Chapter 84: The Grangers

Christmas arrived as scheduled.

Early in the morning, one could hear the crisp sound of bells and children's laughter from the streets outside.

John rubbed his eyes, stretched, and sat up from the bed.

Big Orange, who had been sleeping at the foot of his bed, was kicked off the bed by his stretching movement.

Big Orange fell to the floor, let out a 'meow', and then didn't move, continuing to lie on the floor and sleep.

This cat, day after day, is like it has never slept enough.

John was somewhat speechless.

When John finished washing up and arrived at the living room, Hermione was already chatting happily with his parents.

"Morning."

"Morning, John."

Hermione greeted John with a smile; today Hermione had changed into a bright red turtleneck sweater.

This outfit changed her usual style, giving people a feeling of being more lively and spirited, and also a bit of... a playful and cute feeling?

This appearance made John couldn't help but look a few more times.

"Heh heh, I told you this outfit was good, Hermione. Look, John is staring straight at you."

Mrs. Merick sat next to Hermione, observing her son's gaze clearly.

With her hands on Hermione's shoulders, she teased with a smile.

Regarding Mrs. Merick's teasing, Hermione was a bit overwhelmed.

She blushed and said embarrassedly: "It's the sweater you gave me that looks good."

"Oh, you child."

Regarding Hermione's compliment, Mrs. Merick scolded playfully, but immediately laughed happily.

So this outfit was a gift from Mom to Hermione; it really looks good.

They have such a good relationship; they are the real family.

John looked at them thinking this, then pointed at himself and asked his old mother.

"Mom, where's my gift?"

"Yours? Go find it at the Christmas tree yourself."

Hearing her son's words, Mrs. Merick waved her hand, letting John go find his gift at the Christmas tree.

The difference in attitude before and after seems a bit large...

At the Christmas tree, there were not only gifts from his parents but also gifts from Ryan and the others.

According to Hermione, those were delivered by owls early in the morning.

John naturally accepted them all.

As for Hermione's gift, John had received it in advance last night.

Because John really liked Transfiguration, Hermione gave John an extension book about Transfiguration.

And John really didn't know what to give, so he simply gave her something practical: a set of wand care tools.

If needed, I can even borrow from Hermione.

I am truly a genius.

Afterwards, they discussed what to eat for the Christmas dinner today.

After all, there was one more member this year, so naturally, they had to consider Hermione's taste.

However, before they could discuss it in depth, the doorbell rang suddenly.

Mr. Merick stood up to open the door.

Standing outside the door was a couple, looking about the same age as the Mericks.

"Hello, may I ask if this is the Merick family?"

"Yes, may I ask who you are?"

Looking at the couple outside, Mr. Merick paused slightly, because he didn't know these strange visitors, and they were carrying gifts in their hands.

"Oh, I'm very sorry. My surname is Granger, and this is my wife. We are Hermione's parents. May I ask if Hermione is here with you?"

"Oh!! So it's Hermione's parents. Yes, yes, yes, please come in!"

After hearing the Grangers' self-introduction, Mr. Merick immediately realized.

He hurriedly stepped aside, wearing a warm smile, and led Hermione's parents in.

His voice also allowed the people inside to hear.

Hermione stood up in surprise immediately and ran towards the entryway.

"Mom and Dad!"

As soon as the Grangers stepped into the house, Hermione threw herself into their arms.

They also smiled and stroked Hermione's head.

"Why did you come so soon? Didn't you say you would return after Christmas?"

"Because we knew you were back, we naturally had to come back early too."

Mrs. Granger gently stroked her daughter's hair and said with a smile.

"And we missed you very much."

Actually, Hermione had written to them before to report her itinerary.

Hearing that Hermione was going to stay at a classmate's house for a few days, they couldn't help but worry.

After all, they didn't know the so-called Merick family.

So they stepped up their work progress and rushed back on Christmas Day.

Now it seems that Hermione has been doing quite well here.

After a brief reunion, Mr. Merick invited them into the house to visit again.

Mrs. Merick also went to prepare hot tea and snacks herself; she wasn't at ease letting John prepare them.

John also took the initiative to step forward and greet them.

"Mom and Dad, he is the John I mentioned to you."

"Hello, Uncle and Aunt, my name is John Merick. Very happy to meet you."

The Grangers looked at the boy in front of them, revealing gentle smiles on their faces: "Hello, John."

This semester, their daughter had only written four letters back.

Except for the first letter, which was to pour out some troubles and grievances about getting along with classmates.

In the following three letters, their daughter mentioned this boy named John.

Each time it was praise and compliments for him, and they heard he even stood up for her and beat up those who bullied her.

So the Grangers' impression of John was still quite good.

"Hermione mentioned you quite a few times in her letters. You are indeed as cute as she said."

"Mom!!"

Hearing her mother's words, Hermione hurriedly covered her mouth, her face even more flushed.

How could such things be said in front of John and his family? So embarrassing!

Mrs. Merick heard this and revealed a teasing smile.

John awkwardly scratched his head, but a smile also appeared on his face.

He coughed lightly to hide his smile.

"Auntie is too kind."

Mrs. Granger smiled and didn't continue to tease the children.

Afterwards, under the hospitality of John's parents, they sat down and exchanged pleasantries.

Although it was the first time the two families met, they chatted quite congenially.

Hermione returned to her room and started packing her luggage.

This was faster than she expected.

But it's also good; after all, she had intruded for so many days, it was time to go back.

John stood at the door holding Big Orange.

"Big Orange, oh Big Orange, why are you leaving? Why don't you just live here with me, just like at school."

John buried his face in Big Orange's belly, rubbing and rubbing, saying reluctantly.

Big Orange meowed expressionlessly, flicked its tail, as if refusing.

Hermione in the room heard this and laughed.

"Dream on, Crookshanks has to go back with me."

"What's the big deal? It's not like it hasn't left you before. Can I starve Big Orange to death?"

John said nonchalantly.

Listening to the two calling it by different names, Big Orange in John's arms didn't even know which one was its name.

Soon Hermione packed her luggage, dragged her suitcase to John's side, and extended a hand in front of her.

Big Orange also cooperated very well, extending its front paws, resting them on Hermione's shoulder, then stepping on Hermione's arm with its hind paws, and lying into her arms.

Watching this scene, Hermione even triumphantly raised her chin at John.

"......"

John was also speechless for a while.

The adults outside were still chatting happily, while the two of them hid in the corner, chatting idly.

Finally, at noon, the Grangers were ready to say goodbye.

Actually, at first, the Grangers didn't intend to stay long; after all, their daughter had intruded for so many days, so they thought they would just exchange a few pleasantries, give a gift, and leave quickly.

However, the Mericks were too enthusiastic, and seeing that Hermione had been doing well here, they also added a lot of good feelings towards them.

After all, not every family can be like them, enthusiastically hosting a strange child in their home for so long.

Plus, both families were Muggle families of intellectuals, and suddenly a little wizard who could do magic appeared, so they had many common topics, and the more they chatted, the more familiar they became.

But no matter how well they chatted, they couldn't chat forever.

"Why don't you stay for lunch before leaving, brother."

John's dad had become familiar enough with Mr. Granger to call him brother.

"Really no need, actually we just arrived in London this morning."

"We came over right after getting off the train; there are still things at home that need to be handled."

Mr. Granger waved his hand and politely refused. The two old men chatted very congenially and exchanged contact information.

Equally reluctant to part were the two young and beautiful mothers, holding hands like best friends of many years.

John and Hermione, watching their respective parents like this, were also somewhat dumbfounded.

"Feels like Uncle and Aunt are even more reluctant to leave than you."

Hearing John's pointed teasing, Hermione tossed her hair and retorted with a chuckle.

"I am not reluctant at all, don't talk nonsense."

John smiled and didn't continue to bicker with her.

Afterwards, Hermione left with her parents, and the Merick family naturally went downstairs to see them off.

Before parting, Hermione waved her little hand at John.

"John, remember to call me."

"Beg me."

"Dream on."

Hermione chuckled and hummed, sat in the family car, rolled down the window, and waved at the Mericks, shouting.

"Goodbye, Uncle and Aunt!"

"Goodbye, Hermione, come play again when you have time."

After saying goodbye to the parents, she finally smiled at John again.

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PS: Sorry everyone, I stopped updating for a while.

Chapters 83 and 84 were heavily revised, released on the evening of September 5th at 7 PM. Friends who read after that don't need to worry.

The previous parts had some minor issues optimized, which won't affect the main storyline. ===== CHAPTER 85 =====