The summer vacation finally came to an end, and Alaric, accompanied by Hermione and Cho Chang, boarded the train to Hogwarts.
Although it was just a simple journey back to Hogwarts by train, for Cho Chang, the newly crowned Quidditch World Cup champion Seeker, it was quite a hassle.
Upon entering Platform Nine and Three-Quarters, she was immediately recognized by the young wizards of Hogwarts.
Instead of boarding the train right away, they surrounded her on the platform, akin to fans welcoming an idol at the airport.
Cho Chang was trapped on the platform for a full half-hour. During this time, she had to shake hands and sign autographs for every young wizard who approached her.
Those who received her autograph treated it as a precious treasure, eagerly hiding it away.
It wasn't until Alaric arrived at the station and used magic to disperse the crowd that the sweaty Cho Chang was finally rescued.
But that wasn't the end of it.
After the three of them, along with Cho Chang's friend Marietta, entered a compartment, the area outside immediately became bustling.
Many people today seemed to enjoy observing Cho and Hermione through the glass, as if they were animals in a zoo.
Occasionally, bold wizards would push open the door and ask for autographs from Hermione and Cho.
Indeed, both girls had been in the spotlight this summer; Hermione won the Dueling Contest championship, while Cho was the champion Seeker of the Quidditch World Cup, acknowledged as the most outstanding player in the entire team.
Later, Alaric impatiently used magic to lock the compartment door.
No matter how hard they pushed or attempted unlocking spells, they couldn't open it, finally granting them some peace and quiet.
During their conversation, they also mentioned the events that occurred outside the camp that night.
Immediately after that night, Cho was hastily taken home by her parents who arrived urgently, and Hermione also returned home with her, so they didn't learn about everything that happened from Alaric.
However, although the Daily Prophet mentioned the accident at the camp and the appearance of certain bodies, the Ministry of Magic clearly remained silent about the entire incident.
But Marietta, who was at the scene that night, knew some of the complete truth—her mother worked at the Ministry of Magic and knew some insider information.
"... Those Death Eaters ran as soon as they saw dark magic. They Disapparated one by one in a hurry before my mom and the others could get close enough to unmask them.
However, they did catch the family and prevented those Muggles from hitting the ground. Now their memories are being altered."
Marietta vividly described to the other two girls what happened that night.
"But," Hermione curiously asked, "what do the followers of the mysterious person want by hanging Muggles in mid-air? I mean, what's the point?"
"The point?" Marietta chuckled and said, "Miss Granger, you don't understand. That's just their way of having fun.
When the mysterious person was in power in the past, half of the time they killed Muggles just for amusement.
My mom said they probably had a few drinks that night and couldn't resist reminding us: they still have many people out there enjoying themselves. They had a pleasant little gathering."
As she continued, her tone turned disgusted.
"But if they are Death Eaters, why did they Disapparate as soon as they saw the Dark Mark?" Cho Chang asked, "They should be happy to see it, right?"
"If they are indeed Death Eaters, after the downfall of the mysterious person, they would do everything possible to avoid being sent to Azkaban.
And would fabricate all sorts of lies, saying they were forced by the mysterious person to kill and torture others," Alaric explained, teasingly toying with the ribbon in his hair.
"I bet they are more afraid of seeing Voldemort return than normal wizards.
After the downfall of the mysterious person, they denied any connection to him and resumed their normal lives... I don't think the mysterious person would be pleased with them, do you?"
"So... the person who conjured the Dark Mark..." Hermione said slowly, "did they do it to show support for the Death Eaters or to scare them away?"
"The Ministry of Magic is also speculating like that, Hermione," Marietta said, "but my mom said only Death Eaters know how to conjure that mark.
She's sure the person who conjured it used to be a Death Eater, although maybe not anymore."
The train continued northward, the rain getting heavier and more intense.
The sky was pitch black, and the windows were covered with moisture, so lanterns were lit even during broad daylight.
Next door, there was a burst of argument as Malfoy showed off Ron Weasley's formal wear to everyone.
This semester's Christmas would be spent at Hogwarts, with a grand Christmas party rumored to be held, so every young wizard had to prepare formal wear.
Ron's formal wear was quite an old piece, with lace cuffs that seemed to have grown moldy, almost a hundred years old in style.
He also mentioned some special activities at the school this semester.
"What activities are those?" Cho asked Marietta, always eager for gossip, knowing her friend's mother worked at the Ministry of Magic and often had insider information.
However, even Marietta could only shrug.
"I don't know what activities there will be exactly. When my mom was preparing my formal wear, she was always so secretive. By the way, have you prepared your formal wear?"
"I... I haven't prepared formal wear," Cho looked visibly panicked, glancing at Alaric.
"Alaric said, as part of my championship prize, he's in charge of my formal wear."
"So is mine!" Hermione blurted out. "He also said he would prepare formal wear for me as a champion's gift."
The two girls looked at each other in surprise, each seeing the dissatisfaction in the other's eyes, then they both looked at Alaric simultaneously.
Alaric hadn't expected this matter to be brought up so soon, looking somewhat embarrassed.
"Uh... I've already designed your formal wear. Madame Malkin will be responsible for tailoring it, using the finest fabrics.
But it takes some time, you'll get it before Christmas," Alaric explained awkwardly, "I just wanted you to look stunning, you know, I'm somewhat confident in my designs."
In fact, it wasn't really a design, just some products taken from the future.
The girls reluctantly accepted Alaric's explanation, but the fact that he had arranged similar gifts for both of them still made them angry.
They silently agreed not to speak to Alaric until they got off the train.
The atmosphere in the compartment immediately became awkward, with only Himari moving around the entire carriage as if nothing had happened.
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