tradition

07

That weekend, Hermione led Ron, Harry, Eloise, Georgia, and Briar to Hogsmeade. Briar's dark curly hair was held neatly underneath a pair of earmuffs, but even with the added warmth, she shivered slightly and groaned. "Why couldn't we meet inside the common room?" Briar asked Hermione, her voice tinged with exasperation. The biting cold of the snowy day was relentless, and she could feel the chill seeping through her layers of clothing.

Hermione, determined and focused, shook her head and continued walking briskly through the snow-covered streets of Hogsmeade. "I wanted to reach out to other houses too," she explained, her breath forming small clouds in the icy air. Her resolve was unwavering, her mind set on the mission at hand. Harry noticed Briar's discomfort and concern etched on her face. "Did you bring a jacket?" he asked, his voice filled with genuine concern.

Briar nodded her head and sighed heavily, her breath visible in the frigid air. "I did, but... it's not very good," she admitted, her voice trailing off as she rubbed her arms for warmth. Before she could say anything else, Harry took his jacket off his shoulders and swung it across hers, the warmth of the fabric instantly providing some relief. "Thanks," Briar murmured, her gratitude evident in her eyes as Harry nodded curtly.

The group continued their trek through the snowy village, their steps crunching in the fresh powder as they approached a small, unassuming tavern. They entered the dark establishment, the warmth inside a stark contrast to the bitter cold outside. The tavern's dark lighting and rustic appearance created a disturbing atmosphere as they made their way to a back room. Several students were already seated, their faces a mix of curiosity and apprehension as they looked up at Hermione, who stood at the head of the room.

"So... you all know why we're here," Hermione began, her voice steady and authoritative. "We need a teacher. Someone who's had real experience defending themselves against the dark arts." Her words hung in the air, a sense of urgency and determination filling the room.

"Why?" a student sitting beside Briar asked, his tone skeptical and challenging. Briar's patience snapped, and she turned to him with a fierce glare. "Why?! Because Voldemort's back, you tosspot," she spat, her words laced with frustration and anger. The student pointed at Harry, his expression doubtful. "So he says," he retorted, his skepticism evident.

"So Dumbledore says because he says. The point is... where's the proof? If Potter could tell us more about how Diggory got killed," the student continued, his voice rising slightly. Eloise shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her eyes narrowing as she glared at the student who had spoken.

"If you don't shut your mouth, then I will shut it for you," Eloise threatened, her voice low and menacing. The student paled, his bravado quickly fading in the face of her intensity. Harry stood up, his face set in a mixture of anger and resolve.

"I'm not going to talk about Cedric, so if that's why you're here, then you might as well clear out now," Harry said, his voice firm and unyielding. The tension in the room was palpable, the weight of his words sinking in as he looked around at the gathered students.

Hermione, sensing the growing tension, placed a calming hand on Harry's shoulder. "Hermione, let's go. They're just here 'cause they think I'm some sort of freak," Harry whispered to her, his frustration evident. But before they could leave, Luna spoke up from behind Briar, her voice soft and calming.

"Is it true that you can produce a Patronus Charm?" Luna asked, her eyes wide with curiosity and admiration. Briar looked at Harry in shock, her mouth falling open slightly. "You're kidding? Blimey... Harry," Briar murmured, her voice filled with awe.

Hermione nodded proudly, a smile spreading across her face. "It's true, I've seen it," she confirmed. Neville, sitting nearby, added his voice to the conversation. "A - And he killed a Basilisk with the sword in Dumbledore's office," he said, his voice filled with admiration. Georgia nodded her head and placed an arm around her twin sister, her expression serious. "It's true," she agreed. Ginny, who had been listening quietly, also spoke up. "And last year, he really did fight Voldemort in the flesh," she added, her voice steady and certain.