With mixed feelings, Harry followed the three adults. Only Dobby...
Only then did Harry realize that Dobby, who had been beside him a moment ago, had disappeared, but the footprints left in the snow showed that he was still there.
Just then, Dobby's voice sounded beside Harry's ear. "Godric's Hollow is a place where wizards and Muggles live together. Under the International Statute of Secrecy, we house-elves aren't allowed to appear before Muggles."
Harry was at a loss for words. That question wasn't on the exam! He really hadn't known. He had thought Godric's Hollow was a wizarding settlement. After all, this was Gryffindor's birthplace.
After they turned through an alley, the Central Square came into view a short distance away. In its center stood a structure resembling a war memorial, half hidden behind an enormous Christmas tree.
Several shops stood around the square, along with a post office, a pub, and a small church.
Sirius sighed. "This place has changed so much. There used to be a small fountain in the square. James and I once secretly altered its jets so the water could dance to music...
"That pub is still there. James and I used to go there all the time to taste Muggle drinks and listen to Muggle music..."
Lupin seemed to reminisce as well. "It really has changed a lot. I still remember you and James taking me to that pub and egging me on to chat up Muggle girls..."
Harry looked toward the pub too, thinking that if he lived here, he would surely go there as well.
Douglas gave the two men a puzzled look. "Do you really not know what that memorial is?"
At their bewildered expressions, Douglas understood. Neither of them had returned here since that war, or even read any of