Counting his previous life, Su Er was "in his thirties," yet this was the first time he had seen anything like this. Twinkling stars surrounded him, seemingly within reach.
When the voice sounded behind him, he even nodded instinctively.
Then he suddenly realized something was wrong. There were only two people and a ghost here. Where had a fourth voice come from?
He spun around. A woman with a gentle face and long hair draped over her shoulders was smiling at him. She was slightly plump, but still dignified and elegant.
As though struck by sudden inspiration, Su Er bowed slightly.
"Good evening, Grey Lady."
"You don't seem surprised at all." The Grey Lady's voice was gentle and serene, yet held a touch of coolness. She swept a hand through the air, and the book beside Hermione's hand next to Su Er slowly floated up and returned to the shelf.
Only then did Su Er realize that Hermione had closed her eyes at some point.
"She's fine. She's only asleep," The Grey Lady explained. She waved her hand again, and a blanket woven from starlight settled over Hermione, who looked even more relaxed.
"Like Helga, I would never hurt any child in the Castle."
Su Er nodded and bowed again, this time in thanks. He could clearly see that layer of starlight slowly merging beneath the luminous blanket covering Hermione.
"You still haven't answered me. You don't seem at all surprised by my appearance." Light shimmered in the Grey Lady's eyes, as though an entire starry sky lay within them.
"Because I met Lady Hufflepuff before you."
"Is that so?" The Grey Lady nodded gently. "You're in Hufflepuff?"
"Yes, ma'am."
Rowena Ravenclaw looked at Su Er, and something like a shooting star flashed through her eyes. At some point, a