bacchusnovels Chapter 337 Three Mountains Standing in Hermione's Way
Chapter 337 Three Mountains Standing in Hermione's Way
Chapter 337 Three Mountains Standing in Hermione's Way
As soon as she saw Professor Tonks leave her seat, Hermione could no longer contain her restless heart.
Just as she was about to get up and go look for Sean, Sophia suddenly spoke softly, her tone somewhat nonchalant.
"Hermione, have you thought about what your parents will give you for Christmas this year?"
Hermione paused slightly, her movement of getting up faltering. She turned to look at Sophia, her brow furrowing slightly. "Ah, the gift—well, I haven't decided yet." Her gaze unconsciously drifted back to the entrance of the Great Hall.
Sophia chuckled, deliberately drawing out the subject: "Your parents are Muggles, right? I've heard that Muggle Christmas presents are really interesting. Are there any special things? Like those weird electronic toys, or some quirky gadgets?"
Hermione hesitated for a moment, somewhat uninterested in the topic, but out of politeness, she replied, "Well, my parents usually give me some books and school supplies; they know I like those." Her gaze drifted back towards the outside of the Great Hall, her mind no longer on the conversation.
However, Sofia didn't stop; she continued, "Oh, books? That really suits your personality. But..."
Don't you think sometimes gifts can be a little special? Like, an unexpected surprise?
Hermione frowned slightly, somewhat confused, not understanding what Sophia meant.
She gently shook her head: "A surprise? I think any gift prepared with care is special."
Sophia shrugged and continued in a relaxed tone, "You're right, but sometimes surprises aren't just about gifts, Hermione. Perhaps, some things happening are the real surprises." Her gaze inadvertently swept towards the entrance of the Great Hall before quickly returning to Hermione's face.
Hermione finally realized that Sophia was deliberately stalling her.
Her cheeks flushed slightly, and she felt uneasy. The implication in Sofia's words made her feel inexplicably anxious, as if her thoughts had been stripped bare, and she felt uncomfortable all over.
"Sophia," Hermione smiled somewhat awkwardly, "you make a good point, but—I really have something to take care of right now. Shall we talk again later?"
After saying that, she quickly stood up. Sophia didn't stop her anymore, but just nodded with a light smile: "Of course, Hermione, you're welcome anytime."
After Hermione hurried away from the Great Hall, she encountered her second obstacle on her way to the Astronomy Tower—Luna.
"Miss Granger," Luna called softly to Hermione, her voice gentle and as ethereal as ever.
Hermione was about to hurry forward when she heard Luna's voice and involuntarily stopped and turned to look at her.
Luna's expression always carried a hint of mysterious daze, and her large, light blue eyes were now intently fixed on Hermione, as if she could see right through her.
"Miss Lovegood?" Hermione paused slightly, recognizing Luna, who was also the class representative for Muggle Studies. Her anxiety made her voice a little hurried. "Well, I have something urgent to attend to right now. How about we talk another day?"
However, Luna tilted her head slightly, seemingly having no intention of letting her go.
"What are you looking for?" Luna's voice seemed to carry a certain unspoken meaning; though her words were gentle, they struck Hermione's heart directly.
Hermione trembled slightly, and the step she was about to take froze.
Luna's tone didn't sound interrogative at all; rather, it sounded like she was just curious. But Hermione felt that her own secret feelings had been inadvertently exposed.
This is the second time today.
"I—" Hermione tried to hide her inner turmoil and forced a smile. "It's nothing. I just went to see Professor Phillips. I have some questions to ask him."
Luna's clear eyes flickered, then she nodded gently. "Really? But I think the way you are now..."
It seems they're searching for something more important; this isn't an ordinary problem.
Hermione was somewhat taken aback by this subtle comment, and her palms became slightly sweaty.
"I really have something urgent to attend to, Luna," Hermione raised her voice slightly, trying to divert the other's attention from her inner turmoil. "I'll definitely talk to you about it in detail next time, okay?"
Luna nodded slowly, still maintaining that thoughtful expression.
"Well, alright," she said softly, "I hope you find what you're looking for, Hermione."
Hermione felt a strange sensation. She said goodbye hastily and left quickly, her inexplicable emotions growing stronger.
At the end of the corridor, she finally saw the staircase leading to the astronomical tower, and her clenched fists loosened slightly.
Here, she encountered her third obstacle—Daphne and Penelope.
"Crivart," Hermione greeted Penelope, trying to appear relaxed and natural.
Penelope looked up and saw Hermione, smiling slightly: "Granger, what are you doing here so late?" Daphne, who was beside her, also watched Hermione without making a sound, a strange glint in her eyes.
Hermes felt her heart tighten again, but she remained calm on the surface: "I have some questions about my studies and would like to ask Professor Phillips for advice."
Penelope nodded, her smile still friendly: "You're really hardworking, not even taking a break on your holiday."
Daphne raised an eyebrow slightly, a faint smile playing on her lips, her eyes carrying a hint of amusement. "Yes, Granger," she said slowly, "you really have been studying all this time, haven't you? Shall we go with you to find the professor?"
Hermione's heart skipped a beat as she realized they seemed to be intentionally trying to stop her.
"Oh, no need, thank you so much," Hermione said hastily, trying to sound less anxious. "I can handle the professor's matter myself."
After she finished speaking, she didn't give them time to react and quickly walked towards the stairs.
"Has the professor also gotten hold of something against you, Miss Granger?"
Hermione stopped abruptly, turned around, and forced herself to remain calm, but a sense of surprise and unease was already creeping over her.
"What are you talking about, Greengrass?"
Daphne walked forward slowly, chuckled, crossed her arms, and wore an indifferent expression. "Oh, don't you know? Phillips isn't as upright as he seems. He's adept at using tricks to control students' secrets, and then using that leverage to make you do some—extra 'cooperation'."
Seemingly recalling some unpleasant memory, Daphne's face suddenly turned unusually flushed after she finished speaking. Hermione's face darkened; hearing such words filled her with anger: "That's nonsense! Professor Phillips has never done such a thing!"
Daphne shrugged, maintaining that dismissive smile. "Really? Are you sure? That's really strange. Why does everyone else say he has these 'special hobbies'? Do you really think you're special?"
Penelope stood to the side, silent.
Hermione clenched her fists in anger, glaring at Daphne, wanting to retort but momentarily speechless.
"I don't know what you're implying, but Professor Phillips is the best and most upright teacher I've ever met. He wouldn't, he absolutely wouldn't do what you're saying!" Although the words she had heard in the office a few days ago, combined with what Daphne had just said, had stirred up a storm within her, she still refused to let such slander affect her trust in Sean.
Daphne, observing Hermione's reaction, seemed somewhat surprised by her resolve, but her smile remained: "Believe it or not, Granger. I hope you don't experience firsthand how we feel."
Penelope then said softly, "Hermione, we're not trying to threaten you. We just want you to understand that some things you can't handle alone. Join us; we have some evidence. If you're willing to stand with us and help him get the punishment he deserves—"
Hermione shook her head and didn't say anything.
"Alright," Daphne chuckled, "if you still don't believe me, why don't you see for yourself? I think—"
"At this moment, the Astronomical Tower should be putting on a good show."
Hermione paused, slightly taken aback. "What do you mean?"
Penelope stepped forward, gently tugged at Hermione's sleeve, and gestured towards the Astronomy Tower: "We're going to the Astronomy Tower anyway. Since you also have things to take care of, let's go together."
A strong premonition surged through Hermione's heart, and a sense of unease began to grow rapidly. She hesitated for a moment, but still nodded.