HP: Wizardry’s a Hassle, Wand in the Right Hand, Gun in the Left

While gently rubbing Glenn's cheeks, Hermione was subtly trying to point out how his words last night were a bit too blunt and prone to unintended implications. At the same time, she let out a small sigh of relief.

After all, Glenn didn't intentionally try to embarrass Dumbledore.

Well, that's a relief.

It felt a bit like when a child blurts out something inappropriate in public, and the parent has to step in to smooth things over.

Wait, wait, why does this make me sound like Glenn's mom?

...

Come to think of it, haven't I always been the one to take on this responsibility since we were kids?!

Mrs. Hawthorne, what on earth are you doing?!

While Hermione was lost in her complicated thoughts, Glenn, whose cheeks were being squished, felt utterly wronged.

Wasn't the conversation last night naturally heading in that direction? Harry Potter, Voldemort, Horcruxes—the three key elements were all there. At that point, wasn't it logical to connect the dots and deduce the next phase of the problem?

Of course, seeking Dumbledore's perspective on the matter was also one of the reasons he had spoken up.

But what Glenn didn't expect was to see a look of resignation in Dumbledore's eyes.

Dumbledore's plan for the future seemed to be a path destined for self-sacrifice.

"It feels a bit like my past life," Glenn thought.

"But that's not a path I would choose in this life."

And why? Perhaps it's because, in this life, I have "attachments."

Clearing the cluttered thoughts in his mind, Glenn reviewed the information he had gathered from last night's conversation.

First: Dumbledore's original plan for the future might be built upon his own death.

Second: Dumbledore had a deep understanding of dark magic but was highly resistant to using it, for reasons unknown.

"He had never even considered that spell could be used in such a way, and yet he's called the greatest wizard in England."

"Hopefully, he'll be able to provide some useful advice in the future."

"Poof?"

Lost in his thoughts, Glenn didn't realize that the pressure on his cheeks had compressed the air in his mouth, causing a sudden burst of sound as his lips vibrated.

"Are—you—listening—to—me—right—now?" Hermione asked, her face darkened, as Glenn's expression clearly betrayed his wandering mind.

"Yes," Glenn immediately replied.

"Then repeat the third-to-last sentence I just said!"

Hermione demanded.

"Next time, before you find yourself in such a situation, try putting yourself in the other person's shoes—practice empathy—and choose your words carefully before speaking, alright?"

Glenn flawlessly repeated Hermione's words, word for word.

"Tch."

Hermione clicked her tongue. This guy, Glenn, his ability to retain information was as troublesome as ever.

"What? Did I say something wrong?" Glenn asked, his face expressionless as he replayed his memory from a few seconds ago.

Rub, rub, rub, rub, rub!

Hermione furiously rubbed Glenn's cheeks in response.

"Sometimes, playing a little dumb and sweet-talking can make girls like you more," Hermione said, cupping Glenn's face and trying to teach this stiff boy a lesson.

Referring to his personality.

"Don't you like me?" Glenn asked, genuinely puzzled.

"Ah, ah?"

Hermione hadn't expected Glenn's question to be so abrupt and direct. Well, directness was something he had never changed. Her face flushed slightly.

Hermione's level of blushing was inversely proportional to the number of people around. With the Great Hall nearly empty, her defenses were at their peak.

"...Of course I like you, but that's beside the point. Sweet-talking is still a good skill to have."

"Well, although I don't intend to charm any other girls besides you, I'll take your advice."

Glenn replied earnestly, his seriousness having an overwhelming effect.

Hermione's defenses weakened.

"...Sometimes, I feel like you're just pretending to be bad at sweet-talking. You're actually quite good at it."

Hermione tried to cover up her feelings with a stubborn tone, attempting to rebuild her defenses.

"What do you mean? I'm just expressing what's on my mind," Glenn replied earnestly, once again overwhelming Hermione with his sincerity.

Hermione was defeated!

Glenn could be so infuriating!

...And so lovable...

"Fine, staying the way you are isn't so bad either..."

Hermione murmured softly, her voice barely audible, but it didn't escape Glenn's sharp hearing.

Originally, Glenn had planned to discuss their upcoming tasks with Hermione over breakfast. Although he wasn't sure why the conversation had shifted to this rather pleasant topic, perhaps it would be better to prioritize Hermione?

Or should they continue with this topic for now?

As Glenn pondered his words, Hermione's earlier advice lingered in his mind. The knowledge he had previously studied about the concept of "liking" also surfaced from the depths of his memory.

Yes, you heard that right. Glenn had studied the concept of "liking."

Ever since he had heard Hermione express her feelings for him during their time at his grandmother's house in China, Glenn had resolved to fully understand this mysterious emotion. To that end, he had even visited ordinary libraries during his free time over the holidays to find books on the subject.

In short, he had learned a lot—or so he thought.

Although he hadn't found the right opportunity to put that knowledge into practice, wasn't now the perfect chance?

"..."

Just as Glenn was about to speak, the little girl, whose defenses were at their lowest due to external factors and whose emotional gauge was nearly empty, placed a finger on his lips.

"I have a feeling I can't let you keep talking, or we won't have time to discuss the things we need to address today."

"The diary's follow-up, the Basilisk, the announcement of the Heir of Slytherin's identity, the conclusion of the Chamber of Secrets incident, research on how to deal with that thing on Harry you mentioned yesterday, and, of course, comforting Ginny..."

"We still have so much to do!"

Hermione explained, her head lowered.

"And the truth?" Glenn asked, instantly seeing through Hermione's façade of calmness and exposing her pretense.

"..."

"That's why I said you should play dumb sometimes!!!!" Hermione exclaimed.

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