Chapter 81: Parents Return

Perhaps because they lived under the same roof and spent every day together.

The relationship between John and Hermione grew closer without them realizing it.

In these past few days, they would go out for walks whenever they were free, using the old excuse to hold each other's hands and stroll for the better part of the day.

Or they would watch TV or read books at home together, evolving from sitting separately at the start to slowly moving closer, and finally leaning against each other.

This process was very natural; no one deliberately pushed for anything.

They seemed to enjoy this status quo and didn't feel anything was amiss.

Time quickly arrived at the day before Christmas.

By now, the hall had already been decorated with a Christmas tree, fairy lights, and ribbons, filled with a festive atmosphere.

Hermione even wore a Santa hat on her head.

These were all things they had gone out to purchase and decorate together yesterday.

You ask where the money came from?

Naturally, it was friendly sponsorship from John's dad.

Alright, in truth, it was John's dad's private stash that he had dug out.

Afternoon.

After tidying up the kitchen, the two of them, just like before, wrapped themselves in the same blanket, huddled on the sofa, and leaned against each other to watch TV.

"John, tomorrow is Christmas. When are your uncle and aunt coming back?"

During this time, Hermione suddenly asked about John's parents.

Regarding this, John couldn't say for sure.

The letter left behind only said they would return for Christmas, but it didn't specify if they would return on the day or early.

"Who knows, maybe they're having too much fun out there and won't come back at all."

John shrugged and said.

"By the way, your uncle and aunt don't know I'm here. When they come back and see me, will it be very abrupt and intrusive?"

"It won't be, don't worry."

Facing Hermione's somewhat worried question, John waved his hand and said.

"If you're really worried, I'll hide you in the room—a golden house to hide a beauty—so they won't know."

"Pfft, idiot, 'golden house to hide a beauty' indeed."

Hearing John's teasing words, Hermione laughingly patted him.

The two were laughing and playing when, suddenly, the sound of a key turning rang out from the front door.

Hm?

Hearing the noise, John and Hermione exchanged a glance.

John's parents were back!

Hermione realized this immediately.

"Quick, get up, I need to..."

Hermione said anxiously, wanting to stand up to greet them and make a good impression.

However, because they had wrapped themselves tightly in the blanket earlier to keep warm, it was a bit snug.

Hermione's attempt to stand up not only failed, but she was also caught by the blanket, stumbled, and fell directly into John's arms.

And to protect Hermione, John also hugged her tightly.

The two tumbled together, their posture somewhat ambiguous.

They maintained this position for several seconds, looking at the faces inches apart, both blushing.

But there was no time for them to be shy.

Because with a soft 'click' from the entryway, the door opened.

"John? Are you back?"

As soon as the door opened, John's mother's voice came from the entryway, carrying a trace of exhaustion but also irrepressible joy.

Hermione was even more anxious, wanting to scramble out of John's arms, and John also wanted to help her up.

As a result, their movements were uncoordinated, and they rolled off the sofa, hugging each other.

The blanket was also tossed aside in the chaos, scattering onto the floor.

By the time the two finally steadied themselves.

"John, you... are back..."

Mrs. Merick had already walked out of the entryway and into the living room.

Upon entering, she had noticed the change in the entryway's layout and heard noises inside, so she knew John must be back.

But when she walked out of the entryway and into the living room to look.

Her own precious son had actually tackled an unfamiliar girl to the ground!!

Mrs. Merick froze on the spot, her mouth slightly agape, clearly heavily impacted by the scene before her.

And Hermione, who had fallen to the ground and was being pinned under John, felt the sky falling.

Hermione only felt her head buzzing, her face burning hot.

There was both the shyness of being tackled by John and the embarrassment of being caught by John's mother.

"Uh... Mom, you're back..."

"Look, I caught a wild daughter for you."

John tried to use a joke to ease the atmosphere, but his voice was clearly lacking confidence.

However, his mother didn't respond, looking at her son as if he were a fool.

And Hermione simply wanted to find a crack in the ground to crawl into; one hand covering her face, the other anxiously patting John's shoulder, urging him to get up quickly.

John finally reacted, quickly climbing off Hermione and pulling her up as well.

Hermione hurriedly tidied her somewhat messy clothes, the blush on her face refusing to fade for a long time.

Mrs. Merick's gaze swept back and forth between the two, clearly still not having figured out what had happened.

The air seemed to freeze for a few seconds, until Mr. Merick's voice came from the entryway, breaking the silence.

"What's wrong, dear? Is John back?"

The old father, having locked the door, also walked in.

He found his wife standing frozen outside the entryway and asked curiously.

When he walked in, he saw John and a strange girl standing side by side, their faces still flushed with lingering redness.

Mr. Merick paused for a moment, then revealed a meaningful smile, just about to say something.

"Ahem! Dad, Mom, let me introduce you. This is a friend I met at Hogwarts."

"Her parents have things to do for Christmas and couldn't come back, so I thought I'd bring her home to stay for a few days."

"After all, I received a lot of help and care from her at school, so I should return the favor."

Seeing everyone was here, and noticing the mischievous smile on his father's face, John immediately interrupted the teasing he was about to utter.

He explained Hermione's identity and the reason for her appearance here clearly.

Hermione finally regained her composure; although the previous incident made her very embarrassed.

Her excellent psychological quality allowed her to quickly adjust her emotions, and she bowed slightly to greet John's parents.

"Hello, Uncle and Aunt, my name is Hermione Granger."

"I'm very sorry to intrude upon you at this time."

Mrs. Merick finally reacted slightly; after all, she was an experienced person, so she immediately sorted out the situation.

She didn't ask more about the previous accident; it was definitely caused by her son's clumsiness anyway.

She took a step forward, gently took Hermione's tightly clenched hand, and kindly comforted her.

"What are you saying, child? We are more than happy for John to bring friends home to play."

"You can stay here as many days as you like; it's no intrusion at all."

Mr. Merick also walked over and said with a smile.

"That's right, maybe it's us who are intruding on you instead."

As a result, this teasing couldn't be avoided, and Hermione immediately blushed again, wanting to explain something but not knowing how to start.

Seeing Hermione looking so frightened, Mrs. Merick immediately pinched her husband's ear.

"You talk too much, hurry up and put the luggage away."

"I'm wrong, I'm wrong, wife, the little girl is watching, let go quickly."

Mr. Merick begged for mercy in pain, which finally made his wife let go.

Watching this scene, Hermione's mood suddenly lightened a lot, and she even couldn't help but laugh out loud.

John's mom and dad looked just like John—very interesting people.

Afterwards, Mrs. Merick led Hermione to sit on the sofa.

And incidentally ordered John to go to the kitchen to make tea. ===== CHAPTER 82 =====