A Slytherin Interlude
Saturday Evening, The Great Hall, Hogwarts:
Draco and the Slytherins hadn't seen Hermione all week. They had become accustomed to her presence at mealtimes, and it was odd without her. Daphne and Pansy had even sought out Ginny to ask where Hermione was, but Red wasn't giving them any information. They were told she was fine and that's all.
The Slytherins sulked about not being in the know about their friends location. If there was one thing Daphne and Pansy both hated, it was being out of the loop with their friends. All of that quickly changed at dinner when Draco's large eagle owl delivered a letter with the Malfoy family crest.
Draco didn't often receive evening mail, but he quickly opened the letter to satisfy his own curiosity. Impressed by the content of the letter, he let out a low, smooth chuckle, which caught the attention of his friends.
“What is it?” Daphne asked politely.
“Gimme! I wanna see.” Pansy said, foregoing all manners and etiquette to snatch the letter out of Draco's hand.
“What's your mum doing sending a letter this late. It's very unlike her, so it must be good.” Pansy exclaimed.
Before she started reading the letter, she threw up a quick silencing charm. She glanced over the letter quickly before she started reading aloud. Pansy's eyes went wide and her jaw dropped as she took in the letter. The pure blood princess seemed to hesitate before reading the letter aloud to her friends.
“Come-on Pans, you can't react like that without cluing the rest of us into what's going on!” Daphne challenged.
“Okay, okay, I'll read it.” Pansy began.
Draco,
I hope this letter finds you well sweetheart. I know this isn’t my normal time to write, but I needed to share with you what happened today. Do you remember I told you I would be headed to France this week for an event?
This year, for the first time I chose to join in handing out awards at a horse show in Le Pouget, France. One of our companies has always sponsored this show, we've just never participated.
You will never guess who I saw, and handed an award to… Hermione Granger. Yes you read that correctly. By the way Pansy wrote to me and mentioned you have a crush on her. I fully approve! She was competing on two horses, and both placed in the top 10. I was able to watch her ride a bit throughout the week. she is an incredibly talented equestrian. After the award ceremony I was able to speak with her briefly, and she mentioned she has been riding as long as she could remember. She was amazing, and she was the youngest rider in the field of 100.
On top of that, her parents and a full team of grooms were with her the entire week to assist with everything. Did you know any of this about her? She certainly seems to be an intriguing young witch.
Talk to you soon,
Mum
The Slytherins were too stunned to speak. Pansy and Daphne were both flabbergasted, and the boys were not too far behind.
"She's a horse girl!” Daphne shouted, excited because she loved the horses she had at home.
"Daph, we need to add this to the wall of Hermione!” Pansy screeched. The two excited girls started to get up from the table, but were brought back to earth by a curious Draco.
"Wall of Hermione?” He questioned.
Daphne and Pansy looked at one another before Pansy launched into an explanation. "We have a wall of all the things that make us think Hermione is high born. This new piece of info may have been the final piece of confirmation. She competes in high level equestrian events at an international level. Even in the magical world that is expensive.”
Theo and Blaise were nodding their heads in agreement. Draco just rolled his eyes.
"If Hermione wanted us to know the intimate details about her life she would have told us. We can't force her. Also, isn't she one of the students who will be sharing her home life with our entire class? We will get to know a lot more then.”
"I forgot about that! Good call Draco!” Daphne said.
“Either way, horses are expensive in the muggle and magical world. Her family must have some kind of money.” Pansy said, as Daphne nodded her head in agreement.
"By the way Pansy, it is quite rude to rip a letter out of someone's hand. Especially when it is not addressed to you.” Draco said with his trademark smirk.
Pansy rolled her eyes, and proceeded to leave the table with Daphne.