After a long morning of classes, Hermione returned to her dorm and eagerly opened the small cube.
Inside was also an exquisite gift box, black and white.
She carefully untied the ribbon and gently picked up the lid.
A Peacock Chocolate spreading its tail feathers, with a white envelope underneath.
She took out the light yellow letter paper, hesitated for a moment, and then opened it.
To my forever friend, Hermione Granger:
Happy Valentine's Day.
I hope you can realize your dream soon, and I also hope you will like the gift I carefully prepared for you.
— Vincent Wayne
February 14, 1994
Hermione carefully placed the letter back into the envelope, her gaze falling on the peacock-shaped chocolate in the gift box.
It doesn't look like it was just made; it seems they both have the same idea.
She picked up her wand and gently waved it at the envelope and chocolates, "Impervius —fireproof and chemical-proof—dustproof and insect-proof—as sturdy as ever—"
After taking proper precautions, she took out a small, exquisite makeup box from her shirt pocket.
This is Vincent's Christmas gift. When folded, it is only slightly thicker Gwent, but the storage space inside, which is enchanted with Undetectable Extension Charm, is as big as three classrooms.
Open the makeup box; there's a mirror on top and several different colors of foundation underneath.
There is a small knob next to the frame; each dial down changes the stored cosmetics individually.
Hermione flipped the knob upwards, and immediately a small, dark hole appeared underneath.
The little hand reached inside and groped around for a while before finally pulling out a transparent glass dome that was just big enough to hold the envelope.
The base was black. She wrote the date on the nameplate and then put the envelope and chocolate inside.
Cover it with the transparent glass dome, pick up the wand and wave it gently again—another set of proper preservation measures.
When Lavender and Parvati returned to their dorm, Hermione was adjusting the position of it on the bedside table.
Peacock Chocolate proudly displaying its tail feathers?
Their attention quickly fell on the white envelope at the bottom.
"Who sent this?"
"I won't tell you."
"I guess it's Vincent, right?"
Hermione tried to remain calm, glancing back at the two of them. "It's just a Friendship Chocolate, what's the big deal?"
"Oh? Then why are you reluctant to eat it?"
"Exactly, it would be good to try it."
She rolled her eyes at the two of them. "This is a symbol of our friendship. I have to cherish it."
Lavender rolled her eyes at her even more. "You Sickle have quite a collection!"
Hermione had no reply and turned back to her work.
Parvati suddenly leaned closer and asked, "By the way, why is the chocolate Vincent gave you shaped like a peacock?"
"Well..." Hermione's lips curled into a sweet smile, "You'll find out later."
Lavender narrowed his eyes. "Oh, so there's a story behind it."
"Looks like I'll have to interrogate you properly~" she yelled and pounced on Hermione.
Parvati also joined in the playful fighting.
"No... I'm ticklish..."
"How else can I interrogate you if I don't take advantage of your weaknesses?"
The Valentine's Day atmosphere at Hogwarts is undoubtedly joyful.
But for the Ministry of Magic personnel dispatched to the school, this was merely the calm before the storm.
For Rita Skeeter, the universally acknowledged Queen of news, this was the most fulfilling day she'd had recently.
She was thrilled by the Valentine's Day gift from her business partner, and even felt a long-lost sense of satisfaction.
Chief Editor Gufei was just as excited as she was, her face flushed. This gift was so important to them.
Two thick stacks of animated magic photos, any one of which could make the front page of a newspaper.
"Rita, our newspaper's opportunity has arrived!"
"Editor-in-Chief, now you don't regret letting Wayne invest, do you?"
"No regrets!" Chief Editor Gufei laughed heartily. "With these photos, our latest issue of 'The Truth' will definitely be a masterpiece!"
The most valuable thing about the Daily Prophet was not the newspaper, but the subscription list that spanned the British Isles and even parts of Europe.
Even if the newspaper has been shut down by the Ministry of Magic, as long as the list is still in hand, the Daily Prophet can continue to be published as usual.
Rita raised her hand to adjust her glasses, regaining her usual elegant and poised demeanor. "Editor-in-Chief, I plan to release the new issue of the newspaper tomorrow morning."
Chief Editor Gufei calmed down a bit. "We can manage the newspaper's scheduling, but who will deliver it to the subscribers?"
Rita smiled mysteriously, "Our new shareholders will have a solution."
Chief Editor Gufei nodded and refocused his attention on the photo.
There were so many images that struck his soul that he began to struggle with which one to choose.
"Editor-in-chief, I think they should be divided into several issues."
"As you wish, my news Queen."
They were all prepared to work through the night.
In the early hours of the morning, two mysterious figures appeared in the bustling Diagon Alley.
Today is Valentine's Day, and many shops have decided to close later.
As they passed the Quality Quidditch Supplies, one of them stopped in front of the window.
The most prominent item displayed inside was the Firebolt, priced separately.
"Who could it be..." Although she was wearing a hood, her long brown hair was exposed.
The other person in front of her turned around and walked towards her, saying, "If you like it, just buy it. With your current wealth, you can easily afford it."
She shook her head. "I'm wondering who that anonymous person was who sent you a gift at Christmas."
She casually spends tens of thousands of Galleon; even the wealthiest young lady wouldn't do something like that.
The surrounding air suddenly felt acidic.
"Let's go quickly."
"Mmm." She followed quietly behind.
After passing the closed Ollivander wand shop, the two stopped in front of the Owl Post Office.
After exchanging glances, the Alder Wand and the Vine Wood Wand simultaneously extended their black robes.
In the blink of an eye, the two disappeared.
The post office is open 24 hours a day, and the staff on duty tonight are idly resting their chins on their hands, lost in thought.
Unbeknownst to him, two unseen, You-Know-Who had already passed right in front of him.
Walking through the corridor into the backyard, you'll find rows of dilapidated owl houses.
An invisible magical aura enveloped the surroundings, and two figures slowly emerged from the air.
They took off their hoods and finally showed their faces.
Vincent pulled off his long black robe, Gu Gu, who had been holding back for so long, flapped his little wings and flew away.
Unfortunately, it was too fat and wobbled into Hermione's arms.
"It seems you really need to get some alchemical equipment to aid in flight."
She picked up Gu Gu and carried her to the row of owl houses.
"Sigh—" Vincent sighed helplessly and took a small cube out of his pocket.
Smelling the familiar aroma of dried fish, the owls hopped outside.
Isn't this the esteemed Gu Gu, along with its unfortunate human, its human?
Vincent's facial muscles twitched wildly, and his hand holding the dried fish trembled uncontrollably.
Although he cannot speak it, he can understand owl language.
But for the sake of newspaper publication, they had to endure the offense, no matter how offensive it was.