Hermione was clearly in no state to sit quietly with Su Er at Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop, drinking tea and eating pastries on a date.
But Su Er clearly had no intention of missing this rare chance to get out, either.
Besides, an old man had been waiting eagerly in Hogsmeade. He had already written Su Er quite a few letters.
It was not that the old man could not come to Hogwarts to find Su Er, but many professors knew who he was. If he was seen coming openly to Hogwarts just to find a young wizard, it would inevitably attract the attention of certain interested parties.
Well, that mainly meant Dumbledore...
And so, in the Hog's Head, Aberforth stared so longingly at the newly arrived Su Er that Su Er could not stand it. He drew his wand and released his Patronus.
It was still the same lively little badger. In fact, Aberforth had seen Patronuses more than once in his life, but none had ever given him the feeling that he had found a priceless treasure.
That was... his sister.
"These are all the records on the Patronus Charm I brought from the family book collection. See if there's anything that might help Ariana."
Aberforth set a thick stack of books in front of Su Er, locked the pub door, then cradled Su Er's Patronus in his hands and swayed his way upstairs.
This old man wouldn't even get me a glass of water. Wasn't he being a little too mercenary?
Su Er shook his head helplessly and turned his attention to the books piled high on the table.
"[The Mysteries of the Patronus Charm], [What You Don't Know About the Patronus], [The Wondrous Connection Between the Patronus Charm and Wizards' Emotions], [What Is the True Nature