After Allen watched Cheryl head off to the hospital as well...
"Clap. Clap. Clap..."
Applause sounded behind Allen. He turned back and saw Madam Rosmerta standing in the doorway, clapping with a look of relief and gratification, while Hermione and Leonard had also appeared by the door.
"Allen... it looks like you really do have your own considerations when it comes to these things. Just take my suggestion from earlier as a reference. Still, I hope you'll be a little more cautious... During the Wizarding Dueling Championship, Jessica and I will both be there to cheer Ian on..." Leonard patted Allen on the shoulder and gave him a warm smile. "Don't look at me like that. You don't need that, do you? I hear the Organizing Committee is already getting headaches over your existence. Quite a few contestants started considering withdrawing after watching your livestream."
The last remaining clouds in the sky gathered together in clumps again, and the sunlight that had briefly appeared was temporarily blocked once more—though it looked as if the sky would clear before long.
Under Madam Rosmerta's extremely enthusiastic send-off, Leonard left the Three Broomsticks with a backpack that had been cast with an Undetectable Extension Charm and stuffed full of all kinds of drinks and snacks.
"Hermione, why don't we go take a look at the nearby expansion site?" Allen invited Hermione, then turned to the guards and said, "Everyone, do as you like. I'll send Miss Granger home later."
Without the slightest hesitation, the guards obeyed Allen's order—but all chose to continue staying in Hogsmeade Village in case the situation changed.
Walking slowly along the little road through Hogsmeade, Allen and Hermione did not enter any shops the way they had the first time they came to Hogsmeade years ago—now, because of the