"Although I don't intend to join the Dueling Club as a participant..." Glenn clasped Hermione's hands, stopping her from reaching him, "...both Professor Snape and Professor Flitwick have invited me to join them as a judge."
"What?!" Hermione's eyes lit up with excitement, her hands freezing mid-motion. "Did you accept?"
"No."
"..."
"..."
"...Then what's with all this 'although but' nonsense?!"
Hermione felt a wave of frustration and regret. If Glenn were to join the Dueling Club, the winner would undoubtedly be decided.
Hermione had absolute faith in her beloved. He would surely outshine all the young wizards at Hogwarts and claim the championship.
Who wouldn't want to see the person they like shine brightly in front of everyone?
She didn't care how others viewed him. Just seeing Glenn bask in that kind of glory would make Hermione incredibly happy.
"Think about it. If I were to take on the role of a judge, I'd have to dedicate a significant amount of time to it, which would drastically cut down on my free time," Glenn explained logically.
"…Although it's a bit of a shame, I guess that makes sense," Hermione reluctantly let go of his hands. If it meant taking up a lot of Glenn's free time, then it wasn't worth it.
After all, most of Glenn's free time was spent with her!
"However, I didn't refuse when they suggested putting my name down as part of the senior management of the Dueling Club."
"But Snape insisted that I participate in an exhibition match when the Dueling Club officially starts—tonight, to be precise."
Hearing this, Hermione's eyes sparkled instantly.
Ohhhhhh!
This works too! Glenn can still show off in front of everyone!
Hermione had witnessed Glenn and Professor Snape's practical training duels many times. Although Glenn couldn't yet defeat Snape, as a second-year wizard, it was already remarkable that he could hold out until his vast magical reserves were depleted under Snape's nearly full-strength attacks.
The young girl felt immense pride about this, even though she wasn't the one enduring Snape's attacks...
But she was proud nonetheless!
"Of course, I'll disguise myself," Glenn added, noticing Hermione's general thoughts. "You know the reason."
"Oh... alright... Although it's a bit disappointing, that's still pretty good," Hermione quickly adjusted her mindset and nodded solemnly.
As long as she knew that the person shining on stage was someone she cared about, Hermione would be satisfied.
"Don't worry about me. Just have fun. From my perspective, excluding the sixth-year and above wizards, you shouldn't have much trouble dealing with the younger ones. Your chances of making it into the top five are high. If you're lucky and in good form, you might even have a shot at first place."
"However, be prepared. Achieving first place will require a lot of effort and sacrifice."
Hermione nodded seriously, without any thoughts of complaining about Glenn's lack of confidence in her taking first place. She did want to win, but she was also very objective about her own abilities and agreed with Glenn's assessment.
At Hogwarts, many upperclassmen were quite skilled. Although they might not have as much practical experience, their magical reserves and knowledge far surpassed hers.
While she could compensate for some of the knowledge gap with her sorcery knowledge, the magical reserves that came with age were still a significant disadvantage.
To win, sharp combat instincts, carefully planned strategies, precise and effective spellcasting, well-managed stamina, minimal injuries from opponents, and a bit of luck were all indispensable.
In short, she would do her best.
Of course, winning first place would be ideal.
"The rules of the event will be posted on the bulletin board tonight along with the announcement, so I won't go over them," Glenn said, seeing that the previously restless Hermione had finally calmed down after hearing the news. He got up and picked up his cane, adding, "Let's go. Potions class is about to start."
Glenn stood up, taking his cane, and Hermione followed suit.
---
The double Potions class on Thursday afternoon was a nightmare for most young wizards, but not for Glenn and Hermione.
There was no helping it. Although Professor Snape's personality left much to be desired, his lessons were invaluable, and he was one of the two's favorite professors.
The fulfilling Potions class ended perfectly for Glenn and Hermione. While other young wizards eagerly bolted out of the classroom, casting sympathetic glances at the pair left behind, Glenn and Hermione stayed behind.
The reason? Snape had approached their table during the practical portion of the lesson and asked Glenn to stay after class.
Of course, it wasn't to give Glenn detention but to discuss the arrangements for the Dueling Club that evening.
Naturally, Hermione intended to stay and join in the fun.
"Are you ready?" Snape's cold, emotionless voice suddenly sounded near the two, but it didn't bother them in the slightest.
They turned to see Snape standing before them, his face as dour as ever.
Glenn nodded. To him, this was just another ordinary training session among the many practical duels he'd had with Snape.
Seeing this, Snape said no more and brushed past them.
"When the time comes, make whatever preparations you feel necessary. Wait for me at the entrance to the Great Hall. There might be a small complication before the exhibition match."
Glenn made no comment, but Hermione curiously asked, "What kind of complication?"
Snape sneered disdainfully, his lips curling into a mocking smile. "Just some clown seeking attention. I'll deal with him quickly."
With that, Snape left them with the sight of his billowing black robes as he strode away.
Hermione couldn't help but sigh.
"As expected, every professor is a riddle-speaker."
"Oh, but not Professor McGonagall. Never mind, then."
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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