Chapter 387 Professor Swan, Please Accept My Challenge
Ron certainly knew that it was not appropriate for him to show up tomorrow, so he was just playing a joke on Harry and Hermione to express his excitement.
The three of them chatted and laughed, and finally decided to let Hermione go to the appointment by herself tomorrow. This way the problem could be properly resolved while also saving Krum's face.
After all, no matter what, we can't let our international friends think that Hogwarts students don't understand the ways of the world.
The next morning, Krum stood at the agreed location with great anticipation. When he saw Hermione coming alone, his eyes instantly lit up with joy.
Unfortunately, Hermione's clear and gentle rejection made him stand there in a daze.
"I'm sorry, Krum, but I can't be your dance partner."
In Hermione's opinion, a direct rejection is the most effective way of communication. Otherwise, she is worried that it will give the other party a feeling of being reluctant.
Hermione's words were like a gentle but cold breeze, blowing away Krum's fantasies.
However, Krum quickly adjusted his mood, smiled slightly, and tried his best to maintain his demeanor. He did not resent it, but continued to invite Hermione to stroll around the new town of Hogsmeade.
Out of politeness, Hermione readily agreed and quickly switched to tour guide mode.
She skillfully took Krum to visit every corner of Hogsmeade, whether it was Honeydukes' dessert world or Zonko's prank shop, she explained every place in detail. Finally, she took Krum to Sirius's stall and helped him choose some interesting souvenirs.
Throughout the trip, she insisted on going Dutch and did not allow Klum to spend money for her.
It was not until after lunch that she returned to campus with Krum and ended this little adventure.
Watching Hermione walk towards the castle, Krum no longer held on and fell into a silent depression.
This was not the first time he had faced setbacks, but this time the blow was particularly severe.
Hermione's rejection was beyond his expectation, and it could even be said to be a direct blow to his self-esteem. He had never felt that he needed to work hard to win someone's favor, but Hermione's directness and determination made him question his own charm for the first time.
His mood was very complicated, including loss, regret, and an indescribable confusion.
He has been a genius since he was young and the focus of the crowd. Whether on the Quidditch field or in daily life, his presence always attracts everyone's attention.
With the title of the world's number one seeker and the warrior of the Five Power Tournament, he would cause girls to scream wherever he went.
But Hermione remained unmoved. There was no infatuation or admiration in her eyes, only a calm and polite distance.
It was as if, in front of her, all the halos on him faded away and he became just an ordinary person.
Because of this, Krum felt even more frustrated.
He talked a lot with Hermione, and the more they talked, the more special she seemed to him. He was also more fascinated by her independence and confidence.
Unfortunately, through communication, he also realized that Hermione was a girl with a strong will and would not easily change her mind.
No matter how you look at it, his chances are close to zero.
However, even though he understood this truth, Krum was still unwilling to accept it.
At this moment, he needed someone to talk to, but he didn't want to find anyone who was familiar with him.
After a brief thought, he decided to go find Sebastian.
According to Hogwarts students, this professor is not only knowledgeable, but also has the ability to easily perceive other people's emotions.
Not only is he a trustworthy listener who won't easily criticize others or give superficial comfort, but more importantly, he will often give some effective advice.
In the Muggle office, Sebastian was a little amused as he looked at Krum sitting on the sofa.
what happened?
Is your reputation as an emotional master so famous?
Even students from Durmstrang came to see him.
It seems that with his abilities, he could achieve great success as a psychiatrist even in the Muggle world.
Sebastian was well aware of Krum's distress. After all, he had just given Ron advice last night.
Now the result seems clear.
As usual, Sebastian first waved his wand and poured Krum a glass of Coke, inviting the Durmstrang student to taste the Muggle delicacy.
Then he listened patiently as Krum began his story.
Maybe it was because of the stimulation today, or maybe it was because Sebastian's attitude really made Krum relax. This usually taciturn boy seemed to have opened up and kept talking about his inner troubles.
"Professor Swan, this is the situation. I am really unwilling to be just a pen pal with Hermione. Do you have any solution?"
Facing Krum's expectant gaze, Sebastian felt a little helpless.
It seems that I can only disappoint this young man.
If the man is in love with the woman, I have a lot of suggestions for them.
But the current situation is obviously that Krum is too enthusiastic and Hermione has no idea at all.
In addition, Hermione was a very opinionated, or somewhat strong and stubborn Gryffindor, so no matter how hard the boy tried, it was useless.
"Krum," Sebastian began in a deep voice, "You are eighteen years old and an adult, so I would like to ask you a few questions that adults need to consider. Are you willing?"
Hearing this, Krum nodded and looked at the other party seriously.
"Krum, have you ever thought about what you would do after the Five Power Tournament if Miss Granger accepted your feelings?"
"I will have graduated by then. I will work in Bulgaria first and then wait for her."
"What about the problem of long-distance relationships?"
"Professor Swan, the wizarding world is very convenient for traveling. I can come here every weekend, which can minimize the impact of a long-distance relationship."
Sebastian nodded and continued, "You just mentioned work. Are you going to continue playing Quidditch?"
"Yes, my dream is to lead the Bulgarian national team to win a Quidditch World Cup."
"That means you will definitely stay in Bulgaria. Have you ever thought about where Miss Granger wants to stay?"
this......
Krum was speechless for a moment and was unable to continue.
Through today's communication, he learned that Hermione was going to join the British Ministry of Magic after graduation.
This means that the two people have irreconcilable contradictions on this point.
"Krum, if a long-distance relationship wants to succeed, one party must make a huge sacrifice. Do you understand?"
yes......
It seemed that he had no reason to convince Hermione to leave Britain. After all, in the wizarding world, the British Ministry of Magic had a great influence that was simply incomparable to the Bulgarian Ministry of Magic.
And I was somewhat unwilling to give up playing Quidditch in Bulgaria.
After all, after this World Cup, I have made an agreement with those friends to continue to compete in the next World Cup.
What's more, Hermione has no feelings for me, so I can't find a reason to stay in the UK even if I want to.
Krum fell completely silent, lowered his head and fell into deep thought.
Sebastian did not urge him, but just looked at him quietly, waiting for him to figure out the key to the problem himself.
After a long moment, Krum took a deep breath, then he raised his head with a look of relief on his face.
"Professor Swan, thank you for your advice. I think I asked for too much. Now it seems that becoming pen pals with Hermione is not a bad idea. I will cherish this friendship."
Then he changed the subject and spoke with full energy.
"There is something that has been on my mind for a long time. I want to challenge you, Professor Swan!"