This marked the third week of the semester, and the initial bonus points awarded by the professors had dwindled. Even completing some straightforward tasks wouldn't earn students bonus points anymore.
As a result, Artel's quest for bonus points had hit a plateau. He had only accumulated 60 bonus points so far, and since Hermione had lost 50 points, he had only managed to gain 20 points by turning in the parchment and another 5 points in the History of Magic class.
After class, Hermione didn't head to the library as she usually did. Instead, she hurried back to the dormitory. The Gryffindor students had no afternoon classes, while Artel was scheduled for a History of Magic lesson.
In the Gryffindor girls' dormitory, all three of Hermione's roommates were present:
"Hey there! Why didn't our 'know-it-all' lady go to the library today?" The twin sisters were surprised to see Hermione returning to the dormitory, while Lavender, known for her occasional snarky comments, was particularly curious. She usually struggled academically and was a tad envious of Hermione's intelligence.
However, the twin sisters were more considerate. They didn't press the issue but instead asked with concern, "Are you feeling unwell?"
Hermione replied, "No, it's just that today..." She glanced at Lavender, pressed her lips together, and continued, "It's my birthday today, and Artel gave me a gift, so I wanted to come back and see."
"Ah, I see," the twin sisters nodded in understanding. They smiled and genuinely wished Hermione, "Happy birthday! You should have told us earlier, but it's not too late. A senior from Hufflepuff mentioned that you can order a cake from the house-elves, and we can celebrate it for you tonight."
Hermione thanked them, appreciating their kindness and her good rapport with the twin sisters.
Lavender, on the other hand, couldn't resist a sly remark, "I'd advise you not to make a big deal out of it. Who knows, you might be sharing cake with your little Slytherin boyfriend."
Gryffindor students were well aware of the close relationship between Miss Know-it-all and a young Slytherin wizard named Artel. Many even believed that the two were in a romantic relationship.
Lavender recalled Artel, the dashing young wizard who had been on the boat with them at the beginning of the school year. She remembered his striking good looks, elegance, and composure, which gave him an air of nobility. This only fueled Lavender's envy further.
Hermione couldn't help but ignore Lavender's probing stare and simply fixed her gaze on the persistent girl.
She had no intention of engaging in a confrontation with Lavender. The bubbly girl had a good rapport with many older Gryffindor students, and those individuals held certain opinions about Hermione.
"Didn't you mention that the little snake gave you a gift? Why don't you open it and show us?"
Hermione had been avoiding discussing Artel's gift, but Lavender had decided to make the first move.
Hermione couldn't help but wonder what Artel had given her.
The twins attempted to intervene, but Lavender was unyielding, and ultimately, there was nothing they could do.
"Fine, if you want to see it, there's nothing to hide," Hermione retorted with a hint of annoyance, pulling out the palm-sized gift box.
"So small? What could it possibly be?" Lavender giggled.
The twins exchanged glances and offered their speculations, "Maybe a ring, or a necklace, perhaps?"
"I bet it's a pocket watch. Artel always had that shiny gold pocket watch," added one of the twins.
As Lavender stopped talking and nervously watched, Hermione's own anticipation grew. Could it be a ring?
No way…
Hermione took a deep breath, her cheeks flushed with excitement. She clenched her fist, then gingerly opened the gift box.
Inside the box, there was a single leaf.
An emerald green leaf.
"Hahaha, a leaf? That's it? How dare he send you a leaf, haha…" Lavender burst into laughter.
Hermione couldn't contain her embarrassment as Lavender's laughter filled the room. "Why are you laughing? It doesn't matter what Artel gave me..."
But before she could finish her sentence, the leaves inside the box suddenly burst into a brilliant light, filling the room with a dazzling emerald green.
When the others regained their composure, the bedroom's four corners were covered in vines, and beautiful flowers bloomed on the windowsills and in the corners.
A mysterious scent wafted through the room, and the four young wizards inside felt a sense of clarity and relaxation, as though all their worries had been lifted.
Lavender opened her mouth but couldn't find words, her face contorted with jealousy. Why was Artel so generous to Hermione? After all, they had shared the same boat in their journey to Hogwarts!
"What… what is this?" questioned the younger twin, her curiosity piqued.
Hermione shook her head in bewilderment. Despite her extensive reading, she had never encountered a leaf with such magical properties.
The leaves in the box continued to emit an emerald green glow, with enchanting lights dancing across their surface.
Hermione reached out and gently touched the leaf. To the amazement of the twins, the leaf transformed into a green light, swirling around Hermione before settling into a leaf-shaped pair of earrings in her hands.
After a brief pause, Hermione decided to wear the earrings, and an indescribable sensation coursed through her being.
"What an incredible feeling," she murmured, feeling an inexplicable energy infusing her. It made her sharper, more alert, and at peace with herself, as if she were becoming more connected to the natural world beyond the window.
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