It’s December 21st, Hogwarts is nearly empty, and Harry is exactly where he hates being: alone with his thoughts, his research, and Dumbledore’s watchful eyes.
As Harry digs through fragile history to track the Elder Wand’s bloody trail, Hermione tries to force her way back into his life. The confrontation is sharp, public, and final. Harry is done pretending things can go back to how they were.
But the holiday quiet breaks in an unexpected way when Neville stays behind, and Harry finally shares what he has learned: the Hallows, the truth behind the story, and why Voldemort’s next move could change everything.
In the stillness of an almost deserted castle, a plan begins to form. Not a good one. Not a safe one. But maybe the only one they have.
