"Jingle!"
The bell hanging from the doorframe swayed lightly in midair, its copper clapper striking the outer casing with a crisp, pleasant sound.
Hogsmeade was filled with bells like these. Ribbons and fresh green branches hung everywhere, decorating the entire village in a Christmas-only style.
Most of the shops along the street had their doors half-closed, leaving only a few staff members on watch. Everyone else had gathered with friends and family in the festive atmosphere, preparing to welcome Christmas and the New Year.
In an alley of residential houses behind the shopping street, someone was clearing the snow from in front of a doorway, unaware that the person behind him had opened the door and was quietly watching from the entrance.
The wizard clearing the snow wore a grayish-brown robe. He was not particularly handsome, but his gentle, composed bearing made him pleasing to look at. Unlike the other neighbors, who used magic to whirl the snow away to the roadside, he carefully shoveled it into a pile beside the drain before waving his wand. The melting snow trickled down into the pipes.
The person at the door was tall and slender, with vivid pink hair that was a delight to the eye. She wore a cashmere leather coat, while her close-fitting sweater outlined her figure. She had a crisp, capable air about her, though her body was somewhat swollen and her lower belly slightly rounded, lending her a touch of maternal softness.
Remus Lupin set down the shovel, turned around, and smiled gently.
"Why did you come outside? Shouldn't you be warming yourself by the fireplace?"
"I wanted some fresh air."
"I'll open a window for you." Lupin casually took her arm and led her inside. "We bought this house too hastily. The windows, hallways, and other things