The Dog

Albert had just stepped out of the clothing store, both hands laden with packages, grumbling, "Honestly, why has Elegant Wizard Clothing Store suddenly stopped offering delivery?"

In truth, Albert knew the reason. The notice by the shop entrance made it perfectly clear: Dementors would patrol the streets of Hogsmeade after sunset every day.

Fine.

The Dementors' frequent harassment of Hogsmeade Village had caused the Hogsmeade post office to stop sending mail in the evenings. After all, animals had an instinct for avoiding danger. The Owls at the post office could not withstand being frightened by Dementors time and again, and the owner of Elegant Wizard Clothing Store clearly had no time to mail his things before closing.

"Check whether there's anything else we haven't bought. The list is in my left pocket."

As he spoke, Albert turned slightly, leaving the task of checking the shopping list to his girlfriend beside him.

Isabelle reached into Albert's robe pocket and pulled out the rather intimidatingly long list. "This list has gotten even longer."

"It can't be helped. I know more people now. Maybe I should have Bit do the shopping."

Though he said that, Albert usually chose gifts himself whenever he had the time. He had to find something for himself and Isabelle to do; otherwise, coming to Hogsmeade with nothing to do would be rather dull. Women, in particular, always seemed enthusiastic about going shopping.

"We've bought all the clothing. What about the rest?"

"I've already asked my family to buy the remaining things."

The wizards who corresponded with Albert usually did not care that he was a Muggle, so they did not mind him occasionally sending gifts from the Muggle world. The champagne Albert had brought back from France last time, for instance, had been very well received.

The two