A moment of peace

*Morpheus pov*

The moon cast down an ethereal glow illuminating the sky and streets before me, and the snow gently falling to the ground produced a sickening crunch beneath my feet.

My slow steps down on the fallen snow were unmistakable underneath the brilliant glow of the moon. I walked down Diagon Alley appreciating the peaceful ambiance, the streets were empty except for a few older witches and wizards.

As I walked down the path I saw shopkeepers closing up and leaving to enjoy the holidays with their families. I never celebrated the 'holidays' not out of disdain for a mundane tradition but because I've never felt the need to.

Especially after my brother 'died'. I wonder if he would like the holidays? Probably not the man was cold-hearted I couldn't see him liking much celebrating.

Winter, brings up memories of the solstice.

I guess this is the time of year I truly became the man I am today. Yes, the winter solstice birthed a new man.

My step steps slowed as I approached my destination, in front of me was a humble bar nothing too fancy I could barely see anyone inside probably why this place is a favorite among my colleagues.

Stepping through the door I was greeted by the warmth of heating charms, the magical scent of food, and the tantalizing tang of liquor in the air.

They were easy to spot, standing out like I sore thumb. At least they saved me the trouble of looking for them.

"Morpheus, Glad you could make it!" Abara said with a wide smile while ushering me over

Truly what a sight to behold, I Morpheus the man solely focused on fighting a war few know about decided to join his colleagues for a night out.

I chuckled at the chipper man as I approached the booth, sliding I saw Minerva already drinking.

Scratch that I think the whole table was a couple of drinks in, I was only a few minutes late? Perhaps the brews here are exceptionally good.

"I already ordered their finest bottle of wine," Yowie said with a smirk as he saw me about to call over the bartender

"Thank you," I replied while looking at my companions for the night, "Minerva I don't think I've seen you so relaxed before," I joked with a small smile

She scoffed, "I can take a break every once in a while," her eyebrow quirked in the classic questions face of hers

When my bottle arrived I was surprised to see it was a half-decent bottle, "Anyone else?" I asked the table as I poured myself a glass

I received resounding no's apparently I'm the only one with a refined taste.

"How have you been Morpheus?" Abara asked while sipping his mug

"Bored, I'm thinking of heading up to America for a quick visit," I said with a small shrug before looking back at the man, "Shouldn't you be gazing at the stars?" I asked with a quirk of my lips

He groaned, "Don't remind me, the plan was going perfectly until a storm struck blocking the sight of my next destination so I decided to pop in for a drink,"

"A shame, well there is always next year," I said trying to cheer him up

"Maybe," he sighed before glancing over to Poppy, "Poppy do you have any hangover potions with you by chance?"

The healer laughed, "Of course, for you Abara that will be one Galleon,"

"Eh? That's an upcharge if I ever seen one," Yowie added sipping his own drink before tossing a Galleon to the witch

Abara huffed tossing one of his own, "You would make a good goblin," he muttered

"What's that? Maybe my price was too lenient," she joked while pocketing the coins

"Nothing nothing," Abara tsked

"And what about you Morpheus think you're going to need a potion?" Poppy asked with a wide money gleaming grin

Minerva scoffed, "With how much he drinks I will be surprised that bottle even phases him,"

"What can I say, I like to enjoy the finer things in life," I said with a sly smile

Truly I didn't think I was going to enjoy this when I received the invitation but, surprisingly I'm having fun.

I think I made the right choice.

We drank and laughed forgetting the burdens of teaching the next generation of wizards and witches, Poppy whom I didn't have much interaction with prior to this event was surprisingly outgoing, and somewhat a prankster I'm sure the Gryffindors love her.

As the night dragged on more and more people left the bar since there were so few in the beginning eventually it was just us and one other party.

They were speaking loudly while hammering down drinks with impressive speed, "I'm telling ya this new guy is the real deal heard he destroyed the Rosier manor just the other night!"

"Did the Rosier's make it out?" another asked

"I don't know haven't heard of em since it happened,"

The mood at our table turned sour hearing them talk, "Do you think Evan is okay?" Abara asked softly

"He has to be, surely we would have heard by now if they died," Yowie said obviously forcing the hopeful smile on his face

"To think something like this would happen," Minerva said softly, "Just after what happened last winter break too," she added while taking a drink from her mug

"These people are getting more daring," I said softly tapping my finger on the table, "I fear this is just the beginning,"

"Have you seen something?" Poppy asked in concern

My lips broke into a sad smile, "Telling the future seems to change it, but yes times will get worse before they get better it's best you prepare," my words hung over the table like a noose

"I see, the dueling club it was originally suggested by you if I remember correctly," Abara pointed out

A sigh escaped my lips, "I don't know I think it was a collective thought," I shrugged, "But, the dueling club sure has gone a long way with helping the students prepare,"

"Prepare for what? Their possible lives as duelists or soldiers?" Minerva asked sharply

I chuckled at her tone, "Prepare to survive of course,"

The table's atmosphere was somber as we finished our drinks, paid, and headed home. As we left the bar as a group I said, "Tonight was fun, despite the discussion at the end we should do this again,"

"Yes, we should," Minerva agreed along with the others

Everyone left by Apparation leaving me, I decided to walk down the silent alley appreciating the chill in the air and snow beneath my feet. The moon was slightly covered by clouds now but the glow was ever-present.

Tomorrow I will head to America this time with the purpose of a small vacation. Which most likely won't be a vacation in the first place knowing my luck.

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