Chapter 11: Strange Werewolf
To put it bluntly, Madam Rosmerta was quite the gossipy witch. If she ever met the notoriously narcissistic reporter Rita Skeeter—who still called herself a "charming blonde" at forty-three—the sparks would probably burn half of the wizarding world down.
As she chatted with Alexander, Rosmerta spun vivid tales about Hogwarts professors. She gleefully hinted at flirty sparks between Professor McGonagall, the stern Transfiguration master and Gryffindor Head, and Hagrid, the towering Keeper of Keys. She also shared tidbits about Dumbledore's odd obsession with sweets.
Alexander soon realized Madam Rosmerta had mistaken him for a current Hogwarts student—most of her stories made sense only to someone who had studied at the school.
As they spoke, more and more Hogsmeade residents and Hogwarts students wandered into the Three Broomsticks. Alexander was quietly thankful—if not for Rosmerta distracting him, he might've ended up in another awkward situation like that London candy shop again.
He casually glanced at his watch—it was already 1:30.
Thinking he'd arrive early, Alexander politely said goodbye to Madam Rosmerta and headed over to Honeydukes, hoping to surprise Penelope.
But when he arrived, the place was packed. He regretted not dressing up as a monster, like the letter had suggested—it would've been fun to tease Penelope that way.
On Halloween, those who don't wear costumes stand out the most.
He overheard a pudgy little witch whisper (loud enough for him to hear), "Jasmine! Do you know that handsome wizard over there? Which house is he from?"
"I'll bet ten Galleons he's not even a Hogwarts student!"
"Oh Merlin, I'm in love again!"
Sharp senses could be a curse. Alexander could feel all the eyes on him—curious, admiring, flirtatious. From time to time, bold little witches (and even a few wizards) came up to greet him.
"Hi!"
"Sorry, I'm waiting for someone," Alexander replied as politely as possible, trying to keep his patience. But then—
"Penelope!" His face lit up.
She had dressed like a vampire countess—trying to appear mature, but the baby fat on her cheeks and the sweat sticking her hair to her face betrayed her youth.
"Hmph. That's what you get for teasing people on purpose," she pouted and stuck out her tongue.
"Boss, two ice-cold sherbets, please," Alexander called out cheerfully. "That secret passage must've worn you out."
He greeted her warmly, handing over the drink with enthusiasm, hoping to erase any awkwardness from earlier.
Then his expression turned thoughtful. "Penelope, do you know that werewolf over there?"
Penelope casually picked up a mirror and pretended to fix her hair. Behind them, a short wizard in a werewolf costume was glancing around nervously.
Alexander winked, signaling Penelope to follow, and they quietly slipped out of Honeydukes.
[Kate's Perspective]
Kate watched as Penelope left Honeydukes with the handsome wizard. She tried to look unconcerned, but after a few breaths, she casually followed, pretending she was just leaving too.
But as soon as she turned the corner—they were gone.
Panic bubbled up in her chest.
Suddenly, a strong arm grabbed her like a kitten, lifting her off the ground. Her legs dangled mid-air as she squirmed.
"Who are you, and why are you following us?" a boy's clear voice demanded.
"Yeah, who are you?" came a second voice—gentler, a little weak, but clearly Penelope's.
Kate breathed a sigh of relief. Her scream died in her throat. For a moment, she'd thought she was really kidnapped.
But then someone tugged down her hood.
Crap. She was caught.
"Guess?" Kate tried to squirm away.
Too late. The hood came off, revealing her baby face and straight black hair.
"Kate? Kate Lewinster?! What the hell are you doing here?!" Penelope gasped.
Alexander groaned. "Ugh, I thought someone was stalking me because of how handsome I am. This is… kinda disappointing."
"Hehe…" Kate chuckled awkwardly.
"You little sneak," Penelope muttered with a headache.
Even though the school year had barely started, Penelope already knew what kind of roommate Kate was. It didn't matter if anyone else found out secrets—but if Kate knew, the whole school would know by lunch. And she'd always act innocent afterward.
"I was just out exploring. It's Halloween! I don't know anything," Kate said smoothly as Alexander set her back down. She looked up at Penelope with wide, innocent eyes—but her twitching feet gave her away.
"Penelope, let's find a place to sit. How about the Three Broomsticks?" Alexander offered, trying to defuse the tension.
A few minutes later, the trio arrived at the familiar pub.
From a distance, Madam Rosmerta's sharp eyes spotted Alexander—but when she saw the two girls with him, she simply winked and pretended not to recognize him.
"Welcome to the Three Broomsticks! What can I get you?"
"I want butterbeer!" Kate instantly perked up, bouncing on her feet.
"Can I take a look at the menu first?" Penelope asked seriously.
"Same as you," Alexander replied with a shrug.
"Menu's on the blackboard next to the bar," Rosmerta said, pointing before heading back to work.
Next to the bar, a glowing board displayed today's specials. To Alexander, it resembled a phone screen from his past life—enlarged and warm with golden light. A pumpkin-headed design sat at the top, and beneath it:
Halloween Set Meal
Triple Broom Iced Pumpkin Juice
Chicken Sandwich
Fried Chicken Drumsticks
Penelope seemed intrigued by the set meal.
Kate, not missing a beat, ordered butterbeer and pasta while Penelope wasn't looking, found a seat, and waved Alexander over.
When Penelope turned around, both of them were already gone.
"Penelope, over here!" Alexander waved. "I got the same as you!"
Black lines formed on her forehead.
She ordered two Halloween set meals, then joined the others.
When Penelope sat beside Alexander, she stared at Kate as if remembering something important.
Tension filled the air again.
Just then, Madam Rosmerta arrived with a tray—saving them.
"Here you go—your set meals." She placed two plates down: one stacked with sandwiches, and two small pumpkins with straw stems poking out.
"Penelope, look! Even the pumpkin juice looks like actual pumpkins," Alexander said cheerfully, trying to lighten the mood.
"It really does," Penelope agreed, before narrowing her eyes. "But Kate—how did you even get into Hogsmeade? I'm very curious."
End of Chapter 11
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