Gryffindor Common Room

Chapter 59 Gryffindor Common Room

Ian spent most of Saturday in the library, except for a quick bite to eat at the auditorium.

It wasn't until evening that Ian reluctantly returned to his dorm. He cherished the peaceful study time he had now, knowing that things might not be so stable in two years.

Although Ian believed that Dumbledore would arrange everything and Hogwarts might still be safe, it would likely become less peaceful.

Back in his dorm room, Ian found that neither of his two roommates were there. He didn't bother with them and washed up early. He then lay down on his bed, not only lowering his bed curtains but also casting a silent spell to ensure he could rest peacefully without being disturbed.

Speaking of this, Ian couldn't help but feel grateful that he had been sorted into Ravenclaw by the Sorting Hat. Unlike the energetic and mischievous Gryffindors, the best thing about the Ravenclaw hawks is their ability to assess situations, or in simpler terms, their keen observation skills.

The simplest example is that when Ian lowers the bed curtains that signify rest, he is never disturbed by anyone who doesn't know better. Even the unusually impulsive Andrei is extremely tactful in this regard.

……

Nothing happened that night. Thanks to having gone to bed early, Ian got up very early today, dressed neatly, and went straight to the Gryffindor common room. He hadn't forgotten that today was the day he had arranged to study Professor McGonagall's Transfiguration notes with Hermione.

Ian took his notebook and the gift he had prepared for the other person and left the dormitory.

Although it was already past 8 a.m., the castle was still rather quiet and cool because it was Sunday.

The advantage is obvious: you don't have to squeeze onto the stairs with other people. This undoubtedly saves a lot of time spent on the journey.

Although Gryffindor's common lounge is on the eighth floor, Ravenclaw's is in the northernmost tower of the castle, so even without climbing stairs, there is still a considerable straight-line distance.

When Ian saw the famous portrait—the Fat Lady—he knew he had arrived at his destination.

Because it was early, he planned to wait for Hermione at the entrance of the Gryffindor common room, and also chat with the Fat Lady. How could he be considered a proper HP fan if he didn't chat with the Fat Lady?

"A Ravenclaw boy, hey, want to go in?"

Just as Ian stopped, the plump woman opposite him asked impatiently.

"Thank you, but it's not necessary. I'm just waiting for someone here," Ian replied politely.

"Waiting for someone? You'll be waiting a long time. The earliest the Gryffindor common room opens on Sundays is after 9 a.m. Don't expect them to get up early on their days off."

However, after hearing Ian's reply that they were waiting, the plump lady excitedly continued, "There's still quite a bit of time until 9 o'clock. I've just finished rehearsing a new opera; would you like me to sing for you?"

Rather than asking Ian a question, the plump lady seemed to be talking to herself. Before Ian could say anything, she cleared her throat slightly and was already preparing to sing. Ian simply let it go; it would be too rude of him to argue with a portrait.

"Crunch!"

The door to the Gryffindor dormitory was opened from the back, and a tall, slender figure walked out. When he saw Ian, who was pacing and waiting behind the door, the latter was clearly stunned. Perhaps he couldn't understand why the Gryffindor dormitory would be blocked by Ravenclaw so early in the morning.

"Good morning, Prefect Weasley." Unlike the other man's stunned expression, Ian recognized him instantly.

His signature red hair, his secondhand robes that were ironed without a single wrinkle, and the badge on his chest that symbolized his prefecture's insignia that he polished until it shone—only one person in the entire Hogwarts could do all of this: Percy Weasley, the newly promoted prefect of the fifth year.

The title "Weasley Prefect" hit Percy right where it hurt, and he quickly snapped back to reality, saying in a slightly affected tone, "I remember you, Mr. Titus, the Ravenclaw transfer student in his third year."

Then, in that melodious tone, he continued, "I wonder what brings you to the Gryffindor dormitory? As a prefect, I think I'd be happy to help other lower-year students."

Ian was not surprised by Percy's friendliness. It wasn't just because the family were kind people at heart, nor was it simply because of the title "Weasley Prefect".

Based on his experience, Ian believed it was more because of his own Ravenclaw status, while Ravenclaw had a new prefect, the extremely popular "Miss Shimizu"—Penelo Crevatt.

In conclusion, Ian didn't mince words and directly stated his purpose:

"Thank you, Prefect Weasley. I did have an appointment with Miss Granger, but I arrived a little early, so I decided to wait for her at the door."

"First-year student, Miss Hermione Granger?" Percy suddenly looked at Ian with a playful gaze.

Before Ian could explain, the other person put on an experienced look and said:

"Actually, Gryffindor and Ravenclaw are a really good match. Oh, I mean their personalities, of course. We have courage and boldness, and you have intelligence and wisdom. Combining these qualities makes you even more perfect for each other."

Now it was Ian's turn to look at the other person with a strange expression. Although he knew that this should be the time when Percy was pursuing Penelope, he was still retaliating because the other person had looked at him with such a playful gaze.

Perhaps Percy wasn't thick-skinned enough at his age, because he immediately became a little uncomfortable after being stared at by Ian for a few seconds.

"Ahem..." Percy coughed lightly as a cover, and then continued:

"You might as well go straight to the common room and wait for her. Gryffindors are just as hospitable as Ravenclaws and won't refuse visits from students of other houses."

"Thank you so much, Prefect Weasley." Ian didn't refuse the offer, mainly because he also wanted to go inside and see the Gryffindor common room, which he had only ever seen on screen.

Percy nodded and said, "Don't be shy, come with me."

After saying that, she turned and walked into the passage in the mural. Ian followed closely behind. With the Gryffindor prefect leading the way, the fat lady chose to remain silent this time, pretending not to see Ian enter.

After navigating the narrow passage, Ian finally arrived at the legendary Gryffindor common room. The four houses of Hogwarts symbolize the four fundamental elements of the universe, and Gryffindor corresponds to—fire. This fire isn't wildfire, but rather the warm fire of the sun.

Just like Godric Gryffindor himself, in an era when wizards faced many hardships, he walked across the British Isles with a wand in one hand and a sword in the other, bringing light and hope to all wizards who were struggling. He was like a rising sun, slowly radiating warmth and light.

Therefore, the Gryffindor common room is a perfectly circular room with all the furnishings in a warm color scheme, such as a scarlet cashmere carpet and an orange sofa.

In short, on a cold winter's day, being in such a lounge, with the fireplace lit and a warm cup of black tea brewed, would undoubtedly provide exceptional relaxation and enjoyment.

Moreover, Ian discovered that there was even a portrait of Professor McGonagall in the Gryffindor common room, even if it was just a portrait of her when she was young, it still gave Ian a pleasant surprise.

In the portrait, Professor McGonagall is dressed in a gold and red robe, holding a witch's hat in her hand, and a pure black cat is sitting at her feet. After noticing Ian's gaze, the younger version of Professor McGonagall in the portrait winks at him.

"You can sit here for a while. I've already asked someone to inform Hermione, and I think she'll be down soon," Percy said, then turned and left.

Of course, Ian expressed his heartfelt gratitude, so he politely waited until the other person disappeared before finding a sofa in a corner to sit down, and placed the gift box he was holding on the coffee table in front of him.

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(End of this chapter)