Chapter 23 The Person Harry Potter Respects Most
Chapter 23 The Person Harry Potter Respects Most
When Orochimaru climbed through the second-floor window of the Broken Cauldron, his roommate, Mr. Wendell Granger, was fast asleep.
He deftly slipped the car keys into Wendell Granger's coat pocket, then lay down on his own bed, pretending nothing had happened.
The firewood in the fireplace was still crackling and burning, with tiny sparks flying around every now and then.
Everything was so peaceful until Mr. Wendell Granger suddenly sneezed, breaking the tranquility.
He rubbed his eyes, looking at Orochimaru lying on the bed with his arm as a pillow, puzzled.
"Slack, I didn't hear you open the door. Did you use magic?" Wendell Granger asked curiously.
Orochimaru spread his hands and responded with a smile:
"I haven't even bought a wand, how am I supposed to use magic?"
"Oh, so you're now just like me, a Muggle, as they say?" Wendell Granger laughed.
He wasn't ashamed much when he said he was a Muggle.
This may be related to his social class. He owns a dental clinic in central London and a detached house in an affluent area. He is the kind of wealthy person whose assets can continue to appreciate even without working.
If it weren't for his only daughter's insistence on entering this magical world, he would arguably be one of the happiest people in the world, especially in a capitalist world.
Orochimaru could sense the pride beneath Wendell Granger's polite demeanor, as well as his forced compromise for the sake of his daughter's future.
The two exchanged a few casual words, discussing Hermione Granger and Mrs. Granger's experiences at Flourish and Blotts in Diagon Alley that day, before turning the conversation back to Wendell Granger's most pressing concern.
"Slack, have you heard of the boy who survived?"
"Hmm?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow slightly, a hint of curiosity on his face. "This is the second time you've brought this up in front of me today."
"Because it's very important," Wendell Granger explained. "I've heard he's the savior of the wizarding world."
"But you keep bringing this up with me because this savior is a Hogwarts freshman who is the same age as me?" Orochimaru keenly sensed the meaning behind Wendell Granger's words.
The father jumped up, his eyes filled with admiration as he looked at Orochimaru.
"You're so perceptive, you'll thrive anywhere!" Wendell Granger exclaimed excitedly. "If possible, I really hope that after you become friends with that boy, you can help my daughter."
This topic is very explicit.
But Orochimaru knew that this was very important for an adult.
Even in a ninja academy, having a friend from the Senju, Hyuga, or even just the Nara family can greatly improve your situation.
Geniuses can disregard their environment and bullying, but the vast majority of people are not geniuses.
"Hermione Granger is so lucky to have a father like you," Orochimaru commented subtly, without giving a direct answer.
For Mr. Wendell Granger, who was completely clueless, his wealth and intelligence were of no use, and he had to grasp at every possible straw to save him.
After receiving Orochimaru's ambiguous answer, Mr. Wendell Granger's expression clearly improved considerably.
"Oh, by the way, I also found out the name of the boy who survived the ordeal. His name is..."
Before Wendell Granger could finish speaking, footsteps suddenly echoed down the corridor.
The footsteps were so unusual, it was as if an explosion had occurred in the Leaky Cauldron, waking everyone in the pub up.
"Shall we go out and take a look?" Wendell Granger said, a hint of worry already showing on his face.
He was afraid something might happen to his daughter and wife who lived across the street.
Before he could answer, Orochimaru had already opened the door. His observation skills were always excellent, and in the blink of an eye, he saw wild joy on the faces of these frantic wizards.
"Is this some kind of celebration?" Mr. Granger asked, standing next to Orochimaru. "I've lived here for half a month, and this is the first time I've encountered something like this."
As he spoke, he walked towards the stairwell.
As soon as he came downstairs, Wendell Granger saw a huge, imposing figure, like a giant.
The entire bar, and even many wizards who appeared out of nowhere, gathered around the giant as if on a pilgrimage.
Wendell Granger wanted to see what those wizards were up to, so he couldn't help but stand on tiptoe.
Then he finally saw that there was actually a little boy standing next to the giant.
The little boy was definitely no older than his daughter, and he wasn't even as tall as Hermione.
But the wizards looked at the little boy with such respect. As a doctor, he only saw such grateful expressions when medical fees were reduced or waived.
But how could that be? Could this little boy have saved the lives of all the wizards in this bar?
Wendell Granger frowned and took a few steps forward, trying to get a better look.
First, it was the bar owner, old Tom, who was always cold and aloof to everyone. He dashed out from behind the bar, grabbed the boy's hand, and was moved to tears.
Wendell struggled to decipher the shape of the bar owner Tom's lips, managing to make out that he was saying he was extremely honored.
Seeing this, he became even more curious. Who could possibly command such respect from the boss?
Before Wendell could react, another pale-faced young man stepped forward. He recognized him; he was a Ministry of Magic official named Borns.
Naburn was even more agitated than old Tom; his lips trembled the entire time, and he spoke haltingly.
"Dad, what are they doing?"
Hermione Granger and Mrs. Granger pushed open the door and curiously looked in the direction Wendell was looking.
"It seems a very important person has arrived. A very important person from the magical world," Wendell responded instinctively. "I just don't know who it is."
"Could it be the boy who survived?" Hermione tiptoed and squeezed in front of Wendell Granger.
Her family was going back tomorrow, which was a rare opportunity for her, and moving forward a little would also be a good way to get away from Slack Anguis, who made her uncomfortable.
Ever since becoming roommates with this strange boy, her father would often mention him to her, hoping that she wouldn't be unable to make friends when she got to Hogwarts.
That's completely unnecessary worry!
As long as her grades are good enough, she will definitely become a witch loved by everyone, and she won't need anyone else's help at all!
Miss Hermione Granger thought confidently as she pushed her way forward until she could finally hear the giant-like man blocking the pilgrims around her.
"Enough! Enough! Harry needs to check in! Make way, everyone make way!"
It's Harry Potter, the boy who survived!
Hermione Granger's eyes lit up instantly at the name, her face filled with curiosity. She was eager to meet this amazing boy.
It's no exaggeration to say that at least a third of the books in Flourish and Blotts have mentioned him!
Upon hearing this name, Mr. Wendell Granger couldn't help but show a hint of frustration.
He had thought Harry Potter would be famous in the world, but he never imagined his reputation would reach such heights that everyone would worship him.
Such a person is bound to be arrogant and haughty; he probably won't be able to be Harry Potter's best friend for the rest of his life.
Thinking of this, Mr. Wendell Granger turned around to look at his daughter, wanting to give her a few more words of advice.
"Dad! Look, Harry is looking this way." Hermione Granger was extremely surprised, and even Mrs. Granger looked puzzled.
What's even more amazing is yet to come.
Harry shoved Hagrid aside, who was about to check him in, instantly drawing all eyes to him in the bar.
"Mr. Potter, what are you doing?" someone asked instinctively.
"Make way, make way!" Harry shouted excitedly, then waved his hand vigorously at the people at the top of the stairs on the second floor.
His movements were so practiced, just like when he waved goodbye to Orochimaru in the Little Huijin District.
He jumped upwards with all his might, his hands constantly crossing in the air, looking like a fool under a curse.
At that moment, everyone in the bar couldn't help but follow Harry's movements and look at the person he was greeting.
Is it the Muggle couple, or their buck-toothed daughter?
Those who knew the Granger family subconsciously thought about it.
Orochimaru, standing behind them, looked at the excited Harry with some surprise and felt a pang of emotion.
It seems that Jinchūriki in this world not only have a high status, but are also highly respected.
Orochimaru was thinking to himself, and was about to wave Harry away to calm him down and not expose himself like that. But as soon as he raised his hand, Harry Potter's excited shout rang out.
"Slack! Slack! I'm here! We have money!"
Swish!
Although there was no sound, Orochimaru could still hear the sound of gazes passing by.
As Harry Potter shouted, countless wizards in the bar turned their attention to Orochimaru.
They were filled with surprise and curiosity.
Mr. Wendell Granger, who already held Orochimaru in high regard, winked at his daughter, as if to say:
"See, Hermione! I knew this Mr. Slack was different!"
LRAB