The One Who Had The Clearest View

Chapter Eight – Animosity In The Family

Disclaimer: Anything you recognise isn't mine.

Thankyou to everyone who reviewed! By the way, I can't remember if I called Hermione's step-cousin Courtney or Constance so from now on she's Courtney.

Animosity In The Family

"If we were in my house I'd have thrown you out long ago," Hermione hissed at her step-cousin across the breakfast bar of the Granger's kitchen. It seemed that during the course of the day their mutual dislike had spiralled into full blown loathing.

"Well, Hermione, this isn't your house now is it?" retorted Courtney.

"And it isn't yours either so don't you dare try to make me feel unwelcome in it."

"But Hermione, you are unwelcome," the blonde woman said slowly as if she were talking to a not-so-bright child, "For you are the family freak, my dear, and freaks are called so for a reason,"

In a flash Hermione had her wand out and pointed unwaveringly at Courtney. The woman looked bored. "Firstly, my dear, you cannot make me feel unwelcome in my own home, yes this house of my parent's is also my home, so stop trying to. Secondly, don't ever call me a freak again. Witches and wizards are the ones protecting you damn ignorant Muggles and many would see you as the freak. And thirdly, don't talk to me as if I'm stupid. We both know I'm not. I'm a very smart and very powerful witch and I don't think you'd like to find out how powerful I am, would you?"

"Is that a threat Hermione? Am I supposed to be intimidated by someone who turns hats into frogs for a living?"

Hermione lowered her wand and laughed in her face, much to Courtney's annoyance. "Hats into frogs? Please. I'll tell you what I do for a living. I'm one of the most senior members of the most powerful, famous and feared team of wizards in existence today: the DB66 team. Do you know what that is Courtney? No, I don't suppose you would, would you, seeing as we are a team of 'freaks', as you so kindly put it. Let me put it to you this way. I'm an Auror Higher Elite. The FBI, MI5, Secret Service, whatever you want to use, take orders from us. We do the work they don't even know about. Would it help put it into perspective if I told you I could blow up Buckingham Palace with a wave of my hand? Never mind. We're just freaks, aren't we?" she deliberately used a light and airy tone and then walked away, knowing how it would have more effect and that she couldn't blow up Buckingham Palace with a wave of her hand. She'd need to mumble the incantation too. Courtney had been winding her up all day so now it was her turn to have a go at it.

"Is that so? Well I do hope they pay you well." Courtney called at her cousin's retreating back. It sounded like a last resort.

"What do you earn in a year Courtney?" Hermione asked, not turning.

"About £29,000."

"Really? I earned more than that last month. And, now I'm here in London, I'm only working 4 day weeks,"

The look on Courtney's face was classic. Hermione could see it in the mirror by the doorway.

***

Anton Eval was sat with the rest of the Hogwarts staff eating his Christmas dinner when he got a letter from his cousin. Making his excuses, he departed the table and made his way into the Entrance Hall, closely followed by a Dumbledore wearing a purple paper hat.

"What does he say, Anton?" asked the aging headmaster.

Anton scanned the rest of the page before answering. "He says he's located Evan Sterling and Harry Potter. He has spoken to Alana Cistern and she has agreed to help. He just needs to contact Sterling and Potter and locate Lavender Brown and Hermione Granger. Oh, and he and his mother wish you a Happy Christmas." He finished, pushing his white-blonde hair out of his eyes.

"Right. Anything about Damien?"

"Yes. He's in England until after New Year."

"Very well then." Dumbledore nodded. "Remind me to thank Draco personally when he gets here."

***

I'm sorry it's so short! I'll try to make my chapters a bit longer soon. I'm still working out the plot!

Thanks to reviewers!