Most ardently by Swift Night, Chapter 20, Misses Weasley
wasted no time in calling on each of her neighbors the
following day to inform them of Luna's engagement to Mr.
Zerbini. With each return to the borough,
she brought tales of well wishes and fresh gossip sweeping the
neighborhood. Hermione paid little mind to
such rumours, but her ears could not help but perk up at the news
regarding a particular gentleman.
When her mother visited the Longbottom residence, Mrs.
Augusta Longbottom shared some news of her own.
After over a year exploring the continent in search of rare
plants, her grandson would be returning to the Longbottom Hall
within the week, just in the nick of time to attend the
wedding at the beginning of July.
The preparations for the event became the main focus of
everyone in the borough. Though Mr. Sabini wished to host
the ceremony and reception at Featherfield Hall, the borough
would still be needed to host their cousins during the
festivities. With so many tasks to do,
Hermione had spent very little time with her sister aside from
when they both returned to bed in the evening, utterly
exhausted. Luna seemed to share Hermione's
desire to spend some quality time with her sister, insisting
that she accompany the witch to her bridal appointment with the
Mudiste. It was impossible for her to
refuse. After Luna declared she would be
unable to select a fabric for her wedding gown without
Hermione's input. They examined every bolt of
fabric within the shop. Once they finished.
There could be no objections to the shimmering silver silk her
sister ultimately chose, though Misses Weasley did try.
Oh, but what about the gold? The matriarch nearly shoved the
bolt into their arms as she said it.
But won't it wash her out, Mother?
Hermione came to Luna's defence when she saw the look of Shawnus
her sister held for the silver. Silver has always been Luna's
colour, she practically glows in it.
Luna smiled at Hermione's compliment, offering a
compromise to appease their mother.
Yes, I much prefer the silver if I have a choice, but we should
have the dressmaker save the gold for Hermione's wedding,
seeing how beautifully it suits her.
And who is this mysterious gentleman she's expected to
marry? Missus Weasley asked, eyeing the
girls with suspicion. Luna quirked her brow at her, a
knowing glint behind her eyes. While Hermione had not had the
opportunity to broach the subject of Mr. Malfoy with Luna
since his departure, her sister had developed a habit of
glancing at her any time the wizard was mentioned.
Not wanting the simple question to turn into an interrogation,
she chose to deflect. Perhaps Cousin Ron has a cousin
in France? She quipped, knowing her mother
would find the idea preposterous.
All three witches broke out into giggles at her jesting, and
Missus Weasley conceded to purchase the silver fabric for
Luna when they recovered. The golden silk was left behind
when they departed, but Luna insisted they would be back for
it shortly. They rode to the village in the
carriage due to the threat of rain, but by the time they
departed for home, the skies had cleared.
The fields along the road were bathed in sunshine, the storms
had reduced the temperatures considerably to something far
more enjoyable, and Hermione yearned to sprawl out among the
flowers for a peaceful afternoon with a book.
The witches had just settled in the sitting room for tea when
the sound of another carriage pulling up the road to the
Burrow caused them to look out in confusion.
That is not one of Mr. Sabini's carriages.
Mrs. Weasley observed as they came to a stop.
I would remember ramoning such an.
Expensive coach. Her mother was correct.
Unlike the standard coaches pulled by two Thestrals, this
one was heavy enough to require 4.
The garish display of wealth could only belong to one person
known to Hermione. When the doors opened to allow
the occupant to descend, the identity of the witch inside was
confirmed. That is Lady Greengrass.
She informed them, though she found herself quite befuddled as
she couldn't think of what could have brought the witch so far
from her comforts. Hermione stayed by the window
long enough to confirm that she was unaccompanied, retreating
once it was apparent that neither Astoria nor Daphne had
travelled with her. A servant opened the front door
to allow the Greengrass matriarch into the house, and
much like they'd done the previous week during Mr.
Sabini's unexpected visit, the witches rushed to tidy the room
before her arrival. After she was formally
announced, she marched into the room.
Lady Greengrass was as cold as Hermione remembered.
From the way she turned her nose up as she inspected the room, it
was obvious she found it to be below her standards.
How delighted we are to have you in our home, Lady Greengrass.
Missus Weasley's nerves betrayed her as I've always trembled.
You have names in your garden, ma'am?
The witch said in response. When Missus Weasley's shock did
not allow her to reply, she turned to inspect Hermione and
her sisters. The rest of your offspring, I
presume, though it is easy to discern which of them are your
wards. Yes Lady Greengrass.
Hermione cut in to allow her mother a moment to adjust to her
visitors intense scrutiny. My eldest sister Luna and my 2
younger sisters Priscilla and Charlotte.
All the girls bowed as Hermione introduced them.
And my youngest daughter was lately married.
Your Ladyship. Missus Weasley added, regaining
her bearings. And of course, my eldest Luna is
now engaged to Mr. Zerbini at. The mention of weddings and
engagements. Lady Greengrass's lips turned
down into a scowl. Yes, I received my invitation to
the wedding. She acknowledged after a brief
moment. I.
Hope that you left my nephew Mr. Weasley and his wife in good.
Health missus? Weasley inquired politely,
likely in the hope of transitioning to a more
palatable subject. It seemed nothing could please
Lady Greengrass as Hermione watched her stiffen at her
mother's question before answering.
Yes, I invited them to dinner the night before last.
Would you like to sit your Ladyship?
Luna kindly offered. We have just.
Called for tea. If you.
Would like to join us. No, that will not be necessary.
I require exercise after sitting all afternoon in my carriage.
Lady Greengrass proclaimed to the room before turning to
Hermione. Miss Granger, you will escort me
on a turn around the garden and fend off any of those pests that
occupy it. The command left room for little
argument, and Hermione knew she could not reject it.
It was impossible to deny her curiosity at learning the real
reason for the witch's sudden arrival and need to ensure a
private audience with her. In an effort to not cause any
alarm among her mother and sisters, Hermione nodded and
offered Lady Greengrass A demure smile.
She escorted the witch back out of the house into the garden,
not stopping until she reached the Grove of apple trees that
promised them privacy from the prying eyes that could be
lurking at the windows. Hermione had no sooner planted
her feet when Lady Greengrass began speaking.
You can be at no loss, Miss Granger, to understand the
reason for my long journey in seeking out an audience with
you. Indeed, you are mistaken, Lady
Greengrass. I am unable to account for the
honour of your visit. Hermione could not hide her
astonishment at the claim. Miss Granger, you ought to know
that I am not a witch to be trifled with.
However insincere those Muggles have taught you to be, you will
not find me. So let me be frank.
A report of the most alarming nature reached me two days ago.
I was informed that not only had the Weasley's eldest ward
secured a most advantageous engagement to a gentleman far
above her in rank, but that you, Miss Granger, would soon be
united with none other than Mr. Malfoy.
Lady. Greengrass did not let her words
linger as Hermione. Blanched.
Though I know this rumour could be nothing more than a
scandalous falsehood, I could not injure Mr. Malfoy by
supposing it possible. I resolved to set out to make my
sentiments known to you. If you believed it impossible, I
wonder why you took the trouble of coming all this way.
Hermione's attempts at politeness had vanished upon
hearing the disdain that dripped from every syllable the older
witch launched against her. Do you insist upon hearing such
a report? Contradicted.
She demanded. Your arrival at the borough will
surely be a confirmation of it, if such a report does indeed
exist if Lady Greengrass spat. Do you pretend to be ignorant of
it? Has it not been circulated by
yourself? I have never heard of it,
Hermione insisted. Her anger flared at the
accusation, but her words only resulted in a scoff from Lady
Greengrass. And can you confirm that there
is no foundation for it? In weighing her options,
Hermione could not find a single reason to share any more
information with her than she had already provided.
I do not pretend to possess equal frankness with your
Ladyship. You may ask a question, but I do
not owe you an answer, Miss Granger.
I shall not leave until I am satisfied.
Has Mr. Malfoy made you an offer of marriage?
Your Ladyship has declared it to be impossible.
Lady Greengrass's eyes narrowed to near slits.
Perhaps I have not been clear enough.
Mr. Malfoy is engaged to my daughter Astoria.
Now what have you to say? If so, you can have no reason to
believe that he would make an offer to me.
Hermione pushed back, recalling how Mr. Nott had unequivocally
denied that Mister Malfoy had any intentions of marrying the
witch when they spoke last spring.
You selfish Mudblood. The slur slipped from Lady
Greengrass's lips far too easily to have not been a common use.
This union has been planned since Astoria's infancy.
His father and I discussed it over her cradle and they have
always been intended for one. Another.
I will not allow some witch with filthy muggle blood to pollute
the line of such a noble house. It seems your influence has
already poisoned the Weasele's seeing how their youngest
daughter's elopement resulted in a scandalous patched up marriage
that was paid for at the expense of your cousins.
Now tell me once and for all, are you engaged to him?
I am not, Hermione replied, her voice hollow.
Lady Greengrass's shoulder seemed to shift forward, a look
of relief crossing her features before morphing back into the
stern mask she wore. And will you promise to never
enter such an agreement? The witch adored Hermione's
heart, could not concede such a demand.
I will not, and I certainly. Never shall she.
Confessed you have insulted me in every way possible and can
have nothing further to say to me.
I must ask that you leave immediately.
You will find your carriage waiting just beyond that tree
line. Without a courtesy, Hermione
turned and headed back in the direction of the house, but it
did not stop Lady Greengrass from calling after her.
Beware, Miss Granger, for you have made an enemy out of me
today. Once out of sight of the witch,
she ducked behind the shrubbery and watched Lady Greengrass
depart with a haste she had not expected for someone of her age.
Muttering profanities along the way, Hermione did not return to
the house until the carriage was out of sight and her anger had
dissipated to simmer beneath the surface.
Missus Weasley did not waste time before summoning her back
to the sitting room to learn what she could about the reason
for her appearance. Had she come all this way just
to see you, Hermione? Well, it would be honest to say
yes. She felt no desire to divulge
the real reason for Lady Greengrass's visit.
No, she was just passing through.
The life flowed off her tongue far easier than she expected,
and she said she wanted to stretch her legs and record.
We lived here in Ottery St. Catchpole.
She picked up her teacup and brought it to her lips, shocked
to see that her hands remained steady despite her nerves.
Her mother's eyes went wide with awe.
You must have gained great favour with her for her to think
of you so fondly. She's quite a serious witch, but
those of such high rank often are.
Did she say she had plans to come to the wedding?
No. I'm not sure, she said before
taking another sip. Well with her favour I'm sure if
she does choose to attend we can expect her to introduce you to
many of the single rich gentlemen present and then you
too can have an advantageous match like.
Luna's Hermione merely hummed in reply, knowing that Lady
Greengrass would do so, if only to divert her attention from the
one wizard for whom she could think about.
Knowing she had never spoken to anyone about Mr. Malfoy's first
proposal. She spent the remainder of the
afternoon pondering who could have brought such a rumour to
Lady Greengrass's attention, and if word of it had somehow
reached the ears of the wizard as well.