Encounter at the Library

Chapter 21 Encounter at the Library

Since Ravenclaw only had one class in the morning, Ian planned to go straight to the library after leaving the Potions classroom and borrow the first book on his list, "Potions and Moods."

With practiced ease, I navigated the numerous staircases and arrived at the second floor of the castle, the library renowned as having the largest collection of books among the eleven magic schools.

The Hogwarts Library is predominantly black and khaki, with thousands of tall, solid wood bookshelves lining its spacious halls.

The endless rows of books were neatly arranged, with only hundreds of narrow passages between the bookshelves for the young wizards to navigate, making the entire library look like a giant labyrinth of knowledge.

……

A notice in bold letters was posted on the bulletin board directly in front of us, warning about library borrowing.

"If you scratch, tear, fold, damage, throw, drop, or otherwise harm, abuse, or desecrate books, I will make you suffer the most terrible consequences within the scope of my authority—Administrator Irma Pines."

Ian paid little attention to this and went straight to the lending section with his purpose in mind.

"Madam, hello! I would like to ask where I can find the book 'Potions and Emotions'?"

Mrs. Pince was a woman over fifty years old, thin and bony, with her most prominent features being her pointed chin, large eyes, and high cheekbones, which looked as if they might fall off at any moment.

Upon hearing this, she looked up and scrutinized Ian, as if confirming whether the student before her would abide by the agreement and take care of the books.

Fortunately, this process didn't keep Ian waiting long. A slightly hoarse voice said:

"The potion books are in the far left section of the library. The book you mentioned is a rare type, so you'll have to go there to find it yourself."

After receiving the hint, Ian did not linger and went to the far left area. Due to the large number of books, it took him nearly half an hour to finally find the book "Potions and Emotions".

The book in his hand wasn't thick, probably no more than half an inch thick, so he found an empty long table and decided to read it in the library first.

If he's lucky, he can finish reading it in a morning, and he can even borrow the second book on the list before leaving.

Opening the book and reading the introduction on the title page, I discovered that it is a book about how a wizard's emotions affect the quality of potions when brewing them. The majority of the book consists of the author's records of brewing the same potion under different emotions, as well as his speculations on various emotional changes.

……

Time slipped away quietly in this tranquil library.

"Ian? Don't you have classes this morning?" A soft voice rang out, unusually soft because it was in the library.

Ian looked up at the sound and saw Hermione standing prettily opposite him.

"I only have one Potions class this morning. Speaking of which, you, who came to the library on the first day of school, should have been sorted into Ravenclaw."

A small joke quickly bridged the gap between them. It made Hermione feel as if she were back on the train, chatting freely with her.

"Did you know? According to incomplete statistics, the Hogwarts Library has an astonishing collection of over 7 books... Is the Potions professor really that strict?"

I heard them say that Potions class is torture... Oh, and you know what? I actually discovered that many of the portraits can actually talk to me, it's unbelievable...

At this moment, Hermione seemed to have transformed into a kindred spirit who had met a good friend in a foreign land, constantly sharing her experiences and the interesting things she had discovered.

Looking at the fluffy little dumpling in front of him, Ian patiently communicated with her, while also feeling a little sorry for her. Pride and self-protection made her always a bit domineering when communicating with others.

So it's not hard to imagine that she didn't integrate into the Gryffindor freshman circle, or even her dorm. Poor little girl, if she had any other options, she wouldn't have chosen to talk to the portrait...

"Really? That's really interesting. Your dorm room entrance is a huge portrait."

Seeing that Ian was very interested in all the topics about her, this further aroused her desire to confide in him.

However, this did not last long before Mrs. Pince interrupted her, because she was too happy and forgot to control the volume.

Looking at Ian, who had also been kicked out, Hermione felt somewhat dejected.

"I'm so sorry, I've dragged you into this. I can't believe I made such a silly mistake. I haven't spoken loudly in the library since I was seven years old."

Ian looked at Hermione, who looked aggrieved, with amusement. He really didn't mind such a small thing at all, and shook the book in his hand.

"Look! I was planning to read somewhere else anyway. Even if we don't get kicked out, we still have to leave at noon. How about we go have lunch together?"

"Alright then, but even if you don't care, I'll still remember this lesson. Do you know where the food at Hogwarts comes from...?"

Ian felt that the girl was being cooped up, but he didn't find her annoying at all, even though she was more beautiful than Emma Watson.

Moreover, Ian, who was familiar with the plot, knew that Hermione and her two silly boys were about to embark on an exciting adventure, and they probably wouldn't have much time to spend with him, so he was indulging and spoiling her at the moment.

Hermione and Ian walked together, chatting as they made their way to the restaurant.

Completely unaware of how many girls were heartbroken by this scene, Hermione herself remained oblivious to the murderous intent and lemony scent in the air, continuing to talk about topics that interested her.

New book, please add to your favorites, recommend, and invest!

Thank you so much, dear readers! Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!

(End of this chapter)