Harry's twin || Between Light and Shadow

December

Christmas crept into Hogwarts like a silent snowfall, blanketing the castle in a thick layer of frost and wonder. The lake froze solid, its surface glittering under the pale winter sun, while the Forbidden Forest became a labyrinth of icy branches and muffled silence. Inside the castle, the Great Hall was a haven of warmth, its roaring fires casting flickering shadows on the stone walls. But the corridors were another story—drafty, icy, and filled with the occasional shriek of a student slipping on a patch of black ice.

The dungeons, however, were the worst. The single fireplace in the Slytherin common room struggled to combat the chill, and students huddled around it like moths to a flame. One unfortunate first year had even charred their robes after leaning too close.

"I do feel so sorry," Draco Malfoy drawled during Potions class, his voice dripping with mock sympathy, "for all those people who have to stay at Hogwarts for Christmas because they're not wanted at home."

He was looking directly at Harry as he spoke, Crabbe and Goyle snickering beside him.

Daisy rolled her eyes. Draco's attempts to belittle Harry had grown tiresome, especially after Slytherin's humiliating Quidditch defeat. He'd tried mocking Harry's broom struggles, but most students found it more impressive than funny. Now, he'd resorted to jabs about family—a low blow, even for him.

Professor Snape had circulated a list of Slytherin students staying for the holidays the week before, and Daisy had signed up without hesitation. She knew Hagrid would be busy with his duties, and they hadn't spoken since September. Molly was in Romania visiting Charlie, which explained why Ron was staying, though he'd made it clear he wanted nothing to do with her. As for Remus, his nomadic lifestyle made him an unreliable option.

Not many Slytherins stayed for Christmas. Most pureblood families insisted on their children returning home for lavish celebrations, maintaining appearances and traditions. In fact, Daisy could count the number of Slytherin stay-behinds on one hand.

---

Once the holidays began, Daisy found herself spending most of her time in the common room, curled up in front of the fireplace with a book. The solitude was peaceful, though occasionally lonely. On quieter days, she wandered the empty corridors, exploring hidden alcoves and admiring the castle's winter transformation.

Funnily enough, since the Quidditch blackout, she hadn't experienced another episode. The relief was palpable, and for the first time in months, she felt like she could breathe.

One afternoon, she ran into Professor Snape during her explorations. He eyed her curiously, his black robes blending into the shadows.

"How are you finding Christmas at Hogwarts, Miss Evans?" he asked abruptly.

Daisy stopped in her tracks, surprised. "It's a nice change of pace, sir. Though a little lonely."

Snape nodded, his expression unreadable, before sweeping past her without another word.

She often had similar encounters with Harry, Ron, and Hermione, too. The three seemed to be spending an unusually awful lot of time in the library. But Daisy is grateful for their little encounters since she can see that they help ease the tensions between them. She'd hoped to at least be back in talking terms with them.

---

Daisy woke on Christmas morning to a small pile of packages at the foot of her bed. Her heart leapt as she reached for the first one—a lopsided, handmade mug from Hagrid. She smiled, running her fingers over the uneven glaze. He hadn't forgotten about her. Her eyes were glassy from the thought.

The next parcel was from Molly. Daisy unwrapped it eagerly, already guessing its contents. Inside was a knitted sweater in festive green and red–a big "D" in the middle, along with a box of homemade fudge.

Pansy, Daphne, and Tracey had also left gifts: a set of charmed hairpins from Pansy, a leather-bound journal from Daphne, and a box of Honeydukes chocolates from Tracey.

The final gift was the most surprising: a new cauldron, a set of high-quality vials, and a book on advanced potion-making. A note was attached: "Use it wisely. —S.S."

Professor Snape? Daisy's eyes widened. She hadn't expected such a thoughtful gesture from him.

---

The Great Hall was a spectacle of holiday magic. A hundred roast turkeys, mountains of potatoes, and platters of chipolatas filled the tables, while wizard crackers exploded every few feet, releasing clouds of colored smoke and trinkets.

Daisy joined Harry, Ron, and Hermione, and her presence was met with a cautious but warm greeting.

"Merry Christmas," she said, sitting down.

"Merry Christmas," they replied in unison.

The meal was a feast of laughter and camaraderie. Harry pulled a cracker with Fred, resulting in a cannon-like blast and a swarm of white mice. Dumbledore, wearing a flowered bonnet, chuckled at a joke from Flitwick, while Hagrid, red-faced from wine, kissed a giggling Professor McGonagall on the cheek.

After dinner, Daisy approached the high table.

"Merry Christmas, sir," she said, smiling at Snape.

He looked up, his pale face flushed from wine. "Merry Christmas, Lil—Miss Evans."

"Thank you for the gifts. I love them."

Snape nodded. "You have potential. Keep up the work."

Daisy beamed. "I will, sir!"

Daisy, about to walk away, decided to go against herself and walked over to Hagrid.

"Merry Christmas, Hagrid!" she said.

"Merry Chris'mas, Daisy," Hagrid replied, slurring over his words. Professor McGonagall, who was right next to him, was a giggling mess. The wine was getting to them. "I hope yer like teh mug!"

"I do! Thank you!" Daisy said, smiling widely. She reached into her pockets and pulled out a package. She had already delivered the rest by owl but wanted to give Hagrid's herself.

He unwrapped the package. "Fur Friendly Flea Powder! Fang'll be pleased about this." Hagrid said, laughing. "Thank you, Daisy!"

---

The next day, Harry invited Daisy to see a mysterious mirror he'd discovered. Harry claimed the mirror reveals your family. She was surprised but intrigued.

That night, under the cover of the Invisibility Cloak, they crept through the dark corridors.

"I'm freezing," Ron complained. "Let's forget it and go back."

"No!" Harry hissed. "It's here somewhere."

Finally, they found the mirror. He stepped aside, letting Ron and Daisy take turns.

Ron saw himself as Head Boy and Quidditch captain, while Daisy gasped at the sight of her parents—a woman with the same dark red hair but green eyes, and a man with untidy black hair, her hazel eyes, and glasses.

"Mum? Dad?" she whispered.

"You see your family too?" Harry asked.

Daisy nodded, tears welling in her eyes.