Chapter 457 - Reimburs.e.m.e.nt (1/2)
After the Great Hall was cleaned up after the miscreants were rounded up, the figure of Caretaker Argus Filch can be seen making his way from Hogwarts to the Hogs Head Inn. His back was slightly hunched, and his normally pasty face looked better than usual. His bulging pale eyes are softer this evening with the knowledge that the brats would soon be gone from the castle, but his cheeks are as sunk as ever.
Argus's thin gray hair is neatly gelled back, while his bulbous, purple nose is clean. Wearing a neat black suit, he strolls confidently down the path to Hogsmeade with the firm knowledge that Mrs. Norris would take care of the castle as he was away. He didn't put it past the snot-nosed brats to try something on the last day of the term before they left tomorrow!
With care, he quickly made his way down to Hogs Head Inn, where he'd arranged to meet with Mr. Prince. Argus nervously licks his lips as he recalls the letter requesting his presence that evening in a place of his choosing to meet. On such short notice, the only place he could think of was the Hogs Head Inn.
Though he now more than amply regretted such a rash response. How could he have requested to meet such a prestigious wizard in such a dingy pub?! It was simply absurd! But it was much too late now, he couldn't rescind the offer.
All too soon, Argus found himself standing before the door of the Hogs Head Inn. With a bit of a gulp, he stepped inside to find the ambiance as normal as usual. Almost physically wincing at the rough speech and smoke-filled place, he dimly thinks to himself, ”Mr. Prince will be so disappointed with me.”
Pulling his suit coat tighter around himself, Argus glances around until he spots an empty area in the pub that has been given a rather large berth. In fact, all those seated nearby were stiff and were uneasy. They seemed to be in a rather strange hurry to finish their drinks and scurry away at the first chance they got.
Squinting his eyes, Argus manages to glimpse the tall, slender figure of Reginald Prince seated in the said corner of the pub through the smoky air. Hurrying forward not even stopping for a pint, Argus quickly comes to a halt before Reginald Prince. ”I am so sorry for my tardiness, sir!” Argus said as he bowed his head in sincere regret.
”It is the night of the feast,” Reginald Prince calmly explained. ”Allowances are to be expected when taking into account the duties of the Hogwarts Caretaker.”
”Er, yes!” Argus said with relief and hastily sat down across from Reginald Prince. Feeling his mouth very dry again, he swallows, ”Er, sir, may I know as to the nature of your business?” He truly hoped it wasn't anything related to his younger brother. Not that he could stop the old Prince from acting out. But at least he could warn his brother to flee if given the chance.
”You did a favor to my granddaughter,” Reginald matter-of-factually stated. ”We the Prince's do not owe any debts, what would you like in exchange for thy services?”
”It was nothing, sir!” Argus fiercely protested. ”I'd have done that for any of the other students!” This was somewhat true, but not that he had to be grateful that he saved the snot-nosed brats! And not that he'd ever admitted it, but he rather liked Rowan Prince.
”I am well aware of what kind of character you possess, Argus Filch,” Reginald coolly explained. ”However, that being said, we are Prince's, and we do not owe any debts. So, I will ask again, name your price.”
Argus's pasty face pales even more causing his already bulging pale eyes to bulge even more. Shivering, with dread he realizes that he cannot refuse the request. Speaking out his thoughts on the subject, he replies in a quivering voice, ”Sir, I have no need of money. But the Society for Support for Squibs is always looking for patrons. If you would become a patron, I think it would greatly help the cause.”