Roses & Thorns
As Hermione was led down one of several garden paths, she fell into casual conversation with her old friend.
“How has married life been treating you?”
“It’s been most agreeable. Lucius is an attentive husband and I find myself able to handle the duties as lady of the house with ease.”
“I’m happy to hear he treats you well, Narcissa.”
“Indeed. Though my marriage is not what I want to speak to you about today, Hermione.”
The winding path had led them far from prying eyes and ears, and it was clear that Narcissa had intentionally chosen such a path.
“What is it then, that you could not discuss in the company of others?” the younger witch inquired.
The end of the cobblestone path came into view, the hedges surrounding the witches opening to reveal a small rose garden.
“I want to prepare you, to help you through the season. It is the least I could do,” she says, gently running her fingers across the small emerald bracelet on her left wrist “especially after you brought Andromeda back into my life.”
A smile tugging at the corner of her lips, Hermione nodded in understanding. She recognized the bracelet as the gift Andromeda had asked to pass along to her sister the year prior.
“So you have seen her, then?”
“Not yet, I haven’t the courage.” She admitted, a bit bashfully. “But soon, I hope.”
The social season would not be ideal for the sisters to reconnect, especially as the newlywed would be responsible for hosting a number of extravagant gatherings. It would be too difficult to see her sister with the constant presence of her family.
They circled around the various rose bushes before taking a seat on a large bench towards the middle of the hidden garden.
“I want to help you procure an ideal husband. As Diamond, you can have almost any eligible bachelor you desire, but you must pick the right man. One who will love you and give you freedom, not just treat you as a trophy.”
“I can aid you in small ways, of course.” Narcissa said, continuing her proposition “Introductions, deterring unwanted suitors and their mothers. Those sorts of things.”
She scoffed briefly “The matrons are the worst part, they’ll do anything to elevate their children in society. Quite alarming.”
Hermione reflected back on what she knew of Narcissa’s blood relatives, and knew that the witch's statement applied heavily to the women of the House of Black.
“My own mother seems to be reluctant to share her own experiences as Diamond.” Hermione began, the slight disappointment evident in her tone. “I would be most grateful to have you as my aid, as my mentor.”
Narcissa nodded slowly in understanding. “She was of my house, though a bit more distantly related. The pressure and memories of her season, prior to meeting your father may be unpleasant.”
Hermione nodded in a silent acknowledgment, shifting in her seat before rising from the hard bench.
“I hope one day she’ll be able to share the stories with me.”
Extending her hand out to the blonde in front of her, she smiled softly. Narcissa’s kind deed would be of great benefit to Hermione, and they were both aware of the fact.
“I am most grateful to have you as a friend, Lady Malfoy.”
Narcissa accepted her aid, smoothing her skirt out once she was on her feet again.
“And I, you Miss Granger-Potter.”
……….
As they returned from their private conversation, their walk took a rather unpleasant turn. A mere twenty feet from returning to the tent, the two women were caught in their tracks by none other than Walburga Black.
Her husband seemed deeply uninterested in interrupting their niece and guest, but kept up with his wife’s determined pace nonetheless.
With no other option but to halt, Hermione sucked in a deep breath before offering a slight curtsy towards the foul woman and her husband.
“Lord and Lady Black, have you had the chance to meet Miss Hermione Granger-Potter yet?” Narcissa began the conversation, voice overly cheery with her greeting.
“I’ve not had the honor yet, but I’ve heard of her. Lovely to make your acquaintance, Hermione.” The man spoke first “I am Lord Orion Black.”
His wife evidently had little regard for formalities, not bothering with an introduction before speaking her mind.
“Of course I know the young witch, she has a rather unfortunate acquaintance with your cousin, Sirius.” A scoff fell from her lips as she mentioned her eldest son. “It would do you much better to be seen with my Regulus. He isn’t some scoundrel like his sad excuse for a brother.”
Hermione’s lips pressed together tightly, as she kept her thoughts to herself. In truth, she knew she would encounter such unpleasant people amongst polite society.
And Lady Walburga Black was known for nothing more than her unpleasantness.
“Well dear Aunt, unfortunately Regulus declined the invitation for today's event and Hermione cannot be seen with him if he is not in attendance. Yes?”
A look of annoyance washed across Walburga’s face as Narcissa spoke out.
“Besides, I’m sure there are many fine gentlemen aside from my cousin amongst us for Hermione to meet this afternoon.”
Bowing his head slightly, Orion took Narcissa’s change in tone as a cue to divert his wife’s attention, failing miserably as she only resumed talking about her dearest son.
“Yes it’s a shame, Regulus seems to have no want for a wife. But he must and will find a wife, one preferably of the highest pedigree.”
It seemed nothing would keep Walburga from rambling on about her precious heir, until Lucius approached the group suddenly.
“My apologies Lord and Lady Black, but I fear I must steal these two gems from you. I’ve promised a few friends an introduction to our Incomparable.”
Walburga found herself silenced on the topic of her son, as the two women before her bowed and then departed, heading towards much more pleasant company than she.
Hermione's arm had remained looped through Narcissa’s, as the young Count led them back to the tent where they had previously greeted guests.
A few of the younger members of the court had gathered in the space, chatting amongst themselves casually. In one of the furthest corners of the tent, Hermione was able to spot Severus speaking to a woman that she recognized as the Dowager Countess - Lucius’ mother.
Her gaze was drawn from the pair, as Lucius began to speak
“I apologize greatly, Miss Hermione, but I don't have anyone to introduce you to this afternoon.” Lucius began as they settled down in a corner of the tent.
“I know how much my dearest despises being with her Aunt, especially at such events. I could only imagine you understand my interruption.”
She nodded in understanding, grateful to have been whisked away from the attentions of the Lord and Lady Black.
“I must confess, I do have something to discuss with you in brief. A dear friend of mine has taken a keen interest in you. He couldn’t be here this afternoon, but if I could put in a word?” A hopeful smile graced the typically stoic Count’s face as he waited for an answer from the younger.
“Lord Malfoy, you speak boldly. I appreciate your rescue but I hardly know you.” she laughs. “I do, however, know your wife well, and trust her judgement. If she agrees with your sentiment, then I suppose I’d consider whomever it is you speak highly of.”
The gleam of excitement in Narcissa’s eyes did not go unnoticed.
“I know who my husband speaks of, perhaps we can formally introduce you at the upcoming ball?”
Hermione found herself nodding slowly. Even without yet knowing the identity of the man who already sought her out, she knew she could trust Narcissa to direct her
……….
Soon after, Hermione’s time at Malfoy Manor for the day came to an end.
Upon her return home, she had intended to take to the privacy of her room for the evening. A quick read before bed had always put her at ease after a long day.
However, as she approached the front steps of her home her father burst through the front doors, indicating her plans would be changing
Fleamont lead the group towards the receiving room, and turned to his daughter, gesturing towards an open window before speaking.
“Lioness, this bird arrived just moments ago. It will not allow any of us to approach, and holds a letter addressed to you.”
She stared quizzically as she noticed the Raven perched on the windowsill, glancing at the letter gripped by its claw.
Approaching the large bird, she held her hand out cautiously towards the letter. She sensed the bird would recognize her as the recipient of the letter it came to deliver.
Unlike with others who had attempted to retrieve the letter, it dropped the envelope into the witch's hand.
She had barely turned over the envelope before the sound of wings flapping filled the air, the raven taking its leave.
Addressed to Miss Hermione Granger, the envelope bore a wax seal that identified the house of the sender.
With some hesitance, she found herself breaking the seal, reading out loud the contents of the letter in her hands.
“His Lordship Orion Black, of The Noble and Most Ancient House of Black, cordially invites one Miss Hermione Jean Granger-Potter of House Potter to the Spring Equinox Ball, to be held at Black Manor - no. 12 Grimmauld Place, London, England.”