Chapter 60: Summer Plans
However, not everything was ideal. Malfoy's grades weren't terrible, but they were only above average. And that fool Goyle had passed too—so it seemed the university's admission standards weren't very high. But that was hardly a problem. After all, life doesn't always go the way you want.
Summer had arrived. Their wardrobes were emptied, clothes packed into trunks, and they were soon to leave.
Before departing, Harry and the others exchanged their summer assignments.
George walked up with an indifferent expression. "Harry, you've already been slated to take on the next Voldemort. Don't rely on time—ride your broom and confront him head-on. Treat it like a manly game of Quidditch." Harry mimicked George's tone, making Hermione and Ron burst into laughter.
"When Voldemort comes near, your forehead will ache terribly. Meditation can help you resist his magic," he explained with a wave of his hand. The tasks George had assigned for the summer were no joke. Practicing meditation would take considerable time and effort.
Seeing Hermione and Harry looking at him, Ron began recalling the moment. "He looked at me the same way and said, 'Ron, you know, you're clumsy and reckless. Compared to Harry and Hermione, you don't seem very clever.'"
Ron glanced at Harry and Hermione, who didn't show a smirk or laugh.
"Fortunately, you don't get angry like Harry, nor are you proud like Hermione. You always appear calm, because your brain reacts a bit slower. But you see, all these traits can become advantages when needed, even if your brain isn't the fastest."
"The meditation techniques I'm teaching you are custom-made. They help you remain calm at all times and keep your mind functioning smoothly."
Ron rolled his eyes at the two in front of him. He didn't notice that Hermione had already stopped smiling—though she propped her chin on her hand and gritted her teeth, her rising shoulders and squinted eyes betrayed everything.
Harry lifted his head, whistling softly. He wasn't smiling, yet his hands trembled slightly.
"His expression isn't as intimidating as you think. He told me, Hermione, as a teacher, you mustn't fall like Harry or Ron," she said quietly, glancing at them.
Seeing that Harry and Ron weren't angry, Hermione continued: "Your minds are sharp, and your memories are exceptional. That's your advantage. Make good use of it. Excellent memory and a flexible mind bring tremendous computational power."
"These specialized meditation techniques allow you to maximize your brain's potential and convert it into direct power. I expect you to practice some simple wandless magic at home."
"You know, wands have become ineffective. Minors aren't allowed to use magic alone. But in reality, most wizarding families have ways to circumvent this rule. If you don't want the next few months to be miserable, spend more time meditating."
"George didn't tell me any of this," Harry said, somewhat frustrated. George clearly treated Hermione differently, and he hadn't shared these important details with Harry.
"Perhaps George was worried you might get into trouble. Or maybe he knew we'd talk alone, so he arranged for the two of us to meet separately," Hermione reasoned, realizing she had been given special attention, but she didn't want to show it, so she made an excuse for George.
"What about Malfoy's summer assignments?" Ron asked curiously.
"Malfoy, you might be clever, but you've always lacked opportunity and strength. Now the chance is here. Can you seize it? Next term, you'll have to face Harry directly. If your abilities don't improve enough over the summer, expect to be trampled under his feet," Hermione pondered George's tone for a moment.
Harry and Ron nodded; that seemed about right.
George had arranged different meditation techniques for the three of them during the summer, and Malfoy would presumably do the same.
In truth, Malfoy's luck wasn't as good as theirs. After all, their relationship with George was extremely close. When choosing meditation methods, George did his best to find the most suitable and effective techniques for them.
As for Malfoy, George had only given him a decent, general meditation approach—a standard, detailed set of training points. Personalized guidance? Impossible. That level of attention was a premium service meant for those seeking answers and advice.
For students who had spent a full year immersed in work, what could be better than a holiday? A long summer break, joyful play, returning home—every detail brought immense happiness to the students leaving Hogwarts.
But not everyone looked forward to vacation, nor did everyone eagerly anticipate going home.
Harry wasn't excited for summer. He didn't even want to go home. Like last year's Christmas break, he longed to stay at Hogwarts. Even if Hermione, Ron, and George were going home, even if others were around, he still wanted to remain. He didn't want to go home. He hated the idea of going home, even though he technically had one.
Unfortunately, Hogwarts' rules didn't allow students to remain on campus over the summer. No matter how unwilling or unhappy Harry felt, he was forced to leave.
Looking out at the distant campus, Harry felt a twinge of sadness. Although Ron and Hermione were beside him, they were visibly excited, eager to see their families. They could hardly wait to return. A year of study had left them longing for home.
While at school, Harry's mind had been quiet, his thoughts calm. But as soon as he left, stepping onto the road home, he began thinking of the family he would soon see. All the thoughts and emotions, long suppressed, erupted like a volcano. The heat was overwhelming, blinding him, and tears threatened to spill from his eyes.
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