Hogwarts Outsider

Chapter 140: “Potter, Snape, and Pettigrew”

Matthew and Neville, under Hermiones lead, ascended the hillside.

The weather was favorable, with a gentle breeze rustling the slopes weeds.

In stark contrast to Hogsmeades bustling streets, the hillside appeared desolate, devoid of visible individuals.

This solitude was advantageous for Matthew, ensuring that no one would inadvertently interrupt his eavesdropping on Professor Slughorns conversation.

For Neville and Hermione, who stood guard at the front, it provided a window for Matthew to concentrate on his task.

Matthew gently placed the soft little ear Hermione had provided against his ear.

The sound of tons, tons, tons emanated from withinthe unmistakable sound of Professor Slughorn enjoying his favorite mead.

Excellent, Rosmerta! Professor Slughorn exclaimed with excitement. Todays mead seems to taste even better than before.

Following closely, Mr. Rosmertas voice said, Indeed, Horace. This is Cherovina mead imported from Slovakia. Its never been opened, and youre the first to savor it

Indeed, indeed, Professor Slughorn replied with a smile, Ill have to take a few bottles back to my office and savor them slowly

Speaking of which, youve always been quite astute, Rosmerta. Your business acumen has remained impressive since your student days

As he listened, Matthew couldnt help but frown.

Mr. Rosmerta, the owner of the Three Broomsticks, seemed to be conversing casually with Professor Slughorn, reminiscing and chatting about the past.

This led Matthew to assume that Miss Shafiq had already left the bar.

On the other end of the conversation

This young lady is a first-year student; I havent seen her before. She appears rather peculiar, Rosmerta remarked suddenly.

Yes, Professor Slughorn introduced, Miss Shafiq is only eleven years old this year.

Quite remarkable to be appreciated by Professor Slughorn at such a young age, Rosmerta praised. Miss Shafiq, you surely have a promising future Come, try the meadits excellent!

Shafiqs faint voice responded.

Hows business, Rosmerta? Professor Slughorn inquired comfortably.

It seemed that Mr. Rosmerta had indeed passed on the bar business to his wife as he was seen conversing with Professor Slughorn.

At this point, Matthew was fervently hoping for Mr. Rosmertas departure, at least before Professor Slughorn completed his mead.

Nothing worth mentioning, Mr. Rosmerta sighed, a tinge of indescribable loneliness creeping into his tone.

Did you know that the Dementors have conducted three searches of my bar in the past month? Many loyal customers were frightened away by those creatures

Its adversely affecting business, quite terribly Todays influx of Hogwarts students allowed into Hogsmeade seems to boost business a bit.

Though the Dementors that guarded the main pathways leading to the campus were kept at bay by Grindelwalds influence, preventing them from entering Hogwarts Castle, they still struggled to find a stable dwelling.

Eager to feed on the happiness of both wizards and Muggles alike, they were particularly drawn to places like the bustling Three Broomsticks.

A peculiar timehiccup, Professor Slughorn belched slightly embarrassedly.

Honestly, I dont care for those fellows. Theyre a constant reminder of unpleasant things

Longbottom informed me that theyre particularly disgruntled with Grindelwald since the Headmaster bars them from entering the castle

Im pouring you a glass, Rosmerta interjected, Although be aware that this mead is quite potent.

Its fine; I can hold my liquor While I typically restrict myself to one glass daily, this mead is exceptional! Professor Slughorns speech was interspersed with hiccups. He sounded slightly inebriated.

The sound of water being poured followed.

Dementors theyre here to protect everyone from far graver threats We all know that something extraordinary occurred at Azkaban Professor Slughorn continued.

I truly cant fathom it, Mr. Rosmerta continued, sighing. The escape of three convicts from Azkaban is unheard of But it doesnt concern Hogwarts and Hogsmeade in the same way.

Those fugitives, no matter how audacious, wouldnt dare break into Hogwarts with Headmaster Grindelwald and Headmistress Rosier guarding it.

Matthew eagerly strained to hear more; this was the very question that had been plaguing his mind.

Because you dont understand you dont understand Professor Slughorns voice grew hazier, more distant.

Rosmerta, do you recall the events fifteen years ago?

Fifteen years ago?

Matthew calculated; that would be 1977, three years prior to Harry Potters birth.

In the original book timeline, it was Severus Snapes and other classmates seventh year at Hogwarts.

Fifteen years ago, such a distant memory; Im afraid Ive long forgotten it, Mr. Rosmerta seemed to shake his head.

No, you wouldnt forget Those Gryffindor students Professor Slughorn suddenly lowered his voice:

James Potter Sirius Black and Peter Pettigrew

Fortunately, Neville had adroitly positioned the button behind Professor Slughorns chair, enabling Matthew to barely hear Professor Slughorns words.

Upon hearing this, Mr. Rosmertas memory was jogged. James Potter and Sirius Black; they often came here for butterbeer Its quite amusing, still fresh in my mind. Those two young lads never failed to amuse, as if they were putting on a comedy act

And their close friend, Peter Pettigrew the pudgy little lad who frequently trailed after them like a loyal hanger-on.

Also, James rival, Severus Snape, even had a brawl in my bar once. Their group left a lasting impression, I recall! Mr. Rosmertas voice tinged with nostalgia.

Subsequently, his tone shifted to one of mild disappointment. However, I never saw them again they must have graduated They never returned to visit

No, Professor Slughorn murmured, They didnt graduate The official story was that they were expelled from Hogwarts due to their involvement in extreme magic experimentation

In truth, they began with a terrible deed and were subsequently forced to flee Hogwarts Professor Slughorns voice grew more somber:

James, Sirius, and Peter were on the run for several years, only to be apprehended by Aurors later on