The Room of Requirement.
The spacious room appeared somewhat mysterious in the candlelight.
But what was even more mysterious was the current statement from Hermione.
"Are you sure? You heard the voice of Lady Ravenclaw?" Ino's expression grew solemn.
To be honest, this information took him by surprise. In theory, once the diadem was placed in the Sanctuary, any lingering attachments should have dissipated. Voldemort's remnant soul was a good example of this.
However, Hermione's next words dispelled his doubts.
"Although I'm not sure if it was Lady Ravenclaw, I did hear a voice, and she only said one sentence."
Hermione sat on the floor, her eyes briefly reflecting on the memory. Then, in a soft, delicate voice, she said:
"Wit beyond measure is man's greatest treasure."
"That's all?" Ino suddenly breathed a sigh of relief after hearing Hermione's recount.
For a brief moment earlier, he had almost thought a black swan event had occurred. He even considered some of those novel-like scenarios, such as Ravenclaw's legacy or a millennium-old conspiracy…
But now, it seemed more like a simple hint, akin to the startup sound of a Muggle video game after being properly activated.
However, after relaxing, his gaze turned to the young woman beside him.
"Hermione, fifteen minutes is already a bit much for you. If you plan to use the diadem for thinking in the future, try not to exceed ten minutes."
After some consideration, Ino decided to shorten the time.
"Mm!" Hermione nodded gently, seemingly accepting the suggestion.
Seeing Hermione neither oppose nor argue, he found it a little odd. It felt as though something was missing from the Hermione he knew.
However, at this moment, Hermione's thoughts were far from the diadem.
The moment her shoulder was supported, she had been contemplating whether or not to fall over instinctively, just as the girls in her dorm had mentioned—seizing the opportunity at just the right moment.
If she really did fall, how could she make it seem natural and not immediately obvious that she actually wanted to be held?
As these thoughts raced through her mind, Hermione became caught in a state of hesitation and inner conflict. As for what Ino had just said, she no longer cared.
On the other hand, Ino noticed something off about her. Hermione seemed almost bewitched, her eyes dazed, her breathing short. Under the flickering candlelight, she appeared utterly lost in thought.
"Hermione? Maybe I should ask Brighid to take you back. The potions here will be safe."
No one was stupid; Hermione's condition was quite easy to guess.
But as he looked around at the bubbling cauldron, the slowly rising white smoke, and a couple of scattered books, it reminded him of being in a classroom.
"Potions? Oh, right, potions!" Hermione snapped back to reality at the mention of potions.
"I need to write them down quickly! I just had a new idea—the bat spleen can actually be replaced with lionfish spine powder, and the liquid weed and peppermint…"
As she spoke, Hermione quickly took out a thick notebook from her bag and started writing without a second thought.
---
Time passed.
Ordinary days, too, were always filled with different stories—some exciting, others sorrowful.
By late November, on the second-to-last weekend.
Friday, after the final Charms class, Harry walked out of the classroom, exhausted.
Although Ginny, Ron, Hermione, and even Cedric had intervened for him after the last incident, and things had improved—fewer whispers, fewer rumors—it seemed like things were heading in a better direction.
Yet, hardship always seemed to choose him.
Once the mental torment had faded, physical challenges began.
To be honest, if this were in the past, Harry would have eagerly anticipated the sound of the weekend's final bell.
But now, not only the weekends, but even the end of every day's last class had become something he dreaded.
Because it meant he had to go outside the castle to practice magic with Mad-Eye Moody again.
Whenever Harry thought of Moody's scarred face and that wildly rotating magical eye, he couldn't help but feel uncomfortable.
---
Sigh!
Walking along the path outside the castle, Harry couldn't help but let out a long sigh.
He understood that Moody was helping him. Although his methods were extreme, the results were evident.
Over this period, Harry had felt clear improvement. If he were to duel Draco Malfoy again, he was confident he could dodge all of his spells. After all, Moody had taught him how to evade above all else.
As Harry walked, Moody's small cottage came into view.
It was a newly built, round cabin, not far from Hagrid's hut.
"Hurry up! You don't have time to waste!"
From afar, Moody had already spotted the slow-moving figure, prompting him to shout. A trace of helplessness crossed his face, but he had no choice but to urge Harry on.
On the other hand, hearing Moody's call, Harry subconsciously shifted his steps, moving with more agility and fluidity.
'Dodging is the first step to becoming an Auror. No matter how powerful a spell is, if it doesn't hit you, it's meaningless.'
Harry recalled those words from his first meeting with Moody.
---
Outside the cabin.
Upon seeing the change in Harry's movements, a faint smile finally crossed Moody's scarred face.
"Come here. Today, we're not practicing dodging! I'll teach you some magic. I believe Hagrid has already told you what the first task is?"
At the mention of Hagrid, Harry glanced over at his hut, but it was empty.
"Yes, Professor! Hagrid told me the first task involves fighting a dragon."
"Good! Since you already know, we can proceed." Moody nodded slightly, his magical eye spinning wildly.
As Harry grew increasingly uncomfortable, Moody finally spoke:
"When facing a dragon, dodging won't be enough! You'll also need to learn how to hide and buy time…"
Listening to Moody's explanation, Harry said nothing but inwardly disagreed.
He had been enduring this intense training to prove himself, not just to get by.
The task involved engaging an enraged dragon within a time limit. But if he spent the entire time hiding and running away, even if he passed, what would it matter?
Besides being looked down upon by others, the judges probably wouldn't score him high, either.
Moody, of course, noticed the change in Harry's expression, but the experienced retired Auror chose not to address it.
To him, the boy's defiance was a good sign—it showed he still had the energy to face what was to come.
With that thought, Moody grinned, making his scarred face even more terrifying.