Early the next morning, Jon dressed neatly and appeared in the Hufflepuff common room.
Since today was a Hogsmeade day, the place was already crowded by dawn. Even the third-years, who were seasoned Hogsmeade-goers, discussed the trip with less excitement than last time. Only the first- and second-years looked on enviously.
As soon as Jon entered, he saw Zacharias Smith, Ernie Macmillan, and Justin Finch-Fletchley. They had been talking in a corner, then approached him with unusually serious expressions.
Ernie seemed to be holding a magazine.
"Jon, has that Hermione Granger from Gryffindor been trying to get close to you?" Zacharias asked gravely.
"Huh?" Jon was caught off guard.
"Take a look at this, Jon!" Ernie quickly unfolded The Witch Weekly and pointed to an article.
"Miss Granger may look plain, but she is ambitious, with a clear fondness for famous wizards. Harry Potter alone cannot satisfy her appetite.
Since Viktor Krum, the Bulgarian Seeker and hero of the last World Cup, arrived at Hogwarts, Miss Granger has been skillfully toying with the affections of both boys...
Pansy Parkinson, a pretty and lively fourth-year girl, claims Miss Granger likely brewed a Love Potion to ensnare the two champions..."
"I never thought Hermione would become that kind of girl... so unfaithful..." Justin said in disbelief. "She used to be so innocent just a few years ago!"
"You'd better be careful..." Zacharias warned, frowning. "What if she sets her sights on you and slips you a Love Potion too..."
"And Cedric!" Ernie suddenly added. "We need to warn him as well!"
Jon helplessly flipped back a page. Without a doubt, the author of this so-called "masterpiece" was Rita Skeeter. It looked like she had already gained the upper hand in her feud with Hermione.
But once Hermione discovered her secret as an illegal Animagus... Jon silently offered his condolences in advance for the quick-flying British reporter.
"No need to bother with gossip like this..." he said with a careless shake of his head. "I'd better grab some breakfast and get ready for Hogsmeade."
...
As Jon stepped out of the castle, a faint, silvery sun lit up the grounds. The weather was the warmest it had been all year.
At the gates, he met up with Astoria.
Blushing, Astoria slipped out from a group of Slytherin girls. Jon had no choice but to put on a brave face and let his Hufflepuff friends go on ahead without him.
Once they were alone, the two of them strolled slowly toward Hogsmeade.
At the village entrance, Jon noticed the backs of Harry Potter, Ron Weasley, and Hermione Granger. A large, skinny black dog followed at Harry's heels. They seemed to be heading out of the village.
Jon ignored them and followed Astoria into a small teahouse by the roadside.
The shop was tiny and steamy, as though every inch of it had been decorated with frills and bows.
They found a seat by the window.
"What would you like to order?" Madam Puddifoot asked, squeezing between two tables. She was plump, with a shiny black bun of hair.
"Two Ceylon teas, please..." Astoria said softly, then glanced at Jon and added, "You don't drink coffee, do you?"
"Whatever works for me," Jon shrugged.
The teahouse was filled entirely with couples. Jon and Astoria were clearly the youngest pair there.
The air was thick with a romantic mood, and Astoria looked nervous.
When their tea arrived, their conversation drifted aimlessly. They talked about the Bowtruckles in the Forbidden Forest... then about their plans for the upcoming Easter holidays... Astoria even mentioned a news story she had seen that morning: officials tracking the escaped Azkaban prisoner Black claimed he had been spotted in Algeria.
And so, their talk went on in that awkward, meandering way.
Then, at the next table, a boy and girl suddenly stood up and started kissing.
The atmosphere grew even heavier, and Jon felt his face heat up.
"Maybe we should go somewhere else?" Astoria whispered, her face now scarlet.
"Sure!" Jon nodded.
They left the teahouse in a hurry.
"Sorry, Jon..." Astoria lowered her head. "I just couldn't stand the atmosphere in there..."
"It's fine. Honestly, I felt the same," Jon said with a smile. "It's nice out here too."
Astoria seemed to gather her courage. "This summer... after the Triwizard Tournament ends... would you come visit my home?"
"Huh?" Jon froze.
"I already mentioned it to Mother. She said she admires you... My sister too. She doesn't dislike you anymore..." Astoria's voice wavered with a hint of pleading. "So... they won't mind... won't mind your... bloodline..."
It seemed to take all her strength just to say that last word.
Seeing Jon's dazed look, she asked softly, "You don't want to...?"
"Of course I do!" Jon forced a smile. "I'll come... if I survive the Third Task."
"What nonsense!" Astoria pouted. "Why would you die?"
"Champion deaths are a tradition of the Triwizard Tournament," Jon said jokingly. "What if something unexpected happens in the Third Task?"
"Don't say such things!" Astoria covered his mouth. "It's settled. You promised!"
Her voice was filled with joy.
Jon suddenly pulled her into his arms. "How about I take you to buy a gift?"
"Alright..." the girl said with a blink.
...
A few minutes later, they arrived at Zonko's Joke Shop.
Jon spent over ten minutes carefully picking out a pair of mirrors.
"This is a fine product!" Zonko said enthusiastically. "Just call the other person's name in front of one mirror, and you'll see her appear in the other!"
"How much?" Jon asked.
"One hundred Galleons! And that's already the lowest price," Zonko added.
"That's too expensive... Jon..." Astoria tugged at his sleeve and shook her head.
"No, it's fair enough!" Jon waved her off and pulled a small pouch of gold from his pocket.
Just then, through the window, he caught sight of Harry, Ron, and Hermione returning to Hogsmeade.
The large black dog bounded happily around Harry's feet.