Hello, darlings. My daughter is invited to a birthday party tomorrow, which will eat up a good part of my Saturday, so early chapter for you. I confess I was going to skip the party and just have the gossip rags give highlights, BUT many of you mentioned your excitement and bated breath. Which made it feel mean to exclude it, so here it is. Enjoy! Legal disclaimer: I have borrowed Jo's toys and will put them back where I found them when I am finished.
Chapter 18 Hermione's Coming Out Party
Friday morning the house elves scoured the ground floor, making every corner shine. The kitchen elves bustled about preparing finger foods for the tables, enough that even Ron could have eaten his fill. Hermione tried to relax, but her nerves kept getting the better of her. People who knew Hermione Granger were invited. Though, those people knew Granger, Potter's obedient pet muggleborn, not the real Hermione. Even the Longbottoms were invited, though she doubted they ever seriously considered attending.
Shortly after lunch Luna arrived, they had decided to get ready together at the Hall. "I told Daddy today," she said in a quiet voice. "I told him about all the bullying, and how you were my truest friend." She smiled at Hermione, "He agreed to Professor Snape's request for me to test out of my NEWTs. Then next school year he's going on an extended expedition. If need be, Luna will go with him, while Selene stays behind."
"Are you okay with that?"
"It could be the safest option. If a hotheaded Weasley decided to get revenge, no one would get there until too late."
"Sadly true."
"Not even going to pretend he wouldn't do such a thing?"
"I can if you want me to, but Ron can be impulsive and hateful. There is a chance he would regret it later."
"By then the damage is done," Luna sadly.
Hermione patted her shoulder in sympathy, "I know."
Luna shook herself, "That possibility is in the future and may not even come to pass. But we are going to a party in your honor tonight. We should focus on that."
"Maisie," Hermione called. Her elf popped in. "We're ready to get started." The small elf started with Luna. Hermione reclined on her bed absently stroking Sir Hiss. Her familiar watched the events with amused eyes.
'So much work for a short time.'
'You think us silly.'
'Perhaps,' Sir Hiss coiled. 'And yet I am enormously pleased when the big one dumps eels in the pond, so...'
Hermione chuckled. Luna looked at her. "Sir Hiss finds us silly, but doubts his right to judge given his enjoyment of hunting nonnative eels."
"So fair of him."
Since Hermione agreed to give the Quibbler an exclusive interview, Luna would be attending as herself. As purebloods, the Lovegoods were on the guest list, and she could claim she wanted more information on a new player in the game. A story created supposing anyone cared when they noticed, if they even noticed. She dressed conservatively in an ice blue princess A-line gown. Maisie piled her hair up into a slick bun atop her head. "You look amazing, Luna." The blonde preened, spinning around.
"Really? I feel like a little girl playing dress up."
"Who doesn't?" Hermione sat before the vanity mirror, allowing Maisie to begin working her magic. This time the elf arranged her hair to draw attention to the wildness of her curls, reminding people of her connection with Bellatrix. The dress Eleanor had bought her for her first "adult" event lay on her bed. While waiting for Hermione's hair to be finished Luna fingered the soft silk of her skirt.
The plum hued gown was a modified A-line with a Queen Anne neckline. The portrait hole fell so low most of her back was bare. Linked across it silver chains suspended a silver dragon with amethyst eyes. To help bridge her other two families she wore Rodolphus's grandmother's earrings above a pair of glittering drop diamonds from the Black side. A teardrop diamond encrusted amethyst sat just above the swell of her cleavage, taunting observers with the view.
"Very daring," Luna complimented.
"Mum wanted me to make an impression."
"Well, that dress will help you succeed." Luna's smile dropped, "Are you ready for this?"
"The possibility of someone meeting Hermione Lestrange and being able to recognize Hermione Granger hanging over me? No, but I doubt I will ever be. Are you ready to deal with any backlash from attending?"
"I'm ready, even if it means fighting an enraged Weasley."
"On that note, I have something for you." Hermione picked up a box and handed it to Luna. Inside a diamond, blue topaz, and sapphire snowflake glistened on a silvery chain. "This is like mine, strong enough to punch through any wards. It will take you to the guest room next to my room at Lestrange Hall. No one can get you there. Just grab it and say 'Sanctuary.' It is keyed to you and will only bring whatever you are holding, but not someone holding you."
"Simply brilliant."
"Why, thank you."
Draco joined them on the first landing. "Wow, Hermione, you look..."
"Amazing?" suggested Luna.
"Yes, but I try to find a nice way to say different. Didn't know you had it in you."
Hermione rolled her eyes and continued down the stairs, "Are you going to claim you were the one person not impressed at Yule Ball?"
"Nope, completely gobsmacked, like everyone else. But that dress had nothing on this one." He made a circle motion with his finger.
"I was fifteen then."
"Sure," he agreed. "You both look beautiful." He nodded to Luna, who smiled back.
"Thank you, Draco."
"You're welcome. Uncle Roddy sent me to let you know people were arriving." Together they descended to the reception area. Rodolphus allowed a small number of reporters to observe the beginnings of the evening at Narcissa's insistence. When the photographers moved to capture Hermione descending the last steps, both Draco and Luna held back, placing themselves in the background of the pictures. The Quibbler photographer managed to include Rodolphus and Bellatrix smiling up at her.
Both parents kissed her cheeks. Quietly Rodolphus checked that Hermione knew what to expect and was ready to begin greeting her guests. By the time the line ended, Hermione's cheeks ached from smiling so brightly. A few attendees had been a surprise, the Patils, the MacMillians, and the Browns to name a few. "Social climbers," whispered Bellatrix, "behind closed doors, they might say things, but they jump at an invitation that seems like an opportunity to rub elbows with the elite. And make no mistake, we are the elite." She raised an eyebrow daring Hermione to object or disagree.
"Of course, we are, Mummy Dearest." Bellatrix grinned at her.
Rodolphus offered Hermione his arm, "We're skipping dinner and moving right to the mingling dancing portion. Any questions?"
"I don't think so, you and I start the dancing. At some point, I will dance with Bas, Lucius, and Draco, my other male relatives."
"And the Dark Lord, he wishes to be seen as a grandfather figure."
"Understood. I am free to dance or speak with anyone I like, but should consider anyone you introduce to me with the offer as someone acceptable for more serious considerations."
"And Marcus cannot be the only one I introduce you to."
"Fine, but he gets to be first."
"As you like," Rodolphus grumbled.
"We all know you can't refuse to make introductions, as much as you might like." The three of them entered the grand ballroom as a unit, giving the photographers a moment to snap a few pictures before they separated. Bella moved to Voldemort's side while Rodolphus escorted Hermione onto the floor.
As they danced, Rodolphus continued to conversation, "Is there anyone else you would like included or excluded from your list of suitors?"
"As archaic as I find this, I suppose I don't know any of them well enough to ask for any of them to be included or excluded, other than Marcus. I trust your judgment but ask for not too many. I do not need some arse that won't take the hint and sod off."
"I will be delighted to deal with those for you."
"I believe you. I will keep that in mind."
As their dance drew to a close, Rodolphus scanned the crowd and found Voldemort, the older wizard who shook his head. He wished to wait for his turn around the floor once fewer people were watching. When the music ended, Rodolphus escorted Hermione to Rabastan, signaling the beginning of the evening. While couples moved to join the uncle and niece, Rodolphus made his way to the Flints.
"Rodolphus," nodded Merrick in greeting.
"Merrick," he returned the greeting before turning to the younger son. "Unless you changed your mind, you're first."
"Of course, he hasn't." enthused Merrick.
"What idiot would?" asked Malcolm.
Rodolphus continued to look at Marcus, waiting for him to answer. "I can't think of anything that would ever change my mind."
Rodolphus clapped him on the shoulder, "With me then." And he led him over the Hermione as her dance with Rabastan came to an end. "Hermione, darling, allow me to introduce Marcus Flint, he would like the pleasure of a dance."
Smoothly she slipped from Rabastan's arms and into Marcus's embrace, "Hello, Mr. Flint."
"Miss Lestrange, shall we?" He waltzed her away from her father. "Salazar, I hate these things."
She shrugged, "It doesn't seem too bad."
"Wait until you're been forced into hours of banal chit-chat with fawning social climbers desperate to latch onto you. Add to that you are a captive audience to the charm offensive of your dance partners. When you take a break from that there will be the catty comments from any girls hoping to snag one of the men Lestrange will be introducing you to."
"Don't you paint a fun picture." she frowned.
"Sorry, I'm not looking forward to watching you dance with other men all night. I get this one dance. And yeah, going first, with Lestrange coming to me is a huge honor, that I am grateful to you both for, it also means losing you to other partners all night."
"That part does stink, but it is one night. The last time such attention will be paid to whom I do or do not dance with."
"I know," he grumbled. "You look magnificent."
"Thank you, you look rather dashing yourself." She moved a half step closer than as proper. He tightened his arms around her. As the music slowed, she smiled up at Marcus, "Thank you for a wonderful first dance."
"You are most welcome."
"Would you do me a favor? Would you ask Luna Lovegood to dance, and make a few introductions for her? She came here for me, and doesn't know a lot of people."
"Of course," he kissed her hand. "Thank you for a lovely dance, Miss Lestrange."
Adrian swooped over bowing slightly and holding out his hand, "May I have this dance, Miss Lestrange?"
"Certainly," she took the proffered hand.
Marcus glared briefly at his mate. "Relax, we're going to be doing our best to help keep the wolves at bay." Marcus relaxed and went in search of Luna.
"But, Mr. Pucey, who will protect you?"
"Don't worry about me, tonight you're the only prey anyone is paying any attention to."
"You make this sound as delightful as Marcus did."
Adrian laughed, "It can be." He pulled her along the floor in a flamboyant manner. It was the last dance she enjoyed for the next hour. Two young men were nervous wrecks, stumbling over their words and stepping on her feet. Three of the men treated her as an object to be procured, with Rodolphus's good opinion being the only one they need. Relief flooded her when Lucius appeared, "Excuse me, old boy, just going to cut in and steal my niece away." He patted her hand, "Let's get some food in you, shall we?"
"Yes, please."
She filled her plate with delicacies as Lucius went to procure her a glass of wine. Grateful she sank into the chair. She said a prayer of thanks for cushioning charms. Nibbling on her food, she listened to the conversations around her. A nasal petulant whine reached her ears. "Did you see her dress? My mother would never let me wear something so revealing. She's so common, they cannot seriously think a handful of lessons will change anything."
Hermione rolled her eyes, Pansy Parkinson, stupid slag just did not learn. She set her plate on the small table next to her and slowly stood and turned to the gathering behind her. Millicent Bulstrode, Pansy Parkinson, Gemma Fawley, and an older girl she didn't know looked surprised to see her. Pansy paled. "What is it with you and your inability to keep from insulting your hosts? Your mother wouldn't allow you to wear this dress because you lack the figure or the poise to pull it off. As to your assessment of my being common, my personal vault before anything was added by my parents contains 65 million galleons. I've dined with royalty. I am descended from houses so ancient they existed before nobility."
"What houses, you mean Black and Lestrange?" sneered Pansy, grasping for the line she thought would save her.
"I do not." Hermione looked the girls over with cold eyes, "I suppose your parents are not high enough up the chain to know what's going on behind closed doors. Pity that."
Lucius appeared at her elbow that moment, "Something amiss, pet?" He handed her a glass of wine and looked at the group before them.
Without breaking eye contact with Pansy, Hermione replied, "Not at all, Uncle Lucius, though someone should let the Parkinsons know they need to removed their trash." She sipped the wine. "I'm off to mingle." She turned on her heel and went in search of Luna determined to enjoy herself before Rodolphus claimed her for more dances.
Her next to last dance for the evening was with a man who looked to be in his late 20s, perhaps early 30s. Rodolphus did not seem pleased to be introducing him to Hermione, she could sense that he did not have much choice. "Hermione, may I introduce, Pavel Greyback?"
"Hello, Mr. Greyback."
"No need for such formality, call be Pavel." Without even a nod to Rodolphus, he grabbed Hermione and pulled her closer than was appropriate.
"I think there is quite a bit of need for formality, Mr. Greyback." She pulled back. He responded by sliding his hand lower on her back. "You will cease to continue attempting to take liberties with my person, now."
He laughed, "Just a little fun, love." He again attempted to invade her personal dancing space."
"This is your last warning, Mr. Greyback, I do not have to cause a scene to make you stop."
He gave a gravelly chuckle, "I do like them feisty."
"That was not a challenge." He behaved for the next minute before he began to have roaming hands. She glared at him and he smirked. Without a word or gesture, she cast a silencing charm on him before reaching between them. Dropping her hand low she summoned a ball of lightning and sent a small bolt straight at his crotch. Silently, he screamed, his face contorted in pain. "Next time you touch me I will grab your crotch and let loose, do you understand me? Nod that you do." He nodded. "Thank you for the dance, Mr. Greyback, you may see yourself out." Wisely, he fled.
A concerned-looking Voldemort took his place. "Everything alright, my dear."
"That man is not allowed in my presence ever again."
"Something I need to be aware of?" With a grandfatherly air, he led her around the dance floor.
"I did not appreciate his lack of respect. He was warned. He chose to ignore that warning. He will not repeat the mistake, I think. Rather than start issues amongst your ranks let this be the end of it. If he is stupid enough to do something again I will bring you his charred remains and let you soothe the hurt feelings."
Voldemort stared at her for a moment, then flung his head back laughing. "Rodolphus is right, you do have the most delightful violent streak."
-oOoOo-
The gossip columns glowed with praise the next morning, describing the night as a smashing success. "Miss Lestrange carried herself with poise and grace." One photograph showed a radiant adult-looking Hermione standing in the receiving line, while another showed her laughing with Luna while Graham made a joke. At Malfoy Manor and Lestrange Hall, the inhabitants smiled, pleased with the coverage. The reporters had missed young Miss Parkinson's grumblings before her parents angrily whisked her home. The papers declared the night a rousing success all around.
At Prewett Estates the reactions differed. Arthur watched his family's various reactions with concern. Molly and Ron fumed at Luna's enjoyment at attending though Harry pointed out she was part of the press. Ginny made jealous catty comments about the expensive gowns worn by the women pictured. Ron stewed furiously. Harry sighed heavily at that, Ron's foul mood had continued from Tuesday. He thought Ron was taking his team's loss as a personal insult. He examined the photographs wondering why the Lestrange heiress looked so familiar, he knew they had never met. The twins remained uncharacteristically silent about the matter. When Ron wanted to rush over to the Rookery they stopped him cold.
"You need to sit right back down, Ronniekins," Fred said harshly.
George nodded, "You are the last person who gets to storm off and demand explanations from anyone."
"What's that supposed to mean?" shouted Ron.
"You boys leave Ron alone," Molly glared at them before bustling to serve breakfast.
"No," said George coldly, "I don't think we will."
"Now, boys," Molly started but Fred interrupted.
"No, Mum, we're adults, so is Ron. His days of hiding behind you while you defend him are over." Fred looked squarely at Ron and Harry, "Where is Hermione?"
Ron sputtered. Harry stared at the table, "We don't know."
"No body, no blood, no gloating, this is serious. We need to find her." Fred stated.
Molly rolled her eyes, "Hermione is an adult, she can take care of herself."
"Why don't you want to look for her, Mum?" George asked, surprised at his mother's attitude.
"I never said I didn't. It isn't safe, it could be a trap for Harry."
Ron's ears reddened, "Why do you care so much? She was my girlfriend."
"She IS our friend. And we don't like how you keep referring to her in the past tense and don't seem the least bit concerned about what happened to her." Fred glared at his younger brother.
"Wotcher, Weasleys," Tonks's cheerful greeting interrupted the beginnings of a fight.
"No Remus?" asked Arthur smiling at the younger woman.
"Nah, I'm on my way to work. Just popped in to check on people."
"Any leads on where this Lestrange girl came from?" demanded Ron.
"Any leads on where Hermione is?" asked Fred, glaring at his youngest brother.
"No to both those questions, sorry."
"I miss having someone on the other side," George grumbled.
"Snape would have at least known if they had Mione," agreed Fred.
Tonks sighed, "That would make it easier, wouldn't it?"
"Yes, well, he showed his true colors. No use closing the gate after the cow's run-off. Now, eat," she gestured the food before them.
Arthur frowned, "I'm more concerned with the new legislation walking back the more oppressive laws, especially for muggleborns."
"How can that be a bad thing?" inquired Harry.
"By decreasing the violent attacks, the restrictive laws, they lull the populace into a false sense of security." Arthur told him.
"They will forget why we need to resist You-Know-Who," Molly firmly told her family. "And too many of them already hideaway, or hope that appeasement will stop the Death Eaters."
"But wouldn't a peaceful solution be best?" Harry wondered confused by this.
"Never," snapped Molly, "those monsters need to pay for what they have done." Her tone ended all conversation at the table.
The twins left with Tonks. Muriel refused to allow them to use the floo to travel to work, paranoid it would leave hers open to invasion. They walked to the edge of the wards. Fred broached the subject that both wizards worried about," Is there anything we can do to help Mione?"
"Remus is researching location methods. He's as frustrated as you with some of the others." She looked away briefly.
George jumped on her tell, "What else, there's more, isn't there? What are we being told?"
Tonks' bubblegum pink hair shifted to her natural brown. "My Aunt Narcissa reached out to Mum. The Death Eaters want to start talking truce and peace terms."
"Mum would never agree," Fred looked at the ground sadly.
George agreed, "She wants blood."
"I don't think Moody would." Tonks told them, "Hestia Jones and Daedelus Diggle aren't on board, either."
George sighed, "I'm tired of fighting. Things don't seem as bad as they used to be, or how they were the first time."
Thinking of her infant son, Tonks sighed again, "I want to raise Teddy in a safe world."
"Tell your mum to talk to her sister. If nothing else, we might learn if they know anything about Hermione." Fred said.
"Regardless we'll keep trying to find her. It would help if we knew why she disappeared, or where. Neither Harry nor Ron are entirely clear where they were camping or when she went missing."
"Because Mione was clearly the brains and the planner," Fred muttered.
"Let us know if we can help," George waved farewell. He turned to his twin, "I think it is time to move back to the flat. The shop has been perfectly safe, and we might be wanting privacy sooner rather than later." Fred nodded looking thoughtful.
AN: What's this? The twins thinking for themselves? Wonder what happens next?