You use your words as weapons, dear.

Because I always stay.

Fair enough.

I completely agree. That’s why I’m here. 

Good to know we're on the same page, then. Last night, I caught one of the boys trying to go up to the girl's fifth year dormitory -- I've never seen a face redder than his than when I stopped him.

So why is the beautiful Elsa gracing us with her presence this Christmas? Indulge me for a moment.

Flattery will get you nowhere with me, Jules...I chose to stay here and that's all you need to know. Besides, there has to be some responsible ones 'round to make sure others don't cause trouble because they think they can.

No need to snap. It was only a question.

I know. I was only saying. Why are you staying then?

If you usually go home, why didn’t you?

I chose to stay here, that's all. Not that I feel at all inclined to explain myself to someone I only know in passing, thanks.

Let me guess: rubbish gifts last year?

A tad more than that, Jules, but decent guess.

Nope, I’m right there with you. Pretty sure I’m coming down with the flu. 

I think I'm coming down with the flu because not enough people heed proper hygiene rituals, but it's definitely possible that I've come down with something because of the ridiculous amount of decorations. Especially mistletoe.

He let her kinds words flow into his ears and let the meaning sink in. Charlie was glad to have a friend like Elsa, who was both compassionate and tactful. “You always know what to say, don’t you?” He teased as he nudged her shoulder once more. She reclined to a lying-down position and Charlie nodded, thankful for her gratitude. “Thanks, Elsa. Really.” He paused, unsure about what to say next. He was a close friend of hers, sure, but Charlie had never had an actual conversation with someone in what seemed like a while. He just couldn’t open up to that many people. He sat up and raised an eyebrow. “How about some hazelnut hot chocolate? To get into that Christmas spirit?”

Elsa shrugged, not quite agreeing. But if he thought it was decent advice, that was enough for her. She then nodded in response, fidgeting with her hands as she looked up at him; she wasn't sure where to proceed from here, since they'd covered so much in such a short time. At the mention of 'Christmas spirit', she gave him a look of indignation before scoffing. A grin fought its way onto her lips before she shook her head and scooted off the bed. Taking his arm and pulling him to his feet, she walked with him towards the door. "Charlie, Charlie, Charlie...if this friendship is to continue, you need to know: I don't like Christmas and no amount of delicious hazelnut chocolate will change that." She gave him another shrug and an apologetic smile before letting the door close behind them; the room disappeared instantly and with a delight spreading through her, Elsa hoped it would reappear for other people and also help them become closer this holiday season.  

I swear I just got a new package of parchment. What happened to all of it?

Did it walk away with your focus, Johnston? Your head wasn't in the game at all last practice. Best get a grip on yourself, yeah?

So uh

I think that at some point, everyone is supposed to emerge and be cheerful with one another but frankly, the halls have been pretty deserted. Just stay out of trouble and you'll be gold.

So…did anyone go home for the holidays?

By the looks of it, not enough people went home.

The silence in between their replies was almost daunting, but the fact that it was Elsa sitting beside him made the situation a lot more comforting. “And that’s totally okay, too,” he responded with a supporting grin. The gentle nudge that reached his shoulder made Charlie pull Elsa into a giant bear hug - or as giant as it could be while sitting on a mattress piled with pillows. “Me? A good person?” Charlie repeated. In the most modest way possible, he didn’t seem very surprised by the statement. People had called him kind and sweet all his life, but it didn’t seem to get him very far, aside from acquiring a circle of amazing friends. “Don’t feel bad; I’m not so sure Salazar Slytherin would approve of my gentleness - not that Slytherins aren’t kind, because they are.” He looked at her, in all seriousness. “But hey, if you ever need advice, or help - or anything - I’m here, alright? Maybe I’ll be able to convince you to stay in this life with me.”

Her first instinct was to pull away, as she just wasn't used to any that she herself didn't initiate; this hug somehow felt comforting and she leaned into him, appreciating the moment. "A good person. Don't let the colors you wear make you think you can't be different than the normal." She affirmed, not missing a beat. "'Sides, I hear that the good guy always wins in the end." With a wink, she leaned back against the pillows. Elsa was rubbish at advice, but if someone trusted her enough to say something personal, she felt obligated to attempt saying something helpful. The weight of his words almost made her uncomfortable, but she knew she couldn't blame his kind nature, but more the fact that she had alienated most of her peers. She met his eyes and could almost feel the sincerity he radiated -- she gave the best smile she could muster and nodded, though she knew she probably wouldn't take him up on his offer. "Thank you." She responded, and she meant it. "You as well, yeah?"

Come on now, love. With three days till Christmas how can you not feel festive?

Christmas just feels like an entirely unauthentic holiday to me; therefore, I feel more annoyed than festive around this time.

You know, you’d think the castle would bring some cheer, or whatever, but I’m really not feeling it. 

I mean, it's very 'deck the halls' and whatnot, but since I usually go home, this feels odd. Plus I just don't like Christmas; bah humbug, I guess.