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The Gryffindors were busy cheering for Harry and Malfoy's aerial chase, not paying the slightest attention to Dudley and Hermione's subtle movements.
Some Slytherins did notice… but very consciously chose to pretend they hadn't.
'We don't dare say anything.'
'We don't dare ask.'
'We know nothing.'
And just like that, the two of them crossed the field without any trouble, jogging lightly along the path until they reached the edge of the Forbidden Forest.
The entire way there, Hermione's heart kept pounding.
As a model student, skipping class was practically a taboo for her.
But it was thrilling.
Actually… it was fun.
Her cheeks were flushed like a ripe apple.
The flying lesson, where she couldn't even get off the ground, was unbearably boring.
It was much better to take this chance to explore.
They had been at Hogwarts for a while now, yet she had only gone between the dormitory, classrooms, and library.
She hadn't really explored this magical place at all.
During the day, the Forbidden Forest wasn't that frightening, aside from being a bit darker.
Hogwarts was located in the Scottish Highlands, with a temperate oceanic climate.
The trees were mostly oaks, maples, and beeches, forming a dense, dark stretch that felt somewhat oppressive at first glance.
Of course, that only applied to other students.
Dudley felt nothing.
Where he grew up, mountains surrounded everything.
The Forbidden Forest was just… a bigger forest.
Of course, the real focus was the magical creatures and plants inside.
"Wow…"
The moment she stepped into the forest's edge, Hermione was completely captivated by the scenery.
Sunlight filtered through the leaves and branches, casting patches of green and gold across the ground.
The shifting light danced with the wind, creating a quiet, almost soothing harmony.
Even Hermione's restless mood began to settle.
While she admired the scenery, Dudley watched her quietly from the side.
He had noticed she'd been troubled lately.
It wasn't just frustration from not being able to fly.
There was something else.
But since she didn't say anything, he didn't ask.
He just hoped this little trip would help her relax.
Deep down…
She was stubborn.
Just like him.
Harry was like that too.
Although, thinking about it… maybe Harry had become like that after spending time with him.
Do stubborn people attract each other?
Hah… that sounded like something straight out of a Stand user theory.
Hermione walked ahead, skipping lightly, curious about everything.
At that moment, she was no longer Gryffindor's know-it-all.
Just a lively, energetic girl.
"Here! Here, Dudley! Come quickly!"
She stood beside a massive tree, at least a thousand years old, so wide it would take four or five people to wrap around it.
Dudley walked over.
Hermione pointed up toward a branch.
"Look there!"
Sunlight filtered through the canopy, illuminating the trunk and making its texture more distinct.
Following her direction, Dudley spotted a small yellow plant with five petals nestled between the trunk and a branch.
St. John's Wort.
A relatively rare herb.
It was said to carry a trace of dark energy left behind by a demon.
When the veins of its leaves were rubbed, it produced a liquid resembling blood.
It could be used to treat anemia and menstrual issues, but was mainly used for puncture wounds and even gunshot injuries.
Hermione excitedly explained everything like a chirping bird.
Dudley just smiled and listened, letting her talk.
Even though he had recognized the plant immediately.
Once she finished, Dudley quickly climbed the tree.
Using tools from his pouch, he carefully extracted the plant and stored it in a prepared container.
"That's an amazing technique…"
Hermione had strong theoretical knowledge, but her practical skills lagged behind.
At least, that was what she believed.
Then she remembered how Dudley had delicately held the plant between two fingers, despite his large hands…
And ended up laughing anyway.
Her light laughter echoed through the forest.
Her bright smile stood out instantly.
"Hermione, you look really pretty when you smile. You should smile more."
Dudley said it casually.
Her face flushed even deeper.
She lightly punched his chest to hide her embarrassment.
…
As expected of a natural treasure trove for potion ingredients…
Even just wandering along the edge, Dudley gathered quite a lot.
Nothing extremely rare, but there was a lot of it.
Every few steps, there was something new.
Mistletoe, houttuynia, dittany, water chestnut, rue…
Dudley collected plenty, especially rue, even pulling out roots, clearly planning to cultivate it later.
They also found Bubotubers.
A plant that looked like a large, black, slimy slug.
Extremely ugly.
But highly valuable medicinally.
Dudley collected it carefully.
Its liquid could damage skin.
Dragon-hide gloves were required when handling it.
After that, Dudley noticed Hermione standing in front of a green mushroom that emitted a faint glow.
For once…
The know-it-all didn't know something.
"This is called a Momo Mushroom. We only study it in fourth-year Herbology."
"Technically, it should be classified as a fungus, but Herbology doesn't separate magical fungi as a category."
"The cap is extremely sensitive. Once stimulated, it releases spores that cause paralysis."
"It can be used to make paralysis potions."
In theory, it was even more valuable than Bubotubers.
But most wizards were only interested in its spores.
"The mushroom itself can be used to brew strength-enhancing potions."
"But most wizards aren't interested in that."
For wizards, physical strength didn't matter.
Magic-enhancing potions were far more useful.
But for Dudley…
This was exactly what he needed.
After carefully harvesting it…
Another ingredient obtained.
In a great mood, Dudley started humming:
"The little mushroom picker, carrying a basket on her back…"
"One, two, three, four, five, five, five, five, six, seven, eight."
Cheerful, he pulled Hermione along as they continued exploring and gathering ingredients.
The two of them wandered slowly along the forest's edge.
Before they realized it…
The moon had already risen.
'Crap!'
Dudley suddenly panicked.
'We missed dinner…!'
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