Vincent's familiar tone was like a little night-light in the darkness, gently soothing the taut strings in Hermione's heart and dispelling that trace of grievance.
She unconsciously puffed out her cheeks, an expression she only showed in front of him. "Exactly! You're allowed to stand in front of me and play the tragic hero, but I'm not allowed to make grand ambitions?"
The moment the words left her mouth, her cheeks flushed helplessly hot.
Vincent chuckled softly within the Magical Projection.
He no longer pretended to be stern. Leaning back, he relaxed his posture and gazed tenderly at Hermione's faintly reddened cheeks and those bright eyes glaring at him.
"This is much better. I still prefer the Hermione Granger you are now."
Hermione felt a little embarrassed under his gaze. Lowering her head, she absently twirled a lock of brown hair by her ear. "You really know how to say nice things..."
Though she complained, the corners of her lips secretly curved into a sweet smile.
"I'm telling the truth." Vincent's voice was soft. "Compared to the you who said you wanted to protect me just now, I really prefer the one who... well... is a little less reasonable at certain times."
Hermione's little face instantly turned even redder, intimate scenes known only to the two of them flashing through her mind.
She glared fiercely at Vincent in the projection, but there was no force behind it. "Y-you, stop talking nonsense! We're discussing serious matters!"
"Alright, alright, serious matters." The amusement in Vincent's eyes did not fade in the slightest. "In short, leave Malfoy to Dumbledore and me. Your task is to keep yourself safe and be happy with your friends. Can you do that?"
Hermione could feel the worry and trust in his smile. She nodded gently. "I understand.