The five-week period neither felt short nor long; it passed swiftly in focused study.
During these weeks, Luke and Hermione had been utilizing the Room of Requirement for their study sessions. Typically, Hermione posed questions, and Luke provided answers.
The Room of Requirement proved to be a superior study environment compared to the hushed library. Here, the two could freely discuss topics that might be difficult elsewhere.
On this particular night, just two days before the exams, Hermione's enthusiasm for learning was reaching new heights. After their regular classes, she brought Luke to the Room of Requirement.
A large round table was laden with thick notebooks, and several nearly empty cups of coffee were scattered about.
The detailed content of these notes was impressive; they covered the material discussed by the professors. Additionally, several pages were thoughtfully prepared, allowing them to focus on specific areas. Simply flip to the desired section - easy.
This meticulous preparation reflected Hermione's diligent study habits - Notes!
Luke casually flipped through the notes, finding that he had already mastered much of the exam content. For him, these notes served as a tool to deepen his understanding.
Theoretical knowledge tests were not too common. For example, Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration exam primarily focused on transformation spells, with scores based on the quality of the transformations.
Herbology and Potions classes involved practical exams, where students had to demonstrate their skills.
"Miss Beaver, how about we practice the Transfiguration Charm?" Luke teased as Hermione focused on her studies.
Despite finding Hermione's cute front teeth endearing, he knew she was self-conscious about them.
Hermione playfully smacked him, a gesture reminiscent of a lover's spat.
She straightened up, stifled a yawn, and admitted that studying for extended periods can be tiring.
"Feeling sleepy?" Luke inquired, leaning over.
"No!" Hermione pushed his head aside, aware of his tendency to sneak kisses.
"I'll show you something amusing!" Luke declared as he pulled out his wand and aimed it at Hermione's two brown curls.
"Transfiguration Spell!"
In an instant, the two slender curls transformed into fluffy white rabbit ears.
Confused, Hermione looked up at Luke, her rabbit ears wiggling as if mirroring her emotions.
Suppressing his laughter, Luke handed her a mirror for Hermione to see for herself.
"What did you do to my ears?" Hermione exclaimed as she touched the white rabbit ears, experiencing a soft, tingling sensation.
"Just a bit of magic; your real ears are still there," Luke reassured her, lifting his own brown curls to demonstrate.
He then playfully touched the rabbit ears, savoring their fluffy texture.
But Miss Hermione wasn't having any of it. Blushing, she reached out to press down the two bunny ears that had involuntarily perked up, ensuring Luke wouldn't touch them.
"Stay away from my ears!"
"I made this up!" Luke struggled for an excuse, but Hermione wasn't buying it. She wouldn't let him near her bunny ears, insisting, "You touch your own!"
Undeterred, Miss Hermione hugged her bunny ears protectively, playfully crawling on the table. "How do I touch myself?" Luke chuckled at the sight, finding the moment delightful.
After a brief review of their notes, Luke stretched and yawned. The clock indicated it was around 12 o'clock in the evening. Normally, they would head back to the dormitory at this time, but today Hermione didn't offer her usual reminder.
"Hermione, we should go!" Luke called out, sorting out the notes, but there was no response.
"Miss Beaver?"
"My dear Miss Granger?" he tried again, but still no answer.
Confused, Luke approached and realized that Hermione had fallen asleep with her head resting on the notes, her breathing steady.
"Fell asleep?" Luke was taken aback. Should he wake her up?
Rather than waking her, he decided against it, appreciating the opportunity. With mischievous intent, he squeezed Hermione's small face with his fingers, but she didn't stir.
"It seems like you've been really tired lately," Luke mused, shaking his head.
Without further ado, he reached out and gently hugged Hermione in a princess embrace.
Miss Hermione nestled her head in the crook of Luke's arm, seeking a comfortable spot to rest. Thankfully, the Room of Requirement offered a plush crimson sofa with soft material. Gently placing Hermione on the sofa, Luke covered her with the quilt, creating a cozy atmosphere.
Moonlight streamed through the window, casting an enchanting glow on Hermione's serene sleeping face.
"Luke…"
A soft voice interrupted the quiet ambiance, prompting Luke to turn his gaze towards Hermione lying on the sofa. She had turned over at some point, her eyes narrowing as the corners of her mouth subtly twitched. Unbeknownst to her, the pair of bunny ears atop her head wiggled playfully.
Observing the amusing sight, Luke couldn't help but wonder if he had just experienced a delightful dream.
Smiling, he shifted his focus, picking up a quill to record improvements for a potion he planned to work on.
During the holidays, Luke intended to open a potion shop in Diagon Alley, offering his refined potions for sale. It seemed like a leisurely way to spend his vacation. The thought of real estate crossed his mind, and he pondered the housing prices on Diagon Alley.
With his current finances, renting a place should be feasible, but he also considered the significant expense of buying property in the future. Lost in his musings, he wondered about the twins' hearthstones and how they were faring.
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