Dobby respectfully brought over four cups of tea and set them before the group.
Mr. and Mrs. Granger hurriedly rose to thank him, leaving Dobby flustered.
Just as Dobby was about to leave the sitting room, Douglas took the opportunity to introduce him:
"This is the butler I hired, Dobby the house-elf. He is a free house-elf...
"Dobby, this is my student, Hermione Granger, and her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Granger."
Dobby looked delighted to hear Douglas introduce him as a free house-elf.
Hermione stared at Dobby and cautiously asked Douglas:
"Professor, you still haven't answered my question. Is this butler Dobby the one Harry met...?"
Douglas noticed that, although this was Hermione's first time seeing a house-elf, she showed no aversion, since Douglas had used the word "hired" and Dobby was wearing a little suit that suited him better than his previous tailcoat.
At the sound of Harry's name, Dobby said excitedly:
"Yes, yes, Dobby has met Harry Potter and told him there was danger at school..."
Before Dobby could finish, Douglas suddenly noticed that Mr. and Mrs. Granger's expressions had changed, and hurriedly stopped him.
"Ahem, Dobby used to be the Malfoy family's house-elf, but Mr. Malfoy freed him for some purpose. Anyway, what brings you here today?"
Seeing Douglas's hint, Hermione immediately understood and hurriedly said:
"Professor, we're going to France on holiday next week. My parents wanted to ask whether you'd be interested in coming along."
Beside her, Mr. and Mrs. Granger nodded earnestly and said:
"Don't worry, Professor, we'll cover all the expenses. Our daughter told us you've taken very good care of her at school, and even appointed her your class representative. We really don't know how to thank you.
"Hermione said you wouldn't be able to teach next term for certain reasons. That's