Chapter 391: Mrs. Padfoot, the Confectionery Expert
Chapter 391: Mrs. Padfoot, the Confectionery Expert
As Christmas drew near, a crisp, frosty morning coated the muddy grounds with a crystalline layer, and a bustling festive atmosphere permeated the castle.
Professor Lupin had placed several tiny Christmas trees in the classroom, adorned with an assortment of candies for the young witches and wizards to enjoy. Kyle estimated that this was probably the professor's biggest expense for the semester.
Professor Flitwick, on the other hand, had decorated the Charms classroom with colorful lights that transformed into thumb-sized fairies and fluttered about when someone approached.
The trip to Hogsmeade was scheduled for the last weekend before the term ended.
Fred and George had not departed with the rest, opting to stay back in the castle to prepare a festive surprise for Harry.
Hogsmeade, in the days leading up to Christmas, resembled a scene from a holiday card. The thatched cottages and shops were blanketed in fresh snow, their doors adorned with wreaths of holly, and the trees sparkled with enchanted candles.
During their previous visit, they had already purchased most of what they needed. Cedric suggested they explore the only establishment they had not yet visited—Mrs. Padfoot's Tea House.
As if in predetermined agreement, Autumn readily concurred and even roped in Connor and Kyle.
"Penelope said it's a must-visit place in Hogsmeade," she said. "We haven't been there yet."
Connor immediately showed interest.
Trailing behind, Kyle eyed Cedric with a scrutinizing gaze.
"Why would you want to go there?" he asked.
"What?" Cedric turned away, feigning confusion. "I'm just curious. After all, out of all the places in Hogwarts, there are only two we haven't visited—Mrs. Padfoot's Tea House and the Shrieking Shack."
"Oh?" Kyle's voice carried a hint of amusement. "But as far as I know, only couples go there. Haven't you heard?"
"N-no, I haven't..." Stuttering, Cedric awkwardly changed the subject. "Do you think Fred and George will have trouble finding us when they arrive?"
His ears turned crimson as he spoke.
Kyle didn't press the issue further, instead steering the conversation in the direction Cedric had indicated. "You don't have to worry about that at all. The first thing those two will do when they get to Hogsmeade is spend an hour in Zonko's. They won't have time to look for us."
"Ha, that's true."
...
Soon, the group made their way through the main road to the small tea house.
A notice was posted on the door, which Autumn read aloud.
"Ministry of Magic Notice:
Patrons are advised that, until further notice, Dementors will be patrolling the streets of Hogsmeade at sunset each day. This measure is for the safety of residents and will remain in place until Sirius Black is captured...
Merry Christmas!"
Kyle also took in the content of the notice.
It seemed the Ministry had received some sort of tip-off and deployed a large number of Dementors to the area.
Unfortunately, it would likely prove futile... if Kyle's suspicions were correct, Black had probably already left Hogsmeade.
The others didn't seem concerned.
The notice clearly stated that the Dementors would only be patrolling at sunset, and it was still daytime.
Autumn pushed open the door to the tea house.
The interior was indeed tiny, with only a few small round tables. The room was filled with a misty warmth, and everything seemed to be adorned with ruffles and bows.
"Four frothy coffee jelly drinks, please," Autumn said, seemingly well-prepared. After Mrs. Padfoot left, she whispered, "Penelope said this is the best drink here."
Connor, who had been eager to visit the tea house earlier, now had her face flushed red, evidently noticing the peculiarity of the place.
Everywhere they looked, couples sat hand in hand.
But since they had already come, she reluctantly sat down next to Kyle, her face still reddened.
Soon, Mrs. Padfoot returned with four cups floating in mid-air.
The brown coffee was topped with a layer of white jelly, looking quite appealing.
Kyle took a sip and then set his cup down.
For a moment, he wondered if Mrs. Padfoot was secretly infatuated with Dumbledore.
This coffee was tailored to the headmaster's taste.
It was so sweet it might as well have been pure syrup, and he couldn't detect even a hint of coffee flavor.
Even the subtle bitterness resembled that of concentrated syrup.
This sugar art would likely put house-elves to shame...
The group lingered in the tea house for a while longer, and then Connor leaned over to Kyle and quietly asked, "Is there anything else to eat or drink here?"
Like Kyle, her cup was still full, as she had only taken a sip and then left it untouched.
Their preferences aligned; neither of them enjoyed overly sweet treats.
Kyle shook his head. He wasn't sure what other drinks they offered, but if they could make coffee like this, their black tea probably wouldn't be any better.
After a moment's thought, Kyle suggested, "How about we head to the Three Broomsticks?
We can get some butterbeer, a plate of pine nut cookies, and two meat pies... I haven't had breakfast yet since we left early today."
At the mention of meat pies, Connor's eyes lit up. "Yes!"
The two locked eyes and stood up simultaneously.
"Should we call them?" Connor asked, nodding towards Cedric and Autumn.
"Never mind," Kyle shook his head.
The other two were engrossed in their own conversation, oblivious to the unusual atmosphere around them.
"You're right," Connor agreed, covering her mouth as she giggled.
Kyle went to pay the bill, and the two quietly slipped out of the tea house, making their way towards the Three Broomsticks.
Along the way, Connor eyed the coffee in Kyle's hand and asked curiously, "I thought you didn't like this drink? Why did you buy another cup?"
"Oh, this..." Kyle looked at the cup in his hand and explained, "This isn't for me. It's a Christmas gift for Professor Dumbledore."
"Professor Dumbledore?" Connor hesitated. "Do you think he'll like this flavor?"
"Of course," Kyle nodded confidently. "If you observe carefully, you'll notice that Professor Dumbledore tends to favor sweet treats during feasts.
And the last time I visited his office, he was recommending a honey cream pudding to Professor Snape.
It was a new product from Honeydukes, sickeningly sweet, so I assume he'd enjoy this coffee."
"Is that so?" Connor blinked. "I've never noticed that before."
Then, as if remembering something, she turned and glanced back at the tea house thoughtfully.
(End of Chapter)
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