Winter's bitter chill gripped Nurmengard, Austria, and the north wind howled outside.
Yet the prison looked nothing like a prison now. Festive decorations filled it, with Christmas trees planted everywhere.
The floors were unusually lively too. The longest-serving Acolytes had brought their children and grandchildren over for the holiday, and the happy sounds of children laughing and playing rang out everywhere.
In the wind and snow not far from the tower entrance, the cool, regal Vita approached at an unhurried pace, draped in a purple cloak, like a breathtaking violet blooming in a silver world.
She should have returned as soon as Hogwarts broke up for the holidays, to share with Grindelwald all the amusing moments from teaching Shawn and the warmth of their everyday life as mother and son.
But when she reached the Austria Ministry of Magic, a mountain of work that nobody else could handle landed on her shoulders.
Vita had no choice. Even working day and night as quickly as she could, it still took her three days.
Now her elegant, narrow eyes were bloodshot and full of exhaustion.
When Vita reached the entrance, the old gatekeeper set down his newspaper, rose from beside the fire, and bowed to her respectfully.
"Miss Vita, you're back."
Vita walked into the tower and asked mildly,
"Caffet, what has our lord been busy with lately?"
The old man looked awkward.
"Dumbledore has been visiting every day lately. The master has been entertaining him."
Much of the anticipation Vita had concealed so well in her eyes immediately faded.
"Mm. Make sure you keep warm. I'll head upstairs."
After a moment's thought, Caffet added,
"Miss Vita, there'll be a ball in the third-floor hall shortly. Would you like to attend?"
Vita turned around and asked bluntly,
"Did our lord also tell