章節 127: Chapter 127: A Chance Encounter at the Pub
"We still have so many places to explore in Hogsmeade," Lillian said, gesturing animatedly with her hands, her slender fingers listing the options. "For instance, the apothecary, the Owl Post… Oh, and of course, I wouldn't mind stopping at the pub for a butterbeer!"
Augustus chuckled and shook his head. "You seem quite attached to butterbeer. But honestly, the real charm of Hogsmeade lies in its shops. The natural scenery isn't nearly as impressive as that of the school."
"Obviously," Lillian agreed with a nod. "The school's location is chosen with the principles of Feng Shui in mind—it's a site of dragon and tiger energy. There's a mountain at the back, water in the front, and a natural convergence of spiritual energy from all directions. That's why it has nurtured so many talented young witches and wizards."
"Feng Shui? I'm surprised you know about that," Lillian said with amazement, as though the usually frivolous Malfoy had suddenly transformed into an expert on esoteric arts.
"Well, ignorance isn't a crime," Draco replied smugly, waving dismissively. "Feng Shui and ley lines are really quite simple. You just need to skim through a couple of histories to become an 'expert.'"
"Speaking of which," Augustus said, a playful smirk curling on his lips and his silver eyes gleaming with teasing amusement, "Draco, I hear that Thor has already reached the fifth level of magic string construction. That's an advanced level for someone who started a year later than you. What stage are you at now?"
Draco's expression immediately fell, and he slumped back in his seat. "Well... I'm almost breaking into the sixth stage," he muttered, feigning nonchalance. "But you know, I've been preoccupied—thinking about the fate of the British Empire, pondering whether the 'Sleeping Lion' of the East has awoken. That's why I bravely ventured into reading their histories!"
The carriage went silent. Augustus twitched slightly at Draco's blatant self-aggrandizement. Some things are better left to personal growth, he thought, opting not to lecture further.
As they stepped out of the carriage, the weather greeted them with a pleasant breeze carrying the scent of spring. The shops of Hogsmeade were open, and the laughter of Hogwarts students echoed through the lively streets. It was busier than their last visit.
They stopped at the Owl Post, where Lillian feigned interest in the cost of sending an owl to Egypt. The shop was packed with hundreds of owls of all sizes and breeds, from large gray eagles to tiny screech owls for local deliveries.
"The wizarding world's reliance on owls for communication is rather limited," Draco remarked as he observed the busy owls. "Muggle technology like telephones seems far superior in this regard. I wonder how they work."
"It's just a matter of differing paths of progress," Augustus replied, stroking his chin thoughtfully. "Muggles wouldn't understand how Floo Powder or Portkeys work either. These differences in development are natural, shaped by culture and tradition."
Draco nodded, accepting the explanation. While he took pride in being a pureblood, his recent readings had sparked some interest in the ingenuity of Muggle innovations.
Next, they visited Zonko's Joke Shop, which was bustling with students eager to stock up on prank supplies. Augustus noted the shop was busier than others—proof that no student could resist the allure of mischief. When they left, their wallets were lighter, but Draco and Lillian's pockets bulged with dungbombs, belching candies, frog-spawn soap, and a biting teacup.
"It's getting warm," Lillian said. "Let's grab a drink. The shops are too crowded anyway, but the pub should be quieter. A butterbeer would be perfect right now." Augustus considered for a moment, then agreed, and they made their way to the pub.
The pub was relatively empty, with only a few patrons scattered across tables. Augustus and Lillian chose a corner table, and Draco went to order drinks.
"Augustus, long time no see," a soft voice greeted him from the left. He turned to see Cho Chang sitting just three or four meters away with two of her classmates.
"Long time no see," Augustus replied with a polite smile. "Though I do see you often during Quidditch matches—it's a spectator's duty, after all."
Cho's friends nudged her with knowing smiles, and Cho blushed slightly. "Do you not enjoy Quidditch, Augustus? You sounded a bit reluctant."
"Quidditch is fine," Augustus said, waving dismissively. "I don't dislike it, but I wouldn't say I'm a big fan either. Just neutral."
"Speaking of Quidditch," Lillian interjected suddenly, her tone carrying a hint of sarcasm, "you just played Gryffindor, didn't you, Cho? What do you think of Potter? He seems like quite the talented Seeker."
Cho's expression faltered for a moment as she glanced at Lillian, then forced a smile. "Harry is indeed skilled. We lost to them last time, but we accepted the defeat gracefully. Considering he caught the Golden Snitch despite the appearance of Dementors, it's clear he has talent."
At that moment, Draco returned with their drinks. Hearing Cho's comment, his stormy gray-blue eyes narrowed with a hint of cold disdain.
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