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GRASCORTY CASTLE
Lucille Lee
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Summary: AU. WIP. Hermione's world changes drastically after her parents' death. Set in the 18th-19th century. Just as she was beginning to fall in love with the handsome friend of Lord Black, she meets the plebeian Severus Snape. SS/HG/RL with some side-romances that I will keep as a surprise.
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1. In which most of the principle persons of the drama make their first appearance
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It was almost winter now. Christmas was a month away. Christmas was always a grand affair in Lord Cromwell's castle.
Lord Cromwell was the twentieth Earl of Grascorty, a lineage which had begun with Grascorty, continued into Plantagenet and was now Cromwell. However, since Lord Cromwell had not married and it seemed that it would not marry now (for he was well above fifty, but you never know) it seemed that Cromwell would die out, too.
He had lived alone in his castle for last twenty-five years. But now, after the death of his younger brother and his wife, he felt obliged to take in his sixteen-year-old niece – or was she eighteen? He really had no idea but his lawyer, a very efficient young man, Percy Weasley, would see to it, no doubt. Much as he relied on Percy Weasley, he hated that young man. Percy Weasley never did anything wrong, so there would never be any pretext for throwing him out. Moreover, his ever-faithful valet, Alistair had assured him, more than once, that Percy Weasley was rather an asset though he seemed to get on everybody's nerves.
Lord Cromwell trusted Alistair, so he put up with Percy Weasley with all the good breeding of his early years.
Even now, as Percy Weasley rattled on and on about something (he wasn't quite sure what it was) Lord Cromwell nodded once or twice and tried to look interested. However, he was eyeing the drawer where he knew his pistol was.
"Weasley," interrupted Lord Cromwell all of a sudden, startling Percy Weasley, who was never interrupted by any Lord once he started to talk, "I want you to go down to my niece's place and tell her that I request her to come up to the castle. I suppose it is my duty to do so since the poor girl has nothing?"
"Your niece, my lord?"
"Yes, my niece. Henrietta… no, Ophelia… something Shakespearean was it? Desdemona… no… oh yes, I remember! Helen! That's the name. Very absurd, if you ask me. Who names a good little country girl "Helen", the goddess of beauty? But I suppose young people these days are odd. Anyway, Weasley, you do that before anything else."
"But the shares in…"
"You do that, Weasley," said Lord Cromwell in a very final sort of voice.
Now, Lord Cromwell was a genial old man but he did not like being disobeyed. When required, his royal blood would burn in full force, making the enemy cower in fear. That's what Percy Weasley did and nodding quickly, made a quick exit.
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Hermione Granger stood in front of her parent's grave, her eyes staring at the sinking sun. It was turning pretty cold, but she really couldn't be bothered. Maybe it was that the cold inside her balanced that which was outside.
However, she was startled out of her reflections when she was her neighbour's youngest daughter, Maria, running towards her.
"Hermione, there is a strange man asking for you. He says he wants to meet Miss Granger, but we told him that he couldn't but he won't have any of it. He says he is from the castle."
Hermione sighed and followed the child back to the Granger Home.
Hermione's first impression on seeing the red-haired young man was that he was extremely annoying. Maybe it was the disdainful expression he wore or the frown with which he regarded her, but she couldn't stop wishing that he left her house.
But with all the grace of the lady she was, she greeted him with a smile.
"Miss Granger, a pleasure to meet you. I come from the Grascorty Castle."
"From my uncle?"
Percy Weasley didn't like the casual way in which this girl talked about Lord Cromwell, whom she had never even met. That is what comes of marrying out of station, he thought contemptuously.
His scorn showed on his face, and Hermione disliked him even more.
However, he went on to explain how Lord Cromwell (laying particular stress on how he said the name) would like her to stay with him in the castle. He was most sorry for her parents' death, and since he had no heirs of his own, would like Miss Granger near him.
"After all," said Percy Weasley, just as Lord Cromwell had told him to say before his departure, "A family should stay together."
Hermione listened to all this perfectly emotionlessly.
"Lord Cromwell is very kind," she said, "and I am very grateful for his concern. But my plans are to join the nunnery. You must tell Lord Cromwell that I thank him with all my heart, but I have decided to devote my life to God and serve mankind."
Percy Weasley was stunned by her words.
"Miss Granger…"
"Do you think a letter would be necessary?" she asked bluntly, not really knowing what was proper in dealing with a Lord who was also her uncle – her only living relative.
"I believe not," said Percy Weasley, still not believing his ears.
"Then I suppose that will be all?"
It was rude of her to hint that he ought to leave then, but she really was feeling extremely uncomfortable and annoyed by his mere presence.
Percy Weasley got up and after a stiff curtsey, left the Granger Home.
Hermione sighed. She looked down at her small white hands and unbidden, tears welled up in her eyes.
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"Ever since I have left Hogwarts, there has been a marked decrease in my entertainment," observed Lord Black, flinging away his hat and putting up his feet on the table.
"It has been ages since you left Hogwarts, Sirius," remarked his friend, Mr. Remus Lupin.
"Ages? Good Merlin, no! It feels like yesterday! Don't use that word again! It makes me feel so old!"
"You aren't twenty anymore nor thirty."
Lord Black frowned at Lupin. "Having you around is bad for my health. I insist that I am thirty."
Lupin rolled his eyes. "You may pass for thirty, but you are nearing forty. I know it better than you. We have the same birthdays."
"Indeed?"
Lupin took up the newspaper. It had more interesting things to tell.
"Snivellus was good for my health," observed Lord Black, observing his image in the mirror mounted above the mantelpiece. "He made me feel alive. Every time I tortured him I felt so alive."
"I think you are very stupid to think so."
"Bluntness doesn't suit you, my friend," said Lord Black with a sigh. He frowned slightly at the unruly curls that had slipped out from the ribbon. They hid his new earring.
"If you have finished preening, you peacock," said Lupin, "there is something serious I ought to discuss with you."
"Serious? My dear Remus, you must never consider anything serious. It gives you all those ugly wrinkles on your forehead. While I do not debate Professor McGonagall's excellence in Transfiguration, all those frowns have quite deteriorated her otherwise remarkable face."
Lupin ignored him.
"You have to talk to Harry. Being a Quidditch player is all very well, but his… escapades will certainly ruin his reputation."
"Not among the females. Women love Don Juans. And women are all that that should matter to a man."
"It is a matter of principle."
"I do not believe in principles," said Lord Black, quite pleased now that he had fixed the offending locks of hair, "and I am very pleased that even Harry does not. He is a true wizard."
"Indeed?"
"Not that you aren't. You are good. And I suppose we need good people to bear the brunt of our follies. But, Remus," he said, looking at him with a mischievous glint in his eyes, "I truly believe that you will never bear the brunt of anyone's folly. How evil of you!"
"I am tired of this inane talk," said Lupin and returned to his paper.
"Oh, and, Remus," said Lord Black, as he got up to leave, "We are invited to the Christmas ball at Lord Cromwell's next Thursday."
"We?"
"Surely, you do not suppose that I will go to that place without you?"
"You have Harry."
"Harry will be busy with Lord Cromwell's niece, I perceive. I really cannot tolerate the inane chattering of the people I know are going to be there. You must come with me. You are the only inane person I can patiently listen to."
Lupin wondered at the paradox of Lord Black's words but agreed to accompany him to the ball nevertheless.
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Hermione put down her quill and closed her eyes. She had finished writing all her letters.
She looked at Hedwig perched on the window-sill. Soon, she would leave everything… nothing of her previous life would remain. Much as she desired to see Harry and Ron before she left for the convent, she knew that it was not possible. Harry and Ron ought never to know where she was going. They would dissuade her from her purpose.
She didn't need that right now.
As she sent off Hedwig with the letters, and busied herself with the packing, the doorbell rang.
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She didn't quite know how, but she was sure that it was Lord Cromwell.
"Miss Granger?"
"Lord Cromwell? Do come in, sir. I am afraid the place is in frightful disarray."
"That is quite all right, lassie," he said, settling himself quite well enough in the only remaining chair. "I suppose you know why I am here."
"You are most kind, my Lord, but…"
"None of that Lordie stuff, my dear. And I am not taking a 'no' from a pretty young woman like you. Whatever makes you think that you are going to waste yourself like that? Young people should live, girl – that is there duty, if they have one. And how do you propose to live if you shut yourself in a convent?"
"But…"
"No 'buts'! I am old, my girl, and like all old people, I am lonely. I will admit that I am being selfish in asking you to come to live with me. But I really need someone around me. Someone other than a well-meaning butler and a mad red-head. I know I was wrong in sending him before. But if you don't like him, I will keep him away from you at all times. But, do grant this old man one last wish, girl. Indeed, you will be nothing less than my daughter. Though he was prodigal, I did love my brother. I wasn't able to do anything for him when he was alive – and trust me, child, I regret that. But now, I know it would rest his soul in peace to see his little girl taken care of."
Hermione had sat down on a stool near Lord Cromwell. He took her hands in his as he spoke. Hermione felt kinship to this aged old man even though she had never met him before. She couldn't bear to hear the despair in his voice.
"But, my…. Uncle…, I have made all arrangements now. I leave in two days."
"Arrangements – bah! It's all humbug! You think it is your duty to go through with this? Well, I think your duty lies towards yourself and your old uncle. It will be pleasant in the Castle even though it's large and lonely. Lord Black lives near enough and often visits the Castle with Mr. Lupin and a young boy… Potter, I think. Harry Potter. Well, they are quite good company. And Lady Lovegood's daughter is staying with her aunt nearby – and though she is pretty strange, she is a sweet girl. You need not worry about anything. You will be happy. And the Marseilles and the Greenwoods live nearby if you want more company. They are good people. Why should you cut yourself from life, child? If not for yourself, do it for me. Do it for David and Marie. Do you think they would have wanted you to leave the world?"
Lord Cromwell was very convincing – and that was a heavy stress on that very. Hermione gave in, but very reluctantly. She wondered if Harry Potter was the same as her friend Harry. Moreover, she had not really wanted to join the convent. It was just that she had seen no other way. At last, she sighed, and said,
"I will come down to the Castle, Uncle. But first I need to sort out everything here."
Lord Cromwell was beaming. "Oh, you don't need to worry about that, lassie. Weasley will do it. It will keep him busy enough – and off my neck for some time."
Hermione smiled understandingly. Percy Weasley could be a downright pain in the neck.
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"Green, Harry?" asked Lord Black in a long-suffering voice.
Harry messed up his hair a little and smiled at his reflection. "Rather fashionable, don't you think, Sirius?"
"It is?" asked his godfather, looking down at his dark-blue suit. "I must go out more, I suppose. I am losing track of things."
Lupin rolled his eyes. "It isn't a big deal, you two. It is rather idiotic, if you ask me."
"Which is precisely why we do not ask you, Remus," said Sirius, smiling superiorly at him. "At least I am not going to a Christmas Ball dressed as a widower."
"Don't worry, they know that I have never married. I have never had any flings. I have never left the place except for studying. I have a pretty clean record."
Harry looked thoughtfully at him. "Should I take it to mean that you are a virgin? At thirty-something?"
Lupin scowled at him. "That's it! Preening time is over. If you delay anymore, I am not going."
Lord Black seemed truly flustered by this. "No, no. you cannot back out now. You promised. Plus, we are leaving. Right now."
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Hermione was dazed. A Ball? A Christmas Ball? Well, she should have known. Castles meant Balls. Well, not really. But it was Christmas time. She wondered what she would wear. She sorely missed her mother. Her mother would have known. Not that Hermione depended on her for everything. But she wasn't into really these sort of things and well… it seemed too frivolous for her to waste her time.
Plus, it was the first ball she would attend. She was no great dancer. Of course she had got the basic lessons and all. But she supposed actually dancing would be quite an experience. With so many people around.
She was already too scared to go.
"Madam?"
She turned to see a red-haired maid standing near her. Well, at least her uniform was like that of a maid's. Not her manners or face. In fact, she seemed just like…
"Ginny?"
"Hermione? Oh dear Merlin! How different you look with all these expensive clothes and make-up! Are you really Lord Cromwell's niece?"
"I am," said Hermione, embracing her friend. "Oh God! Ginny! I can't believe its you. What are you doing here, anyway?"
"Long story," said Ginny, her smile faltering. She sat down with Hermione.
"I am all ears."
"No, it can wait. Presently, I have to get you dressed for the Ball."
Hermione groaned. "The Ball! It is eating me. What am I supposed to wear? And what should I do with this rat's nest?" she asked, referring to her over-curly hair.
"I can help you with that. And as for your dress, it has arrived. That was what I had come to inform you about."
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That's the beginning. If I have you interested, please review! Remember, Lucille only writes for her readers!