Black Diamond

March 13th, 1798

There was a newfound weight on her shoulders, having been declared Diamond. While it was not a title the young woman had actively sought after, it would open many gates for her during the social season. 

Hermione was rather pleased with her accomplishment. 

After readying herself for the day, she was to take tea with her mother. Lily was to join them shortly after the two had their breakfast.

Following the events of days prior, the women found that there was much to speak of, and to plan. 

The Daily Prophet’s announcement had revealed something to Hermione, that she had not been privy to before. 

It was unsurprising, given the air of grace and charm her mother always exuded. Euphemia Potter, former Diamond. 

Not a moment sooner than she sat at the table, did her mother address the tasks ahead of them for the day. 

“It is today we make our most important decision of the season.”

“What would that possibly be? Has all else we’ve done not already been important, Mother?”

Euphemia shook her head, laughing endearingly “We will be deciding whose company we will be spending the season with.”

As the older woman poured herself tea, Hermione found herself listening intently. 

“There are events that you are required to attend for the season, but outside of those, we must dictate which events and families are to be found worthy of our time.”

“The first ball of the season is already planned for the week’s end, and you have already received many invitations for the month upcoming. We shall rule some of these out, and together select events you shall attend.”

A large pile of letters had been set aside while they finished their meal, and Hermione was sure that without the aid of her mother, she wouldn’t be capable of making such decisions. 

“And as for James?” the younger witch asked. 

“Society’s rules for men are not as strict. Provided they have title or sponsor, they do as they are inclined and go where they please. He and your father will handle his affairs.” 

The mother-daughter duo began combing through the pile of envelopes, sorting them into three separate piles.

Once sorted, Euphemia reached for the envelope closest to her, opening it and handing its contents to Hermione. 

“Here, this is an invitation to afternoon tea for this Thursday, it’s from the newly wedded Lord and Lady Malfoy, which I presume you’ll be interested in?”

The news of receiving any word from an old friend had boosted Hermione’s mood in an instant. “Yes of course, I do miss Narcissa.”

The soft click of a door closing, and a loud voice interrupted the conversation for a moment. 

“Well the new Lady Malfoy may be able to provide insight as to what it is like to have been diamond, although I suppose the same could be said of you Lady Potter.”

“Miss Greengrass, it is always a pleasure to see you. How are your brother and his wife fairing?” Euphemia asked, easily swaying the topic of conversation away from herself.

Lily approached the table, taking a seat across from Hermione before glancing at the letters organized on the table. 

“Just as well as a newlywed pair who barely sees each other can be, I suppose.” 

Euphemia shook her head, resuming the original topic of conversation. “Sirius will obviously not go to this, if his cousin is hosting tea then others of his former house are likely to be present. I cannot guarantee your brother will be willing either, but he has some level of responsibility he cannot escape.”

"I'm sure he would feel up to his responsibilities if Lily were to attend as well." Hermione stated playfully, watching as a blush redder than Lily's hair spread across her face.

Hermione was a clever witch, and she knew it was only a short time before her brother and best friend would begin courting.  They had said all but nothing to her, but the way they had acted around each other since the redhead's return spoke for them.

The thought was pushed from her head as they resumed a more serious conversation.

They continued their discussion for a few hours, selecting a few events each week that they would be in attendance, and penning their responses. Lily’s presence had aided in the final selection, as Hermione preferred to have the company of a friend whenever possible. 

By the end of the session, the women had dedicated themselves to several events for each week of the upcoming month. 

They had strategically left openings, in which Hermione could take visitors, or do as else she pleased. 

Tilly was then tasked with sending responses via owl, and the three witches took to embroidery in the time that remained for Lily's visit.

..........

Thursday, March 15th - Malfoy Manor

By the time they had arrived, several witches and wizards were gathered into groups, chatting away as they passed glances over the newcomers.

Hermione’s presence had drawn the attention of many around her, and though she found it somewhat unnerving, the witch maintained proper decorum. 

As the first social event that debutants were allowed to attend, she knew it was important to give a good impression, bowing her head respectfully to the groups of wizarding folk who eyed her down. 

James had been persuaded to come to the event, 'if only to keep the rest of Sirius’ relatives away from Hermione for the event.' 

Lily, Severus, and Peter had all been invited to the event, and although the five of them had arrived together, it was not long before the group was divided into two. 

Severus had accepted their invitations in the interest of making connections with established men in attendance, and although Severus was to be Lily's escort for the day, he was quick to pass off his responsibilities to Hermione and James. 

Peter, had attended to avoid being a third-wheel; allowing Remus and Sirius to spend some needed time alone.  Severus had convinced him to come along, for they were both of lower titles and in need of connections and sponsors for their separate endeavors.

The remaining three; Hermione, Lily, and James, had gone in search of their hosts. 

It was not long before they found the regal pair standing under one of the many lavish tents set up for tea. 

It was curious for Hermione to see her old friend, shrouded in marital bliss. She supposed that her future could look similar, perhaps this time next year. 

Approaching the Lord and Lady Malfoy, the trio bowed their heads in greeting.

Narcissa was the first to break the silence, introducing her husband, the Count Lucius Malfoy, before turning her focus to Hermione. 

“Oh Hermione, the Diamond! I’m so proud of you darling, and so happy to see you.” The blond declared. 

“Do maintain some sense of decorum, Narcissa.” Her husband spoke, a hint of annoyance in his voice. “Just while in front of guests, alright love?”

“My apologies, Lucius. I suppose we ladies should take a walk then?”

“Actually Lady Malfoy," James spoke out, just as Narcissa extended a hand to Lily, "if you don’t mind I had hoped to steal the lovely Miss Greengrass away for a few moments?”

“Of course, Heir Potter. There are some lovely garden paths to explore, should you like to take a walk as well.” She offered.

“Thank you, Countess” he said before turning to Lily, offering her his arm. “Shall we?”

The pair departed, and Lucius leaned down towards his wife, pressing a gentle kiss to her temple before releasing the hand that he held in his own. 

“I have business to discuss with the new Viscount Longbottom, I shall see you shortly.” He said before bowing deeply, “And do enjoy your walk, ladies.”

“Oh we shall, lest we run into the peacocks!”

“You have peacocks?” Hermione inquired, shock evident in her voice.

Narcissa giggled, lowering her voice to a whisper as she spoke “Yes, they were a wedding gift, which I on occasion have had to stun  while being chased.  I hate the bloody things.”

“Now,” she started, looping her arm through Hermione’s, “We have a great deal to discuss, Diamond.”