This year's winter in England seemed to have arrived especially early. Outside, fierce winds howled, and heavy rain fell mixed with snow, making people shiver from the cold.
Even the thick curtains could not completely keep out the chill outside. A blazing fire burned in the fireplace. Isabelle sat on the sofa with a thin wool blanket over her, a radio beside them broadcasting an exclusive report from the Ministry of Magic. Before them was a half-finished game of Wizard's Chess. The players did not seem to care who won, idly chatting about trivial matters to pass the boring time.
"I really don't understand why those people would still run out and cause trouble for the Ministry of Magic in weather like this."
Listening to the news on the radio, Isabelle could not help yawning. It was not difficult to hear from the report just how dire the British wizarding world's situation was. Reinforcements from the International Confederation of Wizards had yet to arrive, and the wizarding world's situation was growing increasingly rotten.
"It is hard to understand what those Dark Wizards are thinking." Albert stopped what he was doing and looked up at Isabelle as she covered her yawn. "Sleepy again?"
"Yes, a little."
"Then take a nap first. I'll wake you later."
Albert picked up his wand from the table beside him and gave the chessboard a light flick. The Wizard's Chess pieces immediately packed themselves away and flew back into the drawer where they had been stored.
Albert then sat beside Isabelle and adjusted the thin blanket around her.
"Has something happened recently?" Isabelle listened to the rain outside and gently rested her head against Albert's shoulder.
"Why do you ask?"
"You haven't gone out for several days now."
Isabelle drank some hot milk that the house-elf