Chapter 81: Hermione Awakens
"The famous Harry Potter," Malfoy drawled deliberately, his tone dripping with mockery. "Walk into a bookstore and you're already making headlines."
Malfoy had come to buy books as well. He already knew that Gilderoy Lockhart would be the new Defense Against the Dark Arts professor this year. He even knew that Lockhart was nothing more than a flashy fool with a big reputation—just like Harry Potter.
Thinking that Potter and Lockhart would both end up in the headlines, Malfoy felt a surge of jealousy toward these so-called "celebrities" and couldn't resist stepping forward to sneer at Harry.
"Don't talk nonsense—Harry doesn't want that," Ginny snapped, glaring at Malfoy. She knew how kind and gentle Harry was. He didn't want fame or special treatment, which made Malfoy's words all the more disgusting to her.
"Potter, why don't you get yourself a short-term girlfriend?" Malfoy said in a strange tone.
Ginny's face flushed red. She lowered her head, too embarrassed to look at Harry.
"Cut it out, unless you want to get beaten before class tomorrow," Harry replied coldly. He wasn't afraid of Malfoy's provocations—he was used to this persistent nuisance—but he couldn't tolerate Malfoy insulting his friends.
As Harry spoke, no one noticed the faint light in Ginny's eyes slowly dim.
Ron and Hermione pushed their way over, each carrying a stack of books.
"You again," Ron said, glaring at Malfoy with disgust. "Your eyes would look better in black and blue."
Malfoy's face instantly flushed red. Remembering the last time he had been beaten by Ron, he lifted his chin slightly and sneered:
"So the Weasleys can afford to shop now? I suppose what I'm buying today would be enough to feed your family for a month."
Ron's face turned red like an angry rooster. He dropped his books and lunged at Malfoy. Hermione tried to stop him, but Harry stepped forward first, blocking her. He didn't mind giving Malfoy a beating himself.
"Ron!" Mr. Weasley quickly grabbed him and stopped him. "What are you doing? Come back—we're leaving."
Ron suppressed his anger and stepped back reluctantly.
"Oh, Arthur Weasley," Lucius Malfoy appeared behind his son, placing a hand on Draco's shoulder. He wore the same fake smile—father and son alike, equally insincere.
"Lucius Malfoy," Mr. Weasley replied coldly.
"I hear you've been quite busy lately," Lucius said arrogantly. "All those investigations—surely you're getting plenty of overtime pay."
As he spoke, he reached into Ginny's cauldron and pulled out a brand-new copy of The Standard Book of Spells.
"Looks like you've come into some money—no more second-hand goods. Even disgrace has found a good home," Lucius sneered inwardly. He was furious about the Ministry's inspections forcing him to deal with his assets, costing him dearly—while Arthur Weasley seemed to be doing quite well.
"I know exactly what disgrace looks like, Malfoy," Mr. Weasley shot back, his face flushed. He wasn't good with words, but his anger was clear.
Lucius's gaze then shifted to the Granger family standing nearby.
"Look at the company you keep, Weasley. I didn't think your family had sunk this low."
Mr. and Mrs. Granger looked uneasy. The magical world might be fascinating, but to them, it was also full of danger. Unlike wizards, they couldn't protect themselves with magic. Every time they accompanied their daughter, they had to stay cautious, hiding their worries so she wouldn't notice.
They heard Lucius's rude words, yet they could do nothing.
Mr. Granger quietly looked at Hermione, his heart filled with sorrow.
My daughter… I'm useless. I can't protect you.
As if sensing his thoughts, Hermione turned to look at her parents. Her eyes reddened instantly—she understood.
Though young, Hermione was far from naive. A girl who loved books had a rich and sensitive inner world.
For the first time, she felt a deep sense of guilt. She had never noticed her parents' discomfort. They loved her so much—and hid it so well.
She had always thought they were just as fascinated by the magical world as she was, immersed in its wonders. But she had forgotten—they were adults, with their own lives, careers, and dignity. They were respected dentists with stable, fulfilling lives.
Yet here, they were called "Muggles"—treated like fools.
They had to force smiles, pretending everything was fine, just to avoid standing out.
Tears welled up in Hermione's eyes. She raised her head, fighting them back, gripping her wand tightly inside her sleeve as she stepped forward to stand in front of her parents.
Mr. Granger watched his daughter's expression change—from surprise, to realization, to regret, and finally guilt.
At that moment, he felt like a small lion protecting its cub, standing in front of her with everything he had.
He felt both shocked and regretful. He had passed this burden onto his daughter—the very thing he had always tried to shield her from.
He reached out, wanting to pull her back. Protecting her was his responsibility.
But his hand paused in midair… then gently rested on her head, stroking it softly.
This was his proudest daughter. His most precious treasure.
She loved him. She wanted to protect him. He could feel it.
Hermione felt the warmth of her father's hand, the silent support it conveyed. Tears nearly spilled over again.
Mrs. Granger stepped closer, saying nothing. She stood shoulder to shoulder with her husband, gently placing a hand on Hermione's shoulder.
At that moment, the hearts of the three seemed tightly bound together.
"Damn you, Lucius!" Mr. Weasley fumed. He could tolerate being mocked himself—but insulting his friends was another matter entirely.
The Grangers were good people—he remembered their kindness, their warmth, and the pride on their faces whenever they spoke of Hermione.
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