Clearwater

Skylar was about to get up and leave. Because of the Human Transfiguration, he had lost the Supreme Robe's storage function and could only keep Hufflepuff's Cup tucked against his chest, intending to deal with this Horcrux as soon as possible. Yet just as he took a step, his gaze happened to sweep across a shadowy corner, where a familiar figure entered his sight.

It was a young witch. Her long brown curls hung over her shoulders in a messy cascade, several strands clinging to her faintly flushed cheeks. She was gulping down a glass of strong liquor, her hazy, drunken eyes filled with profound dejection. Skylar narrowed his eyes and recognized her—Penelope Clearwater.

Skylar and Penelope had known each other a little. Back then, they had both been competitors in Merlin's Trial. Later, she had attended the Patronus Charm exchange event Skylar hosted, and she had also been one of the young witches who had supported him against the Dementors at the Quidditch stadium.

She was five years above Skylar and had once served as Hogwarts' Head Girl. Beautiful, generous, intelligent, and calm, she also carried a touch of pride in her character. By Skylar's third year, she had already graduated from Hogwarts, and they had lost contact afterward.

Seeing Penelope's gloomy, despondent expression, Skylar guessed that she was likely drowning her sorrows over something unpleasant.

His gaze lingered on her face for only a moment before he looked away. He did not know what had happened to her, but he was not wearing Skylar's face at the moment. Besides, she was immersed in grief, and it would not be appropriate for him to disturb her. Without even greeting her, he headed for the tavern entrance, intending to leave as quickly as possible.

However, he had barely taken two