Christmas (4)

Sirius put on his coat and wrapped his scarf properly.

"If there's any new news from the Confederation, I'll have an owl bring a letter."

He and Gemma walked to the door together and pushed open the Cast Iron Gate. The cold wind, carrying fine snowflakes, surged into the entrance hall.

Sirius and Gemma walked into the night. The gate slowly closed behind them, and the lock gave a crisp click.

The living room quieted down, with only the flames in the fireplace still dancing in the hearth.

Pabbie sat down on the sofa and picked up her teacup.

"The matter with the Confederation is indeed all over. Kingsley's briefing was very detailed."

"It is over," Vivi said. "At least for now, the Confederation Technical Group doesn't have any new urgent tasks that need handling."

Harry went to the window and watched the snow for a while, then came back and sat down on the rug in front of the fireplace.

Pabbie asked, "When the director of the Confederation Institute of Ancient Magic goes to inspect Node Seven next spring, will you be going with him?"

"Possibly," Vivi said. "If the Confederation Technical Group needs people."

"Then how will transport be arranged? The Confederation Technical Group should send a special car or owls to meet you, right?" Pabbie asked.

"The Confederation Technical Group will make unified arrangements," Vivi said. "But the inspection date hasn't been set yet, so we'll only know the specific details once it's confirmed."

"The director of the Confederation Institute of Ancient Magic really ought to get out and walk around more," Anne said. "He's been cooped up in his office for too long."

"The director of the Confederation Institute of Ancient Magic rarely goes out. His research doesn't require frequent fieldwork, and most of his work