Chapter 17: Ginny

"Ah... well... I need to keep preparing for the House Cup tomorrow, Hermione..." Draco shuddered as soon as Hermione mentioned dueling. His brain jolted awake.

After all, his first crushing defeat in life had been at the hands of this terrifying little witch!

It was pure PTSD.

"Hmm?!" Hermione glared at him angrily. What kind of joke was this? Did he think he could escape after upsetting her? Absolutely not.

"Alright, alright, I'll do it," Draco forced out a smile that looked more like a grimace, reluctantly agreeing.

Even as he agreed, Draco couldn't help but feel deeply frustrated.

He knew full well that his skills were no match for Hermione's.

But this much of a gap? What was going on?

Hadn't he been training diligently?

Draco couldn't figure it out, while Hermione showed no fear.

Did he really think all her daily hard work and the countless private lessons Glenn had given her were for nothing?

Draco's earlier joy and excitement evaporated completely. He collected himself, silently eating his food, while Glenn and Hermione returned to the Gryffindor table to enjoy their lunch.

After the meal, it was time for their walk. The two strolled along the path leading to the Forbidden Forest and arrived at Hagrid's hut.

Just as they were about to knock on the wooden door, Glenn suddenly noticed a flash of red darting behind Hagrid's hut.

It was a small figure with red hair.

"Ginny Weasley," Glenn said, stopping in his tracks.

"Who?" Hermione blinked, momentarily confused as she had just knocked on Hagrid's door and hadn't caught what Glenn said.

"Ginny Weasley. I just saw her behind Hagrid's hut," Glenn repeated, shaking his head and signaling Hermione not to worry.

What he didn't mention was that Ginny's behavior seemed a bit odd.

Hermione was about to peek around when the door to Hagrid's hut opened.

"Did you see the youngest Weasley girl? I just saw her yesterday," Hagrid said, poking his head out, apparently having overheard part of their conversation.

"Yesterday? Ginny was here yesterday too?" Hermione was surprised. Ever since she'd befriended Ginny, the younger girl had never mentioned visiting Hagrid.

"Oh, she didn't actually come inside. I was going to treat her to my famous rock cakes," Hagrid said, scratching his head as he recalled. He invited Glenn and Hermione into his hut. "She said she was just wandering around. I think... maybe she was hoping to run into someone here?" Hagrid chuckled, his expression resembling someone shipping a couple.

Yes, a knowing smile spread across Hagrid's face.

"Oh~ I see~" Hermione's eyes lit up as she seemed to piece something together, her face breaking into a similar smile.

The young witch knew full well that Ginny Weasley had a huge admiration for the Boy Who Lived, Harry Potter. She would blush furiously whenever she saw Harry from afar—a shy, adorable little witch!

But then Hermione grew curious. Since when had the timid Ginny become so bold? She hadn't told them anything, nor had she asked for advice. Where had she gotten the information to sneak off to Hagrid's hut alone to wait for Harry?

Oh well, Ginny must have her reasons for keeping it to herself. They should respect her decision.

Hermione nodded to herself, already thinking about how to nurture and protect this sweet, lovable girl. Perhaps she could help Ginny win over Harry, that mischievous little lion.

Watching Hermione and Hagrid share a smile he'd seen many times among the adults in his family, Glenn shook his head. He couldn't understand it. Instead, he busied himself preparing the utensils, recipes, and ingredients for their cooking practice.

By the time Glenn had picked some greens from Hagrid's garden and fetched some meat from the storage room, Hermione and Hagrid were deep in conversation, laughing and whispering excitedly. Hermione occasionally lowered her voice, giggling softly, while the big man tried to suppress his laughter, though his face betrayed a wide, knowing smile.

The two were clearly engrossed in their matchmaking talk, completely forgetting about their cooking practice.

Seeing his friends so absorbed, Glenn didn't rush them. He quietly began preparing the ingredients, both for their practice and for tonight's dinner.

Time passed, and the sun began to set. The golden light of dusk streamed softly through the windows of Hagrid's hut. The warm glow bathed the young witch's face, making her fluffy brown hair appear even more radiant. Her long lashes fluttered like butterfly wings, her bright brown eyes sparkling. She occasionally covered her delicate smile with her hand, speaking in hushed tones.

Having finished preparing the ingredients, Glenn leaned back on the sofa to rest. He figured there wouldn't be time for Hermione and Hagrid to practice cooking today. Dinner time was approaching.

Time to start cooking.

Rolling up his sleeves, Glenn got to work.

Lighting the fire, setting the pots, chopping vegetables and meat—whether stir-frying, stewing, or adding pre-prepared seasonings.

Though Glenn's cooking might not look professional, every movement was precise and elegant, as if he were concocting a magical potion rather than preparing food.

Finally, as Hermione and Hagrid wrapped up their lively conversation, Glenn's dinner was ready.

"Dinner's ready," Glenn announced, setting the dishes on the table.

"Huh? Is it that late already?" Hermione scratched her head sheepishly and stuck out her tongue. She hadn't realized how carried away she'd gotten talking about romance with Hagrid.

"Sorry, Glenn. We were supposed to practice cooking, but Hermione and I got so caught up chatting that we neglected you," Hagrid apologized, feeling guilty for leaving Glenn to fend for himself all afternoon.

"It's fine. Let's eat," Glenn waved them off, pulling out chairs for the three of them.

"Umm, how about we practice cooking after dinner? Otherwise, it feels like your whole afternoon was wasted," Hermione suggested, tapping her finger against her lips thoughtfully.

...

Totally unnecessary.

Suddenly, Glenn didn't feel like eating anymore.

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