"Targeting her for saying she should be a coward? I see that's how most people in the Wizarding World lost their backbone!"
"When the idols they like are such useless, spineless cowards, how strong can they themselves be?"
Lynn, who was "awakened" by her full name and emerged from her mental review state, spoke mechanically.
"According to analysis, Lockhart's various behaviors and his fame promotion perfectly align with the packaging and star-making plans found in the Muggle World."
"This method can deceive many people, including those who are nothing like him."
"Alright," Penelope pursed her lips and reached out to gently stroke Lynn's hair, "I was being too judgmental."
Maranhao and Marietta also smiled and helped Lynn tuck the hair falling in front of her face behind her ear to make it easier for her to eat.
"Stars created like that really aren't worth following," Maranhao said with a smile as she withdrew her hand. "It's better to follow Lynn; at least our Lynn's skills are real, and her fame was built up bit by bit through her own strength."
Listening to Maranhao's words, Lynn shook her head sincerely, her voice devoid of any fluctuation. "I do not have any special ability. If you want to follow true stars, it should be Headmaster Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall; they are the true masters of magic."
Sighing helplessly, Penelope moved the stew next to her closer to Lynn.
"You really are skilled at suppressing and belittling yourself."
Lynn blinked and reached out with her fork and knife to take some stew, answering in a mechanical, matter-of-fact voice.
"Criticizing, reflecting on, and denying oneself frequently helps me avoid arrogance and impetuousness, accurately perceive myself, and promote continuous self-improvement."
Marietta, chewing on her vegetable salad, spoke up quietly. "I think the person who first expressed that sentiment probably didn't intend for others to belittle and suppress themselves without limit."
"Give yourself some recognition; you deserve it." Maranhao nodded and reached out to swap the stew in front of Lynn for another fish dish she hadn't tried yet.
"Mm," Lynn responded expressionlessly and lowered her head to continue eating.
After finishing dinner, Maranhao and the other two took Lynn to the Great Hall entrance to wait for Hermione.
Headmaster Dumbledore had said last night that he wanted Lynn to visit him in the Headmasters Office, and they could go along too.
So they planned to gather everyone before taking Lynn there together.
After waiting a few minutes, Hermione finally walked out of the Great Hall with Harry and Ron.
At the moment, she was using the parchment in her hand to tap the two boys' shoulders with moderate force.
Harry and Ron hunched their shoulders, neither daring to utter a word of protest.
"I—wasn't there—for one night—and you two—delayed the homework due tomorrow until now!"
Hermione tapped them with every pause, and Harry and Ron couldn't help but hang their heads even lower.
Catching sight of Lynn and the others waiting nearby out of the corner of her eye, Hermione cleared her throat and tried to return to her usual elegant and ladylike demeanor.
"Ahem, I have to go out for a bit. When I get back to the common room tonight, if your homework isn't finished, you two are finished."
"Understand? Finished! I will absolutely, positively not let you copy my homework."
Hermione finished these two sentences in a low, fierce voice, then turned and walked toward Lynn's group, her expression switching in an instant to a bright, sunny smile.
Watching Hermione's back, Harry and Ron visibly breathed a sigh of relief.
"Thank Merlin, thank Lynn; she's the only one who can interrupt Hermione's wrath."
Ron looked up at the ceiling, as if trying to ensure Merlin received his gratitude.
Lowering his head again, he looked at Harry and winked. "Though I think Hermione will still let us copy in the end."
"You know, as long as we give her some praise and then apologize with a sincere attitude."
Harry didn't know whether to laugh or cry. "Yes, but before that, we're definitely going to get a real earful from her."
Ron fell silent instantly. Two seconds later, he spoke up "obediently." "We could finish the homework first and then ask her to check it, right?"
"Yeah." Harry nodded vigorously, and the two boys immediately turned around and ran quickly toward Gryffindor Tower.
They didn't know how long Hermione would be gone, so they'd better get back and do their homework as soon as possible.
At least finish it before Hermione returns.
On the other side, Lynn and the four others had already climbed several flights of stairs and arrived at the gargoyle outside the Headmasters Office.
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