Most ardently by Swift Night Chapter 10 January bled into
endlessly dull days with nothing to entice Hermione.
With Luna in London alongside her father, Hermione was left at
the Burrow with only her mother and young sisters to occupy her.
Unlike in previous winters, she could not dash off to Brown
Cottage for tea with Lavender when Missus Weasley tried to
smother her or her sisters grew too rowdy.
The end of February saw the return of Mr. Weasley and a
formal invitation from Lavender to spend a month in Kent.
With Luna not set to return to the borough until April,
Hermione accepted her friend's offer and made her travel
arrangements. Missus Weasley made it
abundantly obvious that she was still bitter about Cousin
Ronald's match with Lavender and pestered Hermione endlessly
about how she would soon find out all that she had missed out
on by refusing the wizard's proposal.
From the tone of Lavender's letter, she seemed to have been
settling into married life with ease, but no amount of her
mother's nagging could make Hermione envious of her friend's
new found happiness. At long last, her things were
packed and the carriage was finally prepared.
Mr. Weasley rode with her halfway to London, the pair
occupying their time in silence while they read.
When they arrived at the midpoint just after midday, her
father deposited Hermione into the care of her cousins, Fred
and George, and the Wizards took her the remaining distance to
London. It was already late in the
afternoon when they arrived in town.
They dropped off Fred at the flat he occupied above the Twin
Shop in Diagon Alley before continuing on to George's
residence, which he shared with his wife.
As they pulled up to the elegant row house, she spotted a
familiar face peeking through the window.
Hopping out of the carriage, she made it halfway up the stairs
before the front door was opened and she was yanked inside by her
darling sister. Hermione spent the entire
remainder of the evening in Luna's exemplary company and the
witch has caught up on all that had transpired since the start
of the new year. So far, her sister had not had
any sighting of Mr. Sabini or the elusive Miss Parkinson.
It seemed Pansy's scheming continued as she failed to
respond to any of Luna's letters inviting her to meet for tea.
Hermione had even gone out of her way to write to the witch
and disclose Luna was in London. But even her letter had gone
unanswered, leading Hermione to conclude her theory about the
witch's active subterfuge in keeping Luna from reuniting with
her brother was correct. The betrayal stung more than she
could have anticipated. Hermione had thought that Pansy
was her friend. The witch had even been the one
to insist on it. So the sudden silence felt
particularly cruel. Despite her lack of success so
far, Luna feigned enjoyment of her time in London, but her
sadness could not be hidden from Hermione.
It was nearly impossible to leave her when the morning came,
but at Luna's insistence and cousin George's assurance to
keep watch over her, Hermione relented and continued her
journey. The roads leading to Kent were
not nearly as smooth as the initial part of her journey, and
she was forced to put down her book to keep from getting
carriage sickness. It only marginally helped.
When the carriage finally came to a stop, Hermione was still
somewhat nauseous. A servant opened the door and
Hermione gladly panted, her feet on solid ground once more.
As she acclimated, a familiar face appeared and dashed across
the garden to meet her. You're here.
Lavender squealed as the witches embraced.
Oh, I have missed you. How were your travels, Bumpy?
She replied with a grimace before recovering.
But I'm happy to be here now. The witch looked her over, her
smile dimming at Hermione's response.
You do seem a little green. Let's get you inside and then
I'll request the servants bring us some tea.
Hermione would not turn down her hostess's hospitality and Luna
hooked their arms together to give her some much needed
support. They made their way through the
garden before Cousin Ronald met them.
Cousin, so glad you can join us. He genuinely sounded like he
meant it. Welcome to Shell Cottage.
Since proposing to Lavender, Ronald, Ron, as she now
constantly reminded herself, had become a truly pleasant
gentleman. Without the tension of A1 sided
courtship between them. Hermione and Ron were now
capable of conversing quite easily when the wizard had
tentatively approached after the revelation of his betrothal to
Lavender was revealed. He kindly thanked her for
reminding him that it was all right to pursue his own
happiness when seeking out a partner and hoped that there
would be no animosity between them.
Hermione insisted there was not and congratulated him before
wishing him and Lavender a lifetime of happiness together.
At long last, Ron and Hermione were finally able to have a
civil relationship. Ron had even gone so far as to
adopt the habit of referring to her as his cousin in his final
days at the borough, something he had never once done while he
pursued her. Thank you for having me.
She said politely. Ron Lavender drew her husband's
attention. Hermione is feeling a bit worn
down from her journey and was going to take her inside and
offer her some tea. Oh yes, apologies Hermione, I
forgot that everyone is not as used to the roads here as I am.
Poor Lavender was queasy for hours after we arrived, and I
wasn't able to give her a proper tour of the house or introduce
her to any of the servants until the following morning.
You took good care of me, my love.
Lavender continued to pull Hermione into the house as she
spoke, taking her hand and leading her into the quaint
drawing room. Make sure you order the ginger
tea. He insisted to his wife as he
followed after them down the hall.
I made sure to procure some more when I last visited London after
it greatly aided Love's recovery.
When the servant appeared moments later, Ron wasted no
time in instructing them to prepare the tea before he
departed to his study. Now alone, the witches were free
to converse. Lavender inquired after Luna and
Hermione filled her in on all that had transpired.
Her friend offered her some kind words in support of Luna and
some less than kind words about a particular heiress.
The tea arrived while they were speaking, and as promised by
Ron, it helped exceedingly well. She was shown to a modest bed
chamber after they finished the tea and Hermione was free to
rest until dinner. By the time dinner arrived, her
appetite had returned and she was shocked to see Lavender had
ordered all of her favorite dishes to be served.
It was such a tender gesture and what little apprehension about
spending a month away from home was forgotten by dessert when
she finally retired for bed that evening and many was excited to
explore all Kent had to offer. It appeared the first experience
in Kent had to offer would be dinner with the illustrious Lady
Victoria Greengrass at the neighboring Greengrass Grove
estate. The witch had ridden by mid
morning and inquired after Mr. Weasley's newest houseguest.
Hermione wasn't sure how Lady Greengrass had learned the
information, but she was told by Ron that she should be flattered
by such an invitation from his patroness coming so soon after
her arrival. Her cousin made a big fuss of
ensuring Hermione was dressed appropriately for the honour,
and after changing her dress twice at his insistence, he
finally deemed her suitable to meet his patroness.
Since Charles Cottage was nestled at the edge of the Green
Grass Grove's manicured gardens, they elected to walk the short
distance to the manor's front door instead of fussing with a
carriage. Unsurprisingly, they were
greeted by a house self and escorted through the grand hall
to a drawing room on the main floor.
Ron entered first, moving to the centre of the room and offering
a low bow to the already seated occupants.
They were currently blocking her line of sight, but she was soon
afforded a better view when Cousin Ronald summoned his wife
and Hermione forward. Lavender squeezed her hand in
reassurance before entering and taking her place at her
husband's side. Hermione followed her actions
and curtsied low to Lady Greengrass.
So you're the muggle born witch, Miss Hermione Granger?
The witch's discerning expression appraised her from
head to toe. I am your ladyship, Hermione
replied. Lady Greengrass sat upon her
chaise as if it were a throne, decked in her dazzling finery.
She was easily identified as the wealthiest witch in the room.
Her hair was perfectly quaffed and her demeanour was rigid and
unforgiving. She completed her assessment of
Hermione and her scowl indicated she found her displeasing in
some way. Instead of sharing her thoughts
on what aspects she must have found less savoury, she simply
turned to direct her attention to the younger witch on her
left. This is my daughter, Astoria.
Hermione bowed, though Astoria made no reply to be introduced.
Her hair was pinned back tightly.
If Hermione had to guess, she would say Miss Greengrass was
closer in age to Jinny than herself.
The young witch appeared rather timid, shrinking in on herself
but becoming her mother's focus. Lavender began thanking Lady
Greengrass for her invitation as Hermione continued to silently
watch the young witch. Once her mother had turned her
attention away, Miss Greengrass's eyes darted to 1/3
witch seated not too far away that Hermione had failed to
notice upon her entry. The unidentified witch was
strikingly similar in appearance to Miss Greengrass, though not
nearly as well dressed. The girls could easily have been
sisters, but she recalled Ron had mentioned Lady Greengrass
only had one daughter. She would have to remember to
ask Lavender about it when they returned to Shell Cottage.
While Hermione had been attempting to subtly take in the
room and its inhabitants, her Hostess seemed to catch her in
the act. Ah yes, I suppose I must also
introduce my ward. Lady Greengrass's tone indicated
she was not at all pleased by the action.
Daphne Bennett. Hermione opened her mouth to
reply, but was immediately cut off again by another party
entering the drawing room. Striding into the room were two
gentlemen, one of whom Hermione was familiar with.
Mr. Malfoy? Hermione called out in surprise.
What are you doing here? Mr. Malfoy made no response,
coming to stop before the group and offering a bow.
Hermione rushed to curtsey after her outburst and Ron stepped
forward. Mr. Malfoy, I was not aware that
you were here at Green Grass Grove.
What an honour to have you in our company this evening.
Hermione half expected Mr. Malfoy to allow her cousin to
continue his attempts at flattery, but he paid him no
mind, turning back to address her.
Miss Granger, I am a guest here. Before she could enquire what
could have led to his stay at Green Grass Grove, Lady
Greengrass reclaimed everyone's focus.
You know Mr. Malfoy. Yes, ma'am, Hermione answered.
We were introduced during his stay at Ottery Saints Catchpole,
Ah. Yes, I am aware that he spent
time. In that part of the country last
autumn, the way Lady Greengrass sneered indicated her feelings
for the village quite clearly. Mr. Malfoy has come all this way
to visit Astoria and myself, and he would be my special guest for
as long as he pleases. Hermione had already decided
upon her introduction to Lady Greengrass that she hoped to
spend as little time inside this Manor as possible, and being
forced to enjoy Mr. Malfoy's presence lurking about only made
her conviction stronger. The gentleman standing beside
Mr. Malfoy cleared his throat to gain attention of his company
and the company at large. When everyone still failed to
acknowledge him again, the wizard decided to take matters
into his own hands. Theodore, not, he, declared to
the room. Please to make your
acquaintance. His introduction prompted
another round of bows from Ron and more curtsying from Hermione
and Lavender. Compared to Mr. Malfoy's
permanent scowl, Mr. Knott's smile was a welcome reprieve,
especially after the tense atmosphere that permeated the
drawing room for the last few minutes.
Once again, Hermione was left wondering what about the severe
Mr. Malfoy attracted such amiable companions.
Shortly after, under the house, Self appeared to inform them
that dinner was ready to be served and the group relocated
to the dining room. Hermione chose a seat at the far
end of the table beside Mr. Knott in hopes of avoiding Mr.
Malfoy's eye and Lady Greengrass's ire.
But her plan quickly fell apart, however, when Lady Greengrass
ordered Ron to switch places with her so that he would no
longer occupy the seat beside his wife and Mr. Malfoy.
Her new seat also meant she was so much closer to Lady
Greengrass, who was seated on the other side of Mr. Malfoy in
protest to her new company. Hermione intended to keep her
focus on Lavender, but no sooner had she picked up her fork did
Mr. Malfoy interject. I trust your family is in good
health, Miss Granger. His tone was polite, something
she did not expect from him. They are, thank you.
She gave a curt response before deciding she had more she wished
to say. My elder sister Luna has been
spending the winter in London. Perhaps you have seen her.
She knew he had not, but maybe if Mr. Malfoy mentioned to Mr.
Zabini that Luna was there, she could circumvent Pansy's
scheming and reunite the couple. Mr. Malfoy swallowed a bite of
beef before answering. I have not had the pleasure.
The Wisengemot session kept all its members very busy throughout
the winter. Hermione frowned at his reply.
Pansy had said as much, but Hermione had refused to consider
her a credible source in such things.
After her treachery, Miss Grainger, Lady Greengrass,
called for her attention. Mr. Weasley informs me that you
are one of the wards of his uncle.
I am your Ladyship, Hermione answered and certain as to why
she had been singled out amongst all the other guests.
Your parents, they are Muggles, correct?
Yes. Your Ladyship, they live in
London. How wonderful for you to have
been discovered to have magic you muggleborns should consider.
Yourselves quite fortunate to have been lifted.
Out of such poverty, I am sure. You must be quite.
Grateful to the Weaseies for taking you in.
Many families wouldn't be willing to take any witch or
wizard tainted with such muggle blood.
I would never have conceded to take Daphne in if I were not
certain she were at least 1/2 blood.
Hermione's eyes narrowed at the witch's insinuation.
She swore everyone's seated paused, waiting to see how she
would react to such an insult. Hermione was no fool, however,
and she chose each of her words with care.
My muggle parents was so happy for me when they found out about
my magic, though even if I had been raised as a muggle, I would
likely still have experienced a very comfortable life.
My father is a doctor with a speciality in teeth, which has
afforded him and my mother a higher rank among most A.
Tooth Healer. Lady Greengrass exclaimed.
I have never heard of such a thing.
Barbaric, in my opinion. Yes, Miss Granger, be thankful
you found yourself in the custody of the Weasleys with
such a familial background. Her patience was wearing thin at
the witch's continued verbal disparagement based on her blood
status. No matter how high of a rank
Lady Greengrass possessed, these comments were outright rude, and
yet no one at the table spoke up in her defence.
Though Easley's have always been kind to me, she attempted to
keep her voice calm. They have never stifled my love
of learning or made me feel inferior for my parentage.
It was Lady Greengrass's turn to now her eyes at Hermione's jab
of. Course she recovered.
You were so young and malleable when you went into their care.
Easy to break any unattractive traits you may have possessed in
your youth. They have three daughters of
their own, correct? Yes, there are five of us in
total. Your Ladyship.
The title began to take on a bitter taste in her mouth that
had nothing to do with the elf made wine that she had conserved
ranging from 17 to 4 and 20. My goodness, 5 witches brought
up in a home in such quick succession.
I hope your governess was paid handsomely for her services.
We never had a governess, ma'am. Hermione informed her, taking a
moment to chew a bite of beef that the witch's interrogation
had kept her from enjoying thus far.
No, governess my word. I have never heard of such a
thing. I feel terribly for Missus
Weasley, the witch bemoaned. Though Hermione doubted her
sincerity. You are lucky you received any
education at all from her. No one would blame her for
focusing on teaching her own daughters instead.
After all, they each have far greater prospects as pure blood
witches than yourself. She felt Lavender's hand squeeze
hers gently under the table in a silent show of support.
Hermione understood that Ron, and by extension Lavender, could
face a financial and social ruin if they weren't against the
wizard's patroness. When her eyes darted over to her
cousin, she found him looking somewhat green, his plate going
untouched, which Hermione knew was entirely out of character
for him. Hermione could not help but feel
that Lady Greengrass had already made-up her mind about her, but
she refused to be belittled to such an extreme.
My father and mother have always insisted that we are all their
daughters. Hermione sat a little straighter
as she made her defence. They fostered our talents and
supported us where we were lacking.
I have never once felt that I were a burden to them.
I love my sisters, blood relations or not.
The Weaseleys are my family and I would not trade them for every
galleon in the world to fill my pockets.
It was not Lady Greengrass's cold look that caught her
attention at the end of her speech, but the pensive
expression colouring Mr. Malfoyce.
She recalled a similar conversation they'd had while in
the greenhouses at Featherfield. Hermione wondered if he was
remembering it too. Her passionate declaration
finally seemed to cause Lady Greengrass to lose interest and
she made it a point to ignore her for the rest of the meal.
Not that Hermione minded being snubbed as it was far preferable
to the verbal sparring she had been subjected to all evening.
They retired back to the drawing room once the meal was completed
and Lady Greengrass insisted on the ladies paying a round of
cards. Since there were 5 ladies in
attendance and only four spots at the card table, Lady
Greengrass ordered her ward to sit out the first round.
Hermione was unfamiliar with the game and lost rather quickly,
which gave her ample opportunity to listen in on the gentleman's
conversation happening a short distance away.
Their current topic had to do with a Wizengermot matter and
Hermione's ears perked up at a familiar term.
Of course, the Bulgarian Ministry expressed their
concerns with the Dementors. They are nervous that the large
cluster of witches and Wizards will attract the creatures.
Mr. Knott commented. Nearly every aura in Britain
will be stationed at the site. Perhaps if the Bulgarians are so
concerned, they should supply some of their own men to stand
guard for unlikely threats. Mr. Malfoy gruffed.
The mentors are threatening the World Cup?
Hermione could not help but ask, turning to engage in the
conversation. I thought auras had been
dispatched to deal with them at Appleby.
From what she could recall, the Quidditch World Cup was set to
take place in Norwich, which wasn't too far from Appleby.
And they had Ron answered. But the influx of witches and
Wizards from abroad and the exciting atmosphere might entice
them and cause a group of them to swarm.
I have seen it happen during my last year at Hogwarts.
It was also a Quidditch match and that gave everyone quite a
fright. Of course, there is no need to
panic Miss Granger. Lady Green, Rives interjected,
reclaiming the attention of all her guests, the card game now
forgotten. The auras will do the job we pay
them to do. But what about the cases where
the auras are too far away to help?
It had been an uncommon occurrence to have any auras
stationed in Nottari St. Catchpole, and unless any more
trolls appeared in the nearby hills, it was likely to remain
that way. Well, then you would call for
them, Miss Granger. What else can you expect people
to do? Lady Greengrass acted like her
suggestion was the only possible answer, but Hermione knew there
was an alternative. But could the Ministry perhaps
begin including the Patronus charm in the Hogwarts
curriculum, and then once the gentlemen learn, they can return
home to teach it to the witches in their family?
That way it would ensure that everyone is capable of defending
themselves against the mentors whenever or wherever they
appeared. Hermione had read upon the
creatures after her conversation with Mr. Potter and found them
to be quite terrifying. To think of a large number of
them swarming any area with crowds filled with families and
young children made her nervous. You underestimate the complexity
of the spell. Mr. Malfoy was the first to
speak in response. They were deemed too complex for
even Newt level students to have mastered by graduation, though
many try as it would practically ensure an outstanding exam
result. I must say I know no one in my
acquaintance outside of the Aura service and perhaps a few of the
Hogwarts professors capable of producing A corporeal Patronus.
Even for those who can do so, they would tell you it took them
years to master. On the chance that it became
part of the curriculum. There would be no guarantee
Wizards could actually learn to produce anything more than a
simple shield or be skilled enough to teach their wives and
daughters. Hermione recalled how Mr. Potter
had been taught the spell during his earlier years at Hogwarts,
but those had been private lessons with his professor,
which couldn't be afforded to every student at the school.
Still, teaching some sounded better than not trying at all.
Before she could voice her counterpoint, however, Lady
Greengrass spoke again. Yes, Mr. Malfoy is correct.
No witch could ever be capable of mastering such a difficult
spell. I would know, having attempted
it myself in my youth. There had.
Never been a spell I could not master until that one, so I
agree that it is best that we leave it trained wizard to
handle these mutters are for us. I know you seem to have the
muggle ingenuity bred into you, Miss Granger, but a witch should
know their limits when it comes to such things.
There again, she caught the witch alluding to her Muggle
parentage. At this point, Lady Greengrass
had insulted her in every way except for using the slur Mr.
Malfoy had been the first to use against her.
It was no wonder Lady Greengrass was fond of him, seeing as they
shared the same abhorrence for muggleborns.
Hermione thought about how to respond.
It was more likely that they couldn't have expected to stay
more than an hour or two, and it would be best for her to keep
her head down to avoid catching Lady Greengrass's attention
again, but she could not refrain from the golden opportunity in
front of her to prove the witch wrong in her assumption.
It is most certainly possible, your Ladyship, seeing as I
learnt a spell just this last winter.
She declared to the room, causing everyone to turn to face
her. And how hard can it truly be,
seeing as I had only begun practising it after the new
year? Hermione watched as each of the
drawing room's occupants absorbed her confession.
Ron's ears had gone somewhat red, but he seemed more
uncomfortable than angry at her announcement.
Lavender appeared smug. Her friend had known her long
enough to be aware of how Hermione reacted to being told
she was incapable. Mr. Knott seemed excitedly
curious at her statement, his eyes lighting up with a level of
mischief she associated with her twin cousins.
Miss Greengrass and Miss Bennett paused their private
conversation to stare at her Mal's agape in shock at her
statement. Lady Greengrass stiffened at her
words, but Hermione could see her calculating her next move in
this battle of wills. She stood firm, but in her
appraisal of the room, she failed to clock Mr. Malfoy's
reaction. You never failed to surprise us,
Miss Granger. His tone conveyed his disbelief
as he shook his head. Well.
Then Lady Greengrass spat. Perhaps you would be so kind as
to give us a demonstration. Then we should consider it your
contribution to our evening's entertainment.
And Daphne can take your place in our card game.
The desire to call out the witch's hypocrisy at suddenly
referring to her Patronus charm as a mere entertainment after
declaring it too difficult to spell for any witch to master
less than a minute ago left her feeling more frustrated than
ever. She had not spent countless
hours fighting frostbite in the winter chill to be ordered to
parade her skills as if it were a menial party trick.
That being said, if she refused, Lady Greengrass wouldn't
hesitate to call Hermione a liar.
With no other option Hermione could discern at the moment, she
sighed and relinquished her seat at the table to Lady
Greengrass's ward. She retreated to a nearby
armchair that was far enough away that Lady Greengrass would
have to shout if she wished to engage her in another round of
conversation, and pulled out her wand.
She closed her eyes, imagining the selected memory she'd
discovered powerful enough to summon her corporeal Patronus.
With the memory at the forefront of her mind, Hermione recited
the spell. As always, there was a moment of
stillness when her breath caught, wondering what would
come forth. But before she could doubt
herself, her luminous Otter emerged from the tip of her wand
and began to swim through the air.
Oh, Hermione. Lavender cried out from her seat
at the table. It's so beautiful.
The entire room took on awed looks as her Patronus circled
the room. Lady Greengrass was quick to
regain her daughter and Ward's focus as she insisted on
starting a new game. Ron had meandered over to stand
behind Lavender as she played, but the two remaining Wizards
seemed keen on seeking her out. You mean to frighten me by your
presence, Mr. Malfoy, you should know this Otter is quite capable
of fighting off Dementors and brooding gentlemen in equal
measure. Hermione said at his approach.
My acquaintance with you has taught me I cannot frighten you
even should I wish it. He replied, his voice soft so as
to not to carry where the witches played their cards.
Miss Grainger? Mr. Knott called for her
attention as he stepped forward to join them.
I feel I have greatly missed out on all the fun in Ottery Saints
Catchpole. Tell me, what was my friend like
during his visit? Hermione paused, her eyes
straying from her Otter to the two gentlemen before her.
Would you really like to know? She asked, her lips curling up
in a subtle smile. Should I be honest or kind in my
regard of him? 01 should always be honest, Miss
Granger. He insisted, even as Mr. Malfoy
scowled at him. Very well.
Prepare yourself for something truly dreadful then, Mr. Nott.
And during our first meeting at the dance hall, he danced with
no one at all, even though gentlemen were scarce and more
than one witch was sitting down without a partner.
Having known him all my life, I am inclined to believe your
claims, Miss Granger. Draco so rarely dances, even
though he was the best in our year.
A true tragedy for witches everywhere.
I knew no one in attendance. Mr. Malfoy came to his own
defence and one cannot be introduced in a ballroom.
Hermione pointed out. Mr. Nott opened his mouth to
reply, but was immediately summoned by Lady Greengrass and
left promptly to attend to the witch's demands of him.
Hermione returned her focus to her Otter, letting it float
higher and higher toward the drawing room's tall ceiling.
She had become so distracted that Mister Malfoy clearing his
throat caused her to jolt from her seat.
I must say I do not find it easy to converse with people I have
never met before. It is always so difficult to
find the right words to say to convey my feelings, he said
quietly. How does one get better at
anything if one does not practise, Mr. Malfoy?
She counted. Words are magic in themselves,
but like all magic, it requires constant study to improve.
The wizard had no response to that, simply settling into the
chaise a short distance away. Seeing as he was unwilling to
engage further with her in conversation, Hermione was left
to watch her Otter float through the room until the round of
cards finished. Once done, Lady Greengrass
wished them farewell and she was free to depart with Ron and
Lavender.