The next morning, Charlie followed Neville to his house.
Neville's home was an ancient manor located in the suburbs of London, a three-story Victorian building covered in ivy, which looked very historical but was well-maintained.
The Lupin Family truly lived up to its name as a Pure-blood Family, with excellent financial standing.
"Grandma, Charlie's here."
Neville pushed open the heavy oak door, his voice tinged with nervousness.
On the way, Neville told Charlie that his grandmother's name was Madam Augusta Longbottom.
Madam Augusta emerged from the living room.
She wore a dark green robe, a fox fur scarf, and a peculiar hat with an eagle specimen on top.
Her attire was quite eccentric.
Charlie blinked, trying to maintain a natural expression.
"Hello, Madam Augusta," Charlie greeted politely.
"Good boy, come in quickly."
Madam Augusta smiled kindly, a stark contrast to the strict image Neville had described.
"Neville always talks about you, saying you've helped him a lot."
She led Charlie to the dining room, where the table was laden with exquisite French cuisine.
Roasted foie gras, French onion soup, beef bourguignon, and various delicate desserts.
Who said Britain was a culinary wasteland? They have the most Michelin-starred French restaurants in the world.
"This is too lavish," Charlie exclaimed sincerely.
"As long as you like it."
Madam Augusta gestured for him to sit down.
"You've done Neville a great favor; I've wanted to thank you for a long time."
Neville rubbed his hands beside them, looking a bit reserved.
"Speaking of Neville..." Madam Augusta sighed, shaking her head as she served Charlie soup.
"This child has been clumsy since he was little, and his magic talent isn't great either."
"When he was young, we almost thought he was a Squib."
Neville's face instantly turned red; he wished he could find a hole to crawl into. Why did Grandma have to say everything out loud?
"Grandma..." he protested softly.
"Everything I said is true."
Madam Augusta was unapologetic.
"If it weren't for meeting you, Charlie, I wouldn't know how bad this child's grades would be."
Charlie put down his spoon and said earnestly:
"Madam, you are too modest. Neville's progress is entirely the result of his own hard work."
"He is no worse than anyone else; he just needs a little confidence."
"Don't you see how well he's doing now?"
Madam Augusta paused, then her eyes crinkled into a smile.
"Good boy, you're so good with words," she patted Charlie's hand.
What elder doesn't want to hear others praise their grandchild?
This is what high emotional intelligence looks like.
Neville looked at Charlie gratefully, feeling a warmth in his heart.
Just then, an Owl suddenly crashed into the window, hitting the glass with a thud.
"Oh my, this silly bird."
Madam Augusta got up to open the window, took the letter from the Owl's claw, leaving the Owl dazed on the spot.
She tore open the envelope, quickly scanned its contents, and her face instantly turned grim.
"What's wrong, Grandma?" Neville asked worriedly.
"I..."
Madam Augusta looked at Charlie, then at Neville, hesitating for a moment.
"Charlie, I'm truly sorry, but I might have to excuse myself."
"There's an urgent matter I need to attend to."
She grabbed her handbag from the table and hurried out.
"Neville, please entertain Charlie well at home."
"If you get tired of playing, just sleep here; our house is quite large."
With that, she hastily disappeared through the doorway.
Silence fell in the living room, broken only by the sound of wood burning in the fireplace.
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