Thus, his attitude toward Ron and Ginny was completely different from his attitude toward Harry and Hermione-
Westerners really knew how to play the social game!
McConnell looked at Ron and Ginny with a broad smile. "Children, have you come today because you're worried about your owls?
"Don't worry. Vaughn sent me a short note just yesterday, asking me to make sure Zhu Weiqiong and Hedley were settled in properly. Guess how he knew about me? Hahahaha-of course, Barty Crouch put in a word for me! Yes, children, I'm a staunch supporter of Vaughn and Barty Crouch!"
McConnell gave them a thumbs-up and flashed a brilliant smile that showed eight teeth.
Ron, Harry, Ginny, and Hermione: "...
..."
Harry and the others weren't sure whether Mr. McConnell really was a staunch supporter of Vaughn, but there was no question that he treated them differently.
He hadn't even gotten Hedwig's name right-
The blatantly partial Mr. McConnell soon learned that he had misremembered the other owl's name.
Hedwig flew out of the Owlery, landed on Harry's shoulder, and angrily pecked at his head. Harry had to call her name loudly, pleading with her to calm down. Of course, Mr. McConnell might not have realized his mistake at all.
At least, he showed no sign of embarrassment.
He remained enthusiastic toward the four of them-though that enthusiasm was mostly directed at Ron and Ginny. Whenever he turned to Harry and Hermione, the corners of his mouth unconsciously drooped a little. He even offered to put aside his work and show them around the newly cleaned and renovated West Tower.
As he put it-
"In a few days, the entire West Tower will belong to those foreigners, and you won't be allowed inside anymore. Aren't you curious about what we've turned it into?