"Quite a creative idea. Look at these adorable little things," Dumbledore said with interest, peering through his half-moon spectacles at the miniature figures flying mid-air.
"Professor, does Professor Lupin have to resign?" Harry asked anxiously.
"I'm afraid Remus has already made up his mind," Dumbledore replied.
Harry looked a bit dejected, but he quickly perked up again. "That's alright! We'll come to visit you every Hogsmeade weekend! And during the summer, I'll move in right away!"
"Oh, Harry." Dumbledore looked at him. "Actually, I came here today to talk to you about this. You can't live with Sirius and the others. For certain reasons, you still need to stay with the Dursleys."
"Why?!" Harry exclaimed, as if someone had punched him. Even Sirius glared at Dumbledore.
Dumbledore waved his wand, casting a soundproof barrier around them. Orli could only see Dumbledore's lips moving, but she couldn't hear anything. Harry's face turned from pale to ashen, then froze stiffly in place. Sirius placed a comforting hand on Harry's shoulder, seemingly trying to console him.
Dumbledore moved his wand again, and the invisible barrier seemed to vanish. Orli only caught the tail end of Sirius's words: "...I'll come and get you."
Harry's face brightened again, as if he had found hope.
"Alright, I'll take my leave now. With me here, nobody can fully relax. Honeydukes is waiting for me to clear out their stock," Dumbledore said with a chuckle, waving goodbye to everyone. But then, his gaze shifted to Orli.
"Orli, if you've finished your drink, could you step outside with me for a moment? I have something to discuss."
Orli quickly finished her drink in a few big gulps and hopped off her high stool. "Alright, Professor. Let's go."
Summer in Hogsmeade wasn't too hot, with a pleasant breeze and overcast skies, making outdoor activities quite enjoyable. Dumbledore led her toward Honeydukes, chatting casually along the way. But Orli felt there must be more to this than just a stroll.
Sure enough, after turning two corners, Orli spotted Snape standing in a dark alley near Honeydukes. He looked impatient and annoyed.
"Severus, have you been waiting long?" Dumbledore asked cheerfully. "You should've joined me at Prongs earlier. The place is wonderfully decorated."
"I would never set foot in that place in my lifetime," Snape said with deep disdain. "Nor do I want to see the people inside that pub."
"You're as stubborn as ever," Dumbledore said, his smile fading.
Snape stepped closer to Dumbledore. "Sirius Black nearly killed me when he was sixteen," he said in a low voice. "You haven't forgotten that, have you, Headmaster? You haven't forgotten his foolish 'little prank,' tricking me into going to the Shrieking Shack during a full moon?"
"My memory is as sharp as ever, Severus," Dumbledore replied calmly.
Orli stood silently nearby, pursing her lips. The lingering sweetness of apple juice still clung to them, and she tried hard to lick away the sugar, not wanting any trace of the pub to remain on her.
"You made me stand here like a fool just to bring her along?" Snape exhaled sharply, sounding thoroughly annoyed.
"Yes, Severus. I noticed you haven't discussed summer plans with Orli yet," Dumbledore said, giving Snape a warning look.
"I... was about to," Snape said, looking increasingly impatient.
"Waters, if you have no other plans for the summer, join me in researching improvements to the Wolfsbane Potion," Snape said brusquely.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
Welcome to visit my Patreon, read the early chapters, and enjoy your reading!
patreon.com/DarkGolds