The next morning, a brand-new notice appeared on the most prominent bulletin boards in every House common room.
The announcement was brief. It outlined several new rules regulating alchemical items—for example:
"The use of any alchemical item to assist in spellcasting in corridors, staircases, or public areas is strictly prohibited."
"Alchemical golems may only be used in classrooms or practice areas designated by professors."
In short, the school's stance was clear: anything wizards weren't allowed to do personally under school rules could not be indirectly done through alchemical items to "exploit loopholes." It would still count as a violation.
Most students barely paid attention. They glanced at it and moved on. After all, only a handful of students would ever test golems in corridors; the new rules had no real impact on everyday student life.
---
The weekend arrived quickly.
On Sunday afternoon, the village of Hogsmeade bustled with activity.
William had received an invitation from Professor Flitwick to join a few familiar colleagues for drinks at the Three Broomsticks. The gathering had originally been planned for Saturday, but knowing William had to meet the study prefects that afternoon, Flitwick thoughtfully rescheduled it for Sunday.
When William pushed open the pub's heavy oak door, the warm scent of butterbeer and the hum of lively conversation washed over him.
At a round table in the corner sat Professor Flitwick, Professor McGonagall, and Snape.
"Oh, William! Over here!"
Flitwick scooted aside to make room, smiling broadly. "The moment I saw that paper aeroplane fly into my office yesterday, I knew it had to be your reply. Very distinctive style."
"Old Ministry habits," William said as he sat down. "For short distances, it's more efficient than owls."
"We only just arrived ourselves," McGonagall added with mild regret. "We invited Pomona too, but the Venomous Tentacula in Greenhouse Three are sprouting teeth. She hasn't left them for days."
They chatted casually about school matters until the conversation naturally shifted to the copy of the Daily Prophet on the table.
A sombre article occupied a corner of the front page.
"I heard it was a spell experiment gone wrong?" Flitwick asked gravely, pointing to the report. "Near Ottery St Catchpole."
"Yes," McGonagall sighed. "The Lovegood family. His wife died in the accident."
"A terrible tragedy… Their daughter was right there when it happened." McGonagall shook her head sadly. "The poor girl is only nine. She witnessed the entire accident."
William glanced at Snape, who had remained silent. Just as he debated whether to join Flitwick and McGonagall's discussion about spell safety or start a new topic with Snape—a graceful figure approached their table.
"Professors, would you like anything else?"
Madam Rosmerta, the Three Broomsticks' owner, topped up their drinks. When she turned toward William to ask what he wanted, she suddenly froze.
"William… Shafiq?"
She broke into a delighted smile. "Merlin, I never expected to see you here! I remember you joined the Ministry after graduation."
"Good to see you again, Rosmerta," William replied politely. "I resigned. I've returned to teach at Hogwarts this term."
"Oh? You know each other?" Flitwick asked with interest.
"Of course," Rosmerta said, hugging her tray to her chest. "Back then I was just a waitress here, fresh out of school. William was one of the most talked-about students in Hogwarts—handsome and brilliant. I often heard girls gossiping about him."
"We chatted a few times. Old acquaintances," she added with a playful wink.
Flitwick puffed up proudly. "Naturally! William was the best student Ravenclaw—no, possibly Hogwarts, had at the time."
"Filius, that's still up for debate," McGonagall adjusted her glasses with a smile but refused to yield. "Gryffindor had many exceptional students as well."
"Yes," Rosmerta said wistfully, gazing out the window. "I remember them clearly. James Potter… Sirius Black. They caused quite a stir whenever they visited."
"And Potter's girlfriend, later his wife—Lily Evans. That red hair and green eyes were unforgettable. Such a lovely girl."
William immediately sensed the drop in temperature and glanced at Snape.
Snape's face darkened. He gripped his empty glass tightly, seemingly unaware it was already drained.
Rosmerta didn't notice and continued reminiscing. After a moment's thought, William decided to intervene.
"Slytherin had its share of notable students too," he said.
"Oh yes, Lucius Malfoy. He was a prefect," Rosmerta recalled.
"And Severus," William added, patting Snape's stiff shoulder with a smile. "His mastery of Potions and Defence Against the Dark Arts left everyone in awe. He was exceptional."
"Oh?" Rosmerta blinked in surprise. "Professor Snape was in that year too?"
The air froze.
Seeing Snape's thunderous expression, Rosmerta covered her mouth awkwardly. "My apologies, I suppose you've been teaching here so long, I mixed things up…"
For Snape, it was a double blow. Not only had he apparently not made Rosmerta's "legend list," but she had also just implied he looked like an older generation.
Trying to recover, Rosmerta suddenly remembered something.
"Speaking of Lily and James… their son, the Boy Who Lived—is he nearly old enough for Hogwarts?"
She counted on her fingers. "It's been ten years since You-Know-Who fell. He must be nearly eleven, right?"
The mood at the table turned subtly tense.
"Yes… nearly," McGonagall replied vaguely, her expression complicated.
"That's a matter for next year," Flitwick added quickly, steering the conversation toward rumours of a Gringotts strike.
Rosmerta understood the hint and politely moved on to serve other tables.
As the topic shifted, William noticed Snape's expression change when Harry Potter was mentioned. The bitterness faded. His grip on the glass loosened. His dark eyes lowered, concealing his emotions.
His gaze grew distant and deep.
==================
30 Advance Chapters Available on Patreon!
patreon(.)com/Spiral_Zero
~Just delete the parenthesis to go through.
Your Support is Appreciated:)