Braun hesitated, but considering his current condition, walking back would be quite challenging. While he wasn't personally hurt, being hit by the mysterious force wasn't pleasant. So, he nodded in acknowledgment.
"Thank you so much. I'm Pauline's cousin, and you can just send me to Pauline's house."
Mr. Granger, the full-time dentist for the Mayne family, was a bit surprised. He hadn't heard about the real estate tycoon having any relatives. However, Pauline's genuine concern for the boy claiming to be her cousin confirmed the connection.
"Okay, kid. You and Pauline wait here for me with Hermione. I'll go and bring the car around."
He put down his things and hurried back, leaving three teenagers standing together in an awkward atmosphere.
Hermione looked at Braun and blushed and managed to say, "Thank you for covering up. Otherwise, Dad would have been scared if he found out that something strange happened to me."
Braun, grateful for her not revealing the street-crossing incident, replied, "Nothing. By the way, I haven't asked your name yet? My name is Braun Foley. This is my cousin Pauline Mayne."
"Hello, my name is Hermione! Hermione Granger," the girl introduced herself generously. Braun, noticing her neat appearance, was surprised. The difference between the book's Hermione and the one in front of him was significant.
"I thought it was Hermione in the book, but I didn't expect it to be the Hermione from the movie," Braun muttered.
Curious, Hermione asked, "What are you talking to yourself about?"
Braun waved his hand, "Nothing. By the way, the next round of introduction. My name is Braun Foley, a wizard... Well, soon to be wizard. And my sister too, and of course, so are you."
"You, what did you say? Wizard? Are you going to talk to me about fairy tales?" Hermione asked, not believing Braun's claims. But thinking of the strange feeling she had, the little girl was hopeful thinking that magic might exist and she might become a wizard.
But still Braun's words seemed too bizarre for her to accept. "I didn't lie to you, like the force that just bounced me off. Do you think it's science?"
Hermione wanted to say more, but Mr. Granger's car arrived, prompting the three to keep silent in tacit agreement.
"Come on, kids, get in the car. Let me take you home."
Braun and Pauline hadn't gone far from the Mayne home, so the car arrived quickly at Villa. Mr. Foley, noticing a strange car outside, inquired, "Abel, were you expecting a guest?"
Abel, puzzled, looked outside. Recognizing the car, he realized that it was his dentist but wondered about the unexpected visit. "It's my dentist, but I don't know what he's here for. Wait a minute, I'll go and take a look."
As Abel approached, he hadn't noticed Braun or Pauline in the car yet. "Hey! Doctor Granger!"
"Hello, Mr. Mayne."
"Is it time for a dental check-up? Can you please come another day? Today I have family over at home."
"No sir, your appointment is not yet due."
"Then why are you here..."
Before Abel could finish, he heard his daughter's voice. "Dad."
"Pauline? Oh Merlin... Oh God, Braun, what's wrong with him?"
Seeing his daughter supporting Braun, who was walking crookedly, Abel asked in surprise. He then embraced Braun with concern. "What's happened with you guys? You guys just left the house 5 minutes ago and he is already in bad shape!!"
Pauline briefed Abel on Braun's fall and thanked Mr. Granger for sending them over. Abel scolded Braun for being careless, and Mr. Granger, understanding that they needed their privacy, excused himself.
Mr. Granger, perceptive, said, "No, Mr. Mayne. I still have to hurry home. My daughter is still sitting in the car."
Accepting the situation, Abel said, "All right, Wendell. I won't force you to stay. Drive safe!"
After a brief exchange, Abel hurried into the house to attend to his nephew. Mr. Granger drove off, and the mood in the car lightened. He thought about the busy days after Christmas and happily said to his daughter, "Hermione, Dad always taught you to be helpful. Dad is proud of you! Tell me, didn't you want that new encyclopedia?"
Expecting cheers, Mr. Granger was surprised when Hermione didn't respond. Peeking at her through the rearview mirror, he called out, "Hermione? Hermione?"
"Huh? What's wrong, Dad?"
"I mean, don't you want that encyclopedia? Dad decided to buy it for you! As a reward for you helping that kid."
"Oh, thank you, Dad." After expressing gratitude, Hermione fell into deep thought. Mr. Granger smiled, realizing her distraction was likely due to Braun leaving. He had a slight smile thinking that his daughter might finally make some new friends.
Meanwhile, Hermione contemplated Braun's claim about magic. Despite the bizarre force and Braun's assertions, fully accepting the existence of magic proved challenging for her mind that has believed that there is a perfect explanation for everything according to science. She decided, "If Braun can actually send an owl to my house tomorrow, as he says, then I'll believe him."