Chapter 10: The Secret Leaked
Honeydukes was packed with Hogwarts students, and no one spared a second glance at Kate.
It was Halloween, after all. Everyone was dressed up as various monsters and magical creatures, making it the perfect cover for Kate. She walked among the crowd, eyes scanning the shop for Penelope.
The store was filled with shelves upon shelves of the most fascinating candies imaginable. Chunks of buttery peanut brittle, shimmering pink coconut sorbet, rows upon rows of colorful chocolates, vats of Every-Flavour Beans, and tubs of fizzing whizzbees. Floating sherbet drinks drifted overhead, and along one wall stood a selection of "special effect" sweets: Bubble Super Bubblegum (which filled the room with indigo-colored bubbles that wouldn't pop for days), Fluffy Tooth Mints, tiny Black Pepper Urchins ("Blow fire out of your nose for your friends!"), Ice Mice ("Hear your teeth chattering and squeaking!"), jumping toad-shaped buttermints, crunchy sugar quills, and popping bonbons.
Yes—this was Hogsmeade, the legendary wizarding village third-years and above were permitted to visit. And this was the renowned Honeydukes. For a moment, Kate forgot she was supposed to be tracking Penelope. Her mouth watered.
But sometimes, just when you stop looking for something, it appears before your eyes.
In a corner of the shop, Penelope stood partially hidden. Her face wore an unfamiliar expression—a mix of shyness and anticipation. Opposite her stood a strikingly handsome boy, noticeable not only because he wasn't in costume but because he looked... otherworldly. Dressed in a black wizard robe, with black hair, pale glowing skin, and silver eyes that shimmered like starlight. A trace of baby fat gave his features a youthful charm.
So that was it—Penelope had a lover.
[Switch to Ryan's Perspective]
It was a bright morning, and Ryan rose early. Today's breakfast was simple: chickpeas, fried sausages, eggs, and a glass of warm milk—classic English fare. After enjoying his meal, he went into his usual routine of physical training.
"One, two, three, four... again—two, two, three, four..." he muttered inwardly, transitioning seamlessly from one movement to another. As he moved, flickers of light and shadow swirled around him like the Milky Way. His breathing shifted rhythmically—sometimes rapid, sometimes slow, sometimes clear, sometimes deep—each breath pulsing with magical resonance.
This wasn't ordinary exercise. It was a body-modification technique disguised as gymnastics. Over time, Ryan had adapted and evolved it into something no ordinary wizard could replicate. The rhythm of his breath, the silent chants in his mind, the emotional flow behind each motion, and the circulation of magic through his body—every part was interconnected.
Even Dumbledore himself might struggle to replicate this routine. And now, with the Black Knight training integrated into it, there were few who could survive a single round against Ryan.
After the workout, he headed to the bathroom.
Although this wasn't his first time using it, Ryan still marveled at the space. When George Smith had still been alive, Ryan hadn't been allowed in here. His own bath was luxurious, sure—but this was something else entirely.
The entrance ceiling displayed a twinkling, enchanted star map of the known constellations—clearly the work of an astronomy-loving ancestor. The stars cast a soft, warm glow over the room. Mist drifted over a wide tub that resembled a natural hot spring. Green grass-like flooring covered the ground, cool and soft beneath his feet. Small flower beds and artificial rock formations gave the illusion of an outdoor paradise.
Even the bath's faucets were cleverly disguised as tiny holes in the rockery. A diving board sat nearby. Fluffy white towels were stacked neatly on a stone platform, resembling a miniature snow-covered mountain.
Across from the bath, mounted in a gilded frame, was a painting of a mermaid sleeping on a seaside rock, her hair drifting in the ocean breeze. Her chest rose and fell gently with her breathing.
Not wanting to linger, Ryan washed up quickly—being careful not to wake the mermaid—then dressed in a simple black robe and left.
With a sharp crack, he Apparated under Jack's guidance to the village of Hogsmeade.
It was still early. His appointment wasn't until two o'clock, and it was only about eleven. Wanting to scout the area in advance, Ryan sent Jack away and headed to the famous Three Broomsticks. Though known as a tavern, they also served light meals.
Inside, the atmosphere was festive. A plump woman in vibrant clothing moved briskly between tables. This must be Madam Rosmerta—Ron's supposed crush.
When Rosmerta saw Ryan, her eyes lit up. What a handsome young man.
"Happy Halloween, young sir. What can I get you?" she asked sweetly.
"Madam Rosmerta! Another butterbeer, please!" shouted a bald wizard nearby.
"Right away!" she responded—though in a far rougher tone than before. The contrast was startling.
The bald wizard flinched slightly.
Rosmerta turned back to Ryan, her voice once again gentle. "We have Halloween specials today, if you're interested."
"A butterbeer will do. Is there anything to eat?" Ryan replied politely.
"Food? We've got sausage rolls, pork crackling, and Yorkshire puddings," she said after a pause, clearly unaccustomed to patrons focusing on food.
"I'll have the sausage rolls and a steak with potato salad," Ryan said, pretending not to notice the large menu behind her.
After placing his order, he took out his current read—Voyage with the Vampire by Gilderoy Lockhart—and passed the time with small talk and casual reading while he waited.
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