Chapter 9 - We Always Study Together

"So, is this your special prize?" Hermione asked, holding a silver egg in her hand.

"Yes, it's a bird-snake egg. It was mentioned in 'Fantastic Beasts and Where to Find Them.' The shell of a bird-snake egg is pure silver," Tom explained. The special prize he had won at the Magical Creatures Emporium was a bird-snake egg, a rare and precious magical item not often seen in the wizarding world.

"Alright, let's continue this discussion later," the three of them had left Diagon Alley and returned to the car park. Mr. Granger placed the items Tom and Hermione had purchased in the car's trunk before driving them back home.

Hermione's house was a three-story townhouse with a large garden in the front. Despite being in the suburbs, it was evident that her family was well-off.

"Here's the guest room, what do you think?" Mr. Granger led Tom to the guest room, which was quite simple, with a bed, a small sofa, a table and chairs, and a wardrobe. Everything was clean and tidy.

"It's great," Tom praised genuinely.

For the next few weeks, Tom stayed at the Granger's house and received a warm welcome from Hermione's family. Mrs. Granger was an intelligent-looking middle-aged woman, and Hermione had inherited her chestnut hair.

Mrs. Granger cooked delicious meals, and Tom enjoyed hearty dinners every day.

With nearly a month before school started, Tom and Hermione spent most of their time reading. Hermione was like a sponge, quickly absorbing the knowledge from her textbooks, and her innate talent for magic was undeniable; she had already mastered several simple spells.

Hermione's room had become a bit chaotic, but it was a different kind of mess than one might expect. The disorder in her bedroom was mainly due to books scattered everywhere. Hermione sat cross-legged on her bed, propped up by a pillow, engrossed in a book.

"I think 'A History of Modern Magic' is worth a read. I've noticed that 'A History of Modern Magic,' 'The Rise and Fall of Dark Arts,' and 'Twentieth-Century Significant Magical Events' all mention one name—"

"Harry Potter. When discussing the history of the twentieth century, figures like Grindelwald, Dumbledore, Voldemort, and Harry Potter are inevitable," Tom guessed the name she was referring to.

He glanced at the bright sunshine outside—it was a rare sight in London. The temperature today was quite pleasant, around 20 degrees Celsius, neither too cold nor too hot.

"How about going for a walk?" Tom suggested. "You've been indoors reading for days..."

Hermione tilted her head thoughtfully and agreed that Tom's suggestion made sense. She shooed him out of her room.

Soon after, a girl dressed in a sailor uniform appeared before him. She wore a white sailor top, a navy blue skirt, and knee-high black stockings. Hermione twirled her book in her hand. "Shall we go for a walk by the lake?"

Tom had no objections.

They crossed the garden and walked along a shaded path leading to the lake.

"So, which house do you want to be in?" Hermione initiated the conversation. "I'm leaning toward Gryffindor; Dumbledore graduated from there. But I think Ravenclaw wouldn't be too bad either. What do you think? I'm also a bit worried about being sorted into Slytherin or Hufflepuff."

"Well, being sorted into Slytherin when you come from a Muggle family can be quite troublesome," Tom said cautiously.

"Is it a significant issue to come from a Muggle family?" Hermione asked in a low voice.

Tom hesitated for a moment. "Not much of a difference, as long as you don't end up in Slytherin. They're not very... friendly toward wizards from Muggle backgrounds."

"Are they unfriendly?" Hermione looked concerned.

"That's an understatement. If a Muggle-born wizard ends up in Slytherin, it's almost like being settled in Germany in the 1930s as a Mudblood," Tom explained.

"That's unfortunate."

"I suggest you consider going to the same house as me," Tom said. "It's up to you."

Hermione was relieved to hear that and smiled. "Then I'll go to the same house as you."

"Alright, it's a deal," Tom said, extending his pinky finger.

"No problem," Hermione replied, linking her pinky finger with his.

"Pinky promise, no changes allowed. If you break it, you'll be thrown into the glacier. The glacier is cold, the tundra is freezing, and the liar's tongue will freeze solid!"

"What a strange promise," Tom commented.

Their laughter echoed by the lake.

"Hey, tell me more about the wizarding world," Hermione requested.

"Sure."

Today, I got my second Pfizer vaccine shot. I hope tomorrow's side effects are milder.

Remember to get vaccinated, too! I envy you being able to enjoy delicious food without wearing masks. I miss hotpot and roast duck...

(End of this chapter)