As mid-December arrived, snow began to fall from the sky, and Hogwarts was quickly blanketed in white.
The weather in the Scottish Highlands was always unpredictable, often rainy or snowy.
Having grown up in the southern port city of Southampton, Jon clearly wasn't used to this kind of cold, where he had to wear several thick sweaters just to stay warm.
Fortunately, the term was nearly over, and they would soon have more than two weeks off.
Students were scrambling to reserve seats on the Hogwarts Express, eager to go home for Christmas.
Jon, however, was curious—Isn't Christmas supposed to be a Christian holiday? During the medieval Church's witch hunts, countless male and female wizards had been slaughtered. The two sides were practically mortal enemies... Why, then, would wizards celebrate the birth of a Christian figure?
He asked Professor Binns about it during the final History of Magic class:
"Professor, why do wizards celebrate Christmas?"
Professor Binns blinked and replied in his usual dry, wheezing voice:
"While Christmas is indeed a widely celebrated day among Muggles, we wizards began observing this holiday long before they did... As far back as the 14th century BC, the Mithraic wizards of Asia Minor were already celebrating the birth of the god Mithras on December 25!"
"In ancient languages like Sanskrit and Avestan, 'mitra-' means 'contract' or 'companion'... Mithras, the god of contracts, was said to have been born on December 25. For us wizards, that's what Christmas truly represents."
"For wizards, the existence of 'contracts' is a fundamental reason why magic advanced so rapidly. Our ancestors made contracts with elemental Pixies—that's how we first gained magical power. Wands exist to form a contract with the wizard, allowing them to better control their magic. We also made contracts with goblins, centaurs, and even Muggles to ensure we wouldn't have to live in constant danger..."
He broke into a harsh cough, the sound like chalk snapping in half.
"Because contracts are so vital to magic, wizards began honoring Mithras's birth every year on December 25. That's the true origin of what we now call Christmas. In fact, Muggles only started celebrating it due to our influence. Their holy son wasn't actually born on December 25, but in autumn. Their legends eventually got tangled with our history, leading to this widespread misunderstanding."
"However, the tradition of exchanging gifts at Christmas did come from Muggles. Wizards found it amusing and gradually adopted the custom... Any other questions, Mr. Hart?"
"No, thank you, Professor!"
Jon returned to his seat, and Professor Binns reopened his lecture notes.
"Now, let's continue with Uric the Oddball. He was born after the year 982 during the Middle Ages and became famous for being... quite eccentric..."
...
With the end of their final Potions class, the Christmas holidays officially began.
The Hogwarts school year was divided into three terms. The first lasted from the start of school until the Christmas holidays. The second began after Christmas break and lasted until Easter. The third ran from after Easter until the end of the school year. Each term was followed by a two-week break, and before the school year started, students enjoyed a two-month summer holiday.
Jon boarded the Hogwarts Express bound for London, sharing a compartment with Zacharias Smith and Eloise Midgen. He then spent several hours listening to Zacharias brag.
At dusk, when Jon stepped off the train, the first people he saw at King's Cross Station were Eric and Judi, waiting for him.
"Long time no see, Mum..." he said softly as Judi pulled him into a hug. "Merry Christmas!"
"Yes... dear... Merry Christmas..."
...
Christmas at 86 Eastleigh Road was much like any other year.
It felt as though there wasn't a wizard in the family—though that wasn't far from the truth, since Jon couldn't use magic here.
Eric had already bought a pine tree and decorated it beautifully with lights, ornaments, and stockings. Judi had cooked a lavish meal that included a ten-pound roast, a yule log cake, and gingerbread...
Jon ate his fill with childlike contentment, then slipped into a peaceful sleep.
The next morning, the first thing he saw when he woke up was a small pile of packages at the foot of his bed.
Gifts—lots of them.
Eric's present was a luxury Cartier watch, with "Jon Hart" engraved on the right side.
Judi had made him a black coat that looked tailor-made—it fit him perfectly and resembled a wizard's robe in style.
As for the other gifts...
Zacharias had sent him a copy of The Origins of Quidditch, which Jon tossed aside after a quick glance.
Astoria's gift was a box of Chocolate Frogs and Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans.
Professor Sprout had even sent him a specimen of Narcissus.
And then there was one large package. Jon bent down and carefully unwrapped it to find a beautifully crafted chocolate cake.
It was a Christmas gift from the kitchen's House-elves.
Jon took a bite—it tasted amazing.
After putting away all the presents, he stepped out of the room.
...
In the small courtyard, he saw Eric shoveling snow.
Jon hesitated, then walked over.
"Something on your mind, son?" Eric asked when Jon stood there silently for a while.
"Um... Eric... Dad..." Jon stammered, "Could you lend me some money?"
"Money?" Eric blinked. "Didn't you say our currency can't be used in your world?"
"Yeah..." Jon nodded. "But I want to buy something else!"
"All right, how much do you need?"
"Uh..." Jon thought for a moment. "Three thousand pounds should do!"