Everyone was genuinely kind. Even the Slytherin students didn't mock as they had before during this time, and some even joined the group offering comfort.
With everyone's support, before Professor McGonagall arrived, Lavender managed to stop crying and steady her emotions. Hermione quickly organized the young wizards to return to their seats and maintain classroom order.
Perhaps due to this mutual warmth, the atmosphere of this Transfiguration class was obviously quite heartening, and the gloom in everyone's hearts was dispelled somewhat.
The bell rang. Professor McGonagall announced the end of class, then added another sentence.
"Please wait a moment, everyone. I need to announce something."
The stern professor adjusted her glasses, looking up at the young wizards who had already begun to stand and pack their things, and continued:
"Although there are students from two houses here, announcing it together doesn't really make any difference."
"Everyone must remember to submit your Hogsmeade visit application forms to your respective Head of House before Halloween, otherwise you won't be able to go to Hogsmeade."
"So don't forget—this is extremely important."
The crowd began chattering excitedly. Being able to go to Hogsmeade for weekend adventures soon was obviously the most brilliant news they'd had recently.
After listening to Professor McGonagall's announcement, Hermione continued to pretend to stuff her books into her handbag, actually storing them in her amulet expanded with the Undetectable Extension Charm. Then with a flick of her wrist, she produced both her and Glenn'sHogsmeade application forms.
"I can submit mine to Professor McGonagall right now. Later we'll make another trip to Professor Snape's office to submit yours as well."
After speaking, the little girl trotted over to Professor McGonagall with her application form, handed it over, then conveniently took out her notebook and began peppering the professor with questions. Glenn was already accustomed to this routine.
Taking the empty handbag, Glenn stood in the classroom corridor waiting for Hermione to finish her inquiries, habitually sensing the surrounding information. He discovered that besides himself and Hermione, there was one other young wizard remaining in the classroom who hadn't left.
That was Harry Potter, who looked rather tense, though the specific reason wasn't clear.
Glenn withdrew his attention, continued waiting for Hermione, and began contemplating the work he needed to continue today.
He planned to seal up some small gaps connecting Hogwarts castle to the outside world. Whether due to wear or design flaws, those tiny cracks could potentially cause unpredictable dangers.
Like last year's Acromantulas, which had sent small spiders to infiltrate the castle through windows or poorly sealed gaps between walls, causing considerable chaos.
So Glenn planned to seal them using alchemy.
The workload wasn't small, but it was relatively straightforward. Glenn could also use this process to contemplate how to install appropriate protective devices in suitable locations.
Such as thermal sensors, vibration detectors, and other early warning systems, or repulsion magic generators like those in the girls' dormitories.
Currently, Glenn was studying the moving walls and staircases within Hogwarts, researching the magic and structural designs that enabled their transformations.
If possible, Glenn wanted to cover all the walls in Hogwarts with such magic or modify them to incorporate such designs.
If this concept could be realized, whether for confusing external enemies who broke into Hogwarts castle or shifting walls to directly trap them, it would be an excellent strategy.
Hell, there could even be more brutal and merciless methods, to be employed depending on the circumstances.
Lost in thought, Glenn only snapped back to reality when Hermione tugged him away.
It seemed Hermione had finished her questioning session.
The two walked past the hesitant Harry, and Hermione obviously noticed Harry's troubled expression as well, but she didn't inquire about it. Instead, she chose to silently leave the Transfiguration classroom with Glenn.
Outside the classroom, Harry's friends were waiting for him by the door.
After a brief greeting, Glenn and Hermione nodded to Neville, then departed along the corridor.
"Are you curious? If needed, I can help you gather some intelligence."
After walking away and confirming their conversation wouldn't be overheard, Glenn spoke up.
"It's fine. I have a pretty good idea about Harry's situation."
Hermione waved her hand and began explaining to Glenn.
"A few days ago, I told Ginny that Harry seemed a bit off. That girl said Harry probably didn't get permission from his aunt and uncle to visit Hogsmeade village, which is why he looks so miserable."
"Ah, I see."
Glenn nodded. Then Harry's current behavior made perfect sense.
"I reckon Harry's probably trying to ask Professor McGonagall if she could bend the rules a bit."
Hermione speculated, but immediately shrugged.
"But I estimate there's bugger all hope for that. After all, everyone knows Sirius Black escaped Azkaban specifically targeting Harry. At this point, never mind that Harry doesn't have permission to go to Hogsmeade village—even if he had proper authorization, I think Professor McGonagall wouldn't allow him to step foot outside Hogwarts castle grounds."
"No one knows Sirius Black's current whereabouts. For all we know, he's just waiting for this golden opportunity, lurking in Hogsmeade village for Harry to waltz straight into his trap."
"So..."
"Look, he's coming out."
Hermione tilted her head slightly, nodding toward the Transfiguration classroom door, signaling Glenn to direct his attention there.
There, Harry emerged from the classroom looking utterly dejected. Ron and the others immediately surrounded him, clearly asking about the outcome. Harry's mouth moved, and Glenn could easily determine what he was saying.
"No luck."
The reality matched Hermione's prediction exactly. Harry had indeed gone to plead with Professor McGonagall to make an exception for him, to let him join the third-year students' inaugural trip to Hogsmeade village.
But the result was obviously a complete failure.
"If I were Professor McGonagall, I wouldn't agree either."
Although her speculation proved correct, Hermione wasn't surprised in the slightest.
"It seems this boy still doesn't quite grasp the gravity of his situation. If he were ignorant about Sirius's escape, that would be understandable—that would be pure fearlessness born of ignorance. But with his best mate Ron, the Weasley twins, and little Ginny all being Weasleys, even if Mr. Weasley working at the Ministry didn't inform Harry directly, he could easily get this information from the others."
"Still wanting to go gallivanting about under these circumstances—that's a bit lacking in sense, isn't it~"
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