Master Candy-Maker Mrs. Patif

Christmas is getting closer and closer.

One morning, a layer of glistening white frost covered the muddy ground, and the castle was filled with the busy atmosphere of Christmas.

Professor Lupin set up several small Christmas trees in the classroom, decorated with various candies, which the young wizards could take freely.

Kyle estimated that this was probably Professor Lupin's biggest expense this semester.

Then there's Professor Flitwick, who decorated his Charms classroom with colorful lights that would transform into thumb-sized sprites when people got close, fluttering their wings Accio around the classroom.

The trip to Hogsmeade was scheduled for the last weekend before the end of the term.

Fred and George didn't set off with the others; they decided to stay at the castle to create a festive atmosphere for Harry.

Before Christmas, Hogsmeade looked like a Christmas card, with thatched cottages and shops covered in fresh snow, holly wreaths hanging on doors, and strings of enchanted candles adorning the trees.

When he came last time, he had already bought most of the things he needed to buy, so Cedric suggested going to check out the only shop he hadn't been to yet... Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop.

As if they had discussed it beforehand, Qiu immediately agreed, and even brought Kanna and Kyle along.

"Penelope said it's the most worthwhile place to visit in Hogsmeade," she said. "We haven't been there before."

Kanna immediately became interested.

Kyle followed behind, scrutinizing Cedric with a critical eye.

"Why did you decide to go there?" he asked.

"What?" Cedric turned his head away, as if he hadn't understood anything. "I'm just curious. After all, the only places we haven't been to in all of Hogwarts are Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop and the Shrieking Shack."

"Is that so..." Kyle's voice rose slightly, "But as far as I know, only couples go there, haven't you heard?"

"No, no..." Cedric stammered, then abruptly changed the subject, "What if Fred and George can't find us when they get here...?"

His ears turned red when he said that.

Kyle didn't continue, but went along with his words and explained, "You don't need to worry about that at all. The first thing they did when they arrived in Hogsmeade was to spend an hour in Zonko's. How would they have time to look for us?"

"Ha, you're right."

So, the group crossed the main road and arrived at the entrance of the very small teahouse.

A notice was posted on the door, and Qiu read its contents aloud.

Ministry of Magic

Customers please note that unless otherwise notified, Dementor will patrol the streets of Hogsmeade every day at sunset. This measure is for the safety of residents and will not be lifted until Sirius Black is captured...

Merry Christmas!"

Kyle also saw the notice.

It seems the Ministry of Magic received some information and transferred most of the Dementor here.

Unfortunately, it wasn't very useful... If Kyle wasn't mistaken, Black should have been gone from Hogsmeade long ago.

No one else paid any attention.

The notice clearly states that Dementor only patrol the streets at sunset; it's still daytime now.

Qiu pushed open the door of the teahouse.

It's really small here, with only a few small round tables. It's steamy inside, and everything seems to be decorated with ruffles and bows.

Because the table was too small, they had to sit separately in two adjacent empty seats.

"What would you like to order?" Madam Puddifoot asked as she approached.

She was a little plump, with her hair styled in a shiny black bun, and squeezed her way between two tables with difficulty.

"Four cups of latte, please." Qiu seemed to have done her homework beforehand, explaining quietly after Madam Puddifoot left, "Penelope said this is the best."

Kanna, who had been looking forward to this place, was now blushing furiously, clearly having noticed the strange atmosphere in the teahouse.

Everyone here is in pairs, holding hands.

But since she was already there, she blushed and sat down next to Kyle.

Madam Puddifoot quickly came over carrying four cups that were floating in mid-air.

A layer of white milk pudding is spread on top of the brown coffee; it looks quite nice.

Kyle tried a sip, then put the cup down.

For a fleeting moment, he wondered if Madam Puddifoot was secretly in love with Dumbledore.

This coffee was prepared entirely to the principal's taste.

It was as sweet as a glass of pure syrup; he couldn't taste any coffee flavor at all.

Even the faint bitterness tasted more like concentrated syrup.

This sugar-making technique is so skillful that even House-elf would be envious...

The group stayed in the teahouse for a while longer. Suddenly, Kanna leaned close to Kyle and whispered, "Is there anything else here?"

Like Kyle, her cup was also full of coffee, and she only took a sip before leaving it untouched.

The two have similar tastes; neither of them particularly likes overly sweet things.

Kyle shook his head. He didn't know what drinks were available here, but if even the coffee was made like this, the black tea couldn't be much better.

After thinking for a moment, Kyle asked, "How about we get Three Broomsticks?"

"A Butterbeer, a plate of pine nut cookies, and two meat pies... I left too early today, I haven't had breakfast yet."

Upon hearing the word "bacon pie, "Kanna's eyes lit up. "Great!"

The two exchanged a glance and stood up simultaneously.

"Should we call them?" Kanna asked, looking at Cedric and Cho beside her.

"Forget it." Kyle shook his head.

The two of them were so engrossed in their conversation that they were completely oblivious to anything amiss around them.

"That's true." Kanna covered her mouth and smiled.

Kyle paid the bill, and the two quietly left the teahouse, heading towards the Three Broomsticks.

On the way, Kanna looked at the cup of coffee in Kyle's hand and asked in confusion, "Don't you dislike this? Why did you buy another one?"

"This..." Kyle looked at the cup in his hand and said, "This isn't for me to drink; it's a Christmas present for Professor Dumbledore."

"Professor Dumbledore?" Kanna hesitated. "Would he like this flavor?"

"Of course," Kyle nodded. "If you observe closely, you'll notice that Professor Dumbledore always eats desserts more often when he attends banquets."

And the last time I went to the Headmaster's Office, he was recommending a kind of frosting pudding to Professor Snape.

That's Honeydukes's new product, just as cloyingly sweet. I think this coffee would suit his taste perfectly.

"Is that so? I've never noticed before." Kanna blinked.

Then, as if remembering something, she turned back and glanced thoughtfully in the direction of the teahouse.