The Bard of Hogwarts

Chapter 422 Stealing a Moment of Leisure from a Busy Schedule

There's a saying that goes something like this: things that are deliberately made are never perfect.

Ino's original intention was to allow these young wizards to freely unleash their creativity.

To put it simply, this is what children have in common, whether they are Muggles or wizards. They have their own imaginations, their own ideas of beauty, and this beauty is passed on.

……

On the soft recliner, Ino quietly flipped through the fairy tale in her hands, occasionally glancing at the distant horizon.

It was an endless expanse of azure, pure and vast, without a trace of impurity; simply gazing upon it brought a sense of openness and clarity to the heart.

About two hours have passed.

He slowly closed the book in his hand, and suddenly a dozen paper airplanes appeared beside him.

After a slight delay, the paper airplanes traced graceful arcs and flew off into the distance.

……

half an hour.

"Let's take a break, otherwise if Principal McGonagall finds out, she'll think I'm exploiting the students."

A half-joking remark made the young wizards who rushed back burst into laughter.

"Professor, this is legal labor that we have discussed and agreed upon!" A mature and insightful voice rang out from the crowd.

The speaker was Joseph Donker, the current fifth-year prefect of Gryffindor, a half-blood wizard.

Ino was deeply impressed by this student because he could always see the shadow of Percy in the other person's face.

Although born into a mixed-race family, Tangk's wizard mother does not seem to live in the wizarding world, as evidenced by her wearing secondhand robes.

Actually, Madam Malkin's clothes weren't expensive. Apart from the Weasleys, anyone in the family with someone working in the wizarding world could afford the necessary items for starting school.

"Perhaps you're right, Mr. Tang Ke." Ino nodded noncommittally, then changed the subject:

"However, we can't just rely on practice; we still need to learn theoretical knowledge. The introduction to mechanical magic is making magic lamps, but I don't want you to only know that after graduation, or to become repairmen at the Ministry of Magic."

Ino's words livened up the atmosphere once again.

"Let's begin. Let's get to the discussion quickly and return to the castle before noon."

Seeing the lively atmosphere, Ino waved her hand, and a thick, off-white canvas suddenly appeared on the Rhine grass.

On a canvas covering more than 20 square meters, there were some simple candies and snacks, as well as a large pot of brewed black tea.

This scene doesn't resemble an academic club discussion; it's more like a camping trip for teachers and students.

Apart from the newcomers who joined the club this year, the other young wizards present all had expressions of indifference.

After all, the Mechanical Magic Club is known for its relaxed atmosphere, and every gathering is like a game.

……

A vast green field, with majestic snow-capped mountains in the distance.

Under a clear blue sky, everyone spoke freely without any reservations.

Indeed, that's the case. Judging by their ages, there was a group of fourteen or fifteen-year-old students and a twenty-three-year-old professor.

Although they are called teacher and student, they are more like friends.

As noon approached, and with everyone still wanting more, Ino brought the week's gathering to a close.

The principle of "too much of a good thing" applies here.

Although he could extend the party all day, or even into the weekend, he didn't want to do that.

During your student years, you should enjoy the fun that belongs to this era.

Otherwise, the dozen or so students in front of them will only focus on their own little circle and ignore much of the scenery around them.

This is exactly what he least wanted to see.

……

11:30 a.m.

After Corriber escorted all the students back to the castle, Ino also walked away from the Screaming Shack.

Honestly, while Hogwarts is technically a closed school, it's essentially designed to protect its students. Moreover, the castle's system also allows for humane freedom.

This can be seen from the fact that third-year students, as junior wizards, could freely enter and leave Hogsmeade.

If this is true for students, then it goes without saying that it's true for professors as well.

Aside from the fact that a few deans might be very busy, he, as an elective course professor, rarely spends his weekends at the castle.

The time is about ten minutes.

Since they were walking, Ino could already see the beautiful figure outside the manor in the distance.

At twenty-three, it seems to be the perfect intersection of youth and maturity.

Women of this age possess a special kind of beauty—a beauty that has been refined by time yet retains its innocence, and contains a profound story within it.

Her long, brown hair, like the richest chocolate under the warm autumn sun, shimmered with a natural sheen. It was casually draped over her shoulders, with a few strands occasionally brushing against her fair cheeks, adding a touch of effortless charm.

Her hair was slightly curled at the ends, giving it a casual yet sophisticated charm.

Her delicate and three-dimensional facial features are like a work of art meticulously sculpted by a sculptor.

Especially her deep eyes beneath her brown bangs, like two bottomless pools of water, shimmering with wisdom and mystery.

A simple yet elegant white shirt, with a well-fitting cut that perfectly accentuates a graceful figure.

She wore a pair of white high-heeled leather boots, the heel height of which elongated her leg lines, making her look more upright and elegant.

Overall, the 23-year-old Hermione, in addition to being mature and beautiful, also possesses a dignified yet gentle temperament.

This dignified demeanor stems from her job—the youngest judge in Wisengam.

Now, this dignified judge was not as stern as before. Standing quietly outside the manor, with a slight upturn at the corners of her mouth, she looked like a wife waiting for her husband to come home.

……

"I told you not to wait for me at the door!"

Upon spotting Hermione from afar, Ino quickened his pace.

"But I want to wait, besides, why do you have to schedule the club event for the weekend!"

Hermione pursed her lips, her tone slightly displeased.

Because of the nature of our work, we see each other less often. As a result, my husband has to go to the club on the weekend, which suddenly halves the two nights we could have spent together.

"Don't worry, it'll be fine during the holidays. We'll go on a trip then. How about the Arad Continent?"

Knowing he was in the wrong, Ino didn't say much and decisively changed the subject.

Upon hearing this, Hermione stopped dwelling on the club; after all, what's done is done, and there's no point in saying anything more.

Compared to clubs, she was more interested in traveling. After a moment's thought, she said:

"Then I'm going to visit the Skybound Beast this time, otherwise I'm getting tired of staying in Huttonmar all the time."

Ino did not refuse Hermione's suggestion.

His initial decision to stay in Huttonmar was primarily driven by Norton's disintegrator.

After so many years, the knowledge of disintegration machines has long been acquired; now, all that's lacking is the time to quietly produce them.

"Okay! We'll go to the Celestial Beast, as you say. If we have enough time, we can also go to the Eternal Snow Mountain."

Hermione's smile deepened upon hearing the promise.

And within this smile lies a hidden meaning that only those closest to each other can understand.

Ino understood the metaphor and took Hermione's hand.

"There's still an hour until lunchtime, we have plenty of time!"

(End of this chapter)