A week later, Hermione went outside the house to get some air. Her mother was an insufferable bundle of nerves and nonstop chatter, as Mr. Potter had left for London and not come back, and the older lady feared the worst.

"Is that man Malfoy," she had said, "he has talked him into staying in London and away from my Ginny. Lady Pomfrey says that man has a sister that he needs to marry off, and I'm sure he thinks it should be Mr. Potter. Vile, I'm telling you, vile. He is taking advantage of the situation. You see, Lady Pomfrey also told me that the Potter girl has eloped! With whom, I don't know, but it must be a rascal. So now poor Mr. Potter must wash the shame that has fallen over his house, and I'm sure that man Malfoy is using his misfortune to his advantage. Oh my poor Ginny, why oh why is this happening to her," the matriarch had said, voice cracking.

Usually, this was when Hermione would see Luna, to take a break and gain some clarity, but now her friend was gone. So she was left sitting alone under a tree, ruminating on her mother's words. Was Mr. Malfoy really so vile? Between lieutenant Mclaggen stories and her mother's ramblings, he was looking quite evil in her eyes. And why, oh, why did that so tear her? She worried about her sister Ginny, of course. She didn't want the part about Mr. Potter being a fluke to be correct. But she was particularly vexed about the supposed cruelty and machinations of Mr. Malfoy. How can he be so bad when…

She stopped that thought in its tracks. She would not allow her mind to go there. She would not permit her brain to say "when he was so handsome." She turned her thoughts back to lieutenant Mclaggen, who she had run into again twice more. The second time he was even more charming, and she had started to get her hopes up. It seemed like he would try and court her. And he was mighty easy on the eyes. But then yesterday she literally bumped into him, when she was walking around town, and he walked into her, almost making her fall. He immediately composed his frown and was sweet and polite, making sure she was ok but she could swear two men were shouting colorful epithets at him until they stop when they saw her. She was dwelling in all these confusing events when Astoria came to find her.

"This came for you, Mione. And I need some quiet if I can sit here with you."

"Of course," she said, making room in her lap for her younger sister to lay her head on it like they used to do when they were little. She opened the letter and saw Miss Potter's elegant handwriting.

My dearest Hermione

I am horrified to say that I may have caused great damage to your family, especially to your sister Ginevra. After our conversation and letters, I decided to take things into my own hands and, as you may already know, eloped with Colonel Longbottom, who is now my adored husband. The pursuit of my happiness has turned out to be a selfish endeavor, though. Now that it's clear that I would not marry Mr. Malfoy, my aunt is set on marrying my brother to his sister, Romilda. She is a lovely girl, but extremely young and not a good fit for dear Harry, as she has yet too much to learn. But I am afraid my good-hearted sibling may find himself tangled in my aunt's web. He is much too innocent. I am scared to approach Mr. Malfoy for help, as my aunt has made it clear that my beloved Neville and I are both persona non grata at Rosings, so we do not know what our stance is in Pemberley. What do you think, dearest friend? Can we save my brother and your sister from a life of misery? Please tell me what to do. I am for now staying in Brighton where my beloved Neville's regiment is and keep a loving correspondence with my brother, but I do not dare to say much to him as I'm sure my aunt is not beyond opening his letters now that he is staying at her house. I look forward to your response.

Pansy.

Hermione closed her eyes and took a deep breath. This letter explained some of the events, but not all of them. She was still pondering how to answer when Lavender interrupted her thoughts.

"Here. Apparently, you are the only person of matter in this house. Who does lieutenant Mclaggen talk to? Hermione. Who got a letter? Hermione. Oh, look, there is yet one more letter. For whom? For Hermione, of course," she huffed, dropping the letter on her sister's lap and almost hitting Astoria in the face with it before turning away haughtily. The sisters looked at each other and shrugged, then Hermione opened her second letter

Dear Hermione

I am happy to say that I am quickly settled in my new home. My dear Gilderoy was true to his word, and he had the most beautiful cottage prepared for me, so all I have to do now is the upkeep. It will be wonderful if you come and spend a couple of weeks with me, keep me company while my beloved works on his sermons, his poetry, and his garden. I can also use the company when we go for dinner at Rosings Park. Lady Umbridge is not very friendly, but she insists on us going, and the honor makes my Gilderoy happy, so I do it for him. I must warn you though, it may get even more dry, as we have been informed that Mr. Malfoy is coming for the hunting season. I hope this doesn't discourage you from visiting me.

I hope to hear from you soon.

Love, your devoted friend

Luna Lockheart

PS: it is a such pleasure to sign now with my new surname. I can't wait to hear when you get to change yours too.

Hermione smiled and moved to stand and go back indoors to Astoria's disappointment. She wanted to answer both letters. To Luna, she would say, of course, yes. And to Miss Parkinson, she would offer to see how bad things were at Rosings and to test the waters with Mr. Malfoy, to see where he really stood in all this.