Most ardently by Swift Night Chapter 6.
Hermione's expectations to enjoy a peaceful few days at home had
been upended immediately upon arriving back at the borough to
find the servants in various states of panic.
Tomorrow. The frazzled cook, Missus Fig,
was shouting as Hermione passed through the kitchen and stumbled
upon Mr. Weasley addressing her. But, Sir, when will there be
time to send a servant to the market?
We shall have to find a way. I'm afraid his arrival cannot be
delayed. I too wish we had more time, but
my nephew has undoubtedly failed to inform me of his visit until
this very morning. Missus Weasley did not waste her
breath before joining in on the conversation.
What is the meaning of this, Arthur?
She demanded. Are Fred and George coming to
see us? Hermione perked up excitedly at
the mere mention of her favorite cousins.
About five years her senior friend and George Pruitt were
most beloved by all the girls for all the amusement they
provided throughout Hermione's time at the Weasleys.
The twins were investors in London and had made quite a
fortune selling their bits and bobbles in their shop in Diagon
Alley. They had not visited the borough
in several years, but Hermione had made an effort to see them
when she was in London visiting her Mughal parents earlier in
the spring. Unfortunately for them all, Mr.
Weasley had to correct his wife's assumption.
Those would be preferable circumstances indeed, Molly
dear, but I must inform you that our unforeseen guest shall be my
late brother's son. Not yours, bilious son.
But why? Missus Weasley asked in horror.
He has never made any effort to visit us before.
His letter briefly touched on the desire to heal old wounds.
I am inclined to give him the benefit of the doubt in his
sincerity, even if his handwriting was barely legible.
I don't want him here, Arthur. Her mother insisted.
He is guaranteed to share those horrid views of us spouted by
the trollopy calls. A mother.
I forbid you to speak I'll of her while he is here.
Besides, my nephew's desire to visit has already been accepted,
my dear. Her father's voice was firm as
he scolded his wife. I have already sent my reply
just before you returned home. We can expect him tomorrow
afternoon and we shall sit down for a family dinner all
together. Oh, how I loathe to call him
family. He means to catch us off guard
and find the house unfit for visitors, but he is unaware that
I've already been prepared in case Mr. Sabini decided to call
on us, and I have far higher standard for him than I do for
our nephew. Nonetheless, I shall order all
the servants to clean the house from top to bottom so he can
have nothing I'll to say of us. Missus Weasley was not a patient
which and having declared her intentions, left to see her task
through. This left only Mr. Weasley,
Hermione, and Missus Fig standing in the Burrow's
kitchen. I can run to the market and pick
up anything you need. Hermione offered the woman,
watching her wring her hands as she prepared for the task ahead.
Thank you Miss Granger, your kindness is always appreciated.
I can have a list for you if you return in half an hour.
Missus Fig sighed in relief. Hermione smiled and followed Mr.
Weasley out of the kitchen. Luna had already returned
upstairs to rest, and Hermione could just make out the sound of
Missus Weasley barking out orders at her other daughters
and servants. Don't think I don't comprehend
your logic in offering such a kind service to the cook.
Her father said, a knowing twinkle in his eye.
Perhaps I should have had your wits and offered to assist
Missus Fig before you could beat me to it.
I would love nothing more than to join you on your jaunt into
town, Hermione, if only to escape the house for a while
longer. As if to prove his point, a loud
crash reverberated through the house, followed immediately by
Missus Weasley shrieking. I could use the exercise after
being cooped up at Featherfield all week with Luna.
She attempted to hide her smile. I promise I won't be gone long.
I'd say hurry home, but I can't in good conscience recommend it.
How Hermione escaped the borough undetected by Missus Weasley,
she could not say, but the tranquillity she felt amongst
the other patrons mindlessly milling about the main square of
Ochery St. Catchpole left her feeling in no
rush to hurry back home. And she knew her father would
not blame her for her lack of urgency.
Hermione. A familiar voice called out as
she perused the market stalls to collect her various ingredients
from the list Missus Fig had made.
Lavender. Hermione greeted her friend with
a smile and a kiss on both cheeks.
It has been too long. It has.
Her friend agreed. But I have seen plenty of your
mother in the meantime. You should know, she's been all
over the village telling everyone how you and Luna were
enjoying the hospitality of Mr. Sabini.
She even hinted about an upcoming engagement.
Hermione groaned at her mother's propensity for gossip.
While Mr. Sabini, it seems quite taken with Luna, my mother is
far too forward in publicly declaring such a thing.
But he hosted both of you for an entire week.
Certainly that must mean he's quite serious about her.
His hospitality was generous for sure.
She said before turning back to the shopkeeper as he brought her
out a bag of flour, hoping to change the subject.
It seems the Burroughs hospitality shall be tested
next. A most unwelcome visitor shall
be arriving tomorrow for dinner. Oh.
Lavender raised a brow. And who shall be joining the
gaggle of Weasleys at your dinner table?
The dreaded a cousin has come to call on us at last.
She confessed. I suspect he wants to come and
see the estate that will become his upon my father's death.
Or maybe I am being too cynical. His letter he wrote to my father
suggested he sincerely wishes to mend the rift in the family.
Though I am sceptical of such a thing, I am certain he comes
with some ulterior motive. A part of Hermione grew sad at
the reminder of her own sister's circumstances in regard to Mr.
Weasley's estate. It was tragic to know none of
them trueborn, Weasley, daughter or ward, would be eligible to
inherit the wizard holdings simply because they were
witches. The borough and it's modest
wealth were tied with the family's Wisengemart seat and
therefore Mr. Weasley would only be able to leave each of his
daughters with a small dowry if they still happen to remain
unmarried before his hopefully far off passing.
A most unwelcome visitor indeed. Tell me what was the reason for
the rift between them? My father rarely speaks of it,
but from what I learnt from my mother, who we both know is not
always a reliable source, my uncle eloped with a French witch
nearly 30 years ago and caused quite the scandal.
When my father married my mother several years later, the
brothers nearly came to blows at the wedding after my mother
failed to pronounce my aunt's name correctly.
I believe it was Fleur, but my mother insisted on calling her
phlegm. Since then, my uncle has refused
to visit, so we never met him before his unexpected passing a
few years ago. But I am certain some affection
must have remained between them, for my father rode all night to
make it in time for his funeral when he received the news.
How horrible, though, knowing your mother as well as I do, I
would not have put it past her to have insulted her on purpose.
I am unsure what the whole truth is, but I can see my father
hoping for a new beginning with his nephew for him.
I shall try to look past such a tumultuous history.
Hermione scepticism would be restrained if it meant she could
be Mr. Weasley's only ally in welcoming her cousin.
Perhaps Luna would aid her, but she had her blooming courtship
with Mr. Zabini to worry about and Hermione would not wish her
to jeopardise it. Well, if it does turn out to be
a bother, you and Luna are more than welcome to escape the
borough and visit with me as much as you like during the
duration of his stay. The witch offered.
With the season coming to an end, we shall find ourselves
lacking in amusement. I would not be so sure.
Hermione smiled coyly. I may not agree with her
methods, but Jinny has secured Mr. Sabini's promise to host a
ball at Featherfield. A ball?
The which yelped in excitement. Oh, how wonderful.
When would it be Yule? She answered.
Oh, how exciting it feels both so soon and ages away.
Lavender squealed. We shall have to visit the Mod
East. Indeed.
I would love a new dress and let us hope that by then my cousin
will be long forgotten. Missus Weasley was still tearing
through the house by the time Hermione arrived home, but much
progress had been made in the efforts to prepare for the
gentleman's dreaded arrival. Luna managed to slip her mother
a Calming Draught into her tea just before midnight, and it was
thankfully strong enough that she fell asleep soon after,
leaving the inhabitants of the house able to rest a few hours.
When the morning came, the hustle and bustle soon returned.
Missus Weasley's first task of the day was ordering Jinny and
Charlie to denome the garden. This did not go well and the
gnome seemed intent on leading an all out revolt until Luna
intervened. Playing intermediary, the gnomes
agreed to retreat up the hill until the family sat down for
dinner in exchange for a half dozen vegetables.
No one besides Mrs. Weasley truly wanted them gone for good,
so the peace treaty was happily accepted by both witches and
gnomes, and the garden was temporarily free of so-called
pests for their cousin's arrival.
Despite complaining about everything left to be done,
Missus Weasley spent the entire morning in the kitchen cooking.
Hermione was unsurprised, as her mother often cooked to mitigate
stress. Missus Figs said very little and
focused mostly on staying out of the witch's way while she tore
through the kitchen. When the silver was polished and
all the food had been finished and placed under stasis charms,
Missus Weasley finally relented and rushed to dress for her
nephew's arrival, ordering her daughters to all do the same.
Hermione, having worn all her best dresses while at
Featherfield, was only left with her plainest and most
comfortable dress, which earned her a glare.
Once Mrs. Weasley joined them in the sitting room, she was
convinced her mother was about to order her to change.
However, time seemed on Hermione's side when a knock on
the door signalled the arrival of their mysterious relative.
Right as Mrs. Weasley opened her mouth.
They all sat up straighter, attempting to look more
dignified as the servant let the wizard through the door.
He was led into the sitting room and they all appraised each
other as the silence stretched on.
Ronald Weasley was the opposite of how she had imagined him, not
that she ever bothered to truly think of him at all.
Until yesterday, the picture she conjured in her mind had been of
a short and stout gentleman oozing self-confidence and false
grandeur. But instead he was tall, lean,
and had a boyish, if not a bit awkward expression as he
stumbled into the Burrow's sitting room.
She felt a pang of pity seeing the wizard's abundance of nerves
on full display. While not related to Fred and
George Pruitt, Hermione thought the gentleman could be mistaken
for brothers should they ever cross paths.
Both the Pruitts and Weasleys had been known for their
distinctive red hair, so at least that aspect of his
appearance was as expected. Good day, family, Ronald
Weasley, at your service. The wizard finally said, bowing
low, if not a bit too formally. Nephew.
Mr. Weasley grunted in acknowledgement.
So good of you to finally visit our home after all these years.
Yes, Uncle, it is nice to be able to meet everyone at long
last. I'm sorry we were not able to be
properly introduced at my father's funeral.
He spoke very fondly of you. Hermione and Luna shared a
sceptical glance at such a kind remark, but perhaps the rift had
been more one sided than previously assumed.
And your mother? Missus Weasley chimed in, her
voice a tad too sweet to be sincere in her enquiry.
She never said much on the matter.
Cousin Ronald answered, but could not meet her mother's eye.
She passed away a few years before my father, I'm afraid,
while I was away at school. That is too bad.
Her mother tutted this time, sounding more genuine in her
remarks. It is always hard to lose a
parent, but to lose both in such a quick succession is
unimaginably cruel. I was a wizard groan by the time
I lost my father, though I still was unprepared to lose him so
suddenly. Yes, Missus.
Weasley hummed before redirecting.
I am sure you are hungry from your travels, Sir.
Shall we all reconvene to the dining room to enjoy our supper?
Cousin Ronald perked up at her mother's mention of food.
No, yes, I am starving. Apologies for my delay, My
broomstick isn't the most reliable for longer journeys.
We have an excellent broomsmith in the village if you're in need
of a TuneIn. Jinny piped up to offer.
What broom type do you ride, Mr. Weasley?
Second hand Clean Sweep 5 and Cousin Ronald is fine, cousin.
He finally looked around to notice the remaining witches in
the room, though Hermione was content to remain uninvolved as
long as possible. My youngest, Gin Evera, Mrs.
Weasley, cut back in, looking abashed by Jinny's lack of
restraint in holding her tongue. And my other daughters,
Charlotte and Priscilla, pleasure to make your
acquaintance. He bowed again to each of them.
And finally, our boards and adopted daughters, Miss Luna
Lovegood and Miss Hermione Granger.
Hermione and Luna both curtsied back at him.
She didn't miss how the young Mr. Weasley's eyes lingered
briefly on Luna. When they arrived in the dining
room, Cousin Ronald found his words again.
Such a lovely family, Aunt Molly.
The wizard complimented as they all took their seats.
Now I wish I could have grown up with siblings.
I shall hope to get to know you all well during my stay here at
the borough. How long do you plan to stay,
nephew? Mr. Weasley asked casually.
Just through the new year. He answered, missing the shocked
look of his host as his eyes were focused on the spread of
food before him. Mr. Weasley sighed, but did not
reply to the wizard's intent to test the hospitality of the
borough for over a month, instead signalling for them all
to begin filling their plates. Hermione thought this best,
having learned over the course of her life that Wizards were in
their highest spirits after a good meal.
Cousin Ronald filled his plate with a bit of everything the
table had to offer, seeming eager to indulge.
An awkward silence settled at the table that even Jinny and
Charlie seemed uninterested in breaking as they all began to
eat. Hermione had taken the seat
across from Cousin Ronald, and unfortunately, such a
circumstance condemned her to intimately witness his atrocious
lack of manners as he stuffed his face with enthusiasm that
her nerves were quickly grated by the sound of his loud
chewing. Not to mention the dirt he had
on his nose that she had to fight her instincts to point out
to avoid being considered rude. The food is remarkable.
He declared with his mouth full, prompting conversation once
more. Especially these boiled
potatoes. I've not had such an exemplary
vegetable since my time at Hogwarts.
To which of my fair cousins do I?
Oh my, thanks for the excellence of the cooking.
We are perfectly able to afford a cook, nephew.
Missus Weasley insisted, leaving out how she'd spent most of the
morning preparing the potatoes he so graciously complimented.
Excellent. The wizard exclaimed.
I'm delighted to learn the estate can afford such a living.
Hermione fought the urge to snort at such a statement.
From the wizard's own admission, he had arrived on a second hand
broom. Not that she judged a wizard by
his living, but to be judged by the very wizard who was set to
inherit the estate over her sisters simply because he was a
man felt like an insult. He remained oblivious to the
glares shot at him over the table, too focused on a second
helping of the potatoes he had just praised.
As I said before, I shall only be able to stay until the new
year, at which point I will be expected to return to Kent.
Cousin Ronald reminded them, though it had yet to be
forgotten. I have acquired a position with
Lady Victoria Greengass as her proxy for the Wizengermot.
I presume you know of her? His tone indicated that he was
convinced they must, but while Hermione thought the family name
sounded familiar, she had never met anyone possessing it.
We have not had the luxury of making her acquaintance.
Mr. Weasley answered for them all, his tone dry.
My father knew her quite well. He continued, as if Mr. Weasley
had not replied. Our cottage in Kent abuts her
estates, Greengrass Grove. She rides past quite often in
her carriage, pulled by the most regal of thestrels.
The wizard's boastful nature about his patroness's wealth
prompted Hermione to exchange a knowing look with her sisters.
Jinny struggled to keep from snickering but failed.
Missus Weasley sent a warning look at her youngest before
engaging back in conversation with her nephew.
Does Lady Greengrass have any children?
Her single daughter, Miss Astoria Greengrass, she is the
heiress of the Greengrass Grove and it's extensive property.
I have often observed to Lady Greengrass that her daughter
seemed born to be a Minister's wife, for all she had the
superior graces of elevated rank.
Based on how Mr. Weasley was handling his fork, Hermione was
surprised the wizard understood the mere concept of proper
etiquette. Still, he carried on, failing to
notice the witches sniggering at his pompousness.
Only Luna looked unamused. These delicate compliments are
always acceptable to the ladies, and I conceive myself duty bound
to pay. As he spoke the last words, he
attempted to make eye contact with Luna.
Mr. Weasley, seeming to have had enough of his nephew's foolish
display of performative chivalry, finally rejoined the
conversation. How fortunate of you, nephew, to
possess such a talent for flattery.
When cousin Ronald's attention was not drawn from Luna by the
teasing from her father, Hermione offered her own
remarks. Cousin, she said in an attempt
to distract him. Do you find that these pleasing
words proceed from the impulse of the moment, or are they often
the result of previous study? She smiled demurely as the
wizard redirected his attention to her, not faltering even as
Luna tried to kick her under the table for such jesting his
expense. He remained oblivious to her
motives, however, While most come from events unfolding at
the time, I occasionally amuse myself by concocting elegant
little compliments. And of course, I always attempt
to deliver them in as unstudied A manner as possible.
Believe me, cousin, I strongly doubt anyone could ever expect
your words to be rehearsed. Hermione preened falsely.
Jinny, who had barely been holding it together up until
this point, choked loudly. Hermione leaned over to pat her
sister on the back to assist her in hiding her amusement from
their unobservant guest. After dinner, I thought I might
entertain us with some wizard chess.
I am quite proficient and was even awarded for my exemplary
skill while I was in school. He puffed out his chest and then
returned his attention to Luna. Do you play wizard's chess, Miss
Lovegood? Luna shook her head.
None of the girls had ever shown any interest in learning, and
that had not changed simply due to his arrival.
Tragically, their apparent lack of desire to learn did not deter
the wizard, as Cousin Ronald spent the remainder of the meal
rambling about various rules and strategies.
Hermione hoped for a reprieve after dinner concluded, but the
gentleman offered them to circle up around the table as he played
with Priscilla, who seemed the most willing out of all of them,
Though even she was bored within minutes of the game, seeming to
be content purposefully placing herself into checkmate just to
bring the game to an expedited conclusion.
When the wizard finally freed them all to return to their own
activities, Hermione dismissed herself to fetch her knitting
needles. She was nearly back to the
sitting room when she stumbled upon Mrs. Weasley and Cousin
Ronald speaking in hushed tones in the hallway.
Having not been spotted, Hermione stood frozen in her
hiding spot, afraid of being caught in what was a private
conversation. As I said earlier this evening,
I have been entrusted with the honourable duty of being Lady
Greengrass's proxy for the Wisengermot.
The gentleman reminded her. Do you recall such a fact,
nephew? Missus Weasley said somewhat
impatiently. Well, such a position requires
much from me, and as a respectable gentleman, Lady
Greengrass has discussed how it would be prudent for me to marry
once I find a respectable witch to be the mistress of my humble
abode. Hermione felt her anxiety rising
as the wizard schemed so openly with her mother.
I believe that selecting such a wife amongst your wards would
suit everyone and bring an end to any family animosity that
remains between us. As such, I must inform you that
upon my arrival, Miss Lovegood has captured my particular
interest in fulfilling such a role.
No, this could not stand, Hermione thought in protest.
It could not be allowed. When Luna had captured the
interest of Mr. Zabini. He was far more suited to Luna
than this oaf in front of her. Oh, Mr. Weasley, her mother
began. Unfortunately, I find it is
incumbent upon me to hint that Miss Lovegood is very likely to
be engaged before the year's end.
Hermione sighed in relief, though it was short lived.
Engaged cousin Ronald's voice gave away his disappointment.
Yes, but do not let that discourage you from your goal.
Hermione is just behind her in age and beauty.
Her natural affinity for magic would make any wizard an
excellent partner. She had the sudden desire to hex
her own mother for offering her up so easily to the stranger
whom they barely all knew. She had thought her teasing
alone at dinner would be enough to destroy any notion of the
idea, but her antagonism did not seem to deter him.
I suppose you are correct, Aunt Molly.
She could certainly be a very agreeable alternative.
How lucky am I that both your wards would be as lovely as they
are. Hermione could not bear to hear
another word of the pair's conversation, fleeing back
upstairs unnoticed by either scheming party.
When she was safely locked away in her room, she paced back and
forth in the hopes of countering her mother's plan.
She concluded that Mister Weasley was entirely unsuitable
for her after only a single evening trapped in his presence.
While she knew her mother would be furious with her for such
tactics, Hermione vowed to demonstrate her displeasure at
the idea of such a match. Perhaps if she could illustrate
their incompatibilities, he would relent and seek out
companionship elsewhere. Not that she would wish his
interest on to any witch in her acquaintance.
By the time Luna arrived that night, Hermioneer calmed enough
to feign a simple headache when her concerned sister enquired as
to the reason for her absence. A short while later, she closed
her eyes for the night, comforting herself with the
knowledge that Cousin Ronald would soon see that she was the
last witch on earth capable of making him happy.