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Professor McGonagall hadn't expected Erwin to be quite so brazenly unapologetic.
For a moment, she stood frozen in place, utterly speechless.
But seeing Hermione's state, she began to piece together what had actually happened.
However, Professor McGonagall wouldn't press the issue.
After all, one of the students involved belonged to her own house, and it was Hermione, a witch she held in particularly high regard.
"Ten points from Ravenclaw and Gryffindor for failing to follow instructions and return to your dormitories as directed."
"However, as a first-year student who successfully defeated a fully-grown mountain troll, twenty points to Ravenclaw, Mr. Gaunt."
"I must say, the sword you transfigured possesses remarkable sharpness and exceptional structural integrity. I believe it will maintain its form for quite some time."
As a Transfiguration master, Professor McGonagall had immediately recognized the sword as a product of advanced Transfiguration.
After delivering her mixed judgment of discipline and praise, she couldn't help expressing genuine admiration for the spellwork.
As for Hermione, the ten-point deduction would serve as today's warning.
Professor McGonagall hoped the young witch would exercise more caution in the future.
"Hermione. Hermione, are you alright?"
At that moment, Harry and Ron came running up as well, arriving breathless before the assembled group.
Both boys looked at Hermione with obvious concern.
Hermione didn't answer immediately, simply raising her head to look at them both.
Professor McGonagall, satisfied that the situation had been sufficiently addressed, dismissed the students.
The bathroom had sustained severe damage, and the corridor floor was in complete disarray. She and the other professors would need to use restorative spells to return everything to its proper state.
'Wizards truly are convenient in certain ways,' she thought with mild satisfaction.
Hermione finally stood up, her eyes still red from crying.
However, as Erwin passed by Snape, the Potions Master suddenly stopped him.
"Come to my office next Wednesday after Potions class."
After delivering this curt instruction, Snape didn't wait for Erwin's response.
He simply turned away to deal with the troll's body.
Erwin froze momentarily.
Though curious about the summons, he knew better than to ask questions now.
After nodding his agreement, he continued walking forward.
Along the way, all four students remained silent.
No one spoke.
"Sorry, Hermione."
Halfway to their destinations, Ron suddenly broke the silence.
The other three stopped simultaneously and turned to look at him.
Ron felt the weight of their gazes.
Though uncomfortable under their scrutiny, he forced himself to continue.
"Today, in Charms class, I was impulsive. I shouldn't have said what I did. Please forgive me."
After speaking, Ron looked directly at Hermione, awaiting her response.
Hermione pressed her lips together, saying nothing.
Harry, standing beside Ron, wanted to intercede on his friend's behalf but couldn't find the right words.
Erwin felt a measure of respect for Ron in that moment.
Though the boy was reckless, hot-tempered, and occasionally prone to inexplicable jealousy, he possessed the courage to admit his mistakes, a rare quality.
More importantly, he and Harry had rushed to the bathroom to save Hermione despite the danger.
"You're absolutely right, Ron. I am indeed a know-it-all."
Hermione raised her head with pride.
"And that's the best affirmation I could receive. The next time you make a mistake, I'll be sure to point it out."
After speaking, she stepped forward decisively and walked ahead of the others.
Erwin followed.
This left Harry and Ron standing together, exchanging bewildered looks.
"So... did she forgive me?" Ron scratched his head, genuinely uncertain about Hermione's meaning.
"Probably?"
Harry was equally confused, but watching Hermione's noticeably lighter steps, he spoke with cautious optimism.
****
Before the Gryffindor common room entrance, Erwin saw Hermione safely to the portrait of the Fat Lady and prepared to leave.
But the young witch held him back.
"That... thank you. For today, I mean. Not only for saving me, but for lying to Professor McGonagall on my behalf."
The little witch seemed somewhat shy, her words coming out haltingly.
Erwin smiled gently.
"It's nothing. I felt that something was strange, so I went to investigate. Everything else was just a coincidence."
Erwin couldn't very well explain that he'd seen the films and knew the plot.
He could only offer a plausible excuse.
Hermione suddenly kissed his cheek.
"I just wanted to thank you for saving me this time, plus the flying lesson before. You've saved me twice now."
Before Erwin could respond, Hermione turned and entered.
Harry and Ron, who had been walking a short distance behind, reached the common room entrance at precisely that moment, just in time to witness Hermione kissing Erwin on the cheek.
Both boys' mouths fell open in shock.
Ron in particular felt as though something heavy had suddenly settled atop his head, weighing him down.
Meanwhile, his chest felt tight, as if something precious had been taken from him.
Erwin hadn't expected the young witch to be quite so daring, but after hearing her explanation, he decided not to make a fuss about it.
He nodded to show he understood, then headed toward the stairs.
As he passed Harry and Ron, he raised a hand in an apologetic wave of acknowledgment.