Most ardently by Swift Night, Chapter 19 The departure of the
Potters brought about a variety of emotions in Hermione.
It had been a relief to no longer be chastised by Missus
Weasley for not sitting straight or wearing the same dress two
days in a row, even though she had not left the comfort of the
house. But saying goodbye also meant
Hermione was unsure when she could have the opportunity to
see Jinny again. Her sister mentioned Christmas,
but even that felt too long since she could not think of a
time they had spent that many months apart.
After the couple rode off in their carriage, Missus Weasley
insisted they all walk to the market in the village to cheer
them up with the promise of new ribbons.
It had been the first time they had been allowed to visit since
she returned home, as Mr. Weasley ordered that they all
remain sequestered away while the topic of Jinny's elopement
remained the biggest scandal of the day.
Now that the wedding had occurred and the Ministry was
coerced into releasing a public apology to Mr. Potter, people's
appetites for the sordid tale had diminished and they moved on
to gossiping about other topics that caught their fancy.
From what Hermione had gleaned as she floated from stall to
stall, the newest salacious story of the week concerned a
wizard by the name of Mundungus Fletcher, who'd been caught
selling counterfeit goods and cursed objects out of an illegal
stall in Diagon Alley. He was apprehended by Auras
after knowingly passing off a cursed Locket to Minister
Fudge's secretary, causing the witch to turn into a toad
wearing a large pink bow. The healers of Saint Mungo's
managed to transform her back, but she would still rib it
involuntarily at random intervals.
They had been at the market for less than 10 minutes when Missus
Brown appeared and joined them. She shared with Hermione that
Lavender was doing well in Kent and with the new friends she had
made, prompting Hermione to smile as she thought back to how
welcoming Astoria and Daphne had been despite the coldness of
Lady Greengrass. After making a few purchases,
the witches took their leave and opted to stop by the young Mr.
Creevy at the exit. Have you heard the news, Missus
Weasley? He asked excitedly.
Mr. Sabini will be returning to Featherfield tomorrow.
Hermione felt Luna stiffened from where their arms were
linked. Together.
My word is that. True, her mother exclaimed,
looking around as if she expected him to jump out from
behind a nearby. Crate.
Yes, ma'am. I heard from the butcher that
his elf has been in to place an order of.
Pork. Not that we care about it, but
did the butcher say anything else?
Missus Weasley had no subtlety when interrogating the
gentleman, and she could see her mother's mind calculating out
the wizard's intentions for returning.
Only that his sister, Miss Parkinson, remains in London for
now. The witch sounded somewhat
disgruntled. He can't be planning on
socializing much if his sister's not joining.
Him not. That that matters much to us.
Mr. Creevy seemed amused by the remark.
I'm sure that it is true, Missus Weasley, but I thought that you
should all be made aware all the same.
There was a tipped his heart and retreated into the crowd.
Once he had vanished from sight, the cool demeanour her mother
had feigned fell, exposing the simmering sea of emotions
threatening to bubble up over like an unattended cauldron.
Come on, girls, I must inform Mr. Weasley of this act once.
Mr. Sabini has no decency, for if he did, he would never have
returned to Featherfield. If he thinks he will be forgiven
so easily, he is sorely mistaken.
Missus Weasley LED them up the road, walking at a brisk pace
that Hermione thought looked more like a trot.
Her arms stayed locked together with Lunas, and after some
distance was created to give them privacy, she finally spoke.
Are you all right? The words were barely above a
whisper. I'm perfectly fine.
Luna insisted, though her voice held a strain of apprehension
she could not hide. As Mother said, Miss Parkinson
is staying in London. We shall see less of him.
Not that it would be such a terrible thing if we did cross
paths as indifferent acquaintances.
I'm sorry, Hermione replied. I dread the snide remarks you'll
receive on the matter once he returns.
Let people say what they want. She stood straighter.
His affections did not match my own, but I have accepted that,
and I'm quite over him. If he passed me on the street, I
would hardly notice. Despite what her sister
pretended, Hermione knew the truth.
While she could not be certain of Mr. Beeny's reasoning for his
return, she knew her suspicions could not be proven until the
gentleman arrived. The summer heat was sweltering,
keeping Hermione from enjoying her time of solitude by the
pond. Instead, she found herself
confined to the sitting room of the borough with her mother and
sisters. Thankfully, everyone was too
occupied with their own endeavours for the afternoon to
interfere with Hermione's desire to reread Hogwarts a history.
Curled up in her favorite armchair, snoozing quietly on
the sofa with a tray of biscuits resting on her chest, Missus
Weasley appeared entirely at ease.
For once, her sisters took full advantage of the calm, unsure
how long it would last. Charlie was sketching Dragons by
the window, her tongue sticking out as she attempted to capture
the texture of the creature's scales.
Priscilla used the opportunity to answer a letter from a friend
while Luna seemed content to stare off into nothingness with
a copy of the Quibbler forgotten in her lap.
Her sister had barely uttered a word since hearing of Mr.
Sabini's return to Featherfield the day prior.
While Luna was always capable of getting lost in her own world,
Hermione feared that the witch might become trapped within her
thoughts about the wizard. Hermione knew better than to
bring it up with so many eyes watching, but she vowed to
address it properly this evening when the two witches were alone.
Charlie sighed in frustration, causing Karmane to lose her
place as her eyes darted up to see what caused the outburst.
The sister crumpled up her drawing, tossing it under the
table as she turned to look out the window before proceeding to
gasp at something outside. He's here.
She shouted. Mother, come look and see he's
nearly at the door. Missus Weasley sat up abruptly.
Who is here, Charlie? Mr. Sabini has come to call on
us. The witch clarified, causing the
room to break into chaos In Sync with one another.
They all began a mad dash to tidy up.
Luna stood, grabbed the ribbons from where they were tangled up
on a nearby table, and stuffed them in a drawer.
Priscilla spilled her ink pot in her haste and panicked as she
tried to clean it up by hand. Hermione pulled her wand and
vanished the mess before her sister could get any ink on
herself, then waved it again to fluff the cushions to appear
less frumpy. Harry Girls.
Their mother took to her plate of biscuits behind a stack of
books on the shelf. And whatever you do, do not.
Appear overbearing. Charlie kept watch by the
window, calling out the wizard's progress at his approach.
And there is someone with him, she said suddenly.
Mr. What's his name? The pompous one from before.
Mr. Malfoy. Missus Weasley screeched in
disapproval. His insolence knows no bounds.
Why would he bother? To come.
Hermione rushed to the window to confirm it herself.
Sure enough, Mr. Malfoy was accompanying Mr. Sabini as the
gentlemen made their way through the Burroughs garden gates.
Hermione had been standing directly in view where Mr.
Malfoy's eyes scanned the house and she ducked away to keep from
being spotted. She had not realised he would
come alongside Mr. Sabini and felt unprepared to address him
after what she had learned about his attempts to secure her
sister's future. Priscilla, put that away at once
and find some useful. Employment Missus Weasley
continued to berate them as she shuffled through the room.
Merlin, my nerves may never recover.
Then Hermione heard knocking at the front door, signalling they
had only seconds. Charlie, sit down at once.
Missus Weasley ordered as Hermione situated herself in the
chair next to Luna. Charlie had only just fallen
into her seat when the door to the sitting room opened and a
servant announced the gentleman's arrival.
Hermione wondered if their rushed ruse had been successful
or if the Wizards caught their flushed cheeks and awkward
configuration that gave them away.
If they were suspicious, they did not show it as they entered
and bowed low. Mr. Sabini opened his mouth to
greet them, only to have Missus Weasley beat him to it.
How very glad we are to see you, Mr. Zabini.
There have been many changes since she went away.
Miss Brown married my nephew and they are settled in his family
home in Kent. Yes, I sent them my
congratulations, the wizard. Replied his eyes darting to
Luna. And you will have seen from the
paper that my youngest daughter, Jinny, married Mr. Potter just a
week ago. Her mother did not seem to
notice that Mister Zabini was no longer looking at her as she
rambled on. Mr. Potter has decided to settle
in Rodrick's Hollow, which is so terribly far from here.
I shall have to hope that I see my.
Sweet girl, during the next Wuzzengamot session when we are
all in London. Hermione's eyes flashed to Mr.
Malfoy at hearing her mother mention the seat, but his face
remained impassive. I did hear.
That Mister Potter would be the newest Wuzzengamot member this
coming season. Missus Sabini's neutral tone
gave away nothing about his thoughts on the matter.
Before her mother could continue the discussion, Hermione
interjected. Do you plan to stay long at
Featherfield, Mr. Sabini? I'm.
Not sure he. Shifted his weight as he spoke.
The next session. Has been delayed until autumn.
But my sister remains in London for now, and she does not do
well with solitude, despite what she may profess.
How is Pansy? She asked earnestly.
I have missed her company these last few months.
She had a prior obligation serving as a bridesmaid for Miss
Tracy Davis, but she will be glad to hear that she has not
been forgotten by you, Miss Granger.
Even if she is not here to participate, I shall insist you
join us for a family dinner during your stay, but at least
three courses. I have not forgotten that you
accepted our invitation last winter.
The wizard nodded but did not voice a reply.
The tension was palpable as the silence lasted.
Are you well, Mr. Malfoy? Hermione could not help but
inquire after the wizard. I am, thank you.
The gentleman finally met her eye and her heart leapt.
I hope the weather stays fine while you are here.
She added to keep the quiet from returning.
I return to London tomorrow. So soon?
The disappointment unexpectedly crushed her.
She could acknowledge that she had wanted to hear you also
intended to stay, and learning otherwise sent her reeling.
When had she grown so attached to the wizard before her?
Thinking back, she felt silly that she hadn't been aware of it
sooner. It had been a gradual thing,
sneaking up on her slowly before devouring her whole in the
comfort of her sitting room while he was only steps away.
Perhaps she should have taken up the practice of occulancy, if
only to shield herself from the derision of misplaced hopes that
his being here had meant something.
But he had not come for her, only to support his friend.
My Luna looks well, does she not?
Missus Weasley prompted as she retook control of the
conversation. Mr. Sabini's face softened, A
gentle smile on the corner of his lips.
She does indeed. Luna's breath hitched beside
her, and when Hermione turned to face her, she found her blushing
under Mr. Zabini's compliment. Even if it had been coerced,
there was no denying it had been earnestly genuine.
After an awkward clearing of his throat, Mr. Sabini abruptly
declared his farewells. Well we best to be you going.
It was lovely to see you all. With a rushed bow, the wizard
fled the room before anyone could make their reply, leaving
them all dumbfounded by his hasty exit.
Mr. Malfoy remained, a look of concern appearing on his
features. Excuse me.
He said, before offering his own bow and following after his
friend. When the witches were alone once
more, everyone looked around as if to find a clue to explain
their peculiar behaviour. Charlie broke out in a fit of
giggles, earning a look of disapproval from Missus Weasley.
Luna slowly sat back down in her chair and Hermione joined her,
taking her hand and squeezing it gently in support.
Luna spoke after a few seconds of silence.
I'm glad that is over. Next time we meet it will be far
easier. Oh yes?
She could not help but tease as a smile crept across her lips.
Hermione, you cannot think me so weak as to be in danger of any
lingering unrequited feelings. Now I am entirely convinced they
are not unrequited and must profess that I think you are in
great danger of making him as much in love with you as ever.
At this, both sisters broke out in a fit of giggles.
It was as if a weight had been lifted off Luna's shoulders,
allowing her to float once more with an ease that Hermione could
not help but envy. When the laughter ended, Luna
tried her own attempt at comfort.
I'm sorry he came with Mr. Malfoy.
I know how you despise him, and I'd hoped not to see him again.
That couldn't be further from the truth.
It felt wrong to force herself into pretending to agree.
Luna's head turned, inspecting Kermione as if she had grown a
second head. What do you mean?
She asked, her eyes bright with curiosity.
After months of keeping her sister at arm's length when it
came to her interactions and feelings regarding the wizard,
Hermione found she did not want to keep it to herself any
longer. Luna, I've been so blind, Mr.
Malfoy. Well, he is.
Hermione was cut off before she could articulate her new found
attachment to the wizard. Look, he's back.
Charlie called out. Mr. Sabini has come again.
They all stood and rushed to the window to witness it for
themselves. Her heart sank when a certain
blonde gentleman did not return with him.
Mr. Sabini did not bother with knocking the second time around,
nor did he wait to be properly announced by a servant.
Striding into the room, he seemed to have found his
courage. I know this isn't very
traditional, but. If I may.
I would like to request the privilege of speaking with Miss
Luna Lovegood alone, as he. Recited the words.
His eyes never left the witch for whom his request was
directed. No one moved.
For fear of scaring the wizard away once more.
Speaking in a soft voice that neared a whisper, Missus Weasley
directed them all to the kitchen and kissed Luna softly on the
temple before walking out of the room.
Hermione was the last to leave, offering Mr. Sabini a warm smile
and a courtesy before closing the sitting room door behind
her. Once the door clicked closed,
Missus Weasley rushed over, shoving A flesh coloured string
under it. It took her a moment to
recognise it was one of the twins new inventions that had
been left behind during their last trip to the borough.
With the Extendable ear in place, Missus Weasley and her
two youngest daughters crowded around to eavesdrop.
Mr. Weasley stumbled upon them all a moment later, this
confusion turning to amusement at his wife's insistence on
meddling. Hermione could not help but feel
the utmost of joy for her sister as Priscilla called out that
Mister Sabini had proposed, and everyone squealed in excitement.
Soon, however, her own sadness returned to quickly overwhelm
her. When the door reopened, she made
sure to offer her congratulations to the couple
before slipping out of the house to find some solace.
The heat was suffocating, but she found the discomfort mild in
comparison to the sea of emotions swirling within her.
She debated whether encountering Mr. Malfoy again had been worth
the sudden devastation at discovering her feelings for him
and knowing their chance had come and gone.
His decision to return to London signalled that his motives did
not involve Hermione, and the feelings of love and admiration
he had once expressed for her no longer lingered.
There was something so tragic about the timing of it, and she
might have thought it poetic if it had not been so heart
wrenching. Once Hermione arrived at the
pond that had been her sanctuary on so many occasions, she curled
up under the shade of the Willow tree and let her tears fall
freely over the wizard she would never have.