Chapter 59: Friendly Match
"Professor Snape yanked him away right after lunch, threatening a fine for his confinement," Artel whispered with a sly grin, adding a touch of mischief to the tale.
"After the potions class, they made their way to Hagrid's. Curiosity is written all over their faces, like detectives on a mission. Then, off to the library they went, probably trying to decipher the universe's secrets. When I asked them, they just shrugged off my curiosity with an air of mystery," Artel recounted, adopting a casual style.
Hermione, with a subtle snort, remarked.
....
Artel scanned the room, noticing Harry and Ron's vacant seats, and nodded in contemplation. "Looks like Harry and Ron might have caught wind that Fluffy is guarding the Philosopher's Stone. They're on a quest for Nicolas Flamel's secrets and the Stone's purpose."
However, due to Artel's influence, Hermione wasn't friendly with the duo. Consequently, they chose to keep her in the dark about their mission.
"If they want to keep it hush-hush, let it be. No use fretting over it." Artel thought.
"You planning on hitting the library this afternoon?" Artel inquired.
"Library? Nah. I need some fresh air after all the commotion. Patil mentioned a friendly Quidditch match between Gryffindor and Ravenclaw. Fancy a little spectacle?" Hermione suggested, shifting the topic.
The Quidditch Cup at Hogwarts kicked off in November and ran through April, with preparations underway after Halloween. Friendly matches, sans Seekers and Snitches, were shared as a warm-up routine.
Artel mulled it over before nodding. "Sure, why not? A Quidditch-friendly match sounds like a good way to unwind."
With Artel spending most of his time brewing potions, a break from the monotony sounded appealing.
"Great! It kicks off at two in the afternoon. Let's go together!" Hermione beamed, her demeanor brightening instantly as she looked at Artel with a playful smile.
Artel, accustomed to being watched, continued his meal leisurely. "Sure thing."
Hermione, content with his response, rose from her seat. She found watching Artel eat oddly enjoyable, appreciating the elegance in his every move. The duo set off for the Quidditch match, ready for a break from the usual routine.
The pair strolled together, leaving the grand castle behind. November greeted them with a slight chill in the air, but the sun shone brightly. Artel sported a thin sweater beneath his wizard robes, warding off the cold.
....
On the Quidditch pitch, players from both academies engaged in lively conversations. At the same time, eager first-year wizards buzzed around the stands.
"Hermione!"
Patil sisters in the Gryffindor auditorium waved excitedly as Artel and Hermione passed by.
"Shall we sit over there?"
Hermione tugged at Artel's sleeve, and he nodded. With a grin, Hermione pulled him towards the Gryffindor auditorium.
"You guys came to watch the game too. I thought you were headed to the library."
Artel couldn't discern if it was Patil or her twin who spoke. The sisters were nearly identical, both exuding charm.
"I've been buried in books lately; I needed a break."
Hermione blushed, aware of Patil's gaze on her hand clasped around Artel's sleeve.
"Good afternoon."
Artel greeted the sisters. Hermione had introduced them earlier, and while Artel didn't know them well, they exchanged nods.
According to Hermione, Patil had a pleasant personality, much better than Lavender, who tended to be jealous.
"Hello."
The Patil sisters blushed in response, their skin tone betraying nothing.
Artel was already a notable figure among the first-year wizards. Many recognized him as the unconventional Slytherin, known for his gentle demeanor, humility, and elegance. Professors praised him, particularly in spells, transfiguration, and potions, where he outshone even Hermione. His reputation soared further due to his close association with her.
Artel and Hermione settled into an empty seat, with the Patil sisters on Hermione's left and Artel on her right.
As the sisters conversed with Hermione, their eyes often strayed towards Artel. They subtly sought Artel's advice when discussing spell and transfiguration issues with Hermione.
But it didn't take long for Hermione to sense something was amiss.
.....
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