Nora stared at the fire as it flickered in her fireplace, a cup of warm cocoa in her hands. She was nestled into her white couch, a feeling of loneliness settling it once more. Nora was always lonely on Christmas, and she'd hoped that with the adoption of her new daughter she wouldn't be anymore. However, this did not seem to be the case as Lillian had opted to stay at Durmstrang for Christmas instead of coming home to her. She felt her tears slide down her cheeks and she looked over at the clock. She didn't have to go back to school until this afternoon when the ball would be held, and she let out a sigh. "Merry Christmas, Nora," she whispered to herself and sipped at her cocoa.

Nora looked up in surprise as there was a knock on the door, and she placed her cocoa down on the end table beside her. She suddenly became wary, as what better day to launch an attack than Christmas? Many would be un-suspecting, but Nora was not. A small part of her hoped it was Alcy, but she knew that Alcy would be too busy with Ella and Jasper to come visit her. Nora's hand curled around the handle of the door.