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The Great Hall shines and sparkles. Minerva thinks the children are finally accustomed to joy fizzing like Pepper-Up Potion, until it erupts in gulps of laughter.
She watches the Christmas feast from the Head Table. Children shout and talk and laugh, carefree and jubilant. When she sees a Ravenclaw first year hand a biscuit to a Slytherin boy, who takes it with a blush, she slips out, unable to see clearly.
Hermione Granger joins her at the front door. They stand together in the cold air, letting it fill their lungs. The joy is so sharp, it hurts like sorrow.