Chapter 145: 'Reinforcements”

Chapter 145: “Reinforcements”

Meanwhile, at the bar.

The buttons are still here, Hermione! Neville whispered cautiously. Im glad I didnt lose them.

He glanced around warily before discreetly extracting the button from the back of the bench and stashing it in his pocket.

Lets go! Neville urged.

Hermione remained silent, her mind engrossed in thought as they both left the bar.

Here. Neville handed the buttons to Hermione as they stepped out of the bar. Lets head to Honeydukes. We can pick some candies for Matthew in advance

Before Neville could finish his sentence, Hermione shook her head with concern.

Furrowing her lips, she voiced her worry, No, Neville Something about Matthews tone and expression it seemed off

Off? Neville was taken aback, his hand scratching his head in bewilderment. Now that you mention it, thinking back, he did sound a bit odd Matthew isnt usually so brusque

Yes, Hermione affirmed with another nod. Its as if he was intentionally pushing us away

Pushing us away? Nevilles confusion deepened.

Yes exactly Hermione repeated with emphasis. He was deliberately trying to get us to leave Maybe Matthew overheard some dangerous information using my bug. To prevent it from affecting us, he was driving us away

Her voice trembled slightly.

Damn it! Nevilles realization was swift. He spoke decisively, We need to go back immediately No matter how dangerous it is, we cant leave Matthew to face it alone!

After all, he had been about to head toward the Shrieking Shack.

Wait, Neville! Hermione intervened suddenly, her hand reaching out to stop him.

Whats the hold-up, Hermione Nevilles anxiety was palpable. The longer we wait, the less time we have

No wait Neville Hermiones demeanor suddenly shifted to one of calm analysis.

She articulated thoughtfully, If Matthew pushed us away, it could be because hes about to confront an adversary beyond our capabilities Rushing back like this might only add to his burden No, its absolutely not the right approachVisit no(v)eLb(i)n.com for the best novel reading experience

She shook her head firmly.

If we genuinely want to help Matthew we need to find someone powerful

Yes, perhaps that was his intention when he drove us away, Hermione reasoned firmly. Hurry, Neville. Lets return to Hogwarts We need to find Professor Rosier!

Matthew! Hermione and Neville called out urgently.

No reply came.

Is this the spot where you last parted ways? Professor Snape inquired calmly.

Neville and Hermione nodded quickly.

Professor Snape promptly crouched down, retrieved his wand, aimed it at the ground, and muttered an incantation under his breath.

In that moment, Neville and Hermione glimpsed an agitated figure sprinting toward the hillside.

Its Matthew! Hermione exclaimed. Hes running up the hill Over there its

The Shrieking Shack, Professor Snape supplied. Your conjecture is correct. Mr. Wickfield is in some sort of trouble; otherwise, he wouldnt be headed there Lead the way, Miss Granger. Well follow.

Setting off again, he followed the phantoms previous path up the hillside.

Neville and Hermione trailed after him, their gazes fixed on the black-clad figure.

At intervals, Professor Snape paused, examining his surroundings.

The fence was knocked down, and the grass remains undisturbed, he remarked calmly. As expected, Mr. Wickfield passed through here Keep moving

Professor Hermiones voice quivered slightly, Were headed to the Shrieking Shack

The Shrieking Shack is renowned as the most haunted in British lore.

Hermione Granger, however, was just a thirteen-year-old girl.

Then you should return to Hogsmeade, Professor Snape advised.

No, I want to go too Hermiones resolve was evident as she nodded.

And so, she continued to follow.

The trio soon entered the Shrieking Shack.

But the scene that greeted them was bewildering.

The room appeared as if a ferocious battle had recently raged withinfurniture lay in disarray, and the air was thick with swirling dust.

What was even more astonishing was the massive cavity that had opened up in the floor!