Magical Studies at Hogwarts...

Chapter 322 Ike's Forbidden Tale

"Stop whispering!" Professor Sprout's appearance broke the tension between Hermione, Harry, and Ron, but instead of easing it, it pushed the tension into another sense.

She hurried over, her expression very serious, and said sternly, "You're all way behind! The other students have already started!"

"Okay, Professor, we'll get started right away." Ron quickly agreed, and only after Professor Sprout turned around did he whisper to the two of them, "We should use earplugs to listen to the spell."

"Alright, let's begin..." Hermione wanted to say something more, but seeing the tense expressions on their faces, she decided to put them aside for the time being and start dealing with the most lethal remnant among them.

The moment their hands touched the broken root, it instantly came to life. Long, thorny vines shot out, lashing out in the air and attacking the three of them relentlessly. One vine landed on Hermione's hair, but she easily flicked it back with her finger. Harry and Ron, however, struggled to grab two vines, tied them in a knot, and pulled them aside, creating a small hole.

Without hesitation, Hermione stuck her arm into the hole. The moment it went in, the opening slammed shut, clamping down on her arm. Harry and Ron struggled to pull the vines back open, allowing Hermione to pull her arm back, clutching one of those pods Neville had been holding.

"Give me the bowl," Hermione said, and Harry quickly handed her a clean, empty bowl so she could put the pods in.

"Squeeze out the juice while it's fresh!" Professor Sprout's voice rang out again. Ron, with a pained expression, grabbed the pod and squeezed it with all his might, his face contorted in agony.

"If I ever have a house, I definitely won't plant this kind of thing in the garden..." Ron said through gritted teeth, glancing at Hermione's calm face. After a moment's thought, he decided to change the subject.

"By the way, Professor Slughorn is hosting a Christmas party, Harry, and you can't escape it this time," Ron said. "He specifically asked me which day you were free so he could schedule the party for a night you'd definitely be able to attend."

Hearing this, Harry gave a wry smile. Professor Slughorn had invited him several times this semester, and it seemed there was no way he could do it this time.

"Is it still just for entertaining Slughorn's darlings?" he asked helplessly.

"Yes, it's specifically for the Slug Club." Ron's tone suddenly turned a little sour. "No one else is eligible unless they're invited."

"Haven't I taken you there a few times already? If you don't want to, next time you can have Harry take you as a 'guest.'" Hermione's words left Ron speechless for a moment, but it was clear that Hermione was just making a habitual retort and didn't take it too seriously.

Having been classmates for so many years, she knew very well what kind of person Ron was.

For the rest of the time, they didn't talk about Slughorn's party anymore, but instead focused all their energy on battling the dangerous gnarled vines. Even with very tight protection, they were still quite disheveled by the end of the course.

Of course, he's much better than Neville; he went straight to the school hospital after class.

There are too many wounds; they need to be treated properly.

"Wait a minute, there's something else I need to ask you." After class, Harry immediately pulled Ron away, but Hermione caught up with them not far away, which made Harry a little worried.

He knew perfectly well why Hermione had called him over, but that's why he felt awkward, since he didn't know much himself and had already told Hermione everything.

"Hermione, I..." Harry was interrupted by Hermione before he could finish speaking.

"What's the password to Dumbledore's office?" she asked calmly, but Harry felt a chill run down his spine.

Faced with this situation, Hermione dared not provoke any further trouble. After receiving the password, Hermione left immediately, heading straight for the castle.

Harry and Ron both knew that she must be going to find Dumbledore.

"I hope nothing bad happens, Harry?" Ron asked worriedly.

"Probably..." Harry sighed; he had no idea.

As the two walked back slowly, filled with worry, Hermione had already rushed back into the castle. She went straight up the stairs to the eighth floor, gave the command to the stone monster in front of the headmaster's office, and stepped onto the spiral staircase as soon as it appeared.

After calming himself down a bit at the door, he knocked.

"Miss Granger, I've been wondering when you'd be coming, and it seems I'm pretty much right," Dumbledore said with a smile to Hermione, who sat behind the table.

"Professor Dumbledore," Hermione said with a slight bow, maintaining basic courtesy, "I'd like to confirm something with you..."

"It's about Ms. Julianne, isn't it?" Dumbledore gestured for Hermione to sit in the chair opposite him, waved his wand, handed her a glass of honey water, and said, "Yes, that memory was indeed obtained from her."

"You shouldn't have done that, Professor." Hermione pursed her lips, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "Ike isn't an enemy, you know that!"

"But in my position, Miss Granger, I need to consider more... I can't ignore any possibility, especially given the current indications..."

"That was impossible! I believe Ike!" Hermione's attitude was firm, confronting Dumbledore head-on without backing down. "You're the one who pushed him away, Professor!"

"I know him. If there is anyone in this world who can make him disregard everything and throw everything to the back of his mind, it must be Ms. Julianne."

"Perhaps you haven't realized it yet, but in fact, not a single one of those wicked Death Eaters went to Gloucester. They all avoided it... But Professor, you personally shattered the protection that Ike left for Julianne."

Looking at the furious Hermione before him, Dumbledore remained silent. After a long while, he slowly said, "I only did what I had to do... If there are any consequences, I will bear them myself..."

"But I don't regret it; it was something that had to be done."

He paused, adjusted his gold-rimmed glasses, and said calmly, "Miss Granger, compared to me, I think you are the one who needs to be worried the most."

"Me?" Hermione asked, frowning.

"Yes," Dumbledore nodded. "Indeed, I do not know Mr. Strayed as well as you do, but I know that he will not allow any emotions to become a burden until he has accomplished his unknown goal..."

"Otherwise, why do you think he would cast that spell on Ms. Julianne?"

"And compared to Ms. Julianne, I don't think you hold a greater place in his heart..."

"You're wrong, Professor," Hermione suddenly interjected.

"What?" Dumbledore was taken aback by the determination on Hermione's face.

Hermione smiled sweetly, her expression full of confidence, and said firmly:

"In his heart, I hold the most importance..."

"It always has!"

(End of this chapter)