Ch: 76-85
Chapter 76: Everything I Said is True [Bonus Chapter]
"Just because I'm sitting here right now, doesn't that prove something?"
Draco's voice remained steady, without a single ripple, as if he were merely stating an obvious truth.
A fact.
This was the simplest, hardest, and most irrefutable fact.
Hermione was suddenly stunned, her mouth hanging open, momentarily speechless.
A flash of obvious bewilderment crossed her usually sharp eyes.
Clearly, Hermione hadn't expected Draco to use such a radical method, throwing the core of the problem directly back onto the most intuitive result.
"Tch—" Someone in the crowd couldn't help but roll their eyes and sneer softly, "Cunning Slytherin, always playing these word games!"
Many listeners around also curled their lips, their faces full of disapproval.
Clearly, no one was willing to buy what Draco was selling.
Most Gryffindors felt particularly annoyed by his tactic of "using results to shut them up," yet they couldn't find any handle to refute it.
But the Weasley Twins clearly didn't think so.
In Fred and George's eyes, a light of admiration burst forth almost simultaneously, as if they had discovered some extremely interesting treasure.
"Brilliant!" George praised softly, unable to resist a light clap of his hands.
Not to mention Lavender and Parvati.
At this moment, they had become Draco's most loyal supporters, as if every word he spoke was an unshakable truth.
"He did it! He's really here!" Lavender's voice trembled with excitement, her hands tightly gripping Parvati's arm, her eyes sparkling with admiration. "To... to come back, he must have sacrificed so much!"
Parvati was even more exaggerated, pulling out a handkerchief and gently wiping away non-existent tears, immersed in the epic drama she had woven for herself.
"A thousand hardships, countless obstacles, could not stop his return! This oath! This power! It's simply too great!"
Stunned into silence by this sophistry, Hermione felt her head buzzing, and only after a long while did she squeeze out a sentence.
"This... this only proves the result! It doesn't explain the process!"
Draco looked up slightly at Hermione, a faint curve appearing at the corner of his mouth as he said playfully, "Is this a new question?"
This sentence was like dropping a logical flash-freeze bomb, instantly freezing all of Hermione's churning thoughts.
Most people in the Great Hall were probably confused, only feeling that the atmosphere between the two was becoming increasingly strange and tense, as if the air itself were about to solidify.
But anyone who had even slightly grasped the "Five Questions" agreement between them could see that Hermione had been firmly caught by Draco using the very rules she had set.
This situation left them both confused and annoyed, but they had to admit that Draco had played this hand beautifully.
"Beautiful!" George gave another soft praise, his clapping getting louder.
"Caught her! A perfect strike! This kid... he's a master at playing the rules, better at finding loopholes than even us brothers."
Fred grinned broadly, a brilliant smile on his face, his eyes full of admiration as they landed on Draco.
Lavender clutched her chest, feeling like she was about to faint. "He's provoking her! Using the rules she set herself! This is just too cool!"
Parvati was almost ready to swoon. "Oh my god... the tension of this confrontation... the clash of their gazes... I'm dying... this is more exciting than the legendary stories in History of Magic!"
Hermione's cheeks turned bright red again at a visible speed, clearly agitated by Draco's words.
But she quickly forced herself to calm down.
"No. That was an imprecise follow-up within the scope of the previous question. It doesn't constitute a new, independent question, so naturally, it won't consume the quota of questions in the agreement."
Draco couldn't help but chuckle as he watched her struggle to maintain logical rigor.
"Fine. Actually, I've been left to my own devices by my family."
He spoke casually, without any self-pity or intentional drama, even with a hint of indifferent honesty.
But when these words fell, it was like a stone dropped into boiling oil, instantly stirring up a thousand waves.
Hermione was stunned again, her always fast-moving brain instantly crashing, staring blankly at Draco.
The Great Hall erupted into an uproar, with gasps and sharp intakes of breath everywhere.
"Left to his own devices?"
"The Malfoy family doesn't want him anymore?"
"Is that for real? How is that possible!"
Incredulous whispers spread like a tide across the long tables.
The previous dislike and contempt for Draco were now entirely replaced by surprise and curiosity.
In an instant, Draco's image shifted from an "arrogant former Slytherin who might be hiding a plot" to a "potentially abandoned Gryffindor freshman in a delicate situation."
Although seeds of doubt remained deep in everyone's hearts, the atmosphere of the entire Great Hallhad completely changed.
Lavender's eyes were truly red now, her gaze full of heartache for Draco. "Abandoned by his family? Oh my god! That's too cruel!"
Parvati also said with great distress, "So his previous confidence was all forced? His calmness was all a facade? He fought so hard to come back just to... prove himself? Or to find a new place to belong? Oh Merlin! This is too tragic! It's heartbreaking!"
Hermione looked at Draco's calm, expressionless face; the previous coldness and aggressiveness had faded, replaced by a trace of subtle complexity.
Her voice softened a bit as she asked quietly, "...Left to your own devices? Do you mean Mr. Lucius Malfoy... is no longer insisting on taking you back? Or... is there a deeper meaning?"
"It means the family no longer provides me with any support," Draco said indifferently, his tone still calm, without a ripple.
"Cutting off support..." George repeated the words softly, his brow furrowing slightly.
"So, he's now... a naked venomous snake without a backer?" Fred also pulled back his smile, clicking his tongue, his tone filled with disbelief.
Not only were the twins bewildered, but the volume of the whispers in the Great Hall instantly rose again.
Various guesses and exclamations intertwined into a cacophony.
"For real? The Malfoy family has completely given up on him?"
"They didn't go bankrupt, did they? Otherwise, how could they be so harsh to their own son?"
"Not bankruptcy, they really don't want him! Just because he entered Gryffindor?"
"That's too harsh... no matter what, he's still their own son..."
A complex emotion quietly spread through the Great Hall.
Surprise, curiosity, a bit of schadenfreude, but more than anything, a subtle trace of sympathy.
After all, being completely abandoned by one's family and left alone at Hogwarts...
Anyone who heard of such a situation couldn't help but feel a twinge of pity.
Even the other onlookers felt more or less sympathetic, let alone Lavender and Parvati, who were already prone to over-imagining things.
Their sympathy instantly overflowed.
Lavender's tears were already falling uncontrollably. "He has nothing left... completely abandoned by his family... what will he do now..."
"So he was just putting up a front before! Those calm words... those nonchalant smiles... they were all an act!" Parvati's eyes were also red.
"Alone! Against the whole family! Against the whole world! Oh, this is so tragic, and so... heartbreaking!"
Hermione looked at Draco, her voice softening further, asking in a tone even she didn't realize was gentle:
"'Not providing any support'... does that include financial resources, the family's intelligence network, and... providing you with protection in the social circles of the Wizarding World?"
Draco said casually, "I'm not looking for sympathy!"
Chapter 77: Hermione's Outburst
Draco's words, "I don't need sympathy," were like a bucket of bone-chilling ice water, precisely dousing the complex and subtle flames of emotion that had just ignited in the Great Hall over him "being abandoned by his family."
The rising and falling sounds of discussion diminished by more than half in an instant.
The sympathy and sighs on many faces gradually faded.
Replacing them was a bit of thoughtfulness, or perhaps the slight embarrassment of having one's thoughts seen through.
This resounding statement made them suddenly realize that the sympathy overflowing just now might have been nothing more than wishful self-indulgence.
Only Lavender and Parvati remained immersed in the tragic epic they had woven for themselves.
"He's just putting up a front! He doesn't want us to see the fragility in his heart at all!"
Parvati's tone became increasingly emotional: "How proud! How strong! Even after losing all his family's support, he still holds onto his dignity with everything he has! This is a true hero!"
Hearing their ravings, Hermione's brow furrowed imperceptibly. Then, as if parting a thick mist, her eyes suddenly cleared.
"I understand."
Hermione nodded slightly, her tone returning to its usual calm and sharp state.
Meeting Draco's gaze, she asked, "On the premise of excluding family support as the source of your 'confidence,' what exactly was the reliance that made you 'confident you could return' when you first made the decision to 'agree to leave Hogwarts'?"
This question was like a precise scalpel, dissecting layers of appearance and stabbing directly at the root of all Draco's actions.
Draco didn't answer directly. He just looked up indifferently, his gaze landing on Hermione's tense face. "Aren't you alone as well?"
A single sentence, spoken lightheartedly, yet like a stone, it once again stirred up ripples on the calm surface of the Great Hall.
Many people showed confused expressions, their brows tightly knit as they whispered, "What does he mean? Is he answering a different question?"
Others frowned, faces full of disapproval, feeling that Draco was playing word games again, trying to muddy the waters.
Only the Weasley Twins had a glint of keen interest in their eyes.
"Whoa—" Fred let out a whistle.
George rubbed his chin, a sharp glint flashing in his eyes. "Attacking where they must save... that's a move that points straight to the core."
"Now we're talking," Fred grinned, his gaze shifting between Draco and Hermione.
"Not only does he not answer the question, he throws the difficult problem right back at the opponent. This Little Viper doesn't just have sharp fangs and a poisonous tongue; his vision is even more venomous."
George nodded, then shook his head, sighing between laughter and tears, "This guy seems to be a natural-born troublemaker. Wherever he goes, don't expect any peace."
Beside them, Lavender was already stirred to excitement by this scene: "He's not just answering a question... he's asking her! He's looking into the depths of her soul!"
"He saw her loneliness!" Parvati's eyes sparkled with obsession.
"Oh my god! Two equally lonely souls completing a silent collision in front of everyone... this is so profound! So romantic!"
These two nearly frantic whispers were like two claps of thunder, drilling into Hermione's ears.
The moment she heard those words, Hermione's body actually trembled violently, out of control.
Her mind instantly exploded into chaos.
Countless thoughts churned wildly in Hermione's mind.
"Saw her loneliness"?
"Soul collision"?
Merlin's fattest underpants!
What on earth are they blathering about?!
Is this some kind of melodramatic misunderstanding plot from a third-rate romance novel?!
Extreme shame and anger erupted in her chest like a volcano, making her cheeks instantly turn so red they looked like they might drip blood.
She whipped her head around, the movement so sudden it sent a few strands of bushy Brown curls flying, tracing a messy arc in the air.
Her eyes were now shooting out a fire of rage that could burn everything to ashes as she glared fiercely at Lavender and Parvati.
The moment Lavender and Parvati met Hermione's almost tangible gaze, they were like chicks caught by the neck, instantly falling silent.
Their faces turned pale in a flash, and they shrank their necks in terror, bodies trembling slightly, not even daring to breathe loudly.
Hermione gritted her teeth and called out with undisguised anger: "Brown. Patil."
Hermione spat out the two names in a cold voice, even omitting the title "Miss," addressing them directly by their surnames.
"If your heads are merely stuffed with brainless fantasies and the romantic imaginings of absurd dramas—"
"Then shut your mouths immediately, or leave right now! Don't use your stupid noise to pollute the air here and interfere with others' thinking!"
Her voice suddenly rose, echoing through the silent Great Hall.
Hermione's nearly furious outburst was like a crack of thunder, plunging the entire Great Hall into a dead silence once again.
But this time, the silence was no longer the previous suspicion and curiosity; it was a dead silence cowed by her chilling anger, where even breathing was done with caution.
Lavender and Parvati were trembling with fear, their heads buried low, not daring to make another sound, even their fingers shaking slightly.
Other Gryffindor students also showed surprised expressions, staring blankly at Hermione.
They clearly hadn't expected her to lose her temper so badly, and with such harsh, merciless words.
Even Draco raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes.
He was clearly also taken aback by Hermione's sudden outburst.
Hermione took several deep breaths, trying hard to suppress the surging anger in her heart, before slowly turning back to face Draco again.
"It's none of your business, Mr. Malfoy."
Her tone instantly switched back to its previous calmness.
"But please answer my question, Mr. Malfoy." Her gaze locked onto Draco sharply. "Don't try to change the subject or resort to personal attacks."
Draco looked at her flushed cheeks and listened to her slightly hurried breathing, a very faint curve appearing at the corner of his mouth.
"I'm not making a personal attack. I just think you're very impressive. I want to be like you, not needing to rely on others' support to successfully graduate from Hogwarts and become an excellent Wizard."
Hermione was stunned.
She opened her mouth, but the words she wanted to use to rebut seemed stuck, unable to come out.
A hint of bewilderment actually flashed in her eyes.
Her cheeks flushed once again.
But this time, the flush was a complex hue mixed with embarrassment, a sense of absurdity, and strong vigilance.
Chapter 78: Not Telling Them
As Draco's words fell, the Great Hall, which was already surging with undercurrents, instantly erupted into an even greater uproar.
Exclamations and discussions intertwined into a wave of clamor.
"Malfoy wants to learn from Granger?"
"Be like her? Not relying on his family, only on himself?"
"Is he serious? Or is he playing some new trick?"
Countless gazes focused on Draco, with many people wearing extremely strange expressions on their faces.
Some frowned, convinced that this was definitely Malfoy's new ploy, an expedient measure to gain sympathy and confuse the audience.
Others looked at Draco's calm, expressionless face and thought of his situation of being abandoned by his family, and a hint of wavering actually grew in their hearts.
Perhaps this young man, bearing the Malfoy surname, truly wanted to turn over a new leaf and take a path completely different from his father's?
The expressions on the Weasley Twins' faces were even more colorful, like an overturned palette.
Their faces were full of a mix of absurdity and amazement.
"That works too?" George's eyes widened, as if he had heard the most bizarre magic rumor of the century.
Fred also clicked his tongue in wonder: "merlins beard... this kid has simply turned the tables! One moment it was daggers drawn, and the next, there's a turn for the better."
"From 'personal attacks' to 'I want to be you'... this turn is so sharp, I'm afraid even the fastest broomstick couldn't keep up!" George marveled.
Fred slapped his thigh hard and praised loudly: "Brilliant, truly brilliant! This move of retreating to advance was played beautifully!"
The brothers went back and forth, almost praising Draco as the top strategist Hogwarts had ever seen.
Compared to the twins' undisguised flattery, Lavender and Parvati had already completely transformed into Draco's loyal supporters, the romantic dramas in their minds reaching a climax.
Lavender said: "He admitted it! He must have seen her strength and that misunderstood loneliness, and was deeply attracted!"
"He wants to become someone who can stand side by side with her!"
"This isn't some attack, this is... this is a twisted confession!"
"It's the resonance of two lonely souls!"
"On the road against the whole world, they will eventually become each other's light!"
Parvati also said longingly:
"Oh my god... from initial confrontation, to later understanding, and now to... yearning!"
"This is a thousand times more profound than a straightforward confession of love!"
"He wants to become as good as she is, wanting to have the same resilience and wisdom..."
"Merlin's socks! This is simply epic romance!"
They completely ignored Hermione's suppressed anger and paid no heed to Draco's true intentions.
Relying solely on their own imagination, they wove Draco's single sentence into a deeply moving and logically self-consistent plot.
However, the two of them had also learned their lesson and only dared to huddle together and whisper.
They were afraid of enraging Hermione again and being kicked out of the Great Hall entirely; then they wouldn't be able to see the follow-up to this "drama of the century."
"Do you think saying that will avoid the question, Malfoy?"
Hermione's questioning was still powerful, but in that tense voice, her momentum was no longer what it used to be.
Suppressing the surging emotions in her heart, she finally asked the last question.
"If, as you say, you had long ago decided to follow this path of 'not relying on others' and had enough 'confidence' in it."
"Then, at the specific moment when your father arrived at the school and explicitly demanded that you leave Hogwarts, why did you still need Headmaster Dumbledore's 'intervention' and 'insistence' to finally stay here?"
This question was like pulling the rug out from under him, instantly pulling everyone's attention back to the most critical point of doubt.
Meeting the expectant gazes of the entire hall, the corners of Draco's mouth slowly curled into a faint arc.
"You seem to have misunderstood the truth. However, since it is something I promised Miss Granger, I won't tell you. I'll tell Miss Granger privately later."
"...What?"
Hermione suddenly looked up, her eyes filled with extreme confusion.
This wasn't a question, but an instinctive reaction of being unable to cope with something unexpected.
In the next moment, a more complex light burst from her eyes—shock, vigilance, and disbelief intertwined.
There was also a sliver of weak clarity, forcibly pulled back from the brink of collapse.
And at the deepest part was an uncontrollable, overriding curiosity about the "truth" itself.
This curiosity grew wildly like vines, wrapping around her heart.
Draco's words were no different from a thunderclap, shaking her mind violently.
This meant that the previous four questions seemed to have been in vain.
The true core was held firmly in his hands.
Hermione stiffened her back, but an abnormal flush appeared on her cheeks.
Her brain was screaming wildly, "Danger!
It's a trap! You absolutely cannot agree!"
But another part—the instinct that pursued logic, truth, and knowledge—was screaming hysterically, "Agree to it!
Listen to what he has to say! That is the key to solving all the mysteries!"
Reason and instinct launched a fierce battle in her mind, plunging her into an extreme struggle.
While Hermione was fighting this internal war, the Wizards in the Great Hall completely boiled over!
This time, the clamor was no longer an overt uproar.
Instead, it was a suppressed, buzzing sound filled with shock, speculation, and extreme curiosity.
The sound was like countless bees flapping their wings, making the entire space restless.
"Privately?! He wants to talk to Granger privately?!"
"Why only tell her? What is the truth?"
"What exactly happened between them? Are there some unknown secrets?"
Countless gazes scanned back and forth between Draco and Hermione, the flames of curiosity almost devouring them both.
The expressions on the Weasley Twins' faces also became unprecedentedly serious and playful.
After exchanging a glance, there was no doubt that both saw amazement in each other's eyes.
"Privately... with Granger?" Fred's tone was full of banter, "Merlin's lace pants... this kid is playing a really big game."
George marveled: "From a public confrontation to a private talk... this kid not only won the debate but also walked off with the only 'prize' for a private meeting."
"This move... is brilliant! Simply a stroke of genius!"
Lavender and Parvati were so excited they were about to faint. Covering their mouths, they looked at the two with infatuated eyes, whispering frantically.
"Privately? He's only going to tell her?" Lavender said longingly.
"Oh! It's destiny! This is a secret that only the two of them can share! It's a bond that belongs solely to them!"
Parvati's eyes sparkled with romantic light, and she said enviously: "Making a private agreement in front of everyone... shutting out all the noise and leaving only a world for the two of them... this is too... too romantic!"
"It feels so much like fate! Merlin! This is simply the most moving story I've ever heard!"
Draco heard all of this but didn't care at all, simply turning his gaze back to Hermione.
The smile on his lips deepened a bit as he invited: "What does Miss Granger think? It's not yet time for afternoon classes. Shall we find a quiet place and have a good talk?"
Chapter 79: The Audience Became Clowns [Bonus Update]
Facing Draco's sudden invitation, Hermione's breathing quickened once again.
The abnormal flush on her cheeks rapidly expanded and deepened, spreading all the way to her ears and dyeing her fair skin an alluring crimson.
She could clearly feel that every gaze in the Great Hall was focused on her.
Lavender and Parvati's expectant gazes were so intense they almost burned through her back.
The Weasley Twins' eyes were filled with playfulness and scrutinizing inquiry.
There were also the rising, uncertain looks from other students.
Countless gazes wove an invisible net, seemingly trapping her firmly in the center.
Time seemed to be infinitely stretched at that moment; every passing second was a suffocating ordeal.
"...Okay."
After a long while, Hermione finally spoke, her voice carrying a sense of desperate resolution, as if she had made a decision to burn her bridges.
She looked up to meet Draco's gaze and said immediately, "Right now? Where to?"
Just five short words, yet they were like a bomb exploding with a bang in the silent Great Hall.
A buzzing wave of discussion instantly surged, more turbulent than any before, as countless voices intertwined into a clamorous torrent.
"She actually agreed?! Merlin above, did I hear that right?"
"Malfoy and Granger are meeting privately? What secret could they possibly have?"
"Heavens, if this gets out, it'll definitely make the Hogwarts headlines!"
"What truth is there that must be kept from everyone? Does it have to do with Malfoy's family?"
The Weasley Twins exchanged a glance, a spark of unexpected insight flashing in their eyes.
George whispered with a low chuckle, "She agreed. Boy, now the real show is finally starting."
Fred narrowed his eyes slightly, musing thoughtfully, "The location... where will he choose? A place 'private enough' to avoid prying eyes while ensuring safety... Hogwarts has no shortage of secret corners."
Lavender gripped Parvati's wrist tightly. "He invited her! She agreed! Right now! Oh Merlin! This is more romantic than any romance novel! This is their secret moment!"
"A secret date between classes... making a promise only to each other with everyone as witness... this is too exciting! It's legendary!" Parvati echoed.
Draco looked at Hermione's slightly stubborn profile and listened to the rising discussions around them, a faint smile slowly curling his lips.
"How about you decide the time and place? If we announce it now, certain pests will follow us wherever we go."
These words were like a gentle key, softly prying open Hermione's nerves, which had been strained to the limit.
She had prepared herself for any challenge or trap, but she hadn't expected Draco to say such a thing.
That string of constant alertness unexpectedly loosened at this moment.
Indeed, if a location were set now, those with overflowing curiosity would surely find ways to follow them.
Then, let alone discussing secrets, they probably wouldn't even be able to finish a single sentence.
Draco's suggestion was undoubtedly the most prudent choice.
When the other students heard this, they immediately let out a disappointed buzz, their faces filled with reluctance.
But they also had to admit that Draco had a point.
If they knew the location now, curiosity would drive them to find ways to 'accidentally' encounter them and spy on the so-called truth.
Lavender and Parvati's reaction was the most intense; they looked as if a bucket of cold water had been poured over them. The excited flush on their faces faded rapidly, replaced by visible disappointment and urgency.
Lavender pouted, grumbling aggrievedly, "Why not go now? Can't they just find a place where no one is around?"
Parvati chimed in, "Where on earth are they going? Heavens, how much longer do we have to wait? This is pure torture!"
Their dissatisfaction was almost palpable, yet they were helpless, only able to stare at the two with hearts full of reluctance.
The feeling of disappointment spread through the crowd like ripples.
Everyone had thought this shocking drama would reach its climax immediately.
But they hadn't expected the pause button to be pressed at the most critical moment.
For the expectant onlookers, this was no less than a bucket of cold water dousing the flames of anticipation they had just lit.
Lavender and Parvati were undoubtedly the two most distressed.
It was as if a 'romantic fantasy series' they had been following for ages had been interrupted by long, tedious commercials at its most gripping climax.
The expected'secret date' failed to materialize immediately; both let out an uncontrollable sigh, their shoulders slumping instantly.
George couldn't help but curl his lip, looking completely bored. "That's it? Boring, so boring."
Fred also shook his head and spread his hands, saying teasingly, "Alright, alright, break it up. Looks like this big show will have to wait for the next installment."
Amidst the sighs of disappointment throughout the hall, Hermione kept her eyes lowered, her mind racing.
How to contact him?
This was a crucial question.
Owl post? No, too conspicuous.
Every exchange of letters would draw a certain amount of attention; if seen by someone with ulterior motives, it would cause unnecessary trouble.
Verbal message? Even less reliable.
Who would deliver it? Lavender? Parvati? Olivia or other classmates?
With their big mouths, the whole school would know about it.
Passing notes? But how? Secretly handing it over in class?
Too risky, as it was easy to be caught by a Professor.
Stuffing it to him when they happened to meet in the corridor?
Thoughts flashed through Hermione's mind one by one, only to be rejected one by one.
Her brow furrowed tighter as she fell into deep thought.
As time passed, the disappointment in the hall grew even heavier.
Many people had already begun to look away dejectedly; since the show had temporarily ended, waiting any longer was just a waste of time.
After a few seconds of silence, Hermione finally looked up at Draco again. "...I'll find a way. Once I've determined a time and place, I'll notify you. You..."
She paused before saying, "You just need to ensure that at the appointed time, you can reach the appointed place, and that you are alone."
Her voice was kept extremely low, barely audible to anyone but the two of them.
Draco nodded upon hearing this, a knowing smile appearing on his face.
Seeing Hermione look as if she were afraid he would pull some trick, he suddenly found it a bit amusing.
Thus, he spoke up, "Since I'm being so cooperative, can I make a small request now?"
Chapter 80: Hermione Finally Strikes Back
"Make a request."
As Draco's nonchalant words fell, the Great Hall, which had just slightly relaxed due to the "postponed agreement," instantly plunged into a strange silence once more.
That silent tension was more intense than any previous confrontation, as if the air itself had been sucked out, leaving only the stagnant breath of everyone present.
The nerves that had just relaxed suddenly tightened again because of this seemingly ordinary sentence.
Countless gazes, like arrows being drawn, shot toward the two people in the center, filled with scrutiny, curiosity, and a hint of unbelievable shock.
The Weasley Twins were the quickest to react. George raised an eyebrow and said, "As expected, he still has a follow-up move. This kid's mind is deep enough."
"Please start your performance. I want to see what kind of trick is hidden in this'small request' of his."
Fred crossed his arms, his tone full of playful expectation.
George speculated, "'Small request'... I bet this word'small' is worth more than the deepest underground vault in Gringotts. The schemes hidden inside could probably circle Hogwarts three times."
The students throughout the hall also pricked up their ears again.
The disappointment that had arisen from the "delay" vanished instantly, replaced by an even more vigorous curiosity, growing wildly like weeds in spring.
"A small request? What small request? What is Malfoy trying to do?"
"Could it be he wants Hermione to help him hide something? Or does he want to exchange some conditions?"
"Will Granger agree? She's so shrewd, she definitely won't fall for it easily, right?"
Lavender and Parvati, who had been listless just now because of the "date delay," were now like they'd been injected with a stimulant, instantly returning to full health, the light in their eyes burning more intensely than before.
Lavender imagined excitedly:
"He... he actually made a request of her! At a time like this, in front of everyone! What could it be? A solemn promise? Or a token of love? Oh Merlin! My heart is about to jump out!"
Parvati also speculated romantically:
"A'small request' after 'cooperation'... This sounds... this sounds almost like the prelude to some tacit deal, or... a romantic setup! It must be!"
Hermione stood where she was, feeling a chill rush from the soles of her feet to the top of her head. The feeling of having fallen into a trap grew stronger and stronger.
Her eyes stared intently at Draco, trying to see any hint of calculation or malice from his calm, expressionless face.
But Draco's expression remained indifferent, his tone somewhat consultative, gentle to the point of being almost harmless.
This instead made the unease in her heart grow heavier, as if she were in a forest shrouded in thick fog, unable to discern the direction.
She asked with full vigilance and resistance: "...What request?"
"Don't be too nervous, Miss Hermione," Draco's voice remained calm.
"Actually, it's no big deal. This morning I intended to get familiar with the school environment, but my father suddenly appeared and forced me back. After being busy all morning, I don't even know where the classrooms are."
"Can you take me there in a bit?"
These words were like a clap of thunder striking everyone's hearts.
Extreme shock and cognitive dissonance instantly swept through Hermione's brain, causing her thoughts to go blank for a moment.
She had imagined countless possibilities.
Maybe he wanted her to help hide family secrets, maybe he wanted her to put in a good word for him in front of the Professor, or maybe he even wanted her to hand something over.
But she never expected it to be such a light, almost childish request.
It was like on a dueling ground where both sides had taken up their stances, wands ready and spells at the tips of their tongues.
At this moment, the opponent suddenly pulls out a copy of Beginner's Guide to Potions and asks you with a serious face what the recipe on this page means.
Absurd, ridiculous, yet carrying a kind of powerlessness that made one not know whether to laugh or cry.
The expression on her face completely froze, her eyes wide with disbelief.
Even the corners of her mouth twitched slightly, and for a moment, she didn't know how to react.
Not just Hermione, but the students throughout the hall nearly fell off their benches upon hearing this request.
Faces were filled with shock and blankness, as if they had heard the most ridiculous joke of the century.
They felt their intelligence and comprehension were being challenged and insulted like never before.
After all that fuss, the world-shaking "small request" was actually just asking for directions?
The playful smiles on Fred and George's faces froze instantly, as if they had been hit with a Petrificus Totalus.
George opened his mouth, and after a long while, he finally muttered a few words: "Lead... lead the way to the classroom?"
"This... this fucking works?!" Fred also followed up with a curse.
Lavender and Parvati's romantic mental theater was like someone had suddenly pressed the pause button, and then the signal malfunctioned, turning into a screen of white static.
The two of them stood with mouths agape, unable to make a sound for a long time, the light in their eyes quickly dimming.
In its place was a deep sense of disappointment and bewilderment.
"Take me to the classroom"? This was ten thousand times more mundane than the opening of the clumsiest romance novel!
This was simply a ruthless blow to their romantic fantasies!
Draco looked at the various expressions throughout the hall and thought to himself: I really can't figure it out. Why is everyone's reaction so big when I say just one sentence?
If I were to awaken some kind of Emotion Harvesting System, wouldn't that be amazing? Just by relying on these people's shock, disappointment, and bewilderment, I could probably max out my experience points.
At this moment, Hermione's face gradually turned from red to white.
She felt like a buffoon.
All the alertness, all the wisdom, and all the toughness she had shown just now had become one big joke in the face of this "lost freshman's" request.
Her chest heaved violently as she suppressed the sense of absurdity in her heart. Hermione gritted her teeth and repeated with deep disbelief: "...What. Did. You. Say?"
"I said, I can't find the way to the classroom." Draco spread his hands with a look of frankness, as if this were the most normal thing in the world.
Hermione, as if hearing a huge joke, couldn't help but raise her voice in sarcasm:
"But this afternoon is Herbology Class! The classroom is the Greenhouse outside the Castle! That Greenhouse is so prominent, with its towering glass dome, it can be seen from half a street away! Is there anyone in this world who can't find it?"
Chapter 81: Let's Go Together
Most Wizards were led by either Draco or Hermione, leaving their minds completely blank.
They could only feel surprise or other emotions as events unfolded, completely failing to consider the loopholes in the arguments.
After Hermione's reminder,
the students throughout the hall also showed expressions of sudden realization, nodding in agreement one after another.
That's right! The Greenhouse is so obvious, not hidden in some obscure corner. How could Malfoy not find it?
This really doesn't make sense. There must be something suspicious going on!
Suspicious gazes once again focused on Draco like a tide, filled with scrutiny and probing.
The initial sense of absurdity on Fred and George's faces instantly vanished without a trace.
It was replaced by a more intense interest, like hunters discovering the most intriguing prey.
George said, "The game has changed again. This kid really isn't simple."
"Brilliant! Granger finally made a move, and this strike hits the vital point! Let's see how he handles it!" Fred clapped and praised.
Lavender and Parvati also recovered, still unwilling to give up trying to find a romantic or reasonable explanation for Draco's request.
Lavender whispered, "Maybe... maybe he really wasn't paying attention to the prefect? He's a first-year, nervousness is inevitable."
A glimmer of hope reignited in Parvati's eyes: "Right! Maybe he deliberately found an excuse to walk alone with Hermione! It must be!"
However, Hermione's sharp questioning undoubtedly poured cold water on their fantasies, making that glimmer of hope seem exceptionally weak.
"Haha." Draco gave an awkward laugh.
He had indeed forgotten the afternoon class.
Immediately, the faint smile returned to his face: "Since we have the same class this afternoon, and you are going to the Greenhouse now, right?"
Without waiting for Hermione's reply, Draco continued.
"Why don't we walk over together? It's on the way anyway."
"If you don't mind, could you perhaps point out the general direction of the other main classrooms along the way?"
"I also don't want to be late because I took the wrong turn and cause Gryffindor to lose points. After all, we are both members of Gryffindor now, aren't we?"
Time seemed to freeze completely at this moment; the massive Great Hall was silent enough to hear a pin drop.
Everyone's eyes were focused on Hermione, their expressions filled with curiosity, awaiting her final response.
A faint blush still lingered on Hermione's cheeks, but her eyes seemed covered with a thin layer of ice, cold enough to freeze the surrounding air.
Hermione remained silent for a long time, then spoke in an extremely cold tone: "...Whatever."
Her words carried a clear sense of reluctance.
[Ding—Original plot added, luck value increased by 20!]
As soon as she finished speaking, Hermione abruptly turned around, not bothering to look at Dracoagain. She reached out, grabbed the book bag on the table, and slung it over her shoulder.
Then, without looking back, she strode toward the Great Hall exit.
She didn't wait for Draco or make any gesture, but her slightly hurried steps and that tight, rigid back silently explained everything.
She had accepted the suggestion.
Draco was instantly overjoyed. He turned to look at the students still watching behind him and asked, "What are you staring at? Don't you all have class?"
Saying this, he stood up and left his seat without hesitation, quickly chasing after Hermione's retreating figure.
Only then did the ordinary students throughout the hall snap out of their daze and react.
The Great Hall instantly filled with the squeaking sound of chairs scraping against the floor, along with the noise of books and bags being packed.
The previously stagnant air finally began to flow again.
Many people looked at Draco's retreating figure, confusion evident on their faces.
One of the main characters in the commotion that had just stirred up the entire Great Hall actually kindly reminded them not to be late before leaving?
This sudden, dramatic twist was too bizarre for them to process immediately.
The Weasley Twins first froze, then exchanged glances, simultaneously erupting in uncontrollable laughter.
The two slapped each other's shoulders, laughing hysterically.
They clearly found this scene spectacular and more amusing than any prank they had ever witnessed.
"Reminding us about class... Merlin!" Fred clutched his stomach, laughing so hard he couldn't stand straight.
"This kid really has guts! One moment he was sparring verbally with Granger, and the next he became a conscientious 'Disciplinary Officer'!"
George's eyes were watering from laughter, and he nodded repeatedly: "Brilliant! Absolutely brilliant! That move to shift attention was played masterfully! I'm impressed!"
On the other side, Lavender and Parvati were also jolted awake by Draco's words.
They exchanged glances, still looking a bit bewildered, and subconsciously looked up at the clock on the Great Hall wall.
The instant they saw the time, both simultaneously gasped, realizing the truth: "Ah! We really are going to be late! Professor Sprout hates late students the most!"
Before they finished speaking, they frantically began packing. Books, Quill, and Parchment were shoved into their bags all at once, moving as quickly as if a Troll were chasing them.
Draco's steps were light; after only a few strides, he caught up to Hermione and walked alongside her.
The moment their figures aligned, Hermione's body visibly stiffened for an instant.
Her already hurried steps became slightly disorganized, making the stone floor click loudly, the rhythm somewhat broken.
But in just a moment, she forcefully adjusted, straightening her back even further, as if deliberately drawing a line between herself and Draco.
Not only that, but Hermione subconsciously quickened her pace.
Her speed increased rapidly; she was practically power-walking, seemingly trying to leave Draco far behind.
Draco looked at her awkward demeanor and couldn't help but chuckle, teasing, "We still have a distance to cover before the Greenhouse, Hermione."
"More than being late, I guess Professor Sprout would rather not see her students enter the classroom with scrapes or sprains because they walked too fast?"
Hermione abruptly stopped. She slowly turned around, her gaze coldly sweeping over Draco: "If you're afraid of falling, you can walk slowly by yourself. No one is rushing you."
Having said that, she once again walked forward without looking back.
The decisive toss of her head carried an indescribable air of confidence, exactly like something out of a movie.
Draco shook his head helplessly and quickly hurried to catch up.
He persistently tried to find a topic: "Hermione, what do you think we'll be taught in our first Herbology Class? Is Professor Sprout very strict?"
The Hermione beside him remained silent, her pace not slowing down at all.
The silence in the air lasted for what felt like an entire century.
Hermione was experiencing a fierce internal struggle: on one side, the instinct to resist speaking to him, and on the other, the urge to share and explain knowledge, characteristic of a top student.
A few seconds later, Hermione seemed to reach her breaking point.
She abruptly stopped, roughly reached into the side pocket of her bag, and pulled out a thick copy of One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi with a brand-new spine.
She then fiercely "slammed" the textbook in front of Draco, the wind flipping a few pages to reveal the dense text and illustrations inside.
After making sure Draco had clearly seen the cover of the book, Hermione snatched it back with lightning speed and shoved it back into her bag.
The action was seamless, carrying a hint of embarrassment and anger.
Draco looked at her contradictory behavior and couldn't help but let out a soft laugh, deliberately asking, "What does this mean? Is our first Herbology Class going to cover the contents of this book?"
As soon as the words left his mouth, he saw Hermione's brows furrow tightly, a flash of annoyance in her eyes.
Draco inwardly thought, This is bad, and quickly suppressed his smile.
He figured it was best not to provoke this top student, or he might not even be able to find out which way the Greenhouse door faces from her.
Therefore, Draco wisely slowed his pace, obediently following behind Hermione without speaking further.
Sunlight streamed through the arched windows of the corridor, casting dappled shadows that stretched the figures of the two students long.
The shadows, one in front and one behind, fell upon the smooth stone floor, creating a strange sense of harmony.
Chapter 82: The Greenhouse
The moment the two stepped into the Greenhouse area, a humid, warm current of air, carrying the fragrance of earth, the freshness of chlorophyll, and a hint of rich fertilizer, wafted over them.
It was extremely quiet all around, with only countless magical plants growing in the tranquility, their leaves rustling softly as they unfurled, like nature whispering.
Draco and Hermione pushed open the wooden door of Greenhouse One side by side. The hinge gave a soft creak, but it did not disturb the person inside.
Professor Sprout was standing with her back to the door, in front of a wide, long workbench.
She wore her characteristic old hat, patched upon patched, yet spotlessly clean.
She was wearing a thick canvas apron, stained with brown soil and plant sap of varying shades.
She was slightly bent over, her hands clad in thick dragon-hide gloves, carefully adjusting the position of a young white dittany plant in a tray.
Her finger movements were so gentle, as if she feared disturbing sleeping elves, and she was humming a cheerful tune under her breath.
The tune was about Bubble Pods.
She did not turn around immediately, but first straightened the stem of the white dittany.
Then she gently pressed down the soil around the roots, ensuring it stood firmly in the center of the tray.
Only then did she use the back of her gloved hand to gently wipe away the thin sheen of sweat on her forehead, letting out a satisfied, soft sigh.
Her expression was like that of an artist admiring a masterpiece she had just completed.
A moment later, she turned around leisurely and slowly.
When Professor Sprout's eyes landed on Draco and Hermione, a warm and genuine smile naturally bloomed on her face.
"Ah, you're the first wave!" Her voice carried that down-to-earth and approachable quality unique to Hufflepuff House, instantly making people shed their inhibitions.
"So punctual, excellent! The afternoon sun is best for white dittany, you've come at a good time."
Hermione was startled at first, then quickly straightened her back and bowed slightly: "Yes, Professor. Good afternoon, Professor Sprout."
Draco also nodded in greeting: "Good afternoon, Professor. Are we studying white dittany today?"
Professor Sprout's smile became even more expansive and genuine, clearly pleased with the students' proactive interest in the course content.
"Exactly, Mr. Malfoy, white dittany it is!"
Her voice was full of passion for the subject, her tone showing a hint of exhilaration.
"A very practical and quite interesting magical plant. It seems you've already pre-read the textbook?"
"Yes, Professor." Draco nodded, then took a small step forward, his gaze falling on the nearest mature white dittany plant.
His eyes were focused and serious, yet he maintained a safe distance, not reaching out to touch it rashly.
"I've looked through 'One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi,' but the illustrations and descriptions in the book are far less vivid than seeing them grow with my own eyes."
After praising Herbology, Draco then looked up at Professor Sprout.
"I've noticed that the leaf morphology of these white dittany plants is slightly different from the typical mature plants described in the book; the serrations on the leaf margins are more pronounced."
"Is this because of the particularly excellent light and humidity conditions in the Greenhouse, or... is this a special variety cultivated in the Hogwarts Greenhouses, or perhaps individual differences from different origins?"
Draco secretly rejoiced: Damn, good thing I crammed Herbology knowledge over the summer, otherwise I might have shown my ignorance with this question today.
Indeed, Professor Sprout's eyes instantly lit up, revealing genuine surprise and admiration.
Her previous gentle smile now held an added touch of relief at meeting a kindred spirit.
"Sharp observation, Mr. Malfoy!" she exclaimed, raising her voice, "This is indeed a morphological change caused by differences in light intensity! It's excellent that you noticed this!"
She pointed to the white dittany plants and began to explain enthusiastically: "This Greenhouse faces south, so the afternoon light in summer is especially abundant. To better perform photosynthesis, the serrations on the white dittany's leaf margins become more pronounced, thereby increasing the light-receiving area. If moved to a shaded environment for a period of care, the serrations will gradually become smoother..."
She spoke voluminously, treating Draco as a student with whom she could converse as an equal.
Warm sunlight spilled over the three of them, and the air was filled with the fresh scent of herbs. For a moment, a harmonious atmosphere of teacher and students permeated the Greenhouse.
However, this focused teacher-student exchange was eventually interrupted.
Footsteps echoed at the Greenhouse door again, clearly hurried and urgent, mixed with a hint of surprise and uncertainty.
Ron and Harry practically stumbled in, the hems of their school robes somewhat disheveled, their hair wind-blown and messy.
Clearly, they had sprinted all the way, without even a moment to catch their breath.
Their gazes quickly swept across the Greenhouse, first landing on the eloquently speaking Professor Sprout, then shifting to the two beside the Professor.
When their eyes caught sight of Draco conversing happily with the Professor, Ron and Harry's footsteps abruptly halted.
Their eyes widened suddenly.
Chapter 83: Herbology Class with Hufflepuff
Ron's pupils suddenly contracted, and he felt a 'buzz' in his head, as if countless bees were frantically flying around.
He nudged Harry beside him with his elbow and whispered, "Harry... look! What is he doing? Discussing plants with the Professor? What's wrong with this world?!"
Their intrusion interrupted Professor Sprout's explanation.
But Professor Sprout did not show the slightest bit of displeasure.
She just tilted her head slightly, looking at the two panting boys at the door, her face showing a knowing smile and a gentle, welcoming expression.
"Ah, Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, you've arrived too!"
Sprout then raised her hand and gently patted the leaves of the pot of white dittany beside her.
"Just in time; we were just discussing the variations in the morphology of white dittany leaves affected by light. Mr. Malfoy discovered a very interesting phenomenon and observed it very meticulously."
As Professor Sprout's voice fell, a stunned silence fell over the Greenhouse.
Ron's mouth opened and closed, then closed and opened again.
The next moment, as if he had finally found his voice, he blurted out in a tone that was slightly sharp and high-pitched due to excitement.
"Dis—discussing? With Malfoy?"
Although these words were addressed to the Professor, his wide, round eyes were staring fixedly at Draco.
The disbelief in Ron's tone was almost overflowing, as if he had heard news as absurd as 'a Trollgetting ten O.W.Ls'.
"Professor, you don't know what he was doing in the Great Hall just now—"
"Ron!" Harry pulled hard on his sleeve, his eyes full of warning.
Perhaps Harry's tugging worked, or perhaps Ron himself realized that reporting someone so loudly in front of a Professor was really not something a 'man of the Weasley family' should do.
The words reached his lips, but he forced himself to swallow them back down.
However, on his flushed face, his expression clearly wrote: This is a conspiracy! A total conspiracy! Professor, you've been tricked!
Harry pulled Ron's arm even harder, signaling him to calm down quickly and not cause any more trouble.
Then, he took a deep breath, stepped forward half a pace, and tried to make his voice sound steady: "Good afternoon, Professor Sprout."
Professor Sprout first turned to Harry and nodded gently at his slightly hurried but still polite greeting.
"Good afternoon, Mr. Potter."
Then her gaze slowly turned to Ron.
"Mr. Weasley," her gaze fell on Ron's tense face, "in my classroom, we welcome any discussion about herbs, no matter who the participant is. Questioning and curiosity are the first steps of learning, but we must also learn to set aside prejudice and listen to different voices."
She paused, pointed to the sink in the corner of the Greenhouse, and resumed her usual gentleness, saying, "Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, please go to the sink and wash your hands thoroughly with soap."
"Remember, wash them well, even under the fingernails must be scrubbed clean. Then come here to collect your dragon-hide gloves and check them carefully for any damage. Although the sap of white dittany is non-toxic, it still needs to be treated with caution."
"Okay, Professor." Harry quickly nodded in agreement, pulling the still-fuming Ron along as he walked toward the sink.
Ron glared fiercely at Draco, his eyes full of resentment and unwillingness that said 'just you wait'.
Only then did he reluctantly drag his feet, following Harry to the sink.
The two of them placed their textbooks on a nearby bench.
Ron walked to the sink and roughly turned on the faucet. The cold water poured down with a'splash', as if venting the dissatisfaction and irritability in his heart.
He grabbed a piece of coarse soap and rubbed a handful of lather into his palms.
His hand-washing movements were urgent and heavy, as if he wouldn't stop until he had scrubbed away all the invisible 'filth' on his hands.
Just then, the Greenhouse door was pushed open again, and three or two figures walked in, talking and laughing.
They were first-year students from Hufflepuff and Gryffindor, their faces still carrying the novelty and excitement of having just entered the wizarding world.
The time for class was drawing closer and closer.
Professor Sprout clapped her hands and raised her voice: "Alright, students who arrived later, move a bit faster!"
Her gaze swept over the arriving freshmen.
"Everyone listen, the first thing to do upon entering the Greenhouse is to immediately go to the sink and wash your hands thoroughly with soap, then come to the workbench here to collect dragon-hide glovesand check them carefully to see if they are intact."
"We will start processing white dittany on time in five minutes. Any unclean operation might affect its medicinal efficacy or even cause unnecessary danger."
The students responded one after another, following Professor Sprout's instructions.
Some hurried to the sink, while others gathered around the workbench to pick out gloves. The Greenhouse suddenly became lively.
Professor Sprout turned her head and looked at Draco and Hermione, who were still standing by the white dittany plants:
"You two go as well, hurry up and wash your hands and get your gloves. Don't delay the practical lesson in a moment."
The two of them answered and turned toward the sink as well.
Soon, the Greenhouse was filled with the sound of rushing water, the low conversations of students, and the characteristic slight friction of dragon-hide gloves being pulled on.
The students finished their washing one after another, and their hands were now clad in slightly clumsy but sturdy dragon-hide gloves.
Then they gathered in groups of two or three around the workbench where several pots of white dittany plants were placed.
"Alright, everyone!" Professor Sprout's sonorous voice rang out, drowning out the last rustling in the Greenhouse.
She straightened her back, her gaze sweeping across the youthful faces before her, her face beaming with her love for Herbology and her expectations for the students.
"Welcome to our first real practical Herbology Class of the new semester! I am Pomona Sprout, you can call me Professor Sprout."
"From today on, I will lead you to explore the wonderful world of magical plants."
[Ding—original plot added, luck value increased by 20!]
The system notification sound quietly echoed in his mind.
Professor Sprout cleared her throat, her gaze falling on the fresh white dittany plants, her tone becoming even gentler:
"Before we start our hands-on practice, I'd like to ask everyone, does anyone already have some understanding of white dittany? You can share it with everyone."
As soon as she finished speaking, the atmosphere in the Greenhouse underwent a subtle change.
The students looked at each other, and most of them had embarrassed expressions on their faces.
Some lowered their heads, pretending to study their dragon-hide gloves; others scratched their heads, their eyes dodging, not daring to meet the Professor's gaze.
A brief silence spread through the Greenhouse.
But almost at the same time.
An arm, with a swift, powerful, and unhesitating posture, like a sword unsheathed, was raised high and straight.
The arm stood out remarkably among the sea of lowered heads.
It was Hermione.
An almost eager light radiated from her face again.
Her eyes sparkled with absolute confidence in the realm of knowledge and an irrepressible desire to express herself.
Chapter 84: Ron Makes Trouble
Hermione's arm was raised straight up, looking particularly conspicuous amidst the hesitant atmosphere.
Following her, a few scattered arms were also slowly raised, mostly from Hufflepuff students.
Their movements were far less decisive than Hermione's, and their arms weren't held very high.
Some even just propped their elbows on their knees, their eyes hiding a bit of self-doubting evasion.
On the Gryffindor side, except for the bright "scenery" that was Hermione, it was almost entirely silent.
Ron hung his head, his eyes glancing at Draco from time to time, while Harry scratched his head and looked at his textbook, clearly unprepared to answer any questions.
Draco didn't raise his hand, thinking to himself: Since I've decided to keep a low profile, I should leave the chance to show off to Hermione.
But while one can pretend to be mediocre, one cannot actually be incompetent; if he knew nothing about Herbology, he would inevitably expose his weakness in the future.
Thinking of this, he immediately asked the system in his mind, "Is there anything that can quickly supplement my knowledge of Herbology?"
"book of knowledge!" the system's voice quickly responded.
"What's the use of the book of knowledge?" Draco followed up.
"It can record the contents and practical operations of specified books and instill them directly into the Host's mind, achieving instantaneous mastery."
"This is great!" Draco's eyes lit up, and he hurried to ask, "How many luck value points?"
"300!"
"How many?!" Draco almost jumped in shock. "I have exactly 320 right now, and you're asking for 300 as soon as you open your mouth. Isn't that too much of a rip-off?"
"The system never cheats the Host; the price is fair and reasonable."
"Fine." Although Draco felt the sting, he also understood the value of this item and immediately exchanged for the book of knowledge.
Since class was in progress, he didn't have extra time to bicker with the system. Besides, the system's previous exchanges had indeed never been overpriced.
Just as Professor Sprout's gaze landed on Hermione, preparing to let her stand up and answer...
Ron suddenly stood up and said, "Professor, everyone else brought 'One Thousand Magical Herbs and Fungi,' but Malfoy didn't bring his book! Can I assume that he already knows all this knowledge by heart? Why not let him answer!"
[Ding! original plot added, luck value increased by 20!]
Draco was very happy. Ron, oh Ron, you really are a lucky star.
But with an "enemy" like Ron, it's really hard to keep a low profile!
As soon as Ron's words came out, the whole place instantly fell into a dead silence.
All the students' gazes shifted in unison to Draco.
Their eyes swept to his empty desktop; the place where a textbook should have been placed was indeed empty.
Suddenly, a subtle excitement welled up in the students' eyes, as they were more than happy to watch the drama unfold.
The buzzing sound of whispering was just about to start when it was suppressed by Professor Sprout's gaze.
Draco didn't have time to think much and immediately used the book of knowledge to scan the textbook brought by the Hufflepuff student at the next table.
The next second, the system prompted that the loading was complete, and a vast and systematic amount of Herbology knowledge poured into his mind like a tide.
Countless details about plant morphology, growth habits, medicinal effects, and contraindications instantly became clear in his mind.
Draco felt as if he had instantly become a master of Herbology theoretical knowledge.
Hermione's high-reaching arm stiffened for a moment.
She probably hadn't expected Ron to make trouble in this way.
This wasn't out of concern for the class at all, but a blatant targeting.
Hermione looked at Ron with annoyance, but Ron deliberately turned his head away and ignored her.
His face still carried a bit of smugness from his success.
Hermione was helpless and could only turn her gaze toward Draco.
The gentle smile on Professor Sprout's face had completely disappeared.
Her gaze also fell on Draco, her brow furrowing slightly.
Clearly, she did not appreciate Ron's way of speaking, which was full of personal grievances and disrupted the order of the classroom.
But Ron's words, at least on the surface, revolved around "class preparation" and "learning attitude," which made it impossible for her to simply scold him for "talking back."
She had no choice but to turn her gaze to Draco to see his reaction.
Draco only slowly raised his eyes, a composed smile appearing on his face, as if everything was under control.
He looked at Ron and said calmly, "Mr. Weasley, your question is very interesting."
"Naturally, I value the first lesson. So, previewing is only right. As for answering questions, that's certainly no problem."
He changed his tone, his gaze falling back on Ron, the smile at the corner of his mouth deepening: "However, Mr. Weasley, you brought your book. It seems you have great confidence in the textbook..."
"How about this." Draco's gaze turned to Professor Sprout, "We'll each answer one. How does that sound? You answer the Professor's next question."
Hearing this, Ron's face instantly turned from a smug red to an ugly shade of dark purple.
He clearly hadn't expected Draco to counterattack like this, and for a moment, he lost his composure.
Hermione looked at Draco's calm and unhurried appearance, a flash of shock passing through her eyes.
She had thought Draco would fall into an awkward situation, but she didn't expect him to be able to throw the difficult problem back to Ron so easily.
The other students were even more delighted, their eyes full of excitement, clearly looking forward to this confrontation.
Professor Sprout's eyebrows shot up even higher; the development of events had clearly exceeded her expectations.
She looked at Draco, a flash of surprise in her eyes.
But as a Professor, she absolutely could not let the classroom turn into a one-on-one dueling ground for the two of them.
After a brief silence, Professor Sprout cleared her throat, her voice suddenly rising: "Quiet!"
She looked around, her gaze lingering on Draco and Ron for a moment, and said seriously:
"The classroom is not a dueling ground. Mr. Weasley, it is good to care about your classmates' study preparation, but the manner in which you do so needs attention. Mr. Malfoy, your... proposal is very creative, but what we need now is systematic learning, not a competition."
She quickly pulled the topic back on track, her gaze falling on Hermione and the other students who had raised their hands.
Professor Sprout then resumed her gentle tone and said, "Miss Granger, and the students who raised their hands just now, thank you for your preparation."
"Now, let's turn our attention back to the white dittany itself. Miss Granger, please answer the common uses of white dittany."
"Yes, Professor." Hermione immediately stood up, her back straight, her face once again glowing with confidence.
"white dittany is one of the most effective and widely used magical wound-healing plants known."
Her voice was clear, fluent, and fast, without the slightest hesitation.
"Its most valuable parts are the milky white sap contained in the leaves and tender stems." Hermionespoke eloquently, her gaze sweeping over the white dittany plant in front of her.
"This sap provides immediate hemostasis for the vast majority of open wounds caused by physical cuts, stabs, tears, and mild magical burns..."
While Hermione was speaking eloquently, the students had already erupted.
"Merlin's beard, has she memorized the entire book?"
"She even knows the recipe for unicorn horn powder! Has she even read the revised edition?!"
Hermione seemed not to hear the discussions around her and continued to add:
"Contraindications that must be noted include: it cannot be used to treat corrosive wounds caused by Dark magic; such wounds require specialized antidotes or magical restoration."
"It cannot be taken internally. Although white dittany sap is excellent for external use, internal consumption will cause strong irritation to the stomach and intestines."
"And it may trigger contact allergies in a very small number of people with special constitutions. Before the first use, a trace skin test is recommended."
Hermione poured out all the knowledge she knew about white dittany in one breath, not even missing some obscure precautions.
An unshielded smile of admiration appeared on Professor Sprout's face; it was the heartfelt love and recognition for an excellent student.
She praised loudly, "Very excellent, Miss Granger!"
"Not only did you mention the main uses, but you also mentioned specific recipes, precautions, and even extended to field applications and materials science!"
"Five points to Gryffindor! This is what I call thorough preparation! Everyone should learn from Miss Granger!"
Almost instantly, an uncontrollable joy rushed to Hermione's cheeks.
Her back straightened even more, her shoulders unconsciously opening back slightly, and her whole being radiated a glow of being recognized.
A faint, healthy flush even appeared on her cheeks, and her eyes were strikingly bright.
Then Hermione subconsciously glanced at Draco, her gaze carrying a hint of imperceptible pride, as if to say: See, this is my strength.
Draco returned a gentle smile and then gave her a thumbs up, his eyes full of sincere admiration.
Hermione's cheeks instantly turned bright red, all the way to the tips of her ears, as if she had been burned by fire.
She abruptly looked away, her gaze fixed firmly on the white dittany leaves in front of her, not daring to look at Draco again.
At this moment, she really didn't understand whether Malfoy was a good person or a bad person.
Chapter 85: A Very Steady Composure
"It seems Miss Granger has thoroughly absorbed the book!" Professor Sprout said with a beaming smile.
As she spoke, she leaned over and gently patted the thick leaves of a white dittany plant, her movements as soft as stroking the back of a docile little animal.
"Just as Miss Granger said, our 'little doctor in green' is best at dealing with all those minor wounds that make you grimace in pain."
She straightened up, her gaze sweeping across the young and curious faces.
"Imagine being hit in the forehead by a moldy sandwich from our over-energetic Mr. Peeves, scraping the skin a bit..."
Several students couldn't help but chuckle.
Even Ron, whose face had been tense earlier, couldn't help but twitch the corner of his mouth.
Clearly, he was amused by the Professor's vivid analogy.
"At a time like that, if you have a small leaf like this on hand—here, like this one—"
She put on her dragon-hide gloves, carefully pinched a fresh white dittany leaf, waved it against the sunlight, and said,
"Squeeze out the clear juice inside and apply it to the wound..." Professor Sprout said as she gently squeezed the leaf.
As the squeezed juice dripped onto her skin, Professor Sprout continued.
"Then you'll find that the blood quickly stops, the wound feels cool and refreshed, the burning pain subsides, and it heals very smoothly without leaving an ugly scar."
She paused, intentionally leaving time for the students to digest the vivid image.
Then Sprout gave other examples, saying, "In the wild, experienced Wizards even treat it as a self-walking first-aid kit."
"For instance, getting a scrape from being tangled in Devil's Snare? Being accidentally scratched by a Bowtruckle? Or even accidentally touching the edge of a Venomous Tentacula..."
"Of course, that last situation is much more serious; we should hurry to Madam Pomfrey for treatment."
Professor Sprout said the last part with a humorous tone and a smile.
The students were momentarily stunned, their tension quietly broken by the Professor's lively and interesting description.
Heartfelt smiles appeared on the faces of the already nervous Hufflepuffs and some Gryffindors.
Their gazes toward the white dittany plants also held a bit more warmth and curiosity.
Professor Sprout changed her tone and said solemnly, "In short, finding and processing white dittanyimmediately can often be a huge help, buying you time until a more thorough solution is found."
"So, children," she concluded,
"today we aren't just getting to know it."
"We need to learn how to politely ask this 'little doctor' for a favor, taking a tiny bit of juice to see, while being twelve times more careful not to hurt it."
Her expression turned serious for a moment, her gaze lingering especially on a few boys who looked clumsy.
Ron was the first to be targeted; he subconsciously pulled back his hands under the Professor's gaze.
"Remember," she finally reminded the students,
"they are not just medicinal ingredients, but living partners worthy of our gratitude."
"If you are rough with it, it's like throwing a punch at a friend who is trying to help."
"Not only is it dishonorable, but you might also end up with nothing."
"If white dittany feels fear or pain, it will seal off its juice secretion, and then even if you take the leaf, you'll only get a shriveled, empty shell."
As these words fell, the atmosphere in the Greenhouse became increasingly solemn.
The students' gazes toward the white dittany plants before them grew more respectful and cautious.
Professor Sprout said no more, turning to the workbench where the seedlings were stacked and began distributing the plants.
"Alright, now let's put theory into practice. Has everyone received their plant?"
The students nodded.
"Put on your gloves! Remember, dragon-hide gloves are not only to protect you, but also to prevent sweat or impurities from your hands from irritating the white dittany."
After speaking, Professor Sprout quickly walked to the demonstration table at the front, picking up a sturdy pot of white dittany and a pair of small silver tweezers.
She then looked up again and gestured for everyone to watch: "Watch my demonstration carefully; I will only do it once."
The students focused their attention on Professor Sprout and the white dittany plant.
"First, use your magnifying glass to observe carefully and find a healthy, mature leaf located in the middle of the plant. Like this..."
She leaned down, the tip of her tweezers touching the base of a leaf extremely gently,
"avoid the main vein and choose a spot slightly above where the lateral veins meet."
Professor Sprout explained while she worked.
"The juice is plentiful here, and the damage to the plant is minimal. After the leaf is removed, it can heal quickly without affecting further growth."
Her demonstration was very cautious and precise, every movement filled with care for the plant.
She no longer looked specifically at Hermione or Draco, but swept her gaze evenly across all the students to ensure everyone could see her movements.
"Then, keep your wrist steady, move quickly, but touch lightly, like this—"
With a gentle flick of her wrist and just the right amount of force, a complete oval leaf was removed, the cut clean and smooth, and the white dittany plant barely shook.
"See, the juice has already started to condense at the cut."
"Now, immediately place this leaf on the prepared clean glass slide and press gently with the tweezers... remember, do not use too much force, or you might destroy the active ingredients in the juice."
As she spoke, she fluidly completed the subsequent steps, her movements flowing like water without any delay.
Soon, a drop of clear juice with a faint milky white tint spread across the glass slide.
"This is raw white dittany juice without any processing, and it is the core result of our practical lesson today."
"Alright, children, did everyone see the key movements and points clearly?"
Professor Sprout straightened up, put down the tweezers, and scanned the room.
Almost as soon as the Professor finished speaking, Hermione raised her hand and answered without hesitation, "I saw it clearly, Professor!"
A few other students who were listening as intently as Hermione also nodded in agreement.
But most students just nodded mechanically, their lips moving, yet the words they spoke carried a hint of uncertainty.
"Um... I think so..."
"I think... I understand?"
"My brain gets it, but my hands don't seem to yet..."
Ron, standing next to Harry, muttered softly, "It's just picking a leaf, how hard can it be? Making it so complicated."
As he spoke, he reached out to touch the white dittany plant in front of him, but Harry caught his arm just in time.
Harry shook his head at him, signaling him not to act rashly.
Just then, Neville timidly and very slightly raised a hand.
His face turned bright red, and his voice was as weak as a mosquito's hum as he asked, "Pro-Professor... um... is the direction of the wrist turn, is-is it like this?"
As he spoke, he clumsily imitated the Professor's previous movement, his wrist turning stiffly half a circle, looking somewhat comical.
Most of the students looked at him in unison, their eyes filled with a bit of relief.
Finally, someone had broken the awkwardness and asked the question they all wanted to ask.
Professor Sprout's gaze turned warmly toward Neville, her face full of undisguised praise and encouragement.
Those she liked and was best at teaching were often students like Neville, who might not be the quickest but had a serious attitude and an instinctive kindness toward plants.
"Mr. Longbottom! That's an excellent question!" she immediately responded.
"The fact that you noticed the wrist movement and bravely asked a question shows you observed very carefully! This is exactly the key to success and the most valuable quality for studying Herbology!"
Then she slowed down her speech, explaining patiently while picking up the tweezers and a spare white dittany leaf to demonstrate it once more in slow motion.
After showing it more meticulously, Professor Sprout put down her tools.
She asked again, "Now, who else doesn't understand? Feel free to ask, just like Mr. Longbottom did."
"Herbology is about rigor and precision. Having questions isn't scary; what's scary is pretending to understand when you don't and operating blindly."
Most students were still looking down, digesting the Professor's explanation, their faces showing a bit of caution.
Someone whispered into the ear of the student next to them, "Do you get it?"
"I think I kind of do."
"We'll find out when we try it in a bit."
Many were already eager to try, their fingers twitching inside their dragon-hide gloves, wanting to start the operation immediately.
Professor Sprout saw this and understood that most students were still in a state of confusion.
Finally, Professor Sprout's gaze settled clearly on Draco, an encouraging smile appearing on her face.
"Mr. Malfoy, I see you've been observing very carefully, and your composure is very steady. Why don't you come to the front and demonstrate the entire process of taking the leaf and the juice for everyone, just as I did, if you wouldn't mind?"
Hearing this, Draco was momentarily stunned, his heart full of bewilderment and confusion: No way, man, I didn't do anything, didn't say anything, I was just standing there, keeping quiet.
And this is what the Professor calls "very steady composure"?