Hogwarts: I Am Such a Model Wizard

Chapter 375: A Long-Awaited Visiting Day

By lunchtime, the new Beater had been chosen: Mikel. He had a solid understanding of Quidditch rules and good flying technique, having studied the game in depth. These qualities helped him secure the spot, and Cedric promptly decided he would take Wrightʼs place as Hufflepuff’s new Beater.

When Ryan heard the news, he turned green with envy. He had tried out for the Keeper position but ultimately lost to a fifth-year student due to a slightly slower reaction time. Meanwhile, Mikel was ecstatic, immediately offering to buy lunch for the whole team in the Great Hall.

After their first team practice, Kyle returned to the Hufflepuff common room, seeking the comfort of a warm armchair by the fireplace. The rain had started after midday, and despite his warming badge, the October chill seeped through, making the cozy fire especially inviting. The common room buzzed with excited chatter, the noise almost overwhelming.

“What’s all this about?” he asked Kanna, who was seated nearby, completing star charts for her Astronomy class.

“First weekend to Hogsmeade,” Kanna replied, pointing to a notice posted on the board. “It’s scheduled for the end of October, the night before Halloween.”

“Perfect,” said Cedric, squeezing past. “I’m heading to Dervish & Banges for a broom-handling kit. Mine isn’t turning as smoothly as it used to.”

Kyle was pleased too. A trip to Hogsmeade was one of the few outings Hogwarts students had to look forward to. Although he knew of secret passageways to Hogsmeade and had snuck there several times with Fred and George, he’d been more cautious since Professor McGonagall caught them at The Three Broomsticks last time.

And this year, sneaking around was even riskier with Dementors stationed at the school. Thankfully, under Dumbledore’s orders, the Dementors kept mostly to Hogwarts’ entrances, but things were different in Hogsmeade, especially with reports of Sirius Black sighted nearby. Shopkeepers had even complained in The Daily Prophet, demanding the Ministry control the Dementors and stop them from drifting into shops. But it had little effect. The Ministry was indifferent, and Dementors didn’t read newspapers. Encountering one while sneaking around Hogsmeade was far worse than getting caught by a professor.

The next day, the students’ excitement for the Hogsmeade visit was evident. In Herbology class, everyone chattered about their plans, and Professor Sprout had to dock two students’ points to bring the class back to focus.

“I know you’re all eager to visit Honeydukes,” Professor Sprout said sternly, “but our lesson today is just as important. Remember, Belladonna is a dangerous and poisonous plant, and you must handle its pollen with caution—unless, of course, you’d prefer to spend Halloween in the Hospital Wing.”

“Now, put on your protective gloves…”

Professor Sprout’s warning had the desired effect. Hearing the word “poisonous” made everyone more cautious, and they hurried to grab the gloves on the table. Professor Sprout watched them with satisfaction.

Unbeknownst to the students, the plants they handled in the greenhouse were rarely at their most dangerous. For example, the mandrake plants they’d worked with last year were still juveniles; once they matured and their cries became lethal, Professor Sprout moved them to a separate greenhouse off-limits to students.

The same was true for the Belladonna flowers they worked with now. While still yellow, their pollen could only cause a mild itch if touched. But once they turned purple, even a small amount of contact with pollen would mean more than a brief stint in the Hospital Wing—it might delay their release until Christmas.

But there was no need for the students to worry about that just yet. They could learn about the full risks after they’d returned from their Hogsmeade trip.

After Herbology class, Kyle headed back to the castle, where he ran into a downcast Harry near the entrance hall. Harry was walking with his head lowered, so distracted he nearly knocked over a suit of armor.

“Hey, kid, watch where you’re going!” a portrait shouted from above. “That’s my favorite armor!”

Harry didn’t respond, just turned and continued walking toward the Great Hall.

“What’s wrong with him?” Kyle asked, noting Harryʼs mood.

“No one signed his permission form,” explained Hermione, who was walking beside him. “Professor McGonagall won’t let him go to Hogsmeade.”

“That’s just being inflexible!” Ron burst out. “Professor McGonagall knows his aunt and uncle are muggles, and they hate anything related to magic. They’d never sign his permission form. But if she just gave permission herself, that’d be that…”

“Professor McGonagall is doing the right thing!” Hermione argued, annoyed. “Let’s not forget that Black has already been spotted nearby.”

“Black isn’t stupid; he’s not going to go wandering around Hogsmeade,” Ron countered.

“Oh, only you would think that!” snapped Hermione. “Kyle, what do you think?”

All eyes turned to Kyle—Harry’s included, his expression hopeful yet resigned. Kyle felt caught off guard. Wasn’t this about Harry? How did this suddenly shift to him?

He thought for a moment before replying, “I think Hermione has a point. On the day of the Hogsmeade visit, the Dementors will be on standby there, making it easier for them to guard the village. But if Black does want to try anything, that would be his best chance.”

“See?” Hermione said, turning to Ron with a satisfied look.

Ron muttered something under his breath, clearly unconvinced, but Harry’s expression remained somber. The fact was, Professor McGonagall had refused his request, and unless Uncle Vernon showed up at Hogwarts to sign his form—which was obviously impossible—nothing could be done.

Kyle’s reasoning gave Harry a small, if bitter, rationale for staying behind. If Sirius Black was out there looking for him, he would indeed be safer at Hogwarts. For now, that was the only way he could try to accept it.

“Cheer up, there’s still the feast,” Ron said encouragingly. “The Halloween feast—something to look forward to.”

“Yeah, that’s true,” Harry replied, attempting a small smile, though his enthusiasm remained subdued.