Although Eda and Hermione were both jokingly called "know-it-all girls," and they shared quite a few similarities, in reality they were completely different kinds of people.
Take electives, for example. Hermione chose every single course, while Eda was more deliberate and knew how to make choices. Both of them craved knowledge—Hermione accepted everything wholesale, while Eda distinguished priorities and focused on absorbing what she considered more important first.
It's hard to say which approach is better, but Eda's method clearly wouldn't bring her too much pressure. People often say that pressure leads to improvement, and that's true—but pressure has a threshold.
If a spring is compressed for too long, it might not bounce back at all, let alone a person. Psychological factors and external influences can both affect this threshold, weakening one's ability to handle stress.
Hermione Granger was exactly in this situation now. Excessive psychological pressure, combined with the external influence of Harry and Ron, had led to her emotional breakdown.
The lack of confidence she spoke of was especially severe in her first year. Whether it was showing off magic on the train with an overbearing tone, or her overwhelming desire to perform in class afterward, all of it was a manifestation of her insecurity.
She used this almost arrogant manner to cover up her lack of confidence, to hide her small sense of inferiority.
In this regard, Eda was different from Hermione—she was quite confident.
Eda had the confidence and courage to face anyone and anything. She dared to express her thoughts and to make up for her mistakes. She also didn't care about others' opinions of her, because she knew what she needed and what she should strive for.
For example, in this situation with Hermione, Eda wouldn't choose to cry alone in secret, burying all her grievances deep inside. Instead, she would go and lay everything out clearly with Harry and Ron.
If things continued in this stalemate, the only one who would suffer would be Hermione herself—while Harry and Ron would still think they were the ones most wronged, believing that Hermione was the only one at fault.
If no one stepped in to knock some sense into those two idiots, the friendship among the three young people really might come to an end.
Many times, a small misunderstanding is enough to destroy a relationship. Some people have even regretted a single "Mudblood" for decades.
Eda gently ran her fingers through Hermione's thick brown hair, comforting her. "Why be so lacking in confidence? Is there anything about you that's worse than others?"
Many people praised Hermione Granger, calling her the most brilliant witch of her age. The last person to receive such praise was Lily Evans—and later, that beautiful and pure lily was plucked by James Potter.
Harry Potter, also known as Hermione and Her Two Useless Men, also known as About How the Whole World Likes My Mom.
As for Eda—she was basically cheating. She didn't even qualify to be part of the comparison.
"You're top of the year. Your grades are better than anyone else's; you've mastered more magic and spells than many upper-year students; and you know plenty of things others don't," Eda continued. "If even someone like you feels unconfident, then what are the rest of us supposed to do?"
Being praised by the very person she was chasing after, Hermione felt her face grow warm. A kind word warms through the winter—Eda's comfort made the fragile Hermione feel a sense of warmth.
"I don't know… I just feel a bit scared…" Hermione said softly, her face flushed red, looking like a bright apple.
"Trust me, you've already done more than enough," Eda said with a hint of mystery. "By the way, do you want to know my secret to success?"
A master passing down a secret technique—what a rare opportunity. Hermione's eyes grew even wider than usual. "Really? Is there a better way?"
"Confidence. Confidence is the key to success," Eda said, looking into the girl's eyes. "Stand tall, hold your head high. Don't worry about what others say or think—just be yourself."
"Will that really work?" Hermione was a little uncertain. It wasn't that she doubted Eda's words—it was just that the method sounded far too simple.
With an arm around Hermione's shoulders, Eda said with certainty, "Of course. It really is that simple. Not the second-best know-it-all, not anyone else—you are you, the best Hermione Granger in the whole world!"
"The best Hermione Granger in the whole world…" Hermione repeated softly. The praise left her feeling a little dizzy.
Late at night, the corridor was empty, with only the two girls there. The chill of a January night gradually closed in around them. Eda stood up, straightened herself a little, then reached out a hand to pull Hermione up from the floor.
"It's really too cold. I'd love a cup of rich hot cocoa right now—what about you?" Eda offered sincerely.
"My pleasure!" Hermione Granger finally smiled.
She decided to find a time to have a proper talk with those two useless men—otherwise, who knew when those overly self-assured idiots would realize their mistakes.
The two walked side by side toward Gryffindor Tower, chatting and laughing along the way, sharing embarrassing stories about the twins, or Harry and Ron.
They walked quickly and soon reached the tower, but Hermione suddenly stopped. Her expression also turned serious.
"What's wrong? Did you see something?"
Seeing Hermione stop, Eda stopped as well. She thought Hermione had noticed something, so she immediately looked around—but she didn't see anything unusual.
"Eda, there's a very serious problem that's been bothering me for a long time," Hermione said with a grave expression. Her voice was low—she wasn't using that typically loud Gryffindor-style whispering.
Eda's curiosity immediately kicked in. "What problem?"
"It's about Professor Lupin," Hermione said. "I've discovered something secret, but I can't confirm my deduction. It's too shocking!"
Eda raised a finger to her lips, signaling for silence. She listened carefully for a moment, and only after confirming there was no one else around did she speak. "What about Professor Lupin? He's an excellent teacher, especially for Defense Against the Dark Arts."
"I suspect Professor Lupin is a werewolf!" Hermione leaned close to Eda's ear and whispered her conclusion.
The deduction was so shocking it was hard to believe. Hermione doubting herself over it was only natural—even Eda had felt like she'd lost her mind when she first figured it out.
Hermione glanced around before adding, "At first it was Snape. When he substituted, he skipped ahead in the curriculum and had us study werewolves directly. Later, I realized that every time Professor Lupin takes leave, it coincides with the full moon!"
Professor Lupin, come quickly—silence this prophet! Headmaster, hurry—your little furry problem is about to be exposed!
After voicing her suspicion, Hermione kept watching Eda's expression, trying to read an answer from her face. But who was Eda? If Hermione could read anything from her expression, Eda wouldn't be Eda.
Right now, what concerned Eda most was how far this suspicion had spread. Hermione knew—but did Harry and Ron know? If they did, with their "loud whispering," wouldn't this become an open secret?
"I haven't told anyone about this. They'd think I was crazy! You're the only person I can ask, Eda," Hermione continued. Her tone grew a little anxious, her lack of confidence fully on display.
Hermione might be somewhat insecure, but she trusted Eda completely. She believed that if there really was something wrong with Professor Lupin, Eda would have been the first student to notice.
And in fact, Eda was the first to notice—but now she hesitated, unsure whether she should confirm Hermione's suspicion.
"Hermione, you know, you really are the brightest witch of your age."
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