The sickly, iron-fisted beauty in Harry Potter

Not only did they not refuse, they became even more eager to try.

Half of it was driven by competitiveness, and the other half was the feeling that having a wager would prevent Dolly from giving up willingly.

Dolly shook her head and said, "I haven't decided yet. How about the loser treats the winner to a meal?"

"No, absolutely not."

Hermione quickly shook her head. Couldn't she just easily admit defeat to such a trivial bet?

She had to choose a condition that would prevent Dolly from easily admitting defeat.

Of course, the conditions cannot be too harsh, otherwise the competition will lose its original meaning.

"Let me think about it..."

Hermione tried to think, but her mind went blank for a moment because she had never experienced anything like it before.

Suddenly, she felt a soft, strange touch on the back of her head. She turned her head and saw that Crookshan was kneading a cow.

This gave Hermione a bright idea, and she said, "The losers will become the winners' magical assistants in the second year."

"Unless there is something absolutely necessary to do, you should be available whenever needed, as long as it doesn't interfere with your studies."

"For a month... no, a week?"

Hermione originally wanted to say a month, but felt that was too heavy. After changing it to a week, she felt that was too light.

Dolly then spoke up, saying, "How about half a school year?"

"If you're scared, then this bet ends here."

Hermione immediately followed suit, saying, "I'm not afraid at all! I'm sure I'll win!"

"Miss Dursley, the losing side will have to be the winning side's magical assistant for six months. Don't regret it then."

After saying that, Hermione reached out and shook hands with Dolly.

However, Hermione had a vague feeling that something was wrong when they shook hands.

Although she appeared to be a victor, she felt that the victory wasn't quite satisfying enough.

Ah...it seems like Dolly proposed the bet?

Hermione thought she was the one who proposed the bet.

Before Hermione could think any further, Dolly had already changed the subject.

Hermione is so smart, if she had thought about it for a few more seconds, she probably would have realized that she was the one who had fallen into the trap.

"Don't call me Miss Dursley anymore, just call me Dolly. We're friends now, aren't we?"

Dolly pulled Hermione down to sit, and the two sat close together, their heads slightly tilted so they could see each other's reflections in their pupils.

"We...are friends now?"

Hermione, whose train of thought was interrupted, was indeed caught off guard. She came looking for a rival, but ended up making a friend first.

Given their circumstances, can they be considered friends?

"Of course we're friends, it's just that you haven't given me a gift yet."

“I have already given you Crook Mountain. Once you give me a gift in return, then we will be true friends.”

"You don't mean to say we're not even friends, do you?"

Hermione's cheeks flushed slightly, not from shyness, but from frustration.

Dolly couldn't bring herself to say "we're not friends" at that moment.

If they weren't friends, was everything she just did simply to make Dolly her enemy?

That would make her seem too arrogant and rude.

"But I didn't prepare anything..."

Hermione looked around anxiously, and then suddenly remembered something.

She quickly waved to her father, and after Mr. Granger approached with his large and small bags, she picked one out for Dolly.

"This book, 'The Book of Spells,' is a magic book outside of textbooks, and the shop owner told me it's a bestseller."

"I was planning to study it myself after I got back, but how about I give it to you now?"

Dolly took it and saw that it was a spellbook written by Miranda Goshak.

Miranda Goshark herself is the author of the Hogwarts Standard Spells series of textbooks.

It's fair to say that Miranda Goshak is a true expert in teaching spells.

Compared to Hogwarts' textbooks, the characteristics of this "Book of Spells" are probably as stated in the preface: this spell book allows you to use some less basic spells to make your life richer, safer, and more colorful.

"Very well, I'll accept it."

After a quick glance, Dolly discovered that even the Guardian Charm was recorded on it, and she immediately accepted it with satisfaction.

Dolly probably won't be able to learn most of those spells now.

However, it's also excellent for getting used to the spellcasting posture first.

Most importantly, if she doesn't accept it, Hermione probably won't be able to come up with a better gift, which would embarrass Hermione.

This was not Dolly's intention.

Hermione breathed a sigh of relief, still looking at the book with some reluctance.

However, she can go back and buy another one in a little while, so it won't take up much time at all.

This friend in front of her, though arriving somewhat suddenly, is a precious treasure to Hermione.

She was also worried that she would be isolated by the young wizards from wizarding families after entering the magical world.

He handed the book to his father and said, "Let me introduce you. These are my father and mother, and this is my brother Harry Potter."

Dolly had been looking forward to Hermione's reaction when she heard Harry's name, but Hermione's gaze didn't linger on Harry's face for even a second longer.

Clearly, Hermione was unaware of the term "boy who survived" at this point.

"Hello."

Hermione waved somewhat awkwardly to the group, completely lacking the imposing manner she had displayed when she approached Dolly earlier.

Looking back now, Hermione finds it a bit strange that she felt no pressure at all when facing Dolly at the beginning.

Oh right, I don't know why, but Dolly always gives off a very soft and weak feeling.

Hermione had this question in her mind, but she didn't ask any further.

Because it's Vernon's home ground now.

Seeing that Dolly and Hermione had basically finished their conversation, Vernon laughed and reached out his hand to Mr. Granger in the distance.

As a company executive, Vernon's social skills were naturally excellent; he made the Granger couple, who were dentists, feel comfortable with just a few words.

As for why Vernon, who possessed such abilities, had such a strained relationship with Harry's father back then.

The reason is actually very simple: on one side are people he hates, and on the other side are the parents of his daughter's friend. Is it even necessary to ask which of the two is more important?

Naturally, they would consider their daughter's friend's parents to be more important than their trading partners!

With such a smart girl from a middle-class family looking out for each other, Vernon and Penny could finally relax completely.

The Grangers clearly thought so too, and with the encouragement of both families, this was the case.

The two Muggle families quickly became engrossed in drinking at the Leaky Cauldron, their lively atmosphere surprising even the wizard: When did the Leaky Cauldron become open to Muggles?

Afterwards, the two families left the Leaky Cauldron together on the Knight Bus, saying goodbye to each other in front of Dolly's house.

Although both families lived in London, Hermione's family lived further away.

26. Third update. [?]

"You really shouldn't have a meal here; Penny's cooking is excellent!"

Harry felt completely unfamiliar with Vernon's overly hospitable manner.

Faced with Vernon's invitation, the Grangers could only say they would come another time, as they had too much to organize.

Amidst sighs of regret and farewells, the Knight Bus started moving again.

Dolly ruffled Crookshank's hair and said, "When you get to your new home, remember to take good care of your new owner."

Hermione couldn't help but laugh. It was kind of cute, wasn't it? Dolly was talking to a cat so seriously.

Besides, she's not someone who needs to be taken care of!

To her surprise, the cat in her arms nodded solemnly.

This wasn't just a charade, because Dolly promised it that she would provide it with the finest food when it arrived at Hogwarts.

For the sake of this wonderful future, Crookshank will take on his duties as a cat knight.

"As for us, let's keep in touch by letter."

Dolly pointed to the owl cage in Harry's hand and said, "Although owls are much slower at delivering messages than telephones."

"But it can accurately locate our people, especially when delivering goods, it's much faster than mail."

Hermione nodded, a hint of anticipation in her eyes as she looked at Hedwig.

Using an owl to deliver messages, that's so wizarding!

Upon hearing this, Harry looked down at Hedwig and said jokingly, "You've only just arrived in this family, and you're already shouldering heavy responsibilities."

"Unfortunately, your master must obey your sister, and you can only obey her as well."

Hearing this, Hedwig looked at Dolly pitifully, but Dolly waved her hand dismissively and said, "I'll buy you the finest owl food!"

Hedwig immediately perked up, puffed out her wings and swayed her body; with a little background music, she almost danced.

Harry's eyes lit up, and he quickly asked, "What about me? You used my owl, so you have to give me something too, right?"

Dolly gave a teasing smile, then said, "Double the food for the top-grade owl!"

Harry's expectant expression froze instantly, while Hedwig screamed with excitement.

Now it was the owners' turn to be at odds with the owl. Seeing how excited the owl was, Harry couldn't help but reach out and poke Hedwig's head to spoil the fun.