Smile.

Giggle.

Though now she has to plot what exactly to get Ellie...

Ellie faces a similar dilemma.

So she goes to talk to Professor Reynolds. (Without Anathema.)

"Yes, Miss Potter?"

"Hello Professor. This isn't a school-related question, strictly speaking. I want to get Anathema a Christmas present, but I'm not sure how to go about that from here."

"For something from a wizarding shop, you can get a catalogue and then make an order by owl post. One of the professors can also escort you outside of Hogwarts, to either magical or muggle shopping centers. You could also make her something - the Art classroom's supplies are free for student use."

"I was thinking of getting her some hair clips and barrettes- shiny but non-magical. And a stuffed animal, if I could find a good one. Would you be willing to take me on a trip?"

"Of course. I'm vaguely familiar with where to look for jewelry and toy stores in London, too."

"Thank you. When would be convenient?"

"Hm... During the actual break would be best, preferably before the worst of the Christmas crowds - Monday the sixteenth, perhaps?"

"I shall keep my schedule clear."

"Alright. We can stop into Gringotts for a money exchange on the way out, too, if you'd like."

She does a quick calculation of how much she has left in her purse. "...That'd be good, yeah."

"I think most shops open by ten, and we'll have to walk to the train station to use their floo. Still, leaving a bit early or late is alright with me."

"After breakfast, then? Nine-thirty?"

She nods. "That works for me."

"Okay. I'll see you then."

Ellie has some end of semester projects to finish, and midterms to take, and friendly acquaintances to wish well before they head home for the winter holiday all in a rush on a cold Saturday morning in the middle of December...

And then she and Anathema have their room - and indeed much of Ravenclaw Tower - all to themselves. 

Finally, room to stretch.

Way fewer people inclined to ask her to be quiet and settle down if she's bouncing everywhere! No one else having books out on loan!

It's really nice, actually.

It is.

"Professor Reynolds is taking me out on the sixteenth," she mentions. "I expect we'll be back by dinner."

"Okay," she says, thinking a bit. "I should maybe ask her to take me shopping, too..."

"Break's a good time for it."

"Yeah. It is."

Pause.

"Problem is I don't really have money... But, like, I kinda do? But it's all in my mom's vaults..."

"Are you allowed to get in them?"