Entanglement, Heartache, and Conversation

News always spreads quickly among a crowd, especially when that crowd consists of teenagers and the news involves an element of adventure.

The story of how Lin Yue used a Levitation Charm to lift a wall and flatten a Troll spread rapidly throughout Hogwarts against this backdrop.

While it earned her the admiration of some students, it inevitably caused others to fear her.

It was a primal, biological fear—the kind triggered by the presence of something far more powerful than oneself.

Lin Yue herself, however, felt nothing of the sort. She maintained her usual rhythm of attending classes, doing homework, and reading books.

Aside from the ten points awarded to her, the only things the Troll incident brought her were two new bruises on her left arm and a Hermione who stuck to her even more closely than before.

Because Hermione followed her everywhere, Harry and Ron would often tag along as well.

"Lin Yue, how do you write this?" Ron held up his Potions homework and shoved it in front of Lin Yue.

When they first met, he and Harry had genuinely been a little afraid of this classmate who could flatten a Troll.

But after spending some time together, they discovered that although Lin Yue usually spoke without emotion and kept a blank expression on her face, she was different in other ways.

She never lost her temper with anyone, as if she were incapable of getting angry.

No matter what questions Harry and Ron asked her, or how many times they asked, she never grew impatient.

They knew that even if they asked Hermione, while they would eventually get an answer, they would still have to endure a lecture from her about not paying attention in class.

It was different with Lin Yue. Not only were they spared the lecture, but they always ended up with the correct answer they needed.

So, Harry and Ron got clever. Whenever they encountered a problem they couldn't solve, they would ask Lin Yue, then pretend to listen while actually zoning out, only tuning back in to catch the final answer.

Unfortunately, Ron's plan was destined to fail this time. Hermione, sitting next to Lin Yue, saw her look up to answer and immediately reached out to press Ron's parchment down.

"Ron Weasley!" Hermione glared at Ron with a stern gaze, her aura fully unleashed. At that moment, she looked like a miniature version of Professor McGonagall, making Ron shrink back in fear.

"You, and Harry," Hermione said, casting a sharp glance at Harry, who instinctively flinched as well, "stop trying to get Lin Yue to just give you the answers."

"I've watched you several times now. When she explains things to you, you aren't listening at all. You're just making her waste her effort!"

"Lin Yue didn't say she minded..." Ron lowered his head in guilt, though he still muttered under his breath, looking unconvinced.

Hermione narrowed her eyes at the two boys. "From now on, do your own homework, or come ask me. You are not allowed to ask Lin Yue anymore!"

Harry and Ron nodded obediently. They were only joking—how could they not be obedient? Hermione knew far more spells than they did.

After lecturing the two of them, Hermione turned her head toward Lin Yue, who was sitting beside her.

Having been interrupted by Hermione while trying to explain the homework to Ron, Lin Yue had already instinctively returned to reading her book.

Facing Lin Yue, Hermione's attitude softened involuntarily, and her voice turned gentle.

"Lin Yue."

Hearing Hermione call her name, Lin Yue looked up from her book and turned to face her.

Hermione pursed her lips, reached out to cup Lin Yue's cheeks, and gave them a gentle rub.

"You're so smart when it comes to studying, so why are you... why are you so dense in everyday life?"

It took Hermione a long time to come up with "dense" as a relatively gentle adjective.

Lin Yue stared steadily at Hermione, letting her hold her face, her heart devoid of the slightest emotional fluctuation.

She felt nothing regarding Hermione's assessment of her being dense.

In her view, Ron and Harry asking her for help with their homework and her providing the answers was perfectly normal.

Hermione frowned as she looked at the unresponsive Lin Yue. "Can't you tell that those two are just using you to get the right answers and aren't listening to your explanations at all?"

"I can tell." Lin Yue spoke in a flat, monotone voice. As she nodded, her cheek, still cupped in Hermione's hands, brushed gently against her palm.

"Then why do you explain it to them every single time?" Hermione widened her eyes in surprise. "And aren't you angry?"

"They asked me," so she explained it to them. Lin Yue blinked, her eyes as still and ripple-free as a stagnant pool. "I don't get angry."

"You... don't you feel angry? Even just a little bit?" Hermione swallowed hard, feeling as though something was suddenly very strange.

Lin Yue thought about it for a moment before speaking directly. "Anger is generally used to express a human emotion, such as being enraged or feeling unhappy due to things not going one's way."

Under Hermione's stunned gaze, Lin Yue performed a further association in her mind to provide an explanation. "Fury describes being emotionally agitated due to extreme dissatisfaction."

"I am not emotionally agitated," Lin Yue paused for two seconds, then added instinctively, "I have no emotions."

After saying this, she turned back around and lowered her head to continue reading. Only Hermione, sitting beside her, felt a chill rise from the soles of her feet to the top of her head as she watched her read.

When Lin Yue had just given her that explanation, she felt as if the person in front of her wasn't Lin Yue—wasn't even a human being at all!

Instead, it was a computer—a computer that surpassed anything current Muggle scientists could imagine: precise, rational, powerful, yet entirely devoid of human characteristics.

Thinking back to what Lin Yue had just said about emotions—that she herself had none—Hermione felt the cold sweat on her back increasing.

Turning her body back around, Hermione lowered her head and forced her gaze to stay fixed on her book, trying not to think about a single word Lin Yue had said.

However, it had no significant effect. Those few sentences from Lin Yue kept echoing in her mind like a looped recording.

At the same time, for reasons unknown, her heart kept aching, to the point where her eyes couldn't help but well up with tears.

Merlin... God knows how healthy her heart was; she didn't have any heart conditions whatsoever! What on earth was going on?

Across from them, Harry and Ron clearly sensed that the atmosphere was wrong. Even Ron, who had the emotional range of a teaspoon, knew that staying silent was the best course of action right now.

The two of them tacitly lowered their heads, neither making a sound. With such focused concentration, they actually finished their homework even faster.

After two consecutive hours of studying, Lin Yue was still reading earnestly, and Hermione was also focused, her head bowed over the book in front of her. Only the way she was biting her lower lip betrayed how conflicted and distressed she felt.

One of them studied with undivided attention, while the other, despite the turmoil constantly churning within her, managed to keep her focus on her work.

But Harry and Ron couldn't sit still! Children at this age were naturally inclined to run and play, especially on an evening with no classes.

Having finished their homework, their desire to return to the Lounge to rest or play something grew even stronger.

However, looking at Hermione across from them, who was biting her lip and clearly in a bad mood, and Lin Yue, who was still reading intently and obviously hadn't finished yet, they truly didn't dare to speak up and disturb them. If they bothered Hermione... they would become her emotional punching bags, and they would be in for a miserable time.

If they bothered Lin Yue... she might not say anything herself, but there was a high probability that Hermione would speak up for her, and they would end up being the emotional punching bags anyway.

So, they didn't dare to speak—they absolutely didn't dare to speak—and could only sit idly in their seats.

It wasn't until Harry and Ron were nearly nodding off that Lin Yue finally closed her book. Since it was nearing curfew, it was time for them to return to their Dormitory.

Hearing the sound of the book closing, the two drowsy boys snapped awake, rubbing their eyes and looking around subconsciously.

Hermione also suppressed the inexplicable emotions and pain churning in her heart, pulling herself together to nod at Harry and Ron.

"Let's go."

Receiving these words, the two felt as if they had been granted a reprieve. They immediately began packing their things with a speed many times faster than when they had taken them out of their bags upon arriving at the library.

Hermione, despite her inner distress, couldn't help but twitch the corner of her mouth at the sight.

Lin Yue finished the checkout process with Madam Pince and led the way out of the library.

Along the way, neither she nor Hermione spoke, and Harry and Ron, still groggy from dozing off in their seats, naturally didn't dare to open their mouths either.

Therefore, it wasn't until they reached the point where they had to part ways that Hermione looked at Lin Yue and smiled faintly.

"Goodnight, Lin Yue. Sweet dreams."

"Goodnight, Hermione," Lin Yue nodded, her expression impassive.

Watching that emotionless face, Hermione's heart ached sharply, as if it had been squeezed tight. In an instant, she cast everything else aside—etiquette and reason were completely forgotten. She stepped forward and pulled Lin Yue into a hug.

Lin Yue looked down at Hermione, who was holding her, with no ripples in her heart. Just like last time, she mimicked the gesture and hugged her back.

Hermione rested her chin on Lin Yue's shoulder, took a deep breath, and slowly let her go.

"I'm fine now. You should go back; it's almost time."

"Mm." Lin Yue nodded, turned around, and walked quickly toward Ravenclaw Tower.

Hermione turned to look at Harry and Ron. "You two go back first; I'm going to find Professor McGonagall."

"Professor McGonagall?" Harry and Ron exchanged a glance.

"It's almost curfew, Hermione, aren't you afraid of..." losing points? Harry's final words slowly faded away under Hermione's determined gaze.

"Fine, you're not afraid." Harry nodded, then turned with Ron and headed toward the Gryffindor Common Room.

Hermione lowered her eyes. She had some questions and tangled thoughts in her heart... she wanted to talk them over with an elder, and the urge was so pressing that she didn't want to wait until tomorrow.

Among the people she could think of, Professor McGonagall—who had guided her into the wizarding world and was the Head of Gryffindor House—was clearly the best choice.

Standing before the door to Professor McGonagall's office, Hermione let out a breath and firmly raised her hand to knock.

"Professor McGonagall, are you resting?"

After a few seconds, the office door opened from the inside. Professor McGonagall stood before Hermione, wearing her dressing gown.

"Miss Granger?" Professor McGonagall looked surprised to see Hermione, then stepped aside to clear the way. "Please, come in."

Hermione walked through the door and stood by the entrance, feeling a bit reserved. Professor McGonagall walked over to a sofa, sat down, and gestured to the one opposite her.

"Sit down, Miss Granger."

Hermione sat across from Professor McGonagall and looked up at the professor, who was usually stern but appeared exceptionally gentle at this moment.

"Have a drink; you'll feel much better." Professor McGonagall waved her wand, and a cup of hot cocoa appeared on the table beside her. She picked up the cup and handed it to Hermione.

"Thank you, Professor McGonagall," Hermione said, taking the cocoa and sipping it. "Aren't you going to ask why I came to see you so late?"

Professor McGonagall smiled, her lips pressed together, and shook her head. "Why you came is written all over your face, Miss Granger."

"Conflict, worry, fear, self-reproach—they are all on your face."

Hermione took another sip of the hot cocoa and offered a slightly embarrassed smile, though she felt much better inside.

"Alright then, perhaps you would like to tell me why you are feeling these emotions?"

Looking into Professor McGonagall's gentle gaze, Hermione felt as though no matter what she said, it would be met with the professor's tolerant acceptance.

So, she spoke without reservation. "It's because of... Lin Yue, Professor McGonagall."

"Miss Lin?" Professor McGonagall raised her eyebrows in surprise. "I thought you were very good friends? She even risked her life to save you before."

"Yes, Professor McGonagall... that's why I am so conflicted, afraid, and full of self-reproach." Hermione set down the hot cocoa and lowered her head, clutching her hair in distress.

"Don't be nervous, Miss Granger. It's alright, you can take your time," Professor McGonagall comforted her softly.

"Mm..." Hermione nodded. Her voice was low and small, as if it were coming from somewhere else. "The first time I met Lin Yue was on the Hogwarts Express."

"At that time, when I saw her, she was expressionless, her speech lacked any tone, and... and I even felt she was devoid of life. I was scared... Seeing her like that, both Neville and I were frightened away."

Professor McGonagall listened quietly, and Hermione slowly raised her head. "Then we came to Hogwarts. She was so brilliant, so brilliant that I found myself drawn to her, wanting to learn how she managed to study so much in her spare time."

"But we were in different houses, so I didn't have much time to get close to her."

"Yet, even with that... even with the little contact we had, she risked her life to save me." As Hermione spoke, she couldn't help but reveal a smile. Perhaps she didn't realize it herself, but Professor McGonagall felt it—this smile was very sweet.

"After that, I truly considered her my best friend, my closest friend."

"But just tonight... because of something that happened, when we were discussing anger, she said she had no emotional fluctuations, no emotions at all."

"Listening to her explain what it means to be angry, what anger is, listening to her describe how she lacks emotions... I, my heart ached, and I felt so scared. At that moment, I even thought that she wasn't a person sitting in front of me, but rather a... a computer."

Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath to steady herself before continuing. "So I also blame myself. I consider Lin Yue my best friend, but I actually... I was still afraid of her. I feel... I feel she needs help, but I don't know what to do! And I, I was still afraid of her! I!"

At this point, Hermione couldn't help but grab her hair tightly with both hands, pulling at it while repeatedly hitting her own head, as if trying to force a solution to pop out by doing so.

Professor McGonagall stood up and grabbed her hands to stop her from hurting herself, pulling her into an embrace. "Miss Granger, calm down, you need to calm down."

Hermione was panting heavily, her body trembling uncontrollably, until after a long while, she finally began to settle down in Professor McGonagall's arms.

Professor McGonagall crouched down, looking Hermione straight in the eyes. "Miss Granger, do you know? Geniuses are usually eccentric."

"They are different from ordinary people; they can seem strange, even frightening, because they have talent and they are unique."

Hermione stared fixedly into Professor McGonagall's eyes and murmured, "Are you saying that Lin Yue is like that?"

"Of course," Professor McGonagall smiled kindly. "To be honest, I haven't seen a genius like Miss Lin Yue in many years. She is both talented and hardworking."

"I'm even a little envious that she's in Ravenclaw. Of course, you are also excellent, a rare talent, and I am proud to have you in Gryffindor." Professor McGonagall winked at Hermione as she spoke.

Hermione pursed her lips and offered a small smile as her mood slowly began to stabilize.

"Miss Lin Yue's situation... is truly special. I have never seen a child who studies harder than her. Filius, Sprout, and I have all given her extra study books, but she finishes them all within a week."

"To be honest, I am curious about how she manages her time, but there is no doubt that she must devote the vast majority of it to her studies."

"Yes," Hermione nodded affirmatively.

"So," Professor McGonagall sighed, "she has no time to make friends, no time to bond with them, and perhaps... she might not even have time to interact with the outside world, excluding her classes."

"You mean... is that why she doesn't have any expressions or emotions?" Hermione bit her lip tightly, the pain in her heart returning.

"Yes," Professor McGonagall nodded. "You say you are afraid; that is normal. You don't need to blame yourself or feel ashamed for that."

"You say you are worried, that your heart aches," Professor McGonagall said, tapping Hermione's forehead with a smile. "Isn't that perfectly normal? You are hurting for your friend."

Hermione felt the ache in her heart, and it felt as though her mind was gradually becoming clearer.

"Let's put it this way, Miss Granger," Professor McGonagall said, seeing that was enough, and raised an eyebrow at Hermione. "Would you distance yourself from Miss Lin Yue because she is different?"

"I wouldn't." Hermione shook her head without a moment's hesitation.

"Would you leave her because she cannot reciprocate your emotions well?"

"I wouldn't," Hermione said, shaking her head while a determined smile began to bloom on her face. "No matter what Lin Yue is like, I will stay by her side. I believe in myself, and I believe in her."

Professor McGonagall reached out and stroked Hermione's hair with gratification, praising her with a chuckle, "Good girl. Don't have any reservations; follow your heart. Let Lin Yue feel that, besides studying, there are other, more important things in this world."

"Mm!" Hermione nodded vigorously.

"Of course," Professor McGonagall stood up and looked down at Hermione, "your own emotions are also important. Don't just focus on her and neglect yourself."

Hermione also stood up, smiling firmly. "I won't, Professor McGonagall. I will take care of my own emotions while staying by Lin Yue's side."

"Very good," Professor McGonagall nodded in satisfaction and turned to glance at the clock on the wall. "Oh! It is indeed getting late. I'll walk you back. Get a good night's sleep."

"Alright, thank you, Professor McGonagall." Hermione thanked her with a smile and followed Professor McGonagall out of the office. Now, in her heart, she was no longer conflicted, no longer afraid.