#387 - Chapter 387 Professor Swan, Please Accept My Challenge

Ron, of course, knew he wasn't suitable to appear tomorrow, so he was just joking with Harry and Hermione to express his excitement.

The three of them chatted and laughed, and finally decided to let Hermione go to the appointment herself tomorrow, which would not only solve the problem properly but also save Krum's face.

After all, under no circumstances should international friends feel that Hogwarts students don't understand etiquette.

Early the next morning, Krum stood at the agreed location, full of anticipation. When he saw Hermione's figure coming alone, his eyes instantly lit up with joy.

It's just a pity that Hermione's clear and gentle refusal directly stunned him.

"I'm sorry, Krum, I can't be your dance partner."

In Hermione's view, a straightforward refusal was the most efficient way to communicate, otherwise she worried it would give the other party a feeling of playing hard to get.

Hermione's words were like a gentle but cold wind, blowing away Krum's hopeful fantasies.

However, Krum quickly adjusted his emotions, smiled slightly, and tried his best to maintain his demeanor. He didn't resent her for it, but continued to invite Hermione to stroll around Hogsmeade with him.

Out of politeness, Hermione readily agreed and quickly switched to tour guide mode.

She skillfully took Krum to visit every corner of Hogsmeade, whether it was the sweet world of Honeydukes or the joke shop of Zonko's, she explained every place in detail. Finally, she also took Krum to Sirius's stall and helped him purchase some interesting souvenirs.

Throughout the trip, she always insisted on splitting the bill, not allowing Krum to spend money on her.

It wasn't until after lunch that she took Krum back to school and ended this little adventure.

Watching Hermione walk towards the castle, Krum stopped pretending, and his whole person fell into a silent low.

It wasn't the first time he had faced setbacks, but this blow was particularly heavy.

Hermione's refusal was beyond his expectations, and it could even be said that it directly hit his self-esteem. He had never felt that he needed to work hard to win someone's favor, and Hermione's directness and firmness made him question his charm for the first time.

His mood was very complicated, with loss, regret, and an unspeakable confusion.

He had been a genius since he was a child, the focus of the crowd. Whether on the Quidditch field or in daily life, his existence could always attract everyone's attention.

With the title of the world's number one Seeker and a Triwizard Tournament champion, he would cause girls to scream wherever he went.

But Hermione was unmoved. There was no infatuation or admiration in her eyes, only a calm and polite sense of distance.

It was as if, in front of her, all the halos on his head faded away, and he directly became the most ordinary person.

Because of this, Krum felt even more frustrated.

He talked a lot with Hermione, and the more he talked, the more he felt she was special. The independence and confidence in her also made him more fascinated.

It's just a pity that, through communication, he also knew that Hermione was a girl with a firm will and would not easily change her mind.

No matter how you look at it, his chances were approximately zero.

However, although he understood this, Krum was still very unwilling.

At this moment, he needed to find someone to confide in, but he didn't want to find anyone he was familiar with.

After a brief thought, he decided to go to Sebastian.

In the mouths of Hogwarts students, this professor was not only knowledgeable but also possessed the ability to easily perceive other people's emotions.

He was not only a trustworthy listener who would not easily criticize others or give superficial comfort, but more importantly, he often gave effective advice.

Inside the Muggle Studies office, Sebastian couldn't help but laugh as he looked at Krum sitting on the sofa.

What's going on?

Is my reputation as an emotional guru so loud?

Even Durmstrang students are coming to me.

It seems that with my skills, I could make a big difference even if I became a psychologist in the Muggle world.

Sebastian knew Krum's distress very well, after all, he had just given Ron advice last night.

Now it seems that the result is obvious.

As usual, Sebastian first waved his wand to pour Krum a Coke, inviting this Durmstrang student to taste the deliciousness of Muggles.

Then he patiently listened to Krum begin his confession.

Perhaps because he was stimulated today, or perhaps because Sebastian's attitude did make Krum relax, this usually taciturn boy opened up and kept talking about his inner烦闷.

"Professor Swann, that's the situation. I'm really a little unwilling to just be pen pals with Hermione. Do you have any ideas?"

Facing Krum's expectant gaze, Sebastian felt a little helpless.

It seemed that he could only disappoint this young man.

If there was mutual affection, he would have a lot of advice to give.

But the current situation was clearly that Krum was being overly enthusiastic, and Hermione didn't have a single thought.

In addition, Hermione was an extremely opinionated, or rather, somewhat strong and stubborn Gryffindor girl, so no matter how hard the young man tried, it would be useless.

"Krum," Sebastian said in a deep voice, "You are already eighteen years old and an adult, so I want to ask you a few questions that adults need to consider. Are you willing?"

Hearing this, Krum nodded and looked at him seriously.

"Krum, have you ever thought about what you would do after the Triwizard Tournament ends if Miss Granger accepted your feelings?"

"I will have graduated by then, I will work in Bulgaria first, and then wait for her."

"What about the long-distance relationship?"

"Professor Swann, it's very convenient to travel in the magical world. I can come over every weekend, which can minimize the impact of the long-distance relationship."

Sebastian nodded and continued to ask: "You just mentioned work, are you planning to continue playing Quidditch?"

"Yes, my dream is to lead the Bulgarian national team to win a Quidditch World Cup championship."

"That is to say, you will definitely stay in Bulgaria, then have you ever thought about where Miss Granger wants to stay?"

This......

Krum was speechless for a moment and couldn't answer.

Through today's exchange, he learned that Hermione was planning to enter the British Ministry of Magic after graduation.

That is to say, on this point, the two people have irreconcilable contradictions.

"Krum, if a long-distance relationship wants to succeed, one party must make a huge sacrifice, do you understand?"

Yes...

He didn't seem to have any reason to persuade Hermione to leave Britain. After all, in the magical world, the influence of the British Ministry of Magic was very great, and the Bulgarian Ministry of Magic couldn't compare at all.

And he was a little unwilling to give up playing Quidditch in Bulgaria.

After all, after this World Cup, he had already agreed with those friends to continue fighting in the next World Cup.

What's more, Hermione didn't have any feelings for him, so even if he wanted to stay in Britain, he couldn't find a reason.

Krum completely fell silent, he lowered his head and fell into deep thought.

Sebastian didn't urge him either, just looked at him quietly, waiting for him to figure out the key to the problem.

After a long time, Krum took a deep breath, then he raised his head with a look of relief on his face.

"Professor Swann, thank you for your guidance, I understand, I asked for too much. Now it seems that it's not bad to be pen pals with Hermione, I will cherish this friendship."

Then, he changed the subject and said with a full voice.

"There is one more thing that has been憋in my heart for a long time, I want to challenge you, Professor Swann!"