Once the exams did end, however, many students began their reign of terror towards Lucifer, after seeing this boy in such a good mood, probably a cheater in life.
People were still coming off the high that followed the final day. Ron was still furious for being given anti-cheating quills.
Hermione had already refused him outright to copy her answers, in the library, with such a disgusted look, she almost jinxed his mouth.
Harry at least did better than Ron because of his study sessions with her and Lucifer. Whereas Ron was just playing wizard chess with Dean and Seamus.
Professor McGonagall watched Hermione turn a mouse into a snuff-box.... She gave points for how pretty the box looked, but took points away, when she saw whisker, and a tail was present.
Her mood slumped.
"Maybe, you should try adopting a Cat as your pet, Miss Granger...."
Hermione's deflated posture became a little better. But she her face darkened, as she watched Lucifer being dismissed so early in Potions exam, and left the classroom, while making a face at her.
----She scowled visibly from the spot while stirring her own cauldron, her bushy curls now a bird's nest, sticking to her forehead, and back.
That arsehole's potion was better than
hers, Blaise Zabini, another top student in Slytherin at Potions, Daphne's, Malfoy's, and even Tracey, who was just busy staring at her crush blonde's hair, and face sweating in a daze, getting worked up.
In History of Magic, Lucifer completed the exam in record breaking speed, then tried to flirt with a Hufflepuff girl, Hannah Abbott, who wasn't afraid of the bushy-haired girl's scathing look at all.
But, Susan bones, her best friend, she turned over a new leaf, after Hermione threatened her, to make her chests similar to a giant pumpkin.
And, even worse, those horrible pimples like Millicent Bulstrode, not even dared to talk with Lucifer again.
Only, Hannah Abbott.... Hermione didn't approve of her antics at all, and looked ready to beat this girl, with her quill.
But, she restrained herself due to the girl being her 'Cooking instructor' and did her best to focus on the exam.
After the test was over, Lucifer, Hermione, and surprisingly Susan joined the stream of students leaving the castle, stepping into warm sunshine. They hurried to a prime spot by the Black Lake.
Lucifer conjured a picnic blanket, and with a wave, summoned celebratory lunch Parra had prepared.
Hermione immediately started to make herself look cool in front of Lucifer, by waving her little hands, in such a manner, that she didn't find History of Magic, very difficult, her comments were like this, "That was far easier than I thought it would be.... To be honest, I was sure, Professor Binns, would ask about the 1637 Werewolf Code of Conduct or the Uprising of Elfric the Eager..."
She made several outrageous remarks like this, no longer caring about her academic rivalry with Lucifer or Susan for the mean time, and just tried to flaunt her knowledge.
Her super computer like-brain was one of her best qualities after all!
The three of them had wandered down towards-edge of the lake and flopped down under a tree.
Hermione was still going over their exam papers, just to see, if Lucifer answered similarly.
And, much to her satisfaction, he answered exactly the same, meaning they had a great chance of completely acing all of the written aspects.
She did, however, not feel nearly as confident in Potions or some of the Practicals.
And, expected Snape to not be so kind for her slight hesitation during the brewing, and Hermione could almost have sworn her snuff-box had a little bit of fur on it too.
"I think I messed up the answer to that one about the wizard in 1675 who conjured a buffalo to scare Muggles..."
"Lee Besgard."
"Damn. I 'did' get it wrong."
Lucifer let that hang, ignoring Hermione's fretting. Her personality had softened over time, but she still cared too much about grades. Honestly - who checks answers after the exam? 'That's just self-inflicted misery.... Look over there Potter, and Weasley are terribly scared of you.'
Susan also ignored her too after a while, staring curiously at the giant squid whose tentacles reached all the way to the shore.
"Lucifer, do you think those tentacles are edible?" She asked suddenly.
"Uh... no idea. We could try someday, have Weasely twins 'taste--test' first. If they survive, we'll eat."
"Great idea! I heard squid tentacles can regrow. If they're tasty, we'd have an infinite food supply."
Hermione, still half-stuck in exam mode, was utterly defeated by the two food-obsessed classmates. Half laughing, half-exasperated, she sipped her soup and just like that, she'd been distracted.
Lucifer and Susan exchanged a knowing grin. Their teamwork in steering Hermione away from overthinking was flawless.
xxxxx
But Harry nearby just kept rubbing his forehead, specifically, his scar, "I wish I knew what this means!" He growled angrily, "My scar keeps hurting - it's happened before, but never as often or as bad as this."
"..." Hermione, who had just buttered up Lucifer for resting his head on her lap, and very busy chatting, about such trivial matters, her talk was directly interrupted again, "You could just go to Madam Pomfrey, right?" she almost exasperated, trying to get rid of Harry.
"I'm not ill," Harry said, from over his own spot, in a loud whisper, then turned towards Ron, "I think it's a warning... it means danger is coming..."
Susan gave him a curious look, 'what on Merlin was always wrong with Potter? Isn't he just seeking attention at this point....'
But Ron whose exams went horrible, and just getting more depressed, the longer Hermione talked about how her own went.. he couldn't bother to argue with Harry much, and wanted to chill.
"Harry, relax, Hermione's right, the Stone's safe as long as Dumbledore is around. Anyway, we've never had any proof Snape found out how to get past Fluffy..... He nearly had his leg ripped off once, he's not going to try it again in a hurry. And Neville will play Quidditch for England before Hagrid lets Dumbled---"
"Ronald, how many times, would I have to explain, for stopping using my name in your conversations?!" Hermione snapped at him again, this red-haired was always following them like a cockroach.
"W-what?" Ron, was quite flabbergasted, after seeing Hermione's outbursts, but, he really thought, about not doing anything wrong this time.
"We're not your friends!" Even though, Hermione was having an emotional breakdown for the umpteenth time, after coming to Hogwarts, Harry couldn't shake the lurking feeling.... there was something he'd forgotten to do, and it was very important.
When he tried to explain this, Hermione had said, "That's just the exams... I woke up last night and was halfway through my Transfiguration notes before I remembered we'd already done that one."
Lucifer, who felt like sleeping on this very comfy pillow, he really got startled, when Harry suddenly jumped up.
"What? What's going on, Harry?" Ron asked the scar-headed boy.
"I've just thought of something!" He yelled, which caused Ron to startle, and even made Lucifer's ears stand up to full alert, "We've got to see Hagrid, now!"
"Why?" Hermione didn't like what stuff he kept talking about, she was obviously busy playing with Lucifer's soft hair, and couldn't help but make a dumb noise.
She couldn't understand, why these two always had to ruin her fun.
Harry immediately explained, very much wanted, anyone to just listen to his thoughts, "It is a bit odd when you think about it... The one thing that Hagrid always wanted was a Dragon, but then a stranger in a bar shows up out of the blue with a Dragon egg, even though it's against Wizarding Law to have one. It all makes sense!"
Ron still didn't completely understand, but stood up to listen to Harry more clearly anyway.
Not that Harry expected him to, he already knew, Ron doesn't use his brain much or if he has one at all. But, it always felt nice to have a sidekick, right?
Lucifer sighed, and his eyes followed Harry's stiff figure, out of mere curiosity, but it was only a little.
Hermione felt she didn't want to be under this charade anymore, lest she be reprimanded, and got her marks reduced for being nosy, asked Susan and Lucifer nicely to push their carpet a little further away from Harry and Ron.
He smiled faintly, as he glanced towards Hagrid's hut, where Harry and Ron were sneaking inside.
While, Lucifer, and his friends spent the afternoon basking in the sun, indulging Susan's poking curiosity regarding what Potter was spitting. Only when it was around four, they headed back toward the castle.
"..." Hermione who was left alone, under the tree. She then also stood up, and ran towards his direction, while yelling at the boy's back, "Lucifer, don't go running away like this?!" she even had to increase her pace, while holding her waist, and then made a sprint, to catch up.
....Susan was already taken away by Hannah, and her friends.
xxxxxx
'Gryffindor' Common Room,'
"Granger, did you try to copy me in the History of Magic's exam?"
"What?! I have never cheated in my entire life!"
"But, you just stol-!"
"Last time, I checked you were the one, who abducted Nicholas Flamel from the restricted secti----"
"Abduct---"
"Shut up, both of you!"
Harry was getting annoyed, it was obviously his moments, to become a star, after solving this conspiracy!
"What did you talk with Hagrid anyw---?"
"Potter, don't focus on what this crazy girl is say-
"Crazy?! You are just being sill--Ow, Lucifer, stop! Stop!"
"....." Harry Potter was just left stunned, and didn't know if he should open his mouth.
"My cheeks...why did you pinch me?!"
"--Gryffindor's balls, what's going on here?!"
'Smack!'
"Granger, that really hurt!"
"Don't blame me for being rude. You are the one, who 'started' it!"
"Hey, you two... It's gone long enough....."
"And, stop calling me Granger!"
"Percy, just ignore them!"
"She bit me!"
"Oh, you just wait, I'll do even worse!"
"Yeah....." Percy was also lost, on seeing Lucifer and Hermione, rolling on top of each other, trying to gain the upper hand, but, realised, they were only being childish, So he focused more on Ron's exams instead.
"Lucifer, put me down! I am not a sack of 'potatoes?!"
"....." Weasely Twins wisely decided to not interrupt between the couple's squabble. While Lucifer silently wondered that even though Hagrid was a nice person, he's not good at keeping secrets.
Then, why Dumbledore always gave him such important work, if he couldn't even stop his mouth from blurting about it?!
"Ow! Hermione can you stop those fists, already?!"
"Then, put me down Ahh! You just smacked my butt!"
"No, I didn't!"
......
Yeah, Harry almost had a mental breakdown, when he realised these two were still playing, that's why he directly ran towards the Gryffindor' portrait, even more faster, but he didn't know one thing, "Hermione, where exactly is Dumbledore's office?!" he asked at once.
That night with Hagrid, Harry was walking on a death board, and he forgot the route already.
"Huh? I don't see why I should tell... You obviously called me a lunatic before!" Hermione retorted back, in a loud manner while rubbing her buttocks, after Lucifer put her down, as there were now other Gryffindor' students entering through, but she didn't forget what this green-eyed boy said earlier.
"Potter, Hermione doesn't know eith--Ow! You just step on my foot?!"
"Be grateful, it wasn't something else!"
"....." Harry, then tried to look around for any indication, Ron's older siblings, those two Red-heads had now gone upstairs, so he went to make a deal with them.
xxxxxxx
Back in the Slytherin common room, celebrations were in full swing.
Everyone was certain Slytherin would win the House Cup again this year - practically guaranteed. At 500 points, their lead was unassailable no matter what Gryffindor or Ravenclaw managed.
A seventh consecutive victory an unprecedented feat in Hogwarts history. The 'seventh-years', fresh from their NEWTS, wore beaming smiles; they'd had a perfect school career, top results every year.
When Daphne had entered after exams, many students offered her snacks in welcome. Truth be told, plenty of Slytherins still disliked 'her'--- blood prejudice wasn't erased by fear, especially for being around a Mudblood. But none dared show it openly.
That was Slytherin cunning: despise someone if you must, but don't pick a fight you can't win. 'Greengrass' status in the Wizarding World was like this.
Simple-minded types like Malfoy were the exception, not the rule.
She accepted the goodwill, taking a few sweets and nibbles, while listening to upper-years trade juicy gossip - like which girl was in her "transfer period" again.
xxxxxx
At the same time, students wandering the castle grounds were astonished to spot someone who had been missing for more than a month.
"Professor Quirrell?"
Quirrell smiled and gave the wide-eyed students a polite nod, "I left in such a hurry last time that I never had the chance to pack up properly. I've come back... to collect what's mine and make room for the next 'Defence Against the Dark Arts professor."
Hearing his explanation, no one doubted a thing.
xxxxxxx
The Transfiguration office was located on the first floor of Hogwarts Castle, and that was exactly where Lucifer was headed.
The room was filled with books and had a simple, no-nonsense style-very much in line with Minerva McGonagall's personality.
On the desk were several Quidditch, related decorations, subtly revealing her deep enthusiasm for the sport. It also explained why she placed such high value on Harry Potter's talent.
At the moment, Professor McGonagall, as stern faced as always, was scribbling notes on a piece of parchment. The irritation in her eyes was almost tangible....
Just then, there was a knock at the door. If she remembered correctly, this would be the second visitor today.
'Knock, knock, knock.'
Lucifer didn't hesitate as he reached out and rapped on door of the Transfiguration office.
"Come in."
As the voice faded, wooden door slowly opened-and to McGonagall's surprise, the student standing there wasn't the one she expected.
"My dear Gr--Mr. Morningstar?"
The strict Gryffindor Head of House initially frowned at the familiar face of Hermione returning again, but when she saw Lucifer, her hand froze mid-stroke, and her quill paused in confusion.
It was rare to see him show up here.
"Professor McGonagall."
"Hmm... Is there something you two need?" Though McGonagall wasn't the gossiping type, even she couldn't help but glance curiously at the budding pair standing before her.
"I believe Hermione has already explained to you the situation with the Philosopher's Stone...."
Hermione stared at Lucifer's back, dumbfounded. She hadn't expected him to be so direct. In a way, wasn't this exactly what, when she was literally dragged by Harry, and had done before?
----Sure enough, McGonagall gave Hermione a sharp glance, clearly surprised she'd even annoyed a studious boy with her nonsense.
However, it's perfectly normal for Miss Granger to go ask her best friend for help, the person she's trusted the most after her family. Still, after the initial surprise, McGonagall's face took on a hint of impatience.
"Mr. Morningstar, I don't know what exactly Miss Granger told you, but rest assured---'no one can stealit'. The Stone is under heavy protection. There is absolutely no way it could be taken."
To be fair, she was being very patient, since they were her favourite students. Had it been any other troublesome child, she probably would've thrown them out by now.
After a brief explanation, she turned her gaze toward Hermione.
"As for you, 'Miss Granger', Headmaster Dumbledore will return tomorrow... This matter will be handled soon. For now, I suggest you go enjoy some 'sunshine' rather than meddling in things you shouldn't be involved in."
"Y-Yes, Professor."
Hermione understood perfectly--this was a polite way of telling them to leave and not stir things up any further. She was about to turn away when she noticed Lucifer hadn't moved at all.
"Lucifer?"
"This is definitely odd."
"Huh?"
He stepped forward, and Hermione's eyes widened in surprise, curious what he was about to say.
"The Professor McGonagall I know would never ignore a student asking for help... No matter how far-fetched the story, that's just not the kind of reaction she'd give---especially when it involves that person."
In fact, not long ago, McGonagall had even believed Slytherins's enough to lie in wait through a freezing night near Whomping Willow, when she heard Neville was pushed by a couple of Gnome's inside, and tree wouldn't be letting him escape before an hour---proof 'enough of her' character as a witch.
Only someone like Minerva McGonagall, who treated all four Houses equally, would do something like that. And honestly, it wasn't hard to see why Lucifer respected her.
"So, Professor McGonagall... you're admitting it?"
"Let me think... how many points should I award you, Mr. Detective?"
It was a rare sight--McGonagall actually smiling, even showing a glimpse of that dry British humor she usually reserved for private moments.
"Admit what?"
The cryptic exchange left Hermione completely in the dark. She glanced between the two of them, utterly confused. For the first time, she felt like her intellect might not be up to par. Was she actually... kind of dumb?
And yet, even in the face of McGonagall's praise, Lucifer didn't look smug or pleased. He didn't even react to the mention of House points.
"Pardon me, but I didn't come here to expose anything."
After giving a standard aristocratic bow, he casually pushed the still-dazed Hermione in front of him.
"Wha-!?"
Caught off guard, Hermione let out a surprised little squeak.
"I'm here mainly because of this fool---this tsundere Granger, who's so worried about Harry's safety."
"I see. Miss Granger has made quite a best friend in you."
As she said this, Professor McGonagall pushed her glasses up with a look that was both surprised and vaguely amused...
xxxxxx
"If you've got something to say, just say it."
After leaving Professor McGonagall's office, Lucifer gave Hermione, who looked like she wanted to speak but held back, a sideways glance.
"So... is it settled?"
"Who knows?"
"Huh?"
"I'm not 'Almighty'.... How could I know the entire truth about the Philosopher's Stone? The point was just to let you see that it's not as dangerous as you think."
Hermione, sharp as ever, immediately caught on, "You... you were trying to get information out of Professor McGonagall!?"
"Obviously, the moment when you two went to her, and came disheartened, I knew something was off... So I came to confirm my suspicions...."
Hermione stared at Lucifer's profile in a daze, and to her surprise, found herself feeling a bit impressed.
"Well, that should put your mind at ease.... I still don't know what the professors are planning, but it looks like little Chosen One isn't in any real danger."
"Mm... thanks."
"Did you say something?"
"No! Nothing!"
Hermione lifted her chin like a proud little kitten, but then she got a worried frown again, "But Harry said, Snape's going through the trapdoor tonight. He's found out everything he needs and now, he's got Dumbledore out of the way.... 'He sent that note, I guarantee it, and I bet the Ministry of Magic will get a real shock when Dumbledore shows up'. Those were Harry's words."
"To be honest, I just think Dumbledore has gone insane a long time ago, with Quirrell here back, why did he leave....? It's like a big scheme going on."
"....." Hermione.
Quiet topic. Before, she could pass another rudeness. Snape was standing just right behind her, leering at all two of them.
"Good afternoon," he said coldly, which made Hermione, to let out a scream, "Aaaah, I need help?!"
"??" Professor Snape, he stared at this weird Gryffindor, who just ran away, to hide behind Lucifer's robes, yelling for someone to help.
"Afternoon... Professor," Lucifer greeted, back with a wicked smile on his face.
"....You two shouldn't be outside, when it's almost time for the feast," he said, with an odd, look, probably thinking, if his voice was that scary.
"We were---" Hermione had started to say, but Lucifer was sure that she didn't know where to go with it.
Amd, Snape didn't give her the chance to think up anything either, "You want to be more careful," he said, now with a rare smile on his face, "Hanging around like this, people will think you're... up to something. And, Miss Granger, Gryffindor really can't afford to lose anymore points, right?"
If there was any time for villainous laughter, right then was the time for it, Lucifer figured. It also caused him to glance at Hermione's face slightly, then he started to grin, obviously, knowing about the culprit.
It made the said girl frown, not liking, the way Lucifer's smiling, must be contemplating bad things about her.
Only, Snape did not laugh, however, "Be warned, Morningstar, any more night-time wanderings and I will personally make sure you are given at least one detention.... 'Good day," he said, while striding off towards the Staff Room.
Lucifer sneered at his back before he went out of sight, "Right---" he said suddenly, startling the girl, "---let's go back to the Great Hall, we need to eat something, and it's not up for deb---" he tried to declare, while looking very serious.
'Smack!'
"Ow! Hermione, what's gotten into you?!"
Even when Lucifer tried to convince her, about eating something nice tonight. It's just a bushy-haired girl, named, Hermione Granger, completely has something else on her mind, 'Very perverted.'
After getting a nice angle, she who obviously wanted to pay Lucifer back, for both hitting her, and that very irritating smile, he just gave her earlier..... directly used her right palm, to make his arse jiggle...feel the same pain she just did, or maybe even worse... not even feeling remorse for her naughty actions at all.
"I will definitely get my revenge!"
"I don't feel sorry....." But Hermione's face looked very playful.
"You definitely will.... It's a promise!"
"I don't have much hope ~hehe~" Then, she gave a low chuckle, probably thinking about her Dream'night at the Forbidden forest.
Hermione was also slightly curious, aboit what Lucifer was going to do with her? She just wished, for being able to handle it, nicely.
1 Extra Chapter - 200 Power Stone's!
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