I am Harry Potter's Cousin, Big D

The Gryffindors were all cheering for Harry and Malfoy's aerial chase, completely oblivious to Dudley and Hermione's quiet departure. Some Slytherins, however, saw them, and they very consciously and silently averted their eyes. 'We dare not speak. We dare not ask. We also don't know.'

And so, the two of them smoothly crossed the lawn and jogged along a narrow path to the edge of the Forbidden Forest. All the way there, Hermione's heart was pounding. As a dedicated student, skipping class was practically taboo for her. But it was also undeniably exciting, a thrilling, interesting adventure. Hermione's little face was flushed, like a ripe red apple.

Flying lessons where you couldn't actually fly were, she had to admit, truly boring. It was better to take this opportunity to wander around. She had been at Hogwarts for a while now, but her time had been spent almost exclusively in the dormitory, the classroom, or the library. She hadn't had a proper look around this magical place yet.

During the day, the Forbidden Forest was mostly fine, except for being a bit dim. Hogwarts is located in the Scottish Highlands, with a temperate oceanic climate. The trees here were mostly oak, maple, and beech, forming a dense, continuous canopy that gave a feeling of oppression when viewed casually. Of course, this was only for the other young wizards; Dudley was unfazed by it. The Forbidden Forest was just a slightly larger forest. The magical creatures and plants living inside were the main attraction.

"Wow," just stepping onto the edge of the Forbidden Forest, Hermione was deeply captivated by the sight inside. Sunlight filtered through the gaps between leaves and branches, creating dappled green and yellow light and shadow on the forest floor. The light and shadow danced with the blowing wind, giving a sense of harmonious beauty. Even Hermione's previously restless mood calmed down.

While Hermione was captivated by the scenery, Dudley secretly watched her from the side. He could tell she had something on her mind lately, not just the frustration of being unable to fly, but something else. But since she wasn't saying anything, he didn't want to ask. He hoped bringing her to the Forbidden Forest would help her clear her head. This little girl had a stubborn streak in her bones, just like him. Harry was like this too. But he seemed to have... no, his personality had become similar after spending so much time with him. Do stubborn people attract each other? Heh... sounds like Stand users.

Hermione skipped and hopped ahead, curious about everything before her eyes. At this moment, she no longer seemed like Gryffindor's Miss Know-It-All but just an ordinary, vibrant young girl.

"Here, here! Dudley! Come quickly!" Hermione stood beneath a massive tree, at least a thousand years old and requiring four or five people to encircle, waving her arms towards Dudley. He walked over, and she pointed at the branches above. "Look there!"

Sunlight filtered through the canopy, illuminating a small plant with five yellow petals nestled in a gap between the trunk and a large branch.

St. John's Wort. A relatively rare herb. It was said that the devil had left his evil power on this plant; rubbing the leaf veins with your finger would produce a sap like blood. It could be used to treat anemia and menstrual problems, but its primary use was for treating stab wounds and gunshots. Hermione chattered like a skylark, explaining the uses of this herb to Dudley. He didn't offer any opinions, just listened with a smile and patience, although he had recognized the herb long ago.

After Hermione finished explaining, Dudley climbed up the tree branch in a few quick movements, took out a small trowel and other tools from his pouch, carefully dug up the herb, and placed it into a small bottle he had prepared.

"Excellent technique," Hermione said. Her theoretical knowledge was very strong, but her practical skills were much weaker. She admitted to herself that she couldn't have done it with such care. Then, thinking of how Dudley, with his clearly fan-sized hand, had so delicately pinched the herb with just two fingers, she couldn't help but laugh. Her bell-like laughter echoed softly in the Forbidden Forest, her pair of bright white little rabbit teeth so noticeable.

"Hermione, you look really good when you smile," Dudley said, his tone direct and honest. "You should smile more often in the future." His words made her blush, and she hid her inner shyness by lightly punching his chest.

The Forbidden Forest was truly a natural treasure trove of Potions ingredients. Just walking around the edge, Dudley harvested quite a few, including Mistletoe, Dittany, and Rue, almost taking the roots with him. He and Hermione also discovered Bouncing Bulbs, strange plants that looked like dark, slimy giant slugs. They were ugly, but their medicinal value was high, so Dudley carefully collected them.

After he had finished putting away the herbs, he found Hermione standing in front of a green, mushroom-like plant that seemed to be emitting a faint glow. Clearly, Miss Know-It-All also had times when she didn't know something.

"This is an herb called a Moomushroom," Dudley explained. "We'll learn about it in fourth-year Herbology. Its cap is very sensitive; once stimulated, it will spray spores that paralyze the whole body. It can be used to make a Paralysis Potion." Theoretically, the Moomushroom itself was rarer than Bouncing Bulbs, but most wizards were only interested in its spores. "The Moomushroom itself," he continued, "can be used to make strength-enhancing potions. Unfortunately, most wizards aren't very interested in that." For wizards, increasing physical strength had little meaning. But this was exactly what Dudley needed. So, after a more careful harvesting...

Moomushroom acquired.

"Little mushroom picker girl, carrying a big basket..." In a great mood, Dudley unconsciously started humming a tune, pulling Hermione along more energetically as they walked and picked Potions ingredients. The two slowly explored a small part of the Forbidden Forest like this. By the time they realized it, the moon was already hanging high in the branches.

'Oh no!' Dudley thought, a sudden wave of panic washing over him. 'We missed dinner!'

(End of Chapter)

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