Being a passerby in HP female protagonist fanfiction

After saying goodbye to Harry, I returned to the Hufflepuff common room. There weren't many people there; everyone was waiting for tonight's feast.

Even though there weren't many people, it was still lively, with constant chatter. The topics at this time were all about the Academy Cup and the holidays.

"May Merlin bless us... Our scores were pretty good this year. If we keep working hard next year, maybe we can surpass Ravenclaw."

"Ugh, Potions class is terrible. Professor Snape mocks people every day with the same old tricks. I don't even dare to look up at him in class... I guess my grades aren't good now."

"What's wrong with Professor Quirrell? I still don't know anything."

"I heard it was the fourth-floor corridor, the place they wouldn't let us go before. Professor Quirrell apparently went there to steal something, but Harry Potter and Willott Gaunt stopped him... I don't know the specifics, but it's certain that Harry Potter was injured, and he definitely confronted Professor Quirrell head-on."

"That was dangerous..."

"Want to come over to my house when the holidays start? My parents just bought me a new magic toy."

"No, I want to go traveling. My family said they'd take me on a trip abroad if I do well on my exams!"

"Would you like a candy to see what it tastes like?"

"Yue...bad luck, it smells like booger."

"...Wait, how do you know it smells like booger..."

"..."

I reached out and helped a badger cub who was rushing and almost fell over. Without changing my expression, I walked past a group of older badgers who were gathered together discussing Quidditch. After seeing that nothing was wrong, I sat down on a sofa in a corner where no one was around.

Susan and the others weren't here, and it was still early, so I thought I'd read a book for a while. But all the exams were over, and I was too tired to study... With no one to bother me, I lazily sprawled on the sofa, feeling like I had no bones.

Now is sage time.

The chatter was noisy but not stimulating, and the aroma wafted in from the kitchen through the doorway—faint yet enticing. It's always the case that something smells delicious, but when you actually eat it, you can never quite find the dish that smells so good.

I did some philosophical thinking.

This kind of atmosphere...

It smells so good, I'm so sleepy, I really want to go to sleep.

My eyelids started to droop; youth makes you sleepy. I couldn't resist curling up into the sofa, leaning against the cushions, and closing my eyes.

I was very sleepy, but unfortunately, I couldn't fall asleep easily after closing my eyes. This is common in the afternoon; I feel sleepy but also strangely awake at the same time. So I simply closed my eyes and started using the "brain lock technique."

First, focus your attention, then calm down, relax, and don't think about anything else...

I exhaled softly, feeling my whole body relax.

I have been consciously practicing Occlumency, especially in all aspects of daily life, striving to be able to subconsciously activate or maintain Occlumency in times of crisis to prevent problems before they occur, although I really hope that I never have to have that opportunity.

However, since I haven't had the chance to test it, I still don't know if my practice of the Occupation technique is correct or even useful. Without the Pensieve, I can't grasp my true inner state. Clearing my mind of distractions, on the other hand, is very useful and allows me to relax on my own.

"Claire, wake up." In a daze, a gentle but hesitant male voice came from beside me. I jolted awake and straightened my posture.

"Senior Cedric?" I still had a little sleepiness in my eyes, so I couldn't help but rub them to quickly wake up. "What's wrong?"

"It's almost time, we need to go to the auditorium soon." Cedric smiled a little embarrassedly and explained that he originally didn't want to disturb me because I was sleeping soundly, but seeing that it was almost time, he thought it would be better to remind me.

Time flies so fast. I feel like I only dozed off for a little while... Is this the magic of an afternoon nap?

I was completely shocked.

"Claire should make sure to get plenty of rest. If you're sleepy, it's best to go back to your dorm and take a nap," he told me patiently.

Sleeping in the lounge is different from sleeping in the dormitory. Sleepiness is a wonderful thing; it doesn't come when you want it, but it suddenly creeps up on you when you don't.

Such a beautiful afternoon should be spent curling up on the sofa in some strange position to sleep, or lying in the shade of a tree under the sunlight, or even just sitting in my seat with a book in my hand and closing my eyes during a history of magic class... In short, it's easy to feel sleepy anywhere except in my own bed.

I stood up, fully awake, and cheerfully thanked Senior Cedric before heading straight to the auditorium.

Cedric seemed to have something to say, but in the end he didn't open his mouth, and smiled helplessly after I left.

The year-end banquet that evening was lively and bustling with people. The hall was decorated with green and silver ribbons. I skillfully flew to the Hufflepuff table, and Susan and the others had indeed saved a seat for me. As soon as I arrived, they rushed to my side, and everyone looked excited.

"Potter didn't come. Is he alright?" a little badger asked me casually.

"He seems alright, but Mrs. Pomfrey told him to rest more, so I didn't bother him too much," I said honestly.

It was almost time, and Harry arrived at the Great Hall and returned to the Gryffindor group. Dumbledore began his speech, happily telling us that a year had passed, and then announced the original scores for the House Cup.

The gap between Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw's scores is smaller than expected. If they work harder next year and lose fewer points, they might be able to make a run... Everyone had expected this, and no one had any objections. Slytherin had already started cheering, celebrating yet another House Cup victory.

What followed was the climax. Dumbledore's expression turned serious as he began to add the unexpected bonus points: Ron, Hermione, Harry, Neville, Willotte... The students all widened their eyes, speculating incredulously about what heroic deeds they had performed. Those who were confused could only look at each other.

As for Gryffindor, they were already cheering. George and Fred seemed eager to tease the ecstatic Percy. Hermione buried her face in her arms in excitement. They had really worked hard these past few days.

Gryffindor's points quickly surpassed those of Hufflepuff and Ravenclaw. However, everyone knew that Harry and his friends had probably gone through a terrible battle, so although they were shocked, they weren't too resentful. But some people were inevitably disappointed.

Willotte naturally received extra points as well. Dumbledore was in a difficult position, but he wouldn't target any specific student. Slytherin still won the House Cup, and won beautifully. They couldn't hide their excitement, and Draco looked particularly proud and self-satisfied, as if he wanted to look down on all the Gryffindors. Willotte, on the other hand, quietly made eye contact with me, but before she could tell me anything, she was pulled away by the Slytherin prefect to celebrate.

As the banquet was drawing to a close, I took a moment to observe Harry. He was very happy; his usually somewhat gloomy face had turned into a flush of excitement. Although he hadn't managed to defeat Slytherin in the House Cup, the extra points alone were enough to make Harry happy all night. While the victory in the original story was certainly the ultimate joy, his current happiness was no less.

Or perhaps this is better... with everyone's friendliness and approval, without excessive adulation and attention.

First grade is over, which is pretty good progress... Next year will be a bit tough, but we'll talk about next year next time.

I'm thinking about it, and I'm also happy about it.