Morning light streamed through a gap in the deep blue curtains, casting a shimmering golden line across the wooden floor.
Wade changed into a soft wool sweater and dark trousers. When he drew back the curtains, he saw that the street outside was blanketed in a thin layer of snow.
The windows of the house opposite were covered with snowflake and Santa Claus stickers, colored lights hung from the porch, and several children in thick clothes were rolling about and playing on the lawn.
"Wade, are you ready?"
Fiona's voice came from downstairs. "Come down quickly, it's time to go!"
"Coming, Mom!"
Wade answered, took out his Wand and tapped Wardrobe Space, then slipped the shrunken Pencil Case into his pocket. He picked up the coat hanging from the rack and hurried downstairs as he put it on.
Fiona, dressed in an indigo wool coat, was already waiting by the door. She watched him with a smile, her round cheeks tinged with a faint blush from the cold wind outside.
Dobby stood at the door. Today, he wore a little outfit patterned with Christmas trees and a hat with reindeer antlers. Shaking his head, he said, "I wish you a successful shopping trip, Mrs. Gray."
"Thank you, Dobby." Fiona crouched down and patted Dobby's slight shoulder. "I'll buy you a Christmas present too. Is there anything you want?"
Dobby twisted the edge of his coat, his ears trembling slightly as he said in a thin voice, "Dobby... Dobby will be happy with anything! As long as it's from Mrs. Gray, even if it's just a snowflake, Dobby will like it."
Fiona burst out laughing and tapped Dobby on the nose. "A snowflake? That would be far too easy!"
She stood and said, "Then the gift will be a secret! Wait