Chapter 223
Chapter 223
The young wizards normally disliked Filch, but that day he looked positively lovable. His arrival meant their Hogsmeade weekend had begun.
It also relieved Neville’s torment and embarrassment. He was almost the first student to hurry towards Filch.
Beyond the castle, across the suspension bridge and a short distance past the gates lay Britain’s only all-wizard village: Hogsmeade.
The rain had finally cleared, but the road remained terribly muddy. Not one young wizard complained. Every face wore an excited, joyful smile.
Everywhere, students invited friends to visit Honeydukes, Zonko’s Joke Shop or the Three Broomsticks to admire its charming proprietress.
Neville walked beside Suer. Thanks to Suer’s spells and the breeze, most of the fragrance had faded and was no longer overpowering.
Ahead, Hermione, Hannah and Susan walked arm in arm, chattering. The girl who might be Suer’s elder or younger sister soon joined them.
Ron had spotted his two brothers earlier, hurriedly said goodbye and gone to them.
“Thank you for before, Suer,” Neville whispered.
“You’re welcome.” Suer smiled. “I can see today matters a great deal to you.”
Neville glanced at Hannah’s back and smiled shyly.
“If you mean to invite Hannah to Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop, ask now. Otherwise, she may go shopping with Susan and the others once we arrive,” Suer advised. “We’re almost there.”
“Now?” Neville’s face turned scarlet, and his lips worked soundlessly.
“I’ll demonstrate.” Suer smiled and patted Neville’s shoulder. “Watch carefully.”
During the remaining walk, Neville repeatedly glanced towards Hannah, then lowered his head and mouthed unspoken words.
Suer left him to gather courage and instead considered Amelia’s reply, which had arrived two mornings earlier after a week’s wait.
Amelia confirmed one fact.
So much time had passed that she no longer remembered exactly where she obtained the bronze badger. She was certain it had not come from Hogwarts.
She had found it in a shop in Diagon Alley, though her letter remained vague about which shop.
That greatly increased the chance that the third figure was inside Hogwarts. In the two weeks before the Hogsmeade weekend, Suer had searched constantly for information about the four founders.
He found nothing beyond uncertain rumours. Perhaps two weeks simply was not enough to examine the library.
The Hogwarts library was reputedly the largest in Europe. It held so many books that even Madam Pince probably could not count them.
He really would have to ask Dumbledore.
Perhaps he should buy the headmaster some unusual sweets at Honeydukes–Cockroach Clusters, for example…
Cheers sounded ahead. They had reached Hogsmeade.
Suer discarded his thoughts, patted Neville’s shoulder and raised an eyebrow before walking past him to Hermione.
“Beautiful Miss Granger, might I have the honour of inviting you to enjoy some delicious cakes with me?”
Hermione raised her chin prettily. While Hannah, Susan and the other witches teased and cheered, she smiled and placed her hand in Suer’s palm.
Neville stared, even seeing Suer glance back and lift an encouraging eyebrow.
Oh, Merlin. Gran had never taught him how to invite a girl anywhere.
Suer led Hermione away on their date. As for Neville, there was no need to worry. A Gryffindor surely possessed enough courage to invite a girl to tea. Hopefully, he had not forgotten what Hannah said on the train at the start of term.
Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop was not their first destination. From old women to babies, every girl loved shopping.
Hogsmeade’s main street was small. Apart from seven shops, the remaining buildings were pubs or homes.
Hermione remained enthusiastic. At Scrivenshaft’s Quill Shop, Suer helped her choose several elegant quills. They browsed Gladrags Wizardwear, where several beautiful new formal robes were displayed. Hermione was too young to wear them, but could still admire them.
The proprietress recognised Hermione’s interest and suggested a bespoke order.
After long hesitation, Hermione refused. She expected to grow more and could order one when she was older.
To thank the woman for her hospitality, Hermione chose several pairs of peculiar woollen socks for herself and Suer.
Next came Honeydukes, where they bought bags upon bags of sweets and sampled amusing new creations. Some inflated a person into a round ball that floated; others made a wizard produce birdcalls, wolf howls or lion roars.
When Suer ate a chocolate-flavoured sweet and emitted a loud oink, Hermione laughed until she could barely stand. Honeydukes ensured every visitor left delighted. By the time they emerged, Hermione leaned weakly against Suer.
Madam Puddifoot’s Tea Shop stood nearby.
It was famously a gathering place for couples, with private two-person seats and cakes sweeter than love itself.
A boy and girl entered either because they fancied each other or because they were already together.
Could a single person enter? Certainly–if they enjoyed having other people’s romance forced down their throat.
“Shall we sit down?” Suer raised an eyebrow at Hermione.
“All right. I’m tired anyway.” Hermione finally realised how closely she leaned against him, flushed and hurried inside first.