The residents of Hogsmeade seemed long accustomed to the patrols. The commotion just now had not caused lights to come on in any of the other houses. At a time like this, everyone knew it was better to avoid trouble.
"All right, they're gone." The only voice in the room belonged to the pub owner.
The Invisibility Cloak was lifted, and the group cautiously surveyed their surroundings like turtles just out of their shells. When Harry saw the man sitting back in the chair, he froze. He could hardly believe his eyes.
As the others were still stunned, the man casually held a freshly poured glass of Butterbeer and said, "All right, I know I look a bit like my brother. Of course you know him. Heh, the greatest white wizard." There was not the slightest trace of respect in his tone for the greatest white wizard.
"You're Aberforth Dumbledore, Albus Dumbledore's younger brother." Hermione was the first to expose the man's identity. It was not difficult for her; all she had to do was look through Rita Skeeter's old reports on Dumbledore to learn that he had a brother.
Aberforth swirled the drink in his glass, his eyes fixed on the foam being stirred. "Just call me Aberforth. There's no need for the rest."
He clearly did not want this unpleasant introduction to continue for too long. His expression immediately changed, and he looked somewhat irritated.
"I really don't know what you people are thinking. Can't you see the situation outside?"
He pointed outside, where heavy, greasy curtains completely covered the windows.
"The Order of the Phoenix is finished. You-Know-Who has already achieved his goal. Everyone can resign themselves to accepting the Dark Lord's rule!"
Harry did not agree with a single word he said and could not help