As the start date for Hogwarts loomed closer, excitement filled the air.
Luke made a decision to temporarily close the potion shop, opting instead to spend quality time with Hermione, delving into the world of magic spells and alchemy.
"It's so frustrating..."
Hermione let out a sigh of exasperation as yet another character met their demise in the book she was reading.
Pausing his own work, Luke turned to her, intrigued.
Hermione lay sprawled on the sofa, draped in a flowing beige dress, her dainty feet swinging playfully off the edge, adding to her charm.
"Enough with the games, let's focus on learning!" Luke urged, a hint of amusement in his tone.
Ever since their last gaming session together, Hermione had become quite the enthusiast, but her addiction was nowhere near as severe as Malfoy's.
"Alchemy is proving to be quite the challenge!"
Hermione's gaze shifted to Luke, her brown eyes narrowing in contemplation.
"Let's put alchemy aside for now and delve into Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration Spells," Luke suggested, gesturing to the array of materials on the table. "Perhaps we could even attempt Animagus transformation together."
"But Professor McGonagall warned us about the risks involved," Hermione reminded him, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Don't worry, with my guidance, we'll succeed. Although we might have to take a vow of silence for a month," Luke replied, picking up an emerald green mandrake.
"Let's save that idea for later..." Hermione quickly interjected, shaking her head at the thought of being unable to speak for a month.
With the school year fast approaching, they couldn't afford to stay silent for too long. Luke pondered for a moment before conceding to Hermione's concerns, deciding to shelve the idea for now.
"Let's save it for our next vacation adventure," he suggested with a mischievous grin.
But the thought of Professor McGonagall catching wind of their secret practice sessions of Af*ck Gus made Hermione shudder. Losing house points was not on her agenda.
"Games, you say?" Hermione leaned in close to Luke, her voice laced with a hint of seduction. "Our two houses haven't settled anything yet..."
After some playful banter, they settled into their daily studies. Though Hermione struggled with alchemy, her curiosity in other subjects never waned.
Yet, it seemed she asked more questions than she answered, leaving Luke to take charge.
Was the gap between them really that vast? Hermione pondered, her lips pursed in thought.
Little did she know, Luke had been diligently learning from Tom, mastering a wealth of knowledge.
Even Tom had to admit, this young wizard was a rare genius.
As the start of the school year approached, Hermione made several trips home at her parents' insistence. And on their final journey back, Luke would accompany her, sparing the Grangers the trouble of seeing them off.
Upon hearing his daughter's words, Mr. Granger cast a glance at Luke, his eyes reflecting a myriad of emotions.
Sensing Mr. Granger's scrutinizing gaze, Luke responded with a reassuring smile.
.....
The days crawled by.
The day before school commenced, London was blanketed in snow, infusing a chill into the next morning. The windows rattled against the biting wind.
Luke rose early to prepare breakfast, and shortly after, Hermione descended, still yawning.
"Good morning, Miss Beaver!"
Luke greeted her with a chuckle, beckoning her to join him at the table.
Approaching, she placed a glass of chocolate milk in front of Luke and exchanged it with her black tea.
"This is your punishment, Mr. Chocolate!"
"Can't black tea be sweetened..."
Luke asked, a hint of helplessness in his voice.
Hermione, mindful of his health, staunchly refused, "Absolutely not!"
"Fine..."
Luke lifted the black tea, taking a sip. Surprisingly, the absence of sugar wasn't unbearable.
After breakfast, they readied themselves to pack up and head to the train station.
.....
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