Hogsmeade.
The evening breeze was cool, carrying in a cloud neither too large nor too small.
It arrived quietly, scattering a few drops of rain that sent the dust back to the ground. Once the air had grown slightly damp, it quietly departed again, arriving at just the right moment and leaving without a sound.
The sky at the horizon was a dark bluish gray.
There was no golden sunset, no lively smoke rising from chimneys—only the slightly damp ground and dew gathered on smooth, sharp surfaces.
If war broke out, Hogwarts would become a place of particular concern.
So many of Hogsmeade's residents had left with their families.
That was why, on this cool evening, all of Hogsmeade looked like a tranquil painting.
But Cypher and a little creature's intrusion shattered that peaceful scene.
"Mr. Corvin, Dora will wait here for your instructions!"
The little creature beside Cypher released the hem of his robe.
It took a step back, bent over in a deep bow, and spoke in a shrill voice.
It was a House-elf.
House-elves were usually skin and bones. They were tiny, with bat-like ears, bulging eyes the size of tennis balls, and long, flat noses. They also wore torn clothing.
However, while the House-elves at Hogwarts were thin, they were not emaciated. Their clothes were faded from washing but completely intact.
"Thank you, Dora," Cypher said casually, warily surveying his surroundings as he tried to figure out where he was in Hogsmeade.
After all, this was not the school grounds. What if some suicidal Dark wizard attacked him...
"Oh! Mr. Corvin is far too polite, far too gentle! Dora cannot accept a wizard's gratitude. Dora must punish herself..."
The little creature's lightbulb-sized eyes began to fill with tears, and its body started trembling. It felt it