Harry Potter and the Secret Treasures

Chapter 286: Hermione’s Time

After the first successful spell, Hermione performed well.

They searched for a few more Acromantulas to let Hermione practice. Although she could successfully cast the spell now, she was still not very skilled and she could not easily master her movements.

Her spell was also much less powerful than Evan’s.

“I practiced for so long, and I still can’t master this spell…”

“You are already doing great, Hermione!” Evan encouraged her and said, “When I first came into contact with this spell, I didn’t grasp it as quickly as you did. What you need now is more practice until you fully master it.”

More practice means more time.

Hermione’s schoolwork had overdrawn all her time and energy, with each professor assigning more and more homework to prepare for the upcoming final exam, in addition to the regular battle with the Acromantulas in the Forbidden Forest every Friday.

Since February, Hermione had been using the Time-Turner frequently to shuttle back and forth over different periods of time, often forgetting to eat.

With the increase of schoolwork, there was unlimited pressure, and she could only talk to Evan about it.

Evan chose to remain silent and listen quietly, giving her where to vent.

It was useless to suggest that Hermione gave up on a few classes or something like that. It was totally a waste of effort.

He often saw her appear before him right after she left him.

Therefore, Evan had to prepare for Hermione a timetable to remind her of what she should do at a certain time.

One day before the Easter holidays, when Evan and Colin finished their morning lessons in the history of magic, they walked into the Great Hall and saw all the third years sitting at the table with smiles on their faces. Only Harry and Ron looked worried and whispered.

“Why are they laughing all the time?” Colin asked curiously.

“This is the power of the Cheering Charm.” Ron explained. “In the morning’s Charms class, Professor Flitwick taught us this spell, and we cast it on each other.”

Evan knew that the Cheering Charm could bring people a feeling of great contentment.

Under the influence of the spell, the victim’s mood would continue to be high, feeling happy from the bottom of his heart, even if he encountered frustrating things.

“Everyone really needs to relax. The effect of this spell can last for a whole day.” Evan looked around and continued, “Where did Hermione go, why didn’t she come for lunch?”

“This is exactly what we’ve just been talking about.” Harry hurriedly said, “Evan, haven’t you seen Hermione elsewhere?”

“No, I saw her the last time in the morning; she followed the two of you to go to Charms class!” Evan frowned and said, “What happened?”

“In fact, this morning until we walked up the marble staircase toward Professor Flitwick’s classroom, the three of us were still together,” Harry explained. “But when we entered the classroom, Hermione was missing!”

“Missing?!” Evan froze.

“She was clearly behind me, and we were discussing the matter of those damn spiders in the Forbidden Forest.” Ron added, “I and Harry thought she went to the bathroom, but she didn’t show up for the whole lesson.”

Hearing this, Evan already knew what happened.

Hermione must have confused the time with the Time-Turner. She missed a very important Charms class and he didn’t know where she was now.

He took Hermione’s timetable out of his schoolbag, which showed that she should have had Arithmancy and Divination this morning in addition to Charms class.

“Did you ask anyone else about Hermione?” Evan looked up and said, “Like, a student in Divination class!”

“We’ve asked everyone, but nobody has seen Hermione!” Ron looked at the timetable in the hands of Evan and whispered, “I’ve never understood it. How does Hermione manage to have many classes at the same time?!”

“Evan, do you think Hermione will use that thing?” Harry thought about the Time-Turner.

Evan nodded and Ron looked at him and Harry suspiciously.

“Hermione must have confused the time. She is either in the library or in the Common Room.” Evan said, putting down his cutlery. “Let’s go and find her.”

Over 20 minutes later, they found Hermione in the Common Room. She was sitting at a table, asleep, her head resting on an open Arithmancy book.

They went to sit down on either side of her. Evan prodded her awake.

“Wh… what, Evan?” Hermione said confusedly. She woke up with a start and stared wildly around. Then she saw Harry and Ron. “Is it time to go? Which lesson have we got now?”

“Divination, but it’s not for another twenty minutes!” said Harry.

“Why didn’t you come to Charms?” Ron asked strangely. “Evan said that you messed up the timing, but I don’t understand…”

“What?! Oh no!” Hermione squeaked, “I forgot to go to Charms!”

“But how could you forget?” Ron asked. “You were with us till we were right outside the classroom, and Harry can prove it!”

Hermione did not pay him any heed, she wailed,” I can’t believe it. Was Professor Flitwick angry? I remember you telling me about Acromantulas. I was thinking about the spell Evan had taught me. I was thinking about it and I lost track of things…”

“You’ve chosen too many courses.” Said Harry, looking down at the enormous Arithmancy book Hermione had been using as a pillow. “I reckon you’re breaking down. You want to do so many things at the same time…”

“No, I don’t!” said Hermione, moving her hair away of her eyes and staring hopelessly around for her bag. “I just made a mistake, that’s all! I’d better go and see Professor Flitwick and say sorry!”

She grabbed her schoolbag and rushed out of the Common Room, and Evan hurriedly followed.

“I can’t believe I missed Charms class!” Hermione said irritably, and she quickly walked to Professor Flitwick’s office.

“I will stick to my words; you have put yourself under too much pressure.” Evan said.

“I haven’t, I’m just…” Hermione hesitated when she saw Evan looking at her seriously. “You know, I just want to be better!”

“You are good enough. In my mind, you are always the best.” Evan took out a few pieces of cake specially reserved for Hermione from his schoolbag and handed them over.

“Thank you, Evan!” Hermione looked much moved. She came up and hugged Evan.

Then she hurried to Professor Flitwick’s office.

About ten minutes later, she came out of it, looking extremely harassed.