Chapter Nine
The next morning came with a large jolt as I shot up from my bed. My registered wand in hand, armed and ready to fight pointed at the figure at the door. Without thinking about it I had gotten up, moving quickly in sharp precise movements, throwing the intruder off. With my arm pressed hard against the offender's neck, my wand harshly on their head, and unforgivable curses dancing on the edge of my tongue I came too.
"Harry?" I said wearily. He blinked at me, his green eyes seemed darker though it was morning. The drawn curtains explained the blackness of the room.
" I would say good morning but," he trailed off. His eyes glanced at the wand still directed to him. With another blink of my somewhat hazy eyes I sheathed my weapon in the invisible holder at my wrist.
"You should have knocked," I said groggily. "Tilly," I called out with no hesitation. The house elf came without anymore warning. Giving a nod to him he set to work fixing the room up to its usual self. The curtains drew open, illuminating to room and I squinted my eyes as the bright sun hit me. Tilly busied himself with the usual chores around the room, making sure everything was sealed in its proper place and the wards set in motion.
"How did you get through the wards?" I questioned him. I walked around the room to my closet to pick out my dress for the day. Harry followed me by habit and watched as I shuffled through racks and racks of dresses that Elena had bought for me.
"What wards?" The boy finally replied.
"So they fell down," I voiced out, mostly to myself. I grabbed a simple red cross back dress that clung tighter to my legs as it travelled down before ending just above my knees.
"How come you came and get me so early today?" I asked Harry.
"We're going out to Diagon Alley to shop for school. The car's waiting outside," he mentioned.
"And you only came to get me now?" I nearly shrieked. "Go. GO. And tell them I'll be down in ten minutes." I pushed him past the doors and into the hallways, slamming it shut with a loud bang.
I hurried to fix myself, working on autopilot as I bathed quickly. Drying my hair quickly I called for Tilly once more.
"Mistress called?" the elf spoke.
"Go to Elena and tell her that I will be leaving for Diagon Alley in five minutes. Quickly now," I ordered. Tilly disappeared with a pop and I glanced to the mirror. With no time to do a bit of makeup the muggle way I drew my wand and casted the spells. Instantly the magic applied lip-stain and mascara to my face, and the darkened skin under my eyes from lack of sleep was glamoured to freshen up my face.
I shimmied into my dress quickly and with a silent wave my black cloak zoomed forward into my hands. Another wave and my heels appeared before me. Slipping them on, I hurried down the stairs to the awaiting group. I stopped in my steps on the stairs, glancing back up to my room. With my unregistered wand I summoned my usual black dragon hide clutch while simultaneously sending several wards to ensure no one getting inside my room.
When I finally appeared before Harry and the others they were all chatting together, waiting. My cloak flew open in the summer breeze, billowing behind me as I took a breath of the fresh air.
"Sorry I'm late," I apologize. "I slept in."
"Don't you worry about that, unlike your sister I don't mind you having a bit of a lie in, dearie," Mrs. Weasley lightly mocked. I flinched at her term of endearment. It sounded much better coming for Elena or Narcissa.
"What about me?" Elena appeared in a flash of fire apparation.
"Simply that you are late," I teased her. She approached me while glancing at the car waiting in front of the house. "You were supposed to come back last night."
"You shouldn't have stayed up for me," she mentioned as her eyes gazed over my features. I could feel her magic lingering on my skin, noticing the specific glamour charms I held in place. "Never mind that now. I believe we are going to shop?" Elena cheered.
With a disgruntled Mrs. Weasley and an amused Elena, we all hopped inside the car. The small space that would have normally been inside the car was replaced with a more vast area. It was large enough to comfortably seat all of us as we shuffled in. After the morning pleasantries I turned to Elena. I masked my over interest in speaking to her as we talked about needless things before finally casting enough spells to make them pay us no attention.
"So what was the meeting about? Lucius called for it, yes?" I questioned her as soon as the final spell was up.
"Alongside Severus," Elena added. Her face smile fell, a grim expression washing over he face. "Ollivander has been taken by the Dark Lord," she announced.
"Why on earth does he need Ollivander?" my question flew from my lips as quickly as I thought them. It was perplexing. Surely if it was simply to arm his growing forces with wands the Dark Lord could have achieved that through some other means. One that was not so blatant.
"I don't know. Neither does Severus of Lucius. He is being made to make wands however that cannot be the only reason as to why. The Dark Lord wants something. Even for him, kidnapping someone in broad daylight with many bystanders is a stretch," she pondered. "The Dark Lord is eccentric, but he likes subtlety in his movements. Kidnappings and killings included, even when he is bored it is never like this."
"Broad daylight?" I probed. "The Prophet hasn't spoken about a kidnapping in the papers."
"It happened two days ago. The Ministry is probably trying to keep this low profile. The morale of the people who was not a witness would plummet if they knew what was going on behind the scenes." Elena looked thoroughly worried over the ordeal and I could help but question her further.
"Why are you so involved?" She was silent for a few moments. Carefully thinking through her response.
"I have a theory. However the Fates has not indicated to anything to support my theory," she explained vaguely. Her chosen words were articulated perfectly.
"And when that theory becomes more true," I spoke.
"Then you will be the first to know," she reassured me. I nodded curtly, accepting her decision. No need to worry myself over a theory at the moment. There were other more pressing events that were coming to light.
"If my theory is true," she whispered again, "the casualties may rise should we not intervene. We may be meddling more."
"Very well," I said gently. "We are meddling with the Fates already. There's already no turning back." I decided gravely. The previous set of destinies were already skewered in my point of view. So why not skewer it some more to insure a better outcome.
"You have grown tremendously, Hermione," Elena said gently.
"I've had too," My voice sounded colder than what I wanted it too but she took no offense to my tone.
"Regardless I believe you are doing the right thing," I felt her hand clasp my own tightly.
"I hope you're right."
She fell silent, letting me gaze out the window of the car. We passed by so many people during the short ride to the Leaky Cauldron. All uncaring in the happenings of the world. They were all muggles going through the motions of their somewhat busy lives. They had no clue that all the tragedies happening in their world was made by others not like them. They all looked so happy in their lives, blissfully unaware. They did say ignorance was bliss. I guess they were right.
The ministry driver dropped us off in front of the Leaky Cauldron, ushering us inside quickly Mr. and Mrs. Weasley brushed past us. It was a hurry that Elena disapproved of. She didn't like to be rushed. She grabbed my arm, linking us to ensure a quick getaway if necessary.
"I wonder which auror we will have," I casually mentioned to the others.
"Hopefully Kingsley or Tonks," Harry hoped.
"I don't want one of those stuck up ones," Ron added. We all nodded in affirmative. As we entered Diagon Alley I noticed in the distance a rather large man. His dark beard was one of the first thing I noticed and then came his beaver skin coat. I smiled at the man.
"Hagrid!" I greeted warmly. Elena next to me pursed her lips over my actions but I nudged her teasingly. "Hush now. He's a friend," I said under my breath for her ears only. She gave me a short nod that was unseen to all as they greeted the friendly Hogwarts gamekeeper.
"Hermione, is tha' yeh?" Hagrid looked at me with disbelieving eyes.
"Why yes it is," I said happily.
"Yeh look beau'iful," A blush crept up on my face and I smiled at him in thanks.
"An' tha's yer sister?' He motioned at Elena.
"Elena Salian," she greeted civilly. "Pleasure to meet you, Mr…"
"Rubeus Hagrid. Jus' Hagrid thou," he mentioned. Elena smiled in response, her lips thinner than it should have been showing her distaste at the man. Hagrid led us through the alley, pointing out that several shops had closed down due to the rise of the Dark Lord. Ollivander's was one that hit them the most. He was one of the best wandmakers for the general public.
"Why the displeasure? He was courteous enough," I whispered to Elena.
"He does not speak properly," she mentioned briefly. "Take no offense, dearie. I like him more than the Weasley mother, much more." I let out a small sigh at her reasoning. It was better than her hating him at least.
I surveyed the area. It looked horrible when compared to my first memories of it. Unlike the muggles in their streets the people here were mostly bustling about hurriedly, wanting to get their shopping done as quickly as possible in fear of being attacked. Several lower merchants had stands along the edges of the street selling knockoff protective objects.
"One for you, Miss," a dirty merchant said. He grabbed onto Elena's sleeve and I stiffened knowing her response. The merchant held onto a golden amulet, a large but obviously fake jewel hanging down from it.
"Unhand me you filth," she snarled. Everyone from our group stared at her harsh words and I stood there next to her ready for anything she throws.
"A lady such as you should be protected at all times. One to protect your pretty little head," the merchant continued.
"I suggest you stop now and simply unhand her," I casually said.
"Or one for your dear daughter?" The man continued.
"Do I look like I'm old enough to have a daughter!" Elena looked at him furiously. I could feel her magic crackling through the air around me and the man let go of her in fear. He had every right to be fearful at that moment. Elena looked like she was nearly going to Avada him right then and there.
"Niece?" the man seemed to dig himself deeper into a hole instead of keeping his mouth shut. I let out a small chuckle beside Elena and Mr. Weasley looked right about to intervene.
With a devilish smile on Elena's face she turned away from the man who was cowering in fear. With me by her side we walked on, not looking back. The other's watched as we began to walk towards them. Elena's magic flared beside me and the sudden heat from the back of us told me of what she had done. Her hands had not moved and it was apparent that she had no wand in her grasp as the man's stand caught on fire. I turned around after seeing the shocked faces of the others.
"Oh dear, that man should really do something about that fire," Elena said beside me loud enough for everyone to hear.
"Why yes. I suppose he deserves it for selling fake amulets," Mr. Weasley spoke, his eyes not leaving the flaming scene in front of us. We along with some other bystanders watched as the man tried flushing the fire with water spewing from his wand. It didn't help though and the fire grew to consume the stand even more. A finite spell didn't help as the blaze kept going. It was only until the entire stand burned down that the magical fire disappeared.
"You!" the merchant yelled at us. "You did this!"
"How could she when she did not have her wand in her hand?" I said calmly for Elena. She smiled at the man, her devious self was hidden behind a façade.
"And seeing as I'm not a man and instead a lady I couldn't possible be that strong to cast such a spell," she replied. With that she motioned for the rest of us to walk past the angered man.
"You are horrible," I joked to her.
"He dirtied my dress," Elena simply said. "Be thankful I didn't kill him." I looked at her knowingly. I really should have been happier that she didn't do anything more incriminating than that.
"Well I suppose the children should go to Madam Malkin's for some new robes. Ron has gotten taller along with Harry. And Hermione may need some as well," Mr. Weasley was the first one to speak after the small incident.
"I don't know," Mrs. Weasley said worriedly.
"Hagrid will go with them while we get their books," Mr. Weasley reasoned. "It wouldn't be much sense if we all go to Madam Malkin's."
"I will accompany the children as well," Elena spoke out. "There will be no need to purchase Hermione her books. She has already purchased them some time back," she added.
"Right then," Mr. Weasley announced. Grabbing his wife's arm he lead them down opposite from us. We stood next to the clothes shop and I looked over at Hagrid's towering self.
"Well," he began. "Yeh all can go in. I'll be stayin' righ' here."
Harry, Ron, Elena and I entered the quaint shop one by one. There was a small echo of a voice from the back indicating another customer and I placed the voice as soon as it came to me. Elena noticed as well while the two boys followed the direction of the voice unknowingly.
"I don't see why I need new robes, Mother. I have plenty already," Draco's familiar voice droned.
Madam Malkin's chuckle hit our ears and we finally came to the small space where Draco's fitting was.
"Now now," the seamstress began. "Wizards can never have enough new robes."
"Watch where you're putting those pins," Draco nearly whined. I held back a small chuckle that nearly rose from my lips. Elena was not so discreet as she looked over at Draco. She had a rather soft spot for him, after all.
"Well if it isn't the Malfoys," Ron leered suddenly. "Shouldn't you be with your other Death Eater friends?" I stiffened at his words. When did Ron become so aggressive? Elena looked affronted by the jab at two of those she actually managed to care about and gazed upon Ron with more displeasure than she usually did.
"Why I don't think I want such accusation like that being thrown in my shop," Madam Malkin said hastily.
"And if you didn't notice, mother, that is the aura of Weasels," Draco sneered. It was hardly as harsh as Ron's words and I took pride at him not taking things any further. He stood there regally trying to ignore Ron's reddening face.
"Thank you for bringing that to my notice, Draco dear," Narcissa replied rather uncaringly. Both of them took no real insult in Ron's words and Madam Malkin set out trying to finish her job faster, sensing trouble brewing.
"It's funny how your husband didn't get caught in the Ministry. Then again he was too much of a coward to actually fight," Ron leered again. Harry instantly held Ron back as Draco snapped into fight mode. His wand raised, poised to strike with wordless curses. Ron's own wand was raised and I couldn't help my instincts as intervened between them, my own wand poised to fight.
"Narcissa darling, I apologize for my sisters' friend. Surely you know he does not know any better," Elena spoke out politely. Her words were calming to the pureblood family but it did nothing to calm Ron who had been insulted through Elena's attempt to smooth things over. Although the insult was on purpose. However, it snapped everyone's thoughts back to the given situation and circumstance.
"Elena, I completely did not notice your presence," Narcissa greeted warmly, seemingly forgetting the entire mess Ron caused. "Though it doesn't surprise me. You know how to keep yourself in the background when you wish," she teased the immortal witch.
"That I do," Elena chuckled. Draco finally lowered his wand and under my direction Harry and Ron sheathed theirs. Draco and I stood there silently, Harry and Ron regarding the two witches talk their pleasantries.
"Have you received the invitation to our dear Hermione's coming of age soirée? It should be quite an event," Elena spoke, uncaring to how Harry and Ron were reacting to the bit of information they just received. They looked at me shocked that Elena had invited the Malfoy's but I knew better not to speak. I didn't know, after all, just how much Elena would be speaking. Though from the looks of it, she didn't mind at all that she was speaking so blatantly. Then again, it wasn't anything of too much importance.
"We have. I believe Lucius will be sending the acceptance reply through owl mail later today. Though seeing as you are here I will also inform you as well. We will be bringing Draco along, of course," The Malfoy matriarch spoke, her pride in Draco was evident of the warmth in her voice as she spoke his name.
"Ah, this is him yes," Elena faked. She glanced at Draco, a look of approval in her eyes. "Quite a handsome young wizard," she admitted. "Dearie, go stand back over at the podium and finish your fitting. A young man of our pedigree should look his best every day."
"Thank you Lady Salian," Draco gave a short bow, as customary for someone younger talking to his elder. At least at moments like these.
"Please, just call me Elena," her voice was warm, so unlike how she treated Ron and the Weasleys. "Though I must admit I do have ulterior motives." She winked.
"And what is that Elena?" Narcissa questioned with a small smile gracing her porcelain face.
"Why he must be just as polite to dear Hermione. She is after all, while only half-blood, of purer worth than many purebloods. Unlike the Malfoy or Black line, the others," she drawled on a bit trying to find the right words for it. "That is to say the more traditional purebloods had interbred far too much for my liking."
"I suppose so," Narcissa contemplated. "Though it did surprise me and Lucius of Hermione's blood status. I suppose we should have seen it coming. She is after all quite a talented witch." She gave me a nod of recognition to witch I curtsied back in reply.
"Thank you Lady Malfoy," I replied politely. The absence of any hate in my tone left the already flabbergasted boys behind me into a silent shock. Thankfully they remained unspeaking.
"It is the truth. Even I must admit that. Though Draco is I believe the most talented wizard of your year alongside you," she smirked at the hidden meaning behind her words to which I reacted in kind.
"He is set to become Head Boy during seventh year I believe. He has done very well academically, Lady Malfoy," I spoke politely.
"Call me Narcissa," the witch added. "Formalities will hardly do for us. Seeing as your sister and I, I suspect, will become great friends. As for Draco," she looked over to the said wizard who was done with being supplied with his new robes. "I will remind him to pay you the respect someone of your worth must be given." I curtsied once more.
"I thank you as head of the Salian family," Elena spoke. She nodded towards me, approving of how I acted and I gave a small smile in response.
"I look forward to the ball, Elena, Hermione. I'm afraid we have to cut this meeting short. Until next time?" Narcissa questioned.
"I shall owl you sometime," Elena said softly. The Malfoy witch nodded with a great smile.
" Draco," Narcissa called out. Finishing with paying for his clothes Draco walked towards us, his usual strut in place.
"Yes, Mother?" He spoke.
"Say your goodbyes." Draco turned to Elena giving a short bow before turning to me, a large smirk in place. The witch my side gave me a small nudge and I remembered what was expected of me.
Extending my arm I offered my hand to Draco who took it kindly. Bringing it up to his lip he placed a small kiss at the back of my hand. I could hear Harry and Ron's gasp at the act and I couldn't help but smile at Draco. He took his sweet time with the small kiss, making sure to milk the moment as he looked into my amused eyes then back to the two boys behind me.
"I look forward to seeing you soon, Hermione," he spoke extra huskily. "It has been an absolute pleasure."
"The pleasure is mine," I spoke in kind. Finally letting go of my hand he looked back towards his mother, offering his arm to her. She took it and without another word they left the store.
"What was that?" Harry and Ron yelled. Elena was already off, no doubt giving my measurements to Madam Malkin for some more robes that I honestly did not need.
"What was what?" I questioned amusedly.
"Malfoy!" Harry cried out.
"He- He-" Ron stuttered.
"Oh will you stop stuttering," I chastised gently.
"He kissed your hand," Harry finished for his friend. "And your sister is friends with his mother!" The both of them looked so confused it was laughable.
"Elena is an acquaintance of many pureblood or prominent families that she approves of, regardless of their affiliations," I announced. "And it is customary for him to kiss my hand," I said. Honestly, Ron was a pureblood. How does he not know that?
"It's Malfoy," Ron objected.
"He is from one of the most prominent traditional family in the entire Wizarding world. Many families like them still practice the mannerism expected of someone of their status. As such when greeting someone close to their age who are ready to be married they must behave in certain ways," Elena cut in from her place across the store.
"But-"
"No 'buts' Mr. Weasley. Now hop to it," she ordered. "You boys need to get your robes. Now." Her words were final. Disgruntled Harry and Ron walked towards Madam Malkin who watched us with a curious expression.
"Thank you," I whispered as I came to the side of my sister.
"I should rather thank you for making me quite proud with your actions. You behaved very much like a true Salian," Elena whispered back gently.
"I suppose I should question why you did all that?"
"You will be going back into Hogwarts during a full out blatant war going on in the outside," she announced rather solemnly. "Should you be seen with Draco there is now a blatant reason to do so. As well as by being accepted by the Malfoy family, who are more prominent in wizarding Britain than all the other pureblood families, you must be then accepted and treated with respect."
Her motives made sense yet I still side at the theatric she decided to take to achieve her goal. It was just like her to make a move like this.
"And should the Dark Lord get a hint of this?"
"Converting a Salian or even making sure they remain on the neutral side of this war is something that Dark Lord will seek. Possibly through the Malfoys. It will become easier to handle our dealings if we covertly make it look as if it is siding more with the Dark Lord under his eyes." Elena explained. I knew all that already but it was a risk I wasn't willing to take yet. Though I knew I would have sooner or later.
"Things are going to get messy, aren't they?" I questioned more to myself.
"They already are. Thankfully I like a bloodied mess. Especially when it's caused by me." Her smirk lightened my mood a bit.
"And for me?"
"I believe you like dealing with all the bloodshed more than you care to admit," the darkness of her words appealed to the evil inside of me.
"It scares me to admit it, but you are more right than I wish you to be."