On the Hogwarts Express, Tom perused the alchemy notes he had acquired from Nicolas Flamel.
Across the aisle, Cassandra regaled Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood with tales of their impending visit to Hogsmeade Village.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the carriage, Malfoy was loudly attempting to impress Harry Potter. "Scarhead, don't you worry a bit about Sirius Black. If that dog shows his face, I, Malfoy, will strike him down where he stands! I only regret we haven't crossed paths yet, so I could properly demonstrate my current strength!"
Tom Riddle, overhearing this bluster, couldn't resist interjecting. "Draco, I believe I saw Sirius Black lurking in the Forbidden Forest just recently."
Malfoy's face paled, his bravado instantly evaporating. After all, the newspapers painted Sirius as a remorseless killer, responsible for countless murders, robberies, and unspeakable acts. Besides, Malfoy wasn't foolish; he would struggle against a fully grown wizard, let alone a supposed "ruthless villain" of Black's caliber.
In a real fight, my parents would probably need to fake their deaths.
Harry Potter, amused by Malfoy's predicament, seized the opportunity to tease him. "Didn't you just say you were eager to confront Sirius Black? Now's your chance to find him in the Forbidden Forest when we return to school."
Malfoy coughed, attempting to regain his composure. "Ahem... no problem! I shall simply rally the other Death Eaters to assist me in subduing him!"
"But weren't you going to showcase your personal strength?" Harry inquired, feigning innocence.
Malfoy's face tightened. "...Well... the demonstration of individual strength is of secondary importance. Only the collective power of us Death Eaters can truly intimidate such petty criminals."
Harry pressed on relentlessly. "But didn't the Master also manage to—"
"Alright, alright! I'll go, understood?" Malfoy conceded, looking utterly defeated. "I will fight, but I absolutely refuse to go alone!"
Seeing Malfoy's dispirited expression, Harry relented. He had no intention of letting Malfoy confront Sirius Black on his own. As they had previously agreed, the entire Slytherin house would stand together; even if each student contributed only a tooth and a nail, they would surely give Sirius a severe headache.
As Harry and Malfoy engaged in their spirited debate, Cassandra Volle and her companions continued their own conversation, paying no attention to Sirius. It wasn't hard to see why, since Hogwarts already boasted Tom Riddle and Albus Dumbledore—the Dark Lord and the White Lord—what real threat could Sirius pose? Indeed, the trouble they might encounter from Sirius paled in comparison to the threat posed by the Dementors patrolling the grounds.
...
Hogsmeade Village was a short distance from Hogwarts, and it wasn't long before the passengers could glimpse the charming wizarding village through the train windows.
Beep beep!
The Hogwarts Express glided into Hogsmeade Station, its whistle announcing their arrival.
As the train came to a halt, Tom Riddle rose languidly. "I am considering a visit to the Three Broomsticks for a drink. Does anyone care to join me?"
"Actually, I'm eager to examine the latest dragonskin gloves at Gladrags Wizardwear." Cassandra Volle surprisingly declined Tom's invitation.
However, this wasn't entirely unexpected, given Cassandra's peculiar fondness for gloves. Besides, there would be many more opportunities for afternoon tea with Tom Riddle.
Hermione Granger and Luna Lovegood also had other plans; they were set on visiting Scrivenshaft's Quill Shop together. Hermione Granger required a replacement for her broken quill, while Luna Lovegood intended to purchase a fine quill pen for her father, the editor-in-chief of The Quibbler, who conducted regular interviews.
"Ah, I see. It appears I shall be drinking alone," Tom Riddle remarked, though without a trace of disappointment.
As Tom Riddle turned to depart, Harry Potter was on the verge of accepting his invitation, but before he could speak, Malfoy seized his arm, dragging him off the train.
...
After disembarking, they strolled through the bustling streets of Hogsmeade.
The sugary aroma emanating from Honeydukes Sweetshop filled the air.
The sounds of laughter and boisterous chatter echoed from Zonko's Joke Shop.
Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop was filled with young witches gossiping and sipping tea.
Outside the Shrieking Shack, curious yet apprehensive young wizards gathered.
Harry Potter and Malfoy meandered aimlessly, unsure which shop to explore first.
They purchased two Hogsmeade-exclusive ice creams, savoring them as they observed the various sights and sounds.
It was worth noting that Harry Potter voiced his disapproval of the ice cream's flavor on more than one occasion; it was a bizarre combination of sweet, salty, and faintly bitter—he couldn't comprehend how wizards could enjoy such a peculiar concoction.
The pair continued their leisurely walk, eventually venturing from the crowded main thoroughfare into a deserted side alley.
Here, they stumbled upon a dilapidated tavern adorned with a weathered wooden sign that read "The Hog's Head."
To their astonishment, the dilapidated sign was adorned with garish pink ribbons. The bizarre contrast made it difficult for Harry Potter to imagine the proprietor of the establishment.
Intrigued by the tavern's stark contrast to the other shops in Hogsmeade, Malfoy's curiosity was piqued, and he moved to venture inside.
But before he could even set foot in the doorway, Harry Potter gripped Malfoy's arm with surprising force.
Malfoy turned, a questioning expression on his face. Harry Potter looked at him, exasperated. "Have you completely forgotten our experience in Egypt?"
Is this the sort of peculiar establishment one ought to enter without a second thought?!
Upon hearing Harry Potter's words, Malfoy's mind conjured a vivid image of a "musclebound, feline woman," and he shuddered involuntarily.
"You're right, let's flee from this vile establishment!" Malfoy exclaimed, seizing Harry Potter's hand and attempting to make a hasty retreat.
But just then, another hand grasped him firmly.
"..."
Will this torment never cease? At this rate, they might as well let me die here!
Malfoy turned to find Harry Potter holding one of his hands, the other hanging limply at his side, his expression quizzical.
???
Then who is holding me?
A wave of icy dread washed over Malfoy, and his back was instantly drenched in cold sweat.
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