Visitors

The next day, after meeting Harry at Hogwarts, Ian headed to the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade with him to wait for an important guest. Although the bar was filled with laughter and lively chatter, Ian remained somewhat composed. His eyes swept over the familiar faces. He knew everyone here had a different story, but his gaze lingered in the distance, waiting for the person who had once appeared in his life.

The atmosphere in the bar remained lively. The Three Broomsticks was one of the most popular places in Hogsmeade, especially during winter. Every Christmas, the crowds here were endless. Fine snowflakes drifted past the windows, while the area around the indoor hearth was filled with a warm, fragrant air. Ian sat alone in a corner. He was in no hurry, his gaze calm. He occasionally exchanged a few words with the guests nearby but did not engage them in deep conversation. His thoughts had long since moved beyond everything before him.

Before long, the bar door was pushed open, and a familiar figure walked in—Madam Rosmerta, the owner of the bar. As always, she wore that red dress, her hair neatly swept into a bun. With a smile on her face, she walked toward Ian.

"Now that you've graduated from Hogwarts, you suddenly don't need me anymore, Ian." She stood before him, a teasing smile playing at the corners of her lips.

Ian raised his head. A trace of helplessness flashed through his eyes, but he still wore a gentle smile. "Rosmerta, darling, 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 rejuvenation potions you sent me, I wouldn't even want to speak to you now," she said coldly, her voice carrying a hint of barely concealed amusement.

"Don't say that. I actually have some free time during the holidays. How about we spend some happy moments together?" Ian replied with a smile as he rose, intending to give her a gentle hug.

However, the landlady did not return his affection. Instead, she took a small step back and waved him off. "You're being too much, Ian. Can't you act normally with me? You've sent me more than enough gifts over the years. Give me a chance to catch my breath."

Her attitude seemed cold, but Ian knew that Rosmerta was a typical strong woman—calm on the outside, yet far from lacking emotion within. During their years at Hogwarts, they had shared a few brief but profound exchanges, and those interactions had been enough for him to let go of that complicated attachment.

"All right. I understand." Ian smiled, sat back down at the table, and watched her turn and leave. Yet his eyes unconsciously followed her figure until she disappeared at the other end of the bar.

Just as he was about to lower his head and examine the documents on the table again, the bar door was pushed open once more. A tall young woman with long blond hair walked in. She wore a dark-blue robe and radiated an elegant air. Rather than heading straight toward Ian, she stood at the entrance and surveyed the room, her eyes sharp in a way that set her apart.

It was Tonks—the young witch who had excelled in Auror training, and one of Ian's former students.

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

"Sorry, Ian. The missions have been demanding lately, so I had no choice but to arrive a little late." Tonks sat down and sighed softly. "You know how it is. Things out there are becoming more and more complicated. We have to pick up the pace."

Ian nodded and sat back down, his expression turning serious. "I know. Your missions are becoming increasingly important. The Death Eaters have been growing more active, and the Ministry of Magic needs you to take action as soon as possible. But you must be careful, Tonks. Don't expose yourself under any circumstances."

Tonks fell silent for a moment, her expression growing even more solemn. "We've received some new intelligence. The Death Eaters seem to be plotting an even greater conspiracy. I suspect their goal isn't merely revenge. It seems to involve an even deeper source of dark magic."

"You're right," Ian said in a low voice. "The threat posed by the Death Eaters can no longer be ignored, but we can't reveal our objective recklessly. Now is not the time for rash action." He paused, his eyes sharpening. "Are you ready to take on this mission?"

Tonks nodded, determination shining in her eyes. "I'm ready, Ian. No matter what kind of challenge I face, I'll give it everything I have."

Ian nodded, and a rare look of approval appeared 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 to win a chance at survival for the entire Wizarding World."

The two continued discussing the Death Eaters' movements and possible countermeasures until night had completely fallen over Hogsmeade. As they parted, Ian watched her retreating figure, unable to keep a complicated feeling from rising in his heart. Although he had long been prepared to face the storm that was coming, he knew that he and the friends living in the Wizarding World would be forever swept into this endless whirlpool.

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

He rose, paid his bill, and left the bar, stepping into the snow-filled night. The cold wind outside cut to the bone, but he paid it no mind. At that moment, he was already prepared to face the challenges ahead.

"A new year, a new beginning." Ian muttered to himself, his gaze fixed ahead with determination as he strode forward.