Loveliest Lily
Almost two years later - March 1st, 1797
Being without Lily was something that Hermione had dreaded greatly over the years. In their perfect world, the pair would have preferred to spend the rest of their days as they had for the last several years - together.
The Potter household, along with Remus, Severus, and Peter had come to see Lily and her family off as they left for the season.
As debutant homes had disconnected floo networks for privacy during the social season, the Greengrass family would be taking a carriage.
The trip would be several hours long, and many families preferred traveling to the social season this way. It allowed for final moments of calmness and privacy before they would be launched into the social season.
As the upcoming Head of House, Heir Sebastian Greengrass would be taking the trip with his family, hoping to find a wife from the social pool of women his sister was soon to be thrown into.
As the last of the packing was finished, Hermione and Lily held each other, sniffling in silence. Severus approached the two, enveloping his two best friends in a hug.
Over the next several months, the two would hope and pray to the higher power of magic to bring her home at the end of the season.
Saying their goodbyes was hard, especially with the future of one red headed witch unknown to all. But with their heads held high, guests of the House of Greengrass watched the carriage depart before heading to their own homes.
……….
March 2nd, 1797
Dearest Hermione,
I have only just arrived to our London home, late in the night, and already I find myself missing my dearest friends. The carriage ride was rather enjoyable, if you enjoy being lectured on how to find a suitable life partner, that is.
Mother warned me that I may not have time to write as frequently as we had hoped. She claims that the season will decide the fate of the House of Greengrass, and insists that I not only search for my own husband, but also help search for a wife for Sebastian.
Hopefully the season goes smoothly for both of us. Word has reached us that debutants are to be presented on the 10th of the month. If I find myself unable to write you before then, I will be sure to write the details of the event to you the moment I am home.
I hope to return to you soon.
Your friend,
Lily Jade Greengrass
House of Greengrass
..........
March 6th, 1797
Lovely Lily,
Everyone was happy to hear of your safe arrival. I personally think that apparition would be more effective than the carriage ride you’ve since endured. My mother of course, insists that we will be doing the same for my debut next year. It’s quite unfortunate.
As for the writing, I understand. I hope to hear from you as much as possible, and selfishly hope that you not find a husband this season. Is that rude of me?
I wish you much excitement this season otherwise.
Yours truly,
Hermione Jean Granger-Potter
House of Potter
..........
March 10th, 1797
Hermione,
Did you know that all debutants have to wear these monstrous feathers when presented? I felt like a bloody bird wearing the things. That aside, I have more pressing matters to write of.
I’ve only just arrived home, and I’ve already heard whispers of the Queen’s selected Diamond. They think it to be none other than our old estranged friend, Narcissa Black.
The Queen is yet to make a formal announcement, but I expect to hear news of it in the society section of the Daily Prophet soon enough.
Only one more thing is exciting enough for me to share with you. The nephew of the Queen has been brought to court this year, and he’s rather handsome. Alas, I have sworn off finding a husband this season.
I’m sure someone here will end up a fine society wife for him someday. Lucky shall that witch be.
Send my love to your family. I will write again when I am able.
Your friend,
Lily Jade Greengrass
House of Greengrass
..........
March 12th, 1797
The letter from Lily had arrived the same time as the Daily Prophet that day.
Knowing that the Prophet had a penchant for writing rubbish, especially around the social season, the family tended to disregard the paper.
Hearing about Narcissa’s potential as Diamond was unsurprising to both Hermione and Sirius. The young woman had been a picture of perfection before the events of years prior. Her sister dishonoring her family would have lead to more pressure on her to maintain that image.
Curiously, they decided to check the society section for any formal announcement of the Diamond.
The Daily Prophet
Society Section
Diamond of the Season Declared by Queen
Dated March 12th, 1797
Rita Skeeter
This season has had more debutants than other seasons by far, making competition for the title of Diamond quite difficult this year. I had the pleasure of seeing some of the most notable debutants as they made their way to Castle Dover yesterday evening.
Very few from the large pool of ladies managed to catch the Queen’s eye, most notably Irene Parkinson of House of Parkinson, and Alice Fortescue of the Fortescue family.
In the end however, the Queen was entranced by and has declared none other than Narcissa Black of the Most Ancient and Noble House of Black as this season’s Diamond.
This writer looks forward to the peak of the season and the many engagements to come, especially that of our Diamond.
..........
It was no shock when Andromeda Tonks apparated just outside of the property, no more than an hour after the paper had been read.
Having been cut off from her family, the Potters had welcomed her with open arms the same way they had Sirius. It seemed the family had a knack for caring for the misfits of the wizarding world.
She had first come to them after the birth of her daughter, Nymphadora Tonks.
The baby had shown magic abilities as a Metamorphmagus just moments after her birth. Had Andromeda still been an honored member of her family, this trait would have been seen as a boon to her house.
On a normal occasion, the witch would visit with her child, taking time to reconnect with people and aspects of the wizarding world she had lost touch with through her disownment.
It was a quick visit this time around, as it was clear the witch was deep in her thoughts regarding her younger sister.
She had asked Hermione to aid her in passing along a gift to Narcissa, a family heirloom that she had taken with her upon her disownment.
It had been meant to keep her safe as she had approached her season, and as she no longer had need for it, she hoped that it could protect for Narcissa in hers. Hermione promised to write and ask the favor of Lily.
The moment Andromeda left the property, Hermione found herself scrawling out her response to the letter from her closest friend, eager to mend the bond of a broken sisterhood.