Hermione did not understand why Professor Breen had worn that expression when he saw Professor Lockhart's unpublished new manuscript. Could it be that Professor Lockhart's new book was not very good, leaving Professor Breen disappointed? When Hermione entered the Common Room through the Fat Lady portrait, the confusion on her face had not yet fully faded.
It was already very late. The vast common room was quiet and nearly empty; only Harry and Ron were still curled up on the soft sofa by the fireplace, dozing off. Needless to say, they had been waiting for her.
How could life ever be lonely?
As she walked toward Harry and Ron, Hermione pursed her lips slightly, the thought passing through her mind.
"Why haven't you two gone back to the dormitory?"
Though she knew they had been waiting for her, Hermione still raised her delicate brows and put on an aloof expression as she approached.
"What else could it be? We were worried you'd get so absorbed in that delightful work that you forgot about dinner!"
Harry and Ron, who had already started snoring, were jolted awake by her voice. They rubbed their bleary eyes, and Ron sat up with a disgruntled mutter.
Hermione sat across from them. Looking at the table piled high with food, a barely noticeable smile appeared at the corners of her mouth. She was not hungry, but her heart felt warm.
Then Hermione noticed a black notebook tucked beneath several pieces of toast. Judging by its worn cover, it seemed rather old.
Ron noticed where Hermione was looking and shrugged indifferently, giving Harry a look to signal him to explain.
"—This afternoon, Ron and I were heading back to the dormitory when we passed the second floor and found Moaning Myrtle throwing a huge tantrum in that