Christmas in France was not much different from Christmas in England; both were lively and joyous.
If there was any difference, it was probably that England could not be lively this year.
Because of the Death Eaters and Voldemort, most people chose to stay home even during Christmas rather than venture onto streets full of danger, where they might encounter Dark wizards at any moment.
This was clear from the number of students staying at Hogwarts.
Nearly every student had chosen to remain at school for Christmas. Only a very small number of Slytherins had gone home, enough to fill just two compartments.
But there were no such concerns in France.
From the morning onward, the number of people on the shopping streets kept increasing. There were adult wizards, as well as students who had returned from Beauxbatons for the holidays.
They gathered in groups of three or five, making the entire street exceptionally bustling.
With nothing else to do, Kyle went out for a stroll as well and bought some souvenirs with distinctive French flair.
There was also an enormous Christmas tree in the middle of the street. It had been bare yesterday, but today it was covered in gifts wrapped in golden boxes.
According to Fleur, those gifts were free for anyone to take. Rumor had it that there were hidden prizes inside too—something particularly valuable.
Since he was already here, Kyle naturally had to join in.
Shamelessly, he took eight gift boxes, only stopping reluctantly when he could not carry any more.
As for Fleur's disdainful look, who cared?
The more he took, the better. What if he got a hidden prize? Then the trip would not have been for nothing.
Kyle did not even wait until he got back. He opened them right there by the