Charlie was watching Harry and Ron play chess when he received an Owl.
Ron was indeed excellent at chess, and Harry couldn't keep up at all.
Hermione and Charlie flanked Harry, offering him advice.
"I think you should move this piece here to block his retreat."
Charlie swatted Hermione's hand away.
"You terrible player, if you move there, won't you abandon your rear? You should charge forward and take his Knight!"
Charlie and Hermione argued endlessly.
Harry, caught in the middle, had a dark expression and gritted his teeth, saying,
"What are you two chess-playing noobs, who already lost, shouting about!"
Just then, a grayish-brown Owl landed on the windowsill, clutching a letter in its talons. The envelope bore the Longbottom Family crest.
Charlie took the letter, opened the envelope, and scanned the contents.
The Longbottom Family wished to visit that afternoon. The tone was very polite, and it was signed by Madam Augusta, Neville's Grandma.
Charlie thought for a moment, wrote his agreement on the back of the letter, and sent it back with the Owl.
At two o'clock in the afternoon, a black carriage stopped in front of the Orphanage.
The carriage body was carved with exquisite patterns, and two bay horses pulled it.
In the 1990s, carriages were already a relic of the previous century, but the surrounding Muggles paid no attention to it.
Evidently, the carriage had a Confundo on it, making the surrounding Muggles believe it was a car.
Madam Augusta was the first to step out of the carriage. She still wore the hat adorned with an eagle specimen and leaned on an ebony walking stick.
Frank and Alice followed behind, both looking well. Neville was the last to alight, carrying a gift box in his hands.
Charlie stood at the door, with Harry, Ron, and Hermione behind him.
Neville's eyes lit up when he saw Harry and Ron, and he jogged over to greet them.
"Harry! Ron! You're here too? I'm so envious that you get to live at Charlie's place."
The three remained silent.
Envious? Then come on over, the Dementor welcomes you.
Madam Augusta walked up to Charlie and nodded slightly.
"Mr. Charlie, I apologize for the intrusion."
"Madam Lupin, you're too kind." Charlie stepped aside, opening the door wider.
"Please come in."
The group entered the Orphanage.
Charlie had redecorated the main hall in advance, with deep red carpets on the floor and several landscape paintings on the walls. A long table was set with tea sets and snacks.
Grandma White stood by, smiling as she invited the guests to sit down.
Frank sat on the sofa, his gaze fixed on Charlie. His expression was very serious.
"Mr. Charlie, I came today to thank you." Frank's voice was steady.
"If it weren't for your Potion, Alice and I would still be lying in St Mungos."
Alice also nodded. "The Longbottom Family owes you a huge debt of gratitude."
Charlie waved his hand.
"Neville is my friend. If a friend is in trouble, I won't stand by and do nothing."
Neville blushed at these words.
Since his parents woke up, his Grandma rarely called him stupid, and all of this was thanks to Charlie. So, in Neville's heart, he had long regarded Charlie as someone to follow for life.
Madam Augusta looked at Charlie, her eyes full of sincerity.
"Mr. Charlie, the Longbottom Family is willing to become your staunchest ally. Whatever you need in the future, just ask, and we will do our utmost."
Charlie smiled but didn't respond.
Frank took a small box from his pocket and handed it to Charlie.
"This is a small token of our appreciation. I hope you'll accept it."
Charlie opened the box; inside was an ancient-looking ring. The ring was carved with intricate magic patterns.
"This is a trophy we once acquired abroad, a magic item from Africa. It can instantly Apparition away when it senses its owner is in danger."
Frank explained.
Charlie accepted the ring and thanked him.
The two parties chatted about other topics. Madam Augusta mentioned the paper in transfiguration today, her tone filled with admiration. Frank asked some questions about Potions, and Charlie answered briefly.
The atmosphere was harmonious.
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
Charlie looked up at the door, his eyebrows slightly raised.
Why were so many people coming today?
Charlie got up to open the door.
Ron leaned into Harry's ear, lowering his voice: "This person's timing really isn't good."
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