The diligent House-elves bustled about between the Kitchen stoves, working at full capacity to prepare the End-of-Year Feast. Rich aromas filled the room as quiet flames licked at the bottoms of cauldrons, producing distinct bubbling sounds from the stock simmering inside.
A House-elf stood beside one of them, dressed in a neat little skirt. His thin, long hands gripped a ladle taller than himself as he swayed unsteadily while stirring. Now and then, he waved a finger to adjust the flames beneath the cauldron, making sure the stock remained at the proper temperature.
Compared to when she had first come to Hogwarts two years ago, Winky had recovered considerably. Her wide eyes remained fixed on the cauldron, her expression intent. Only when the steam stung her eyes and made her blink incessantly did she resemble the days when she had wept constantly.
"Giggle, giggle, giggle..."
Pear's shrill laughter rang out, and the Kitchen's wooden door opened in response.
The House-elves stopped what they were doing and turned to look.
A young wizard with black hair and black eyes entered the Kitchen. He wore standard wizard robes embroidered with the Gryffindor insignia. Tall and slender, he was probably an upper-year student. His lively, profound eyes glimmered faintly in the dim Kitchen.
"Mr. Morgan?"
Winky, standing beside the cauldron, tilted her head.
Loren's gaze swept over the House-elf before settling on the boiling cauldron. Scalding liquid splashed out with the bursting bubbles, sending up white steam. He could not help frowning slightly. "Why not use magic to stir it? Isn't that easy to get burned by?"
"Winky likes stirring it this way, and Winky is very careful. Winky will not get burned."
The House-elf Winky answered softly. She hung the ladle on a nearby rack, hopped down from the stove, and trotted