A Visitor

The next day, after meeting Harry at Hogwarts, Lin An headed to the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade to wait for an important guest. Though the tavern was filled with laughter and chatter, Lin An remained composed. His eyes swept over the familiar faces, knowing that everyone here carried different stories, yet his gaze remained fixed on the distance as he waited for someone who had once appeared in his life.

The tavern was as lively as ever. The Three Broomsticks was one of Hogsmeade's most popular places, especially in winter. Every Christmas, the stream of visitors was endless. Fine snowflakes drifted outside the windows, while the scent of warmth lingered around the fireplace indoors. Lin An sat alone in a corner, unhurried and calm. He occasionally exchanged a few words with nearby patrons, but never spoke deeply with them. His thoughts had long since moved beyond everything before him.

Before long, the tavern door was pushed open, and a familiar figure stepped inside—Madam Rosmerta, the owner of the tavern. As always, she wore that red dress, her hair neatly arranged in a bun. Smiling, she walked toward Lin An.

"Now that you've graduated from Hogwarts, you suddenly don't need me anymore, Lin An." She stopped before him, a teasing smile at the corner of her lips.

Lin An looked up, a trace of helplessness flashing through his eyes, though his gentle smile remained. "Rosmerta, dear, I really have been terribly busy lately. Didn't you receive the gifts I sent you over the past five years?"

"If it weren't for those youth potions you sent me, I wouldn't even want to speak to you now." She spoke coldly, though her voice carried a barely perceptible hint of amusement.

"Don't say that. I actually have some free time during the holidays. How about we spend some pleasant time together?" Lin An replied with a smile, rising from his seat and attempting to gently embrace her.

However, the landlady did not return his affection. Instead, she took a slight step back and waved him off. "You're too much, Lin An. Can't you be normal with me? You've sent enough gifts over these past few years. Let me catch my breath."

Her attitude seemed indifferent, but Lin An knew that Rosmerta was the typical strong woman—cool on the outside, but hardly lacking in feeling within. During his years at Hogwarts, they had shared several brief yet profound exchanges, and that was enough for him to let go of those complicated feelings.

"All right, I understand." Lin An smiled and sat back down, watching her turn and leave. Yet his eyes unconsciously followed her figure until she disappeared at the other end of the tavern.

Just as he was about to lower his head and look over the documents on the table again, the tavern door was pushed open once more. A tall young woman with long golden hair entered. She wore a dark blue robe and carried herself with an air of elegance. Rather than walking straight toward Lin An, she stood at the entrance and surveyed the room, her eyes holding an unusual sharpness.

It was Tonks—the young witch who had performed exceptionally well in Auror training, and one of Lin An's former students.

"Tonks, you're finally here." Lin An rose to greet her, his tone relaxed. "What, is Auror training still keeping you that busy?"

"Sorry, Lin An. The recent assignments have been heavy, so I had to arrive a little late." Tonks sighed softly as she sat down. "You know how it is. Things outside are getting more complicated. We have to move faster."

Lin An nodded and sat back down, his expression turning serious. "I know. Your missions are becoming increasingly important. Death Eater activity is growing more frequent, and the Ministry of Magic needs you to act as soon as possible. But you must be careful, Tonks. Whatever you do, don't expose yourself."

Tonks fell silent for a moment, her expression growing even more solemn. "We've received some new intelligence. The Death Eaters seem to be planning a larger conspiracy. I suspect their goal is not merely revenge. It seems to involve a deeper level of dark magical power."

"You're right," Lin An said in a low voice. "The Death Eaters' threat can no longer be ignored, but we cannot reveal our targets lightly. Now is not the time for recklessness." He paused, his gaze sharpening. "Are you ready to take on this mission?"

Tonks nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "I'm ready, Lin An. No matter what challenges I face, I'll give it everything I have."

Lin An nodded, rare approval appearing on his face. "Good. You're my most capable assistant. Remember, protecting yourself is always the most important thing. We aren't merely fighting—we're fighting for a sliver of hope for the entire Wizarding World."

The two continued discussing the Death Eaters' movements and their response strategy until night had completely enveloped Hogsmeade. When they parted, Lin An watched her departing back and could not help feeling a trace of complicated emotion. Though he had long prepared himself for the coming storm, he knew that he and his friends in the Wizarding World would forever be drawn into this endless vortex.

As night fell, the bustle of the Three Broomsticks gradually quieted. Lin An sat alone in the corner, contemplating his plans for the future. The Death Eaters' threat could not be ignored, and the turmoil in the Wizarding World made him realize that what he pursued was no longer merely personal interest and exploration. Everything in the future would become a piece on the chessboard of this struggle against dark forces.

He rose, paid the bill, and left the tavern, stepping into the snow-filled night. The cold wind outside cut to the bone, but he did not care. At that moment, he was already prepared to face the challenges ahead.

"A new year, a new beginning," Lin An murmured, gazing resolutely ahead as he strode forward with firm steps.