As the trio retraced their steps through the Hollow Tree Passage, Iris's sharp eyes caught something odd — a seam in the tunnel wall, where ancient stonework gave way to a less weathered arch.
"Hold on," she said, brushing snow off a ledge. "There's something here."
Hadrian and Dora joined her as she pressed a hand to the stone. With a soft rumble, part of the wall slid open, revealing a narrow corridor that sloped gently upward.
Dora raised her eyebrows. "That's not on any of the diagrams we sketched."
"Spontaneous field discovery," Hadrian said, grinning.
The passage was shorter than expected. A few minutes later, they emerged behind a ramshackle, snow-covered shed on the outskirts of Hogsmeade. Iris gave a breathless laugh as they peeked around the corner.
"We actually made it."
The village was bustling even this early in the day, its cobbled streets twinkling with enchanted lanterns and wreaths strung between buildings. Music from Zonko's drifted through the air, mixing with the scent of cinnamon, roasting chestnuts, and freshly baked bread. A dusting of snow gave everything a postcard-perfect glow.
"This," Dora whispered, "is Christmas magic."
They pulled their hoods up and melted into the crowd.
Their first stop was Honeydukes, of course. The candy shop was a warm, chaotic whirlwind of colors, smells, and sounds. Dora grabbed chocolate frogs for nearly everyone, while Iris debated between sugar quills and licorice wands for their dormmates.
Hadrian quietly picked out a delicately wrapped box of strawberry truffles for Dora and a peppermint bark owl for Iris — the kind that flaps its wings when unwrapped.
"Don't overthink it," he muttered to himself, blushing slightly.
Next, they wandered into Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop, where Iris stared longingly at a beautiful set of sea-glass green ink bottles.
"You've been sketching magical creatures more lately," Dora noted with a smile. "Maybe a good quill will make them even better."
Iris smiled softly. "Maybe."
Hadrian made a mental note.
In Gladrags Wizardwear, Dora found a set of enchanted gloves that warmed themselves. She giggled when Hadrian tried on a hat that conjured little snowflakes to fall gently around his shoulders.
"Charming," she teased. "It fits your 'mysterious magical hero' look."
He rolled his eyes, but didn't take it off.
By midday, their arms were full of packages, and their cheeks were red from cold and laughter. They stopped at the Three Broomsticks for a butterbeer, sitting in a back booth surrounded by murmuring patrons and the warm clatter of tankards and laughter.
"I didn't expect it to feel like this," Iris said, looking around the tavern. "Like... we belong out here."
"We do," Hadrian said simply.
Dora smiled. "We made this life. Bit by bit."
Hadrian lifted his mug. "To snow, secret tunnels, and the best first Christmas break Hogwarts has ever seen."
They clinked glasses, and for a moment, everything outside that small booth felt distant — war that may or may not happen, expectations towards the Potter twins, even magic itself. There was only warmth, laughter, and the quiet joy of being young, free, and surrounded by those who mattered most.