By the time Friday rolled around, the weather was just as cold and damp as the past few days—the rain hadn't stopped at all. Yet the Hufflepuff Quidditch players hadn't missed a single training session.
Just like Fred said, Cedric was becoming more and more like Oliver Wood these days. Not to mention this little drizzle—even if it poured, he probably wouldn't call off practice.
At eight thirty in the evening, everyone returned, exhausted, to the warm common room.
Kael took off his waterproof and moisture-proof badge from his robe and grabbed the mug of hot cocoa Conna had prepared for him in advance, taking a sip.
Cedric was holding a cup of hot tea as well, but he'd gone to the kitchens himself to get it.
"Tomorrow's the Hogsmeade visit day." Midian Corner, the new third-year Keeper, also took his badge off and carefully put it away before he finally asked, "What's it like there? I haven't been yet."
At the school, only students in third year or above were allowed to go to Hogsmeade on designated weekends. The younger kids had to stay in the castle.
"It's a lot of fun," Cedric said. "I recommend you start at Honeyduke's Sweet Shop. It's the most popular shop in Hogsmeade—it's always packed."
"Dervish & Banges is good too," Conna suggested. "You can get loads of interesting magic items there, like speedwriting quills and reusable parchment."
"Of course, if you prefer things that are a bit less, you know, conventional, then you definitely can't miss Zonko's Joke Shop," Kael said.
"And then head to the Three Broomsticks for a butter beer," someone else recommended. "You really have to try it—oh, and the pumpkin soda, cherry honey soda. Honestly, tastes better than the pumpkin juice at school."
Midian's eyes were practically sparkling—he wished he could fly to Hogsmeade right now.
The conversation naturally drifted from training to Hogsmeade.
Unlike Midian, Kael, Cedric, and the other older students had been there plenty of times. With only a handful of shops, they'd gone back and forth so often that the novelty had long worn off.
Most of the time, they were busy giving Midian and another new third-year teammate advice on where to go, telling them which shops were most worth visiting.
The shops mentioned most often were Honeyduke's Sweet Shop and the Three Broomsticks—both food-related.
Kael originally wanted to recommend another place—the Shrieking Shack.
Earlier, Sirius had bought it and planned to open a new store there with Lupin.
But Voldemort's return messed up their plans. Now Lupin had loads to sort out, and Sirius got taken away for interrogation by the Ministry of Magic.
So, after its recent refurbishment, the Shrieking Shack was left abandoned. No one knew when it would open up again.
As ten o'clock drew near and sleepiness set in, everyone headed back to their dorms.
The next morning at breakfast, most of the young wizards were excitedly discussing the Hogsmeade trip in the auditorium, planning what they'd buy first.
But Cedric, now a seventh-year, wasn't interested—he wasn't going this time. He'd decided to stay in the castle and use the opportunity, while everyone was away, to train on the pitch a bit more.
The other houses weren't much of a concern; Cedric was confident he'd beat them. But Gryffindor was the exception.
Harry's Firebolt was simply impossible to ignore—too much of a threat. Kael also had one, but their roles were different.
Kael was a Chaser, relying on goals to build up a lead. Harry, on the other hand, was a Seeker—as soon as he caught the Golden Snitch, the game was over.
A year ago, they'd managed to stall Harry's Firebolt with a totally unexpected plan, but they only succeeded because it was a surprise.
Now that Harry was prepared, the same trick won't work again... Harry's no fool—he's definitely thought of a way around it by now.
So they'd have to come up with something new...
Meanwhile, Kael wasn't planning to go to Hogsmeade either.
But not because of Quidditch. He just honestly didn't want to visit any of the shops—he'd rather stay in the common room and play Wizard Chess.
That was Kael's intention, but just as breakfast was coming to an end, a brown barn owl delivered him a short letter.
The letter only had one sentence.
[Three Broomsticks—meet]
That was it. No sender's name, nothing else.
Kael was puzzled about who had sent it, but then suddenly noticed Umbridge watching him from the staff table.
Kael understood instantly.
Last night, he'd been wondering—since his last detention, a week had passed, but there hadn't been a peep from the Ministry of Magic. He'd thought Fudge was capable of waiting, but turns out today he got the letter.
So, after breakfast, Kael went with everyone to the entry hall where Professor McGonagall and Umbridge escorted them to Hogsmeade.
"Didn't you say you weren't going to Hogsmeade today?" Conna asked curiously as they walked across the grounds. "Why'd you change your mind?"
"Going to meet someone," Kael said.
"Who, Professor Black?"
"Nope." Kael shook his head. "You'll see when we get there."
Kael looked so secretive that Conna gave up on asking more.
Once in Hogsmeade, Kael went straight to the Three Broomsticks. Since he'd come early, there weren't many people there, and Fudge hadn't arrived yet.
Usually, everyone treated this place as a spot to rest and only showed up for a drink after they'd exhausted themselves playing.
Kael ordered a pumpkin soda, took a seat at an empty table, and sat sipping and waiting.
About half an hour later, the door to the Three Broomsticks opened.
"Oh, Minister!" Ms. Rosmerta exclaimed. "What brings you to Hogsmeade today?"
"Of course, I'm here for your redcurrant rum! Honestly, every time I finish work, your drinks are the first thing on my mind."
"Thank you for your kind words, Minister." Ms. Rosmerta looked delighted. She turned to look at Umbridge, who'd walked in with him.
"Well, Professor Umbridge, what can I get you?"
"Honey wine with cherry syrup," Umbridge said in her syrupy voice.
From his side seat, Kael could see clearly that Ms. Rosmerta was gripping a mug under the bar so tightly her knuckles were white, just barely managing to keep her smile.
"One moment," she said, then turned to prepare the drinks.
Since there weren't many people in the bar, Fudge naturally came over to Kael's table.
"Long time no see, Kael," he called out enthusiastically, as if their meeting was just pure coincidence. "Last year you beat Beauxbatons and Durmstrang at the Triwizard Tournament—nicely done. Honestly, it's been ages since we've won any international honors in events like that."
"Just doing my duty, Minister," Kael replied.
Conna glanced at Kael, then at Fudge, who seemed to be holding back words, and suddenly understood.
"I'm off to buy some candy." She stood up, announced, and left the bar.
"Smart girl," Fudge said, moving over to take her seat and removing his striped hat, setting it beside him.
Umbridge sat down on the other side.
"Conna's always been clever," Kael said with a smile.