Hermione spread her hands indifferently. "Suit yourself, as long as it wants to go with you."
Newt cautiously reached out, trying to lift the Niffler off Hermione's shoulder.
But the moment the little creature saw his hand, it arched its back and let out a threatening rumble, flailing its little claws with unprecedented resistance as it clung desperately to Hermione's clothes.
Hermione raised an eyebrow and shrugged. "Looks like it clearly prefers a rich person like me to a penniless fellow like you."
Newt: "..."
That hurt.
He silently withdrew his hand, turned, and left the alley, heading for the bank entrance.
Hermione followed at a leisurely pace, arms folded, with the thoroughly contented Niffler perched on her shoulder.
Once inside the bank lobby, Newt went straight to the counter to conduct his business.
Hermione surveyed her surroundings, her gaze soon settling on a slightly plump man sitting dejectedly on a bench in the corner.
Her eyes lit up, and she walked over.
"Sir, you look rather unhappy. Has something happened?" Hermione asked gently and politely.
The chubby man looked up. Seeing a pretty, well-dressed young girl showing concern for him lifted his spirits considerably, and he couldn't help pouring out his troubles.
"Oh, don't ask. My loan application was rejected again. Looks like my dream of opening a bakery is about to fall apart."
Hermione understood immediately. Sure enough, this was Jacob, the hapless "chosen chump" singled out by fate in the original story.
Her eyes shifted, and she patted Jacob's shoulder encouragingly. "Don't lose heart. Apply one more time. I guarantee you'll succeed this time."
Before the bewildered Jacob could even process what was happening, Hermione had half pulled, half dragged him back to the manager's office.
Seeing Jacob return, the bank manager furrowed his brows and said