Chapter 281: Conflict and the Unusual Snape
Anyone who steps into Honeydukes rarely leaves empty-handed, and Kyle and the others were no exception, their pockets now bulging with sweets of every kind. They continued down the main road until they reached The Three Broomsticks, where they stopped for a warm Butterbeer. True to their word, Fred and George covered Kyle's drink, though Kyle seemed distracted, preoccupied with something the twins didn't notice, brushing it off as them "not being ready yet."
Inside, Professor McGonagall and Professor Flitwick were also enjoying a drink with Madam Rosmerta. McGonagall had a small glass of Gillywater in front of her, while Flitwick was sipping a Cherry Syrup and Soda with ice and a tiny umbrella.
The professors hadn't spotted Kyle and the others, but it still felt a bit awkward to be in such close quarters with them. Fred and George couldn't seem to stop staring at Professor McGonagall—or maybe they were eyeing Madam Rosmerta. The barmaid, known for her striking looks and friendly demeanor, was a familiar face to most Hogwarts students.
After finishing their Butterbeers a bit hastily, the group returned to the bustling street. They stopped at Gladrags Wizardwear, where they helped Cho pick out a heavy cloak trimmed with white fur. Cho and Kanna led the selection process, with Kyle and the others merely nodding along when asked for their opinion. Cedric, however, attempted to help but made one suggestion after another that earned skeptical looks from everyone, especially Fred and George. Even Cho gave him a dubious glance when he suggested cloaks in pure gold. The color was far too flashy, and to top it off, the style was an adult model, making Cho look like a walking Golden Snidget. After that, Cedric's "advising rights" were unanimously revoked.
As they walked past Madam Puddifoot's Tea House, they spotted Harris through the window, chatting with a girl with long, maroon-colored hair. Cedric leaned over and whispered, "Oh... so that's why Harris gets here so early in the morning."
"I get it," Kyle chuckled. "That's definitely more important than the Captain of Three Consecutive Championships title."
Madam Puddifoot's was famously known as a dating spot, where young couples from Hogwarts often went. Clearly, Harris and the girl were more than just friends.
"Oh, I remember..." Cho murmured, "That's Livy Accina, the Ravenclaw prefect and a seventh year. No wonder she looked familiar; she's wearing different clothes and has done her hair up today."
They all gathered by the window, observing the scene inside. Fred and George, with mischievous grins, proposed going in to stage a "chance encounter," but Cho and Kanna were quick to veto the idea.
"Trust me..." Cho said seriously. "If you barge in now and mess things up, Harris will be aiming for your heads as goalposts at the next Quidditch match. Think your heads are tough? Just wait till you feel the Quaffle!"
"Don't worry, I'm here," Kyle said, patting his chest for emphasis. "I'll keep passing him the ball..."