When Hermione received the cream-coloured envelope on Sunday afternoon, she had no idea who it was from. 'LVT?' she said, reading the monogram. 'Who in heaven's name is that?'
'There's one way to find out,' said her mother.
'I know. I just enjoy a puzzle.' She was silent a few seconds before exclaiming, 'Lydia Travers!' and tearing open the envelope.
It was an engraved invitation:
Miss Lydia Travers
at Home
Thursday, 29th September
Dinner and discussion
7:00 pm
On the back was a handwritten note:
Dear Hermione,
I apologise for the scandalously short notice, but I'm launching my salon at last. Mother wanted me to put it off until November, but my father and I prevailed, and I simply couldn't wait. Strictly speaking I don't need their approval, since I still have my own flat, but I've tried to make small concessions in thanks for their total forgiveness.
I insist that you and Ryan come at 6:30 for an apéritif. And although the invitation calls for evening dress—wizarding or Muggle—I hope you'll go one step further and show the others just how refined you are.
Yours sincerely,
Lydia
'Lydia Travers invited me to dinner on Thursday!' said Hermione, thrusting the card at her mother. 'What am I going to wear? The invitation says "Evening dress" but she encouraged me to go one step further, whatever that means.'
'Wasn't it her goal to bring together witches and wizards of different backgrounds?' asked Emily, reading the invitation.
'Yes. And I think she's afraid Ryan and I will turn up in blue jeans and trainers.'
'That's not what she's saying at all. I suspect she wants you and Ryan to outshine the other guests, to prove your dubious ancestry doesn't make you inferior.'
'But won't we just look like we're trying too hard?'
'Her advice seems clear to me, but obviously I'm not familiar with that world.'
'You're right—I should ring Ryan,' said Hermione, reaching for the phone.
She'd only left his flat an hour earlier, so there was no need for preamble. 'Did you get the letter from Lydia?' she asked.
'I did. Do you want to go?'
'Want is a strong word. Frankly, I'm afraid we'll be on exhibition—or on trial. But it would be wrong to refuse.'
'On trial by Lydia?'
'No, by her guests. For all we know, her sister and brother-in-law might be there, or people like them.'
'Right. So we should go?'
'We really must. But what should I wear?'
'I'm probably the wrong person to ask,' he said. 'I'd just tell you to uncharm your hair and wear a miniskirt.'
She laughed. 'That would not create the right impression. No, we need to look elegant, but I don't want people to think I'm pretending I'm a pure-blood.'
'You'd need fewer great-grandparents to pull that off,' joked Ryan.
'Excuse me, I have a Goyle strain. But seriously, what will you wear? Do you have anything formal?'
'I have a jacket and tie. But no three-piece suit like Harry.'
'It's a shame he's not invited,' mused Hermione. 'Surely he has no end of outfits to choose from.'
'I also have dress robes,' said Ryan. 'Although the styling leans Muggle.'
'Really? Can I see them?'
Ryan laughed and said, 'Why do we even bother with the telephone? It always ends with one of us stepping through.'
'I don't know, it feels less intrusive somehow. But yes, come over so my mum can see.'
Several minutes later, he arrived wearing robes. 'Oh, Ryan!' she exclaimed. 'Why haven't I seen you in those before?'
'We've never gone anywhere formal, and I'm not really the robes type, other than Quidditch robes.'
'You should reconsider. Mum, what do you think?'
'Very dapper. And you're right that the styling leans Muggle, which suits you. Although perhaps I'm biased.'
'So where does that leave me?' asked Hermione.
'What do you have already?'
'Not much. There are the robes I wore to my Order of Merlin ceremony, but I don't think they're as sophisticated as what Lydia seems to want. And I still have the dress I wore to Bill and Fleur's wedding, but I never got the curse residue off.'
Emily frowned. 'As much as I want to support High Street businesses, you'll probably get more for your money at a wizarding shop. And they can do the alterations much faster.'
'Do you want my help?' asked a nervous-looking Ryan.
'No, and you can drop that hunted expression,' said Hermione. 'Mum and I can take care of it from here.'
'All right,' he said, relaxing, and they kissed before he left.
Hermione turned towards her mother. 'I suppose I just volunteered you to come shopping with me. Are you willing?'
'It wasn't on my schedule, but I won't turn down a mother-daughter bonding activity,' said Emily. 'I should point out that Nan would probably love to come, but I'm sure that's against the rules.'
'No, we'd have a team of Obliviators on us within minutes. And besides, I'll see her for dinner tonight.'
Looking at her new dress on Thursday evening, Hermione realised that clothes were the least of her worries. She and her mother had found an outfit that perfectly combined Muggle and wizarding styles, but Hermione feared it wasn't enough to make her feel comfortable.
'Shouldn't you be getting ready?' asked Emily. 'I thought you were expected at half-six.'
'I am, but I still don't know what's expected of me.'
'Darling, this isn't an exam you can study for. You just need to be yourself and trust in that.'
'But I'm sure I'll say something wrong, and they'll sneer at me.'
'Who is this "they" you're so afraid of?'
'I don't know ... old-family pure-bloods who think Ryan and I are abominations.'
'And so what if they do? You can't control what other people think, particularly if they're wilfully ignorant.'
'But Lydia probably invited us to change people's minds, and I'm afraid we won't succeed.'
'I doubt that's the only reason she invited you. It'll probably just be a wide-ranging discussion over an elaborate meal.'
Hermione felt a fresh wave of anxiety. 'If it's anything like the meal she served Harry, it'll have twelve courses. And unlike Harry, I know what cervelle de veau means.'
'That's what the wine is for,' said Emily. 'I assume there will be plenty.'
'Yes, she told Harry her family gets elegantly plastered every night.'
'Then you can expect an interesting conversation. But go on, get ready.'
Hermione put on the dress, as well as stockings and high heels. 'Why did you insist I get these?' she complained. 'I can't walk fifty yards in them.'
'You'll make a smashing first impression and then be seated all night. And something tells me Ryan will like them.'
After double-charming her hair, Hermione looked in the mirror one last time. She was wearing a sparkly necklace Ryan had given her for her birthday, and Emily even persuaded her to use cosmetic charms. This is definitely 'one step further,' she thought.
Ryan, who was waiting in the lounge, gasped when he saw her. 'Oh, Hermione,' he exclaimed. 'Could you be more perfect?'
'Can't wizards figure out how to make high-heeled shoes more comfortable?' she asked, in an attempt to change the topic.
'I need a photograph,' said Daniel. 'Although we'll have to say it's fancy dress, on account of Ryan's robes.' Ryan handed Daniel a camera as well, and they posed for pictures in front of the fireplace.
'You really are beautiful,' said Ryan. 'And don't worry about tonight. They're probably more scared of you than you are of them.'
'You make me sound like some kind of snake,' she grimaced.
They travelled by Floo to Lydia's flat, which was exactly as Hermione expected: high-ceilinged, well-lit, and supremely elegant. 'Good evening, Miss Granger, Mr Bellamy,' said Lydia's house-elf Kammy. 'Miss Lydia is waiting in the drawing room.'
'Thank you, Kammy,' said Hermione. 'It's lovely to see you again.'
Kammy curtsied and led them into the drawing room, where Lydia was gracefully perched at the edge of a chaise longue. 'Hermione, Ryan,' she said, rising. 'I'm so glad you were prompt. I've heard it's a Muggle custom to arrive fashionably late, presumably to give the host more time to prepare, but with house-elves that's hardly necessary. Which means the only other reason to arrive late is to assert dominance, which would be absurd in your case.'
Hermione wasn't sure how to interpret that, but Lydia's tone and expression were kind. 'Thank you for inviting us,' she said, handing her a box wrapped in silver paper. 'These are chocolates from a Muggle shop in London. They don't have any magical properties, but the chocolatier is known for their artistry.'
Lydia looked delighted. 'What a perfect gift! This is exactly why I invited you—not for chocolates, but because you represent the pinnacle of both the Muggle and wizarding worlds.'
'I hardly represent either, but I appreciate the compliment.'
'I can't tell you how glad I am to see you both,' said Lydia. 'I treasured meeting you during my mad fortnight, as I've come to call it, and I hope we'll become friends.'
Hermione and Ryan both answered politely, and Kammy arrived with cocktails that smelled like Ribena. 'It's a Kir Royale,' said Lydia. 'My father brought me to France last week, in an attempt to distract me from Marcus, but it didn't work, and now I have a new favourite cocktail.'
'Marcus?' asked Hermione.
'You'll meet him presently, but I wanted to gossip before he arrives with everyone else.' She led them to a sitting area and said, 'Tell me, how are you? You both look splendid.'
'You do as well,' said Hermione. She's clearly over Harry, unless she's overcompensating somehow. But Hermione suspected she wasn't—Lydia looked radiant, and her voice hadn't quavered at all when she mentioned her 'mad fortnight.'
After answering Lydia's questions, Hermione said, 'I know things ended badly between you and Harry, but you're obviously thriving.'
'I am,' she replied. 'Although it was ghastly at first; just as I predicted, I cried for days when it happened. I never imagined he'd betray me like that, although I should have done. All I can say is that I was blind in my adoration, and I'll never make that mistake again.'
Sipping her cocktail, she continued. 'But my broken heart served a purpose, because my family welcomed me with open arms. Not Mother, of course, nor Grandfather, but my father was delighted to take me back, and he felt vindicated. And Esme and I are mates again, as you'll see tonight.'
'And her husband?' asked Hermione.
'He's been tamed, amazingly enough. Esme seems to have gained the upper hand in the relationship, and it's high time. When they married, Charles had more gold, but now she does—I'm sure you know the story—and she hinted that I mightn't be the only rebel in the family.'
'She threatened to leave him?' exclaimed Hermione.
'Oh no, she'd never do that. She merely implied that she was capable of publicly disobeying him. Which made him realise he'd rather let her win in private than for everyone to know she was defying him, because then people would start to wonder if she'd "pull a Lydia" and run off.'
Hermione was once again reminded how alien pure-blood society was. 'Have you been accepted back into that world,' she asked.
'More than I'd like, frankly. Thank heaven for Marcus! If it weren't for him, I'd be three-deep in suitors again.'
'So you're not ruined after all?'
'Apparently not. Admittedly some wizards won't have me—I'm told Draco Malfoy won't come near—but most of the others want to prove they can satisfy someone who's been with Harry Potter.'
'But how would you know, if you barely kiss them until you marry?'
'They assume I'm the other kind of pure-blood now,' said Lydia. 'So I'm sure they'd expect a snog, at the very least. Not that they'll have one, though, since I skipped straight to Marcus.'
'Yes, who is this Marcus?'
'He's Vanessa's brother. I think you met her—Vanessa Waite.'
'Helena's friend?' asked Hermione, recalling the dark-haired witch she'd met at Harry's first party.
'The very same. She hasn't been disinherited yet—she's too careful. But Marcus is another story.'
'Oh right, I remember now. He's the one who worked for the Muggle-Born Registration Commission and warned people so they could hide.'
'Yes, exactly. He's an absolute pauper now, but I don't care a whit.'
'Doesn't he have a job?'
'Of course he does, at the Ministry. He's a hero, after all. I just meant he's a pauper compared to what he would have been if he hadn't been disinherited. Although that might change if we marry—apparently his brother is keen on someone who's the wrong kind of half-blood, and their father is enough of a snob that even a soiled Travers is better than that.'
'Are you talking marriage already? I thought the whole reason you ran away was to avoid early marriage.'
'Early marriage to someone tedious, who wouldn't let me do what I wanted. But I discovered with Harry that I rather like having a wizard around, and that marriage needn't be boring.'
'But you can't have been with Marcus very long!'
'No, just a few weeks, so there's no rush. But we're mad for each other—you'll see. And frankly I hope he stays disinherited, because that way we'll be equally notorious.'
'What does your family think of him?' asked Hermione. 'You said your father took you to France to distract you.'
'They have mixed feelings. On the one hand, they're thrilled he's not Harry, and that he's an old-family pure-blood. But he's the ultimate blood-traitor—he even testified against his former colleagues—so they'll never trust him. They don't dare hope I'll marry a Dark wizard, but they'd rather I find someone apolitical.'
'Honestly, he sounds lovely, and I look forward to meeting him.'
'He is lovely,' said Lydia dreamily, 'and everyone says we're a striking couple. He's dark like Harry—I suppose I have a type—but he's tall as well.'
'Who else is coming?'
'Vanessa and her boyfriend, Terence Higgs, who's really the ideal match for her. His family's neutral and well-connected, which means her parents can't object. And that's essential, since unlike me she's scared to be disinherited, for fear of being poor.'
'Can't she get a job?' asked Hermione, trying to hide her scorn.
'She wasn't raised to get a job,' said Lydia. 'Maybe if she'd been plain, but she's always been pretty. And ever since she got her figure, there's never been any doubt.'
'So what's she supposed to do with her life?'
'Have children, first and foremost. That's why she has so many suitors—for her bloodlines.'
'You're making her sound like a racehorse!' said Hermione. 'You didn't like being treated that way, did you?'
'Merlin, no! But Vanessa's different. She actually wants to be a traditional witch—that's why she's kept her virginity.'
'By a thread,' muttered Hermione.
'You're arguing with the wrong person,' said Lydia. 'But don't stop—this is exactly the sort of thing I want to discuss in my salon.'
'In front of her boyfriend?'
Lydia inhaled sharply. 'No, that's a good point. He's learnt first-hand that she's not spotlessly pure, but he doesn't need to know she's been with Harry. At least not until after they're married.'
'Should we talk about me then? I'm not ashamed to admit I've had sex.'
'That's a wonderful idea!' said Lydia. 'Are you sure you wouldn't mind?'
'What will Esme and Charles think?'
'They'll be fascinated. And I'm so glad you dressed well, since they can't fault your appearance. The hint of Muggle is perfect, and I'm only sorry I didn't suggest it.'
Hermione frowned. 'Lydia, I'm gratified that you approve of my outfit, but I feel like you're putting Ryan and me on display.'
'Nonsense! Admittedly I want to show you off, but it's Charles who's on display. And I want Harry to find out about Marcus. I don't think he reads the gossip column unless he's in it.'
'What in particular do you want Harry to know?'
'That I'm not pining for him,' said Lydia petulantly. 'And that I've found someone, while he's still flailing about. I was terribly hurt when he rejected me like that.'
Hermione glanced at Ryan. What do I say? she wondered.
'Harry felt terrible about what happened,' said Ryan. 'He was a wreck the next day at practice.'
'He didn't tell the Cannons!'
'Just that he'd cheated, and that it was entirely his fault.'
No, it wasn't, thought Hermione. But she remained silent, not wanting to berate Lydia so soon before her guests arrived.
'He got over it awfully fast, didn't he?' said Lydia.
'You mean with Alex?' asked Ryan.
'And those two witches. It was bad enough being lumped with a fille de joie, but those witches were even worse.'
'Harry's immature,' said Hermione. 'He means well, but he's never been long on self-control. It used to be his temper, and his desperate need to save people. And now this.'
'I can't believe he's taken a celibacy vow,' she scoffed. 'He nearly went out of his mind while his pelvis was broken.'
'That's why he took the vow,' said Hermione. 'And I admire him for it.'
'Did he really need to announce it on the radio? He complains about not having any privacy, but then he airs his dirty linen in public once a week.'
'He wanted accountability,' said Ryan. 'This way he's more likely to keep the vow.'
'I'll believe it when it actually happens. Since I'm sure he'll keep everyone informed.'
Hermione was tempted to tell Lydia she was in no position to judge Harry's lack of discretion, but once again she kept her mouth shut.
'Lydia, there's something I should warn you,' said Ryan. 'I won't remain silent if your sister or brother-in-law insult Hermione tonight. Or my parents, for that matter.'
'Nor should you!' said Lydia. 'Charles is used to walking all over people, but that doesn't make it right. If there's one thing I learnt during my mad fortnight, it's that being an old-family pure-blood and knowing which fork to use doesn't make a person clever.' After a pause, she said, 'You know which forks to use, right?'
'Outside in,' said Hermione.
'Yes. And don't copy Esme—she's been known to use the wrong fork on purpose, to trip people up.'
Hermione was appalled, but before she could respond, a voice came from the reception hall. 'Yoo hoo! Are you in there?'
'Vanessa!' called Lydia. 'Yes, in the drawing room.'
In came the curvaceous, dark-haired witch, dressed much more formally than she'd been at Harry's party. 'Oh good, you're here too,' she said to Hermione. 'I wanted to talk to you before Terence arrives.'
'It's nice to see you again,' began Hermione, but Vanessa interrupted her.
'You mustn't allude to my night with Harry. Not a peep!'
'Of course I wouldn't!'
'That's good, because I'm awfully fond of Terence, and I don't want him getting cold feet. He became suspicious when he learnt I was friends with Helena.'
'And how is Helena?' asked Hermione.
'Much improved. Poor thing, she feels very deeply, and seeing Harry in the Prophet every ten minutes didn't help. But the worst is long past, and she's more convinced than ever she made the right decision. And besides, Lydia needed a turn, or else she'd be engaged to Sylvan Burke by now.'
'Perish the thought!' said Lydia. 'But look, there's Marcus ... Marcus, darling! Come meet Hermione and Ryan.'
Hermione almost gasped when Marcus entered. No wonder Lydia got over Harry so quickly, she thought, but then she scolded herself. People think I got over Ron quickly because Ryan's such a hunk, but that had nothing to do with it. Well, almost nothing.
'Hermione Granger!' said Marcus, but before he could continue, Lydia pulled him into a kiss.
'It's my privilege as a ruined witch to kiss my paramour in public,' she declared afterwards.
'Forgive me,' said Marcus, addressing Hermione. 'As I was trying to say, it's an honour to meet you. I admired you already, but Lydia said you and Ryan tore the blinders from her eyes, and that she's embarrassed she believed in blood purity for so long.'
'Lydia, you mustn't feel bad,' said Hermione. 'And Marcus, it's a pleasure to meet you. I've heard about what you did during the war to help Muggle-borns. That was tremendous.'
Marcus, Hermione, and Ryan were properly introduced, and so was Terence Higgs, who arrived next. 'All we need are Esme and Charles,' said Lydia.
'Have they associated with any Muggle-borns before?' asked Hermione. 'Or the wrong kind of half-blood?'
'Not socially. And they don't know you're coming.'
'What!?' gasped Hermione, just as Kammy entered.
'Mistress Esme and Mr Selwyn are here,' said the elf with a curtsey.
Hermione grabbed Ryan's hand and willed herself to become invisible, to no avail. I can't believe she didn't tell them! she seethed internally.
'Lydia, darling, congratulations,' drawled Esme, approaching her sister for a kiss. 'I'm so pleased we could come.' But Charles stopped when he saw Hermione and Ryan, and it was a moment before Esme noticed the problem. 'Oh my!' she said, raising one eyebrow. 'Aren't we bold!'
'I said I was inviting friends,' said Lydia, her eyes locked on Esme's.
'New friends,' said Esme. 'Fascinating.'
Hermione tried to keep her expression neutral, but it was difficult when Charles so plainly exuded horror. 'I should have known,' he said coldly. 'Esme, let's go.'
'No,' said Esme. 'This is Lydia's first dinner, and I want to stay.'
Well done, Esme! thought Hermione, although she still had a poor opinion of her.
'This is just a stunt,' said Charles. 'We're leaving.' He took Esme's hand and tugged it.
Esme pulled her hand away. 'Leave if you like, but I'm staying. Lydia, I apologise for throwing off your numbers.'
'You can invite Potter,' said Charles. 'He's probably free tonight, what with his "vow." Or perhaps Bellamy's father is available.'
'Charles!' scolded Lydia. 'If you leave now, you won't be invited back. Do you understand?'
Esme stood next to Lydia, and they both glared at Charles. 'Do grow up, Charles,' said Esme. 'The world won't crumble if you broaden your horizons for one night.'
Charles closed his eyes a moment, and when he opened them his expression changed. 'You're right, of course. And where are my manners? Good evening, Lydia, and thank you for inviting us.'
Lydia's expression softened as well. 'Esme, Charles, I'd like to introduce my friends, Hermione Granger and Ryan Bellamy,' she said. 'My sister and brother-in-law, Esme and Charles Selwyn.'
Esme shook hands with Hermione and Ryan, and Hermione extended hers to Charles. He shook it, and Hermione was struck by how cold it was. Perhaps he should have worn gloves, she thought.
'Kammy,' said Lydia. 'Bring the champagne, if you please.'
The elf returned with a tray, and Hermione was impressed that everyone managed to put off drinking until Lydia proposed a toast. 'I'm delighted you're all here tonight. As you all know, it's been my dream to bring people together for lively, meaningful conversation. So please, let's raise our glasses to old friends and new.'
'To old friends and new,' repeated some but not all of the guests, and everyone drank.
'If you'll follow me to the dining room,' said Lydia, and she led them to the elaborately set table. Oh no, not place cards! thought Hermione, dreading her inevitable seat next to Charles. But Lydia had taken pity and placed her between Ryan and Marcus.
'I wish I could say I was surprised Lydia didn't warn her sister,' said Marcus, 'but I should have known this was coming. I hope you're all right.'
'I'll live,' said Hermione. 'Although I'm sure I did a poor job concealing my reaction.'
'On the contrary, you were steely composure. And don't worry, you're amongst friends.'
'Thank you, I appreciate it.' But then Charles and Esme sat opposite her, and Hermione reached under the table for Ryan's hand.
'Do I want to know what the menu says?' whispered Ryan, looking at the printed card on his plate.
Hermione knew enough French to be alarmed. 'No. But just pretend you're at a Singaporean street market, and you'll do fine.'
Marcus asked Ryan about Quidditch, and both men deftly avoided talking about Seekers. Charles seemed comfortable enough, and Hermione was content to listen as common ground was established. One dainty course arrived after another, accompanied by liberal amounts of wine, and Hermione relaxed in spite of herself.
It's not as if he'll curse me, she thought, observing Charles. And I could probably beat him in a duel, even without Light magic.
'How do you like working at the Ministry?' asked Marcus. 'Is it what you hoped?'
'I'd have liked to craft new legislation my first week,' she admitted. 'But things move glacially there, which I'm adjusting to.'
'You call this glacial?' asked Charles. 'There's never been a period of such upheaval!'
'Are you joking?' said Hermione. 'Surely the Voldemort years were more tumultuous. The Ministry's interference at Hogwarts alone was outrageous.'
'That was Fudge,' replied Charles. 'He hadn't the slightest backbone, which meant people like Malfoy and Umbridge pushed him around. But I'm talking about the overall tide, which I fear might take a decade or more to turn back.'
'And you're certain it will turn back?' asked Marcus. 'I'm not convinced.'
'Nor am I,' said Charles. 'Which worries me, to be quite honest.'
'Why exactly?' asked Hermione. 'What do you stand to lose?'
'It's not what I stand to lose, it's what wizardkind stands to lose.'
Hermione blinked. 'What? Are you afraid we'll legislate against magic?'
'I wouldn't put it past some people,' said Charles. 'But I'm worried you underestimate the degree to which our culture is under threat.'
'I'm not sure I follow,' said Ryan. 'Which culture are you talking about? Pure-blood culture, or wizarding culture as a whole?'
'To me those are one and the same,' said Charles. 'I'm sorry the message has been poorly communicated in the past, but it's a real problem.'
'Would you walk me through it?' asked Hermione. 'Really, I want to understand.'
Charles took a sip of wine. 'Here's an example you might appreciate. I've heard proposals recently to teach Muggle sports at wizarding schools. The argument is that more students would be able to participate than in Quidditch, and that students who don't own racing brooms wouldn't be at a disadvantage.'
'That sounds reasonable to me,' said Ryan. 'Furthermore, they'd get more exercise.'
'Yes, but who would really benefit?' asked Charles. 'Would it be truly egalitarian, or would the fastest and strongest students prevail?'
'There could be different teams,' said Ryan. 'It's normal to have different levels, depending on gender and skill.'
'You just said it: gender. So are there separate teams for boys and girls?'
'Not necessarily. I've played football with girls, and my parents met on a co-ed team.'
'But that's the exception,' said Charles. 'And now we've introduced a gender division that's more typically Muggle. Are you in favour of such a division, Hermione?'
Hermione was torn, since she appreciated how much less sexist the wizarding world was than Muggle society. 'I do like that Quidditch has a better gender balance than most Muggle sports,' she said. 'It's still skewed towards men at the professional level, but aren't the Harpies in contention for the cup?'
'They are,' said Charles. 'Bellamy, could you imagine an all-women's Muggle football team posing a similar threat?'
'No, I can't,' said Ryan. 'But that doesn't mean there's no value in playing football at wizarding schools. I'm sure there are children who aren't good flyers who'd much prefer a game that's on the ground. Should we deny them that, for fear of gender divisions at the higher tiers?'
'I'm not saying that,' said Charles. 'I'm merely pointing out that allowing Muggle cultural contamination isn't completely innocuous.'
'What about music?' asked Lydia. 'I've been playing Muggle music all night, and that doesn't make my party any less magical.'
'No, but where does it lead?' asked Charles. 'Suppose you declared yourself a fan of some Muggle band and decided to see them in concert.'
'Suppose I did,' replied Lydia.
'First you'd have to wear Muggle clothes, which are a whole other problem we can leave aside for the moment. You might also meet Muggles in such a setting.'
'And so?'
'Passions flare at rock concerts, and I'm told drug use is common. So not only are you risking secrecy, but you're also inviting interbreeding.'
'And what's so bad about interbreeding?' asked Hermione, glancing at Ryan.
'It's unpredictable. For the sake of discussion, I'll allow that magical children from such a coupling are no less magical than pure-blood children. But you can't deny that the odds of producing non-magical children are much higher than with two magical parents.'
'That's true,' said Hermione, not liking where this was going.
'How often do you hear about harmonious relations between magical and non-magical siblings?' asked Charles. 'I'll refrain from mentioning the Seeker Who Must Not Be Named, but his mother and aunt weren't unique in that regard.'
'That's hardly a reason to avoid Muggle music,' said Hermione. 'And Lily Potter was Muggle-born, not half-blood.'
'Ryan, do you have siblings?' asked Esme.
'No. My parents deliberately stopped after me, because they were afraid of having another magical child. My accidental magic was too great a challenge.'
'Wouldn't it have been easier if your parents were both magical?' persisted Charles.
'In the respect that there wouldn't have been a secrecy problem, yes.'
'And Hermione, what of your accidental magic?'
'It was a problem. But you've drifted from the topic of Muggle music. Don't you think it's possible to enjoy Muggle records without shredding secrecy or creating the next Petunia Dursley?'
'I'm simply saying it's a danger best avoided.'
'Are you deaf?' exclaimed Lydia. 'Do you really think Celestina Warbeck is better than Annie Lennox?'
'That's beside the point.'
'No it's not,' said Lydia, marching to the record player. 'Listen to this!' She placed a new record on the turntable, set down the needle, and turned up the volume.
Ryan and Hermione smiled when they heard the opening chords of 'Thorn in My Side' by the Eurythmics. Everyone listened without speaking, and although Charles's jaw remained set, Esme clearly enjoyed it.
'Am I less magical for liking that song?' asked Lydia afterwards. 'Am I more likely to marry a Muggle now that I've heard it? I'd hardly heard any Muggle music when I ran off to be ruined, so clearly that wasn't the culprit.'
'Perhaps,' said Charles. 'But no one knows what causes Squibs.'
Ryan couldn't hide his shock. 'Not Muggle music, surely!'
'No, of course not,' said Charles, a little embarrassed. 'But mysteries abound.'
How does one even argue with such nonsense? thought Hermione. But she had another idea. 'You raise an interesting point, regarding Squibs. If you're so concerned about cultural contamination and secrecy risks from Muggle-borns, shouldn't wizarding society make a place for Squibs? I recently learnt I'm descended from one.'
'Really?' exclaimed Lydia. 'How did you find out?'
Oops, thought Hermione, and she hoped Ryan would explain. 'It came out by accident,' he said. 'Hermione's grandfather mentioned stories he'd heard from his own grandfather that were clearly about magic. He described Quidditch and everything.'
'That doesn't mean he was a Squib,' said Charles.
'No, but he entered the Royal Navy when he was twelve, and he had a wizarding surname.'
'What was it?' asked Lydia eagerly. 'Are we related?'
'I'd rather not say,' said Hermione. 'But from my grandfather's description, it was unquestionably the same family, and I found records at the Ministry that proved it.'
'Will you reconcile?' asked Vanessa. 'Depending on the family, they might be thrilled to have you.'
'I have no plans to reconcile,' she said. Ryan, can you change the topic, she thought, kicking him.
Ryan took the hint. 'If her Squib ancestor hadn't been rejected, it mightn't have taken four generations for magic to resurface in Hermione's family. And her parents would have known what accidental magic was.'
'But what can Squibs do in magical society?' asked Esme. 'They'd feel left out.'
'Do you practise magic every minute of the day?' countered Hermione. 'I've spent the last hour and a half with you, and I haven't seen you use your wand once.'
'No, but I could if I wanted.' Esme pulled out her wand and waved it, trailing sparks.
'What about children?' asked Hermione. 'Do we not acknowledge them until they can use a wand? Don't parents help their children until they can practise magic themselves?'
'Of course, but only to a point,' replied Esme. 'Once they're old enough, they don't need help.'
'Then Muggles are better parents than wizards are,' said Hermione. 'When Muggles have a disability, like being blind or unable to walk, their parents don't cast them out. They take care of them, and society finds a way to accommodate them. It's not perfect, but at least they try. But wizards tell Squibs to renounce their entire world and live as a Muggle.'
'Hermione, not all families cast out Squibs,' said Ryan. 'I have a Squib cousin—on the pure-blood side of the family, I should add—and we still include him.'
'But what does he do in wizarding society?' asked Vanessa.
'He's a barrister. His wife, who's also a Squib, taught at a Muggle school, but she quit when they had children.' Everyone leaned forwards expectantly, and Ryan said, 'Both magical.'
'I didn't know that,' exclaimed Hermione. 'How lovely!'
'You've made a convincing case for keeping Squibs around,' admitted Charles. 'But you've also proven my point, that it's better to stay clear of Muggle culture.'
'No, we haven't,' said Hermione automatically. Or did we? she wondered, noticing her empty wine glass.
'You're right, they haven't,' said Marcus. 'Ryan, you said your cousin's wife taught at a Muggle school. Couldn't she use those skills now to teach magical children?'
'That's exactly what she does, now that their kids are in school. She teaches young children to read, do maths, and so forth. And she says her Muggle education was incredibly useful, since it's given her methods for teaching children with different aptitudes.'
'How did you learn to read?' Hermione asked the assembled group.
'Lydia and I had a private tutor,' said Esme. 'And Charles as well.'
'So did Vanessa and I,' said Marcus.
'We all did,' said Terence. 'Some children learn from their parents, of course, but those with the means have tutors.'
'Charles, do you object to this kind of inequality?' asked Hermione. 'I know how concerned you are about gender inequality in sports.'
'It's always been this way,' replied Charles. 'Some wizarding families are more prosperous than others.'
'But that's true for Muggles as well,' said Hermione innocently. 'And with magic there's no real reason for that kind of inequality. Honestly, that sounds like Muggle cultural contamination more than anything.'
Ryan and Marcus both started laughing. 'Nice try, but you'll never convince a Selwyn to share the wealth,' said Marcus. 'Except with other Selwyns, perhaps.'
'You can't blame a witch for trying,' said Hermione, refilling her glass.
'I'm delighted,' said Lydia. 'Never stop trying—it makes for brilliant conversation. But what about sex? You were going to talk about that as well.'
Esme lowered her fork. 'At dinner?'
'Darling, we're broadening our horizons, remember?' said Charles.
Hermione felt embarrassed, but Lydia rescued her. 'I started it, of course. No one could be more shameless than I've been. Hermione merely offered herself as an example of why witches should be allowed to have sex before marriage.'
'Now you're just asking for Squibs!' said Charles.
'No, I'm not,' said Hermione. 'I've only had two partners, both of them wizards. And we have Contraception Charms, remember?'
'Same here,' said Lydia. 'A pure-blood and a half-blood, just like you.'
'Must we refer to him?' asked Esme.
'I wasn't referring to him,' said Lydia. 'I was merely pointing out a parallel.'
'Thank you, Lydia,' said Hermione, not mentioning how irrelevant it was. 'And I fail to see how that threatens wizarding culture.'
'Our traditions distinguish us from Muggles,' said Charles. 'Why can't you see that?'
'But Muggle women have only been permitted to have premarital sex since maybe 1960, when the Pill became available,' said Hermione.
'Muggle contraceptives,' explained Ryan.
Hermione smiled slyly. 'Are you saying that prior to 1960, witches were permitted sexual freedom, to distinguish ourselves from Muggles?'
'Bravo,' cried Vanessa, and Terence nearly spit out his wine. 'Don't worry, darling,' she said, blowing him a kiss across the table.
'It's perfectly maddening,' said Terence. 'Here I have a witch who might be willing, and yet I'm expected to go to France purely on principle.'
'You could take a celibacy vow,' suggested Ryan.
'Have you?' asked Terence.
'No. But I have no problem marrying a witch who's not a virgin. Really, Terence, if you think about it, you have just as much power here as Vanessa does.'
'No, he has more,' said Vanessa. 'He'd be forgiven, and I'd be disinherited. Lydia is the exception.'
Hermione sat back and smiled as they argued about the patriarchy, which dominated the next half hour. She hardly needed to contribute, since the wine had thoroughly loosened everyone's tongues.
'It's absurd that I had to wait until marriage,' said Esme. 'Charles and I scarcely kissed until we were engaged, and even then I needed to keep him at arm's length. I'm only lucky the Sorceress article came out and told me what I'd been missing.'
'I should thank that unnamed witch,' said Charles. 'In a single paragraph, she accomplished more than I could in two years of hinting.'
Lydia affected a Dark Arts sneer. 'This is highly inappropriate dinner conversation,' she said haughtily. 'Topper, fetch me a Calming Draught! Desmond, I'm retiring to my chambers.'
'And I'll be off to France,' said Esme, clearly imitating their father, and she and Lydia giggled.
'Is this how you imagined your salon?' asked Hermione.
'Yes and no,' said Lydia. 'On the one hand, we're talking about important topics and challenging old norms. But on the other hand, it's at risk of devolving into one of Harry's parties. Which is patently unacceptable, as we have three more courses. And Esme, use the right fork! She didn't fall for it.'
Esme pouted and switched forks. 'I was only having fun.'
'Hermione earned ten N.E.W.T.s and was Hogwarts Head Girl,' said Lydia. '"Outside in" is well within her capacity.'
'You really are mortifyingly accomplished,' said Vanessa. 'You and Harry—why you aren't a match, I have no idea. Though he isn't as clever as you are, and he really is a manwhore.'
Hermione hardly knew how to respond. 'I love Ryan, who's right here. And not only is he brilliant, but he's an actual grown-up.'
'Harry really is a child,' said Lydia. 'I much prefer Marcus.'
'And I prefer Terence,' said Vanessa, before inhaling sharply and clamping her mouth shut.
'It was you!' cried Terence. 'You've been with Potter!'
Esme gasped audibly. 'Were you the Sorceress witch?'
'Of course not!' said Vanessa. 'I'd never go to Penumbra!'
'No, you were the threesome witch,' said Terence. 'I knew it!'
'It was just that one night, and it meant nothing. I'm still a virgin!'
Lydia glared at Terence. 'You can't possibly hold it against her.'
Terence was silent, and Vanessa looked stricken. 'It's you I want,' she said. 'I've turned down all the others.'
Don't beg, thought Hermione, and she felt her Light magic flow towards the trembling witch.
'I'd have to be a terrible hypocrite,' said Terence. 'And Potter would need to be blind not to want you.' In a quieter voice, he added, 'But he never got to know you, did he?'
Vanessa looked as if she might cry. 'We barely talked ... I'm sorry, I know how that sounds,' she began, but Terence interrupted her.
'Then he never met you,' he said, reaching for her hand across the table. 'Dammit, Lydia—why couldn't you have seated us next to each other?'
In an instant Lydia rose from her seat to swap with Terence, and he slid his chair close to Vanessa's. The couple leaned together and began speaking privately.
'Who wants cheese?' asked Lydia. 'That's the next course.'
'I'd love some,' said Ryan, and Hermione started laughing.
'You're worse than Ron!' she exclaimed.
'I play Quidditch all day! And I only pretended to eat the calf brains.'
'Even so, there were eight other courses!' said Hermione.
'You didn't like the cervelle de veau?' asked Lydia, crestfallen.
'It's an acquired taste,' remarked Esme.
'I liked it just fine,' said Hermione.
'You ate mushrooms for months,' noted Marcus.
'That's an exaggeration,' she replied. 'We sometimes had other foods. Just not a wide variety, or much seasoning.'
'I'm sorry, Lydia,' said Ryan. 'But everything else was lovely, and cheese sounds good.'
Vanessa and Terence kept to themselves for the rest of the meal, and Charles seemed to advance into the quiet phase of intoxication. But Esme and Lydia gabbed like schoolgirls, leaving Hermione and Ryan with Marcus.
'I have to thank you,' he told them. 'For what you did for Lydia.'
'Introducing her to my parents, you mean?'
'Yes, and for changing her perspective. If it weren't for you—and her tutor, perhaps—she might have come back from her mad fortnight nearly unchanged. Potter hurt her terribly, and I think her parents hoped that by forgiving her they could erase what had happened. But you opened her eyes, and she's too clever and headstrong to forget what she saw.'
'My parents were very impressed by her,' said Ryan. 'They've met any number of small-minded wizards, but in spite of her upbringing, Lydia wasn't one of them.'
Marcus sighed affectionately. 'She has a splendid mind, doesn't she? She's as light as a butterfly, and that's all some people see, but there's so much more to her.'
'Did you fancy her before she ran off?' asked Hermione.
'I thought she was pretty, and she fascinated me, but I never imagined her as a partner. First off, I didn't think she'd want me. Even if I hadn't been disowned, I'm not Sacred Twenty-Eight and all that rubbish. I assumed she'd marry someone else—Draco Malfoy perhaps—and then disappear into a gilded cage. And even if she had fancied me, I didn't want to be responsible for her fall from grace. Not only can't I provide for her the way she's accustomed to, but she'd forever be tainted by associating with a blood-traitor like me.'
'I assume you didn't know she was financially independent.'
'I didn't, and that wouldn't have helped. The last thing I wanted was for people to think I was taking advantage of her. To be honest, I still worry about that, but she says, "What's the use of a legacy if I can't marry who I like?"'
'Are you already talking marriage?' asked Hermione.
'Not in so many words, but I'm traditional enough to want to marry young, and I'm nearly twenty-two. She knows that about me, and she doesn't seem skittish.'
'I'm glad,' said Hermione sincerely. 'Obviously there's no rush, but you seem like a good match.'
'I like to think so. And I hope I'd never hold her back. She really is extraordinary. Everyone talks about how Potter is radically transforming wizarding society, but I think Lydia could be equally influential, in her own way.'
'I don't disagree,' said Hermione. 'But I'm curious what people are saying about Harry. I never know if what I'm hearing is representative.'
Marcus glanced to make sure Charles wasn't listening. 'He's upending things completely. I don't know if it's dumb luck or an orchestrated effort, but he's left Dark families wondering if they'll ever regain the upper hand. I know there's always a pendulum swing after an extreme event like the war, and I assumed Dark wizards would be back on top in a few years. But between his Light magic, his alliance with the goblins, and his truly staggering popularity, Potter holds all the cards.'
'But it's only been a few months,' said Hermione. 'Couldn't everything change?'
'Is his Light magic going away?'
Hermione shook her head. 'No. It's at the centre of his being. It explains nearly everything about him.'
'And the goblins?' asked Marcus.
'They're hard to predict, but he won them over simply by being himself, which bodes well for the future.'
'And does he have any dark secrets that could bring him down?'
Surely not the Horcruxes, thought Hermione. 'Not really. Everything is public now. Which doesn't mean he mightn't do things that are unconventional, or even outrageous,' she said, thinking of the underwear adverts. 'But I can't see him being shunned.'
'No, not since he joined Pratt's. Even Lydia admits he was clever to do that.' Marcus chuckled and added, 'I hope she's able to forgive him someday. I'd honestly enjoy meeting him, but obviously she has all my loyalty.'
'That's awfully forgiving of you, considering Vanessa,' said Hermione.
'It's taken me years to accept how most wizards see my sister,' he said. 'At school it was a trial, to say the least. But at least Potter treated her well, and he never revealed her identity, for all his indiscretion. And as far as Lydia is concerned, he did me a favour by bolloxing things up so thoroughly. She said they might otherwise have remained "friends with benefits."'
'Are you talking about Potter?' said Esme. 'Of course you are ... no one goes this long without talking about him these days.'
'It's Potter-Black,' said Charles, who was on his umpteenth glass of wine. 'Darling, it's not too late for you to become Esme Travers-Selwyn ... Merlin, what a ghastly chimera of a name!'
'It's not as bad as Waite-Higgs,' said Vanessa. 'But Potter-Black works all right. The hint of Muggle is a nod to his mother.'
Hermione stiffened, anticipating a comment about her own parentage. But none came, and she chuckled, recalling that Harry was always a bigger conversational draw than she was.
'I think he defeated the Dark Lord simply by being more fascinating,' continued Esme. 'I don't know how he does it.'
'His clothes are marvellous,' said Charles. 'And that Muggle suit ... genius. Darling, may I get one?'
'You'd never wear it,' replied Esme.
'We could go to Venice, incognito. Imagine the scandal.'
'I think it's a fine idea,' said Hermione.
'See, even she agrees,' said Charles. 'Hermione, we finally agree on something.'
'It only took ten courses and an ocean of wine,' said Esme. 'Well done, Lydia.'
Two courses remained: a decadent pudding accompanied by port, and tiny biscuits served with tea. Lydia also served the chocolates Hermione had brought, which even the Selwyns deemed edible.
'Muggles aren't completely unrefined,' admitted Charles. 'At the highest strata, anyway.'
'I'm not from the highest stratum, and neither is Ryan,' said Hermione. 'Our parents are well educated, but middle-class.'
Charles waved his hand dismissively. 'Your magic elevates you.'
Hermione was too sleepy to argue. 'We can debate it next time,' she said.
'You'll come back?' asked Lydia, sitting up in her chair.
'Yes, but no calf brains,' said Hermione. 'Ryan didn't care for it, and he needs all twelve courses. But everyone else can eat it—I'll just bring him a packet of Hula Hoops.'
After endless goodbyes, Hermione and Ryan found their way to the fireplace and back to Ryan's flat. 'Do you want an Anti-Hangover Draught?' he asked.
'Yes, an ounce of prevention,' she mumbled. 'How did I do, by the way?'
'Honestly?'
She nodded. 'Yes, I can take it.'
'You didn't change their minds. At best you're the exception that proves the rule.'
'Really? Is that all? They liked the chocolates.'
'They did,' said Ryan. 'But the problem is they're scared. Charles in particular. I've seen it in my relations as well, although not as strongly.'
'Why is he scared? He'll be rich and powerful no matter what.'
'True, but he won't be supreme. And even a single point of vulnerability is terrifying.'
'Like Voldemort,' she said quietly. 'He was so terrified of his own mortality that he maimed himself, and he probably died sooner than if he'd just lived a normal life.'
Ryan nodded. 'It's hard for wizards to acknowledge their own weakness. My father has remarked on it for years—it's why they're terrified of Squibs.'
Hermione shed her high heels when they entered his flat, and she began unzipping her dress. 'Then he needs love more than anything. It's the only way to combat fear.'
'That's your Light magic talking, isn't it?' he asked, raising his eyebrows suggestively.
She knew what he was hinting at, so she uncharmed her hair. 'It's so obvious,' she said, her hair sparking. 'We need to love our enemies. And maybe get plastered with them first.'
Ryan embraced her, and they stumbled first to the Potions cupboard and then to bed. Society is changing, and love is the ultimate catalyst, she realised as she fell asleep. And her last whisper of a thought was, No wonder Harry's so powerful.
