Chapter 82: Oh No, I've Become the Outsider

Hermione sat somewhat awkwardly, her hands folded neatly on her knees.

She sat even more upright than she did in class.

Mrs. Merick looked at her, half-laughing and half-crying, and said softly: "Don't be reserved, child, just treat this as your own home."

"You are the first friend John has ever brought home. He has never brought friends home before, let alone a cute girl like you."

Hearing this, Hermione's face flushed slightly, and she dared not relax even more.

"Hermione, may Auntie call you that?"

"Of course."

Hermione nodded immediately in response.

"You are classmates, right? Can you chat with Auntie about school? That boy John hasn't caused any trouble, has he?"

"No, John... he is very disciplined."

"His talent is also very good, and the professors' evaluations of him are very high."

"And he is also very helpful; he helped me a lot this semester."

Hermione hesitated slightly, but still spoke well of John.

After all, he really hadn't caused any trouble.

Hearing Hermione praise her son, Mrs. Merick naturally smiled until her eyes curved, but she still teased with a smile.

"Really? My son has that ability?"

"......"

Hermione pursed her lips, also somewhat speechless. It seems John's way of speaking is inherited from the family...

Or perhaps John infected his family.

Just as they were about to continue, they saw John walking over holding a cup of tea.

Originally thinking he was bringing it for Hermione, he ended up taking a sip himself.

Hmm, the tea he made himself is just delicious.

John took a sip very enjoyably.

Seeing her son's actions, Mrs. Merick's mouth twitched.

Unable to watch any longer, she stood up directly, grabbed her son's ear, and said with a sense of 'hate that iron won't become steel'.

"I told you to make tea for little Hermione, not for you to drink yourself!"

John, having his ear pinched by his mother, started shouting in pain.

"Ouch, ouch, ouch, Mom, you didn't make it clear. I thought you were worried I was thirsty."

Hearing John's words, Mrs. Merick was so angry she laughed.

Even Hermione couldn't help but laugh out loud.

"Learned to be glib after half a year away, have you?"

"Think that just because you're some kind of wizard, your mother can't handle you anymore?"

As she spoke, Mrs. Merick increased the force on her hand, and John's face crumpled in pain.

"I'm wrong, I'm wrong, Mom, Mom! I'll go make tea right now!"

John shouted 'Mom' several times in pain, trying to awaken maternal love.

Hearing her son's plea for mercy, Mrs. Merick finally let go.

"Go quickly!"

John rubbed his reddened ear, muttered a few words, and turned into the kitchen.

Mrs. Merick sat back down, her gaze falling on Hermione, her anger instantly turning into a smile.

"Sorry for the embarrassment, child. This boy John is just like that sometimes, no sense of timing. You'll get used to it."

Hermione pursed her lips, laughed softly, and nodded.

She was indeed used to this point.

She also knew that John was actually deliberately making a scene to help her relax.

"Tell me more about that wizard stuff. What do you learn at school?"

Mrs. Merick held Hermione's little hand and asked again.

Hermione nodded at this and began to recount the daily life, room and board, and activities at Hogwarts.

After the old father finished tidying up the luggage and came out, he also joined the conversation, inquiring about the magical world.

During this time, they also learned about the relationship between their son and this little girl.

It turned out they weren't classmates or anything, but senior and junior, and even from different departments.

But that made it even more special.

Clearly not in grades or departments that often interact, yet they could have such a relationship.

Plus the farce when they first returned.

Hermione didn't seem resistant or disgusted by being tackled by their son; instead, she was shy and embarrassed.

And their son was willing to bring her back—knowing that Hogwarts allows students to stay for Christmas.

So even if he didn't care about her, it would be fine, but John chose to care...

A flash of understanding crossed Mrs. Merick's eyes.

"Hermione, you said before that your parents are busy for Christmas. Do you wizards have to work on Christmas too?"

Hearing this question from John's mother, Hermione hurriedly waved her hand.

"No, my parents aren't wizards; they are ordinary people. This time they just need to go out of town for work reasons."

"So that's how it is~"

Mrs. Merick nodded, then continued to ask.

"Then is your home also in London?"

"Yes, just in the northern suburbs, not far away. If Uncle and Aunt have time, you are also welcome to visit my home."

Hermione smiled properly, and the smile on Mrs. Merick's face deepened.

"Then what do your mom and dad do?"

"They are both dentists."

"Ah~ dentists, that's good."

Mrs. Merick nodded after hearing this, and there was a bit more closeness in her eyes.

Like their family, they are a Muggle family, and the parents have decent professions. She was immediately even more satisfied with Hermione.

The distance between the two families isn't far either. If the children's relationship develops well, then they as parents can also get to know each other.

"Then you..."

"Wife, are you checking household registration? Asking this and that, don't scare the child."

Mrs. Merick originally wanted to know more about Hermione's situation, but was interrupted by her husband with a smile. Mrs. Merick rolled her eyes at him speechlessly.

"Ah, it's fine, Uncle and Aunt, I am also very willing to share my things."

Hermione hurriedly spoke to help Mrs. Merick out of the awkwardness, saying with a sincere tone.

She was indeed very willing to tell John's family about her situation.

As for the reason, don't ask too much.

After hearing this, Mrs. Merick looked at Hermione with a smile, her eyes full of appreciation and love.

Look at this child, how well she speaks, sensible and thoughtful.

And looking at her speech and demeanor, there is a sense of intelligence and upbringing. Mrs. Merick liked this child more and more.

So they started chatting again.

When John finally finished making tea and walked out of the kitchen with a tray, he happened to see his mother and Hermione chatting enthusiastically.

His father was petting Big Orange while participating in their chat.

His mother even took out the gift originally prepared for John, wanting to give it to Hermione as a meeting gift.

John immediately felt something was wrong.

Oh no, I've become the outsider... ===== CHAPTER 83 =====