Darcy looked out his carriage window. Though his face was largely blank, his eyes swirled with a host of emotions as he gazed at the clouds without truly seeing them.
"What are you thinking of, Darcy?" Bingley asked after several minutes of observing his friend.
The light playing in Darcy's eyes diminished as he came back to reality. "Nothing of consequence, Bingley."
Bingley raised his eyebrows to show his disbelief. "I shall let you have that, for now. My curiosity on another matter is more pressing."
"What other matter could that be?" Darcy asked, picking a bit of lint off his school robes. He was determined to show himself at his very best for his return. He had not seen Elizabeth since the tournament, though he had heard of her often enough. After learning the mortifying news that his aunt had practically kidnapped Elizabeth, he thought she might appreciate some space from him. His family could not say enough good things about her, and the tale of just how much Georgiana had taken to her warmed his heart. He was more anxious than before to win her over.
"What the devil happened your last day in Hertfordshire?" Bingley asked pointedly.
Darcy sighed heavily and rubbed a hand down his face. Life would have been greatly simplified if Jane had told Bingley all. Darcy was sure Elizabeth had told her sister everything the night the professors had shown up at dinner.
"You promised you would tell me everything," said Bingley firmly, "and I intend to hold you to it."
Darcy felt a good deal of pride to see Bingley standing up for himself. "I did promise," he said heavily, and then told Bingley all. How he had first felt attracted to Elizabeth when they came to Netherfield in the summer. How he had become increasingly frustrated in the first weeks of school, seeing Elizabeth everywhere. How he had desperately tried to convince himself not to want her. How he had finally given up fighting. How he had come to love her. How he had told her so. How he had felt absolutely shattered at being rejected by her. How he was determined to learn from his mistakes and become the man she desired and deserved. Asked for Bingley's help.
Bingley simply stared at Darcy for several minutes as he processed all he had just heard. "Well you've made a marvelous mess of all this," he said finally.
"I most heartily agree," said Darcy. "Are you willing to help me sort everything out?"
"I will support you," said Bingley carefully, "but to have me do any of the heavy lifting would be cheating, I think."
Darcy gave a hollow laugh. "That's only fair, I suppose," he admitted before turning his gaze back to the window.
"I do hope you're successful," said Bingley after a few moments of silence. "I should like for us to be brothers."
"Well, I suppose that's a trade I'd be willing to make if it meant having Elizabeth at my side," said Darcy with a slight twitch of his lip.
Bingley laughed freely and went about teasing Darcy whenever the opportunity presented itself for the duration of their travels.
"How pleasant to be back again!" Lizzy said joyfully as she, Jane, Mary, and Calliope tumbled out of Piper's carriage. They had been offered spots in Darcy's carriage, but Jane had insisted she would prefer to honor the tradition of traveling in Piper's with her sisters.
Jane flicked her wand at their luggage, sending it off, while Lizzy paid Piper for his services, then the witches set out toward the castle.
"London was perfectly pleasant," said Jane, "but I will own that I am happy to be back at Hogwarts."
Lizzy kept her opinions of London to herself. The entire time she had been in the city, her emotions had raced from one extreme to the other, and she felt no remorse at leaving the place behind for the ever-welcome comforts of Hogwarts.
"Are you prepared for everyone to fawn over you, Jane?" Mary asked.
Jane blushed prettily and tucked a lock of hair behind her ear with her left hand, causing the waning sunlight to glint off the ring on her finger. "I am determined to be as I ever was, Mary. I do not want the praises of others. I only want to learn, and to become Mrs. Bingley when the time is right."
"Your becoming Mrs. Bingley will be a topic of great interest to many, I would imagine," said Lizzy lightly. "On that score, you will be able to find plenty of conversation partners."
"Stop it, Lizzy," Jane chided, becoming even redder.
Lizzy laughed before taking her sister's arm.
"Don't think you'll be left alone, Lizzy," Mary suggested. "I imagine your latest acquaintance will earn you quite a bit of attention."
Lizzy rolled her eyes. "If I am suddenly found interesting by new people simply because of my association with Lady Matlock, I shall certainly endeavor to avoid further interaction with those flobberworms!"
Calliope's eyes suddenly brightened. "Wouldn't it be fascinating to see the world as a flobberworm?" she asked. "What if that was your animagus form, Lizzy?"
Lizzy grimaced. "I would be deeply disappointed if all my time and effort was spent only to be able to take on the form of a flobberworm. I might quit magic entirely."
Calliope, undeterred, began expounding of the virtues of flobberworms. Lizzy exchanged a sideways glance with Jane and feigned interest, forcing herself to stifle several bouts of laughter, all the way into the Great Hall.
"Lizzy!" cried a joyous voice.
Lizzy let out an involuntary "oof" as Lydia ran at her, wrapping her in a hug.
"You will be so very jealous when I tell you of all the fun Kitty and I had with the Longbottoms!" Lydia gushed. "We went to Diagon Alley nearly every other day! And we saw a unicorn! Kitty thinks she saw a kelpie underneath a layer of ice at one point, but I think she was imagining it."
Lizzy felt her heart swell with pleasure as Lydia continued to prattle on about perfectly innocent things. Time spent under the care of the ever-attentive Mr. and Mrs. Longbottom with other young girls interested in the simple joys of life had done a great deal of good for her youngest sister. Lizzy did not take any of it for granted. Had they stayed at Longbourn, Lydia may very well have been dragged back to her former frame of mind, whining and carrying on about not yet being out in society or allowed to have any fun and flirt.
With sudden clarity, Lizzy realized Lydia had never learned how to enjoy being a child; she had always been indoctrinated with the habits of those older than her, either by the explicit instruction of Mrs. Bennet or the example of the women of Meryton. At Hogwarts, however, Lydia was surrounded by children her own age that were allowed to act as such, rather than be concerned with the necessity of snagging a rich, attractive husband.
For the first time in several weeks, all five of the Bennet girls sat together for a meal. Lizzy was pleased that, when he came in, Bingley only stopped long enough to say hello to Lydia and Kitty and kiss Jane's hand before going over to sit with other friends. That he respected their sacred time as sisters was greatly appreciated.
"…and Hattie said it was quite the best game of Exploding Snap she had ever played!" Kitty declared gleefully, finishing yet another story of her time spent on break.
"Oh, Lord, look who's returned," Lydia muttered, nodding her head toward the door of the Great Hall.
Lizzy looked where Lydia had indicated to see Caroline Bingley. The girl stood tall as ever, her nose slightly upturned, wrapped in an expensive-looking cloak that did not flatter her at all.
Jane sighed heavily and pursed her lips.
"Go, Jane," said Mary. "We will not be offended. He's to be your husband and our brother, after all."
Jane smiled briefly at Mary and glanced at her sisters for confirmation before rising and going to Bingley's side.
"I do not envy Jane for her future with that as a sister," Lydia snorted.
"She'll be our sister, as well," Kitty grumbled.
"So she will be," said Lizzy. Detest Caroline though she may, Lizzy was determined not to make things any more difficult for Jane than necessary by encouraging strife. "We shall have to learn how to handle Miss Caroline Bingley. Between the lot of us, I think we just might manage."
Lydia and Kitty both grimaced but said nothing more on the subject.
"Well, go on, then!" Josephine cried later that night, tucked away in their dormitory. "Tell us everything!"
"You were there the night Jane's announcement was made, Jo," said Lizzy with a roll of her eyes. "What more could you want to know?"
"How your mother cried for your forgiveness after booting you from the house, for one," said Phoebe shrewdly.
"I haven't had a word from my mother or my father since leaving Longbourn," Lizzy said flatly. She made a fuss of pulling some things out of her trunk to allow Josephine and Phoebe to exchange a look. Upon arriving at the Gardiners', she had removed the mud that had gathered on her luggage, thought the scarring remained.
"Well, then, tell us what news Charlotte has given you," said Phoebe, propping her elbows on her knees and putting her chin into her hands.
"Yes, do!" Josephine seconded. "I will insist on adding a few lines to each of the letters you send her from now on."
Lizzy smiled mischievously, deciding to have fun with the news rather than be annoyed with it. "Oh, I don't think Charlotte will have much time for writing. She is married by now, and has a new and very attentive neighbor."
Josephine and Phoebe both burst out with questions at the same time. Lizzy basked in their desperate curiosity for a few moments before shushing them.
"Charlotte is, by now, Mrs. Collins, installed at Hunsford and receiving much condescension from the great Lady Catherine de Bourgh."
Ringing silence settled for a few seconds until Phoebe shrieked, "What?"
Lizzy allowed herself to laugh at the expressions on her friends' faces before repeating the news.
"No, Lizzy, you must be joking!" Josephine insisted. "Charlotte is far too clever for the likes of Mr. Collins."
"You are entirely correct, Jo," Lizzy conceded. "However, from a Muggle standpoint, the match is a good one. Charlotte will run her own home and no longer need fear being a burden to her parents."
Phoebe suddenly shuddered. "Merlin's beard, to be married to, to have children with Mr. Collins! Poor Charlotte."
"I could never be happy with someone so stupid, I'm sure," said Josephine.
"I could never be happy with someone so dreadfully ugly," said Phoebe, gagging exaggeratedly to emphasize her point.
"We are fortunate that we do not have to marry at all," said Lizzy pointedly.
Conversation flowed easily from one topic to the next as the friends caught up with each other until Josephine turned to Lizzy and said, "What's this I heard about you becoming acquainted with Lady Matlock?"
Lizzy sucked in a breath and pursed her lips for a moment before responding. "I don't see what the fuss is. She is only another witch. Why should it be of consequence to anyone that she has taken an interest in me?"
"Lizzy, you don't know the Matlocks like we do!" said Phoebe. "They are one of the most respected families in the magical world!"
"If that is the case, they hide it remarkably well," said Lizzy distractedly, pulling a gown from her trunk and examining a stain she had not noticed before. "I had hardly heard the name before this break."
"They don't seek out notice," said Josephine. "That's part of what makes them so noteworthy! So many flash their money or their names around for attention, but not the Matlocks! They live remarkably quietly, all things considered."
"Lord Matlock is an exceptional duelist," Phoebe continued. "He was once nearly on level with Flitwick! And there's not a single hint of scandal surrounding him. Impressive, indeed, considering his involvement in both the magical and Muggle governments."
"And Lady Matlock is such a fine woman," Josephine pressed on. "It's rumored she stopped a magical war breaking out between France and England by introducing the Minister of Magic's wife to several high-level French Ministry women, as friends. And she dresses so very elegantly."
"And then there's their sons," said Phoebe with a suggestive twitch of her eyebrows. "Well, I suppose it'd be more fair to say son. Harland's not worth much notice, now. But Richard?" Phoebe exhaled carefully.
"The major is quite the capable military man," said Josephine in agreement. "I heard he refuses to let the Ministry or his father buy him promotions in the Muggle ranks. He's earned his current position, and is likely to be made a colonel before long. Very, very impressive."
Lizzy maintained her silence as she began working at the stain on her dress. From what she had seen of each of the members of Lord Matlock's family, Josephine and Phoebe's information seemed likely to be correct. Perhaps she had underestimated the honor Lady Matlock had bestowed on her.
"Well, go on, Lizzy," Phoebe encouraged. "How did you come to know Lady Matlock?"
Lizzy tried a few spells on the mark in her gown before answering. "Professor Flitwick entered Mr. Darcy and me in a dueling competition. Lord Matlock came to support his nephew and, being old friends, invited Flitwick to dinner. I came up in conversation, apparently, and Lady Matlock called upon me at the Gardiners' the next day," she said with a shrug. She studiously avoided looking at either of her friends, knowing they were exchanging yet more glances she did not want to deal with.
Thankfully, Josephine and Phoebe chose asking after the competition over asking further about the Matlocks.
Darcy braced himself to enter the Great Hall for breakfast. Today, for the first time in months, he would seek company during his meals.
In the first several weeks of class at Hogwarts, he had thought himself to be making friends with a few other students. As time passed, however, he was swallowed up by his own concerns. Thanks to Elizabeth's harsh critiques, Darcy realized he had shut out the possibility of new friends and pushed them away. He had largely chosen to sit by himself, tending to homework and business, over conversing at meals. If he were honest with himself, he would like to continue in that tradition. Addressing Elizabeth's observations of his failings, however, was of great import to him, and worth the few minutes of discomfort he would suffer.
"Good morning, Diggory, Higgins, Leah," said Darcy politely, approaching from behind. "May I join you?"
The three Ravenclaws exchanged looks with raised brows, making Darcy feel an impressive pang of embarrassment. Had he really been so aloof as to warrant their surprise that he would desire their company?
"Sure, Darcy," said Silas Diggory finally. "That place setting there is open."
"Thank you," said Darcy, taking the indicated seat. Though he did not necessarily feel unwelcome, he could tell that his house mates were ill at ease with his presence. Their conversation was stilted. He pondered a solution for several minutes before realizing, to his horror, that he had not contributed a single word. Instead, he had been focused intently on his food and, occasionally, checking his bag for something. "What are your plans for Quidditch this term, Higgins?" he half-blurted.
Higgins quirked an eyebrow, but answered readily enough. Conversation eased by a few degrees.
"I remember you saying before the holidays, Diggory, that you were expecting to meet your newest nephew before returning," said Darcy after thinking of other ways to endear himself to the group surrounding him. "Were you able to?"
Silas easily spent the next several minutes describing his nephew with such acute detail and enthusiasm none of his conversational partners could think of anything further to ask.
Darcy next concentrated his efforts on Leah, asking how she had spent her break and if she planned to ask after an independent study with Professor Sprout. Leah answered with ease.
When breakfast ended, Darcy scanned the hall out of habit and was gratified to find Elizabeth looking in his direction with a mildly pleased expression. His heart soared at being on the receiving end of such a look and it was difficult not to head straight for her, but he knew it would be better for everyone in the long run if he walked with Higgins and Leah to class.
"Bennet."
Lizzy forced her face to look unperturbed as she found her way to Potions blocked by Malfoy. She had blessedly been largely unbothered by him since the Quidditch incident, but it appeared something was on his mind today. "Malfoy," she said evenly. She tried to step around him, but he countered.
"Heard you're trying to climb out of the stinking pit you were born into."
Lizzy maintained an expression of carefully crafted calm, but she seethed internally. "That's all news to me," she said as lightly as she could manage through her twitching jaw muscles.
"Don't play dumb, Bennet, convincing though you can be at the role," Malfoy spat, causing Elizabeth to swell just that much more with rage. "You, a Mudblood, trying to rub elbows with the likes of Lady Matlock does not go unnoticed!"
"Difficult as you may find it to believe, Malfoy," Lizzy snarled, her calm having deserted her, "I care nothing for the blood status of any person I choose to associate with, nor of those who choose to associate with me. If Lady Matlock's interests upset you so greatly, you may take them up with her. I doubt she will pay you much heed, however, as she is an intelligent woman that is more than capable of making her own decisions without consulting the likes of someone so narrow-minded as you!
"Now, if you please, I would like to go to class!"
"You don't deserve to be here, and you don't belong, Mudblood," Malfoy hissed.
"Thank you for sharing your unsolicited opinions so freely," said Lizzy acidly before shouldering her way past Malfoy.
"I'm not through talking to you!" Malfoy declared, reaching out to grab Lizzy's bag and stop her progression.
Lizzy whipped around, drawing her wand from up her sleeve as she did so. "Whatever the intensity of your desire to speak, I have lost any desire to listen," she growled. "I will be going into class now, and if you wish to prevent it, feel free to cause a scene."
Malfoy stared at Lizzy with unconcealed hatred, but released his grip on her bag.
"Are you well, Lizzy?" asked Bingley as she joined his table. Jane had yet to make her way in.
"Perfectly so, Charles, thank you," said Lizzy tightly.
Bingley observed Malfoy enter with a livid expression and frowned. "Maybe I should walk with you from class to class for a few days," he suggested.
Lizzy's eyes narrowed frightfully. "I can handle myself, Charles."
"I've no doubt of that," said Bingley quickly. "I just don't think you should have to."
"I've become used to it," Lizzy said bitterly.
Bingley wisely chose not to press on the subject any further.
The next several weeks saw a new normal established for Lizzy. She was often asked for details regarding Jane and Bingley, which she staunchly refused to give, much to the frustration of the more romantically inclined population of Hogwarts. She did enjoy spending more time with Bingley, however, and quite looked forward to being able to call him her brother.
Of more frustration to Lizzy, however, was the fact that several students had started to try wedging their way into her company as news of Lady Matlock having singled her out spread. Even Caroline, who had still not said a word to her brother, tried to ingratiate herself. Malfoy had begun his hateful campaign towards her again, though he was much more careful about it than he had been previously. Somehow, Lizzy frequently found herself in empty, or nearly empty, hallways or classrooms with the bigot.
Darcy continued improving in the social graces Lizzy had noticed him exercise the first breakfast back from break. He was now frequently in company of other students and, while clearly not completely at ease to Lizzy, was perfectly polite and accommodating. She also appreciated his restraint in regards to herself. She continued to spend her Monday evenings in her chosen sanctuary of isolation to get her work done, but he had not come to find her again. After a time, she was irritated to discover that she was somewhat annoyed by his deference. He had become infinitely more tolerable, yet she seemed not to be in his company as often as she had been when she found him completely insufferable.
The beginning of February saw Gryffindor play Hufflepuff. Lizzy had enjoyed the time leading up to the match exceedingly. She, Jane, and Bingley spent a great deal of time teasing each other about what the outcome of the match must be. Albert and the rest of his team had exchanged harmless pranks back and forth with Lizzy and hers.
"If you manage to scrape out a victory, Bennet, I'll carry your books for a week!" Albert had declared loudly after changing his robes back to their normal black at lunch one day after Lizzy had turned them scarlet.
"Oh, that sounds quite delightful!" Lizzy had replied. "My team should appreciate the same courtesy, I am sure."
"Fine," said Albert. "If you win, Hufflepuff team will carry Gryffindor's books for a week complete!"
Lizzy arched a brow, fully aware that much of the attention in the Great Hall was focused on the confrontation between her and her friend. "I suppose it is only fair that I should offer my services and those of my team, should you somehow manage to come out of this victorious."
The match had been a close call, the Chasers and Keepers being evenly matched. Ezra had a slightly better seat than Hufflepuff's Seeker, however, and secured Gryffindor's victory. Albert carting Lizzy's books all over the castle had been the subject of much good-natured teasing from many among the student body. Albert took it all in stride, laughing along with everyone else and saying "Yes, Mistress," with all the finesse of a well-trained servant whenever Lizzy imperiously demanded he take on her burden.
Lizzy might have behaved a little less flippantly, or perhaps even more so, had she been aware of just how much offense certain Slytherins took to her antics.
Darcy walked into Transfiguration and looked around for only a moment before heading for the seat he desired. There had been so much joking done by the student body in the previous week with Albert carrying Elizabeth's books around that he hoped to use the excuse of continuing the joke to be of service to her, unnecessary though the service was.
It had taken some time, but Darcy finally felt as though his tentative friendships were stable enough that he could allow himself to devote some attention to his pursuit of Elizabeth. To approach her at Hogwarts, before proving to her that what he had shown her of himself in London was how he truly was and wished to be, would have been complete folly. Admittedly, he had pursued the friendships initially to garner Elizabeth's approval, but he had come to enjoy the relationships very much. Silas was an excellent study partner, though they were not in the same year. Higgins, much like Bingley, did not let Darcy take himself too seriously and paved the way for many more introductions. Leah was sensible and observant, and Darcy found she was very good at making him think more deeply on various matters.
Darcy took a deep breath to brace himself, then tentatively put his hand on the chair where he hoped to place himself. "Is this seat taken?"
Elizabeth looked up from her book and smiled. Darcy felt tension melt within him and his own lips twitched upward hopefully. It had been so very difficult to give her space the past weeks, and he had missed speaking with her dreadfully.
"At your leisure, Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth, gesturing to the chair before returning her attention to her book.
Darcy fell into the seat, thoroughly pleased. He had not seen a single sign of hesitancy or unhappiness from Elizabeth at his request, and he flattered himself he had become rather good at distinguishing such signs from her through his many foolish interactions with the woman. Though the victory might seem small, he would bask in it.
Content to simply be beside her, Darcy left Elizabeth to her book and pulled out a letter from his steward. He had read the matter concerning him most over twice before his attention was pulled away.
"Is there something particularly bothersome about your correspondence, Mr. Darcy?"
Darcy started slightly and twitched his lips at being addressed. "I've been thinking over this a few days. My steward writes that a dispute has erupted between two of my tenants," he sighed after allowing himself a moment of pleasure. It would not do to ignore his many responsibilities in favor of Elizabeth; that would surely not be agreeable to anyone, her in particular. "The Robertsons claim the Millers' son, a boy of eleven, broke a fence keeping their sheep, resulting in the death of three of the beasts. The Millers insist their son was never anywhere near the fence and say the Robertsons have been looking for an excuse to get someone else to pay for the damage."
Elizabeth's eyebrows drew together as she thought. "Are there many fences on your estate that require attention?"
"No," Darcy answered quickly. He was very attentive to such things. The upkeep of the tenant farms was key to the continued success of Pemberley, and so he saw to it with as much detail as he felt he was able. "I surveyed the estate only a few months ago and all was in order. My steward regularly rides out and would have reported an issue in fencing to me."
"Then perhaps there is some truth to what the Millers say," Elizabeth suggested reasonably.
"The Robertsons have been at Pemberley for three generations," Darcy answered. "They have been exemplary tenants. I cannot imagine they would try to deceive me so."
"And the Millers?" Elizabeth asked.
"They have also been in residence quite some time with no incidents preceding this one," Darcy said, his eyes scanning the words of his steward once more. "This is exceedingly frustrating. The repair required is extensive, not to mention the Robertsons want reparations for their lost sheep. How can I demand payment from one family or the other when I am not sure which is the guilty party? And demand payment I must, lest this sort of thing become a regular occurrence on Pemberley grounds." Later, Darcy would find himself surprised with just how freely he had spoken, as he rarely discussed his responsibilities with anyone.
"Do the Robertsons have any children?" Elizabeth asked after a moment of thought.
"Five," Darcy answered automatically. "Matthew, their youngest, just turned two last month." Had he been looking at Elizabeth instead of his letter, he might have seen the content look in her eye when he revealed his depth of knowledge of his tenants.
"Perhaps following the example of King Solomon might bear some fruit," Elizabeth suggested.
"Pardon?" Darcy blurted. He had certainly not thought of consulting the antics of long-deceased kings for inspiration.
"Take the issue at hand and cut it half," Elizabeth elaborated. "Suggest that each family cover half the expense. I would assume that one family will eagerly agree to the plan, and the other will staunchly oppose it."
"Thus giving my steward and me a better idea of which family to investigate more closely," Darcy said distantly. He had not thought of such a proposition and smiled at finally having a possible solution which had eluded him for days. "If it turns out a child of one family or the other is, indeed, at fault, they can work off the expense in Pemberley's stables or kitchens."
Elizabeth smiled warmly at Darcy, declared she thought the solution to be a good one, and closed her book to devote her attention to Professor McGonagall, who had just entered the room.
Darcy hardly heard a word of the lesson. He had just discovered a new facet of Elizabeth that he had not before considered and now found exceptionally attractive: she was perfectly capable of assisting in the managing of Pemberley, not only as a mistress, but as a proper landowner. And she would be good at it.
"Has your faithful servant abandoned you today?" Darcy asked at the end of class as Elizabeth began to gather her things.
Elizabeth chuckled, delighting Darcy, before answering, "Alas, Albert found book carrying was not to his liking and has pursued another livelihood."
"How dreadful of him to leave you in such dire straits," said Darcy drily. "Allow me."
"Thank you, Mr. Darcy, but I believe I can manage," Elizabeth said with only a slight amount of reproach, shouldering her bag before Darcy could grab it.
Darcy had been about to let Elizabeth leave without comment, but he caught Malfoy in the corner of his eye by the door. Instinct told him not to leave Elizabeth by herself. "Are you going to the library for this period before lunch?" Darcy asked quickly, just as Elizabeth was turning to leave.
"Yes, I am," Elizabeth answered. She did not object when Darcy fell in step with her on the way out of the classroom, for which Darcy was grateful, especially since Malfoy looked ready to burst as they passed him. "Zebulon and I intend to try to prepare for whatever Hagrid may throw at us at our practical exam on Friday."
Darcy winced at the thought. Hagrid was a perfectly genial man, but Darcy could not agree that he was a good teacher, for he lacked the caution that ought to be exercised around many of the creatures he brought before the class. A Hufflepuff had almost been disemboweled by a hippogriff during their first practical exam.
"Hagrid's practicals certainly do require some preparation," Darcy said carefully. He knew how much Elizabeth liked Hagrid, and so did not want to say anything against the man. "Higgins was planning on doing the same, and suggested I join him. Perhaps we can merge parties?"
"I think that could be agreeable," Elizabeth conceded. She raised an eyebrow at Darcy after a moment. "I know you don't particularly care for Hagrid's class, Mr. Darcy. You can speak your mind."
Darcy exhaled as he considered his response. "I believe Hagrid often forgets that he is an exceptional person, and that his students need to be more cautious in their approach to various creatures than he is used to exercising, and certainly he is not used to teaching such caution."
"That's all part of the fun," Elizabeth laughed. "I can understand your viewpoint well enough, I suppose. I appreciate Hagrid's zeal, however. It would be so easy to teach us to be afraid of, rather than respect and awe, the creatures of the magical world. Perhaps more caution could be exercised, but I like Hagrid's fearless approach."
Hearing Elizabeth say "fearless" harshly brought Malfoy's murderous expression back to Darcy's face. "I respect your argument, Miss Bennet," he said, then took an audible breath to announce a change in topic. "Have you been forced to endure any encounters with Ursus lately?" he asked in a monotone, allowing his neutral expression to take over his face.
"You're hiding again," Elizabeth said lowly.
"I am," Darcy admitted. "I will not be dissuaded from my question, however."
Elizabeth huffed. "It is of little matter, Mr. Darcy," she tried to say airily.
Darcy grit his teeth. Her avoidance of giving direct information was answer enough. "I know only too well that you do not take kindly to interference, Miss Bennet. Please allow me to caution you, as I did once before, that Ursus Malfoy will not keep to the confines of polite conduct and engagement if he believes his end to be achievable."
"Thank you for your warning, Mr. Darcy," said Elizabeth coolly before stepping into the library.
Darcy looked to the ceiling in frustration for a moment before following.
Darcy enjoyed his study session with Elizabeth, Zebulon, and Higgins. He had not been nervous about Hagrid's exam to begin with, but felt better prepared, nonetheless. As the group was preparing to leave, Zebulon managed to knock a stack of books off the table.
"Zebulon!" Elizabeth breathed, staring at the fallen books in wide-eyed horror.
"It was an accident, Lizzy," said Zebulon, going to his knees to begin inspecting the damage. "Higgins, would you be so good as to escort Lizzy down to lunch before she faints from shock? Or tattles to Pince?"
Mock anger replaced the shock on Elizabeth's face as she looked down at her friend. "I was going to offer to help you, Zebulon, but after those comments, I think I shall leave you to Madam Pince's mercy. Come along, Higgins! It would not do for you to fail to honor the last request of a good friend."
Darcy allowed himself a moment's frustration that it was Higgins walking away with Elizabeth before stooping to assist Zebulon.
"Thanks, mate," said Zebulon as they restacked the books and began quickly inspecting for damage. Thankfully, none was found.
"It seems luck is on your side today, Thomas," said Darcy as he set down the final book.
"Let's see if it's on yours, as well," said Zebulon. All pretense of amiability fled his person. He leaned on the table in front of Darcy, arms crossed firmly over his chest and a hard look in his eyes. "Since she doesn't have a brother to look after her, I'll ask. What are your intentions with Lizzy?"
Darcy's first instinct was to be offended. His childhood thoughts urged him to condemn the audacity of this shopkeeper's son that would question his honor. Thankfully, his recently acquired better understanding of social worth quickly overrode the unreasonable thoughts. He was able to see Zebulon as Elizabeth's concerned friend, and had to admire him for it.
"My intentions with Miss Elizabeth are entirely honorable," said Darcy.
"I'm not sure I believe it," said Zebulon, his brows drawing together. "You enjoy the status your wealth gives you, as you've made clear by your behavior since coming to Hogwarts. Why should I believe you're willing to risk the ire of your pureblooded peers to pursue Lizzy honorably?"
Again, Darcy considered lashing out. It took him several moments of concentrated, controlled breathing to regain himself and answer calmly. "You are privileged to know Miss Elizabeth very well, Thomas. I hardly think I need explain how I came to be under her power. As for the 'ire of my pureblooded peers,' I find I care little for what they think any longer. I would rather be happy with people from various circles than be miserable and among the 'top tier.'"
Zebulon regarded Darcy carefully for several more moments before pushing himself off the table. "Jo and Phoebe told me what she had to deal with at home over break," he said, his stern demeanor breaking slightly. "I just want you to know that people are looking out for her, even if it's not her parents."
"Then I think you and I can be good friends," Darcy ventured.
"We'll see," said Zebulon skeptically before walking away.
Darcy allowed himself to chuckle and shake his head. It was a shame Zebulon did not have any sisters to look after; he was well suited to the task.
"No, no, Jo," Lizzy chided one day at lunch. She was looking over her friend's most recent Muggle Studies essay, offering suggestions for improvements at Josephine's request. "You've got those details flipped around."
"But the book clearly stated – " Josephine trailed off in frustration and pulled the book from her bag before slamming it open to the desired page. "Ah, yes! See, here? Exactly as I wrote it."
Lizzy glanced over the text. "The information is right, but not for the situation you are describing in your writing."
Josephine groaned in frustration. "Why must the Muggles be so complicated? Can't they just do things logically and consistently?"
"What fun would that be?" Lizzy asked drily as Josephine began crossing out lines.
"Lizzy."
Lizzy turned in her seat to find Mary directly behind. "Good afternoon, Mary! Have you decided to branch out and sit with me at Gryffindor table?"
"No, I won't make your housemates uncomfortable, amusing as you sometimes find it," said Mary knowingly.
"I do think it serves some of them right to be made to squirm, on occasion," Lizzy admitted.
Mary rolled her eyes. "You should go to Jane. Ask her about letters received this morning."
"Mary," Lizzy said slowly and suspiciously, her eyes narrowing.
"No, I've said enough," Mary said with finality, and walked away without another word.
Lizzy sighed heavily, made an apology to a highly distracted and annoyed Josephine, then swung her legs over the bench and made her way over to Jane.
"Lizzy!" said Jane a little too energetically. "I thought you were helping Jo with her homework."
"Mary sent me," Lizzy said flatly.
Jane pursed her lips for a moment, then seemed to come to a decision. She bundled some items of food in a napkin and led Lizzy to an empty classroom so they could discuss freely.
"There's no point in dancing around the matter, I suppose," Jane said unenthusiastically as she began setting the pilfered food between her and her sister. "Mama sent me a letter."
"Oh?" Lizzy choked out after a moment.
"She believes I have carried on long enough and now ought to return home to plan for the wedding," Jane stated factually. She busied herself with tearing a piece of meat into manageable bites to allow Lizzy the courtesy of processing for a few moments without being observed.
"Is that all?" Lizzy tried to ask lightly.
"She did mention I ought to bring my sisters back, as well," Jane offered. "With me marrying so well, there is no need for them to continue at school. She and our Aunt Philips can more easily find matches for them now, she is sure, when the time is right."
"Let me read it, Jane."
Jane finally met Lizzy's eyes and the sisters studied each other carefully for several moments before Jane relented and pulled the missive from her pocket.
Lizzy flicked the letter open and munched absentmindedly on a roll as she read. "It is nice to know her spirits have recovered from the terrible shock of losing Longbourn's heir as a son-in-law," she said almost casually as she set the letter aside. Mrs. Bennet had, indeed, told Jane to bring all her sisters home by name: Mary, Kitty, and Lydia. Lizzy was not even hinted at through the entirety of the letter.
"I have been thinking all day how to respond," Jane said ignoring Lizzy's cutting remark. "I don't like this rift, Lizzy. You know I do not."
Lizzy felt some of her anger at her mother dissipate in favor of soothing Jane's concerns. "I can well believe it. You are so very good, Jane."
"What are your thoughts on the matter, Lizzy?" Jane asked earnestly. "Do be serious."
Lizzy swallowed the quip she had been preparing to spit out. "You know very well my opinions where Mama's exuberance is concerned, how low my tolerance is, and how often I have wished she would simply leave me alone. All the same," she took a moment to brace herself for the admission, "I truly do not like being cut so by my mother."
Jane reached out and grasped Lizzy's hand comfortingly for a few moments. "I think I know how to respond, now," she said with resolute calm. "I shall not answer Mama at all, but write instead to Papa. With your permission, Lizzy, I will tell him how much we are all struggling with the matter, you in particular. I will ask he take steps to bring his wife to heel. I do very much wish to be married from Longbourn and for there not to be division in my family, but I could not be at peace with Mama working to exclude my dearest sister from the celebration. If Mama cannot be made to see sense, then she shall not see me wed, and she will not see any of her daughters unless they explicitly ask me and my husband to send them to Longbourn. Papa will be made to recognize his responsibilities, and Mama her mistakes, or they will not. Either way, I will know how to act."
"Jane," Lizzy breathed, "I cannot ask you to abandon our parents on my behalf!"
"But you did not ask, Lizzy," Jane answered evenly. "It is my choice, and I choose the person who has been my companion these many years, who has helped and supported me at every turn, and who has worked tirelessly to assure that myself and the rest of my sisters would be well received in the world to which we belong."
Jane held Lizzy while she regained equilibrium and the sisters ate the rest of their meager lunch in companionable silence, though Lizzy did chastise Jane for making her go to class with red rimmed eyes.
Author's Note
I hope you enjoyed all the shorter snippets!
