Hogwarts Outsider

Chapter 147: “Rescue”

The cacophony reverberating from the Pigs Head Bar, the explosive release of spells, and the ensuing screams and frantic footsteps managed to draw nearly half of Hogsmeade Village to its vicinity.

Several nearby businesses, a few curious villagers, and even several Hogwarts students all approached to investigate.

Mr. Percival, whats going on? Mr. Rosmerta, the proprietor of the Three Broomsticks, mingled in the gathering crowd, inquiring with evident curiosity.

Damn thief Tom! Mr. Percival growled with anger at the bars entrance. He pilfered a hundred Galleons from me blasted scoundrel took the money and fled right under my nose

The other business owners exchanged puzzled glances.

They had all been neighbors of Mr. Percival for decades, and while they may not have liked his cantankerous demeanor or his refusal to engage with others, they couldnt deny that the old pig-headed bartender wasnt malicious.

It was hard to imagine him framing someone without reason.

Whats more, the new bartender, Tom, had a rat-like demeanor.

He had been in Hogsmeade for over half a year, frequently behaving suspiciously. No one really liked him.

Several neighbors hastened to offer words of consolation to Mr. Percival, urging him not to be too distraught given the relatively minor loss.

Mr. Rosmerta advised Mr. Percival to contact the Ministry of Magic swiftly in an attempt to recover his funds.

I dont trust those Ministry ****! Mr. Percival snapped irritably. I still remember, twenty years ago, one of my goats was stolen. After reporting it to the Ministry, they insisted I had simply misplaced it

As he spoke, he hung a Temporary Closed sign on the door before forcefully shutting it.

The onlookers could only offer a helpless shrug.

The victims werent willing to involve the Ministry of Magic, and no one else wished to say anything on their behalf.

With a smile and a bit of chit-chat, they dispersed and went about their own business.

The witch who had just launched an attack on Tom Riddle had transformed back from her cat form and now appeared in her true human shape.

She wore an emerald green robe, and her square-framed glasses framed her stern gaze.

Her black hair was tied tightly in a bun, lending her an air of seriousness.

Everything okay, Aberforth? she inquired softly.

Absolutely fine, Minerva, Mr. Percival responded. Ive been around for over sixty years, after all. My reputation still holds What about the boy?

He sounded somewhat anxious.

Hes in the Tom room, the witch replied. It shouldnt pose much of a problem Aberforth, you need to be cautious. Tom is quite powerful. I managed to land a hit, but it wasnt substantial. And if it hadnt been for the element of surprise, neither of us would stand a chance against him. If he returns and retaliates

Hes a coward, Mr. Percival sneered. He thought I hadnt seen through his charade. The truth is, I figured out his ulterior motive the very day he arrived in Hogsmeade.

Thats why I employed him. Believe me, he wont dare to return here. Hes terrified of Grindelwald andll assume were aligned with Grindelwald. He lacks the guts to come back

Still, be cautious, the witch advised softly.

She walked over to the Pigs Head Bars window and opened it halfway.

Ill be on my way, Aberforth. I have pressing matters to attend to, she conveyed.

Very well, take care!

With that, the witchs form gradually shrank, eventually transforming into a cat.

Swiftly, she exited the Pigs Head Bar at a rapid pace.

Mr. Percival headed toward the basement.

Tom Riddles room was in disarray, filled with strange contraptions. In one grimy corner lay a comatose boy.

Mr. Percival bent down, lifted the boy, and carried him to the main area.

Surveying the aftermath of the earlier battle, Mr. Percival frowned.

Levioso.

With a gentle wave of his wand, the furniture floated back to its original position, reconstructing the room mid-air.

The oil lamp drifted to a small table against the wall and rekindled. All the damage, tears, and disarray were neatly undone.

Everything was reinstated to its prior state.

He then directed his wand at the unconscious boy, Rennervate!

The boy stirred, his brow furrowing as he woke.

Matthew regarded his surroundings in astonishment.

As far as he could recall, he had fallen into a coma within the secret passage connecting the Shrieking Shack and Hogwarts.

At that time, Tom Riddle had already apprehended him

However, he found himself within a confined, dingy little pub with centuries-old history.

Filth coated everything, an odd odor permeating the air.

Dim candles cast flickering light across the rough wooden tables.

Virtually everything in sight was shabby; the floor to the ceiling, even the butterbeer bottles, were layered with thick ash.

It was undoubtedly the Pigs Head Bar!

When he lifted his gaze, he encountered a grotesque, scarred visage the countenance of the pubs owner.

The old mans face bore numerous scars as if he had been severely disfigured.

Recognition dawned on MatthewMr. Percival, the Pigs Head proprietor.

Mr. Percival Matthew struggled, raising himself from the ground.

Why am I here? he queried, bewildered.

Im just as puzzled why you fainted at my bars doorstep for no reason! The surly man retorted with a fierce glare. If it werent for gossip, I wouldnt have let you in.

I fainted at the Pigs Head Bars entrance? Matthews mind reeled, yet he couldnt grasp the situation.

Yes, and youve inconvenienced me greatly, the old man scowled, Now that youre awake hurry up and get out!

Still grappling with confusion, Matthew was forcibly pulled to his feet by Mr. Percival and hustled outside.

But rather than departing through the front entrance, they exited via the bars rear.

Mr. Percival pushed Matthew out, closing the door with a resounding thud.

Left standing alone, Matthew remained baffled.

Doubt crept in as he pondered, perhaps it had all been a dream.