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Chapter 36: Omiai Challenge
The rest of the weekend was strange for Keji as his cousin Severus seemed to be even quieter than before. It seemed he was lost in a world of thoughts. There was the silence between his parents and the overjoyed happiness of his great grandmother. Keji was grateful to return back to his Tokyo apartment as it felt like he had been walking on eggshells all weekend.
It was with relief that Hiroto entered the Ojizo Teahouse. He had given Severus the directions for the train to take him to Gio-ji Temple. The Potions Master had a meeting with Madam Sakura where they were going to view the moss gardens. Hiroto had come to the conclusion that he really was not made for the spy game as he was struggling to keep the secret that Hermione and her family were in town. As he was starting to think about returning to his home, Daichi arrived.
The old acquaintance after greeting him opened with, "I hear you had the Nakōdo visit last Saturday. Are congratulations in order for young Keji? To think she organised all of our year matches."
"Not for Keji and it way too soon to say the match is sealed. I don't think the prospective bride has had her initial Nakōdo visit yet," advised Hiroto. With that there was prompting from Daichi for further details and over tea the whole sorry story of Hiroto's involvement in intrigue was spilled, along with the divided loyalty issues he had for both people involved.
There was much discussion about the future career options available to the Potions Master, particularly when Hiroto mentioned that he currently had a research protocol going on at the University of Tokyo and that his eldest son, Keji was a research assistant working on the project. Since Hermione was going to compete in this year's Tokushima Prefecture Open Kendo Tournament according to Hiroto's friend, Goro, Hiroto extended an invitation to come to the final day of competition with Severus and his family. Hiroto would be apparating in for each session of the tournament as he was determined to be there for the Kitten.
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The first few days back in Japan were wonderful for Hermione as she felt that she could just chill and lose herself in the crowds when they visited various sites. Hélène had apparently not wanted to impose on Melina straight away and was going to make contact next week, as it was understood that they had visitors at the moment.
It was a pleasant few days and they had already booked to stay at the same Ryokan in Tokushima as last year for the next weekend. The rest of the week before then was basically their own except for Hermione's appointment with Madam Sakura on Monday afternoon. Knowing the woman that was likely to change, so Phillip looked round the machiya to see if there was any work that needed to be done on the place. He found himself ending up out in the small garden doing routine maintenance.
It was 1:30pm and Hermione was getting ready to go to Daigoji Temple for Madam Sakura's Hamani viewing afternoon tea party at 2pm. When she came downstairs from her room, Phillip sent her back upstairs with the advice to go and put something posh on. Hélène turned to give a look at her husband.
"So I did some reading. These dos can be very formal. It's not a crime to do research," he advised her.
"Well, in that case she is not going on her own. Get into a suit Phillip. You have hoisted yourself on your own petard," snapped Hélène as she raced to find a suitable posh frock for an afternoon tea party. It was handy having a witch in the house, as there were quick spells that dealt with creases and getting to places on time.
Phillip made up a gift basket of English and French items, such as shortbread, and was holding it waiting for the two women to get down the stairs. It was a really good Kodak camera moment for him when Hermione walked down the stairs. Reality had hit: his poppet was no longer the baby girl he cherished. Rather, she was a grown woman who he had to let fly free.
"Right, baby girl. You are going to have to do that wrinkle your nose thing and take us to the temple. Don't forget to take your invitation so hopefully we will be able to find her there, since it is likely to be very busy," stated Phillip with a slight catch in his throat, hoping that neither woman would quiz him about it. He was just being a sentimental softie and he needed to pull himself together.
It was ten minutes to 2pm when they arrived and being in Madam Sakura's party meant they got a guided tour on the way to her party location. It was a pleasant afternoon tea and the other guests were all interesting conversation partners.
Phillip was watching the rest of the guests quietly, enjoying not having to make conversation. He was a people watcher and it was interesting to watch the dynamics between two couples. "So you know why the invitation was made from our mutual associate, Hiroto," came quietly from behind Phillip. It was Mr Yoshida. "Please call me Daichi."
"I am Phillip and, yes, I know," acknowledged Hermione's father.
"You see the two couples there," pointed Daichi. "There are both sizing up each other's family for a potential match of their children. There is a bit of shock in both families as they have not been known to be friends – more like antagonistic rivals would be better description. Their children have compatible magic and refused other match proposals so now it is a case of getting the families to bury the hatchet long enough to see if would be feasible," he advised before lapsing into comfortable silence. "I met the Potions Master on Saturday with Hiroto and talking to Hermione, I understand why my Great Aunt believes there is a possibility. Watch, she is making her move now," referring to how Madam Sakura had convinced Hermione to go for a gentle stroll with her through the tunnel of blossoms.
Whatever was said between the two witches obviously had Hermione thinking deeply when she quietly returned to the party. She talked and participated in a number of discussions but Phillip could tell she was distracted. Hélène went to go and say something to her and he stopped her, advising that he would explain later. That got him a glare. Yes, he was going to have to face the music of Hélène's temper.
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It was with relief that Phillip found the teahouse Daichi had mentioned when he organised the tea date the previous afternoon. Upon entering the Ojizo Teahouse Phillip saw a familiar face, Hiroto, who was sitting with Daichi.
"It appears you two have the same dilemma being married to strong tempered wives and sometimes it is good to know someone else who is in a similar position," stated Daichi making a very astute comment about the two men.
"Oh, by the way, Daichi Yoshida, I have not forgotten that Madam Uchiha Sakura is your Great Aunt. You had thought I had forgotten that? Severus has not been seen since yesterday morning and I have had to deal with two upset Greek women. One is bad enough but two are not a good place to be. At least he sent a note saying he was going away to think for a couple of days," growled the sleep deprived man.
"So you're in the dog house too. Want to go on a jolly for a couple of days?" asked Phillip, trying to lighten the tone that was developing in their meeting.
"Nice idea but no. I don't think I could take YiaYia, Melina, Hélène and Hermione all wanting to kill me, because apparently it is all my fault when it was those women and their scheming," said Hiroto before almost going to sleep back in his tea.
"Pity, because Hermione is not exactly all here at the moment and Hélène is about to have my bollocks for garters. I had to sit down and explain what was going on last night. So, Daichi, what is going on? Please explain it for this poor father who is completely alien to the whole world we are in, along with this whole matchmaking process," implored Phillip.
"Well, you saw the challenge dare invitation yesterday? 'Would you consider meeting someone who you may be magically compatible with?' Severus probably had a similar meeting with Auntie in the morning. I know she was a little more blunt with him last Saturday but she is playing a very skilled hand here," advised Daichi.
"Look, we won't know until those two know what they want to do. I suspect Severus has already said yes as it sounded like they played the family duty and you don't want an archaic contract betrothal line on him, according to Hiroto. So it would seem that the ball is in Hermione's court," counselled Daichi before turning to see a slightly snoring Hiroto. "Take him round to your place and let him get some sleep. At least he isn't likely to get hexed too much in your house, unlike his own."
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It had been a very interesting and enlightening meeting for Severus Snape with Madam Sakura. After the meeting in the moss gardens he had taken himself off to think. There was no way he could think at Melina and Hiroto's house. He had taken himself up into the hills to Ohara. The Ryokan owner had recognised him and he had got a bed to stay at her inn at very short notice. He was wondering about Lily and what she would think of the situation he now found himself in. That infatuation had a significant impact on his life, he had come to realise since he had been staying on Kalymnos. The more he stayed with his family, the more disillusioned he was becoming with Albus Dumbledore. Had he only been a pawn in the man's manipulations? he mused.
He hoped the research protocol would bring success by July, as he could resign from Hogwarts in good conscience. Yes, he wanted to teach but not a bunch of raging hormones. He wanted to teach those who wanted to learn. He had really enjoyed his time pottering in his lab at the beach cottage but he come to realise he need mental stimulation.
Who was the woman that Madam Sakura was thinking of? Severus wondered if he had met her before sometime in the last week or so, as apparently her parents lived in the same neighbourhood as Melina and Hiroto. Could he really be up to meeting a young woman at his age? For Goddess' sake, he had been off the dating scene for donkeys' years, not that he had ever really been on it.
He had sent a text message to Melina for YiaYia, saying he was going to think and would not be back for a few days. Thinking his balls would be in even more of a sling if he pissed the Nakōdo off, he had also messaged Madam Sakura his current location when he confirmed that Madam Mikako was willing to give him a room for a couple of days.
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Hermione had been thinking extremely hard since she had the stroll with Madam Sakura through the cherry blossom tunnel. Would she be willing to meet up with someone who was magically compatible with her? The person in question was looking for a long-term relationship. The wizard was apparently an intellectual who spoke a number of languages, including English.
Was she ready to commit to a relationship? Was it loneliness that had been making her feel off for the last couple of months? What harm would it be to meet this man? She did not have to commit to a relationship they have just to meet and have a couple of dates to see if there was some possibility of a relationship. Madam Sakura had done half the hard work already, as she had checked out their magical compatibility and had looked at both of their backgrounds. Apparently the man would strongly support her academic endeavours. Was she game enough to meet him?
After her father came home from the teahouse she had talked to both Hiroto and him about the Omiai challenge. Hiroto had explained it from his own experiences and his perspective as a traditional Japanese wizard who grew up in the cultural practice of using a matchmaker. After Hiroto had advised her that he would see her at the Tournament, she had some quality time with her Dad.
"I know you're lonely, Hermione, and you will always find it difficult to find a boyfriend, lover and husband because of who you are and who you know," advised Phillip regarding his daughter with a haggard look on his face. It was difficult to talk to her about relationships as it meant he had to acknowledge that she was no longer three years old.
"Is it the fame or are they being serious about looking for a relationship? I know we brought you up in a different culture but somehow I think that maybe the skills and contacts of Madam Sakura could be extremely useful for you. She is screening out the undesirables for you. The ones who are looking for a trophy to have on their arm, without caring about your feelings," he advised his daughter, knowing who she was being set up to meet on this occasion.
"It's just a meeting you don't have to marry them if you go. Think of it as a blind date set up by some good friends with another person coming along on the same outing when you are introduced for the first time. You can take your time to get to know them without worrying about their motives for going out with you," he said, at the same time thinking would she question the motives of them all when she found out who it was.
"Baby girl, all we want is for you to be happy. You were a little down when Harry, Tonks and Remus finally hooked up. You felt like the third wheel because you did not have a relationship of your own. Ron had been your handbag holder for years. Everyone assumed that you two would hook up but he was not what you needed. You know that you would have been settling with him. I really don't think he was ever your true friend, considering what I have heard about how he has treated you over the years and the comments you have made in letters. So Madam Sakura has a wizard who is looking for a long-term relationship, is magically compatible with you, and is an academic who would support your own academic endeavours. What have you got to lose? Your time? Are you a Gryffindor or are you a mouse? Where is the Kitten?" he goaded her, trying to get her to give the meeting a go.
She left him and the machiya to go on a walk through the neighbourhood. It was 5pm and all the workers were starting to return home. Thanks to her discussions she had clarified her own concerns and thought, "Well why not? Am I a Gryffindor or not?" before she dialled Madam Sakura on her adapted mobile phone.
"Madam Sakura?"
"Moshi moshi"
"Madam Sakura, it's Hermione Granger,"
"Hai, Hermione. Have you made a decision?
"Yes, Madam. I will meet this wizard. I am at the tournament this weekend but other than that I am relatively free. I have to travel on Friday to make the evening Kata grading."
"Thank you, Hermione. You won't regret this. I will find out when he is available but I would like to introduce you this week before the tournament. I will call back later when I have spoken to him. Good evening, Hermione," advised Madam Sakura with a smile in her voice.
And with that phone call Hermione had agreed to meet a wizard in an Omiai meeting.