Christmas 1991, the Christmas gift Hermione originally prepared for her good friend Sherlock was a book called "Collection of Magical Crime Cases."
This book collected various criminal cases from the wizarding world, including Dark Arts crimes, magical artifact smuggling, etc., compiled by some magical law scholars based on research and practical experience.
At the time, after discussing with Harry and Ron, Hermione felt this was a reference book very suitable for Sherlock, which could help him understand the characteristics of magical crimes and learn investigative techniques from past cases.
Unfortunately, after receiving the book "Makeup for Beginners" that Sherlock gave her as a Christmas gift, Hermione immediately became angry.
At that moment, emotional recognition overcame rational recognition, leading her to do something impulsive.
She changed the gift to "Charm Your Own Cheese."
A hastily prepared gift naturally had to be of somewhat lesser quality.
However, now that time had passed, Hermione was no longer angry.
After a full year of interaction, she had come to understand Sherlock.
This guy was just this kind of person, and expecting one book to change him wasn't realistic.
In fact, just as Hermione had predicted, after Sherlock received that book, he only skimmed through an overview before tossing it aside.
As for who the author was, he paid no attention at all.
Because in Sherlock's view, this was completely a useless book.
His time was precious, and he had more important things to do. He wouldn't deign to waste time on such boring matters.
Nor would he let the content of this book occupy his brain. Instead, his parents were very interested in this book.
Especially Mrs. Holmes.
After hearing that this book was a gift from Hermione to Sherlock, she specifically asked for it and was still reading it until now.
In her opinion, this book was useful for both wizards and Muggles.
"Sherlock? Sherlock!"
Hearing Sherlock suddenly go silent, Hermione hurriedly called out from the other end of the phone.
"Sorry, just now I suddenly had an interesting thought."
"What thought?"
Hermione immediately became interested.
When Sherlock said something was interesting, it was truly interesting.
"From your introduction of Gilderoy Lockhart just now, I believe this semester's Defense Against the Dark Arts professor might not be an admirer of this author."
"How is that possible?"
Hermione immediately became agitated.
"If not an admirer, how could they possibly use his books as our textbooks?
And a full seven books! If it were someone else, they could never do such a thing..."
"Because this professor very likely is him himself."
After saying this, Sherlock held the phone away from his ear.
He had already predicted what would happen next.
Sure enough, after a brief silence on the other end of the phone, Hermione's excited voice, several decibels higher, immediately rang out.
"Oh, my goodness—if that's really the case, it would be absolutely wonderful!
Gilderoy Lockhart! He's actually coming to be our Defense Against the Dark Arts professor?
That way, wouldn't we be able to see him every day?"
Hermione Granger usually always appeared more mature than her peers.
Only at times like this, when she was cheering with joy, did she give the impression of being a 12-year-old, no, 13-year-old little girl.
It was clear she truly admired Lockhart.
She remained excited for quite a while. Only after her emotions calmed down did she begin discussing with Sherlock the time to go to Diagon Alley together.
"What do you think about next Wednesday?
I've already communicated with Harry and Ron, and they're planning to go to London to buy books that day too."
Sherlock naturally had no objections to this.
"However,... Mr. Lockhart's books aren't cheap. I think we'll all need to prepare more Galleons..."
"I suggest you might consider second-hand books."
"Impossible, absolutely impossible!"
Upon hearing Sherlock suggest she buy second-hand copies of Lockhart's works, Hermione immediately protested loudly.
"Mr. Lockhart's works don't have second-hand books for sale!"
"..."
After saying this, Hermione also realized she had been somewhat inappropriate. After a brief silence, she said somewhat embarrassedly.
"Well, that's that then. Next Wednesday, we'll come find you."
Hermione hung up the phone, feeling her face burning.
What was wrong with her?
Although Gilderoy Lockhart was indeed very capable and charming, she shouldn't have gotten so excited about him.
'Hermione, calm down, you must calm down!
Otherwise, when you actually see Lockhart in person, wouldn't you faint?'
Sherlock was indifferent about this.
He was merely offering suggestions; whether the other party adopted them was up to her.
However, if Lockhart's books really had no second-hand copies available...
Thinking of this, Sherlock couldn't help but frown.
Hermione was fine—even if Lockhart's books were really expensive, with her family's situation, she could afford them.
Especially since not long ago, Mr. Granger had once again followed Mr. Holmes's advice and exchanged their pounds for dollars.
According to his father's prediction, when the right time came, they would definitely make a big profit.
In this regard, Sherlock trusted his father's judgment.
Incidentally, Sherlock's own family had done the same thing.
Harry naturally had no problems either.
The money his parents left him was enough to cover all expenses from first through seventh year.
Moreover, after this communication with his grandfather, Harry was already prepared to collect debts from those wizarding families who owed him dividends.
This way, his personal wealth would inevitably increase again.
The real trouble was the Weasley family.
Based on the situation during the last visit to the Burrow, their economic circumstances were not optimistic.
According to convention, Ron's youngest sister Ginny would also start school this year.
That meant they would need to purchase a full five sets of the Lockhart series.
Not to mention wands, robes, pets, and other essential items for first-year students.
Of course, many of Ginny's things could be bought second-hand, and the Weasley twins could also overcome difficulties by sharing one set of textbooks.
But even so, this would still be a considerable expense for the Weasley family.
At this moment, Sherlock could almost see the worried expressions on Mr. and Mrs. Weasley's faces.
Thinking of this, Sherlock couldn't help but sigh.
It seemed this was the same whether in the Muggle world or the magical world.
Money was important.
However, this difficulty could only be resolved by the Weasley family themselves.
The second-to-last Wednesday of August.
The Granger family came to King's Road after breakfast.
Like last year, they were still planning to go to Diagon Alley as a family of three.
When Hermione saw only Sherlock emerge from the house, she couldn't help but pause.
"Sherlock, where are Uncle and Aunt?"
"They had something to attend to early this morning."
"Ah? So, they're not coming with us?"
"Knowing you've already brought a car, they asked me to go with you."
Sherlock said calmly, as if discussing something unimportant.
"Sherlock, your father and mother are really open-minded!"
Hearing Sherlock's words, Hermione couldn't help but show envious eyes, muttering under her breath.
"My dad wouldn't let me go with you guys..."
Before she finished speaking, Mr. Granger had already let out a sharp exclamation.
"How is that the same thing?"
Mr. Holmes felt comfortable entrusting his son to their couple, but he wouldn't feel comfortable entrusting his daughter to their family!
Mrs. Granger glared at her husband disapprovingly. "Dear, you scared little Holmes."
Although Mr. Granger stopped talking, his gaze toward Sherlock carried scrutiny.
Actually, the relationship between the Granger and Holmes families had become quite good by now.
Especially after last month's trip to Godric's Hollow.
Regarding Sherlock Holmes as a person, Mr. Granger was fairly at ease.
From when they first met until now, this child's various performances had been quite good.
But his father, old Holmes, was another matter.
Even though Sherlock possessed wisdom far beyond his peers, he was still only a twelve-year-old boy!
How could he so confidently entrust his son to them?
Mr. Granger could even imagine that if he asked about this matter later, old Holmes would definitely say.
"Old friend, don't I trust you? With Sherlock in your hands, I'm one hundred percent at ease!"
Thinking of this, Mr. Granger felt even more annoyed.
Think what you will, make a fuss if you must, but don't treat studies as a joke.
Since Sherlock's parents had decided not to accompany them, Mr. Granger would drive, taking Mrs. Granger, Sherlock, and Hermione to the Leaky Cauldron together.
With last years' experience, even without Sherlock and Hermione leading the way, the Granger couple easily found the Leaky Cauldron this time.
Since it was back-to-school season, although the interior of the Leaky Cauldron was still as dim as ever, it seemed particularly lively.
When the four entered the tavern, the owner Tom immediately recognized Sherlock.
He grinned. "Hey, little fellow, didn't your father come this time?"
"No."
Sherlock shook his head, his gaze habitually sweeping around the tavern.
After a moment, he pointed in one direction and spoke.
"Mr. Tom, that person will still try to skip out on his bill later."
The group curiously looked in the direction Sherlock pointed and saw a bearded, short, and stocky wizard with two short bow legs.
At the moment, he was loudly discussing something with the person beside him, and when he noticed their gazes, he even smiled and nodded at them.
He seemed like a pretty nice person.
Seeing this scene, Tom couldn't help but laugh.
"You mean him—that's Mundungus Fletcher!
Don't worry, this guy brought money today. I already confirmed it just now!"
Hearing this, Sherlock nodded and said no more.
Next, the group of four passed through the bar toward the small courtyard surrounded by walls in the back.
Hermione looked at old Tom's slightly hunched back and finally couldn't help but ask.
"Sherlock, are you very familiar with the tavern owner?"
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