Chapter 64: 'Disfigured Old Man”

Chapter 64: “Disfigured Old Man”

In the corridor outside the common room, a festive ribbon adorned with holly and mistletoe swayed gently, adding a touch of holiday spirit.

The armor and portraits lining the corridor gleamed, having been diligently polished and cleaned.

Inside the auditorium, Professor Flitwick meticulously decorated the Christmas tree with sparkling icicles and delicate candles

Even though Christmas hadnt arrived yet, the air was filled with anticipation and joy.

Three of the four long tables in the auditorium had been moved against the walls, leaving only the last one in the centre.

It seemed odd to use the entire dining space when most students had already departed for the holidays.

Matthew noticed a small group of nearly a dozen students sitting at the remaining long table, enjoying their breakfast.

Most of their faces were unfamiliar to him, likely Muggle-born students who, like himself, didnt have a place to call home during the break.

As he pondered, Matthew realized that most of the people he had acquainted himself with at Hogwarts had also left the school, with a few exceptions like Hermione from Ravenclaw and Evans from Gryffindor.

They seemed to have chosen to remain at Hogwarts, though they were currently absent from the table.

Finding an empty spot at the long table, Matthew took a seat.

The breakfast during the Christmas holidays was more lavish than usual. Alongside the regular fare, there were gingerbread, Yule log cake, smoked salmon, smoked ham, and delectable turkey sandwiches

The flavors were delightful, and Matthew quickly finished his breakfast.

As Evans entered the auditorium, he dropped his half-eaten turkey sandwich and promptly left the room.

Observing from the podium, Professor Rosier shot Matthew a stern look, expressing her disapproval of the wasteful behavior.

Leaving the castle behind, Matthew embarked on a path he hadnt walked since his arrival over three months ago.

The village consisted of charming thatched cottages, their rooftops blanketed in snow. In celebration of Christmas, the trees surrounding the village were adorned with magical candles.

Many of the small shops in Hogsmeade were renowned among Hogwarts students.

The Honeydukes Sweetshop, offering an array of chocolates and magical candies, bustled with customers.

The Zonkos Joke Shop, selling a variety of prank materials and tricks, was a favorite among mischievous students.

Prominent establishments were two broomstick pubs serving butterbeer, hot mead, red wine, and cherry juice.

However, Matthew passed by these bustling shops, one after another.

Finally, he reached a small pub at the intersection of a side road.

Upon seeing the scene before him, Matthew was slightly taken aback.

It bore a striking resemblance to the book descriptionan old wooden sign, tattered and hanging from a rusty bracket on the door, portrayed a severed pigs head stained with blood on a white cloth.

Scrawled on the sign, crookedly but legibly, were the words: Hogs Head.

After a moments hesitation, Matthew took a step forward and gently knocked on the door.

There was no immediate response.

He raised his hand and knocked once more.

After waiting for approximately thirty seconds, the door creaked open.

An old, grotesque-looking man appeared, tall and thin with gray hair and beard.

Yet, these were not the most striking features. What truly caught ones attention were the dozens of scars that marred the old mans face, rendering him disfigured and possibly terrifying to a timid person.

To Matthews surprise, he didnt catch a whiff of the anticipated scent of sheep from the man or the pub itself.