Chapter 136: Chapter 136: A Gathering in Hogsmeade
Hogsmeade
From a bird's-eye view, the entire village glows with light.
Especially during Christmas, not only are every store and shop adorned with beautiful lights, but magical candles also illuminate the streets on both sides.
Soaring in the air.
Ino pinpointed the location of his little house and then dove straight down, flying directly into the open window on the second floor.
As he landed, he dispelled the magic, waved his wand to light the candelabra on the table, and then half-lay on the bed.
Honestly, after experiencing the modern lifestyle at Hermione's house, returning to Hogsmeade felt like traveling back to the Middle Ages.
This isn't to say that magic isn't good, but the difference between wizards and Muggles is significant. The gap between these two groups is quite large.
In all aspects, whether it's the way of life or the mindset, it feels like two completely separate worlds.
Two worlds without any intersection or relation.
...
The first rays of dawn gently weave like fine threads, gradually tearing apart the darkness of the sky.
The ancient village of Hogsmeade also awakens under the eastern sun.
The Three Broomsticks Inn
Having ordered a kidney pie, Ino sat in a corner of the hall, planning to eat breakfast while waiting for his friends, who would arrive via the Floo Network later.
After about ten minutes.
Madam Rosmerta gently placed a plate of tempting food on the table.
However, instead of returning to the bar as usual, she sat opposite Ino, teasingly saying:
"I always thought this dish was a middle-aged man's exclusive, but I didn't expect you to like such 'flavorful' food."
Ino didn't immediately respond to the tease but first tasted the delicious food before him.
This is a traditional British culinary delight. Kidneys, fresh vegetables, and unique spices are baked in a pie crust.
After a moment, Ino, satisfied, put down his utensils and looked up: "One shouldn't judge a dish by its intended audience. Besides, your culinary skills are truly exquisite."
Madam Rosmerta chuckled lightly at his words: "Oh, stop it! Keep your sweet talk for the girls! Or maybe you don't need to sweet-talk them, I know them too well."
Though she spoke teasingly, there was a hint of pride in her eyes. She knew well that while her pub might not be extremely popular, the quality of the food had never been questioned.
After a moment, she seemed to recall something, glanced at the fireplace in the bar, and asked curiously:
"Why don't you try connecting to the Floo Network? I remember all properties in Hogsmeade are connected. And household Floo Networks can be one-way, like opening a door that only allows exit but not entry without your permission."
Considering the boy's background, she used a more relatable analogy to explain how the Floo Network worked.
Ino sensed the concern in her words, which warmed him. He explained with a hint of helplessness:
"It's not that I don't want to open it! I just don't know how. I've never lived in a house with a Floo Network before."
"You should have said something! I'll come over later and help you connect it. I always thought you were afraid of people barging into your room."
With that, Madam Rosmerta got up and walked back to the bar.
Although it was early, guests had already started to arrive for the Christmas holiday.
With the brief conversation over, Ino focused on the delicious food in front of him. The kidneys were cooked to perfection, soft and flavorful, with no hint of gaminess.
...
The Three Broomsticks Hall
At a corner table, several young wizards sat around.
"Ino, maybe we should stop waiting for Daphne. She might be delayed by something again."
Draco held a can of butterbeer, sitting idly on the bench. This was his third attempt to persuade them.
Opposite Draco sat Pansy and Neville, who, while silent, also seemed a bit restless.
Glancing at the clock on the wall, it was supposed to be 9:00 a.m., but it was already 9:45.
"Alright, then let's…"
Ino stopped mid-sentence because the fireplace flared up with green flames.
"Sorry, sorry! I'm late because I had to bring along a nuisance."
Stepping out of the fireplace, Daphne immediately apologized to everyone.
"You stop it! I'm not a nuisance. If it weren't for Mom's request, do you think I wanted to follow you?"
The fireplace flared green again, and this time a girl who resembled Daphne by about seventy percent stepped out.
Ignoring the rebuttal, Daphne quickly pulled the girl beside her and introduced her to everyone:
"This is my sister, Astoria. Sorry for bringing her along without asking. She'll probably come to Hogwarts next year."
As soon as Daphne finished speaking, the girl beside her stepped forward and said gracefully:
"Hello! Sorry for coming uninvited! I'm Daphne's sister, Astoria Greengrass."
Fate is indeed mysterious; some things seem destined. As soon as the girl introduced herself, Draco was the first to stand up:
"Welcome! I'm Draco Malfoy, second year in Slytherin."
On closer inspection, Draco's action seemed a bit bold since he wasn't the one who issued the invitation.
As the actual inviter, Ino watched the future couple interact and also stood up to say:
"Welcome, Miss Greengrass! And there's nothing to apologize for; this isn't a formal banquet, just a small gathering of friends."
...
Hogsmeade
In a quiet two-story cottage deep in the alley, the lively noise finally arrived.
In the living room on the first floor, three girls sat together, chatting about various topics of interest, occasionally letting out a light laugh.
On the other side, Draco surprisingly chatted with Neville, and they seemed to get along well, almost as if all past grievances were forgiven.
Ino sat quietly nearby, watching the harmonious scene before him, especially the reconciliation between Draco and Neville, which made him very happy.
To be fair, Draco isn't inherently bad; he's just been spoiled by his parents.
The original story depicted Draco's repeated conflicts, and after a year and a half of interaction, Ino had already formed a certain judgment.
...
In the midst of joyful chatting, time slipped by unnoticed.
Approaching noon.
With the combined efforts of three house-elves, a table full of delicious food appeared in the dining room.
Three house-elves! Not only Draco but also Pansy and Daphne brought house-elves with them.
After lunch, it was tea time, which also included the exchange of gifts.
Ino's gifts were still crystal balls, custom-made in bulk from Davis. Even with a discount, each one cost 9 Galleons.
However, unlike the castle he gave Hermione, Neville's crystal ball contained a beautiful garden, while Draco's had a Hungarian Horntail dragon spitting fire. Each gift was different.
The only slightly awkward part was Astoria. Ino hadn't expected an extra person, so he didn't prepare an additional gift.
But fortunately, his suitcase still had plenty of candies. Finding an excuse to wrap some up midway, he managed to save face.
Notably, Astoria seemed smart enough not to open her gift, maintaining a sense of dignity for everyone.
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