Hermione stood in the corridor, her pretty face extremely serious.
I was ready to voice all the questions that had been building up in my mind.
Then she completely exposed Malfoy's flawed explanation.
But at this moment, her brain seemed to have been struck by a spell, completely shutting down.
All the pre-set questions and meticulous plans were thrown into chaos by the steaming, strangely fragrant "hand-pulled pancake" that Draco handed over.
What's this?
Hand-pulled pancake?
A name I've never heard of in any magical tome or Muggle cookbook!
Where did he get it from?
How could that bag possibly hold two warm cakes?
Could it be Undetectable Extension Charm?
But he's just a freshman, how could he be so proficient in using this kind of magic?
Moreover, its aroma is rich and unique, unlike the typical flavor of the desserts made by Hogwarts House-elf!
Was he joking on purpose?
How can I interrupt her earnest questioning with a random piece of food?
"Eating and talking at the same time"?
Eating while strolling through the solemn corridors of the castle?
This is outrageous!
If Professor McGonagall were to catch them, she would surely reprimand them severely, and Gryffindor's grades would likely be deducted again!
But... that fragrance, in wisps and strands, seeped into my nostrils.
It's damn tempting!
And he's right, we were just caught up in the incident at the Hospital Wing, and we'd already missed dinner.
My stomach is indeed empty right now, and a feeling of hunger is creeping in...
Countless question marks and exclamation marks exploded in Hermione's mind, weaving into a chaotic web.
The emotions expressed ranged from shock and wariness at Draco's bizarre behavior, to intense curiosity about the unknown food, and annoyance at being deliberately interrupted and questioned.
He actually tried to stuff food in her mouth!
What embarrassed and angered her even more was that her rationality had been swayed by this mere food!
Hermione's expression at that moment was truly fascinating.
Her bright brown eyes were wide open, her mouth was slightly agape, and a faint blush rose on her cheeks.
A mix of emotions left the usually composed little witch somewhat at a loss.
Her hand hung in mid-air, caught in a dilemma.
Then, they fell into his trap!
I couldn't resist the tempting aroma and the emptiness in my stomach.
Reason was calling out in her mind.
This is a trap! Don't fall for it! Keep pressing for the truth about the Sorting House, keep asking about the secrets of that magic!
But just then, Hermione's stomach made a faint but clear "rumbling" sound.
The sound was barely audible in the silent corridor, yet it struck Hermione's heart like a thunderclap.
Her face instantly turned bright red, as if it had been scorched by fire.
She abruptly pulled her hand back from mid-air and hugged it tightly to her chest.
He then instinctively took half a step back.
She tried to hide her embarrassment and awkwardness with her sharp but somewhat flustered eyes.
"Ma... Malfoy!" She finally found her voice.
But the voice was no longer the calm and sharp one it had been before; instead, it carried a hint of exasperation and haste.
"What... what are you doing? What... what is this? Where did you get it?"
"We're talking about serious business! Very serious business! It concerns your sorting, your magic, it concerns—"
She chattered on and on, but her gaze kept drifting to the paper package in Draco's hand, which still emitted an enticing aroma.
Finally, her voice unconsciously lowered a few decibels.
She declared righteously, "You can't interrupt such an important question with... food!"
Even so, she couldn't completely control the subtle action of swallowing saliva.
His gaze lingered between Draco's calm, expressionless face and the bizarre food called "hand-pulled pancake."
At this moment, Hermione's doubts about various issues were temporarily diverted by her curiosity about the unknown food and Draco's strange behavior.
Draco smiled as he looked at her embarrassed yet trying-to-stay-calm demeanor.
He didn't pull his hand back; instead, he pushed the warm scallion pancake forward again.
The edge of the paper package almost touched Hermione's arm, and the alluring fragrance grew stronger.
"I know it's important business."
Draco's tone remained calm, as if he were simply stating a fact.
But if you listen carefully, you can catch a hint of the pleasure of a successful prank.
But he maintained a serious expression.
"That's precisely why we need to replenish our energy, isn't it? Don't worry, it's not poisonous; I eat it myself."
He waved the same paper package in his other hand.
"A friend gave it to me, it's kind of... a secret stash. Give it a try, you can't make this in the Hogwarts Kitchen."
Draco looked Hermione straight in the eye and continued, "Besides, we're really going to be late. You don't want to be late on the first day of school, do you? That's much worse than missing dinner."
These words struck Hermione's "good student" weakness precisely, but she did not accept them immediately.
Hermione was instantly caught in a fierce internal struggle.
On one hand, there is a persistent pursuit of answers to questions.
Reason kept reminding her not to be tempted by food, and not to let Draco change the subject.
On the other hand, there was an increasingly intense feeling of hunger and a deep fear of being late for class.
Two conflicting thoughts were tug-of-war in her mind, neither gaining the upper hand.
Ultimately, the extreme resistance to being "late," the curiosity about the food they had never seen before, and the overwhelming hunger all prevailed.
"It'll get cold if we don't eat soon, and we really have to go," Draco said with amusement.
She stared intently at the scallion pancake handed to her, then glanced at Draco's still calm face.
The internal struggle lasted only a few seconds.
As if making some tragic decision, she suddenly reached out and almost snatched the scallion pancake.
The warmth from the paper package made her fingertips tremble slightly.
"This... this doesn't mean I believe you! Nor does it mean I'll forget the question I just asked!"
Her face was flushed, but her tone remained firm as she tried to maintain her last shred of dignity.
"I... I just don't want to waste food, and... and we really are going to be late! You! You'd better talk as you walk! No eating as an excuse to delay!"
She clutched the scallion pancake tightly, then glared fiercely at Draco.
Then he immediately turned around and walked quickly toward the Transfiguration Classroom, almost simultaneously with his hands and feet.
Her steps were noticeably hurried, and her eyes kept sneaking peeks at the strange thing in her hand that she called a "hand-pulled pancake."
Draco watched her slightly disheveled figure, shook his head, and smiled.
He slowly unwrapped his scallion pancake and took a big bite.
The familiar aroma of wheat and the flavor of sauce spread across the tongue.
This is real food!
This can be considered a consolation for those who have traveled through time!
He then strode off, slowly catching up with the angry and conflicted Hermione.
"Hmm, the Sorting Hat... it did say a lot to me..."
He took a bite of his scallion pancake, his voice slightly muffled but clear enough, and slowly began the conversation.
The thought of the Sorting Hat breaking down in anger after my words flashed through my mind.
Draco couldn't help but chuckle, and his smile deepened.
Hermione slowed her pace instinctively upon hearing this, and listened intently.
Draco looked at her profile, which was trying to appear calm but couldn't hide her curiosity, and urged, "Eat quickly, or I won't tell you."