Days at Hogwarts

Chapter 720 Exams are over, time for a date!

In mid-June, during the height of summer, the low hills near the North Pagoda were surprisingly cool.

The sky was a deep and pure aquamarine blue. Looking into the distance, the emerald green and blue at the horizon were clearly distinct, like a richly colored oil painting.

The squirrels scurried about in the canopy of the Scots pine, seemingly noticing that the people seeking refuge from the heat under the tree were drowsy and paying no attention to them. After carrying a few loads of pine cones, they relaxed, clung to the branches, and hid behind the leaves, staring at the young couple under the tree with their tiny, bright black eyes.

No need to worry about exams or the current situation; just lay out a floral print mat, set out chilled fruit and snacks, and the transformation magic turns tree roots into a comfortable rattan chair—the world becomes a better place.

Compared to the shores of Black Lake, this place is much quieter. You don't have to worry about anyone shouting at the giant squid's tentacles, or someone riding a broomstick across the lake and causing a burst of cheers and screams when they fall into the water.

"That's all Professor Barbling asked me to convey." Miss Granger, having finished all her exams, spoke softly and gently, with a touch of afternoon languor. "The specific job details haven't been finalized yet; a written offer won't be sent until next year after graduation. The Egyptian Alchemy Research Centre has noticed you based on the Weasley's Trick Room's products, and the Beauxbatons Board of Trustees was also involved in the decision-making process. Do you think they know about your relationship with Mr. Nicolas Flamel?"

"Whether you know or not, it doesn't really matter." Loren's tone was even more listless, his eyes slightly narrowed, and the quiet and cool atmosphere of the mountain forest made people unconsciously relax.

"Do you think this is Mrs. Maxim's wish?"

"have no idea."

"So, after you graduate, do you want to go to Egypt to study alchemy?"

"I don't have that idea for now."

Why?

"Because someone wants me to be her colleague, to go to and from get off work with her."

"My expectations are not meant to restrict you, nor should they become the standard for your career choices, Loren. You should choose what you truly love, what you want to do from the bottom of your heart, as your long-term career." Hermione sat up, her brows furrowed slightly, and stared at him seriously.

"After graduation, I wanted to stay at home, but Grandpa Bates disagreed."

"I disagree too!" Hermione glared at him.

Loren didn't mind, shook his head, grabbed a strawberry and put it in his mouth. Compared to the perfect strawberry modified by the Old Man's Wand, this one, which was both sour and sweet and even had broken skin, tasted much better.

"It feels like graduation is just around the corner. Sixth grade is already over, and we've even got our Apparition certification. I still remember the first time we experienced Apparition. Professor McGonagall took us shopping for freshman supplies, and you were crying so hard you were practically snotting through your nose. You were still asking stupidly if the school taught this."

Upon hearing the first part of the sentence, Hermione's expression subtly turned nostalgic. However, the second part was completely off, and the girl was so angry she gritted her teeth: "When did I ever cry snot bubbles?!"

"August 1991... cough cough."

Seeing the girl clench her fists, Loren paused, then tactfully changed the subject: "The year-end banquet is in three days, and the holidays are just around the corner. Have you thought about where to go this summer?"

Hermione thought for a moment and shook her head: "It's better not to go out. After that night's battle, Voldemort must hate you to death. He might still be after the Elder Wand. The Death Eaters haven't been completely dealt with yet, and they could launch an attack at any time. It's safer for us to stay at home. When we get back, we should also persuade Grandpa Bates to try to reduce his outings as much as possible."

"you're right……"

The girl who kept talking was particularly charming, and Loren couldn't help but glance at Hermione beside him.

The final exams were finally over, and the semester was basically over. The girl had changed out of her standard magic robe and was now wearing a short-sleeved shirt. The soft and flowing silk material accentuated her figure, and she wore a light-colored printed skirt. She sat on the wicker chair with her knees drawn up, revealing half of her fair and tender calves.

The girl rested her chin on her knees, tilted her head slightly, and stared intently into her bright eyes.

"Have I ever told you that you look beautiful in dresses?"

Hermione pursed her lips and subtly looked away: "Maybe you're just used to your usual magic robes and find this outfit refreshing."

"I see..."

Loren thought for a moment, then asked, "Have I ever told you that you look beautiful all the time?"

Hermione didn't answer. She could clearly feel the man's gaze. His furry gaze fell on her, making the places he touched slightly itchy. That gaze seemed to carry the heat of summer, and it kept getting hotter. At first it was just slightly warm, but later it became a little hot.

An inexplicable shyness emanated from her.

"..."

The trees rustled softly with the leaves. A little squirrel, hiding in the tree, shyly covered its eyes, then spread its paws apart to peek through its fingers. Its bright, dark eyes shone without blinking.

……

The shore of Black Lake.

The cheerful laughter continued.

The giant squid's tentacles extended above the water, attracting a group of curious young wizards to gather around. Suddenly, the tentacles slammed down, striking the water with a loud splash, sending up waves dozens of feet high. A localized downpour instantly ensued, soaking the students who had come to watch.

The giant squid let out an indescribable cry and merrily sank into the water, its tentacles swaying and creating ripples.

Laughter and screams mingled together, creating a carefree sound.

Final exams are over, there's no heavy workload, and no need to worry about Death Eaters. The young wizards haven't felt this relaxed in a long time.

Harry pulled Ginny to sit under a beech tree and explained to her the various techniques of Legilimency. The man and woman practiced together, but progress was very slow at the moment.

When practicing focusing their minds and gazing into each other's eyes, the two of them would always recall the scene from their date, and then the atmosphere would become subtle. Neither of them could calm down, and instead of looking into each other's eyes, their gazes would unconsciously drift downwards.

"..."

Once again averting her gaze, Ginny looked at her boyfriend, whose eyes were unfocused, and finally couldn't hold back any longer. She grabbed his collar and pulled him close, confirming the scene in her mind. Only after she had had her fill of the moment did she let go and exhale, saying, "We can't keep practicing like this; it's a complete waste of time."

"It's not a waste of time," Harry said quietly.

"Then we might as well find a place for a date!" Ginny rolled her eyes at him. "You should go practice with Ron instead; at least you two won't be unable to resist looking at each other..."

Ginny paused, then asked uncertainly, "Are you sure?"

"Of course not!"

Harry's eyes widened, his expression indignant, feeling deeply offended.

"If you don't know, you don't know. Why are you so agitated..."

Ginny muttered to herself, stood up, and dusted off her knees. "Let's go, the sun's about to set, and Hagrid is still waiting for us."