Chapter 3: Chapter 3 - Meeting Hermione's Parents
"Get up, child! It was Hermione who saved you, not us. She's the one who brought you here, and we just called a doctor to check on you," Mr. Granger said with a warm smile. "It's really no trouble at all. We've been at the clinic most of the day and just got back. Hermione has been taking care of you the whole time. If you want to thank someone, thank her."
"This is the first time we've seen her care so much about someone," Mrs. Granger added. "If you want to repay us, be a good friend to our Hermione. She's never had a true friend."
Hearing her parents' words, Hermione blushed with embarrassment. Having someone her own age know she had no friends was humiliating, and she feared Crow might look down on her. She carefully lifted her gaze to gauge his reaction, while her parents shared an amused look.
Crow, they thought, was an orphan—perhaps they could adopt him? Hermione seemed to like him, and kids her age usually avoided her, thinking she was strange. They'd seen her lonely enough times in her room, which had always worried them. If Crow could be a friend to Hermione, they wouldn't have to worry as much anymore.
"Hermione, thank you for saving me even after I ruined your bun. If you don't mind, I'd love to be your friend. You'll be my very first real friend," Crow whispered softly, leaning toward her ear. His years in the orphanage had taught him the quickest way to bond with kids was by sharing a little secret, something just between them.
"Well... since you said it that way, I'll accept. But only because I feel sorry for you—not because I need a friend!" Hermione replied with a slight huff, though her excitement was plain as day.
[Detected strong happiness!]
[Daily limit reached for this target!]
[Detected two strong feelings of relief!]
[Reward: Two Bronze Chests!]
Hearing the system's notifications, Crow smirked. Only a short time had passed, and he had already collected three more chests. Even if they were Bronze and Silver, it was still a testament to the system's power.
"Crow, you don't have anywhere to stay, do you? If you don't mind, you're welcome to stay with us," Mrs. Granger said warmly. "We have an empty room that I can set up for you, and then we can get you some clothes. Hermione, come help me."
Before Crow could respond, Mrs. Granger whisked Hermione away, closing the door behind her, leaving him alone with Mr. Granger.
"Don't mind her; that's just how she is," Mr. Granger chuckled affectionately. Crow nodded, feeling a bit awkward. Alone with Hermione's father, especially with his own hidden intentions toward Hermione, was hardly a comfortable situation.
"Well, thank you for being Hermione's friend. She can be a bit... prickly at times." Mr. Granger hesitated, trying to find the right words. He couldn't very well tell Crow that strange things often happened around Hermione, things that other people might find scary or abnormal.
"No worries. I think Hermione's personality is charming, and I'm really happy to be her friend. You're offering me a place to stay, and I'll always be grateful for that," Crow replied sincerely.
He thought to himself, I'll repay you both well someday. Maybe by giving you two grandkids!
Hermione was a rare gem, and Crow was determined not to let her slip away to someone like Ron. That would be unthinkable!
"There's no need for repayment. Just being Hermione's friend is enough," Mr. Granger said, patting Crow on the shoulder. "You've just woken up, so get some rest while I help with the preparations."
As he left, Crow stretched out on the bed, basking in his good fortune. The Grangers were letting him stay, practically giving him the perfect opportunity to grow closer to Hermione. Ten years from now, he'd repay them handsomely with two little grandchildren!
"Alright, system, open all three chests—Bronze first, then Silver!" Crow said eagerly, ready for another round of rewards.
[Congratulations! You opened a Bronze Chest and received: Beginner Culinary Skills!]
[Congratulations! You opened a Bronze Chest and received: Beginner Dentistry Skills!]
Culinary skills? Dentistry skills?
Absorbing the information flowing into his mind, Crow's eyes gleamed with understanding. The cooking skills likely came from Mrs. Granger's chest, while the dentistry skills were probably from Mr. Granger's chest. Coupled with the wizard class he got from Hermione's chest, Crow could make a pretty good guess: the rewards from these chests were somehow related to the person who contributed them.
So, if he needed something, he could go to the corresponding person to farm chests—spells from wizards, money from wealthy folks, and maybe… a partner someday?
"Well, better than nothing! Let's keep going, system—open the next one!" Crow's anticipation hadn't waned. The remaining chest might reveal whether the contributor was a wizard or a Muggle, depending on the reward.
[Congratulations! You opened a Silver Chest and received the talent: Beginner Transfiguration Skill!]
[Beginner Transfiguration Talent: Makes it easier to understand and practice Transfiguration.]
Crow's eyes narrowed. He had a good idea who had contributed this one. "So, I guess my Hogwarts acceptance letter should be on its way. Otherwise, they wouldn't know my name, let alone give me a chest."
"I'd thought about trying to get one from Hermione, but it seems the artifacts at Hogwarts detected my magical awakening after I became a wizard. That's how McGonagall knows my name."
Crow pondered the possibilities. Hogwarts was sure to be a prime spot for farming chests, especially with all the young wizards there, whose emotional swings made it easier to collect rewards. Not to mention, Pansy, Luna...
Not that I'm interested in that way, Crow justified to himself. I just want to build a treasure-farming squad!
"Crow, your room is ready! Come on!" Hermione called out, tugging him along. "We'll buy you some new clothes, too. Your current ones are too big—they look like a short dress on you. I know a great clothing store, and I'm sure you'll love it. Most of my clothes are from there. You have no idea…"
Hermione chattered on as they left, eager to share everything she knew. Crow listened quietly, feeling oddly content. When a child shares everything they know, it's a sign they've accepted you as a friend. And given how Hermione had struggled with friendships, having Crow around must have brought her relief.
"Hermione, you know, if you talk too much, people might get annoyed," Crow gently teased.
Hermione pouted, looking down in embarrassment. She hadn't meant to be annoying—she just wanted to share everything with Crow, her only friend.
"Sorry, Crow. Hermione's just…" Mrs. Granger began apologetically, but Crow cut her off with a smile.
"No worries, ma'am. I love hearing Hermione talk. No one's ever shared these kinds of things with me before. Feeling included… it's nice."
The more I hear from Hermione now, the less chance there is for Ron to step in later, Crow thought. While he's off playing in the dirt, I'm already ahead in getting closer to Hermione!
The room was cozy and painted a soft blue, with a comfy bed, a small desk, and dinosaur-print sheets. Everything was spotless, and the open window let in fresh air. It was bright and clean, just the way Crow liked it.
"How do you like it? I chose the bedspread myself. Well, with a little help from Mom. I originally picked it for me, but I prefer cats to dinosaurs," Hermione confided loudly, though she had said it was a secret. Her parents chuckled, turning away to pretend they hadn't heard.
In the afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. Granger took some time off to buy clothes for Crow and Hermione.
That night, Crow lay on his bed, staring at the night sky. "Five hundred Galleons is a decent sum. It should cover Hermione and me for now. My Hogwarts letter should arrive soon. When Hermione finds out we're both wizards and will be going to Hogwarts together, I bet she'll be thrilled—probably enough to trigger a high-tier chest."
As he pondered, sleep quickly overtook him. He'd been on edge for three days, and now that he was relaxed, the fatigue washed over him like a wave, and he was out in seconds.
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