Hermione's breathing quickened again at Draco's sudden invitation.
The abnormal blush on her cheeks quickly spread and deepened, reaching all the way to her ears, turning her fair skin into an alluring rosy hue.
She could clearly feel that all eyes in the Great Hall were focused on her.
Lavender and Parvati's expectant gazes were so intense they almost burned through his back.
The Weasley Twins looked at each other with a mixture of amusement and scrutiny.
Other students also stared at them with a mixture of surprise and disbelief.
Countless gazes intertwined to form an invisible net, seemingly trapping her firmly in the center.
Time seemed to stretch out infinitely at that moment, and every passing second was agonizingly suffocating.
"... good."
After a long silence, Hermione finally spoke, her voice filled with a resolute determination, as if she had made a do-or-die decision.
She looked up to meet Draco's gaze and immediately said, "Now, where to?"
Those five short words were like a bomb, exploding in the silent Great Hall.
The buzzing discussion instantly surged into a massive wave, more turbulent than ever before, with countless voices intertwining and converging into a noisy torrent.
"She really agreed?! Merlin, did I hear that right?"
" Malfoy and Granger are going to meet in private? What secret do they have?"
"My God, if this gets out, it'll definitely be the headline at Hogwarts!"
"What truth is it that you have to keep it from everyone and tell it in private? Is it related to the Malfoy family?"
The Weasley Twins exchanged a glance, a glint of unexpected brilliance flashing in their eyes.
George chuckled softly, "She agreed. Goodness, now the real show is about to begin."
Fred narrowed his eyes slightly, pondering thoughtfully, "Location... where will he choose? A place that's 'private enough,' avoiding attention while ensuring safety... Hogwarts has plenty of secret corners."
Lavender gripped Parvati's wrist tightly. "He asked her out! She said yes! Right now! Oh Merlin! This is more romantic than any romance novel! This is their secret moment!"
"A secret date during break... making a promise that belongs only to each other in front of everyone... that's so exciting! It's Legend!" Parvati chimed in.
Draco looked at Hermione's somewhat stubborn profile, and listened to the murmurs around him. A faint smile slowly crept onto his lips.
"How about you decide the time and place? If we announce it now, some 'dog skin plasters' will follow us wherever we go."
These words were like a gentle key, softly prying open Hermione's extremely tense nerves.
She was prepared to face any challenge or trap, but she never expected Draco to say something like that.
The string that had been constantly on high alert unexpectedly loosened at this moment.
Yes, if the location were set now, those incredibly curious folks would definitely try every possible way to follow us.
At that time, let alone discussing secrets, they probably won't even be able to utter a complete sentence.
Draco's suggestion was undoubtedly the safest option.
Upon hearing this, the other students let out a murmur of disappointment, their faces filled with resentment.
But they also had to admit that Draco had a point.
If they knew the location now, their curiosity would surely drive them to try and "accidentally" meet the person and uncover the so-called truth.
Lavender and Parvati reacted most strongly, as if they had been doused with a bucket of cold water. The excited blush on their faces quickly faded, replaced by visible disappointment and anxiety.
Lavender, her face crestfallen, muttered in frustration, "Why don't we go now? Can't we find a secluded place?"
Parvati chimed in, "Where are they going? Good heavens, how much longer? This is torture!"
Their dissatisfaction was almost palpable, yet they were helpless and could only watch the two men with longing and resentment.
Disappointment spread rapidly through the crowd like ripples.
Everyone thought that this earth-shattering drama would soon reach its climax.
Unexpectedly, at the most crucial moment, the pause button was pressed.
This was like a bucket of cold water poured on the eager onlookers, extinguishing the flames of anticipation that had just been ignited.
Lavender and Parvati are undoubtedly the two who are suffering the most.
This is like when they've been following a "romantic fantasy drama" for a long time, and at the most thrilling climax, a long commercial break is forcibly inserted.
The anticipated "secret date" didn't happen immediately, and the two of them simultaneously let out an uncontrollable sigh, their shoulders instantly slumping.
George couldn't help but purse his lips, looking utterly dejected. "That's it? Boring, really boring."
Fred shook his head, shrugged, and said with a hint of sarcasm, "Alright, alright, let's all go. Looks like this big show will have to wait until next time."
Amidst the sighs of disappointment filling the room, Hermione lowered her eyes, her mind racing.
How can I contact you?
This is a crucial question.
Using an owl to deliver messages? No way, it's too conspicuous.
Every letter exchanged will attract some attention, and if it is seen by someone with ulterior motives, it will surely cause unnecessary trouble.
Verbal communication? Even less reliable.
Who should pass it on? Lavender? Parvati? Olivia? Or one of the other students?
With those big mouths of theirs, the whole school knows about it.
Passing notes? How would that be done? Secretly slipped through the fingers during class?
That's too risky; the professor might find out.
Give it to the other person if you bump into them in the hallway?
A series of thoughts flashed through Hermione's mind, only to be rejected one by one.
Her brow furrowed deeper as she fell into deep thought.
As time went on, the disappointment in the audience grew stronger.
Many people have already reluctantly turned their attention away, after all, this grand show has temporarily come to an end, and waiting any longer would only be a waste of time.
After a few seconds of silence, Hermione finally looked up at Draco again. "... I'll figure something out. I'll let you know once I've confirmed the time and place. You..."
She paused for a moment, then said, "You just need to make sure that you arrive at the agreed location at the agreed time, and that you are alone."
The voice was kept extremely low, barely audible to two people.
Draco nodded upon hearing this, a knowing smile appearing on his face.
He looked at Hermione's expression, as if she was afraid he was up to something, and suddenly found it somewhat amusing.
So he went along with it and said, "Now that I've been so cooperative, can I make a small request?"