Hogwarts Outsider

Chapter 118: “Stranger”

A sudden intrusion into the compartment revealed a tall, slender young wizard.

His visage held an air of gauntness, a slightly elongated nose, and a hint of paleness.

Surveying the occupants with a stern nod, the stranger claimed the last available seat without ado.

Hmm Hermione cleared her throat, cautiously inquiring, May we ask, sir

Before she could conclude her query, the stranger swiftly interjected, his tone frigid and dismissive, I am the new instructor at Hogwarts!

His utterance carried a chill that seemed to distance any further engagement.

Hermione, Matthew, and Neville exchanged glances, swiftly sensing the challenges that lay ahead with this enigmatic presence.

Evidently uninterested in further communication, the stranger retrieved earplugs from his pocket, firmly lodging them in his ears.

He then retrieved an eye mask

Ultimately, he settled against the window, stilled as if plunged into a deep slumber.

Matthew, Hermione, and Neville instinctively distanced themselves from the enigmatic stranger.

A new professor? Neville questioned, a furrow etched onto his brow.

He gazed upon the seemingly lifeless figure, inquiring softly, Do we know which subject he teaches?

Im uncertain, Hermione whispered, Transfiguration, perhaps. But lets not jump to conclusions; there could be other possibilities.

Nevilles remark stirred Hermiones sense of his deliberate provocations.

Though she refrained from verbalizing her thoughts, a subtle pout revealed her sentiments.

Warily regarding the dozing stranger, the trio upheld an unspoken pact to maintain a safe distance from him.

Recollections of the prior year surfaceda popular metamorphosis instructor, later exposed as a Vampire, suspected of involvement in a series of campus attacks

Well, we can only hope, Neville murmured skeptically, Even though he doesnt strike me as dependable.

Nevilles second thought remained a hushed confession directed only at Matthew and Hermione.

Dismissing the notion, Hermione cleared her throat and offered her perspective, Remember Professor Trocar from the last term? Utterly reliable, yet harboring dark secrets! Our lesson in not judging books by their covers.

Matthews expression tightened subtly, his silent acknowledgment leaving Hermiones argument unchallenged.

Suddenly, the somnolent stranger stirred.

Anxious glances converged upon him, wary of disturbing his rest or triggering a response.

His head merely shifted, mouth parting slightly, before surrendering to renewed slumber.

Mouths sealed, the trio ceased conversing, vigilant to avoid disturbance.

The Hogwarts Express rumbled onward, traveling northward.

Vistas of lush farmland and verdant pasture gradually waned, yielding to a desolate landscape.

The sky grew overcast, dark clouds hastening the advance of the twilight.

The strangers presence infused the journey with unexpected tedium.

With an outsider now sharing their compartment, casual banter ceased.

Hesitation eclipsed hearty laughter, even when broaching topics as incendiary as the Azkaban prison escape.

Noon approached, and a dimpled smile adorned the waitress who entered their midst.

Care for some refreshments, dears?

A collective hunger roused assent.

Should we wake him? Hermione eyed the reclined professor, seemingly deep in slumber.

Nah, Neville shrugged.

Recalling the strangers aloofness upon entering, Neville reasoned, The food trolley should be stationed up front. When he wakes, he can help himself. Lets not impose.

United in agreement, the trio partook in a feast of pumpkin pie and chocolate cake.

Contentment waned, and awkward silence returned.

Matthew and Hermione delved into textbooks, absorbed in their studies.

Neville, meanwhile, redirected his attention to teasing Hermiones feline companion, Crookshanks.

Afternoon approached as a gray shroud enveloped the sky.

The train maintained its northerly course.

A gentle drizzle commenced, obscuring the panorama of endless mountains beyond the windows.

When do we anticipate arriving at Hogwarts? Neville inquired, his fatigue evident.

Relinquishing efforts to amuse Crookshanks, Neville found the creatures apathy increasingly discouraging.

At least four more hours, Matthew assessed, glancing at his watch.

Neville sighed in defeat.

Matthew shuttered Miranda Goshawks The Standard Book of Spells Grade Two.

Oh, yes, Nevilles voice piped up suddenly, bearing an epiphany, Theres something else

Hush! Hermione admonished, a finger raised to her lips, her gaze reproachful.

She gestured subtly toward the slumbering professor.

Matthews inclination mirrored Hermiones, his reading rhythm interrupted by Nevilles interruption, evoking a modicum of displeasure.

Apologies, Nevilles smile carried a sheepish air, voice hushed, I just wanted to mention that my father might be visiting this semester.

Curiosity danced in Matthews eyes, prompting Neville to elaborate.

Hes overseeing Hogwarts defense next year, Neville explained.

But isnt the Ministry deploying Dementors for that role? Hermione questioned, her brow furrowed. I recall your fathers an Auror

Just sharing a tidbit with you both; its a bit hush-hush Neville lowered his tone further, Some senior Auror officials believe Dementors lack efficacy against the fugitives. Hence, theyre sending Aurors to bolster Hogwarts defense

Intriguing, but how does that relate to the Azkaban fugitives? Matthew pondered aloud, his demeanor thoughtful, The two seem disjointed

Neville faltered, a perplexed expression shadowing his features.

Hermiones visage mirrored his bewilderment.

Matthews inquiry lingered, yet before a response could materialize, the cabins lights illuminated the aisle and luggage rack.

Simultaneously, the train decelerated, its velocity ebbing away.