In the library, Hermione was the very picture of a well-fed kitten—her gaze soft and dreamy, her whole body radiating lazy contentment.
And just like a mischievous cat, she couldn't sit still. Every so often, she'd tap her little leather-shod foot against Qin Yu's shoe, a gentle tap-tap-tap echoing beneath the table.
When reading grew tiresome, she'd lean back against Qin Yu's shoulder, book in hand, her head nuzzling restlessly against him. He couldn't help but reach over and ruffle her hair, both to soothe her and to keep her from fidgeting too much.
What she really wanted, though, was to rest her head in Qin Yu's lap—just like at home. There, she'd lie with her head on his firm thighs, feet propped up on the armrest, looking up at his chin, nose, and eyes. She'd read out funny passages from her book for him, too. Just thinking about it made her feel cozy and warm inside.
But this was the Hogwarts library, and here, she had to mind her manners.
All things considered, maybe being here wasn't entirely perfect.
Of course, she was only grumbling a little. Deep down, she knew just how lucky she was to be at Hogwarts—and even luckier to attend school with Qin Yu, learning magic together. That happiness and excitement had lasted for weeks.
Magic was much harder than her old Muggle schoolwork, but she didn't mind one bit. After all, she had her academic ace by her side—no problem was too difficult for him!
And they could even celebrate birthdays together...
How wonderful!
Lost in these thoughts, she sprawled across the table, chin in one hand, squinting as she watched the serious Eastern boy beside her.
The longer she watched, the more she found herself nibbling her lower lip.
And then, for no reason at all, she thought: If only I could grow up faster… What would it be like, being grown up together?
Suddenly, she felt a gentle pinch on her cheek. She pouted in protest.
The culprit sighed, "Hermione, pay attention. You haven't turned the page in ages."
"I don't want to study anymore~~ It's my birthday! Today, I'm going to be a Hermione who doesn't care about grades." She clung to his arm, acting utterly silly.
"Then what do you want to do? Want to go somewhere else?" Qin Yu closed his book, looking at her rosy cheeks.
"No, I'm happy right here. I just want to watch you study." She grinned, all mischief.
"…Fine." Qin Yu pursed his lips, respecting her wishes. He couldn't resist pinching her cheek again, muttering, "You silly thing."
He reopened his book and returned to his notes, but the little troublemaker at his side kept finding ways to distract him.
There was nothing for it—it was her birthday, after all. He'd just have to put up with it.
At moments like this, Qin Yu found himself missing the holidays at the Granger home. At least there, if he couldn't take her antics anymore, he could "punish" this naughty kitten. Here at Hogwarts, he had to keep his hands tied.
…
Hermione's delight with her birthday gift made all of Qin Yu's recent efforts feel worthwhile.
Of course, just being able to spend her birthday with her was reward enough.
His mood that day was better than ever.
That good mood made him extra productive. Even with a kitten-like Hermione trying to derail him, he managed to finish organizing his first-year Hogwarts study notes by nightfall.
Studying, whether in the Muggle world or the magical one, always followed the same rule: you reap what you sow.
He knew some wizards were born gifted, but even the most talented had to work hard.
Take Voldemort, for example—if he hadn't been so driven, so hungry for knowledge, he'd never have even discovered what a Horcrux was.
So, learning never really ends.
That's why Qin Yu had introduced a few mysterious Eastern study methods to the magical world. It was his way of helping some of the more troublesome students shore up their basics.
Only then could he help them go even further.
Lost in these thoughts, Qin Yu closed his notebook, feeling a wave of relief.
He turned his head just in time to catch Hermione's guilty, sidelong glance.
Following the movement of her hands, he discovered that the hem of his robe had somehow been twisted into a bundle and tied together with hers, forming a neat little knot.
A vein throbbed on Qin Yu's forehead. This girl really was bored out of her mind.
Good thing he hadn't tried to stand up just now, or they'd both have gone tumbling to the floor.
"Hehe, I'll untie it right now!" Hermione stuck out her tongue, caught red-handed, and bent her head to fuss with the knot.
But after a few tugs, she realized she'd tied it so tightly she couldn't undo it herself.
"Alright, let me." Qin Yu gently hooked her chin, lifting her face.
"Mmhmm, you do it." The girl straightened up obediently, making room for him.
Qin Yu bent over to tackle the stubborn knot.
He had to admit, Hermione had tied it with impressive strength. Even he had to work at it, but with enough determination, he finally loosened one end and the knot came undone.
But just as he was about to finish, two small hands cupped his face, and something soft and warm brushed his forehead—a fleeting kiss.
When he looked up, Hermione was staring at the ceiling, lips pressed together, wearing her best "nothing happened" face.
Ha! Taking advantage of him while he was distracted, was she?
Only in the library would she dare be so bold.
"Come on, let's head back." He packed up their books and supplies in record time, then pulled Hermione along out of the library.
She let him lead her toward Gryffindor Tower, but her heart fluttered with nerves. She realized Qin Yu was taking unfamiliar shortcuts and winding corridors.
"It's my birthday… He wouldn't actually punish me, would he…?"
That thought made her both anxious and—strangely—hopeful.
In the end, their detour meant the walk from the library to the dorm took twice as long as usual.
But sometimes, taking the scenic route was part of the adventure.
…
Later that night, Hermione lay in bed, heart light and happy, eyes closed as she drifted toward sleep. She was sure tonight would bring her sweet dreams.
If only she could control her dreams—choose who appeared, what they did.
Maybe she'd dream of her and Qin Yu in their London home, both grown up, reading together on the sofa, undisturbed…
Oh, but what if there were more than just the two of them?
Would they have children as old as she and Qin Yu were now?
Would their children go to Hogwarts, too?
And what about Crookshanks? Would he have kittens? How many?
Her thoughts grew fuzzy and scattered, and before she knew it, she'd drifted off. A smile curled her lips—she was clearly dreaming of something wonderful.
…
Meanwhile, in the boys' dormitory, Qin Yu was just finishing up for the night.
He sorted his notes again and used a simple duplication charm to make three copies.
When he looked at the thick stack of notebooks, he nodded, satisfied.
There wasn't much more he could do—after all, a master can only open the door; the rest is up to the student.
Stretching, Qin Yu prepared for bed.
Lying there, he absently touched his forehead, his thoughts swirling, impossible to settle.
He suddenly remembered something he'd once written to Hermione in a letter: If you dream of someone, that person will have trouble sleeping.
So… was someone dreaming of him tonight? Was that why he couldn't fall asleep?
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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