Secret Base

This Halloween Eve was a rare treat for most Hogwarts students. They could spend the day having fun in Hogsmeade Village, then attend the Halloween feast that night. It was practically double the joy.

Albert was naturally no exception.

This was his last chance to relax before competing in the Magical School Potion Championship.

After breakfast, he met Isabelle in the Great Hall, and the two left the castle together, heading toward the school gates.

Two hooded Dementors stood guard on either side of the gates, making the passing students feel frightened and uneasy.

The moment he approached the gates, Albert felt an inexplicable chill rush toward him.

"Don't worry. I'm here." Albert took Isabelle's hand and drew his wand from his pocket, summoning his Patronus and turning it into a sphere of light that hovered around them, shielding Isabelle from the Dementors' influence.

His actions drew many curious looks from the students. Everyone wondered what the ball of light around Albert and Isabelle was, but no one came over to speak with them.

As they passed through the gates, Albert could clearly sense the two Dementors deliberately—or perhaps casually—sucking away the happy emotions of the passing students. They would undoubtedly have a fine feast.

A cold wind howled outside. It was the effect of the large number of Dementors active around Hogwarts; otherwise, the weather would not have become so dreadful.

Walking to Hogsmeade was not pleasant. Many students had no choice but to wrap scarves around their faces to keep their exposed skin from aching in the cold wind.

"Let's use Apparition."

Once they were some distance from the school, Albert pulled Isabelle into an empty spot and cast a Disillusionment Charm over them. Then, they used Apparition to arrive near Hogsmeade Village.

"The Trace is such a