The Situation Is Serious

The final week of the school year was bright and sunny.

The class bell rang as usual, but there were no longer any muddled students hurrying through the corridors to class. Its chime echoed through the empty passageways, making the ancient Castle of Hogwarts seem quiet and melodic.

Every young wizard chose to leave the Castle and enjoy the carefree days after exams outdoors. Some strolled across the open-air Quidditch Pitch, some swam in the lake with the Giant Squid for company, while others napped beneath the trees by the shore, useless but entertaining books covering their faces.

"There was no problem with Transfiguration and Charms...

"Astronomy and A History of Magic were no problem either...

"Herbology and Potions Master weren't too difficult..."

The exams were completely over. Hermione had been forbidden by Loren a few days ago from discussing them, but now that she believed the restriction had expired, she stubbornly wanted to compare answers with him. She did not notice that Harry and Ginny, who had been cooling off beneath the tree with them, had already quietly tiptoed away.

"The Arithmancy procedures were rather complicated, but they should be fine."

"But I'm not confident about Ancient Rune." Hermione sat cross-legged on the grass, a notebook spread across her lap and a newly bought quill in hand. She pleaded softly, "Loren, I'll tell you the questions, and you do them again. Then we can compare our answers."

Loren, lying beside her, slowly turned his head. His handsome brows knit together as he looked at Hermione in disbelief. "The professors didn't assign any homework for this holiday, and you actually want me to do questions?"

"Um, it's only one paper."

"You remember the questions, but you still can't find the correct answers?"

"The translation questions are fine, but I'm not