In the fine tapestry of life, there's always an unexpected thread of a different color that appears from time to time.
Yet, it is precisely because of these different colored threads that the tapestry called life becomes vibrant and colorful.
…
The next morning.
After washing up, Ino heard some rather surprising news.
"You're sure you want to start a magazine? And it's going to be a Hogwarts monthly?"
"I'm sure! I thought about it all night!" Draco nodded earnestly.
Yesterday, after some contemplation, he suddenly felt that starting a magazine could be a great idea.
Initially, it could be a monthly issue, sharing some gossip and strange events around the castle. They could even tie it in with the film mirrors, offering not only a written version but also visual content.
Seeing Draco's serious expression, Ino didn't say much. After all, it wouldn't cost much.
During their previous meeting in Diagon Alley, he had seen the ledger Marcus brought out. Once all those orders were fulfilled, the profit alone would be enough for Draco to play around with.
"If you like it, go ahead and do it. But you'll need to put in some effort to gather interesting information. If it's too boring, it will affect both the magazine's reputation and sales."
"I've already thought about it! I'll pay for the information!" Draco confidently said.
"Scarhead's sidekick, Gryffindor's Colin, Ravenclaw's Carl…"
As Draco listed off names one after another, Ino believed in his determination. It didn't seem like just a fleeting idea.
But either way, Ino thought it was a good thing. Last year, Percy and Penelope had visited together just to buy a few movie mirrors as graduation mementos.
Honestly, that was just how it was in England. Many people, after graduating from Hogwarts seven years later, would likely never have the chance to step foot in the castle again for the rest of their lives.
It was, in a way, quite harsh.
Now that Draco had the idea of starting a magazine, it could be considered a charitable endeavor. Especially if it was paired with visual recordings through the two-way mirrors, it would likely allow many adult wizards to reminisce about those youthful days.
With that thought, Ino shared his ideas with Draco.
"Leave it to me! It's bound to become a mainstream magazine!" Draco said with excitement, but soon he thought of something and asked:
"Oh, right! Ino, do you want to invest? Just the two of us."
"Sure, I'll invest five hundred Galleons." Faced with something meaningful like this, Ino didn't hesitate.
A small investment of five hundred Galleons was enough to show support for Draco.
The bustle within the castle and the memories outside it.
"Great! I'll start working on the proposal right now." With Ino's positive response, Draco was brimming with enthusiasm.
He didn't even eat breakfast, hurrying straight to his dormitory desk to begin writing.
The scene before him, though somewhat childish, didn't dampen Ino's spirits.
"Alright, then. You go ahead and write. We can discuss it later when we have time."
As Draco focused on his task, Ino summoned Brighid.
With a flash of the phoenix's light, the dormitory fell silent.
…
On the eighth floor of the castle.
A red light flashed down the right hallway as Ino arrived at the tapestry of Barnabas the Barmy being clubbed by trolls.
"I need a quiet place to brew potions…"
As he passed by three times, a door appeared on the wall.
The Room of Requirement.
Hermione was fully focused on the cauldron in front of her, gently simmering the potion as a faint white smoke rose.
The brewing of Felix Felicis didn't smell particularly pleasant, but after a short period of adjustment, it became tolerable.
Upon entering the Room of Requirement, Ino was greeted by a beautiful sight.
Under the soft candlelight, Hermione sat quietly by the cauldron, her figure bathed in a gentle, warm glow.
Her brown hair fell casually behind her, and she wore a simple robe. Beneath her skirt were thin velvet leggings, and on her feet was a pair of versatile khaki short boots.
Her outfit seemed ordinary, but what caught Ino's attention was her expression.
In her focused state, Hermione's brows exuded a maturity and calmness beyond her years.
The process of her potion brewing was equally captivating. Her movements were gentle and precise, every stir and every measurement executed with meticulous care.
At that moment, Hermione seemed entirely absorbed in her world—or perhaps it was a critical phase in her potion-making process. In any case, she hadn't yet looked up.
Seeing this, Ino naturally stood to the side without making any noise to disturb her.
Time passed quietly in this peaceful atmosphere.
…
After a while.
Hermione made a new move in front of the cauldron.
First, she stopped stirring and carefully opened a bag beside her, pulling out several herbs with unusual shapes.
Each time she picked one up, Hermione brought it close to her nose for a sniff, her serious expression suggesting she was having a silent conversation with the ingredients.
Soon, she skillfully placed the selected herbs into the cauldron.
After completing this task, Hermione finally looked up.
"Sorry! I knew you were here, but I couldn't afford any distractions earlier."
Her gentle voice echoed in the spacious room.
Ino didn't mind at all. Every person dedicated to their work deserved respect.
"I should be the one apologizing for almost interrupting you!"
Now that Hermione didn't seem busy for the time being, Ino slowly approached:
"You surprised me yesterday! I didn't expect Felix Felicis to be able to shorten the brewing time. It's known for its six-month process, which has always been the hardest part."
"It's not that difficult! But this isn't my achievement."
Hermione reached up and brushed a strand of hair from her forehead. Her earlier focus had left her with no time to manage her loose locks.
"Actually, much of what I know about Felix Felicis comes from Professor Snape. He had the idea for improvements a long time ago, but for some reason, he never completed them…"
At this point, Hermione felt a bit embarrassed and looked away. Yesterday, she had told a little white lie.
Ino noticed her reaction but didn't think there was anything wrong with it.
Although she had continued Snape's research, it wasn't something just anyone could do. It required talent and the right qualifications.
"Could you tell me more about it? Of course! I won't ask for it for free. I'll compensate you with some alchemical knowledge or in another way."
Ino sat down on the floor, already considering what kind of compensation to offer. Seeing Hermione's dedication had given him the idea that an alchemical golem would be a perfect trade.
After all, if a golem could serve as an alchemical assistant, there was no reason it couldn't help with potions too.
As for the equivalent exchange of life and energy, he had a solution in mind. At worst, he'd simply collect it back every year—like a warranty service.
On the other side, Hermione, upon hearing about the compensation, quickly shook her head, causing her freshly combed hair to become messy again.