Other than the few people present, no one knew that such a conversation had taken place in the cabin, nor did anyone know that the universally despised Malfoy had once been replaced.
For some time afterward, Hogwarts seemed to have returned to peace.
But only seemed to. If one ignored the shadows always lingering around the school, the growing number of strangers in Hogsmeade, and the Hog's Head Inn being packed every day... it was still quite peaceful.
It was another weekend.
After finishing breakfast, Kyle happened to run into Malfoy in the entrance hall, on his way to watch a Quidditch match.
There were many people around, and the two were swept out of the castle together by the crowd before casually parting ways.
Malfoy headed for the Quidditch Pitch with his two lackeys, but Kyle did not return to the cabin. Instead, he left the school grounds and went straight to the Hog's Head Inn.
Though it was still daytime, the tavern remained gloomy, and it was filled with equally gloomy patrons.
Most wore oversized hoods that concealed their entire faces.
Kyle walked up to the bar and found Aberforth, who was busy at work.
Then a cup, so clean it was spotless, was set before him.
"What would you like to drink?" Aberforth asked with a smile.
Kyle did not react at first and stood there blankly for a moment.
"Oh, Merlin's beard, did you see that? The owner... he actually smiled just now!"
Someone voiced Kyle's thoughts.
"Idiot, you must be drunk!" the person beside him said without even looking up. "That old goat has only ever had one expression. I'd sooner believe Hogwarts would start teaching Dark Arts tomorrow than believe he could smile."
"I swear I saw it," the man insisted. "Really."
"All right,