In the end, Pansy's questioning fizzled out, her attention diverted by Draco's rambling.
The Chamber of Secrets incident had finally settled down. As the petrified students were restored one by one, Hogwarts began to return to normal order. The rumours that Dumbledore would be expelled, which had been rampant, also subsided as the truth came to light.
It couldn't be called a complete return to order, though. After the incident, Lockhart, who had played the hero in the turmoil, reportedly suffered a head injury that severely impacted his spellcasting. While he hadn't become a Squib, he faced obstacles in using many spells. This was the conclusion Dumbledore gave to the outside world, so the latter part of the Defence Against the Dark Arts Class was cancelled. Due to this turmoil, the school even decided to cancel the final exams, which must have been good news for some.
Sigh, I originally wanted to see Professor Lockhart beat up the Old Bat a few more times, but it seems there's no chance now. Ron, sitting at the dining table, sighed while taking food onto his plate. He seemed to regret Professor Lockhart's injury. It was said that because of this issue, their Defence Against the Dark Arts teacher would be changed again next semester, and the Duelling Club would naturally not continue.
Hermione, do you really not remember what happened back then? Harry asked. He had asked this question many times, but the final answer was always Hermione shaking her head helplessly.
This time was no exception. She said, I only remember things before I took the potion, like you helping me distract Pansy. Her brow was furrowed tightly as she tried desperately to recall the incident. These days, she was surrounded by praise, with everyone saying she had shown the courage belonging to a Gryffindor, but she couldn't remember anything at all. This made her blush every time she accepted praise, as she felt she didn't deserve it.
Could it be a side effect of the Polyjuice Potion? Ron said, picking up a cup of honey tea, frustrated. If I had been there, maybe I could have been of some use.
The Polyjuice Potion doesn't have that side effect. Hermione said, as if trying to prove that her memory wasn't faulty, but her voice seemed a bit loud, causing the surrounding students to glance over repeatedly.
Hermione, keep it down. Snape is looking over here. Harry looked around and saw Snape's detestable face looking in their direction.
Don't worry. Hermione said. Even so, she lowered her voice. I've already confessed to the Headmaster.
What? Ron and Harry exclaimed, almost jumping up in fright.
Isn't everything fine now? Hermione said. Stealing is always wrong. We had no choice at the time because it was urgent, but now that it's over, we shouldn't hide it any longer, right? Even if what we stole belonged to Snape. Hermione's voice dropped even lower.
Alright, Ron said, helplessly putting his hand to his forehead. Does the Old Bat know? He asked, slightly worried.
The Headmaster has already taken care of it. Hermione said brightly.
That's good. Harry let out a long sigh of relief; he didn't want to be punished for this again in the future.
Suddenly, a sound of chairs moving and colliding came from the direction of the Slytherin table.
Ron glanced over there and sneered, Those Slytherin students are acting as if he's the hero.
The cause of such behaviour was naturally Draco, who had come to eat. Many Slytherin students would stand up to pay their respects when they saw him, and some even bowed.
They definitely have no chance at the House Cup this year, plus we have Hermione's 200 points. Harry said happily, not caring about the behaviour of the Slytherin students.
Hermione looked at Draco, not far away, with a complex expression, then just remained silent.
Professor, does the Polyjuice Potion have any side effects? After class one day, Hermione found Dumbledore and asked him this because she felt something was wrong with herself.
Oh, Miss Granger, it seems you've encountered a problem? Dumbledore, in the middle of the corridor, stopped and asked, shaking his silvery-white beard.
I've discovered that I seem to have a problem with my emotions. Hermione said. Even though you said Professor Lockhart saved me, I don't want to see him at all. Instead, I feel disgusted whenever he is mentioned. What's going on? Is there a problem with the Polyjuice Potion I brewed?
Hmm... Dumbledore mused, thinking for a moment, then smiled at Hermione and said, How should I put it? As far as I know, the Polyjuice Potion doesn't have such side effects. There is a saying that every wizard is a seer. Perhaps you could try trusting your intuition, Miss Granger?
Hermione was a bit confused by this answer, but she felt Dumbledore wouldn't lie to her, so she chose to believe him. However, she said hesitantly, But isn't that impolite? He clearly saved me and paid such a high price for it.
I must say, your intentions are good, but I don't think you'll be able to find him now. Dumbledore shrugged, expressing his helplessness. He has already been transferred to St Mungo's. If you wish, you'll have to wait until the holidays to visit him. Perhaps he is preparing for an interview right now.
Dumbledore added, Perhaps at the end of the term, you will have the chance to stand with him on the Great Hall's stage. He should be back, and we will commend the two of you. Perhaps this way, you will be able to tell if your emotions are truly causing a problem.
Alright, Professor. Hermione nodded.
Miss Granger, besides that, do you have any other emotional problems? Dumbledore asked further.
Hermione's face stiffened, then she said slowly, "Thank you for your concern, but there are no other problems besides that."
That's good. Dumbledore said cheerfully, then turned and, dragging his wide robes, walked towards his office.
Sorry, Professor, I lied. Hermione apologised to Dumbledore silently in her heart.
Because apart from the groundless disgust towards Lockhart, she found that she couldn't bring herself to hate the culprit behind all of this either, and even held a faint, lingering...
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