Rock looked at Hermione in front of him, not quite sure what she was trying to do.
Before he could ask, Hermione pointed at the History of Magic textbook sitting on the table, her eyes shining.
"Is this the book you've been reading?"
Her voice was crisp, with a hint of urgency. Rock glanced down and nodded.
Hearing that, Hermione immediately set down the stack of books in her hands. The heavy thud drew Rock's attention.
He glanced at the pile—A Modern History of Magic on top, Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration underneath.
Good grief. These were the thickest textbooks of the entire first-year curriculum.
Rock couldn't help wondering how Hermione managed to carry all these books… while also escorting Neville off the train.
Huh?
Rock turned his head and noticed Neville standing stiffly at the compartment door.
"Hey, it's okay—you can come in." Rock waved him over. In the original story, Neville had plenty of flaws but also strengths.
And honestly, he seemed like the kind of kid you could be friends with without getting dragged into drama.
Hearing Rock's invitation, Neville moved immediately, as if receiving orders, and sat beside Hermione.
Hermione turned back around and held out her hand. "I'm Hermione Granger."
Her movements were crisp and decisive—Rock couldn't help thinking she was the type who'd be a class rep back home.
A total teacher's helper.
"Nice to meet you. I'm Rock Theseus Scamander."
Rock shook her hand briefly.
"I'm Neville Longbottom," Neville added, raising his hand like he was reporting to a teacher.
"Nice to meet you," Rock replied with a nod.
"What do you think of the History of Magic book?" Hermione asked directly, staring right at him.
"It's fine. Actually, I already finished it—I'm just reviewing."
That wasn't bragging. History of Magic was the only textbook Rock had read before turning eleven.
Compared to this year's Hogwarts books, this one was practically familiar territory.
Hermione straightened, her eyes sparkling. "I didn't just finish all the textbooks—I also read all the supplemental material."
"And I memorized everything."
Very straightforward. Maybe a little proud.
Neville, who had already been shocked that Rock had finished History of Magic, looked at Hermione like she was some kind of mythical creature.
Rock nodded. He had to give credit where it was due. Back home, she'd definitely be that kid parents used as a comparison.
Hmm?
Maybe…
A thought crossed Rock's mind. He looked at Hermione thoughtfully.
Hermione, still chattering away, didn't notice. She'd moved on to discussing the contents of History of Magic.
Rock didn't immediately share his idea. Instead, he nodded or asked questions at the right moments.
Whenever he mentioned a specific detail from the book, Hermione's pace quickened, her eyes lighting up even more.
She had confirmed it—Rock really had studied History of Magic thoroughly.
She felt like she'd found someone who shared her passions, while Neville felt like the world was spinning.
He got dizzy just looking at books.
[Discussion on Magic History – Deep Reading EXP +10]
Huh?
Rock paused, staring at the panel in front of him.
So discussing a subject with someone also boosted his Deep Reading skill?
He had spent all of August grinding this skill little by little. He had never gotten a +10 bonus at once.
"What's wrong?" Hermione asked, confused when Rock suddenly stopped.
She had been completely in her element.
Rock snapped back to reality, shook his head, and got to the point.
"You said you memorized all the first-year textbooks?"
Hermione blinked, then misread his tone as doubt. The brightness in her expression dimmed, and her chin lifted a little.
"Yes. What about it?"
Rock tugged at the corner of his mouth. This kid was way too sensitive.
"No, there's no problem at all."
He shook his head quickly and put on the perfect expression of genuine curiosity.
"I think it's incredible. Honestly, I can't do that. So… could you teach me how you managed it? Do you have any special techniques?"
This was the thought he'd just had. Compared to academic prodigies like Hermione…
It made sense to learn from her, especially if it could boost his Deep Reading skill.
Hermione's expression softened immediately, replaced with excitement at being recognized—and understood.
Even Neville, who moments ago felt like the world was collapsing, suddenly felt like the clouds had parted.
Smack!
Hermione slapped the table, stood up, and her eyes practically sparkled. "Of course I do!"
"First, you can't just memorize things mechanically."
She grabbed her Beginner's Guide to Transfiguration and flipped it open with practiced ease.
Rock nearly winced.
Good grief—she even remembered exactly which page had what content?
"For example, when you memorize Gamp's Law of Elemental Transfiguration, you need to understand the underlying principles behind the five exceptions. Don't just memorize the terms."
"You have to make connections—like linking the Goblin Rebellions to the legal reforms that followed. Once you see the cause-and-effect, it sticks much better."
"Your memory becomes a network, not scattered points."
Hermione pulled out a thick notebook from her bag—packed with dense notes and color-coded markings.
"Like this—categorizing key points, connecting concepts, and writing down your own questions."
Once she finished her long explanation, she finally stopped, catching her breath, looking at Rock with bright, expectant eyes.
She clearly wanted to know what he thought.
Rock looked at her notebook… and her mountain of textbooks.
Snape might have joked about her being a know-it-all, but honestly?
He wasn't wrong.
It was half insult, half compliment.
Rock nodded, thoughtful, then looked up at Hermione.
"This method is amazing. At the very least, it means I won't have to rely on pure memorization anymore."