The final Sunday of September arrived with a clear, blue sky.
Wispy clouds adorned the heavens like clean blue paper, a rare occurrence following the rainy days Hogwarts had endured that month.
Students rejoiced in the splendid weather, for it marked the day of their trip to Hogsade.
This was Matthews second visit to Hogsade, the sole wizarding village in the UK.
The previous occasion had been during the Christmas holidays the year before.
Back then, he ventured alone and had an odd Witch tailing him.
Ultimately, he managed to escape back to Hogwarts via the secret passage in Honeydukes.
During the Easter break in April, first-year students also visited Hogsade, but with final exams looming, most had opted to stay within Hogwarts for revisions, including Matthew.
However, this ti Matthew wouldnt be alone.
After breakfast, Matthew, Neville, and Hermione set off from the castle together as if it were the natural order.
As usual, Mr. Pringle, the castles caretaker, stood by the oak gate, verifying students nas permitted to visit Hogsade.
The process took longer than ever, as Mr. Pringle utilized his Detector to check each student multiple tis.
Two cloaked figures cast long shadows on the other side of the oak gate.
Tall and robust, they remained obscured under their hoods, their hands erging from under their cloaks a sickly gray and white, almost resembling water-soaked, rotting corpses covered in mucus and blemishes.
Once again, the icy chill Matthew had felt by the castle gate spread from his heart.
He felt a weight of unease that seed to steal away his capacity for happiness.
Dentors!
It was Matthews first ti being so close to them.
The sensation was undoubtedly intense, bordering on despair.
Matthew, Neville, and Hermione all turned pale, with Hermione particularly affected.
As she passed through the gate guarded by the Dentors, she staggered slightly, tears streaming down her face.
This persisted for nearly fifteen minutes until they were well outside Hogwarts.
Only then did Hermione release her firm grip on Matthews clothing.
Matthew lightly brushed the back of her hand as they walked, noticing its extre coldness.
She wiped her tears and caught her breath, visibly relieved.
Its horrifying, she croaked.
My dad said Dentors are the most terrifying creatures in the world, Neville added thoughtfully.
Ive heard that Azkaban is full of dentors, Hermione shuddered. The horror must be close to hell on Earth
Thats likely, Neville agreed.
And those three criminals who escaped from Azkaban Hermione continued, How could they do it? No wonder Hogwarts takes such extre precautions
The conversation revolved around Dentors and Azkaban as they continued to Hogsade Village.
Onlookers along the route included a sizeable group of students, as the first visit to Hogsade of the sester was an exciting prospect.
Since autumn had arrived, the leaves on the roadside trees had turned a golden yellow.
They littered the ground, imbuing the rough path with a yellow hue.
A soft rustling sound accompanied their progress as they stepped on the leaves.
Before long, they reached Hogsade Village.
At the entrance stood the Weasley Twins, pointing and laughing in front of the window of Zonkos Joke Shop.
Where should we go? Matthew asked in a hushed voice.
How about the Three Broomsticks for a glass of butterbeer? Neville suggested. Im still feeling a bit chilly
Matthew had no objections, as the impact of the Dentors on him had been minimal.
They continued down the road, passing by the post office, where owls frequently erged.
Matthew vaguely recalled a small road next to the post office that led to the Hogs Head Inn.
He could just make out the rusty sign bracket with the image of a boars head painted on it.
A middle-aged man dressed as a bartender was leaning against the door, observing the surroundings.
The middle-aged man glanced up at Matthew and his companions.
Oddly, when Matthew spotted the Hogs Head Inn sign again, he experienced a deep-seated discomfort he hadnt felt the last ti he had entered the establishnt six months ago.
He hadnt experienced this sensation during his previous visit.
Thankfully, they didnt pause but continued on their way.
Crossing the road, they soon arrived at the cozy interior of the Three Broomsticks.
The bar was bustling with patrons; a beautiful middle-aged woman welcod guests, while a bald, middle-aged wizard served five or six different-colored glasses of wine to various tables.
Matthew and Hermione waited for about ten minutes before finding an empty table.
They took their seats quickly, and Neville soon joined them, carrying three glasses of frothy, steaming butterbeer.
Now I can finally relax for a bit! Neville said, sitting down and raising his glass. Cheers!
Matthew took a sip and admitted that it was pretty good! Better than the ad he had last ti at this bar.
Its warmth spread throughout his body after each gulp.
This is so much more comfortable, Hermione sighed.
At that mont, a cool breeze ruffled Matthews hair.
The doors to the Three Broomsticks swung open, and Matthews throat tightened upon looking over the rim of his cup.
Isnt that Professor Slughorn? Neville indicated the door with a hushed tone.
The bald-headed Mr. Rosrta warmly greeted the newcors, focusing his attention primarily on entertaining his wealthy patrons.
Professor Slughorn strolled into the bar, not alone but accompanied by a young first-year girl.
Under normal circumstances, first-year students could only visit Hogsade during Christmas and Easter breaks.
However, if accompanied by a teacher, different rules are applied.
Thus, Miss Shafik was able to join them on this occasion.
Hermione shot Matthew and Neville a sharp, lioness-like glare, a warning not to greet Professor Slughorn in any way.
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