When Hermione heard Ian's mysterious words, she was curious. She couldn't help but ask softly, "What? Does it have to be during the summer holiday? Can't it be during the Christmas holiday?"
"It's still a little early for Christmas. You'll know when the time comes," Ian said, continuing his coaxing and evasive explanation.
"Well, you're always so mysterious."
Although Hermione had a strong desire for knowledge, she wasn't the type to obsessively seek out secrets.
"Hey, this is for you. It's Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration notes. You can study them when you have time, but it's best not to pass them on to others. And keep them safe. When you don't need them anymore, give them back to me, and I'll return them to Professor McGonagall."
Ian handed the notes to Hermione while reminding her, "Don't put too much pressure on yourself, okay? You can come to me if you need anything—anything."
Ian hadn't forgotten today's topic. He had planned to study the notes together, but when he saw Hermione looking tired, he changed his mind and chose to give them to her so she could study at her own pace instead of rushing through them today.
"Ian, thank you. I'll keep them safe. And you're right—magic comes from life, and life is also magic. I won't put too much pressure on myself from now on."
Hermione was actually the type of girl who listened to advice—of course, as long as what you said made sense.
Ian was somewhat pleased by her willingness to listen and couldn't help but say softly, "Alright, let's go. Let's head to the Great Hall for lunch first, and then you can go back to the dormitory and have a good nap."
Time passed by unknowingly, and it was nearly noon. Ian stood up, dusted off the dirt and grass from his robe, and walked toward the castle with Hermione.
By the time they entered the Great Hall, lunch had already been served.
At that moment, many students were enjoying a lavish meal. Ian and Hermione had only eaten some bread and sandwiches that morning and were feeling a little hungry, so they naturally joined in. There was roast chicken, bacon, lamb chops, lettuce, fruit salad, and pudding.
When Hermione and Ian finished lunch and walked out of the hall, Harry and Ron happened to appear not far in front of them.
Judging by their hesitant expressions, it was obvious they wanted to talk to Hermione about something. So Ian said considerately, "Go on, your friend is waiting for you. He must want to talk to you about something."
Hermione couldn't help but give Ian an apologetic look before reluctantly walking toward the two boys who were clearly in need of help.
"Hermione, I've been waiting for you. Malfoy just challenged me to a wizard's duel. But, as you know, I barely know any spells. You have to help me," Harry said in a low voice, asking for Hermione's assistance.
Ron added, "Malfoy's assistant is Vincent Crabbe, and I'm Harry's second, but I don't think they'll stick to the rules. So I wanted to ask if you know any powerful spells that can take that big oaf down quickly."
Turning to Hermione whenever they had problems had been a habit for Harry and Ron since the start of the school year. In short, the two boys were a little panicked at the moment, lacking the bravado and confidence they had when they initially accepted the duel.
Harry was managing better, but Ron clearly didn't understand the concept of keeping things quiet. Especially when he mentioned that he was Harry's second—his boastful tone was far from discreet.
Even though Ian wasn't deliberately listening, Ron's voice was loud enough for him to catch the conversation. However, this also allowed Ian to confirm the current stage of the Chosen One's storyline. As for their next discussion, he had no interest whatsoever. He turned around calmly and quickened his pace to leave.
Ravenclaw Tower had always been a nuisance for Ian. Given his free-spirited and lazy nature, he really disliked climbing the long and steep staircase to reach the dormitory.
"I should study Voldemort's Flight Charm when I get the chance… It seems that Snape also knows the spell. I'll try to ask him indirectly when I have the opportunity." Ian climbed the stairs while contemplating how to take advantage of the professor.
Love can happen around the corner, but accidents can too. Apparently, Ian had encountered the latter.
At the corner of the staircase, Ian saw three Slytherins blocking a Ravenclaw student.
However, when he noticed that the three Slytherins were all girls and that the Ravenclaw being cornered was a boy—albeit a very small one—Ian didn't feel inclined to interfere.
"I feel like that back looks kind of familiar…" Ian mused as he walked up the stairs, suddenly realizing that the Ravenclaw boy's silhouette looked somewhat recognizable.
...
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