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79.82% Harry Potter: The Vampire Prince / Chapter 91: 91: Before Christmas

Chapter 91: 91: Before Christmas

As Christmas approached, the tense atmosphere at Hogwarts finally began to ease. Even the bookish Slytherins set aside their studies to indulge in the joys of wizarding life for a change.

Recently, Eve Stock's status within the Slytherin house had noticeably improved. Many of her housemates—particularly the half-bloods—had begun to accept her. After all, she had won the Quidditch match for Slytherin, and in spectacular fashion no less.

Following that victory, Eve Stock became a rising star at Hogwarts. She was now a celebrity who couldn't walk through the halls without someone greeting her or trying to strike up a conversation.

However, Gryffindor didn't share the enthusiasm. They felt Eve had gone too far in that match, treating it less like a game and more like outright humiliation.

Slytherin, along with Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, saw things differently. They believed that a match should be played with full effort—holding back wouldn't show Gryffindor any respect.

This difference of opinion only fueled the already simmering rivalry between Slytherin and Gryffindor. Not that their relationship was particularly amicable to begin with.

Speaking of Gryffindor, the other infamous figure from that match—the "Savior" who fell off his broom—was still recovering his dignity in their common room.

Harry Potter and his best friend Ron Weasley firmly believed that someone had cursed his Nimbus 2000. Harry, they insisted, was an unfortunate victim and didn't deserve any blame. In fact, they argued, it was only because of Harry's efforts that Gryffindor hadn't lost by 400 points.

This reasoning, however, didn't sit well with many of the Gryffindors. They couldn't quite see the difference between losing by 300 points and losing by 400.

Even Ron himself struggled to articulate it, so he shifted his stance: "If the Chasers and Keeper hadn't played so badly, Harry could've led us to victory!"

This perspective gained traction among the Gryffindors, redirecting the blame onto poor Oliver Wood and the three Chasers, who suddenly found themselves under heavy scrutiny.

"Poor Gryffindor," Nolan Von Draugr remarked softly during dinner. "They're not as united as they like to think."

Miles Bletchley, who had been trying to convince Nolan to try a piece of roast lamb, paused and asked, "Why do you think that's happening?"

"It's simple," Nolan replied. "Collective pride is built on victories. Eve shattered their pride. Now, to salvage their sense of honor and belief in Gryffindor, they need a scapegoat. Only by identifying a weak link can they justify their loss and preserve their image."

"Did I go too hard on them?" Eve, seated beside Nolan, asked hesitantly.

"You did nothing wrong." Nolan ruffled her hair affectionately. "The fault lies with those who lack the strength to compete. True unity only forms through adversity. In a way, you might've done them a favor."

"Is that really how you see it?" a familiar voice chimed in from behind.

Turning, they found Hermione Granger standing there, looking uncertain. She hesitated, glancing between Nolan and Eve. "Um, Eve, congratulations on your win… though it feels strange to say that as a Gryffindor."

Eve waved off the awkwardness. "Don't worry about it."

Hermione hesitated again before asking, "Eve, would it be alright if I talked to Nolan? I haven't properly thanked him for what he did during Halloween."

"Why are you asking me?" Eve replied, puzzled, though she quickly realized why. To many, she probably appeared to be Nolan's girlfriend.

After dinner, Nolan, Eve, and Hermione stepped out of the castle, taking a slow walk along the lakeshore.

The winter chill had transformed the Black Lake. Its surface was covered in a thick layer of ice, hard as iron. Frost coated the grass along the shoreline, turning it pale and brittle. Each step they took crunched delightfully beneath their feet.

After a while, Nolan broke the silence. "So, what did you want to say?"

Hermione, her front teeth catching the light in an endearing way, seemed uncharacteristically shy. She fiddled with the hem of her robes and spoke in a quiet voice. "Oh… Nolan, I just wanted to thank you for what you did that night. I already thanked Eve, but I never got the chance to thank you. If it weren't for you, I might not even be alive right now."

Nolan regarded Hermione with mild interest, his expression unreadable. After a moment, he replied in a flat tone, "There's no need to thank me. I was only focused on saving Eve. You just happened to be there."

"But you took a hit for me!" Hermione protested, her voice a mix of frustration and disbelief.

"Because you were standing in front of Eve. The troll would've crushed both of you into pulp—oh, and Potter too." Nolan's voice was cold and unfeeling, completely ignoring the flicker of disappointment in Hermione's eyes. Waving her off impatiently, he added, "Enough about this. If you're really grateful, you can get Eve a couple of books for Christmas. She's been into reading lately. Now, come on, Eve."

Without waiting for a response, Nolan took Eve's hand, intending to leave.

"Wait! Nolan!" Hermione called out hurriedly, her voice trembling slightly. "I wanted to ask you about something… about the thing in Gringotts…"

"The thing in Gringotts?" Nolan stopped in his tracks and turned back to her, his expression shifting to one of curiosity. "How do you know about that?" Then realization dawned. "Let me guess. Harry Potter put you up to this?"

"Well… kind of," Hermione admitted awkwardly, avoiding his gaze. She felt guilty but remembered Harry's insistence that it was a matter of great importance.

"This isn't something you should be meddling with," Nolan replied sharply, his tone dropping several degrees. He had already warned Harry to stay out of it. The matter involved dangerous forces—possibly even Voldemort himself, who was after the Philosopher's Stone. Why was the so-called Savior of the Wizarding World so eager to thrust himself into peril?

Hermione pleaded, "Please, Nolan, it's really important. We know about Snape's plot—"

"Snape's plot?" Nolan's brow furrowed in confusion.

"You remember the Quidditch match, don't you?" Hermione said, her words spilling out rapidly. "Harry swears he saw Snape's leg—it was bitten! And he overheard that it was the three-headed dog that bit him! Dumbledore must've hidden whatever was in Gringotts under that dog, and Snape's trying to steal it. That's why he got bitten!"

"You suspect Professor Snape?" Nolan asked, narrowing his eyes.

It wasn't that Nolan trusted Snape—in truth, he trusted no one at Hogwarts except for Eve. Even his supposed ally, Dumbledore, remained a figure of suspicion in Nolan's eyes.

"Yes, we do! Please, Nolan, help us. At least tell us who Nicolas Flamel is. I'm sure you know."

"Nicolas Flamel…" Nolan sighed and gave Eve's hand a reassuring squeeze. "Let me guess—Hagrid let that slip, didn't he? The big guy's never been good at keeping secrets."

Eve nodded, her gaze drifting to Hermione with a puzzled expression. "A lot of people know who Nicolas Flamel is, Hermione. I think you do too. If you calm down and think carefully, you won't need Nolan to tell you."

Hermione frowned, unsure. "What do you mean?"

Eve's tone was patient yet firm. "Sometimes the space beneath the lamp is the darkest. You're overthinking it. Try looking at things from a different perspective."


Chapter 92: 92: The Start of Winter Break

As winter break approached, Nolan doubled down on training Eve, drilling her in dueling techniques that could give her an edge in the upcoming Wizard Dueling Club competition.

Nolan didn't think much of wizard dueling. But if Eve wanted to compete, he didn't mind helping her secure a win.

On the day of the break, Nolan and Eve boarded the Hogwarts Express, heading home for the holidays.

Harry and his friends opted to stay behind at Hogwarts. Not surprising—where else would the Boy Who Lived spend Christmas?

He's not going back to the Dursleys, that's for sure.

The train was packed with students returning home, filling nearly every compartment.

Nolan and Eve wandered the length of the train, searching for seats. Miles was already squeezed in with older Slytherins, and Alicia had disappeared somewhere, probably off with friends.

Finally, at the very last compartment, they found two empty spots.

But there was a catch—this compartment already had one occupant.

Cho Chang.

The atmosphere instantly thickened.

Cho's eyes narrowed slightly as Nolan stepped inside with Eve. She hadn't quite forgiven him yet.

Seeing her crush spending all his time with her "rival" didn't exactly improve her mood.

Cho greeted them with a chilly glance before resuming her whispered conversation with Marietta.

"Well, don't just stand there," Cho said stiffly. "Sit down."

The entire journey passed in awkward silence.

Eve curled up by the window, reading a book, while Nolan fiddled with a Rubik's Cube, trying to shave his solving time down to under ten seconds.

It was only when Eve tapped his arm gently that he looked up.

"Nolan, will you come watch my match?" she asked, her voice soft but hopeful. "I know dueling isn't really your thing… but I'd really like you to be there."

Nolan paused, then shrugged lightly. "If I'm free, I'll be there."

Cho's ear twitched slightly.

Her gaze flickered toward them, though she kept her eyes on Marietta, who was rambling about winter fashion trends.

"What match?" Cho asked suddenly, unable to hide the edge in her voice. "Quidditch?"

"Oh, not Quidditch," Eve replied patiently. "It's the dueling competition. I'm hoping to win some prize money. Then I can finally buy a better broom."

Cho's brows knit together.

"Believe me, Eve," Cho said, eyeing her skeptically. "You don't need a new broom. That old Cleansweep of yours—somehow—already flies faster than half the school's Comets and Shooting Stars."

Her expression grew even more perplexed.

"How does that happen, by the way? There's no way a standard Cleansweep flies that fast."

Eve blinked, genuinely puzzled. "I don't know… It just feels faster than everyone else's."

"That's odd," Cho muttered. "All Cleansweeps should perform the same. Unless…"

Her eyes narrowed sharply as she turned to Nolan, gaze piercing.

"Nolan," she said slowly, "you didn't—by any chance—illegally modify Eve's broom, did you?"

Nolan smirked but didn't answer.

"Merlin's beard! You did!" Cho shot up in her seat, exasperated. "You modified a broomstick? Are you insane?! If the Ministry finds out, they'll throw you straight into Azkaban!"

Nolan waved dismissively. "Relax. I just… tweaked it. Eve's flying is already excellent. I just gave her an extra boost."

"That 'boost' could get her killed if you messed it up!" Cho snapped.

"I won't mess it up," Nolan replied calmly, twirling the Rubik's Cube lazily in his fingers. "No one at Hogwarts knows more about broom construction than I do. Not even Madam Hooch. Half of my Ancient Runes projects have been applied to broom mechanics. I understand them better than anyone."

As Nolan spoke, the three girls stared at him as if he'd just declared himself the next Merlin.

Cho pressed her palm against her forehead, clearly restraining herself.

"Eve," she said slowly, turning to the younger girl, "don't you have anything to say about this?"

Marietta chimed in, leaning closer. "Honestly, Eve, it's obvious. Nolan doesn't take your safety seriously at all. If he really cared, he wouldn't let you ride some souped-up deathtrap!"

Eve calmed down surprisingly fast. "It's nothing. I'm just a little surprised," she said softly.

"Just surprised?" Cho's eyes widened. "Eve, if I were you, I'd be terrified! Don't use that strange broom again!"

"I trust Nolan. He won't make mistakes," Eve replied suddenly. She ignored the incredulous looks from the two girls across from her and turned to Nolan. "But… if you're going to surprise me next time, I'd prefer to know beforehand," she added with a small pout.

Marietta's expression twisted into something between disbelief and exasperation. After a long pause, she muttered under her breath, "Merlin's beard… they're both mad. Honestly, they do suit each other."

Cho's scowl deepened.

Sensing the tension, Eve quickly steered the conversation in another direction. "I heard the Gryffindors are accusing Professor Snape of trying to curse Harry Potter. Do you think it could really be him?"

At the mention of Snape, Cho's face contorted with disgust. "Your Head of House? Honestly, half of Hogwarts' hatred toward Slytherin is because of him. He's absolutely vile. I know I'm hopeless at Potions—whether it's cooking, potion-making, or anything involving a cauldron, I can't seem to get it right—but does he really have to keep rubbing it in every single lesson?"

Marietta giggled. "Did you know? Snape was once voted 'Most Insufferable Professor in England.'"

"That sounds about right. You should get him a certificate for it," Nolan said casually, shaking his head. "Look, I don't know how much Snape hates Potter, but I doubt he's an idiot. Only a complete fool would try to kill the 'Boy Who Lived' under Dumbledore's watch. The wrath of the White Wizard isn't something anyone wants to experience."

"So, you don't think Snape cursed him?" Cho raised an eyebrow, challenging him. "How about we make a bet, then? If it does turn out to be Snape, you lose."

Nolan smirked faintly. "And if I win?"

Cho hesitated, clearly not having thought that far ahead. After a brief pause, she tossed her hair over her shoulder and said, "If you lose, you'll owe me one. A favor—no questions, no arguments. You have to do whatever I ask."

"Gold Galleons would be simpler," Nolan replied dryly.

"Who wants your filthy Galleons!" Cho huffed, crossing her arms. "Honestly, Eve, I have no idea how you put up with him. He's completely hopeless when it comes to romance."

Eve's face turned bright red. She lowered her gaze, biting her lip, and whispered shyly, "Actually… Nolan isn't as hopeless as you think. Sometimes… he can be pretty bold. But… that's usually at night."

"At night?"

"Late at night…" Eve's blush deepened, her voice barely audible.

Marietta's mouth dropped open in shock, while Cho squinted suspiciously at the two of them.

"You two meet up at night?" Cho's eyes flicked between them, as if trying to decode their relationship. After a moment of contemplation, she added, "Alright then. If I win the bet, you have to meet me late at night next time. I want to see just how 'bold' Nolan can be. Surely, he wouldn't disappoint me, right?"

Nolan shrugged nonchalantly. "Sure. Whatever you want."

He paused, tilting his head slightly. "But if Snape is innocent, and I win…"

"Do whatever you want!" Cho cut him off, clearly flustered.

---

As the Hogwarts Express chugged to a halt at King's Cross Station, Nolan stepped off the train, his sharp eyes scanning the crowd. Families reunited with tight embraces and joyous laughter filled the platform.

Among them, Eve Stock's mother caught his attention. Her striking resemblance to her daughter was undeniable, but it was her expression that stood out—a radiant smile, brimming with newfound freedom. She exuded an air of confidence and happiness, as though shedding the weight of a past life.

As Mrs. Stock led Eve away, Nolan watched them go, noting the lightness in their steps. They looked like a family finally finding their footing.

He turned and found Miss Theresa waiting by the car, Miss Nancy nestled comfortably in her arms. "Ready, Your Highness?" she asked, her usual formal tone intact.

"As ready as I'll ever be," he replied, taking the cat and stroking its fur absently.

The car ride back to Randall George was uneventful, the familiar countryside rolling by under a pale winter sky. Nolan leaned his head back, his mind drifting, but the sight of the palace's towering gates jarred him from his thoughts. Randall George stood as imposing as ever, a fortress steeped in history and shadows.

When they arrived, Nolan climbed out of the car and stretched, but his moment of peace didn't last long.

A voice came from the shadows near the gate. "You've been keeping busy, haven't you, Your Highness?"

Nolan's head snapped toward the source, his eyes narrowing. A man stepped forward, his dark trench coat blending into the evening gloom.

"Leonard," Nolan muttered, his tone sharp. "What are you doing here?"

Leonard smirked, unperturbed. "Came to talk. I wouldn't show up uninvited if it weren't important."

~~~----------------------

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