In the Apocalypse, I Can Enter Hogwarts

Chapter 71 Picnic on the Lawn

"Hey buddy, where have you been?" Andre asked the moment he saw Ian return to the dorm.

"The entire Ravenclaw community returned to the common room at the same time, so I went to the restrooms beforehand to avoid the crowds," Ian said casually to Andre.

Neither Andrei nor Ivy pressed for details regarding this clearly perfunctory answer, nor did they mention that they hadn't seen Ian when they returned to the dormitory. Ian, in turn, was quite pleased with this, remarking that being with the eagles was indeed very relaxing.

……

At Hogwarts, it seems that no topic can last more than three days. The most obvious sign is that by the second day, people are hardly discussing trolls anymore, except for the first-year students who are still fixated on it, such as Malfoy in the Great Hall at this moment.

"Ha, I was already hunting trolls when I was nine years old. I kept the leg bones of mountain monsters, forest monsters, and river monsters. It was a traditional honor ceremony to prove my bravery..."

As Malfoy spoke passionately, his eyes seemed to glance at the Gryffindor table, and when he noticed Harry watching him, his voice grew even louder.

Perhaps he exerted too much force, because a sudden cough interrupted his speech, causing his fair cheeks to flush red.

Just as Ian was sitting at the long table, preparing to enjoy breakfast and admiring this rare glimpse of Britain, a crisp sound suddenly came from behind him.

"Was it you yesterday?"

Ian recognized the voice immediately and turned to ask, "Why do you think that?"

Hermione, with an expression that said, "I knew you all along," confidently stated:

"The shoe size, and the Ironclad Charm... I detected it the instant I fell, and the necklace you gave me didn't activate. This proves someone secretly cast the Ironclad Charm on me without paying attention to Harry and Ron. So, is it hard to guess?"

Ian just looked at her quietly without saying a word, and he enjoyed teasing this cute girl even more.

Hermione blushed, then kicked him lightly in embarrassment and anger, saying somewhat impatiently, "What are you looking at? Who else could do this but you? Ignoring the danger, you only cast the Ironclad Charm on me."

Seeing that Hermione was indeed getting anxious, Ian had no choice but to admit the truth: "Okay, you're right, I was right beside you yesterday. Honestly, you should have come to Ravenclaw."

A casual, gentle compliment was a way to calm Hermione down.

As expected, Hermione immediately looked a little embarrassed upon hearing this. But she clearly wasn't going to let Ian off so easily: "Why weren't Harry and Ron included? They were in danger too."

Ian was prepared for this question; after a brief pause, he calmly replied:

"Uneasy lies the head that wears the crown. Hermione, you don't think it was just you and me back then, do you? And if you look at Hogwarts' history, in the nearly 40 years since Dumbledore became headmaster, is there any record of any student accidents at Hogwarts?"

Hermione's mouth dropped open in surprise, and she said in disbelief, "You mean? A test, a trial?... "

Ian put his index finger to his lips, a shushing gesture that immediately silenced Hermione.

"It's a secret, and Hermione, I expect you to keep it a secret. Trust me, I'll tell you everything when the time is right, but it's clearly not the right time yet."

Hermione looked at Ian, who was unusually serious, nodded thoughtfully, and said softly, "Of course I believe you. You are the person I trust most at Hogwarts..." Her voice gradually faded into inaudibility at the end.

Ian didn't mind; he was used to the girl's voice fluctuating wildly. However, he highly valued Hermione's ability to keep secrets; in fact, apart from Ron, everyone else in the original trio was very trustworthy.

Well, even though the twins are both tight-lipped, and even when something goes wrong they prefer to bear it themselves rather than like their younger brother... it's as if they were born without the opportunity to speak.

"So he was the only one kept in the dark?" Hermione asked with some sympathy, regaining her senses.

Seeing her somewhat indignant expression, Ian could only patiently explain, "This is not only his destiny, but also an essential part of his growth, and the only way for him to avenge his family."

"Okay, we have no right to interfere in other people's lives. I don't have classes this morning, do you?"

Ian was relieved to see that Hermione had listened to his explanation; the girl was indeed receptive to advice.

"Ravenclaw's first class is at 2 PM, so what are your plans?"

After tilting her head and thinking for a moment, the girl said in a relaxed tone, "How about we have a picnic on the lawn outside the castle?"

"Of course, anyway, it's nothing."

After receiving an affirmative answer, Hermione quickly began preparations.

……

The two walked together and soon arrived at the shore of the Black Lake. Under the same big tree as before, he opened the bag of food Hermione had brought and spread it out on the napkin that had been laid out: bread, sausages, and grilled steak. Hermione had also thoughtfully put some lettuce in the bread.

Although the meal consisted of only a few simple dishes, Ian enjoyed it immensely because he appreciated the relaxed and free atmosphere.

Hermione watched Ian devour the food she had prepared and was equally delighted. She couldn't resist reaching out and patting Ian's head. "Good boy, eat some more."

Ian: ...

This sounds strangely familiar, but something feels off.

"Try this, I brought it from home before school started, apple cider vinegar."

"Apple cider vinegar?" Ian was a little confused. So the British Empire also had this kind of Chinese beverage?

"You should try it, it tastes really good." Hermione thought the other person was unfamiliar with this new drink, which was why they were hesitant to drink it, so she couldn't help but make a promise.

He took the aluminum can from Hermione, opened it, and took a small bite. It was the familiar taste—sweet and sour, with a perfect balance of flavors. The taste was very authentic, and it perfectly preserved the fresh aroma of apples.

I was feeling a bit greasy after eating barbecue, but after drinking a few sips of this, the greasiness was gone.

What Ian didn't know was that the vinegar made from fermented apples, mixed with a certain amount of apple juice in a specific ratio, became the drink in his hand.

Moreover, this type of fruit vinegar has a long history in Europe. As early as the 10th century AD, grape vinegar was already quite popular in France.

"Actually, there's something else I need to tell you," Ian said mysteriously, putting down his apple cider vinegar, "It's about Harry..."

Hermione's eyes widened upon hearing this, and she involuntarily leaned forward, bringing her face close to Ian's, intending to listen attentively to what he was about to say.

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(End of this chapter)