"Mrs. Weasley, I found Harry!"
Leaving Knockturn Alley, Hermione and Harry entered Diagon Alley. Immediately spotted the Weasley family asking passersby. Called out directly.
"Oh, thank goodness. I thought little Hermione also went to the wrong place."
Molly patted her chest. Finally relaxed.
"Where'd you go?" Ron asked Harry.
"Knockturn Alley," Harry said.
Hermione had already told him about that place.
Hearing Harry's words, Molly was shocked. "You went to Knockturn Alley alone to find Harry?"
Before Hermione could speak, Molly immediately pulled her into an embrace. Stroked her back.
"Goodness, you didn't wait for us—went to that kind of place alone. What if something dangerous happened? Poor dear, you must've been terrified."
Harry and Ron: "..."
Hermione terrified... The two couldn't imagine it.
Borgin might have a different opinion... Harry, who'd witnessed Hermione's entire operation, thought.
But Molly seemed to have some filter over Hermione's appearance... No matter how impressive her magical skills or achievements—still thought she was just a harmless girl.
After fussing over Hermione for a while, Molly finally released her. Everyone headed to Flourish and Blotts.
On the way, Hermione noticed Ginny's face covered in soot from Floo powder. Pulled out a handkerchief.
"Aguamenti!"
Water flowed from her wand tip. After wetting the handkerchief, Hermione wiped Ginny's face.
Ginny startled but obediently accepted. Soon her face was clean again.
"Much better. Looked like a coal miner before."
Though Ginny had lost her initial shyness, still felt embarrassed.
Arriving at Flourish and Blotts, the shop was already packed.
Finally squeezing inside, Harry looked at Ron. "Why so many people?"
He remembered last year—wasn't nearly this crowded.
Ron shook his head. Spread his hands to show he didn't know.
Molly answered their confusion.
"Gilderoy Lockhart!"
She said with excitement, "Today's Gilderoy Lockhart's book signing!"
Harry and Ron exchanged glances.
Who?
No idea. You know?
Me neither.
Eye contact. Information exchanged at light speed.
"He's a famous wizarding author, Order of Merlin Third Class recipient, Honorary Member of the Dark Force Defense League, and five-time winner of Witch Weekly's Most Charming Smile Award!"
Watching Molly's starry-eyed expression, Hermione rolled her eyes.
Idol of middle-aged witches.
Casually picked up a signed book. Hermione looked at the cover.
Magical Me.
On stage, Lockhart was impeccably dressed. Smiling at the crowd. Occasionally striking poses for cameras.
Suddenly, he seemed to discover something. Looked toward the crowd. Eyes filled with delight.
"Never expected—it's Harry Potter!"
Lockhart acted decisively. Grabbed Harry, who was trying to hide. Forcibly pulled him to his side.
"See? The famous Harry Potter came specially to buy my autobiography!"
Said quietly to Harry, "Come on, smile happily Harry. We'll definitely make the front page together."
Facing the camera, Harry could only helplessly show an awkward but polite smile.
"Also, invited by Headmaster Dumbledore—starting this year, I'll serve as Defense Against the Dark Arts professor at Hogwarts!" Lockhart announced publicly.
"No way, he's actually our new... Hermione, where'd you go?"
Ron, hearing this news, couldn't help blurting out. Discovered Hermione had somehow run to the back corner, crouching.
"What? Hermione?"
Lockhart heard Ron's words. Following Ron's gaze, immediately located Hermione.
"Hermione Granger? That girl who defeated Quirrell—the prodigy?"
Lockhart was overjoyed. Two celebrities to boost my popularity!
"Come quickly! Let's take a photo together—will definitely go viral!" Lockhart waved at Hermione.
"Sorry, I have camera issues." Hermione said flatly. "Seeing flashbulbs makes me lose control and cast spells randomly. If you don't want to ruin your signing, better not include me."
"Well, that's truly unfortunate."
Lockhart looked regretful. Compared to photos, the book signing was more important.
Just didn't know why—he noticed when Hermione heard he was the Defense professor, her eyes showed inexplicable pity.
Molly and Arthur looked surprised. Hermione has this condition?
After a while, Lockhart finally released Harry. The latter looked exhausted. Eyes hurt from flashbulbs.
Walking out of the crowd, happened to encounter Draco Malfoy.
"You must love this, Potter!"
Malfoy looked hostile. "The famous Harry Potter—even shopping makes headlines."
Though verbally mocking, eyes hid envy and jealousy.
"Stay away from him!"
Seeing her idol mocked, Ginny immediately stepped forward. Glared at Malfoy.
Malfoy was about to say something when a hand landed on his shoulder. Patted twice.
Spun around. Saw the face he feared most—like a nightmare.
"You, you..."
He lost the ability to speak. Voice even trembled.
Mm, looks like last time went too far. Gave him trauma, Hermione thought.
Whatever. He looks pitiful. Compensate him a bit.
"Don't be so worked up. If you also want a photo on stage, I'll talk to Lockhart for you. Don't worry, go ahead."
Hermione tried to make her voice sound gentler.
However, Malfoy shook harder.
He clearly remembered—last time this woman smiled gently like this while chaos erupted. The madness in her eyes still lingered in his mind.
When that black wand pointed at his head, he first deeply felt what death meant.
What did Hermione do to scare Malfoy like this... Harry and others all wondered.
Ginny's eyes sparkled looking at Hermione.
Seeing him motionless, Hermione simply walked to Lockhart's side. Whispered something. The latter nodded repeatedly.
Hermione returned to Malfoy's side.
"Alright, I already talked to Lockhart. When he heard you're the heir of the Malfoy family, immediately agreed to take a photo with you."
Turned around. Seeing Malfoy still hadn't followed, Hermione said puzzled, "Seriously, are you going or not?"
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