- Fine.
A line of Gryffindors filed past Rich. Richie greeted the older Weasley children, then Harry and Ron, who returned the greeting and continued on their way.
"Hermione," Richard called out to the thoughtful girl.
"Hey, Richie," she stopped. "Did you want something?"
- Hermione, happy birthday!
Hermione's thoughtful expression gave way to delight. She watched with anticipation as Richie pulled out a bulky package wrapped in colorful wrapping paper and tied with a pink ribbon from his dragon skin messenger bag, enchanted with Undetectable Extention.
- This is for me?!
Hermione was puzzled and happily accepted the gift.
- Thanks, Richie! But how did you know when my birthday is?
- The earth is full of rumors.
He couldn't admit to Richard that he got the information from the same place about all the girl's illnesses, her bad relationships with her classmates in elementary school, excellent grades, and much more.
- Can I open it?
- Of course, Hermione. That's what gifts are for.
The girl unwrapped the wrapping paper with bated breath.
Several older Gryffindor students passing by glanced curiously at the couple of first years and moved on.
Hermione expected to see some trinket, but instead discovered a tight-fitting black knit jumpsuit, a knitted ski mask with eye holes, a wide leather belt with a wand sheath, leather gloves, and comfortable soft-soled shoes. She stared at the clothes for a moment, perplexed; something about them seemed familiar. Suddenly, a revelation struck Granger. Her eyes widened, she gasped, and in a shaky voice, she asked,
- Richie, is this a ninja costume?!
"You could say that. If you've noticed, the clothes are thicker in some areas. The inside is reinforced with an enchanted mesh that absorbs impacts and strengthens the fabric to the strength of light body armor. This set must be worn as a whole. Triple-pressing the belt buckle activates an invisibility spell that lasts for up to an hour, after which it takes a day to recharge. The shoes are enchanted with a silent step charm and an adhesive spell, as are the gloves, meaning the shoes allow silent walking, and with the gloves and patches on the knees and elbows, you can climb vertical walls. The adhesive is controlled like a flying broom-that is, mentally and without any difficulty-it just takes a little practice. Additionally, the clothes are enchanted with water repellant charms, warming, and cooling spells to ensure comfort in any weather." And with the help of the enlargement spell, you will be able to adjust the size along with the change in height.
"A super spy suit!" Hermione whispered delightedly, clutching the package tightly to her. "Only... Why do I need it?"
"I don't know," Richard shrugged. "But you were in Gryffindor, so I suppose it'll come in handy."
"Thank you, Richie! You... You're a true friend. I'm sorry I didn't get into Hufflepuff. I convinced the hat to put me in Gryffindor."
"It's okay, we go to the same school. So what if we see each other a little less often? It won't stop us from hanging out. Gryffindor is a good house, too."
"Well... I guess," the girl replied with a sour face. "I think it would be better for me to study with you. How stupid I was, begging for a hat..."
"Are your classmates bullying you?" Richard asked sympathetically.
"No," Hermione shook her head. "Nobody wants to be my friend. Everyone thinks I'm a nerd and a swot."
- I don't think so.
The girl forced a smile and answered:
- Said the boy who graduated from high school at the age of eleven and was going to enter university!
Richard laughed good-naturedly.
- You can't argue with that!
- Richie, do you still need help with those topics we discussed during the admissions process?
"It's absolutely necessary, Hermione. It's a matter of life and death. The future of all humanity depends on this data."
Hermione assumed her usual haughty demeanor and said,
- I think you're exaggerating.
"Me?!" Richard pointed his index finger at his chest. "Am I exaggerating?! That can't be true! Hermione, tell me, have you ever dreamed of flying into space to other stars and discovering a new planet like Earth?"
The girl hesitated a little, but answered:
- Yes, that happened. I like reading science fiction.