Thick Of It

The Three Broomsticks was alive with its usual hum of chatter and clinking mugs as students and villagers gathered to enjoy the rare cheer of a Hogsmeade weekend. The warm, buttery aroma of butterbeer filled the air, mingling with the soft crackle of the fire in the corner hearth. Ron, Hermione, and Harry were huddled around a small wooden table, their butterbeer mugs in front of them.

Ron's face was flushed—not just from the warmth of the pub but from the rant he was delivering with full sibling indignation.

Ron: [grumbling into his mug] "Mate, I can't believe that slick git is making moves on my sister."

Hermione: [sighing heavily] "Oh, Ron, you're overreacting. She's got her own life, you know. She can date whoever she wants."

Ron: [indignant] "But I'm her brother! I've got a right to be upset. And I can't believe that fucker is supposed to be my friend! Highest form of betrayal, that is."

A familiar voice cut through the tension.

Jason: "Mate, you're blowing this way out of proportion."

The trio's heads snapped toward the entrance, where Jason stood, casually adjusting the lapels of his coat. The sunlight from the window framed him dramatically—probably unintentionally—but it gave him an air of someone who had no business looking this cool on a Saturday.

Hermione: [jumping up with a delighted smile] "Jason! What are you doing here?"

She crossed the space quickly and wrapped him in a tight hug. Jason returned it with an amused smirk.

Jason: "Oh, you know, just some work-related stuff. Thought I'd drop by and see how my favorite Gryffindors are doing."

Jason slid into a seat beside them, taking a moment to survey the bustling room before focusing back on his friends.

Harry: [curious] "So, how's the Ministry treating you? You're working with them now, yeah?"

Jason: [leaning back comfortably] "It's… progress. Let's leave it at that."

Jason: [grinning] "So, tell me, what's new in your world?"

Ron: [perking up] "I made the Quidditch team!"

Jason: [raising a hand for a high five] "That's what I'm talking about, mate! Bloody brilliant. Tell me everything."

Before Ron could dive into a monologue about his practice sessions, Professor Slughorn's unmistakable voice rang out.

Slughorn: "Harry, my boy!"

The portly professor approached their table, his jovial demeanor as prominent as his mustache.

Harry: [politely] "Hello, Professor. Nice to see you."

Slughorn's sharp eyes zeroed in on Jason.

Slughorn: "And who is this fine young man?"

Harry: "Professor, this is Jason Bourne—our ex-classmate."

Slughorn's face lit up with recognition.

Slughorn: "Jason Bourne? The Jason Bourne? Everyone knows you! Shame I only missed teaching you by a year."

Jason: [with a modest shrug] "That's unfortunate, sir. I could've learned so much from you. But I promise you didn't miss much on my end."

Jason: [grinning slyly] "If it weren't for the… extracurricular activities at Hogwarts, Harry, Hermione, and Ron would've surpassed me easily. Ron might already be playing for the national team by now."

Slughorn: [chuckling heartily] "Oh, you flatter them. You must join my little supper party sometime."

Jason: [politely] "I'd love to, but the workload's a bit heavy at the moment."

Slughorn: "Ah, busy. I understand, I understand. Any progress catching those dreadful Death Eaters?"

Jason: [with a wry smile] "We're getting closer, sir. Step by step."

Slughorn: [nodding sagely] "Good, good. Keep at it." [turning to Harry] "Now, Harry, I'll see you at my party. Granger you can come also .Don't be late!"

With that, Slughorn waddled off, leaving the group to their conversation. Jason turned to Harry, one eyebrow raised.

Jason: "So, what's the deal with him? He's got that twinkle in his eye like he's up to something."

Harry: [sighing] "Dumbledore told me to get close to him. Some… mission."

Jason: [frowning] "Speaking of Dumbledore, have you seen him? I've been trying to contact him, but he's like a ghost lately."

Harry: [shaking his head] "He's traveling. Not been at Hogwarts much."

Jason: [leaning back thoughtfully] "I see. Let him know I need to talk to him if you see him."

The conversation shifted to lighter topics, with Ron recounting Quidditch tales and Harry lamenting his potions classes.

Ron: [grinning smugly] "Harry's acing Potions now, thanks to that old book of his."

Hermione: [rolling her eyes] "Only because that book's practically cheating. It's not fair."

Jason pulled a notebook out of his coat with a smirk.

Jason: "Here, Hermione. Take mine. No cheating involved—it's just good notes."

Before Hermione could protest, Ron snatched the book.

Ron: "Thanks, mate. I'll take it."

Hermione: [indignant] "Ron!"

Jason laughed as Ron clutched the book protectively.

Jason: [to Harry] "Anyway, as for the Death Eaters, we almost caught Greyback raiding Ollivanders. Missed him by seconds."

Harry: [frustrated] "Damn. Sirius keeps talking about rejoining the Aurors."

Jason: [seriously] "Tell him not to. The Ministry's riddled with moles. It's too dangerous."

Hermione's brows knitted in concern.

Hermione: "Jason, are you sure you're alright? You're taking on so much."

Jason flashed her a grin, though there was a shadow of weariness in his eyes.

Jason: "I'm good, Hermione. Don't worry about me. It's nice that I don't have to deal with too much paperwork, though."

The group laughed lightly, though Hermione's worry lingered. The warmth of the Three Broomsticks provided a small respite from the storm raging outside—both literally and figuratively.