Two years ago, it was Quirinus Quirrell, possessed by Voldemort. Last year, it was the notorious fraudster Gilderoy Lockhart. Hermione had fully come to understand the "prestige" of the Defense Against the Dark Arts professor position at Hogwarts.
The curse Voldemort placed on this position was truly terrifying...
Although she felt a bit sorry for the new Professor Lupin, Hermione couldn't help but harbor some suspicion toward him.
It wasn't her fault; she was a little traumatized.
But it wasn't a big deal.
"Just stay cautious and avoid being alone with this professor. As long as nothing happens that endangers us, we don't need to worry about it."
"Leave everything else to Dumbledore."
Glenn silently withdrew his attention back to the train compartment but didn't deactivate his Heightened Perception. Instead, he reduced its intensity and expanded its range, extending it to cover the entire Hogwarts Express.
"Yeah, that's true. Besides, Professor Dumbledore wouldn't be unlucky enough to hire a problematic person every single term, right?"
"That would be a bit too far-fetched."
Glenn didn't comment.
Feeling slightly reassured, Hermione snapped her fingers. Her suitcase automatically unlocked, and with a flick of her finger, a copy of A Beginner's Guide to Ancient Runes flew into her hand. She opened it to the bookmarked page and snuggled up next to Glenn, happily flipping through the book.
Glenn also chose a book, letting it float in front of him. Using his right index finger to turn the pages, he practiced controlling the Obscurial power swirling in his left hand by the window. Over the years, through relentless effort, Glenn had gradually tamed this once-violent force. It was foreseeable that this would become one of Glenn's greatest assets in the future.
---
Not long after, Glenn put away the Obscurial power, and the floating book landed in his hand. He instinctively retrieved a black silk ribbon from his black ring and tied it around his head.
Seeing this, Hermione reluctantly straightened up, adjusted her posture, and resumed reading.
Footsteps approached, and then the compartment door slid open.
"Glenn, Hermione, we're here!"
Draco yanked the door open, dragging his suitcase inside. Behind him was Neville.
Huh?
And behind Neville was someone Glenn hadn't expected—a petite blonde girl, Hannah Abbott.
"Uh, Glenn, Hermione, I brought a friend along. That's okay, right?" Neville asked tentatively, blinking as if seeking permission.
"Of course! Hannah is my friend too. She's more than welcome," Hermione said with a smile, waving her hand to invite them in. She had already seen through Neville's little thoughts and wasn't surprised in the least.
Breathing a shallow sigh of relief, Neville placed the two suitcases he was carrying onto the luggage rack after Draco.
"Ginny and Luna will be joining us later. Ginny's still a bit shy and wants to sit with me… Hannah, you can sit next to Neville," Hermione suggested after a moment of thought, meeting Hannah's gaze.
"I don't mind," Hannah replied softly, smiling shyly. After smoothing her skirt, she sat down beside Neville.
"Accelerated heartbeat, tense muscles…"
Glenn discreetly used his Heightened Perception to scan Neville, noting his obvious nervousness.
"So, Neville likes Hannah Abbott…" Glenn concluded.
Meanwhile, Draco, seated by the window next to Neville, was rolling his eyes so hard they were almost stuck.
He felt utterly helpless.
What was he supposed to do?
Across from him was one couple, and beside him was another pair who seemed on the verge of becoming one. Wasn't this just bullying the single guy?
So, he stood up.
"What are you doing?" Hermione squinted at him suspiciously, her instincts telling her that Draco was up to no good.
"Opening the window for some fresh air. This compartment reeks of sourness," Draco said dramatically, pulling open the window and fanning the air with his hand before putting on an exaggerated look of satisfaction. "Ah, the outside air is so much fresher and freer."
The implication was crystal clear.
Neville's face turned beet red, and he sat stiffly, pretending not to hear Draco's words. His hands and feet didn't seem to know where to go.
Hannah didn't fare much better, her face flushing as she turned her head away.
Across from them, Glenn and Hermione remained unfazed. Hermione, mimicking Glenn's calm demeanor, shot Draco a warning look.
"If you keep this up, don't blame me for being rude."
"With all this energy, why not read a book and prepare for the new term's lessons?"
Draco scoffed and, somewhat reluctantly, closed the window. He sat back down, crossed his legs, and folded his arms with a defiant look.
But he still pulled out a book and began reading.
Neville gradually calmed down, managing an apologetic smile at Hannah before standing to retrieve a few books from the luggage rack. He placed them on the table and began reading as well.
The compartment returned to a comfortable silence. After two years together, the group was well-accustomed to this reading atmosphere. Hannah, a studious girl and a friend of Hermione's, naturally blended in.
Time passed quickly, and the Hogwarts Express was about to depart.
Hurried footsteps came from outside the compartment, and the occupants, engrossed in their reading, looked up one by one.
The door slid open, and a red-haired girl peeked in. Seeing the people she was looking for, she sighed in relief and entered with her suitcase, beaming.
Behind her was another girl with dark golden-brown hair.
It was Ginny and Luna. Judging by their timing, they must have bumped into each other while boarding the train.
The two weren't tall enough to place their suitcases on the luggage rack themselves, so Hermione pulled out her wand to help.
"Thanks, Hermione. I got held up arguing with my annoying brother, so I'm a bit late," Ginny said, her spirits noticeably brighter than last term. This was thanks to her resilience and the support and guidance of her friends.
It seemed this lively and cheerful personality was Ginny Weasley's true self.
"I couldn't agree more," came a lazy, sarcastic voice from the corner of the compartment.
"Oh, is that so? Well, he's still a hundred times better than you, you venomous snake!" Ginny retorted, glaring at Draco. Only she could criticize her brother—this annoying Malfoy was just being infuriating.
But Draco merely propped his chin on his hand, reading his book with an air of indifference, not even sparing Ginny a glance, which only made her angrier.
Hermione sighed, rubbing her forehead. When it came to sarcasm, no one could beat Draco Malfoy.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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