Most ardently by Swift Night Chapter 7, Cousin Ronald proved
far more persistent than Hermione had originally given
him credit for. In the first two weeks of his
stay, he pestered her endlessly with attempts to gain her
attention. He spoke most often of himself,
his interests or his patroness, never noticing her tuning him
out. She could also not recall a
single time when he asked her a question about herself.
By the time Monday rolled around she was at her whips end and was
even debating involving her sisters in the subterfuge of her
mother's scheming to marry her off to a wizard.
With the emotional range of a teaspoon, she had escaped to the
house with Jinny and Charlie to sit by the pond as they reared
and knitted. Hermione soon lost interest in
her task, instead pondering her next steps.
But even hidden amongst the foliage, she was not safe from
their determined cousin. Miss Grainger.
His grating voice called out as he made his way down the hill.
Your mother said I might find you and your sisters here.
You would think the poor wizard was drugged with our more
tensure based on how besosity seems with you, Hermione.
Charlie teased her. She groaned, her sister still
snickering. I would do anything for an
antidote to this curse I am under.
No matter what I do or say, I cannot seem to be rid of him.
It is shocking you haven't scared him off yet, but he did
tell us all what a brave lion he was for being sorted into
Gryffindor. Jinny said sarcastically.
I'm trying. Hermione grumbled.
He is so oblivious to my discontent and mother is only
encouraging him. The girls both offered her a
sympathetic glance as the wizard joined them after jogging down
the hill. I've come to tell you the news,
cousin Ronald announced, still catching his breath.
And Owl just delivered an invitation for a Yule Ball at
Featherfield. All three girls perked up,
spotting the wizard holding an expensive looking piece of
parchment. Hermione got to her feet,
snatching the invitation and inspecting it to confirm the
wizard's claim as her sister's read over her shoulder.
Mr. Blaise Zabini would like to formally invite the Weasley
family to the Yule Ball the 24th of December at Featherfield
Hall. After ensuring her eyes were not
deceiving her, the witches began their squealing in earnest.
It's happening. Jinny shouted, grabbing her in
Charlie's hands. Oh, how I cannot contain my
excitement. We should dance from dusk till
dawn with so many handsome gentlemen.
The girls spun around, Cousin Ronald entirely forgotten.
As they celebrated, her sisters began shouting over each other
about dresses and ribbons while Hermione laughed at the pure joy
of the moment. Their careless shuffling
resulted in the basket of knitting being kicked away,
rolling down the shore before hitting the water and floating
away into the centre of the pond.
My scarf. Charlie cried, her exuberance
momentarily forgotten as she caught sight with the basket.
Her sister made to walk into the muddy bank, but Hermione held
out her arm to stop her. Are we not witches?
She reminded her, pulling out her wand.
Do not trouble yourself, Miss Grainger.
The wizard said, removing his own wand and brandishing it
about without any finesse. I should recover them for you.
Hermione shared an exasperated look with her sisters, crossing
her arms at the wizard's insistence.
Wingardium Leviosa. Nothing happened As the wizard
waved his long arms like a windmill.
Hermione's patience finally snapped and she could not
refrain from correcting him. You're saying it wrong.
She lectured. It's when Guardium Leviosa, and
it is a simple swish and flick of your wand, not whatever that
was. For the first time since his
arrival, he finally seemed to grow agitated by her correction
of his magic. Between the pair of us, I was
the one educated at Hogwarts. He declared.
But if you are so clever, please go right ahead, Miss Granger.
She wasn't sure how the wizard had made it through all seven
years of schooling at Hogwarts, seeing as levitation spells
should have been mastered during the first year curriculum.
Hermione was more determined than ever to prove him wrong,
freeing her arms from her cloak to ensure nothing interrupted
her wand movement. Wingardium Leviosa, she
enunciated, having the distinct pleasure of watching the basket
and its contents float back to them on the shore.
She looked smugly at the wizard, his cheeks now nearly as red as
his hair, and flourishing her wand again to dry the basket
before passing it off to her now grateful sister.
Let's head back inside. Jinny insisted, breaking the
stand off between the pair. Hermione smiled warmly at her
sister as they retreated to the comfort of the Burrow, knowing
that Cousin Ronald would be unlikely to bother her any
longer. Another few days passed
peacefully for Hermione now that Cousin Ronald seemed content
with avoiding her. The cost of such a stunt was
over an hour long lecture from her mother about not insulting
guests or their magical ability, but it was a price she would
happily pay again, if only to garner the same desired results.
Missus Weasley's interference continued over the next few days
as she tried to coerce Hermione into apologising to him, but she
held her ground. Her mother had tried to involve
Mr. Weasley in her antics, but he simply informed his wife that
he could not fault their daughter for her display of
exemplary talent. In an effort to free herself
from her mother's presence, Hermione escaped early one
afternoon to visit Lavender for tea before the witches intended
to meet her sisters in Ottery St.
Catchpole for a visit to the Mud E.
The dresses they had ordered for Mr. Zerbini's U Ball had arrived
from London and they were all eager to have them fitted.
Have you not seen Lavender since the arrival of Cousin Ronald?
She filled her sister in on the happenings at the borough.
Hermione had been seated for half an hour before her
complaining seemed to summon the wizard out of thin air.
A Mr. Ronald Weasley, honey announced as he once again
stumbled into the room. Cousin Ronald?
Hermione acknowledged him in surprise, giving a brief curtsy.
Is everything all right? Apologies, Miss Granger, I would
not have come, but a troll was spotted nearby and the oars are
attempting to capture it now. Your mother did not wish for you
and your companion to make the journey into the village
uninformed or unaccompanied. Hermione knew the Auras had been
hunting this elusive troll for almost a month, but it seemed
rather convenient timing for it to suddenly be such a looming
threat at the moment. I am sure we would have been.
That is very considerate of you to come, Mr. Weasley.
Lavender interrupted, smiling at cousin Ronald.
I shall feel much safer with an escort.
Her cousin redirected his attention to Lavender, and
Hermione witnessed the moment he registered her facial scars.
He recovered quickly, but based on the abashed look from her
friend, the damage was already done.
Of course, I was happy to offer Miss.
He enquired, looking to Hermione for an introduction.
Miss Lavender Brown. Hermione facilitated, attempting
to keep her tone level. A dear friend of the entire
Weasley family. I am pleased to make your
acquaintance, Sir. She offered with a courtesy,
looking down to hide what she could of her scars.
Your name is 2 colours. The wizard pointed out without
any tact, and Hermione fought the urge to pinch the bridge of
her nose. It is.
Lavender blushed before attempting a joke she always
made whenever someone mentioned the peculiarity of her name.
Though I'm not certain if they go together, perhaps I should
have been born Lavender Green or Fern Brown.
Hermione was caught off guard when the wizard let out such a
genuine laugh. The witch's exchanged a confused
look at such an exuberant reaction.
Seeing Lavender's quip had never earned her more than a polite
chuckle. You are most amusing Miss Brown,
though I must disagree with your assessment.
I think they pair spandedly together.
He replied once he had recovered.
Hermione raised a brow to question her cousin's sincerity.
She wanted to snap back in her friend's defence, if only to
keep him from insulting her further.
It could not have been easy for Lavender to go from being
considered one of the most eligible upcoming witches to
being ostracized by nearly everyone for an attack she had
not been protected from. In the time that Hermione had
known her, Lavender had always used her humour as a distraction
to have people laugh with her instead of at her.
You are too kind, Mr. Weasley. Please join us for tea.
We were not planning on leaving the village for another hour.
Still, Lavender gestured for him to join them, much to Hermione's
annoyance. I would be delighted he
accepted. Never being one to turn down a
meal, Hermione sat back silently stewing on having to have tea
with the unwanted gentleman. What is your profession, Mr.
Weasley? Lavender asked politely as she
poured him a cup. I've recently been appointed as
a proxy for Lady Greengrass. You have heard of her, I
presume? Hermione wished she had a
private moment to warn Lavender against such a topic, but the
opportunity had come and gone. Then she was forced to relive
the entirety of his first dinner conversation at the borough.
Only this time she could not exchange a judge mental glance
with her sisters or father when their cousin said something
ridiculous. Time seemed to drag on as she
watched the grandfather clock in the brown sitting room slowly
inch towards the top of the hour.
When the wizard exhausted the topic of his patroness, he moved
on to another comfort for him. Wizard's chess.
Lavender was much more proficient in feigning interest
than Hermione could pretend to be, asking well timed questions
to keep the wizard prattling on with minimal engagements.
Cousin Ronald seemed entirely at ease by the time the clock
chimed, making a show of appearing startled when Hermione
stood abruptly. We should go.
She insisted, asking Honey to fetch their cloaks.
If there truly is a troll wandering amuck, I should think
it best to leave with ample time in case it impedes us.
Very well, cousin. Ronald gruffed, his cheerful
disposition dissipating once again back to the sour
countenance Hermione had become accustomed to over the last few
days. Let us be off.
Have you much experience with trolls, Mr. Weasley?
Lavender attempted once they were outside in the chilly
December weather. It thankfully wasn't raining, a
small mercy in Hermione's opinion.
However, it was cold enough that a few of the puddles from the
previous rain shower had frozen over, making the path more
treacherous than usual. Trolls.
Not particularly. He replied.
I took Care of Magical Creatures in my time at Hogwarts, but we
never encountered anything more dangerous than a hippogriff.
I've heard all sorts of magical creatures reside in the
forbidden forests on the grounds of Hogwarts.
Hermione cutting centaurs and unicorns, and even Acrimanchola,
giant spiders that can grow the size of carriages.
I hate spiders. Cousin Ronald muttered.
And all of the students were forbidden for mentoring the
Forbidden Forest, hence the name.
I know that. She snapped back.
But what about the Black Lake? The students were allowed to
visit it, correct? I read it has mermaids and even
a giant squid. You certainly know a lot for
someone who's never been. Her cousin remarked, his tone
displaying his irritation. Do you make it a habit of
correcting all your acquaintances, Miss Granger, it
is a wonder that you have any friends at all.
Hermione stopped in the middle of the road, crossing her arms.
Only when they are wrong and I take offence to such an insult,
cousin. I have plenty of acquaintances
capable of holding intelligent conversations.
Lavender's face quickly took on a panicked look, and she began
backing away from the confrontation unfolding.
Cousin Ronald's eyes went wide, seeming to focus on something
behind her, but Hermione felt all her frustration once again
bubbling to the surface. And I think it is quite unfair
for you to assume, Miss Granger. Her cousin's voice was strained
as he tried to interrupt That. I would be incapable of Miss
Granger. He attempted again, his eyes
still unfocused. Admitting that I am wrong, for
if I didn't then how would I ever learn anything new?
Hermione, look out. Cousin Ronald shouted as he
lunged for her, pushing her to the ground right as she felt a
rush of air blow past her as she made contact with the frozen
ground. Looking up, she watched in
horror as a large mountain troll swung his club right where
Hermione had been standing a moment before.
She froze, her mind filling with panic as she registered the
danger she was now in. The monster was a terrible
sight, twice as tall as any wizard, with grey granite like
skin. Its head seemed too small for
its body and was taken up mostly by a giant nose and two beady
black eyes. The stench of it so close made
her gag, and she was the creature's sole focus as it let
out a roar that hurt her ears. The world felt like it was
moving in slow motion. One second the troll was glaring
down at her and the next something flew by, knocking it
on the head. Oi P brain.
A man's voice shouted, drawing the attention alongside his
projectile. Cousin Ronald seemed to be a
true Gryffindor after all, retaining his wits and pulling
Hermione up to retreat in the direction where Lavender had
fled to hide behind a boulder. When she looked back over her
shoulder, she finally spotted her saviour.
A wizard in burgundy aura robes with a mess of black hair,
glasses, and a rather peculiar scar in the shape of a lightning
bolt was charging directly at the troll, leaping onto its back
without an ounce of hesitation. While classified as brave, it
was also very stupid. She paused in her rush to safety
to witness the wizard hold the troll in a headlock, shoving his
wand directly up one of the creatures nostrils.
The action only seemed to be driving the troll more berserk.
Howling in pain, the troll twisted and flailed its club
wildly. Hermione had to fall to the
ground again to avoid being bashed.
Cousin Ronald pulled out his wand, looking confused as to
what to do next. Well, don't just stand there.
The aura shouted, still clinging to the creature.
Do something. Hermione could not think of a
single thing to do, her mind entirely blank.
But her cousin had a better grasp on his terror, raising his
wand with a simple swish and flick.
Wingardium Lemiosa. The club instantly was pulled
from the trolls grasp, rising higher and higher over the
creatures head. It looked around confused,
seeming to forget the wizard currently clutching it's back.
By the time it looked up, the club had risen out of reach,
only to fall back down, landing on it's head with a loud crack.
The troll swayed in place before falling forward, the ground
trembling with the impact. Hermione stared down at where it
had crashed just a few steps away, not moving until the oar
arose and retrieved his wand from the now incapacitated
mountain trolls nose. When he removed it, it was
covered in lumpy grey buggies. Is it, Is it dead?
Hermione choked out, still enabled to take her eyes off the
creature. No, just unconscious.
The aura answered, wiping his wand on the trolls loincloth.
I have sent word to the Department of Control of Magical
Creatures, they will collect and rehome the beast.
Oh. Hermione wasn't sure what to
say. Well thank you for your rescue
Mr. Aura. Harry Potter.
At your service miss. The Aura bowed low upon making
his introduction. I'm Hermione Granger, she
cursed, recalling her companions and gesturing to them both.
And this is my cousin, Mr. Ronald Weasley, and my friend
Miss Lavender Brown. I suppose my gratitude is in
order. The aura replied, addressing her
cousin. It is not every day your average
wizard can take on a fully grown mountain troll and live to tell
the tale. Tell me what led to that stroke
of genius with the levitation spell.
Oh, Cousin. Ronald looked abashed by the
wizard's flattery. The credit must go to Miss
Granger for inspiring that idea. I could have never done it
without her refresher on the spell a few days prior.
Hermione's mouth fell open in awe at the wizard's humbleness
in admitting her involvement. It showed a level of character
she had not attributed to the wizard before, and she felt her
previously held irritation for him lessen considerably.
My cousin is far too modest. I was more of a hindrance than a
help in this encounter. She confessed.
Well, I am still thankful for you both in this endeavour.
Can I escort you to the village? The Maji zoologist will be
arriving shortly to collect our friend here.
I would be very grateful for that, Mister Potter.
She accepted enthusiastically. Don't you agree, Lavender?
She turned to her friend with a smile.
Only to see the witch's skin seemed pale and she had a slight
tremor in her hands. It fits all right with you,
Hermione. I'm actually feeling rather
faint and I think it best that I return home to recover from this
ordeal. She said timidly.
Hermione's mind flashed to the last time she recalled the
witch's running with a dangerous creature and her heart nearly
broke in. 20 Lavender, of course I can visit the modista some
other time this week. Let us get you home.
No, no, please don't trouble yourself for me.
Lavender tried to backtrack. Go attend to your appointment
with your sisters and I would hate for you to miss it.
I can escort Miss Brown back home, Miss Granger.
Cousin Ronald interrupted. It is no trouble.
Mr. Potter will ensure that you make it to the village
unscathed. It was a reasonable compromise,
and she did not wish to quarrel with the wizard so soon after
finally making peace. All right, thank you, cousin.
I shall see you at home this evening.
She conceded, and his expression flashed in surprise at her lack
of argument. Excellent.
Good day to you, Mr. Potter. The wizard bowed low before
offering his arm to Lavender and turning back the way they came.
Once they had set off, her mind turned to her newest
acquaintance. I must again thank you for your
heroics, Mr. Potter. I am in your debt.
Think nothing of it Miss Granger, it is my job after all.
He said as he offered her his arm.
They had not been far from the village and arrived at the
entrance to the Mud EA few minutes later.
Spotting her sisters inside, Hermione bid goodbye to her
escort and hurried in to join them.
She had not thought to check the state of her appearance until
Luna rushed forward to check on her.
Hermione, did you fall on the ice?
Her sister inspected the few cuts and bruises scattering her
skin as Hermione removed her cloak.
What happened to Lavender and cousin Ronald?
Both are all right, but Ronald took Lavender home.
She was a bit faint after our encounter with the troll.
You saw the troll? Priscilla perked up.
When it accosted us on our way here.
But Mr. Potter and Cousin Ronald handled the beast, and the Maji
zoologists are likely taking it away now.
You saw Mr. Potter? Jinny peeked out from behind the
curtain. Is he here?
Well, yes. She could already see Jinny's
eagerness rearing. He was kind enough to escort me
to the village once the troll was contained, but I'm sure he
had other business to attempt to rather than wait for us.
Jinny's face fell and Hermione pulled her wand to vanish the
dirt and mud on her cloak. Over the next hour, she watched
as each of her sisters went, admiring each of their lovely
dresses as they were pinned for alterations, until it was
finally her turn. She twirled around, dazzled by
her own reflection in the periwinkle silk.
Her arms had several scrapes and bruises from where she'd fallen
earlier, alongside a small cut along her cheekbone, but she
hoped that with the application of some dittany, they would be
completely healed by the time of the ball in a few short weeks.
Once the girls all finish with their fittings, they browsed the
ribbons before finally heading out.
They had just set out into the square when Jinny spotted the
wizard she'd been so keen to lay eyes on.
Mr. Potter? He had been across the square
conversing with Mr. Creevy when she called on him, looking up
with a hint of mischief as he noticed them.
There was. It excused himself, coming over
to join them. Hello Miss Weasley, I was
wondering if we would cross paths again.
Jinny blushed, twirling her finger through her hair.
Hermione has told us all what a credit you are to your
profession, Sir. We are all indebted to you, Mr.
Potter. As I told your sister, it was an
act of duty. The aura flashed them all a
smile. Is your business in the village
done? I am happy to escort you ladies
home, though I do believe the threat of trolls has
significantly diminished. Hermione opened her mouth to
refuse him, not wanting to take up more of the wizard's time,
but Jinny once again beat her to speak.
Yes, we would love the company. She rolled her eyes at her
sister's eagerness, but in truth, Mr. Potter seemed a
respectable gentleman and Jinny had fancied far worse.
They had retreated most of the way up the main road when
Charlie pulled on Luna's cloak to get the witch's attention,
causing Bert, Luna, and Hermione to pause.
Look. Charlie had no subtlety as she
pointed across the road. It's Mr. Sabini, let's go say
hello. Jinny's eyes immediately snapped
up to follow Charlie's extended finger, landing on a gentleman
alongside a once again scowling Mr. Malfoy.
Charlie tugged her sister along, and Luna reached for Hermione's
hand to link the three witches. Mr. Sabini?
The Weasley witch shouted a few steps away.
The wizard looked up, and Hermione had the immense
pleasure of seeing his face be overtaken with a smile upon
catching sight of Luna. Miss Lovegood.
He said excitedly. And Miss Granger and Miss
Weasley, what an unexpected surprise.
So lovely to see you all. We were just at the modest being
fitted for our gowns for your ball.
Charlie confessed as they reached the power of Wizards.
Mr. Malvoy's gaze had settled on Hermione as she looked back to
Mr. Sabini to avoid catching his eye.
How wonderful. Mr. Sabini replied.
Are you injured Miss Granger? Mr. Malvoy cut in, his eyes
focused on the cut along her cheek.
Oh well, I. Hermione startled, flustered by
the intensity of his expression. Hermione was just attacked by a
troll. Charlie blurted out.
She was saved by our cousin and Mr. Potter.
Mr. Potter? Malfoy nearly spat the name in
surprise, exchanging A subtle glance with his friend that
Charlie completely missed as she prattled on.
Oh yes, Mr. Potter is an aura. You invited the station door as
at your ball, didn't you, Mr. Zabini?
Yes. An invitation was delivered to
the captain of their regiment, Hermione noted.
The wizard's usually vibrant countenance dulled slightly and
his smile disappearing and replaced with a more diplomatic
expression. Something about the shift
signalled to her that the gentleman seemed to have some
sort of opinion about the aura in question.
She was calculating a plan to interrogate them about it when
Jinny shouted at them from where she stood with Mr. Potter and
Priscilla. Charlie, Luna, Hermione, hurry
up. The noise drew Mr. Malfoy's eyes
across the street, narrowing upon catching sight of Mr.
Potter. The aura offered an equally
chilly acknowledgement to the wizard, but it seemed none of
her sisters caught the interaction.
Charlie decided to abandon them to rejoin Ginny without a
goodbye. It was so nice to see you, Mr.
Sabini. Luna said as she took a step
back. I was hoping to call on you
tomorrow. His voice was hopeful.
If that is all right. Yes, of course.
Ginny encouraged and the wizard's smile returned once
more. Excellent.
Good day Miss Lovegood. Good day, Mr. Sabini.
Luna grabbed Hermione's hand and the pair retreated away from the
gentleman. Hermione thought to give one
more glance over her shoulder to see if Mr. Malfoy was still
glaring at Mr. Potter, but the gentleman had already operated
away with a pop by the time she turned around to check.
Her curiosity could not be satisfied without further
explanation. So when her younger sisters
spotted the borough and bid their goodbyes to Mr. Potter
before dashing through the gate, Hermione stayed in hopes of
gaining some answers from the wizard.
Do you plan to go to the Featherfield Yule haul, Mr.
Potter? Hermione asked casually.
Perhaps I had not been informed that Mister Malfoy was residing
at Featherfield at the moment. How long has he been a guest
there? Shortly after Mr. Sabini's
arrival about a month ago. She answered, seeing no harm in
sharing such public information. Are you acquainted with Mr.
Malfoy? Luna asked, innocently and
knowingly, stealing the words out of Hermione's mouth.
Indeed, though I am. You could be surprised by such a
fact given our cold greeting today.
In truth, I have been connected to the Malfoy family for over
half my life, as I was their ward for all my years at
Hogwarts. You were the Malfoy's ward?
Hermione asked, unable to hide her interest any longer.
Yes. Upon the deaths of my parents
and godfather. I had no remaining wizarding
family to raise me. My parents were murdered when I
was a child, you see. Killed by an assassin who was
hired by one of my father's oldest friends.
For what reason were they betrayed in such a manner?
Luna inquired, her voice mirroring Hermione's interest.
Selfishness or cowardness, I suppose.
The rat had fallen into a gambling debt and found out my
father had listed him among his friends within his will should
he succumb to an untimely death. He thought that by killing my
parents and their only heir that he would be able to steal the
pot of fortune to start a new life for himself.
Unfortunately for him, his assassin failed to kill me, and
my godfather saw to it that he paid the price for his
treachery. How terrible, she said, her
heart aching for Mr. Potter's misfortunes after their deaths.
My godfather took me in. Sirius Black was heir to a
Sacred 28 family and never married, so he intended to pass
the Black fortune and Wisengemot seat to me.
He continued with his tale, Luna and Hermione clinging to every
word. I had a happy childhood, but it
was cut short just like my parents.
Sirius was also taken from me shortly before my 11th birthday.
At that time, my only remaining family was my mother's sister,
but she and her husband were both muggles and thus deemed
unsuitable for raising me. So then why did you go to the
Malfoy's? Luna questioned.
Malfoy's father had married Narsissa Black, my godfather's
cousin. She petitioned her husband to
take me in out of a sense of familial duty, but both Malfoy
and his father made it clear they never wanted me there.
Hermione recalled her conversation in the Featherfield
greenhouses with Mr. Malfoy. The wizard had seemed cold about
his family ward, but to meet the wizard who had endured his
indifference left her angry all over again.
I could never be worth a second glance from his father, but
Malfoy seemed particularly aggrieved by my presence over
the years. His father died during our sixth
year at Hogwarts, and I thought upon my graduation I would gain
access to my inheritance and we could go our separate ways.
But I underestimated Malfoy's vindictive nature.
I should have known better than to trust her Slytherin to do the
right thing. What happened?
Hermione hurried out, desperate to hear how the story ended.
The inheritance left by my father could not be touched by
him, but I discovered that he had stolen some of the
inheritance my godfather had intended for me, but surely that
could not be allowed. Why was he not stopped?
Some of the black properties and accounts had me listed as an
heir, but while publicly declaring his wishes to leave me
the rights to his Wisengemot seat, the final document
remained unsigned on his desk before his death.
I did not know at the time, only learning the truth shortly
before I was set to inherit. You see, with the paper
unsigned, the seat automatically defaulted to the next oldest
male heir with black blood. And so it went to Malfoy.
But doesn't the Malfoy family already have their own seat on
the Wisenko Mart? Luna interrupted.
Why would he keep the second one?
To expand their influence and power, the Malfoys have always
craved power over everything else.
By voting with a proxy, Malfoy could always ensure his vote was
worth double. But surely Mr. Malfoy understood
the seat was intended for you? Luna still looked appalled by
the tragic turn the story had taken.
No, he was well aware of that fact.
Mr. Potter insisted and yet still chose to hoard it for
himself. He had grown quite bitter over
the years and his jealousy of me ran deep.
Jealousy. Hermione was confident that
Mister Malfoy had been born with a silver spoon between his lips
and had been raised to believe himself better than every witch
or wizard he encountered. While she knew him very little,
being envious of anyone still felt out of character for him.
Yes, since the moment I arrived, he resented me.
His mother did everything to make me feel at home and he
despised me for it. Malfoy knew she liked me better
and he couldn't stand it. How cruel.
Hermione exclaimed. Mr. Potter sighed, his hand
coming out to grip the gate. My earliest memories with my
godfather were sitting in his lap while he spoke to me about
the documents he was reviewing for the Wiesengemot.
All my life I had believed it to be my future, but Malvoy stole
it from me. Now I menorah an occupation I
take great pride in, but this is not the life that was intended
for me. Luna and Hermione both offered
him sympathetic apologies for his troubles, though there was
nothing they could do to ease his suffering.
She had so many more questions she hoped to ask many regarding
Mr. Malvoy, but Missus Weasley called out for the girls and
they were forced to say their goodbyes.
As she watched him operate away, she could not help but feel
sorry for him. Mr. Potter had illustrated his
bravery today, and even though she was grateful to make his
acquaintance, Hermione now knew the tragedy that had preceded
their introduction. While she hoped she would see
him again, she wondered how learning of Mr. Malfoy's
presence at Featherfield would impact the wizard's decision to
stay in the village. The Aura Regiment might also be
moved, having apprehended the troll.
Though they had originally planned to be stationed
throughout the winter, a large part of her hoped that Mister
Malfoy would make his excuses to abandon Featherfield before the
ball. Knowing his aversion to dancing
and his open disdain for the people Mr. Zabini had invited to
celebrate Yule, it surely would make it easier for Mr. Potter to
attend and would save her the trouble of having to be civil
with the wizard as he sulked around Mister Sabini.
Time would tell the outcome, but if she never saw Mr. Malvoy
again, it would be far too soon.