NOVEL WEB Chapter 232: Chapter 123: A Visit to Say Thanks
Glenn wasn't particularly moved by the sense of satisfaction or validation that came from others' approval. Dealing with the Basilisk and thwarting Tom's schemes had never been about gaining such trivial accolades, things he considered utterly inconsequential.
Rather than concerning himself with such matters, Glenn preferred to focus his energy on analyzing the mechanics behind the Cruciatus Curse used on the diary.
That was the real problem that needed immediate resolution. Tom Riddle's diary, Voldemort's Horcrux, was like a ticking time bomb. Even though Glenn had securely sealed it within an alchemically reinforced container, a lingering sense of unease—whether real or imagined—continued to weigh on his mind.
Tonight's feast was especially lively, thanks to the good news announced by Dumbledore. For the past few weeks, meals had been hurried and subdued, with students suppressing their usual chatter. The atmosphere had been tense and oppressive.
But now, the hidden monster had been vanquished, and the mastermind—Slytherin's Heir—had presumably been brought to justice by the Night Watch Professor.
What a joyous occasion, indeed.
"See? This is the kind of cheerful, carefree atmosphere a school should have," Hermione said, taking small, delicate bites of the festive food. "This lively and wonderful life is the best! No arguments allowed!"
"Come to think of it, ever since we started at Hogwarts last year, it feels like we've hardly had a moment of peace," she added.
"Should I say this is what makes the wizarding world unique?"
"...Even for the wizarding world, I think it's abnormal for so many incidents to happen so frequently," Glenn replied calmly, expressing his honest thoughts. Even in a magical world, life shouldn't be this fraught with disasters.
"Hmm, you're right. Let's hope that after this, nothing else goes wrong at Hogwarts," Hermione said with a resigned shrug, making a heartfelt wish for the future.
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After dinner, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed, Glenn and Hermione were about to head to the Room of Requirement to study when they noticed someone lingering near the passageway leading to the stairwell.
It was Ginny.
Ginny looked troubled. The moment she saw Hermione, her eyes lit up, but as soon as she noticed Glenn beside her, she hesitated, stopping in her tracks.
"Uh… Glenn…" Hermione murmured, as if wanting to say something. Glenn released her hand.
"I'll head to the Room of Requirement on my own. It seems Ginny Weasley has a lot she wants to say to you. After you finish your conversation, don't bother coming back to find me. Just head straight to your dormitory and get some rest."
Ginny's obvious look of distress made her intentions clear to anyone. The young girl had learned the modified version of the truth from Dumbledore: Hermione had noticed Ginny's strange behavior, sought help from the Night Watch Professor, and brought the professor to her dormitory to rescue her, ultimately discovering the peculiar diary in her desk.
Ginny had also been asked by Dumbledore to keep the matter confidential. Now, she wanted to privately thank Hermione, but in her eyes, Glenn was an "uninformed party," which left the young girl in a dilemma.
Understanding the situation, Glenn decided that the tasks he and Hermione had planned to tackle weren't particularly urgent. He figured this would be a good opportunity for Hermione to take a break and relax after the intense mental strain of the past few days.
Hermione had contributed more than Glenn when it came to researching information for their actions. As a natural genius who could quickly absorb knowledge from books, combined with memory techniques Glenn had taught her long ago, Hermione's efficiency far surpassed his own.
However, Hermione had a tendency to overlook her own limits when she was focused on her work. The young girl had been utterly exhausted over the past few days.
"Alright, I'll go talk to Ginny. Don't stay up too late studying, and if you feel unwell in any way, come find me immediately."
"Okay, I'm off now. Bye-bye," Hermione said, waving at Glenn. He nodded and turned towards the lower levels of the castle.
After parting ways with Glenn, Hermione approached Ginny with a warm smile.
"Hi, Ginny. You look like you have something you want to say to me?"
Standing before her, Ginny, who seemed much better than before, hesitated, her expression a mix of nervousness and relief. Hermione took the initiative to start the conversation while pondering something in her mind.
"Did Professor Dumbledore secretly use a spell to ease Ginny's physical exhaustion? She looks completely different from yesterday."
"The vitality in Ginny's body has also returned… Was it the effect of a potion?"
Seeing that Hermione treated her as usual, without any fear or avoidance due to what had happened, Ginny visibly relaxed. Her previously stiff expression softened as she nodded at Hermione.
Noticing that Ginny's tension had eased a bit, Hermione gently took her hand.
"This isn't the place to discuss that matter. Why don't we find a warm little corner in the common room to talk?"
Hermione understood that both she and Glenn, as well as Ginny, who had been controlled during the Basilisk attacks, needed to minimize their presence as much as possible.
There was no need to elaborate on herself and Glenn, and Ginny's involvement had to remain a secret. Although the young girl had been forced into the Basilisk attacks under the diary's control, if word got out, some students might hold biased opinions, potentially ruining Ginny's school life with unpleasant rumors.
Some people's thoughts were deeply entrenched in prejudice. Once they formed a conclusion, they would cling to it, ignoring the truth and vehemently attacking opposing views.
While most people were kind, there was always the risk of those without firm opinions being swayed by the prejudiced few, joining the side of misinformation. Should this happen, it would create a messy and uncontrollable situation, significantly impacting those at the center of the event.
Therefore, it was crucial to nip the problem in the bud before it escalated.
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