One Destined Summer
Chapter 1
Author : Cornette
Disclaimer: Harry Potter belongs to JK Rowling -
Epilogue
What a bright day, smiled Hermione to herself as she looked up. The car window dimmed her view, but it was blue and clear all the same. Well, she hadn't been able to enjoy summer holiday this far, cramped up in gloomy Grimmauld Place. Rumors of war were whispered, the air was tense, yet there were no indication towards it. Harry wasn't being a good friend himself, still unstable from Siriuss death.
Hermione had come to a point where she loathed every single thing in Blacks House when Prof McGonagall came visiting. She asked whether Hermione wanted to do a tutoring over the summer. Hermione jumped at that chance. She always has a passion for teaching. Idea of transferring her knowledge to small wizards and witches seemed great. Besides, this job gave a bloody fair wage. She will be able to bath with Galleons when the next term began, seriously.
Ron fought against the idea and Hermione just ignored him. As Ginny Weasley wisely said, My brother and Harry depends too much on you, Hermione. It's not healthy. You're right, Ginny! Although she felt guilty for leaving Harry alone, and in this kind of state too, Hermione wanted some space to breathe.
Hermione lay back lazily, enjoying the car's comfort. Outside, the sun shone full force, colorful flowers bloomed, and white clouds drifted at a snail's pace. She never felt so young, alive and full of expectation. It was as if she had all her energy and ready to use them. And curiously, she somehow sensed that this summer would change her live.
It looked like Buckingham Palace! thought Hermione, alarmed. A magnificent manor lay before her eyes. It looked like a Queen's of England palace indeed, but more contemporary and of different color. Instead of tall gates and armed guard, this manor stretched on hectares of green hills. Hermione stood awed, looking at the marble white, pillared grand manor.
Hermione wondered what would it like having a "home" like this. She certainly felt like entering a vast museum. She smoothed her hair and dress hastily. It wasn't like her imagination at all! Yes, the car that picked her earlier this morning was luxurious enough. She thought she'd be meeting a nice and fun wizarding family, who were moderate enough to use car. Not this…this…royals? Why, they could easily hire a Doctor from Oxford.
It took several minutes until someone opened the immense door. Hermione watched with excitement as it move so very slowly. When a tall figure emerged into daylight, she nearly jumped happily. Nearly. Although this man's face was solemn and respectful, he was wearing an unmistakable suit. He must be a servant. She should have known.
"Good afternoon, Miss, and welcome to our manor. My name is Alfred, family's butler. I believe you are Miss Hermione Granger, young master's tutor for the summer."
"Yes I am."said Hermione, trying to sound cheerful. Hermione offered her hand, but Alfred already bowed low. Hermione blushed red.
This is going to be tiring, Hermione realized. Alfred had called two more servants to brought Hermione belongings to her room. Both bowed humbly to Hermione, none spoke a word. Martha, the kind old cook in Granger's house is the closest Hermione had to servant. She wasn't used to bossing another to do her daily chores! Hermione was horrified thinking what kind of young master she will have to teach. Dust allergic, fragile, pampered, self-centered kid?
"Mr. Alfred, can you tell me about your young master, please?" asked Hermione quietly, as Alfred led her through a long corridor full of paintings and figurines.
"Very well, Miss. Young master is the best lad in the world. He has a soft heart, but hide it out of shyness. Quite advanced in learning, as he liked books. He is good-looking, as well. You will like him, Miss Granger, I promise." said Alfred, fondly. Hermione suddenly felt warm towards her new student. Alfred had spoke about his master truthfully.
"Mistress wanted to welcome you. It's unfortunate she is feeling unwell today." said Alfred, nodding towards a closed door which perhaps was the master bedroom. Hermione felt an urge to bang them open and see her employer. Was she old? Was she pretty?
"Do you wish to rest first? I will tell young master so." asked Alfred politely, after showing Hermione her room for this month. It was roomy, pastel colored, with a view to a sunflower patch outside. She even had a bathroom and balcony for herself!
"Oh, no! I wanted to meet him very much! Please, Mr. Alfred."
With a kind nod Alfred led her to a small library just nearby her room. Nearby means passing several corridors and take several turns, actually. Hermione stepped inside, breathed a delicious aroma of old pages. There he is! Sitting on a couch near the sunlit window. He has a fair hair, as it reflected the sun like a mirror. Hermione squinted her eyes, approaching him inch by inch timidly.
"Hello there. Im Hermione Granger."greeted Hermione. Her steps freeze as he raised from his seat. This "kid" was far taller than Hermione. She recognized his familiar silvery eyes.
"Granger? What do you think you are doing here?" drawled Draco Malfoy, his eyes wide with surprise.
What are YOU doing here, yourself? Hermione bit back a scream. In this very first day on her job! Draco Malfoy of Slytherins house, the last schoolmate she wanted to meet in summer holiday.
"Im tutoring a boy this summer, Malfoy. Funny I met you, of all people… Now where is he?"whispered Hermione hotly. She scanned the room desperately, wishing a chubby boy to popped out from thin air.
"Funny isn't it? My Mother desired me to have a tutor for summer holiday, which I need not. She insisted, however, worry about the approaching NEWT. I am just waiting for an old oaf who is fool enough to answer the job request…"trailed Malfoy, dropping hint of arrogance everywhere. "It happened to be the one and only Prefect Hermione Granger. Welcome to Malfoy Manor."
To be continued…
Hullo all! This is chapter one of my story. Do you like it? This one is rather slow paced, but the next one will be better! Hint: A lot of Draco Malfoy, heehee. Promise cha -! Sorry for the grammar error, just keep reading, please. Review is most welcomed (cant livewithout it ;P). Bye, see u in chapter 2!
