Chapter 375: A Long-Awaited Visit Day
Chapter 375: A Long-Awaited Visit Day
By lunchtime, the new Keeper had been chosen—Mikel.
His extensive reading on Quidditch rules had paid off, and his flying skills had secured his place in the final selection.
Cedric immediately made the decision, confirming Mikel as the new Keeper for Hufflepuff, replacing Wright.
Upon hearing the news, Ryan's eyes lit up with envy. He had previously competed for the position of Goalkeeper but narrowly lost to a fifth-year student due to his slower reaction time.
Mikel, on the other hand, was thrilled and generously offered to treat everyone to lunch in the Great Hall.
After the first team training session, Kyle hurried back to the Hufflepuff Common Room and settled into an armchair near the fireplace.
The rain had started around noon and continued into the afternoon.
Even with the Warm-Up Charm badges, the October rain still felt chilly. The cozy fireplace provided a more comfortable atmosphere.
The Common Room was bustling with lively conversations.
"What's going on?" Kyle asked Conna, who was sitting in the adjacent armchair, working on two star charts for Astronomy class.
Conna pointed to a notice on the bulletin board, "Our first Hogsmeade weekend is at the end of October, on Halloween Eve."
"That's fantastic!" Cedric squeezed through the crowd and exclaimed, "I'm going to Devlin-Banks Shop to buy a set of broomstick pruning tools. My broomstick doesn't seem as agile as it used to be."
Kyle was also delighted at the prospect of shopping in Hogsmeade, one of the few recreational activities available to the students.
Although he knew about the secret passage to Hogsmeade and had been there numerous times before, ever since he and the Weasley twins were caught by Professor McGonagall at the Three Broomsticks, they had become more cautious and refrained from sneaking off to Hogsmeade.
Moreover, with the Dementors present this year, going to Hogsmeade was even more challenging.
While the Dementors remained polite and stationed at the entrance with Dumbledore's presence, they became less restrained in Hogsmeade.
Especially after Sirius Black's traces were found nearby...
The shop owners had complained multiple times in the Daily Prophet, urging the Ministry of Magic to better manage the Dementors and prevent them from casually entering shops.
However, their pleas fell on deaf ears.
The Ministry officials ignored the issue, and the Dementors... they didn't read newspapers.
Encountering Dementors while sneaking off to Hogsmeade would be far more troublesome than facing a professor.
The following day, everyone was excited about the news of the Hogsmeade visit day. During Herbology class, many students were discussing their plans for the day.
Professor Sprout had to deduct points from two students to calm their enthusiasm.
"I know you're all looking forward to Honeydukes Candy Shop, but our lesson today is equally important," Professor Sprout said loudly. "I must remind you that Belladonna is a toxic and dangerous plant. You must be fully focused when collecting its pollen... unless you want to spend Halloween in the hospital wing.
"Now, put on your protective gloves..."
Professor Sprout's words had their intended effect, and the mention of toxicity immediately heightened everyone's alertness. They eagerly grabbed the gloves that had been prepared in advance.
Professor Sprout nodded in satisfaction once she saw everyone's heightened vigilance.
As long as the students come into contact with plants in the greenhouse, there won't be any major dangers.
Just like last year's Mandrake, they were still in their infancy, and once their cries became lethal enough, Professor Sprout would transfer them to another greenhouse.
And that one is not open to students.
This time, the Belladonna is the same.
The flowers are still yellow, and even if you accidentally touch the pollen, you'll only itch for a few days at most, and you won't need to go to the school hospital.
But when they turn purple, that's when they become truly dangerous. If you touch the pollen then, it won't be a matter of spending Halloween in the school hospital... It would be lucky to be discharged by Christmas.
However, this content isn't needed yet. It's not too late to teach them after they return from Hogsmeade.
After Herbology class, there were no more classes in the morning.
Kyle returned to the castle and met a dejected Harry in the entrance hall. He walked forward with his head down, not saying a word, and almost knocked over a suit of armor in the corridor.
"Hey, kid, watch where you're going!"
A portrait above shouted, "This is my favorite armor!"
Harry didn't speak, turning around and continuing towards the Great Hall.
"What's wrong with him?" Kyle asked.
"No one signed his application form."
The correct version is at 69shu.com! 6=9+shu_bar.
Hermione, who came with him, explained, "Professor McGonagall doesn't agree with him going to Hogsmeade?"
"She's too rigid!" Ron couldn't help but say, "Professor McGonagall knows that Harry's uncle and aunt are Muggles, and they hate everything related to magic. It's impossible for them to sign Harry's application form.
But if she says a word, this matter will be resolved..."
"Professor McGonagall is right!" Hermione was a bit annoyed, "Black, someone has already seen him once nearby."
"Black isn't stupid. He won't go to Hogsmeade and act recklessly." Ron said.
"Only you would think that!" Hermione said angrily, "If you don't believe me, ask Kyle. See what he says."
Their gazes turned to Kyle... No, it should be three people, including Harry, who also looked up at Kyle.
Um... Weren't they talking about Harry? How did the topic suddenly shift to me?
Kyle thought for a moment and said, "I think Hermione makes sense. On the visiting day, the Dementors in Hogsmeade will be removed. If Black wants to do something, that's the best opportunity."
"See?" Hermione said, tilting her head up.
Ron grumbled a couple of words, still feeling that they were making a mountain out of a molehill."
Harry's expression didn't change much.
After all, Professor McGonagall had clearly refused his request. Unless his uncle Vernon came to Hogwarts to sign the application form for him, nothing would help.
This was obviously impossible.
Kyle's words were a weak excuse for not going.
Sirius Black was looking for him, and staying at Hogwarts would be safer...
Now Harry could only convince himself of this.
"Cheer up, there's still the banquet," Ron wanted to cheer Harry up, saying, "The Halloween Eve banquet will be held in the evening."
"Yeah, that's indeed not bad," Harry said, but his enthusiasm wasn't very high.
...
(End of Chapter)
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