"It's not a bad idea to increase our wisdom a little so that we can be both wise and brave," Hermione whispered to Harry and Ron. She didn't speak loudly, still a bit worried that this remark might cause a public outcry.
But in fact, it did not.
On such a cold, dark night, crawling into a warm bed early was something that brought great joy. Harry had no plans to sneak out for a night tour; instead, he lay in bed to recharge and prepare for Merlin's Trial the next day.
September 1, 1993, was a Wednesday, and to the surprise of the students, they didn't start classes immediately upon returning to school. Instead, the term officially started with the first lesson on the following Monday, September 6.
But even so, Wednesday was the day to turn in student homework.
Ron only realized when he got up in the morning that he had only completed half of his Magic Potion Class homework, and he anxiously scratched his head.
Fortunately, with Hermione's help, he managed to turn in his paper before the deadline.
"Oh my God, I thought I was going to die," Ron said, somewhat breathlessly. "I really can't imagine how Professor Snape would have dealt with me if I hadn't done my homework."
"Don't worry, he definitely won't kill you," Hermione said, suppressing a laugh. "Anyway, Hell is just a sauna to you, isn't it?"
Ron puffed his cheeks but said nothing.
The students of Ravenclaw were excitedly discussing Gryffindor's new gatekeeper. They honestly didn't expect the school to have a Sphinx guard the entrance for Gryffindor.
"It's clearly supposed to belong to Ravenclaw," Zhang Qiu from Ravenclaw said, somewhat indignantly.
The other Ravenclaw students nodded in agreement, as they seemed to have long been tired of that old door knocker— But if it were the Sphinx asking questions, then it would be acceptable.
At least the Sphinx isn't a cold door knocker but a living, breathing Sphinx.
Luna sat at the Ravenclaw table, seemingly looking at the Gryffindor table, yet also at the Slytherin side.
The girls around her were whispering, pointing at Luna, clearly not saying anything good.
Harry, with his sharp ears, heard what they were saying, nothing but terms like 'crazy girl,' advising others, especially first-years, not to play with Luna.
Harry looked worriedly at Luna but found that Luna didn't care at all about the verbal violence, as if they were talking about someone completely unrelated.
This girl's mentality was really excellent; anyone else would have blown up at this group of back-biting gossips.
"They're really disgusting," Hermione quietly said to Ron, "What did Luna do wrong? Why treat her like this?"
"Being different is the mistake, Hermione," Harry also whispered.
Hermione nodded, stood up, and went to the Ravenclaw table to invite Luna.
"Luna, would you like to join us for breakfast?"
Luna blankly looked up, and upon seeing Hermione, she nodded with a serene smile.
"Sure."
Her voice was still ethereal, just like her aura, if you ignored the slightly puffy eyes.
After Luna joined the Gryffindor table, Hermione quietly asked, "Is it always like this for you in the house?"
Meanwhile, the gossiping among the Ravenclaws grew louder, now including Hermione in their whispers.
Basically, they were talking about Hermione being meddlesome, and some even maliciously speculated about Hermione and Harry's relationship.
"I'm sorry for the trouble," Luna apologized. "But I noticed—Harry seems to have Wrackspurts over his head. What are you worried about, Harry?"
"It's no trouble at all, Luna," Hermione said with a nonchalant smile. "I don't care what a few people who are irrelevant to me say behind my back—Wrackspurts? What's that? Does Harry have some worries?"
"Wrackspurts... are buzzing things. When they bother you, it indicates you have a lot on your mind," Luna said softly.
"I'm worried about a friend, but don't worry," Harry smiled at Luna. "She'll be back soon."
"Is it Vivi?" Hermione showed her curiosity. "Is she finally finishing her studies in the Muggle World?"
"No," Harry shook his head.
But since Hermione mentioned Vivi, Harry remembered that when Vivi was in Austria-Hungary, she was also talked about behind her back by a group of girls, even sabotaged; they hid her crown...
If Vivi were to see Luna facing the same situation... maybe they could become good friends?
"Who is it then?" Hermione asked persistently, being quite nosy.
Because she had heard the word "she," unlike in English where he and she are distinguishable.
"I have the right to remain silent," Harry said.
"I think you must be up to something; you're a bit guilty, Harry," Hermione squinted at Harry, seemingly trying to spot any flaws.
However, Harry didn't care at all and kept his head down, continuing with his breakfast.
Breakfast is important; it has to be eaten. After all, it's the king's breakfast, the prince's lunch, and the beggar's dinner. This is the correct way to have three meals a day.
After Harry finished breakfast, he went to Professor Sprout's greenhouse.
Professor Sprout still had the same extremely plain getup, with a few withered leaves even stuck in her hair.
"Harry." Professor Sprout wasn't surprised by Harry's arrival. She greeted him, "Here to get some Sweet Mallow leaves? I have a bag ready for you, right over there."