Her Tulip Heart | R.J. Lupin

Chapter 18

The Three Broomsticks, located in Hogsmeade Village, the only all wizarding community within Great Britain. It was a popular inn and pub, where it upheld this cozy and homely atmosphere. Students from both Hogwarts and other neighbouring wizarding schools, were often seen roaming the about, occupying the small establishments.

It was here in Hogsmeade that Hogwarts students could escape their workload and just enjoy a day out with their friends. Maybe some were even lucky enough to have saved some pocket money to purchase joke products from Zonko's, or stock up on sweets until the next visit by buying out all of the chocolate frogs from Honeydukes.

The way that Alethea spent her trip to Hogsmeade was similar to her peers; first she went to look in Zonko's, then she'd spend a generous amount of time and money at Honeydukes. Finally finishing her day with a butterbeer from The Three Broomsticks. This year she'll probably go to Hog's Head a few times as she can drink alcohol legally now. Although Aberforth never really seemed to care before.

So here Alethea was, sitting at a small round table in the back left corner of The Three Broomsticks, with Adelyn and Estella. There were Hallowe'en decorations everywhere, pumpkins sat on the middle of each table, enchanted talking-skull salt and pepper shakers, and of course the seemingly endless amount of cobweb found everywhere- even around the candlesticks and some in Adelyn's hair.

Currently, the three friends were waiting on their drinks, as Alethea had gone up to the counter to order a few minutes prior. Their current conversation topic was the Herbology due on Tuesday. This was only because Estella insisted they talk about the rest of their Saturday night over a butterbeer, not wanting to hear nor share anything until she had the warm drink in her hands.

'What I don't understand is why. Why must I write a seven foot long essay on Dittany?' Estella asked in exasperation. 'There's only so much a plant can do!' She added, huffing out in frustration. To Alethea, it seemed that Estella was starting to regret choosing Herbology as one of her N.E.W.Ts.

'Why!? You must be joking!' Adelyn spat out in shock, after hearing Estella's judgemental "no" she continued; 'Dittany is one of the most useful wizarding plants. It's used in so many things like healing, potion-making, wand cores and the art of Herbology!' Adelyn defended.

Leaning back into her chair and crossing her arms, it was times like these Alethea truly enjoyed. She didn't know what about listening to her friends rebuttal over something as simple as school work, made her happy. But it did. All she needed to make this moment perfect would be having the ability to sip on a refreshing glass of warm butterbeer.

Whilst she was listening to Estella now asking Adelyn how she could make her two sentence summary into seven feet worth of words, she was also scanning around the small pub. She could see friend groups ranging from third to seventh years, occupying most of the round tables scattered throughout the building. There were two goblins at the bar, talking and drinking with some hags.

Situated behind the bar was Madam Rosemerta, the beautiful and kind landlady of The Three Broomsticks. Right now she was pouring what appeared to be three glasses of butterbeer. Hoping that they were for her and her friends, Alethea tuned back into their argument.

Apparently, it was Adelyn's turn to snap back now.

'Aren't you meant to be the Ravenclaw? Don't you value intelligence and learning? You should appreciate going into detail in essays!' She said enraged. Estella opened her mouth in disbelief at the fact Adelyn would bring being a Ravenclaw into the argument. Alethea had to cover her mouth with her hand to stop herself from laughing out loud. It was proving difficult after they had both narrowed their eyes at each other at the same time.