"..."
After a brief inner struggle, Ron instinctively turned his head to glance at his backpack. Then he recalled the expression Harry had earlier, remained silent for a moment, and shook his head forcefully, "I'm not going."
If he had the time, he'd rather go back to the common room to play Wizard Chess.
Seeing Ron's refusal, Harry didn't insist. The reason for the boy's strange expression was simple: for some reason, when he mentioned this to William earlier, he vaguely sensed some excitement in him...
And from spending over half a year together, he fully understood that William being excited was never a good sign.
So, after dinner, after a brief rest in the common room, Harry walked heavily out of the Fat Lady's portrait, followed by a curious-looking Hermione, and the two soon left Gryffindor Tower.
"Where are we going?"
Hermione asked with some curiosity, carrying a significantly heavy-looking backpack on her back.
"Room of Requirement."
Harry briefly explained and then didn't elaborate further. He led Hermione around the castle for half a day before finally finding an unremarkable corridor.
"Here?"
Standing in front of the tapestry depicting the Troll beating Barnabas the Barmy, Hermione looked at Harry with some confusion.
Harry didn't answer, but instead looked around to make sure no one was watching. Then he quickly paced back and forth in front of the tapestry for a moment. Next, Hermione noticed a very ancient-looking stone door silently appeared on the opposite wall.
Harry didn't dilly-dally, raising his hand gently to knock out three long and two short taps on the stone door. The door slowly cracked open, revealing a narrow passageway.
"Let's go."
With a succinct signal, Harry, with greenish flames on his head, walked into the passageway. Hermione followed him in, and the stone door closed behind them, turning back into a stone wall.
The passageway wasn't long, and at the end was a walnut door with intricate patterns. Harry raised his hand again, tapping out the same sequence of knocks. Shortly after, a peephole on the door was pulled open from inside, and a pair of eyes, as big as lightbulbs, peeked out from behind the door.
"…It's Harry Potter! And... and Miss Granger."
Dobby's voice was sharp with excitement, and then he disappeared behind the door. The next moment, the door was opened from the inside, and a warm, yet not stifling, air rushed from within, causing the two standing at the door to catch their breath.
"...Dobby?"
Hermione furrowed her brow in thought for a moment before recalling the name of the House-Elf.
The now-named Dobby was exceedingly excited, mouth wide open and clutching his heart. Before he could burst out with eager words, Harry, experienced in these matters, interrupted, "Yes, it's us, Dobby. Go quickly and tell William we're here—"
"Miss Granger actually remembers Dob... oh, alright, great Harry Potter, I'll go tell Mr. Richard right away."
Dobby gave a small bow, snapped his fingers, and vanished in front of them.
After Dobby disappeared, Hermione finally began to observe her surroundings. It seemed they were in some sort of foyer, almost entirely made of wood, making it feel incredibly cozy. The overhead crystal chandelier emitted a warm glow.
"It's gotten bigger here—"
Harry curiously raised his head. To him, the last visit was before summer break, and initially, the foyer wasn't even here. Now... it's getting more upscale. He reached out to push open the door on the other side of the foyer. A refreshing scent rushed straight into their noses.
"You're here?"
William poked his head out from a desk not far behind the door. He looked at Hermione peeking from behind Harry and frowned, "Just the two of you?"
"Uh, yes..."
Harry nodded, and the two quickly stepped into the room. Hermione's attention was caught by two enormous ceiling-high bookshelf walls and the rows of cauldrons beneath them, from which the recent fragrance emanated.
"Alright, having one more is better than none..."
William pinched the bridge of his nose, redirecting his attention from a big black stone on the table, and got up to face them.
"Uh, you... hello."
Standing behind Harry, Hermione finally drew her attention from the slightly fantastical decor and focused on William, who was not far in front of her. Somehow she felt a bit tense—similar to how she felt facing Professor McGonagall.
"Alright... are you sure you want to come here after so many classes each day?"
William noticed the large backpack behind Hermione, paused for a moment, and once again started to question whether overachievers were human.
So many classes?
Harry keenly picked up the peculiarity in William's tone, blinked in confusion, and instinctively glanced at Hermione.
He knows?
Hermione opened her mouth to speak but ended up only nodding, "Mm, I still feel fine."
"Alright then, manage your schedule yourself and follow me."
Seeing Hermione nod, William didn't continue. He indeed had a bit of a disconnect with those who studied as if their lives depended on it… Achieving all Os in twelve courses, is that really feasible for a human being?
Saying that, William pushed open a nearby door, and upon entering, Harry and Hermione noticed Cedric lying on a recliner. The boy was covered with electrodes, accompanied by a vital signs monitor, whose numbers continuously fluctuated.
"Looks like he's waking up."
William stopped, watching the boy fully immersed in his dream, whose face carried traces of grimace. Before the two could inquire, Cedric directly jolted upright from the chair, gasping deeply, clutching his throat—
"Where did you die?"
William waved a hand, and a cup of prepared hot water flew into Cedric's hand. After gulping it down, Cedric rubbed his neck anxiously, and the feeling of death lingered. He opened his mouth but only a few phrases escaped, "Twelve dogs..."
"Where" did you die?
Nearby, Harry and Hermione were briefly shocked by what they heard—
"Not bad, there's progress, take a break."
William nodded, and without further concern for Cedric, turned to face Harry and Hermione. With a light wave of his magic wand, a Cedric-style recliner and vital signs monitor appeared on open ground. He smiled and asked, "So, which of you wants to be first?"
"..."
For some reason, in that moment, both Harry and Hermione felt as if they were watching a demon smile.
Is he... asking us who wants to "die" first?