"Do you believe in me, Hermione?" Caesar asked, his gaze blazing. "Not just in your family, but in me—the person bound to the other end of the same ancient pact as you.
"Believe that even when you fail, fall apart, or lose control, I'll still be there to catch you—and that I'll need you to catch me, too."
This wasn't comfort. It was an invitation to expose his own vulnerability, drawing her away from the place of a "favored student" and into the equal bond of "symbiotic allies."
Hermione's heart pounded violently in her chest, faster than when she'd caught the Golden Snitch.
All her hurt and shame melted away in the face of his words and open, honest gaze, transformed into a more turbulent, unfamiliar warmth.
She looked at his face, so close to hers, and at her own clear reflection in his eyes. For the first time, she realized with absolute clarity:
Her feelings for him had long since surpassed a student's admiration for her mentor, and even the dependence one felt on family.
She wanted to stand beside him, to have him all to herself, and to meet his gaze whether they stood in glory or disgrace.
In the picture he painted, of the two of them vaguely set against the world, she felt not fear but a sense of security—and a thrill unlike anything she'd ever known.
"I believe you," she heard herself say, her voice hoarse but firm. She reached out, but not to take the wand.
Instead, she gently took his still-open, warm hand, her fingertips brushing the calluses left by practicing magic on his palm. "Just as they believe in each other."
The moment her fingertips touched his palm, the necklace in her hand and the light of his wand both shone softly.
Their glow filled the dim stall with warm rainbow colors, enveloping them both.
Moaning Myrtle let out an envious sob from a nearby pipe, but neither of them could hear her now.
Hermione knew that something had changed forever from that moment on.
She was still sad about failing, but no longer because she was embarrassed. She longed to grow stronger faster, to truly live up to the name "The Two Who Fly Side by Side."
And that first, newly clarified stirring in her heart, like the magic awakened by the pact, was branded deep in her soul. Along with the necklace's warmth, it could never be separated from her.
[This failure not only helped Hermione overcome the weakness in her character, but also brought the two of you closer. Through Hermione, you also met Ron and Neville.]
[Time flew by, and the first term ended. As she was leaving school, Hermione privately challenged Rojie Venus. This time, she knew no one could take you away from her—and this time, Hermione won with ease.]
[With your nearly all-in investment in teaching and Hermione's learning ability far beyond her age, she was able to defeat a fifth-year Prefect while still in her first year.]
[You were pleased to see your investment pay off. Hermione's potential already surpassed that of the Four Houses' heads, and she could aspire to follow in Dumbledore's footsteps.]
[With your plans at Hogwarts more or less complete, you devoted your time and energy to the unexpected discovery you'd made in this simulation: the Divine Mountain Tribe. You began using academic research as a pretext to leave the school regularly, and sometimes, with permission, Hermione took over your classes.]
[Many things happened at Hogwarts while you were away. First, Tom's desire for the Philosopher's Stone had become impossible to conceal, and the students and staff grew more vigilant with every farce.]
[Second, Hermione's outstanding performance had made her the dazzling star of Hogwarts, while also attracting the attention of Gryffindor Head of House Professor McGonagall and Headmaster Dumbledore.]
[As the most talented student of the past half-century apart from Tom Riddle, Professor McGonagall wanted to make Hermione an outstanding and upright Gryffindor rather than a Ravenclaw. Dumbledore, meanwhile, simply hoped Hermione would stay on the right path.]
[As time passed, Hermione and Professor McGonagall grew closer. During one conversation, McGonagall learned that your recent behavior had grown increasingly strange. After reporting it to Dumbledore, they decided to question you closely about your research when you returned.]
[Of course, they had no idea what a powerful force you'd discovered at the Divine Mountain: an extremely ancient and terrifying spell whose origins pointed straight to the source of magic itself. Ambition drove you to touch this forbidden power.]
[You thought years of research had given you the ability to control it, but unfortunately, you had no protagonist's halo to protect you. When you tried to use Ancient Magic, its power proved almost impossible to control and nearly destroyed your body, almost killing you on the spot!]
[When you returned to Hogwarts a year later, you received requests to meet from two people: one from Tom Riddle and the other from Deputy Headmistress McGonagall. At the same time, a plan began to take shape in your mind.]
The corridors of Hogwarts were still bustling.
But when the familiar announcement, "Professor Caesar Habs has concluded his long-term academic investigation and will return to the castle today," spread like a silent spell,
Hermione Granger, studying Advanced Magical Law in the library, was so caught off guard that her quill slashed an abrupt streak of ink across the parchment.
Her heart leaped, as if it would burst out of her chest.
A month.
It had been a full month since he'd hurriedly left to investigate some "dangerous ancient magical ruins."
Hermione was now Hogwarts' most outstanding fifth-year student, a strong candidate for top marks in her O.W.L.s.
Professor Flitwick had even privately admitted that her practical spellwork was better than that of many teachers, himself included.
She didn't drop everything and rush off like she used to.
Instead, she took a deep breath, carefully set down her quill, and closed the heavy tome.
Then she quickly smoothed the stubborn curls beside her ears using the reflection in the windowpane, and pressed her lips together.
The sixteen-year-old girl in the glass stood tall, her gaze keen and intelligent. The childlike roundness had long since faded from her features.
Her jawline was well-defined, and her steady, composed air seemed to come naturally from her broad knowledge and formidable abilities.
She was graceful and captivating.
Those were the words used in a recent article about "Hogwarts' Outstanding Witches" in the Daily Prophet's youth section. Ron and Neville had laughed about it for a whole week.
She headed for his office at a slightly quicker pace than usual, but still with poise.
Several younger students greeted her respectfully along the way.
"Miss!"
She merely nodded with reserved composure. Her heartbeat, however, grew louder and louder.
Before you continue