Most ardently by swift night. CHAPTER 2.
Mr. Weasley called at Featherfield the following
Monday to make the acquaintance of Mr. Sabini.
When he returned several hours later, his wife and daughter
spent all of supper interrogating him on the
gentleman. They had been pleased when Mr.
Weasley shared that he had found the wizard most agreeable and
even more so to hear. He planned to attend the public
ball hosted on Thursday to meet the rest of the magical members
of the neighborhood. The house had been buzzing with
anticipation throughout the week, and even Hermione found
herself looking forward to the event as she climbed into the
thestral pulled carriage to depart for the evening.
One short ride from the borough into Ottery St.
Catchpole had the Weaseleys and their wards deposited on the
steps of the public dance hall. Music streamed out from the open
doors as the guests arrived, welcoming them inside.
Public bowls in the neighborhood were often rowdier than private
ones, and as such the room was already packed with Wizards and
witches in high spirits. It seemed they had arrived
before Mr. Sabini, much to the disappointment of Missus
Weasley, and the girls were free to accept answers and visit with
their acquaintances. Hermione accepted a dance from
Mr. Creevy to appease her mother.
He was also muggle born and raised by the Longbottom family.
Hermione would have preferred to dance with the dashing Mr.
Longbottom, but he had left for business a few weeks prior to
the start of the season and had sadly yet to make his return.
Mr. Creevy and Hermione were both satisfied to move on to
other partners after their dance was finished.
Instead of seeking out another wizard to dance with, Hermione
sought out her dear friend, Lavender Brown.
Lavender was several years older than Hermione and Luna, but was
still unmarried, though through no fault of her own, a feral
werewolf had attacked the poor young witch the year before she
was set to come out into society.
It had thankfully not been a full moon, so she was spared
being infected with the incurable disease, but the
monster had left her face with a horrible scar that was
impossible to hide even with the strongest of glamour charms.
Unfortunately, it had been enough to scare off any eligible
suitors over the years. When Hermione and Luna entered
society for their first season, Missus Weasley had discouraged
the girls from interacting publicly with Lavender so as to
not harm their own chances. They both ignored that
instruction from their mother, unwilling to participate in the
same prejudice displayed by the older witch.
Besides, Lavender had done nothing wrong to deserve such
unfair treatment and had proven herself to be an excellent
companion and loyal friend. Luna was speaking with her upon
Hermione's approach, but when Lavender caught sight of her,
she reached out her hand to pull her in for an embrace.
Lovely to see you, Hermione. She said, giving a gentle smile.
I've been looking forward to this all month.
I find it's been nice to enjoy such a jovial atmosphere, though
it is made even better now I'm in such a wonderful company.
Let's hope it continues. The guests are buzzing with
excitement about the neighbourhood's newest
residence. And to be fair, I think they
will be satisfied. I found Mr. Zabini both handsome
and agreeable when I encountered him on my father's most recent
call to Featherfield. You've met him?
Hermione enquired. You must tell us everything.
What is he like? Oh, he is indescribably
handsome, certainly tall, with dark features and a wonderful
smile. He seems to be a cheerful
gentleman, which was a stark contrast to his friend.
We were unfortunately forced to interact with his friend.
Luna looked at Hermione confused, as this was entirely
new information to them. Yes, he arrived from London
yesterday. His name is Mr. Malfoy and he
owns half of Wiltshire, miserable as it may be with an
income rumoured to be over 10,000 a year, he barely spoke a
dozen words to us in the hour we conversed with Mr. Zabini and
his sister. Such a gentleman would be quite
a conundrum for the neighborhood as politeness was a critical
component of such a tight knit community.
Rudeness was not a trait well tolerated.
And perhaps his desire not to participate in society will
spare us Mr. Malfoy's presence this evening.
Hermione hoped. Or perhaps not.
Lavender's face fell as she looked over Hermione's shoulder.
It appears him and Mr. Sabini have arrived.
Hermione turned, her eyes following her friends until they
landed upon the three newcomers. The gentleman in the centre had
to be Mr. Sabini, exactly as Lavender had described him.
He wore deep Navy dress robes and stood a foot above everyone
but his scowling companion. Despite Mr. Sabini's visibly
warm countenance, his sister seemed frigid in comparison.
Her eyes raked across the ballroom, judging everyone, and
seemed to find nothing to her liking.
She fared more similarly to Mr. Malfoy than to her own brother.
Once Hermione's eyes fell on the gentleman, she found it
impossible to look away. He was devastatingly handsome.
His pale skin and silver blonde hair made him look as though he
were bathed in moonlight. His movements were graceful, and
she could tell he would be an excellent dancer just from the
way he carried himself. It was too bad that his
expression showed such disdain for the present company.
Mr. Sabini and his companions made their way to the front of
the ballroom as the crowd went quiet, bowing and curtsying as
the group passed. She saw Mr. Sabini's eyes fall
on Luna, his head turning as he passed, causing Hermione's lips
to pull up in a secret smile. For a single second.
They exchanged a look before his face snapped forward again.
Hermione was unsure what to make of it.
The music resumed as the trio stepped onto the dais to stand
with Mr. Brown. Not a minute later, Missus
Weasley appeared to pull the 2 girls to the front of the room
alongside Priscilla. Mr. Weasley met them at the base
of the dais and began the introduction.
Mr. Zabini, so wonderful of you to partake in the festivities
this evening. He greeted.
Allow me to introduce my wife and my daughters, Miss Luna
Lovegood, Miss Hermione Granger, and Miss Priscilla Weasley.
We have two other daughters, but they're already dancing.
Missus Weasley added excitedly. Hermione curtsied alongside her
sisters, looking up to see Mr. Malfoy's expression had somehow
become even more sour at her father's words.
I believe you mean Miss Lovegood and Miss Granger are your
family's wards. Mr. Malfoy spoke, his voice
haughty. Hermione prickled at his
insistence on correcting her father whilst entirely ignoring
her mother. Well now, Malfoy, don't be
presumptuous. If the wards are brought in
young enough, they can often be ingrained within the family.
Mr. Sabini seemed to come to their defence.
I see no reason to include them as such in an introduction, old
friend. Hermione's opinion of Mr. Sabini
rose as quickly as Mr. Malfoy's fell.
The wizard gruffed, deciding to forgo participating any further
in the conversation, which seemed preferred by everyone
involved. Whether out of habit or
annoyance, Mr. Sabini ignored his friend as he made his own
introductions. And Mr. Weasley, allow me to
introduce my dear sister, Miss Pansy Parkinson.
Are you a ward as well, Miss Parkinson?
Missus Weasley asks politely. Certainly not.
The witch looked offended. My father remarried Blaise's
mother after becoming a widower. Since my father's passing, I
remain in my brother's care until I find myself a worthy
husband. I see apologies for my
presumption. Her mother said as the witch
turned her nose up at her. Mr. Sabini had the kindness to
move the topic away from his sister, opting to discuss his
fondness for the country with her and Luna while Mr. and
Missus Weasley took Priscilla and wandered off.
How are you liking Featherfield Hall, Mr. Sabini?
Hermione inquired. I heard it has the finest
library in the county. It is quite wonderful, even if
it is wasted on me. His eyes flashed as if he
realised he thought he had said something wrong.
I mean, I do read, of course, I just find I often prefer to be
out of doors. But of course, I know one can
also read out of doors, I just do not find myself doing it
often. I completely understand.
Luna nodded serenely. I just wish I had more time for
it, but there always seems to be other things needing to be
looked after. Yes, exactly, that is what I
meant. The current song was just ending
and Mr. Sabini turned to Luna to ask for a dance.
Her sister smiled gently, graciously accepting, and the
pair made their way onto the floor with the other couples.
Miss Parkinson departed in favour of acquiring some pumpkin
juice and by the time Hermione realised she was gone, Mr.
Malfoy was her only company. Do you dance, Mr. Malfoy?
She asked in an attempt to converse as it would be rude to
say nothing at all. No, I prefer to abstain when I
can. He replied curtly the sending
the conversation. After that, Hermione had no
interest in remaining in his horrible company and gave a
swift curtsy before departing. She wandered along the edge of
the floor, smiling at her sister and Mr. Zabini enjoying
themselves until she returned to Lavender's warm presence.
The girls watched the couple dance, commenting on Mr.
Zabini's remarkable footwork and whispering about the adoring
looks he was bestowing upon her sister.
After dancing with Luna, he danced another with Padma Patil
before returning to the company of Mr. Malfoy, who was lurking
near where the girls were partially hidden behind a
column. There you are, Draco.
Mr. Zabini joined him, his voice still filled with exuberance.
I must say, I have never seen so many lovely young witches in my
life. You were dancing with the only
handsome witch in the room, Malfoy clipped.
Miss Lovegood is breathtaking, wouldn't you agree?
And her sister, Miss Granger is quite beautiful as well.
Hermione was pleased to hear Mr. Sabini had taken an interest in
Luna. Perhaps they could be a well
suited couple. It was also flattering to hear
him refer to her as such. Beautiful, certainly, but with
her background? Not tempting enough for me.
Her parents, I learned, are muggles from London, making her
a mudblood. Hermione nearly pulled her wand
and jinxed the wizard right there.
It seemed justified that she would have him vomit slugs for
such an insult. She was thankful Lavender was
present, if only to stop her when she caught Hermione's hand
inching towards her wand pocket with one simple word.
It revealed that Mister Malfoy was a wizard who cared about
blood purity, A notion Hermione found ludicrous from the first
time she'd learned it existed. Up until this point in her life,
she had never been subjected to the slur he used directly, only
learning about it through Mr. Weasley.
When discussing such prejudices, it stung far more than she
expected. You know better than to use that
word. Mr. Sabini scolded, his voice
growing more serious. And I would remind you, she has
magic. Miss Granger is a witch, and
from what her sister has told me about her, the most talented and
dedicated witch in her family. Hermione was surprised by the
ferocity with which Mr. Sabini defended her.
It seemed that Mister Malfoy's presence this evening had the
benefit of showing Mr. Zabini's outstanding character.
Apologies, my friend. The word slipped out.
I have to remind myself we are not in Slytherin any longer.
He made his excuses. You should return to your
partner. You are wasting your time on me.
Mr. Zabini gave a curt goodbye and returned to ask Luna for
another dance. Mr. Malfoy thankfully wandered
away without spotting Hermione or Lavender in their obstructed
hiding spot. I can't believe him.
Hermione raged once he was gone. And count yourself the lucky
Hermione. Lavender attempted to comfort
her. If he liked you, you would have
to talk to him more often. True, I find I could not be
interested in him for all the Wiltshire, let alone the
miserable half. A few minutes later, Lavender
was politely asked to dance by Mr. Zabini and Hermione accepted
a dance from another wizard. She spotted Luna dancing with
Mr. Creevy and that Mister Sabini's eyes were repeatedly
drawn to her sister. When the song ended, Mr. Zabini
thanked Lavender and made his way to where Hermione and Luna
stood on the edge of the dance floor.
He opened his mouth to speak, only to be interrupted by Missus
Weasley swooping in. What a lovely dancer you are,
Mr. Zabini. Her mother exclaimed.
My Luna is a splendid dancer, is she not?
Mr. Zabini Most courteously agreed, even as Hermione cringed
at her mother's forwardness. The wizard also took a moment to
compliment Lavender as an amusing young witch to
Hermionean Luna, she is one of our dearest friends.
Hermione insisted to the gentleman.
It is a shame what happened to her poor face.
Missus Weasley added. She was nearly as beautiful as
my dear Luna before that beast got his claws into her mother.
Hermione's eyes flashed around to ensure Lavender was not
nearby to overhear the older witch's insult, cringing when
she saw Mr. Malfoy join them. Oh, Hermione would never admit
such a thing. Still, it is Luna who captures
the eye of every wizard who comes across her.
I was so convinced that Mister Longbottom was in love with her
last season. He sent her so many beautiful
flowers and that put a pin in it.
Hermione interrupted. We all sneezed for days and one
of the plants he brought exploded purse all over our
vanity. Who knew the power of flowers in
driving away young love? I thought flowers were the
language of love. Mr. Malfoy finally spoke, all
eyes turning to him. Of a love that has had time to
take root. They may be, but I am convinced
that flowers alone could not inspire such a thing.
Hermione answered. Then what would you say inspires
such affection? Hermione felt her eye arising,
but she didn't want to risk offending Mr. Zabini with a rude
remark, so she carefully picked each word.
Dancing, she replied sweetly. It does wonders to illustrate
whether a couple may be evenly matched.
After all, we all learn the same steps regardless of our varying
backgrounds. She saw his eyes go wide at her
final words, intending them to be her parting ones.
Hermione courtesy to the group and left them all behind, vowing
to avoid Mr. Malfoy for the rest of the evening and beyond.