**Chapter 1: Anxious Anticipation**

Harry Potter stood nervously in the living room of Hermione Granger's family home, fidgeting with the hem of his trousers. He had been looking forward to meeting her parents for weeks, but now that the moment was finally here, he couldn't shake off the feeling of anxiety that had been building up inside him. Hermione, sensing his unease, placed a reassuring hand on his arm and smiled warmly. "It's going to be fine, Harry," she whispered, her eyes sparkling with encouragement. "My parents will love you. Just be yourself, and everything will be okay." Harry took a deep breath and nodded, trying to calm his racing heart. He had always admired Hermione's confidence and poise, and he was grateful to have her by his side as he faced this potentially daunting experience. As they entered the living room, Hermione's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Granger, greeted them warmly. Mr. Granger, a tall, slender man with a kind face and a warm smile, extended his hand, and Harry shook it firmly. "Harry, it's a pleasure to finally meet you," Mr. Granger said, his voice friendly and welcoming. "We've heard so much about you from Hermione." Mrs. Granger, a petite woman with a gentle smile and a twinkle in her eye, stepped forward and gave Harry a warm hug. "We're delighted to have you here, Harry," she said, her voice soft and soothing. "We've been looking forward to getting to know you better." The conversation that followed was easy and relaxed, with Hermione's parents asking Harry about his interests, his studies, and his Quidditch career. Harry found himself feeling more at ease with each passing minute, and he began to enjoy the warm and lively atmosphere of the Granger household. As they chatted, Harry couldn't help but notice the cozy and comfortable surroundings of the living room. The walls were adorned with family photos, and the shelves were lined with books and mementos. It was clear that this was a family that valued love, laughter, and learning. As the evening wore on, Mrs. Granger announced that dinner was ready. They made their way to the dining room, where a delicious-looking spread of food awaited them. Harry's stomach growled in anticipation as he took his seat at the table. The dinner conversation was lively and engaging, with Hermione's parents regaling them with stories of their own school days and adventures. Harry found himself laughing and joking with them, feeling more and more at ease with each passing minute. But just as things were going smoothly, disaster struck. As Hermione reached for the salt, she said, "Daddy, can you pass me the salt, Mr. Granger?" Harry's eyes widened in horror as he realized his mistake. He had always referred to Ron's parents as Mr. and Mrs. Weasley, and he had assumed that the same rules applied here. But it seemed that Hermione's parents were on a first-name basis with their friends and family. In a flash, Harry was on his feet, his face burning with embarrassment. Hermione hid her face, blushing furiously, and the room fell silent. Harry's heart sank as he realized he had made a terrible mistake. What would happen next?