Erwin chuckled. He knew exactly what was going on—he'd seen it all unfold.
"Since you're interested, of course," he told Penelope.
She nodded, satisfied. Even if he'd refused, she couldn't have forced him. After witnessing his strength, she wasn't sure she could take him in a duel anyway. His cooperation pleased her, and her fondness for this intriguing junior grew.
Hermione, standing nearby, looked utterly baffled. "What Patronus? Senior, Erwin—what are you on about?"
Erwin drew his wand. "Expecto Patronum!"
In an instant, the adorable panda materialized once more.
Penelope's eyes lit up with affection. The creature latched onto Erwin's leg, rubbing against him like a loyal pup. But when he nudged it away, it finally surveyed its surroundings. Spotting Penelope, it bared its teeth, body swelling as if ready to balloon in size.
Erwin stared, stunned. Why was his Patronus holding a grudge? Did it remember things? Had he botched the spell somehow? Was it... going rogue?
He patted its head, and the tension eased.
Penelope gasped. "Junior, your Patronus seems a bit... off."
Erwin coughed. "Nah, it's the same as any other. Just an illusion—don't overthink it. You daft thing, go apologize to the senior. Can't turn my back for a second without you stirring trouble."
The panda scratched its head, then shuffled over to Penelope and bowed politely, almost human-like in its demeanor.
Her surprise deepened, and her gaze toward Erwin shifted. This junior had secrets. She knew the Patronus Charm well—no one else's took on such a lifelike form.
Hermione, oblivious to the undercurrents, beamed at the sight. "Oh my god, Erwin—what is this? It's adorable!"
"A Patronus," he replied casually. "Just a spell."
"Can I learn it?" she asked eagerly.
He paused. "Sure. It's in the later classes, but I'll teach you when I get a chance."
Hermione nodded enthusiastically.
Erwin wasn't much for teaching, but someone like Hermione? She'd make a brilliant ally—if motivated right. And the Patronus Charm was a gem of a spell.
She knelt beside the panda, stroking its head. "It's incredible—it feels so solid!"
Penelope nodded. "Advanced ones can manifest physically, but I've never seen one this tangible. You've full of surprises, junior."
Erwin waved it off. "Flattery, senior. Anyway, Hermione—I came to ask if you'd like to study with the Slytherins going forward. I can help with any questions."
Her eyes widened. "Really? But Slytherin's so clannish, especially to someone like me."
"Someone like you? Quit fussing over nonsense. Slytherin's my domain. Their 'clannishness' is just pride—the strong overlook the weak, always has been. Want their respect? Prove you're better. What's this, lack of confidence?"
Hermione straightened. "Me? No way. Academics? I'm top of the class—except maybe against you."
Penelope petted the panda while listening, a thoughtful glint in her eye. This junior had nailed Slytherin's core so effortlessly; no wonder the Headmaster called him the finest Slytherin around.
"She's spot on," Penelope added. "Hermione's brilliance stands out even in Ravenclaw."
Hermione flushed. "It's my senior who's amazing. Erwin, you should see—her knowledge is endless. Everyone in Ravenclaw looks up to her."
Erwin grinned. "Clearly, your spellwork's Auror-level already."
Penelope smiled warmly. "High praise from a junior. But it's late—morning study tomorrow, Hermione. Off to bed."
Hermione nodded.
Erwin rose. "I was a bit forward today—forgive me, senior. I'll head out."
They escorted him to the Ravenclaw common room door. Once it shut, he snapped his fingers and Apparated back to his quarters.
After he left, Penelope turned to Hermione with a knowing smile. "You like him, don't you?"
Hermione's cheeks burned. "S-Senior! What? No!"
Penelope tapped her eyes. "Can't fool me. And why not? Someone like him? He'd be mad not to like you back."
Hermione ducked her head. "But... I don't think he does."
"Who knows?" Penelope shrugged. "Our little Hermione's a catch. His loss if he doesn't. Now, sleep."
Hermione agreed and hurried upstairs.
Penelope watched her go, then eyed the closed door. She was sharp—Ravenclaw's best for a reason. Erwin's politeness masked something sharper; his moves always had purpose. He wasn't just aiding Hermione out of kindness. There were calculations there, though she couldn't pinpoint them. Superhuman insight? Unlikely, but intriguing all the same.