Chapter 119: 'Mr. Longbottom”

Chapter 119: “Mr. Longbottom”

Have we reached Hogsmeade? Nevilles excited cry echoed through the compartment.

Dont be ridiculous; its only three oclock in the afternoon, Matthew retorted, glancing at his watch and shaking his head. I told you before, itll take at least four hours to get there.

Neville cast an annoyed look out of the rain-blurred window, his anticipation dampened by the weather and Matthews response.

The trains pace gradually slowed, its wheels producing a sharper sound against the tracks while the pelting of wind and rain on the windows grew louder.

Hermione craned her neck to peer down the aisle, observing countless heads popping up as passengers seemed curious about the sudden change.

The entire cabin was buzzing with a sense of curiosity and concern.

In an instant, a chuckle sounded, followed by an unexpected lurch that sent everyone leaning to one side as the train abruptly stopped.

The distant sound of items falling suggested luggage had tumbled from racks.

The unfamiliar teacher nearly toppled from his seat to the floor, a surprised expression finally breaking through his stoic demeanor.

He removed his earplugs and blindfold, revealing a puzzled frown on his pale face.

While not openly expressing his emotions, the strange teachers reaction was apparent.

With a calm demeanor, Matthew wiped a clear spot on the window, allowing him to glimpse the dark figures floating in the sky outside.

The shapeless, black figures caused him to furrow his brows in apprehension.

Could it be his voice trailed off, his thoughts uncertain.

Before he could ponder further, a soft cracking sound resonated through the compartment as the door was forced open.

Yet, the figure that burst in was not what Matthew had expected: instead of a cloaked, ominous presence, a small, round-faced wizard stood before them.

Dad! Nevilles astonished shout filled the air.

This marked the first time Matthew had laid eyes on Mr. Frank Longbottom.

Spread your hands and stand aside, Mr. Longbottoms stern voice accompanied his warning.

Soon, both figures disappeared into the aisle.

Whether they exited the train or moved to another car was unclear.

What just happened? The three companions exchanged bewildered glances, the recent event leaving them stunned as if caught in a dream.

This cant be real! Hermiones voice trembled with disbelief. What if that person claiming to be a new teacher is one of the Azkaban escapees?

Her face had paled, and fear lingered in her eyes.

Dont jump to conclusions; it might be a misunderstanding. Lets wait and see, Matthew suggested calmly, hoping to dispel the mounting tension.

Neville craned his neck to peer down the aisle, searching for any sign of his fathers presence.

Outside, raindrops fell more heavily, and shadowy forms in the sky seemed poised for movement, though they kept their distance from the train.

Matthew hoped the examination wouldnt consume too much time, but it proved otherwise.

The train remained stalled for almost an hour, testing their patience.

Finally, the Hogwarts Express resumed its journey, and its siren wailed.

Yet, the enigmatic wizard whod claimed to be the new teacher never returned.

This unexpected turn left the compartments occupants uneasy.

The jovial atmosphere from earlier had vanished, replaced by silence and apprehension.

Neville looked anxious, Hermione uneasy, both struggling with their emotions.

The remainder of the journey passed without much conversation.

As darkness enveloped the landscape, the Hogwarts Express gradually slowed and came to a stop at Hogsmeade station, shrouded in obscurity.