If you suck, practice more

"This feels so nice!"

Jerry and Hermione leaned against a bare tree at the top of the slope, basking in the warm winter sunshine.

Gradually, Jerry drifted off to sleep in the peaceful, comfortable surroundings.

As the sun sank in the west, a slight chill woke Jerry from his sleep. Looking at Hermione beside him, he asked, "Is the match over already? Hermione, why didn't you wake me?"

Hermione smiled at Jerry, who had only just woken up. "It ended ages ago. But you were sleeping so soundly that I couldn't bear to disturb you. I wanted to let you rest a little longer."

Noticing that Hermione's small hands had turned red from the cold, Jerry felt a warmth bloom in his chest. He clasped both her hands tightly, as though trying to pass his warmth to her.

Looking into Hermione's eyes, Jerry asked with concern, "Are you cold? Did you feel chilly while we were resting here?"

Hermione shook her head gently. A faint blush colored her cheeks, and her gaze stayed fixed on her hands, held tightly in Jerry's.

Her slightly icy hands began to warm in Jerry's grasp, and an indescribable feeling welled up in her heart.

Seeing the concern on Jerry's face, Hermione felt no aversion. Instead, she was secretly delighted, and even found herself enjoying it.

At that moment, Hermione could clearly feel Jerry's sincerity and care. It brought her an indescribable happiness unlike anything she had ever experienced.

"We should head back. The sun's almost down!"

"Okay!"

Hermione gathered their things, gently linked her arm through Jerry's, and headed toward Hogwarts Castle.

Along the path bathed in the sunset's lingering glow, two figures skipped along, laughing and playfully teasing each other.

The moment Jerry and Hermione entered the hall at Hogwarts, the lively scene caught their attention.

The Gryffindor students had gathered there to celebrate exuberantly. Ecstatic smiles lit every face, as though this were their day of triumph.

Jerry couldn't help thinking that they probably hadn't been this happy even when they won the House Cup.

Meanwhile, in stark contrast to Gryffindor, the students in the Slytherin section all sat with their heads lowered, silent. Some even glared toward Gryffindor through gritted teeth.

"Jerry, Hermione, you're finally here!"

When Harry, Ron, and Neville saw Jerry and Hermione enter the hall, they ran over. Harry was so excited that he even gave Jerry a hug.

"Jerry, Ron and the others told me everything," Harry said excitedly. "Thank you both so much for saving my life today!"

"Don't mention it. We're mates!"

Though Jerry brushed it off aloud, he inwardly grumbled about this useful pawn. Even if I hadn't saved you, Dumbledore wouldn't have let anything happen to you.

Although his friends were celebrating in the hall, Jerry didn't join them.

Taking Hermione's hand, Jerry quietly slipped away from the crowd and went to the other end of the long table. It was relatively quiet there, away from the clamor in the center of the hall, so they could enjoy their food in peace.

The long table was laden with all kinds of delicious food, its aromas filling the air. Jerry and Hermione sat down and began to eat.

Jerry speared a piece of roast meat with his fork and popped it into his mouth. Tender and cooked to perfection, it left him savoring the taste. They also sampled various side dishes and desserts, every bite bringing satisfaction and delight.

The house-elves in the Hogwarts Kitchens definitely aren't British natives!

"Hey, Jerry!"

"Neville? Why aren't you celebrating with Harry and the others?"

"I came to warn you about Snape and the Malfoy family. I remember Gran once telling me that the Malfoys were all Death Eaters."

"I don't know whether Snape knows about the Malfoys' involvement with the Death Eaters, but he's very close to the Malfoy family. You need to be especially careful in Slytherin House."

Hearing Neville's warning, Hermione also agreed worriedly. "Yes, Jerry. I didn't want to believe it either, but Snape's behavior today really was suspicious."

"Don't worry. I'll be careful," Jerry reassured them softly.

After dinner, Jerry and Hermione prepared to return to their respective dormitories to rest.

Before they parted, Hermione was still uneasy. "Jerry, I'm still worried. To make sure you're safe, I think you should go with Neville and the others and stay in the Gryffindor boys' dormitory."

Seeing the young witch's anxious expression, Jerry hugged Hermione, letting her rest her head on his shoulder. Then he whispered in her ear, "Don't worry, Hermione. I promise I'll keep myself safe."

"Well, look who's here! Isn't this Slytherin's model student, little goody-two-shoes Jerry Green?"

The moment Jerry entered the Slytherin Common Room, he sensed something unusual. The atmosphere was noticeably tenser than normal, and a group of older students, led by the Quidditch players, had gathered there.

Looks like they're all waiting for me!

Marcus and the others had disliked Jerry Green for a long time. It was bad enough that a wizard from a Muggle family had gotten into Slytherin, but he even spent all his time hanging around with Gryffindors!

Unfazed by their taunts, Jerry regarded them calmly. "You lost the Quidditch match, so you're upset and want to take it out on me?"

"If you suck, practice more!"

"Shut up!" Jerry's mockery struck a nerve, and Marcus cursed loudly, "You disgrace to Slytherin, you filthy Mud—"

"Shut your mouth, Marcus. Do you want to die?"

Before Marcus could finish, an icy voice abruptly rang out, cutting off his tirade.

What a shame! Jerry thought, sliding his half-drawn wand back into place.

Hearing the voice, everyone turned to look behind the crowd.

It was him, Trevor Shackle!

Ignoring everyone else, Trevor Shackle strode to the front of the crowd. With a smile on his face, he bowed to Jerry.

But his smiling mask didn't last long. His expression quickly turned stern, and he fixed Marcus and the others with an icy stare.

Once Jerry saw that it was Trevor Shackle, he didn't linger. He immediately turned and left the Slytherin Common Room.

Trevor Shackle and the others were far too mysterious, and Jerry was certain they were keeping watch on him.

The sense of insecurity from being watched and threatened made him deeply uncomfortable.

So until he was capable of killing them all, Jerry felt it was best to avoid them as much as possible!