Buffeted by Wind and Snow

Shop signs vanished into the vast snowstorm. Only a few places had lit their neon signs, giving off faint red and green glows that slightly dispelled the winter chill.

Light snowflakes landed on the fur collars like tiny white flowers, carrying a piercing chill.

The pores on Slughorn's neck tightened slightly. Looking at the inquisitive gazes of the two students, he could not help falling silent.

Smart students were bad in this way. He had clearly tried his best not to mention those things, yet they just had to ask and keep asking. How annoying!

Brushing the snow from his shoulders, Slughorn pondered in silence for a while before sighing. "Fine. Since we're at school, it won't hurt to let you in on a little information..."

They knew this professor was well-informed!

Loren and Hermione looked at him expectantly, their eyes glinting faintly.

"Keep it confidential."

"We'll try, Professor."

"..."

Slughorn glanced around, making sure there were no pedestrians nearby. The closest shop was more than ten metres away. Letting down his guard a little, he lowered his voice. "A new war is about to begin!"

Hermione could not help asking, "Didn't it start long ago?"

"Before this, it was all a stalemate. Whether it was Death Eaters or Aurors, there were either surprise attacks or probing offensives. None of that counted as a real war..." Slughorn clenched the pineapple preserve in his hand. "A real war is when both sides are fully prepared, face-to-face, wand against wand, spell against spell... In that kind of situation, even Dumbledore cannot guarantee anyone's safety."

"Is one side about to make a move?"

"I received word that those dark wizards, Werewolves, and Dementors gathered at the border are planning something big. The location is confidential, and the time has been set for Halloween