Christmas was getting closer and closer.
One morning, a sparkling layer of white frost covered the muddy grounds, and the castle was filled with the bustling mood of Christmas preparations.
Professor Lupin set up a few small Christmas trees in his classroom, each decorated with various candies that the young wizards could grab at will.
Kael figured this was probably Professor Lupin's biggest expense of the semester.
And then there was Professor Flitwick, who filled the Charm Class room with colorful lights. When someone got close, they transformed into thumb-sized little elves, flapping their wings and zooming around the classroom.
The trip to Hogsmeade was scheduled for the last weekend before the end of the term.
Fred and George didn't go with everyone else; they decided to create some festive atmosphere for Harry, so they stayed behind in the castle for the time being,
Hogsmeade before Christmas looked just like a Christmas card. Thatched cottages and shops were covered in fresh, white snow, every door was hung with holly wreaths, and the trees twinkled with strings of magically enchanted candles.
The last time they'd come, they'd already bought almost everything they needed, so Cedric suggested checking out the only shop they hadn't been to... Madam Puddifoot Tea House.
As if it had been plotted in advance, Cho immediately agreed—and even dragged Conna and Kael along.
"Penelope says it's the must-visit spot in Hogsmeade," she said. "We've never been there before, have we?"
Conna was instantly intrigued.
Kael followed behind, eyeing Cedric with a vaguely suspicious look.
"Why do you want to go there?" he asked.
"Huh?" Cedric turned his head, pretending not to understand, "Just curious, really. There are only two places in all of Hogwarts we haven't been to: Madam Puddifoot Tea House and the Shrieking Shack."
"Oh really…" Kael's voice rose playfully, "But, from what I know, only couples ever go there. Haven't you heard?"
"N-no, never…" Cedric stammered, then abruptly changed the subject, "Do you think Fred and George will have trouble finding us once they arrive…"
His ears were bright red as he said this.
Kael let the subject drop and explained, "No need to worry about that at all. The first thing those two do in Hogsmeade is spend an hour at Zonko's Joke Shop—they won't have time to look for us."
"Ha, true enough."
…
So the group walked down the main path and arrived at the small tea shop's doorstep.
There was a notice posted on the door; Cho read it out loud.
"Ministry of Magic Order
Attention customers: Unless otherwise notified, Dementors will be patrolling the streets of Hogsmeade every day at sunset. This measure is for the protection of residents, and will only be lifted once Sirius Black is apprehended…
Merry Christmas!"
Kael read the notice, too.
Looked like the Ministry of Magic had gotten some news and sent most of the Dementors here.
Too bad it was useless… if Kael guessed right, Black was probably nowhere near Hogsmeade anymore.
No one else paid it much mind either.
The notice was clear—only at sunset did Dementors patrol the streets, and it was still daytime.
Cho pushed open the tea shop's door.
The place really was tiny, with just a few small round tables, thick with steam, and every surface seemingly decorated with ruffles and bows.
The tables were so small, they had to split up into two neighboring seats.
"What would you like?" Madam Puddifoot asked as she came over.
She was a bit plump, her shiny black hair twisted into a bun, navigating the tight space between tables with difficulty.
"Four cream-coffee, please." Cho sounded like she'd done homework in advance. Once Madam Puddifoot left, she whispered, "Penelope says it's the tastiest thing here."
Conna, who had been eager to try this place, now had cheeks bright red—clearly, she'd noticed its unusual vibe.
The place was full of pairs, hand in hand.
But since they were already there, she sat beside Kael, face still flushed.
Madam Puddifoot soon returned, carrying four floating cups.
Beneath a layer of white cream, the coffee looked pretty good.
Kael tasted a sip, then promptly set the cup down.
For a moment, he seriously wondered if Madam Puddifoot secretly had a crush on Dumbledore.
Because this coffee was just what the headmaster would love.
It was so sweet it could've passed for pure syrup—he couldn't taste any coffee at all.
Even the faint bitter note seemed more like concentrated syrup than actual coffee.
With this level of sugar-cooking skill, even House-elves would feel inadequate...
They stayed a while longer, then Conna leaned over to Kael and quietly asked, "Is there anything else to order here?"
Just like Kael, her cup was still full—she'd only tried a sip and left it.
Their tastes were pretty similar; neither liked things that sweet.
Kael shook his head. He had no clue what else was on offer, but if even the coffee was like this, surely the tea would be no better.
After thinking a bit, Kael asked, "How about we head to the Three Broomsticks?
Order some Butter Beer and a plate of pine nut cookies, maybe two meat pies… We left so early today, I haven't even had breakfast yet."
At the mention of meat pies, Conna's eyes lit up. "Yes!"
The two exchanged a glance and got up together.
"Should we invite them?" Conna looked at Cedric and Cho nearby.
"Forget it." Kael shook his head.
Those two were wrapped up in their own conversation, oblivious to everything around them.
"True." Conna covered her mouth, giggling.
Kael went to pay, and the two quietly slipped out, heading toward the Three Broomsticks.
On the way, Conna eyed the coffee in Kael's hand. "I thought you didn't like this stuff—why'd you buy another cup?"
"Oh, this?" Kael glanced at the cup he was holding. "It's not for me—it's a Christmas gift for Professor Dumbledore."
"Professor Dumbledore?" Conna hesitated. "Will he like this flavor?"
"Definitely!" Kael nodded, "If you pay attention, you'll notice Professor Dumbledore always eats the most desserts at any party.
Plus, last time I went to the Headmaster's Office, he was telling Professor Snape all about some sugar-frosted pudding.
It's a new Honeydukes special—just as sweet, and I bet he'll love this coffee."
"Is that so? I've never noticed," Conna blinked.
Then, as if recalling something, she cast a thoughtful glance back toward the tea shop.