blanket of cloud, the sky hovering; the winter is long and forgiving

[cleverness]

Although the new year started much more eventfully than Hermione expected, there are reasons to be optimistic to be found among the chaos. Most of all, the fact that several individuals had gone around protecting people from the winter bees with abilities beyond those normally expected of a human, and none of them had been captured, none of them lambasted, none of them so far rooted out for being different. With the Ministry of Magic being a world away, Hermione finds herself wondering more and more if this is the place to try and breach the difference between those with abilities and those without. If transparency and time together can make it possible for people of all backgrounds to coexist peacefully, rather than with the suspicion and wars common in the past.

She hasn't figured out the best way to go about it yet, but it's always on the forefront of her mind, especially as she spends time at her store, taking stock and checking on inventory.

The small poltergeist, to whom Hermione hasn't yet given a name, gives a shriek of excitement as the door opens, wintry wind rushing through the store and driving a small shiver up Hermione's spine. Turning away from her shelves, Hermione smiles warmly, ready to welcome the person who's just stepped inside.

"Hello," she says, surprised to find a young girl. "Welcome to The Lamplight. Is there something I can help you find?"