Hermione's face looked extremely unpleasant. She really hadn't expected that speaking up for Kreacher would result in such treatment.
For the inexperienced Little Saint, this was nothing short of a heavy blow.
If the other party didn't appreciate it, that would be one thing. However, Kreacher not only failed to appreciate it, but also launched an unparalleled verbal attack on her, which was somewhat unnerving.
"But I really wanted to help you..."
The Little Witch's tears were swirling in her eyes as she softly defended herself.
"Kreacher wants to quote something that Young Master Sirius said—a word from Young Master Sirius."
Kreacher didn't wait for Little Sirius to say anything, but continued, "Kreacher advises you not to stick your nose into things that don't concern you; what you need to manage most is yourself."
"He's right," Ron mouthed silently to Harry.
If Draco, a Slytherin, had said this, Ron's Evil Curse would have flown out long ago.
But peculiarly, since the one making the comment was the Black family's House-Elf, even Ron—coming from an open-minded Pure-blood Family—didn't agree with Hermione's stance on liberating House-Elves.
In simple terms—it's a bit too much meddling.
Heaven knows how much Mrs. Weasley wants a House-Elf to help her with household chores, as taking care of so many children is truly exhausting.
If she could have a House-Elf to help with chores, perhaps Mrs. Weasley would be much more at ease.
Vivi sighed and took the weeping Hermione into her arms.
"You can't force others to accept your ideas, Hermione," she said softly, "What you perceive as freedom is nothing less than poison in the eyes of House-Elves. At school, we need to learn not just Magic Spells, but also to give up the compulsion to help and respect others' fates."
Hermione hesitated and nodded slightly. Vivi's words made some sense, and Hermione was willing to listen.
"Let's have some food," Vivi said, ruffling her tousled hair, "You've been busy all day without eating, let's try Kreacher's skills. Perhaps you'll understand why so many Wizard families want to adopt a House-Elf after tasting it."
"It's undeniable that the chicken drumstick is delicious," Ron said happily, holding drumsticks in both hands, "I never thought I could have such tasty chicken drumsticks."
"All you know is eating, Ron," Hermione said indignantly, but didn't take out her frustration on Ron.
It should be said, Kreacher's cooking skills were good; among House-Elves, he was outstanding.
Even Vivi, who was usually picky with food, ate a bit more than usual.
Kreacher continued to keep his head down, wiping something, unnoticed by anyone that satisfaction flashed in his eyes.
After the meal, Lupin and Little Sirius went outside to tidy up the yard, and Ron joined in the fun.
Hermione was somewhat reluctant to face Kreacher, so she followed Ron out of the Black Family Mansion.
Seeing them leave, Cassandra smirked and looked toward Vivi.
"I never realized you have such a big appetite, Grindelwald," she spread her hands in a helpless gesture, "I really hope Potter can afford to feed you."
"I've warned you before, Cassandra," Vivi smirked at Cassandra's flat chest, "Eat more food, keep up the nutrition, and you can—grow up."
"Oh, it seems your meals aren't wasted," Cassandra retorted, "Potter seems to prefer someone chubbier, right? Potter?"
Harry wasn't paying attention, his head suddenly hurt a bit.
Heaven knows how long it's been since his head ached; ever since that notebook was destroyed, he hadn't felt pain, he had even forgotten what the pain felt like.
Vivi didn't contradict Cassandra with words, she just gave her a mysterious smile, then reached back and tugged her shirt backward—
The shirt hugged the back, perfectly displaying Vivi's curves.
That slim waist, was just a handful.
It is said that the King of Chu preferred a slim waist, and this led to starvation in the palace. Princess Sissi enjoyed a slender waist, and although it didn't lead to starvation in the palace, those around her indeed pursued this slim waist as beauty.
As her lady-in-waiting, Vivi naturally also had a tiny waist.
"Such a distorted aesthetic."
Cassandra said disdainfully, yet couldn't suppress envy in her eyes.
Her mouth was hard as ever.
"How did you achieve that?" Pabi asked enviously, drifting over and reaching out to encircle Vivi's waist.
Almost able to clasp it, Pabi was full of admiration.
"You better not hope for that, Swedding," Cassandra dismissed, "Have you looked at yourself, you're the fattest one—"
Pabi didn't refute Cassandra, but instead sat on a chair, placing her chest on the table.
As the saying goes, facts speak louder than words, Cassandra's face suddenly turned pale, she stared at Pabi in shock, then mechanically turned her head towards the window.
"Ah, lost its color," Pabi muttered.
"Alright, stop ganging up," Harry started to use his substantial hands to balance the situation, "You both, ganging up to bully Cassandra—"
"Oh oh oh, Harry's feeling sorry," Pabi said with a playful smile, leaning down to look up at Harry, "Are you feeling sorry for Cassandra? Are you feeling sorry for Cassandra? I know you like her—"