Chapter 375: A Long-Awaited Visiting Day
By lunchtime, the new Beater had been chosen: Mikel. He had a solid understanding of Quidditch rules and good flying technique, having studied the game in depth. These qualities helped him secure the spot, and Cedric promptly decided he would take Wright's place as Hufflepuff's new Beater.
When Ryan heard the news, he turned green with envy. He had tried out for the Keeper position but ultimately lost to a fifth-year student due to a slightly slower reaction time. Meanwhile, Mikel was ecstatic, immediately offering to buy lunch for the whole team in the Great Hall.
After their first team practice, Kyle returned to the Hufflepuff common room, seeking the comfort of a warm armchair by the fireplace. The rain had started after midday, and despite his warming badge, the October chill seeped through, making the cozy fire especially inviting. The common room buzzed with excited chatter, the noise almost overwhelming.
"What's all this about?" he asked Kanna, who was seated nearby, completing star charts for her Astronomy class.
"First weekend to Hogsmeade," Kanna replied, pointing to a notice posted on the board. "It's scheduled for the end of October, the night before Halloween."
"Perfect," said Cedric, squeezing past. "I'm heading to Dervish & Banges for a broom-handling kit. Mine isn't turning as smoothly as it used to."
Kyle was pleased too. A trip to Hogsmeade was one of the few outings Hogwarts students had to look forward to. Although he knew of secret passageways to Hogsmeade and had snuck there several times with Fred and George, he'd been more cautious since Professor McGonagall caught them at The Three Broomsticks last time.
And this year, sneaking around was even riskier with Dementors stationed at the school. Thankfully, under Dumbledore's orders, the Dementors kept mostly to Hogwarts' entrances, but things were different in Hogsmeade, especially with reports of Sirius Black sighted nearby. Shopkeepers had even complained in The Daily Prophet, demanding the Ministry control the Dementors and stop them from drifting into shops. But it had little effect. The Ministry was indifferent, and Dementors didn't read newspapers. Encountering one while sneaking around Hogsmeade was far worse than getting caught by a professor.
The next day, the students' excitement for the Hogsmeade visit was evident. In Herbology class, everyone chattered about their plans, and Professor Sprout had to dock two students' points to bring the class back to focus.