Christmas Dinner, About to Begin

December 24th, morning

Bell, along with Hermione, Shanna, and Shanna's two best friends, boarded the Hogwarts Express.

Because they were going to a dinner party at the Bell Family that evening, Phyllis and Lena would go directly to the Bell Family with Shanna.

Chatting along the way, the train soon arrived in London.

"Bell, didn't your parents come to pick you up?"

Hermione glanced around the platform and asked nervously.

She had been mentally preparing for this day for a long time.

Although it still wasn't done well.

"No. I didn't have them pick me up because I was preparing for the dinner party tonight. Anyway, with Floo Powder, I can get home in no time."

This Christmas party was not just about eating and drinking; it was also an important press conference for the Bell Family.

William and Elena had been busy preparing for many days. Being the thoughtful person she is, Bell certainly wouldn't want to add any unnecessary burden to her parents.

"Hermione, I'll pick you and your parents up from your house at 4 p. m. today. Don't be nervous, it's just a regular dinner party."

"Um."

Hermione nodded.

Even so, it was clear from her slightly stiff body that Hermione was still somewhat nervous.

This is actually quite normal. After all, it's Hermione's first time attending a wizarding banquet like this. The unknown always makes people nervous.

After watching Hermione disappear at the exit, Bell led the three little ones to the fireplace and used Floo Powder to return home.

The Bell Family's fireplace is located in the Great Restaurant on the first floor.

Stepping out of the fireplace, the dining room, which should have been the most familiar place, presented a completely different scene from usual.

To accommodate more guests, the restaurant was temporarily expanded using Undetectable Extension Charm.

On the side directly opposite the castle gate, there was a huge stage.

On either side of the stage, there were two rows of tables, each laden with exquisite tableware.

Along the wall of the restaurant, there are also many sofas for people to rest or chat.

Numerous House-elf were busy decorating the dining room. Hearing the sounds coming from the fireplace, they all looked over curiously.

Upon seeing Bell and the others emerge from the fireplace, all the House-elf immediately stopped what they were doing and bowed to them.

Bell waved casually, signaling the House-elf to continue working, before leading the way upstairs.

Just as I reached the top of the stairs, a familiar figure walked towards me.

"Honey, you're finally back! Did you miss Mommy?"

Elena rushed over and gave Bell a hug.

She estimated that her children should be home soon, which is why she made a special trip over.

"Of course, Mom. We've all missed you so much."

Bell smiled and hugged his mother, then gestured that there were other people present.

Elena released Bell and gave the two little girls behind Bell an apologetic smile.

"You two must be Phyllis and Lena, right? Welcome!"

"Hello, Mrs. Menethil, I am Phyllis Macmillan."

Phyllis greeted them warmly and confidently.

"Hello, I am Leina Cartelana."

Lena blushed and stammered.

Elena smiled and ruffled Lena's hair; she liked this shy little girl.

"Why call me 'Madam'? That's too formal. Just call me 'Sister'."

"Cough cough!"

Bell almost choked on his own saliva.

How come he never noticed before that his mother had such an unreliable side?

After being reminded by her son, Elena realized that it was not quite appropriate for her daughter's friends to call her "sister."

"No, I mean, just call me Auntie. Let Shanna show you around. Make yourself at home and don't feel awkward."

Elena quickly changed her tune.

"Mom, where's Dad?"

Bell asked curiously.

Logically speaking, it's impossible for Shanna's father not to come out to greet her when she returns.

"Him? He's up there familiarizing himself with the banquet procedures. If you ask me, he's already gone through it more than ten times, what's there left to familiarize himself with? That's good enough."

Elena pursed her lips, clearly disapproving of her husband's overly cautious nature.

After exchanging a few pleasantries with her mother, Shanna took her two friends and ran out to the garden to find the Magical Animals to play with.

Bell returned to his room, intending to give himself a half-day off.

There's so much to research right now; he needs to relax a bit.

"Dad, Mom, are you ready? It's almost 4 o'clock!"

Hermione's voice echoed throughout the house.

She paced restlessly around the living room, glancing at her watch every now and then, and adjusting her clothes and hairstyle every now and then.

"Honey, you really should sit down and rest for a while. You've been nagging me since 1 p. m.

Mrs. Granger reluctantly pressed her daughter down onto the sofa.

Mrs. Granger had changed into a gorgeous burgundy evening gown.

Although she was scolding her daughter, it was easy to see from her expression that Mrs. Granger was also looking forward to the upcoming dinner.

"Hmph! I'd like to see just how that brat named Bell is capable of winning over my Hermione's heart."

Mr. Granger, dressed in a well-tailored tuxedo, slowly descended the stairs.

Although he was also very much looking forward to the upcoming wizarding banquet, he was now more concerned about the fact that his prized possession had been taken!

Back in the summer, Mr. Granger had already noticed something was wrong. He was incredibly surprised.

No one knew better Mr. Granger how outstanding his daughter was.

And now, someone actually managed to bewitch his proud and arrogant daughter?

If Mr. Granger had known where Hogwarts was, he would have rushed over to see what was so special about this Bell.

Ding-dong~

Five minutes before 4 o'clock, the doorbell rang, waking the three people in the house.

"Here you are!"

Hermione, who had been eagerly waiting, immediately jumped up, ran to the door, and opened it.

Hermione was not disappointed; standing outside the door was none other than Bell, who Side-Along Apparition in advance.

"Hermione, you look beautiful today."

Looking at his girlfriend, who was dressed so beautifully, Bell sighed sincerely.

Hermione covered her face shyly. She playfully punched Bell lightly, a little embarrassed and annoyed.

"Honestly, why are you speaking such blunt truths!"

Bell smiled. He hadn't forgotten that this was Hermione's front door. So, instead of continuing his flirting with his girlfriend, he looked behind Hermione.