Through the Pages of Time: Joey’s Hogwarts Tale

As evening settled over Hogwarts, the professors trickled into the Great Hall for Christmas dinner. Professor McGonagall, her cheeks flushed from the holiday cheer, picked up a copy of The Daily Prophet and engaged in an animated conversation with Professor Sprout. Across the hall, Professor Flitwick attempted small talk with Professor Trelawney, who, still under the effects of too much sherry, could only respond with giggles. Professor Snape, however, had yet to arrive.

At the Gryffindor table, Percy frowned as he skimmed the newspaper, his eyes widening in disbelief. "My God! Sirius Black is the sole heir of the Black family, yet he graduated from Gryffindor?" His gaze flickered toward the Slytherin table, where a few students were also reading the paper with furrowed brows.

Fred smirked, puffing out his chest. "So? That just proves that family doesn't define you. We Gryffindors are charming enough to win anyone over!"

Before he could relish his statement, a large hand slammed his head onto the table. "Ten points from Gryffindor for excessive volume," Snape's cold voice announced as he withdrew his hand.

George chuckled, rubbing Fred's head in mock sympathy. "Congratulations! You've lost five more points than I have this month. Don't forget our deal—next month's homework is all yours."

Fred groaned. "Why is Snape in such a foul mood today?"

Joey, seated nearby, resisted the urge to answer. She had a sneaking suspicion it had something to do with Sirius, but given how wildly the events of this world were diverging from what she remembered, she decided to keep her thoughts to herself. Who knew? Maybe this timeline would see Snape and Sirius reconciling. Best to stay out of it.

With their curiosity about Sirius waning, the students quickly refocused on their own holiday plans. For Joey and the twins, it was their first Christmas at Hogwarts, and with so few students staying behind, the castle felt like their personal playground.

They roamed every corridor, hunting for secret passages, and struck gold—two hidden pathways, one of which led directly to Honeydukes' cellar in Hogsmeade. Their excitement was immeasurable.

"This is huge!" Joey whispered, eyes shining.

"Hogsmeade isn't allowed until third year," George reminded them, though the mischievous grin on his face betrayed his enthusiasm. "Charlie always rubs it in when he comes back with stories."

"And then cries poor when we ask him for gifts," Fred added with a scoff. "Yet somehow, he had money to buy a hairpin for that fourth-year girl—what was her name? Moanna?"

With careful movements, they slipped through the cellar and emerged inside the sweet shop, immediately dazzled by the sight of shelves upon shelves of magical confections.

"Snowflake lollipops! And look at this magic snowball!" Joey gasped, rushing toward a display with a group of young witches.

The twins, initially cautious about keeping a low profile, soon realized no one was paying them any attention. Everyone was too enthralled by the sweets. Emboldened, they wandered through the shop, inspecting items they might be able to replicate for future pranks.

Joey left Honeydukes with a bag full of treats—snowflake lollipops, enchanted hair dye, chameleon nail polish, and, most importantly, the magic snowball.

"This thing follows its target no matter where they go," she declared before launching one at Fred. He dodged, zigzagging around the shop, but the enchanted snowball persistently pursued him, smacking him on the head.

"Yep, that's got a Tracking Charm for sure," he muttered, rubbing his skull.

Joey sighed happily. "I love Hogsmeade. I want to live here."

As they strolled down the bustling streets, they noticed clusters of wizards gathered around The Daily Prophet, discussing Sirius Black's latest headlines. Just as Joey was about to glance at another poster, a cheerful voice called out to them.

"Going up in good spirits?"

She turned to see a striking man with sunken yet intense eyes—a face identical to the one on the posters. Live, he looked even more handsome.

"Oh my gosh, it's him," she whispered, her eyes sparkling.

Fred scowled, stepping protectively closer. "You're not seriously swooning over him?"

"He's handsome," Joey admitted with no shame.

George, ever the observer, nodded. "Can't argue with that."

Fred groaned. "Are you a parrot, George?!"

George shrugged. "Look, I'm just here for butterbeer."

At The Three Broomsticks, the place was lively with chatter. The inn's owner, Madam Rosmerta, greeted them warmly but eyed their mugs skeptically. "Your parents won't be too happy if they catch you drinking these."

"They allow it," George lied smoothly, flashing an innocent smile.

"Alright, alright. It's Christmas, after all." She winked and handed them their drinks.

Taking a sip, Joey sighed in bliss. "This is amazing."

Fred, feeling guilty for their earlier bickering, hesitated before mumbling, "Hey… sorry about the argument."

Joey waved it off. "Don't even remember why we were arguing. It was ridiculous."

"Yeah. Like someone hit us with a Confundus Charm."

George, watching Madam Rosmerta glide through the crowd, remarked absently, "You two were like Mum and Dad arguing."

They burst into laughter, failing to notice how oddly prophetic George's words would one day be.

Their fun didn't end there. The Three Broomsticks was buzzing with talk about Sirius. A burly man at the bar regaled Rosmerta with tales of his school days. "Sirius and James were inseparable—always the center of attention. Sure, they bullied Snape a bit, but everyone had someone they didn't like back then. That's normal, right?"

A well-dressed man nearby scoffed. "Gryffindors are reckless fools who avoid responsibility."

Several ex-Gryffindors shot to their feet in protest, but Rosmerta quickly intervened. "Gentlemen, it's Christmas. Let's not fight."

Before the tension could escalate further, the tavern door swung open. A man with messy dark hair and a devil-may-care smirk stepped inside.

"It's him!" Joey nearly shrieked, grabbing Fred's arm.

Fred frowned. "I see that."

Sirius Black strode in, his presence commanding the room. "Drinks on me!" he announced, prompting cheers from most of the patrons. The well-dressed man sneered and left, tossing a Galleon onto the table as if Sirius's generosity disgusted him.

Joey beamed. "He's generous too!"

Fred sighed, shaking his head. "Heh."