Chapter 197: “New Professor”
After the previous false rm, Matthew became cautious and refrained from acting rashly.
He dutifully remained at the Honeyduke, ying the role of an ordinary temporary clerk.
His daily routine was extremely regr, avoiding any actions that might attract attention.
He dared not venture near the Hogs Head Bar anymore, where the Alliance continued their ns to cath the remaining Order of the Phoenix members.
Matthew never breathed a word about the events in the Hogs Head Bar to anyone, and he didnt attempt to contact anyone from the Order of the Phoenix.
Likewise, no one from the Order of the Phoenix initiated contact with him, as if the organization had vanished from the wizarding world.
Unbeknownst to him, a month slipped by in this manner.
Throughout July, business at the Honeyduke boomed.
It was incredible how many wizards in Britain, regardless of age or gender, had an insatiable love for sweets.
Foreign wizards also flocked here in admiration.
From morning until night, the candy store weed a continuous stream of customers, with business peaking at dusk.
The stores owners, the Flumes, and their helper, Matthew, were stretched to their limits every day.
The shop was so busy that it was challenging for him to take a day off.
Now, Matthew desperately needed a day off for a normal reason: July wasing to an end, and it was time for him to visit Diagon Alley to purchase necessities for the new school year at Hogwarts.
As a third-year student, he would have several new electives: Ancient Runes, Muggle Studies, Care of Magical Creatures, Divination, and Arithmancy, from which he would need to choose three.
Matthew selected Ancient Runes, Care of Magical Creatures, and Divination.
Additionally, he needed new textbooks for other courses, some due to textbook updates and others because of new professors.
Toplete his third-year coursework, he needed to purchase the following books:
Intermediate Transfiguration Guide by Emeric Switch
The Standard Book of Spells, Grade 3 by Miranda Goshawk
Book of Potions by Zygmunt Budge
Unfogging the Future by Cassandra Vatski
Mowen Dictionary by Arafat Horst
Additionally, as two years had passed, Matthews previous Hogwarts robes (school uniform) and pointed hat were clearly too small.
He needed to buy a new set.
In summary, Matthew was in dire need of a day off.
After much persuasion, Mr. Flume (the store was doing exceptionally well during this period, and the Flumes alone couldnt handle the workload) reluctantly agreed to grant Matthew a day off on the final day of July.
Thest day of July arrived.
In the early morning, Matthew reached the firece at the Honeyduke.
He lit the firece and retrieved a small handful of Floo powder from a flowerpot on the side, tossing it into the mes.
As the emerald fire zed, Matthew shouted, Diagon Alley!
In an instant, he vanished into the emerald-green mes.
Floo travel was an experience that left much to be desired.
It felt like riding a roller coaster, but even more ufortable.
After a few moments, Matthew sessfully emerged in front of another firece.
This was a familiar ce, the Leaky Cauldron in Diagon Alley.
Old Tom, the toothless innkeeper, observed with a slow shuffle, clearly ustomed to wizards suddenly emerging from the inns firece.
He didnt disy any surprise.
Good morning, Mr. Abbot! Matthew greeted him before proceeding to the backyard patio, making his way into Diagon Alley.
Diagon Alley, the United Kingdomsrgest wizarding shopping street, appeared emptier than usual.
Many shops in the vicinity were shuttered, and there were few pedestrians on the street.
However, it was possible that this was because it was early in the day.
Thankfully, several crucial stores were still open.
Matthew first headed to the bookstore to purchase the necessary books.
However, he didnt go to Flourish and Blotts this time, as it had closed down a year ago.
Instead, he opted for another book store.
Then, he went to a nearby leather shop to acquire a set of Dragon-hide protective clothing.
Following that, he purchased a crystal ball from a magical item shop.
Finally, he stood outside Madam Malkins Robes for All asions.
Madam Malkin, a short and stout witch dressed in purple, weed him.
Are you here for a new robe, dear? she asked as she stood at the shops entrance.
She didnt wait for Matthew to respond and continued, May I inquire which house you belong to?
Slytherin, Matthew replied honestly.
Then you can try this one, Madam Malkin said as she retrieved a silver-green robe from a hanger. We have plenty of these in stock. To be honest, weve had quite a few young folks in for fittings.
Thank you, Matthew responded.
Behind the shop, several tall boys stood on footstools, and a few witches were adjusting their robes.
They were clearly several years older than Matthew, and the robes they held were yellow and ck, indicating they were Hufflepuff students.
Madam Malkin instructed Matthew to stand on a nearby footstool and put a robe on him, making adjustments with pins for proper fit.
While Matthew was being fitted, he couldnt help but overhear the senior Hufflepuff students chatting:
Have you heard about Professor Snape? a freckled student asked mysteriously. Rumor has it hes left Hogwarts!
What happened? I kind of liked him! a shorter student expressed surprise.
His true identity was exposed Severus Snape was just an alias; his real name is Remus Lupin, a Werewolf registered with the Ministry of Magic, the freckled student continued. Although its gossip, many people seem to know about it!
Werewolves We spent a year with a Werewolf? Thats terrifying! a pale, thin youth remarked with concern.
My dad said that Professor Grindelwald has always been a bit unpredictable in his choice of teachers
And with thete Professor Slughorn gone, were likely to have two new professors next year.
Upon hearing Professor Slughorns name, Matthews eyes welled up with emotion.
Dont stiffen up, kid; rx! Madam Malkin reminded him.
Matthew nodded in agreement.
No, actually, its three the freckled Hufflepuff student continued. Rumor has it we might be getting a new Divination professor too.