Sunlight spilled through the gaps in the curtains, casting dappled patterns across the floor. A faint scent of lavender filled the room.
Jerry loved that scent. It made him feel safe and calm.
This room was next to Hermione's, and it was the same one he had stayed in whenever he visited the Granger family before. Mrs. Granger had always kept it for him.
Everything felt warm and familiar, as though he had never left.
At Mrs. Granger's enthusiastic invitation, Jerry had already spent a week at Hermione's house.
Mr. Granger, however, wore a stern expression all day long. Jerry thought he probably had some prejudice against the magical world... surely... yes, that had to be it!
Over that week, Jerry enjoyed a rare stretch of peace and leisure, spending his days reading or going shopping with Hermione. Midsummer sunlight bathed the streets, and a lazy, leisurely air hung over everything.
"Here." In the arcade, Hermione stepped lightly over and set a chilled drink she had just bought at the counter beside the arcade machine where Jerry was locked in a fierce battle. Then she leaned close behind him, watching his struggle with the game with interest.
"I never expected you to be interested in these things, Jerry." Hermione smiled, leaning against the back of his chair with easy affection.
"Why would you think that? Have you forgotten that I grew up in the ordinary world, just like you?" After finishing his game, Jerry picked up the drink and took several big gulps.
"Then, Jerry, would you like to buy an arcade machine like this to take back?" Hermione asked thoughtfully, then added, "If you don't have enough pounds, I have some savings. It's all pocket money Dad gave me. I've barely touched it—I've been saving it!"
"No need, Hermione."