High Rewards

The bustle of the Hogsmeade weekend gradually faded as Harry, Ron, and Hermione took the path back to Hogwarts Castle.

The chill of evening slowly seeped into the air. Gray twilight dyed the sky, and cooking smoke began rising from the village.

Along the way, they discussed how to deal with Charles, only to discover that they had very few options.

As they stepped onto Gallery Bridge, an unexpected figure was approaching them from the direction of the castle.

It was a young witch, hurrying along in a sharply tailored dark-blue business suit, carrying what looked like a heavy leather briefcase.

She radiated the brisk efficiency of a professional workplace, which seemed somewhat out of place amid the leisurely academic atmosphere of the ancient castle.

"Miss Crivat?" Hermione was the first to recognize her, her voice clearly filled with surprise.

Penelope raised her head at the sound of her name. When she saw the three of them, a smile appeared on her face.

"Potter, Weasley, Granger." She gave them a slight nod. Her speech was unhurried, but every word was clear and forceful. "What a coincidence."

"What are you doing here?" Ron asked in confusion, his eyes wide.

"Isn't it the weekend? I thought you'd be with Percy in..." He paused, seemingly searching for a suitable word. "...in your apartment, um... enjoying the weekend?"

He had ultimately chosen a more tactful phrasing, but the mischievous look on his face clearly suggested something else.

The corner of Penelope's mouth twitched almost imperceptibly. She seemed long accustomed to this sort of teasing from Percy's brothers.

She said, "Percy was thinking about you, so he asked me to bring some candy along."

"I've already given it to a first-year student in Gryffindor Tower. He'll pass it on to you, so you should see