Good things come to those who wait, but it's so hard. Life is always a matter of waiting. There's waiting for grades to be posted, school breaks, Christmas to arrive, a birthday, babies to be born, catching a taxi or flight, and waiting for any other important event. Patience is a bittersweet fruit. One that Hermione is having a difficult time with.
Waiting for Thursday seems like she's waiting for pigs to fly, which is entirely possible with a well-placed wingardium leviosa (even though it's only levitating). Sure Thursday is only one day away, but it's so far away. But patience is not only about the ability to wait. It's also all about how a person behaves while doing so. A good attitude is one of the first things people notice. It's a small thing that makes a huge impact. While huffing about the house Wednesday, Mrs. Granger reminded her daughter of something from one of Hermione's favorite books.
After the brunette witch picked up a sandwich for lunch, Jean told her, "Remember what Pollyanna said: There is something about everything that you can be glad about, if you keep hunting long enough to find it. So today, Dear Cricket, instead of looking at the negative, counting the hours until tomorrow, think about all you can do right now."
Oh, how Hermione loathes when her mother throws book quotes around, especially ones like looking for the glad in everything. It was at that moment she royally disliked the book Pollyanna. There's nothing pleasant about sitting around waiting for Thursday morning to arrive. So with a look that said don't bother me, she trudged up the stairs, lunch in hand, and sat on the cushy floor beside her bed.
While eating lunch, Hermione thought about this day and then Thursday. Thinking about Marcus's Gram, made her pick at the fresh ham sandwich and crisps. To be ready to meet the woman, she needs an acceptable dress and some knowledge of pureblood dinner customs. Her stomach twisted itself into knots.
Instantly her mind turned to Mrs. Weasley to help with both things. However, there's uncertainty if Hermione is welcome in the Weasley matriarch's home after the rather harsh treatment concerning the Witch Weekly article. There was the snub at the final task of the tournament and the pitifully small Easter egg she received compared to Harry and Ron's. No. For now, Mrs. Weasley is out of the question.
So this left one choice. Hurrying to finish lunch, which Hermione scarfed down in a very unbecoming manner. One her mother would be embarrassed at. Before Marcus departed last night, he connected the Granger's fireplace to the floo network. So, the witch rushed down the stairs to the fireplace to place a floo call. A dazed, dreamy, blonde Ravenclaw's head appeared.
"Oh, hello, Hermione. It's so good to hear from you. I wasn't expecting to hear from anyone, really. No one ever writes or calls, but I'm glad you did. Is there something I can help you with," Luna asked?
The comment about no one writing or calling Luna bothered Hermione. At one point, she thought the girl a bit barmy. But that changed. Now the Ravenclaw girl is a good friend. Smiling a huge smile, the Gryffindor wondered, "Are you busy? I require some help. You see, I'm having dinner with Marcus and his grandmother tomorrow night. There's a bit of worry in my heart about not knowing the pureblood dinner customs, and I want to make a good impression. I can't mess this up because there's never a second chance to make a first impression. Do you think you can teach me?" The nerves sat lodged in her stomach. What if Luna's busy and can't help? Then what?!
Hermione's anxiety was laid to rest when the dreamy blonde said, "Come on over. I'll teach you everything I know. What good is knowledge if you can't share it with those in need? But I have to warn you. Be careful of the jiggypoppers. They're out in full force. It's the time of year when they nest. If you're not alert, you could end up with a horrible funk wafting around you. It would take several days to get it off. They're rotten creatures who cause a rotten stench when nesting."
Having no idea what a jiggypopper is or what one looks like, Hermione promised, "I will do no harm to any jiggypopper or even be near one." Then she joined her friend via floo.
The two girls spent the afternoon going over pureblood table etiquette. It started with Luna explaining, "When invited into the home of a pureblood, you must curtsey to your host. The curtsey is very important, you see. It's written in Tinsley Teagarden's A Girl's Guide To Etiquette that nice customs always curtsey. Let's practice."
So they practiced curtseying. It was harder than Hermione thought. Eventually, she perfected it with a graceful posture and straight legs. Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth, would be proud. After curtseying, they reviewed table manners. Luna praised Hermione's flawless ones and added, "When given your food, the salt and pepper must remain together, cut up your salad before you eat it, and always try to eat as quietly as possible."
Hermione gave her friend a confused look. "The salt and pepper must remain together? Those rules sound ridiculous."
Summoning a plate of biscuits and cups of Earl grey, Luna declared, "I don't know. It's what Tinsley Teagarden says. My aunt told me to follow the rules in her book to the letter. But then Ms. Teagarden also says, young ladies shouldn't attempt to read a novel. Instead, let your study be instructive."
Upon hearing that, the brunette's mouth dropped open. "Are you kidding? This Teagarden lady said for girls not to read books for pleasure? What an idiot! No wonder the Slytherin girls are nothing but uppity versions of Barbie and Midge." Hermione is stunned at this revelation, but then what should she expect? A lot of wizarding rules are obscure.
However, it does make her wonder... "What else does Tinsley Teagarden have to say, Luna? Would you mind if I had a look at her book?"
"Absolutely," the blonde responded. With the swish of a wand, the blue and gold-covered book appeared in Hermione's hands. While her friend read, Luna put on a pair of purplish blue eyeglasses similar to the pink spectrespecs. The glasses were feathered out at the frames. They have an iridescent glow on the lenses that allow for viewing the jiggypoppers.
Looking up in a fit of rage, Hermione beheld her friend. This time Luna did not look like a demented, multicolored owl. Instead, she had the appearance of an unbalanced, drunken, kaleidoscopic peacock. Despite that, the troubled witch declared, "I cannot believe this Teagarden woman! In chapter three, she states, trust no female acquaintance. Make no true confidant of anyone."
With a sigh, Hermione continued speaking. "Sincerely, I can now understand why purebloods act the way they do. If books like this are putting out rubbish principles, it's no wonder they're all standoffish. It's a wonder any of you turned out to be friendly." That's when an idea struck her.
Out of the blue, Luna told her confidante, "Have the courage to follow your heart. You just might find your dreams in the end."
It's as if the blonde could read her mind. "You're right. I should send Ms. Teagarden a letter," she shared. However, Hermione had no idea how much those words would come to mean to her over the years.
After Luna grew tired of watching jiggypoppers nest, and Hermione became even more angered at Tinsely Teagarden, the duo made a floo call. Instantly Ginny Weasley joined them. Luna stated, "I can't help Hermione pick out a dress for meeting Marcus's grandmother. I think everything looks good together. But you can, Ginny. You have an eye for such things."
Ginny preened under the praise. "Thank you, Luna. She's right. Not everyone can have my eye for style. I think what we need is to have a look at your closet Hermione. Then we'll go from there."
And so the trio spent the rest of the afternoon turning over Hermione's clothes closet. It was Ginny who stood speechless, looking at the wardrobe. Pivoting to her brunette friend, she blurted, "I thought you hated clothes." Her hand wandered to a black leather skirt.
Shrugging her shoulders, Hermione confided, "People think lots of things, but only very little is accurate. I like clothes. I just don't know how to pair them."
Looking downright congenial and with a burst of enthusiasm, Ginny mentioned, "That's why I'm here. I can help you with that."
Outfit after outfit was tried on. Luna sat on the bed, rating each choice. She was a hard sell until a purple dress appeared. A sleeveless, above-the-knee dress in a silky purple fabric that hugged Hermione's body perfectly. It has ruffles coming to a v in the front, in the illusion of a wrap dress. Luna gave this outfit a perfect ten.
Before Hermione could say anything, Ginny wrapped a thick, black leather belt around the middle of the dress. This prompted the petite witch to say, "Are you sure about this one?"
The red-head gave her a severe look. "As sure as I know, unicorns are real, and dragons breathe fire. But there's one more thing that I know for sure."
Her blue eyes locked onto her friend's caramel, brown ones. Wanting to know more, both of her friends in the room stared, waiting and listening. Ginny informed them, "Bangs and red lipstick do not look good on everyone. But confidence does. So more than table manners, obscure etiquette rules, or this dress, just be confident when you meet Marcus's grandmother. That will take you far, Hermione."
Then Luna added, "Optimism is faith in action. Nothing can be done without hope and confidence. A flower doesn't think of competing with other flowers in the garden. It just blooms, much like a frumpkety umpkin. It's a unique plant that looks ugly. A person could almost mistake it for a weed. It's nothing but sticks and thorns all year long until winter. You see, it blossoms in the dead of the winter season. When it blooms, it has the most beautiful peachy-pink flowers. You'll never see one competing with a rose. Roses are lovely, but frumpkety umpkin's are rare."
Oh, what Hermione wouldn't give to have Luna's perspective on life. She sees things much differently from others. It takes a lot of confidence to be as unique as the blonde witch. Kind of like the frumpkety upmkin she speaks of. The idealistic witch is perfectly happy, being her unusual self.
Maybe one day Hermione will get there too. But it's difficult being happy with herself, especially when she's been teased about her hair, teeth, and brains for so long. That's when Luna practically read her mind for the second time that day because she said, "When you start believing in yourself, magical things begin to happen."
And so the brunette stood tall, looking in the full-length mirror at herself. Hermione examined the purple dress and scrutinized her appearance. She supposes it's passable, but "What shoes will I wear with it?"
Ginny handed her a pair of black heeled sandals that had been spelled with a cushioning charm. Then the red-head showed her how to fix her hair in loose waves that frame her face. Overall, Hermione is pleased. Thanks to both Luna and Ginny, the witch is now armed with pureblood etiquette and a good outfit. All she needs now is Marcus since this is one of her "I need you" days. There will be many of those in the future, especially when the new school term is in session.
The girls stayed for dinner per Mrs. Granger's invite. It's a rare occasion that the Grangers get to see so many of Hermione's magical friends. They're glad to know she has others outside of Harry and Ron. Even more, they're happy their daughter seems to fit in now with these two girls and Marcus. The married couple worried that grade school would follow Hermione wherever she went - lonely and limited. That doesn't seem to be the case anymore.
Thursday finally arrived, and Hermione greeted the day with joy. There are so many beautiful reasons for her to be happy; the primary one is seeing Marcus! With that thought in mind, she sprung out of bed and started getting ready. After putting on a pair of jean shorts and a fitted white t-shirt, Hermione carefully cast a no-wrinkle charm on the purple dress. Then she packed it into a weekender bag along with shoes, makeup, and hair stuff.
Once everything needed had been packed, the petite witch went downstairs to eat breakfast and wait for the floo to come to life. To pass the time, Hermione began rereading Sense and Sensibility again for the sixth time. When Colonel Brandon came onto the scene, the floo roared to life. Marcus stepped out and dusted himself off. He found himself with an armful of his witch.
Hugging her was like stepping into a nice warm bath, sinking into the healing waters of her love. They hugged each other tightly. Even though they'd only been apart a day, it felt like forever. With a well-placed kiss on the lips, Marcus asked, "Are you ready? Do you have everything you need?"
She told him, "Yes. I've been ready since you left through the floo Tuesday. Let me go grab my weekender tote." In a flurry of tropical scented fragrance, Hermione dashed off upstairs.
This gave Marcus time to say hello to Mrs. Granger or Jean as she asked him to call her. The older woman gave him a motherly embrace and inquired about his health and well-being. It's nice to be tended to by someone maternal other than his Gram. When his girlfriend returned, holding her stuff, Jean told them, "Have fun, make good choices, and be safe."
Hermione wilted a bit at her mother's make good choices comment. Judging by the keen woman's smirky smile, she knew exactly what she was doing. Rolling her brown eyes, Hermione kissed her mom's cheek and said bye. Then Marcus led her through the floo, and the organized witch could not believe her eyes when they exited. With google-looking eyes, her head turned this way and that, taking in the expanse of the area.
The floo is in a grand salon overlooking the chateau's gardens. Fluted pilasters frame the doors and windows. Upholstered linen armchairs and sofas with brown leather entice comfortable seating. The more Hermione walked and took in, the more she became flabbergasted. Never in her life has she seen anything like this, except in pictures.
Beautiful hardwood floors and hand-painted chinoiserie murals adorn the family room's walls. Instead of a family tapestry, the hand-painted murals tell the story of the Fawley family. Family portraits hung off of each branch. Her eyes traced the lines all the way down to Marcus, whose picture winked at her. Room after room took her breath away until her boyfriend showed her the gardens.
The Welsh country estate featured ultra modern boxwood parterres. Hedges, flowerbeds, sculpted topiaries, and manicured vegetation add another layer of opulence to the spectacular estate. The sprawling verdant grounds allow for the enjoyment of relaxation in the sunshine, especially by the pool. Although the pool is more like the prefect's bath at Hogwarts. It's massive! And the swimming pool is surrounded by large lush lawns, gorgeous terraces, and sun loungers.
At that moment, Marcus asked, "So what do you think?"
Turning to stare at him, Hermione shook her head. "What do I think? I think this estate is insane. It's huge! Everything about it is grand and stunning. I've never seen anything like it up close in my life. I almost feel like I'm on a tour of a royal summer home or something."
As her eyes gazed out over the lawns, Marcus further inquired, "Does that mean you wouldn't mind living here one day?" In the future, he could see the two of them setting up house here and raising a family. Even though that's a ways off, it doesn't hurt to lay the groundwork.
Moving to stand in front of him, Hermione noted his shy smile. That smile made her want to hug him and love him even more. And she can't help but wonder... Out of all the guys in the world, how did she find one so perfect for her? "I think it would not be a terrible prospect," she stated with a bright smile of her own.
Hand-in-hand they toured the upstairs of the chateau. It ended with a trip to home's library, where Hermione grew weak in the knees. Marcus whispered, "Go on. Have a look. Unlike my parent's residence, there's nothing dark that will curse you."
So, off she went exploring. Her hands trailed over book after book, some of which were first editions. And when the witch was finished, the couple returned to the salon. They sat together on one of the comfy brown leather sofas. It's there Hermione wondered, "How did your quidditch tryouts go?"
With his arm draped around his girl, Marcus angled his body to see her better. Then he summoned a package. His face gave nothing away, but his voice held an excitement to it. "Open it," he declared.
Her fingers untied the plain string and opened the brown wrapping. Inside lay a pale blue t-shirt with a sliver arrow and the words Appleby Arrows written in bold font. Holding the shirt up, she noted it's her size. She squealed, "You made the team!"
He nodded, and she put the shirt aside to crawl into his lap. Her slender arms embraced him for what seemed like the hundredth time that day. And it's fine by him because they shared that one type of hug that they both love. That tight hug where strength is put into it, using both of the arms, not just one.
The kind where a girl could bury her face in a guy's chest, making her feel safe and protected. The kind that makes you feel warm on the outside and the inside. A hug that makes you feel wanted and loved. The type of embrace that lasts for a while giving the impression a person cares. A hug that takes the breath away and leaves butterflies in the stomach. That's their hug.
With glassy eyes full of emotion, Hermione raised her head and held his face tenderly. Looking into his sparkling dark orbs of emotion, she shared, "I'm so proud of Marcus. I knew you'd get picked up by one of the teams. This is such a great moment in your life. We need to celebrate. We should have a pool party or something and invite your friends."
He loves hearing her say we, but more than that, he just loves her. "Thank you for believing in me and helping me when no one would. You inspire me to be better. Will you come to watch me play at games?"
Stroking the side of his stubbly face, Hermione told him, "Despite the fact I'm not a quidditch fan, I will watch all of your games if I could. I'm unsure how that will work during the school term, though. But I definitely want to go to your opener. Because wherever you go and whatever you do, I'll be there to support you."
And that did him in. Marcus crushed her to him, and a few tears spilled out of his eyes. Anything is possible with the right person's support. They spent the afternoon cuddled together on the sofa, talking about the upcoming quidditch season and the training schedule. Then it was time to get ready for dinner with Marcus's grandmother.
