Chapter 701: Ron's First Love
Chapter 701: Ron's First Love
The two of them spent some time finalizing the arrangements for the house before pretending they had just arrived, quietly appearing on the streets of Hogsmeade.
The third-year students, visiting Hogsmeade for the first time, wandered around the village like curious explorers, undeterred by the chilly wind, eager to take in every detail of the magical village.
After stocking up on sweets at Honeyduke's, they made their way to the Three Broomsticks for some butterbeer.
Many students were huddled inside the cozy pub to escape the cold, and as Albert entered, he spotted Fred, George, and Lee Jordan huddled in a corner, deep in conversation. George noticed Albert and gave him a subtle thumbs-up sign.
"As expected, the pub is the place to be," Albert remarked as he scanned the room for a vacant table. He instructed Isabelle to go and secure a seat while he went to the bar to purchase two cups of warm butterbeer from Madam Rosmerta, the charming and alluring pub owner who was quite popular among the male witches and wizards.
Interestingly, according to the novels, Ron had a secret crush on this very same woman.
As Albert returned to the table with the drinks, he noticed Hermione and Ron approaching, intending to share their table.
"There aren't any other empty tables," Hermione said, slightly embarrassed. Indeed, the pub was packed, and when Ron had led her over, she had noticed the attractive red-haired girl was Albert's girlfriend.
Albert handed a cup to Isabelle and smiled at the pair, inviting them to join, "No problem, have a seat."
"I'll get the drinks," Ron said, getting up to head to the bar.
"I just discovered a little secret," Isabelle said, taking a sip from her butterbeer and leaning in close to Albert, her actions quite intimate. "Percy's younger brother seems to have taken a liking to Madam Rosmerta."
The girl's voice was barely audible over the din of the crowded pub, ensuring that her words remained discreet. However, Hermione seemed to have caught the tail end of it, and after glancing at the couple, she turned her gaze toward Ron, a thoughtful expression on her face.
"It's quite normal," Albert commented, observing Ron's retreating back with interest. "Teenage boys often yearn for attention, especially from someone as lovely as you. You tend to capture their attention rather easily." He continued in a soft voice, "But I must admit, I didn't expect Ron's first love to be Madam Rosmerta. Their ages... well, let's just say they aren't quite compatible. I'm certain no one would support him pursuing her."
Hermione's head whipped around to stare at Albert, and then she turned back to Ron, who had just paid for the drinks and was returning with two cups of butterbeer. The expression on her face became increasingly peculiar, her thoughts a mystery.
"What's wrong, Hermione?" Ron asked as he placed a cup of butterbeer in front of her.
"I was just thinking that maybe we should bring a bottle of butterbeer back for Harry. It's a bit sad that he's all alone at school," Hermione said, averting her gaze awkwardly. She stole another glance at Ron and took a small sip from her drink, attempting to divert his attention with a different topic to avoid any suspicion.
"That's a great idea. I'll go get one now," Ron said, getting up from his seat. However, as he reached for his pocket, he realized he had spent all the Sickles he had brought. Feeling awkward, he wasn't sure whether to sit back down or continue standing.
"What's wrong?" Hermione noticed Ron's dilemma.
"Um... I'm out of money," Ron admitted sheepishly.
"Here," Hermione said, reaching into her pocket. "I haven't given you your share of the money from earlier. Take this." She handed him a few Sickles, skillfully diffusing the awkward situation.
Ron took the Sickles and quickly made his exit to avoid prolonging the embarrassment.
Hermione turned her attention back to the bar, studying Madam Rosmerta, the pub owner, once again. Indeed, she had a curvaceous figure and a beautiful face, and she must have been quite the stunner in her younger days.
It seemed Ron truly had a crush on her.
From all appearances, Ron was trying to get Madam Rosmerta's attention.
Hermione felt conflicted. As Ron's friend, she felt she should offer him some advice, but for some reason, she found herself unable to bring up the subject or even think of the right words.
"Do you like him?" Isabelle asked curiously, "The boy with red hair?"
Hermione's expression turned to one of surprise at the question, but she quickly recovered and shook her head. "No, we're just friends. I'm just... curious, that's all."
"Curiosity is the beginning of love!" Isabelle teased.
"No, it's not that kind of curiosity," Hermione said, clearly not wanting to discuss the matter further. She changed the subject, "Can Albert really predict something about Black?"
"Do you want me to help the Ministry capture Black?" Albert countered.
"If Black could be captured sooner rather than later!"
"I never believed the Ministry would be able to capture Black," Albert flatly refused. "However, you'll be hearing news about him soon enough."
"Black is at Hogwarts?" Ron, who had just returned, overheard Albert's comment and was astonished.
"You'll find out soon enough. Also, don't try to order Firewhisky. Madam Rosmerta won't serve alcohol to underage students," Albert said with a friendly warning.
"I don't think he understands," Isabelle whispered.
"I'm not expecting him to," Albert suddenly said, "Perhaps one of these days, he'll try ordering whisky from Madam Rosmerta."
After finishing their butterbeer, the pair left the Three Broomsticks.
"What else did you see?" Isabelle asked, intrigued.
"Black has invaded Hogwarts," Albert revealed without hesitation.
"On the night of the Halloween feast... the timing isn't right..." Isabelle's tone changed as she seemed to realize something, "In other words, Black's target isn't Harry Potter? Or has his mind become so muddled that he can't even remember it's Halloween Eve today?"
"His target is most likely not Harry Potter," Albert confirmed.
"Do you know something else?" Isabelle suddenly felt that seers were incredible beings. Was it truly possible to know so much about the future?
"Things will become clearer in time, and the situation may not be exactly as we expect," Albert smiled at his girlfriend and said, "When did you become so interested in Black?"
"You always spark people's curiosity and then refuse to give clear answers," Isabelle complained.
"I admit it's my fault," Albert readily acknowledged, "Sometimes, knowing the answers takes away the fun. Let's head back. We still need to catch up on our sleep at the Room of Requirement. I don't think we'll be getting much sleep tonight."
"I thought you'd tell Dumbledore," Isabelle said.
"The headmaster is a wise man. People like him tend to trust their own observations and deductions. That's why I never waste time trying to convince someone intelligent—it's just too difficult," Albert explained.
"Are you saying I'm not intelligent?" Isabelle raised an eyebrow.
"Of course, you're intelligent," Albert said, "It's just that you're willing to be persuaded by me."
(End of Chapter)
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