บท 129: Chapter 129: Instant Messaging in the Library
After leaving the greenhouse from Herbology class, Ino went directly to the library.
Sunday mornings shouldn't be wasted meaninglessly. This was the perfect opportunity to look up information on the Skarpin Revelio Spell.
In the library, Madam Pince was quietly reading a book at her usual spot. Unless something unexpected happened, she would likely continue reading until noon.
Facing a fully absorbed Madam Pince, Ino didn't rudely interrupt her. Instead, he picked a few books from the Charms section and found a favorite spot to quietly read.
The experience in the greenhouse today made him realize the importance of Charms class once again. Though it felt a bit like a bear trying to gather corn—dropping some while picking up others—he had no choice. Coming from an orphanage with a lack of foundation, this was all he could do. Maybe it was slower and more cumbersome, but at least there were no detours.
...
In one corner of the library, Ino sat by the window, engrossed in a sixth-year Standard Book of Spells. Although there was an inconvenient presence opposite him, the library was almost empty on a Sunday morning. He had been careful to sit in a corner, but someone still chose to sit with him. Yet, absorbed in his reading, he didn't bother to look up and see who it was. At least the person across from him was polite, as there had been no noise for quite some time.
...
Meanwhile, Hermione came to the library, as usual, to do her homework. The noise in the dormitory made it impossible for her to focus.
But when she arrived at the library, she was captivated by a beautiful scene. Morning sunlight streamed through the ancient stained glass windows, casting dappled light into the tranquil library.
By the window, a boy with short black hair sat quietly reading. His elegant amber eyes were focused and deep, seemingly lost in the world of books. The sunlight softly outlined his profile, giving it a faint golden glow. The pages of his book rustled gently under his fingers, blending harmoniously with the silence of the library.
Without hesitation, Hermione walked over. She wanted to admire the scene a bit longer, but a closer view was undoubtedly more delightful. She quietly sat across from the boy, resting her chin on her hand, and was momentarily at peace.
...
Ino, after finishing the sixth-year Standard Book of Spells, looked up to find Hermione staring at him with slightly dazed eyes. He waved his hand in front of her face to bring her back.
With a soft "thump," Hermione, seemingly startled, let her arm go limp, causing her chin to knock lightly on the table. She immediately looked around, relieved to see that Madam Pince hadn't noticed, and then rubbed the spot where she had hit. Ino couldn't help but chuckle at Hermione. It was hard to imagine the valiant girl from the original story showing such a cute, dazed side.
But considering they were in the library, he stifled his laughter and drew his wand from his sleeve.
"Quietus!"
After casting the Silencing Charm, he felt reassured and teased, "What's the matter, Miss Granger? You seem a bit out of it today, like a tipsy Puffskein."
Expecting a sharp retort, he was surprised when Hermione shyly lowered her head. Since the latter half of last year, she had shed her initial sensitivity after entering the school. Curious, he looked at the girl across from him. "Did something happen? Or is someone bullying you?"
Although in the original story, by the second year's Halloween, no one could bully Hermione, one couldn't rule out exceptions. Stories are always partial.
Hermione felt almost mortified, having been caught staring and then performing a silly act of bumping her chin on the table, all in front of Ino. Her cheeks felt like they were burning, the heat spreading down to her toes. Hearing Ino's question, she lowered her head, pretending not to hear.
Seeing her reaction, Ino roughly guessed the reason. She was simply embarrassed in front of a friend for feeling she had made a fool of herself. With that in mind, he opened his notebook and quickly wrote a line before pushing it and a quill towards her. Girls in shy states usually didn't speak easily.
On the other side, Hermione was momentarily stunned by the sudden appearance of the notebook. Realizing what was happening, she picked up the quill and started writing. Despite the Silencing Charm, they chose to communicate the old-fashioned way—through written messages. The notebook became an invisible bridge, creating a channel for mutual exchange.
Time seemed to lose meaning in the autumn sunshine, with the small notebook passing back and forth between them. Gradually, Hermione no longer felt constrained or shy, and a faint smile unknowingly appeared on her face.
After writing the last line and handing over the notebook, she looked up at Ino expectantly. Ino, holding the notebook, glanced at her neat handwriting and then at her eyes. Finally, he nodded helplessly.
...
Time passed minute by minute, and the sun moved to its highest point in the sky. It was noon. Rubbing his protesting stomach, Ino closed his book and walked towards Madam Pince's desk. Hermione had left half an hour ago, and he now needed to check out the books he hadn't finished.
As he approached the desk, he was met with Madam Pince's amused gaze. "I saw it all! You and that Gryffindor girl were exchanging instant messages. But you know, what you just did, I did twenty years ago!"
Madam Pince's tone was somewhat boastful, like children showing off to each other. It was as if she were saying, "Look! The new toy you have, I played with it too."
Before Ino could speak, she continued, her tone turning wistful. "Back then, the library's guardian was even stricter than I am. She even restricted the sound of quills on parchment. But sometimes, I really miss her!"
Hearing the sadness in her voice, Ino put down his book and comforted her. "The greatest significance of time is to let us appreciate the scenery along the way, not to dwell on the past. But in my opinion, you're strict enough. That Ravenclaw last time—"
Ino hadn't finished before Madam Pince interrupted, angrily saying, "Was that sneezing? Merlin's beard! It sounded like thunder! If I didn't kick him out, I'd be failing my duty..."
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