Chapter 29: The Shadow of the Devil's Snare and the Heartbeat Invitation (Part 1)
Time crawled for a few agonizing seconds in suffocating silence.
Hermione finally found the switch for her voice, but all that came out was a short, faint: "...Ah?"
Lynn's eyebrow twitched imperceptibly, as if confirming she had heard him.
He patiently repeated, his tone steady and unruffled: "The ball.
Do you have a partner?"
"No, I don't!" Hermione blurted out, her voice rising slightly due to nervousness, then immediately regretting it, feeling she had answered too quickly and eagerly, making her seem... silly.
She quickly lowered her head, pretending to adjust her already neat robe sleeves, trying to hide her flushed cheeks and frantic heartbeat.
The moon-white stone against her skin sent waves of warm throbbing, as if echoing her drumming heart.
"Hmm." Lynn got his answer, simply acknowledging it, his gaze still fixed on Hermione's face, as if evaluating something, or perhaps waiting.
The air once again fell into a delicate stalemate.
Hermione felt her brain was about to burst with all sorts of chaotic thoughts: What did he mean by asking that?
Pure curiosity?
Or... no, no, no, impossible!
How could Lynn... But if he didn't mean that, why would he specifically ask?
Could it be... A bold thought that made her heart tremble uncontrollably surfaced.
She mustered the greatest courage of her life, suddenly looked up, meeting Lynn's deep, pond-like eyes, her voice carrying a subtle tremor she didn't even notice: "You... what are you asking this for?"
As soon as she asked, she regretted it; it sounded almost like an interrogation!
Lynn seemed to have anticipated her reaction.
He didn't answer immediately, but instead took two steps forward, stopping in front of Hermione.
The distance suddenly closed, and Hermione could even smell his familiar, clean and fresh scent, like a forest after rain, mixed with the faint Starlight of the star stone, instantly enveloping her.
She unconsciously held her breath.
He lowered his head slightly, his gaze level with hers, and in those usually calm black eyes, her shy and nervous little face was clearly reflected.
Then, in a perfectly natural, matter-of-fact tone, he clearly said:
"If not, then," he paused, as if stating an established fact, "come with me."
It wasn't a request, nor a question; it was a statement.
Boom!
Hermione felt something explode in her mind, brilliantly.
All the nervousness, speculation, and uncertainty were dispelled by this blunt, almost domineering "announcement."
A huge, ineffable joy instantly broke through all her defenses, surging from the deepest part of her heart, rapidly spreading through her limbs, making her almost unable to stand steady.
The moon-white stone suddenly became scorching hot, transmitting its owner's uncontrollable excitement.
"Okay!" This time, her answer had no hesitation, clear and bright, with a joy and firmness she didn't even realize.
Her bright brown eyes sparkled with pure, unreserved light, fixed on Lynn, her cheeks flushed like ripe apples.
Lynn looked at the girl's instantly brightened expression, and deep within his usually calm eyes, a faint, elusive smile seemed to flit across.
He nodded almost imperceptibly: "Hmm."
As if merely finalizing a schedule.
The air in the practice room, which had been stagnant and tense, instantly became light and sweet.
Outside the window, another magic paper crane flew by, scattering fine golden dust, like the fireworks blooming in Hermione's heart at this moment.
---
The joy of securing a ball partner was like the sweetest honey, filling Hermione with enthusiasm for her practices over the next few days.
She even felt that the Lumos Maxima light orb was a few shades brighter than usual.
Finally, the day of the mission arrived.
Late on a Friday night, when the entire Castle was asleep, and only moonlight streamed through the high arched windows, four figures once again squeezed under the invisibility cloak, like nocturnal ghosts, silently sneaking towards the forbidden corridor on the third floor.
This time, besides nervousness, Hermione felt a strange sense of calm—because Lynn was by her side.
It was still that gloomy, silent corridor.
The heavy oak door was tightly closed, with a heavy, heart-pounding breathing sound emanating from the crack.
Ron took a deep breath, his trembling hand pressing the play button on the tape recorder.
Immediately, an extremely soft, soothing lullaby melody, like a mother's hum, echoed in the silent corridor, its volume amplified by the "Sonorus Charm," clearly penetrating the heavy wooden door.
Inside the door, Fluffy's thunderous snores and wet breathing suddenly paused the moment the lullaby began!
Immediately after, a strange, bewildered whimper sounded, interspersed with a few snorting sounds like sneezes.
Heavy footsteps paced irritably behind the door for a few circles, and then, the unsettling snores resumed, becoming deep and steady at an astonishing speed, as if a real baby had fallen into a deep sleep.
Harry cautiously pushed open a crack in the door.
Fluffy's massive body was curled up in the center of the room, its three huge dog heads slumped on the floor, six eyes tightly closed, drool dripping from its jowls, forming a small puddle, rising and falling with the rhythm of its enormous snores.
The power of music was indeed magical!
"Quick!" Harry whispered, squeezing through the door first.
Ron followed closely, holding the tape recorder, ensuring the music continued to play.
Lynn protected Hermione, and the two quickly slipped in.
The room was filled with the strong, musky odor emanating from Fluffy as he slept.
The three-headed beast was like a sleeping mountain of flesh, each breath causing a tremor.
The four held their breath, tiptoeing around Fluffy's massive body, their hearts almost leaping out of their throats.
Hermione clutched her wand tightly, her fingertips icy.
Lynn's hand remained gently at her back, maintaining a silent protective stance.
Finally, they safely reached the entrance covered by a heavy trapdoor between Fluffy's hind legs.
Harry crouched down, grasped the cold iron ring, and pulled it up with force!
Creak—
The heavy trapdoor swung open, revealing the bottomless darkness below, and a damp, cold wind carrying the scent of earth and decaying plants rushed out.
"I'll go first!" Harry said, jumping down without hesitation.
A dull thud echoed in the darkness.
"It's okay! Not high! It's very soft down here!"
Ron jumped down next.
Lynn looked at Hermione, his eyes signaling.
Hermione took a deep breath and nodded.
Lynn jumped down first, then immediately turned, extending his arms steadily: "Jump."
In the darkness, Hermione couldn't see below, but Lynn's steady voice and outstretched arms gave her immense courage.
She closed her eyes, took a step forward, and leaped down!
There was no sensation of falling as she expected; her feet landed steadily on a somewhat elastic, slightly damp "ground," her body tilting slightly forward due to inertia.
A pair of strong arms immediately steadied her shoulders, catching her firmly.
"Are you alright?" Lynn's voice was close, his warm breath brushing her forehead.
"Hmm." Hermione regained her footing, and by the faint moonlight filtering through the trapdoor above, she could barely make out a small, cellar-like space.
She was standing on a thick layer of... dark green, slimy moss?
No, that's not right!
They seemed to be wriggling!
"What in the name of Merlin is this place?" Ron's voice was disgusted; he was trying hard to pull his feet out of the slimy "moss."
Just then, the trapdoor above slammed shut with a "bang"!
The last sliver of moonlight vanished, plunging the entire space into complete darkness!
"Lumos!" Harry and Hermione shouted almost simultaneously, the tips of their wands glowing.
However, the moment the light appeared, the "ground" beneath them suddenly came alive!
The dark green, slimy vines, like startled venomous snakes, wrapped around them at an astonishing speed!
Cold, slick, and carrying a nauseating scent of decay!
They instantly coiled around Harry's ankles and Ron's calves!
The strength of the vines was astonishing, carrying a malicious intent to drag them deep underground!
"Devil's Snare!" Hermione shrieked, immediately remembering Quirrell's mark in Snape's book!
She desperately tried to shake off the vines wrapped around her ankles, but they tightened like they were alive!
Chapter 30: The Shadow of the Devil's Snare and the Heartbeat Invitation (Part 2)
"Ah! It's choking me!" Ron shrieked in terror, already entangled up to his waist by the vines, his body aching from the constriction, and his breathing becoming difficult.
"Don't struggle!" Hermione's mind flashed, and she suddenly recalled the line from a book: "Photophobic properties can be reversed by high-intensity light and heat spells!" "The more you struggle, the tighter it wraps! Relax! Harry! Ron! Relax your bodies! Try not to move!"
Hearing this, Harry and Ron, suppressing their fear and the feeling of suffocation, tried to relax their tense bodies and stopped struggling forcefully. Sure enough, the coiling vines seemed to pause, and the speed of their tightening slowed.
"Light! Bright light!" Hermione immediately raised her wand, took a deep breath, and focused all her attention, "Lumos Maxima!"
Buzz—
An extremely dazzling white orb of light, like a small sun, instantly burst forth from the tip of Hermione's wand! The strong light instantly filled the entire cramped space, illuminating every wriggling, dark green vine in exquisite detail!
Hiss—!
It was as if the painful shrieks of the vines could be heard! The vines wrapped around Harry and Ronrecoiled and convulsed violently, as if burned by a hot iron! They writhed frantically, quickly releasing their prey like a receding tide, desperately retreating and coiling into corners away from the light source, into deeper, darker shadows!
In just a few seconds, the Devil's Snare, which had almost swallowed the trio, retreated to the corner under the strong light, shivering and forming a dark green, constantly wriggling shadow, no longer daring to approach the area illuminated by the orb of light.
Harry and Ron fell to the ground in disarray, gasping for breath, their faces showing the relief and terror of having narrowly escaped death. Hermione also let out a sigh of relief, her forehead covered in cold sweat, her arm holding the powerful light spell slightly aching.
Lynn stood beside her; he had not been entangled by the vines (perhaps due to his landing position). At this moment, he looked at the "small sun" in Hermione's hand that dispelled darkness and danger, and a flicker of subtle admiration passed through his eyes.
The strong light not only repelled the Devil's Snare but also illuminated the entire room. It was a stone-built room, and apart from the wriggling Devil's Snare in the corner, there was only a narrow passage ahead, leading to an unknown destination.
"Well done, Hermione!" Harry praised her sincerely.
Ron also nodded, panting, "Th-thank you… You saved us!"
Hermione pursed her lips a little shyly, maintaining the orb of light: "Let's go, there's still a path ahead."
The passage wasn't long, ending in a brightly lit stone chamber. The arched ceiling of the chamber was covered with twinkling star patterns, and bright torches lit the walls. However, what was most striking was the scene in the center of the stone chamber.
Thousands of keys, shimmering with various colors of light! They buzzed and flew madly in the vast stone chamber like a disturbed swarm of bees! Some were as large as brooms, others as small as beetles, varying in shape. There were silvery, golden, coppery, iron-gray, and even rusty ones. They flapped wings made of feathers, metal flakes, or even magical light, forming a chaotic and dazzling storm of flowing light!
At the other end of the room, a heavy oak door was tightly shut, secured by a huge, ancient-looking brass padlock. Clearly, the correct key needed to be found to open this door.
"This…" Ron stared dumbfounded at the sky full of "flying insects," "We have to find the key to that lock from this pile of things? How is that even possible?!"
Harry also frowned, his gaze sweeping back and forth between the flying keys and the huge padlock. The keyhole of the padlock was oddly shaped, seemingly requiring a key with winged decorations on its handle.
"Search." Lynn said concisely, his gaze like the most precise probe, quickly scanning the swarm of keys flying in the air. His sight finally settled on a corner near the ceiling.
There, an ancient-looking silver key was trying to hide itself behind several large iron keys. Its handle was distinctly inlaid with a pair of tiny, sapphire-like transparent magic wings! This was exactly the shape of the padlock's keyhole!
"Found it!" Harry also saw it and shouted excitedly, "The silver one with sapphire wings!"
But then came the problem. That key was extremely cunning and flew the highest and fastest, like a nimble fish in the vast swarm of keys. It seemed to sense being watched, immediately accelerated, and weaved through the key storm, trying to shake off its pursuers.
"We need brooms!" Harry immediately reacted and rushed to the corner of the stone chamber. Sure enough, there were several flying brooms there, old-fashioned, like spare school brooms. He grabbed a Nimbus 2000 (an older model than his Nimbus 2000) and straddled it: "I'll go after it!"
"Wait, Harry!" Hermione quickly called out, "There are too many keys! It's too chaotic! It'll be hard for you alone…"
Harry had already pushed off with his feet, and the broom carried him charging into the key storm! He skillfully dodged the haphazardly flying keys, his gaze fixed on the silvery streak, chasing after it. The key swarm was stirred into even greater chaos, like a disturbed hornet's nest, with countless keys trying to collide with Harry, making clinking sounds.
Ron also quickly grabbed a broom: "I'll help him!" He clumsily ascended, wobbling as he tried to intercept.
The key's speed was astonishingly fast, and it was extremely cunning, using its companions as cover. Harry almost caught it several times, but it always slipped away by a hair's breadth. Ron's addition only made the scene more chaotic, almost colliding with Harry several times.
"No! We can't catch it this way!" Hermione watched from below, anxious.
Lynn's gaze calmly followed the silver key's flight path, his brain calculating rapidly like a precise instrument. He noticed that each time the key was cornered, it would make a very brief feint, attempting to dash towards the star-patterned ceiling above, then rapidly plummet and change direction. It seemed to be intentionally leading its pursuers to collide with the ceiling.
"Directional prediction." Lynn whispered to Hermione, then also grabbed a broom, fluidly straddling it, "Cover me."
"Ah? Okay!" Although Hermione didn't understand his exact plan, she unhesitatingly raised her wand, aimed at the cunning silver target in the key swarm, "Impedimenta!"
An invisible Impedimenta spell accurately shot towards the silver key's flight path ahead! The key, caught off guard, slammed into the invisible barrier, its speed abruptly stalling, and its flight path disrupted!
It was at this very moment! Lynn moved! He steered his broom not directly at the key, but at an extremely tricky angle, charging diagonally upwards! His target was not the key's current position, but the direction it was most likely to flee after its trajectory was disrupted, based on its habitual movements—precisely its usual upward feint path!
Indeed! After escaping the Impedimenta spell, the silver key instinctively made that upward feint! And Lynn, like a falcon that had been waiting there, appeared with unparalleled precision directly in front of it!
The timing was absolutely perfect! Lynn didn't even reach out to grab it; he simply hovered steadily there. The frantic silver key, carried by its momentum, crashed right into Lynn's already open, waiting palm!
"Caught it!" Hermione cried out excitedly from below, her eyes full of surprise and admiration.
Lynn firmly held the key, controlling his broom to land lightly. Harry and Ron also landed, panting, their faces filled with admiration.
"That was brilliant, Lynn!" Harry said sincerely.
Lynn said nothing, merely walked to the heavy oak door and precisely inserted the silver key with the sapphire wings into the huge brass padlock.
Click.
The lock opened.
Beyond the door was the unknown next challenge. But at this moment, all four were filled with the exhilaration of having passed two stages. Lynn pushed open the oak door; a dim light emanated from within, illuminating the new challenge ahead. Hermione looked at Lynn's calm profile, her heart still beating a little fast, not only because of the recent danger but also because of that reassuring strength and unspoken understanding. The moon-white stone on her chest pulsed with a warm, sweet throb.
Chapter 31: Chess Game, Magic Mirror, and Cold Confrontation
The stone chamber was vast and empty, its floor precisely divided into 64 Giant black and white squares, resembling a Wizard chess board magnified countless times.
At both ends of the board, two rows of towering chess pieces stood silently—not ordinary stone carvings, but lifelike, gigantic Wizard chess statues emanating a cold magical glow!
The black pieces were carved from a deep, shiny black stone, while the white pieces were made of warm, milky white marble.
Kings, Queens, Knights, Bishops, Castles, Pawns... they held massive stone weapons, silently guarding their respective positions like sleeping Giants.
At the far end of the board, a tightly shut stone door was the only exit.
"Giant Wizard Chess…" Hermione gasped, her voice unnaturally clear in the silent stone chamber, "Do we need to win this game to pass?"
"It seems so." Lynn's gaze quickly swept over the entire board layout, his brain, like the most precise computer, began analyzing the situation, "Black moves first? Or white? What are the rules?"
As if in response to their questions, an ancient, emotionless voice, like grinding stones, echoed through the stone chamber: "Challengers, choose a side. Take the place of a piece, win the game. Losers shall be crushed. Now, begin."
No sooner had the voice faded than, in the black encampment, a pawn statue wielding a Giant axe suddenly let out a dull roar, its heavy stone foot lifting and moving two squares forward! The movement was accompanied by a grating, teeth-rattling sound.
The rules were cruel and direct.
Someone had to become a chess piece, personally entering the fray, and any piece from the losing side would be mercilessly "eaten" by the opponent—crushed!
All four of their faces grew solemn.
"I'll do it!" Ron suddenly stepped forward, his voice filled with a do-or-die determination, his eyes fixed on the white King statue, "I'm good at this! I often play Wizard Chess with my dad at home! Let me be the King! I'll command!"
"Ron!" Harry and Hermione exclaimed simultaneously, filled with worry.
"No time to argue! Time's running out!" Ron interrupted them, his tone unusually firm, "This is the only way! Trust me!" He looked at Lynn, seeking support.
Lynn's gaze lingered on Ron's face for a moment, then swept over the position of the white King on the board.
The King was in the back, relatively safe, but it also meant other pieces would have to charge into battle and take risks.
He nodded: "Alright. You command."
Ron took a deep breath and strode to the white King's position, standing firm.
The moment he took his place, the Giant King statue seemed to merge with him, emitting a faint ripple of magic.
"Harry!" Ron's voice echoed in the empty stone chamber, calm like a commander, "You take the Castle! Stand in that position! Hermione, you go to the Bishop next to the Queen! Lynn…" He hesitated, looking at Lynn, "Knight! Highly mobile! Stand in the Knight's position!"
The three immediately followed instructions and stood in their designated chess piece positions.
Harry stood in the white Castle position on the left, Hermione stood in the Bishop position to the right of the Queen, and Lynn stood in the Knight's position in front of the King.
The moment they took their places, the massive stone bases beneath them also glowed faintly, as if activated.
The game officially began!
Ron displayed an impressive talent for chess.
His gaze was sharp, his mind agile, and he quickly issued commands.
"Pawn, move two squares forward!"
"Bishop, move three squares diagonally, capture that black pawn!"
"Lynn! Knight, H3 to F5! Intercept that black Knight!"
"Harry! Castle, move straight forward, threaten the black Queen!"
The stone chess pieces moved heavily and precisely at his command, each step accompanied by a massive roar and flying stone chips.
Each time a black piece was "captured," the opponent was mercilessly smashed by a white piece, sending stone fragments flying!
The scene was breathtaking.
Hermione watched nervously.
She fully trusted Ron's judgment, but every time their pieces moved, especially when Lynn, as the Knight, had to delve deep into enemy territory, her heart leaped into her throat, and the moon-white stone pulsed with nervous tremors.
Lynn, however, remained calm, like the stone warhorse beneath him, his gaze calmly surveying the entire board, precisely executing Ron's commands, each move perfectly resolving a crisis or creating an opportunity.
The black pieces' offensive was extremely fierce, each move filled with murderous intent.
Soon, the white side also paid a price.
Hermione's Bishop position was ambushed by a black Knight, a Giant stone hammer whistling down!
Although she dodged in time, the stone Bishop base beneath her was smashed to pieces!
Shards of stone flew, Hermione cried out in surprise, tumbling awkwardly to a safe area, her arm cut by a shard.
"Hermione!" Harry exclaimed.
"I'm fine!" Hermione gritted her teeth and scrambled up, her wand tightly gripped, her face pale but her eyes still firm.
Lynn's gaze swept over the cut on her arm, his eyes darkening slightly, but he didn't lose focus, as the black side's offensive grew even fiercer.
The battle on the chessboard grew increasingly brutal.
White's pawns were almost completely lost, and Harry's Castle position was under immense pressure.
Ron's forehead was beaded with sweat, his lips tightly pressed, but his eyes grew even more focused and sharp.
He saw an opportunity! A highly risky, but potentially decisive, opportunity!
"Lynn!" Ron's voice was filled with desperate resolve, "Knight, move to E7! Check the black King!" This was an extremely dangerous, sacrificial position! After Lynn moved forward, he would be completely exposed to the firepower of the black Queen and black Castle!
Lynn didn't hesitate for a moment.
The stone horse beneath him raised its front hooves, letting out a silent whinny, carrying him resolutely towards the designated E7 square!
The heavy hooves pounded on the stone slabs, making a resounding thud that struck the heart.
He landed precisely!
The massive stone sword pointed directly at the black King!
"Check!" Ron roared.
The black King's enormous body trembled.
Its only escape route was to move to the F8 square.
However, that was exactly what Ron was waiting for!
"Harry!" Ron's voice was distorted with excitement, "Castle! Move to F8! Stalemate! Checkmate!"
The Castle statue where Harry stood erupted in dazzling white light, moving heavily and swiftly in a straight line, crashing into the F8 square!
The Giant gate-like weapon completely blocked the black King's last retreat!
The black King's massive body stood frozen in place, as if unable to accept the fact of defeat.
A few seconds later, it let out a dull, mountain-collapsing sound of shattering!
The entire statue disintegrated from within, turning into a pile of huge rubble, collapsing with a crash!
Dust billowed!
They won!
The other white pieces also stopped moving, like stone carvings that had fulfilled their mission, returning to silence.
Ron, as if exhausted, slid from the King's position to the ground, gasping for breath, but his face was filled with immense excitement and pride: "Merlin's… beard… we… we won!"
Harry also slumped beside the Castle's base, a post-survival smile on his face.
Hermione, clutching her injured arm, looked at the scarred chessboard and the pile of black King rubble in the center, a symbol of victory, and let out a long sigh of relief.
Lynn jumped down from the Knight's position, the stone horse resuming its stillness after he left.
He walked directly to Hermione, stopping in front of her, his gaze falling on the bleeding scratch on her arm.
"How's the injury?" His voice was low, carrying a hint of imperceptible concern.
"It's just a scratch, it's fine." Hermione quickly shook her head, trying to hide her hand behind her back, but Lynn gently grasped her wrist.
He naturally took out a small bottle of Murtlap Essence he carried with him, dabbed some onto a clean gauze, and carefully applied it to Hermione's wound.
The liquid brought a cool sensation and a slight sting, but it was quickly replaced by a warm, comfortable feeling.
Lynn's movements were gentle, the touch of his fingers carrying a focused tenderness that made Hermione's heart beat uncontrollably faster, her cheeks slightly flushed.
The moon-white stone pulsed with waves of warmth, clearer than the sensation of the wound healing.
"There." Lynn finished treating the wound, letting go of her hand with clean, decisive movements.
Hermione looked at the rapidly clotting and scabbing wound on her arm and whispered, "Thank you."
"Mm." Lynn responded, his gaze already turning to the stone door that had just opened.
---
Passing through the stone door, the next stone chamber was even more bizarre.
The air was filled with a strong, nauseating stench of sulfur and blood, making one gag.
The ground was slippery, scattered with broken bottles and jars and scorched marks.
Clearly, a fierce battle had recently taken place here.
At the end of the stone chamber, there was only one thing—an extremely tall Mirror.
It almost reached the arched stone ceiling, its ornate golden frame carved with intricate, ancient patterns, but its surface was unusually blurry, as if shrouded in a never-dissipating mist.
"The mirror of erised?" Hermione gasped in surprise, recognizing this legendary object she had seen in an illustrated guide in the Library's Restricted Section, "It reflects one's deepest, most desperate desires… But why is it here? Is it also a test to protect the Philosopher's Stone?"
Just then, a cold, pain-filled, gasping voice echoed from the shadows of the stone chamber:
"Give… give me the Philosopher's Stone…"
All four were startled!
Following the sound, they saw Professor Quirrell stumble out from behind a Giant stone pillar!
His face was ashen, his lips bloodless, and his entire body trembled violently, his distinctive purple turban hanging askew around his neck, revealing an unnaturally stiff area beneath.
One hand pressed tightly against his temple, the other trembled as he pointed his wand at them, his eyes vacant and mad, filled with extreme pain and a… forced hysteria.
"Professor Quirrell?" Harry looked at him in shock, "What happened to you…"
"Shut up! Hand over the Philosopher's Stone!" Quirrell's voice suddenly rose, sharp and shrill, the tip of his wand sparking dangerously, "My Master… my Master needs it! Give it to me quickly! Otherwise… otherwise…"
"Master?" Hermione caught the word, connecting it to their previous discovery during their night exploration of the office, "Lord Voldemort! It's Lord Voldemort on the back of your head! He's controlling you!" She demanded, her voice sharp.
Quirrell's body violently shook, his face contorted in extreme fear, as if the name itself could burn him.
"No… don't mention… my Master's name!" He shrieked, his wand suddenly pointing at Hermione, "Crucio!"
A blinding red light instantly shot towards Hermione!
"Protego!" Lynn's reaction was lightning fast!
He stepped forward, completely shielding Hermione behind him, and simultaneously flicked his wand!
A translucent silver barrier instantly unfolded in front of them!
Bang!
The red light of the Crucio slammed into the Shield Charm barrier, erupting in dazzling Sparks and a teeth-grating crackling sound!
The barrier violently rippled; although it blocked most of the force, the powerful impact still sent Lynnstaggering back a step, his back hitting Hermione hard!
"Lynn!" Hermione cried out, quickly steadying him.
Just then, an even colder, slicker voice, like a venomous snake hissing in one's ear, filled with soul-freezing malice, echoed in the stone chamber.
The source of the voice was unmistakably from the back of Quirrell's head!
"Fool… worthless! Give me… your body!"
Quirrell let out a desperate, inhuman shriek!
The last shred of his own consciousness on his face was instantly consumed by extreme pain and terror!
He violently tore off the purple turban from his head, revealing a horrifying sight—
Attached to the back of his head was a twisted, flattened face, like a melted wax figure!
That face had no nose, only two thin slits for nostrils, and a pair of long, narrow, snake-like eyes glowing with crimson light, staring at them with venomous hatred and a pathological greed!
Lord Voldemort!
"Harry Potter…" That face hissed, filled with deep-seated hatred and a morbid craving, "And… the interesting child of the stars… Give me… the Philosopher's Stone!"
The terrifying sight plunged Harry and Ron into an icy abyss, freezing them in place.
Hermione also gasped, her face deathly pale, instinctively clutching Lynn's arm.
Lynn's eyes instantly became as cold and sharp as a deep pool.
He shielded Hermione behind him, his wand steadily pointed at the horrifying face, his voice low and fearless: "Never."
"You seek death!" Lord Voldemort's voice held cruel delight, "Quirrell! Kill them! Especially that troublesome child of the stars!"
The completely controlled Quirrell let out a beast-like roar, wildly waving his wand: "Avada Kedavra!"
A blinding, sickly green light, symbolizing death, shot out like a venomous snake, tearing through the air, carrying a terrifying aura of destruction, directly at Lynn, who stood in front!
Death was at hand!
The green light illuminated Lynn's calm profile and Hermione's eyes, wide with sudden, extreme fear!
"No—!" Hermione let out a heart-wrenching scream, her body erupting with unprecedented strength, actually trying to push Lynn away!
However, Lynn's movements were faster than hers!
He didn't dodge; instead, he abruptly turned sideways, using his shoulder and arm to tightly shield Hermione, who was trying to block him, in his embrace!
At the same time, the star stone pendant he wore on his chest, at the moment the Killing Curse was about to strike, suddenly erupted with an unprecedented, brilliant Starlight, like a supernova explosion!
A thin, yet incredibly solid, silver halo instantly enveloped his entire body!
Boom—!!!
A deafening blast echoed!
The sickly green Killing Curse slammed into that seemingly thin silver halo!
It didn't penetrate!
Instead, it was like hitting a wall of bronze and iron, erupting in a violent energy shock!
The entire stone chamber trembled!
Rubble clattered down!
Lynn's body was struck by an invisible Giant hammer, flying backward!
He held Hermione tightly, and together they slammed heavily into the golden frame of the massive mirror of erised behind them!
The immense impact made the Mirror hum!
"Ugh!" Lynn let out a suppressed groan, his face instantly turning deathly pale, a streak of stark red blood spilling from the corner of his mouth.
His arm, which had been protecting Hermione, fell limply, his body sliding down the mirror frame, dropping to one knee on the ground, his chest heaving violently.
The star stone's light dimmed, becoming as faint as a flickering candle in the wind.
Forcibly activating the star stone's inherent power to resist the Killing Curse came at a huge cost!
"Lynn!" Hermione struggled free from his embrace, seeing the blood at his mouth and his instantly weakened aura, her heart felt as if gripped by an icy hand, aching to the point of breathless terror!
Immense fear and heartache instantly overwhelmed her.
She frantically rushed to his side, her hands trembling as she supported his swaying body, her voice choked with tears, "Are you alright? Don't scare me!"
Lynn coughed violently a few times, each cough pulling at the intense pain in his chest.
He raised his eyes, seeing the tears in Hermione's eyes and her undisguised fear and heartache, and the blood-stained corner of his mouth pulled up in a very slight, almost imperceptible smile, his voice hoarse but with a strange reassurance: "…I'm fine." He laboriously raised his uninjured hand, seemingly wanting to wipe away the tears on her face, but in the end, it just rested weakly on her arm.
Just then, the mirror of erised, which had been humming from the impact, its never-dissipating mist on the surface, suddenly began to violently ripple!
As if activated by the recent impact!
Chapter 32: The True Meaning in the Mirror and Sparks of Fire (Part 1)
Quirrell (or rather, Lord Voldemort)'s gaze was subconsciously drawn to the sudden turn of events, and his wand's aim faltered for a moment.
But the sight reflected in the mirror instantly froze everyone in the stone chamber!
The mirror did not reflect the stone chamber, nor did it reflect any of their own images!
In the mirror, there was only one figure!
It was a tall, distinguished young man. He wore Hogwarts robes, but had a head of black hair like obsidian, extremely rare in the wizarding world. His eyes were calm and deep, as if containing a sea of stars. He looked down slightly, concentrating on his palm—where a warm, white stone, emanating a soft, moon-like glow, lay quietly. His fingertips gently brushed the stone's surface, his movements imbued with an inexpressible sense of cherished care and... tenderness.
The figure in the mirror was none other than Lynn! But the expression on his face in the mirror was one of focus and gentleness Hermione had never seen before, as if what he held in his palm was a treasure more precious than the Philosopher's Stone!
"Impossible!" Lord Voldemort's slimy voice for the first time carried a sharp tone of surprise and disbelief. "The mirror of erised... only reflects one's deepest desires! What... what is this?!"
Hermione was completely stunned, tears still clinging to her eyelashes. The scene in the mirror struck her mind like a bolt of lightning! Lynn... his deepest desire... was... that moon-white stone? Was it the moon-white stone she always kept with her, symbolizing their connection?!
A warmth so immense it almost made her dizzy, accompanied by a strong tremor and an unbelievable sweetness, instantly dispelled all fear and sadness!
The moon-white stone on her chest suddenly became scalding hot, as if responding to the scene in the mirror, emitting a soft glow unlike anything before!
Just then, the mirror's image changed again! The "Lynn" in the mirror, who had been gazing at Hermione, raised his head. His eyes seemed to pierce through the mirror, falling directly and incredibly clearly onto the real world—onto Hermione, who was supporting Lynn, her eyes brimming with tears!
In his gaze was a soul-piercing, undisguised, deep-as-the-sea tenderness and... a resolute determination to protect!
Boom—!
Hermione felt her soul tremble! The soul-reaching gaze in the mirror, and Lynn's weak yet still protective stance in front of her, instantly overlapped! So... so his deepest desire was... her? Or rather, protecting... her, who possessed the moon-white stone?!
This realization was like the hottest magma, instantly melting all the ice, making her heart pound wildly, almost bursting through her chest! The moon-white stone's light grew brighter and brighter, even beginning to actively draw out the restless magic within her!
"Damn mirror! Damn desires!" Lord Voldemort roared in fury. He couldn't comprehend such "weak" desires, feeling only mocked. "Quirrell! Destroy that cursed mirror! Then kill them!"
The controlled Quirrell let out a bestial roar, abruptly turning his wand towards the massive mirror of erised: "Reducto!"
A blinding beam of destructive light shot towards the mirror!
Just as the beam was about to hit the mirror's surface, another anomaly occurred!
The figure of "Lynn" reflected in the mirror, who had been gazing at Hermione, suddenly moved! He seemed to come alive, raising his hand abruptly, not to defend, but—to point at Quirrell, possessed by Lord Voldemort, in the real world!
A beam of light, purely condensed from silver starlight, like an arrow shot from a cosmic mirror, ignored the distance of space, striking first despite being launched later, accurately hitting Quirrell's wand-holding arm!
"Ah—!" Quirrell let out a bloodcurdling, distorted scream!
His entire right arm, along with his wand, upon contact with the silver starlight, rapidly dissolved, disintegrated, and turned to ash from the point of contact, like a wax figure thrown into flames! The speed was so fast that even Lord Voldemort couldn't react in time!
"No—!!" Lord Voldemort shrieked in terror and rage!
Quirrell's body twitched violently from the horrific injury and Lord Voldemort's uncontrolled power, the face on the back of his head contorted in pain!
The figure of "Lynn" in the mirror, after delivering that blow, quickly blurred, eventually disappearing as the mirror surface was once again enveloped in thick fog.
It was as if that astonishing scene had never happened.
But Quirrell's lost right arm, the broken remains of his wand, and Lord Voldemort's painfully twisted face on the back of his head, all attested to the reality of the scene that had just unfolded!
"Now!" Harry suddenly reacted, suppressing the shock from the awe-inspiring sight!
He saw that Lord Voldemort seemed to be temporarily out of control due to Quirrell's severe injuries and the backlash of power! This was their only chance!
"Expelliarmus!" Harry shouted with all his might, pointing his wand at Quirrell's remaining left hand! A red light shot out!
However, Lord Voldemort's final madness erupted from the severely injured, dying Quirrell! An invisible wave of dark magic, carrying an aura of destruction, suddenly burst forth, sweeping through the entire stone chamber like a shockwave!
"Petrificus Totalus!" Hermione almost instinctively shrieked, pouring all her strength into casting the binding spell at the center of the shockwave! Her spell was like a mantis trying to stop a chariot against Lord Voldemort's dark magic, instantly dispersed!
But just as her magic poured out, the moon-white stone on her chest burst forth with unprecedented light! A soft yet resilient silver barrier instantly unfolded, just barely protecting her and Lynn behind her!
Boom!
The dark shockwave collided with the silver barrier, erupting into a violent surge of chaotic energy! Rubble flew everywhere!
Harry and Ron were directly thrown back, crashing heavily against the wall, temporarily losing consciousness.
Hermione was also shaken by the immense impact, her blood churning, but she held on fiercely, not retreating a single step, firmly protecting the unconscious Lynn behind the barrier!
The moon-white stone's light flickered violently on her chest, as if it could extinguish at any moment.
At the center of the shockwave, Quirrell's body slumped to the ground like a broken doll, the face of Lord Voldemort on the back of his head twisted, letting out a final, unwilling and venomous hiss: "I... will... return!"
Immediately, a thick, ink-like black smoke suddenly rose from Quirrell's body, carrying a bone-chilling coldness and a nauseating dark aura, like a wounded venomous snake, swiftly piercing through the cracks in the stone chamber's wall, disappearing without a trace!
The stone chamber instantly returned to a deathly silence, leaving only the lingering dust, pungent smell, and the groans of the injured.
The barrier Hermione was maintaining dissipated the moment Lord Voldemort's remnant soul escaped.
Her legs gave out, and she collapsed beside Lynn, gasping for breath, trembling all over. The moon-white stone's light dimmed, but still transmitted a warm sensation.
"Harry! Ron!" She forced herself to look at the two who had been thrown back, her voice hoarse.
"I... I'm fine..." Harry struggled to crawl out of the rubble, dizzy and disoriented. Ron also groaned and sat up, clearly having taken a hard fall, but his consciousness was still clear.
Hermione's heart eased slightly, and she immediately turned all her attention back to Lynn in her arms. His eyes were tightly shut, his face ashen, his breathing so faint it was almost imperceptible, and the bloodstains at the corners of his mouth had dried, like a stark wound.
The star stone pendant's light was as weak as a candle in the wind.
A great fear seized Hermione's heart once more. "Lynn! Wake up! Don't scare me!" She gently patted his cheek, her voice trembling with a sob.
No response.
Hermione forced herself to calm down. With trembling hands, she carefully unbuttoned Lynn's school robe, wanting to check the injury on his chest. When the lapels were pulled open, revealing the blood-stained shirt underneath, her breathing almost stopped. Beneath the shirt, near his heart, his skin was horribly charred, as if burned by an invisible flame, surrounded by a web of cracks, with faint silver light flickering beneath the cracks, resisting the erosion of dark magic—that was the last remnant of the star stone's essence protecting its master.
Chapter 33: The True Meaning in the Mirror and Sparks of Fire (Part 2)
"Merlin…" Hermione covered her mouth, tears gushing out again. This was the price of directly withstanding the Killing Curse! If it weren't for the star stone… she dared not imagine the consequences.
"Hermione! The Philosopher's Stone!" Harry's voice rang out urgently. He struggled to get up, his gaze falling on the base of the mirror of erised. With Lord Voldemort's departure, the mirror's surface was once again shrouded in thick fog, but at the base of the mirror, a blood-red stone, emitting a soft glow, had appeared out of nowhere at some point! It lay there quietly, like a beating heart.
The Philosopher's Stone! The very thing Lord Voldemort had painstakingly sought, yet it remained here!
Harry rushed over and carefully picked up the warm stone. The moment it touched his hand, a gentle yet powerful life force surged into his palm, invigorating him.
"We have to leave quickly! To Madam Pomfrey!" Harry ran back with the Philosopher's Stone, his face turning pale when he saw Lynn's terrible injuries.
"Right! Hurry!" Ron also stumbled over to help.
Just as the three of them were about to lift Lynn together, hurried and heavy footsteps echoed from the entrance of the stone chamber!
"What happened here?!" A dignified and shocked voice rang out.
Headmaster Dumbledore appeared at the doorway! His silver-white beard and the deep blue eyes behind his half-moon spectacles were now filled with gravity and disbelief. Behind him followed Professor McGonagall and Professor Snape. Professor McGonagall gasped, covering her mouth. Professor Snape's gloomy gaze swept over the chaotic stone chamber, the dead Quirrell, the unconscious Lynn, and finally settled on the Philosopher's Stone in Harry's hand, his expression complex and unreadable.
"Professor!" Harry cried out as if he had seen a savior, his voice choked with tears, "It was Quirrell! Lord Voldemort was attached to the back of his head! He wanted to steal the Philosopher's Stone! Lynn… Lynn saved us…" He choked, unable to continue.
Dumbledore quickly walked to Lynn's side and crouched down, his old but strong fingers gently resting on his pulse, then carefully examining the charred burn on his chest. For the first time, his eyes, which seemed to see through everything, showed an extremely grave expression, especially when he saw the faint starlight flickering beneath the charred wound.
"Star Essence backlash…" Dumbledore murmured softly, his brows tightly furrowed, "Forcibly activated to counter the Killing Curse… damaging his foundation…" He immediately took out a crystal-clear small vial from his robe sleeve, inside which shimmered a liquid like molten gold—Fawkes's tears!
"Hold him steady." Dumbledore's voice carried an undeniable authority. Hermione immediately gripped Lynn's shoulders firmly.
Dumbledore carefully uncorked the vial and dripped a few drops of the golden Phoenix tears onto the horrifying charred wound on Lynn's chest.
Sizzle—!
Like a red-hot iron meeting ice and snow, the moment the charred wound touched the Phoenix tears, a puff of silvery-gray smoke with speckles rose! The stubborn dark energy with the aura of the Killing Curse on the wound seemed to meet its nemesis, emitting a faint, hissing sound like a poisonous snake, and began to be neutralized and dispersed! At the same time, the faint starlight beneath the scar seemed to be nourished, and its glow stabilized slightly.
Lynn's already faint, almost imperceptible breathing finally became a little more noticeable after the Phoenix tears were applied. Although still weak and rapid, it was no longer on the verge of stopping.
Hermione stared intently at Lynn's face. Seeing his tightly furrowed brows seem to relax a little, her tense heartstrings finally loosened slightly, and tears blurred her vision again. The moon-white stoneemitted a faint, comforting warmth.
"Immediately send Mr. Lynn to the Hospital Wing!" Dumbledore ordered decisively, his voice filled with unprecedented gravity, "Severus, please escort Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley for a check-up as well. Minerva, please immediately seal this area and notify the Ministry of Magic."
Snape nodded silently and stepped forward to support Harry and Ron. Professor McGonagall began to cast protective magic with a solemn expression.
Hermione didn't move. She still held Lynn tightly, her gaze never leaving his pale face. Dumbledorelooked at her, his deep blue eyes filled with profound comfort: "Miss Granger, you also need rest. Mr. Lynn requires the most meticulous treatment, and Madam Pomfrey will take good care of him."
Hermione then seemed to awaken from a dream, watching the school healer and stretcher bearers arrive in a hurry, carefully lifting Lynn onto the stretcher. She followed the stretcher, distraught, her hand still unconsciously clutching Lynn's cold fingers, as if that was the only link connecting her world.
Passing through the gloomy corridor, leaving the deathly underground stone chamber, and returning to the bright and warm corridor of the Castle, Hermione felt no warmth at all. Her heart, along with the unconscious figure on the stretcher, sank into the cold depths of the sea. Only the extremely faint pulse beating in his fingertips and the continuous warmth of the moon-white stone sustained her from collapsing.
The pungent smell of disinfectant in the Hospital Wing assailed her. Madam Pomfrey, like the most capable general, directed the nurses to settle Lynn on a bed by the window, immediately beginning to busily examine, cast spells, and prepare potions.
Hermione was stopped outside the white curtain. She could only see Madam Pomfrey's serious face and the flickering healing light from the tip of her wand through the gap. Every time the light shone, her heart tightened.
Harry and Ron were arranged on nearby beds. After a brief examination, Madam Pomfrey confirmed that they had only suffered some bumps and fright, nothing serious. After drinking a calming potion, they soon fell into a deep sleep.
Only Hermione stood stubbornly outside Lynn's bed curtain, like a silent statue. The bloodstains on her school robe, now dark red, were stark and cold. Tear marks still streaked her cheeks, and her brown eyes had lost their usual sparkle, leaving only an unshakeable worry and fear, fixed on the blurred figure within the curtain.
Time flowed slowly in the dead silence. Madam Pomfrey finally pulled back the curtain and stepped out, her face showing fatigue, but her expression had relaxed slightly.
"Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey's voice was unusually gentle, "Mr. Lynn is temporarily out of danger."
This sentence was like a heavenly sound, instantly shattering Hermione's forced composure. Her legs gave way, and she almost collapsed to the ground, luckily catching herself on a nearby bedpost.
"Re… really?" Her voice trembled with disbelief and a sob.
"Yes." Madam Pomfrey nodded affirmatively, "The Phoenix tears brought by Principal played a crucial role, dispelling most of the dark erosion remaining from the Killing Curse. His chest wound is very severe, and his Star Essence is greatly depleted, but his vital signs have stabilized. However…" She paused, looking at Hermione's face which instantly tensed up again, "He will need a long period of rest and magical replenishment to recover, and it is highly likely… that he will suffer from lingering effects of damaged magic. He overexerted himself too much."
Damaged magic… Hermione's heart sank again. For an exceptionally talented Wizard, this was almost a devastating blow. But compared to losing him, this was already the best outcome. As long as he was still alive… "Can I… see him?" Hermione's voice held a humble plea.
Madam Pomfrey looked at the girl's swollen eyes and distraught appearance, sighed, and stepped aside: "Yes, but don't wake him. What he needs most now is deep sleep to recover."
Hermione practically rushed to Lynn's bedside. He lay on the pristine white bed, his face still pale to the point of transparency, his long eyelashes casting faint shadows beneath his eyes. The wound on his chest was covered with thick, ointment-soaked gauze, and the charred edges were still faintly visible. His breathing was faint and even, as if he had merely fallen into a deep sleep.
Hermione carefully reached out, her fingertips trembling as she very gently touched his hand resting outside the covers. His hand was still cold. She carefully wrapped her own hands around his cold fingers, trying to transfer the warmth from her palms. Tears silently fell, dripping onto the pristine white sheet, spreading into small wet marks.
"I'm sorry… it's all because of me…" She sobbed softly, her voice broken, "You have to get better… Lynn… please…"
She stayed by his bedside like that, holding his hand, as if to pull him back from the abyss of slumber. The moonlight outside the window streamed through the glass, gently falling on them both, casting embracing shadows on the bed. The moon-white stone on her chest emitted a faint yet constant warmth, like an undying glimmer in the darkness, stubbornly connecting two closely intertwined hearts.
Chapter 34: Morning Light on the Hospital Bed and Unhealed Star Scars
Hermione did not know how long she had held Lynn's hand, watching over him.
The moon outside the window gradually set, and the inky blue sky showed the first hint of grey.
The Hospital Wing was so quiet that only Lynn's faint but steady breathing remained, along with her own rapid heartbeat, caused by exhaustion and anxiety.
She dared not close her eyes, afraid of missing even the slightest change in him.
When the first true ray of morning light, warm and golden, slanted through the high glass window and fell upon Lynn's pale face, his eyelashes fluttered almost imperceptibly.
Hermione's heart gave a sudden leap!
She held her breath, leaned forward, and stared at him without blinking.
After a few seconds that felt like an eternity, the thick eyelashes fluttered again, and then, very slowly, a slit opened.
His deep, calm black eyes, with the confused of just waking and a persistent weariness, struggled to focus.
His gaze first blurred across the unfamiliar white ceiling, then moved downwards, little by little, with some effort, finally settling on the figure by the bed that was almost falling onto him.
Hermione's hair was disheveled, there were heavy dark circles under her eyes, tear streaks crisscrossed her cheeks, and her school robes were wrinkled and stained with dark red blood.
She looked terrible, like a startled, yet stubbornly protective, small animal.
But when her gaze met his open eyes, those brown eyes, originally bloodshot and filled with worry and fear, instantly lit up with immense surprise, like fireworks suddenly exploding in the night sky!
"Lynn!" Her voice was hoarse, tearful, yet filled with the immense joy of having him back, so soft as if she feared disturbing him, "You're awake! How do you feel? Does it hurt? Should I call Madam Pomfrey?" A string of questions tumbled out like pearls, her hand still tightly gripping his, conveying a burning warmth and an uncontrollable tremor.
Lynn's brow furrowed almost imperceptibly, as if he wanted to speak, but his cracked lips only moved, emitting a very hoarse breath.
A dull, sharp pain shot through the area of his chest covered by thick bandages, reminding him of everything that had happened before he lost consciousness.
He tried to move his fingers and found them tightly held by Hermione, with astonishing strength.
His gaze fell on Hermione's haggard face, seeing the tears welling in her eyes and the undisguised concern and lingering fear that almost overflowed.
A strange sensation, tinged with a subtle sting, passed through his heart, clearer than the physical pain.
He turned his hand, using all the strength he could muster at that moment, and very subtly, yet incredibly firmly, squeezed her cold fingers back.
This subtle movement struck Hermione like an electric current.
All her worries, fears, and forced resilience completely broke down at this moment.
Hot tears streamed out, and she could no longer hold back, leaning down and gently resting her forehead beside his uninjured shoulder, sobbing suppressedly.
Her hot tears soaked his hospital gown.
"...Don't cry." A voice so hoarse it was almost inaudible came from above, carrying a clumsy attempt at comfort.
Hermione cried even harder, her shoulders shaking slightly.
She wasn't sad; it was a huge release after immense tension, the ecstasy of having him back.
Just then, Madam Pomfrey, as if on cue, hurried in, pushing aside the curtain, carrying a steaming tray of potions.
Seeing a conscious Lynn and a tearful Hermione, a hint of undetectable softening appeared on her stern face.
"It's good that you're awake!" Her voice was professionally crisp.
She put down the tray, picked up her wand, and began a quick examination.
"magic fluctuations are extremely weak; the Star Essence damage is more severe than expected.
The dark erosion in the chest has been suppressed by Phoenix tears, but healing will be very slow.
Listen, Mr. Lynn," she looked sternly into Lynn's eyes, "your body is now like fragile glass.
For at least a month, any form of magic use is forbidden, including the smallest Levitation Charm!
You need absolute rest to allow the Star Essence to slowly repair itself, understand?"
Lynn looked at her in silence, and after a few seconds, he nodded almost imperceptibly.
He knew the condition of his body better than anyone; the backlash from forcibly activating the star stone against the Killing Curse was far beyond imagination.
"As for you, Miss Granger," Madam Pomfrey turned to the still-sniffling Hermione, her tone a little softer, "you've been watching over him here all night.
Now, immediately, go back to your dormitory!
Wash up, eat, sleep!
Otherwise, I'll give you a bottle of Draught of Living Death and make you sleep for three days!" Her gaze fell on the bloodstains on Hermione's school robes and her haggard face, leaving no room for argument.
Hermione suddenly looked up, tears still on her face, and looked eagerly at Lynn: "But…"
"No buts!" Madam Pomfrey cut her off decisively, "What he needs most now is quiet rest!
Your presence here, besides making him worry, is no help at all!
Go back immediately! This is a medical order!"
Hermione was speechless, only able to look at Lynn for help.
Lynn met her gaze and again shook his head very slightly, his eyes calm, conveying the meaning of "be obedient."
"Alright… alright." Hermione bit her lower lip, reluctantly letting go of Lynn's hand, his faint body warmth still lingering on her fingertips.
She walked towards the door, looking back every few steps, her gaze fixed on Lynn, as if to engrave his conscious appearance into her mind.
"Can… can I come see you at noon?" At the door, she couldn't help but turn back, asking Madam Pomfrey in a low voice, her eyes full of pleading.
Madam Pomfrey looked at the girl's swollen eyes and finally sighed: "After three in the afternoon, visiting hours are half an hour.
Now, disappear from my sight immediately!"
Hermione practically ran back to Gryffindor Tower.
She haphazardly washed up, gulped down a few mouthfuls of hot milk and bread that the House-elfhad brought to the Common Room, and then collapsed onto her bed.
The extreme fatigue of her body instantly overwhelmed her, and before her consciousness sank into darkness, the last image that flashed was the moment Lynn opened his eyes, and the weak pressure of him squeezing her hand back.
Her sleep was not peaceful.
Her dreams were interwoven with the sickly green light of the Killing Curse in the Chamber, the roar of Fluffy, Lynn's pale, blood-stained face… Each time she woke up, her heart pounded, and only after confirming it was just a dream did she fall back into a restless sleep.
By half past two in the afternoon, Hermione could no longer lie still.
She jumped out of bed and quickly tidied herself up to be neat and refreshed (though the dark circles under her eyes couldn't be completely hidden), changing into a clean school robe.
She thought for a moment, took out a thick book she had recently been studying about the energy stability of Ancient Runes from her bedside drawer, and then went to the kitchen to ask for a small pot of warm pumpkin juice.
When she appeared at the Hospital Wing door fifteen minutes early, Madam Pomfrey was sternly changing the dressing for a first-year student.
Seeing Hermione, she merely raised an eyebrow, gave a hum, which counted as acquiescence.
Hermione tiptoed to Lynn's bedside.
He was awake, quietly looking out the window.
Sunlight fell on his sharply defined profile, his long eyelashes casting faint shadows beneath his eyes, his complexion still pale, but with a bit more life than in the early morning.
His chest bandages had been changed; beneath the pristine white bandages, the outline of a hideous scar was still faintly visible.
"Feeling better?" Hermione asked softly, carefully placing the pumpkin juice on the bedside table and the book on the chair she had brought.
Lynn turned his head, his gaze falling on her face, and nodded.
His eyes lingered for a moment on the faint dark circles under her eyes.
"I brought you some pumpkin juice, and… um, I thought if you were bored, I could read something to you?" Hermione picked up the thick book a little awkwardly, her cheeks slightly flushed.
She felt her suggestion might be a bit silly.
Lynn's gaze swept over the profound Runes book, then returned to Hermione's nervous and expectant face, and he nodded almost imperceptibly: "Mm."
This simple response made Hermione's eyes instantly light up.
She immediately sat down in the chair by the bed, opened the book, cleared her throat, and began to read aloud, in a clear and gentle tone, about the principles of stable configurations of Ancient Runesenergy circuits.
Her voice flowed through the quiet Hospital Wing, carrying the clear brightness unique to a young girl and a focused gentleness.
Sunlight streamed through the window, warmly enveloping both of them.
Hermione read very seriously, and when she encountered particularly difficult parts, she would unconsciously slow down her pace, furrow her brow slightly in thought, and then continue.
She was completely immersed, as if she wasn't reading a profound magical theory book, but telling a warm story.
Lynn listened quietly, his gaze mostly on the pages of the book, occasionally lifting to fall on Hermione's focused profile.
The sunlight outlined her fluffy brown curly hair, dancing on her fair cheeks.
When she was deeply engrossed in reading, she would unconsciously sway her head slightly, a few unruly strands of hair falling down and brushing her temple.
Her fingertips traced the Runes on the pages, with a reassuring rhythm.
A strange tranquility enveloped the small space around the sickbed.
The physical pain still existed, and the weakness from depleted magic was ever-present, but listening to her soft and serious voice, and looking at her vibrant face so close by, Lynn felt a sense of peace he had never experienced before, a comfort that settled deep in his heart.
The star stone in his chest emitted a very faint but steady warmth, as if also soothed by the atmosphere.
As Hermione read, she would occasionally pause and softly ask, "Is this talking about something like a buffer mechanism for magic circuits? What do you think?" She didn't truly need an answer; it was more like an unconscious sharing and confirmation.
Lynn would sometimes nod slightly, other times he would just quietly look at her, his eyes serene.
This silent communication, however, made Hermione feel more reassured and content than any words.
Time quietly slipped away with the turning of pages and the soft reading.
The half-hour visiting time seemed to pass in an instant.
When Madam Pomfrey walked over with a stern face to remind her, Hermione was startled to realize the time was up.
She closed the book, reluctantly stood up, and looked at Lynn: "I… I'll come see you tomorrow?"
Lynn's gaze lingered on her face for a moment, then he nodded, his voice still hoarse, but a little clearer: "…Okay."
That single word "Okay" made a small flower bloom instantly in Hermione's heart.
She tried to suppress the upward curve of her lips and said softly, "Then you rest well, and don't think about anything." She hesitated, then quickly reached out, her fingertips very gently, like a feather brushing, touched the back of his hand that was resting outside the covers, then quickly pulled back like a startled rabbit, her cheeks flushing red.
"I… I'm leaving!" She grabbed her book and practically fled.
Lynn watched the girl's retreating figure disappear behind the curtain, then lowered his gaze to the back of his hand that had just been touched.
A faint, warm sensation seemed to linger there.
He slowly raised that hand, his fingertips unconsciously brushing over the thick bandages on his chest, beneath which the charred scar still throbbed faintly.
The weakness caused by the depletion of Star Essence was like heavy shackles, clearly reminding him of the price of power.
He slowly closed his eyes, sunlight falling on his face, but unable to dispel the deep, dark shadow in his eyes.
The path ahead was far from clear.