Author's Note: Thank you all for reading and commenting! You're the best readers.
When Hermione finished getting ready, using all of the hair and makeup tricks Ginny taught her, she called for Topsy. Marcus's faithful, exuberant house elf popped in and greeted her. "Is Mistress Mione needing Topsy for anything?" the friendly elf asked. His hands clutched at his pearly white pillowcase covering while a big smile graced his elvish face.
With a flush to her skin at being called mistress, the nervous witch inquired of the older elf, "Does this outfit need anything that it might be missing to meet Marcus's grandmother? Is there something I should carry to present to her like flowers or a bottle of wine, perhaps?"
Topsy's face cringed at the words bottle of wine, knowing full well that all pureblood homes are equipped with wine cellars. So, he said, "Mistress Mione brings nothing to The Grand CC, her just brings herself. The Grand CC is having everything. Mistress Mione is not needing to worry. Her is being fine for meeting The Grand CC." The elf patted Hermione's hand in a comforting manner. Then he popped out of the room.
The way Topsy said The Grand CC made Hermione chuckle. She supposes that if Lady Fawley's home is as splendid as this one, and from how Marcus speaks of her, the woman is clearly grand. She twirled on her heels with one last look in the mirror and a final spray of Hot Hair. Running a dollop of Sleekeazy's over the luscious locks, the witch declared, "This is as good as it's going to get."
When she exited the room and met Marcus in the floo salon, he let a loud whistle. His eyes looked her over like one looks over a dessert menu. A sudden heat went through Hermione's skin as if knowing she's the dessert. "You look pretty," he told her, wearing a brilliant smile.
Fiddling with the thick-waisted belt, Hermione questioned, "Are you sure I shouldn't bring anything to meet her? Topsy said no. That I only need to bring myself to meet The Grand CC."
They both chuckled at his grandmother's moniker given to her by the elves. Holding his girlfriend's hand, Marcus stated, "No. Topsy is correct. You don't need to bring anything; everything will be alright. I promise. Just breathe. My Gram is looking forward to meeting you. I've told her all about you, and she's the one who's been nervous about making a good impression. I think the two of you will get along splendidly."
His words calmed her nerves down a little. However, it still doesn't help the fact that this woman is his grandmother. She's the one significant adult in Marcus's life, and Hermione must simply win her over. If she fails, it will only make a complex situation even more complicated. Right now, it's a convoluted wizarding world. People have a hard enough time finding each other. So when they do, like she and Marcus, they need all the support they can get. His grandmother's approval will go a long way in the face of Voldemort and purebloods like his parents.
Looking into Hermione's eyes, Marcus lightly squeezed her hand. He explained, "The floo will take us into Gram's floo salon. From there, we'll meet her on the terrace overlooking the back grounds of the house. Are you ready?"
With a slight nod, her hand gripped his tighter. Then he pulled them into the floo and off to his grandmother's house. As they brushed off their clothing, Pippy greeted the couple. "Young Master Marcus and Missy Mione! Pippy's been looking for yous all afternoons. Come, come! Mistress CC has teas and biscuits set." Her ears flapped in happiness.
The young couple followed the happy house elf. Hermione took in the sight of the humongous manor home. Marcus's chateau is luxurious, but this is nothing short of extravagant. It has a double wrought iron staircase that wraps around in a circular fashion, with a terrific chandelier as a centerpiece. It seems to pull the room together by connecting both to the other. When one passes under the stairs, it leads to the giant wall of windows and French doors exiting onto the back terrace. Once outside, Hermione turned to look up at the massive manor. It's so huge her eyes could scarce take it in.
Whispering to Marcus, she wondered, "How many rooms does this have?"
Leaning down close to her ear, he replied. His breath made her shiver. "Three hundred and twenty-six. It's just shy of the Malfoy's four hundred and twenty-six."
Not removing her eyes from the impressive stature of the home, she commented, "And you'll inherit this?" The fact that he confirmed he would made it a bit overwhelming. As soon as Hermione's eyes left viewing the home, they scanned the property. And what a glorious property it is.
"Oh... my... Merlin," she breathed. A French-style garden with immense mirrors of water reflecting the sky, numerous fountains and water features, and a robust collection of statues stared back at her.
Over to the side, a ways off in the distance, Hermione noted a series of romantic structures. One is a rustic al fresco dining pavilion covered with all sorts of trellising plants. And beyond that is what appeared to be a recreation of "The Temple of Venus. Are you kidding me?" Of course, it's a replica of that temple, complete with swans and geese gliding in front of it. It's nothing short of picture-perfect.
Truthfully, she could imagine this is how Elizabeth Bennet felt upon seeing Pemberly for the first time. All that's needed is some wicked old witch to jump out and shout, "Are the shades of Fawley Manor thus to be polluted!" That role may very well be Marcus's mother in the future. May Merlin give her strength to meet that woman.
A light laugh broke the stunned witch from her musings. Marcus reclaimed her hand, and they walked to a part of the terrace hidden by a lovely canopy of trees. There in all her splendor, the lady of this magnificent residence is seated at a round table. Situated around the table are a tea service and biscuits. Now knowing why the elves call her The Grand CC, Hermione saw the lady wearing a khaki skirt with a silky black blouse. The Grand CC's hair is a sandy blonde color, in a short style that's perfectly coifed. Stacks of golden diamond, emerald, and ruby bangles could be seen on the lady's right arm. They did not detract from the diamond baubles on her ears.
The closer the couple got to the table, the more Hermione's kidneys threatened to make friends with her stomach. And she prayed diligently that she would not throw up or embarrass herself. Marcus led them to stand in front of his grandmother and introduced his girlfriend. "Gram, I'd like you to meet Hermione- my girlfriend."
Keeping her eyes trained on the ground, Hermione did as practiced. She dropped into an elegant curtsey. That's when her ears detected a light chuckle that did not come from her boyfriend. Instead, her eyes lifted and found the blue ones of the host, which sparkled brightly in the sun. "It appears you've read that dreadful book by Tinsley Teagarden. In some pureblood homes, mainly the pretentious ones, curtseying is key. But in mine, it doesn't matter. We are relaxed here. So, I bid you breathe, dear girl, and have a seat."
Cecilia Fawley motioned for her grandson's witch to sit next to her. The Grand CC waved her hand when Hermione sat, and the teapot began filling their cups. "Now, Hermione, I've been looking forward to meeting you. Between my grandson and my house elf Pippy you've been the talk of my home." Turning to said grandson, she told him, "Marcus, I've gotten some new hunting dogs in the kennels as well as a few briar toads, crups, and a very rare moon calf. Why don't you go to the kennels and help Mittens? We'll be fine here."
The lone male looked to his girl for guidance. After Hermione gave an imperceptible nod, Marcus kissed both his Gram and girlfriend's cheeks. Leaving the two alone, he did as suggested and found Mittens. When the athlete left, The Grand CC turned her attention to her grandson's girlfriend. With a voice as elegant as lace and leather, she noted, "I realize you're probably consumed with thinking will I like you? Will I accept you? Child, I already love you."
This readily given acceptance surprised Hermione. Her brown eyes took in this enchanting woman who gave her favor. Mrs. Fawley's ringed hand stirred her cup of tea in a precise, graceful form. The small dessert plate in front of her held three biscuits: one chocolate, one rosemary shortbread, and one Hermione had never seen before.
Lifting her eyes from the cookies, she asked, "Mrs. Fawley, what is that biscuit there? The colorful one."
Passing the plate of multicolored treats to the girl, Cecilia answered, "These are bedazzled biscuits. They're some of Marcus's favorites. My head kitchen elf, Taffy, made enough for him to take boxes of them home. Have one, and do call me Cecilia. Mrs. Fawley was my mother's name, making me feel old and out of date."
Hermione smiled and took one of the cookies. She held it up to the sun. The colored sugared has a stained glass effect with the kaleidoscope of colors that catch light's rays. It's almost too pretty to eat. Almost. And it tastes as good as it looks. When she had finished, Cecilia invited her to take a turn about the gardens.
The two ladies rose to their feet, and The Grand CC held Hermione's arm as they walked. When they stood by one of the incredible geometric mirrored water features, surrounded by a similar geometric bed of flowers, Mrs. Fawley spoke again. "Marcus has always been treated terribly. He's played it off over the years, but a grandmother knows these things. It's hard to hear one of your grandchildren cry, especially one that's easier to love than others. His father is a difficult man who expects much and encourages little. Maxwell Flint instilled his pureblood ideology into his two oldest children and tried to do so with Marcus. Luckily, my youngest grandson isn't dimwitted like most people think."
The subject of Marcus enthralled Hermione, making her want to hear more. The Grand CC directed them to a black wrought iron bench close to one of the circular water features. The ladies sat and looked out over the estate. While they sat, Cecilia spoke some more. "My father, Jameson Fawley, inherited his parent's love and care for all people- pureblood or not. Unlike some of my father's relatives, our side of the Fawley family tree followed the ways of decency that our ancestors had passed down. Now I realize you're wondering why I go by my maiden name, not my married one. I married Edwin Selwyn, and he was a wretched man. I detested him and everything he stood for." The Grand CC looked at her grandson's girlfriend and warned, "Beware of men bearing false faces."
Truer words were never spoken. At least Hermione thinks so. She listened as Ms. Cecilia spoke about her husband's falsity of gaining her hand and then going full pureblood on her after marriage. "The only reason he married me is that he thought he would acquire the Fawley inheritance. You see, my parents only had girls much like Cygnus Black. So, the estates would fall to me after my parents' deaths. My husband died in the first war, and I reclaimed my Fawley name. Our three daughters married off with Cora, Marcus's mother, marrying Maxwell Flint."
It was here that Cecilia talked about her daughter Cora. After twisting a diamond ring around her forefinger, she shared, "Cora had always been a precocious child. Her magical abilities kicked in early, and she acted more mature for her years. Cora was a joy around the house, and then she married Maxwell. After that, I didn't recognize my oldest daughter. My middle child, Cadence, died in the first war too. She followed her father's teachings to the letter, and that's all we'll say about that. My youngest Camellia, I never see. She's off galavanting worldwide as a writer for The Herbalist, a magazine. So Cora is the only one with children."
Hermione liked that name, Camellia. Her eyes watched the swans gliding across the enormous lake close to the Temple of Venus. Mrs. Fawley talked some more about Marcus. "Marcus has always been my joy. He would take great pains to care for me as a young child. I, in turn, have cared for him, especially after his father would spew verbal abuse in the most heinous of ways. Being Cora's mother, I couldn't do much about that, as women aren't allowed to have much say in our wizarding world- especially going against the head of another pureblood household. Instead, I'd patch up his wounded spirit, which I seemed to do a lot of during his years at Hogwarts. He almost didn't stand a chance between his father and the mean-spirited children. Unless it's on a broom, that's when Marcus shines the brightest."
The older woman grew quiet thinking about those times. Then she shook herself out of it. "But this year was different. This school year, Marcus's letters were lighter and happier. I knew something had happened to make it so. I didn't know what until Pippy returned, speaking of the young master's lady. Of course, I asked my elf to tell me everything, and she was quite beside herself at being able to help you learn about the elfish culture. This made me happy and curious about how my grandson became entangled with a muggleborn. It wasn't until Christmas that we could talk, and he told me about you, Hermione. So, I'd like to thank you."
It was then Hermione's stomach knotted, and her head turned to look at the wonderful woman sitting beside her. "Thank me? For what, Ms. Cecilia?"
With a kind, motherly smile, Cecilia told her, "For noticing my Marcus and seeing past his gruff exterior. In his younger years, many students teased him so about his looks, but I think he's grown out of that. He's turned into a handsome young man. Save for his teeth which is still a concern. But you helped Marcus rise to his full potential and allowed him to realize he isn't dumb or ugly. You care about him, so I accepted you without knowing you. Although it is my fondest hope, you and I will get along, which I think we will."
Yes, they will. At least if Hermione has anything to say about it. "Marcus and I are similar regarding being teased for our looks. I've always had big, frizzy hair and oversized front teeth. Until this school year, I've felt self-conscious about it. My hair is tamer, and my teeth are fixed, but I'm still called rude names like mudblood or beaver. To go along with that, I can be a know-it-all, as Professor Snape is fond of reminding me. So I know what it feels like to be put down. I tutored Marcus, and the two of us clicked. We're like kindred spirits."
A few tears eeked out of the corners of her eyes, and she wiped them away before saying, "Somewhere along the way, I fell in love with him. He listens to me when I speak, even to the things I'm not saying. He tries his best to understand me, and when I look at him, I realize it all makes sense. I needed those hard times to make him possible because, without them, I might not have given Marcus a second look. All those hard, teasing times led me to him, and I'm thankful for that."
The Grand CC pulled Hermione in for a hug, and she kissed her cheek. "I think it's safe to say he feels the same about you, Dear. Don't doubt his feelings for you. That bracelet is evidence of them. Things will be difficult for the two of you, particularly if You-Know-Who has returned. But sometimes, two people who love each other have to face significant obstacles to be with each other. Literature is proof of that. Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy are prime examples. Keep each other close because even if there are detours, true love is never lost."
As more tears left Hermione's eyes, Pippy popped up. "Mistress CC, Taffy be saying dinner is ready." She wrung her hands, waiting for orders.
Mrs. Fawley rose from the bench and told the elf, "Thank you, Pippy. Be a dear and walk with Hermione. I will send for Bitsy and have her pop me into my room to freshen up."
And so Hermione walked with Pippy back to the house. All the way there, the lovable, helpful elf questioned her about the books she lent. "Has you reads them? Does Missy Mione being knowing about elves now?"
Smiling at the creature, Hermione responded. "Thank you, Pippy. I understand more about the elfish duties and culture now that I've read those books. My favorite was A Muggles Guide To House Elves. It, by far, allowed me to gain the most insight into a part of the wizarding world I didn't know existed. Were it not for you and Marcus; I would probably be knitting hats for elves. Although, I do wish you all had better outfits than pillowcases. But that's just me wishing."
Pippy patted Hermione's arm. "It being okay, Missy Mione. Pillowcases are not bad, and theys being clean every week. The noble House of Fawley is a good house. Pippy and elves are being happy here. Unlike elves at bad homes. Oh! Pippy speaks out, she did. Bad Pippy. Bad, bad, bad."
The little elf began tugging at her ears in worry. But Hermione got down on her level and tried to calm her. "Pippy, The Grand CC won't punish you for saying that. I realize elves hate slandering the noble homes, even if they are terrible. But it's okay, and I won't tell anyone you said it."
Pippy quieted her whimpering and threw herself into Hermione's arms. "Thank you, Missy Mione! Thank you! Pippy knows yous perfect for young Master Marcus. She does."
It was as the two were hugging that Marcus came upon them. He came to stand behind his girlfriend and asked, "Is everything alright here?"
Letting go of the sweet elf, Hermione explained, "Everything is fine. Now that you're here, you can walk with me, and Pippy can return to her duties. Thank you, Pippy, for keeping me company."
The elf curtseyed to them and popped away. Marcus honestly wondered, "Are you sure everything's okay?"
Hermione positioned herself to embrace his waist. "I promise. She had said something negative about the less honorable house elf families and began punishing herself. But I calmed her down."
She saw his unsurprised face and realized this wasn't the first time the elves had that kind of behavior. However, she changed the subject by saying, "And your grandmother is truly grand. I adore her. Thank you for inviting me to meet this remarkable lady. It's easy to see why she's your favorite person."
That may be true, but "She's my favorite family member. But you, Hermione, are my person. You're my favorite thing about every day. You make my world extraordinary just by being in it. You're my favorite everything. You're my person."
With a stray tear running down her cheek, she whispered, "And you're mine."
He kissed her forehead, and they continued their walk to the house. Dinner was divine, and the conversation flowed freely. Cecilia told stories about her grandson, proud as any grandmother would be. And when it was over, all three people better understood the other. Just as Hermione's parents had done with Marcus, The Grand CC did for her. An open invitation stood waiting, permanently.
