"I have no objections, as long as Jerry agrees!" Professor Dumbledore smiled at Hermione.
"That's wonderful, Jerry!" Hermione grabbed Jerry's hand in excitement and wouldn't let go.
"Don't worry, Professor. We're both very fond of Jerry!" Mrs. Granger said with a smile as she watched her delighted daughter.
"Ah, yes..." Dumbledore took a thumb-sized glass bottle from his pocket and handed it to Hermione. "These are Fawkes's tears, Miss Granger. They're yours!"
That much? I knew Dumbledore had more good stuff! Jerry eyed the bottle in Dumbledore's hand. When he had last visited the Headmaster's Office, Fawkes had been on the verge of rebirth. How had he shed so many tears since then?
Hermione gazed at the liquid in the bottle, clear as spring water. She didn't know what Fawkes's tears could do, but anything Dumbledore gave her personally had to be precious. Unsure whether to accept it, she tucked her hands behind her back and secretly tugged at Jerry's sleeve.
Jerry snatched the bottle from Dumbledore and pressed it into Hermione's hand. If Dumbledore was being this generous, of course she should take it!
Besides, giving it to Hermione was practically the same as giving it to him. He could borrow it from her whenever he needed it.
"Put it away, Hermione! Fawkes is the Phoenix Dumbledore keeps. His tears can neutralize poison and have powerful healing properties."
"Th-this... Thank you so much, Professor Dumbledore!"
"You're welcome, Miss Granger! Consider it a belated Christmas present from last year. Though it's rather late, seeing as it's already August!"
"Well, everyone, I should be going! As headmaster, I have plenty to do with the school year about to begin. Goodbye!"
After bidding them farewell, Dumbledore vanished with a whoosh.
"Children, have you bought everything you need for school? It's getting late.