The Weasley brothers, Harry, and others who knew the inside story didn't reveal anything about Loren.
Dumbledore never shared the specifics of Peter Pettigrew's capture with the Ministry of Magic, and the Ministry didn't press for details.
Or rather, no one dared ask about matters Dumbledore wished to keep private. Fudge, pleased with his undeserved fame, found no reason to complain.
The Daily Prophet was even less likely to uncover the truth. Under Dumbledore's influence, everyone remained silent.
Though Dumbledore never discussed the incident with Loren, a tacit understanding existed between them. Dumbledore aimed to protect his students, and Loren was content with his current life, unwilling to be exposed publicly.
That afternoon, Loren didn't drag Hermione into practice. Frequent training might awaken his talent for correction, but it was exhausting. Instead, reviewing and summarizing after practice—and consulting Flamel for more theory on the Shield Charm in the evening—was a wiser approach.
Loren scribbled and sketched on paper, categorizing spells one by one, selecting those most fitting, and trying to build his own combat system.
The final spell to win a duel wasn't crucial—whether disarming, stunning, crushing, or even lethal, as long as it disabled the opponent's combat ability.
Before then, defense, evasion, and control determined victory or defeat. Using spells within his reach, Loren devised a system based on three categories: defense, control, and attack.
Defensive spells included armor spells like Armor Protection and stopping spells such as Spell Stop.
Control spells comprised obstacle spells (Impedimenta), imprisonment spells (Immobulus), and binding spells (Petrificus).
Attack spells featured cutting spells (Diffindo), disarming spells (Expelliarmus), and stun spells (Stupify).
Once these were mastered, improving combat awareness in the virtual duel room would be the next step.
There was no fixed system; Loren planned to enrich and refine it as he grew. Later, he would learn advanced spells like Apparition, Fiendfire, and Sectumsempra.
True masters—Dumbledore, Grindelwald—could unleash the perfect spell instantly, often using Transfiguration to create challenging scenarios. Loren was far from that level.
Except for the Shield Charm, Loren could practice and master other spells in about two months.
"Flamel, does my plan make sense?" Loren asked, outlining his ideas.
Flamel pondered. "For a student, it's sufficient. After all, we must begin with the basics."
He didn't mention that steps, breathing, and rhythm were crucial in battle. Loren would understand once he entered the duel room.
Loren requested more detailed knowledge about the Shield Charm, comparing it with his daily notes and corrections to refine a better method of use.
Sunday—the full moon day.
Loren felt restless and unable to get up. Since learning Bates was a werewolf, he'd never been so worried.
Before, living next to Bates, he knew the old man would retreat to the mountains and isolate himself on full moon nights. Loren couldn't help him but felt reassured simply by being near.
Now separated by distance—and more—Loren's heart was uneasy as the full moon approached.
"Are you okay?" Ron noticed Loren's slow eating, which was unlike him.
Loren forced a smile. "I'm fine."
Ron thought it serious. Loren was usually full of energy, even eating a steak for breakfast yesterday.
He wanted to say more, but Hermione gently shook her head to stop him.
After dinner, Harry took Ron to the playground.
Hermione sat beside Loren, studying his face.
"Come with me," she said, taking Loren away from the courtyard, up the stairs and escalator.
Under the great clock in Hogwarts' tower was a hollow attic overlooking the Black Lake, the Forbidden Forest, and most of the castle's towers.
Hermione sat down, resting her feet over the edge as the wind passed through. Morning mist lingered, and the orange-red sun cast a soft glow.
"Sometimes I come here to relax. The wide view helps me feel better," she said.
Loren guessed it was because Hermione hadn't gotten along with her roommates.
"Actually, I knew a while ago."
Loren frowned, confused. "Knew what?"
"At Flourish and Blotts, there were lots of books about magical creatures—goblins, trolls, vampires—but you skipped those and immediately grabbed the werewolf books."
Damn, the know-it-all, had noticed.
"I read about werewolves too. They lose their minds and transform during the full moon. It's a painful process." Hermione's voice lowered.
Thinking of Grandpa Bates' weary face, Loren stayed silent.
"And you wanted to practice spells—that was a sign."
Loren wondered, Is my spell practice connected to Grandpa Bates being a werewolf?
"Tonight is the full moon. You must be feeling uncomfortable." Hermione's eyes welled up.
Something felt wrong.
"Loren, we should find a professor later!" Hermione sobbed, saddened that her little friend might be a werewolf.
Loren quickly clarified, "No, you misunderstood! I'm not a werewolf!"
"Hmm..." Hermione stopped wiping tears and burped. "Ah?"
Loren explained that Grandpa Bates was the werewolf and that his poor appetite was from worrying about him.
Hermione's face flushed bright red. How embarrassing! She had guessed blindly and brought trouble to Loren.
"Sorry, I shouldn't have assumed," she said, trying to stand up and escape the awkward moment.
"No, I'm glad to have a friend like you." Loren gently held her and handed over a handkerchief.
He was surprised at Hermione's sharp observation and thoughtful care. Even if wrong, it was heartwarming to have someone notice and worry about your struggles.
After calming down, they chatted about trivial things—Hermione and her roommates, the ongoing quarrel between Filch and Peeves, the tree heavy with small orange fruits nearby…