Under the cover of the Disillusionment Charm, Adelaide and Cho Chang cautiously navigated through the corridors of Hogwarts, successfully avoiding the patrolling Filch and arriving at the entrance of the Gryffindor Common Room.
There was still some time before eleven-thirty, which meant Harry and the others might not have left yet—sure enough, it wasn't long before the portrait of the Fat Lady suddenly swung open, and Harry, Ron, Neville, and Hermione climbed out one after another.
"Fine, but I'm warning you, when you're on the train home tomorrow, don't forget what I said. You're being so—"
Hermione chattered away as she turned around in indignation, seemingly wanting to crawl back into the common room, but she discovered that the Fat Lady had gone off visiting late at night and wasn't in her frame, leaving Hermione locked outside Gryffindor Tower.
Watching Hermione get stuck outside, Adelaide had originally wanted to enjoy the show, but she soon realized she had no time to worry about Hermione—Cho Chang was staring at her with a strange look, a gaze that felt as if it could pierce through her body, making her skin prickle.
Adelaide groaned inwardly; things had already been altered to this extent, so why was Hermione still coming out with Harry and the others!
She quickly explained in a low voice, "Cho, I really only came out for a night stroll because I was worried about Harry. I had no idea Hermione would follow them out too!"
At that moment, Hermione, who was arguing with Ron, suddenly paused and her eyes sharply scanned the surroundings—
"Oh dear, what should I do now—wait, I sense Adelaide's presence. She's nearby!"
Harry and Ron were startled by Hermione's words, and Neville began to tremble in panic. The three of them nervously scanned the area but saw no sign of Adelaide.
Ron complained impatiently, "Hey! I'm telling you, can you stop overreacting? There's not even a shadow around here. What are you so nervous about!"
He turned to Harry and urged, "Harry, ignore her. Let's get going."
Hermione ignored Ron's questioning. She frowned slightly and muttered suspiciously under her breath, "That's not right, I couldn't have sensed it wrong... Wait for me! I'm coming with you!"
With that, Hermione gave up searching for Adelaide and jogged a few steps to catch up with Harry and Ron.
Hiding in a corner and holding their breath, Adelaide and Cho Chang felt a wave of relief as they watched Hermione walk away.
Cho Chang teased softly in Adelaide's ear, "Heh, you and little sister Hermione really do have a good relationship. She can actually recognize you just by your scent."
Adelaide gave an embarrassed smile. She didn't know when Hermione had developed such a remarkable skill—honestly, this was entirely Hermione's doing and had nothing to do with her!
Adelaide took the hand of the slightly unhappy Cho Chang and gave a pleasing smile. "No matter what, you're my best friend, Cho~ Harry and the others are getting further away. Let's catch up quickly."
With Harry and the others scouting ahead, Adelaide and Cho didn't have to worry about bumping into anyone around a corner. Adelaide even began to appreciate the night scenery of Hogwarts.
"Cho, look quickly! The Quidditch Pitch has a different charm when viewed from this angle..."
Adelaide pointed excitedly out the window to Cho Chang.
Cho Chang followed her finger and couldn't help but be drawn to the sight—moonlight bathed the Quidditch Pitch, coating the grass and stands in a layer of silvery-white brilliance, making it appear exceptionally serene and beautiful.
Walking ahead, Hermione seemed somewhat restless. She kept up with Harry and the others while dealing with Ron's constant chatter.
What frustrated Hermione even more was that her 'Adelaide Radar' had been ringing non-stop since the moment they left the common room, yet she hadn't seen even a glimpse of Adelaide!
"What on earth is going on?"
Hermione muttered to herself, "Could it be that because I haven't seen Adelaide for so long, I'm starting to have hallucinations?"
The more she thought about it, the more likely it seemed. After all, besides a brief glimpse at breakfast today, she hadn't seen Adelaide's face for a full 16 hours, and the last time she spoke to Adelaide was over thirty hours ago!
Hermione sighed. It seemed she had better wake up early tomorrow and head to the entrance of the Ravenclaw Common Room to corner Adelaide and soak up more of her presence.
They soon arrived at the Trophy Room on the fourth floor. Moonlight streamed through the windows onto the crystal glass cases of the trophies, making them shimmer in the darkness. Harry, Ron, and Neville cautiously made their way past the rows of cups and shields, their eyes practically glued to the glass for fear of missing any name with the surname 'Potter'.
Hermione stood by the door, wand gripped tightly in her hand, nervously keeping watch for them.
Adelaide and Cho Chang did not enter the Trophy Room. Adelaide had no interest in the items inside; she yawned lazily, calculating how much longer it would take for Filch and Madam Norris to arrive on the scene.
Ron suddenly let out an exclamation of surprise: "Harry, look at this!"
Harry hurried over and looked where Ron was pointing. On a shield-shaped plaque was engraved the words 'Seeker James Potter'.
"That must be your father. He was an excellent Seeker too!" Ron said excitedly, his eyes shining with admiration for Harry's father.
Harry's heart felt as if it were being struck by a surging wave, churning up countless complex emotions. He gazed at the mark left by his father, as if he could see his father's figure on the Quidditch Pitch all those years ago.
His father was a Seeker just like him, which gave Harry a sense of special connection. He slowly reached out and gently touched the plaque through the glass, as if he could feel his father's warmth and strength.
In his mind, a clear image gradually emerged—a young man who looked much like him, dressed in Gryffindor's red team robes, flying across the Quidditch Pitch.
He was as agile as a hawk, closely pursuing the Golden Snitch. When he finally caught the Snitch, the whole stadium erupted in thunderous cheers, while he held the Snitch high, a confident and joyful smile on his face.
Harry's eyes moistened as he imagined how his father must have felt at that moment—surely incredibly proud and satisfied.
And now, twenty years later, he had also joined the Gryffindor Quidditch team and become a Seeker, just like his father.
"Father, would you be proud of me?" Harry asked silently in his heart.
He knew his father had left this world, but he believed his father's spirit would always be with him.
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