Chapter 59: Do Not Disturb
Crookshanks lay by the bed. Sensing Hermione's boredom, lifted his head, meowed once, then buried his head back down to continue sleeping.
After bringing him from Fury, Hermione discovered with surprise that collected magical creatures could be stored in the Book. She'd simply brought Crookshanks to this world.
Just then, shadow blocked the window. Indoor light faded.
Hermione rolled off the bed. One hand raised her wand toward the window. Other hand scooped up Crookshanks, held him protectively in front.
"Whoa whoa whoa! Careful!"
A startled cry came from outside. Ron sat in a hovering, vintage blue car. Hands raised in surrender.
He'd figured Hermione hadn't seen a flying car—wanted to show off, give her a surprise. Didn't knock first. Came straight to the second-floor window. Didn't expect such a reaction.
"Hey, Hermione!"
Beside Ron, driver George Weasley also leaned out. Waved at her. Fred Weasley sat in the passenger seat.
Not just Ron. The Weasley twins came too.
"What are you guys..." Hermione was confused.
"Hey, could you lower the wand first?"
Ron looked displeased. Muttered, "Why do I always feel like you're ready to fight anyone... And fine, the wand—but why are you holding a cat at us?"
After brief communication, Hermione finally understood.
Turns out recently, the Ministry detected someone using magic near Privet Drive. Only wizard living there—Harry.
So Harry was deemed guilty of underage magic. Received a warning. Ron's father, Arthur Weasley who worked at the Ministry, happened to know about it.
Knowing Ron had written Harry many letters over the holidays with no replies, figured Harry might be locked up by his relatives. Had them go bring him to their house for a few days.
"Figured you also hadn't replied all holiday. Came to check on you too."
Ron said, gaze landing on stacks of unopened envelopes on the windowsill. Eyes suddenly widened. "These are all letters I wrote you! I thought you didn't get them. Turns out you didn't open a single one!"
Hermione touched her nose. Expression slightly unnatural.
More awkward than leaving messages on read—the "Do Not Disturb" button.
And caught by the sender himself.
The Weasley twins couldn't hold it anymore. Burst out laughing.
After saying goodbye to her parents, Hermione accepted the invitation—mainly from Molly and Arthur—to go with them.
Perfect timing. She also wanted to see the famous Burrow. Better than staying home.
The flying car quickly took off.
Hermione sat in back. Expected it to be cramped. Discovered the interior space was far more spacious than it looked outside.
Obviously had an Extension Charm.
Just the speed was mediocre. Couldn't even match a normal broomstick.
After nearly an hour, passing through a barrier, an old building about four or five stories tall appeared on grassland. Surrounded by green mountains and clear waters.
"Hey, Hermione!"
Just entering the house, Harry immediately stood from the table. Waved at Hermione.
"Have you eaten?"
Hermione immediately deployed standard greeting.
"Not yet. Mrs. Weasley's preparing lunch for us. We can eat soon..."
Harry answered seriously.
"Mm."
"By the way," Harry seemed to remember something, "I didn't not want to reply to your letters. Just didn't receive them. They were all intercepted."
"No worries. I never wrote any."
"Huh?"
Harry's expression froze.
The friendship boat wobbled.
Hermione shrugged. This whole holiday she'd spent most time in the other world. Either researching alchemy or visiting the Ancient One. No time for correspondence.
Ron, seeing he wasn't the only one snubbed, felt much more balanced. Complained to Harry:
"Not just you. Letters I sent her—she didn't even open them! Just threw them aside!"
The two exchanged glances. Mutual understanding.
Though a bit unhappy she'd ignored their concern...
This was the Hermione they knew.
Everyone sat down. Watching Hermione look around, Ron suddenly felt embarrassed. Sneaked a glance at her.
"Our family's not very wealthy. Can't compare to your parents' place..."
Hermione patted his shoulder.
"What are you saying? Such an amazing magical building—if I knew how, I'd build one too. Way more interesting than ordinary buildings."
Seeing Hermione didn't mind, Ron relaxed. Mood improved considerably.
The Weasley twins watched him from the side. Secretly holding back laughter.
Harry looked surprised. Didn't expect Hermione to be so understanding.
"Hermione, so wonderful to see you!"
Suddenly, a voice came from around the corner.
Dressed as a housewife, kind-faced Molly Weasley appeared. Walked quickly toward Hermione. Gave her a hug.
Somewhat overly familiar.
"I heard from Ron and Harry—if you hadn't protected them, they might've been harmed!"
Glared at Ron. "Hope next time before being so impulsive, you think about your actual capabilities!"
Ron looked aggrieved. "It was clearly Harry who..."
"Still making excuses!" Molly said firmly. "Harry showed such courage. You should learn from him!"
Hermione: "..."
Classic scene.
Worth witnessing.
Ron's gaze shifted between Harry and Molly. Felt like he was the extra. Harry was the favored one.
After lecturing Ron, Molly looked at Hermione again. Grabbed her hands, sat down. Gazed at her warmly.
Hermione felt uncomfortable. Discreetly withdrew her hands. Forced a smile.
Just as she sat uneasily, thump thump thump sounds approached from overhead. A young girl in pajamas ran downstairs.
Seeing everyone present, the girl's steps stopped abruptly. Eyes widened. Like seeing something incredible.
Stared for a while. Suddenly turned and ran back upstairs.
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