Chapter 29
Chapter 29
After dinner Arthur finds Hermione before she can climb the stairs.
‘Hermione, do you have a moment?’
‘Sure Mr. Weasley.’ He leads her into the sitting room where they both sit before the warm fire.
‘Molly and Albus are concerned about you.’
‘I'm only going to the twins shop. I don't see how that is a threat?’ She says questioningly. ‘I stay in their flat or I make their products. No one else knows I am there.’
‘Well in that case I don't see why you can't help them out. If you had explained this I'm sure there wouldn't have been any confusion.’
‘No one asked. I am an adult and no one here is my parent. No offense but I am being forced to be here this holiday. I don't wish to be a prisoner.’
‘I'm sorry you feel that way. I'm sure that is not how it was intended.’
‘What would you call it? I was told that I needed a guardian but the only family Dumbledore seemed to consider was you and Molly. I have several relatives that can more easily afford my care as well as the fact that I can provide for myself if I can just get to Gringotts. And now no one wants me to leave? What did I do to get people to think making me a prisoner was a good plan?’
‘You have done nothing wrong that I can assure you. What do you mean about Gringotts?’
‘I received a letter from my father telling me that I have a vault filled with my ‘regular allowance’ and now that I am 17 I have full access. I planned on going there to validate his claims.’
Arthur opens his mouth. Then slowly closes it. He clears his throat and tries again.
‘I can understand your curiosity, but do you really trust your parents? They are convicted criminals.’
‘Which side of the war kidnapped me? What would you have done if your only child were taken from you? You knew they were alive but couldnt find them? Would you just stay home? Or, would you search? Would you question those you suspected? How kind would you be if you suspected that someone was keeping information from you?’
‘Hermione, you need to understand-’
‘I think the night the Longbottoms were attacked, my parents were distraught. I think there is more to that night than we know.’
‘I-’ Arthur clears his throat and tries again. ‘You have given me much to think about. Thank you for discussing your thoughts with me. I'm not sure Molly will understand but if she doesn't see you leave….’
Hermione nods.
‘Thank you for seeing my side Mr. Weasley.’ Hermione hugs Arthur.
*.*
‘Sirius. Can you distract Mrs. Weasley so I can leave with the twins?’
‘Of course, kitten, give me 5 minutes.’
‘Sirius, what do you think you are doing? You cannot offer my children fire whiskey, what are you thinking?’
Hermione peaks around the corner and sees Ron trying to take a drink from the bottle before his mother can take it from him.
‘I presumed that he was old enough to have some.’
‘You are not his parent and cannot make those decisions for him.’
‘I only offered it. How was I supposed to know he would start guzzling it like he hadn't had anything to drink in weeks?’
Hermione smiles as she walks to the front door. George wraps his arms around her before aparating away.
‘How can I help today?’
‘Can you fill these mailorders? We seem to be a little backed up.’
‘Of course. Let me know if you need anything else.’
Hermoine began to go through the large stack of parchments one at a time. After lunch, Hermione approaches the twins.
‘I need to go out for the rest of the afternoon. I will be back by the time you are done for the day.’
‘Alright let us know if you need anything.’
‘I will.’
Hermione hugs them both before flooing away to Malfoy Manor.
*.*
‘Hermione dear, come sit with us?’
‘Of course, Aunt Cissa.’
‘We inquired about your guardianship process.’
‘What did you find out?’
‘No one has anything on record. They were concerned when we asked about a case that is non existent.’
‘So the process has not begun?’
‘The process does not need to begin. As long as you are of age you can dictate anyone you choose to oversee the rest of your education. Then you sign this document.’
‘That’s it?’
‘Yes.’
‘Of course it is.’ Hermione shakes her head. ‘I’m not supposed to have contact with anyone who can answer my questions. Well can you please submit this document the day I return to school?’ she asks as she signs Lyra Lestrange.
‘Of course, dear. Anything else?’
‘The order seems to be split in its values. I have more people willing to help me than I originally thought.’
‘That is good news. Have you found out who is responsible?’
‘Sort of. I feel I am on the trail of all the perpetrators. Since my post is returning to normal I will be able to look into matters further.’
‘Who do you suspect so far.’
‘It was done on Dumbledore’s orders but I dont have proof. I may be on the trail of who exactly moved me but I’m not there yet.’
‘Alright, keep us updated please.’
‘I will. I’m going to go find Draco.’
‘Have fun, dear.’
*.*
All 12 board members and all 4 heads of house gather in the ward room.
‘Shouldn’t the Headmaster be here?’ Lucius Malfoy murmurs.
‘He should, but he hasn’t been in the castle in 3 days and I cannot reach him.’ McGonagall says.
‘He is not interested in maintaining the school wards? Or is he simply being negligent?’
‘I cannot answer that.’
‘We will discuss this later.’ Nott reminds Malfoy.
‘Of course. Let's proceed with the task at hand.’
All 16 people in the room gather around the ward stones and sit on the ground. They each place their left hand on the knee of the person next to them. Then they place their right hand on the ground in front of them. As one they begin chanting:
‘Hic colligimus ad confirmandum locum. colligimus ad tuendos eos qui intus habitant.ex nobis aliorum auxilio damus.’ (we gather here to strengthen this place. we gather to protect those who reside within. we give of ourselves to the aid of others. [google translate from english to latin])
They all continue chanting until they feel weakness seeping in. with a nod they all end the chant. No one moves or speaks as they try to catch their breath.
‘Opal?’
‘Yes, madam?’
‘Please bring us some pepper-up potions.’
‘Of course, madam.’
Once the potions were all drunk the group began to rise.
‘You may all floo from my office. I believe it is the closest.’
‘Thank you, Filius.’
The other professors begin to disperse while the board follows Flitwick to his office.
*.*
‘Hey Lyra, how are you today?’
‘I’m alright, what are you up to today?’
‘I was thinking of going over to Blaise’s house but now that you are here I would rather hang out with you.’
‘You could always invite him here and we can all hang out.’
‘Sure let me send an owl.’
Draco writes his invite out quickly and attaches it to his owl. Within the hour Blaise floos in and they begin playing exploding snap.
‘Lyra tell us more about the Weasley you are dating?’ Draco asks while staring at Blaise.
‘What’s to tell?’
‘Is it serious?’ Blaise glares back as he tries to find a way to join the conversation.
‘We have been together for a few months now. It is hard not seeing him more often.’
‘I don’t know how you do it.’ Blaise murmurs.
‘How do you mean?’ Lyra glances at Blaise. Unsure how to take his comment.
‘The best part of a relationship is getting to spend time with them.’ holding her gaze, Blaise answers in a steady tone.
‘That is true.’ Lyra is somewhat confused by his tone, deciding to change the subject Lyra turns to Draco. ‘Enough about me tell me about you and Ginny?’
‘We are- we- I don’t know. I guess we flirt sometimes and I enjoy spending time with her. But she is conflicted because her mom warned her to stay aw-’
‘Go on.’
‘Look, I don’t know how much you know and I think she wanted to keep those things private.’
‘Let me guess. Stay away from me and my Slytherin friends?’
Draco nods while looking at the ground.
‘Look at me, Dray.’
Slowly he lifts his eyes to hers.
‘Ginny will not do anything she doesn't want to. She will also not be forced out of anything she chooses. If she chooses you no one will come between you and her except you and her. Do you understand?’
Draco nods slowly.
‘Also, I think you will learn that not all Weasleys will be against your relationship with her, the twins are already ok with it as long as you treat her well. I’m guessing Mr. Weasley will be the same. I can't be certain about the older brothers but I'm sure once they see her happy they will be as well.’
‘But her mum-’
‘Her mum needs to learn to be more accepting. Just keep going at the pace you are. I think you may be surprised at the results.’
‘Alright I will, thank you Lyra.’
‘What about you Blaise?’ Lyra turns the conversation to the other occupent of the room.
‘What about me?’
‘Any romantic interests on the horizon?’ Maybe neither boy will realize her interest is more than just friendly conversation.
‘I’ve been trying to stay away from' -cough- 'physical entanglements recently.’ Blaise says with a slight blush.
‘Ok, but that's not what I asked.’ Lyra tries again.
‘I might like someone but I want to be sure I'm ready for a relationship before telling her how I feel.’ Blaise says looking out the window.
‘That is very considerate of you. Who is she?’ Sadness seeps through Lyra. Of course he is interested in someone. Maybe it's time to end things with George and focus more on finding the answers she seeks.
‘I’d rather keep it to myself for now.’ He says quietly.
‘I’m sorry I didn’t mean to pry.’ The mood in the room is much more somber than before.
‘No don’t be sorry.’ Blaise says quickly. ‘It's good to talk about it out loud.’
‘I hope she understands how much you like her.’ Lyra says with a sad smile.
‘One day, I may tell her.’ he says softly.
Draco sits quietly watching the exchange. Clearly Lyra likes Blaise. Idly he wonders how long they will dance around each other before they get together.
‘Good luck.’ Lyra says before she leans in to hug Blaise.
He freezes for a moment, eyes wide. Slowly he leans into the hug returning it. Hermione continues to hug him because it feels as if he needs comfort.
Draco clears his throat. Hermione looks up and sees his eyes fixed somewhere above her head. Shifting slightly, Hermione looks up at Blaise and sees him glaring at Draco. Confused, Hermione tries to pull away but Blaise tightens his grip.
‘What's wrong,’ Hermione asks softly.
‘Nothing i just didn’t want the hug to end yet.’
‘Alright.’
Slowly they pull apart and Lyra blushes. She probably enjoyed that more than she should have.
Blaise notices the time and stands suddenly.
‘I’m sorry, I promised my mum that I would be back by now.’
‘Alright see you on the train?’ Lyra asks.
‘See you then. Later, Dray.’
‘Later.’
Lyra and Draco spend some time in the library before Narcissa calls Draco away. Lyra finds something to read while she waits for his return.
*.*