Chapter 75: Kyle’s Flower Garden
With Kyle's help, Hagrid managed to bring the final Christmas trees to the Great Hall just before dinner. Professors McGonagall and Flitwick were already waiting.
"Hagrid, there you are—these must be the last two... Oh!" Professor Flitwick's eyes lit up as he noticed Kyle beside Hagrid, wand in hand. "Excellent Levitation Charm, Mr. Chopper. Five points to Hufflepuff."
Realizing Kyle's spell had made the task much easier for Hagrid, Professor Flitwick smiled at him. "If the final exam were on the Floating Charm," he said with a wink, "I'd give you an 'O' right now."
Flitwick raised his own wand, smoothly guiding the two fir trees into their designated spots. Meanwhile, Professor McGonagall wove the mistletoe into a hanging garland, filling the last empty space on the wall.
Minutes later, students began flooding into the hall, and the festive Christmas dinner commenced.
At the Hufflepuff table, Cedric glanced at Kyle in surprise. "You're not going home for Christmas?"
Kyle nodded. "Yeah. No one's at home right now, so it wouldn't make much sense to go back. I might as well stay at Hogwarts."
Chris was traveling the world with Lord Newt, helping return captured Magical Creatures to their natural habitats. His mother Diana, from the Department of Mysteries, had recently written to him, saying she wouldn't be home for Christmas but had already sent his presents.
With both of them away, Kyle felt there wasn't much point in going home. At Hogwarts, he'd at least have things to keep him busy. He could check in on Fluffy or water the two ornamental plants he'd been tending to.