Episode 23- Guests
July 1993
"Keep your friends close, and your enemies closer," Machiavelli
"You did what!" Daphne shrieked.
"Silence daughter," Catherine snapped.
"I can't believe you want me to visit that muggle," Daphne groaned. "I had plans you know."
"Yes, I know you had plans, but this is a chance to attend one of the premiere social events of the year. Rumor has it that the Flamels may attend. A chance to introduce yourself to the creator of the Philosopher's Stone is not something to be taken lightly. Not to mention the heads of several prominent European families will be there," Catherine explained.
"And we can't do that normally because," Daphne sighed, rolling her eyes before her head went reeling.
"You hit me….." Daphne muttered holding your cheek.
"You were being a fool did I not mention that you will be staying at the home of Alucard Tepes, who has been the patriarch of the vampires for centuries. A home that is said to contain the wisdom of the ages. Imagine the magic that his library might contain, the secrets you could learn. Spells lost to the ages might be contained there, magic the world has never seen before. And if you could implicate Hermione and her mother somehow."
"It would be a crushing blow," Daphne said.
"Exactly," Catherine said.
Break
"Hermione can I talk to you for a minute," Emma said.
"Yes, mommy," Hermione said, skipping into the room.
"Cute…." Emma muttered as her daughter hopped onto the couch. "Now I have some good news, and bad news for you," Emma said.
"Am I getting my braces off?" Hermione asked.
"No," Emma said.
"Poopy," Hermione pouted, puffing up her cheeks in frustration.
"Astoria is actually coming with us to Belgium and Romania," Emma said.
"Yes, this is going to be so awesome," Hermione yelled. "Thanks mom," Hermione said hugging her mother.
"The bad news…," Emma said as Hermione looked up at her. "Is that Daphne is coming as well," Emma explained her heart breaking as she saw Hermione's eyes grow dull and listless tear welling up in her eyes. "Look honey I don't like it anymore than you do, but I just couldn't…." Emma said, growing misty eyed.
Slowly a small arm stretched out patting her on the head. "It's ok mom. We both wanted Astoria to get away from her mother after the birthday debacle. Daphne is really scary, but I don't think she'll try anything because she can't use magic outside of school and I'm stronger than I was before. I can make it work for Astoria's sake," Hermione said.
"Hermione…" Emma whispered. "You're a good girl." Emma said embracing her daughter.
Break
"I'll get it," came a call from upstairs as a knock sounded on the door of the Granger residence.
"Hello Mrs. Granger," a sweet voice said. The voice belonged to a girl in a long flowing short sleeved white dress wearing brown boots, with her brilliant blond hair pulled back into a braided bun. The girls piercing blue eyes gazing directly at her from beneath a sun hat.
"You have your mother's eyes, you must be Daphne," Emma said before noticing a girl hiding behind Daphne.
"And there you are Astoria," Emma said, kneeling down to Astoria's level.
"Hi Mrs. Granger," Astoria said softly stepping out from behind her sister in her dirndl
"I knew that would be cute on you," Emma said as Daphne rolled her eyes.
"Thank you," Astoria said softly.
"They're here!" Hermione said with a big smile from the top of the stairs racing to meet them. As she hit the halfway mark her foot slipped sending her rolling down the stairs. "Look out," the brown wrecking ball cried out as she barrelled down the stairs and out the door stopping at Daphne's feet.
"It seems you are as coordinated as ever," Daphne said looking down at Hermione.
"Daphne…." Hermione said staring up at her nemesis.
"Hermione are you ok," Astoria asked.
"I'm good," Hermione said, jumping up. "Come on, I'll show you to your room," she said, taking Astoria's hand.
"Thank you for allowing us into your home and accompanying you on your travels this summer," Daphne said as Hermione pulled Astoria along.
"The pleasure is mine," Emma replied.
"My mother sends her regards," Daphne said, pulling a bottle from her purse.
"Thank you, and is that space manipulation magic," Emma asked, taking the bottle.
"It's just a purse with an extension charm so that it can store more on the inside," Daphne said.
"So the charm increases the internal dimensions of the purse," Emma said.
"Yes…" Daphne said.
"Interesting, what about the extra weight from all the items you can put into it," Emma asked.
"That is not a problem," Daphne said.
"Interesting, very interesting," Emma said.
"Not that you could hope to understand it," Daphne muttered.
"Perhaps, but based on your description the extension charm is altering the fabric space time aka reality making it bigger, or it is creating a pocket dimension within the confines of the purse. Given that just expanding the space would still leave you with the weight issue, which is not the case then it is creating a pocket dimension," Emma said.
Daphne's eyes went wide taking her purse in both hands. "How…" Daphne said.
"How what…" Emma said.
"How did you figure that out," Daphne said.
"Logic, and some physics," Emma said. "But we can save that for later, let me show you your room."
"It had to be a lucky guess… A muggle couldn't possibly," Daphne muttered following Emma inside.
"Here this will be your room," Emma said, showing her to the guest room. "Towels are in the closet, and if you need anything just ask," she said before leaving to let Daphne settle in.
"Thank you," Daphne said, placing her suitcase on the bed. "So this is a muggle room," she said walking around the small room. "It is rather small," pacing off the room. "Newtonian physics, The Theory of Relativity, Quantum mechanics…." Daphne said reading off some of the titles of the books crammed into the bookcase. "What is this… who are these people….."
Break
"Your room is so cool," Astoria said. "Eek," she squealed, feet slipping on the air mattress laying on the floor.
"Hahahaha," Hermione giggled. "Sorry, that's the air mattress."
"You transfigured air into a bed, but what about….." Astoria said tentatively poking it with her finger.
"No it's not magic it's just a mattress filled with air. Think of it like a balloon that you can sleep on," Hermione said.
"But why do you have this in here if you already have a bed," Astoria asked.
At this Hermione's grin grew even larger. "Because you're staying in here with me, while Daphne gets the guest room."
"Like a sleepover," Astoria said.
"Yes," Hermione replied.
"So cool," Astoria exclaimed, glomming Hermione.
Break
"Astoria what are you wearing," Daphne asked, staring at her sister in a red skirt and brown sailor suit style top.
"Clothes," Astoria said nervously.
"I can see that," Daphne said. "What happened to the clothes you brought with you?"
"Well you see…" Astoria said.
"Astoria and Hermione are going rollerblading and she didn't have anything to wear. So Hermione lent her some clothes," Dan explained. "We have an extra pair if you want to come along," he said holding up a pair.
"Those look like ice skates, with wheels," Daphne said, spinning one of the wheels.
"Yeah pretty much," Dan said. "It's hard to ice skate in the summer so Hermione decided it was the next best thing."
"Oh really," Daphne said. "Give me a moment to change and I will come along." She said before heading to her room.
"How did you do that, Daphne never wants to do anything with me," Astoria asked as Dan helped her fasten the roller blades.
"I just asked, it never hurts to ask," Dan said.
"So guess these only work on the road or sidewalk," Daphne said walking out in a blue and white tennis outfit, her hair in a ponytail. She did have to do a double take at her sister and hermione wearing matching outfits.
"Yes," Hermione said, doing circles in the driveway.
"You're right this is just like ice skating," Daphne said, easily moving on the inline skates.
"You sure you haven't done this before," Emma asked, pulling out a bike.
"No, this muggle contraption is new to me," Daphne said, stopping on a dime.
"You have a talent for it then," Emma said.
"Perhaps," Daphne said as Hermione accidentally skated into the grass and toppled over. Sliding over to Hermione she bent down looming over her. "Or perhaps I am just better at it than you."
"It was an accident," Hermione sputtered.
"Or it's just your own failings," Daphne said skating off down the driveway.
"Daphne look out," Emma screamed as a car came to a screeching halt feet from Daphne
"Watch where you are going, moron," a rather large and rotund man yelled, stepping out of the car. "What is it with kids always playing in the dam street!"
Daphne's hand moved for her wand. "Crap," Daphne hissed.
"Crap is right you little shit," the man growled.
"Is there a problem, Mr…." Dan said, walking towards them.
"Veron Dursely and yes there is a problem," Veron bellowed.
"It seems to me you were the one driving too fast for this street," Dan said.
"I was taking a shortcut," Veron said. "And children should know better than to roam freely in the street.
"And the fact that you were driving like an American," Dan said. "Are ok Daphne?"
"I'm fine," Daphne said, struggling to slow her breathing.
"Are you ignoring me," Veron growled.
Slowly Dan turned back to Veron. "Yes."
"I'll have you know I am a VP at Drummings…" Veron said.
"And I care because," Dan replied watching the man's anger rise. "Oh wait, your at that Drummings, the one that makes the drill bits,"
"So you have heard….," Veroon said.
"Yes, Dan Granger, I was one of the dentists you asked to review your entry into the dental drill market," Dan said.
"As in Dan Granger, dentist to the rich and famous," Veron said.
"The one and only, but that was more of a recent thing, and we are more proud of our charity work," Dan said.
"But… you….." Veron said.
"Yes, yes, we like to keep a low profile, but the paparazzi do come in handy on occasion," Dan said looking at a car across the street. "Now smile for the camera Veron."
"You…" Veron sputtered before jumping back in his car.
"Thank you, but you know we don't like having our privacy invaded. Do I need to tell my wife again," Dan said with a wave as he drove off.
"Thank you, I didn't have my wand," Daphne said softly.
"No problem just be careful in the street," Dan said patting her head.
"Ok," Daphne stammered face flush from the sudden display of affection.
"Daphne are you ok," Astoria called out before crashing into her sister.
"I'm fine munchkin," Damphe said.
"I'm not a munchkin," Astoria pouted.
"You are shorter than me, and there for a munchkin," Daphne said.
"Then what does that make Hermione," Astoria said.
"An oompa loompa," Daphne said.
"That is an oddly specific reference for someone who grew up in the magical world," Emma said pulling up on her bike.
"Roald Dahl, was a halfblood wizard with a flair for the dramatic. Oompa Loompas are from a remote part of Africa and are known for their chocolate," Daphne explained.
"That….. Actually makes sense," Emma said.
"Hey are we going or not slow pokes," Hermione yelled waving from down the street.
"I'll show you slow," Daphne growled racing off.
"Took you long enough," Hermione smirked as Daphne caught up just before they entered the local park.
"Says the girl who had the head start," Daphne said, racing ahead with long smooth strides across the smooth pavement.
"Hey," Hermione protested, struggling to keep up.
"Who is the slow poke now," Daphne said, spinning around to face Hermione.
"How about a race," Dan said, pulling up on his bike. "1 lap around the lake."
"I am above such petty things," Daphne said holding her head high.
"Afraid you'll lose," Hermione said.
"To an oompa loompa not a chance," Daphne said.
"Not an oompa loompa," Hermione huffed.
"Ok, ready set go," Dan said before the girls shot off. Daphne's longer graceful strokes against Hermione's shorter, more frantic ones gave her the early lead. Hermione pulled up even at the first turn, the two sharing a look before Daphne speeding up leaning deeply into the second turn quickly pulling ahead. She kept up the pace shooting past Dan.
"Oh crap how do you stop on these things….." Daphne screamed as she turned off the main path. "Look out!" Daphne squealed flying off the path and into a bush.
"Oh god Daphne are you ok," Emma said rushing over.
"Daphne that was so cool," Astoria said. "You were like woosh, and then you were like waaahhhh," Astoria said waving her arms in excitement.
"Not cool," Daphne said, pulling her head out of the bushes.
"Daphne…" Hermione said nervously, pressing her fingers together.
"Landing strategies aside," Daphne said, straightening her outfit. "I won," she said proudly.
"Daphne you've a branch in your hair," Emma said pulling out a stick.
"Still looks better than yours," Daphne said skating off.
Break
"Wow that was really good," Astoria said, patting her belly.
"I thought I told you not to eat too much," Daphne whispered in her ear.
"I was hungry," Astoria said softly. "And you ate everything too."
"Who wants cake," Emma said, walking with a German chocolate cake.
"It's not everyday we have guests," Emma said. "And a little slice won't hurt growing girls."
"Alright, we did do that rollerblading thing for a while," Daphne sighed.
"Yes!" Astoria cheered along with Hermione.
"This cake is really good," Hermione said.
"Thanks, I got the recipe from Millie's mother," Emma said as they girls tore into the cake. "Wow you must still be hungry, would you like another piece, Daphne."
"What," she said looking down at her plate. "No, yes, when did I," Daphne said, staring at the empty plate.
"Is something wrong Daphne," Emma asked.
"Why…." Daphne said.
"Why what," Emma said. "I just thought you might want another piece."
"Was that your plan," Daphne said, pushing back from the table.
"What plan…" Emma said.
"Your plan to fatten me up so I wouldn't fit into my dress and look like a fool at the unveiling," Daphne said.
"Why would I do that," Emma asked.
"Because…." Daphne said looking at Hermione who flinched.
"You bullied my daughter," Emma finished. "Or that your mother tried to humiliate me at the Hogwarts PTA meeting."
"Yes," Daphne hissed.
"I won't lie and say that I am not still angry at you over what you've done to Hermione. But I am not so vindictive or cunning to purposely make you gain weight to make you look foolish. I told your mother I wouldn't lay a hand on you as long as you behaved, and that is a promise I intend to keep. So no games what you see is what you get. Now would you like another piece of cake," Emma said looking right back at Daphne. "I invited you because Astoria is Hermione's friend, and I did not think your mother would allow her to go off on her own. And so far you have been a pleasant guest, and if you are worried about gaining weight from a single piece of cake you can join Hermione tomorrow morning when she goes out rollerblading. Now would you like another piece of cake."
"No thank you," Daphne said. "Please excuse me,'' she said, taking her leave.
"If you change your mind I will leave a piece on the counter for you," Emma said.
Break
"She did come back for the cake," Emma said with a smile.
"What was that mom," Hermione said.
"Oh nothing," Emma said as she put the plate in the sink.
"Let's go….. Hermione," Daphne said standing by the door.
"So you are coming," Hermione said sadly.
"Yes, and this time you can show me how to stop," Daphne said thinking of the bush.
"And you won't….. You know…" Hermione muttered.
"Your mother is playing nice so I will play nice," Daphne said.
"Ok," Hermione said following Daphne out.
The pair made their way to the park in silence enjoying the cool morning air as they circled the lake. "So how do you stop," Daphne asked.
"Well there is the brake on the back of the right foot," she said demonstrating the heel brake. "The snow plow," she said, showing the next one. "And doing a quick turn," Hermione said, wobbling before falling over.
"And falling it seems," Daphne said with a smirk.
"I'm not good at that one yet," Hermione said standing up. "How do you stay so fast when turning?"
"And why should I tell you," Daphne said.
"Well I thought since maybe…" Hermione muttered angling her eyes up at Daphne.
"Ok, fine," Daphne groaned.
"Yes," Hermione cheered.
"Now pay attention," Daphne said. "When you're going faster just lean into the turn more, your speed will keep you from falling."
"Ok," Hermione said, speeding up to try on the next turn leaning into her turn a bit letting her skates slide around the curve. "Wow that is faster."
"You still won't beat me," Daphne boasted.
"Who won," Emma asked as the girls returned.
"I did naturally," Daphne said puffing her chest out.
"Congratulations then," Emma giggled as Hermione pouted, sticking her tongue out at Daphne. "Alright girls get cleaned up after our flight leaves later this afternoon."
"Flight," Daphne said, turning towards Hermione. "You're not seriously thinking of flying a broom to Ghent. You can't even make it around the quidditch pitch," Daphne said.
"Hahahahaha, as interesting as that sounds no, we will be taking a muggle airplane," Emma said.
"Aren't those rickety contraptions virtual death traps," Daphne said.
"In the past perhaps, but these days they are quite safe and we will be traveling on a private plane," Emma said.
"Mom what did you do," Hermione sighed.
"I didn't do anything," Emma said as Hermione glared at her. "What… Elizabeth called yesterday to make sure I had everything I needed for the gala, and I might have mentioned that I was having trouble with finding 2 extra plane tickets, and well… She said we could fly with Charles and Diana" Emma said.
Daphne's pupils widened as her brain slowly shut down her body frozen, the water bottle she was drinking from clattering to the ground. "Hah, Hah, Hah," the sound of her breathing filling the room.
"Breathe, Daphne," Dan said, handing her a paper bag. "There you go, just relax," Dan said, leading her to a chair.
"You mean to tell me that we are going to meet Princess Diana….." Daphne said.
"Yes," Hermione said.
"What, how, I mean your, and she, and Princess Diana, this doesn't make any sense," Daphne babbled.
"Yes, it does, Emma is like super nice to people, so they are like super nice back," Astoria said.
"It can't be that simple," Daphne said.
"Yes, it is," Astoria said.
"But….." Daphne said.
"Yes it is, not everything is a game, but you must have been playing hard, you stink," Astoria said.
"I do not stink," Daphne said before heading upstairs.
Break
"..." Daphne looked up from the book she was reading as a large owl tapped on the window. "Do….. You have a letter."
"I do," Hermione said looking up from her work.
"It's an owl with a letter in its claws and it is not a Greengrass family owl," Daphne said.
"Right," Hermione said, jumping up and taking the letter quickly looking at it before crumpling it up.
"Can you wait for my reply," Hermione asked, as the owl hooted. "Great," she exclaimed, racing off nearly losing her footing on the smooth floor.
Hermione,
How do you deal with the nightmares.
Harry
"What cha doing," Astoria asked as Hermione wrote a letter.
"Nothing," Hermione squeaked.
"And that nothing involves sending a letter via a rather beautiful owl," Astoria said.
"You can't tell Daphne," Hermione said.
"Pinkie promise," Astoria said, sticking out her pinkie.
"Pinkie promise," Hermione said, taking Astoria's pinkie with her own, giggling as they shook pinkies.
"So who are you sending the Nasu dolls to," Astoria asked.
"A friend who is having nightmares," Hermione said.
"Oh good plan," Astoria said. "And tell him if they don't stop I'll sick Abby, on them," Astoria said, holding up her own doll.
Harry,
This is the legendary German warrior siegfried, who defeated the Dragon Fafnir. I think he is way stronger than any nightmare. He can be a bit naughty sometimes so I sent Brynhildr along to keep him in line. She is a war goddess and his girlfriend.
Hermione
PS- If they don't stop my friend will sick Abbigal Williams on them. She's friends with Cthulhu.
"Hiding will not save you Harry, I will find you eventually," a ghostly Voldemort demanded as Harry huddled in the corner hiding behind a large rock.
"Shut up will you," a gruff male voice said.
"You dare," Voldemort said as a very large, very sharp sword found its way to his neck.
"Don't worry little one he can't hurt you," a kind woman with silver hair in a black outfit said.
"But he's," Harry said as the man raised his sword high.
"Balmung," the man yelled, slamming his sword down releasing a great blast of energy vaporizing ghost Voldemort.
"No longer a problem," the silver haired woman giggled.
"Awe no fair," Abbby pouted, appearing as the blast cleared. "Mr. Cthulhu wanted a snack."
Hermione,
Thank you.
Harry
Break
"Ok, Daphne you can do this, you are Daphne Greengrass, heir to the Greengrass family," Daphne said looking at herself in the mirror as she adjusted the royal blue floor length evening gown she was wearing. The off the shoulder design was elegant and mature letting the world see that she wasn't a girl anymore with the small rise on her chest. "It's just a meeting with Princess Diana, nothing special," she said, slapping her cheeks.
"Are you ready Daphne," Astoria asked, knocking on the door to her room.
"Yes," she said, slipping on matching elbow length gloves.
"..." Astoria could only gape at her sister.
"Is there a problem runt, and what do you think you are wearing," Daphne said looking at her sister in her dirndl.
"No, It's the outfit Emma got me," Astoria said.
"And you didn't wear your…." Daphne said.
"Emma said to wear something comfortable," Astoria said as Hermione entered.
"Matching outfits…" Daphne said looking them over, the pair almost looked like sisters Hermione a bit bigger, and with darker shorter hair than her Astoria, but surprisingly similar . "Don't you think that is a little to….. Comfortable for meeting Princess Diana."
"No, and we're going to be on the go for a while so it's better to be comfortable," Hermione said.
"Hmmpphhhh, don't come crying to me when you look like simple commoners in front of royalty," Daphne said gliding past them head held high.
Break
Daphne's eyes darted side to side as they walked through Heathrow airport as more than a few people stopped and stared at the blond girl in a full on evening gown. "What is wrong with muggles," Daphne whispered.
"Is there a problem Daphne," Emma asked.
"No," Daphne said holding her head high.
Tugging on Emma's hand Astoria pulled Emma down to her level. "She's getting nervous because everyone is looking at her," Astoria said.
"Oh…." Emma said.
"I am not nervous," Daphne hissed.
"Then why are you sweating," Hermione said.
"I am not," Daphne said, waiting for everyone to turn around before trying to sniff herself discreetly. The group continued weaving their way through the crowd.
"The private section is just up ahead," Dan said.
"It's about…" Daphne said as a loud ripping sound could be heard as Daphne did a rather spectacular belly flop into the ground. "Time…" Daphne muttered.
"Oh my gosh Daphne are you ok," Emma said.
"I'm fine," Daphne growled standing up as the ripping sound continued.
"Um Daphne," Hermione said.
"What," Daphne hissed trying to brush the dirt and grime off her gown.
"You're flashing everyone," Hermione said.
"What," Daphne shrieked, turning to see the long rip in the back exposing her underwear. "No, this wasn't, I….." Daphne stammered frantically turning around grabbing the billowing gown in her hands. "This is all your fault," Daphne spat before racing to the bathroom tripping over her heels and falling again. The sound of snapping cameras filled Daphne's ears as tears began to roll down her cheek. "Argh!"
"Really," Emma yelled standing in front of Daphne. "You are honestly going to take pictures of a young girl's accident. Does this really count as news?," Emma said, glaring at the crowd. "No seriously, I want an answer from you bunch of degenerate bottom feeders," Emma glaring at them.
"This is news ma'am." a man said as a teary eyed Daphne looked up in shock.
"No, this is not news," Emma said.
"I beg to differ," another one added, shoving a camera in her face.
"Get that camera out of my face or I will take it and place it somewhere unpleasant," Emma said pushing the camera aside. "This is not news, you reprehensible piece of filth. This is disgusting voyeurism at its worst, and in any other situation pictures like this would get you arrested."
"You don't have…." a third reporter said.
"I bloody well do have the right to call you out," Emma said. "Do you have a daughter?"
"I don't see how that is relevant," one of them said.
"You didn't answer the question," Emma stated, marching up to them as Hermione, Astoria and Dan helped Daphne into the section of the airport for private flights.
"I do ma'am," one photographer said.
"Well would you like it if someone was taking pictures of her and putting her on front page news, although calling you news would be a lie," Emma said as the crowd grew silent.
"No ma'am," the photographer said.
"Then why the hell would you do it to Daphne," Emma snapped. "Seriously what the bloody hell is wrong with you people. You're supposed to be the 4th estate doing hard hitting investigative journalism, not this. What would your wives, mothers and daughters think of this," she said wagging her finger at them.
"Sorry Ma'am," the photographer said, taking the film out of his camera along with a few others before handing it to Emma.
"Thank you gentlemen," Emma said looking at the crowd. "Now if you must know, that lovely young woman you were so rude to is Daphne Greengrass, a classmate of my daughter who both attend a prestigious private school whose name I will not reveal. She's had something of a sheltered life, and was excited for her first airplane flight as well as meeting Princess Diana as we travel to the unveiling ceremony in Ghent celebrating the return of the Just Judges to their famous altarpiece," Emma explained.
"Ma'am what about…." a man called out.
"Yes, I am sure you have questions but I have a plane to catch, and your fair reporting will determine who gets an interview in the future," Emma said before leaving.
Break
"Why," Daphne muttered as they sat in a private terminal.
"Why what," Hermione asked.
"Help me," Daphne said the billow skirt of her gown bundled up in her arms.
"Why not," Hermione said.
"Because….." Daphne muttered burying her face in her gown.
"You're a royal jerkface who beat me up," Hermione said.
"Yes," Daphne whispered.
"You're still a stupid poopy head," Hermione said, sticking her tongue out at Daphne. "But that doesn't mean pervy old men should get a free look at your underwear."
"But you could have…" Daphne muttered.
"When I beat you, I want it to be fair and square not because I cheated. I refuse to stoop to that level," Hermione said thinking back to the mirror.
"You're a fool, you'll never beat me," Daphne said.
"We'll just have to see about that. Now come on, let's get you something better to wear," Hermione said.
"But my suitcase," Daphne said.
"Is right here," Dan said holding up her suitcase. "And don't worry about the pictures Emma had a talk with them."
"What did mom do," Hermione groaned.
"It was so awesome, she chewed them out good, and even made this one guy wet himself," Astoria giggled.
"Astoria all I did was talk to them and explain the situation," Emma said.
"She threatened to shove a camera up his but," Astoria said.
"Mom," Hermione sighed.
"What didn't throw anything this time," Emma muttered.
Break
"Your Majesty," Dan said as Prince Charles approached.
"Please call me Charles," the man replied.
"Certainly," Dan said.
"I will say I was surprised today," Charles said.
"Oh…." Dan said.
"Yes, the paparazzi was much less than usual, it was refreshing," Charles said.
"Yeah about that…." Dan said.
"Your wife did something again," Charles said.
"Awe I missed it," Diana said coming up from behind.
"She threatened to shove a camera up a man's but," Astoria cheered.
"Astoria that's not something you should be cheering about," Emma said.
"Sorry," Astoria said looking down at the ground.
"It's alright and now you know better," Emma said, patting Astoria on the head. "I only said I would put it somewhere unpleasant. Diana, thank you for allowing us to tag along."
"It was no trouble, and I wanted to meet your lovely daughter you've always talked about," Diana said looking at Astoria. "But you didn't tell me Hermione had a sister." She said kneeling next to Astoria who ducked behind Emma. "Hi, my name is Diana, what's yours?"
"Astoria Greengrass your majesty," Astoria muttered.
"Astoria, that's a pretty name," Diana said.
"Thank you," Astoria said.
"Astoria is a friend of Hermione's who is visiting with us," Emma said.
"Oh my," Diana said standing up. "You look like you could be sisters."
"What's the problem," Hermione asked as Daphne peaked out around the side of the bathroom.
"It's her you idiot," Daphne whispered.
"Her who," Hermione said.
"Princess Diana," Daphne said. "Don't you know anything."
"Yes, I know things," Hermione pouted. "What I still don't get is why you are making such a big deal out of it. I thought you hated muggles."
"Daphne turned back to look at Hermione. "I dislike muggles, but this is Princess Diana, muggle or not she's royalty, and royalty is to be respected."
"So because she has a fancy title we're supposed to respect her more than we would other people," Hermione said.
"Yes," Daphne said.
"So she's more royal than you are," Hermione said.
"Hey, no one is more….." Daphne said.
"Then why aren't you a princess," Hermione said.
"Because I'm a countess moron," Daphne said.
"You really are nobility," Hermione said.
"Took you long enough," Daphne said.
"Then why are you hiding in here," Hermione pressed.
"Because it's Princess Diana and I am not dressed appropriately to meet with her," Daphne said having changed into the dress she wore when she first arrived at the grangers. The pristine white fabric draped gracefully over her growing figure. No longer just a girl, but not yet a young woman.
"Looks fine to me," Hermione said.
"Of course it would, but this is just a simple house dress, I can't possibly come out wearing this," Daphne said.
"Of course you can," Hermione pressed, raising an eyebrow at Daphne's interesting behavior.
"Look, you might be fine with…..," Daphne said, turning to look at Hermione.
"With what," Hermione said.
"Being normal," Daphne said. "But I am Daphne Greengrass heir to the Greengrass family name, I have to be perfect."
Hermione giggled. "That's dumb, just be you, and go for it, your Daphne Greengrass little miss perfect prissy pants." Hermione said pushing Daphne out into the room.
"Hermione," Daphne squeaked as she stumbled into the room.
"You must be Daphne," Diana said as they locked eyes.
"No…. I mean yes….. I mean," Daphne stuttered looking away as her face grew red. "It's a pleasure to meet you, your majesty," Daphne said softly fumbling with her dress as she tried to curtsey.
"Oh that is adorable," Diana said hugging Daphne. "Sorry Emma I'm gonna steal this one," Daphne's porcelain skin turned bright red in a brilliant full body blush as Diana embarrassed her.
"Thank you, your majesty," Daphne managed to squeak out.
"None of that majesty stuff, please call me Diana," Diana ordered.
"Yes, your….." Daphne said as Diana released her looking her in the eye. "Diana."
"Much better, now you have to tell me all about that school of yours," Diana said.
"Well it's…" Daphne said looking away.
"Hogwarts right, not to worry, the royal family knows about magic," Diana said.
"You know about magic," Daphne sputtered.
"Yes the royal family has had magic members in the past, and well we did rule this country since before the statute of secrets went up," Charles explained.
"And you are going to tell me all about it on the plane," Diana said.
"Ok," Daphne said softly as they boarded.
"What did you to me," Daphne hissed at Hermione as they entered.
"A push in the right direction, tomato face," Hermione said.
"I am not a tomato," Daphne shot back.
"Then why is your face still red," Hermione giggled.
Break
"So Ilya's a caster," Astoria asked as they played with their dolls.
"Yes," Hermione said, holding up her Ilya doll.
"Who else do you have," Astoria asked.
"Sitonia," Hermione said, pulling out a small silver haired doll dressed in a white fur outfit lined with pink, sitting on a large polar bear. "She's Ilya fused with a goddess named Sitonia."
"Cool," Astoria said. "Hey you want to have a match, Abby and Frankenstein vs. Ilya and Sitonia."
"Yes," Hermione said, setting up for the match.
"Daphne, you wouldn't happen to be related to Catherine Greengrass," Charles asked.
"Yes, she is my mother," Daphne replied, sitting up tall posture ramrod straight hands in her lap to keep them from trembling.
"I see," Charles said.
"Have you met mother," Daphne asked.
"No, I have simply heard her name in passing," Charles said.
"Oh….." Daphne said looking down at her lap.
"So what is school like," Diana asked.
"Well it's magical," Daphne said.
"Quite literally it seems," Diana said. "So what are the magical subjects?"
"For years 1-3 all students , Magic theory, transfiguration, charms, potions, herbology, history of magic, and flying. Then in years 4-6 students have the option of swapping out magic theory, and flying for Runes, Arithmancy, care of magical creatures, divination and muggle studies. In the final three years, you have the option of swapping out potions and herbology for any of the previous classes and alchemy, magic circles, or warding," Daphne explained.
"What about non magical subjects," Diana asked.
"Why would I need to know about those," Daphne said, spotting Astoria and Hermione's game out of the corner of her eye.
"Because there is more to the world than just the magical world," Emma said.
"True, but magic is….." Daphne said, catching her tongue.
"Yes, magic is important, but there is more to the world than just magic," Diana said.
"Exactly," Emma said. "I know you have flying brooms, carpets, and who knows what else, but muggles have their own way of flying," Emma said moting to the plane they were currently flying in. "Who knows we might just surprise you," Emma said with a wink.
"You make a good point," Daphne said, trying not to blush.
"Now why don't you go join your sister and Hermione," Emma said.
"It's fine, I like…" Daphne said.
"I'm sure you enjoy joining with the adults, but it is ok to still be a kid on occasion," Diana said. "I know everyone wants to grow up, but it will happen eventually, so why not enjoy being a kid a bit longer."
"I am…." Diana said.
"A good big sister who watches out for her little sister," Emma said. "And I think your little sister might need some help," she added looking at their game as Hermione knocked out Frankenstein.
"True but….." Daphne said.
"Here this might help," Dan said, handing her a box.
"What is this," Daphne asked.
"Oh just a little something that I thought you might be able to give a good home to," Dan said.
"Ok," Daphne said, opening the box gasping as she looked inside. "This is the 4 star caster Miyu," Daphne said looking at the doll with short black hair in a cute sailor uniform holding a wand.
"Go on try it out and help your sister," Emma said as Diana nodded towards the girls.
"It's alright," Diana said.
"No I have to, mother said," Daphne whispered to herself.
"Go have fun, and if there is a problem just blame me," Emma said.
Daphne spared one last look between the adults and her new doll before getting up and joining Astoria.
"Hey," the girls said as Daphne joined.
"It's a grail war you never know when another master and servant is going to show up," Daphne said.
"You're on," Astoria and Hermione said.
"I take it you've met Catherine Greengrass," Emma said.
"Excuse my language but she is a bitch with a capital B," Charles said.
"That sounds about right," Emma said.
"I hope it doesn't infect her daughters," Diana said. "They seem like very sweet girls."
"Astoria is a good girl, Daphne on the other hand," Emma said, keeping an eye on them as played.
"Anyway you have to tell me how you found it," Diana said.
Episode 23.5- Small victories
July 1993
"A kind gesture can reach a wound that only compassion can heal." Steve Maraboli
"Alex, Millie," Maggie shrieked, dropping a letter.
"What, Mom," Alex and Millie yelled, racing into the kitchen.
"It's… It's….." Maggie said, dropping the letter.
"It will be ok, honey, we will make it somehow," Alex said.
"Um Dad….I don't think that is what mom was screaming about," Millie said, picking up the letter.
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Bulstrode,
The haggis you sent me was the finest I've ever tasted. It was like Ambrosia itself had passed my lips, a delicacy for the ages. To that end I would like to make a regular order of Haggis from you. 12 per month at say 300 Thalers per Haggis.
Gimley
Master Blacksmith
Dear Mr. and Mrs. Bulstrode,
Let me cut to the chase. I see a business opportunity here. Dwarves were fighting over the scraps of the Haggis you sent to one of our master blacksmiths. I would to work with you in setting up a commercial operation to produce your haggis and any other sausages or meats you might have to sell them to the dwarves and other interested parties.
Thormir
Head of dwarf banking guild
PS- please send a sampling of your sausages so i may determine their marketability
"Looks like we are making sausages," Millie said, rolling up her sleeves as her mother and father fainted from shock.
Break
"This is where we are staying," Astoria said marveling at the majestic old building.
"This is the Korenmarkt, the historic city center of Ghent, a city known for it's fine fabrics," Daphne said.
"Yes, the dwarves were nice enough to let us use the upper floor of the blacksmith guild for our stay," Emma said.
"How did you do that," Daphne asked.
"Well it is Gwendoline Davis's fault," Emma said.
"Tracy's mother helped you," Daphne said, her jaw dropping as her eyes went wide.
"Not exactly it's more like she stole a contract Millie's mom needed to keep her catering business afloat and then made fun of her. Which was rather vindictive and rude, so i just told Maggie to make some Haggis and send it to the dwarves. See it turns out that Dwarves really like Haggis, as in it's almost considered an aphrodisiac, and Maggie's is really good. So they gave her a contract and gave us a nice room for a few days."
'That doesn't make any sense," Daphne exclaimed. "I mean you muggle, magic, dwarves, humans, people, food, haggis," Daphne said, grabbing her head.
"What does Aphrodisiac mean," Astoria asked.
"Ask your mother," Dan said quickly.
"Ok, but is Daphne going to be ok," Astoria said.
"Yeah she'll be fine," Hermione said, whacking Daphne across the back of the head.
"What was that for, klutz," Daphne snapped.
"Mom broke your brain again and I needed to reset it, tomato face," Hermione quipped.
"My brain is not broken," Daphne said. "But yours will be if you keep smacking me." Daphne said glaring at Hermione.
"I'm sorry," Hermione whispered, darting back behind her mom.
"Now, now, it's just a lot to take in all at once," Emma said as they entered the guild.
"Ah Miss Granger we have been expecting you," a man said, guiding them along.
"Thank you," Emma said as the girls marveled at the lavish yet functional interior designs.
"I trust the room is to your liking," the man said.
"This isn't a room it's a….." Daphne said marveling at the room.
"It's actually the old master's residence," the man said. "If you need anything please let me know."
"Do you know of any seamstresses," Daphne asked, thinking of her gown.
"Sadly I do not," the man said.
"Oh…" Daphne said, her head dropping.
"Don't worry, I was going to take Hermione shopping for a dress tomorrow, but you can come along as well," Emma said.
"You want to take me dress shopping," Daphne said. "But…." she stammered thoughts turning to a certain event a few months back.
"There is a muggle phrase, kill it with kindness," Emma said. "Plus you did ruin your dress while traveling with us, so it's only fair I repay the favor."
"That doesn't make any sense," Daphne said as Emma leaned in to whisper in her ear.
"You are a mean spiteful girl Daphne Greengrass, but I think there just might be a nice girl deep down inside of you and I am going to drag her out kicking and screaming if I have to," Emma said.
"What does that mean," Daphne said.
"It means exactly what I said," Emma replied.
Break
"Is there a problem," Emma said, picking up the phone.
"We have several letters for you at the front desk," the woman on the phone said.
"Can you send them up," Emma said.
"They are howlers ma'am," the woman said.
"I've never heard of that kind of letter," Emma said as the kids remained glued to the TV.
"Yes, ma'am, letters charmed to deliver their message very loudly and aggressively. They are commonly used when the sender is rather angry," the woman explained.
"Oh dear, you wouldn't happen to have a place where I could listen to them discreetly," Emma asked.
"Yes, Ma'am," the woman said.
"I will be right down," Emma said, hanging up the phone.
"Is there a problem," Dan said.
"Can you pass the popcorn," Astoria asked.
"Here munchkin," Daphne said.
"You ate it all," Astoria said looking at the empty bowl.
"I did not," Daphne said.
"Um the bowl is empty," Astoria said.
Slowly Daphne's face began turning red as she looked at the empty bowl. "The klutz must have eaten them all," Daphne sputtered.
"From over here tomato face," Hermione said, laying on the other side of Astoria.
"I stand by what I said," Daphne huffed.
"No, but there might be if we don't get some more popcorn, I'll go down and have them send some up," Emma said heading for the door.
"Thanks, mom," Hermione said.
Break
Ms. Tracy Davis,
You claim to be a friend of Daphne's and you have the gall to mock her unfortunate accident. Show a little compassion and decomure next time.
Emma Granger
Ms. Pansy Parkinson,
I would like to see you walk through an airport in heels and an evening gown without blinking an eye. And remember glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
Emma Granger
Mrs. Greengrass,
I am as appalled by what happened as you are, and no I did not have anything to do with what happened. It was a simple accident and I will take any lie detector test you like. I had counseled Daphne against the dress, but she was adamant and she did look quite lovely in it. When you are ready to discuss what happened like an adult I am more than willing to listen. Such pettiness is beneath a grown woman.
Emma Granger
To whom it may concern,
I am shocked and appalled that Teen Witch would publish pictures let alone a story like that. I demand you print a full front page apology within 24 hours.
Emma Granger
Dear Mrs. Granger
1- Why should we care what a muggle thinks.
2- The Greengrass family deserves to be taken down a few pegs.
Teen Witch Editorial board
Dear Teen Witch Editorial board,
Do not forget that I did ask nicely the first time.
Emma Granger
Break
"Is Daphne alright," Emma asked as Daphne sat ramrod straight, her skin ghostly white.
"She saw Teen Witch," Hermione said.
"Oh dear," Emma said.
"Mom is going to kill me," Daphne muttered over and over. "I can't go back to Hogwarts."
"No she isn't," Emma said.
"Maybe I can get them to write a retraction, threaten them somehow," Daphne said. "If I try to, then maybe," Daphne said frantically. "I need to….."
"Relax," Hermione said, handing her a bag to breathe into.
"Yes, relax," Emma said, rubbing her back.
"How can I relax. I'm probably not considered pure anymore, which means my marriage prospects….. Ugh Ron Weasley… no there has to be something….." Daphne said. "Wait mother must have written to me and I didn't….. Crap….."
"Yes, your mother wrote to you, something called a howler, very unpleasant," Emma said.
"Mom what did you do," Hermione said.
"I told her that when she was ready to behave like an adult, I would be more than happy to talk to her," Emma said.
"You told my mother off," Daphne said looking up at Emma.
"What I was polite," Emma said as all eyes turned on her. "Just like I did to Teen Witch Weekly, but they were not so nice. But enough about that it's time for dress shopping.
Break
Daily Prophet, Avalon Times, Quibbler,
To whom it may concern, I have included a check in the amount of a front page in your publications, to be run immediately. If there is a problem with the amount please contact Thormir, the head of the dwarven banking guild. Here is the ad I would like published.
Dear members of Wizarding Britain,
As some of you are probably aware of by now Teen Witch Weekly has published an article that was at least in poor taste, and illegal at best (at least according to muggle laws). I asked them nicely if they could print an apology for embarrassing a young girl. Since you are reading this it is quite obvious that they refused on the grounds that they consider the utter embarrassment of a lovely young girl newsworthy, a girl that believes she is somehow damaged for life because of a single accident. They also were quite clear that the article was intended to discredit her family whose name I am holding back for their privacy. I have met members of this family and the adult members are not the nicest people in the world, but really attacking their daughter because you have issues with her parents. I have 5 words to say to that, grow up all of you. How can you call this lovely young woman anything but that. In closing I would just like to point out that by reading said article you are condoning this behavior which speaks volumes about magical society. I may just be a muggle, but one has to wonder about the so-called superiority of a society that values such drivel.
Respectfully,
Emma Granger
PS- Prove me wrong and don't read it
Break
"That is adorable," Emma cooed looking at Hermione in her new dress. A rather colorful, ensamble combining a knee length red skirt, and white blouse with blue tights and a brown jacket with blue and gold highlights. A yellow ribbon tied in a bow at her waist, and a blue bow at her neck rounded out the outfit.
"Did you find one yet," Dan asked Astoria.
"Mommy sent me with one, but…." Astoria said looking at Hermione.
"Emma," Dan called out.
"Yes," Emma said, watching Dan make pointing motions between Astoria and Hermione. "How sweet," she murmured before waving over a saleswoman to explain things to.
"Daphne did you find one you liked yet," Emma asked.
"Maybe…. I don't know….. Mom….." Daphne said fidgeting in front of a mirror. "Come on get it together Daphne you are the heir to Countess Greengrass. You can pick out a simple dress. Mom would always..." She muttered to herself
"Come on out and let's see it," Emma said.
"What does Emma know… Well it's better than nothing I guess," Daphne whispered slowly stepping out of the dressing room. "I don't know the color…" Daphne stammered as Emma gasped.
"What is it bad," Daphne said.
"No, Daphne, it's gorgeous," Emma said.
"Really," Daphne squeaked.
"Yes, white and green are definitely your colors," Emma said admiring the simple off the shoulder white evening gown that almost seemed to glow with a large green bow over her chest and another large bow just about the slit in the skirt. White heels and gloves completed the look.
"But white means purity and virtue and after that…" Daphne said.
"Can not be taken by a simple photo that has been dealt with," Emma said.
"How," Daphne said.
"I put an ad out in the front page of the major wizarding newpappers explaining the situation to them," Emma said.
"How," Daphne said.
"Money and I asked nicely," Emma said, showing her the daily prophet add. "Turns out they lost 25% of their subscriptions in the last 24 hours." She said before showing her the retraction and apology.
"Thank you….." Daphne said, turning away to hide the tears that threatened to flow.
Break
"Nervous," Dan asked as they approached the cathedral.
"No," Daphne said while looking at the back of her dress.
"Relax it's a red carpet, not an airport floor, plus your dress doesn't trail to the ground," Dan said.
"I'm not worried about that," Daphne said.
"Yes, she is," Astoria giggled, whispering in Hermione's ear.
"Astoria," Daphne hissed as the pair skipped ahead.
"Miss Greengrass over here," a voice called out.
"Yes," Daphne said.
"Can we get your picture," the man said.
"Yes," Astoria said, popping up behind her.
"Astoria," Daphne hissed.
"Come on it was fun," Astoria said.
"Of course you would say that," Daphne said, rolling her eyes as she moved into position.
"Miss over here," another photographer called out as Daphne turned to face the camera.
"Miss Greengrass, how were you able to get a ticket to such a prestigious event," a reporter asked.
"It was a rather last minute sort of thing," Daphne said nervously clutching her dress.
"Really," the reporter said.
"Yes, my classmate's mother invited my sister and I," Daphne said. "And I am grateful for the chance to see the fully restored altarpiece a Beligian treasure and a beautiful set of paintings."
"What is your impression of Flemish artwork," the reporter asked.
"It's nice, I like how natural it looks," Daphne said, blushing slightly.
"How does it compare to English artwork," another reporter asked.
"It's good, I mean English art is good, but so is….. What did you call it….. Flemish artwork," Daphne said looking for a way out trying not to blush.
"What is your opinion on the international gothic style,"
"I um well you see, the thing is…... " Daphne stammered. "Mom didn't tell me to study art," she whispered as she began to sport a full body blush.
"Come on they're about to start,'' Astoria said skipping over and pulling her sister away.
"Astoria," Daphne squeaked as Astoria pulled her along.
"You were turning into a total tomato face, so Astoria had to rescue you," Hermione said.
"I am not a tomato face, klutz," Daphne said.
"I am not a klutz," Hermione replied as they took their seats, Astoria sitting between them.
"Thank you all for coming to witness the return of the Just Judges to the Saint Bavo Cathedral. We had long thought it lost, only to have it returned through the kind actions of Emma and Hermione Granger. I will say it was quite the surprising call, and I almost didn't believe it, a painting lost for almost 60 years returned by a mother and daughter. They didn't once ask for a fee or any compensation. She only said I think this belongs to you before running off," the mayor of Ghent said.
"You didn't ask them for anything," Daphne hissed.
"No, why would I do that, it was theirs in the first place," Hermione muttered.
"Because it's a priceless painting idiot, they would have paid a fortune for it, don't you know anything," Daphne said.
"But…." Hermione stammered.
"And now I would like to invite Hermione Granger to say a few words," the mayor said.
"What me…" Hermione squeaked as everyone seemed to be looking at her. "I mean they didn't say anything about a speech. I can't go up there…." Hermione fretted as silence fell over the Cathedral.
"Merlin this is embarrassing," Daphne groaned.
"You're not the one who has to go up there," Hermione said as Daphne grabbed her hand.
"Come on klutz," Daphne said, pulling her up.
"What are you doing?" Hermione said.
"Forcing you to make a fool of yourself in front of the international community," Daphne said, leading her to the front.
"I think she's helping," Astoria whispered to Emma as they made their way to the podium.
"So I was right," Emma mused watching Daphne adjust the mic for Hermione before stepping back from the podium but still positioned in the spotlight.
"So um, hi my name is Her….. Granger, and I um," Hermione sputtered as she looked over the crowd. "Well the thing is….." she mumbled as she spotted her parents and Astoria smiling in the crowd with Astoria giving her two thumbs up. Closing her eyes she took a long deep breath before opening them. "My name is Hermione Granger and I found the painting while on vacation in Zurich. It's actually kind of funny when I think about it. See I overheard, Daphne," Hermione said motioning to Daphne.
"Hey don't bring me into this," Daphne hissed.
"Mention that her sister's birthday was coming up, and I thought I would get her something nice. I wasn't really sure what she liked, since I'd only met her once before, but she's from old family so I thought about antiques. When I went to the antique store I found this old hammer that looked like one I saw in a history book, and when I returned it to their family, he mentioned about this old painting someone tried to stash in their house once. Since I returned their hammer he thought I might know who the painting belonged to and how to return it. I remembered it from a documentary I saw once, and I remember coming here once and it was so sad seeing a piece missing, and well I think it's better this way. So um thank you for having me," Hermione said stumbling as she stepped down from the podium amidst the applause.
"Thank again Ms. Granger, and you are free to enjoy the artwork, and refreshments are available in the town square outside," the mayor explained.
"What the bloody hell was that," Daphne snapped.
"The truth," Hermione replied.
"But, why, you had the chance to," Daphne said.
"Do what, lie, not my style," Hermione said.
"Hermione come on let's eat. I want to try belgian waffles," Astoria said.
"Cool," Hermione giggled as Astoria pulled her away.
"Argh, this makes no sense," Daphne groaned. One minute Hermione is afraid of her, the next she is surprisingly collected, followed by acts of childishness with her sister. "Why does this have to be so confusing."
"If it wasn't on some level then it wouldn't be art," a woman said from behind.
"But that doesn't…." Daphne said, turning around. "Duchess Atreides it's a pleasure to meet you." Daphne said quickly, performing a curtsey.
"Only in the magical world I am afraid since the non magical government of Greece threw such things out decades ago, and please call me Jessica," the woman said.
"Crap Baskets," Daphne muttered suddenly realizing where she was. "And I can't you're, a…. An adult," Daphne said, catching herself.
"Yes, I suppose I am, and you are not what I expected either," Jessica said.
"I'm sorry," Daphne said looking away.
"Don't be, it's a good thing," Jessica said.
"A good thing…" Daphne said.
"Yes, I remember your mother hanging someone out to dry once, and it was refreshing to see that you are not your mother's daughter," Jessica said.
"What do you mean," Daphne pressed.
"Lets just say that you did a good thing today and leave it at that," Jessica said. "Now should you ever develop an interest in the fine arts, let me know. The Flemish primitives are very good, but I prefer classic Italian myself. It was a pleasure meeting you Daphne," Jessica said taking her leave.
"The pleasure was mine, Ms. Atreides," Daphne said.
"Daphne, you have to try this," Astoria said, skipping over with a small plate.
"What is that," Daphne said looking at the dish.
"Mussel fries, I know it sounds weird but it's really good," Astoria said.
"I'll take your word for it, but I'll pass," Daphne said.
"Just one bite, come on mom isn't here, and I won't tell her," Astoria said. "Come on I know you like mussels." Astoria said, holding up a frie. "So yummy and good…" she added waving it in front of Daphne's face.
She couldn't help but stare at the delectable treat infront of her. "No, I already broke my diet too many times on this trip, but it's real authentic Belgian cuisine, and I did miss lunch," she muttered before snapping the fry out of the air. "Stupid Astoria," Daphne muttered.
"I'll just leave this here with you then," Astoria said, handing her a plate before running off.
"You have a lovely younger sister," a man said.
"Thank you…" Daphne said, nearly dropping her plate. Baron Vladomir Harkonen.
"And you are the heir to the Countess Greengrass, Daphne Greengrass," the baron replied.
"When I saw that you were here, I was hoping to get a chance to speak with you," the Baron said.
"My mother had hoped we might get a chance to talk," Daphne said.
"Oh really," the baron said.
"Yes, The situation in Russsia has changed dramatically in the last few years, creating opportunities," Daphne said.
"I am aware," Vladomir said. "What does your mother have in mind?"
Daphne took a second to calm her nerves. "I hope I get this right," said softly to herself. "Current events have put Russia in a diminished fractured state in both worlds. It is sad to see a once mighty country in such a state. As such my mother and her associates are willing to provide funding, and material support to someone who is willing to seize the moment and return a once great nation to their proper place on the world stage."
"That is indeed interesting," Vladomir said stroking his beard.
Break
"So much for one last waffle," a woman not yet old, but no longer young said sadly looking at an empty tray.
"You can mine if you want," Hermione said, offering the woman her plate.
"Oh thank you dear, but I couldn't," the woman said.
"I already had one," Hermione said.
"Are you sure," the woman said.
"Yes," Hermione said as the woman took the plate.
"Thank you….." the woman said.
"Hermione," Hermione replied.
"Yes, thank you Hermione, it's been such a long time since I've had one," the woman said.
"You're welcome Mrs. Flamel," Hermione said.
"Interesting that one so young would recognize little old me," the woman said.
"But you're not, well I guess you are, but you don't look it," Hermione babbled.
"Hehehehehe, you are not the first one to say such things, but you might just be the last," Perenelle replied.
"I just wanted to say that I'm sorry about your husband, and I know without it,..." Hermione said.
"Relax Hermione, Nicholas and I had a nice long run, I just wish his end hadn't come the way it had," she said gazing into the distance.
"I'm sorry if I had thought of something, maybe if I wasn't distracted by the mirror, I could have done more," Hermione said drawing a curious eye from Perenelle.
"There is nothing to apologize for, there is little more that you could have done had you been there yourself, and that is an evil I do not wish for anyone to face," Perenelle said patting her head.
"But I was there," Hermione muttered.
"No that's impossible, Dumbledore said that…." Perenelle said. "Wait, you said you were distracted by the mirror."
"Yes, when Harry and I found it, we thought maybe we had to desire the stone to pull it out," Hermione said before Perenelle shhed her.
"Hold on just a moment," she said, making a subtle movement of the sticks holding her hair in place. "Just a small spell to prevent eavesdropping. You mean to tell me that you were present when the stone was taken."
"Yes, Ma'am," Hermione said.
"Why didn't Dumbledore tell me," Perenelle mussed.
"Because I didn't tell him," Hermione said.
"Why would you not," Perenelle asked.
"When I woke up he asked me what happened, but I told him to ask Harry and he said something that didn't match up with what happened. Plus his eyes were all sparkly and the older girls said to never look in his eyes when they are sparkly. So I faked being tired so he would go away. Then the school rumors were not even close to what actually happened, I…." Hermione explained.
"You were worried, and rightly so, it seems that Dumbledore is playing games. I never did like that little brat. Now what actually happened." Perenelle said.
"Harry and I desired the stone while looking at the Mirror of Erised, he actually got it out, but I got a nightmare," Herimone said.
"That idiot, what was he thinking placing it in a school. Wait, you saw the nightmare of the mirror, how did you overcome it," Perenelle said.
"I um, well I just sort of realized that using the stone to make my desires a reality would be cheating and not really what I wanted. I'm going to do it the right way, no cheating, but what's the big deal" Hermione said as Perenelle placed a hand on Hermione's head.
"Amazing, you have been touched by the magic of the mirror," Perenelle said.
"What does that mean," Hermione asked.
"When you live as long as I have you become more in tune with the passage of time, and time flows differently around you now," Perenelle said.
"Is that bad," Hermione asked.
"Time is neither good nor bad, flowing like a river that we all must travel down. Yet the currents of time seem to eb and flow swirling around you. It is not permanent, but I know not when it will return to a normal flow," Perenelle said.
"So is that how the stone works," Hermione asked.
"What do you mean," Perenelle asked.
"You've lived for like a very long time and you don't look like a grandma just yet, so does the Philosopher's stone alter the perception of time on your body," Hermione asked.
"Fascinating," Perenelle whispered while listening to Hermione, childlike and yet adult statement.
"No the stone does not alter time, many have tried, and even fewer have succeeded in bending time to their will," Perenelle said. "But what happened after Harry removed the stone from the mirror."
"Professor Quierrell, who was possessed by Voldemort bound us up with chains, so I had Harry stall for time until I broke them," Hermione explained.
"Voldemort, Nicholas suspected he was still alive, wait you broke chains conjured by Voldemort," Perenelle said.
"Yes, they were iron chains, so I made them brittle and then they broke. Then Harry attacked him making his arm crumble, and Quierrel came back said something about Voldemort being cursed and seeking power not seen in a long time, before I heard a phoenix and blacked out but not before he escaped taking the stone with him," Hermione said trembling a little thinking about the event.
"It will be alright," Perenelle said.
"No, because Voldemort admitted that someone else killed Harry's dad and it's…." Hermione said breaking down.
"Professor Severus Snape, I presume, I never did like that greaseball," Perenelle said.
"Yes, and he's my," Hermone said.
"So you are a Syltherin, after all," Perenelle said.
"I've tried not to think about it, but what happens when I go back to school," Hermione said.
"Yes, I can see that would be troublesome," Perenelle said.
"I've never been an expert on mind magics, but perhaps the Tepes family can assist you," Perenelle said. "Now I have to know how you broke those chains without a wand?"
"I used a sapphire to alternate removing and adding cold to the chain," Hemrione said.
"You practice gem magic," Perenelle said.
"I'm still learning," Hermione said.
"We are always learning," Perenelle said. "Now did you know that each element has a gem it works best with."
"Yes, but I have a question?" Hermione asked.
"Go ahead," Perenelle said.
"I thought that there were 92 elements not 4 and 4 attributes," Hermione asked.
"As to your question, I offer a question," Pernelle said. "Ancient man could see that fire was hot, and ice was cold. Did he know about molecular motion or entropy?"
"No," Hermione replied.
"And yet man could still comprehend hot and cold and use them to his advantage," Perenelle said.
"Yes, mankind has understood the concept of fire…" Hermione said trailing off. "The original scientists were philosophers. The magical world isn't dealing with fire as combustion, but as the concept of fire," Hermione said.
"Exactly," Pernelle said.
"So then that means, I'm not manipulating it on a physical level, but a conceptual one," Hermione asked.
"It's a bit more complicated than that, but you have the basic idea," Perenelle said.
Break
"Ah Mrs. Granger, I was hoping I would run into you here," Dumbledore said, approaching Mrs. Granger.
"Excuse me Mr. Ambassador," Emma said, turning to face Dumbledore.
"Albus Dumbledore I presume," Emma said.
"You presume correctly," Albus said.
"And what can I do for the great Albus Dumbledore," Emma said, making sure to stay in the middle of the crowd.
"Your daughter mentioned two rather curious pieces of magic during a school project, and I was curious as to how she came across such references," Dumbledore said.
"What was this in reference to?" Emma asked.
"..." Dumbledore paused. "I'm not sure you would understand," Dumbledore said.
"Professor Dumbledore, I think you just insulted my intelligence," Emma said slightly louder than normal
"No, I was simply implying that…." He began to say.
"Because I can't use magic, I wouldn't understand magic. Mind you I did make it through a muggle repelling ward, without magic. Don't insult my intelligence Professor, now what is it that you would like to know?" Emma said.
"It's a rather delicate subject that I think would be better discussed in a more private setting," Dumbledore said.
"Professor are you trying to seduce my wife," Dan said. "I agree that she is quite ravishing, but her mind is her best feature, and more importantly I don't share. Did you know she majored in Physics, followed by a masters in biochemistry, and then a Doctor of Dental Medicine. So I would be shocked to find something that she can't understand."
"Dumbledore, are you harassing honored guests of my city," the Magical minister of Belgium said.
"No we are just having a lively discussion," Dumbledore said.
"Yes, he was just about to ask me about my daughters report on the renowned Hennig Brand," Emma said.
"Hennig Brand, now that is a name I haven't heard in a long time," Perenelle said joining them.
"Perenelle," Dumbledore said shock clearly etched on his face.
"Hello you little brat," Perenelle said, shocking everyone. "What I'm 670 years old, to Dumbledors 112, so that makes him about 6 years old. So let me guess Hermione mentioned the Angelical and Ophidian stones, in an essay about Hennig Brand and you are near apoplectic trying to figure out just how she knows about them."
"Perenelle what are you saying this is….." Dumbledore began to say.
"Not that complicated. Hermione knows about them, because I told her," Perenelle said.
"Why," Dumbledore pressed.
"Because she asked nicely," Perenelle said.
"But those are…" Dumbledore said.
"What it's not like she knows how to make them or use them," Perenelle said. "Only Nicholas knew how to do that."
"Ut oh, looks like Daphne's brain broke again," Astoria giggled.
"Excuse me Mr. Ambassador it looks like I need to reset the tomato face's brain again," Hermione said excusing herself and walking over to smack Daphne on the back of the head.
"Would you stop doing that," Daphne hissed.
"I will once you stop spacing out," Hermione said.
"Your parents are talking to Perenelle Flamel, do you have any idea who that is," Daphne said pointing at her," Daphne said.
"Yes, she is the widow of Nicholas Flamel, and an accomplished alchemist in her own right, who is working on a unified theory of transfiguration." Hermione said, holding a finger to her chin. "Oh and she really likes Belgian waffles."
"How do you know that," Daphne said.
"Because I talked to her," Hermione said.
"How did you do that," Daphne said.
"Easy I just walked up and said hello," Hermione said.
"It's never that simple, you need to plan your approach so that you catch them at the right moment and…." Daphne said.
"That's too much work, I like going up and saying hello. I got to talk to Perenelle, the mayor, I like him. He gave me belgian chocolate, a couple of ambassadors who wanted to know if I could help them track down lost national treasures, oh and Gilderoy guy he's really weird," Hermione babbled.
"This makes no sense," Daphne said.
"Then it wouldn't be any fun," Astoria giggled. "Here have a waffle."
Break
"So did you girls have fun," Dan asked as they headed back to their lodgings.
"Yes, the music was so cool, and the lady playing the piano even showed me some stuff," Astoria said, rubbing her eyes. "Sleepy.."
"Seems like someone is tired out," Dan said, picking her up.
"Not tired…" Astoria mumbled as her eyes closed.
"I'm surprised you are not more tired Daphne, you were quite the social butterfly," Emma said.
I am used to such things, and I had a number of people I needed to speak to," Daphne said.
"I see," Emma said. "But did you have fun?"
"Fun is not important as such gatherings," Daphne said.
"It's a party tomato face, you are supposed to have fun at parties," Hermione chimed in.
"It's a social event meant for networking in an informal setting," Daphne replied.
"I suppose to a certain extent you are true, but parties are supposed to be fun, so outside of your social networking did you have fun," Emma said.
"I accomplished my goals," Daphne said.
"Excellent, I am sure your mother will be pleased, but that is not what I asked," Emma said, placing a hand on Daphne's shoulder.
"It doesn't matter what I think," Daphne whispered softly.
"Yes it does," Emma whispered in her ear.