As Aizen in Naruto and Joined a Chat Group Chapter 425: Hermione, Almost Crying

"Yes!" Ron readily agreed. "Malfoy is the prime suspect. That guy has never been trustworthy."

"But we don't have any concrete evidence. We can't just accuse him based on suspicion." Although Hermione harbored a deep dislike for Malfoy, especially after his insults, she maintained her composure and a fair perspective.

"Blast it, that snake would never leave any traces!" Ron exclaimed, running his hands through his hair in frustration.

"Perhaps... we require the Polyjuice Potion," Hermione mused, a thoughtful expression crossing her face.

"Polyjuice Potion?"

"What is that?"

Ron and Harry exchanged glances, utterly bewildered. Their preference clearly lay away from reading, particularly anything concerning potions.

"It's a potion you brew!" Hermione sighed, a hint of exasperation in her voice. "It allows for a transformation. After consuming it, one can assume the appearance of another person."

"Wow, amazing!"

"If we had this potion, we could get close to Malfoy without raising suspicion!"

Ron and Harry beamed, their spirits lifting, and they cheered with delight.

"However, we lack the recipe," Hermione stated, shaking her head with a sense of helplessness. "Obtaining the recipe itself is quite challenging."

The Polyjuice Potion was a potent brew, relegated to the library's restricted section. Accessing it necessitated explicit permission from the professors. Yet, the professors were not easily fooled; they wouldn't fall for simple trickery.

"Right, so we're back to square one," Harry declared with a sigh, his hope dwindling. "We've talked for ages, and we haven't made any real headway."

"Perhaps we could seek Professor Zickrein's assistance," Hermione suggested suddenly.

"Do you have a plan?" Ron inquired, his eyes alight with renewed hope.

"Tonight, at seven o'clock, I'm scheduled to help him organize the materials for the magic circle," Hermione disclosed, a wave of relief washing over her as she spoke. "I can attempt to request his help then."

"Then we're counting on you!"

As dusk began to settle, the lights flickered to life throughout Hogwarts castle.

Clutching a notebook, Hermione approached Gerald's chambers and rapped on the door.

Creak.

The door swung inward with a gentle creak.

Hermione, prepared to greet the young professor, halted mid-step as she beheld the figure who answered. It wasn't Gerald, but a young woman with striking blonde hair.

The girl possessed alabaster skin and wore an unusual cork necklace. Her wand was tucked behind her ear, secured by stray strands of hair like the reins of a bridle.

"You are..."

"Luna Lovegood," the blonde girl announced in a clear, melodious voice. "Zickrein's assistant. I help him sort the magical components for the circles."

Assistant? The term struck Hermione with the force of a lightning bolt. Was this the new helper? Did Professor Zickrein no longer require her services?

A wave of sadness washed over Hermione, coupled with an inexplicable, peculiar sensation.

"Is Miss Hermione here?" Gerald's voice echoed from within, a moment later. "Please, come in. Luna, you are free to go now. Thank you for your efforts today."

"It's quite alright, Zickrein," Luna replied softly, her eyes twinkling as she glanced back into the room. "I enjoy the tasks you assign me." She stepped aside, brushing past Hermione, and proceeded towards the Ravenclaw common room.

Hermione remained rooted to the spot, seemingly dazed by the feeling of being dismissed. She entered Gerald's room with leaden steps, the door closing softly behind her.

"You appear troubled?" Gerald asked, turning to face her.

"No, I'm fine," Hermione responded, shaking her head. "I understand it's my fault, Professor Zickrein. My actions today evidently disappointed you. I accept your decision..." As she spoke, her eyes welled up, and tears began to stream down her face.

"Huh?" Gerald looked taken aback, asking with genuine confusion, "Whatever decision are you referring to?"

"You... you aren't going to replace me as a helper?" Hermione dabbed at her eyes, desperately trying to stifle her sobs. She reminded herself she was an adult and mustn't cry.

"Where did you get the notion that I was planning to change assistants?" Gerald asked, handing her a tissue with a look of gentle bewilderment. "Ah, I see now. You're talking about Luna?"

Hermione accepted the tissue, nodding mutely. Instead of using it for her tears, she carefully tucked it into her pocket. This tissue, gifted by Professor Zickrein, was a memento she intended to keep.

"Firstly, you must comprehend that constructing magic circles is an extensive undertaking," Gerald explained, noticing her small gesture but choosing not to comment. "It's divided into numerous smaller tasks, and it's impossible for just the two of us to complete it. Luna possesses considerable knowledge regarding magical variables; she is an excellent assistant."

"So, you had no intention of sidelining me?" Hermione asked, her voice laced with caution.

"Absolutely not. You are an invaluable assistant," Gerald affirmed with a smile, producing his magic circle designs. "Your contribution in sourcing these materials is a significant achievement."

"I, I'm merely doing what I can," Hermione replied, a light blush gracing her cheeks. "But, what exactly does this 'R system' signify here?"

"You can consider the R system established here as akin to reincarnation," Gerald explained with a gentle smile. "When the R system reaches its completion, it might truly possess the ability to resurrect individuals."

"Resurrect people?" Hermione's eyes widened in shock. "Are you suggesting the primary objective of your magic circle is to bring people back to life? Truly?"

"Perhaps," Gerald nodded subtly. "It remains a concept, an idea. As for whether it will ultimately succeed... we must still conduct practical tests."

"So, Professor Zickrein has someone he deeply wishes to revive?" Hermione inquired softly, a thought seeming to cross her mind. "They must hold considerable importance to you, mustn't they?"

The young witch appeared lost in her own thoughts, her expression tinged with a hint of sadness. Perhaps, in her mind, she was envisioning a peculiar family narrative.

"I suppose so," Gerald responded ambiguously, and thus, the two commenced their simulated construction of the magic circle for the day.