Sherlock Holmes at Hogwarts.

Chapter 590 The best days are yet to come
Time is like sand slipping through your fingers, always flowing away unnoticed.

A week has passed in the blink of an eye since Sherlock visited Gemma's house.

After Sherlock returned, he briefly recounted his experience at Gemma's house.

In Sherlock's view, this was just a simple meeting between friends.

However, Mr. and Mrs. Holmes clearly did not think so.

She patiently and meticulously questioned Sherlock, wanting to know all the details.

Unfortunately, Sherlock was not interested in this.

“Gemma is a good girl.”

Mrs. Holmes couldn't help but say to Sherlock.

Sherlock, who was reading a book, replied without looking up, "I know, Mother."

Mrs. Holmes opened her mouth, the words "No, you don't know" almost bursting out.

She looked at Sherlock, so engrossed in the book in front of him, and sighed inwardly.

The lesson of the past is right before her eyes—her eldest son, Mycroft, cut off all possible relationships with the opposite sex decisively because of her outspokenness, which still worries her greatly.

So, to be on the safe side, she swallowed back the words that were about to come out.

At least for now, Sherlock has excellent girls like Gemma and Hermione around him, and their relationship seems quite harmonious.

She could only pray silently that this time things would be different.

Just then, an owl with glossy feathers and sharp eyes flapped its wings and landed precisely on the windowsill of Holmes' house.

Sherlock recognized her immediately as Gemma's pet, Erin.

Eileen circled around the room once, then flew to Mrs. Holmes and stretched out a leg towards her.

"For me?"

Mrs. Holmes glanced at Sherlock, then at the owl, and was extremely surprised.

Sherlock was also somewhat surprised. He put down the book in his hand and looked at it carefully for a few moments.

Eileen seemed impatient and called out, then affectionately pecked Mrs. Holmes's finger.

He immediately understood.

“It is indeed a letter Gemma wrote to you, Mom.”

Upon hearing Sherlock's words, Mrs. Holmes removed the parchment from Irene's leg.

Receiving tokens from owls was not unfamiliar to Mrs. Holmes.

Sherlock, Hermione, and Harry all used this method to send her letters when they were at Hogwarts.

Outside of school, Hermione and Harry use the phone more often.

Mrs. Holmes unfolded the parchment, and her neat and elegant handwriting immediately came into view:
Dear Mrs. Holmes:
Hello!

I hope this letter has not bothered you.

Easter holidays go by so fast, and Sherlock will be going back to school in the blink of an eye.

Thank you so much for the Easter eggs and candy that you and Mr. Holmes had Sherlock bring us last time!
Mom praised the candies you made by hand, saying they were full of sweet sentiment. Even Dad made an exception and ate a few more (you know, he doesn't usually have a sweet tooth).

That candy, filled with love, truly warmed our whole family's hearts.

When Sherlock came to visit last time, Mom and Dad were very happy, but they also felt that the time was too short and they didn't get to have a proper chat with him.

They still remember the pleasant time they had visiting your home two years ago.

So, after discussing it with my parents, I would like to ask you and Mr. Holmes if our family of three could come and visit us this weekend (if it is convenient for us)?
Mom and Dad really want to thank you in person for your kindness, and also catch up with you both.

Of course, it would be even better if Holmes' brother were home too.

Sherlock is always so busy at school, preparing for the Triwizard Tournament while also taking care of his studies (he always does it very well, which is admirable).

I hope this visit won't cause you too much trouble.

We are a team of professionals.

Wishing you all the best!
Sincerely, Gemma Farley
After reading the letter, Mrs. Holmes's worried expression vanished instantly, replaced by overwhelming joy and excitement.

She read it twice to make sure she hadn't misunderstood, then looked up, her eyes sparkling, and said to Mr. Holmes who had just come downstairs:
"Honey! Gemma and her family want to visit us! This weekend!"

Mr. Holmes smiled upon hearing this:

"It seems Mrs. Farley was very impressed with the sweets from last time—that's good news, dear, we should certainly welcome them."

"Of course! Of course you're welcome!"

Mrs. Holmes immediately began to plan, “I need to prepare properly. The last time they came was two years ago... This time I must be even more thorough than last time!”

"Gemma is such a sensible child!"

She glanced at Sherlock, who seemed completely oblivious to the little incident, and picked up the book again, and couldn't help but add:
“Gemma is a rare and wonderful girl, Sherlock.”

Sherlock raised his head and slowly said:

"Yes, Mom. Her social manners have always been impeccable."

He paused, then added, "Moreover, she is clearly very good at achieving her goals."

These words, spoken casually, sent a shiver down Mrs. Holmes's spine, as if her son had seen through her.

But more than anything, I feel gratified by Gemma's initiative and dedication.

Then she picked up a pen and paper and quickly wrote a reply.

He warmly invited the Farleys to his home and then handed the letter to Eileen, who had been waiting.

Time has passed by once again.

The weekend sunlight streamed through the windows, illuminating the meticulously decorated living room of Holmes's house.

The air was filled with the aroma of freshly baked scones and black tea.

When the Farleys appeared in the living room through Floo Powder, just like Sherlock had done before, the atmosphere immediately became warm and harmonious.

Compared to their somewhat reserved first meeting two years ago, both sets of parents appeared much more relaxed and familiar this time.

Mrs. Holmes warmly embraced Gemma and Mrs. Farley.

Mrs. Farley brought back her own handmade, uniquely shaped magical treats as a return gift.

At the same time, he once again expressed his sincere love for Mrs. Holmes' candy.

"Oh, dear Mrs. Holmes, your cooking is absolutely superb!"
The taste of those candies reminded me of the flavors my mother used to make when I was a child.

Mrs. Farley held Mrs. Holmes's hand and said sincerely.

"Just call me Varita."

Mrs. Holmes couldn't stop smiling.

"You're too kind, Mrs. Farley!"
Please have a seat and try some of my freshly baked scones.

When Mrs. Holmes revealed her name, Mrs. Farley's eyes lit up. "Very well, Varita—then please call me Eleanor as well."

After the two mothers told each other their names, they looked at each other and smiled.

The two fathers—Mr. Holmes and Mr. Farley—engaged in a more composed conversation.

The conversation naturally transitioned from London's weather and Muggle anecdotes to the children.

Mr. Farley expressed his high praise for Sherlock's performance in the Triwizard Tournament, his words filled with affirmation of Sherlock's composure and wisdom.

Gemma provided him with a more detailed and vivid version than the Daily Prophet, which allowed Mr. Holmes to learn more about the situation.

After all, Sherlock didn't mention this matter much.

In return, Mr. Holmes inquired about Gemma's dragon training work in Romania, his words revealing the care and appreciation of an elder. Although Mrs. Holmes, at Gemma's request, reminded Mycroft...

Unfortunately, as Easter was coming to an end, he became busy again.

So in the end, I was unable to meet the Farley family of three.

Although he did not show up, it did not affect the gathering.

The entire afternoon tea time was filled with laughter and joy.

Mrs. Farley and Mrs. Holmes got along very well, chatting about everything from children's anecdotes to cooking tips.

The two fathers shared their experiences from the Muggle world and the magical world, respectively.

Gemma occasionally joins in the mothers' conversations, or adds a few words when Sherlock is asked about school.

Although Sherlock was not talkative, he was calm and answered every question. His occasional insightful comments always brought a knowing smile to the Farleys' faces.

This time, the meeting between the two families was less tentative and more sincere intimacy and mutual appreciation compared to two years ago.

A tacit understanding and warmth flowed in the air, and the connection between the two families became closer and more natural because of the two young people.

On the last afternoon of the Easter holiday, at the intersection of King Road, not far from Holmes's house.

Sherlock, Gemma, and Mrs. Farley are saying goodbye to Sherlock and his wife.

Madam Farley plans to take Sherlock and Gemma to Hogwarts via Apparition.

Have you brought everything?

After Mrs. Holmes straightened Sherlock's collar, she turned to Gemma, her eyes filled with reluctance.

After today's farewell, we won't be able to see the children again until summer vacation.

“I’ve brought everything, Auntie!” Gemma said with a smile.

Sherlock remained calm: "There's nothing to bring."

"Be careful! The third event of the Triwizard Tournament..."

Mr. Holmes didn't finish his sentence, but his worry was evident.

“I will, Father.” Sherlock nodded.

Mrs. Holmes glanced again at Sherlock and Gemma, who were standing side by side.

One was calm and composed, the other bright and generous; my heart was filled with satisfaction.

She reminded her to be careful a few more times, and then took Mrs. Farley's hand again:
"Eleanor, we feel much more at ease knowing that you're taking them both back to school!"

"Varita, trust Sherlock. The Triwizard Tournament won't be a problem for him."

She then turned to Sherlock and Gemma: "Kids, are you ready?"

Gemma immediately and obediently went to her mother's side.

Shylock calmly stood on the other side of Mrs. Farley.

"Well then, thank you again for your hospitality, Varita, Mr. Holmes."

Mrs. Farley nodded to the Holmes couple, her tone sincere:

"This holiday was so enjoyable—Gemma is so lucky to have a friend like Sherlock."

She emphasized the word "friends," but the smile in her eyes clearly hinted at something more.

Mrs. Holmes understood immediately and said with a smile:

"Eleanor, you're being too polite."

We feel at ease knowing that Sherlock has such an excellent and sensible partner as Gemma.

Be careful on your way.

"Do not worry!"

Mrs. Farley readily agreed, then looked down at the two children beside her, her gaze lingering on Sherlock for a moment.

The approval and affirmation in his eyes were almost overflowing.

She turned to Mrs. Holmes, took two steps closer, and said in a low voice:
"Varita, to be honest, I have absolute confidence in Gemma's judgment."

Sherlock is a calm, intelligent, and responsible boy, much better than we were back then.

"We, as parents, are so happy that Gemma and he... well, get along so well."

Mrs. Holmes was delighted by these words.

She immediately gave Mrs. Farley a hug and said in a similarly low voice:

"Eleanor, you flatter me."

Gemma is poised, generous, and considerate; our whole family loves her.

The two mothers released each other, smiled at each other, and understood everything without saying a word.

A tacit understanding and warmth filled the air.

"Okay, kids, hold on tight to me."

Noticing that there were no pedestrians around, Mrs. Farley did not delay any longer and spoke to Sherlock and Gemma.

She stretched out her arms and put them on their shoulders respectively.

Sherlock and Gemma both moved closer as instructed.

Sherlock's expression remained calm; he merely adjusted his stance slightly to ensure he was steady.

Gemma gave the Holmes a sweet smile.

"Alright, let's go!"

As soon as Madam Farley finished speaking, accompanied by a series of crackling sounds and a sense of spatial distortion, the three figures vanished without a trace.

Mrs. Holmes stood there, gazing at the spot where the three had disappeared, her smile lingering for a long time.

She let out a long sigh of relief, as if her heart, which had been hanging in suspense, had finally settled down, leaving her with nothing but joy and beautiful hopes for the future.

Mr. Holmes put his arm around his wife's shoulder, his voice tinged with amusement: "It seems Eleanor shares our views perfectly."

"Yes, darling, exactly the same."

Mrs. Holmes nodded vigorously, her eyes sparkling with happiness:
Do you think we'll have more good news soon?

"Let it be, my dear, given Sherlock's personality..."

Thinking about his son's various behaviors, Mr. Holmes shook his head:

"However, things are indeed moving in a very good direction."

They have a long road ahead of them—by the way, where's Hermione?

As if suddenly remembering something, Mr. Holmes suddenly said:

“Her father called me last night—he found out about Sherlock’s visit to Gemma’s house.”

“Hermione must have told them!” Mrs. Holmes said confidently. “But it’s a bit strange that Jane didn’t call me…”

“I have an idea—you tell Gemma and her parents that they’re coming to our house this weekend.”

Mrs. Holmes looked surprised: "Tannan, you..."

"They have a long road ahead of them, who knows what might happen next?"

Mr. Holmes's smile widened even more. "Perhaps—the best is yet to come!"

(End of this chapter)