Christmas in Diagon Alley was a world apart from their summer visit—busier, brighter, and bursting with people. Qin Yu and Hermione wove through the throng, pressed on all sides by witches and wizards in festive robes. In the thickest crowds, it felt like any moment someone might bump their shoulder or step on their heel.
It was packed—shoulder to shoulder, elbow to elbow, a living river of magic folk.
So, Qin Yu made sure to keep a firm grip on Hermione's small hand, determined not to lose his little witch in the chaos.
Not that he was worried. They'd already agreed: if they got separated, they'd meet at the entrance of Flourish and Blotts. And if that failed, there was always the alchemical whistle he'd given her—one blow, and he'd know exactly where to find her.
"Nice job, me. Setting up the perfect flag—now if Hermione doesn't get lost, it'd be a miracle," Qin Yu thought, a guilty smile tugging at his lips as he watched her gaze dart from shop to shop.
"What's up? Did you make a decision?" Hermione asked, catching his look.
"Oh… I was trying to decide—bookstore first or robes? What do you think?" Qin Yu tossed the question her way, letting her choose.
"Hmm… Let's do the robe shop first," Hermione decided after a brief pause. She even explained, "We'll get your measurements, and while they're altering the robes, we can browse books. That way, we won't waste any time."
"Smart thinking. We'll do it your way." Qin Yu gave her hand an appreciative squeeze.
Having been here before, they skipped the cauldron shop and the owl emporium, heading straight for their targets.
First stop: Madam Malkin's Robes for All Occasions. Qin Yu was measured for height, shoulders, and arm span—he'd shot up since last year, and his old robes were definitely too short. Hermione had grown, too, but her robes from summer still fit fine; she'd wait until next year for a new set.
Deposit paid, they moved on to Flourish and Blotts. The bookstore was just as crowded, and a local bestselling author was holding a signing for a book neither of them recognized.
Qin Yu glanced at the title: Muggles' Destruction of the World. From the blurb, it was about environmental protection.
He rolled his eyes—no interest at all.
Hermione wrinkled her nose. Before discovering she was a witch, she'd been a perfectly ordinary Muggle for years. Seeing a wizarding author openly blame Muggles for the world's problems made her uncomfortable.
"Like wizards have never hurt the world? Why single out Muggles?" she muttered under her breath, careful not to be overheard. The shop was full of fans, and she could already imagine the scene if they heard her—she'd be swarmed and scolded for sure.
The thought made her shiver. She pressed closer to Qin Yu, gripping his hand tightly.
"It's too noisy here. Let's grab our books and head upstairs," Qin Yu suggested, steering her away from the crowd.
He picked out a book of essays on meditation. Hermione snagged two titles: Hidden Magical History You Don't Know and The Marvels of Herbs: Making Everyday Food Extraordinary.
Qin Yu eyed her choices. The first one was probably a bid to dig up information on Nicolas Flamel, but the title screamed "tabloid." Official histories might not always be true, but unofficial ones were definitely wild.
He hoped she wouldn't stumble onto anything too bizarre.
"Hey, Hermione, you know not everything in these books is true, right? Some of it's just made up or hearsay," Qin Yu reminded her gently.
"Hm?" Hermione blinked.
"Like, if someone writes about falling in love with a ghost, traveling with a troll, or vacationing with a hag, they're probably just showing off," Qin Yu explained, deadpan.
"Pfft! Who would fall in love with a ghost?" she asked, her focus drifting.
"Maybe because they can't find a real girlfriend, so they settle for a ghost," Qin Yu replied, his tone warm but words icy.
"How sad…" Hermione said, her sympathy genuine.
"…Thanks, that's comforting." Qin Yu was momentarily speechless. He thought back to his previous life—he'd had chances to end his single streak, but things always went awry, or he'd hesitate, waiting for something better. By the time he was older, there were fewer and fewer single women around him—no one left to choose from.
This time, he was determined to learn his lesson. If the right person came along, he'd take the chance—no more waiting for perfection. (Hermione: Oh, really? "Good enough," huh? "Take a chance," huh? "Settle," huh? Do you really think my wand can't cast a green light?!)
The thought sent a mysterious chill down Qin Yu's spine.
Meanwhile, Hermione had already settled at an empty table, swinging her legs and flashing him a sweet smile.
Well, well, well… what a sly little witch, acting all cute in front of me.
Time to expose your disguise!
Qin Yu reached out and expertly pinched and tugged at her soft, chubby cheek.
Hermione froze, eyes darting around. Seeing no one was watching, she shot him a glare—more scolding than angry.
Save that kind of thing for home! What are you doing, messing around in public?
Message received, loud and clear.
Qin Yu grinned, suddenly feeling like he was the one being spoiled.
He ruffled her hair, then asked if she wanted to try one of the bookstore's drinks.
Hermione instantly remembered the "Multi-Flavor Juice" from before—every sip tasted different, delicious and fun. She nodded enthusiastically.
"Wait here, I'll go grab some and bring it up. With the shop this busy, it'll be faster if I fetch it myself," Qin Yu said, rising to his feet.
"Thank you, Qin~" Hermione chirped, her voice sweet as honey.
That soft little voice warmed Qin Yu's heart. He headed downstairs, steps light as air.
Hermione propped her chin on her hand, watching him go with a secret smile. Some people, she thought, are just too easy to fool. I'll have to keep a close eye on him—wouldn't want him getting tricked by the wrong sort of girl.
Especially those cute-acting troublemakers.
With that, she set her worries aside and opened her book, flipping through the pages at speed.
She expected Qin Yu to come right back, but after several pages, he still hadn't returned.
A few more pages—still no sign of him.
Curious, Hermione went to the stairs and peeked down. No sign of him at the drinks counter.
Feeling uneasy, she searched the first floor. After a thorough look, she had to admit the truth: Qin Yu was gone!
"He told me not to get lost, and now he's the one who's vanished?!"
Hermione was left bewildered—and more than a little worried.
(Happy holidays! And please, send a little gift my way!)
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