2/20

pharaonic

[ fair-ey-on-ik, far- ]

adjective

impressively or overwhelmingly large, luxurious, etc.

A/N: I looked it up, and yes, lawn darts were recalled in 1988. But hey, I'm sure Hermione's parents would have several pairs for entertaining, and were smart enough not to impale their guests on them while playing.

The first time Hermione saw Potter Manor, she had been invited along as Harry's 'date' to his Grandfather's 70th birthday party. They were in their third year, and Harry had warned her that everything would be formal for the first few hours before people would loosen up. He said it was always because of the alcohol, and guests could sequester themselves off into their little cliques, but as Hermione watched the adults mingling, she realized that everyone in high society in Wizarding Britain were just taller children.

Petty looks, scathing comments, and sharp remarks were on the tongues of nearly every adult, and it disheartened her to see that this was supposed to be the greatest of the elite.

They all had adjourned to the third dining room for mealtime, a room that, Lady Lily Potter had confided in her, was third only in size, but first in pharaonic aesthetics. With over the top crown molding, impressive 17th century wallpaper that Hermione was sure she saw in a museum once, and an enormous gorgeous mahogany dining table with matching straight back chairs, the Ravenclaw could definitely confirm that everything was over the top. Seeing as how all the petty adults were nearly speechless when faced with demonstrative wealth was like a balm on her soul, and Hermione couldn't wait for the portion of the evening where gifts were opened, for that allowed the children to scamper off afterwards to find something better to do than just standing around a [livingroom][parlour] with no other entertainment than conversations less interesting than Professor Binns' lectures.

To Hermione, that was impressive, because their history teacher could lecture anything to sleep.

Then, the time finally came, and Hermione stood nervously next to Harry as guests approached the guest of honor, former Lord [charlus/?] Potter, offered their gifts to the newly turned 70 year old who was still as spry as his son, the current Lord Potter, before backing off and joining the masses at the edge of the parlour.

At her side, Harry whispered out names, their political parties, and only a few smart quips he could get away with while standing next to his mother.

"That's Lucius Malfoy. He's Draco's dad. I'm pretty sure his usage of Sleakeazy's potion will keep my family in money until my grandchildren graduate from Hogwarts," he whispered conspiratorially. Hermione shot him a grin before schooling her features as Lady Lily Potter shot them both a look. She nudged her son in the side, and Harry leaned against her. Lily ran her fingers through his hair, before he leaned away again to continue whispering into Hermione's ear.

"Madam Bones used to be Dad's boss when he had trained to be an Auror…" Harry continued to give her a play by play, and all too soon it was her turn. Nervously, she strode forward, with a large brightly wrapped box in her arms, as she approached Harry's grandfather. This would be the first time she had met the man, and she was vastly intimidated. Steeling herself, however, she straightened and presented her gift to him.

"Welcome Hermione Granger, best friend of my grandson," he greeted her, and she gave him a grin.

"Hello! Happy birthday!" she exclaimed before holding out her gift. He took the box, and raised an eyebrow at how heavy it was.

"What have you gotten me?" he then asked. Hermione's grin widened in response.

"You'll have to open it to find out, of course!" she replied, and she watched in glee as he paused for a moment, before tearing open the paper. He revealed a box with a picture of giant darts and hoops spread out onto a sprawling green lawn. Hermione suddenly grew shy and hesitant, doubting herself as his facial expression didn't change upon the reveal. "They're lawn darts. It's a muggle lawn game that you set up outside. Harry told me how much you like regular darts, and I thought this would be a good way to get people out into the garden." He looked at her with an expression she couldn't decipher, and so she continue to explain, her words quickening as she spoke.

"I did enchant the hoops, so when someone gets a lawn dart in it, a special effect will happen, like the hoop will grow larger for a teammate or shrink for an opponent. Or it will move the hoop after you've thrown your dart, and…" She trailed off, seeing [...] grin widely.

"You, my dear, really are the smartest witch of your age," he complimented her, and she couldn't help the blush that spread on her face. "I love it, thank you." Hermione gave a small curtsy before stumbling back over by Harry, who grabbed her in a hug. She buried her face in his chest, but couldn't stop her grin.

It seems she didn't guess wrong.