Mr. and Mrs. Granger

"Toot, toot, toot~"

Night had fully fallen as the train rumbled into King's Cross Station in London. The station lights reflected off its windows in a dazzling display.

Jerry stood at the carriage door and looked out through the window. The platform was already packed with parents, some anxious, others eager, waiting for their children to return.

"Jerry, do me a favor!"

Busy gathering his belongings, Jerry suddenly felt a gentle tug on his shirt. He quickly turned to Hermione and saw a hint of anxiety on her face.

"Jerry, could you keep a secret for me?" Hermione asked urgently. "When my parents ask how I've been, could you not tell them what just happened? I don't want them to worry about me."

Jerry agreed without hesitation, nodding at her request. "Of course, Hermione," he said with a smile. "I understand why you're worried. I'll do everything I can to keep it a secret."

They had just finished gathering their belongings when an announcement sounded, telling them they could get off. Dragging both their bags with his right hand and keeping Hermione close with his left, Jerry followed the crowd off the train.

The platform was teeming with people, parents anxiously awaiting their children.

Jerry and Hermione walked to the side of the platform and set down their luggage. Hermione scanned the crowd for her parents.

"Jerry, look over there! That's my mum and dad!" Hermione pointed to a middle-aged couple in the distance.

Jerry looked where she was pointing and saw her parents waving to them from farther down the platform. He smiled at Hermione. "I see them. They must have been waiting a long time, Hermione. Let's hurry over."

They carried their bags over to Hermione's parents. Relieved to see their daughter back safe and sound, her parents hugged her affectionately, smiles spreading across their faces.

"Dad, Mum, this is my good friend Jerry Green." After greeting her parents, Hermione introduced Jerry with a delighted smile.

"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Granger," Jerry greeted them politely.

"Hello, Jerry. It's lovely to meet you," Mrs. Granger replied warmly.

"Hello," Mr. Granger said, his tone lukewarm.

"Jerry, I'll get Dad to drop you off first! It's on our way!"

Mr. Granger was about to say something, but a warning look from Hermione made him shut his mouth.

Seeing that Hermione's father seemed reluctant, Jerry gave an awkward smile and tried to decline. "There's no need, Hermione. I can just take the bus."

Mrs. Granger, however, warmly cut him off.

"Don't be shy, Jerry," Mrs. Granger said with a smile. "Hermione writes to us often, and she mentions you in every letter. She says you're her best friend and that you take very good care of her. We're so grateful for all you've done for her!"

Faced with Mrs. Granger's warmth, Jerry could hardly refuse. He followed them to the car park and got into their car.

As soon as they were inside, Mrs. Granger asked pleasantly, "Where do you live, Jerry?"

Jerry was about to answer, but Hermione spoke first. "Elizabeth Orphanage, on Winstanley Road." There was a firmness in her voice, as though she would not let Jerry be hurt or misunderstood.

Both Mr. and Mrs. Granger looked a little surprised at her answer.

"Jerry, are you an orphan?" Mrs. Granger asked curiously. There was nothing belittling or prejudiced in her tone; it was simply a question.

"Yes, ma'am," Jerry answered calmly.

Mrs. Granger looked a little embarrassed by his answer. "I'm sorry, Jerry. I didn't mean anything by it. You just don't seem like someone who grew up in an orphanage."

Jerry smiled at her words. "It's all right, ma'am!"

Jerry had long since grown used to reactions like theirs. After all, neither his appearance nor his bearing really suggested a child raised in an orphanage.

Seeing his confidence and optimism, Mrs. Granger said pityingly, "You poor child. How heartless of your parents!" Her voice was full of sympathy and sorrow for what he had been through.

Jerry considered her words carefully for a moment before smiling. "Ma'am, I don't think my parents were heartless. They were simply living in circumstances where they couldn't provide enough support, and they had their own difficulties. I understand their decision, and I don't regret what I've experienced in life."

Well, well! What a speech! Jerry was practically applauding himself and giving himself a thumbs-up inside.

Sure enough, after hearing his little speech, Mrs. Granger's opinion of him soared. The more she looked at Jerry, the more she liked him.

For the rest of the journey, Jerry put his superb acting and eloquence on full display, successfully establishing himself in Mrs. Granger's mind as a cheerful, confident boy.

A little over half an hour later, the car eased to a stop outside the orphanage. Jerry picked up his bags and smiled as he said goodbye to Hermione and her parents.

"Jerry, don't forget you accepted my invitation!" Hermione rolled down the window and called out before they left.

Jerry smiled and nodded. "I won't forget, Hermione."

After Jerry had left, Mr. Granger asked Hermione, "Sweetheart, was that blond kid the one you're always mentioning in your letters?"

"Hey! Dad, how could you call him that!"

"Well, I think there's something odd about that boy. He's far too mature for his age! And growing up in an orphanage, who knows what sort of character he has? What if he looks polite and refined but is actually vicious and violent?"

Hermione frowned at her father's words, clearly annoyed. She was about to defend Jerry when Mrs. Granger interrupted her.

"Sweetheart, don't mind your father. He's always like this." Mrs. Granger gently stroked Hermione's hair. "Come on, tell me about your time at school!"

At her mother's words, Hermione pulled a face at Mr. Granger, who was driving, then turned to chat with her mother. "Mum, Jerry really is brilliant, and he's very gentle. He's nothing like Dad says. Jerry would never use violence against anyone..."

Mr. Granger: "..."

Dumbledore's office, Hogwarts Castle.

With a whoosh, Grindelwald appeared and addressed Dumbledore, who was sitting behind his desk. "Albus, what's happened that you needed me so urgently? Don't tell me you want to spend Christmas with me!"