News always spreads quickly among a crowd, especially when that crowd consists of teenagers and the news involves elements of adventure.
Against this backdrop, the news of Lynn using a Levitation Charm to uproot a wall and crush a Troll to death spread rapidly throughout Hogwarts.
While it sparked admiration in some students, it inevitably caused fear in others.
It was a biological instinct—the fear generated when faced with an existence far more powerful than oneself.
Lynn herself, however, felt nothing about it. She maintained her rhythm of attending classes, doing homework, and reading books.
Aside from earning ten points, the Troll incident only resulted in two more bruises on her left arm and Hermione following her even more closely.
Because Hermione followed her, even Harry and Ron would sometimes tag along.
"Lynn, how do I write this?" Ron held up his Potions homework and handed it to Lynn.
When they first came into contact, he and Harry truly felt a sense of dread toward this classmate who could crush a Troll to death.
But after spending some time together, they discovered that although Lynn spoke without emotion and had no expression on her face...
By the same token, she never lost her temper, as if she were incapable of getting angry.
No matter what questions Harry and Ron asked her, or how many times they asked, she never got annoyed.
Even if they went to ask Hermione, though they would eventually get an answer, they'd still get a lecture about not paying attention in class.
It was different with Lynn; not only were they spared the lectures, but they also always got the correct answers they wanted.
So Harry and Ron played a little trick: whenever they encountered a problem they couldn't solve, they'd ask Lynn, pretend to listen to her explanation while actually zoning out, and then just listen for the final correct answer.
Unfortunately, Ron's plan was destined to fail this time. Hermione, sitting next to Lynn, saw her look up to answer and immediately reached out to press down the parchment in Ron's hand.
"Ron Weasley!" Hermione glared at Ron with a serious gaze, her aura fully unleashed. At this moment, she looked like a miniature version of Professor McGonagall, making Ron tremble slightly.
"You, and Harry," Hermione said, shooting Harry a look that made him instinctively shrink back, "stop trying to just get the answers out of Lynn."
"I've watched you several times. When she explains things to you, you aren't listening at all. You're making her waste her effort!"
"But Lynn didn't say she minded..." Ron lowered his head guiltily upon hearing this, though he still muttered under his breath, unconvinced.
Hermione narrowed her eyes at the two boys. "From now on, either do your homework yourselves or come ask me. You are not allowed to ask Lynn anymore!"
Harry and Ron nodded obediently. Are you kidding? Could they be anything but obedient? Hermione knew far more spells than they did.
After lecturing those two, Hermione turned her head toward Lynn, who was sitting beside her.
Since her attempt to explain the homework to Ron had been interrupted by Hermione, Lynn had already instinctively gone back to reading her book.
Facing Lynn, Hermione's attitude couldn't help but soften, and her voice became gentle.
"Lynn."
Hearing Hermione call her name, Lynn looked up from her book and turned to look at her.
Hermione pursed her lips, reached out to cup Lynn's cheeks, and gave them a gentle squeeze.
"You're so smart in your studies, how can you be so... so... blank usually?"
Hermione searched her mind for a long time before coming up with 'blank' as a relatively mild descriptor.
Lynn stared steadily at Hermione, allowing her to hold her face, her heart devoid of any emotional fluctuation.
She felt nothing regarding Hermione's evaluation of her being 'blank.'
In her view, it was perfectly normal for Ron and Harry to ask her about homework and for her to answer them.
Hermione frowned at the unresponsive Lynn. "Didn't you see that those two were using you to get the right answers and weren't listening to your explanation at all?"
"I saw it," Lynn said with a flat tone. Her face, held by Hermione, nodded up and down along with her head, lightly brushing against Hermione's palms.
"And you still explain it to them every single time?" Hermione's eyes widened in surprise. "And you aren't angry?"
"They asked me," so she explained to them. Lynn blinked, her eyes as stagnant and rippleless as a pool of dead water. "I won't get angry."
"You... you don't feel angry? Not even a little bit?" Hermione swallowed, feeling that something seemed a bit strange.
Lynn thought about it for a moment and then spoke directly. "Anger is generally used to express human emotion, such as being mad or unhappy due to things not going one's way."
As Hermione watched in stunned silence, Lynn made further associations in her mind to explain: "Fury describes emotional agitation due to extreme dissatisfaction."
"I am not emotionally agitated," Lynn paused for two seconds and then added instinctively, "I have no emotions."
Having said that, she turned back and lowered her head to read. Only Hermione, watching her read, felt a chill rise from the soles of her feet to the top of her head.
When Lynn was giving her that explanation just now, Hermione felt that the person in front of her wasn't Lynn—not even a person!
But a computer—a computer that surpassed the imagination of modern Muggle scientists. Precise, rational, powerful, but lacking human characteristics.
Recalling Lynn saying she had no emotions, the more Hermione thought about it, the more cold sweat broke out on her back.
Turning her body back around, Hermione lowered her head and forced her gaze to stay fixed on her book, trying not to think about another word Lynn had said.
However, it didn't have much of an effect. Lynn's words kept echoing in her mind like a loop.
At the same time, for some reason, her heart kept aching, even causing her eyes to moisten involuntarily.
Merlin... God knew how healthy her heart was; she didn't have any heart disease at all! What on earth was going on?
Harry and Ron across from them clearly noticed the awkward atmosphere. Even Ron, who had the emotional intelligence of a teaspoon, knew that keeping quiet was the best option right now.
So the two of them lowered their heads in unison, not making a sound. Under such concentration, they actually finished their homework faster.
After two hours of continuous study, Lynn was still reading seriously, and Hermione was also focused on the book before her; only her tightly bitten lower lip revealed how conflicted and pained she felt.
One of them studied with total focus, while the other, despite the constant surge of emotions, was still able to learn.
But Harry and Ron couldn't sit still anymore! Children of this age were naturally fond of running and playing, especially on a night without classes.
Having finished their homework, their desire to return to the common room to rest or play something became even stronger.
However, looking at Hermione, who was biting her lip and clearly in a bad mood, and Lynn, who was reading seriously and obviously wasn't done...
Neither of them dared to speak up and disturb them. If they disturbed Hermione... they'd be in trouble if they became the outlet for her emotions.
If they disturbed Lynn... she might not say anything herself, but there was a high probability Hermione would speak for her, and they'd become emotional outlets again.
Therefore, they didn't dare to speak. They didn't dare to speak at all, so they could only sit there in their seats.
It wasn't until Harry and Ron were almost falling asleep that Lynn finally closed her book. Since it was close to Curfew, they had to return to the Dormitory.
Hearing the sound of the book closing, the two drowsy boys finally woke up, rubbing their eyes and instinctively looking around.
Hermione also suppressed the inexplicable surge of emotion and pain in her heart, pulling herself together to nod at Harry and Ron.
"Let's go."
The two of them felt as if they had been granted a grand pardon. They immediately began packing their things at a speed many times faster than when they had taken them out of their bags upon arriving at the Library.
Even though she felt miserable, Hermione couldn't help but twitch her lips at the sight.
Lynn finished the book borrowing procedures with Madam Pince and led the way out of the Library.
Neither she nor Hermione spoke along the way, and Harry and Ron, who were still a bit dazed from sleeping while sitting up, naturally didn't speak either.
Consequently, it wasn't until they were about to part ways that Hermione looked at Lynn and gave a small smile.
"Goodnight, Lynn. Sweet dreams."
"Goodnight, Hermione." Lynn nodded expressionlessly.
Looking at her expressionless face, Hermione's heart throbbed as if someone had squeezed it. In an instant, she threw everything else—etiquette and logic—to the back of her mind, stepped forward, and pulled Lynn into a hug.
Lynn looked down with a calm heart at Hermione hugging her. Just like last time, she followed her lead and hugged her back.
Hermione rested her chin on Lynn's shoulder, took a deep breath, and slowly let her go.
"It's fine, you should head back now, it's almost time."
"Yeah." Lynn nodded, turned around, and walked quickly towards Ravenclaw Tower.
Hermione turned to look at Harry and Ron. "You two go back first; I'm going to find Professor McGonagall."
"Professor McGonagall?" Harry and Ron glanced at each other.
"It's almost Curfew, Hermione. Aren't you afraid of..." losing points? These last three words of Harry's slowly faded away under Hermione's firm gaze.
"Alright, you're not afraid." Harry nodded and turned to walk towards the Gryffindor Common Room with Ron.
Hermione lowered her eyes. She had some questions and conflicting thoughts on her mind... she wanted to have a good talk with an elder, and the urge was so pressing that she didn't want to wait until tomorrow.
Among the people she could think of, Professor McGonagall—the one who had introduced her to the wizarding world and was the Dean of Gryffindor House—was clearly the best choice.
Standing before Professor McGonagall's office door, Hermione let out a breath and firmly raised her hand to knock.
"Professor McGonagall, have you retired for the night?"
A few seconds later, the office door opened from the inside, and Professor McGonagall stood before Hermione wearing a dressing gown.
"Miss Granger?" Professor McGonagall was taken aback when she saw Hermione, then stepped aside to make way. "Please, come in."
Hermione walked in and stood somewhat stiffly by the door. Professor McGonagall walked over to a sofa, sat down, and motioned toward the sofa opposite her.
"Sit down, Miss Granger."
Hermione sat across from Professor McGonagall, looking up at the Professor who was usually stern but now appeared exceptionally gentle.
"Have a drink; you'll feel much better." Professor McGonagall waved her wand, and a cup of hot cocoa appeared on the table beside her. Reaching out to pick up the cup, she handed it to Hermione.
"Thank you, Professor McGonagall," Hermione said, taking a sip of the hot cocoa. "Aren't you going to ask why I've come to see you so late?"
Professor McGonagall pursed her lips and shook her head with a smile. "The reason you've come is written all over your face, Miss Granger."
"Conflict, worry, fear, self-reproach—it's all there on your face."
Hermione took another sip of the hot cocoa and gave a shy smile, feeling much better inside.
"Well then, perhaps you'd like to tell me why you're feeling this way?"
Looking into Professor McGonagall's kind eyes, Hermione felt as though anything she said would be met with the Professor's tolerant acceptance.
So, she spoke without hesitation. "It's because of... Lynn, Professor McGonagall."
"Miss Lin Yue?" Professor McGonagall raised her eyebrows in surprise. "I thought you were very good friends? She even saved you regardless of the danger before."
"Yes, Professor McGonagall... that's why I'm so conflicted, afraid, and full of self-reproach." Hermione set down her hot cocoa and lowered her head, clutching her hair in distress.
"Don't be nervous, Miss Granger. It's alright; you can take your time." Professor McGonagall comforted her softly.
"Yes..." Hermione nodded, her voice low and small, as if coming from another place. "The first time I met Lynn was on the hogwarts express."
"At that time, she was expressionless, her voice was monotone, and... I even felt she was devoid of life. I was scared... Seeing her like that, Neville and I were both frightened away."
Professor McGonagall listened quietly as Hermione slowly looked up. "Then we came to Hogwarts. She was so outstanding—so much so that I naturally gravitated toward her, wanting to learn how she studied in her spare time."
"But we are in different houses, so I didn't have much time to be near her."
"Yet, despite our limited contact, she risked her life to save me." Hermione couldn't help but smile as she spoke. She might not have noticed it herself, but Professor McGonagall did; it was a very sweet smile.
"After that, I truly considered her my best friend, my closest friend."
"But tonight... because of some things we discussed regarding anger, she said she has no emotional fluctuations—no emotions at all."
"Listening to her explain what irritation and anger were, and hearing her state that she had no emotions... My heart ached, and I felt afraid. At that moment, I even felt like the person sitting in front of me wasn't a human, but a... a computer."
Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath to continue. "So I feel very guilty. I consider Lynn my best friend, yet I'm... still afraid of her. I feel... I feel like she needs help, but I don't know what to do! And I'm still afraid of her! I—!"
At this point, Hermione couldn't help but start tugging hard at her hair while repeatedly hitting her head, as if trying to force a solution to pop out.
Professor McGonagall stood up, caught the hands that were thrashing at her hair and head, and pulled her into an embrace. "Miss Granger, calm down. You need to calm down."
Hermione gasped for air, her body trembling uncontrollably. It took quite a while before she slowly settled down in Professor McGonagall's arms.
Professor McGonagall knelt down and looked Hermione in the eye. "Miss Granger, did you know that geniuses are often eccentric?"
"They are different from ordinary people. They can seem strange, even frightening, because they have talent and are unique."
Hermione stared blankly into Professor McGonagall's eyes and murmured, "Are you saying... Lynn is like that?"
"Of course," Professor McGonagall gave a kind smile. "To be honest, I haven't seen a genius like Miss Lin Yue in many years—someone both talented and hardworking."
"I'm almost envious that she's in Ravenclaw. Of course, you are also excellent—a rare talent—and I am proud that Gryffindor has you." Professor McGonagall winked at Hermione as she spoke.
As her mood slowly steadied, Hermione pursed her lips and gave a small smile.
"Miss Lin Yue's situation... is truly special. I've never seen a child work harder at their studies than she does. Filius and Sprout and I have all given her extra reading material, but she finishes them all within a week."
"To be honest, I'm curious how she manages her time, but there's no doubt that she definitely devotes the vast majority of it to her studies."
"Yes." Hermione nodded in agreement.
"So you see," Professor McGonagall sighed, "she has no time to make friends, no time to bond with them... she might not even have time to interact with the outside world, aside from her classes."
"You mean... that's why she doesn't have much expression or emotion?" Hermione gritted her teeth, the ache in her heart returning.
"Yes," Professor McGonagall nodded. "You said you were afraid; that's normal. You don't need to blame yourself or feel ashamed of it."
"You said you're worried, and your heart aches for her," Professor McGonagall smiled and tapped Hermione's forehead. "Isn't that perfectly normal? You are feeling distressed for your friend."
Feeling the ache in her heart, Hermione felt her mind gradually clear.
"Let's put it this way, Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall said, seeing that the point had been made, and raised her eyebrows at Hermione. "Would you distance yourself from Miss Lin Yue because she is different?"
"I wouldn't." Hermione shook her head without hesitation.
"Would you leave her because she cannot reciprocate your emotions well?"
"I wouldn't," Hermione said, a resolute smile spreading across her face as she shook her head. "No matter what Lynn is like, I will stay by her side. I believe in myself, and I believe in her."
Professor McGonagall stroked Hermione's hair with relief and praised her with a chuckle, "Good girl. Don't have any second thoughts; just follow your heart. Let Lynn feel that there are other things in this world more important than studying."
"Mm-hm!" Hermione nodded vigorously.
"Of course," Professor McGonagall stood up and looked down at Hermione. "Your own emotions are important too. Don't focus solely on her and neglect yourself."
Hermione stood up as well, smiling firmly. "I won't, Professor McGonagall. I'll take care of my own emotions while staying by Lynn's side."
"Very good," Professor McGonagall nodded with satisfaction, then glanced at the clock on the wall. "Oh! It really is getting late. I'll walk you back. Get some good sleep."
"Alright, thank you, Professor McGonagall." Hermione thanked her with a smile and followed her out of the office. Her heart was no longer conflicted or afraid.