Chapter 189: 'Farewell, My Dear Professor”

Chapter 189: “Farewell, My Dear Professor”

With the final exams concluded, the challenging second year at Hogwarts was finally at an end.

The exam results were swiftly released, and this years scores were commendably high.

However, it was evident that no one cared about these scores.

Everyones focus was on the impending start of the holidays and their journey to the train station.

All of them were anxious about what had transpired in the outside world during the months of isolation at Hogwarts.

All channels of communication with the outside world had been severed, and the Professors remained tight-lipped.

Perhaps the Professors themselves were unaware of what had occurred beyond the castles walls.

Matthew, Neville, and Hermione lounged by the tranquil Black Lake, basking lazily in the sun.

Tomorrow marked their departure from Hogwarts, and, fortunately, there had been no news of the holidays cancellation so far.

Matthew! Neville inquired with a serious expression. Are you absolutely certain you wont spend the summer break at my place?

Im unsure of the situation outside. The rumors are chaotic, and it might not be safe to be alone out there Even Hermione has agreed to join me for the summer, he added, his voice filled with concern.

Yes, Hermione chimed in, nodding in agreement.Updated from novelbIn.(c)om

No, really Matthew whispered.

He gazed at the Black Lake, which shimmered with a dark green glow under the suns rays, and his mood suddenly grew somber.

Neville shook his head in exasperation.

This was the seventh time this week he had tried to persuade Matthew, and each attempt had ended in rejection.

Considering that they would be boarding the Hogwarts Express early the following morning, this would likely be the final effort.

So, youre set on spending your summer here? Hermione asked, her concern evident. Will you be heading to Diagon Alley like last year? Or perhaps to Hogsmeade

For Muggle-born Hogwarts students, the options during summer were limited: either stay with a friend, as Neville had kindly offered, or find temporary employment in Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade.

For over a year, this book had rested here, undisturbed and seemingly ordinary.

Matthew took a deep breath, then fetched a quill from the side. He dipped it in ink and opened the book.

Hello, its me, Matthew Wickfield!

The dark green handwriting appeared before him:

Hello, Matthew.

This time, the handwriting didnt carry the same dread and horror as before. Instead, it seemed lighter, more lively.

Perhaps it was all in the mind.

When one harbors fear, the most ordinary things can transform into terrifying monstrosities.

Matthew hesitated for a moment before writing again:

I dont know your name?

This time, the handwriting didnt appear immediately. It was as if the book was contemplating something, and several seconds passed before the response came:

You can call me ABD.

A quarter of an hour later, with everything packed, Matthew bid farewell to the Slytherin common room, leaving the castle.

He carried his heavy luggage and walked alone toward Hogsmeade, making a brief stop by the Black Lake.

Ensuring no one was around, Matthew opened his suitcase and took out a bottle of mead.

Madam Rosmerta had sent it, along with the Three Broomsticks, as a token of appreciation for his previous letter.

The mead had been imported from Slovakia, Professor Slughorns favorite.

Matthew silently unscrewed the bottle and poured the entire contents into the Black Lake, watching it blend with the dark green water.

Farewell, he whispered. My dear Professor.

With that, Matthew packed away the mead bottle and embarked on his journey to Hogsmeade, dragging his luggage behind him.