Couple months back when they were determining what subjects that they need to add or drop for NEWT, Irene was really wondering if she should proceed with Ancient Runes but thanks to her consultation with Professor Kim, she had decided to drop the subject after taking it for 3 years. Well since Irene is pretty much interested in having a job at the Magical Law Enforcement Patrol, Professor Kim told her not much of ancient scripts are needed to be transcribed in that Department. Those squiggly writings did gave her a major headache most of the time, plus the way Professor Babbling taught the class with her mumbles, she was more than glad to drop it. But that wasn’t the case for her now-girlfriend, Seulgi. The blonde Slytherin, just like her, wasn’t a huge fan of Ancient Runes but choosing the Auror path, the Ministry of Magic had not so recently decreed for Ancient Runes to be one of the core subjects in NEWTs for students who wish to be an Auror. And here they were, at Irene’s usual library spot – though she wasn’t revising anything, she came to accompany Seulgi to finish her transcriptions. “This is bloody stupid…” Maybe that was the fifth time Irene heard the girl besides her muttering under her breath. Irene herself was indulged reading a monthly travelling magazine called ‘Witch Holiday?’ but had to paused reading several times just to give encouragement at a fussy Seulgi. “I think it’s about time some author should be creating an updated version of Spellman’s Syllabary.” Seulgi scribbled her last remaining lines with her eyes darting back and forth over the old, thick reference book. Putting down her magazine, Irene spoke, “I don’t think that’s needed. Its ancient runes after all, why would an updated version needed. Those are very old writings.” Seulgi heaved a sigh, before putting her down quill. “You got a point. I must’ve sounded very dumb.” Tired eyes looked at her and Irene felt pity for the girl but she can’t help but to notice how a tired Seulgi is an adorable sight. Irene slouched nearer to the girl before looking at the translated script. Not so surprisingly, she could almost understand what was written but seeing the 2 pages of ancient writing had her eyes crossed for a bit. “Since you’re done with the script, that means you’re free to celebrate Christmas without thinking of homework!” Irene pointed out positively as she rolled the script for the mentally exhausted girl. Seulgi hummed. “Thanks for sticking with me. It must’ve been so boring for you. Sorry…” Noticing how apologetic Seulgi was, Irene frowned. “Seulgi, I’ve spend hours and hours in this library for the past couple of years – alone, in fact, why would you think it’s boring? Besides, I’ve got 2 copies of these magazines that I could read and I…like seeing your focus expression so...” Irene spoke the last few sentences in a low voice, a bit shy to admit. On the other hand, Seulgi’s monolid eyes lit up at the confession, a faint blush appearing at her cheeks. “Same…” “What?” “I mean…I like seeing your focus expression too.” Seulgi admitted, smiling at how they had similar likings of each other. “I know…” Irene giggled, recalling a memory. “You told me that when you ate the love potion back then.” Seulgi’s face fell, her eyes squinting. “Can we not talk about that? It’s something I don’t want to remember – well, in fact, I don’t recall anything at all. It’s just you who did.” Irene snickered while looking at the annoyed girl. “Maybe we should find a Pensive soon so you could witness what you said to me.” “Thanks for the offer, but no thanks.” Seulgi bashfully declined. “Anyway, are you sure you’re not going back for Christmas break?” “Yeah, pretty sure.” Irene leaned back against her chair, “I’ve been going back for the last couple of years, and since we only have like another 2 years here, might as well celebrate at Hogwarts this time. What about you? Are you sure you’re going back?” “Even if I don’t want to, as if I’ve got a choice.” Seulgi spoke, sounding dejected. “I’ve only spend Christmas in Hogwarts once. My parents let it slipped last year because of OWLS.” Irene nodded, understanding Seulgi’s position. She heard a lot of rumours and not-so rumours of the notable family of Kang’s who all came from a family of significant Aurors. Irene also heard they lived in a huge, super protected manor with vast of greenery scenes. Also, they were not so fond of muggle-borns – well, that was a rumour too. “I wish I could spend Christmas with you…” Seulgi mumbled, but loud enough for Irene to hear. Irene took Seulgi’s hand resting on the armchair and held it, squeezing it lightly, “Maybe next year? I’m sure your parents will allow it since it’ll be our last year here.” A small, hopeful smile etched at the corner of Seulgi’s lips, “Yeah, maybe.” They exchanged a smile before Seulgi leaned closer, her left hand reaching out to push the strands of hair behind Irene’s ear. “You’re so pretty, do you know that?” Seulgi is normally quite shy and reserved compared to her, but these are one of those times where Irene is caught off-guard of how bold the girl could be at times. Irene remained silent at the compliment, her eyes can’t help but to look at those pink inviting lips inching closer and closer and – “EHEM!” The both of them quickly backed away to see Miss Yoong peeking from an empty slot of a bookshelf. “As much as I know the both of you are frequent library visitors, there are no exceptions for the two of you with this rule. No kissing in the library!” Miss Yoong immediately left after that, leaving the both of them flustered for a second before they decided to pack and leave the library.                                             ***   “Hello Miss Moody!” Joy greeted her at the lavishly decorated Great Hall over lunch, sitting opposite to her with a smug grin. “It seems that you’ve failed to convince Miss Blondie to stay for Christmas.” Irene swallowed her pudding, “I didn’t even try. I mean – her family are one of those who like and must celebrate traditions with the whole family member, you know what I mean?” Joy grunted, taking her knives and forks to cut a piece of chicken leg, before detestably spatting “Pure-bloods!” “Uhm maybe I should remind that you’re a pure-blood too.” “Well, not that kind.” Joy answered, but rolled her eyes when she saw the scowl on Irene’s face. “Geez, what I meant is that, her family are those old, respected families because of their profession and contributions. I’m sure they are some of those who followed a lot of old traditions and conventional beliefs blah blah blah…” “Your point is, they hate muggles.” “Hate?” Joy chewed her food, “That’s a strong word. I think ‘not very welcoming’ sounds better.” Irene nodded, understanding how there are still some pure-bloods who felt like they are superior than others and would not mingle with the muggle-borns. “How stereotypical for most of these lots to be in Slytherin.” Joy shrugged, before reminding, “You do remember that my mom herself is from Slytherin, but she weren’t from those big pure-blood families.” “But she’s a very successful Healer.” Irene added. “A workaholic one too.” Joy stated, “I still find it weird how she got married with my dad. Personality wise, they’re quite different. My dad’s comical but mom is the opposite.” Irene laughed, recalling how Joy received a Howler from her mom after knowing her daughter was caught sneaking out to the Forbidden Forest in the middle of the night because of a dare during their third year. It was definitely a wake-up call for Irene since the Howler was posted in the girls dormitory early morning. “Anyway, what shall we do for this break?” Joy asked, “Should we practice more of Apparition at Hogsmeade? You know what –