Sherlock Holmes at Hogwarts.

Chapter 588 Mother-in-law visits son-in-law
On the third day after Easter, there was still a hint of early spring chill in the air.

Sherlock arrived at Gemma's house as promised.

A warm fire burned in the fireplace, both to welcome guests using the FlooNet and to ward off the chill of an April evening in England.

His mode of transport is Floo Powder.

With the help of kind people, the fireplaces of Sherlock, Hermione, and other Muggle-born wizarding families were eventually connected to the Floo Network.

This makes it much easier for everyone to put things through the door.

Despite her parents' insistence, Sherlock still brought a gift when he visited their home.

In addition to Easter eggs, there are also Mrs. Holmes' homemade candies.

This is precisely her masterpiece.

In Mrs. Holmes' own words, it is full of love.

Although Sherlock was skeptical of this claim, in terms of actual effectiveness, it was far superior to the syrup toffee made by Hagrid.

Of course, the "strength" here refers to the food aspect.

From another perspective, the food Hagrid makes by hand also has special uses.

In fact, Mrs. Holmes originally planned to have her husband accompany Sherlock to the Farley's house.

According to Mrs. Holmes, there are several advantages to one's parents accompanying their children to the other's home.

Firstly, it can express importance and support.

Having the parents personally appear can signal to the Farley family that we are serious about this relationship and support Sherlock, which may be a plus in a family-oriented environment.

Second, there is direct interaction between families.

Mr. and Mrs. Holmes can use this opportunity to observe Gemma's family environment, understand her background, and establish initial contact, paving the way for future relationship development.

Third, it reduces Sherlock's tension.

Mrs. Holmes believed that Sherlock was introverted and unfamiliar with such situations, and that their presence could provide emotional support and help him be more at ease.

However, Mr. Holmes raised objections.

He also pointed out three drawbacks to the parents' trip to the Farley's house with Shylock.

First, there is excessive intervention.

It's important to know that in Western culture, individual independence is highly valued.

Sherlock and Gemma are still in the early stages of their development, and their parents' intervention at this time might make Gemma and her family feel that Sherlock is immature and lacks independence.

This is detrimental to young people building relationships.

Moreover, based on Mr. Holmes's understanding of Gemma, she might also prefer a more private interaction.

Second, it increases pressure.

Once parents get involved, the visit becomes more formal, like a family meeting, rather than a relaxed social gathering.

As a result, Sherlock and Gemma's communication may be limited, preventing their feelings from developing naturally.

Thirdly, there is the potential for awkwardness.

If either Sherlock or Gemma is not used to their parents being involved, it could lead to an awkward atmosphere.

Based on Mr. Holmes's understanding of the two, Gemma's side is somewhat better, while Sherlock certainly wouldn't accept it.

Even worse, it could be misinterpreted by the Farids as a signal of urging and coercion.

Just as the couple were having a disagreement, their eldest son, Mycroft, stepped forward.

He believed that Sherlock had three wins going to the Farleys alone, but three losses going with his parents.

The three defeats are precisely the three points that Mr. Holmes mentioned earlier.

The three wins correspond to the three losses.

First, it promotes Shylock's independence.

Give Sherlock the opportunity to demonstrate confidence and maturity, allowing him to establish his own identity within the Farley family, rather than being an appendage of his parents.

This allows the relationship to develop naturally and also aligns with modern dating norms.

Second, reduce environmental pressure.

A private visit is more relaxed and intimate, allowing Sherlock and Gemma to focus on their interaction and reducing the pressure of being observed.

The Farleys might also be more comfortable and more accepting of Sherlock.

Third, avoid misunderstandings.

The absence of parents prevents the Farley family from feeling that the family is interfering, which is generally more welcome in young people's relationships.

"And the third point you mentioned, Mom."

Mycroft looked at Sherlock. “I don’t think my dear brother would feel nervous going to Miss Farley’s house alone—it’s Miss Farley’s parents who should be nervous.”

Seeing that the result was two votes to one, Mrs. Holmes was still not giving up and asked Sherlock Holmes himself for his opinion.

The result is obvious.

So three days later, Sherlock arrived at the Farley's house alone using Floo Powder.

Gemma, Mr. Farley, and Mrs. Farley were already waiting in the living room.

When Sherlock's figure appeared in the fireplace accompanied by green flames, Gemma's face immediately lit up with a bright smile.

She was wearing a warm yellow thin sweater today, which made her look exceptionally radiant.

"Welcome, Sherlock! Was the journey pleasant?"

Gemma's voice carried a familiar warmth.

"It went very smoothly. Thank you."

Sherlock bowed slightly, his manners graceful and appropriate.

He handed over the gift in his hand:

"These are belated Easter eggs, and some candies that my mother made by hand."

She insisted I bring it, saying it was her masterpiece, full of... well, love.

When he repeated his mother's words, there was a hint of helplessness in his tone, but his eyes were sincere.

"Oh, Mrs. Holmes, you're too kind!"

Eleanor Rose Farley stepped forward and brushed a bit of soot off Sherlock's shoulder.

They accepted the gift with a pleasant surprise, their faces beaming with enthusiastic smiles.

This was not the first time she and Mr. Farley had met Sherlock.

When I visited Holmes's house before, I was very impressed with this calm and intelligent young man.

Two years later, Mrs. Farley looked at Sherlock with even greater satisfaction.

"Come here, don't just stand there."

Sebastian Augustus Farley stood a little further back, looking more composed than his wife.

Compared to his enthusiastic wife, his eyes were much sharper.

That scrutinizing gaze inevitably brought to mind Hermione's father, Mr. Granger.

Unlike Mr. Granger, his gaze also carried a subtle hint of approval.

He extended his hand and said, "Welcome, Mr. Holmes, please come and have a seat."

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Farley.”

The moment Sherlock shook hands with him, he fully felt the strength of the other's hand and the concern of an elder. The living room was decorated warmly and comfortably, the flames in the fireplace flickered, dispelling the spring chill, and the air was filled with the aroma of baked goods.

Mrs. Farley busied herself putting the gifts away and warmly invited Sherlock to sit down on the sofa near the fireplace.

“Gemma always mentions you to us.”

Madame Farley waved her wand, and the teapot began to pour tea by itself.

“Gemma said you are a very remarkable wizard, especially for those special occasions at Hogwarts.”

She was referring, of course, to Sherlock's adventures at Hogwarts.

His tone was full of admiration, and his words were full of recognition of Sherlock's abilities.

"mom!"

Gemma gave her mother a reproachful look, her cheeks slightly flushed, showing the shyness of a young girl.

She glanced at Sherlock furtively, and seeing that he looked perfectly normal, she felt a little relieved.

Mr. Farley cleared his throat, following his wife's lead, but steered the conversation in a more specific direction:
"Yes, I heard that you successfully dealt with the fire dragon in your first project?"
Gemma's work in Romania was related to this, and she told us about it in detail when she came back.

It's far more dramatic than what the Daily Prophet described.

His tone also revealed his affirmation of Sherlock's abilities.

"Yes, Mr. Farley."

Sherlock nodded and said calmly:
"However, we made ample preparations beforehand, and passing through the fire dragon was not as dangerous as we had imagined."

"No, that's also very dangerous!"

Mrs. Farley immediately chimed in, her tone full of concern:
"It would be extremely difficult for an adult to deal with a fire dragon!"

Moreover, you were facing the most ferocious Hungarian wood bees; our hearts were pounding when we read the newspaper.

What's more, before this, you had no idea what you were going to face!
When Gemma described how you calmly handled the situation, we were simply...

She shook her head, as if unwilling to recall that worry, but her gaze towards Sherlock softened even more:

"However, it's so good to see you sitting here safe and sound now."

"The risk itself exists."

Sherlock stated factually:

"But Hogwarts and the Ministry of Magic have taken as many security measures as possible."

Most importantly, with thorough preparation and analysis, one can naturally be confident in handling the situation.

His tone remained calm and rational, as always, carrying a confidence based on facts.

However, he still didn't mention that Hagrid had leaked the details of the first project in advance.

Mr. Farley looked at Sherlock, surprised and even more impressed by his composure and rationality beyond his years.

"Your way of thinking is indeed very unique."

He picked up his teacup and took a sip:
"This is how it was when facing the fire dragon, and it's the same when facing the second project."

Can you really maintain this level of composure at all times?

“Fear is of no use, Mr. Farley.”

Sherlock calmly replied:

"The best way to overcome fear is to face it."

Analyze the situation, formulate a strategy, and then execute it.

This is also the most direct and effective way to deal with it.

Sherlock's answer was based entirely on logic, without any emotional embellishment.

This calm, almost ruthless answer surprised the Farleys slightly, and they then exchanged a smile.

Gemma, standing to the side, wore a knowing yet slightly helpless smile. She was already used to Sherlock's way of thinking; that was precisely what made him unique.

Mrs. Farley was amused by Shylock's composure and his unique lack of understanding, and her tension completely dissipated.

The more she looked at Sherlock, the more she liked him, and she greeted him warmly:
"Try these snacks, Sherlock, don't be shy."

Gemma said you're always so busy, it's rare for you to relax like this.

Sherlock thanked him politely and picked up a pastry.

The atmosphere in the living room gradually became relaxed as snacks and tea were served and casual conversations were made about Hogwarts daily life and Gemma's work in Romania.

Mrs. Farley would occasionally refill Sherlock's tea with a kind look in her eyes.

He would casually mention Gemma's childhood anecdotes or praise Sherlock's excellence during their conversation.

Clearly, she is trying to continuously close the distance between the two of them.

“Gemma has been independent and opinionated since she was little. Like you, she’s a good child who doesn’t cause you any trouble…”

Mrs. Farley spoke with a smile, her eyes darting between Sherlock and Gemma, the implication quite clear.

Gemma's cheeks flushed again, and she quietly tugged at her mother's sleeve under the table: "Mom!"

Sherlock, however, focused on Mrs. Farley's amusing anecdote about Gemma nearly setting the garden on fire while researching dragon eggs as a child, and commented earnestly:

"The spirit of exploring the unknown is commendable, but experimental safety regulations do need to be emphasized from a young age."

His answer perfectly captured the academic focus, completely oblivious to Mrs. Farley's implied intention to broker a match.

Mr. Farley watched this scene with a slight smile playing on his lips.

He understood his wife's thoughts and was happy to see it happen.

Although Sherlock seems unusually oblivious to emotions, this purity and focus makes him seem more reliable.

He put down his teacup, deciding to temporarily set aside his deep-seated worries and enjoy this warm family time.

"Lunch should be ready soon," Mrs. Farley said, glancing at the time before standing up with a hint of lingering interest. "Sherlock, you chat with Gemma for a bit, we'll go check the kitchen."

Having said that, she nodded gently to Sherlock, and together with her husband, who had also risen beside her, walked toward the archway on the other side of the living room. Their footsteps sounded particularly soft on the thick carpeted floor.

As soon as Gemma's parents disappeared behind the archway, Gemma turned her head to look at Sherlock beside her.

A mischievous smile curved her lips, then she gave a slight, helpless twitch, her eyes still lingering with the smiles from her parents' earlier enthusiasm.

"How are you? How do you feel?"

Was my mom being a little too enthusiastic?

Sherlock glanced around the cozy living room, enjoying the comforting warmth from the fireplace, and then looked at Gemma.

The firelight reflected in his gray eyes, making them appear much softer than usual, but his gaze remained clear and rational.

"As expected—I sensed from our first meeting that Mrs. Farley was very friendly."

From her description, it seems she took my visit quite seriously and made some preparations beforehand.

He said casually, paused, and added, "And it doesn't feel bad."

Seeing his serious analysis, Gemma's eyes instantly brightened with amusement, and she couldn't help but burst out laughing.

Her laughter was crisp and clear, like water droplets falling on glass.

She raised her hand and gently covered the corner of her lips. The shyness she had felt earlier because of Sherlock's visit had long been replaced by a warm and indulgent helplessness.

This is Sherlock Holmes—the man she admires.

She is always so rational, but when it comes to matters of the heart, she is like an explorer who needs a map to find her way.

Clumsy, yet it makes people feel tender.

(End of this chapter)