Chapter 289 Christmas dinner is about to begin
December 24, morning
Bell took Hermione, Zannah, and Zannah's two best friends and boarded the Hogwarts Express.
Because they have to attend a dinner at Bell's house in the evening, Phyllis and Reina will go directly to Bell's house with Shanna.
Chatting along the way, the train soon arrived in London.
"Bell, didn't your parents come to pick you up?"
Hermione asked nervously as she glanced around the platform.
She had been mentally preparing for today for a long time.
Although I still couldn't do it well.
"No. Because I have to prepare for the dinner tonight, I didn't ask them to pick me up. Anyway, if you use Floo powder, you can be home in a flash."
This Christmas banquet is not just about eating and drinking, it is also an important press conference for the Bell family.
William and Elena have been busy preparing since many days ago. Being considerate like Bell, of course he will not add unnecessary burdens to his parents.
"Hermione, I will go to your house to pick you and your parents up at 4 o'clock today. No need to be nervous, it's just an ordinary banquet."
"Um."
Hermione nodded.
But even so, it could be seen from her slightly stiff body that Hermione was still somewhat nervous.
In fact, this is also normal. After all, it was Hermione's first time to attend such a banquet held by wizards. The unknown is always stressful.
After watching Hermione disappear from the exit, Bell took the three little ones to the fireplace and used Floo powder to return home.
The Bell's fireplace is located in the large dining room on the first floor.
Stepping out of the fireplace, what should have been a familiar and familiar restaurant now presented a completely different scene from the past.
In order to accommodate more guests, the restaurant was temporarily expanded using a seamless expansion spell.
On the side facing the castle gate, there is a huge stage.
On both sides of the stage, there were two rows of tables neatly placed. The table is covered with exquisite tableware.
There are many sofas placed against the wall of the restaurant for people to rest or chat.
A large number of house elves are busy decorating the restaurant. After hearing the noise coming from the fireplace, they all looked over curiously.
After seeing Bell and others walking out of the fireplace, all the house elves immediately stopped what they were doing and bowed to them.
Waving his hand casually, Bell signaled the house elves to continue working, then took the lead and walked upstairs.
As soon as he reached the stairs, a familiar figure came towards him.
"My dear, you are finally back. Do you miss your mother?"
Elena rushed over and gave Bell a hug.
She estimated that her children would be home soon, so she ran over specifically.
"Of course, Mom. We all miss you."
Bell also smiled and hugged his mother, and then signaled that there were outsiders present.
Elena let go of Bell and smiled apologetically at the two little girls behind Bell.
"You two are Phyllis and Rena, right? Welcome!"
"Hello, Lady Menethil, my name is Phyllis MacMillan."
Phyllis greeted generously.
"H-Hello, I-I am Reyna Catalana."
Reina blushed with embarrassment and stammered.
Elena smiled and rubbed Reina's little head. She liked this shy little girl.
"What's your name, Madam? You go out more often. Just call me sister."
"Ahem!"
Bell almost choked to death on his saliva.
Why hadn't he noticed before that his mother had such an unreliable side?
After being reminded by her son, Elena also realized that it seemed a little inappropriate for her daughter's friends to call her sister.
"No, I mean, just call me auntie. Let Shanna take you for a walk. Treat this place as your own home. Don't be restrained."
Elena quickly changed her words.
"Mom, where's dad?"
Bell asked curiously.
Logically speaking, when Shanna comes back, it is impossible for her father not to come out to greet her.
"He. He's familiar with the banquet process up there. If you ask me, I've been familiar with it a dozen times, what else is there to be familiar with? That's pretty much it."
Elena curled her lips, obviously disapproving of her husband's old habit of being overly cautious.
After exchanging pleasantries with her mother, Shanna took her two little friends and ran outside to the garden to play with those magical animals.
Bell returned to his room, planning to take a half-day vacation.
There was too much to study during this period, and he needed to relax.
…
"Dad, Mom, are you ready? It's almost 4 o'clock!"
Hermione's voice echoed throughout the house.
She fidgeted around the living room, looking at her watch and adjusting her clothes and hairstyle.
"Baby, you really should sit down and rest for a while. You've been pushing me since 1pm."
Mrs. Granger helplessly pushed her daughter down on the sofa.
At this time, Mrs. Granger had changed into a gorgeous burgundy evening dress.
Although she was scolding her daughter, it was not difficult to see from her expression that Mrs. Granger was also looking forward to the upcoming dinner.
"Hmph! I want to see what kind of ability that kid named Bell has, and how he can win the love of my Hermione."
Mr. Granger, dressed in a smart tuxedo, walked slowly down the stairs.
Although he was also looking forward to the upcoming wizard banquet. But what he is more concerned about now is that his cabbage was stolen!
As early as the previous summer vacation, Mr. Granger had already noticed that something was wrong. Not to mention how surprised he was at the time.
No one knows better than Mr. Granger how outstanding his daughter is.
And now, someone can actually bewitch his proud and arrogant daughter?
If he didn't know where Hogwarts was, Mr. Granger would have planned to kill him and see what was different about Bell.
‘Ding dong~’
Five minutes before 4 o'clock, the doorbell rang, which made all three people in the room perk up.
"Coming!"
Hermione, who had been looking forward to it for a long time, immediately jumped up, ran to the door and opened it.
Hermione was not disappointed. Standing outside the door was Bell who had Apparated in advance.
"Hermione, you look so beautiful today."
Looking at his girlfriend who was dressed up beautifully in front of him, Bell sighed sincerely.
Hermione covered her face in shyness. She punched Bell lightly in embarrassment.
‘Really, what nonsense are you talking about? ’
Bell smiled. He didn't forget that this was Hermione's doorstep. Therefore, he did not continue flirting with his girlfriend, but looked behind Hermione.
