The professor continued, "Now, we shall move on to runes of empowerment, which amplify magical ability. The 'Sowilo' rune, resembling a lightning bolt, channels energy into spells, strengthening their effects. Observe its sharp, linear design—it is crucial to maintain clarity and direction when inscribing this rune. Misalignment can result in chaotic or unstable magic."
Cela followed the instructions meticulously, watching as the rune began to resonate in her sand tray. Hermione mirrored her actions, but her eyes kept flicking sideways to compare her own strokes with Cela's.
At one point, Hermione muttered under her breath, "Your Sowilo looks like it's glowing on its own. Are you… focusing harder than me?"
Cela chuckled, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Maybe… or maybe it just likes me better."
Hermione huffed, nudging her elbow with a little more force than usual, though a smile tugged at her lips. "Don't get cocky. I'll figure out how to make mine shine brighter than yours."
Cela tilted her head, smirking. "I'd like to see you try."
Hermione's gaze lingered on the softly glowing rune, envy flashing for just a heartbeat before she bent stubbornly back over her tray, muttering to herself as she traced the strokes again, determined not to be outdone.
As the lesson progressed, Professor Babbling assigned students a small exercise: to inscribe a series of protective and empowering runes on parchment using a special magical ink. Cela and Hermione worked side by side, occasionally whispering and sharing observations.
"This ink is temperamental," Hermione whispered, her brows knitting. "Make sure you don't overapply it, or the rune will blur."
Cela nodded calmly. "I know… and your technique is really precise. But I think you're letting me steal some credit. Admit it—you're enjoying this too much."
Hermione's lips twitched into a smile, but it didn't quite reach her eyes. "Enjoying? Maybe. But don't get too comfortable. Precision matters more than enthusiasm, Cela."
Cela laughed lightly, missing the edge in Hermione's tone. "Still, I think we balance each other well. You with precision, me with energy. Together, we're almost perfect."
Hermione pressed her quill harder into the parchment, irritation flickering across her face. "Almost perfect," she repeated, under her breath, her tone sharper than intended.
When Cela accidentally smudged one of her runes, Hermione leaned over quickly. "Oh no… did you just ruin the whole sequence?" she whispered, a note of satisfaction beneath the mockery.
Cela pouted, then smiled sheepishly. "I can fix it. Don't worry. But you're enjoying this too much, Hermione. Admit it."
Hermione gave a short laugh, a little clipped. "Maybe. Or maybe I just like seeing you realize you're not untouchable."
Cela winked at her playfully, unfazed. "Stop being so dramatic. You'll make me nervous."
Hermione looked at her for a moment longer, a strange mix of admiration and envy in her gaze, before turning back to her runes with tight-lipped determination.
Professor Babbling's voice cut through the soft whispers. "Students, your work must be precise. Those of you who misalign a rune will find that the energy does not flow as intended. Miss Slughorn, Miss Granger, your work is exemplary. I expect these techniques to be applied carefully in your next assignment, where you will create a protective amulet using these runes."
Cela's cheeks flushed slightly as her rune shimmered correctly into place. Hermione glanced over, her lips curving into a restrained smile that was equal parts approval and challenge.
"Not bad," Hermione said, her tone clipped but not unkind. "Though I think you rushed the last stroke."
Cela leaned closer to inspect it, tilting her head. "Maybe a little… but it still activated properly, didn't it?"
Hermione arched a brow. "Luck isn't the same as mastery, Cela. You should know that."
Cela only grinned, unfazed by the jab. "Then I'll just keep working until it isn't luck anymore."
As the lesson drew to a close, students packed their things away. Hermione lingered a little, tapping her quill against her parchment, eyes still flicking toward Cela's runes as though comparing them to her own.
"You realize," Hermione said finally, her voice low, "that if Professor Babbling asks to display someone's work next week, it'll probably be yours."
Cela blinked at her in surprise. "Really? I thought yours were cleaner."
Hermione gave a tight little shrug, irritation sparking behind her calm expression. "Cleaner, maybe. But you have a way of… catching attention. People notice what you do."
Cela laughed lightly, missing the edge in Hermione's tone. "Well, if they notice, it'll just be because we're both doing well." She slung her bag over her shoulder and added cheerfully, "Besides, it's not a competition."
Hermione's lips pressed into a thin line, though she said nothing. As they left the classroom together, Cela walked with an easy spring in her step, while Hermione's gaze lingered on her, torn between admiration and a quiet frustration she couldn't quite name.
As they left the classroom and made their way down the tower, the sun outside was high and bright. The Hogwarts corridors felt alive with magic and promise. Students were chatting about their lessons, some laughing at small mishaps, others debating spell techniques.