Hogwarts: A little lion in the skin of the Eagle School

Christmas has arrived as scheduled.

Early in the morning, you can hear the clear sound of bells and children's laughter coming from the streets outside.

John rubbed his eyes, stretched, and sat up in bed.

The big orange cat, which was originally sleeping at his feet, was kicked off the bed by his stretching motion.

The orange cat fell to the ground, meowed once, and then lay still, continuing to sleep.

This cat acts like it hasn't slept at all.

John was somewhat speechless.

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

Good morning.

"Good morning, John."

Hermione greeted John with a smile; today, Hermione was wearing a bright red turtleneck sweater.

This outfit is a departure from her usual style, giving off a more lively and energetic vibe, and even a touch of... playful cuteness?

John couldn't help but glance at her a few more times.

"Hmph, I told you this outfit was nice, Hermione. Look, John's eyes are glued to it."

Mrs. Merrick sat next to Hermione, observing her son's every move.

He put his hands on Hermione's shoulders and teased her with a smile.

Hermione was having some trouble dealing with Mrs. Merrick's teasing.

She blushed and said somewhat shyly, "It's because the sweater you gave me, Auntie, is so pretty."

"Oh, you silly child."

Mrs. Merrick gave a reproachful look at Hermione's compliment, but then immediately smiled.

So this dress was a gift from her mom to Hermione; it really is beautiful.

They have such a good relationship; they're practically family.

John watched them think like this, then pointed to himself and asked his old mother.

"Mom, where's my present?"

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

Hearing her son's words, Mrs. Merrick waved her hand, telling John to go find his present at the Christmas tree.

The difference in their attitudes before and after seems rather significant...

The Christmas tree here not only has gifts from parents, but also gifts from Ryan and his friends.

Hermione said that the owls delivered them early in the morning.

John naturally accepted everything.

As for Hermione's gift, John received it last night ahead of schedule.

Because John loved Transfiguration, Hermione gave him an extension book on the subject.

John, not knowing what to give her, simply gave her a practical gift: a set of wand care tools.

If needed, I can borrow from Hermione.

I'm a genius.

Then they discussed what to eat for Christmas dinner that day.

After all, there's an extra member this year, so we naturally have to consider Hermione's tastes.

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

Mr. Merrick got up and went to open the door.

A couple stood outside the door, looking to be around the same age as the Merricks.

"Hello, is this the Merrick family's house?"

"Yes, may I ask who you are?"

Mr. Merrick was slightly taken aback when he saw the couple outside, as he did not recognize the unfamiliar visitors, who were carrying gifts.

"Oh, I'm so sorry, my last name is Granger, and this is my wife, we are Hermione's parents. Is Hermione with you?"

"Oh!! So you're Hermione's parents! Yes, yes, please come in!"

Upon hearing the Grangers' self-introduction, Mr. Merrick immediately understood.

He quickly stepped aside, a warm smile on his face, and led Hermione's parents in.

His voice was also heard by the people inside the room.

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

"Mom and Dad!"

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

They smiled and stroked Hermione's head.

"Why did you come so soon? Didn't you say you wouldn't be back until after Christmas?"

"Knowing you were coming back, we naturally had to come back early too."

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

"And we miss you too."

Actually, Hermione had written to them beforehand to report on her itinerary.

I'm a little worried when I hear that Hermione is going to stay at a classmate's house for a few days.

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

So they sped up their work and rushed back before Christmas.

It seems that Hermione is doing quite well here.

After a brief reunion, Mr. Merrick once again invited them into his house.

Mrs. Merrick also personally prepared hot tea and snacks, but she was worried about leaving it to John to prepare.

John also took the initiative to go up and greet him.

"Mom and Dad, this is John, the one I told you about."

"Hello, uncles and aunts, my name is John Merrick, it's nice to meet you."

The Grangers looked the boy up and down, a gentle smile on their faces: "Hello, John."

My daughter has only written home four letters this semester.

Apart from the first letter, which was to confide in them about some of the troubles and grievances I had about getting along with my classmates.

In the three letters that followed, the daughter mentioned this boy named John.

Every time, she would praise and compliment him, and I heard that he even stood up for her and beat up those who bullied her.

So the Grangers had a pretty good impression of John.

"Hermione mentioned you quite a few times in her letters, and you're just as adorable as she described."

"mom!!"

Upon hearing her mother's words, Hermione quickly covered her mouth, her face flushing red.

How could you say something like that in front of John and his family? It's so embarrassing!

Mrs. Merrick smiled sarcastically upon hearing this.

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

He coughed lightly, trying to hide his amusement.

"You flatter me, Auntie."

Mrs. Granger smiled and didn't continue teasing the child.

Afterwards, they sat down and exchanged pleasantries at the invitation of John's parents.

Although it was the first time the two families had met, they got along quite well.

Hermione went back to her room and began packing her luggage.

This is faster than she expected.

But it's alright, after all, I've bothered you for so many days, it's time to go back.

John stood at the door, holding a large orange.

"Big Orange, why are you leaving so soon? Why don't you just stay here with me, just like when we were in school?"

John buried his face in the belly of the orange cat, rubbing against it and saying reluctantly.

The orange cat meowed expressionlessly and flicked its tail, as if to refuse.

Hermione, who was inside the room, laughed when she heard this.

"Dream on, Crookshanks are coming back with me."

"What's the big deal? It's not like I've never left you before. Do you think I'd let Big Orange starve to death?"

John said dismissively.

Listening to the two calling each other by their own names, even the big orange cat in John's arms didn't know which one was its name.

Hermione quickly packed her luggage, dragged her suitcase to John's side, and stretched out a hand in front of her.

The orange cat cooperated by extending its forelegs and placing them on Hermione's shoulders, then stepping its hind legs onto Hermione's arms and snuggling into her embrace.

Seeing this, Hermione even proudly gestured with her chin towards John.

"..."

John was speechless for a moment.

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

Finally, around noon, the Grangers prepared to take their leave.

Actually, the Grangers didn't plan to stay long at first. After all, their daughter had been bothering them for so many days, and they thought they would just exchange a few pleasantries, give a gift, and then hurry back.

However, the Merricks were so warm and welcoming, and seeing that Hermione was doing so well there made her like them even more.

After all, not every family can be as warm and welcoming as they are, allowing unfamiliar children to stay in their home for so long.

In addition, both families were Muggle families with intellectual backgrounds. The sudden appearance of a little wizard who could do magic gave them a lot in common, and they became more and more familiar with each other as they talked.

However, no matter how well you have a conversation, you can't keep talking forever.

"How about we grab lunch before you go, bro?"

John's father had become so familiar with Mr. Granger that he could call him "brother."

"Really, it's not necessary. We just arrived in London this morning."

"I came straight here after getting off the train; I still have some things to take care of at home."

Mr. Granger politely declined, but the two older men got along very well and exchanged contact information.

Two young and beautiful mothers were equally reluctant to part, holding hands like best friends who had known each other for many years.

John and Hermione were both amused and exasperated by their parents' expressions.

"It seems your aunt and uncle are even more reluctant to leave than you are."

Hearing John's pointed teasing, Hermione tossed her hair and chuckled as she retorted.

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

John smiled and didn't continue arguing with her.

Afterwards, Hermione left with her parents, and John's family naturally came downstairs to see her off.

Before parting, Hermione waved her little hand at John.

"John, remember to call me!"

"Beg me."

"Dream on."

Hermione chuckled and hummed softly as she got into the family car, rolled down the window, and waved to the Merricks.

Goodbye, Uncle and Aunt!

Goodbye Hermione, come visit again sometime!

After saying goodbye to her parents, she smiled at John one last time.

------------

P.S.: Sorry everyone, I will be taking a break from updates for a while.

83和84章大改了一遍，9月5号晚上7点发布的，之后看的朋友不用在意。

The previous part optimized some minor issues that don't affect the main storyline.