AN: Here is chapter 8. What do you guys think? Im also in search of a new beta if anyone is intrested. Thanks for all the favorites and follows. I also love to read all of your lovely comments. This story is also posted on Ao3.

After departing from Goyle Manor through the floo network, Hermione arrived back to her cottage with the intention of configuring her protective enchantments to allow Greg and his sister. Shortly after, emerald green flames burst into existence, and he emerged, carrying his sister in his embrace.

With anticipation, she observed his gaze sweep across her humble abode. Quills and parchment rested alongside her computer, embodying her scholarly pursuits. The mantel displayed animated photographs alongside the enigmatic black box that housed her television, representing the harmonious fusion of her muggle and wizarding existences.

Hermione observed Lena's assessment of the surroundings, although the girl's demeanor revealed neither enthusiasm nor trepidation; instead, she clung tightly to her brother.

"Where should I place her?" Goyle inquired.

"There's a spare room connected to the sitting room," Hermione replied, leading the way towards a door adjacent to the television. "My parents usually stay there when they visit from Australia."

The guest room was a cozy space adorned with floral or curtains and a matching bedspread. It featured a comfortable double bed, a wardrobe, a chest of drawers, and a writing desk. Privacy was provided by drapes on the windows.

"This cottage has just one bathroom," she clarified. "It's connected to my bedroom. Just give me a heads up when you need to use it. There are spare towels in the cabinet over there."

"Thank you, Granger," he responded. Hermione gestured with her hand, causing the covers to fold back.

"Hermione. Please, call me Hermione. I'll be working at my desk in the sitting room if you need anything." She turned and closed the door behind her, making her way to the desk to start strategizing whom to contact the next morning.

At 1 A.M., the chime of the clock echoed through the room as Hermione caught the sound of the spare room's door creaking open. She tore her gaze away from the computer screen, turning to find Gregory Goyle standing in the doorway.

"How is she?" she inquired.

"Asleep. The tremors have subsided," he answered, taking a few cautious steps forward. His eyes fixated on her computer, his curiosity piqued. "What's that?"

Hermione quickly summarized, "A computer is a device that stores and processes information using math and logic. I am currently using the internet. It is a network connecting computers worldwide, like a vast library. You access it through a web browser, which lets you search, communicate, and view websites. The internet is slow, but research can be done faster than searching through a library. It's a different world from magic, but it's powerful for knowledge and communication. I can show you later if you'd like."

"Wait, it runs on electricity?" he asked, sounding puzzled.

Hermione nodded in response. "Yes, computers do run on electricity."

Gregory's confusion deepened. "But I thought electricity doesn't mix well with magic. Your house is warded, and you perform magic every day, right?"

Hermione smiled, appreciating his curiosity. "You're right, Gregory. Magic and electricity can have some complications when they interact. However, I've managed to develop a charm specifically to protect my electrical devices from malfunctioning due to magic."

She continued, explaining further, "The charm creates a protective barrier around the computer and other gadgets, preventing any interference from magical energies. It allows me to use technology alongside magic without causing any disruptions."

Gregory's expression shifted from skepticism to intrigue. "That's impressive! So you've found a way to blend both worlds together."

Hermione nodded, pleased with his understanding. "Exactly! It took some research and experimentation, but now I can enjoy the benefits of both magic and technology without any conflicts."

She added with a reassuring smile, "Technology and magic can coexist harmoniously if we find creative solutions like this charm. It opens up exciting possibilities and makes our lives more convenient and interconnected."

Gregory looked at Hermione with a mixture of admiration and surprise. "You're truly brilliant. The Ministry must be fortunate to have someone like you."

Hermione's brow furrowed in confusion. "The Ministry?"

Gregory attempted to guess her occupation, "So, you must be in the Spell Creation Department or perhaps an Unspeakable. Or maybe a Potions Mistress?"

Hermione let out a frustrated sigh. "No, none of those. I actually own a muggle bookshop in London. Additionally, I work with private clients who are on the hunt for rare books," she explained, her tone tinged with bitterness.

Gregory raised an eyebrow, finding it hard to believe her seeming dislike at her profession. "You don't seem like someone who dislikes books. You had your nose buried in enough of them at school." He smirked.

Hermione sighed, her frustration evident. "I do love my bookshop, and it brings me happiness. But you're right, it wasn't my first choice. After completing my NEWTs, I applied to the Ministry, hoping to contribute my ideas in the field of spell creation. Unfortunately, they saw me as nothing more than a glorified secretary. They had no interest in hearing my thoughts or even allowing me to solve problems when their spells didn't work as intended. It was often a simple miscalculated arithmancy equation, but they didn't want to acknowledge it. So, I decided to leave."

She continued, a touch of disappointment in her voice. "I even attempted to secure an apprenticeship with various Potion Masters, but I was outright rejected solely because I'm a Muggle-born. That's when I decided to open my bookshop, while also assisting at Potter House and conducting my research independently."

Hermione paused, taking a deep breath. "I'm sorry for the rant. Is there something specific you need help with?"

Gregory shook his head, clearly displaying his exhaustion. "I'm having trouble sleeping. These past few days have been incredibly challenging," he confessed, running his hand through his hair.

"Would you like to talk about it?"

"I'm not sure. Maybe. I don't know."

"How about we have some tea, and you can share as much as you feel comfortable with?" Hermione proposed.

"Do you have anything stronger than tea?" Greg inquired.

"Not really. I do have a bottle of muggle wine that my parents left here during their last visit."

"Tea will be fine. Thank you." Hermione listened as Greg followed her into the kitchen. He leaned against a wall while she filled the kettle and prepared the tea using the muggle method.

"My sister. Well…she's a squib." Hermione noticed Greg's hesitant tone as if expecting a negative reaction. Hermione stayed silent.

He recounted the burden of expectations imposed upon him by his neglectful father, whom he desperately yearned to impress. The sole desire his father harbored for him was to walk in his footsteps as a Death Eater and become Draco Malfoy's obedient sidekick, mirroring the subservience he displayed towards Lucius Malfoy. Greg shared the painful details of their mother's disappointment: her dissatisfaction with her arranged marriage, her resentment towards having a squib child, her feelings of letdown from her own family, and the physical manifestations of her anger.

Greg disclosed the extent of his efforts to shield his sister from their mother's wrath whenever he was present at home. He explained to Hermione that during his school days, it was the house-elves who took on the responsibility of looking after his sister's well-being.

"After Father hastily divorced Mother, he fled England without a second thought. Mother departed from the manor without a single glance backward. I had scarcely heard from her since, until just earlier this week when she suddenly asserted her parental rights over Lena. She made the chilling decision to rid herself of the perceived 'embarrassment' and informed me of her plan to abandon Lena in the Muggle world. She acts as if I should be grateful to her for removing this so-called 'filth' from our household," he sighed, frustration etched across his face. "Despite all that I was taught, and despite everything I was led to believe about the pureblood ideology, I have never once considered my sister a disgrace.

"So, when they both left, I took on the role of looking after Lena. Yeah, I agree that introducing her to the Muggle world and making it her main home when she's older makes sense. She'll have more chances there and won't be judged for not having magic. But no way would I just dump her there and walk away. I'd never abandon her in a strange world like that. She'd have my support and guidance, no matter what.

"I actually spoke to a Muggle-born about the Muggle world, and let me tell you, I've learned so much. It's been eye-opening because it turns out it's not the savage and backward place I was made to think it was." As Greg gazed at her, his eyes held an unmistakable truth and unwavering conviction that resonated deeply with Hermione.

She sat in utter disbelief, processing everything she had just discovered. Gregory Goyle was not the same prejudiced boy she had spent six years with at Hogwarts. He had transformed into a compassionate and considerate man, willing to immerse himself in a foreign world for the sole purpose of ensuring his little sister's safety and happiness.