Matthew and Neville, under Hermiones lead, ascended the hillside.
The weather was favorable, with a gentle breeze rustling the slopes weeds.
In stark contrast to Hogsades bustling streets, the hillside appeared desolate, devoid of visible individuals.
This solitude was advantageous for Matthew, ensuring that no one would inadvertently interrupt his eavesdropping on Professor Slughorns conversation.
For Neville and Hermione, who stood guard at the front, it provided a window for Matthew to concentrate on his task.
Matthew gently placed the soft little ear Hermione had provided against his ear.
The sound of tons, tons, tons emanated from withinthe unmistakable sound of Professor Slughorn enjoying his favorite ad.
Excellent, Rosrta! Professor Slughorn exclaid with excitent. Todays ad seems to taste even better than before.
Following closely, Mr. Rosrtas voice said, Indeed, Horace. This is Cherovina ad imported from Slovakia. Its never been opened, and youre the first to savor it
Indeed, indeed, Professor Slughorn replied with a smile, Ill have to take a few bottles back to my office and savor them slowly
Speaking of which, youve always been quite astute, Rosrta. Your business acun has remained impressive since your student days
As he listened, Matthew couldnt help but frown.
Mr. Rosrta, the owner of the Three Broomsticks, seed to be conversing casually with Professor Slughorn, reminiscing and chatting about the past.
This led Matthew to assu that Miss Shafiq had already left the bar.
On the other end of the conversation
This young lady is a first-year student; I havent seen her before. She appears rather peculiar, Rosrta remarked suddenly.
Yes, Professor Slughorn introduced, Miss Shafiq is only eleven years old this year.
Quite remarkable to be appreciated by Professor Slughorn at such a young age, Rosrta praised. Miss Shafiq, you surely have a promising future Co, try the adits excellent!
Shafiqs faint voice responded.
Hows business, Rosrta? Professor Slughorn inquired comfortably.
It seed that Mr. Rosrta had indeed passed on the bar business to his wife as he was seen conversing with Professor Slughorn.
At this point, Matthew was fervently hoping for Mr. Rosrtas departure, at least before Professor Slughorn completed his ad.
Nothing worth ntioning, Mr. Rosrta sighed, a tinge of indescribable loneliness creeping into his tone.
Did you know that the Dentors have conducted three searches of my bar in the past month? Many loyal custors were frightened away by those creatures
Its adversely affecting business, quite terribly Todays influx of Hogwarts students allowed into Hogsade seems to boost business a bit.
Though the Dentors that guarded the main pathways leading to the campus were kept at bay by Grindelwalds influence, preventing them from entering Hogwarts Castle, they still struggled to find a stable dwelling.
Eager to feed on the happiness of both wizards and Muggles alike, they were particularly drawn to places like the bustling Three Broomsticks.
A peculiar tihiccup, Professor Slughorn belched slightly embarrassedly.
Honestly, I dont care for those fellows. Theyre a constant reminder of unpleasant things
Longbottom inford that theyre particularly disgruntled with Grindelwald since the Headmaster bars them from entering the castle
Im pouring you a glass, Rosrta interjected, Although be aware that this ad is quite potent.
Its fine; I can hold my liquor While I typically restrict myself to one glass daily, this ad is exceptional! Professor Slughorns speech was interspersed with hiccups. He sounded slightly inebriated.
The sound of water being poured followed.
Dentors theyre here to protect everyone from far graver threats We all know that sothing extraordinary occurred at Azkaban Professor Slughorn continued.
I truly cant fathom it, Mr. Rosrta continued, sighing. The escape of three convicts from Azkaban is unheard of But it doesnt concern Hogwarts and Hogsade in the sa way.
Those fugitives, no matter how audacious, wouldnt dare break into Hogwarts with Headmaster Grindelwald and Headmistress Rosier guarding it.
Matthew eagerly strained to hear more; this was the very question that had been plaguing his mind.
Because you dont understand you dont understand Professor Slughorns voice grew hazier, more distant.
Rosrta, do you recall the events fifteen years ago?
Fifteen years ago?
Matthew calculated; that would be 1977, three years prior to Harry Potters birth.
In the original book tiline, it was Severus Snapes and other classmates seventh year at Hogwarts.
Fifteen years ago, such a distant mory; Im afraid Ive long forgotten it, Mr. Rosrta seed to shake his head.
No, you wouldnt forget Those Gryffindor students Professor Slughorn suddenly lowered his voice:
Jas Potter Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew
Fortunately, Neville had adroitly positioned the button behind Professor Slughorns chair, enabling Matthew to barely hear Professor Slughorns words.
Upon hearing this, Mr. Rosrtas mory was jogged. Jas Potter and Sirius Black; they often ca here for butterbeer Its quite amusing, still fresh in my mind. Those two young lads never failed to amuse, as if they were putting on a cody act
And their close friend, Peter Pettigrew the pudgy little lad who frequently trailed after them like a loyal hanger-on.
Also, Jas rival, Severus Snape, even had a brawl in my bar once. Their group left a lasting impression, I recall! Mr. Rosrtas voice tinged with nostalgia.
Subsequently, his tone shifted to one of mild disappointnt. However, I never saw them again they must have graduated They never returned to visit
No, Professor Slughorn murmured, They didnt graduate The official story was that they were expelled from Hogwarts due to their involvent in extre magic experintation
In truth, they began with a terrible deed and were subsequently forced to flee Hogwarts Professor Slughorns voice grew more somber:
Jas, Sirius, and Peter were on the run for several years, only to be apprehended by Aurors later on
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