Flowery Reincarnation

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Hermione Granger walked briskly toward the Hogwarts library, her mind abuzz with thoughts about the latest lesson taught by Professor Flitwick. It wasn't overly complicated, but Hermione was determined to grasp every nuance of the subject. Additional knowledge was never unwelcome, after all.

Her newfound friends often found it perplexing that Hermione prioritized her studies above all else, spending countless hours in the library since arriving at Hogwarts.

As she entered the vast magical library, the familiar scent of parchment and aged paper greeted her. She nodded at Madam Pince, who blinked at her as usual. Hermione was on a quest for books specifically focused on charms—essential material if she wanted to excel and achieve an OWL.

However, something felt off. A nearly inaudible sound, like a droplet of water hitting a pond, reverberated in the air around her. Was it an illusion? She glanced around, realizing with growing unease that she had walked past the same row of shelves twice.

"I passed by this row twice…" she muttered, pulling out a random book. Its cover bore no markings of interest, leading her to question what was happening.

"This doesn't make sense. Am I in some kind of loop? Why would there be an illusion in the library? Is this a special section?" Her heart raced at the thought, the possibility of hidden magic lurking within the library.

"Not really," came a voice that filled the air with a sense of mirth.

"Eep!" Hermione jumped, her eyes widening as she turned to face the source.

Before she stood a boy her age, his hair a wild yet elegant mess of lilac-white. His eyes, an enchanting amethyst, glimmered with an almost otherworldly light. Was he a pureblood? The thought of someone like Draco flashed through her mind, but this boy felt entirely different.

"So that's how it is. What books are you looking for?" he asked, his smile disarming her anxiety, allowing her to calm down somewhat.

"Um," she stammered, looking anywhere but at his intense gaze. "W-well," she began, but in her nervousness, she stumbled, bracing for impact.

Yet, before she could fall, a warm, invisible force caught her, placing her gently back on her feet. "Y-you… what did you do?" Hermione gasped, her mind racing. "Just now, wandless magic!?"

The boy's demeanor shifted slightly, a grin spreading across his features. "Isn't that obvious? But yes, that's correct!"

"But you don't even have a House emblem!" Hermione exclaimed, noticing the absence of any Hogwarts insignia on his robes.

"Maybe I'm a transfer student," he replied nonchalantly, tilting his head with a mischievous twinkle in his eye. "So back to my question, what are you looking for?"

"That's not important right now!" Hermione retorted, her annoyance bubbling up. "Introduce yourself!"

"Wahaha, you are funny, girl." He chuckled, and for some reason, this made her even more irritated. "That's for me to know and you to find out~"

"You are unbearable!"

"Am I," he replied, tilting his head again, "or are you simply nosing around? Why should I tell you my name if I don't know yours?"

"Hermione," she sputtered, her cheeks flushed.

"And I am Merlin~" he declared, his smile widening.

"Don't make fun of me."

"Eh? But I'm the real deal. Well, alright, you got me here. But still, I won't say it."

"What about our deal!?" she insisted, crossing her arms.

Merlin's amethyst eyes sparkled with amusement. "What deal?"

Hermione's face turned a deeper shade of red as the realization dawned on her. There was never any reassurance he would tell his name if she revealed hers! How embarrassing! "A-anyway, where is your wand?"

From his pocket, he pulled out a stick—pink and utterly ridiculous.

"What is this thing!?" Hermione shouted horrified, clutching her head as she wondered how Madam Pince hadn't yet chastised them for their noise.

"It's my wand, of course! What else would it be?" He spun the stick nonchalantly, fully aware of its absurdity. "It's made from Unicorn hair and… I don't remember!"

"Why don't you remember!?"

"It's not like I use it either way," he said with a casual shrug.

Something twisted in Hermione's stomach. Whether from frustration or intrigue, she couldn't tell. "Are you from my year?"

"I wonder. I know you from lessons, so it's possible. You're always the first to raise your hand when Professors ask questions."

"Excuse me?"

"Sure."

"No—what?" Hermione was flustered by his casual confidence. "But I have never seen you in class," she protested.

"You won't see what doesn't want to be seen," he explained cryptically, the amusement never leaving his face.

"That's… silly, and you know it. Unless you're lying."

"Hehehe, there are a certain number of students in class. Maybe you're simply overlooking me."

"No, that's impossible. You would be noticed."

"Why?" he asked innocently.

"Because that's what I said!" Hermione blinked, her thoughts racing. She could hardly believe she was debating such a ridiculous point with him.

"Haha, it's fine. You don't have to answer that. I think I know whatever is on your mind."

Before she could respond, he leaned closer, and the tension in the air shifted. "What's this barrier surrounding us? A loop ward of some kind? Why is the noise not present? Where did you learn this?" She bombarded him with questions, feeling overwhelmed.

"Hahaha! Did you notice it? That's amazing!"

Hermione's cheeks flushed with pride at the unexpected compliment.

"Don't look flustered; there's nothing to be embarrassed about. You should be proud of seeing through my Bounded Field. That's surprising!"

"N-no, I—"

"Congratulations are in order, I suppose! Well, I can't promise to teach you perfectly how to do that, but I promise to try my best!"

"No, you're weird. I don't need your help."

"That's hurtful, but it's fine. I'll manage. Your searching could use some aid, though, correct?"

With a flick of his wrist, a book appeared in his hand, exploding with tiny fireworks before it flew into Hermione's grip.

"What is this?"

"Hm? Open it! This is the reward for finding this place and managing to spot the field without my outer interference. You were searching for books about Charms, right? Well, here it is! Just don't read afternoon, or you'll look like a ghoul the next day."

"A ghoul!? Why would I become a ghoul after reading that!?" Panic rose in her chest at the thought of being undead because of a late-night study session.

"Haha, forget what I said. It's fine, it's fine, read it whenever you wish," he reassured her, waving his hands dismissively.

Determination surged within Hermione. "I'm going to read it all!"

Merlin grinned, a glow radiating from him as he watched her enthusiasm. "That's the spirit! Anything is possible, so I know you can make it! Now that we are even, it's time for you to continue your journey!"

"But I'm going to find you as well! Don't think I will forget about this meeting." Hermione turned to leave, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and frustration. "No hidden knowledge is going to be kept from me."

"Ah, I put my hopes in you!" she heard him chuckle as she hurried away.

...

Merlin watched the girl named Hermione leave, a sense of glee washing over him. How refreshing to see bright young minds striving for greatness. The possibilities of this world felt endless.

As he gazed at the enchanted library, a plan began to form. He was here to create chaos, and this encounter was merely the beginning of a much grander tale.

With a blink, he vanished in a shower of rose petals, slipping through the magical wards of Hogwarts undetected.

Back in the familiar confines of his own room, his appearance shifted, transforming into a more polished look as he stepped into the life of a Hogwarts student. The boy smiled to himself, ready for the adventures that lay ahead.

"Ah, here you are." Draco Malfoy's voice broke through his thoughts as he entered. "I was looking for you forever. Where were you?"

"I met with a prefect to discuss some things. It seemed important," Merlin replied casually.

"It's fine, as long as it doesn't happen again. I need your assistance anyway. Follow me."

Draco's frustration was palpable. "It's that Weasley guy and Potter! They made me look like a fool to others and to the teacher! I absolutely can't let it go!"

"What's your plan this time?" Merlin asked, his interest piqued.

"For now? I need you to assist me. Your insight and wit are unfailing. Follow me, Marylynn."

"Of course," Merlin replied, his smirk returning as he followed Draco, knowing that the chaos was only just beginning.

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