The Gryffindors discovered something strange.
The once inseparable quintet had now scattered.
Neville always stayed with Seamus and Dean.
Harry and Ron were inseparable, becoming a fixed duo.
Even Nios was often nowhere to be found, rarely even attending dinner.
And Hermione? She rushed into the library after every class.
She no longer interacted with others, simply curling up silently in a corner, engrossed in various thick tomes.
No one knew what she was searching for; when the young Wizards saw her, she always had a stack of heavy books in her arms.
Someone even gave her a nickname, "The Resident Ghost of the Library."
Occasionally, when someone curiously asked them why they weren't like before, they would only receive an awkward smile and a vague answer.
Among this group, Draco was probably the most relaxed.
Whenever someone tried to pry, he would always haughtily retort, "What's it to you?!"
Then he would signal Crabbe and Goyle to chase the person away.
Although he wasn't clear on the details, he firmly believed that Nios was handling important matters.
Once he was free, their group would surely gather under Nios's banner again.
Nios was indeed busy.
After experiencing a week of Hogwarts courses, the value of these classes to him was largely clear.
He had Alchemy to replace Transfiguration, Charms Class was self-explanatory, Potion Class was of little use to him, Defense Against the Dark Arts Class was more like safety guidelines, and he had no interest in Astronomy Class, as he wasn't embarking on a "Great Crusade" after all.
Currently, only Herbology Class and History of Magic still held his interest.
Aside from attending classes, he was almost always holed up in his dormitory, engrossed in various religious texts and mythological stories, preparing to create the next demon book.
At breakfast on Wednesday, the five each received a letter from Nios, the content concise and clear: "7 PM, meet on the eighth floor."
Neville and Draco were the most delighted.
Harry and Ron hesitated for a moment but decided to go.
Hermione was the most conflicted; Nios was indeed her friend, but the chasm in their ideologies made her hesitate.
At 7 PM, everyone arrived on the eighth-floor corridor one after another.
Draco didn't even bring Crabbe and Goyle.
He politely nodded to the few who had arrived earlier.
When he saw Hermione approaching with books, he quickly stepped forward, took the large tome from her hand, and a brilliant smile spread across his face:
"Haven't seen you much lately? What have you been busy with?"
Hermione was a little flustered by his enthusiasm: "I… I've been in the library lately…"
Draco nodded knowingly, raising his chin: "Reading is good! If there are any hard-to-find books, just tell me.
The Malfoy family has a very rich collection of books, and if not, I can also ask my father to find them."
Hermione nodded, understanding that this goodwill stemmed from Nios.
Draco turned to the other three, with a hint of reproach in his tone: "Look at Hermione, how diligent she is! Not like you two, who only know how to play.
Even Neville is more studious than you!"
Harry awkwardly scratched his head; Draco wasn't wrong, he and Ron had been engrossed in exploring Hogwarts Castle recently, and had indeed neglected their studies a bit.
Ron's face flushed red, and he retorted indignantly: "Aren't you the same? Wandering around all day with two lackeys!"
Draco straightened his back, with arrogance: "Me? I've learned quite a few extra-curricular spells! And they were all taught by my mother herself! I wouldn't dare say I know more than Hermione, but I'm definitely stronger than the three of you combined!"
Seeing the skeptical expressions on their faces, Draco pulled out his wand and chanted at the wall: "Leg-Locker Curse!" A spell shot out, hitting the wall and turning into specks of dust.
Looking at the astonished group, he smiled smugly: "How about that? Want to learn?"
Ron was the most excited, and even Neville and Harry were eager: "Really?!"
Although Hermione had learned many practical spells from books, such Dark Arts were indeed rare.
Seeing that he had successfully piqued everyone's interest, Draco was not stingy: "Of course, but you'll have to wait until tomorrow."
"Why tomorrow?" Ron asked, puzzled.
Draco gave him a speechless glance: "Nios gathered us today, so there must be something important.
Tomorrow we still have Flying Class, and I want to rest early to perform well tomorrow."
"And we also need to find a safe place."
Just then, Nios's voice came from the direction of the stairs: "I know a good place."
Draco turned around happily: "Good evening, Nios!"
Nios smiled, responding to the enthusiastic Draco.
Neville shyly greeted him. Ron seemed a bit reserved, but also spoke up.
Hermione remained silent, even avoiding Nios's gaze.
Harry's eyes held a hint of wariness: "Nios, why did you call us here tonight?"
"You've made me so sad," Nios feigned grievance, "Aren't we friends? Do I have to have a purpose to gather with you?"
This not only failed to dispel Harry's doubts but made him even more wary.
"Follow me." Nios said no more, leading them to the tapestry of 'Barnabas the Barmy Bashing Trolls'.
Everyone curiously looked around.
Nios reached into his embrace, his fingertips touching the demon book, and under everyone's puzzled gaze, he walked back and forth three times in front of the bare wall.
A massive double door inlaid with black magic patterns slowly appeared on the opposite wall.
Nios slowly pushed open the grand doors.
Inside the door was a cozy room: the candlelight was soft, flames danced in the fireplace, and above it, a golden double-headed eagle crest was displayed.
The golden patterns on the white wallpaper shimmered in the light.
Soft sofas were arranged by the fireplace, with a round table and six armchairs nearby.
"Wow!" Ron exclaimed, "I didn't know Hogwarts had a place like this!"
Nios guided everyone to their seats, explaining: "The Room of Requirement.
It transforms according to the user's thoughts, becoming whatever they need."
Ron excitedly said: "I heard George and Fred talk about this place! They seem to have hidden a lot of their inventions here?"
After speaking, he instinctively looked around warily, and even Neville and Harry became tense.
They had heard plenty about the Weasley twins' 'great achievements' during this time.
"Don't worry," Nios reassured them, "Everyone's room is independent; unless you know the other person's specific 'requirement,' you can't enter each other's rooms."
The few of them breathed a sigh of relief.
Draco observed the room for a while and then said: "My father mentioned this room.
It's said that many people have hidden things here?"
"That's right," Nios nodded, "When no one is using it, it becomes a giant storage room."
Harry also became interested: "So where do these things come from?"
"Some are left by past students," Nios explained, "and some are conjured by the room using Transfiguration."
Just as everyone was discussing, the door to the Room of Requirement suddenly burst open!
The indoor candlelight and the fireplace flames instantly extinguished, plunging the room into darkness.
Everyone was in a panic.
However, Azazel's singing came from the doorway:
"Happy birthday to you ~ Happy birthday to you ~"
Azazel and Pip slowly entered, pushing a small cart with an exquisite three-tiered birthday cake, its candles flickering in the darkness.
Behind them followed several House-elves, pushing dining carts laden with various delicacies.
By the light of the cake's candles, Harry and the others exchanged glances, asking each other with their eyes: "Is it your birthday today?"
Seeing each other's equally bewildered expressions, they became even more confused.
Nios gazed at the flickering candlelight.
Today marked his twelfth year in this world.
For the past eleven years, he had traveled to ancient churches around the world, solely to find a glimmer of hope to reclaim his soul.
He had nothing left to long for in his previous world; even if he did, he probably couldn't go back.
Now, retrieving his soul seemed to be his only obsession.
Everyone's surprised gazes finally focused on Nios, and they suddenly realized that today was his birthday!
After Azazel finished singing the birthday song, he pushed the cake in front of Nios: "Make a wish, birthday boy."
The cartoon eyes on Nios's eye patch slowly closed, and he silently wished: 'May everything go smoothly.'
The cartoon eyes opened again, and he gently blew out the candles.
The room's candlelight brightened again, and the House-elves erupted in enthusiastic cheers.
Harry and the others also joined in the applause.
Pip directed the House-elves to fill the round table with a sumptuous feast, then bowed respectfully and quietly withdrew with his companions.
However, after the warmth, an awkwardness spread among the remaining people.
They had no idea it was Nios's birthday, and they came empty-handed, having prepared no gifts.
Nios, however, smiled calmly: "Your presence here to celebrate my birthday is already… the best gift."