Sherlock Holmes at Hogwarts.

Chapter 222 Magic is also a kind of science

With 1993 fast approaching, Hermione, who was almost 14, gradually stopped speaking as arrogantly as before.

In fact, given her personality, this situation would normally not have occurred for several more years.

To her utter surprise, she met someone at school who was even less articulate than herself.

It was for this reason that she realized the inappropriateness of her past words and actions.

After consciously correcting herself, she became much more adorable.

Hearing Sherlock and Luna's conversation, she couldn't help but think how close she had come to disaster.

Because what she was about to say was—as everyone knows, "Singing the Quibbles" is a pile of garbage.

Just imagine how awkward it would be to say that in front of the daughter of the editor of "Singing the Quibbles" magazine.

Hermione looked at Sherlock with gratitude.

Although she still had reservations about Luna Lovegood, it was thanks to Sherlock's intervention that she was able to stop her from making an inappropriate remark.

Sherlock, of course, had no idea that the little girl had so many inner monologues.

His actions just now were completely unintentional. Now, he opened the magazine with interest and glanced at it, and he understood why Luna had turned the magazine upside down.

Because in the article "Unveiling the Secrets of Ancient Runic Script," the author expresses this viewpoint:

If you turn these ancient runes in the book upside down, you'll see that they are actually a spell—that can turn your enemy's ears into golden oranges.

Although it may seem a bit ridiculous, it's relatively normal compared to other content in other magazines.

For example, the core piece of this issue, which is the cover comic, says the following:

When Minister of Magic Cornelius Fudge was elected minister two years ago, he denied that he had any intention of taking over Gringotts Wizarding Bank.

He always insists that he only wants to cooperate peacefully with the Gold Keepers of our magical world, but is that really the case?

In fact, the Minister of Magic's strongest ambition was to control the goblin gold reserves, and he was even willing to use force if necessary.

An unnamed source revealed that Cornelius Fudge was known in their circle as the "Fairy Slayer," and he typically dealt with Gringotts fairies using the following methods:

This includes, but is not limited to, drowning, being pushed off a building to die, dying from poisoning, and even being made into pies and baked…

Hermione, who was reading along with Sherlock, couldn't help but look puzzled.

Is this obviously nonsensical article really that interesting?
Even if this Minister of Magic really has many flaws, turning fairies into pies... isn't that a bit too outrageous?
The fact that they can openly include and publish such articles shows that my previous opinion was indeed correct:
"Singing the Dissent" is a pile of garbage.

However, since Hermione knew that Luna's father was the editor of the magazine, she naturally wouldn't reveal this information and would keep her opinion to herself.

The Hogwarts Express train continued south, and the weather remained unpredictable.

Raindrops tapped intermittently on the car window, then the sun lazily peeked out, only to be quickly obscured by drifting clouds.

Finally, after a long journey of most of the day, the train left the countryside and arrived in the city.

As afternoon approached, the young wizard took off his robes and began to change into a sweater and coat.

Sherlock continued changing clothes in the box, while Hermione and Neville remained inside.

Luna rolled up "Sing the Quibbler" and carefully put it into her schoolbag.

After she finished doing that, she turned her face and stared intently at Sherlock, as if she were very interested in the process of him changing his clothes.

Sherlock, of course, didn't care at all.

But Hermione, seeing her like this, couldn't help but ask:

"Lofgood, what are you looking at?"

"I think I just felt a harassing horsefly buzzing around Sherlock."

"I'm sorry, what did you say?"

"Harassment flies... they're invisible, they'll drift into your ears and mess with your brain."

Luna's explanation was exactly the same as when she first met Sherlock; she clapped her hands in the air as if chasing away an invisible giant moth.

Hermione and Neville exchanged another glance.

They had already deeply felt Luna's uniqueness along the way, but they never expected that she would pull another big stunt just before they got off the train.

The two of them decided, without prior agreement, not to comment on the matter.

"Well then, Sherlock, goodbye—and goodbye to you all."

Once the train came to a complete stop, Luna greeted Sherlock and his two friends before stepping out of the compartment first.

Neville immediately breathed a long sigh of relief.

"Finally gone."

He looked at Sherlock and Hermione. "You know what? I was almost too scared to speak loudly just now."

"Understandable."

Hermione nodded, then looked at Sherlock, "What are you planning to do this holiday?"

"Stay home and don't go anywhere."

"Uh...that's not what I meant."

Hermione said with a hint of exasperation, "What I mean is, are you not planning to continue investigating the locked-room mystery?"

Because of Luna's presence, she hadn't mentioned the topic of the secret room at all along the way, until now.

Since Neville started learning fencing with Sherlock in the mornings and attended the anniversary party with Hermione and Harry, his relationship with the group of four has taken a big leap forward.

It's not a good topic to talk about the secret room with Luna, but it's fine to talk about it with Neville.

Upon hearing Hermione ask this question, Neville immediately perked up his ears.

He had been wanting to ask that question, but his first words made Luna burst out laughing, and he'd been holding it in ever since. "We've made some progress, but I'm not sure if my deductions are correct."

Sherlock said slowly, "To be honest, the key to this matter does not actually lie with me."

Hermione immediately realized, "You mean... Mr. Dumbledore?"

“That’s right. As long as he can tell me some information, it will play a decisive role in advancing the case.”

"Unfortunately, Mr. Dumbledore won't be back until after the holidays..."

Hearing this, Hermione couldn't help but say with some emotion, "I just hope that before he returns, there won't be any more monster attacks at Hogwarts."

Sherlock: (﹁﹁)
"What's wrong, Sherlock? Why are you looking at me like that?"

"Generally speaking, if you say something like what you just said, this thing will most likely happen."

“Exactly, that’s what my grandma said too—good things don’t come true, but bad things do; many things can’t withstand being talked about.”

"Please, you two, don't be so superstitious, okay?"

Hermione said with a helpless expression, "It's one thing for Neville to say that, but Sherlock, aren't you the most steadfast believer in science?"

"You're talking to me about science in a magical world?" Sherlock couldn't help but find it a little funny.

Hermione retorted, unconvinced, "Magic is also a science!"

“My dear Hermione, even if you want to talk to me about science, according to Murphy’s Law, the more you don’t want something to happen, the more likely it is to happen.”

Sherlock said quietly, "When you say those words, the bad things you don't want to happen have often already happened or are about to happen."

"Impossible! Absolutely impossible!"

Hermione jumped to her feet. "What a coincidence!"

Sherlock shook his head: "Hermione, absolutely."

The two then began a discussion about statistics, Murphy's Law, and the difference between small probabilities and major accidents...

Neville could only watch them silently from the sidelines.

Although I don't understand what it means, it seems pretty impressive.

Fortunately, at that moment, the voice urging the young wizards to get off the carriage rang out, and the topic was forced to end.

The same withered old guard was still at the station exit, responsible for preventing too many young wizards from passing through at once, so as to avoid being discovered by Muggles.

"Sherlock, my dad and mom have arrived!"

"My grandma is here too!"

"Oh."

When Hermione saw her parents, she temporarily put the matter of the Chamber of Secrets out of her mind.

This time, she didn't remind Sherlock to call her again.

Because she knew it was futile.

Instead of reminding the other person, you might as well take the initiative yourself.

By this time, Neville had already run away, and Hermione was about to say goodbye to Sherlock when she suddenly noticed that Sherlock was standing still.

"Hey, Sherlock, haven't Uncle and Aunt arrived yet?"

Sherlock's gaze was complicated as he shook his head: "They won't be coming."

After saying that, he walked straight in one direction.

Hermione found it a little strange, but at that moment Mr. and Mrs. Granger were already waving to her, so she could only hurry over to her parents first.

"What's wrong, Hermione? Why do you look so distracted? Are you unhappy to see your mom and dad?"

Mr. Granger was very attentive to Hermione's every move, so he noticed something was wrong with his daughter as soon as they met.

"Of course I'm happy, but Sherlock..."

"That brat again!"

Upon hearing Hermione mention Sherlock, Mr. Granger immediately said, somewhat annoyed, "It's one thing at school, but do you have to keep bringing him up at home?"

"Honey, what are you doing!"

Mrs. Granger felt that her husband's attitude towards Sherlock was unfriendly and complained, "I think young Holmes is quite nice. Don't talk about him like that. Besides, Mr. Holmes has helped our family so much."

"I'm not saying he's a bad person, it's just... never mind, I won't say anything more."

"Speaking of which, why haven't we seen Varita today? Haven't they arrived yet?"

“Mom, this is what I was just about to say. Sherlock told me that his parents aren’t coming today.”

"Oh dear, what about little Holmes? Why don't we take him home together!"

"Hmph, he doesn't need your concern. His parents aren't here, but there are other people to pick him up!"

"what?"

"Who else?"

"See for yourselves."

Mr. Granger stepped aside as he spoke.

Following the direction Mr. Granger pointed, Hermione and her daughter immediately spotted the familiar Rover belonging to the Sherlock family.

Just as Sherlock had told Hermione earlier, the person standing in front of the carriage was not Sherlock's parents, but a young man.

(End of this chapter)