Aberforth never liked places that were too bright.
So whether it was in the Pig Head Bar before or in the house in this refuge community now, there were only one or two lights left in the house.
Coupled with the thick curtains blocking the light, his home was still very dark even at dawn.
It was now afternoon, and Aberforth was counting the supplies at home in the storeroom next to the kitchen—since the most basic food and water were regularly delivered secretly by the Blois family, normal consumption was nothing to worry about for the time being. But since he has reopened the bar here and provided a place for everyone to spend time and gather together to discuss matters, then wine must be prepared, right
Unfortunately, there is not much left of the inventory he brought out from the wine cellar of the Hog's Head Bar at that time.
"... No more firewhiskey? Huh, that damn bald dog sneaked into my place again to steal some wine... If he comes back later, I will have to beat him out!"
When he saw the old man reaching out and pushing the wine barrel, the sound of liquid sloshing inside was almost gone. He immediately cursed inwardly angrily, then frowned and picked up the empty wine barrel and put it somewhere else. aside.
It was at this moment that a knock on the door suddenly sounded from the direction of the back door, and the familiar rhythm made Aberforth raise his eyebrows slightly.
"So early today?"
Unknowingly, Aberforth has gradually become accustomed to Charlotte's existence - although this little girl does not look like his sister Ariana who died long ago, and her personality is even more different. But I have to say that there are some similarities between the two in terms of care and patience in some small places.
Perhaps... this is the biggest reason why Aberforth, who doesn't like to get too close to others, can gradually accept Charlotte's help at his side!
However, it is worth mentioning that the recent Charlotte is becoming more and more similar to the introverted and silent Ariana!
"Come in!" Aberforth heard the knock on the door and responded loudly without looking back, "Is it necessary for someone who comes every day to knock on the door as if it's his first time? ?”
However, Charlotte did not give any answer. She just walked in silently from the back door of the kitchen next door, put on her apron and sleeves without saying a word, twisted a rag and went to the bar in the living room to wipe the table.
Aberforth paused for a moment, stood there and listened for a few seconds, but in the end he could only shake his head gently.
After counting all the remaining wine in the storage room, he went to the living room outside again. Seeing Charlotte still wiping the table and washing the wine glasses, he paused slightly, and then said:
"When you're ready, rest for a while. There will definitely be a lot of people coming tonight, and it will probably be very late... I'll go upstairs to catch up on some sleep. Don't call me if you have nothing to do."
After that, he turned around and walked out of the bar, heading straight for the side stairs. But before he stepped onto the first step, he heard a soft "click" from the front door again.
Because the front door hadn't been opened yet, someone probably came over and pushed the door open to make such a noise. In short, it seemed like a "guest" had also arrived early.
"I'll go."
Charlotte said softly, then put down the rag in her hand and walked towards the door. And now, the person outside started knocking on the door.
"Tuk-tuk-tuk-"
"Click."
When Charlotte drove out to take a look, she found Sirius standing outside. When he saw Charlotte, he smiled at her.
"Oh, you're here too? Good afternoon... I thought I had to go in through the back door again today. Aberforth takes a nap in the afternoon almost every day."
As he said this, he walked in very naturally. But soon, he saw Aberforth standing in front of the stairs, looking at him with an unhappy expression.
"I don't welcome people who steal alcohol here! Get out quickly, don't let me throw you out myself!"
"Hey, Aberforth, I just wanted to have a drink today as usual."
Sirius had actually just returned from Beauxbatons at this moment. If it had been anyone else, he would have immediately wanted to ask him about Madam Maxime's letter. And this is undoubtedly what he is having a headache about.
Fortunately, Aberforth was not curious about those things, so he didn't have to worry too much for the time being. And it is obvious that Aberforth has become much more tolerant today than in the past.
"Those who are thieves do not distinguish between today and yesterday!"
Even though he said this, Aberforth didn't really want to drive him away. Seeing Sirius walking towards the bar, he simply didn't rush upstairs, but turned around and walked back to the storage room.
"same as usual!"
Sirius added, but Aberforth ignored him.
Not long after, he carried a wine bottle to the back of the bar, picked up a glass at random, and then threw it down heavily in front of Sirius.
"The firewhiskey has been drunk by a bald dog who is used to being a thief. Now there is only ordinary monk whiskey." Aberforth said impatiently, "If you want to drink it, pour it yourself."
"Of course, of course. How often did you not pour it yourself?"
Not paying attention to the words "bald dog", Sirius took out his wand and tapped it on the rim of the glass. Accompanied by a few soft "ding bang bang" sounds, a few ice cubes jumped and fell into the cup.
After pouring himself a small half glass, Sirius raised his neck and drank it all in one gulp, then slowly exhaled a breath of turbid air.
Aberforth, who was accustomed to observing his guests, had naturally noticed the troubles hidden in his heart, but... nowadays, who doesn't have enough troubles to pile up! This situation is not surprising at all.
Otherwise, why would the wine in his storage room run out so quickly
"By the way, Aberforth, I want to ask you a little question." Sirius poured some more amber wine, took a sip, and then suddenly seemed to think of something, without turning his head. He raised his voice and said, "When Albus left...how did you feel in your heart?"
"Are you sure you want to listen?"
When Aberforth heard this, he couldn't help but glance at him with a frown. Seeing that he didn't say anything else, he curled his lips and said:
"It's simple—a neat death!"
"Cough cough cough..."
Sirius choked.
Although he somewhat knew that there seemed to be some conflicts between the Dumbledore brothers, he was still speechless when he heard Aberforth's answer.
Regardless of whether this is serious or not, at the very least... being able to describe the death of one's own brother in this way is probably not something that ordinary people can do.
"Forget it," Sirius waved his hand and shook his head, "Forget it, it can't be used as a reference."
After saying that, he immediately took another big sip of wine and swallowed it all with helplessness in his heart.