It was about nine in the morning when Luke arrived at Hermione's room and rang the doorbell.
As the door opened, Hermione, still in her pajamas, rubbed her sleepy eyes and stood in front of him.
"Good morning, Miss Beaver," Luke greeted with a smile.
"Ugh..."
Hermione glanced at Luke and muttered softly.
"I always feel that bunny ears would be a good match for you now!"
Luke's hand holding his wand was a little eager.
But Hermione just shut the door.
"We have to go to Bookstore to buy things in a while."
A muffled voice came from behind the door.
She went to change clothes.
In the past few days, Luke had taken her to buy clothes at when she had nothing to do, and said seriously that it was an employee benefit.
Luke took back his wand with some pity, then turned around and went downstairs to make breakfast.
By the time Hermione came downstairs again, her pajamas had been replaced with a brown knitted sweater, a pleated skirt, and black boots.
"How do I look?"
Hermione asked expectantly.
"Very nice!"
Luke nodded in praise.
The answer clearly made the girl happy, and she trotted over and sat across from Luke.
However, after seeing the chocolate milk in front of Luke, her smile couldn't help but stiffen.
"You're drinking chocolate again!"
Hermione frowned and looked at Luke.
You must know that since she came here, Luke has been drinking chocolate milk almost every day, and is not afraid of getting sick or having tooth decay.
"Don't drink, don't drink..."
Feeling the bad look, Luke aimed his wand at the chocolate milk in the cup.
As the spell took effect, the chocolate milk gradually transformed into a steaming cup of black tea before Hermione's eyes. She nodded in satisfaction at the successful transfiguration.
After finishing their meal, it was already nearing eleven o'clock in the morning, a bit later than usual since the shop usually opened at seven or eight. However, today's tardiness didn't bother them much, especially considering the bustling scene across the street at the Lihen Bookstore. With all the attention focused there, nobody would notice the potions shop opposite.
"Shall we go over and join the excitement?" Luke suggested, already dressed in casual attire and turning to Hermione.
Having purchased the books Lockhart needed a few days prior, there was no rush to get his autograph. Luke even held the opinion that Lockhart's signature would diminish the books' value.
The weather was pleasant, with a clear blue sky and a gentle breeze. Hermione hesitated for a moment, holding a box of Every Flavor Beans. She scrutinized it, considering whether to sample one.
Detecting her uncertainty, Luke graciously took it off her hands and popped a bean into his mouth. He savored the diverse flavors with relish – beef, lemon, orange, honeydew melon…
"Ew, dirt!" Hermione exclaimed, promptly spitting out a bean that tasted particularly unpleasant.
"Out of seven hundred flavors, you had to get the unlucky one," Luke teased, earning a playful punch from Hermione.
Entering the Lihen Bookstore, they immediately spotted a blond man speaking on a high platform, exuding confidence and friendliness.
"It's Lockhart!" Hermione whispered to Luke, recognizing the famed author from his magazine portraits.
As they observed, Harry approached Lockhart on stage, looking somewhat embarrassed as he received a signed book.
Luke, puzzled by the scene, was about to ponder further when Hermione tugged him along.
"Wait, isn't that Harry?" he pointed out, noticing Harry's awkward demeanor.
Their attention then shifted to the Weasley brothers, who were also present in the crowd. The fiery red hair made them stand out, and they spotted Ron along with a younger red-haired girl.
"The Weasleys are here too?" Hermione exclaimed in surprise.
Luke muttered to himself, then walked over with Hermione to say hello.
"Isn't that Luke and Hermione!"
Before the two passed, George spotted the young couple.
"Hello, sir and ma'am."
Luke and Hermione greeted politely.
"Hello, two little wizards!"
Arthur, the head of the family, responded with a smile.
"Are you here for Lockhart's autograph session?"
Luke asked curiously.
"Fred and I don't want to come, it's our mother who wants to..."
George's voice trailed off as Fred pointed behind him.
"It's Ronald who wants Mr. Lockhart's autographed book." George quickly corrected, "You know, he loves reading those books!"
"I didn't..."
Ronald retorted, but was glared at by George.
"Long time no see Luke, Hermione!"
Harry, holding the signed book, greeted with a smile.
"Long time no see, how was the holiday?"
Luke responded with a smile.
"You don't want to know, it sucks..." Harry said helplessly.
No one knew how he got through this terrible holiday at the Dursley home; it was nothing short of torture.
"How about you?" Harry asked curiously.
"Hermione and I opened a potions shop across the street from Bookstore. We studied and sold potions during the holidays."
Luke pointed to the closed potions shop opposite and said.
"Ashborn's Potions Shop!"
Fred couldn't help exclaiming when he saw the signboard.
"You actually opened a potions shop!?"
Ronald and Harry widened their eyes and shouted in disbelief.
Even as a staff member of the Ministry of Magic, Arthur couldn't help but glance at the blond little wizard.
He has heard Ronald and Ginny mention that he is a very talented first-year wizard, and his report card is all outstanding, except for the history of magic class.
But just such a little wizard who is about to enter the second grade, actually opened a potions shop during the holiday?
Merlin! Arthur was shocked.
Luke smiled and didn't answer.
....
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