"Chuff, chuff, chuff!"
Night had fallen completely by the time the train roared into King's Cross Station in London. Station lights reflected in its windows, casting a glittering play of light and shadow.
Jerry stood at the carriage door and looked out the window. The platform was already crowded with parents, some anxious, others expectant, as they waited for their children to return.
"Jerry, give me a hand!"
Jerry was busy gathering his things when he felt a gentle tug on his jacket. He turned and saw anxiety on Hermione's face.
"Jerry, can 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."
Jerry agreed without hesitation. He smiled. "Of course, Hermione. I understand why you're worried. I'll do my best to keep it from them."
They had just finished packing when an announcement told them they could get off. Jerry pulled both their bags with his right hand and kept his left arm protectively around Hermione as they followed the crowd off the train.
The platform was packed with parents waiting anxiously for their children.
Jerry and Hermione reached the edge of the platform and set down their luggage. Hermione looked around for her parents.
"Jerry, look over there! That's my mum and dad!" Hermione pointed to a middle-aged couple in the distance.
Jerry followed her finger and saw her parents waving. "I see them, Hermione. They must have been waiting a long time. Let's go."
They carried their luggage over. Relieved to see their daughter home safe, Hermione's parents embraced her with fond smiles.
"Mum, Dad, this is my good friend Jerry Green." Hermione introduced him happily after hugging her parents.
"Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Granger," Jerry said politely.
"Hello, Jerry. It's lovely to meet you," Mrs. Granger replied warmly.
"Hello," Mr. Granger said, less warmly.
"Jerry, I'll have Dad drive you home. It's on our way!"
Mr. Granger looked as though he wanted to say something, but one warning glance from Hermione made him keep his mouth shut.
Seeing Mr. Granger's reluctance, Jerry gave an awkward smile. "There's no need, Hermione. I can take the bus."
Mrs. Granger warmly cut him off.
"Don't be shy, Jerry," Mrs. Granger said with a smile. "Hermione writes to us often, and she mentions you every time. She says you're her best friend and that you take very good care of her. We're so grateful for everything you've done for Hermione!"
With Mrs. Granger being so welcoming, Jerry could hardly refuse. He followed them to the car park and got in.
As soon as they were in the car, Mrs. Granger asked, "Where do you live, Jerry?"
Jerry was about to answer, but Hermione spoke first. "Elizabeth Orphanage, on Winstanley Road." Her voice was firm, as though she refused to let anyone hurt or misunderstand him.
Mr. and Mrs. Granger were both surprised by her answer.
"You're an orphan, Jerry?" Mrs. Granger asked. There was no judgment or contempt in her voice, only curiosity.
"Yes, ma'am," Jerry answered calmly.
Mrs. Granger looked a little embarrassed. "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. "It's all right, ma'am!"
Jerry was used to reactions like theirs. After all, his appearance and manner really didn't suggest that he had grown up in an orphanage.
Seeing how confident and cheerful Jerry was, Mrs. Granger said with pity, "You poor child. How could your parents be so heartless?" Her voice was full of sympathy and regret for what he had been through.
Jerry thought for a moment before smiling. "Ma'am, I don't think my parents were heartless. They were living in circumstances where they couldn't give me the support I needed. They had their reasons. I understand their decision, and I don't regret the life I've had."
Well, would you listen to that? Jerry practically applauded himself.
Sure enough, Mrs. Granger's opinion of him soared after that. The longer she looked at him, the more she liked him.
For the rest of the drive, Jerry put his acting skills and way with words to good use, successfully convincing Mrs. Granger that he was a sunny, confident boy.
A little over half an hour later, the car pulled up outside Elizabeth Orphanage. Jerry picked up his luggage and smiled as he said goodbye to Hermione and her parents.
"Jerry, don't forget you accepted my invitation!" Hermione called, rolling down the car window.
Jerry smiled and nodded. "I won't forget, Hermione."
After Jerry left, Mr. Granger turned to Hermione. "Sweetheart, was that blond boy the one you're always mentioning in your letters?"
"Hey! Dad, you can't call him that!"
"Well, I think there's something strange about him. He acts far too grown-up! And who knows what he's really like after growing up in an orphanage? What if he seems gentle and polite but is actually vicious and violent?"
Hermione frowned, clearly upset. She was about to defend Jerry when Mrs. Granger interrupted.
"Don't mind your father, sweetheart. He's always like this." Mrs. Granger stroked Hermione's hair. "Now tell me all about what's been happening at school!"
Hermione pulled a face at her father in the driver's seat, then turned to her mother. "Mum, Jerry's wonderful, and he's very gentle. He's nothing like Dad says. Jerry would never use violence against anyone..."
Mr. Granger: "..."
Hogwarts Castle, Dumbledore's office.
With a whoosh, Grindelwald appeared. He turned to Dumbledore, who was seated behind his desk. "Albus, what was so urgent? Don't tell me you want to spend Christmas with me!"