Connected by Magic

Chapter 48

The castle and Hogsmeade were being blanketed in a soft layer of fluffy snow. It had been snowing the entire night it looked like. But Amelia was prepared. She bundled herself in warm clothing before trudging through the snow. Pansy and Daphne were equally wrapped in their woollen clothing to keep themselves warm.

"I would have stayed inside," Pansy grumbled as another burst of cold wind came over them. "It's bloody cold today."

"I'd still would have gone, but you're not wrong," Daphne said, pushing her hands deeper in her coat's pockets. "At least it has stopped snowing. And I find the winter scenery beautiful, if I am honest. The snow brings a silent comfort, the white colour making you stand in silent admiration. Ah, never mind me, getting poetic at my old age."

"Well, hold on to it, you may have finally found a career path that suits you."

Pansy laughed despite her complaints. The girl had become much more open around them. Amelia noticed that she was having a hard time sleeping last night. But not because she looked restless or uncomfortable. In fact, Amelia thought, she looked peaceful. It felt good to see Pansy free herself of the mask that hid her inner emotions.

The Hog's Head Inn was a worn-out building. But despite the looks, it held a small dock where one could sit peacefully and comfortably on a sunny day. She could see why this place would be home to many shady and dodgy dealings. The building was out of the way and on the outskirts of this wizarding village.

"I must warn you," said Pansy. "The clientele that visit this place are to be kept at arms length. Or further if you can manage. I have been here once because of Draco's idiotic ideas. Though it may be fairly empty given the weather. Still, be warned."

"Thanks for the warning, but we'll be fine," said Daphne. "Just gotta look out for each others. Your leg looks as good as new. So, I expect to see that famous Shield Charm, Pansy, if danger comes for us."

"If I must," said Pansy, a smile on her face as she shook her head amusedly.

"Indeed, I expect nothing less," chuckled Amelia, "Let's see who else Hermione has invited. One thing I do know, we'll be the only Slytherins."

"Not sure I should feel flattered or threatened," muttered Pansy as the three Slytherins entered.

Inside was not much better than the outside. One could make the argument that the outside was better as it didn't hold a stench. Amelia wouldn't complain about the cleanliness of a place- given she is blessed with Daisy- but gods be good, this place was like a barn.

"Goats? Why does it smell like goats?"

"Good question, Daphne..." muttered Amelia as Pansy held her sleeve to her nose. "Weird..."

The three of them went past the bar where a grumpy man looked like he was finding deeper ways to look grumpier. It was like he didn't even want to be serving the large group of youngsters deeper in the inn. He gave the three Slytherins deep stares, silently staring at them before they went toward the ruckus.

Amongst the students, as expected, were only Hufflepuffs, Ravenclaws, and most of all, Gryffindors. None were particularly surprised by seeing Daphne and Amelia yet when Pansy entered, several Gryffindors stood up as if expecting something to happen.

But no spells were fired when Daphne and Amelia walked with her and took a seat. They were just staring at Pansy, some were even glaring at her. It will be some time before Pansy had convinced every one of her turn to good.

"Well, well, happy to be here too," Pansy said, unbothered by the glares and stares of confusion. She settled as comfortably as possible on one of the wooden chairs. "Don't mind me, I won't take much room."