Most ardently by Swift Night, Chapter 9.
No one at the Borough stirred before midday, but even the
sheer exhaustion from the previous night could not keep
the Weaseleys from celebrating Christmas.
After a very late breakfast, the entire family gathered around
the sitting room to exchange a small collection of presents.
Hermione was gifted the same things as every year.
New books her father had collected for her while on his
trips to London, a stationary set with quick drying inks from
her sisters, and a dress from Missus Weasley to replace our
oldest one that had frayed beyond repair and matched a new
purple shawl her mother had knitted Her.
Missus Weasley had even extended her tradition of gifting A
knitted piece of clothing to her nephew.
Cousin Ronald nearly turned as red as the maroon sweater he
opened, somewhat surprised to have been included at all.
Her cousin seemed far more fidgety than usual and Hermione
did her best to ignore the nervous glances he was sending
her away. Despite her hopes otherwise, it
seemed Ronald mustered some of that remaining Gryffindor
courage when all the gifts were done, clearing his throat to
draw the attention of the room. Missus Weasley, I was hoping if
it would not trouble you, then I might be allowed to elicit a
private audience with Miss Granger this afternoon.
The request sounded well rehearsed, and Hermione's
stomach dropped at the realisation of what they could
mean. Missus Weasley must have come to
the same conclusion, but instead of dread, she appeared to take
the request with a level of overblown enthusiasm.
Oh, but of course, nephew, Hermione will be very happy
indeed. Hermione firmly disagreed with
her mother's assessment, but the older witch was already ushering
her other sisters out of the sitting room.
She had tried to hold on to Luna, but Missus Weasley grabbed
her eldest by the hand to remove her.
But mother, she protested, counselled.
Ronald can have nothing to say to me that anyone need not hear.
Nonsense, Hermione, I shall insist that you stay where you
are and hear the gentleman out. Missus Weasley's tone left no
room for further argument as she looked at her husband.
Mr. Weasley, come now, I shall order the cook to bring out the
pie early. Hermione looked to her father
for one last opportunity to escape her dire circumstances,
but he simply sighed and gave her a sympathetic look before
following his wife out of the sitting room, leaving her all
alone with the wizard. She turned away as he came to
stand before her where she was trapped on the chaise, staring
at the embers left in the hearth as he began speaking.
Miss Granger, I am certain my intentions have been quite
obvious to someone as bright as you.
Not to be mistaken for anything else, upon my arrival at the
Burrow, I singled you out as the ideal companion of my future
life. He began, clearing his throat.
I must, of course, list my reasons for marriage, cousin.
She gasped out, but the wizard would not be dissuaded from
continuing his alarmingly unromantic declaration.
Firstly, it is the duty of a respectable gentleman to
represent the family he serves in proxy to the best of his
ability, and Miss Greengarth has expressed that she would prefer
our marry if I wish to continue representing her and her
family's interests in the wizard Glamotte.
Secondly, it is commonly known that a married wizard is much
more content than an unmarried 1, so I believe this will only
aid increasing my happiness. Hermione wanted to remind him
that a wizard's happiness depended on him selecting the
right wife because a Ronald paid her no mind despite her being
the focus of his speech. Thirdly, I hope that if I were
to seek out a wife from among my uncle's wards, it would appease
all parties and finally put any remaining hostility behind us.
While there is nothing that can be done to change the
inheritance of the estate, this compromise will suit everyone.
That being said, I shall continue to hope for my uncle's
good health for years to come, so you need not be troubled by
the responsibility of becoming the mistress of the borough
anytime soon. Hermione felt somewhat.
I'll. Not a single reason he listed
had anything to do with her specifically.
Now. There can be nothing else to
say, Mr. Weasley. Hermione vehemently disagreed
with such an incorrect statement but could not contain herself
from exclaiming as the wizard knelt on one knee and held out a
small red velvet ring box, prompting Hermione to rise to
her feet in desperation. But for me to express how happy
it would make me to have my affection for you finally known.
I should also note that the subject of fortune should not
cross my lips once you are my wife.
In your haste, cousin, you forget that I have given you no
answer. She managed to finally get a
word in on the wizard. I must add that Lady Greengrass
will be very pleased with our match when I speak to her of
your amiable qualities. Had he not heard her in his need
to complete his speech, Sir? There was no hiding the
exasperation in her tone. Well, I am greatly honoured by
your proposal. I cannot in good conscience
accept it. His expression was coloured in
confusion, but he soon recovered.
Of course. 12 Fail safe ways to charm which has indicated that
ladies may feign disinterest to not seem too eager.
Had he just admitted to taking advice on how to propose to her
from a guide book? This was utterly ridiculous.
Mr. Weasley, do be serious. Hermione ground her teeth
together. You cannot make me happy, and I
am certainly convinced that I am the last witch in the world that
could make you happy. She was very certain that
marrying Ronald would be the worst decision of her life, and
how he failed to see that left her utterly astounded.
But, Miss Granger, I must insist that you take into account that
despite your beauty and good nature, another offer of
marriage may never be made to you.
There is no need to increase my affection by suspense, as is the
practice of enchanting witches. What affection?
She demanded. Mr. Weasley, I am not the type
of witch to torment a respectable wizard.
Besides, the only reasons you have given for such a match
between us has nothing to do with me.
Aside from your obligation to your patroness and self-imposed
duty to my family, I must enquire as to why you would want
to marry me when we have at best tolerated each other throughout
your stay here. Is that what you want for the
remainder of your life? I can tell it most certainly is
not what I want for mine, hence my denial of your offer and
refusal to reconsider. Hermione left Cousin Ronald
kneeling there, grabbing her new shawl and storming past him to
escape the wizard as his mouth hung open.
She made it halfway across the sitting room before the door to
the dining room flew open, revealing her mother and two
youngest sisters on the other side.
Missus Weasley's expression could not avail her fury while
Jinny and Charlie were overtaken with giggles, proving that the
trio of which he said eavesdropped on the whole
ordeal. Not intending to fall victim to
her mother's wrath, Hermione quickened her pace and darted
out of the front door to the garden as her mother shrieked
behind her insolent child. Come back here at once.
She pretended not to hear her mother's command as she dashed
down the hill. Don't frighten, nephew.
I shall speak with her and we shall have this sorted
immediately. Tragically, Hermione could not
outrun Missus Weasley forever. And the small dusting of snow
over the English countryside made it easy for her mother to
track her while she had taken refuge by the pond.
The older witch shouted, demanded, bargained, wept, and
even declared that she would never speak to Hermione again if
she didn't return at once to accept Cousin Ronald's offer.
But nothing could compel her to change her heart.
Missus Weasley at last realised she could not be reasoned with
and stomped back up to the Burrow in a huff, granting
Hermione a desired moment of solitude.
The pond had a thin layer of ice, and Hermione distracted
herself with thoughts that soon the winter would be cold enough
to freeze the pond's surface entirely.
She allowed herself to imagine her and her sisters skating as
an afternoon amusement. Hermione wondered if Priscilla
would be able to stay upright for more than a minute on her
own this year, or if Jinny would finally learn how to stop
without needing to plough into nearby snow banks.
The Daydream brought her a small comfort as she shivered with
each chilly gust of wind. Her distraction came to a swift
end when she heard the sound of her mother approaching once more
alongside another, more solid set of boots crunching into the
freshly laid snow. Tell her I insist she must marry
him. Missus Weasley cried to her
husband. Father, please.
Hermione begged as he came into view.
Please don't make me. Mr. Weasley remained quiet while
her mother continued her ranting and raving.
You'll have this house and save your sisters from destitution.
I can't marry him. Hermione felt tears streaming
down her cheeks as she sank into herself.
You will return home and tell him that you've changed your
mind. The older witch ordered.
Think of your family A Mione. No, you cannot make me.
She snapped back. Mr. Weasley, say something.
Both witches turned towards the wizard and quelled long enough
for him to speak. So it seems your mother insists
on you marrying the young Mr. Weasley.
Her mother interrupted with more threats about never speaking to
Hermione again, but fell quiet with another stern look from her
husband. My nephew has turned out to be
an honourable gentleman, and I'm quite fond of him.
Hermione's heart sank at her father's words, scared of the
command that was coming. As such, I cannot subject you
both to be miserable together and must forbid you from
accepting his hand. She froze, and certain she'd
heard him correctly. It was only when Missus Weasley
fell silent, a look of pure shock on her face, that Hermione
allowed herself to realise the generosity of his words.
Thank you, father. She ran up and brushed a kiss on
his cheek, bounding back up the hills of the house before her
mother gained her bearings. She made it all the way to the
garden gate before her mother's voice cried out once more, this
time directed at her husband. Once back inside the house, she
grabbed Luna's hand and together the witches made their way up
the stairs. As soon as their bedroom door
was shut, Hermione collapsed onto the bed.
So, are you engaged? Her sister broached the subject
as she came to sit on the end of the bed.
No Father put a stop to Mother's schemings.
I am spared a miserable life as the new Missus Weasley.
Good, though I do hope cousin Ronald finds what he is looking
for now that he no longer feels obligated to marry you.
A small part of her could respect his efforts for trying
to make everyone happy, but her father was right.
If they had married, everyone else would likely be happy with
the arrangement, but they would find themselves both miserable.
Maybe Luna was right, now that Ronald's sense of duty had been
satisfied, the wizard could move on to courting someone better
suited for him if he truly desired to take a wife.
Her dreams of staying locked away with Luna in their room for
the remainder of the afternoon vanished when Jinny knocked on
the door before letting herself in.
Hermione, an owl arrived with a letter for you.
I think it is Miss Parkinson's handwriting.
Her sister offered as an explanation for her intrusion.
Curiosity piqued, she accepted the envelope and confirmed the
handwriting was Pansy's elegant script.
Jinny had no interest in the contents of the correspondence
and had disappeared out of the door before Hermione had even
broken the seal, once again leaving the wards on their own.
Having spoken to Pansy just the night before, she could not
comprehend what would prompt the witch to write so soon.
The letter was a single page, front and back, and her eyes
skimmed the first few lines before it slipped from her
fingers and fell onto the bed due to her shock at its
contents. Hermione, what's wrong?
Luna asked, her eyes darting to the letter with concern.
However, her sister wasn't bold enough to pick up the letter
without Hermione's permission. With trembling hands, she lifted
the letter off the bed and began to read aloud.
Dearest Hermione, happy Christmas.
I wish I could see you today to offer my holiday wishes in
person, but Mr. Malfoy has decided to return to Wiltshire
to ring in the New Year and has invited us along.
I am thrilled to see Malfoy Manor again, especially when it
is covered in snow and decorated for you.
It is truly a wonder to behold. I know how much you enjoyed
Featherfield Library Hermione, but it pales in comparison to
the one Mr. Malfoy possesses. Not to mention the joy I feel at
the prospect of spending time with Mr. Malfoy's mother,
Narcissa. Having never known my mother,
she is a comfort to me in the way I never expected and her
kindness cannot be understated. I am certain any which would be
lucky to call Narcissa Malfoy their mother-in-law.
After the New Year we shall head to London for the opening of the
Wisengemot session and from the sound of it, my brother will
barely have time for me once it begins.
I do so wish to apologise for my sudden departure, but it is my
brother's insistence and so where he goes, I follow.
I'm disappointed you won't be able to introduce me to Mr.
Longbottom. I have been looking forward to
making his acquaintance with such a strong recommendation
from you. I shall miss you terribly,
having greatly enjoyed our time together while temporarily
residing at Featherfield. Should he return to London in
the spring, I would hope you let me know so we can be fortunate
enough to see each other again. Wishing you and your family good
health in the new year, Pansy Parkinson.
Hermione lost the ability to speak after reading the final
words of the letter aloud. The girls sat in silence as they
adjusted to its revelations. Her first thoughts centred on
the cruelty of such a thing. Why was Pansy reaching out to
inform Hermione of the siblings sudden departure from
Featherfield? Was Mr. Zebini too much of A
coward to write his own explanation to Luna after
courting her for several months? From the sounds of it, Hermione
had greatly underestimated Pansy's ambition to become the
new Mrs. Malfoy. She would not be surprised to
learn that the witch's desire had come true by the spring.
If Mr. Potter's claim about the family was correct, the wizard
would covet Pansy's fortune and would use it to expand his own.
Lastly, Pansy had made it quite clear that neither she nor Mr.
Zebini had any intentions of returning to Featherfield and
therefore had no plans for the wizard to reunite with Luna.
This was the most devastating part of Pansy's letter, and it
was written across her sister's face.
So that's it, Mr. Sabini is just gone.
Hermione could hear the sheer sadness in Luna's voice as she
finally broke the silence that had descended on them.
He could return after the session is over.
She proposed. Even if she knew it in her heart
to be improbable, Hermione could not steal the last of her hopes
of happiness from her sister. I don't know what happened.
Her sister whispered, attempting to hold back her tears.
He didn't even say goodbye. We'll figure it out, Luna.
Hermione wrapped her arms around the witch as she cried.
It seems Pansy was more focused on securing her own future with
Mr. Malfoy, and likely perhaps by taking her brother away.
She can convince him out of loving you.
I think that is quite impossible.
She cares deeply for her brother and would not to stand in the
way of his happiness. It is far more likely that he
does not care for me and never did.
Hermione scoffed at her sister's statement.
Don't be absurd. He loves you, Luna.
Then why was he convinced to leave?
Hermione had no answer and could only offer her sister a warm
embrace as Luna finally fell apart.
There was nothing she could say to make her sister feel better,
so she simply held her as she cried until she fell asleep,
cuddled up like they had done as young girls.
She hoped that Luna's dreams gave her peace, even if her
waking hours were filled with heartbreak. 4IN dreams one unto
the world that is entirely their own.
Hermione took it upon herself to share the news of Mr. Sabini's
sudden departure with the rest of the Weasleys over dinner that
evening, knowing Luna should not be burdened with dealing with
her mother's lack of tact. As suspected, Missus Weasley
took the news poorly, but moaning endlessly about what
Luna must have done to scare off the wizard.
Hermione wished to remind her mother that if she was looking
for a reason for swift departure, the witch might
glance in her mirror instead of at her innocent daughter, but
she held her tongue. Her only consolation was that
Missus Weasley was far too busy fretting about Mr. Zebini's
absence to remember her promise of shunning Hermione for her
rejection of Cousin Ronald. The whole house was shifted to
focus entirely on Luna's tragic predicament and everyone seemed
much more willing to forget the events from the afternoon.
Even Jenny and Charlie could not be spotted giggling for the rest
of the evening. In order to appease his wife's
need for action, Mr. Weasley had conceded to bring Luna with him
to London in a few weeks and have her stay with cousin George
and his wife for the time. Being in London would increase
her chances of crossing paths with the gentleman while he was
in town. And Hermione was convinced that
Mister Zabini would not have the strength to leave Luna twice if
he stumbled upon her. Pansy's influence over her
brother only extended so far, and Hermione was willing to
challenge her insistence to meddle in Mr. Zabini's
happiness. Luna seemed apprehensive when
Hermione informed her of the plan and stated multiple times
that she did not wish to burden the Pruitt's or be gone from the
borough for so long, but Hermione packed her sister's
bags anyway, knowing she needed to go.
While Hermione prepared for Luna's departure, the borough
continued to host Cousin Ronald. She had expected the wizard to
return to his cottage in Kent after Hermione's refusal, but he
had decided to keep his travel plans intact, staying through
the new year. If the wizard continued to
infringe on the hospitality. At least he spent much of his
day outside of the borough. None of them asked where he
disappeared to each afternoon, simply grateful he was not
present to insist upon another game of Wizards chess.
He had already vanished by the time Hermione rose to head off
into the village. Luna needed a pair of gloves for
her trip to London, and since the witch was still too
heartbroken to leave the house, Hermione took the task upon
herself. Hermione had planned to walk to
Ottery St. Catchpole, but Mr. Weasley had
already been intending to visit the village and took them both
by side along apparition to save time.
She promised her father to return to their meeting spot at
at the local pub within the hour to complete the quick journey
home, and the father and daughter went their separate
ways. After browsing her options and
selecting something she knew Luna would find appealing,
Hermione headed back into the late December chill.
She made it halfway across the square when she spotted Cousin
Ronald coming out of the florist, a bundle of freshly cut
lavender bound with a simple brown ribbon.
She hurried to hide herself behind one of the nearby stalls
as the forest spoke with him. Oh, Mr. Weasley, I am certain
she will like them. Such a thoughtful gentleman you
are. I can only hope they're enough
to convince her Missus Buddyfoot nonsense, which could refuse a
wizard as dashing and romantic as yourself.
Hermione could think of one such witch and her stomach turned
queasy at the idea of having to deny him a second time.
You would be surprised. He mumbled.
Cousin Ronald set off after thanking Missus Puddyfoot her
final time, and Hermione suddenly wished he was headed
anywhere but the borough. It was not that she had any
concern her father would change his mind and suddenly insist
upon the match, but it would only cause more tension at the
borough when she rejected its offer a second time.
It was still too early to spend the remainder of the time
waiting for Mr. Weasley to collect her out in the cold, so
she meandered inside the Silver Stag for a butterbeer to warm
her up and take her mind off Cousin Ronald.
The pub was rarely crowded, so Hermione was quite surprised to
find it bustling with activity as she made her way inside.
A quick inspection had her concluding that the Auras had
occupied the inn upstairs for the last two months and were in
process of vacating the premises.
She caught a familiar sight of wild black hair and approached
the wizard. Mr. Potter.
She called out in greeting. His name caused the wizard to
jump, knocking his head on the cage containing A snowy owl who
hooted at being disturbed. Ouch.
Sorry, Hedwig. Oh hello Miss Granger, are you
leaving? I thought your squadron was set
to stay until after the new year?
Jenny would be upset to learn that he was leaving as she had
not gone a day since the troll incident without bringing him
up. Ah, well, unfortunately, yes.
He rubbed his head. Got our order to relocate to
Appleby tonight and the pork he activates in an hour.
The village has come under attack by a dozen rogue
dementors. Dementors.
The name sounded somewhat familiar, but she couldn't place
it. They are some of the foulest
creatures I have ever encountered.
They guard the island prison Azkaban in the North Sea and
infest the darkest places in the world.
Dementors drain the hope and happiness out of those
misfortunate enough to cross paths with them, until all they
are left with is only their worst experiences.
How terrible. What would lure them to a
village like Appleby? Breeding, mostly.
Not that the world needs any more of them.
The wizard explained. The Ministry does its best to
keep them from straying too close to humans, but in the
instances like this, we have to push them back.
How does one fight a dementor? Hermione could not imagine a way
to fight off a creature that embodied hopelessness.
Can you kill them? No, nothing can destroy a
Dementor by physical means. The only true meaning of
protection is a Patronus charm, though not every wizard can cast
one. But you can.
It wasn't a question she knew from the way he spoke.
Mr. Potter had personal experience with the creatures.
Yes, I was taught younger than most by my uncle's friend.
He coughed, but continued. During my time at Hogwarts, his
tenure as a professor corresponded with the escape of
Peter Pettigrew from Azkaban. He was the wizard who had tried
to hire the assassin to kill my parents.
If you recall, the Ministry sent to mentors to the school to
protect the students, Though Professor Dumbledore was not
pleased by their presence. They were drawn to me more than
other students, so Professor Lupin gave me private lessons so
I could defend myself. Hermione was truly astounded by
Mr. Potter's perseverance throughout such a difficult
life. She thought back to Mr. Malfoy's
comments at the ball a few days prior and wondered how he could
remain so steadfast in his cruelty after witnessing Mr.
Potter's struggles. Would you have time to teach me?
Hermione asked, unable to keep her curiosity at Bay.
Do you expect to encounter a Dementor, Miss Granger?
The aura inquired. You do not strike me as the type
of witch to seek out trouble. Rogue troll encounters aside,
one can never be too careful, Mr. Potter.
I suppose I can give you a demonstration, though I have
never met anyone to learn it in a single lesson.
Hermione took a seat while the wizard pulled out his wand and
began to lecture. The way it was explained to me
is that a Patronus acts as a guardian to the caster and those
around him, shielding them from the Dementor by giving it
something else to feed off of. A Patronus is a projection of
hope and happiness, but it cannot feel despair, so no harm
can come to it. What form do they take?
Hermione interrupted. They are unique to the caster in
their corporeal form, but shield charms, a rule that many Wizards
can produce. Mine is a stag, which I learned
after was the same as my father's.
She sat patiently as the wizard continued his explanation before
finally raising his wand and casting the spell.
The room was filled with a soft silver glow as the corporeal
stag pranced around, unencumbered by the tables or
trunks occupying the majority of the cramped pub.
The incantation was simple enough, and he jotted it down on
a scrap of piece of parchment for her to take and practice on
her own. The most important part, he
reiterated, was the memory one used during casting.
It had to be a strong memory, one full of hope or happiness,
in order to conjure something powerful enough to push back the
Dementor. Mr. Weasley popped his head into
the pub just as she raised her own want to attempt the spell
for the first time, ultimately ending the lesson.
I am certain you can practice on your own, Miss Granger.
Mr. Potter offered her another charming smile.
I hope to learn that you have mastered it by the next time we
cross paths. Please tell your sisters I
apologise for not being able to give them a proper farewell.
Hermione bid the wizard. Safe travels and good luck
against the dementors retreating back into the cold with an
exciting new challenge. Was that young gentleman you
were speaking with the brave Mr. Potter?
Mr. Weasley asked as she joined him.
Indeed, it appears he is sadly leaving us with the other auras.
Hermione replied. Poor Jinny will be quite beside
herself over not receiving a proper goodbye.
Hmm, it seems all the Wizards who have caught the eyes of my
daughters this year have managed to disappoint me then.
Though I shall not trouble myself too much over Jinny, for
I am quite certain your sister's attentions will soon find
someone else to settle on. Her lips tugged her up in a
small smile. Let's hope you're right.
Mr. Weasley chuckled, turning on the spot to transport them home.
For the remainder of the afternoon, Hermione were treated
to the seclusion of the pond to begin to practice conjuring A
Patronus. She knew she would be left
undisturbed with the assistance of the winter chill keeping the
occupants of the Burrow nestled inside by their cosy fireplaces.
Hermione didn't mind the weather, charming her little
glass jars with enchanted blue flames to float nearby to
generate some much needed warmth.
It was a slow process, cataloguing and selecting her
happiest memories to test, reciting the spell and then
waiting with bated breath to see if anything happened.
It took her an entire hour to be able to conjure even the
faintest of mist, but she used her minor success to further
motivate her. Hermione had completely absorbed
herself in her efforts when the sound of crunching snow startled
her abruptly. Looking up, she caught the sight
of an unexpected witch shuffling down the slope to reach her.
Lavender. She called out, stunned by her
friend's sudden appearance. What are you doing here?
She had not seen the witch since the Featherfield Ball, but they
had plans for her to visit the Brown's cottage tomorrow, so she
was curious to learn what could be so urgent that had her
trekking through the snow and ice.
Only you would be out practising magic in this weather.
She tried it as she came to stop.
But if you must know, I came to tell you the news, and this
couldn't wait until I saw you tomorrow.
No, seeing as I wanted to be the one to tell you.
Lavender's fingers played with the clasp of her cloak.
You see, well, I told him that as my friend, you would wish to
hear about it from me. Hermione's concern quickly
swelled, her mind rushing through endless possibilities
regarding her friend's health and happiness.
Are you all right? Please, Lavender, tell me what
is wrong. Oh, Hermione, everything is more
than all right, actually. Relief flooded through her, only
to be replaced with sheer bewilderment at the witch's
following statement. Mr. Weasley, your dear cousin
proposed to me today. I what?
She continued to look on. Still don't funded by such a
preposterous statement. We're engaged.
The witch elaborated. To be married?
Hermione felt the need to clarify.
Well, yes. Hermione's eyes finally settled
on the delicate gold ring nestled on Lavender's ring
finger. But that's not possible.
She was unable to hide her disbelief.
Lavender, you cannot marry him. And why is that?
Lavender bristled. Because he just proposed to me
and you rejected him. She said matter of factly, which
meant he was entirely free to seek out someone else.
It has been less than a week. I highly doubt that you will
have spent enough time with him to know if he is a wizard you
could be happy with. Of course, Hermione knew from
the first night after overhearing Cousin Ronald and
Missus Weasley's discussion that she had no interest in the
possibility of marrying the wizard.
It has been much longer than a week, and I would argue that I
knew him better than you after our first introduction.
Do you beat serious Lavender? She had never wished to condemn
anyone to a depressing life locked away in Saint Mungo's,
but love and disability to see reason was quickly making her
think of hospitalising her friend before she could do
something truly reckless, like following through with marrying
Ronald. I am.
She crossed her arms. Don't think I haven't forgotten
how you were prejudice against the gentleman before he ever
arrived to the village, Though I suppose I should thank you for
it. After all, it was your
indifference and impassioned speech on the matter that
finally allowed him to pursue me properly.
My speech? Hermione could not recall what
she could possibly have said to inspire Ronald to court.
Lavender, you told Ronald that he shouldn't marry out of
obligation, which you pointed out to everyone who would
listen, including him, that his sense of familial duty was the
only reason he was proposing in the first place.
So once that obligation was lifted, he was free to court me
instead? Yes, but there are plenty of
girls in the village. Or he could have returned to
Kent to court a witch there. So that doesn't answer my
question of why he decided to court you.
Is it so difficult to believe that he could have been
harbouring a quiet affection for me since the day we met?
After all, it was you who told me over the years that some
wizard would come along who didn't care about my scars.
This has nothing to do with your scars, love.
Hermione tried to defend, but the witch cut her off.
And then we kept running into each other on a few occasions
leading up to the Awe Ball, and he was always so pleasant
towards me. Not to mention that we danced
together twice that night when you couldn't be bothered to give
him a second glance. I doubt you knew anything about
him, even after he spent the entire month trying to get you
to even acknowledge his presence.
That is not true. She felt the need to protest.
I doubt you could know him better than I do at this point.
Oh really? Lavender rose to Hermione's
challenge. Then I am sure that you are well
aware that his father is the wizard credited with killing
Fenrir Greyback, the very werewolf who attacked me all
those years ago. It turns out he received
matching scars in the act. Ron understands what it means to
care for someone regardless of their looks and has seen first
hand how cruel the rest of the world can be.
I, I didn't know. She said, shocked by the
revelation. Lavender very rarely spoke of
the ordeal, yet had somehow felt comfortable enough to be open
about it with her cousin. And of course, you will have
seen with your own eyes how it has impacted my marriage
prospects. I am 27 years old.
I have not a galleon to my name and I have felt enormous guilt
over being a burden to my parents all these years.
I was terrified. I was unlovable and silently
accepted that I was doomed to be a spinster.
So imagine my joy when this dashing wizard appeared on top
of his good looks. He was kind and laughed at my
jokes and danced with me. Even if he is quite
self-conscious about his footwork.
Just because you had no interest in him doesn't make him a poor
match for me. And while I suspected you would
be apprehensive, I had hoped that you of all people would
have an open mind and eventually come to be happy for me.
It was a shocking declaration from a usually well composed
which and Hermione stood speechless as she processed.
Could that all be true? She thought back to Cousin
Ronald's unexpected appearance at the Brown's cottage.
He had seemed so flustered, but he spent the half hour fully
engaged with Lavender before they set off for the village.
Then, after the skirmish with the troll, he had volunteered to
escort her home when it would have been far more appropriate
to stay with Hermione. He and Lavender had danced twice
at the Yule Ball together, even though he hadn't needed to
bother the second time, showing a level of interest that she had
been unwilling to see at the time.
She had missed all the signs despite them being directly in
front of her. It had been her own fault for
not giving a second thought to where he'd been running off to
each day since Christmas, because at the time she was just
relieved to not be on the receiving end of his attentions.
And even though Lavender had not mentioned him, her mind settled
on the flowers she had seen him purchasing this morning.
Her namesake. He must have offered them to her
when he proposed, a step he had not bothered to take when he
fumble through his proposal to Hermione.
Even she could see it was a romantic gesture he had chosen
to forgo for her proposal. Guilt crept into her chest,
making it hard for her to suck in breath.
A heavy silence descended on the pair and she came to the
terrifying realisation that she could potentially lose her
closest friend due to her stubbornness.
Lavender. She began, trying to find the
right words to articulate her regret.
I'm sorry, you're right and I am was and willing to see things
from your perspective. Ronald is an amiable wizard, and
while I concluded that he was not the right partner for me,
you are the only one who can decide for yourself if he is
worthy of you. So if you say that you are happy
with your choice, then I will strive to be happy for you.
Hermione squirmed under the witch's gaze as she considered
her apology. It seemed to pass inspection
when the witch darted forward and pulled her into a crushing
embrace. Oh, thank you Hermione.
She squealed. I am so excited you'll come to
the wedding, right? Wouldn't miss it.
She hugged her friend back. Good, there is no which I would
rather have beside me. When Lavender finally released
her, Hermione was able to offer her a smile.
I'll be sad to see you go. Kent is so very far.
Well, once I am settled, I will insist you come and stay with
me. It would do you some good to
visit somewhere new. With Luna headed for London and
the Aura's departure to the east, Hermione would find
herself quite bored in the coming months.
And the idea of spending time with Lavender, even if that also
meant seeing her cousin, was far too good to pass up.
I would like that very much.