Chapter 117: “Back To School”


    On September 1st, Tom, the owner of the Leaky Cauldron, delivered his usual cup of hot tea to Room 13.


    Sleepy Matthew weed the gesture and thanked him.


    Last year, Matthew hadnt experienced such hospitality during his stay at the Leaky Cauldron.


    This year he paid for the service, which made him feel appreciated.


    After Tom left, Matthew checked his wallet, finding ten galleons left  sufficient for his return to school with nothing else to spend on.


    Once dressed, he returned his toad to its cage and packed his textbooks from the past two days into his suitcase.


    Then, he left Room 13, descending the stairs.


    Soon, the three friends assembled in the Leaky Cauldrons restaurant, ready to have breakfast.


    Neville headed to the counter to ce their orders.


    Engrossed in the Daily Prophet, Hermione suddenly eximed, Bad news, Matthew!


    Whats the matter? Matthew asked casually, still feeling a bit drowsy.


    Its about the Azkaban fugitives! Hermione replied, her face serious.


    Fugitives from Azkaban? Matthew took a sip of hot tea. Has the Ministry of Magic disclosed their identities?


    No, Minister Bagnold insists on keeping their information ssified for now The Ministry of Magic will continue their efforts to arrest them! Hermione shook her head.


    What a joke. Matthew shrugged. Theyve been on the run for almost two months; theyll unlikely be caught anytime soon.


    Matthew couldnt help feeling dissatisfied with the Ministry of Magic, especially after the smuggling incident.


    Though it was resolved, there were still loose ends, and the Ministrys reliability was questionable.


    The Ministry ims theyll station some Dementors at Hogwarts to better arrest the suspects and protect the school, Hermione continued reading the newspaper. But what exactly are Dementors?


    Neville chimed in, Dementors are extremely evil creatures. My dad told me theyre terrifying and ugly, and no one likes them!


    Matthew raised an eyebrow, surprised. Principal Grindelwald allowed Dementors at Hogwarts?


    Yes, Hermione nodded, reading further. With Principal Grindelwalds permission, but he warned them not to contact or interfere with the lives of Hogwarts staff and students under their own risk, I guess.


    That sounds like our lives wont be affected in any way, Matthew said nonchntly.


    After breakfast, they prepared to leave and gathered by the firece in Matthews room.


    Matthew retrieved some Floo powder from the Barkeeper, Tom.


    They didnt need any guidance as they were familiar with using the Floo Network.


    They stepped into the firece, and with a shout of Kings Cross Station, the mes transported them swiftly.


    In Kings Cross Station, the firece room connected to almost all fireces in Britain, with wizards and witches popping up every few seconds.


    Matthew sometimes wondered why they didnt use the Floo Network directly to reach Hogwarts.


    Nevertheless, they took the train, perhaps for a sense of ritual or other reasons.


    Soon, Neville and Hermione joined him in the firece room.


    Neville seemed a little choked by the ashes, coughing non-stop.


    The trio headed to tform 9.


    As they looked up, they spotted the Hogwarts Express, a bright red steam lotive puffing smoke.


    The tform was crowded with young wizards and their families preparing to board the train.


    Lets go to the back of the train. Its less crowded there, and we can find an emptypartment, Hermione suggested, pushing the cart ahead.


    Neville and Matthew followed her lead.


    They reached the end of the train and found a rtively emptypartment.


    They ced their luggage on the luggage rack, including Nevilles owl cage and Matthews toad cage.


    Hermione held Crookshanks in her arms until they entered thepartment and then released him.


    Crookshanks, you need to exercise more, she said affectionately.


    Her pet, however, didnt seem to appreciate the advice.


    Itzily walked to the corner of thepartment andy down, showing no interest in moving around.


    The trains loud whistle signaled its imminent departure.


    The guard closed the doors, and the lotive started moving, breathing steam.


    The train picked up speed, and soon, the station was out of sight.


    This long summer vacation is finally over, Matthew said, stretching in his seat. I can finally return to Hogwarts!


    I hope the summer vacation could be longer, Neville whispered.


    Hermione was about to say something when thepartment door swung open, and a tall wizard entered.


    A stranger


    His presence surprised the three Hogwarts sophomores in thepartment.


    Until then, aside from the witch selling snacks, they hadnt encountered any adult wizards on the train.