Returning Home

Richard entered the dark and shabby pub and headed towards the counter. Despite its fame, the Leaky Cauldron was quite deserted, as it was still morning. A few men were occupying the tables in the shadows of the corners, who had apparently still not recovered from a very active night. One of them, a bald lad in his mid twenties, in a semi-conscious state, was still holding a half full glass of Blishen's Firewhiskey.

Approaching the bar, Richard waited for the old landlady to finish talking with one of her other customers before calling her. "Good morning Richard" she greeted him in a kind yet tired voice. "Can I offer you some of our Leaky House Soup?"
"No thanks, Hannah. I'll just have a Butterbeer" Richard responded with a smile.
A few moments later, she returned with a large foaming tankard in her hand. "Thank you" Richard said, having a sip of the hot drink, which was perfectly suited for this cold and rainy day. "So what brings you here this early?" the landlady inquired.
After depositing his cup on the counter, he explained: "I'm meeting with my colleague. We are going to Hogwarts to interview the headmaster and a few professors for the Daily Prophet, and we were wondering if we could use your fireplace to get there."
"Of course, of course, deary." the old woman reassured.

At the same time, a loud noise indicated that the door of the pub had been opened. Turning around, Richard glanced at the entrance to see if Thalia had arrived.

Thalia entered the Inn, even more ravishing than usually, as she was wearing a radiant peach coloured gown for the occasion. Richard silently observed her approach the counter. "Hi, Richard!" she greeted him once she was done chatting with Hannah. "Hey Thalia" he replied. "You look great." he complimented her with a smile, glancing at her dress.
"Are you set for our trip?" Richard inquired after taking another sip of his Butterbeer, glad to notice that she seemed as excited as him at the thought of returning to Hogwarts.

"We can leave as soon as you finish your drink." Richard replied after putting his empty cup of Butterbeer on the counter. "And yes, Hannah kindly agreed to let us use her fireplace. I hope the journey won't dirty your dress." he added jokingly, showing the other end of the bar. "Unfortunately, I have been informed that they don't let people come directly to Hogwarts via Floo Network anymore. Security measures, you know. So we have to travel to the Three Broomsticks in Hogsmeade and then walk to the Castle." he explained.

A few minutes later, Hannah led them to the fireplace. "I believe you know how this works, dearies." she gently declared, giving them a pot filled with a glittery, silver powder. "Good luck with your interviews. Oh, and please say hello to the Fat Friar for me if you cross his path." she added with a smile, her gaze seemingly lost in the reminiscence of some old memory. "Of course" Richard assured, "and thank you for everything". The old lady nodded and slowly returned to the counter. "After you." Richard announced, inviting Thalia to step in the fireplace while handing her the pot of Floo Powder.

Thalia disappeared immediately after walking into the fireplace. Grabbing a handful of powder from the pot, Richard tossed it into the flames and waited. A few moments later, they turned emerald green, indicating that he could safely enter. "Three Broomsticks Inn, Hogsmeade." he stated loudly and clearly as the harmless flames were provoking a funny feeling along his legs. Keeping his elbows close to his body, Richard witnessed countless fireplaces and hearths zooming past, yet he was unable to clearly see where they were leading as they were just following one another at tremendous speed.

Reaching his destination at last, he emerged from the fireplace and found himself in the familiar Inn. Sweeping the dust off his clothes, he took a moment to look around, as he hadn't visited this place in years. Not much had changed, expect for the fact that the always warm and crowded tavern was now nearly empty. "Thank you, Mark. That's so kind of you." he heard Thalia say, speaking to a man he recognized as the Innkeeper. He remembered him from his student years and his visits to Hogsmeade, but he didn't know him as well as his colleague. Still a bit dizzy from the Floo Network trip, he approached the two of them.

"Nice to meet you" Richard kindly declared, shaking the innkeeper's hand. "Let's go home, Richard." Thalia said after informing Mark that they had to leave. Stepping outside, the two of them journeyed into the cold morning breeze, on their way to the Castle. Having crossed this bath countless times in his school years, Richard knew by heart the sinuous road leading to the imposing Entrance Gates.

"Have you met the new headmaster, Owen Gray?" Richard suddenly inquired, glancing at his colleague. "He used to work at the ministry before being offered the position."