One sunny summer afternoon, a few weeks after the dinner from hell, Marcus and Hermione received an invitation to a party. Now, this was curious for several reasons. One because the invitation was gilded with gold and elegantly glossy embossed. It was a fancy sort of invitation screaming, "Look at me! Look at me! I'm expensive!" Invites like this one always comes with some kind of string attached. It's never just a party; it's schmoozing.
The other curious thing was who it was from, the Middlemarch family. The Middlemarch family is one of those old pureblood lineages. Even though they are not sacred twenty-eight, the Middlemarchs date back to ages and ages hence- one of those attributes that the Malfoys love to brag about to all who will listen.
Marcus's grandmother has been an on and off again acquaintance with Constance Middlemarch for decades. The two were rivals in school, or so Cecilia explains, and never really got along. But once the ladies grew older, they settled their differences and buried the proverbial wand. Though not best friends, the two can hold a decent conversation without wanting to hex the other. That's a big feat, at least in Lady Fawley's eyes.
The oldest son of the current Lord Middlemarch, Chaucer, was one of Marshall Flint's best friends. The two boys were thick as thieves and were always seen together, usually up to no good. Marcus remembers how Chaucer has this way about him that gets others to do his bidding, sort of like Draco Malfoy. So while the second fiddle gets in trouble, Chaucer remains squeaky clean. It's very Slytherin of the guy.
Then there's Courtland Middlemarch. He went to school with Marcus, but they were never friends. That's mainly because Courtland has always been an outright snob. The boy makes the most outlandish claims worse than Malfoy ever did. Quite frankly, Courtland gets on Marcus's nerves. But not just his nerves, Warrington's, Montague's, and Pucey's as well. The four of them took great pains to try to avoid the guy. After a while, you'd think he'd get the hint they didn't want him in their friend group, but he never did. Perhaps that's why Courtland and Bole are such good companions- both annoying with sticks up their asses.
Finally, there are the two boys' sisters, Chauncy and Campbell. Chauncy still attends school at Hogwarts and is a fifth-year Slytherin. Marcus doesn't know enough about her to pass judgment or information to Hermione. However, if the girl is anything like her older siblings, then she's a rude, annoying, money-loving brat. And Campbell just turned ten, so he really doesn't know that one.
And the last curious detail about the invitation was the fact it's a "Midsummer's Night Party." That means darn near all pureblood society will be in attendance. When the elite gathers, alliances are formed. There are no friendships among the wealthy aristocracy unless you break that mold. It's usually I scratch your back, and you scratch mine with a little what can you do for me thrown in for good measure. Since old, moldy Voldy is gone, Marcus is sure the purebloods are scrambling to form new alliances.
So, Saturday, June twenty-fourth, they will unfurl on the Middlemarch estate for a posh party. Plus, in the middle of a long, hot summer, cooling off with cold shoulders and frigid witches is the prescription for beating the heat. What could be more frosty than this pureblood extravaganza?
Which made Marcus turn to Hermione and ask, "Should we stay or should we go?"
After surviving his mother, he's somewhat hesitant to subject Hermione to more pureblood politics and procedures. They don't need that kind of drama in their lives. But ever the trooper, his witch told him, "If I don't go, then they will count it as a small victory. I refuse for them to make me feel inferior in a world I fought for and defended against Voldemort. Your mother, and witches like her, need to know she can't get rid of me so easily. Plus, it's time for everyone to see that we're a couple. Maybe hopeful fathers will stop writing you with honeyed words trying to match their daughters with the Flint heir. It will be a triumph for us." With that encouragement, Marcus RSVP'd positively and checked the box marked plus one.
As the days wore on, so did the excitement for the party. The extravaganza is practically a week away, and it's all the wizarding world can talk about. Forget the season; Witch Weekly is hailing it as the "must-attend" event of the year. Everyone who's anyone received an invitation, and those who didn't are clambering around trying to conjure one up. Twilfitt and Tattings, Madam Malkin's, and Gladrags are seeing a lot of business thanks to it, which is especially good since they're trying to recover from the war. Hermione, like all the other glamazons, wants the perfect dress. Instead of trying to be a copy of another witch, she decided to go muggle. That's perfect because many high-end shops in London would have excellent choices for the occasion. Plus, she doesn't have to worry about sharing the spotlight with another woman because they're wearing the same dress. All the more reason to wear muggle.
Tired of moping about the Burrow, Ginny was ready for a change of scenery. The redhead owled her brunette friend, asking if she had received an invite to the party. An enthusiastic response came shortly after when Hermione explained she'll be Marcus's plus one. Ginny will be Harry's plus one, and the words "We just have to go dress shopping together" also appeared in bold letters. The honey-eyed brunette inquired if Ron was going. That way, she could maneuver to avoid him. But the youngest Weasley informed her No. Ron did not get an invitation and has voiced his complaints ever since. He says, "What good was it that I helped save the wizarding world if I don't get invited to parties. Harry and Hermione would have been lost without me."
I had to bite my tongue from reminding him that he was the one who left the two of you behind. Harry was ready to deck him for saying that. What's even more hysterical is that Lavender Brown didn't get an invite either, which by the way, Ron's back to dating her again.
Oh, Merlin! Ronald's selfishness knows no bounds. He's clearly unable to grow up and will forever be a man-child. There's only one response Hermione could muster: thank goodness. Thank goodness she dodged that Ron bullet years ago by having Marcus come into her life. What utter irritation it would be dating Ron, so thank goodness she isn't. And one can only wonder what nonsense Mrs. Weasley is feeding him regarding his already too-inflated ego.
So the witch responded with a determination to go dress shopping later in the week with Luna and Ginny. Nothing is better than spending time with your best friends, unless it's spending time with the one you love most of all. But a strange thing happened. On the day the trio of females had planned to look for dresses, another letter arrived at the chateau. This one was addressed to Hermione alone. In the same elegant style as the Midsummer Night's Party missive, the letter informed the witch of a slight change. Instead of wearing a dress, females were encouraged to wear a costume in the spirit of the seasonal solstice.
That will be wonderful! Hermione hasn't dressed in costume in ages.
It also came about that Ginny could not, in fact, go shopping because she came down with a nasty stomach bug. But the redhead made it clear I will be going to the party even if I have to drag myself out of the Burrow or crawl to the floo and bring a vomit bag with me. Hermione winced. If Ginny has to carry a vomit bag, she should just stay home altogether. No party is worth that trouble, not even the so-called party of the year.
Once again, it's Luna going outfit hunting with her. As soon as Luna arrived through the floo, Hermione took her hand and traveled right back through it. Then they detoured from the Leaky to some of the best costume shops London has to offer. Hermione knew exactly what she wanted to be. Sure it would be easy to go as Hermia, her namesake, but no. She wants to be a fairy- a pretty, dainty fairy. That's exactly what the witch looked for. Although over and over, instead of fairies, three different costume choices bore the most quantity.
Turning to her blonde friend, Hermione asked, "Why is it that costumes for women are limited to a wicked witch, sexy kitten, or pretty princess? Clearly, there's a message that says women are either witchy, sexy, or damsels in distress. It's so revolting! Just because you want to be a strong woman doesn't mean we're pants-suit-wearing psychos." She put the sexy cat costume down in disgust.
Her words made Luna chuckle, but the tender-hearted blonde did agree. The thing about strong women is they don't have attitudes. They have standards. And one need only look at her best friend to realize that. Hermione is the definition of a strong woman, and Luna's sure that if you looked in the wizarding dictionary, her friend's picture would be under the description. That's because a powerful woman accepts the war she went through with grace and is only emboldened by her scars. Hermione is all of that in one petite package and knowing what she endured at Malfoy Manor only makes her shine brighter.
Even though Luna isn't attending the party of the decade, she helped wade through ruffles, taffeta, and tulle. Besides, it doesn't hurt to get ideas for Halloween early. Together the duo found the perfect summer fairy outfit, and when Hermione wears it, she'll leave a little sparkle wherever she goes. Because, as anyone knows, "A fairy is invisible and imperceptible to the eye and the ear. But a fairy's magic sparkles in nature. Few folks have actually seen one up close, but if you're lucky and pure of heart, you might," Luna explained.
Hermione is already lucky. She has the best wizard in her life, great friends, and the support of her wizard's grandmother. The only thing missing is her parents. That thought saddened her, but she pushed it down and locked it inside a box. When the witch returned home, Marcus was at quidditch practice. Despite loads of money being thrown at him from other teams, he accepted an offer from his old team, the Arrows. Also, it helped the choice along, knowing that Mulvaney also re-signed his contract with them, as did King Rex and Hot Hands. So, the star players are back together again, looking to lead the team to victory.
Hermione smiled a secret smile of triumph because this time, on page six, it's her standing beside Marcus, not some busty blonde witch. May all the Slytherin princesses' mascara run as they cry into their glasses of red wine. With it just her at home, she took the time to review the NEWT schedule. At the beginning of August, she'll sit them early; from there, the rest of her life will begin.
Harry has told her he's going to apply for Auror training. Minister Shacklebolt gave him an offer he couldn't refuse, and the salary sweetened the deal. What she didn't tell Harry was that the man offered her the same arrangement, but she didn't accept it. Being an Auror and in politics is not her lifelong dream. It's too stressful, and Hermione is really trying to reduce stress in her life.
Additionally, any job she takes has to be viewed through the lens of her relationship. Marcus is her partner, best friend, and hopefully, her husband one day. So her work has to make sense for them, and rounding up delinquent death eaters does not spark warm, fuzzy feelings. Quite the opposite, it makes her nauseous.
She has ideas of what she wants to do with herself, but none of it can come to fruition if she doesn't pass the NEWTS. That's why studying has returned to her day like a long-lost friend. And every day leading up to the grand event, Hermione studied. She prepared and readied herself with academics until it was time to fashion herself into a beautiful summer fairy.
Now it happened that Marcus had a practice that afternoon and unfortunately he owled that it was running late. So he would have to meet her at the Middlemarch's estate. Hermione set the letter on the sunroom table in a huff and began moving to the bedroom upstairs. Even though the witch understands and he apologized, it's still disappointing, considering she wanted them to arrive together. But that's okay. Life gives you lemons; you make lemon gin fizz cocktails. It's the only alcoholic drink the witch can stomach, and its sweet and sour flavor goes down easy. It's a great summer beverage.
Dot helped Hermione get ready. Every inch of the witch's body was primed and polished to a type of flawlessness even she didn't know existed. The costume sublimely adhered to her body and the makeup was beautiful, along with her hair that fell in sleek waves. A simple jeweled tiara was set in it, and when the fairy wings were attached, Hermione felt as if she could take flight. Everything looked magnificent, and she was sure she'd be unparalleled to all the other witches in attendance.
Meanwhile, Marcus had finished showering at the stadium and was in the process of dressing. If he rushes, there's enough time to make a quick entrance at the Middlemarchs and catch Hermione to make another entrance with her. But the wizard has to hurry, which is why he used his wand to speed up the process. Once his bowtie was tied, he spritzed himself with Spellbound and hustled to the team's apparation point. In a crack, Marcus apparated just outside the party entrance.
Conveniently wizarding cameras flashed as the quidditch player walked inside the stately manor home and greeted Lord and Lady Middlemarch. From there, Marcus wound his way through the maze of people, saying hello to those who acknowledged him until he spotted his three friends. The guys greeted each other with handshakes or a slap on the back, and Montague wondered, "Why'd you come alone? Where's Hermione?"
The chaser explained the problem and how he had made a mad dash after practice. That resulted in a round of "Oh." The guys took their conversation down the stairs into the elegant ballroom, where the savior of the wizarding world and his date side-stepped old couples to be with them. Ginny naturally inquired after Hermione and Marcus again explained what had happened. Then she asked, "How's the team training going? With all the star power you guys have, it almost seems inevitable that you'll make the playoffs."
Marcus ran a hand through his hair and responded. "Well, I don't want to count the doxy eggs before they hatch, but the team looks good. We're playing together like a unit which is sometimes hard to establish early on. But many of us have played together before or in the Australian leagues, like Mulvaney, Haney, and I. I think we have a good shot at the quidditch championship this year."
Harry was going to respond, but suddenly the room grew silent. Murmurs and whispering broke out around the crowd, which prompted Warrington to look at the stairs. He almost choked on his drink but swallowed it down. Then Cassius turned to his athletic friend and questioned, "Marcus, why is Hermione dressed like that?" His eyes pointed to where she stood on the stairs.
In an instant, the group looked where Warrington was staring. While the guys' mouths dropped open, Ginny remarked, "Oh my Merlin! What is she wearing?"
Harry asked, "Marcus did you know she was going to dress like a fairy?"
The chaser ran an unsteady hand through his hair and replied, "I had no idea. If I had, I would have stopped her. The invitation specifically said formal robes. Hermione isn't daft. She knows what that means." Then a horrible thought popped into his head. He followed up by saying, "This is the work of some nasty witches. I just know it."
He explained the dinner from hell, and while he was doing that, Hermione's heart sank to her feet, and a considerable lump welled up in her throat. We all make mistakes, no doubt about it. Sometimes we don't even know what blunders we've made to get us where we are. Or we can figure it out just in time to make it right again, but there's no righting this error. Hermione can see very clearly what had happened. Oh, God! She had been hoodwinked.
Every mistake happens for a reason, and it teaches you a lesson you'd otherwise never learn. And right now, she's learning the biggest lesson of all, sometimes words are not strong enough.
Amidst the whispers, pointing, staring, and some outright laughs, Hermione marched herself over to Piper Goldborne and her gaggle of gossipy girls. She put on a sugary sweet smile and exclaimed, "I love your costume, Piper. But when I try to look like a bitter hag, I at least try not to have dull hair, enlarged pores, and dark circles under my eyes. Plus, Marcus's mother pulls the look off better than you. I realize I'm not like any of you. I don't have all the money or the world handed to me on a silver platter, but what I do have, I got it honest. And I would rather have only a few close friends than a whole group of them who secretly hate me and wish for my downfall. What you reap, you sow. What goes around comes around, and though you may run, you can't hide from it. It will eventually catch up with you. And when it does, it will kick your scrawny ass. And as for taking me down, I'd love to see you try."
Then she walked away while the pureblood princesses stewed in their bitterness. In truth, Hermione wants to go home and hide away for days. Nothing can help this disaster, nothing. The defeated look on her face said it all as her eyes scanned the room, seeing the jeers. As she tried to make her way to the balcony to be alone, her arm was tugged, and she fell into the side of someone. When Hermione glanced at who it was, the face of Idalia smiled upon her. She bit her lip, and her eyes welled up with tears- a friend, not a foe. Ms. Cecilia's younger, sparkly sister told her, "Now, none of that. Let's go and fix this faux pas."
The two maneuvered their way around the crowd and into a quiet room just off the ballroom. Idalia took out her wand and got to work. While she did so, she asked, "What on earth happened to make you dress in costume?"
That's when Hermione launched into the tale of woe. It started with the dinner from hell and ended with the second invitation addressed to her. Idalia tutted at her niece's underhanded trickery with the dinner and the snob's ugliness with the costume. As she put the wand away, she stated, "My Dear, you are being tested. Sometimes it's not to show our weaknesses but to discover our strengths. And make no mistake, you will come out stronger in the end. Don't give those silly strumpets another thought. What they did was cruel, but you don't have time to sink to their level. Rise above it and move on. Now, look in the mirror."
Acquiescing to the request, Hermione turned to look in the full-length mirror. She had her eyes closed but opened them and what she saw amazed her. Gone was the fairy costume, and in its place was a gorgeous summery one-shoulder gown. The flowy fabric is ombre-watercolored with deep turquoise, ruby, and purple jewel tones. It's tasteful and so very pretty with the feminine ruffle just above, "The slit. There's a slit showing my leg."
Idalia explained, "I may be older, but I'm not ancient."
With a smile, Hermione examined the rest, which included her makeup. The older woman even changed that to look smokier. Altogether she appears put together; her mess has been fixed. Turning back around, she pulled Idalia into a hug which the woman returned. Then her life-saver declared, "It's time for us to go back into the fray. Except for this time, you'll stick with me before skittering off to my nephew."
Hermione asked why and Idalia noted, "In order to achieve the upper hand, you have to have someone to get you there. Since Cecilia isn't here, I'm that someone." The youngest Rosemont sister gave her a wink and drug the newly repaired brunette into the ballroom. Eyes turned to them, and new whispering began, but Idalia ignored it. She proceeded to introduce Hermione to all of the older, elderly wizards and witches in attendance. And when asked why she had dressed like a fairy, Idalia would say, "Every stuffy party needs entertainment; otherwise, it's just a meeting. Hermione provided that and did an excellent job of it too. Why she even went so far as to dress appropriately for the solstice. Didn't you catch that, or were you too caught up in the murmuring?"
The old couples would laugh and say, "Too true." And the conversation would turn to them thanking Hermione for her part in the war. The elderly men and women, especially of the lesser pureblood families, were keen to acknowledge Voldemort's ideas as evil. It's a stark contrast from the middle-aged and younger set. Tea invitations and invites to lunch at the exclusive Velvet Garden House were also given, which Hermione accepted. Ever so often, the younger witch noticed the stunned and envious looks the pureblood princesses were throwing her way. Well, they can eat her fairy dust.
When they were done making the rounds, Hermione wondered, "What was the purpose of that, Idalia?"
Taking the younger witch's arm, Idalia explained, "First to repair your image after that fiasco those snobby girls foisted on you. Second, to introduce you to the purebloods who can be your allies. And lastly, to let you see that we're not all as bad as the truly nasty ones. Most of the couples and purebloods I presented you to can get more done in a single day than the more vocal, prominent families. They are the silent majority, you see. When some or all of them speak, the others have no choice but to listen. Do you catch my drift?"
Smiling the brightest smile she's had all night, Hermione responded, "I understand completely. Thank you for everything you've done. You're my real-life fairy godmother." Then she kissed Idalia's cheek.
Idalia squeezed Hermione's hand and said, "I'm not a fairy godmother. I'm just a witch who despises the ugly tactics most of these women employ to get ahead. Plus, you're partly my family- well, the family I like. So, it falls to me to help you. Know that you can talk to any of my sisters, not only Cecilia. We care for each other and those who are part of our loved ones."
And she also kissed Hermione's cheek, which in pureblood circles shows acceptance. Now everyone knows that Idalia, her family, and her sisters accept Hermione as their own. That opened the floodgates with other aristocratic witches to whom Idalia did not introduce her young companion. Despite the tragedy the snobs tried to invoke earlier, the event was a triumph for Hermione.
On the way to finally meeting up with Marcus, she saw the younger Greengrass sister holding ice to Malfoy's eye. He was looking quite dispirited and upset. She couldn't help but wonder what on earth had happened to him. It became apparent as soon as she reached her wizard, his friends, and Harry, plus Ginny. Harry was the first to speak. "You should have seen it, Hermione! Malfoy was running his mouth, saying all sorts of nasty things about you, and Marcus popped him one in the eye. It was like something straight out of those superhero movies. POW!"
Everyone laughed and clapped her wizard on the back. Hermione shook her head but drawled, "My hero!" In simpering fashion, she rested her hand over her heart.
They all chuckled at her antics until Marcus excused them to the dance floor, where he leaned in and whispered, "I told you once we reunited that I was going to clock him one for what his aunt did to you. His mocking of you tonight only sped that up. I can only imagine why you came dressed like a fairy, but I'm glad my aunt took you under her wing. You look stunning, by the way. But I wonder... do you think you could wear that fairy costume just for me sometime? It's rather hot."
She smiled against his cheek. "You say the sweetest things, Marcus. For you, I'd wear a sack. And thank you for standing up for me." Not going for the cheek, she kissed his lips.
They could not care less what anyone was saying about them. The couple danced out in the open and enjoyed it. Everything finally felt right, like they could breathe, like the dragons were chained up. But when you think you're finally in the clear, you're never truly home free. There's always something lurking in the background.