Chapter 83: Christmas Eve

Because of Hermione's visit, the parents, who were exhausted from their trip, insisted on taking Hermione out for a good meal.

Even though Hermione expressed a hundred times that it was no trouble, she was still dragged out by the old mother.

Looking at the incredibly enthusiastic old mother, John and the old father were also helpless.

After changing clothes, their family went out together.

Along the way, Hermione and Mrs. Merick held hands, chatting happily like a real mother and daughter.

While the Merick father and son followed slowly behind them.

"How's school, John? Haven't been bullied, have you?"

The old father's big hand rested on John's shoulder, finally showing some concern for his biological son.

"Hmm... I don't think so."

"What do you mean 'don't think so'? Have you been bullied or not?"

Regarding John's answer, Mr. Merick asked with some worry.

They couldn't help with matters in the magical world, but if his son was really being bullied, he as a father certainly couldn't sit idly by.

"Some people did want to bully me, but I beat them back."

"That's the one thing about Hogwarts—students beating each other up with passion and nothing happens."

"But it's okay, they can't beat me."

After hearing his son's account, Mr. Merick breathed a sigh of relief, but was immediately speechless.

"As long as you're okay. If you get bullied, just beat them back. Dad will definitely stand on your side."

Mr. Merick patted John's shoulder again and smiled.

John smiled, but suddenly seeing Hermione in front, he pointed at her and smiled.

"Then Dad, what if I get bullied by Sister Hermione?"

"...... Then it must be that you did something wrong and deserve to be beaten."

The old father was silent for three seconds before saying very seriously.

John: "?"

The two stared at each other, both silent.

"Ahahahahahaha!"

Finally, the old father couldn't hold it in and burst into laughter, and John also smiled helplessly.

Hermione and Mrs. Merick walking in front heard the commotion behind them, turned their heads curiously, then exchanged a glance and chuckled.

"John and Uncle have such a good relationship."

"Them? They must be talking about some nonsense again. Don't worry about them."

Mrs. Merick laughingly took Hermione's little hand and continued walking forward.

Hermione smiled, feeling that the atmosphere of John's family was really good.

Under this warm hospitality, Hermione finally relaxed and integrated into this atmosphere.

After they happily finished dinner, they strolled together to the banks of the Thames.

Mrs. Merick returned Hermione to John.

The two children walked in front, and the two adults followed behind.

The night view here was indeed beautiful, and it was bustling with people coming and going.

"How about that? I told you my mom and dad are very nice, no need to worry."

John, with his hands in his pockets, walked beside Hermione and said to her with a smile.

"Hmm, Uncle and Aunt are indeed very nice, so nice that I suspect whether you are their biological child."

Hermione looked at John and teased.

"......"

"Ungrateful, am I not good to you?"

John was speechless for a moment, then said with dissatisfaction.

Hearing this, Hermione blinked strangely, immediately realizing that John had misunderstood.

She meant that Uncle and Aunt were so good to her, it seemed like she was their biological child and John was picked up.

And John understood it as: Uncle and Aunt were so good to her, but John hadn't been that good to her.

However, Hermione didn't explain, covering her mouth and chuckling.

"Idiot~"

At this moment, a crowd of tourists walking and strolling came towards them.

John pulled his hands out of his pockets and very naturally took Hermione's little hand, pulling her to his side to prevent them from getting separated.

Hermione didn't resist, obediently leaning against John's side.

Although John wasn't very tall yet, his masculinity and gentlemanly demeanor were not low at all.

Hermione was also happy to be protected by John.

Of course, if they really encountered danger, it was hard to say who would protect whom.

The two walked hand in hand as if nothing had happened.

Mrs. Merick, following behind, covered her small mouth in surprise.

Are these two children's relationship already this good?

Mr. Merick nodded with satisfaction; a tiger father has no dog son.

The two walked hand in hand for a while, passed through the crowd, and didn't let go.

Until Hermione suddenly remembered that Uncle and Aunt were watching from behind.

She secretly looked back and found that Uncle and Aunt were looking at them with full 'auntie smiles'.

Hermione: ///O△O///

Soon, they had spent a very happy Christmas Eve.

After returning home, the Mericks finally couldn't take it anymore and returned to their rooms to rest, exhausted.

Leaving only John and Hermione in the hall.

Outside the window, the cold wind beat against the glass, and the two sat on the sofa, both letting out long sighs of relief.

Hermione hugged a sofa cushion and buried her face in it.

Too embarrassing.

Actually holding hands with someone's son in front of their parents, and getting caught.

Recalling meeting John's parents today, she hadn't been prepared at all, and even caused a scene.

It was too shameful.

Fortunately, Uncle and Aunt were very kind and enthusiastic, and deliberately didn't mention these things, otherwise she really wouldn't have the face to stay here.

And John was just tired from walking, slumped on the sofa.

He walked with Hermione all morning, and went for another stroll in the evening.

Tomorrow, no matter what, he wouldn't go out.

"John, was my performance today okay?"

At this time, Hermione asked John worriedly, fearing she might have done something wrong.

"That was more than okay."

"My mom almost treats you like her own daughter."

John leaned his head back on the sofa, lazily waving his hand and smiling.

Hearing John's answer, although it might have been a bit exaggerated, Hermione felt a bit more at ease.

Then she looked at John again, the corners of her mouth slightly raised.

"Actually, it's also thanks to your clowning around at the beginning, helping me ease the atmosphere, otherwise I would have been nervous to death."

Hermione leaned her head on the cushion in her arms, looking sideways at John and saying.

"Don't mention it."

John still waved his hand, saying lazily.

"Because I was actually thirsty at that time."

?

Hermione, who had originally wanted to move a little closer to John, stopped her movements immediately.

"......"

Hermione closed her eyes, let out a long sigh, and held her forehead, speechless to the extreme.

She didn't want to complain about John anymore.

But looking at John's salty-fish-like and honest face, she couldn't help but get angry.

"You idiot!"

Hermione directly raised the cushion in her hand and slammed it onto John's face.

HP-1 ===== CHAPTER 84 =====