Line #218 Heartwarming/HarryPotterHogwartsMystery


1	'''As a Moments subpage, all spoilers are unmarked [[Administrivia/SpoilersOff as per policy.]] Administrivia/YouHaveBeenWarned.'''
2	----
3	!!In General
4	* Seeing the Player's circle of friends slowly increase with each chapter and year. They start out as a lonely pariah, having only had their older brother Jacob as friend. By Year 7, they have gained so many friendships, it's impossible for them to truly feel lonely anymore, even if Rowan was lost along the way.
5	* Barnaby and Rowan's friendship. Rowan apparently tutors Barnaby sometimes, taking the time to explain all the 'big words' to him enthusiastically. He pays extra attention when Rowan gives lectures in History of Magic and had taken all their teaching to heart.
6	* Snape, weirdly, can be a source of these in general (as seen above), but this likely has to do with the simple fact that ''you are not James Potter's son''. [[FridgeBrilliance So of course he acts a lot less cruel]]- he doesn't have a deep, deep loathing for anyone you closely resemble and are related to. Nor are you the child whose parents he wished had died instead of [[TheLostLenore Lily]]. Nor are any of your classmates the children of anyone he went to school with (nearly all of whom, save the Slytherins, laughed at him as the Marauders bullied him). So he has much less reason to be so cruel to you or to your classmates as he does to the class that comes the year after you graduate.
7	** This sort of doubles if the Player happens to be in Slytherin and thus get more interactions with Snape. He is shown to be quite proud of the Player when they win House cups for Slytherin in Quidditch.
8	** Even though it seems a little harsh, Snape telling the player character that Penny is throwing her life away by resigning herself to being consumed by grief over her sister is heartwarming in his own way. Penny is apparently avoiding Potion classes entirely - Snape is reaching out to the one non-Slytherin student he is nice to through the player character so she could get help.
9	** In the "Packmates" side quest, he quickly agrees to show how to brew a Memory Potion when Chiara started crying out of panic because she thought she might have attacked another student in werewolf form.
10	* The Player's relationship with Jacob can be this. It's very clear that they both care very much about each other and are willing to throw down everything to protect each other.
11	* Even after Rowan's death in Year 6, they still get mentioned from time to time in classes (even in Year 7), which is always a mixture of heartwarming and tearjerking.
12	** In Care of Magical Creatures, the Player will sometimes mention that Rowan had always had 'terrible drawings' and laughs about it.
13	** Sometimes the Player will still find bookmarks left by Rowan in their textbook. They're still helping the Player study even after they're gone. The Player will also keep making puns, because Rowan loved making puns.
14	** Rowan had apparently had helped Levi study and take notes during Charms class, and this is the kid everyone made fun of for not being able to cast Wingardium Leviosa.
15	* Despite her demeanor, Merula actually ''really'' [[https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/877178157113962576/879700854154883132/cb09afa69d27ca3b42c2cf721d65821d.png likes puffskeins]], so much so that she visits the Care of Magical Creatures classroom just to toss them sometimes. In reviewing/learning about puffskeins in class, [[FunnyBackgroundEvent she can be seen]] happily holding onto a poffle or even just ''sitting in a whole pile of them''. No wonder she became a puffskein during the Sphinx Sidequest.
16	** Ismelda seems to like Puffskiens just as much as Merula does, having also spent time in the Care of Magical Creatures classroom throwing Puffskeins for fun.
17
18	!!Story
19	[[AC:Year 5]]
20	* Barnaby leaps in front of an attack meant for the MC when a possessed Rowan attacks and remarks that it was better him than you.
21	* Also, during an argument with your friends, Barnaby pleads with Rowan not to fight, because it reminds him of his difficult home life. Rowan, realising they have upset Barnaby, apologises sincerely.
22	* The reunion with your brother in Year 5, Chapter 30 (provided you choose to trust him).
23	* Hagrid and Kettleburn bringing a ton of Crups and Puffskeins as therapy animals after all that happened with the Portrait Vault.
24	-->'''Kettleburn:''' Some scars are easy to see. [[HeroicBSOD Some are not.]]
25	* Charlie throwing a big party for Bill's graduation to cheer him up, attended by all your friends, the Weasleys, and more.
26	-->'''Tulip:''' It's good to see everyone smiling again.
27	** Throughout the entire time the Player is trying to stall Bill for his party, he keeps trying to ask the Player about their feelings and trying to get them to open up about being betrayed by Rakepick and being abandoned by their older brother. The Player dances around the attempts to get them to open up, but good on Bill for being the better big brother than Jacob is to the Player at this moment.
28
29	[[AC:Year 6]]
30	* At the Welcome Feast, Rowan asks the Player how their summer went. They Player may respond that they felt burdened by the fact that Jacob was still out there and keeping the information from their mother. Rowan kindly sympathises and apologises to the Player for having to go through such an experience.
31	* After a while of having a rough friendship, Rowan and the Player finally come together at the Hogsmeade Train Station in Chapter 11 and have a grand old time together, reminiscing on fun times they had and even made new ones. It becomes a bit of a TearJerker as this is the last true time the Player will spend with Rowan before their death.
32	** The Player mentions how they're worried about Merula and Ben, who haven't been smiling or laughing since the end of Year 5 and Rowan points out that ''they'' haven't been laughing either, and they missed hearing it.
33	--->'''Rowan:''' You haven't been laughing much either, (Player). I miss your laugh.
34	*** Followed by Rowan casting the Tickling Charm on the Player to get them to laugh again and the Player casting it back in revenge, causing the two to break out in hysterics.
35	--->'''Rowan:''' ''Rictusempra!''
36	--->'''Player:''' Rowan - ''(laughing)'' - Khanna! This isn't funny! ''(Laughing some more)''
37	--->'''Rowan:''' (Happily) I needed to make sure you're still able to have a laugh, (Player).
38	--->'''Player:''' ''(Laughing)'' Is that right? ''Rictusempra!''
39	--->''(Rowan starts laughing too because of the charm and the two continue to laugh without a care in the world)'''
40	* Charlie, frustrated with him and his brothers getting dragged into the Cursed Vault drama, blames the Player. In response, Ben gets frustrated with Charlie for scapegoating the Player for things they had no control over, casts Langlock on him to get him to shut up. While obviously misguided, Ben meant well and didn't take well to Charlie talking about the Player, someone he dearly treasures, that way.
41	* Terrified of losing their friends to R, the Player resolves to run away from Hogwarts. However, before they can enact their reckless plan, Ben and Merula confront them. Ben swears that he will protect the Player no matter what (even if a little arrogant about it), but Merula claims that she wanted to keep the Player close so she could deal with the assassin. If the Player's empathy is high enough, they can call out Merula that she ''does'' care, and she doesn't deny it.
42	** It doubles even more if the Player's first date and crush is Merula. The Player accurately articulates that Merula still thought their time together was special and she cared about them, even if she didn't act that way anymore. Merula is so surprised by the accuracy that she asks if the Player had read her mind.
43	--->'''Merula:''' What? Do you seriously think I'm worried about you?
44	--->'''Player:''' Yes, ''I do'', and I think you're trying to hide it with a lot of talk and excuses.
45	--->'''Merula:''' And I think perhaps we should just give you to the assassin. You've obviously lost all touch with reality.
46	--->'''Player:''' Come on, Merula. I ''know'' you like me and that we connected on our first date together. And even though you like to pretend it doesn't mean anything to you now, I know that's not true.
47	--->'''Merula:''' [[AwLookTheyReallyDoLoveEachOther H-how? Did you read my mind?]]
48	--->'''Player:''' No, should I?
49	*** If the Player chooses the other option, they will actually ask Merula if she's okay throwing away their relationship, something she's clearly uncertain of doing, which proves the same point as the dialogue above.
50	** The Player has a choice of talking to Chiara, Tonks, or Barnaby about possibly leaving Hogwarts, all of which are appalled to hear the Player's decision. Tonks tells them that everyone's safe around the player, Barnaby says the player leaving wouldn't be the best thing for him, and Chiara actually calls back to the time they helped her realize that she could depend on her friends for help (her sidequests) and that the Player should do the same.
51	* Why did Rowan follow the Player (Ben, and Merula) to the Forbidden Forest? They wanted to protect the Player, the same way they had always protected everyone else. While the outing ended in tragedy, all Rowan wanted to do was to protect their best friend, no matter the cost.
52	* Even in the tragedy of Rowan's death, in the following classes and chapters, everyone can be seen so supportive and kind.
53	** Snape is shown to be extraordinarily patient and understanding with the class and specifically teaching the students the Dreamless Sleep Potion because he knows that many students, particularly the Player, must have had a hard time sleeping. Usually, he makes a sharp remark during 'Focus' sections, but instead, he kindly asks the Player to concentrate, even if it may be hard. In the class, Liz recognizes that the Player shouldn't be alone and sticks by their side, trying to cheer them up.
54	** Rowan used to love making puns. The Player now makes puns in Charms classes, to fill the gap that Rowan used to do.
55	** Madam Hooch decides to teach Spellcasting on a Broom as her lesson. Why? She wants to make sure students are better prepared to defend themselves to prevent more tragedy.
56	** Professor Binns, the professor-ghost who spends most of his class asleep, actually ''remembers'' Rowan's name and how much they had loved the class. He makes a short dedication of the lesson to Rowan and continues to teach on. Throughout the class, the Player's friends can be seen trying to cheer them up.
57	** Dumbledore reaches out to the Player, knowing that they might be taking Rowan's death hard. He recognizes that the Player is disregarding their well-being in pursuit of justice, and tells them to take the time to grieve.
58	* Penny and Beatrice's three-part reconciliation. First, in chapter 19, Beatrice encourages Penny to go and grieve with her friends and says she's staying to help at the hospital wing, surprising Penny that she's talking to her and being mature, and saying she's growing up to be a fine young witch. Beatrice says she's sorry about Rowan and starts to sniffle and Penny pulls her in a big hug. And then in chapter 20 when Penny finds Beatrice with Ismelda and Merula, she tells Beatrice she lost Rowan and she can't lose her too and begs her to not push her away, before bursting into tears. When Ismelda says that Penny cries a lot and might not be cut out for their mission (which is about as much empathy [[ComedicSociopathy Ismelda]] is capable of expressing), Beatrice defends her and says she wants Penny to stay. In chapter 28, after MC saves Beatrice from drowning and helps her make peace with her past trauma, she tells Penny how she's now able to move on without letting go of who she's become.
59	* After Madam Pomfrey has been petrified, Snape takes over some of the medical duties, even using his Legilimency to try and figure out Beatrice's mental trauma, acting the nicest he's ever been.
60	** Right after Beatrice leaves, Snape asks the Player how they're doing since it might've been too soon for them to find another friend's dead body since Rowan's death. If the Player answers that they try not to think about the pain and find things to distract themselves with, Snape sympathises with them and his dialogue suggests they might end up like him someday with that line of thinking.
61	* The Sunken Vault excursion has a lot of heartwarming moments between the characters.
62	** When the Player gets trapped by the delusions of their worst memories, one of which was Merula taunting them about their missing and possibly dead brother, who is the one who drags them out of it? The ''real'' Merula, who had braved going back into the vault to drag the Player out of the waking nightmare they were trapped in.
63	** The Player can confess their fears to their friends. One of their fears was that they had lost Jacob again and that he was dead, but Jacob speaks up and assures them that he's there and they had saved him.
64	** Ben declaring that they should seal the vault up again forever and break the Statue Curse, for the Circle of Khanna, and more importantly: for Rowan.
65	** Regardless of how the Player went about it (by either turning Rakepick over to the Ministry or [[AndIMustScream trapping her in the vault forever]]), there is a certain kind of relief knowing that Rakepick got what she deserved (and then some if she is trapped in the vault). Rowan was avenged...finally.
66	* In Chapter 43, Ben's "important letter to an important wizard/witch" (which he had written in Year 5, Chapter 30) is finally revealed. Some have guessed so because of the gender always being the same as MC's, but not only is it addressed to MC, the letter is Ben expressing that he admired them and is thankful for their friendship in case he didn't make it in the Buried Vault.
67	* After the fiasco with the Sunken Vault, the Player and their brother Jacob meet again - just to hang out. No immediate danger for the moment means that for the first time in maybe a ''decade'' they get to hang out as siblings again.
68	** This particular exchange is just proof that Jacob had ''always'' loved his little sibling no matter what.
69	-->'''Player:''' Actually [Dumbledore] called me a hero.
70	-->'''Jacob:''' (Player), the Hero of Hogwarts?
71	-->'''Player:''' It's better than being 'Jacob's little brother/sister' forever.
72	-->'''Jacob:''' There's no escape from that! You'll ''always'' be my little brother/sister. ''That's'' never going to change... even if everything else has.
73	** Even though the Cursed Vaults are said and done, Jacob is still motivated to track down R. Why? [[BigBrotherInstinct He knows that they are targeting his precious little sibling]] and he won't stop until every single last member of R is taken down. Jacob declares to their sibling that [[DeclarationOfProtection he will do everything he can to protect them]].
74	* In Chapter 44, MC throwing a party at Three Broomsticks with the help of Penny and Alanza to celebrate the breaking of all curses, where Badeea notes even Snape looks almost happy. Other highlights include Talbott not being big on parties but came to congratulate them anyway, Alanza mentioning that she's staying for year 7, André doing a hula hoop dance, Diego doing that John Travolta finger-pointing dance, the normally reserved Badeea [[NotSoAboveItAll jumping like a maniac]], and Penny and Alanza sharing the same dance. Even ''Merula'' shares in the fun.
75
76	[[AC:Year 7]]
77	* At the start of Year 7, the Player is burdened by the information that Merula might've joined R and the fact that the rest of their friends seem ready to move on and start a new chapter in their life. Not wanting to drag them down in their personal fight, they may even disband the Circle of Khanna, but end up not telling any of their friends about Merula and 'R'. It leaves the Player without anyone to lean on, the only other person who would've filled that position had been murdered in the previous year. But the Player meets up with the Head Girl/Boy, Corey, who finally provides the player with a place to spill their burdens. Even though Corey will never replace Rowan, it's clear that the Player ''needed'' a friend like Corey.
78	** Both Moody and Jacob are worried about the Player's mental health, after finding out that they've decided to keep the information about Merula and R to themselves. Jacob comforts their little sibling and Moody even suggests finding a new friend, just to vent to and nothing about the particulars.
79	** In later instances, in moments where it's obvious the Player's mental state is growing unstable due to the situation around like the Wizengamot Trial and Jacob's hospitalization, Corey always takes the time to ask how the Player is doing. Even though he finds a lot of what they're doing 'really cool', he understands the mental strain and emotional toll being exposed to so many awful experiences can do to someone and takes the time to ask the Player about it. They've only been known for a short while, but Corey is shaping up to be a great friend.
80	* Upon calling Jacob, he greets his little sibling by letting them know that they're his ''favorite'' little sibling. The Player is their only sibling, so it doesn't mean ''that'' much, but he likes letting them know that, which the Player is happy to hear.
81	** Jacob happily reminiscing of childhood memories, particularly telling the Player that they had destroyed their mother's tea set (and got blamed for it) and vase by accidentally as a child with underage Wandless Magic. The Player had also apparently laughed a flower back to life, something their mother was quite proud and happy of.
82	** Right afterwards, he tutors his little sibling on how to do Wandless Magic, in a sweet older brother-y way. He seems so excited to see them try Wandless Magic out and assures them that they're on the right path, even if their younger sibling doesn't believe in themselves. It seems that after shirking his role as a big brother for so long, Jacob is now making sure he is making up for it.
83	* Though oddly suspicious, the fact that Merula seems quite kind to the Player after she defeats them in a Wandless Duel. She even offers them advice and even supports whatever their focus is, especially if it happens to be Rowan's friendship.
84	-->'''Player:''' My friendship with Rowan helps me focus.
85	-->'''Merula:''' [[PetTheDog I'm sure Khanna will be pleased to hear that.]]
86	* It's implied that Merula had been the one to get the Wampus Cat tears for the Memory Deterioration Potion Zenith Xeep had been using. In the process, Ismelda got injured and Merula feels immense guilt for getting her friend injured, showing a caring side of Merula very rarely seen.
87	** Later on, Corey intercepts a Black Quill from Merula, which states that she didn't want to hurt her friends anymore, even if it meant going against 'R'.
88	* Seeing the normally shy and quiet Chiara literally vibrating with joy after being told she and the Player were going to be assigned to St. Mungo for school assignments. Knowing that it's her dream to be a Healer and to work there, there's no wonder she's so excited!
89	* Although Jae was only assigned to go to St. Mungos by Dumbledore to keep him out of trouble, he starts to get more and more involved in helping people and [[CharacterDevelopment starts to actually find it quite satisfying]] to help people, finding a side to himself he never knew he had. While he is less enthusiastic about actually becoming a Healer, he is starting to at least appreciate the work.
90	* To help Hagrid's stay at St. Mungos more comfortable, the Player sneaks Fang into the hospital by pretending he's a self-transfigured wizard gone wrong by having Andre dress him up in the most ''adorable'' wizard clothes.
91	-->'''Corey:''' Blimey, '''he's adorable'''! I take back what I said, this plan is ''amazing'', if only to see Fang dressed up.
92	* Chiara's unconditional support for the Player during an extremely stressful time for them after finding Jacob grievously injured. She takes the time to be there for them and talk things out, going out of her own way to do her own research so she can help in any way she can. She's honestly the ultimate supportive friend.
93	** Part of the reason she does is that she knows the Player would have done the same thing for her, especially if they had done her side quests and helped her get over her fear of not being able to depend on others.
94	** Knowing that the Player's mental state isn't so good due to the stress and terror of losing their dear older brother, Chiara arranges for the ''entire'' Circle of Khanna to at the Three Broomsticks to help cheer them up. Literally ''everyone'' shows up to help cheer the Player up, even the prickly Ismelda. Even though everyone wanted to have a year where they didn't have to worry about 'R', they realize that letting the Player shoulder all the burden wasn't that great either and are willing to put aside their own excitement & goals to help the Player deal with 'R' again.
95	*** Although Merula's friendship with the Player hasn't been so stable, she shows up genuinely to give them emotional support. She isn't really up for talking, but the very fact that she helped the Player find what they need and showed up to the gathering means that she really did care.
96	--->'''Merula:''' This isn't about chasing 'R' down. It's about supporting [Player] and Jacob. The Circle of Khanna is supposed to be there for one another in times of need.
97	*** Diego inviting the Player to dance for a bit, to get their mind off things. And in the activity, the Player, Badeea, and Diego are all seen dancing together.
98	*** Barnaby had tried to bring a Niffler to cheer the Player up, but couldn't as it belonged to the ministry. On the other hand, Tonks is still excited about Auror training with her hero.
99	*** Jae Kim, who had been with the Player during most of their experience at St. Mungos, is quite happy to get out of there, though admits that he's starting to miss [[CharacterDevelopment helping]] [[HiddenDepths patients]].
100	*** Fred and George, second years at this moment, somehow sneaked out of Hogwarts to attend the gathering, offering for the Player to participate in their next greatest prank.
101	*** Beatrice sympathizes with the Player for having such 'troublesome' siblings but admits that they aren't so bad.
102	*** After fading from the limelight, seeing Tulip come back to relevance after being mostly absent from the main story for so long is a great feeling. In fact, it's almost lampshaded in her dialogue.
103	---->'''Tulip:''' Good to see you, [Player]. Dennis and I can't wait to talk to you.
104	* Before Jacob is officially discharged, he, the Player, Talbott, and Madam Strout reminisce about old times (the Player and Jacob about their time as children and Talbott and Strout about his mother).
105	** It is revealed that Strout and Talbott's mother were ''extremely'' close that after her death, Strout's patronus changed to resemble her animagus form.
106	* Upon escorting Jacob to safehouse, big brother wants to make sure his little sibling is okay with side-apparating with him. How he practices this is by taking their hand and apparating short distances until they get used to it. Jacob just seems so pleased and proud that their sibling is handling it just fine. Just a sweet sibling moment.
107	* When Merula's desire to leave 'R' is revealed, the Player can choose 'I have already forgiven you' when Merula asks. She looks genuinely shocked and touched by the Player's kindness and swears not to let them down.
108	** After this, there are several moments where other characters continue to question what the Player thinks of Merula, from Moody to Jacob to Corey, but each time the Player can show their support to her and that they believe in her.
109	** If the Player is dating Merula, sometime after this, the Player will express surprise when Merula shows them concern. Merula angrily tells them this:
110	-->'''Merula:''' Of course I'm worried about you, you dolt! We're ''dating''!
111	* When the truth gets out that the Player's father, Peregrine, is the leader of 'R', many of the members of the Circle of Khanna instantly grew distrustful of the Player because of that connection. According to Beatrice, half of the Circle didn't trust them anymore, however, there are some members whose perspectives didn't change at all.
112	** Instead of getting angry (especially since 'R' was indirectly responsible with the Portrait Curse that trapped her little sister), Penny is completely sympathetic with the Player, and understands how difficult it must be to find out this news. She also tells them that they are still 'friends for life'.
113	** Tulip, who doesn't have a good relationship with her parents as well, brushes the connection aside completely, treating the Player normally and is willing to help them break into Olivia's office with no qualms.
114	** Liz wasn't even bothered by the news at all, even claiming that they had only attending the lunch meeting because she was having lunch there.
115	** Chiara, who has been hiding the fact that she is a werewolf, doesn't feel slighted that the Player hid this information from them, claiming that 'everyone has their secrets'. The same goes with Talbott, who says he doesn't care who the Player's parents were.
116	** Jae doesn't fully get this whole thing, but the Player has been good in his book so they're still good to him. Similarly, the whole situation goes over Barnaby's head and he just asks the Player if they would help him study for his exams.
117	* When the Player, Tulip, and Jae are about to be expelled for breaking into Olivia Green's office and releasing a Wampus cat in the courtyard, Barnaby (if you had him hold the Niffler) and Tulip bring up the fact that the Player had risked their life to solve every single Curse Vault during their time at Hogwarts, claiming it wouldn't be fair to expel them.
118	* In a similar vein to distrust to the Player because of their connection to 'R', Chapter 45, the Circle of Khanna holds a vote on whether or not Merula stays in the group. Despite what she's done, there's actually quite a number of people who are willing to give her a second chance.
119	** Ismelda, who has been Merula's best friend this whole time, votes for Merula without a second thought. Beatrice is right behind her.
120	** Barnaby also votes for Merula, despite their spat during the Valentine's Masquerade sidequest. Despite everything, it's clear that he still cares about her, they were once close after all. Tulip also decides to vote for Merula because she also had once been friends with her.
121	** Much like she was with the Player, Liz is willing to let all Merula had done slide. Diego as well.
122	** Jae, who has always been coasting on 'second chances' for most of his time at Hogwarts, is also willing to do the same for Merula.
123	** Chiara knows full well what it's like not to be in control and despite the idea that Merula could be lying, decides to give her that second chance.
124	** The Player's tiebreaker vote also counts, claiming that it wasn't her fault that she prioritized her survival and is willing to keep them in the group, though Merula had to sit out important meetings for her own safety.
125	* If Merula stays in the Circle of Khanna, she states that Penny has been exceedingly friendly to her and that it's causing everyone else to be kinder to her too. First-years are no longer terrified of her and people actually want to talk to her. It's clear that this is the best Hogwarts life Merula has had since her first attendance. It's also heartwarming to see Penny going out of her way to make Merula feel welcome, despite deciding to stay neutral in the vote.
126
127	!!Sidequests
128	* In the ''Meet the Malfoys'' sidequest, we get a very rare PetTheDog moment from ''Lucius Malfoy'' of all people, as he sincerely acknowledges that Ben Cooper (a Muggleborn Gryffindor) is one of Professor Flitwick's best and brightest. It's likely he's masking his prejudice [[VillainWithGoodPublicity to keep appearances]], but its still noteworthy.
129	* In a Christmas side quest, your character is spending their holidays at Hogwarts alongside a handful of friends. You can choose to include a lonely Merula in the festivities, and although she resists at first, she ends up having a good time. You can also receive a very sweet hug from Penny.
130	** Extra points for Molly Weasley ''immediately'' going into ParentalSubstitute mode with Merula, taking no sass and not treating her any differently from any of the other kids. For a little while, Merula's got a caring parent again.
131	** You can get Merula a present. Peeves helps you out and, surprisingly, is actually sincere in his offer. Not only does Merula like it, she actually gives you a genuine smile and thanks you. She even follows you back over to your friends and awkwardly lingers behind you while you open your own present. The entire interaction comes off as painfully adorable. Later on, Merula teaches you a spell that creates snow, revealing that it was taught to her by her mother and saying it's the only harmless spell her parents showed her. After this, she angrily tells you to leave her alone and that she won't be joining you and your friends in the great hall for dinner. However, at the end of the event, Merula changes her mind and joins you, your friends, and Mr. and Mrs. Weasley in the great hall, even encouraging you to cast the spell that she just taught you. Easily the most heartwarming moment in the game so far. Merula may act like she doesn't want to be around you and your friends, but it's clear from this that deep down she's just happy someone cares.
132	* In the Patronus sidequest, both the Player and Merula are having trouble summoning their Patronus due to underlying angst, despite having happy memories to draw their power from. Tonks takes the time to talk their feelings out in a [[BigSisterInstinct big sisterly]] sort of way.
133	** The Player indirectly [[ItsAllMyFault blames themselves]] for the Dementor showing up and putting everyone in danger. Although the remark was a little backhanded, Merula tells Player that they aren't responsible for someone else's actions.
134	*** One of the choices for the Player's happy memories is of their brother coming home from his first year of Hogwarts and trying to teach them all the spells he had learned. The Player was likely only about a toddler at the time, so it must've been a very heartwarming (and adorable!) memory for them to still remember it as a teenager.
135	-->'''Player:''' I'm going to think of the day my brother got back from his first year at Hogwarts. He was so excited to show off what he had learned that he tried to teach me the whole year's worth of spells. I couldn't do any of it, of course, but I still had fun.
136	-->'''Tonks:''' That sounds like a precious memory, (Player). I'm sure it'll create a powerful Patronus.
137	** On the flip side of the coin, Merula is having trouble summoning a Patronus because she's worried about the myth that only the pure of heart can summon a Patronus, and if she can't then it means that she's as bad as her Death Eater parents are. The Player can choose to support Merula and help her summon her Patronus.
138	--->'''Player:''' Merula, you should cast the Patronus Charm. You're not perfect, but you're ''not'' your parents, and you'll prove that when you conjure a Patronus.
139	--->'''Merula:''' (Player)?
140	--->'''Player:''' Have faith in yourself!
141	*** Merula's uncharateristic happy face as she realizes that she ''did'' manage to summon a Patronus (albeit an incorporeal one), but it's still impressive nonetheless!
142	*** Merula even genuinely thanks the Player for their kind words and support.
143	-->'''Merula:''' ''(Smiling)'' I'll deny ever having said this, but...Thanks for giving me the encouragement I needed to conjure a Patronus.
144	-->'''Player:''' ''(Smiling too)'' You're welcome.
145	* 2019's Christmas sidequest has the Player being invited by Bill to visit the Burrow and have Christmas with the Weasleys. Despite [[NiceJobBreakingItHero a comedy of errors]] ensuing due to their eagerness to be good guests and forcing a late arrival, the gathering goes splendidly, and even Merula gets to enjoy the festivities. Molly even knitted her a green jumper with a Slytherin "S" design.
146	* In the animagus side quest you meet Talbott, an introverted Ravenclaw with a troubled past. Much like Merula, he isn't interested in being your friend. By the end of the quest however, you've earned his trust, and he even admits that he feels better for having told you about the deaths of his parents.
147	** In your fifth year, you sort of bond with Ismelda, and help her deal with her crush on Barnaby. Ultimately, he doesn't like her back, but she handles the rejection with surprising maturity and thanks your character for helping her.
148	* Chiara giving her Wolfsbane Potion to Lupin, thinking he needs it more.
149	** After you support her through a full moon, she gives you the photo of a sunrise Lupin gave her. Taken by his friend Prongs.
150	* In the Year 6 Head Boy/Girl sidequest, MC's DeadPersonConversation with Rowan is both incredibly tearjerking and heartwarming, with Rowan encouraging them to work towards becoming Head Boy/Girl despite that it was Rowan's dream. Afterwards, MC, still lost and distraught, is joined by Chiara, who is exceedingly gentle and understanding. MC also comes across several professors and almost all their friends (which MC later reflects on, adding that includes [[MyFriendsAndZoidberg Ismelda]], who was [[SugarWiki/FunnyMoments sleeping in the classroom]] while they talked to Binns), all with their own perspectives, on a journey of tearful and heartfelt reminiscence, new revelations, and moving forward.
151	* The "Searching For A Comet" side quest. After being given a Comet Broom by Skye for making the Quidditch team but finding it missing, the Player forms a secret team with her, Orion, and Murphy to find it. The Player can take the blame twice in the search and ends up improving their relationship with their teammates.
152	* In the O.W.L. side quest, much of it outside the exams are friends helping each other study, or dealing with issues preventing them from doing it well.
153	** MC being very firm to [[TokenEvilTeammate Jae]] that Penny is not going to buy any cheating equipment, and helps Penny with her revision as well.
154	** MC helps an overstressed Rowan relax by playing with Borf, a wolf pup that bonded with Chiara. It is also a rare moment when you can hear the quiet and withdrawn Chiara laugh.
155	** MC and Charlie convince André to revise.
156	** MC and Ben help Tonks with her confidence over her Auror aspirations.
157	** MC and Tonks stopping Tulip from pranking the revising students, and helping her because she is feeling lost about her future.
158	* In a Christmas sidequest, you wind up making a blancmange for Snape to cheer him up on Boxing Day. He only accepts it grudgingly and tells you you aren't entirely unskilled, but when you turn back to watch him finish the dessert, he is actually smiling about it.
159	* As we know, Tulip's parents are terrible parents. Then, in the cooking side quest, we meet her two lesbian grandmothers ''who utterly adore her as she is.''
160	** The first time the Player meet Mary and Rosa, they smother the player with affection, kisses, and all. The Player seems pretty awkward and surprised to receive it, but don't reject it. And this is just after they lament the fact that they haven't seen their family in a while (likely referencing Jacob). Even if it is from people they've just met, the Player could certainly use a bit more affection like that.
161	* The 'Adventures in Curse-breaking' is just a feel-good sidequest that is void of any dread the main story has at the moment. It's just a fun little field trip quest with the perfect cast of friends that bounce each other really well.
162	** The Player and Charlie are absolutely giddy over getting to the sanctuary, just like children would be excited to go to an amusement park. In fact, all the kids seem excited, even Merula. Considering the absolute hell that they've been through at the end of Year 5, it's refreshing to see them act like kids their age and get excited over something as simple as seeing a dragon and going on a camping trip with friends.
163	** The kids acting like kids and telling scary stories at the campfire while making marshmallows and then having a truth-or-dare session together.
164	** Merula is strangely compassionate and friendly in this sidequest. While she still does act like she's on top of the world, she's a lot friendlier than she usually is; making much less hurtful jokes and instead making ones that sound like good-natured ribbing between friends.
165	---> ''(After the player dares Merula to eat a rock cake)''
166	---> '''Player:''' Aren't you going to finish it?
167	---> '''Merula:''' No, but ''you'' can. Barnaby, hold him/her down!
168	---> '''Barnaby:''' I don't want any part of this!
169	*** Merula actually ''apologizes'' to Bill and Charlie for making a dare to reveal something embarrassing about Charlie, which snowballed into Charlie getting injured in the dragon cave. She admits that she shouldn't have made such a personal dare and Charlie even forgives her.
170	** Barnaby is just as excited as the Player and Charlie are, and he ''really'' wanted to ride a dragon. While he didn't get his wish, he still had a great time.
171	* Honestly, the entirety of 'The Rise of a Curse-Breaker' quest. It all revolves around Levi Kidd, that one kid in Charms class who had struggled with the simple Levitation Charm since they were in Year 1. Even though it's kinda funny, the poor lad still is affected by all the bullying, but the Player can defend him and start helping him on his journey to become a Curse-breaker.
172	** Levi is a sweet {{Adorkable}} kid who loves solving puzzles, friendly and kind despite being the [[ButtMonkey butt of many jokes]]. The way he looks up to both Bill and the Player is just so cute and takes to heart almost everything they do or say to him.
173	** In the last leg of the quest, after finally getting the confidence he needed, Levi ''finally'' does the Levitation Charm for the first time on his own! And not a feather, but a heavy treasure chest! Even though he may still be known as the 'Leviosa Kid', he can now wear that as a badge of honor because it's now something he's ''good'' at.
174	** In future Charm classes, Levi is no longer struggling! Instead, he's the one ''demonstrating'' the Levitation Charm this time, having ''fully'' mastered it! He thanks the Player for having believed in him all this time and the Player is seen cheering him on!
175	* "Gathering of Old Friends" is full of this. It starts out with Dumbledore asking you to gather the members of the Order of The Phoenix in Godric Hollow, to commemorate Lily and James Potter' HeroicSacrifice, and it ends with [[spoiler: Penny reuniting with her long lost childhood friend Scarlet (who is revealed to have survived the werewolf attack, becoming a werewolf herself), and the former promising the latter that she will help her dealing with her lycantropy]].
176
177
178	!!Romance
179	[[AC: In General]]
180	* It's always sort of sweet to see the collection of items the Player has gotten from their dates in their dormitory, whether it's on the wall or put on the shelf. It's even better when you realize that [[FridgeBrilliance interacting with these important mementos give you energy]]!
181	* The Celestial Ball side quest is this overall, with the MC taking their date of choice on a very sweet date with their crush where they compliment each other and get on the floor together. It turns out that all eight options actually had the MC as their first choice for a date. For added heartwarming appeal, one can choose Merula, who seems positively delighted at being asked. She even (very bashfully) admits that she was going to ask them but didn't know how to go about doing it.
182	** There's also this one line from the MC that they'll sometimes say when you click on them during the activity that really makes the fact that they took the girl who was once their biggest foe that much sweeter:
183	--> "I have the best date at the whole ball!"
184	* The First Date is here and you can choose to date Barnaby, Talbott, Andre, Merula, Penny, or Tulip with either sex of MC. Each unique date has their own unique dialogue and acknowledges past events like if you took them to the Celestial ball. It's incredibly sweet to see the main character act like just a normal teenager and each date enjoys their time in their own way.
185	** Even though the date at the tea shop got botched because Tonks accidentally broke a large tower of tea cups, and every date is insecure in their own way about how the date went [[note]]Penny worries she is a "good friend but a bad date", Tulip worries that she talks about Dennis too much, Merula acts like her {{tsundere}}, overly competitive self and bitterly says she was set up to fail, Barnaby is insecure about his eyebrows, the more withdrawn Talbott is just afraid of hearing MC saying they had a bad time, and [[ArsonMurderAndJaywalking Andre thinks MC secretly hates his bowtie]][[/note]], MC would reassure them and they enjoy themselves stargazing together, holding hands.
186	** Continued with Valentine's Day (even if it turned out to be a dastardly Lockhart plot). The characters would remember if you took them to previous dating events, and there is an additional CallBack to First Date, where MC says "Yes" to being their date, with the character briefly mistaking MC as saying "yes" to something else they said (in First Date it was the opposite).
187	* Snape's occasional PetTheDog moments with the player character, such as giving advice about how they should choose a date for the Celestial Ball, or apologizing for accidentally reading their Love Note out loud during class. He's probably thinking of [[TheLostLenore Lily]] when his façade briefly cracks and he talks about the player character choosing a date.
188	--> "'Thinking' won't work. It's one's heart that does the choosing, often against better judgment."
189	* Even though the Player's romantic partner did not get to participate in the final production in the ''Enchanted Kiss'' side quest, they still cheered on the Player in the front row and even gave them a standing ovation in the end. Even though it wasn't in front of the entirety of Hogwarts, it is really sweet that they at least got to act out their true love scenes in private.
190	** They're only in the background for a moment, but if this side quest is done ''before'' the [[DeathOfAChild dreaded]] [[TragicBromance Year 6]], '''Rowan''' will ''also'' be in the front row, excitedly watching the Player perform. After being absent from so many side quests (probably to accommodate those who have done the side quest after their death), it's heartwarming and awesome to see your BestFriend actually showing up for your performance and is cheering you on!
191
192	[[AC: Barnaby]]
193	* When the Player first tries to confess to Barnaby, they tell him that they had a planned a date, but haven't asked out their crush. Barnaby then offers to confess to their date ''for them''. A silly as that is, that's incredibly sweet of him to do.
194	** The Player is genuinely surprised to find out it's Barnaby's first date too, thinking that he gets asked out all the time (an allusion to how popular he is among players as a romance option), but he only every said 'yes' once, to the Player.
195	** When the Player gets insecure about having ordered tea for him:
196	-->'''Player:''' You're only saying that to be kind to me.
197	-->'''Barnaby:''' I'm saying it...because I like you, (Player). I like you, ''very much''.
198	-->''(The Player smiles)''
199	** Even though the Player thought they had botched up the whole date, Barnaby actually had a ''great'' time with the date, only because he got to spend time with the Player. Nothing else had really mattered to him.
200	* When Barnaby asks the Player to be his date for Valentine's Day, he grows them a rose with the ''Herbiviscus'' spell.
201
202	[[AC: Merula]]
203	* Merula basically doesn't have anyone to call family anymore. Her parents are in Azkaban and her aunt/neighbors don't seem to care much for her. She spends most of her summers alone in a big house -- just imagine how excruciatingly ''lonely'' that kind of life is. If the Player does end up being her partner, now she ''does'' have someone important in her life. Once the game does allow for exclusive dating, it just means that Merula won't ''ever'' be alone ever again.
204	* During the First Date side quest, the apparent reason why Merula told the player ''not'' to confess to their crush and gave them a whole spiel about how it all could go wrong is that she didn't think that the crush could be ''her''.
205	** Merula comforting the Player when they feel awful about possibly messing up the tea order:
206	-->'''Player:''' You're only saying that to not be completely awful to me.
207	-->'''Merula:''' I'm saying it because...I ''don't'' want to be awful to you. Perhaps I even ''like'' you. Sometimes. I just say the wrong things.
208	** This dialogue from Merula in the Courtyard after the date (and the Player's response):
209	-->'''Merula:''' You're not ''always'' dreadful to be around. I should probably tell you that more often. And you were brave to ask me out because I'm...a lot. You likely deserved better for your first date too.
210	-->'''Player:''' I chose the 'Best Witch at Hogwarts' as my first date. How could I have done any better?
211	* Merula stated that she didn't care much about Valentine's Day, but only started caring when the Player became her date.
212	* At the end of the Valentine's Day Ball:
213	-->'''Player:''' That's brilliant, Merula! I guess you really do have a soft side, don't you?
214	-->'''Merula:''' I have no soft sides! Just a...''you'' side.
215	* Even though Merula ''really'' wanted to be the Festival Ambassador and was jealous of the fact that the Player was more popular than her, in the end, she voted for ''the Player'' as Festival Ambassador. When asked why, Merula said that she had initially had wanted to become Ambassador because she wanted to impress the Player, but when they became her date, she realized that being ambassador didn't matter anymore.
216	** The best part is that Merula got her wish to be Ambassador ''and'' got a date!
217	* Merula letting the Player know (in her very backhanded way) that she really enjoys hanging with them and wouldn't mind acting in the lead role if they were the one casted as her co-star.
218	-->'''Merula:''' If I get cast as a lead and have to talk all mushy with someone, it better be someone I can stomach. Someone like you, (Player). Going to the Valentine's Day Ball with you, dare I say, sweet. The idea of romance usually makes me sick, but when I'm with you, I never feel like I want to chunder.
219	** If the Player admits they're actually scared about the [[LoveConfession declaration of true love]] scene...
220	-->'''Player:''' Honestly, I'm a little scared.
221	-->'''Merula:''' I knew it! And since we're being honest, I'm a little scared, too.
222	-->'''Player:''' What makes it less scary is knowing you'll be the one I'm confessing feelings for.
223	-->'''Merula:''' Yeah, if I'm going to make a fool of myself, at least it's with you.
224	** Merula and the Player share a short talk before the show starts, lamenting about how they don't get to share the stage together anymore and they share these oddly sweet words:
225	-->'''Player:''' In fact, I wish you were still taking the stage with me. I thought I was over my stage fright...but now I'll be up there alone, I'm a little nervous going up there without you.
226	-->'''Merula:''' I think this might be the first time anyone has considered me a calming presence, (Player).
227	-->'''Player:''' It's just that any time you're by my side, you become my focus. The rest of the world kind of falls away.
228	-->'''Merula:''' That's because we're the only ones who truly matter.
229
230	[[AC: Talbott]]
231	* During activities where the Player and Talbott are both using their Animagus form, it does look pretty adorable if the Player's Animagus happens to be a bird too, flying and twirling around in unison.
232	** Knowing how much Talbott enjoys flying as a bird, it must make him pretty happy to know that partner can share the same skies.
233	* In a class of Divination, Talbott mentions that Trelawny had said that he was a 'cat person'. On a surface level, it seems funny because Talbott doesn't actually like cats and his Animagus is a bird, but it's actually [[HeartwarmingInHindsight pretty heartwarming]] if the Player's Animagus happens to be a cat and romances him. Turns out Trelawny's divination isn't so far off after all.
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Context Heartwarming / HarryPotterHogwartsMystery