Hogwarts' Golden Glory

His answer was tactful and reserved, neither offending Luna nor making any immediate promises.

But Hermione's inner turmoil suddenly flared up. He actually said he'd be "happy to visit"? And "exchange views"? What views could he possibly exchange with the editor of *The Quibbler*? Did the Curved-Horned Snoring Beast even exist?

"Kane," her voice was more urgent than she had expected, "didn't you already plan to research these things over the summer?" She gestured to the pile of books. "And didn't you say you might be going to Austria to visit... um, a certain senior colleague?"

She remembered Kane mentioning consulting an "elder with extraordinary insight into the history of magic and the nature of magic" (referring to Grindelwald), though the details were unclear.

“Plans can be adjusted,” Kane said gently, glancing at Hermione as if sensing her emotional fluctuation but unsure of the reason. “Besides, it’s important to learn from others, Hermione. Sometimes the most outlandish ideas may contain fragments of truth.”

Luna seemed oblivious to the ripples in this little conversation, or rather, she didn't care.

She simply nodded, as if Kane had already agreed. "Very well. I'll tell Dad to prepare for the reception. We've had a lot of harassing flies around our house lately; perhaps you could help figure out why they're gathering." With that, she drifted away as she had come, leaving behind a faint, strange scent in the air, a mixture of vanilla and old parchment.

Hermione stared at Luna's departing figure, a tightness in her chest.

She took a deep breath, trying to draw her attention back to her book, but found that she couldn't concentrate on reading a single word.

She couldn't help but look at Kane again, only to find that he had picked up a book called "A Study of Runecraft Magic Carriers" again, looking focused, as if the strange invitation from before had never happened.

"Is she... always like that?" Hermione finally couldn't help but ask in a low voice, her tone carrying an irritation she herself wasn't fully aware of. "I mean, inviting almost complete strangers over to her house to discuss...those abstract, unrealistic things?"

Kane looked up from the book, lost in thought: "Luna's way of thinking is unique. Her 'reality' may be different from ours, but that doesn't mean it's worthless. Intuition and unconventional associations can sometimes break free from fixed mindsets."

He paused, looking at Hermione. "You seem a little unhappy?"

"I'm not upset!" Hermione retorted immediately, raising her voice slightly, which drew the attention of several students and Mrs. Pings nearby.

Her face flushed, and she lowered her voice, "I just... I just think you should spend your time on more meaningful research, instead of verifying some kind of harassing fly!"

As soon as the words left her mouth, she regretted them. It sounded too presumptuous, and... and what right did she have to decide what was "more meaningful" for Kane?

Kane looked at her quietly, a faint hint of understanding flashing in his gray eyes, but more of a gentle inquiry.

"I understand what you mean, Hermione. However, for me, the boundaries of 'meaning' may be rather broad."

He didn't press Hermione about her mood, but changed the subject instead, "By the way, have you chosen the books you want to borrow? Mrs. Pince seems to be watching us."

Sure enough, Mrs. Pince had already left her seat and was walking towards them with precise steps. Hermione's heart tightened, and she instinctively braced herself for the questioning of this notoriously stern librarian—they simply had far too many books on their table.

However, Mrs. Pince's reaction surprised Hermione.

She first gave a stern look around to make sure no other students were making noise or misusing the books before turning her gaze to Kane... and the pile of books in front of him.

"Mr. Malfoy," Mrs. Pince's voice was still dry, but Hermione swore she saw a barely perceptible upward curve at the corners of his serious lips, "you need to borrow all of these..."

"Yes, Mrs. Pince," Kane stood up and answered politely, "I would like to study during the summer."

I will sign a full loan agreement and guarantee that they will be kept in the best possible condition, with absolutely no creases, scribbles, or food stains. Each book will be returned in pristine condition.

His assurances were clear and solemn, carrying a convincing sincerity.

Mrs. Pince carefully examined the covers and spines of several books, especially those that looked quite old.

Then she nodded, her movements a little stiff, but her tone noticeably softened: "Yes. I can tell you truly cherish books. Unlike some students..."

She glanced meaningfully at a few Hufflepuffs secretly passing notes at the other end of the library, startling them so much that they immediately sat up straight.

“These books,” she said, pointing to several particularly old and heavy ones, “belong to the rare book section and are not usually loaned out.”

However, given your consistent performance and... serious attitude toward library resources, I can make an exception.

The borrowing period ends in the first week of the next semester. Remember your promise.

"Absolutely, madam. Thank you very much." Kane bowed slightly.

Mrs. Pince even helped him organize the stack of books to make them easier to move.

"Use a shrinking spell to take them away. Don't pile them up so high in the hallway; it's not safe," she suggested, almost in a gentle tone.

Hermione watched in stunned silence.

She had never seen Mrs. Pince so...friendly! In fact, one might even say biased!

As a frequent visitor to the library, she was always careful, but even so, Mrs. Pince was at most not as strict with her as she was with others.

But what about Kane...?

Kane skillfully used his wand to cast several clever shrinking and frivolous spells on the two stacks of books, turning the thick tomes into a small pile that could easily fit into a pocket.

He thanked Mrs. Pince again, then looked at Hermione: "And you? Need any help?"

Hermione snapped out of her daze and quickly picked up the few books she had chosen (which were nothing compared to Kane's), shaking her head somewhat awkwardly: "No, no need, I don't have many."

The two walked out of the library together. Sunlight streamed into the corridor through the tall windows, making it bright and warm.

Hermione was still thinking about Mrs. Pince's attitude earlier and Luna's abrupt invitation, her mind was in turmoil.

She stole a glance at Kane walking beside her. His profile was calm, as if he was already pondering a magical rune combination he had just read about in a book.

"Kane," she finally couldn't help but speak, her tone hesitant, "Are you... really planning to go to the Lovegood house?"

Kane stopped and looked at her, his gaze calm and clear, as if he could see through the tangled mess of her inner turmoil.

"Perhaps I'll go. There's no harm in seeing things from different perspectives." He paused, then added, "Besides, Hermione, knowledge isn't confined to the accepted books. Sometimes, the most valuable discoveries come from the most unexpected corners. It's important to keep an open mind."

His words were like a gentle breeze, slightly dispelling the gloom in her heart, but the inexplicable, bittersweet feeling, as if her own territory had been invaded, still lingered.

She didn't understand why, and just mumbled an "Mmm".

"Oh, right," Kane said, as if remembering something, "if you're interested during the summer vacation, we can correspond to discuss some theoretical issues about magic."

Your insights are always very solid and inspiring to me.

Hermione's eyes lit up instantly, and that inexplicable irritation was replaced by a feeling of elation.

"Really? Of course! I also have many questions for you! About the actual magical load of runes, and that idea you mentioned last time about improving armor protection spells..."

Seeing her regain her radiance and begin to discuss academic issues fluently, a barely perceptible smile flickered across Kane's lips.

At least this summer, they will still have close contact.

With this thought in mind, Hermione's mood finally brightened, and her steps became lighter.

As for the rest... maybe I'm just overthinking it? She told herself that, trying to banish the image of that ethereal figure with carrot earrings from her mind.