, or if there is more of the fiery witch he remembers than the battered, tired woman whose spirit feels like it was kicked in like an aluminum can. (Of course only ghosts can feel the strength of one's spirit, and of course Peeves is the only one who has the right amount of nerves and rudeness to bring it up directly.) Sometimes those days are not the same day. Some days Evans is perfectly willing to swing her cane to get him to leave, occasionally even if she wasn't using it. Sometimes she doesn't use her cane, but he can tell she just doesn't have the energy and is trying to mask it. But each day Peeves annoys her until the quota of her reaction is met, whatever it is that particular day, and then he is satisfied and leaves her alone. Evans doesn't understand why he does this, as any notion of him caring about anyone else's wellbeing is laughable to any Hogwarts student, present or former. He knows this, and it stings him a little. Peeves liked to be the one to cause the pain and trouble, and if it's not something in his control, there are instances of sympathy and compassion. Not enough to admit it, naturally.
This routine exchange has a different passing audience each day. The area just happened to have a dry, quiet spot for booklovers like Julia to relax and read during this very hectic time. When the Jewish Hufflepuff heard the banter the first time, because honestly Peeves' volume could wake the ghosts on the other side of the castle, she didn't think much of it. But Julia came back at the same time the rest of the week, and, like clockwork, so did Evans and Peeves. It wasn't long before Julia started taking mental notes of the conversation's differences each day.
Semester break was only a few days away, and Julia finally talked with her friends about her observations. This launched Ginny and Becca into their own debate of what the conversation could be about, with short clarifications and comments from Julia herself when there was an opening, which was rare. Luna remained quiet, and eventually Julia resigned from the hurricane conversation to a calmer one. "Do you have any theories, Luna? Maybe some that are more plausible" Julia rolled her eyes at the other two.
"Maybe it has something to do with her eyes?" Luna offered.
Julia frowned, "What about her eyes?"
"Those symbols."
"I haven't seen any symbols on her eyes."
"Well they aren't always there. They glow a light purple. They're very pretty. Come to think of it, whenever she uses her cane they aren't there". Ginny and Becca were now listening.
"Luna, we can't see anything on her eyes", Becca said.
Luna tilted her head curiously, "Really? I thought since no one mentioned it that everyone could see it. I thought that students finally started accepting things that were deemed strange."
Ginny wrapped her arms around her friend in a side hug and grinned, "Ah, you're right about that though. That's one good thing that came about. People are starting to come around at last. Even the adults."Luna smiled brightly in return.
Julia added, "It's just, I don't think those things aren't as connected as you thought."
Becca leaned forward and smiled at the group, "Well mates, it looks like we have a mystery on our hands".
