By lunchtime, the new Beater had already been selected, and it was Mikel.
The Quidditch books he read were not in vain; he had basically mastered the rules. Plus, he flew well, which helped him make it to the final selection.
Cedric immediately made the decision that he would take Wright's place as Hufflepuff's new Beater.
Upon hearing this news, Ryan's eyes turned red with envy.
He had previously competed for the Keeper position but narrowly lost on reaction speed to a fifth-year student.
Mikel, however, was quite pleased and grandly announced that he would treat everyone to lunch in the Auditorium.
After the first team practice ended, Kael quickly returned to the Hufflepuff Common Room and found an armchair near the fireplace to sit in.
It had started raining since noon.
The October rain, even with a Warm-Up Badge, still felt cold. It was much more comfortable near the warm fireplace.
The Common Room was bustling with lots of people chattering away.
"What's going on?" he asked Conna, who was sitting in an armchair next to him, working on two astronomy charts.
"First weekend trip to Hogsmeade," Conna pointed to a notice on the bulletin board, "at the end of October, just before Halloween."
"Awesome," Cedric squeezed in from behind, "I want to visit Dervish & Banges and buy a broom-trimming kit. It feels like its steering isn't as agile as before."
Kael was also pretty thrilled; shopping in Hogsmeade was one of the few student activities available.
Even though he knew the secret passageways to Hogsmeade and had been there many times, they had been much more cautious ever since they were caught red-handed by Professor McGonagall at the Three Broomsticks.
And with Dementors around this year, they're even less likely to sneak there.
Since Dumbledore was around, the Dementors were somewhat polite at school, merely guarding the entrances, but it was different in Hogsmeade.
Especially after Sirius Black was sighted nearby…
The shopkeepers had complained multiple times in the "Daily Prophet," urging the Ministry of Magic to keep the Dementors in check, at least to stop them from randomly barging into shops.
But to little effect.
The Ministry of Magic didn't care, and the Dementors… they didn't read newspapers.
If they happen to sneak to Hogsmeade and run into Dementors, that would be much more troublesome than encountering a professor.
The next day, everyone was excited because of the news about the Hogsmeade weekend visit, and during Herbology Class, many were discussing where to have fun on that day.
Professor Sprout had to dock points from two people to calm the excitement.
"I know you're all looking forward to Honeydukes Sweet Shop, but today's lesson is equally important."
Professor Sprout said loudly, "I must remind you that Belladonna Flowers are toxic and dangerous, and you must stay fully focused when collecting pollen… unless you plan to spend Halloween in the Hospital Wing.
"Now, put on your protective gloves…"
Professor Sprout's words were effective. Hearing about the toxicity, everyone became much more tense and quickly grabbed the gloves laid out on the desks.
Seeing everyone become tense, Professor Sprout nodded in satisfaction.
She had left out the rest of her sentence.
As long as the plants in the greenhouse were concerned, there was no risk of serious danger.
Like the Mandrakes from last year, they were in their juvenile stage. When their cries became deadly, Professor Sprout would transfer them to another greenhouse.
That area was not open to students.
The Belladonna Flowers this time were the same.
They were still yellow; even if someone accidentally got pollen on them, they would just itch for a few days, with no need to go to the Hospital Wing.
Only when they turned purple would they be truly dangerous. Then, getting pollen on them would not only cause them to spend Halloween in the Hospital Wing but to be lucky even to be out by Christmas.
But this content wasn't needed for the time being, and it could be taught after they returned from Hogsmeade.
After Herbology Class, there were no more classes in the morning.
Kael returned to the castle and ran into Harry, who was looking downcast, near the entrance. He was walking with his head down and almost knocked over a suit of armor in the corridor.
"Hey, kid, watch where you're walking!"
A portrait above shouted, "This is my favorite armor!"
Harry didn't say a word, turned, and continued walking toward the Auditorium.
"What's up with him?" Kael asked.
"His permission form didn't have a signature," Hermione explained, who was with him. "Professor McGonagall wouldn't let him go to Hogsmeade?"
"She's too much of a rule-follower!" Ron couldn't help but say, "Professor McGonagall knows perfectly well that Harry's aunt and uncle are Muggles and despise anything related to Magic. They would never sign Harry's permission form.
Just one word from her, and the matter would be resolved…"
"Professor McGonagall is right!" Hermione retorted, annoyed, "Don't forget about Black. He has been spotted nearby once already."
"Black's no fool; he's not going to make a reckless move in Hogsmeade," Ron said.
"Only you would think that!" Hermione snapped, "Ask Kael if you don't believe me; see what he thinks."
Their gazes simultaneously landed on Kael… no, three pairs of eyes, including Harry, who also looked up at Kael.
Uh… wasn't this about Harry? How did the conversation suddenly shift to him?
Kael thought for a moment and said, "I think Hermione makes a good point. On visiting day, the Dementors in Hogsmeade would be moved. If Black wanted to do something, that would be the perfect opportunity."
"You see," Hermione said, raising her head.
Ron mumbled a few words, still feeling that they were making a fuss over nothing.
Harry's expression didn't change much.
After all, Professor McGonagall had already clearly refused his request. Unless Uncle Vernon came to Hogwarts to sign his form, nothing more could be done.
This was obviously impossible.
Kael's words at least provided him with a reasonable excuse not to go.
Sirius Black was searching for him, so staying at Hogwarts would be safer…
Now Harry was only left to convince himself of this.
"Cheer up; there's still the feast," Ron said, trying to lift Harry's spirits, "The Halloween Eve feast is in the evening."
"Yeah, that's indeed nice," said Harry, though he didn't seem too excited.