HP Nocturne and Evening Bell

Chapter 22

The sky in London finally began to snow. The light snowflakes covered the turbid water of the Thames River, decorated the towering chimneys of the factories, and whitened the rough roads and the din of singing, crying and laughing.Time strides forward mercilessly, no matter whether there is more evil or more kindness in the world.

George V's New Year's address came on the radio, the content was almost the same as the Christmas address, the turmoil in the outside world seemed to have nothing to do with this isolated island, and those dirty deals and conspiracies would never spoil everyone's mood for welcoming the New Year.

Warm lighting and fire, a small birthday party went on in an almost unassuming way: "Tom, why don't you invite some other people? Like your friends?"

"You mean Nagini?" Tom put his head down on the cutlery.

"I don't think it will like these foods."

"I think that's enough, if you don't insist on turning an ordinary dinner into a banquet for two. For the first time, I find that you also have those common faults that cannot be avoided."

"Since you said it was inevitable, I have no reason to avoid it, right?"

"Hermione, it's really hard to stand your sharp tongue when you're sharp."

"My friends realized it a long time ago, but they still endured it." Hermione said calmly.

"I never thought about it...forget it" Tom stopped answering.

"It's nothing. Did you feel it just now? There are strong magical fluctuations around here."

"Are you saying there were wizards on the Muggle streets on New Year's Eve?"

"I'm not sure. The British wizarding community has been fairly stable recently. But maybe wizards from other countries will be in trouble."

"France?"

"Perhaps, the wizarding world in France has always been very chaotic and dark. In recent years, riots of different scales have begun to appear in Germany and the Czech Republic. The Ministry of Magic regime there has been overthrown, and the wizards are panicking. But at this time, Britain should It's okay, maybe I'm sensitive. The food is getting cold, let's enjoy it. Happy birthday, Tom." Hermione took out the gift she had prepared.

Tom took the simple wrapped gift and unwrapped it. Two books and a pair of gloves appeared in front of him.

""Astrological Arithmetic and the Great Puheluo Code", you actually found this book? I only mentioned it once, and I know it's hard to find, thank you." Tom put down the first book, and then opened it The second, "Sonnets? Hermione, I didn't think you thought I'd read such weak, sensual Muggle poetry."

"But you read the Critique of Pure Reason and Homer with pleasure."

"That's different."

"Tom, you can't appreciate the beauty of sonnets yet, and when you grow up, you'll thank me for giving you this book."

"why?"

"How should I put it? It will make it easier for you to find the girl you like? Oh, I think it's okay if you don't need this." Hermione raised her chin and looked Tom up and down.

Tom put down the poetry book with a blank expression, and picked up the gloves: "These gloves are beautiful."

"I'm glad you like it. It's made of dragon skin. It keeps warm well and can defend against magic damage. I think it's very suitable for you."

"Thank you, Hermione, I really like my birthday present this year."

"Don't you like last year?"

"You mean Peppery and Soapy Bibi Beans?"

"Oh, but I always get chocolate and vanilla."

"Merlin, I don't want to try anymore, I think I have no doubts about the imagination and taste of wizards."

"Then, you will surely like this lamb stew with dill and lemon."

"The real feast, let's get started."

The year [-] arrived with the bells, and the vigorous spring soon replaced the severe cold of winter. The mysterious employer in Diagon Alley did not miss the excellent Hermione. He continued to order many healing potions and brought considerable gold. Galleon.However, the work of translation was gradually decreasing. Hermione began to translate some manuscripts of business transactions and appeared in public with the Watson family in a fair manner. She saw the messy graffiti and distorted cartoons in the corners of the walls, as well as those whistles and malice. eyes.Some young children sang abusive nursery rhymes unscrupulously, unaware of the malice hidden in their singing.

Tom still didn't go out very much. He occasionally went for a walk on the beach alone, and he often came back with the humidity of the waves.The bookstore in Diagon Alley always consumes most of his time, and the spiers of Gringotts always change the brilliance in his eyes. He has not inquired about the property of the Gaunt family, which is obviously unnecessary.

The life was more ordinary than he imagined, but it was not boring and painful.He didn't need too much pretense and suppression, nature became his natural state for the first time, the anger and suspicion of looking around without support gradually subsided, and the gushing ambition and anger burned into a stable fire.He no longer needs to be tortured by this conflict and restlessness, but draws strength from this surge.He waited with all his heart, waiting for the answer he was looking for from the not-too-distant magical world, and he firmly believed that he would be able to pick the golden apples from the tree.

From time to time, the two exchanged their understanding of magic theory, debated some unresolved issues, and sometimes discussed theology and masterpieces of neoclassicalism and impressionism.Regarding Muggle art, Tom has always been very contradictory. On the one hand, he appreciates those calm and profound words and profound and moving thoughts;Weak, he always said.

"It's not weakness, it's emotion. Emotion is something that cannot be seen or even grasped, but every heart has a specific frequency to listen to it." Hermione always retorted excitedly.

Whenever such a moment came, they would each take a step back, Hermione comforting Tom's inexperience, and Tom chalking it up to Hermione's idiosyncrasies.

The fusion of wisdom, the collision of souls, I don't know who has influenced whom, knowing each other is knowing a new world, and their world is vast and powerful, extending in the same direction.

Sillet always curls up on Hermione's knee or Tom's shoulder, combing her hair quietly. It strolls in the courtyard from time to time, occasionally shakes its fluffy and hairy tail, and naps by the blanket. It doesn't see any magical creatures at all. The special thing about it has nothing to do with what Tom said was powerful.

In July, wood pigeons danced in the dense tree shadows. It had just rained the day before, and the morning dew and raindrops soaked the new leaves of creepers.

Sillet, who was lying on the top of the cabinet, suddenly let out a piercing cry, which startled the drowsy Hermione. Tom looked up from "Intermediate Charms" with a vigilant expression: "A very powerful wizard is coming nearby. , is approaching here."

Then the doorbell rang.Hermione told Tom not to act rashly, and went to open the door immediately.The moment she opened the door, she almost blurted out - Professor Dumbledore!Professor Dumbledore, who was much younger, was standing at the door, with curly auburn hair and a slightly old Muggle suit on his body, looking a little funny.And what Hermione recognized at a glance were those blue eyes, clear and bright, like the deep blue sea, reflecting sparkling waves.He seemed a little surprised when he saw Hermione, then he smiled politely and greeted Hermione: "Hi, is this Tom Riddle's home?"

"I am." Tom stepped out from behind Hermione, still wary.

"Hello, Tom, I'm Albus Dumbledore. I heard you were adopted. I didn't expect you to be so young. You're just a little girl."

"My procedures are legal." Hermione almost greedily watched her principal's familiar and friendly every move, desperately resisting the urge to rush forward to hug and talk.Hearing the professor's questioning, she immediately came to her senses. No matter what, she couldn't let Tom go back to the environment of the orphanage.

"Oh, please forgive me miss, I don't mean to offend, if you can, can you give a little shade and some water to a poor man who has traveled a long distance?" Dumbledore wiped the sweat beads that did not exist on his forehead.

"I'm so sorry, please come in." Hermione stepped aside to open the door, Tom looked at her disapprovingly, and she gave Tom a reassuring smile.

"What a lovely room." Dumbledore gasped in admiration as soon as he entered the living room.

"Thank you for liking it. This is black tea, please use it slowly." Hermione handed Dumbledore a cup of tea.

"Thank you. I came here today to inform Tom about going to school. I think since you are also a wizard, I don't need to beat around the bush. Tom will be able to come to Hogwarts this September. You can send He goes to platform nine and three quarters at King's Cross, where there is a special train to the school. I think you know where the platform is."

"Thank you for your notice. Are you a teacher at Hogwarts?" Tom asked politely.

"Yes, if you don't make adjustments this year, I will be your professor of transformation."

"This is Tom's admission letter and list of necessary items. I'm here today, and I want to have a special talk with you." Dumbledore suddenly turned to Hermione.

"With me? May I ask what you want to ask?" Hermione was a little at a loss.

"Don't be nervous, it's a huge sin for me to make a beautiful lady nervous." Dumbledore smiled, "Excuse me, are you Miss Hermione Granger?"

"Yes, I am, how do you know my name?" As soon as the words came out, Hermione felt that she had asked a silly question. Since she knew that Tom was adopted by her, he must also know some information about herself.

"Miss Granger, Hogwarts hopes to hire you as a potion assistant. Are you willing to accept this position?" Dumbledore took out an envelope.

"What?" Hermione and Tom said at the same time.

"Yes, we know that you have excellent potions knowledge and skills. After comprehensive consideration and discussion, we have decided to let you become a Potions Assistant to assist Potions teacher Slughorn in preparing for teaching and research work."

"Then I..."

"Don't worry about accommodation, we have arranged dormitories, libraries and laboratories for you to enjoy teacher treatment at Hogwarts."

Hermione's mind was in a mess, she really wanted to go back to the place where Hogwarts haunted her dreams, only the existence of Hogwarts could remind herself that all of this was real and meaningful.Besides, there is a wealth of books and resources in the first area of ​​Hogwarts, maybe there can be clues about Seslak.More importantly, she couldn't rest assured about Tom. He worried her at Hogwarts alone, and the secret of the Chamber of Secrets was even more dangerous. She must not let Tom's hands be stained with blood again.

After making up her mind, she remembered some things that needed to be handed over: "Then can I still do other part-time jobs?"

"Of course, as long as it doesn't affect the teaching work, Professor Slughorn will be responsible for it. You just need to inform him."

"Then, I am honored to serve at Hogwarts." Hermione smiled.