Yuletide by the Fireside...
The evening of the staff party1 has arrived. The staff room is awash in warm gold light from gas lamps, fireplace and candles, which reflects off of the polished wood paneling, plays across the garlands of holly and berries and ribbons, and glints on the glass of the windows, beyond which the occasional gust of wind-driven snow can be seen. Inside, however, all is warm and safe. The couches have been moved along the sides of the walls, save for the one where a long spread of food and drink2 and small favours3 wait.
The Headmistress is away this season, so the far less pleasant Headmaster Snape will be waiting for you, though even he has acquiesced to the holiday enough to pin a sprig of holly on his nicest set of (still black) robes.
"Welcome. Merry Christmas."
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1. Yes, staff party, for purposes of letting the staff relax a bit. Unless invited by a staff member, the students are not invited. TA's can come too.
2. Prepared by Some! I'll let him chime in with the details, but there's plenty of food and some traditional holiday beverages (yes some are alcoholic).
3. Holiday crackers! Crackers traditionally contain a paper hat, candy and a small toy. These are wizarding crackers, though, so feel free to get really fancy with them!
The Headmistress is away this season, so the far less pleasant Headmaster Snape will be waiting for you, though even he has acquiesced to the holiday enough to pin a sprig of holly on his nicest set of (still black) robes.
"Welcome. Merry Christmas."
----
1. Yes, staff party, for purposes of letting the staff relax a bit. Unless invited by a staff member, the students are not invited. TA's can come too.
2. Prepared by Some! I'll let him chime in with the details, but there's plenty of food and some traditional holiday beverages (yes some are alcoholic).
3. Holiday crackers! Crackers traditionally contain a paper hat, candy and a small toy. These are wizarding crackers, though, so feel free to get really fancy with them!