章節 224: Chapter 224: The Hog's Head Pub
The scenery around Hogsmeade Village was as vibrant as ever, filled with a refreshing green hue. In the depths of autumn, it was rare to see such lush greenery stretching out into the horizon. Walking along the cobblestone paths paved with slate, Augustus found himself enjoying the quaint charm of the ancient buildings scattered along the way.
"Why did Hermione choose the Hog's Head for the gathering?" Lilian pondered aloud after a brief pause. "I've never been there, but I've heard it's notorious for being filthy and chaotic. Its only advantage, perhaps, is its seclusion."
Augustus chuckled softly. "True, but it's said that this pub openly serves a variety of drinks, even to students. Moreover, its remote location makes it perfect for secret meetings."
Lilian raised an eyebrow. "All this fuss for a simple gathering? It feels like we're joining some sort of clandestine cult—utterly unnecessary."
As they continued down the main road, passing by Zonko's Joke Shop and the post office—where owls occasionally flew in and out—they turned into a side alley. At the entrance stood a small, shabby pub. A battered wooden sign dangled from a rusty bracket above the door, depicting a severed boar's head wrapped in a blood-stained cloth. As they approached, the wind made the sign creak eerily.
Startled by the pub's dilapidated appearance, Lilian hesitated, glancing at Augustus.
"Let's go in," Augustus said, nodding at her as he pulled open the worn and creaky door and stepped inside.
The interior was a stark contrast to the cozy brightness of the Three Broomsticks. Here, the single small, dark room was filthy, reeking of goat. Thick grime coated the small, bulging windows, blocking out most of the light. Candles, barely more than stubs, flickered weakly atop rough wooden tables.
To their surprise, the pub was already bustling. As Augustus and Lilian entered, a circle of people seated in the middle of the room collectively turned their heads toward the door.
Augustus glanced around, surprised to see so many familiar faces. Besides Harry, Ron, and Hermione, most of the others were students he recognized.
Closest to them were Neville, Dean, and Lavender, followed by Parvati and Padma Patil, Cho Chang, and one of her chattering friends. Luna Lovegood sat nearby, and further back were Katie Bell, Alicia Spinnet, Angelina Johnson, the Creevey brothers Colin and Dennis, Ernie Macmillan, Justin Finch-Fletchley, and Hannah Abbott. A Hufflepuff girl with a long braid sat near three Ravenclaw boys: Anthony Goldstein, Michael Corner, and Terry Boot. Ginny Weasley stood next to a lanky blond boy with a prominent nose, and Fred, George, and Lee Jordan held large paper bags filled with items from Zonko's.
The group was clearly surprised to see Augustus. Many stood up, some greeting him cautiously, while others unfamiliar with him tried to catch his eye, hoping to make a good impression.
With a small wave, Augustus offered a polite smile. "Please, sit down. I didn't expect such a large crowd. Since we're all Hogwarts students, there's no need to be so formal. Hermione, perhaps you'd like to explain?"
Hermione's cheeks flushed as she apologized to Augustus. "I didn't give you the full details before coming. This isn't just a gathering—it's an attempt to start a magical study group. I want us to receive proper training in defensive magic because..." She took a deep breath. "Because Voldemort has returned."
The reaction was immediate. Cho's friend let out a scream, spilling butterbeer on herself. Terry Boot twitched involuntarily, Parvati shuddered, and Neville made a strange noise before turning it into a cough. All eyes turned expectantly—almost pleadingly—towards Augustus.
Augustus's face remained expressionless, but he nodded slightly for Hermione to continue.
"Everyone trusts the information you've provided," Hermione said, her tone steadying. "Voldemort is lurking in the shadows, intent on deepening the rift between Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic. That division has already begun. The Ministry is interfering with Hogwarts' teaching, and people want to learn real defensive spells—not the nonsense Umbridge is teaching us. No one would dare call that rubbish Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"Exactly!" Anthony Goldstein interjected, which seemed to bolster Hermione's confidence.
"So," Hermione continued, "I thought we students could take matters into our own hands. And naturally, you were the first person I thought of to teach us. I should've explained this to you beforehand—I hope you can forgive me." She lowered her voice, unsure if Augustus would agree.
Augustus remained silent, his expression unreadable.
"Mr. Augustus," Zacharias Smith spoke up, "even though Hermione didn't explain everything, we've long regarded you as a leader among the students. We all remember what you've done for us."
"That's right," Harry chimed in. "In our first year, Augustus defeated Voldemort and stopped him from returning by saving the Philosopher's Stone."
"In our second year, he killed the basilisk and ended the Chamber of Secrets crisis," Terry Boot added. "I know because a portrait told me last year."
"Even as an underclassman, Augustus showed incredible strength and courage," Lee Jordan said admiringly.
"And let's not forget," Angelina's gaze settled on Augustus, "the Quidditch match where he single-handedly drove off nearly a hundred Dementors. Can anyone here—or their parents—claim such power and boldness?"
Hannah's eyes sparkled with admiration, her expression tinged with awe.
The room was filled with gazes of reverence and hope, all directed at Augustus.
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