Hogsmeade was different, Remus decided. A chill in the air - something eternally lacking, now that they were all gone. Even the atmosphere, the normal hustle and bustle of the wizarding town, seemed changed. Amber eyes moved over the heads of the crowded floor, spotting half-remembered faces amongst the gathered men and women.
Ehtelpot and Connors used to snog in the back corner, when Rosmerta would be distracted by a customer at the bar. Their chairs were still empty though, small black ribbons tied to the backs. Behind the bar, even, there were spots marked with ribbons, one pinned to Rosmerta's chest.
All around the tavern, the same sight. Though every seat could have been filled, every table covered with food and drink, all around there were blank spots. Empty chairs, pushed into place at their empty, cold tables.
Outside of the tavern there were small black ribbons tied around the town, marking doors and beds. Away from sight there was one more ribbon tied, down in the cellars of the sweetshop. Remus knew because he'd placed it there himself, a small piece of black tied on the handle to the trapdoor.
