A/N: Some things are drawing together! Agh! This "day" is proving to be one of the hardest for me to write. So many small details need to get packed into this a whirlwind week before we can continue... This one is an emotional rollercoaster, but it's important. Bear with me!
[For convenience, let's say that italicized text with quotation marks around it indicates the conversation is occurring in Greek. If it is not clear, let me know and I will find a different way.]
Thanks!
Dia emerged from the adjoining room to find Hermione and Yiayia ensconced in a corner, their heads bowed together in deep conversation and voices protected by an enchantment. As she swept to the counter to confirm a few changes to her order with Maria's assistant, another glance toward the two confirmed the ripple she had felt earlier through her bond.
Hermione had recently been crying.
A moment later, Yiayia caught her gaze and flourished a wrist to cancel the privacy spell. She patted Hermione's hand warmly before rising with a smile while the younger witch appeared to take a moment to wipe her eyes. As Yiayia strode over, Dia cast another subtle glance over her apprentice and was pleased to see that the younger witch appeared somewhat shaken but at ease as she made to follow.
"Everything is as expected?" Dia softly asked, phrasing the question in Greek before Hermione grew too close.
"As expected," Yiayia replied, coming to stand at her side. They both looked to Hermione who smiled tiredly in response. Dia held out an arm and her apprentice hesitated a moment before stepping forward and slipping an arm around her waist, letting her curls rest against Dia's own. The delicious scents of honey, cinnamon, and vanilla reached her nose and Dia fought not to pull the young witch any closer.
"Do you anticipate making similar changes to your Apprentice's order?"
Dia turned, redirecting her attention to Maria's assistant who immediately appeared apologetic for interrupting the moment. Dia smiled at the young witch in reassurance before replying in Greek.
"Yes. Maria has the details. Please also ensure she is fitted for two evening gowns…" Dia trailed off, looking over the witch wrapped in her arm. "I defer to Maria's expertise, however I imagine emerald green and perhaps a warm bronze would be excellent colors. Nothing tasteless."
The assistant laughed lightly at the last comment, shaking her head in assurance.
"Excellent suggestions, Master Kallas. I shall inform Madam Anastos. Please tell your Apprentice that it will just be a few more minutes for us to prepare. I apologize that she has had to wait."
The assistant ducked her head slightly and glanced at Hermione shyly, who had watched their exchange with the concentrated interest of one in the midst of learning a new language.
Unsurprisingly, Hermione turned to look at Dia expectantly.
"She apologizes for the wait and says that Madam Anastos will be out shortly to collect you," Dia translated, smiling up into caramel eyes.
"It remains unvoiced that the young woman thinks you're bee-uuutiful!" Yiayia trilled happily. Both young witches blushed scarlet as Dia snapped her fingers toward her aunt in annoyance as the assistant quickly hurried off, clearly more adept at English than she had let on.
Dia turned, shifting to draw Hermione into an open embrace as Yiayia sauntered away knowingly. Her own eyes questioning, Hermione smiled reassuringly as Dia reached up and trailed a hand from the back of her neck and down her arm soothingly. Her long fingers lingered on the soft skin of Hermione's wrist.
"I'm alright…" Hermione whispered, dropping her gaze to the floor in embarrassment. "Yiayia's wonderful… I just… didn't expect her to be so… insightful."
"I won't pry, darling. I know my aunt's talents can come as a surprise. But trust that the vulnerability you will experience in the course of training with her will become an asset later… for once you have experienced and identified what lies within, you can better protect it from those who seek to use it against you," Dia said seriously.
Luminous brown eyes met hers with wide realization before Hermione nodded, her expression becoming steely.
"I understand, Master."
"I know you do, kopelia." Dia allowed her knuckles to brush the side of Hermione's cheek before stepping back.
"Now. I must be off. Ana will be here shortly, however I expect Maria will see to you first. She knows we have an appointment to commission your sigils after this," Dia said, already summoning her outer robes from the hook near the door.
Yiayia gestured toward Hermione and the two witches resettled on the sofa near the windows as her aunt babbled on about clear lighting. Dia magicked her robes together deftly and opened her appointment book to confirm the time. Two hours should be plenty before we meet Madam Argyris.
Giving the two witches a smile in farewell, Dia quickly strode to the door - already murmuring a string of enchantments to ward off the rain that continued to fall in heavy sheets. As the door began to close, Dia was pleased to hear Hermione ask a question that seemed to continue where the two witches had left off. Good.
The fresh scent of water bit her nose as Dia stepped out from beneath the sheltering overhang of the alterations shop. Quickly moving over the wet cobblestones, her heeled boots remained perfectly dry as she crossed through puddles and began making her way toward the main avenue.
Asking for her aunt's help had been a rather impulsive choice upon receiving the unexpected owl, but Dia was pleased to see that her intuition still served. While Yiayia was gregarious by nature, she had no patience for Dia's methodical way of teaching nor sharing her knowledge unless she was assured that the person in question was worth the investment. From the way she had taken Hermione under her wing in the span of an hour, it appeared Yiayia had indeed found the young witch to be more than worthy.
Turning to the right, Dia ducked under an archway of enchanted bougainvillea avoiding the delicate tendrils that curled toward her as she moved swiftly down the avenue, smiling softly to herself as she thought of her apprentice. Hermione continued to impress her in the most unexpected of ways.
Speaking of unexpected…
Abruptly, Dia's thoughts shifted as she considered the short message that had been waiting for her at Anastos'.
The note had been brief and cordial, though Dia had immediately read between the lines and realized that the subsequent query had far more to do with the five ISOS violations than the simple act of correspondence between long lost friends it appeared to suggest. That alone made her curious.
Still... it would be prudent to learn more about events occurring within the ICW before the Quorum convenes.
Coming to a decision, Dia made a detour - rounding a corner and breezing past the bookstore, despite wanting to pause and peruse the newest selection of publications and tomes. Perhaps later… as a treat to Hermione, she thought with another smile. They had both managed a month and half without renewing their personal libraries.
As she walked, Dia tried to recall the address of a small café in Anacapri. Her mind quickly flashed through images of the distant past... pale blue shadows along the narrow cobbled path toward an elegant wrought iron gate, the fresh smell of wildflowers and pine, azure seas as clear as those on Naxos, and two sunburnt faces with crinkling eyes and warm smiles. With a pang of guilt, Dia realized that it had been years since she had last stopped in to visit Giannino and Elena.
Perhaps tomorrow would prove the perfect excuse.
Anyway, it would be better to meet in a neutral location before either one of us attempts to cancel, she thought wryly.
Despite herself, Dia felt a flutter of anticipation in her stomach at the thought of a meeting. Has it been twenty years? That's literally Hermione's age...
Shaking her head, Dia quickly tamped down the unwanted anxiety, and a moment later she slowed and stepped into the warm halo of light from the bakery. A cloud of delicious scents enveloped her like a caress and as she ran her tongue over her lips, Dia detected butter, mascarpone, caramelized sugar, and almonds.
A professional response would be sent shortly…. but not without a choice selection of kataifi and baklava to accompany it.
A little sugar never hurt.
As soon as Master Kallas had left, Hermione had returned to the sofa, tired but interested in continuing the conversation she had been having with Yiayia.
The two witches settled, ivory robes overlapping as Yiayia re-summarized some of their previous conversation and launched on anew.
Despite the rough start to their lesson, Hermione found herself growing more and more impressed at how insightful the elder witch was... first, at how easily she had read into Hermione's life and experiences, (that had been uncomfortable and revealing to say the least)... and then later at how effortlessly she had managed to build a solid foundation of trust between them.
Yiayia was as honest and direct in her teaching as Master Kallas - delivering information in her own outrageous way, yes... but Hermione's dry expectations at having to learn etiquette and social rules had quickly been cast out the window as Yiayia quickly made it clear that she dealt with the many nuances of people, the different intelligences and aptitudes they possessed, and the varied perspectives regarding questions of power and purpose.
After delving into Hermione's own life as the first example, Yiayia had quickly given her a series of metaphors through which they began assessing personalities and different preferred methods of communication. Hermione felt a gap in her knowledge expanding exponentially as Yiayia lectured on, though her mind kept referencing friends and acquaintances each time a particular point or trait was mentioned.
Yiayia chose to break people down into the four elements as a means of describing personalities - Fire, Earth, Water, and Air.
At the outset, Hermione had been dubious... but as the elder witch continued to speak, she found herself nodding along, suddenly realizing that the flowery and seemingly superfluous metaphors were actually quite helpful in learning to view things from other people's perspectives.
"... is any of this resonating for you, darling?" Yiayia asked. Brow furrowed, Hermione nodded emphatically.
"Actually, yes. I can't help but think back to the House system at Hogwarts and how the four houses draw similarities to everything you're describing," she replied. "As you were explaining the Fire-type personality in particular, I'm fairly sure that describes me and almost everyone else in Gryffindor."
Yiayia nodded and smiled.
"So you've discerned your dominant element, then? Good!" she clapped her hands together and sat back, before fixing Hermione with a serious expression. "However, from what I understand of Hogwarts, your Houses are not mutable. That is, you are Sorted and you are what you are, right?"
Hermione nodded, curious to hear more.
"Remember however, that all people are in constant flow. We are not static beings, darling. Eleven-year old Hermione may have been confident and burning to achieve her goals... but fifty-year old Hermione may evolve into a solid, steadfast Earth type. Some people, like yourself may have a dominant element that it will continue to reign over their personalities throughout their lives. However, others may shift. As a young child, can you also say that you were Fire?"
"Y-ye... well, I don't know, actually," Hermione sat back in surprise as she thought about it.
An image sprang into her mind of herself as a little girl... sitting in her room crying after her first day of school. Her parents had taught her to read and write far earlier than her classmates and as a result she had been teased immediately. However, her first instinct hadn't been a fiery one. Rather, she remembered the spiraling discovery of realizing that she was "different"... and she had wondered how to unlearn everything and return the next day as a blank slate. Except... she couldn't. And if anything, that had made her cry harder.
Later, Hermione's parents had found her and intervened - reassuring Hermione that her skills were valuable and that the other kids would come around in time.
"I think underneath, I've always had a fiery drive," she began in response to Yiayia's question, still thinking hard.
"Like you say, I'm motivated by goals, and whenever I've encountered a challenge, I've usually been inspired to handle it head on. But... no, I think when I was little, I was governed by emotions. I wasn't as... confident, I guess. Which... would have made me the opposite, right? I was a Water-type?" She sat forward, wondering if she had understood the nuances.
Again, Yiayia smiled kindly.
"From what Diamantina tells me, I would have pinned you as a Fire type from the get-go. Perhaps little Hermione always had a spark, but it took her a little longer to find the kindling," Yiayia said gently. "It may also have been that, developmentally, it took you a bit longer to get your Water under control. Emotions ebb and flow like the tides and as children, our Watery feeling and desires remain unbound. Generally about the time we go to school we learn how to give them boundaries and keep them in check for the sake of social niceties. But it doesn't come easily to everyone..."
Yiayia trailed off, nodding to herself before her eyes lit up with delight.
"You've seen babies! What a wonderful example of unbound Water! We all begin on this earth as Fire and Water. Our first goals on earth are food and comfort - the Fire in our little beings, but when we're uncomfortable, we dissolve into tears! Oh ho... if only life continued with such simplicity!"
Hermione smiled at the image and distantly wondered how she would handle such a small, dissonant being of her own. Fire and water? Huh.
"However, getting back to the point about the Houses. Do you perhaps know anyone who entered a House as one element and departed as another?"
"Yes." Hermione was surprised to realize her answer was immediate.
Eleven-year old Neville Longbottom sprang to mind. Small and scrawny... perpetually anxious about Trevor the Toad or tearful because of Snape's harsh comments in class.
Oh Neville... you had to have been Earth... someone who needs security and stability, who doesn't mind hard work, but is slow to change. And... maybe Water? Going with the flow of others, happy to be wherever feels most comfortable. With emotions just under the surface...
Her mind changed and resonated with the immensely surprising and powerful moment during the Battle of Hogwarts as her friend... sweet, shy, and bumbling Neville... had suddenly leapt forward to slay Nagini with the Sword of Gryffindor. The swell of pride she had felt then blossomed in her chest and Hermione found herself smiling.
Fire, for sure... someone who sees a challenge and is motivated to rise above it... Any opposition or negative feedback is simply fuel for their fire.
Yiayia watched the play of emotions over her face and smiled knowingly.
"You see?" she whispered. "Growth! One of our greatest assets as a species... and may we never grow static nor complacent in our ability to adapt," she sighed happily.
Hermione grinned and nodded. A moment later, however her smile faded and before she could voice her concern, Yiayia held up a ringed finger.
"But let me be clear, darling... that we are all different. There is no "right" or "wrong" way to be. Some of us have dominant elements and will live out our entire lives under the auspices of one. Some of us have secondary ones. Others find balance between all four. There is no positive or negative to being equal or unequal through the four elements... though over time, I do believe it is advantageous to know oneself well enough to be able to navigate them intelligently."
Yiayia paused and lifted an eyebrow at seeing Hermione's dejected expression.
"I... just feel... like I have so much left to learn," Hermione whispered quietly, suddenly despairing at how difficult it was going to be to go against her nature.
Fire didn't seem to lend itself well to the tasks lying in wait ahead of her. From what both Yiayia and Master Kallas had outlined, both of her Mastery societies operated in the grey realm between all of the elements. Neither here nor there and too much of anything seemed to be looked down upon as obvious and distasteful. It seemed just as foreign and confusing as the Pureblood societies she had briefly been exposed to back home.
"I don't think I'm well suited to this... all the social things and subtlety and stuff..."Hermione said lamely, looking down at her lap. Yiayia was silent for a long moment and Hermione heard her take a deep breath. A moment later, a slightly weathered hand bearing gold rings slid into her field of vision as Yiayia reached out to clasp her arm.
When the witch spoke, her voice was warm.
"Hermione, darling. I don't promise that this will be an easy journey for you. There are indeed a great many things that may prove themselves foreign to you. However I appeal to your fire-type nature in saying that, for one so young, it is indeed a noted and worthy goal of wanting to understand the world inside yourself... and also the world around you."
Hermione felt her eyes gathering tears and she looked up, meeting the solid reassuring pair of hazel eyes leaning close.
"As I said earlier, darling. A great many people in this world do not know how to think for themselves. Consider yourself ahead of the game for knowing yourself well enough already to see that not everyone views the world as you do... and that you have agency in wanting to view it another way. That. Is. Amazing. Hermione. Do you understand that?" Yiayia gazed at her with an expression of wonder as a few tears slipped and trickled down Hermione's cheeks.
"I understand," she said, hearing her own words but not quite believing them. No. Listen. Remember this.
Hermione thought of Cornelius Fudge and his blind refusal to accept the obvious upon Voldemort's return. Of Snape in Harry's first years at Hogwarts - so unwilling to see her friend as anything but the spitting image of his father. Pansy Parkinson, when she had screamed to give Harry over to Lord Voldemort...
No, she would not be like them. So narrow-minded and myopic in their views of the world that they couldn't see what lay before their own eyes. If war had taught her anything it was that nothing was ever as black and white as it seemed.
"I understand," she repeated more firmly. Sniffing, Hermione sat up straight and offered Yiayia a watery smile. "Does this mean I get to continue learning with you?"
At that, Yiayia's expressive face opened into an expression of complete surprise.
"Yes, child! What, you think we're only going to sit in shopfronts and have a nice chat? Heavens, no! I will find a way to squeal you away from my niece when she least expects it," Yiayia promised, chuckling loudly. Hermione found herself giggling along with, wiping her eyes quickly and shaking her head at imagining the slightly-suffering expression that Master Kallas seemed to adopt whenever Yiayia was around.
Yiayia sighed and placed both hands on Hermione's shoulders in a comforting gesture. 'Yiayia' was a befitting name indeed. Hermione suddenly realized, with a rush of appreciation, how much she was already creating space in her heart for the grandmotherly witch.
"Ahh, darling. It will be a delight to work with you. However, before I give you that promise, I must ask for one in return," she said gently, her hazel eyes soft. Hermione placed her hands over Yiayia's.
"Anything." The witch smiled at her instant answer and drew close, bringing her forehead so that it was close to bumping Hermione's and she found herself enveloped in the comforting scents of lavender and peppermint.
Yiayia's eyes crinkled and Hermione found herself smiling back, nearly cross-eyed with their close proximity.
"I need you to promise me..." the witch began in an expressive voice, "That... despite the bumps and bruises along our journey together, you will endeavor... to the best of your ability!" Hermione nodded, smiling again at the slightly dramatic tone of voice.
"... Not to judge yourself too harshly," Yiayia whispered, her eyes wide. Hermione nodded, feeling a lump arise at the back of her throat.
"And to honor your moments of vulnerability..." She nodded again, feeling her eyes grow moist, unconsciously thinking of the scars marring several places on her body.
"... To celebrate in those moments, for it is our vulnerabilities, darling... that reveal the best part of our humanity! Never forget that our vulnerabilities reveal exactly how much we care."
Hermione nodded emphatically, tears once again spilling down her face as Yiayia finished her speech, punctuating the last word with a finger on her nose. Hermione cried openly, throwing her arms around the older witch as Yiayia returned the hug with a strong one of her own.
There were so many emotions running through her.
Gratitude for the witch before her and all that she had just shared with Hermione. Uncertainty and fear at the global events that were somehow trickling down and affecting her small corner of the world. Confusion regarding her future... regarding her feelings for Master Kallas. Doubt in herself... A good amount of fatigue beneath it all, and unexpectedly, a wave of homesickness that was somehow softened by Yiayia's soothing embrace.
The elder witch rocked her slightly and rubbed her back as she might a child and Hermione allowed herself to be held, seeking refuge in the familiar presence of someone clearly much older and wiser than she.
Eventually, Hermione stemmed the flow of tears and pulled away, a little embarrassed at how quickly she had lost control of her emotions. Ironic, seeing as I'm supposedly made of Fire.
Yiayia remained close and patted her knee gently as Hermione wiped her eyes, chuckling lightly at herself and how the elder witch had already managed to make her cry three times in one afternoon. Yiayia opened her mouth to speak but tilted her head suddenly as if hearing something unexpected.
"Ahhh... but another fire spirit this way comes. Ground yourself, Hermione, this one promises to be a whirlwind…" Yiayia said conspiratorially while raising her eyebrows.
A moment later she turned and rose dramatically as Master Kallas' niece stepped through the doors with a flourish of royal blue silk.
"Ahh, my darling Angeliki! Come come come! Maria should be just about finished!" Yiayia exclaimed, throwing both arms open and wiggling her fingers in anticipation. Hermione stood and waited quietly, quickly wiping away the remnants of her tears and hoping that she didn't look as tired and emotional as she felt.
"Yiayia... Hermione." Ana said, moving in to hug Yiayia. Hazel eyes flicked and gave Hermione a brief once over.
"Hello, Miss -" Wanting to be polite, Hermione trailed off, forgetting again that she didn't know this witch well either. Is it Kallas? She hadn't noticed a ring…
"Kallas-Villas, actually. But please, call me Ana," the witch said neutrally. The taller witch looked unsure of how to respond to her presence. Hermione waited, feeling remarkably calm after her discussion with Yiayia.
So... Ana is fiery?
"It's a pleasure to officially meet you, Ana," she replied warmly. Ana merely glanced at her before shifting her attention to Yiayia. She began speaking rapidly in Greek and Hermione gathered that she was meant to feel slighted.
Only she didn't.
For whatever reason, Ana appeared to be critical of Hermione - something that she had picked up the night before and something that would have normally grated on her and made her want to change the witch's mind. But not today. She would wait to see what the other woman revealed about herself before she cast judgment.
Hermione's eyes flicked to Yiayia who seemed to be watching her approvingly. A moment later the elder witch held up a hand.
"As fascinating as your life is, darling… I fear that Maria has kept us waiting rather a long while. Chat with Hermione for a moment while I withdraw to the restroom, won't you?"
The elder witch left in a flourish of ivory robes, leaving Hermione and Ana alone.
The taller witch crossed her arms and pursed her lips, her light hazel eyes narrowing as she was finally forced to gaze at Hermione directly. Hermione felt her cheeks flush slightly under the scrutiny, but she lifted her chin and returned the appraising gaze with a clear one of her own.
The silence between them grew more awkward but Hermione waited patiently. She wasn't about to initiate this challenge.
The other witch tilted her head back slightly, her burnished curls sliding along her neck attractively.
A moment later, Ana's lips curled into a sneer.
"So… are you fucking my favorite aunt?"
Ana waited, feeling a measure of satisfaction spread through her as the younger witch flushed and shifted, her face registering both shock and anger at the crass question. Serves her right.
A moment later, however, she was surprised when the witch chuckled unexpectedly, shaking her head, her curls falling about her face lightly. Hermione looked up at her with a strangely open expression - a mix of amusement, patience, and fatigue.
"Well… no, actually," she replied, slowly. Ana opened her mouth to retort but the younger woman's expression twisted into self-consciousness. "Not that I don't have it on my agenda. But… to be honest, I've never slept with a woman before and I'm worried that your aunt might just manage to kill me…"
Hermione's brittle voice trailed off and she shrugged slightly, looking down at her boots. Despite herself, Ana felt her heart softening at the little witchling. Then abruptly hardening again as she registered her words. The audacity! Dia would never consider -
Her outrage faded as she realized - Yes, Dia would.
And it was most certainly on her aunt's mind if the constant stream of thinly veiled pride and appreciation of her apprentice was any indication. But somehow, as she stared at Hermione, Ana felt an unwanted niggle of sympathy for the witch's predicament. Her aunt was Diamantina Kallas after all. Hell, she would be intimidated.
'... she might just manage to kill me'
A moment later, Ana blinked and felt a genuine smile spread itself slowly over her features. Her ire quietly dissolved as she stared, watching Hermione scuff her boots lightly on the floor.
She was rather sweet, now that Ana thought about it.
And really, who had ever responded to her temper with heartfelt honesty?
A chuckle started deep in her chest before rumbling its way upward, tickling the back of her throat, before bursting from her lips as fully-fledged laughter while Hermione looked up in bewilderment. Ana threw her head back and let herself revel in the suddenly all-encompassing amusement that this little witch had incited. Tears streamed from her eyes and she wiped them delicately, her face still flushed.
This witch had no idea what she was in for.
As her laughter abated, Ana stood and took stock of the young woman before her.
Large caramel eyes were watching her warily, clearly unsure of how to react to her strange outburst. Hmmm. Those eyes knew the difference between real and perceived danger - of that Ana was certain. Perhaps there was more to this witchling than her aura of naïveté suggested...
Ana allowed her eyes to travel over the witch's lithe form. Strong and integrated. I see Dia has been working her hard...
Then there had been that interesting scene she had viewed from the street... Yiayia would never have allowed such closeness with one of Dia's charges unless she had perceived something important.
Either everyone has fallen under this witch's spell... or...
Ana tensed and then immediately relaxed as she realized she was a hair away from prowling around her aunt's apprentice like a tiger. She changed the movement into a smoothing of her robes and wondered how to proceed.
The young witch was staring at her suspiciously by now as the silence stretched longer between them. Ana's eyes narrowed as Hermione shifted...
And she was surprised to see that beneath the suspicion, those eyes revealed a hint of confusion. Anxiety. Insecurity.
At once, Ana felt genuinely abashed for how she had treated the witchling earlier.
To be so young and alone... in foreign place with foreign customs...
No, no, no... This would not do.
Yiayia's lessons were more than adequate, yes, but the little witch clearly needed a different example. Konstantinos would need to give her a foundation, but Ana could show Hermione what she needed regarding-
Ah... Well there it was.
It seemed her decision had presented itself.
Lifting her chin slightly, Ana lowered herself into a graceful curtsy, feeling her features match the guilt she felt.
"I apologize, Hermione... I have been rude and unwelcoming to you in the short span of time since we've met, and I see that I have been in error. I hope that you may forgive my temper and that perhaps we might start afresh," she said earnestly. Rising, she gestured to the sofa. "For one, I would be very curious to hear how it was that you decided upon coming to Naxos of all places..."
Ana trailed off, leaving the invitation open.
Hermione's eyes narrowed and she remained unmoving for a long moment. A moment later, Hermione drew herself upwards, somehow managing to convey a gathering of power...
Unexpectedly, Ana felt a thread of apprehension as she waited for the witch's response.
"All right" Hermione replied evenly. The witchling shrugged once before deflating slightly and breezing past Ana to sit on the sofa, folding her robes neatly, and looking up - her large eyes betraying nothing but full interest and curiosity.
Ana felt her own eyes widen in disbelief. She let out a breathy chuckle before settling next to Hermione, suddenly intensely curious to discover what other hidden surprises the little witch held in store.
Nothing was unfolding as she had expected.
What an interesting challenge this will be.
Dia's thoughts were somewhat troubled as she made her way back from the post office. After sending an owl off with a reply and a small package, she cast a tempus and saw that there was little over an hour remaining before she and Hermione needed to be at the jewelers. Absently, she realized she should be thankful for Yiayia and Ana's persistent badgering as the day would have unfolded much differently if her aunt hadn't been there to stay with Hermione.
But her niece?
Dia bit back a wince as her footsteps quickly carried her back to the alterations shop. Ana would have arrived by now. A steady rain was falling from dark skies and its impact skittered lightly upon the Shield Charm Dia had cast around herself.
Ana was being unpredictable and ill-tempered as usual. But now that she knew more about Hermione and her own wily ways… well… Dia sped up, robes whipping her legs as she fairly sprinted over the cobblestones, her mind extrapolating several unpleasant scenarios between the two witches.
The last thing she needed at this moment was some sort of confrontation.
The familiar white sign with elegant gold letters quickly appeared, and she felt a measure of relief. Slowing down to collect herself, Dia passed a careful hand over her twist and smoothed the residual moisture off her robes with a gentle gesture. Upon entering the shop, her ears perked up and she was surprised to hear the low tones of what sounded like pleasant conversation.
"Hello?" she called uncertainly, striding into the adjoining room.
As she stepped into the cozy atmosphere of the fitting room, Dia's eyes quickly absorbed her niece and her apprentice standing on small stools while Maria was apparently fitting the both of them. The two witches faced each other, and though they had both turned at her arrival Dia noted that they both appeared relaxed and… happy.
"Ah, Diamantina! Your aunt stepped out a while ago. Something about urgent business with the Council. I'm almost finished with these two… I'm sure the three of you have lovely plans for the rest of the day," Maria explained around a mouthful of pins.
"Theia… I'm sure you do have plans for the rest of the day, but I was just telling Hermione a bit more about the family. She really should meet Konstantinos… they would get along so well," Ana said, her hazel eyes alight. Another glance proved that Hermione was just as interested in the idea as her niece.
Dia felt her own eyes narrow at the strange scene she had walked into. Ana adored her older brother and was possessive of him much in the way she was with Dia herself. Somehow, in the past hour, the two witches had managed to become fast friends if Ana had been willing to divulge information about the family.
Dia wasn't sure whether she liked the notion or not.
"We shall see, darling. It may be possible for us to stop by later this evening, but we must also regain our footing after recent events," she responded diplomatically. From the floor, Maria clucked lightly. The entire Pharmakeion was talking about the ISOS violations.
"Ah yes, the condensed schedule," Ana replied evenly, nodding toward Hermione. Her apprentice merely smiled softly, lifting an eyebrow coquettishly that clearly communicated something specific that made Ana chuckle conspiratorially.
No, Dia wasn't sure that she liked it at all.
Still, Ana was right. Hermione would need to study with Konstantinos at some point and sooner rather than later. The idea held merit.
"Please send word to your brother and ask when it would be convenient for us to stop by next week. He will have to send word by owl as both Eleni and Stelios are away until Sunday," she said. Predictably, Ana frowned.
"Is everything alright?" she asked quietly, her gaze flicking down to Maria. Dia nodded reassuringly.
"Quite. They simply have other duties to attend to this weekend that demand their full attention," she responded, not wanting to say more in front of Maria or Hermione.
"So we will be returning to home after this?" Hermione asked, somewhat hopefully. Dia turned to reply softly, knowing how tired her apprentice was, but her niece interrupted rudely.
"Gamoto! You don't even tell your apprentice where you're going?" Ana asked incredulously, flinching slightly as Maria whacked her leg. "What?"
Dia glared.
"Anipsiá mou, you cast judgment as quickly as you run your mouth," she growled softly, allowing a hard edge to sneak into her voice. Her niece had been treading dangerous ground for several days. "If you know what's good for you, you will mind your manners and keep your nose out of my business."
"I thought you would be happy to see us getting along, Dia," Ana innocently replied in Greek.
"Happier if you understood your place, Angeliki," Dia snapped, allowing her basket to drop to the floor as she swept her robes aside. Maria rose from the floor with raised eyebrows and quietly moved over to pin Hermione's hem, clearly giving Dia space to do what she wished.
Quickly, Dia erected a bubble around the two of them, ensuring that Maria and Hermione would not be privy to their continued conversation. Ana's eyes widened in dismay and she shrank back slightly as Dia continued in a low whisper, drawing close to her niece like a lion stalking its prey.
"You have been nothing but insolent, jealous, and ungrateful for the last several weeks, not to mention the last several days, and I'm supposed to forgive you immediately just because you are getting along? No no no, child. Don't play coy with me. If you wish for more time with me, have the courage to admit it rather than demand it through spite. You are an adult and I expect you to act like one. I will not permit you to interrupt my life nor my duties simply because it pleases your fancies. Perhaps you haven't noticed, but the world is dealing with issues larger than your problems, Angeliki. When you are ready to join the rest of us in countering them, let me know."
Ana rocked back as though she had been slapped. She stared for a moment, hazel eyes widening gradually as she slowly realized that she had pushed her aunt too far. A moment later, her cheeks flushed in earnest and she lowered her gaze. Her eyes briefly darted to the right, but Dia steadfastly ignored both Maria and her apprentice. Yes, you should be embarrassed, anipsiá.
A moment later Ana sank into a deep curtsy, head bowed in supplication.
"I apologize for my words and actions, my aunt. What you say is true," she said softly.
Dia took a deep breath, not quite ready to forgive so easily. Ana was too willing to press her buttons. This was not the way a witch of her caliber should conduct herself. Dia remained silent a moment longer, watching her niece wait for her acknowledgment.
"You have a great deal of work to do on yourself, Angeliki. You consistently antagonize me in ways that I find distasteful. I will not tolerate your disrespect and I will not tolerate you should you bring dishonor to the family with your insolence," she said coldly. She heard Ana gasp quietly, one pale hand flying to cover her mouth even as she remained bowed low. Good. The truth hurts.
"I am truly sorry, theia," Ana whispered, voice constricted, and Dia heard the telltale mark of tears. It was unfortunate that they were having this conversation in a public place, but it appeared that Ana needed the extra motivation. She would not allow her behavior to continue.
"Rise, Angeliki."
Ana stood, her eyes red-rimmed and her beautiful face streaked with tears. Dia waited for a long moment as Ana trembled slightly, but inside she was proud that her niece merely lifted her chin and waited respectfully.
"Angeliki, I say this because I love you and you deserve my honesty. I will always love you and you must trust that I will never waver in that fact. It is the nature of life and adulthood that our paths will diverge from time to time, but no matter where my obligations lead me, our family will alway comes first. Always. Do you understand me?"
Ana nodded emphatically, her lips pursing as she bit back another wave of tears. Beneath the lesson she was imparting, Dia felt her heart seize.
"Come here," she said finally and Ana fairly launched herself off the stool, falling into Dia's embrace as she cried, softly murmuring further apologies. Dia held her niece and stroked her back in a gesture that was as familiar to her as breathing. Oh Ana… I never did get it quite right with you…
She let her adult niece cry for a moment longer before stepping back and placing her hands on the woman's shoulders. Ana quickly dried her eyes and sniffed, still unable to meet her gaze. The younger witch swiftly turned and stepped back onto the stool, bowing low again as Dia dissolved the spell that had kept their conversation private.
"I apologize for my outburst, Madam Anastos and Apprentice Granger. Please forgive me for disturbing your afternoon," Ana said formally. Maria waved a hand and murmured something quietly in Greek. Sniffing quietly, Dia mused that the elegant witch had likely borne witness to several such meltdowns over the years.
"Nothing to forgive," Hermione said softly, gazing at her new friend in sympathy. Dia watched the young witch carefully, but all she saw was concern for Ana and a hint of curiosity. Her niece looked up after a moment and returned Hermione's smile with a wavering one of her own, clearly embarrassed by her behavior.
A moment later, large caramel eyes flicked to her and Dia sighed inwardly when she saw the open curiosity there betray a glimmer of fear. Anger was not an emotional state that Hermione had witnessed from her. They would have to discuss more at home.
With typical charmed timing, Yiayia chose that moment to sweep back into the shop, calling formal greetings loudly even as she burst into the back room. She swept among everyone bestowing kisses as though she hadn't seen them all in years.
"Ah darlings! I trust we are almost finished?" she asked, eyes quickly absorbing the tense scene before her.
They settled on Dia and Yiayia raised her eyebrows as Dia simply nodded.
"Indeed," she sighed tiredly.
That had been quiet enough excitement to last her until the holidays.
kopelia - doll, darling
gamoto - Fuck/Shit (rude word deserving of an upcha! on the side of one's head :p)
kataifi - rolled dessert of honey and nuts nested in shredded phyllo dough, covered with sweet syrup and pistachio.
baklava - typically triangular pastry layered with phyllo dough interspersed with honey, nuts, and spices.