Chapter 109: Discussing Going to Xiao Deng's House
Xiao Deng stood up, unhurried, with perfect timing.
All eyes were focused on him.
Many young girls in the venue had been completely dazzled by Xiao Deng's look.
The striking colors appeared even more flamboyant, and the golden patterns accentuated a sense of immense nobility.
An ensemble that no one else could pull off was firmly held in check by Xiao Deng's aura.
Everyone in the venue had the illusion that this outfit belonged solely to him, unmatched by anyone else.
Not a single person felt that Xiao Deng was not dignified or serious enough.
Some were even already writing letters to the young girls in their families.
Every step Xiao Deng took resonated with everyone's heart, and he walked onto the stage gracefully.
A medal engraved with complex magical patterns appeared in Dumbledore's hand.
"Xiao Deng Hehuan Sect, based on your discovery, the Ministry of Magic has decided to award you the order of merlin, Second Class."
Lucius looked at the radiant Xiao Deng on stage and nodded slightly.
"Draco, well done."
"Not only are you on good terms with Harry Potter, but you have also managed to make such a friend."
"He will become a partner you would be hard-pressed to find again."
Draco looked at Lucius in surprise; given his usual temperament, he certainly wouldn't have said something like what Professor McGonagall would say.
Could it be that he managed to make his father happy this time?
"Remember, you are the heir to the Malfoy family, and you must never come to any harm."
...
Except for those first few sentences which sounded okay, the rest was just the same old cliché.
Sometimes it even made Malfoy feel a bit pressured.
And this time, Father had said way too much.
Malfoy couldn't understand it and could only nod repeatedly in agreement.
When Dumbledore approached Xiao Deng, he whispered:
"If you don't want to be surrounded and interviewed later, I suggest you leave as soon as you step down."
"Otherwise, you won't make it back to Hogwarts before the sun sets."
Xiao Deng nodded slightly to indicate he understood.
"Also, the holidays are coming up soon, so you should tone down those training sessions."
"I don't want any complaints landing on my desk right before the holidays."
The awards ceremony ended, and Xiao Deng immediately returned to Hogwarts as Dumbledore had suggested.
As soon as Malfoy saw Xiao Deng's movements, he knew he was leaving.
After explaining the situation to Lucius, Lucius was extremely satisfied with it.
He didn't need any social engagements now; managing the Malfoy family was enough on its own.
He should start building his own circle of connections now.
Malfoy immediately caught up with Xiao Deng and called out to him just before Xiao Deng was about to cast a spell.
"Xiao Deng, wait!"
"I'm going back with you!"
Xiao Deng glanced at Malfoy without saying a word, then swept him up and vanished from the spot.
The Wizards, each with their own agendas, failed to corner Xiao Deng and could only return to their own social circles.
Xiao Deng returned to Hogwarts and found Hermione in the Library.
Malfoy sat in his seat, feeling a bit uncomfortable.
Before they had said more than a few words, Harry rushed over, which made Malfoy's eyes light up.
But Harry's expression was grim; he didn't stop to catch up and walked straight to Xiao Deng's side.
"Xiao Deng, I found a place."
"Whenever I get to this place, I feel a headache."
"There is a sentence written on the wall there."
Xiao Deng's eyes narrowed; this must be something left by Harry's nemesis.
"Let's go and take a look."
Harry led the three of them through several twists and turns in the corridor.
Hermione couldn't help but say: "What kind of place is this!"
"It's hidden so deep!"
Finally, a corridor with almost no light appeared before them.
Harry pointed to the corridor and said:
"Before, I always had some premonitions."
"Then I would inexplicably walk here, and immediately start having a headache."
Xiao Deng's spiritual sense surged out, scanning the entire corridor, and he couldn't help but frown.
"There doesn't seem to be anything special in here."
He then walked to the wall Harry mentioned that had writing on it.
"Love you, kill me!"
Hermione read out the text on the wall.
"What does this mean? Why does it feel a bit neurotic?"
"Do you know, Xiao Deng?"
Xiao Deng glanced at Hermione, the corner of his mouth curling up slightly.
"I do!"
"It means that in our line of work, if you fall in love with a client, you're done for."
Confusion flashed in Malfoy's eyes.
Wait, mate, are you sure? Is that what it means?
Hermione slapped Xiao Deng on the back.
"Give me a straight answer!"
"I don't know!"
Malfoy's mouth twitched; are you seriously messing with your own people too?
Have Harry and I become part of your 'play' or something?
Harry also stared blankly at Xiao Deng, who was spouting nonsense with a straight face.
Xiao Deng waved his hand.
"Such a neurotic, chuunibyou phrase might have been written by Lord Voldemort one day."
"If you really want to explore the meaning, you'll have to ask him personally."
"But he's lived so long, maybe he's forgotten it already."
"Even if you ask him, it's probably useless."
"He's in a rush to resurrect right now; he doesn't even have two pounds of meat in his pants, so where would he find the time to explain this meaningless phrase to you?"
"Harry, other than the headache, does it have any other effect on you?"
Harry touched his forehead.
"I don't feel anything at all anymore."
Xiao Deng turned and walked out of the corridor, his parting words echoing in the corridor.
"Then what the hell are we talking about!"
"What the hell!"
"Hell!"
Malfoy nudged Harry with his elbow.
"Are your 'eggs' okay?"
Harry blushed and glanced at Hermione.
Hermione turned and walked away directly; these boys were really boring.
The three of them came out of the corridor together, and Xiao Deng was waiting for them outside.
"I have something to tell you, and you should notify the others too."
"Due to the intervention of Headmaster Dumbledore, this semester's training ends here."
"The holidays are coming up soon, and he doesn't want to receive any complaints."
"I think so too!"
"At the same time, it's also to let you all relax."
"Happy holidays in advance!"
After saying this, Xiao Deng looked at Harry.
"Harry, you mentioned before that you wanted to stay at my place for a while; I think that's fine."
"After all, your aunt's house is indeed a bit uncomfortable."
"Just come back with me when the time comes."
"But there is one issue: you might need to stay at my house by yourself."
"I have things to attend to, so I might not be able to look after you."
Harry shook his head quickly.
"No, you've already taken great care of me."
"As long as I have a place to go, that's enough."
Malfoy thought of his father's unusual behavior and suddenly didn't want to go home either.
"Um, Xiao Deng."
"I want to go to your house too."
Xiao Deng looked at Malfoy in surprise.
"Do you also have an aunt who isn't nice to you?"
Malfoy looked speechless.
"Hey, brother, don't make such boring jokes."
"I just simply don't want to go home."
Xiao Deng revealed a gentle smile.
"I don't have a problem with that; my house has plenty of rooms."
"But can your old man rest easy letting you go?"
The smile on Malfoy's face gradually faded, and he remained silent for a long while before speaking.
"I don't know what is hidden in my father's words."
"But I have an intuition that if I don't go back, he won't object."
"Especially if I'm staying at your place, with Harry as company."
Chapter 110: Giving Everyone a Short Break
Xiao Deng agreed to Malfoy's request.
However, he was still not at home, but that didn't matter. With Avery and his grandson there, they wouldn't go hungry.
Xiao Deng glanced at Hermione, and Hermione was also secretly looking at him with a blushing face.
So he still remembered what happened at the start of the school term!
She had asked him before if he could meet her parents, and Xiao Deng had only said that they would talk about it when the time came.
Hermione had already given up hope.
But through that look just now, Hermione dared to confirm that what Xiao Deng said about having something to do definitely involved her.
"If there's nothing else, go eat."
"I didn't eat anything at the awards ceremony, and the Principal urged me to come back."
As they spoke, the group had already walked out of the winding corridor.
Coming towards them were the three Weasleys who had just rushed back from the Ministry of Magic.
Ron scrunched up his face and complained:
"Xiao Deng, you should have told us if you were leaving!"
"Take us with you next time."
"We would have spent a long time coming back if we hadn't run into Headmaster Dumbledore."
Xiao Deng patted Ron on the shoulder.
"It's good that you're back. Let's go eat."
Harry told Ron about Xiao Deng's decision just now.
Ron stared at Xiao Deng with wide eyes.
"My god, stop staring with those big eyes, I don't eat children."
Ron was amused and laughed.
"You are my god."
"Do you know how long I've been waiting for this day?"
"Finally, I can get some good rest!"
Malfoy raised his eyes and glanced at Ron.
"Look at you, hopeless every single day."
Ron was unhappy the moment he heard that.
"Malfoy, say that again."
"Say it again? Are you that desperate for a beating?"
"If you like being scolded so much, I'll give it to you a hundred times!"
"Say it, say it right now!"
Malfoy was choked up by Ron's self-deprecating tactic.
"Poor Weasley, not elegant at all!"
"Creep, you're not any better yourself!"
"Your dad is a pauper!"
"Your dad is a Death Eater!"
...
The friends beside them all covered their foreheads in unison.
These two had no creativity when they argued.
When they reached the entrance of the dining hall, the two groups separated.
The war between Ron and Malfoy changed from face-to-face insults to eye contact.
"After you finish eating, you can go about your own activities."
"Anyway, training has already been stopped."
Everyone agreed, but only Hermione observed Xiao Deng out of the corner of her eye.
She saw Xiao Deng visibly sigh with relief, which deeply touched Hermione.
Hermione had seen Xiao Deng's ability and his strength.
To him, the people in front of him, including herself, were most likely dead weight.
But he never uttered a single word of complaint.
Not only did he not complain, but he also thought of various ways to make them stronger.
That sigh of relief was probably due to his worry for the entire team.
He worried too much about everyone and carried almost all the pressure himself.
The more she thought about it, the more touched she felt. Looking at the happy people across from her, she couldn't help but feel a little sad.
Perhaps none of them realized just how great the difficulties and pressure Xiao Deng was facing.
Looking at Xiao Deng, the tenderness in her eyes grew even more.
After this meal, Xiao Deng was no longer surrounded by many people.
Xiao Deng walked slowly toward the Forbidden Forest; this time, there was no errand, no purpose.
After walking just a few steps, someone called him from behind.
Xiao Deng turned around and saw Hermione jogging over.
"What are you following me for?"
"Today you can do what you used to want to do."
Hermione hugged Xiao Deng's arm.
"I didn't necessarily want to do anything before."
"But today, I want to be with you."
Xiao Deng smiled without speaking and just walked slowly along the path in the Forbidden Forest.
Most of the animals had suffered losses before, so they ran far away as soon as they sensed Xiao Deng's scent.
This resulted in everything being quiet to Hermione's ordinary human senses.
Hermione once again felt the oppressive aura coming from Xiao Deng.
The two slowly arrived at the lake where Seamus usually blew up the water.
As soon as Xiao Deng arrived, all the creatures by the water immediately raised their heads and looked at him vigilantly.
It wasn't that they were afraid of him, but he really didn't do anything decent when he came to the water!
Seeing that he brought a female today, and Xiao Deng hadn't made any moves yet, they finally relaxed.
"Xiao Deng isn't blowing up the water today?"
"Probably!"
"Didn't you see he brought a female? Maybe it's his Centaur."
"You idiot, that's called a girlfriend!"
"If you can't learn human vocabulary, don't use it randomly!"
"Still calling it a Centaur? Later, Firenze will give you a couple of hits from behind, let's see if you'll still be a Centaur then."
"You two shut up, Firenze doesn't eat such fishy things."
"Damn you!"
...
Xiao Deng looked at the black-glistening lake water without saying a word, just standing there like that.
Hermione also seemed to be influenced, snuggling on Xiao Deng's shoulder without saying a word.
Hermione moved slightly, and feeling the person in his arms, Xiao Deng showed a gentle smile.
"Let's go back."
"You're not looking anymore?"
"I see you seem tired, so let's go back."
"I'm fine..."
Before Hermione could finish her sentence, Xiao Deng put his arm around Hermione and walked towards Hogwarts.
Xiao Deng was absolutely right, Hermione was indeed tired.
It was just that she was embarrassed to say it, as she felt Xiao Deng should be more tired than her.
"Xiao Deng, let's go to the Eighth Floor to see Dabai and the others."
"Okay!"
Night had already fallen, and the two walked hand in hand to the Eighth Floor.
Xiao Deng pondered for a moment; if someone else came to this room, it would be a big problem.
Better safe than sorry!
Xiao Deng did not walk into the room on the Eighth Floor but stood in front of the door.
He formed seals with his hands and placed them in front of his chest, and spiritual energy spread out from Xiao Deng as the center.
With a wave of his sleeve, nine restrictions were placed on the door of the Eighth Floor.
Now, only the four of them could freely enter and exit this door.
Xiao Deng's actions left Hermione somewhat confused.
Her own talent was quite good; the previous training had already proven everything.
Even Malfoy's background and Harry's talent couldn't guarantee a win against her.
But why couldn't she understand anything right now?
Hermione didn't rush to ask Xiao Deng, and the core group entered the Eighth Floor together.
Seeing Xiao Deng come, Xiaobai jumped up and down with joy.
But neither of them asked Xiao Deng why he had time to come here today.
Not just today, in the past, the two of them didn't really ask about things outside, unless Xiao Deng wanted to talk about them himself.
Afterward, the four of them chatted about daily life, talked about Hermione's training, and talked about Xiao Deng's order of merlin.
This also attracted gazes of shock and admiration from the two.
They knew about Merlin, and they knew even better the significance of this medal.
Hermione rubbed her arm, and Xiaobai leaned over.
"Hermione, what's wrong?"
Hermione glanced at Xiao Deng and said:
"Why does it feel a bit cold?"
This made Xiao Deng stunned for a moment. This was a room created by the Room of Requirement; such a situation shouldn't be possible.
"Dabai, are you cold?"
Dabai looked at Hermione, the corners of her mouth slightly raised.
"It does seem a bit cold, feels like there's a draft coming in."
Xiao Deng was even more stunned. If it was just a physical sensation, his strong constitution might mean he wouldn't feel it deeply.
But whether there was wind or not was an objective fact, right? Where would wind come from indoors?
Dabai rolled her eyes at Xiao Deng.
"Where did all your usual cleverness go?"
"Haven't you heard of 'a draft coming from an empty cave'?"
Chapter 111: Treating You to a Chicken Leg
Xiao Deng was speechless.
"I told you to learn human knowledge, and this is how you learn it?"
Dabai's mouth curled into a gentle smile, but a hint of seduction flashed in her eyes.
"Don't worry about that, just tell me, is this suitable for use?"
Xiao Deng covered his face with both hands.
"It's my first time seeing someone blow up a Potion cauldron and still get an O."
"Off-topic but full marks!"
Xiaobai hung around Xiao Deng's neck and asked:
"So, are you going to seal this wind or not?"
"Seal it!"
Immediately, the wind on the bed became even more intense.
...
The next day, Xiao Deng came out from the Eighth Floor.
He finally met Malfoy in the corridor.
Malfoy walked over with his little followers.
"You guys wait here, I have something to discuss with Xiao Deng."
Then, Malfoy walked towards Xiao Deng alone.
"Xiao Deng, I have received my father's reply."
"He is very supportive of me going out to play, so I can go to your house this holiday."
Xiao Deng nodded slightly.
"Alright, I understand."
"When the holiday starts, I will take you and Harry back."
Malfoy beamed immediately; a summer vacation without his father's supervision would be simply wonderful.
Watching Malfoy's retreating back, Xiao Deng shook his head.
Resisting the urge to go to the Forbidden Forest, he turned and went to the canteen.
As luck would have it, Hermione was already sitting at the table eating.
Seeing Xiao Deng arrive, she waved at him.
Xiao Deng walked over and sat down.
"Xiao Deng, have a chicken leg!"
Xiao Deng:???
"Hermione, are you sure you want me to eat this chicken leg?"
Hermione smiled brightly: "Of course! How could it be fake!"
"The holiday is coming up, what's wrong with treating you to a chicken leg?"
Xiao Deng's divine sense keenly captured Hermione's smile and several people who were eating with their heads down in an abnormal way.
Heh! If there's no trickery here, I'll believe the wind is strong.
"How did you think of letting me eat a chicken leg too?"
Hermione stretched her arm out even straighter.
"You've done so much for us, and we don't have anything to repay you with for the time being."
"Eating a chicken leg is just a small token of our appreciation."
"You can't refuse; they were too embarrassed to say it, so I'll say it for them."
Xiao Deng glanced at the chicken leg in Hermione's hand.
"Before, you would even guard your food when I drank a cup of your pumpkin juice."
Hermione's face stiffened, and she forced a smile.
"That... I am capable of self-reflection too!"
Xiao Deng crossed his arms over his chest and lifted his chin slightly.
"If you don't tell the truth, I won't take you to the closed-door training next semester!"
Hermione's little face completely collapsed.
"That..."
"It fell on the ground!"
"Pfft!"
Ron finally couldn't hold it back.
"I told you, could Xiao Deng really be fooled by you?"
"Shut up!"
Hermione snapped at Ron, and Ron immediately lowered his head to eat.
Hermione also rolled her eyes at Xiao Deng by the way.
He had threatened her twice in one sentence just now.
Jerk!
"Last time at this very dining table, you even said I held grudges."
"I can't let you say that for nothing! I have to hold a grudge!"
Hermione didn't want to pay any attention to Xiao Deng now, poking the rice in her bowl with her cutlery until it made loud clanging sounds.
No one dared to provoke Hermione at this moment.
Xiao Deng didn't provoke her any further and immediately changed the subject.
"There's a banquet tomorrow night."
Harry looked up at Xiao Deng.
"It's the end-of-term feast before the holiday, right?"
"Time flies; before you know it, the holiday is here."
Neville swallowed the food in his mouth and looked at Xiao Deng.
"Xiao Deng!"
"Do you have time to visit my house?"
Xiao Deng pursed his lips.
"Sorry, Neville, that might not be possible this time."
"I've already accepted someone else's invitation."
"Can I visit your house next holiday?"
A light appeared in Neville's eyes, and he nodded heavily.
"I'll tell my grandmother!"
On the eve of the holiday, the Hogwarts Professors still looked busy.
But there was one exception, and that was Lockhart.
This Professor, who managed to embarrass himself in every class, finally welcomed his last act of trouble for this semester.
A notice was posted in the public announcement area.
[Dear students: I, Lockhart, with the approval of Headmaster Dumbledore, am founding a Dueling Club.]
[This club aims to let young Wizards understand and learn the relevant formal knowledge of dueling.]
[At the same time, we will strive to improve the practical experience of all teachers and students.]
[I am the person in charge of this club, and I will do my best to explain the relevant knowledge to everyone.]
[Interested students can come and sign up before the holiday.]
[Let us improve together and welcome the carnival before the holiday!]
[The first duel will be at four o'clock tomorrow afternoon, please come and watch!]
After reading the notice, Xiao Deng shook his head.
He knew Lockhart's level all too well; although they had only fought once, that one time was enough.
"You guys have fun, I'm going to the Headmasters Office."
As Xiao Deng's strength grew higher and his identity became more complex, his friends all felt that he must have important matters to discuss with Dumbledore.
Oh yes, it was indeed important!
Xiao Deng walked straight into Dumbledore's office.
Dumbledore looked at Xiao Deng, confused; what was this guy here for again?
Xiao Deng sat down slowly and reached out his hand.
Dumbledore handed him a lemon sherbet with a dark expression.
"What are you thinking? I don't believe you don't know what Lockhart's level is."
"Letting him organize a Dueling Club is like Professor Snape wearing pink socks—pure nonsense!"
Dumbledore looked at Xiao Deng with a smile.
"I will relay this sentence to Severus."
Xiao Deng's face stiffened: "Are you being reasonable? Is that what I was talking about?"
Dumbledore sat back in his seat.
"Of course I know what his level is."
"But the format of his club is still quite good."
"Even if he is doing it for his own reputation, it doesn't affect the nature of the club."
"The results it brings are still quite good."
Xiao Deng looked at Dumbledore, speechless.
"Pardon me for being offensive."
"I finally understand why you are called Dumbledore."
"Dumbledore, Dumbleless, Dumblejustright."
"With so many names to choose from, you just had to be Dumbledore."
"Because you really are just too bored."
"The Professor in charge has no skill, is this club even necessary?"
"It's like a paper tiger; it would be better to have them train with me!"
Dumbledore's face had long since turned as black as charcoal.
"You didn't come here to offer advice; you're just here to tease an old man like me."
"I'm over a hundred years old; can't you speak a little more gently, kid?"
Xiao Deng spread his hands.
"I think you're about the same age as Harry."
Dumbledore was stunned, looking at Xiao Deng.
"Is my mindset that young?"
"Wait, no!"
"You just don't want to acknowledge my age so you can easily mock me, right?"
"I knew you were up to no good!"
"I think I finally understand Professor McGonagall's headache."
"Hurry up and let the holiday start, so I can escape from this original Hogwarts for a while."
Chapter 112: Lockhart's Antics
The Great Hall.
This was the place where Lockhart was about to hold the opening of the Dueling Club.
This time, Xiao Deng was not watching from the scene, but standing in the distance with Dumbledore to observe.
"I wonder who the unlucky one will be this time."
Dumbledore did not look at Xiao Deng, but still replied to him.
"He is a Wizard after all; as long as he doesn't pick a strong opponent and just finds a random young Wizard, he can barely get by."
Lockhart was dressed as brightly and beautifully as a peacock in courtship.
He stood on the stage, speaking passionately, which made Xiao Deng feel extremely bored.
"Just fight already!"
"Saying all these useless things."
"He's even explaining the origins and rules of dueling."
"Why doesn't he start from the damn tadpole of dueling?"
Dumbledore glanced at Xiao Deng and spread his hands.
"Oh, my dear Mr. Hehuan, I will relay this sentence to Professor McGonagall."
"Let her teach you a lesson about being a gentleman."
Xiao Deng's expression froze; he certainly didn't want Professor McGonagall to know.
If she gave him detention for this, he wouldn't know where to turn for justice.
Just as he was about to say something, Xiao Deng paused.
"Huh?"
"What's the matter?"
"Principal, I remember Professor Snape doesn't seem to like joining in the fun."
"Where are you looking!"
Dumbledore looked over, his eyebrows raised.
"It really is him!"
"It seems he might also have a sliver of interest in dueling."
Xiao Deng curled his lips.
"If Lockhart picks Professor Snape, that would be fun."
"Say something nice!"
Dumbledore's dissatisfied complaint came from the side.
Because Seamus had beaten Lockhart last time, the mystique around him had somewhat faded.
"Professor, stop talking, fight already!"
Lockhart pretended not to hear what Seamus said and continued talking to himself.
"This dueling history is very long; I have written a lot about it in my books before."
...
"It's over, Professor Lockhart was deafened by me last time!"
"So, regarding dueling, different areas have also emerged."
Seamus was a bit anxious and shouted from under the stage: "Find someone to fight already!"
Many young Wizards nearby heard Seamus's voice, and quite a few were watching Lockhart's reaction.
If he still didn't take up the challenge like this, then his club would be pointless.
If the Dueling Club doesn't duel, what's the point of going?
Lockhart naturally heard that sentence clearly.
He also knew that he had been stalling for so long; if he didn't have any response, he would lose popularity.
"Alright!"
"Since a young Wizard has brought up a practical duel, let us discuss the long-standing rules."
The young Wizards below sighed; they waited for a show, but he just delivered a dud.
Lockhart talked about some rules that seemed high-end and impressive.
He built himself up as an expert, as if losing to Seamus last time was him intentionally going easy.
"Today, I will invite someone to come on stage to perform a duel with me."
Lockhart's long speech was not really for the sake of giving a speech.
At the same time, he was constantly screening people in the crowd.
He really didn't want to pick a young Wizard; that would ruin his persona too much.
Winning would not be glorious, and losing would truly make him a joke.
Regardless of winning or losing, the benefit to him was almost zero.
Lockhart kept scanning the crowd and finally saw someone with a not-so-good expression.
In Lockhart's impression, this person wearing black robes was a Potion Class Professor.
If one were really strong, who would want to be a Potion Class Professor?
This person must not have strong practical combat skills; Potions must be his forte.
The more he thought, the more excited he got; the more excited he got, the more he felt he had found the right person.
"I think I have found my opponent."
"Everyone, please make way and invite him up."
"The dueling candidate I have randomly selected is Professor Severus Snape!"
"Please, sir, come on stage!"
The young Wizards below fell silent simultaneously, and the scene was dead quiet.
After half a second, an even louder noise swept through the Great Hall.
"Can Professor Snape beat Professor Lockhart?"
"Hard to say, I've never seen Professor Snape make a move."
"After all, he is a Potion Class Professor!"
"Don't forget, Professor Snape is a Dean; there are no weak ones among Deans."
"But what if he is only good at Potions?"
"But Professor Snape's face looks terrible!"
"His temper is indeed not very good!"
"I hope his strength matches his temper."
In the distance, Dumbledore glared at Xiao Deng.
"Told you not to talk nonsense, you jinx!"
"Alright, now he's really been picked."
Xiao Deng shrugged helplessly and looked at Dumbledore.
"I can't help it!"
"If I were Lockhart, I would also pick Professor Snape."
"A Potion Class Professor whose strength hasn't been seen and who hasn't made a move."
"Don't you think that would be safer?"
"Lockhart wants popularity; obviously, picking a young Wizard to go up would definitely be boring!"
"What kind of skill is bullying a young Wizard?"
"But a Potion Class Professor looks like he is weak and not good with words."
After Xiao Deng's analysis, it actually made some sense.
Dumbledore shook his head and sighed.
"His fate!"
"I'm going to contact the healer."
Saying this, Dumbledore left the scene.
Snape below the stage slowly stepped forward, and the young Wizards nearby made a path for him.
Looking at Snape's expressionless face, Lockhart thought he was nervous.
"Don't be nervous!"
"This is just a friendly sparring exhibition match."
"It's all for the young Wizards of Hogwarts."
To Xiao Deng's surprise, Snape actually smiled, and a fake smile at that.
This smile was definitely not sincere, Xiao Deng guaranteed!
Wearing a fake smile, Snape raised his wand and slowly walked onto the stage.
Lockhart put on an act and took off the cloak from his back.
Then he folded it neatly and placed it on the stage nearby.
However, it must be said that Lockhart is not entirely without merits.
At least in terms of fake smiles, he was much more natural than Snape and carried quite a bit of affinity.
The two faced each other, raised their wands together, and then turned to distance themselves.
Lockhart thought, what kind of offensive Spells could a Potion Class Professor be proficient in?
Being able to defend against his attacks would be considered very good.
Then he would brag about how high his technique was and how strong his control was.
Letting others believe that he had already held back.
He could also take the opportunity to promote his book, about how bravely he duels with others in the book.
This Mr. Snape looked like someone who didn't talk much, so his room for error would be even greater.
Gain another wave of fans, great!
Lockhart felt proud of his genius idea.
He turned around and revealed his signature smile.
Looking at the other person's blank expression, Lockhart was even more convinced of his assessment of Snape.
However, before he had decided which Spell to use, he heard the opposite side shout out a spell.
"Expelliarmus!"
Chapter 113: Another Duel
"Wow~"
Xiao Deng wore an exaggerated expression on his face.
"Professor Snape really doesn't hold back at all."
Lockhart was sent flying two meters, wand and all.
When he landed with a "thud," even Xiao Deng felt stunned just hearing it.
Even as he landed, Lockhart still maintained the pose he thought was elegant while standing.
Snape maintained a fake smile and elegantly put away his wand.
"Thank you, Professor Lockhart, for your dedicated guidance!"
Lockhart didn't hear anything else, but he heard this sentence from Snape.
"That's my line!"
Now he was using his own words to slap him in the face!
More importantly, in front of everyone, he had lost!
Lockhart turned his head slightly, only to see the young Wizards below the stage in complete silence.
Countless eyes were fixed on Lockhart's current disheveled state.
The expression on Lockhart's face was on the verge of breaking.
Lockhart wanted to stand up, but felt his whole body protesting in discomfort.
At this moment, Dumbledore arrived belatedly.
"Oh, Merlin's beard!"
"Thank you, Severus, for showing mercy!"
The expression on Lockhart's face froze instantly.
"What did you say?"
"Showing mercy? You're saying he spared my reputation?"
Lockhart really wanted to stand up and question Dumbledore—who did he think he was!
Just a Potion Class Professor!
But in order to maintain his persona, he ultimately couldn't say it out loud.
The healers called by Dumbledore carried Lockhart away.
Dumbledore took a look at the young Wizards present and sighed inwardly.
This club probably didn't have much value anymore; it had ended as soon as it began.
After Dumbledore left, Snape also departed.
The young Wizards on the scene immediately erupted into an uproar.
"Professor Lockhart is too weak, isn't he?"
"I thought there would be an exciting duel!"
"Exactly, that's not how it's written in his books."
"He's so brave in the books, fighting a Troll like he's playing with a child."
"Now it seems he might just be all show."
"But Professor Snape is also very powerful!"
"That goes without saying, his ferocity is always written all over his face."
"You haven't seen him when he's being fierce to Ron; Ron looked like he was about to pee himself!"
Malfoy raised an eyebrow and looked at Ron, but didn't say anything.
Naturally, Ron couldn't stand that look from Malfoy.
He hesitated and glanced at Xiao Deng, thinking about how others evaluated him.
Damn it, he was a Gryffindor!
He stepped forward directly and questioned: "What did you say?"
After asking, Ron regretted it a little; why had he been so impulsive?
The person was startled, but relaxed quite a bit after seeing it was Ron.
"I wondered who it was!"
"Isn't this Ron! The least Gryffindor-like Gryffindor."
The companion next to him echoed: "As timid as a mouse!"
"What, looking at you, do you want to have a duel with us too?"
Xiao Deng didn't speak, watching Ron's reaction.
Abilities, techniques, and such can all be learned and taught.
But courage and confidence—these cannot be taught.
Stepping out, taking one step, that is a huge step.
Cowering and listening to others insult you, you will never learn it in a lifetime.
Ron, with a flushed face, looked at the arrogant posture opposite him and roared: "A duel it is!"
"Get on the stage!"
The other side was startled by Ron's loud roar and was stunned in place for a moment.
When they reacted, they couldn't help but laugh out loud together.
"Ron, can you do it?"
"Just you? Go play with your rat!"
Ron tremblingly pulled out his wand.
"Are we dueling?"
These words had used up all of Ron's strength.
Words spoken in a moment of impulse could not be taken back; he could only see it through to the end.
He had keenly captured the curious gazes cast by a large number of young Wizards around him.
He had nowhere left to retreat!
The people opposite looked at each other, both seeing the amusement in each other's eyes.
Everyone knew that Gryffindor had a Ron who wasn't like a Gryffindor.
Privately, everyone was saying whether the hat was old and confused.
The young Wizard opposite pulled his wand from his pocket and pointed it at the tip of Ron's nose.
"Don't you regret it!"
"If you get hurt, I won't pay your medical bills!"
Ron ignored the other's arrogance and slowly climbed onto the stage.
Every step he took felt like walking through fire, his legs trembling.
"Thump~"
Not paying attention, he actually tripped on the small step.
The surrounding jeers immediately crowded Ron.
Ron's nose tingled, holding back the moisture in his eyes.
He climbed up and finally made it onto the stage.
Ron didn't know if it was an illusion, but after getting on stage, he felt he wasn't as nervous anymore.
His legs stopped shaking, and his hands forcibly stabilized and stopped trembling.
The opponent was a freckle-faced boy, greeting the crowd below with an excited face.
Ron suddenly had a flash of inspiration and glanced down at someone in the crowd.
Then he lifted his head slightly, pointing his nostrils at the boy opposite.
"Yo, look at that loud voice!"
"Are the freckles on your face there to show off?"
The boy opposite was clearly stunned; Ron's reputation wasn't like this!
Shouldn't he be afraid?
"Bullshit!"
"Whether you can walk off this stage is not certain!"
Ron touched the new wand Xiao Deng had bought for him.
"Raising your volume? Wanting to suppress people with your voice?"
"Not much skill, but number one at making noise!"
The other side had already been enraged by Ron's few words.
"Densaugeo: Densaugeo."
In Ron's eyes, it felt like the opponent was full of openings everywhere.
"Protego: Protego!"
After Peeves' training, Ron's reaction time had improved quite a bit.
While dodging the opponent's spell, he cast armor on himself.
"Alohomora: Alohomora!"
Ron's casting speed was quite good, and he cast Alohomora again.
Neville below the stage looked at Malfoy.
"Um, Malfoy!"
"Was Ron imitating you just now?"
Malfoy had black lines all over his forehead.
"And you're talking about me?"
"That Alohomora to unzip someone's pants, wasn't that learned from you?"
Neville was chuckling on the side, while Malfoy got angrier the more he thought about it.
The battle situation on the stage was already very clear.
That unknown young Wizard was being suppressed by Ron.
"Locomotor Mortis: Locomotor Mortis."
"Tarantallegra: Tarantallegra."
Ron released two more Spells on the opponent.
Xiao Deng couldn't help but cover his face; these people had more miraculous maneuvers than the last.
First, there was Neville creating the Alohomora to unzip others' pants, and then Ron locking the opponent's legs to make them dance.
Your thought processes have more twists and turns than Myrtle's plumbing.
Xiao Deng had always believed that things should be straightforward.
Now it seems he couldn't out-weird this bunch of weirdos.
However, Xiao Deng looked at Malfoy, somewhat meaningfully.
Just now when Ron went on stage, he clearly saw Malfoy already gripping the wand under his Wizard robes.
When Ron tripped, he was almost about to go up and help him.
They were probably the only ones who could develop a friendship from arguing.
Malfoy was actually quite good when it came to friends.
Ron on stage started speaking again.
"I am Ron, Ron Weasley!"
"You will find that some Wizards are just more powerful."
Chapter 114: Preparations Before the Holidays
Down below, Malfoy's face had gone completely dark.
That Weasley actually dared to mimic him.
Hermione nudged Malfoy.
"Look at you, day in and day out, Weasley has even picked up your bad habits."
Malfoy:???
What does this have to do with me? I'm the victim here!
Xiao Deng smiled and held Hermione back.
"Stop making fun of him."
"He's already angry enough; you're just adding fuel to the fire."
"Are you afraid they won't argue fiercely enough later?"
Malfoy's expression froze, and he looked at Hermione in disbelief.
So you were just looking to watch the drama?
Treating Weasley like a dog is one thing, but why treat yourself like a monkey?
The duel on stage was drawing to a close, and Ron secured the victory without any effort.
At this moment, Professor McGonagall walked up the steps from the crowd.
With a wave of her wand, she lifted the spell from the freckled boy.
When she turned back to look at Ron, her eyes were filled with gratification.
Ron had already started to panic when he saw Professor McGonagall come up.
But he saw that Professor McGonagall didn't criticize him at all.
"Not bad, the training with Xiao Deng has been effective."
After saying that, she had the healer she brought with her carry the freckled boy away.
Ron had won, and the whole audience was cheering for him.
Ron looked at the people below the stage, stunned, and then the corners of his mouth began to curl up.
It felt as if something in his heart was melting.
Ron walked down the steps with his head held high.
Once on the ground, Ron's expression changed; he felt his legs go weak and couldn't take another step.
A timely Levitation Charm rose beneath Ron's feet.
Xiao Deng turned and walked away, and Ron followed, floating along.
Neville didn't quite understand and turned his head to ask: "What does this mean?"
The others also shook their heads, not knowing what it meant.
With the four main characters leaving the Great Hall, the onlookers gradually dispersed.
Hermione and the others followed Xiao Deng to the classroom where they had been training before.
As soon as the Levitation Charm was dropped, Ron collapsed onto the floor.
Neville ran over and poked Ron.
"What spell did you get hit with? Why can't you walk?"
Even Hermione couldn't tell what spell Ron had been hit with.
They all looked at Xiao Deng, who smiled slightly and sat down on a stool.
"He didn't get hit by any spell."
Hermione asked hurriedly: "If he wasn't hit by one, how did this happen?"
Xiao Deng looked at Ron with a smile.
"What got Ron on that stage was a burst of spirit in his heart."
"This spirit kept him going and stimulated his potential."
"When he won the duel, that spirit dissipated."
"And he turned back into that coward."
Malfoy curled his lip: "And here I thought you were so capable! Is that it?"
At this moment, Ron slowly stood up from the ground.
"Creep, what are you so proud of?"
"You're still challenging me? I haven't even talked to you about what you meant by mimicking my speech!"
Ron burst out laughing, and immediately after, Neville, Hermione, and Xiao Deng all laughed too.
"It's just that I suddenly remembered your arrogant attitude, and the scene was just too perfect."
"With that attitude of yours, I feel like you could even go up and take on Professor Snape."
Malfoy's expression changed drastically.
"Stop, cut it out!"
"Don't drag me into your bragging!"
"I don't want to be blasted several meters away by Professor Snape's wand."
Ron shook his head: "Being blasted several meters away is for Lockhart."
"With your build, it would be tens of meters!"
"You, hundreds of meters!"
"You, thousands of meters!"
"You poor thing!"
"You creep!"
"Your dad has no money!"
"Your dad is a Death Eater!"
The other three rolled their eyes and left the classroom.
Watching the sunset glow spilling into Hogwarts, the group didn't speak after coming out of the classroom.
After watching the sunset for a while, Hermione finally spoke.
"The sunset at Hogwarts is still very beautiful!"
"It would be great if days like this could last forever."
The others nodded in agreement, but Xiao Deng had no expression.
He knew that where there is a Child of Destiny, there must be a disaster.
Based on information confirmed from multiple sources, the only thing related to Harry would be that escaped Lord Voldemort.
He's only arrogant in this bizarre world.
If this were the cultivation world, someone of Lord Voldemort's level would be refined into medicinal ingredients in minutes.
Xiao Deng didn't plan to intervene directly; offering help was fine, but the final blow had to be left to Harry.
That prophecy was a form of indirect verification; the work that belongs to the Child of Destiny cannot be escaped.
If someone else went to kill him, it would likely only cause a chain reaction; not only would they fail to kill him, but it might create a bunch of trouble.
Lord Voldemort has escaped, and he will only return in a more efficient and direct way.
Xiao Deng felt that this event wouldn't be too far off.
"Alright, let's go back."
"Tomorrow is the start of the holidays, and we'll be able to meet again after they're over."
As Xiao Deng turned around, he gave Hermione a light kick.
No one else noticed, but only Hermione knew what Xiao Deng meant.
Night fell.
Hermione crept to the second-floor bathroom.
"Little Myrtle~"
Myrtle emerged from the faucet.
"Hermione? Why did you come alone today?"
"Who said she came alone?"
Xiao Deng's voice rang out from behind them.
Myrtle sat on Xiao Deng's head, dissatisfied.
"Can you stop scaring ghosts every time you come!"
Hermione also leaned in: "Exactly, exactly!"
"Look how scared Little Myrtle is!"
"That's rich, coming from you, as if you didn't shiver yourself!"
"Alright, alright, you two stop for a moment; I have something to say today."
Xiao Deng immediately stopped the two women's bickering.
"Tomorrow is the holidays."
"Hermione and I, along with Dabai and the others, are leaving Hogwarts."
Myrtle bent down to look at Xiao Deng upside down.
"Even Dabai and Xiaobai are leaving?"
Xiao Deng nodded.
"There are some things that need them to help look after."
"So, during the holidays, you might have to spend them alone... oh no, as a lone ghost here."
Myrtle screamed: "Oh! No!"
"Me, alone!"
Hermione walked slowly to Myrtle's side, her words teasing.
"Yeah, there's no helping it."
"You can't even cut your nails!"
"If you're really bored, just drill through the pipes for fun."
Myrtle looked at Hermione in a daze, then turned to look at Xiao Deng.
"Um, was Hermione just insulting me?"
Xiao Deng held back a laugh and replied seriously.
"No, she's concerned about you!"
Myrtle screamed and flew up.
"Asshole! Do you really take me for someone who hasn't read a book?"
Xiao Deng looked up at Myrtle with a smile.
"What kind of books have you read to be able to understand her words?"
Myrtle clenched her little fists and said angrily:
"You two scoundrels are bullying me!"
"I'm angry!"
Xiao Deng waved his hand and beckoned for Myrtle to come down.
"You're wrong; it's the three of us."
Myrtle burst out laughing.
"So annoying!"
"You have to tell me stories when you get back!"
This wasn't a big deal, and Xiao Deng readily agreed.
"No problem!"
"Next, we're going to notify Dabai and the others."
"You rest well."
Chapter 115: Hermione Sleeps In
Xiao Deng brought Hermione back to the Eighth Floor.
"Dabai, Xiaobai!"
"I've found something for you to do, so you won't be so bored and will have some tasks to occupy yourselves."
Immediately, under their curious gazes, he took out two sets of Wizard robes made of excellent fabric.
"I've invested in and opened a shop in Diagon Alley."
"It needs someone to manage it."
"Hermione and I will both be at Hogwarts, so we won't be able to look after it much."
"So, I'd like to ask you to look after it."
"If you don't want to, that's fine too; I can just hire someone else."
Dabai stretched out her snow-white fingers, slowly stroking the Wizard robes, a smile hanging on the corner of her mouth.
"No problem."
"We don't have anything to do on regular days anyway, so helping you look after it is fine."
Xiaobai just started to say something but was stopped by Dabai.
"Since we have taken human form, we must interact with humans; it is an unavoidable process."
"Xiaobai, maintaining your original heart is also a form of growth."
"I have lived for too long, and very few things can disturb my state of mind anymore."
"Xiaobai still needs some life experience; she can't just know how to play all day long."
Hermione sighed with emotion: "Ginger is indeed spicier when it's old!"
"That mindset is truly impressive!"
"If it were me, I would definitely be nervous."
"Dabai, is Headmaster Dumbledore's mindset also very steady?"
Dabai shook her head slightly.
"I saw him once many years ago, but actually, it wasn't very steady then either."
"His composure was forged after experiencing great storms."
"But his heart is not very peaceful."
Dabai suddenly looked at Xiao Deng and smiled: "If we're talking about the steadiest mindset, it would of course be our gentleman here."
"Him?"
Hermione pointed at Xiao Deng in surprise, her face full of disbelief.
"His inner heart is even more solid than mine."
"It's just that the direction is really hard to describe."
Xiao Deng's face turned black instantly; having spent so much time together, how could he not tell that Dabai was teasing him?
Hermione, however, didn't seem to catch it and kept asking:
"What direction is solid for him?"
Xiao Deng could already see Xiaobai in the back, holding back her laughter with great difficulty, her little hands pressing her cheeks out of shape.
Dabai's jade-like arm wrapped around Hermione's small waist, her lips pressed against Hermione's earlobe.
"The color of his heart has never changed!"
"Dabai, don't..."
Who knows how Dabai's hands grew, but after a while, Hermione felt a bit flushed.
Dabai kicked Xiao Deng secretly, and Xiao Deng met Dabai's dissatisfied gaze.
"Still not going to help?"
Xiao Deng smiled; Dabai was becoming more and more to his liking now.
It's just that when leaving tomorrow, he would probably have to use the Scouring Charm eight or ten times.
...
The next morning.
"If you don't want to see anyone else, I have a way to hide you."
Dabai and Xiaobai nodded in unison.
Xiao Deng waved his hand, and the two of them disappeared on the spot.
Last time in the Forbidden Forest, Xiao Deng accidentally discovered that his space ring could actually hold living things.
That's why Xiao Deng had chosen the Unicorn to watch the shop.
Hermione circled around Xiao Deng, staring at him with wide eyes.
"Where did they go?"
"Where did they go?"
Xiao Deng took Hermione's small hand and smiled:
"Don't look for them; it's a space I created myself, you won't find them outside."
The two walked out of the Eighth Floor and finally met up with Harry and the others at the main gate.
As usual, Xiao Deng and Harry sat together.
Malfoy was in a carriage with his lackeys.
After closing the compartment door, Xiao Deng waved his hand and took out a huge pile of snacks again.
A gleam of light shot from Ron and Neville's eyes.
Xiao Deng took a sip of the black tea he brought and looked at Ron.
"Ron!"
"I remember Mrs. Molly saying before that Ginny is also coming to Hogwarts."
Ron froze for a moment, swallowed the food in his mouth as if his brain had just started running.
"Yes, it's her time too."
"After the holiday, she will come over with the main group."
Xiao Deng nodded.
"Time flies so fast!"
"The little shop we opened will also open during the summer vacation."
"Summer vacation is the best time for business."
"Your family's situation will also be a little better."
Ron chewed on the snacks and replied vaguely:
"This is all thanks to you."
Time on the train was boring; after chatting for a while, everyone was tired of talking.
As usual, they slowly fell asleep just like before.
The only difference was that Hermione, seeing them both asleep, took the initiative to cuddle closer, tighter than any other time.
Xiao Deng cried out to the heavens; he wanted to rest too, but holding on so tightly was killing him.
As Hermione lay down, the compartment gradually became quiet.
Xiao Deng looked at the scenery outside the window; why did it feel like it had been a long time ago when he first saw it?
Xiao Deng shook his head and slowly closed his eyes.
Naturally, he wouldn't go to sleep; with such a good opportunity, he had to cultivate a bit more.
Time spent sleeping always passes quickly.
It felt like not much time had passed before the train made a "woo-woo" sound.
Xiao Deng slowly opened his eyes; by this time, most of the people on the train had already left.
Neville had already greeted Xiao Deng and got off the train midway.
Most of those who could sit until here were young Wizards from the Muggle world.
The pure-blood Wizard remaining was likely just Malfoy.
Xiao Deng pinched Hermione's cheek.
"Wake up, little Hermione!"
Hermione impatiently slapped away Xiao Deng's hand, nudged her little head, but her eyes didn't open.
At this time, Harry was also woken up and stretched a big yawn.
He looked up and met Xiao Deng's gaze.
"Harry, come here quickly!"
"Help me wake her up!"
Harry froze for a moment, pointing at himself with his finger.
"You mean me?"
"Wake up Hermione?"
Harry spread his hands, giving Xiao Deng a look that said he couldn't help.
Who didn't know that Hermione was very difficult? If he went to wake her up and she woke up and beat him, what would he do?
Harry packed his trunk and gave Xiao Deng a thumbs-up gesture before leaving the compartment.
"Bang!"
The compartment door was closed; Xiao Deng stared blankly at the door, then covered his face.
Harry actually left so unethically!
Xiao Deng's gaze couldn't help but fall fiercely on the rounded bottom.
"Smack!"
A crisp sound echoed through the compartment.
Harry walked out with his things and happened to run into Malfoy coming out.
"Where's Xiao Deng?"
Harry looked back, the corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up.
"It's because Hermione is sleeping in!"
"He actually wanted me to wake Hermione up; it scared me to death!"
"I had to run out as fast as I could!"
The two looked at each other and laughed out loud at the same time.
"Xiao Deng must be annoyed enough!"
"But you've learned to be bad; you actually left Xiao Deng in the compartment."
Harry had an expression of helplessness.
"You know, Hermione is very difficult!"
"I don't want to get beaten by Hermione."
"She hits really hard!"
Malfoy didn't comment on Hermione, nor did he pick up on Harry's words.
"Let's go out and wait for them first."
Chapter 116 Going Home
Inside the compartment, Hermione glared at Xiao Deng, puffed up with indignation.
"So you just spanked me?"
Xiao Deng also looked helpless.
"That's not it!"
"I had no choice since you wouldn't get up!"
Hermione pulled out her wand and pointed it at Xiao Deng.
"So you just spanked me?"
Xiao Deng let out a deep sigh.
"The train has arrived at the station!"
"So you just spanked me?"
Xiao Deng scratched his hair and rubbed his face, asking, "Are you never going to stop? Can you say something else?"
Hermione put away her wand, snorted coldly, and turned to leave, leaving Xiao Deng alone in the compartment.
Once out of the compartment, Hermione immediately put away her wand and quickly covered her mouth.
She was afraid her laughter would spill out and be heard by Xiao Deng.
Day after day, she had to make him suffer a little!
Hermione stepped out of the train with her head held high, followed by a listless Xiao Deng.
Comparing the two, one in front and one behind, it was obvious who had come off worse.
Malfoy and Harry exchanged glances, both holding back laughter.
Xiao Deng saw their gloating expressions immediately, but he just didn't want to bother with them.
After coming out, Xiao Deng frowned slightly.
Hermione's parents were not at the station to pick her up.
But since Hermione was currently ignoring him, it wasn't easy to ask directly.
Let's take Hermione away first; if that doesn't work, he could bring her back later.
Hermione stood by silently, not looking for her parents, just following Xiao Deng.
Seeing that no one was paying attention, he waved his sleeve, and the four of them vanished from the spot.
When they were back on solid ground, they had already arrived at the entrance of a villa.
Malfoy spoke up: "Xiao Deng, this house of yours is not bad!"
Xiao Deng smiled and waved his hand.
"Not bad? It doesn't have the grandeur of your family's manor."
Malfoy, having been complimented invisibly, was extremely pleased.
Harry followed cautiously beside the group.
As they slowly walked into the villa, Martha was sprinkling water in the small courtyard.
Hearing the commotion, she turned her head to look.
She immediately saw Xiao Deng standing in the center of the crowd.
She immediately turned off the faucet, dropped the hose, and ran toward Xiao Deng.
"Young Master, you're back!"
"Who are these?"
Xiao Deng nodded slightly; this performance was much better than the last time.
"These are my friends; they have come to visit."
Hearing the noise, Avery walked out of the house without asking anything.
"Ladies and gentlemen, please come inside."
This is what a butler should do; Martha still needs to improve.
Entering the room, Hermione widened her eyes as she looked at the luxurious villa before her.
She knew Xiao Deng was rich, but she had never imagined he was this rich.
She could no longer express her feelings in words immediately.
In short, one word: opulence!
"Everyone, what would you like to drink?"
There was no need to ask about Xiao Deng; Avery knew what he wanted to drink.
Hermione ordered pumpkin juice, Harry ordered pumpkin juice, and Malfoy asked for a cup of coffee.
"From now on, you two will be spending this holiday here."
"I have been invited by Hermione's parents to visit their home."
"If it's short, I'll be back in a few days."
"If it's long, I might stay for the entire holiday."
"Last time I went to Weasley Family, I stayed for the whole holiday."
"Oh, that's right, Hermione!"
"I didn't see your parents picking you up just now; did something happen to delay them?"
Hermione took the pumpkin juice Avery brought over and took a sip, her eyes shining with delight.
"It's delicious!"
"About my parents, it's quite a coincidence."
"My aunt came to visit, and it just so happened she was about to leave."
"My parents wanted to see her off, but I was coming back from Hogwarts, which put them in a difficult position."
"Either see her off or pick me up."
Harry chimed in.
"Your relationship with your aunt must be quite good."
"Unlike my aunt's house, where getting anything to eat is a good situation."
Harry turned his head to look at Malfoy.
"Does Malfoy have an aunt?"
Malfoy's expression froze, and he hesitated, so Xiao Deng interjected.
"If you don't want to talk about this, we don't have to. Hermione, go on."
Xiao Deng's intervention let Malfoy breathe a sigh of relief.
His elders didn't seem like people to be trifled with, and it would be really troublesome to talk about it.
Hermione already had an unspoken understanding with Xiao Deng; without needing more words, she continued.
"I wrote back to them, saying that you are reliable, with abilities comparable to a Professor, so they didn't need to pick me up."
"I really praised you to the skies!"
"I told them you would take me back, and only then did my parents reluctantly agree."
Xiao Deng lifted his chin toward Hermione.
"I was already reliable; do you need to praise me for that?"
"However, shouldn't we be heading out?"
"Otherwise, it wouldn't be good to keep your parents waiting."
Hermione looked at the pumpkin juice in her hand with some reluctance; this one was actually quite tasty.
"Don't hesitate; come back later and you can drink as much as you want."
"Business first!"
As he spoke, Xiao Deng stood up.
"Hurry, hurry, hurry!"
"In case they can't find you, the two of them will be worried!"
Hermione then stood up reluctantly.
Xiao Deng didn't forget to give instructions to Avery.
"Avery, arrange rooms for them."
"I have something to do and will be heading out; I might not be back for this holiday."
"Take good care of both of them."
Avery readily agreed and then saw the two of them to the door.
After Xiao Deng and Hermione hailed a taxi and he watched them drive away, he slowly went back inside.
As soon as they got in the taxi, Xiao Deng asked Hermione:
"I wanted to ask just now, shouldn't I bring some gifts?"
Hermione hugged Xiao Deng's arm and shook her head.
"Absolutely not!"
"My parents specifically instructed you not to bring anything!"
"It doesn't matter whether you bring something or not."
"You aren't short of money, and they happen not to want anything—it's just right!"
Xiao Deng was full of questions; what was "just right"?
Shouldn't this be a matter of etiquette?
Hermione's parents' way of thinking seemed a bit problematic.
"Hermione, why am I a little nervous?"
Hermione chuckled.
"What are you nervous about?"
"My parents aren't man-eaters!"
"They are very nice and very open-minded!"
"They even guessed that I like you!"
"They are the ones who told me to pursue bravely and strive for happiness."
"Without them, I'd probably still be struggling!"
Xiao Deng nodded slightly; from this point of view, Hermione's parents' upbringing was indeed commendable.
Such parents are rare!
If they had been unreasonable people, Xiao Deng's head would have exploded.
This made one have to consider the rationality of the two of them.
"I have one more question I must ask!"
"What question? Tell me quickly! We'll be there soon."
Xiao Deng cleared his throat.
"Ahem!"
"No matter how open-minded or good-tempered they are, they must have preferences, right? There must be things they don't like."
"I can't fall into a trap!"
"After meeting your parents, what do I need to pay attention to?"
"It wouldn't be good to make them angry."
Hermione rested her chin on her fingers and thought for a moment.
"My parents don't have any particular dislikes."
"Just be yourself!"
"But don't expose your quirks!"
"Don't answer when I call 'Dad'!"
Chapter 117: Going to Hermione's House
Xiao Deng's face couldn't help but darken.
"If you want to talk about something, just talk about it, why the personal attacks?"
Hermione swatted away the hand that was about to land on her head.
"I'm talking about serious business!"
"That cheeky habit of yours comes and goes; who knows if you'll have another episode."
"If you dare to retort, my fist will land right on your eye socket."
Xiao Deng couldn't help but feel a little aggrieved.
"Oh heavens! Oh earth!"
"Who will manage this female..."
Feeling a dangerous gaze fixed on him from the side, Xiao Deng swallowed his words.
Although Hermione came from a well-off family and didn't have to worry about food or clothing, there was still a huge gap compared to Xiao Deng.
The taxi arrived at the residential area and stopped, and the two of them got out.
"Ding-dong~"
"Ding-dong~"
They pressed the doorbell several times, but surprisingly, no one came to open the door.
"What's going on? Are they not home?"
Xiao Deng's hand smoothed over Hermione's hair again.
"Could it be that your parents knew you, this lioness, were coming back and deliberately didn't open the door?"
"Shut up!"
Hermione pulled the house key out of her pocket and opened the door.
Sure enough, there was no one inside.
"See? They knew you were coming back and ran away overnight."
Hermione kicked Xiao Deng in the shin.
She glared at Xiao Deng and went to search inside the house.
Xiao Deng didn't feel much; he was only one step away from reaching the Deity Transformation stage, so this little movement was nothing in his eyes.
Hermione searched around and finally found a note left by her parents in the room.
"Dearest baby Hermione: We have something to attend to and are going out with your aunt. We will be back in two or three days at the earliest, or a week at the latest."
"Please call this number when you get home to let us know you're safe."
"23333."
"— Love, the Grangers."
Hermione breathed a sigh of relief; it turned out they had just gone out for something.
Afterwards, Hermione called the number.
"Hello, I am Hermione Granger."
"Oh, my dear Hermione!"
"What a coincidence! Your parents are sitting right next to me; you can talk to them."
"Hmm!"
"Hmm!"
"Alright, Dad, I understand."
Hermione hung up the phone and turned her head to meet Xiao Deng's curious gaze.
"My parents have something urgent to attend to, so they'll be back later."
"They told me to treat you well!"
Xiao Deng's eyes lit up.
"Really? Then I won't be polite."
Immediately, he plopped down onto the sofa.
"Come, little Hermione, massage your big brother's legs."
Hermione rolled up her sleeves and pulled out her wand.
"I am the one treating you, not you making requests!"
"I can finally understand Headmaster Dumbledore; he really didn't wrong you by finding you annoying!"
Xiao Deng stood up from the sofa.
"Since your parents aren't back yet, let's go to Diagon Alley first."
Hermione lowered her head and pondered for a moment.
"In my memory, there isn't enough time to go to and from Diagon Alley, is there?"
Xiao Deng's lips curled slightly, and he flicked Hermione on the forehead.
"Silly!"
"Taking a car was because I didn't know where your house was."
"If we were really going back, who would take a car?"
Hermione looked at Xiao Deng in horror.
"Using magic outside of school is a violation; it's a major crime that will lead to a trial!"
Xiao Deng hummed softly.
"If you don't say anything and I don't say anything, who would know?"
"So, little Hermione, are you planning to tell on me?"
"If you tell, you'll become a magic widow."
"From then on, your legend will spread throughout the Wizarding World: The magic Widow Lioness!"
"Shut up!"
Hermione was so angry that her chest was heaving up and down, and she couldn't find the right words to scold Xiao Deng.
Xiao Deng saw that it was about enough, so he immediately went over to soothe her.
If he provoked her any more, he might have a rough time for the rest of the holiday.
"Alright, alright!"
"Don't worry, no one else will know."
Even if they did know, so what? Dumbledore would protect him as long as he was at Hogwarts.
Even if he couldn't protect him, how many people in the Ministry of Magic could stop him?
Of course, these were just thoughts in his mind; he wouldn't say them to Hermione.
Her current perception of her man was still at the stage of him being a rather powerful Hogwarts student.
Xiao Deng put his arm around Hermione, and with a turn, they arrived at the entrance of the bar.
"Let's go, my little Hermione."
Hermione rolled her eyes at Xiao Deng, but she still held onto Xiao Deng's arm as they went in.
The Hogwarts-style clothing caused many idlers who originally wanted to strike up a conversation to be frozen in place.
After all, Hogwarts is not to be trifled with.
Hermione tugged at Xiao Deng's sleeve.
"I want to drink that!"
The owner immediately introduced it with a smile.
"Butterbeer; although it's called beer, it contains no alcohol."
"You little Wizards can safely consume it."
Xiao Deng smiled and waved his hand.
"We're in a hurry; next time!"
The owner wasn't embarrassed at all and waved goodbye.
"Well, business comes first; do come again next time."
Xiao Deng pulled Hermione away, while Hermione was still patting Xiao Deng's arm.
"Why didn't you let me drink it? I wanted to drink it!"
Looking at Hermione, who was about to bare her teeth, Xiao Deng immediately touched her hair.
"We'll drink it on the way back; I'll buy it for you when we return, okay?"
Only then did Hermione stop pursuing the matter, but she still acted a bit indifferent toward him.
Xiao Deng felt a bit weary.
"When your parents come back, I'm going to tell on you and say you've been eating sweets."
"Don't you dare!"
Hermione got anxious; her parents were dentists and paid great attention to this.
If they found out she was eating sweets indiscriminately, she would be criticized again.
Her little hand reached into Xiao Deng's waist.
"Hiss!"
Xiao Deng didn't speak, but brought Hermione to the front of the shop he had taken over.
Hermione looked and asked:
"Are you sure it's here? This looks like a very prosperous area."
Xiao Deng didn't speak; he waved his wand, and Xiao Deng's magic mark covered the door.
The door slowly opened, gradually revealing the appearance inside.
Hermione walked in, her eyes widening.
"So luxurious?"
"Xiao Deng, how much money did you spend!"
Xiao Deng looked around and nodded with satisfaction.
"I don't know exactly how much I spent; I entrusted it all to Gringotts."
"And they only took a management fee."
Hermione casually picked up a notebook from the shelf.
"Isn't this just a notebook from the Muggle world?"
Xiao Deng wrapped his right arm around Hermione's small waist.
"This is no ordinary notebook."
"I know about those paper notebooks in the Muggle world, but they aren't sturdy or wear-resistant."
"And their capacity for holding magic is not as good as parchment."
"So I gave it to the Weasley Brothers."
"They made improvements to the old parchment."
"This current parchment has a lower cost, but all its properties have multiplied."
Hermione touched the parchment in her hand in surprise.
"The Weasley Brothers actually have some talent."
"But this kind of good thing should be distinguished from the parchment on the market, right?"
Hermione was very smart and guessed the core element immediately; Xiao Deng understood what Hermione meant.
"So I named it 'Hehuan Parchment'!"
"This is just one of the small items."
"And all the things on these shelves are the masterpieces of the two Weasley Brothers."