That Wasn't a Dream

Gryffindor Tower, boys' dormitory.

At dawn, the thick clouds had already scattered. Clear daylight streamed through the window, reflected off the snow with a somewhat dazzling glare. Loren's eyelids fluttered a few times before slowly opening.

Loren lay back against the soft pillow. Out of the corner of his eye, he saw The Book of Abraham lying beside it, its cover tightly shut. His consciousness gradually cleared, and those memories of the starry sky from last night became increasingly vivid—more real than the experience two years ago. It was as if he had truly crossed the galaxy and stars himself, observing that azure planet with his own eyes.

Comparing last night's events with those from two years ago, Loren quickly noticed the changes in his Magic Power. It had clearly increased, though not as dramatically as last time.

He sat up and looked around. His Roommates were still sleeping soundly, their sleeping positions remarkably artistic.

After silently admiring them for half a minute, Loren ultimately abandoned the idea of taking a commemorative picture. He got up, washed and dressed, then left the dormitory and went downstairs to the Common Room to meet the early-rising young witches.

Hermione sat on the sofa, her head tilted as she spoke quietly with her roommate, Parvati. Her black wizarding robe made her skin look snowy white. Her lower half was clad in work-pants-style trousers with several pockets, made of thick, durable material—perfect for physical work in the Greenhouse. Just from those trousers, Loren knew they had Herbology Class today.

"Good morning, ladies."

Loren sat down beside Hermione and took her hand. "Wasn't Prefect Patil usually always with Lavender? Why is she here today?"

"Because Lavender is always being affectionate with Ron as if no one else is around." Hermione glanced at him. "Parvati finds