Even though Hermione was clearly emotional, Glenn didn't sense any anger or blame from her. The only emotions radiating from her were pure "worry" and "anxiety."
"I know you're looking out for me. You don't want things to escalate, and you're worried this might put me in danger." Hermione continued holding Glenn's face in her hands, her gaze locked onto his dark eyes. A flicker of irritation from Glenn's heart was transmitted to her through the bracelet they shared. "But you're neglecting yourself…"
Glenn was indeed growing impatient. For days, their investigation into the events—whether it was Ginny Weasley's situation or the Chamber of Secrets and the serpent—had yielded little progress.
Already struggling with a fragile sense of security, Glenn was increasingly desperate to resolve the matter quickly. Yet, he had also been mindful of Hermione's feelings, conducting the investigation in accordance with her wishes.
Hermione didn't want baseless accusations to fall upon her good friend. She understood all too well how deeply misunderstandings and prejudice could affect a person. After all, both she and Glenn had experienced being judged through the lens of others' biases.
For this reason, she didn't want anyone else to know about the matter besides herself and Glenn. She intended to uncover the truth on her own, even if it meant constantly being in dangerous situations.
But Glenn didn't care about others' opinions. If it weren't for Hermione's request, he would have already dumped the problem onto Dumbledore, letting the headmaster figure out what kind of monsters were lurking in his Hogwarts.
"This time, leave it to me. I want to prove to you that I can handle things on my own!" Hermione had told Glenn not long ago.
The phrase "handle things on my own" wasn't entirely accurate. What Hermione truly wanted to say was, "I want to stand on equal footing with you and share your burdens." But out of pride and shyness, she hadn't said it aloud.
Hermione knew that Glenn always shielded her from trouble, protecting her from harm.
Glenn didn't want Hermione to be hurt in any way.
But this overprotection only made Hermione feel increasingly anxious. She feared that if things continued like this, she would never be able to stand on equal footing with Glenn. Even though she excelled in her magical studies, Hermione always felt that Glenn's growth in power far outpaced her own.
Whether it was out of pride or concern for Glenn, Hermione didn't want him to always stand in front of her, shielding her from the wind and rain, clearing obstacles from her path. If that continued, their positions would never be equal.
What she envisioned for the future was a partnership where she and Glenn could face challenges together, sharing each other's burdens and supporting one another.
Not a one-sided relationship where Glenn bore all the weight alone.
A lasting friendship is built on equality…
And love, even more so…
Moreover, Hermione knew that Glenn's way of thinking was far from ordinary. His thoughts often veered toward extremes, toward danger.
A person's mindset is often shaped by their environment. But what Hermione couldn't understand was why Glenn's thoughts were so… dark.
Aside from the bullying they had both endured in primary school, their lives had been relatively smooth, with loving families and happy childhoods. By all accounts, Glenn shouldn't have developed such a mindset.
Even during the school bullying, Hermione had done everything she could to protect Glenn in that environment. She had secretly informed Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne, who had discreetly stepped in to shield Glenn from the worst of it.
And yet, Glenn had still turned out this way. It made Hermione both worried and heartbroken. But she kept these feelings buried deep inside, continuing her efforts to influence Glenn positively, hoping to dispel the darkness in his heart.
After entering the wizarding world and learning about magic, Hermione had also learned from Professor Dumbledore and Glenn's grandmother, Lin Yingqing, about the nature and conditions of Obscurials and Magical Afflictions. Only then did she realize how much Glenn had endured over the years.
Why did all these terrible things have to happen to Glenn?
The existence of a "Magical Affliction," if controlled, would undoubtedly make Glenn far stronger. That much was clear.
But everything comes at a price. To wield the power of an Affliction, the sorcerer must constantly suppress and endure the torment of negative emotions within their body.
If the power of the Obscurial is not controlled, the host will lose control. If it is controlled, the sorcerer must endure endless pain.
If she could choose, Hermione would never want Glenn to possess such a cursed thing as an Obscurial.
But the situation was what it was, and there was no changing it.
The only way to make things a bit easier for Glenn was to share his burdens—or to become stronger herself.
And it wasn't just about sharing the external pressures Glenn faced. As someone imbued with "Sanctity," if Hermione could grow stronger, she could use that power to counteract the negative emotions tormenting Glenn and convey positive emotions to ease his pain.
No matter what, she had to catch up to Glenn's pace. If Glenn had to endure the negative influences from both the external world and within himself while also carrying a burden like her…
…that would be far too unfair to him.
And Hermione knew one thing for certain: she didn't want to leave Glenn's side. She wanted to stay with him, always.
So…
No matter what, she had to catch up to him!
"…Leave this to me, Glenn, okay?" Seeing that Glenn remained silent, Hermione placed her hands on his shoulders, stood on tiptoe, and gently pressed her forehead against his. Her voice carried a hint of pleading. "I don't want every problem, every obstacle we face, to be something you have to handle alone."
"I want to share some of the burden with you…"
In the dimly lit corridor, the torches on the walls flickered with the shifting air currents, casting unsteady shadows of the two figures embracing each other.
Glenn felt something stir deep within him.
Hidden beneath Hermione's worry, her resolute determination was unmistakable. At this moment, Glenn finally understood her feelings.
Even someone as emotionally oblivious as he was could grasp her intentions.
"I understand," he said.
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