Hermione wasn't wearing the typical black wizard robe. In fact, Hogwarts didn't have a rule that required students to wear robes at all times during the school year. Students could change into their preferred clothing during break times and put on the robe only for classes. Of course, on some special occasions, the school might order students to pay attention to their appearance, like the days leading up to the arrival of Beauxbatons and Durmstrang.
Now was the break time after lunch, and as long as they weren't naked, no one would worry about what the students were wearing. As a fourth-year student who had already gone through the first years, Hermione definitely didn't wear the wizard robe all the time like the new first or second-year students. If she were wearing the robe, the effect of the interrogation could be considerably weakened, although there was still a possibility it would work.
In order to extract information from Tom, Hermione had prepared carefully. That day, she was wearing an elegant gray wool suit that gave her a mature and serious look instead of a student appearance. Under the suit, she had everything in black: a black knitted sweater with black jeans, and even the belt was black. With this all-black outfit, paired with elegant riding boots, Hermione looked slim and sleek, capable of making Tom surrender in a second. Of course, this outfit wasn't perfect either; the tight black made it difficult to distinguish the front from the back, but what was taken away in one feature was given in beauty.
This Hermione outfit wasn't something she came up with on her own; she had learned it from a fashion magazine. After having contact with that magazine, Hermione's wardrobe quickly filled up. But in contrast, her wallet emptied out.
With the meticulously prepared outfit, Hermione eagerly waited outside the headmaster's office. Although they had only been separated for half a day, it felt like six months to her. In the morning, Hermione had been unfocused in class, something that rarely happened to her.
That's how the infatuation period is for a couple; even a brief separation makes them feel desperate, and they can only think about their loved one.
Hermione was anxious to know what Tom was doing, so as soon as lunch ended at noon, she rushed to the headmaster's office to seek information.
When she found out Hermione was waiting outside, Tom narrowed his eyes slightly.
'Looks like I underestimated Dumbledore's knowledge of Hogwarts,' Tom thought. He originally believed that Dumbledore obtained information through various portraits, but now it seems he has other means.
But he didn't want to inquire further about Dumbledore's surveillance abilities. Why would Hermione miss him if he also missed her? Dumbledore's statement had taken him by surprise.
"Well, I'll be going for now. But, Professor Dumbledore, let me remind you not to miss this opportunity. Now is the perfect time, and if we let it slip by, there might not be another chance." Tom walked toward the door and suddenly seemed to remember something as he looked at Dumbledore.
"Oh, there's one more thing. I think you should worry more about the mental state of a certain person and perhaps provide more information so they don't overthink... by the way, Occlumency should also be on the agenda."
Of course, Tom was referring to Harry. Voldemort's frequent activity would surely trigger a reaction in Harry's scar on his forehead, so Dumbledore would need to give him a calming potion to keep him calm.
Tom's "one last thing" was obviously too much, and Dumbledore rubbed his forehead, feeling a bit overwhelmed. Yodel was a good kid, all things considered, but he was too impatient. It was almost as if he wanted to finish off Riddle in a year, which would be difficult.
Dumbledore thought he needed to give Tom a hand and put on the "brakes" before he made a mistake in his haste. In Dumbledore's opinion, many things had to be done carefully. He wouldn't have even gone to Azkaban with Tom to set up an ambush for Riddle if he hadn't insisted.
"Understood, I'll arrange it. Professor Snape can teach Harry Occlumency; he's a master in that field." In the end, Dumbledore could only reassure Tom in that way. However, judging by Tom's reaction, Dumbledore felt that what he said obviously had no effect, as Tom covered his forehead with an expression of "Oh, gods."
"Are you sure you want Professor Snape to teach Occlumency to Harry? I think that could have the opposite effect."
Tom felt that if Snape taught Harry Occlumency, it might be better for Harry to teach himself...
Many times, academic ability and teaching ability are inversely related. Some professors who have won the Nobel Prize can be ineffective when it comes to teaching.
"Yes, Severus is the best choice. Of course, if you're willing, I..."
Dumbledore hadn't finished speaking when Tom walked out of the headmaster's office. He wasn't sure if he could teach Harry Occlumency, as he didn't even have a clear understanding of how the spell worked.
Upon reaching the headmaster's office door, Tom saw Hermione. As Hermione had hoped, Tom was instantly drawn to her outfit.
Without giving him time to savor Hermione's appearance, the girl threw herself at him and hugged him.
"You're back!" she exclaimed excitedly, burying her head in Tom's chest and greedily inhaling his scent.
"It seems there's a cold atmosphere..." Hermione frowned. The cold and hopeless atmosphere of Azkaban clung to Tom, and she didn't like it at all. So she urged him, "Quick, go and take a bath."
"Alright, but first get off... And this isn't the place to talk!" Tom responded. He knew that the elderly bee might be watching them right now, and this wasn't the best place for a chat.
...
Hermione didn't eat much at lunch, not even making it to dessert before leaving the dining hall. But Aberforth was different; he stayed at the staff table until the very end. Only when all the desserts had disappeared did he rise with a certain dissatisfaction, preparing to leave.
At that moment, his eyes caught two people heading toward the staff table. It wasn't difficult for him, as there were hardly any people left in the Great Hall at that moment, let alone anyone heading toward the staff table after eating.
After thinking for a moment, Aberforth turned left and walked away at a brisk pace, moving surprisingly fast for a hundred-year-old.
Harry and Ron: ???
In the time both of them were puzzled, "Professor Dumbledore" had already disappeared.
The reason Aberforth avoided the two of them was simple: fewer words, fewer mistakes. To avoid revealing his identity, he had to reduce contact with others.