Sherlock Holmes at Hogwarts.

Chapter 437 Gemma's Forceful Kiss

Hermione walked out of the box looking bewildered, following Gemma Farley through the slightly swaying corridors of the Hogwarts Express.

At this moment, her thoughts were in complete disarray.

Why did she contact me?
not good!

Hermione suddenly realized that Gemma had come to find her at this time because of Sherlock!

And it can only be for Sherlock!

Thinking of this, Hermione felt a sudden sense of vigilance and a bittersweet feeling welled up inside her.

Could she have come here specifically to provoke me?

I want to tell myself about their meeting last night.
and many more!

Could they have already kissed?

Just as Hermione was lost in thought, Gemma pushed open the door to an empty private room and gestured for Hermione to go in.

The moment the door closed, it was as if the noise outside the carriage was shut out.

This was Hermione's first time alone with Gemma. In the past, Sherlock, who connected the two, would definitely have been there.

The atmosphere became somewhat awkward.

Tiny dust particles floated in the air, dancing slowly in the light streaming through the car window.

Gemma turned to face Hermione, whose face, usually radiating elegance and aloofness, was now devoid of the outgoing student council president's usual demeanor.

Her azure eyes were fixed on Hermione, even revealing a hint of barely perceptible earnestness.

Even though she harbored some hostility towards the girl, Hermione had to admit that Gemma was truly stunning.

She was so beautiful that Qiu Zhang wouldn't be able to smoothly inherit the title of school beauty if she didn't leave.

She's so beautiful that once she opens her mouth, she inspires a strong sense of conviction.

She's so beautiful that even if I were a boy, I wouldn't be able to resist falling for her.

Perhaps only someone like Sherlock Holmes could turn a blind eye to such things.

"Miss Hermione."

Gemma spoke, her voice calm, but her azure eyes remained fixed on Hermione:

“I know this is abrupt, but I need to talk to you about Sherlock.”

Just as expected!

Hermione's heart jumped when she heard that Gemma was really going to talk about Sherlock.

She instinctively straightened her back: "Sherlock? What happened to him?"

Is this finally a declaration of war against oneself?

Or was it a final show of force before his departure?
What exactly happened at the Room of Requirement yesterday?
Just as Hermione was starting to daydream again, Gemma took a deep breath, as if carefully choosing the right words.

"I think you should know very well that Sherlock is not the kind of person who takes good care of himself."

Especially when faced with puzzles, curiosity drives his adventurous spirit to overcome his self-preservation instinct.

Gemma's tone held an undisguised concern, as well as a heavy sense of responsibility, as if she were entrusting someone with a crucial mission.
"You know his traits; he excels at observation and analysis, but he's not good at expressing vulnerability."

Sometimes, he would even put himself in danger without realizing it, just to observe the details of the process.

Hermione nodded; she understood this all too well.

Sherlock's almost obsessive observational skills and dedication to solving puzzles often lead him to do things that seem very reckless to others.

This is why the Sorting Hat sorted him into Gryffindor instead of Ravenclaw.

It's because although he possesses wisdom that even Hermione admires, what's even more irreplaceable is his inherent adventurous spirit.

In this respect alone, Hermione does have something in common with Sherlock.

After all, the Sorting Hat also hesitated for a long time about whether to put her in Gryffindor or Ravenclaw.

However, Hermione was very self-aware. Sherlock was a man of great wisdom, while she herself could only be considered to have a little bit of cleverness.

But when Hermione heard the second half of Gemma's sentence, she shook her head:

"Is the word 'fragile' really appropriate to describe him?"

Gemma laughed: "Everyone has a vulnerable side, and Sherlock Holmes is no exception."

“Sherlock is special,” Hermione insisted.

Gemma chuckled softly upon hearing this. "That's probably the difference between us—but I didn't call you out today specifically to talk about that."

There was a hint of lingering affection in her voice:

"From the moment I stepped off this train, I officially left Hogwarts."

For the next four years, I was unable to keep track of him as much as I used to.

Even if communication is possible through letters, some matters may be beyond his reach, or he may gloss over them lightly.

Hermione frowned upon hearing this.

Okay, okay, since you're leaving anyway, you might as well stop pretending, right?
She even said things like, "I can't keep an eye on him like I used to."

Gemma paused slightly, her gaze sharpening as she looked at Hermione:
"But you are different."

"Aren't we the same?"

"Yes, you are one of his closest companions. You are in the same college and you are together almost every day."

You are intelligent, brave, perceptive... and care deeply about him.

Gemma's words struck Hermione's heart precisely.

Ever since she began to see Sherlock as the hero who could save her, Hermione could no longer deny her special feelings for him.

"The unique connection between you is something I can never achieve."

Gemma lowered her voice further, with an almost pleading tone:

"You are partners, friends, and important support to each other. In his heart, you are a special person."

So, Hermione, I beg you…

She stepped forward, grasped Hermione's hands tightly, and her sea-blue eyes held an unprecedented frankness and urgency:

"Please keep an eye on him for me where I can't see him."

Hermione was completely stunned.

Before Gemma spoke, she considered countless possibilities.

Perhaps she'll be subtly warned to stay away from Sherlock, perhaps she'll loudly declare her ownership of Sherlock, perhaps...

But what I never expected was that the other party would make a request that was almost like entrusting their orphan to someone.

You know, this is Gemma Farley!

Even Hermione, who is also a woman, had to admit that the other person was practically flawless.

Even the potential negative aspect of being a Slytherin could not overshadow her brilliance.

Yet, at this very moment, when she was so confident and composed, able to suppress the group of snakes on her own, she now asked me to protect Sherlock in an almost fragile manner.
And then there's the matter of protecting Sherlock...

I've always been the one being protected, okay?

Gemma seemed to see through Hermione's shock and gave a slightly self-deprecating smile:
"Yes, I know it sounds weird."

But I must make sure someone can pull him back and remind him when necessary.

Even punch him when he's being silly—if that would bring him to his senses.

Her gaze once again became incredibly earnest and sincere:
"He's a genius, Hermione, but he's also the one who least appreciates his talent."

He needs someone like you by his side—clear-headed, rational, and tough enough.

I can no longer play this role, at least not in such a close-up way.

At this point, Gemma released Hermione's hand, took a wax-sealed envelope from her robe pocket, and handed it to Hermione.

"This is……"

Hermione didn't take over, but looked at Gemma with some confusion.

Gemma said solemnly:
"This includes my analysis of Sherlock's specific weaknesses, tendencies, and behavioral patterns over the past three years. There are also some warning signs that I think he needs to be wary of, especially regarding over-information or potential blind spots when dealing with specific people and events."

In some ways, it may be more than he realizes.

Remember, don't let him know you have this.

Or rather, they'll keep it a secret for as long as possible.

When you believe he's heading down an extremely dangerous path, and he refuses to listen to any advice, perhaps these insights can help you understand his logical blind spots or offer some ideas for intervention.

Hermione was horrified and deeply moved.

She never expected that Gemma would go to such lengths for Sherlock!
No wonder she just said that Sherlock also has his vulnerable moments.

"You...have been observing him?"

"That's right, that's the biggest difference between you and me—don't think I'm so great, that's actually my pragmatism."

From the very beginning, I had ulterior motives—please, don't look at me like that, it's not what you think.

Gemma smiled helplessly. "He was only 11 years old at the time. I wasn't so heartless as to lay a hand on a little boy like that, even though his thoughts and actions were more mature than most adults."

"Does that mean you can make your move now that he's 14?"

"What I meant by impure motives was that I was attracted by his talent and ability and wanted to befriend such a capable person."

Gemma ignored Hermione's question and continued, "But as we spent time together, I gradually fell for her."

He possessed a charm I had never seen before, and it was during this process that I gradually abandoned my initial utilitarian motives.

But he retained this habit of researching, and I hope it will be helpful to you while I'm not by his side.

Hermione finally took the envelope.

The envelope was light and airy, containing only a few thin pages, yet it felt incredibly heavy to Hermione.

This sudden trust and responsibility put her under immense pressure, and even mixed with a complex feeling of being recognized.

Gemma Farley, whom she had always subconsciously regarded as a rival in love, actually handed over to her the secret weapon she used to protect Sherlock.

It didn't feel like a demonstration; it felt more like a heavy transfer of power.

"you……"

Hermione spoke with difficulty, her voice somewhat hoarse, "Why me? Why did you believe I could do it?"

Gemma gave a faint smile, as if she had seen through everything.

"Because it's not just that you like him, dear Hermione."

Once those words were spoken, they were like a pebble thrown into a calm lake, making Hermione's heart skip a beat and her cheeks instantly burn.

He actually said it!
She actually said that?

Gemma seemed unwilling to delve into this point, and continued:

"You are smart enough to understand his complexity, firm enough to fight against his stubbornness, and care enough about him to take action to stop him from doing something foolish."

Most importantly, you will always be by his side.

Frankly speaking, if I were your age, I definitely wouldn't have given you this opportunity.

“Gemma, you…”

Saying things to this extent is tantamount to revealing one's hand directly.

Unfortunately, I am not.

So when I'm not around, I'll feel much more at ease knowing he has someone like you watching over him.

Gemma's voice lowered, carrying a deep weariness and a sense of relief at letting go, "Please promise me, Hermione."

Looking into Gemma's eyes, which were filled with seriousness and entrustment, Hermione's awkwardness and jealousy were strangely dissipated at that moment.

She sensed the sincerity and weight in Gemma's words.

This is no child's play; it's more like the last effort a person about to embark on a long journey can make for their most cherished attachment.

Hermione took a deep breath, her gaze hardening, and she gripped the envelope tightly.

"I will do my best,"

She promised, her voice regaining its strength, "I will watch over him."

However, she did not say "for you".

Unspoken to each other.

A relieved smile finally bloomed on Gemma's face, a smile that carried gratitude and a hint of indescribable sadness.

"Thank you, Hermione. I believe I can do it."

She reached out and gently patted Hermione's shoulder:

"Take care of yourself."

"and many more!"

Seeing that Gemma was about to leave, Hermione quickly called her back.

Gemma stamped her foot, looking at Hermione with some curiosity.

"You were with him at the Room of Requirement last night, weren't you?"

"It seems you didn't ask him?"

"If he wants to tell me, he will."

"Silly girl!"

Gemma finally couldn't help but burst out laughing:
"If you keep hesitating like this, you'll lose that guy!"

Her words immediately put Hermione on alert. Looking into Gemma's deep blue eyes, she said, word by word:

"You might as well put it more clearly."

"Haven't you noticed yet?"

That girl you called 'crazy girl' is surprisingly a perfect match for him!

You mean Luna?

Hermione was taken aback at first, then shook her head and said, "Impossible, Luna has no interest in that at all."

"Yes, she certainly didn't have such thoughts, but there are many things in this world that are judged by actions, not intentions."

Who else but you could be by his side, one on his left and one on his right?
Who else, besides him, could communicate with her without any barriers?
Dear Hermione, there is no first come, first served when it comes to love.

You must never have the naive idea that "I was here first".

To put it bluntly, if he hadn't been so uninterested in such things, and if I hadn't been principled, he probably would have been...

"do not talk!"

Hermione blushed. "How could you say such a thing?"

"Let me teach you another lesson, silly girl."

After saying this, Gemma wore a complex and enigmatic smile.

That smile contained a cunning that seemed to see through everything, a mischievousness that came from someone who had been there all along, and a hint of sadness that was hard to detect.

While Hermione was still reeling from the surprise and wariness surrounding the Luna topic, Gemma had already made her move.

Her movements were as swift and precise as when she cut Sherlock's hair yesterday, yet they carried a completely different meaning.

In the swaying carriage, her feet seemed lighter than usual.

Gemma took a step forward, instantly closing the distance between them.

Hermione Granger didn't even have time to react.

Whether it's retreating, questioning, or blocking.

Gemma's arms, like a blessing or a silent declaration, naturally rested on her shoulders.

This process is so fast that it only takes a single breath.

Then, under Hermione's wide, bewildered, and astonished brown eyes, Gemma tilted her head slightly and pressed her warm, soft lips to Hermione's left cheek.

Hermione: Σ(°△°|||)
(End of this chapter)