Ch: 11-20
Chapter 11: A Family's Promise
"Hermione, your parents are right," Caesar's voice sounded, gentle yet carrying a formal, teacher-like tone she had never heard from him before.
He looked at her, his gaze calm, as if stating the most natural fact in the world, "At school, we need to follow certain rules, and forms of address are one of them."
Hearing this, Hermione felt a slight sting, like being gently pricked by a quill tip.
She lowered her head, staring at her fingers tightly clutching the hem of her skirt, inside which she still held the brass compass, its cool metal pressing against her palm.
She understood her parents' words were reasonable, and she grasped Caesar's current stance, but an inexplicable sense of grievance still spread within her heart.
It felt as if, with this change in address, something pure and private between them was forced into hiding.
She took a deep breath and, when she raised her head again, tried her best to make her expression appear understanding and composed.
She looked at Caesar, attempting to mimic the posture of an obedient student facing a teacher she'd seen on television, speaking in a voice as clear as possible, yet inevitably carrying a trace of stiffness:
"Yes, Dad, Mom. I understand."
She paused again, as if needing to gather courage, then finally fixed her gaze on Caesar:
"Teacher Caesar."
These four words came out lightly, yet they seemed to draw an invisible, yet very real, line between her and Caesar.
"Very good, Student Hermione," he replied with an equally formal form of address, but in the next moment couldn't help showing a doting smile.
"Haha, little Hermione is so obedient and adorable. In the future, you only need to call me 'teacher' when other students are present. In private, feel free to be casual."
"You... Hmph!"
Hermione understood she had been tricked. With a cold snort, she sat quietly to the side, no longer interjecting excitedly like before, looking very much like she wanted to be coaxed.
Seeing her like this, like a little cat whose tail had been stepped on yet trying to appear composed, a faint trace of amusement flickered in Caesar's eyes. He went over to hug this adorable, tsundere little girl:
"Sorry, Hermione. To make it up to you, I'll prepare your wand and cauldron for you from now on, okay?"
Hermione's eyes darted. Her puffed-up cheeks finally relaxed. "That's more like it. I'll give you this chance, but don't let it happen again."
Next, to welcome Caesar, the Grangers insisted he stay for lunch. Caesar didn't refuse, as time wasn't pressing.
Mrs. Granger prepared a table full of sumptuous food. Throughout the meal, she kept asking about the details of life at Hogwarts, from dormitory conditions to eating habits, leaving nothing unasked.
Caesar patiently and wittily answered each question, skillfully soothing the anxieties of these parents about to be separated from their daughter.
Time spent in reunion always passes quickly. Lunch ended in a pleasant yet slightly melancholic atmosphere.
When the clock struck three in the afternoon, Caesar elegantly wiped the corner of his mouth with a napkin and gently reminded them:
"We should set off. Hermione still needs time to buy her school supplies and adapt to the new environment before the term starts."
The air instantly fell silent.
Mrs. Granger immediately put down her fork. Her eyes, which had been sparkling while talking about magic, now misted over with a thin layer of moisture. She reached out and tightly grasped her husband's hand.
"Yes, yes, of course..."
Mr. Granger took a deep breath, stood up, and walked over to Caesar. This usually calm and rational dentist now had eyes filled with the solemnity of a father:
"Caesar..."
He paused, as if organizing his words, and finally spoke in the most sincere tone possible:
"We entrust Hermione to your care. She's clever, but also stubborn and far too curious. We won't be by her side. Please, you must look after her."
Mrs. Granger also came over, her eyes slightly red, her voice choked with emotion. "Please, you must take good care of her. It's her first time away from home for so long..."
Hermione stood behind her parents, head bowed, biting her lip hard to keep herself from crying.
She could feel the weight of her parents' love and worry, which stirred her heart even more than when she first received the magic letter.
Looking at this couple entrusting their beloved only daughter to him, the detached air Caesar had worn while introducing the new world to Muggles quietly faded from his face.
It was replaced by a deep and solemn expression.
He gave a slight nod, his gaze sweeping over Mr. and Mrs. Granger before finally settling on Hermione, who was holding back her tears.
"Mr. Granger, Mrs. Granger," Caesar's voice was not loud, yet it carried an undeniable force, as if making an ancient vow.
"Please rest assured. As long as I am at Hogwarts, I will absolutely not let her come to any real harm. I will watch her grow, guide her, and protect her."
"This is not only my duty as a teacher."
Caesar paused, his voice dropping lower, carrying a trace of unmistakable personal emotion. "It is also a promise from family."
These words, "a promise from family," made Hermione jerk her head up. Tears finally slid down uncontrollably, but she tried hard to curve her lips upward.
"Caesar."
The Grangers stepped forward and hugged Caesar deeply, saying with emotion, "That's wonderful. We've always considered you part of our family too, just like a big brother to little Hermione."
"Alright, time is getting late," Caesar resumed his gentle expression and turned to Hermione. "Grab your luggage. We should set off."
Hermione nodded vigorously, gave her parents one last tight hug, then picked up her already packed little suitcase and resolutely stood beside Caesar.
Caesar gave a final nod to the Grangers, then took out from his robe's inner pocket a small, sparking device that looked like a lighter.
The Floo Powder Igniter.
He snapped his fingers towards the empty fireplace in the living room. A cluster of green flame "whooshed" to life in the cold hearth.
It rapidly expanded, forming a stable, swirling passageway shimmering with an eerie green light.
"Stay close," Caesar said, stepping first into the green flames, his figure instantly swallowed up.
Hermione took one last look back at her parents, their faces filled with amazement and reluctance, took a deep breath, and tightly hugged her suitcase.
Imitating Caesar, she bravely stepped into that dazzling green.
The moment she vanished, the flames in the fireplace returned to normal, leaving only the Grangers standing in place.
Gazing at the empty living room, their hearts were filled with hope for their daughter's future and a lingering touch of melancholy.
But they knew their Hermione was walking towards a broader world.
And, she had a reliable guardian by her side.
Chapter 12: First Encounter with Draco Malfoy
The moment she stepped into the green flames, Hermione felt a dizzying spin, as if she had been stuffed into a massive, high-speed rotating pipe.
Colored lights and shadows whistled past her. She kept her eyes tightly shut, suppressing the gasp in her throat.
She only felt a steady, strong hand firmly grip her arm, steadying her somewhat unsteady form.
A few seconds later, the uncomfortable squeezing and spinning sensation abruptly stopped.
"You can open your eyes now. We're here," Caesar's voice sounded by her ear, calm and even, as if they had just walked up a regular staircase.
Hermione cautiously opened her eyes and found herself standing in a small bar that looked somewhat dirty, dim, and cramped.
The air was filled with the mixed scents of aged wood, burnt toast, and some strange spice.
Several oddly-shaped figures in tattered robes were whispering in the corners.
Behind the bar, an almost completely bald old man with nearly toothless gums was slowly wiping a glass.
Was this the first stop in the wizarding world?
A flicker of surprise passed through Hermione's mind; this was completely different from the resplendent entrance she had imagined.
She instinctively moved closer to Caesar, her fingers unconsciously clutching the sleeve of his robe.
Caesar glanced down at her, his gaze lingering for a moment on her slightly pale little face, and explained, "This is the Leaky Cauldron, the entrance to Diagon Alley."
Then, lowering his voice a bit with a reassuring force, he added, "Most first-timers find it quite... distinctive."
Caesar led her past several crooked tables towards the bar's back courtyard.
The bald old man, Tom, upon seeing Caesar, a flicker of respect flashed in his cloudy eyes, and he gave a slight nod.
They arrived at the back courtyard, a dirty little walled area piled with trash bins, looking utterly unremarkable.
"Remember this," Caesar drew his wand and tapped precisely on a specific brick in the wall. "Count up three, then across two..."
As he tapped, the brick he touched began to tremble violently. Immediately, the surrounding bricks also started to move and rotate.
A narrow archway rapidly expanded, eventually forming a broad, winding, cobblestone-paved street.
Sunlight instantly poured down, illuminating a magical world Hermione had never imagined.
A bustling crowd wore robes of various colors. Shop windows displayed flying brooms, blinking owls, Potions bubbling with strange vapors, and golden cauldrons gleaming in the sunlight.
In the distance, a towering white building, Gringotts Wizarding Bank, overlooked the entire street.
The air was filled with a cacophony of sounds: vendors hawking their wares, owls hooting, children's excited shrieks, and a faint, almost imperceptible hum of magic.
"Welcome to Diagon Alley, Hermione."
A trace of barely perceptible amusement tinged Caesar's voice. He watched Hermione's little face, completely frozen in shock and ecstasy, her mouth slightly agape and her eyes wide as saucers.
Hermione was utterly speechless.
She let go of Caesar's sleeve, took a few steps forward, and stood under the archway, greedily taking in everything before her.
This was the wizarding world of her dreams!
Full of color, life, and infinite possibilities.
"Our shopping list is long," Caesar walked up beside her and handed her a piece of parchment.
"First, you need a wand. That's the most important. Then we'll go to Flourish and Blotts for books, followed by a cauldron, scales, and a telescope."
Caesar's words pulled Hermione back from her awe.
She took the list, nodded firmly, a determined light burning in her eyes.
She was no longer that little girl hiding behind her parents. She was standing here, at the heart of the wizarding world, with a guide she trusted by her side.
"Let's go, Teacher Caesar," she looked up, her voice clear, carrying unprecedented courage and anticipation.
"Let me remind you again, only at school, and when other students or teachers are present, do you need to call me 'teacher'," Caesar gave a slight nod and stepped onto the gleaming cobblestone path first.
"...Alright, Caesar."
Hermione was momentarily taken aback, then a triumphant glow blossomed on her face.
Taking a deep breath of the magic-filled air, she hurried to keep up with his pace, taking her first true step into the wizarding world.
"Oh? Look who we have here, a new face."
Just as Caesar and Hermione were about to head towards Ollivander's Wand Shop, a slightly sharp voice tinged with arrogance cut in.
Hermione turned towards the sound and saw a boy with a pale face and a pointed chin.
He had sleek, platinum-blond hair meticulously styled with gel and wore an obviously expensive, tailor-made robe.
Beside him stood a couple with an equally haughty air. The man had a stern face and leaned on a silver snake-headed cane. The woman was tall and thin, with a scrutinizing gaze as if appraising an antique.
What most captivated Hermione's attention, however, was the small creature behind them, dressed in what looked like a ragged pillowcase, with large, bat-like ears.
Its tennis-ball-sized green eyes were full of fear and subservience, and it was nervously twisting its slender fingers.
"Mr. Malfoy, Mrs. Malfoy."
Caesar gave a slight nod, his tone flat and polite, betraying neither pleasure nor anger. He took a half-step forward, subtly positioning himself to shield Hermione slightly.
"Good day. This is Miss Hermione Granger, a new student at Hogwarts."
"Muggle-born?"
The platinum-blond boy was none other than Draco Malfoy. He now looked Hermione up and down without any attempt to hide it.
His gaze swept over her bushy hair and somewhat ordinary clothes, and his lips curled in a slight sneer.
Lucius Malfoy, Draco's father, swept his cold gray eyes over Caesar, then glanced at Hermione.
He gave a soft, dismissive snort, which seemed to serve as a greeting.
Then, his attention seemed to focus more on Caesar as he asked, "Professor Caesar Habus, I didn't expect to encounter you here. I heard you are teaching at Hogwarts?"
"Yes," Caesar's reply was brief.
Although he knew the Malfoys were all a bit... peculiar, Draco's attitude still annoyed him somewhat.
If Draco provoked Hermione's anger, he wouldn't mind taking action here to test Lucius's strength.
However, at this moment, Hermione's attention was almost entirely captured by the small creature.
She completely ignored Draco's rude comment, leaned forward slightly, looked at it curiously, and asked Caesar in a quiet voice:
"What is that? Why is it dressed like that? And it looks very uncomfortable."
Her voice was soft, but everyone present heard it.
Chapter 13: When Morality and Rules Collide
Draco let out a short, derisive laugh: "That's our family's House-elf. Doesn't a mudblood even know that? It was born to serve the House of Malfoy."
Caesar frowned, his gaze turning to Draco, his eyes sharp with displeasure.
"Draco!" Narcissa Malfoy warned in a low voice.
She didn't see anything wrong with her son's term for Hermione; she was merely wary of Caesar, so there was little real reproach in her eyes.
If it were just Hermione, a witch from a Muggle family, Malfoy could treat her however he wished. But clearly, Caesar was willing to stand up for this mudblood.
Lucius, meanwhile, tapped the ground lightly with his snake-head cane and commanded the House-elfat his feet with a hint of impatience:
"Dobby, step back. Don't block the way, and Don't frighten the... guests with your ugly appearance."
The House-elf named Dobby trembled all over, his large eyes instantly welling up with tears.
He hastily retreated, almost shrinking into the shadows of the wall, letting out faint, tearful whimpers:
"Y-yes, Master! Dobby is wrong! Dobby is a bad elf!"
Hermione's brow furrowed tightly.
She didn't understand what 'mudblood' meant, so she didn't pay it much mind.
It was seeing Dobby's terrified appearance that stirred a strong sense of discomfort and sympathy within her.
She simply couldn't understand why anyone would treat a living, clearly emotional creature like that.
She looked up at Caesar, seeking an answer: "Why are they treating it like that? It seems so scared!"
Caesar glanced down at Hermione, seeing the pure confusion and a hint of righteous indignation in her eyes. The hand on her shoulder tightened slightly, both a comfort and a reminder.
He didn't answer Hermione's question immediately. Instead, he looked up at Lucius Malfoy, his tone still steady but carrying an undeniable air of finality:
"A child's thirst for knowledge is always strong. My apologies, Mr. Malfoy, but we still need to go select a wand for Hermione. We must excuse ourselves."
Caesar offered no comment on the House-elf's situation, but his calm demeanor itself, in Lucius's view, was a silent declaration of stance.
Lucius narrowed his eyes, forcing a thin smile: "Of course, by all means. We also need to go order Draco's new robes. Let's go."
His last sentence was directed at his wife, son, and Dobby, his tone icy.
The Malfoys strutted away haughtily, Dobby scurrying along behind them, stealing a glance back at Hermione.
That look was incredibly complex, a mix of gratitude, curiosity, and profound sadness.
Only after they had gone did Hermione urgently grab Caesar's sleeve: "Caesar, who are those people? And that Dobby..."
Caesar stopped and looked at Hermione, his gaze profound:
"Hermione, the wizarding world isn't just the gleaming cauldrons and flying brooms you see before you. It also has ancient, even dark, traditions and rules. House-elves are one of them."
He paused, choosing a more tactful yet clear enough way to explain:
"They are bound by magical contracts to some ancient wizarding families, serving them for generations. To most Wizards, this is simply the natural order of things."
"But that contract is immoral," Hermione blurted out, her small face showing some hesitation. "They get scared, they get sad. Right now, they're treated like objects."
Caesar looked at the girl before him, who hadn't even entered school yet but was already starting to cry out against inequality. An extremely complex emotion flickered in his eyes.
Indeed, even with her flaws of arrogance, a sense of superiority, and rigidity, the fundamental nature of this little girl was pure kindness.
"I recall you're a girl who follows the rules," Caesar said, neither directly affirming nor denying Hermione's words. He just ruffled her brownish-blonde hair and explained calmly:
"Everyone in this world has their own morals and principles that they hold dear. They are all different, but the world operates by only one set of rules.
Our personal moral views inevitably clash with the world's operating rules. If everyone broke the rules for their own morals, wouldn't that mean there were no rules at all?"
Hermione fell silent.
In the original work, Hermione was initially a very stubborn dogmatist.
When personal morality clashed with the rules, she would always choose the latter, which often put her at odds with Harry and Ron's actions.
But later, through her interactions with the other members of the main group, Hermione gradually grew.
She evolved from complete adherence to the rules to changing the rules according to her own moral compass.
For example, after becoming Minister for Magic, she chose to push for House-elf reform, a testament to great wisdom.
But this little girl did not yet possess the bearing of a future Minister for Magic.
"Let me tell you a story."
Then, Caesar released Hermione's hand, snapped his fingers, and the two instantly appeared in a secluded spot. His voice was low and calm as he continued:
"It's a story about law, suffering, and redemption."
Hermione immediately straightened up and nodded vigorously.
"Many years ago, in a distant, non-magical town, there lived a young woodcutter named Don."
As Caesar narrated, a moving image appeared before Hermione:
A bitterly cold winter, a dilapidated hut, Don's wife and five sallow, emaciated children huddled in a corner. The hearth was cold, and there was no food left.
"He searched everywhere for work, begged every possible employer, but found nothing. The children were so hungry they didn't even have the strength to cry."
Caesar's voice was calm, yet carried a heavy weight.
"On that frigid night, he walked past the town's only bakery.
In the window, golden loaves of bread gave off a tempting aroma, a scent that cut into his heart like a knife."
Hermione held her breath, sensing what was coming.
"He picked up a stone from the roadside and smashed the window. He didn't take any money, didn't touch any precious silverware. He grabbed just one, only one loaf of bread."
Caesar paused, his gaze piercing as he looked at Hermione. "Then, he was caught by the constable who arrived upon hearing the commotion."
"For just a loaf of bread?" Hermione's voice trembled with disbelief.
"For just a loaf of bread," Caesar confirmed. "The judge strictly followed the code in sentencing: violent theft, under aggravating circumstances. Sentenced to fifteen years of hard labor."
Hermione gasped, her face turning pale.
"He spent the youngest fifteen years of his life in dark mines and on cold prison ships.
His once hardworking hands grew rough and numb. His once warm heart, through countless unjust beatings and humiliations, gradually froze into a block of ice.
He no longer believed in justice, only in power. No longer believed in kindness, only in hatred.
To him, the law was not a shield to protect the weak, but a wheel to crush the poor."
"That's so tragic..." Hermione murmured.
Theft? That was clearly wrong.
But if it was to keep his children from starving?
Chapter 14: One Person's Demon
Caesar brought the story back to the present: "In your view, laws against theft are moral, but for Don, they were immoral.
To you, the House-elf contract is immoral, but to some people, it is moral."
"Caesar, if it were you, what would you do?"
After a long while, Hermione turned her pleading eyes toward Caesar, the person she was closest to and admired most; she believed Caesar's choice would not disappoint her.
"I would break the rules for my own morality." Caesar said without any hesitation, giving his answer immediately, so fast that Hermione was somewhat surprised.
Caesar took Hermione's hand and began walking toward the bustling street, smiling playfully as he said:
"If one day you were starving and I had no choice but to steal butterbeer, would you arrest me?"
"Of course not." Hermione shook her head vigorously.
"Hermione."
Caesar's expression suddenly became serious and earnest, as if he were stating a simple truth: "If that day ever truly comes and you must arrest me, I won't resist."
In the original work, Hermione possessed extraordinary wisdom, courage, and loyalty, but she also had some distinct and realistic personality flaws, such as stubbornness, perfectionism, and prideful conceit.
However, these weaknesses were gradually hidden beneath her underlying kindness and through her interactions with Harry and Ron.
Caesar highly appreciated that character-rich girl from the original work; if not for her slightly lacking strength, she could have grown into another Dumbledore.
But in this simulation, if this girl were to grow up as upright as she did in the original work, it would actually be a bad thing for Caesar.
Because given their current relationship, if Caesar ever wanted to do something big like Grindelwald, Hermione would probably be the first to stop him.
Just like Dumbledore and Grindelwald.
Perhaps Hermione would be sad for a while after capturing him, but the great power of time would dilute all feelings, including love.
Caesar didn't want to be locked away until death like Grindelwald.
A tragic ending didn't suit Caesar.
It was like an old story on the internet about an angel and a demon.
An angel would sacrifice you for everyone, while a demon would sacrifice everyone for you!
The Hermione of the original work was great; she was everyone's angel.
At that time, Caesar was just one of the crowd.
But now that Caesar's status had changed, he preferred Hermione to be his own personal demon, always standing by his side and using her extraordinary wisdom to strategize for him.
Unconditional corruption, forever!
"Pfft!"
Hermione's originally tense face suddenly blossomed into a smile, like a flower brushed by a spring breeze, and she said with warmth in her heart:
"Caesar, Don't worry, not only will I not arrest you, I'll help you steal it."
"See, things are actually quite simple to figure out."
Caesar's tone returned to being calm as he continued:
"Remember the Railway strike that day?
The British Government in the outside world is already unable to maintain its former welfare policies; they change rules to harm workers based on their own interests, while on the other hand, the workers' strikes harm the passengers who paid for tickets.
Everyone breaks the rules according to their own concepts; you Don't need to think so much, just do what you want to do.
If you hadn't been able to stop yourself from acting just now, I would have helped you fight them. Actually, I Don't like the Malfoy family much either, but you didn't."
"Then, how about we go back now and teach them a lesson?!"
Hermione stared straight at Caesar, her gaze tender yet firm—tender for Caesar, and firm as she recalled the face of that white-haired boy just now.
Caesar ruffled Hermione's brownish-yellow hair and said calmly, "No need to hurry. Draco will soon be your classmate. Whatever you want to do next, there's plenty of time."
"That's great!" A smile blossomed on Hermione's face; she had never been one to shy away from trouble.
Thinking of Draco's attitude toward her, she, who had been pampered by her family since childhood, wouldn't be as passively enduring as Harry: "When the time comes, I'm going to give him a good lesson."
Originally, having just arrived at Hogwarts, she didn't want to cause trouble for Caesar, but hearing Caesar's words, it seemed she had backing, so there was no need to be timid.
She, Hermione Granger, was never a girl who just took losses lying down!
Caesar nodded slightly: "No problem. I've prepared a wand for you to achieve all your ideals. I'll take you to see it."
...Leaving the quiet corner, the bustling sunlight and vitality of Diagon Alley rushed toward them.
Caesar led Hermione, walking with clear purpose toward that small and shabby wand shop.
Ollivanders: Makers of Fine wands since 382 B.C.
The small bell on the shop door gave a crisp, tired ring as they entered, as if dust that hadn't changed for a thousand years was slowly dancing in the shafts of light coming through the window.
While Hermione curiously looked at the countless wand boxes piled almost to the ceiling, a soft voice came from the top of a high ladder:
"Good afternoon... oh!"
Before he could finish his sentence, Mr. Ollivander, who had a head of messy white hair, suddenly froze on the ladder.
His pale, moon-like large eyes instantly widened even further as he stared fixedly at Caesar.
The long measuring tape in his hand fell to the dusty floor with a 'clack', and he didn't even notice.
"It's you?!" Ollivander's voice lost its usual ethereal and mysterious quality, taking on a real, almost shocking tremor.
He scrambled down the ladder, his movements showing an urgency that seemed uncharacteristic of his age, nearly tripping over the hem of his robes.
He walked quickly to Caesar, looking up, his gaze like someone examining a lost and found peerless treasure, or confirming that the person before him wasn't an illusion.
"Mr. Caesar! It really is you!"
Ollivander's tone was filled with unbelievable joy; he even instinctively wanted to reach out and touch Caesar's arm to confirm his reality.
But he stopped halfway, his hands instead rubbing together with the excitement of a craftsman meeting a provider of legendary materials.
"It's been so long, Merlin's beard! You've finally come!"
Caesar gave the man a big hug: "Mr. Ollivander, looking at your expression, has the wand I asked you to craft for me yielded good results?"
Last year at the Top of the World, he had obtained Biyi Bird materials; one portion was used to make two necklaces.
The other portion was given to Ollivander to help craft into wands, with an agreement to collect them a year later.
"Of course!"
Saying this, old Mr. Ollivander carefully brought out two side-by-side, exceptionally old-looking long boxes.
His gaze moved past Hermione and fell upon Caesar.
"Mr. Caesar," Ollivander's voice carried an ethereal quality like someone reciting an epic:
"The pair of incredible materials you provided last year, after a long wait and integration, have finally found their ultimate forms. They have been waiting for today."
He opened the two boxes separately. Inside, lined with deep purple velvet, lay two wands quietly.
The one on the left had wood of a dark brown color, with a vigorous and powerful grain as if containing the power of a storm; spiral-shaped natural patterns were faintly visible on the shaft, like swirling air currents.
The one on the right appeared more slender and elegant, with slightly lighter wood and a warm luster; the wood grain was as soft as ripples on water.
Chapter 15: Threads of Fate
"Biyi Bird, the materials you brought last time were truly magical!" Mr. Ollivander brushed his fingertips extremely gently across the two wands, as if afraid of disturbing the souls slumbering within.
"This legendary creature—the male's wing feathers have edges sharp enough to cut through gold, while the female's downy feathers can soothe the most violent ripples of magic.
They rely on each other for a lifetime, one wing and one eye each; only by being together can they fly."
His gaze became distant as he began to tell the story of these wands, or rather, the destiny of these materials.
"This one,"
He pointed to the dark brown wand on the left.
"I used the hardest Primary Flight Feather, lost in a storm while the male was protecting its mate, mixed it with Dragon Heartstring, and molded this. It represents 'Protection' and 'Power'."
"And this one,"
He pointed to the one on the right.
"Taken from the softest wisp of neck feathers shed by the female while grooming the male on the most peaceful moonlit night. The core is a Phoenix Tail Feather, symbolizing'Soothing' and 'Connection'."
Ollivander's voice carried a craftsman's pride:
"They resonate with each other. If held by Wizards who share a connection of hearts and cast spells together, their magic is by no means a simple addition.
Instead, it blends and sublimates, capable of creating miracles unique only to them."
Hermione listened intently, completely captivated by this romantic and powerful concept.
"Then what if—I mean, just if," she couldn't help but ask the crucial question out of curiosity, "the people holding these two wands used them to attack each other?"
Mr. Ollivander's moon-like eyes instantly focused on Hermione's face, and the atmosphere suddenly turned solemn.
"Attack each other?" he repeated, slowly shaking his head, his tone carrying an unquestionable warning.
"Child, that would be the most complete betrayal of such an undying connection. The Biyi Bird's magic stems from'Symbiosis', not 'Opposition'. If they are forced to become enemies..."
He paused, and a chill seemed to sweep through the air.
"The feathers carrying their cores will begin to disintegrate from within. The fierce power of the male will backfire on its master, and the gentle rhythm of the female will turn into bone-corroding sorrow.
They will not harm each other, but they will self-annihilate.
The Magic Circuits will be completely burned out, turning into two handfuls of soulless charred wood and ash. This is a taboo inscribed in their very origin; it must never be touched!"
He gave Caesar a meaningful look, then looked at Hermione.
"Choosing them means choosing absolute trust and bonds. They are both peerless blades and the most fragile of oaths. Now..."
He turned to Hermione, his voice returning to its normal tone: "Let us see which of these two long-awaited partners has a greater affinity with you?"
Hermione's heart hammered against her ribs. She looked at the two wands that seemed to pulse with life, then looked up at Caesar beside her.
The shopkeeper's words echoed in Hermione's heart like an ancient prophecy.
They cannot attack each other, otherwise, the wands will destroy themselves.
This wasn't just a description of the wands' properties; it felt more like a metaphor for the relationship between the holders. Only intimate Wizards could gain their recognition.
"Go ahead and try. The wand will choose for itself who can become its master."
At this moment, Caesar's gaze also fell upon the wands. His profile looked exceptionally profound in the dim light; clearly, he hadn't known about this beforehand.
With these wands having such a setting, Hermione might be able to pick one up, but could Caesar himself pick up the other?
A top-tier wand chooses its master—this was an eternal truth!
While Caesar was lost in thought, Hermione reached out. With a hint of awe and immense determination, she stepped forward first toward the female bird wand that symbolized'Soothing' and 'Connection'.
The instant her fingertips made contact with the warm wood of the wand—
A sudden change occurred!
The Jade Necklace she had always kept properly hidden under her clothes grew warm without warning.
The Symbiotic Feather of the Biyi Bird embedded within it seemed to be infused with life, emitting an extremely faint yet unignorable iridescent glow.
At the same time, the wand in her hand began to vibrate gently, and soft golden light particles flowed from the tip like ripples of water.
Almost at the exact same moment, Caesar stood beside her.
The necklace he wore—one he had never shown anyone, similar in style but more ancient, made from male bird materials—also emitted a faint heat and resonance beneath his robes.
He frowned slightly and instinctively pressed his hand to his chest. A flash of hard-to-catch surprise crossed his eyes, which then transformed into a deep realization.
Two wands, two necklaces, as if crossing the boundaries of time, space, and matter.
At this moment, they were tightly linked by an invisible bond, resonating with an ancient rhythm that only they could understand.
A warm, harmonious, and incredibly powerful magic field filled the air. Even the thousands of wandboxes around them seemed to emit a faint hum.
Mr. Ollivander widened his moon-like eyes and murmured:
"Wonderful, truly wonderful! I sensed they would respond, but I never expected such a profound resonance! This is not just the wand choosing the Wizard; it is the intertwining of the threads of fate!"
Hermione was completely immersed in this wonderful sensation, as if what she held was not just a wand, but an extension of some life pulse.
She looked up at Caesar in surprise, wanting to share this shock.
However, Caesar had already quickly suppressed his outward emotions.
He did not respond to the questions and excitement sparkling in Hermione's eyes, but simply took a calm step forward.
He unobtrusively blocked Mr. Ollivander's potentially over-inquisitive gaze and took a heavy coin pouch from an inner pocket of his robes, placing it on the counter.
His tone returned to its usual steadiness, devoid of any ripples: "Mr. Ollivander, this is the payment for the two wands. Thank you for your masterpiece."
The old wandmaker was taken aback for a moment, then nodded in understanding. He accepted the obviously substantial amount of Galleons and said no more, turning to record the wands' information.
Taking advantage of this gap, Caesar leaned down slightly, close to Hermione's ear.
His voice was kept extremely low, carrying an unquestionable solemnity as his breath brushed her ear: "Little Hermione."
Caesar did not use the formal name 'Hermione', but his tone was more serious than ever.
"Everything that just happened, regarding the necklace, regarding the resonance..." He paused, looking at her with deep eyes, "Do not mention it to anyone. Remember, anyone."
"Why? We have a clear conscience, we're family... Alright."
Hermione's heart skipped a beat as she met those eyes that seemed to see through everything.
She saw the warning contained within them, as well as a trace of indescribable, complex emotion.
She instantly understood his meaning.
This wonderful connection between them, woven from Biyi Bird materials, transcended the ordinary relationship between teacher and student.
Under the rules of Hogwarts, this was a secret that could not be spoken aloud.
Chapter 16: The Gates of Hogwarts
Under the night sky, the Black Lake resembled a vast swath of black velvet, reflecting the starry heavens and the majestic silhouette of Hogwarts Castle in the distance.
The air was crisp and cold, carrying the distinct scent of lake water and aquatic plants.
A large, ancient-looking wooden boat, pulled by a force hidden beneath the water's surface, glided silently towards the dock.
An exceptionally tall and burly figure with wild, unkempt hair and beard stood at the boat's prow.
He held a dim, yellow lantern, resembling a moving hill.
"Hagrid," Caesar's voice was unusually clear as he stood with Hermione at the edge of the dock.
"Professor Caesar!"
Hagrid's booming voice was filled with pure joy. He carefully hung the lantern on a hook at the prow, then strode ashore, making the wooden planks creak under his weight.
A warm smile spread across his bushy-bearded face. "Welcome back! Oh, and who's this?"
He then noticed the person beside Caesar. Bending down, his massive frame casting a shadow, he curiously examined the rather petite-looking Hermione standing next to Caesar.
"This is Hermione Granger, a new student this year," Caesar introduced simply, giving a slight encouraging gesture with his hand behind Hermione's back.
"Hermione Granger! I know you!" Hagrid's eyes shone brightly in the lantern light. He spoke excitedly, his voice making Hermione's ears ring slightly.
"Professor Caesar is always talking about you, saying you're incredibly clever, the most talented child he's ever seen. Most of the school has heard your name.
Merlin's beard, that's truly remarkable!"
Hagrid's unrestrained, thunderous praise was like a stone dropped into calm lake water.
Instantly, it sent ripples through the other new students waiting by the dock.
These children, who had just left their families and were filled with both longing and trepidation for the wizarding world, all turned their gazes toward Hermione.
Their eyes were filled with curiosity, scrutiny, and a hint of barely concealed... envy.
"Who is she?"
"The Professor brought her here alone?"
"The most talented? Really?"
Whispers of discussion spread through the crowd.
However, Hermione, at the center of all this attention, seemed completely oblivious to the subtle atmosphere around her.
She looked up at Hagrid's imposing yet incredibly friendly Giant form.
Far from being afraid, her heart blossomed with joy upon hearing the words "Professor Caesar is always talking about you."
A mixture of pride and the joy of recognition swelled within her, making her small face seem to glow even in the dim light.
She relished this feeling, the feeling of being acknowledged and publicly praised by Caesar.
This satisfied her more than any ordinary compliment.
"Thank you, Mr. Hagrid," she responded in a clear voice, with a hint of small, barely noticeable pride. "I'm just very interested in magic, read a few extra books, and accidentally finished all the first-year textbooks."
The gift Caesar had left for Hermione when he departed London was actually magical books and some foundational advanced Potion materials.
"Finished all the first-year textbooks!"
Hagrid laughed heartily, clapping his enormous hands together, then turned back to Caesar. "Professor, you've truly found a promising one! Come aboard, children! We must get the new students across before the feast begins!"
Caesar nodded to Hagrid and gestured for Hermione to follow.
From beginning to end, he made no comment on Hagrid's praise or the reactions of the new students.
But as he watched Hermione's straight back and slightly raised chin, a flicker of understanding, almost imperceptible, passed through his eyes.
Hermione followed behind Caesar, stepping lightly onto the rocking wooden boat.
At first, she completely ignored the complex gazes from behind.
After all, to her, the whispers of those unfamiliar new students were just envy.
She knew she was different; even as a child, her slower peers never won when playing games with her.
But after a while, a slight sense of loss crept in. Before arriving here, she had actually wanted to make some friends.
The boat rocked gently, silently parting the lake's surface like black silk as it headed towards the majestic Castle silhouette.
As the distance closed, the details of Hogwarts gradually became clearer in the night, like a slumbering Giant slowly revealing its magnificent outline.
Towers stood in clusters, their spires piercing the starry sky.
Warm golden light shone from countless windows, intertwining with the stars above, as if the Castleitself were a vast, living magical creation.
This light reflected on the dark water's surface, breaking and reforming with the ripples, breathtakingly beautiful.
The new students fell silent as one.
Even those who had earlier cast envious glances at Hermione temporarily forgot their minor displeasure, all with wide eyes and open mouths,
completely captivated by the spectacular and magical sight before them.
The air was filled only with the soft sound of water lapping against the hull and the faint, distant hoot of an owl.
Hermione was also deeply moved.
She had seen Hogwarts in the magic books Caesar left her and had imagined the Castle countless times in her mind.
But any description or imagination paled in comparison to the reality before her eyes.
Her heart pounded in her chest, overwhelmed by a mixture of awe, excitement, and infinite longing.
Instinctively, she turned her head, seeking Caesar, wanting to share this moment of awe with him.
She saw that he wasn't gazing at the Castle with the same rapt fascination as the other new students.
Instead, he was slightly turned, his gaze seemingly fixed on the distant Ravenclaw Tower.
That tower had a distinctive domed window; it was said to house a Library filled with stars and a common room accessible only by solving logic puzzles.
The moment Hermione's gaze landed on him, Caesar, as if sensing it, also turned his head.
In the dim night light and the swaying lantern glow, their eyes met briefly.
No words were spoken, but Hermione felt she could read the unspoken message in his eyes: "Look, this is where you will live and learn."
Immediately after, a faint, almost imperceptible warmth tingled at Hermione's fingertips, emanating from the wand held tightly in her hand—the one made with a female bird's feather.
And on Caesar's side, the hand resting on his knee moved almost imperceptibly, as if a similar resonance had come from somewhere within his robes.
This secret connection was like a magical thread only they could perceive.
Against the backdrop of the grand Castle, on a small boat laden with wonder and dreams, it quietly bound them together.
Hermione turned her head back, gazing once more at the Castle drawing ever closer, radiating unparalleled magic and history.
The slight sense of loss from not having made friends was completely replaced by a grander, more steadfast sense of belonging.
She had arrived at Hogwarts.
In this magical world, she had much to do.
The boat, carrying silent awe and churning individual thoughts, steadfastly sailed towards the brightly lit dock, towards the future of infinite possibilities awaiting them.
The gates of Hogwarts were about to slowly open for this batch of new students.
Chapter 17: Gryffindor
After coming ashore, Caesar bid farewell to Hermione.
As a member of Ravenclaw, he was also required to accompany his direct superior and Head of House, Professor Filius Flitwick, to attend the new students' Sorting Ceremony and the start-of-term feast.
"Welcome to Hogwarts!"
Professor McGonagall, waiting for the new students at the entrance to the Great Hall, was clad in solemn black robes.
Even as she spoke words of welcome, her face remained taut; an uninformed observer might think her a stern, unapproachable witch.
"In a few moments, you will pass through these doors. But before you do, you must be Sorted into your houses: Gryffindor, Hufflepuff, Ravenclaw, or Slytherin."
At that moment, a small hand shot up. It was Hermione.
Professor McGonagall gave a slight nod, granting her permission to ask.
"What house is Professor Caesar in?"
Hearing about the Sorting, Hermione realized with a start that she had never asked Caesar which house he belonged to.
"Caesar?" Hearing the name, a flicker of surprise passed through Professor McGonagall's steady gaze, followed by understanding.
"You must be Hermione Granger. No wonder.
Professor Caesar Habus will be your future Professor of Ancient History of Magic. He is a member of Ravenclaw house. Though young, he is a most learned Wizard."
Then, turning her attention to a few fidgeting students, Professor McGonagall resumed her interrupted explanation:
"Your house will be like your family while you are here. You will have classes with the rest of your house, sleep in your house dormitory, and spend free time in your house common room.
You will earn points for your house by doing well, and lose points for breaking rules. At the end of the year, the house with the most points is awarded the House Cup."
No sooner had she finished speaking than a pet toad suddenly leapt from the crowd. A plump boy named Neville scrambled after it, apologizing profusely to Professor McGonagall.
Professor McGonagall merely stated, "The Sorting Ceremony is about to begin," and pushed open the doors.
During the waiting period, the curious children began chatting amongst themselves. Two individuals stood out particularly.
One was Hermione, the other was Draco.
Those gathered around Hermione were mostly curious about her relationship with Professor Caesar.
Those surrounding Draco Malfoy, however, were almost all acquaintances from pure-blood wizarding families.
In this era, the few remaining pure-blood families could only retain a semblance of influence by banding together.
They appeared to still hold some sway, but they were but the fading afterglow of a sunset, destined to be swept away by the tide of time.
Hermione spotted Draco Malfoy, whom she had seen earlier that day, in the crowd. Her gaze locked onto him, cutting through the others, as various ideas for 'payback' flashed through her mind.
Draco seemed to sense it and looked her way.
He detested the look in her eyes. It wasn't one of equality, but rather like a superior looking down on an inferior, or a predator sizing up its prey.
"mudblood," he hissed under his breath, his tone haughty. "No matter how you managed to cozy up to a Hogwarts Professor, it doesn't change your filthy blood."
"I will make you regret every word you've just said, every single day from now on." Hermione's hand had already slipped into her sleeve, gripping her wand.
After her conversation with Caesar earlier, she had come prepared. For this foul-mouthed boy, she had a hundred ways to make him regret it.
"You're threatening me? I'm a Malfoy. Draco Malfoy..."
"Pfft!"
Just as Draco was pompously emphasizing his lineage, a red-haired boy beside him, Ron, couldn't help but snort with laughter.
Also a pure-blood family, the Weasleys had chosen a path diametrically opposed to the Malfoys' attempts to swim against the current.
Ron had always despised this kind of blind, arrogant pure-blood posturing.
Mocked, Draco glared angrily. "Red hair, old robes... you must be a Weasley."
*Thwack!*
Once again, his words were cut short. Professor McGonagall's voice rang out behind them. "We're ready for you now. Follow me."
Seeing this, Hermione released her grip on the wand hidden in her sleeve.
Everyone filed into the Great Hall.
The enchanted candlelight beneath the Hogwarts ceiling twinkled like stars. The four long house tables buzzed with the excitement and chatter of the new school year.
Caesar sat among the other teachers at the staff table, watching the new students with a hint of curiosity.
Dumbledore, seated in the center, announced a few key prohibitions to the new students before the Sorting Ceremony officially began.
Hermione's name was called relatively early. She had been discreetly scanning the staff table for Caesar when she heard it, and her heart felt like it was about to leap out of her throat.
She could feel the gaze of the entire school upon her.
When the worn Sorting Hat was placed over her head, blocking her vision, a small voice whispered in her ear:
"Hmm... Extraordinary intellect. A mind ravenous for knowledge, logical, inquisitive... Ravenclaw would suit you splendidly."
Hermione's heart gave a wild leap.
Ravenclaw!
Caesar's house!
She almost shouted it out loud right then and there.
Being in the same house as Caesar would be the most perfect start imaginable. Her eyes instinctively sought the staff table for that familiar figure.
However, the Hat's voice spoke again, thoughtful:
"But wait, what's this? Such a powerful desire to prove yourself, yes, very strong indeed. A stubborn, unyielding streak, even.
A refusal to blindly follow established rules, a drive to change the status quo... this isn't purely Ravenclaw.
Slytherin could help you achieve your ambitions, prove your worth..."
Hearing "Slytherin," Hermione's heart sank.
No, not there.
Meanwhile, Caesar, seated at the staff table, raised an eyebrow slightly.
It seemed his influence on Hermione was indeed significant.
In the original work, the Sorting Hat had almost instantly placed her in Gryffindor, yet now it was even considering Slytherin.
"No," she thought fiercely at the Hat. "I don't want to prove anything to anyone. I just want to learn more, become stronger, and do what I believe is right."
"'Right,'" the Hat seemed to latch onto the word. "A strong moral compass, courage to defend justice, even a willingness to challenge authority... very brave. Very Gryffindor.
So, Ravenclaw to satisfy your thirst for knowledge, or Gryffindor to act on your convictions?
Or perhaps... Slytherin?"
The Hat twisted slightly on her head, as if truly conflicted.
Time ticked by. Low murmurs began to rise in the Great Hall. Hermione was so tense her palms were sweating. She looked towards the staff table once more.
This time, her gaze met Caesar's directly.
He looked back calmly, his expression unreadable.
Yet, she seemed to detect a flicker of encouragement in his deep eyes, and a reassuring acceptance of whatever outcome.
Just as Hermione's internal struggle peaked, nearly pleading with the Hat for Ravenclaw, it seemed to finally reach a decision.
It set aside the possibility of Slytherin, and seemed to see through her desire for Ravenclaw to the deeper, fiercer wellspring of power beneath.
"Better be..." the Sorting Hat's loud voice boomed through the hall, announcing its final verdict:
"Gryffindor!"
Chapter 18: She Was Not a Modest or Low-Key Girl
Clap! Clap! Clap!
Thunderous applause and cheers instantly erupted from the long table on the right, beneath the red and gold banners.
Percy Weasley puffed out his chest with pride, while the twin brothers blew loud whistles.
Hermione froze for a moment before a complex surge of emotions flooded her heart.
There was the relief of being accepted, anticipation for the unknown house, but also a faint, barely concealable trace of disappointment.
She wasn't in Ravenclaw. She didn't know if Caesar would be disappointed.
She stood up, somewhat mechanically returning the Sorting Hat to Professor McGonagall, then walked towards the Gryffindor table amidst the enthusiastic applause.
Before sitting down, she couldn't help but turn her head once more to look at the staff table.
Caesar was still sitting there, calmly clapping along with everyone else.
But the corner of his mouth, as she looked over, curved upward almost imperceptibly. It was an extremely subtle smile, yet brimming with understanding and encouragement.
As if saying: "No matter which house you're in, you are still the Hermione that makes me proud."
Hermione turned back, took a deep breath, and accepted the pumpkin juice Percy handed her.
Yes, she was a Gryffindor now.
This place was full of courage and vitality. Perhaps, this was the place she truly desired deep down—a place where she could bravely put her knowledge into practice and challenge injustice.
And Caesar also withdrew his gaze, understandingly smiling.
Hermione ultimately joining Gryffindor was within his expectations. As previously mentioned, the fundamental quality of Hermione is kindness, which aligns with his impression of her.
[The welcoming ceremony concluded, and Hermione officially joined Hogwarts. Although sorted into Gryffindor, this did not stop her from coming to your office every evening after dinner under the pretext of studying, sharing her daily experiences while learning magical knowledge with you.]
[For instance, she heard that a certain male student from Hufflepuff secretly confessed to a female student from Gryffindor today, but was mercilessly rejected.]
[Or that Professor Snape assigned a lot of homework today. She was worried she wouldn't have time to visit you and frantically worked on it, only for Draco Malfoy to have the audacity to challenge her and waste her precious time. She taught him a lesson, slapping him a hundred times.]
[Additionally, she told you that she had taken on two followers named Ron and Neville. Although not particularly bright, they are very reliable.]
[Due to your deliberate favoritism and Hermione's intentional actions, the entire Hogwarts faculty and students know of your close relationship. This has stirred discontent among many other students, though the target of this discontent is not you, but Hermione, who receives so much of your attention.]
[Originally, you were the most popular teacher in the school, treating all students equally. You patiently answered any who came seeking help, so many students and even teachers would visit your office.]
[But now, everyone knows that whenever Hermione from Gryffindor knocks, you will immediately interrupt whatever you are doing to teach her.]
[Other students wanting to enter the library need to go through a strict process with a teacher to obtain stamped approval. Yet Hermione, through you, can almost freely research magic in the library, with a difficulty akin to eating and drinking.]
[Coupled with the fact that Hermione herself was not a modest or low-key girl—on the contrary, she was very proud—she basically accepted every warning and provocation from other students, never losing a single challenge, solidifying her image as the top student of the first year.]
[Although the stark reality gap brought by her continuous victories slightly quelled everyone's resentment, Hermione, now adorned with various honors, did something that touched upon Ravenclaw's most sensitive nerve. Last month, she participated in the Wisdom Cup competition held in Ravenclaw Tower.]
[Ravenclaw takes pride in wisdom, holding an intellectual prowess that others find difficult to reach as the pinnacle of their pride when facing other houses. The Wisdom Cup is the crown jewel atop this pinnacle.]
[Although students from other houses occasionally sign up, they are usually just filler, unable to reach the top ranks, serving only to repeatedly validate Ravenclaw's intellectual superiority.]
[But this time, the result was unbelievable. Under your full, meticulous guidance and unconditional provision of material foundation, Hermione not only made far greater progress in magic compared to the same period in the original work, but her theoretical knowledge was also more profound than in the original.]
[For the first time, a student not from Ravenclaw won the Wisdom Cup competition! And Hermionewon with a perfect score!]
[The students who belong to Ravenclaw, like you, are very angry. They already disliked Hermione, and now they are prepared to remind the Gryffindor first-years how to respect their seniors at this year's Quidditch match!]
The very air of Hogwarts seemed to tremble with the impending Quidditch match. Students wearing their house colors, engaged in fervent discussions about tactics and outcomes, were visible everywhere inside and outside the Castle.
Having just received Professor Flitwick's high praise in Charms Class for her flawless performance once again, Hermione was now moving with light, quick steps through the Castle's rotating staircases.
She didn't head back to Gryffindor Tower. Instead, she went straight towards Ravenclaw Tower.
She wanted to see Caesar, to tell him of this victory in person. Perhaps, she could even invite him to watch the upcoming Quidditch match.
Although Caesar was a teacher from Ravenclaw, Hermione secretly hoped deep down that he could spare some attention for her.
Arriving at the eagle-shaped bronze door knocker that required answering a logic riddle to enter, she happened to meet several Ravenclaw upperclassmen coming out.
Hermione stepped aside to let them pass, then proficiently gave the answer to the door knocker.
The door swung open.
Caesar's office was at the end of a short corridor next to the common room, the door slightly ajar.
As Hermione approached, she heard clear discussion from inside—about the variant application of a complex Ancient Runes grammatical structure.
She knocked gently, then pushed the door open.
Caesar sat behind a desk piled high with ancient tomes and parchment. Three Ravenclaw students surrounded him on the opposite side.
Two boys and a girl listened intently to his explanation, their faces glowing with the excitement of acquiring knowledge.
Hearing the door, Caesar looked up.
Seeing it was Hermione, a trace of imperceptible softness flickered in his eyes as he gave a slight nod.
Simultaneously, the three Ravenclaw students followed Caesar's gaze and turned around. Seeing Hermione standing at the doorway, clad in the distinct Gryffindor robes,
the light on their faces instantly dimmed, like lanterns suddenly having their power cut off.
They exchanged a look mixed with resignation and slight displeasure.
"It's her again, Hermione, that Gryffindor who always shows up at Professor Caesar's office at the wrong time."
"Um... thank you, Professor Caesar. We think we understand now," one of the boys said hastily, his tone turning somewhat flat.
"We'll head back now, so we won't disturb you any further," the girl immediately chimed in, quickly gathering her notes.
The three of them almost filed out one by one. Passing by Hermione, they didn't greet her, even deliberately avoiding eye contact, leaving behind a low-pressure silence.
Hermione clearly felt that almost tangible sense of exclusion, like a cold membrane separating her from them.
But Hermione just shrugged indifferently and walked straight into the office.
In her view, the "wisdom" that Ravenclaw prides itself on is often just pedantry and empty theoretical indulgence.
Many of her practical insights are often more incisive than their rigid deductions.
They're jealous, simply because I'm smarter than them and more recognized by Caesar.
This understanding didn't make her feel uncomfortable; instead, it gave her a sense of natural superiority.
Chapter 19: Are We Really Family?
"Caesar!"
As soon as the door closed, Hermione's voice instantly regained its cheerfulness. The minor unpleasantness in the corridor moments ago hadn't affected her mood in the slightest. "I was just in Charms Class..."
She began to recount with great enthusiasm how she had perfectly executed an advanced 'Twinkling Charm', earning her extra points from Professor Flitwick.
Her tone carried a small, unconcealed hint of pride, her eyes sparkling as she looked at Caesar, eagerly awaiting his reaction.
As she narrated, Caesar's gaze occasionally drifted thoughtfully towards the recently closed door.
And towards the faint, murmuring complaints from the Ravenclaw students lingering outside.
"Little Hermione, did you hear that?"
Hermione, understanding exactly what Caesar was referring to, pouted, completely dismissive. "Those Ravenclaws are just sore losers, only brave enough to mutter behind my back."
"I bet they're planning to 'teach me a lesson' in tomorrow's Quidditch match. But this time, I'll make sure they see exactly how big the gap between us really is."
Alright. A flicker of reflection passed through Caesar's mind.
Hermione truly lived up to being one of the smartest characters in the original work.
Anyone who underestimated her actual intellect and insight based on her age would surely suffer for it.
"I believe in your abilities, little Hermione," Caesar said gently, looking at her. "But why are you so fiercely competitive?"
"From what I know, those overly fixated on accolades often seek external validation. You're being so assertive now, but sometimes that might backfire.""
He observed the pure, unadulterated pride on the girl's face, born of knowledge and skill, along with that near-absolute confidence.
And hearing her simply attribute the Ravenclaw students' alienation to "jealousy of her intelligence", a profoundly complex emotion flickered deep in his eyes.
He clearly knew that the Hermione in the original work was an extremely intelligent, strong-willed, and morally principled girl.
But at the same time, she also had real flaws: pride, stubbornness, and poor social skills.
It was precisely the interweaving of these strengths and weaknesses that made her character so authentic, believable, and captivating.
She wasn't a perfect symbol, but a living girl who was constantly learning, making mistakes, and growing.
Ultimately, she would become a pillar of the wizarding world and Harry Potter's most indispensable partner.
Of course, to outsiders, Hermione might seem like an annoyingly arrogant classmate.
But in Caesar's eyes, he always treated it as "tsundere".
Upon hearing Caesar's words, Hermione felt as if a honey pot and a medicine bottle had been knocked over in her heart simultaneously, a bittersweet mixture.
Yet she didn't respond immediately.
Yes... Why do I need to prove myself to outsiders?
Caesar, you big dummy!
Who on earth said you were so knowledgeable?
Seeing Hermione's complex, shifting expression fixed on him, Caesar had a flash of insight, understanding the issue. He said calmly:
"Little Hermione, you don't need to prove anything to them. We are family. It's only natural for me to care about my own family. Why seek validation from outsiders?"
Hearing this, Hermione just rolled her eyes.
She scooted a little away from Caesar, her tone deliberately laced with a tsundere quality:
"Got it! Who's doing it for you anyway?"
"I don't care at all. We're family. You providing me with food, clothes, buying me things, taking me out to play, teaching me magic, giving me'special tutoring'—isn't that all just how it should be?"
"I just want to teach those Ravenclaws a lesson."
"Just you wait and see tomorrow's match. I don't just look down on first-year Ravenclaws; even fifth-years aren't worth my attention."
What clever people say often diverges completely from what they truly feel inside.
Of course, Caesar and I are family.
But are we really "family"?
After all, there's no blood relation. Caesar, as the giver, can bestow things with righteous confidence.
But as the one continuously receiving help, she not only lacked this confidence, but even felt a bit guilty.
That's why she has always craved honors and victories to prove her worth, to prove she deserves this favoritism.
Hermione clearly knows the truth deep in her heart, but she cannot change it, at least not now.
She just wants to prove herself again and again, until every person at Hogwarts says with heartfelt admiration:
"Look, that's Hermione Granger, a once-in-a-century genius at our school, Professor Caesar's most prized student."
"Professor Caesar truly has an eye for talent, no wonder he nurtures her so diligently!""
"Confidence is good, but remember to keep it in check, don't make me worry." After speaking, Caesar turned and retrieved a box from his drawer.
Lifting the lid, a rich herbal scent immediately permeated the air. Closing one's eyes, it felt as if the entire office had transformed into a miniature medicinal garden.
"You've come at the perfect time today. Haven't you always wanted to see how I prepare the 'Cascading Bath' medicinal bath? This time, you'll witness it firsthand."
Upon hearing this, Hermione immediately cast aside her previous complicated emotions, reverting back to that lively, cheerful girl.
She gave Caesar's chest a light punch with her small fist, deliberately saying in a mock-threatening tone: "You stingy thing, finally willing to teach me your most treasured skills!"
She had been curious about the "Cascading Bath" for a long time—a miraculous potion that could enhance a Wizard's magical power without side effects.
Before entering Hogwarts, one of the gifts Caesar left for her was the "Cascading Bath".
At that time, she did not yet know the value of this item, thinking it was just an ordinary potion that would also appear in Potion Class.
However, as her understanding of the wizarding world deepened, she increasingly felt the extraordinary nature of this potion.
To enhance magical power without side effects!
She was certain that if Caesar released this information, the front-page headline of the next issue of *The Daily Prophet* would undoubtedly be about this.
"Why are today's ingredients different from before?"
Seeing Caesar not handing her a finished bottle as usual but starting to handle raw materials, Hermioneasked curiously, "What happened to the ones I used before?"
"The 'Cascading Bath' you used before had been diluted three times. It was only suitable for young Wizards just beginning to learn magic—a specially made 'Children's Version'."
"Now it's not much help to you anymore. What I'm preparing today is the orthodox 'Cascading Bath'.""
While patiently explaining, Caesar's hands did not stop moving.
He took various magical herbs and materials from the box one by one, measured them precisely, and poured them into a ceramic bowl.
Then he took out a bottle of red liquid and mixed it in.
This process was repeated, with the materials in the box being added in an orderly fashion.
"Ning gong de lei..."
Subsequently, Caesar began to chant an incantation—an extremely ancient and obscure language.
Simultaneously, the mixed liquid within the ceramic bowl underwent a strange magical reaction, suddenly emitting a soft yet dazzling light.
This was Hermione's first time witnessing Caesar prepare the "Cascading Bath" for her.
Her love of learning made her hold her breath, watching Caesar's every movement without blinking, afraid of missing any detail.
After several dozen minutes, Caesar finished his incantation.
The light in the bowl had already faded. He poured the final potion into a prepared crystal vial and handed it to Hermione.
"All done."
Hermione took the vial, her mind still meticulously reviewing the entire production process she had just observed.
Noticing her expression, Caesar smiled and explained:
"I once visited the Top of the World. Besides encountering the Biyu Bird, I was also fortunate to meet the Shenshan People, a group of residents who live in seclusion among the mountains."
"To create the 'Cascading Bath', you must master the ancient language of the 'Shenshan People' and accept their understanding of magic. Only then can you create this miracle.""
Chapter 20: Talent, Willpower, Love
Upon hearing this, Hermione's eyes gleamed with a thirst for knowledge:
"The mysterious Eastern nations actually possess such a Potion that can enhance magic power without side effects.
I've only used it for a year, and my magic power already far surpasses that of first-year students. If..."
"You're overthinking it."
Caesar shook his head, interrupting Hermione's reverie:
"Cascading Bath's effect seems like it boosts magic power, but it actually just uses magical materials to stimulate the potential within your body, increasing your magical affinity.
It allows you to perceive the existence of magic more clearly and to mobilize more magic more easily."
Hermione quickly grasped the key point: "So, it's like a cheat code to accelerate learning, just like the hacks in those video games outside."
"Exactly."
Caesar nodded and continued: "If you want to become a legendary Wizard comparable to Dumbledoreand Grindelwald in the future,
you'll truly rely on only three things: talent, willpower, and—love."
Talent, willpower, love.
Hermione's mind raced. Becoming a legendary Wizard was the dream of every new magic student.
Hermione was no exception, especially now that she was undefeated among first-year students at school, possessing strong self-confidence.
"Caesar, what about my magical talent?"
"If nothing unexpected happens, your future strength will allow you to become a Wizard of the level of Hogwarts' four Deans, like Professor Snape and Professor McGonagall."
Caesar held Hermione in very high regard. She was the 'brain' of the Golden Trio, calm in situations, skilled at analysis, planning, and preparation.
From brewing Polyjuice Potion in her first year to planning the search for Horcruxes in her seventh year, her meticulous plans were crucial to the team's success.
Even when her strength was often insufficient, she could always solve problems by applying various knowledge flexibly with her wisdom, such as the weaknesses of the Devil's Snare and the Basilisk.
Of course, because her wisdom was too outstanding, her magical talent wasn't as strong; otherwise, there might really have been nothing for Harry Potter to do.
"Then what about my willpower?" Hermione pressed on.
"You are the bravest person I've ever met."
In Caesar's view, courage was also Hermione's label.
In the original work, for her friends, she would break school rules, confront Dark Wizards, and even modify her parents' memories to make them forget her, protecting their safety.
This required immense, heartfelt courage.
Even more rare was that her courage was not reckless, but a moral courage that, after rational consideration, still chose to fight for justice and friendship.
"Magical talent, I have. Willpower, I don't lack. So..." Hermione looked up, her brown eyes, which always sparkled with wisdom and competitiveness, were now clouded with a rare, truly bewildered mist.
She stared at Caesar, as if questioning the most difficult magical principle, and threw out her 'trump card':
"...What is love?"
The air seemed to freeze for a moment.
Caesar paused.
His gaze refocused on Hermione's face: "Love is the most dangerous spell; it can make people lose their minds, obscure clear judgment, and bring the deepest pain.
It can make you strong enough to be fearless, and it can also make you fragile enough to be shattered."
"I don't quite understand, is it really that exaggerated?"
Hermione hadn't expected the love Caesar spoke of to be like this; it seemed too grand, too turbulent. She didn't seem to have experienced such feelings.
"Of course, it's not that exaggerated. I heard those words from Dumbledore," Caesar said with a smile, shaking his head.
He had never been in love with anyone, so how could he know what love was like? The words he'd just spoken were something he'd incidentally learned while discussing Grindelwald with Dumbledore.
Then, seeing Hermione's bewildered expression, Caesar explained again: "Perhaps you'll understand when you fall in love with someone someday.
Don't forget to tell me how it feels; I also want to know if it's really like the Principal said."
"Mhm, mhm."
Teased by Caesar, Hermione shook off the strange thoughts in her mind, her face returning to the expression she had when she first entered the office, with a naturally confident smile:
"But Caesar, tomorrow is the Quidditch match, and I'll be representing Gryffindor. I'm giving you a chance to buy me the latest broom, and then I'll agree to let you cheer for me tomorrow!"
"I'm giving you a chance to buy me the latest broom, and then I'll agree to let you cheer for me tomorrow!"
"When did I say I was going to cheer for you?" Caesar's face showed a doting expression. Before the cute and tsundere girl could get angry, he reached out and ruffled her hair,
"But no problem, let's go before the sun sets."
The next day.
The atmosphere at the Quidditch Pitch was almost explosive.
The red and gold of Gryffindor and the blue and bronze of Ravenclaw were distinctly separated in the stands, with waves of cheers echoing through the field like physical shock wave.
This was Hermione's first important match as a Seeker, and her opponent happened to be Ravenclaw, the house of Professor Caesar, with whom she had a close relationship.
Coupled with the Ravenclaw students' readiness to avenge the humiliation of last month's Wisdom Cup,
this match was full of hype.
She rode her broom, hovering high in the air, the strong wind tousling her curly hair, her heart pounding like a drum in her chest.
Between the swirling Quaffle and the whizzing Bludgers, her gaze would always involuntarily drift towards the teachers' stand.
Caesar sat there, his dark robes appearing exceptionally serene amidst the blue tide of cheers for Ravenclaw.
He promised to come, and that was enough.
She secretly vowed to win this victory in front of him.
Only
However, just as the match became deadlocked and the Golden Snitch appeared and disappeared several times, Hermione's peripheral vision suddenly caught sight of the teachers' stand.
That serene figure stood up, without a moment's hesitation, turned, and vanished into the shadows of the passage.
In an instant, the high-altitude wind seemed to turn bone-chillingly cold.
He left? At a critical moment against his own house, at the moment she needed him to witness it most?
A mix of disappointment, confusion, and a hint of grievance suddenly clutched her heart, almost making her miss a Bludger that whizzed past her ear... On the third floor of the Castle, in the secluded area leading to the forbidden corridor, intense whispers were unfolding, forming an eerie contrast to the stadium's clamor.
"You must stop your prying, Severus!"
Professor Quirrell's voice carried a feigned toughness, but his stammering ending and constantly squirming body betrayed his fear. "You... you have no right..."
"I have the right to ensure Hogwarts is not corroded by certain internal threats," Snape's voice was like a cold, venomous snake, slick and oppressive.
His tall figure almost completely enveloped Quirrell in shadow. "Your recent behavior has been very suspicious, Quirrell. Especially since your 'vacation' return."
"That's slander!" Quirrell shrieked, pressing his back tightly against the cold stone wall.
Just as Snape pressed closer, seemingly intending to forcefully extract the truth with Legilimency.