LADY MALFOY

Disclaimer: Harry Potter and everything related belongs to J. K. Rowling. And the places I mention, in the story do not belong to me.

Author's note: My extreme gratitude to Phoenix Soar for showing tolerance in beta-ing a chapter that is full of gloom.

Thank you so much for your reviews and assurances!!!

Warnings: AU NON-MAGIC . Harry is a female. You will find swear words but quite seldom. Be prepared for extreme gloom, angst and drama in this chapter. I will add further warnings as story progresses.

Chapter 15: Whose Rancour? Draco or Ginny

One Sunday afternoon in late January, Draco walked into the library to find himself a book to read. While he was browsing through the books neatly arranged on the shelves, Draco heard a faint sound of sneezing. Brushing it off as his imagination, Draco returned to his perusal of books until he heard soft coughing coming from the back. Blinking in curiosity, Draco quietly strode along the aisles, scanning between the rows until he reached the very back of the library.

To his surprise, Draco found Harriet sitting on the ledge of a window with her legs pulled up and her back resting against the wall. His brow creased as Draco watched her read from the book she was holding in one hand with a look of intense concentration on her face while the other was doing some weird hand gestures.

Shaking his head once, Draco cleared his throat loudly.

Startled, Harriet jerked back and propped herself against the closed glass window. Recollecting herself once she realised who it was, "Mr. Malfoy," Harriet greeted, standing up. She was getting tired of him sneaking up on her every time.

"Why are you sitting here when there are perfectly comfortable chairs in the library?" Draco drawled a bit sarcastically.

"Er ... yes, but I thought this window has a spectacular view, don't you think?" Harriet said, moving a little so that Draco could see where she was pointing at, through the window.

Draco followed her gaze and stared. The window, indeed, presented breathtaking scenery of miles of land with a backdrop of clusters of hills covered all in pure white snow with the occasional tree covered in icicles. Draco was surprised that he, who knew every nook and cranny of Malfoy Manor, had never discovered this view.

Before Draco could agree with her, a maid entered the library and called, "Mrs. Malfoy, are you here?"

Blinking, Harriet walked forward and peered into the aisle. "Yes, Elladora, what is it?"

"Madam, Lady Malfoy would like to see you in her rooms," Elladora informed her.

"Let her know that I will be there in a moment," Harriet told her.

"Yes, Madam." Elladora bowed and left.

"Please excuse me, Mr. Malfoy," Harriet said, glancing back at Draco. Quickly restoring the book that was in her hand in the nearby shelf, Harriet left the room. In her haste, Harry failed to notice the quizzical look on Draco's face as his gaze drew back to the book.

Draco and Harriet did not cross paths again until dinner that evening. Throughout the meal and then later when they all had retired to the drawing room, Draco kept throwing calculating and slightly suspicious looks at Harriet much to her confusion.

"Are you ill?" Draco demanded, abruptly turning to face her as soon as they entered the Master suite to retire for the night.

Harriet was taken back by his rather unexpected question. At the intense gaze Draco was directing at her, "No," she answered before asking with a frown, "Why do you ask?"

"You were sneezing," Draco stated and then, seeing her frown deepen, he added for clarification, "In the library."

Her expression cleared in understanding. "Oh, there was dust on some of the old books," Harriet replied dismissively with a smile, feeling slightly touched by his concern.

Making a disapproving noise at the back of his throat, "You were reading book on medical ailments and their treatments," Draco pointed out.

The smile on her face quickly dropped. "Were you spying on me?" Harriet retorted with a glare.

Draco looked abashed only for a brief second before directing a stern, unrelenting gaze at her.

Harriet was miffed by his composure, but answered nonetheless. "I thought I would at least read the books since I could not continue training," Harriet shrugged, trying to look nonchalant.

"Training for what?" Draco questioned with his brows furrowed in confusion.

"For nursing, of course!" Harriet replied, rolling her eyes.

Draco looked stunned at her response. "Nursing? Why didn't you tell me you were training to be a nurse?" he demanded angrily at last.

Her eyes widened in shock, "I thought you knew! After all, Blaise's treatment had been my first nursing experience," Harriet said matter-of -factly.

Draco's eyes grew large for a second before narrowing into slits, "Why didn't you tell me this when I asked about you on our first meeting?" Draco asked, accusation blatant in his tone.

"Mr. Malfoy, you can hardly expect me to discuss my profession, especially something that is as wary as nursing. Why, my own family doesn't like it. My mother was displeased by my choice to be a nurse, but she agreed upon the combined persuasion of Mr. Dumbledore, Mrs. McGonagall and Father, though she forbade me from ever discussing it outside of my work. I don't mind since I understand her reasoning as to why most people would find such topics uneasy," Harriet explained and then seeing his unchanged expression, she earnestly added, "I really would have told you if I didn't think that Blaise would have informed you already."

Silence reigned between them for a couple of minutes until Harriet finally asked, "Did Blaise at least told you how we met?"

"Yes, he said you saved his life and then nursed him back to health," Draco begrudgingly replied, still looking slightly put out at having been kept in dark.

Nodding, "I found him unconscious one rainy evening by the lake. Blaise was severely injured from the nasty fall he took when his horse slipped on a muddy path. I took him to our local apothecary, which is run by an elderly man, Mr. Albert Pomfrey, while his wife, Madam Pomfrey, offers nursing services to the villagers. But Madam Pomfrey, at that time, was occupied with treating a pregnant woman. So I had to tend to Blaise under her guidance. The surgeon who later came to check on him advised against Blaise being transferred in his condition to the Zabini residence, so he had to stay in Pomfrey's sickroom for three weeks. I took care of him most of the time since Madam Pomfrey was busy with other patients and Mr. Pomfrey had to look after the apothecary," Harriet told him quietly. After the miscommunication, Harriet wanted to clear the matter wholly.

Draco watched her intently as she spoke.

At his prodding stare, she elucidated with a sigh. "The Pomfrey couple said that I had an aptitude for nursing by the time Blaise was ready to leave and told me that I could make a profession out of it if I had proper training, and then Madam Pomfrey promptly offered to take me as her apprentice if I was interested. I never thought about being a nurse before, but I liked treating Blaise, so I agreed. That was how my nursing training started. Madam Pomfrey had been training me for last four years. I also started working in their apothecary just a year ago since Mr. Pomfrey's old age restricts him from constantly moving around," Harriet admitted bashfully.

Worried at continued silence of Draco whose face was devoid of any emotion, "Does it bother you that much? My profession?" Harriet asked him warily.

Regarding her after a moment, "You are no longer working, so it doesn't matter," Draco answered offhandedly.

"I see," Harriet said at length and then promptly disappeared into her dressing room.

Draco frowned, recognising both hurt and slight anger in her tone. He surely noticed the lack of her usual 'Goodnight' when she returned to the bedroom to sleep.

In the middle of a cold night in February, Draco woke Harriet up again with his nightmare. Calming him back to sleep, Harriet watched Draco in distress for a long time before coming to a decision. Her mind swirled with the thoughts of possible outcomes that would result from her actions the next morning as she drifted into an uneasy sleep.

In the morning, Harriet woke up early, as was her habit. Finishing her morning ablutions, Harriet settled on the fluffy sofa with a book while waiting for Draco to wake up. Considering what she was going to speak of, Harriet thought they needed the privacy of their rooms. Despite her misgivings, she decided that the conversation could no longer be delayed.

Around eight O' clock, Draco woke up and got dressed for the day. He was, however, surprised to find Harriet in the sitting room. She usually left the suite long before he woke up, something he was secretly glad of. He didn't think that his sleep-muddled brain would be careful enough to remember hiding his morning arousal everyday. And it would be the height of mortification for both of them if she saw him in such a state. Also, Draco had never been more appreciative of his habit of sleeping face front. He certainly found sharing a room with another person irksome especially since he never shared his rooms with anyone. The fact that Harriet was a bloody woman only added to his annoyance.

"Mrs. Malfoy?"

Immediately standing on her feet, "Good morning, Mr. Malfoy," Harriet said pleasantly albeit nervously.

"Good morning."

"I wanted to talk to you about something," Harriet answered at his silent, questioning stare.

Draco tilted his head a little as an indication for her to continue.

"Well, um … you see," Harriet started hesitantly, but looking at his arched brow, Harriet did not know how to continue. All the different ways in which she had planned to broach the subject seemed to have fled from her mind at the sight of his intimidating form and she started biting her lips as she anxiously eyed him.

"Mrs. Malfoy!" Draco prompted impatiently.

"I know about your nightmares," Harriet finally blurted out when he started tapping his boot.

Draco stilled and it only took a second for his expression to harden. Suddenly, the pleasant atmosphere of the morning morphed into a tense silence and Harriet could feel every bit of the cold outside despite the wood that was merrily crackling in the fireplace.

After a long moment, Draco opened his mouth. "I told you on the first night that we cannot sleep in different rooms without raising suspicions. I will see if I can arrange different beds for us …" Draco grounded out coldly.

Harriet's eyes widened when she realised how he had taken her words. "Mr. Malfoy, that is not what I meant to say at all," Harriet denied vehemently.

Draco snorted loudly in contempt and then, swiftly turning around, he made to leave the room.

"Wait, please, Mr. Malfoy, wait," Harriet urged frantically.

Ignoring her urgent pleas, Draco determinedly marched towards the door.

Not knowing how to make him understand her intentions, "I also know about Anna," Harriet cried impulsively.

Those words were enough to freeze Draco in his mid-stride. Harriet watched as his back immediately stiffened. After a long pause, Draco turned around to face her again. When he did, Harriet started at the absolute fury that was burning in his eyes.

"Who?" Draco asked with such iciness that it sent shivers down her spine.

Instead of answering, Harriet bit her lip furiously, glancing between the floor and him.

"Who?" Draco barked, advancing on her with a dangerous glint in his eyes and an ugly snarl on his face.

Backing away from him in fear, "Grandmother," Harriet quickly confessed.

Draco stood rooted on his spot at that. Harriet immediately jumped to clarify things when a look of utter betrayal briefly crossed Draco's face.

"I know about your nightmares," she began only to cringe at his hateful glare. A pause later, "I know about your nightmares and there were times when you were vocal. I know you said that it didn't matter if I didn't know your past, but you saying her name only increased my curiosity. So, I went to Grandmother for answers. She did not volunteer the details until I forced her to," Harriet rushed out, her gaze dropped to the floor.

Draco narrowed his eyes spitefully at her. He did not care for the guilty and slightly remorseful look on her face as he clenched his hands tightly into fists to prevent himself from physically attacking her. When he could no longer control his temper, Draco turned away from her.

Harriet visibly winced as she caught the look of utter disdain on his face before he glanced away from her and made to leave again.

"Please Mr. Malfoy, give me a chance to explain. Please give me five minutes, I promise that I will never raise this issue after that," Harriet urged, hurrying forward and stepping in front of him to prevent him from leaving.

"Move away, Potter!" Draco snarled furiously, causing her to gasp sharply at his use of her maiden name.

Then stubbornly shaking her head, Harriet firmly planted herself against the door, blocking his path. "I did not bring this matter up to ridicule you in any way. If you don't trust my words, then believe it from a person who suffered similarly with nightmares not very long ago," Harriet said beseechingly, her eyes filled with unshed tears.

Her words turned out to be effectively deterrent as they made Draco pause.

Harriet averted her eyes when his gaze on her face sharpened. Swallowing thickly, she continued. "When I was first brought to The Burrow, I was overwhelmed by the Weasleys' generosity and instant acceptance of me. I was sceptical about their attitude towards me for weeks. Along with the elation of having a lifelong dream fulfilled also came the fears. I fretted that the Weasleys, the Burrow and Biddestone were part of some elaborate dream from which I would wake up at any time to find myself once again slaving under my relatives' cruel guardianship. These fears showed their ugly heads in the form of nightmares," Harriet confessed softly.

Her gaze drew distant and haunted as she spoke, "None of them were as scary as the one in which I dreamt of the Dursleys coming to The Burrow and viciously dragging me back to their home, my hell, while the Weasleys could do nothing but watch helplessly. I silently suffered from them for months without the Weasleys being any the wiser. I had convinced myself that they shouldn't be burdened with more of my troubles after so much that they had already done for me. But the truth was that I hated displaying anymore of my vulnerabilities. That was what I truly felt. I thought those nightmares were my weakness. I hated to reveal it to anybody, even to the loving Weasleys. But one night it all became too much. I broke my resolve and I confessed everything to my parents. Both Father and Mother were disappointed at first that I could not come to trust them with my problems, but later they helped me overcome them through several discussions and assurances that the Dursleys would never show their faces at The Burrow after everything they had done, and if they did, the Weasleys would fight them for my rights. It took many months for me to rid myself of those dreams and when they did, contentment and joy were boundless."

Harriet momentarily closed her eyes in an effort to push those painful memories to the very back of her mind.

Fluttering her eyes open, she glanced back at Draco who immediately turned away from her. "Please believe me, Mr. Malfoy, I did not bring the issue of your nightmares for the purpose of mocking you or because I was subtly saying that they disturb me at night. I broached it because you shouldn't suffer them at all after the magnanimous deed you did for Anna," Harriet said, her face earnest.

When Draco stayed silent, "And I am extremely sorry that I went behind your back to satisfy my curiosity. I should have let it go when you said that it didn't matter," Harriet added remorsefully.

"Please don't be angry at Grandmother. I forced her to reveal the events to me. I think Grandmother believed that as your lifelong partner, I was entitled to know your past. She has no fault in it," Harriet pleaded him.

Letting out a breath slowly, "I also did not reveal my past because I expect you do the same and discuss them with me. I know that we barely know each other and will probably never see each other by the end of the contract. And to confide something this private, a person has to have immeasurable trust in the other. But I most strongly hope that you will discuss those nightmares with someone you trust implicitly like Grandmother or even Blaise or anyone that is close to your heart and seek relief by banishing them," Harriet finally appealed.

Noting his still clenched jaw and his body taut with anger, Harriet sighed deeply in resignation and moved away from the door.

Draco didn't linger a second longer once she had cleared his path.

Breakfast that morning was the most uncomfortable one Harriet had ever participated in. She was the last one to enter the dinner room and when she did, Harriet immediately noticed the perplexed look on Alexandra's face as she eyed Draco. It did not take Harriet any more than a second to deduce that the cause of her bewilderment was Draco's lack of acknowledgement and cold countenance.

Alexandra then turned to Harriet for answers.

Sparing a glance at Draco from the corner of her eye to make sure that he wasn't looking at either of them, Harriet simply mouthed the words, "He knows," at her with an apologetic grimace.

Quick on the uptake, Alexandra understood Harriet's implications and then her face acquired a resigned look. Consequently, she ceased her attempts to start a conversation with him. Other than the clinking and scraping noise of the china and utensils, stifling silence reigned throughout the meal.

That night, Harriet anxiously waited for Draco to return to their suite. When he didn't show up by midnight, Harriet fell into a fitful sleep, reckoning that maybe he had finally decided to sleep elsewhere, disregarding the other inhabitants' opinions. Harriet, however, was relieved when she found him beside her on the bed the next morning.

Draco's behaviour towards Harriet and Alexandra did not change at all over the following two weeks. He gave the cold shoulder to Alexandra while completely ignoring Harriet's presence. Despite the frosty weather of February, Draco started spending as much time as possible away from the Manor. The only meal he shared with the Malfoy ladies was the breakfast. He left the Manor everyday with curt instructions to not wait for him at the dinner table. Draco also started to make a habit of not entering the master suite until late at night. Harriet supposed he wanted her asleep by the time he did.

Meanwhile, Harriet silently mourned the loss of comradeship and the certain level of easy companionship that they had achieved over their four-month marriage. Looking back on the dreadful morning, Harriet internally shook her head in disappointment and a bit of disgust at her complete lack of intelligence. Despite knowing how much Draco hated the intrusion of his privacy, Harriet had stupidly gone on with her impulse. But then, she only knew she could not continue to watch him suffer in silence. In truth, Harriet had, in fact, anticipated such reactions on Draco's part, but at that time Harriet's only priority had been to get him some help. She was prepared to deal with whatever discontent that would come to exist between them.

On the other hand, Harriet was both surprised and shocked at how freely she had offered that part of her past to Draco, which only her family and Madam Pomfrey had known. Harriet hadn't even confided it to her best friend. She accounted it to the empathy she felt for Draco and also the reason why she felt so comfortable in sharing them with him.

Despite her good intentions, Harriet's actions totally backfired. In addition to causing immeasurable embarrassment, her actions had dug out some painful memories of the past for Draco if his brooding visage was anything to go by, and that awareness kept painfully pounding at her heart.

Harriet's compunction only mounted whenever she caught the anguished looks on Alexandra's face when Draco purposefully brushed her off. In her mad rush to discover the truth, she failed to consider how the consequences of her actions would affect Alexandra, and for that, Harriet felt awful. Now, she was the reason for the discord between Alexandra and her grandson.

More than ever, Harriet missed the lively and light-hearted atmosphere of The Burrow. She dearly wished to retreat to her hometown for few days, but she squashed such ideas when she thought of leaving Alexandra in her grave solitude, especially when Draco wasn't speaking to her. Also, Harriet felt that it would like escaping her rightful punishment.

Still, that did not stop Harriet from wishing to sleep elsewhere so that Draco and she could get a bit of reprieve from the strained silence and the awkwardness that seemed to have become their constant companion whenever they were together.

Even the other inhabitants noticed the disquiet among the Malfoy family.

When the torment became unbearable, Harriet waited late into night for Draco to make an appearance in their rooms. When he did, Harriet pretended to be asleep while he disappeared into his dressing room to change for the night. Harriet lay still with her eyes closed as she felt him climbing onto the bed and stretching his body out on his side of the mattress.

When she was certain that Draco could not ignore or escape her, Harriet, from her position at the very corner of the bed where she was lying on her side, facing the other side, spoke up. "Be angry with me all you want, Mr. Malfoy, but don't direct that anger towards Grandmother too. It was entirely my fault for urging her to reveal your past. I feel guilty that she is disappointed and hurting because of your silence and it pains me to be the cause. She already misses her son and daughters; she does not have to miss her grandson too. Please talk to her," Harriet said piteously, her throat catching a little.

No more words were uttered thereafter as Draco's face assumed a thoughtful expression. Eventually, Harriet fell asleep with a troubled look on her face.

Over the following days, Draco slowly made an effort of abandoning his frustration at Alexandra much to her surprise and delight, causing Harriet to sigh in relief. But unfortunately for Harriet, Draco transferred whatever ire he still held for Alexandra to her. Previously where Draco had mostly ignored her, he now demonstrated a bitter and unforgiving attitude towards her. Harriet bore the punishment for the concession he made, more so because it was her request.

Now that Draco was talking to her, though there was still some awkwardness left that would only dissipate with time, Alexandra was eager to make peace between the couple. But Harriet quickly dissuaded her of all plans with an assurance that Draco will forgive her in his own time and that she did not want that to happen against Draco's own freewill. She internally hoped that time would come sooner rather than later. Harriet forcibly told her that she absolutely refused to be responsible for another tiff between Alexandra and Draco. Alexandra accepted her reasoning with a grim smile though her blue eyes held pride for her.

One morning, Harriet was sitting by the pianoforte in the drawing room, listlessly playing with the keys while her mind was occupied with thoughts of Draco. Harriet had long come to accept the fact that she had started to genuinely care for him and has gotten accustomed to his sarcastic humour, wit and commanding yet caring presence in her life. As a result, his continued silence felt like torture to her.

'Maybe he wouldn't have been this upset about my learning of his unpleasant past if ours' were a real marriage and I was his lifelong partner,' Harriet thought. And that reflection strangely hurt.

With a miserable sigh, Harriet gave up playing and laid her head on the smooth surface of the piano, sullenly staring out the glass window. That was the state in which Alexandra found her upon entering the room a few minutes later.

Alexandra sympathetically gazed at the dejected form of Harriet for a moment before calling her attention.

In the next second, Harriet noticed Alexandra and greeted her with a small smile.

"I thought I would indulge myself with your music, Harriet," Alexandra said lightly, walking towards the sofa and settling in it.

"Of course, what would you like to listen?" Harriet asked her pleasantly.

In an afternoon in Mid-March, Alexandra and Harriet were seated in the drawing room, occupied with reading and sewing respectively.

Suddenly, Alexandra spoke up, "Darling, why don't you invite your sister and friend to spend sometime at the Manor?"

Harriet looked surprised at her suggestion. At the questioning look on Alexandra's face, "I would be happy to, Grandmother, but Mr. Malfoy ..." Harriet trailed off uncertainly.

Waving a dismissing hand, "I want you to. The Manor feels gloomy and could certainly do with a few more people. Write letters inviting them to the Manor. I will inform Draco of their visit," Alexandra decisively told her.

Harriet still looked uncertain about it, but upon Alexandra's insistence, she acquiesced. She wasn't present when Alexandra next spoke to Draco about it, so she had no idea how he reacted to it. A couple of times, Harriet caught him eyeing her accusingly, but he did not voice his displeasure over the invitation. Even Harriet wasn't happy about inviting Hermione and Ginny to the Manor simply because she didn't want them to witness the chasm that now existed between her and Draco.

Despite her apprehension, Harriet wrote letters to her and Hermione's parents, inviting Ginny and Hermione respectively to stay at the Manor. A couple of days later, Harriet received positive responses from both, along with the information that they would be arriving together on the last Wednesday of the month of March.

Upon their arrival at the Manor, the young ladies were received pleasantly by Harriet and Alexandra and politely in the case of Draco. After exchanging news of their families and hometown for a few minutes, Harriet took Hermione and Ginny to show them their rooms.

As soon as they left, Draco stood to leave the Manor. "Since we are entertaining guests, Draco, you should be back before dinner," Alexandra told him sternly. "It would be quite an insult if the Master of the house were to be absent at dinner without a proper reason."

"Well, Grandmother, I did not invite them," Draco said bitterly.

"No, I did. So you will put your disagreements aside and follow the etiquette," Alexandra dictated strictly.

In response, Draco threw a glare at her before leaving. He hated it when she treated him like a child.

While Ginny was dazzled about spending her entire visit in the exquisite guest rooms that had a full set of dressing rooms and a separate bathroom with a huge marble bathtub, Hermione was in ruptures over the variety of books in the library.

Over the following days, Hermione and Ginny relayed the happenstance of Biddestone, which kept Harriet from sulking over the situation between her and Draco

"I saw Mr. Pomfrey's new apprentice when I went to buy Father's medicine, Harry. Mr. Pomfrey doesn't seem very happy with him and is found constantly berating him for one mistake or another. In truth, I think he just misses you," Hermione remarked softly.

Harriet's smile was both of amusement and a distant longing.

"As for Madam Pomfrey, she talks about you all the time. She indubitably misses her apprentice. I think it bothers her that you did not get to finish your training," Hermione told her gently. "Do you miss it, Harry?"

Harry shrugged wordlessly while her eyes held lament.

"Now that spring is here, I would expect an influx of parties and balls in Tisbury," Alexandra was found saying during dinner one evening. "What about Biddestone, Miss Granger?" she inquired, glancing at Hermione.

"Oh yes, our village is no different. Families hold parties now and then, but spring ball is for certain. Every year on the last week of May, the annual ball is held in the Biddestone community hall. Most of the village assemble there for dancing, drinking and the usual merrymaking," Hermione replied with a smile.

"Well, that sounds like fun," Alexandra commented in approbation.

"It is," Hermione confirmed and then glancing at Harriet, "You will be attending won't you, Harry?" she asked expectantly.

Nonplussed, Harriet threw a quick glance at Draco's impassive face. "Umm … I ..."

Sparing Harriet from answering, "Of course she will. But this time she will be escorted by her husband," Alexandra announced airily much to Draco's frustration and Harriet's anxiety.

Draco's conduct towards Harriet remained unaltered even in the presence of their company. If Alexandra thought that the presence of Harriet's family member and a friend would deter Draco's attitude, she was sorely mistaken. As a result, Harriet had to deal with frowns from the ever-perceptive Hermione with fake, ignorant smiles. Ginny did not seem to mind her brother-in-law's disposition either because she internally cheered his lack of affections for Harriet or that she was so self-absorbed to notice the rift between her sister and her husband.

In addition to Draco's reticence, Harriet had to bear Ginny's depraved manners with awkward smiles and apologetic looks. Ginny seemed resolved to confide every single one of Harriet's embarrassing moments of childhood to the Malfoys while ignoring the quelling looks from Hermione. Harriet was at least glad that Ginny treated the Malfoys with reverence. But, with more than sixty years of experience at her disposal, Alexandra instantly recognised Ginny's show of respect for what it was, phoney at its worse. If Ginny's aim was to make Harriet look bad in front of her in-laws, they flopped out right for she received nothing but looks of disgust from Alexandra and cold frowns from Draco in response.

Several times, Harriet did her best in diverting Hermione from voicing her questions by involving her in some or other form of activity or querying after the people in her village or insisting on taking walks around the estate as the descent of spring season has now adorned the Manor gardens and path hedges with tender green leaves and numerous colours of buds and flowers, and the vast grounds with lush grass.

One late morning, Harriet walked into the library after finishing the weekly auditing of accounts of the household purchases with the housemaid, Marie.

"I knew I would find you here," Harriet said, smiling at Hermione who was reclined on one of the high backed chairs on the room, with her nose buried in a tome. "Where is Ginny?"

"Taking a scented bath, I believe," Hermione answered with a snort.

"Again?" Harriet asked in exasperation.

Nodding, "Your servants do not look happy with her obnoxious demands. I, for one, don't blame them; carrying hot water to the rooms is a laborious task," Hermione told her.

"Maybe next time, I can give her the guest room that is nearer to the kitchen," Harriet mused aloud.

Hermione gave her an incredulous look as if you say, 'You seriously believe the Malfoys will invite her again.'

Harriet shrugged, occupying the chair beside her.

Hermione had been studying Draco's behaviour in general and especially the couple's interactions ever since her arrival at the Manor. She had been so bowled over by Mr. Malfoy's abrupt proposal, Harriet's out of the blue confession of knowing him for several months without anyone's knowledge and their hasty marriage that she had no chance to comprehend the couple's exact feelings for each other. And she hated the lack of understanding of what Harriet saw in him to accept his proposal. So, she had come to a decision to use this opportunity to discover the reasons for their marriage when Ginny and she set out to the Manor. And what she had found was not at all encouraging and a bit depressing.

"Harry, why did you marry Mr. Malfoy?" Hermione asked suddenly, breaking the tranquil atmosphere of the library. She could no longer contain herself from voicing her opinions regarding their marriage.

Harriet looked thoroughly taken aback by her abrupt question. Then, recollecting herself, "I married him because I like him. I told you this before, Hermione." Harriet responded quietly.

"Like him," Hermione dubiously repeated and then shaking her head, "Harry, you have been evading from giving a proper answer to that question since Mr. Malfoy proposed, but not anymore. I want to know your exact reasons for marrying him," she demanded, directing a penetrating gaze at Harriet.

"Hermione, my answer isn't going to change no matter how many times you ask," Harriet replied defensively, pursing her lips.

Hermione studied her friend's defiant stance in silence and decided to change the tactics. "You said you wanted to marry a man who possessed Mr. Weasley's disposition," Hermione stated calmly. "And I see no similarities between Mr. Malfoy and Mr. Weasley except that Mr. Malfoy did not demand the dowry. Then why did you choose to accept his proposal, Harry?"

Harriet silently shook her head in disbelief.

"I know you, Harry. Despite people's speculations, I know that you would not let princely lifestyle to sway you into an undesirable marriage," Hermione continued persistently.

Feeling frustrated, Harriet bit out, "Maybe you are wrong. Maybe I married him for his riches….."

"Harry, you are not fooling me into believing that," Hermione scoffed. "Tell me why exactly did you marry him? Mr. Malfoy is cold, distant, arrogant and reserved. I don't understand why you thought you would be happy with him."

"Hermione, just because our fathers and my brothers are so expressive of their feelings, it doesn't mean all men are like that!" Harriet snapped angrily. "So stop saying such things about him and in his own house, no less."

Snorting loudly in disbelief, "Well then, let's go back to Biddestone and talk about this," Hermione insisted, not at all deterred by Harriet's words.

Harriet closed her eyes, praying for the patience that seemed to be finally waning into nothing. "Hermione, I don't know what else to say to make you believe me," she sighed tiredly, opening her eyes.

Hermione released a frustrated huff. "How do you expect me to believe you, Harry, when Mr. Malfoy bestows upon you the same aloofness with which he treats me and Ginny? In our two-week stay, I haven't witnessed a single moment where he has shown you any regard, much less affection. He barely acknowledges your presence and you are his wife. I can understand his reservations, but his attitude towards you is bordering on asperity. I am surprised that you don't have separate rooms," Hermione snapped, her voice growing shrill with each sentence. Gazing concernedly at her friend, she added, "I can hardly feel your marital bliss, Harry, and it worries me greatly."

Harriet knew that that was exactly the current situation between Draco and her, but hearing an outsider voicing them hurt her like hell and her eyes started prickling with tears. "Don't say such things about him," Harriet breathed faintly.

Seeing the stricken expression on Harriet's face, Hermione leaped out of her chair and gathered her in her arms. "I am sorry, Harry. I didn't mean to judge so harshly," Hermione whispered regretfully. "I always imagined intense passion in your love life, but now I am worried that you might be suffering silently in an unhappy marriage."

A few minutes later, Harriet backed away from her embrace. "It's all right, Hermione. I can understand your concerns. But trust me when I say that Mr. Malfoy is just as compassionate as my Father, despite his outward apathy. As to his behaviour towards me, it is a recent development and is completely my doing. He wasn't always this way with me," Harriet told her earnestly. "Only the people who are very close to him are privileged to witness that gentle and caring side of him."

At the sceptical look on Hermione's face, she sighed heavily. "I did something that he explicitly told me not to do," Harriet admitted at last.

"What could you have done to deserve such treatment?" Hermione asked in perplexity.

Harriet just shook her head and then took Hermione's hands in hers, "Please don't mistake his anger for indifference," Harriet implored her. "I deserve everything and more that he doles out on me."

"So what? Is he going to punish you as if you are some recalcitrant child?" Hermione argued incessantly.

"Would you prefer him to use physical force then?" Harriet snapped reproachfully, causing Hermione to blanch.

"Harry, I didn't mean it like that. I just find his reactions a little too harsh," Hermione defended herself.

"You are determined to condemn him, aren't you? Trust me when I say, if our positions were reversed, I would have been as angry as he is, if not more," Harriet declared with ferocious glint in her eyes. And it was true, if Harriet found out that someone was snooping around her past against her censure, she would have reacted similarly. 'You never had to experience anything like our pasts, Hermione. You wouldn't understand our persistent need to keep it deeply buried,' Harriet thought grimly.

There was a moment's pause. Hermione's shoulders slumped in defeat as she said, "If you say so, Harry."

Feeling slightly guilty for snapping at her, "Hermione, I am sorry. But you don't have to worry about me, Mr. Malfoy won't be angry for long," Harriet assured her with the confidence she did not feel.

With that the matter ended.

Harriet was apprising the Christmas celebrations at the Manor to Hermione and Ginny with animated descriptions in the drawing room where they were comfortably settled when Ginny interrupted her.

"While you were ensconced in the Manor, enjoying the comforts of expensive furniture, clothes and all, we had to face humiliation all because of you," Ginny said spitefully. She had had enough of Harriet's description of the supremely grand Christmas celebrations of the Malfoys.

Nonplussed, "What are you talking about?" Harriet asked sharply.

"Ginny!" Hermione hissed in warning, knowing where she was going with this.

"What? It is true!" Ginny exclaimed shrilly at Hermione and then, swirling her head back at Harriet, she pointed an index finger at her. "After your cruel estrangement, Cedric was left heartbroken. In his hysteria, Cedric stumbled over to The Burrow and started hurling loud insults at the family. For a fearful moment, I thought he would attack Father in his inebriated state," Ginny arraigned her

"Ginny, that is enough!" Hermione snapped waspishly while gazing concernedly at a teary-eyed and thoroughly shocked Harriet.

Undaunted by her words, "You were there, Hermione, you saw how he behaved with us," Ginny continued to condemn her sister. "The mess you left behind caused much shame and embarrassment to the family. Did you know that it happened on one of the Christmas holidays and, thus, ruined our festivities?"

In the next moment, the blood had drained from Harriet's face in horror when her gaze fell on fuming Alexandra standing at the doorway. Hermione, who now noticed her presence, inhaled sharply and watched as, without uttering a single word, Alexandra walked away.

Breaking out of her stupor after a long pause, Harriet sprang on her feet and hurried after Alexandra with Hermione following in her wake.

Harriet bid at Hermione's anxious cry to stop. Approaching her side, "Harry, don't believe Ginny. In her jealous rage, she is exaggerating the whole affair. I will go explain and clear the matter with Lady Malfoy," Hermione comforted her though she herself looked worried.

With tears streaming down her flushed cheeks, Harriet shook her head. "No, I should …" she trailed off. Quickly turning away, Harriet trudged off in the direction of Alexandra's rooms.

Timidly knocking on the door, Harriet had to wait a full five minutes before she received permission to enter. Stepping inside, Harriet found Alexandra reclining on the sofa with an air of calmness.

Diffidently approaching closer, Harriet squatted in front of her and said, "I am extremely sorry, Grandmother. Please forgive me."

"What are you apologising for?" Alexandra enquired blankly.

"I ..." Harriet stammered and then frowned to herself. "I don't know," Harriet admitted innocently at last.

"Maybe you are apologising because you believe you have hurt and betrayed me," Alexandra said perceptively.

Nodding in agreement, "You were so angry when you left," Harriet pointed out nervously.

Making a dismissive motion with her hand, "Yes but it wasn't directed at you. I left so I wouldn't loss my temper with Miss Weasley," Alexandra replied calmly.

Harriet looked bewildered at her admission.

"Darling, you are my granddaughter now. I will not tolerate people insulting my family and in my own house at that. Even if it is your own sister," Alexandra declared fiercely.

"I thought you were angry about what Ginny said regarding Cedric," Harriet stated, her tone slightly questioning.

"Ah yes. From what I gathered, this Cedric person seems to be strongly enamoured by you," Alexandra responded and then, seeing the grimace on Harriet's face, Alexandra gently took said face in her hands, "Dearest, being the sweetheart that you are, I am not at all surprised that you had admirers in your village. Besides, we women need those admirers to boast our vanity. But our spouses wouldn't approve of such sentiment so let's keep it just between us," she said with a conspiratorial wink.

Alexandra's words caused a small smile to unfold on Harriet's face.

Comfortable silence reigned in that room for a couple of minutes before, "Who is Cedric, anyway?" Alexandra asked interestedly.

"Mr. Cedric Diggory is my twin brothers' friend who also lives in Biddestone with his parents. We used to play together when we were children. He is also an acquaintance of the family. But Cedric has been living in town because of his education for the last three years, only returning to his family on holidays," Harriet told her.

"Just like all my brothers' other friends, Cedric is a good friend. I had no idea that he harboured such feelings for me. Never in our encounters did he imply his affections. Please believe me, Grandmother," Harriet said beseechingly. "And I did not choose Mr. Malfoy over Cedric." She was about to add, 'because of his wealth' but refrained because that would be a lie.

Looking at the pure honesty in her expressive green eyes, "I believe you, Harriet," Alexandra said with a smile.

Breathing in relief, "Thank you," Harriet replied fervently.

"But Draco wouldn't have been equally patient or understanding if he had been the one who heard your conversation. He is quite possessive about what is his, so it would better if he is not informed of this matter," Alexandra cautioned her.

Harriet nodded in understanding.

"Also, it would be in the best interest of everyone if Miss Weasley left the Manor. Considering that Draco is still incensed with us for discussing the past, this matter would only add to fire his ire," Alexandra reasoned gently.

"I believe Miss Granger would also leave in such case. She is lovely young lady to get to know and I am regretful that you could not be able to enjoy her company here longer," Alexandra said grimly.

And Harriet had to concur.

Alexandra sympathetically watched as Harriet walked out with a defeated air. When she proposed to Harriet about inviting her sister and friend, she had hoped that they would distract Harriet from her melancholy by providing her much needed company, and even compel Draco to tamper his cold address towards Harriet. Instead, their visit had only served to escalate Harriet's strain.

Harriet found Hermione pacing in the library, awaiting her return. Noticing Harriet at the doorway, Hermione quickly walked forward.

"Harry, what happened? Did you explain everything to Lady Malfoy? What did she say?" Hermione enquired anxiously.

Instead of answering her, Harriet bowed her head in sorrow and shame.

There was a silence.

"Oh," Hermione breathed finally in understanding as she sympathetically eyed Harriet's consternate expression that give the impression that Harriet was undergoing an internal battle over relaying the unpleasant news.

Hermione had, in fact, been anticipating something like this while waiting for her friend. While Hermione found Alexandra Malfoy to be everything Harriet had credited her with in the letters, she was also fiercely protective of her family. It came as no surprise to Hermione that Alexandra was deeply offended by Ginny's constant insults towards her granddaughter-in-law. During their stay, Hermione hadn't missed the close bond that Harriet and Lady Malfoy seemed to share. If Hermione weren't sure that Harriet had never met Alexandra until Mr. Malfoy's proposal, she would have wondered whether Harriet agreed to marry him simply because she loved his grandmother.

Finally taking a deep breath, "Harry, I didn't mean to admit this, but I miss my parents, the Biddestone and also your brother," Hermione said in order to save her friend from voicing it.

Harriet jerked her head back up and stared at her in astonishment.

Looking at each other, they communicated silently and then Harriet tightly hugged her best friend with a choked gratitude.

During dinner that evening, Hermione informed Draco of their departure tomorrow morning. He looked flummoxed by the announcement, but quickly accepted without any objections. He hated entertaining guests in the Manor who weren't his immediate family longer than a week.

During the entire stay, the young women had dared to make him uncomfortable in his own house. While Draco was disturbed and a bit frustrated by the frequent scrutinizing and occasional accusing stares that Hermione subjected him to, Ginny's shameless demeanour plain disgusted him. He was very relieved when their unwanted guests left the next day. In his opinion, they had overstayed their visit for more than two weeks.

Travelling in Alexandra's personal carriage, Hermione realised with shame how unseemly they had behaved towards their hosts. Hermione had no choice but include herself for being responsible for Harriet's agony. Hermione could not forget the regret and misery plainly etched on Harriet's face when they had departed. She had totally taken Harriet for granted and sprouted insults at her husband without thinking how they might affect Harriet. Though Hermione could not discern Draco's reasons for marrying Harriet, it was clear to her that her friend really liked him, however unbelievable able that was.

'Ginny was no good either,' Hermione thought with a glare. Hermione marvelled at Harriet's patience and also frustrated with her for putting up with Ginny's nuisance in silence. Personally, Hermione was getting fed up of Ginny belittling Harriet at every turn. Ginny hadn't taken Hermione's decision to return to the Biddestone well. But before she could criticize or blame Harriet for it, Alexandra targeted her with smouldering glares that could melt a stone. Abashed, Ginny meekly agreed.

Their carriage first arrived at The Burrow to drop off Ginny. She was, however, surprised to notice Hermione climbing down after her and then requesting the driver, Goyle, to wait for her.

When Ginny questioned her actions, "I have to give Harry's letter to your parents," Hermione replied tartly.

Narrowing her eyes in suspicion, Ginny offered to take the letter to her parents herself, which Hermione brusquely declined.

Molly, who had been sewing in the living room, looked astonished by their abrupt arrival. "How come you girls did not inform us of your arrival?" Molly enquired them.

Ginny took the opportunity to complain how Harriet changed into an arrogant and bigheaded woman with her new found status and how she had unceremoniously thrown them out.

"Stop lying, Ginny!" Hermione finally snapped. Thrusting Harriet's letter into Molly's hand, "Please read this, Mrs. Weasley," Hermione insisted her.

Furrowing her brows in bewilderment, Molly opened the letter and read. She looked aghast by the time she had finished reading her daughter's sombre letter filled with endless apologies for being the cause of Cedric's heartache, their humiliation at his hands and at last for turning away her sister and friend.

"How did Harry find out?" Molly demanded them in shock.

In response, Hermione briefly recounted their visit. "And Lady Malfoy heard Ginny blaming Harriet for Cedric's conduct in December. She was quite affronted by it," she thus finished the detailed accounting of yesterday's events while ignoring Ginny's bitter glares.

"Oh my poor baby," Molly moaned in distress.

Ginny growled derisively, immediately drawing Molly's attention on her.

"Ginny, go to your room," Molly commanded her seriously. "I refuse to deal with you in your father's absence."

"What?" Ginny exclaimed petulantly.

"Go!" Molly bellowed loudly. "Don't you dare come out until I say so!"

Seeing the scary countenance of her mother, Ginny blanched before stomping up to her room without further objection.

"Don't worry, Mrs. Weasley. Lady Malfoy didn't seem angry at Harry when we left," Hermione said placidly to the depressed looking Molly.

That evening, Arthur found a pale-faced Molly pacing agitatedly in the living room when he returned from work.

"Mrs. Weasley, what happened?" Arthur asked, announcing his presence.

"Oh Mr. Weasley!" Molly bemoaned, rushing to his side. "Ask Ginny what she has done!"

"Ginny returned from Tisbury?" Arthur enquired curiously.

Nodding impatiently, Molly recounted everything that Hermione had told her.

With a horrified look, Arthur sank into a chair and hid his face in his hands while listening to Molly's monologue.

Grazing his face with his palms, "Bring Ginny here," Arthur said at last.

Squeezing his shoulder in comfort, Molly left the room to do as bided. A couple of minutes later, Molly returned with Ginny in tow.

Ginny frowned at the serious expression on her mild-mannered father's face while Arthur studied his daughter in silence.

"Ginny, what do you have to say for your actions at your sister's house?" Arthur asked her gravely.

"I simply divulged the facts," Ginny simply shrugged.

"Facts, Ginny? You and I both know that those are wild speculations born out of envy," Arthur said, shaking his head in incredulity.

Ginny glared at her father at his pointed insulation.

"Despite the hospitality they have shown us in last few months, the Malfoys are a proud lot. They would not take the news of Harry's love affairs before marriage lightly no matter how false they might be. You do understand that you have now given them a reason to speculate and even question Harry's virtue with your proclamations, don't you?" Arthur remarked disappointment thickly laced in his voice.

Ginny shrugged unconcernedly.

"You foolish girl! Don't you realise that if Mr. Malfoy had overheard your conversation, your allegations would have destroyed your sister's marriage?" Molly roared, infuriated by her apathetic daughter.

Arthur stayed silent, not knowing how to deal with his daughter who showed not a morsel of regret.

A long pause followed as Molly glared at Ginny who now was vexed by her parents' berating.

"We have tolerated your nasty disposition towards Harry for past six months but this time you have crossed the line, Ginny. Next time we hear you badmouthing your sister I will take away all your fancy clothes and distribute them to the poor," Molly threatened her dangerously.

"What? You can't do that!" Ginny yelled in outrage.

"Oh yes, I can and I will since you seem to have forgotten that all those clothes came from your sister's hard earned income and her inheritance," Molly said acidly.

"So what? Hasn't she been imposing on us for the last eight years?" Ginny retorted derisively.

"Ginny, that's your sister you are talking about!" Arthur intoned, feeling enraged.

This was the scene that the three Weasley boys walked in on. They watched, puzzled, as their parents and Ginny squabbled among themselves, not even noticing their presence.

"She is not my sister!" Ginny shrieked adamantly. "Ever since she came to The Burrow, I have shared everything with her. As if it wasn't enough that I have to share with my seven brothers!" she grumbled testily, her face twisted in an ugly sneer.

"Our love for you children never lessened because of Harriet's arrival at The Burrow!" Molly objected shakily while Arthur looked paralysed by Ginny's accusations.

Ignoring her mother's words, Ginny continued to spew bitter remarks. "Before you brought her here, I was your only daughter. Because of her, I have lost even that status! And what's more, she stole Mr. Malfoy from me. I should have been his wife. I should have been the one with the status of Lady Malfoy, enjoying the luxuries of the Manor instead of that orphaned bitch whose own relatives didn't want her," she declared superciliously before storming out of the room.

The Weasley boys simply gaped, appalled after the retreating form of Ginny while Arthur and Molly were speechless by the amount of contempt that Ginny seemed to be carrying for Harriet.

Gloomy atmosphere descended on the Burrow again as Molly and Arthur sunk into despondent thoughts. Dinner was participated spiritlessly with the boys frequently glancing at their parents in dismay. Nobody was concerned with Ginny's absence at the table. Immediately after the dinner ended, disconsolate looking Arthur and Molly disappeared into their bedchamber for the night. In addition to the anger they were feeling over Ginny's words, Fred, George and Ron were flabbergasted over the cause of the episode. So, upon twins' bidding, Ron dashed to the Grangers' house to interrogate Hermione about the whole affair. Needless to say, the boys were deeply infuriated by Ginny by the time Ron had finished relaying Hermione's account.

Arthur and Molly drearily conferred over the next course of action. After much deliberation, it was decided that Arthur would write a letter to Alexandra.

Next day morning at the breakfast table, the Weasley boys directed heated glares at Ginny while her parents did not speak to her at all. At that moment, Ginny's intense dislike for Harriet transformed into unadulterated hatred for turning her family against her.

After breakfast, Arthur was discussing with Molly about who was going to deliver the letter to Lady Malfoy. Considering the delicacy of the matter, he didn't want to entrust the job to just anybody. George stepped up for the task while Fred assured to take care of their shop in his absence.

Pensively gazing at his son, "You understand the seriousness of the situation?" Arthur asked him.

"Yes, Father," George responded solemnly.

Nodding, Arthur handed him the letter saying, "Make sure Mr. Malfoy is gone from the Manor before you make an entrance. If Lady Malfoy decided to keep the issue from him, we oughtn't to complicate things for her."

"I understand, Father." George said with grim smile.

As instructed, George quietly arrived at the Manor and handed the letter to Lady Malfoy and waited patiently as she read,

Respected Madam,

First, allow me to apologise for our daughter Ginny's despicable behaviour during her stay at the Manor. We have learnt of the event that transpired on the last night of their stay. I cannot express in words how ashamed we are over her actions.

Miss. Granger has been kind enough to inform us that you have believed Harriet's explanation and decided to let the matter go. You have our extreme gratitude for the patience and generosity you have shown Harriet.

But now that the matter has been brought to the forefront, I feel it is my duty to make things clear to you. I would have personally come and explained the entire matter to you if I wasn't afraid of making the affair anymore public than it already is.

Mr. Cedric Diggory is a close acquaintance of my twin sons'. He has also been on amiable terms with our family more so than his parents who are also residents of Biddestone. Unlike Harriet, her mother and I suspected his more than friendly feelings for her. Though he never voiced his intentions to marry Harriet, a few times he informed us that he intended to finish his education and earn enough to provide a comfortable living for his future wife and children before entering into the holy state of matrimony. For the last three years, said young man has been living in London because of his studies, only visiting on holidays. If the Diggorys' intention was to make Harriet their daughter-in-law, they certainly did not contest Mr. Malfoy's proposal or their upcoming marriage during the Banns on behalf of young Cedric in his absence.

As for young Cedric's reaction to the news of Harriet's marriage, it did cause us some embarrassment but our family has forgiven his faux pas for we understand that he feels betrayed by his and our family. We sympathise with young Cedric's present heartache and could only pray to the Lord that it sooths over the time.

That said, I swear on my family honour that Harriet was as pure as newborn baby's soul when I placed her hand in Mr. Malfoy's before the God. I hope that you will find in your heart to forgive our daughter's transgressions.

Once again, I apologise for all the discontent those events have caused you on behalf of my whole family and whole-heartedly wish your family's wellness.

Yours sincerely,
Arthur Weasley

Gracing George with a smile, Alexandra threw the letter in the hearth and watched it burn into ashes. Her silent gesture went a long way to assure him that all was forgiven and the matter closed. With a considerably lighter heart, George then went to greet his sister and relay their parents' message to her.

Author's note: I don't know how I feel about this chapter but I am glad it is over. I promise I will try to avoid this much angst in the future chapters.

Don't think Arthur as incapable for providing clothes for this family, Molly was just reminding Ginny that Harriet was the one who catered to her desire for lovely and expensive clothes.

You must be wondering why Harriet, Hermione, Alexandra and Weasleys made a big deal, right?
Remember, I told you that a man divorce a woman if he could prove that she was unfaithful. And Ginny's words would be pretty good proof.

Malfoys are proud lot and wouldn't take kindly to those proclamations. Just imagine what would have happened if Lucius or Narcissa heard Ginny.

Even Draco would be angry to hear it since it would be like a slap to his manhood.

Malfoys' would not take such accusations seriously if let us, Mrs. Parkinson was heard say that but here Harriet's own sister who knew her was saying such things.

Harriet was afraid that Draco would believe Ginny and probably break the contract and take away the money. Whereas Weasleys were afraid that Draco would divorce her because of it.

Coming to the woman's professions:

While lower class women worked in the factories, houses and fields, middle class woman was restricted to either resident governess or resident lady's companion jobs. Nursing was the profession that only recently cropped up and also most frowned upon. You see, in those days, scientists were yet to discover viruses and such. That meant they could not find the cause for most of the illnesses. So, you can understand the risks of treating a sick patient.

Also, people looked down on women working as nurses because that involved certain amount of physical contact. Remember what I said about no touching between men and women before marriage. There were cases wherein the husband divorced his wife because a man delivered their child. Male nurses were often held in contempt. So, most families' preferred midwifes during the labour. Can you see the hypocrisy here!!!

Unlike us who respect doctors, the profession was ill viewed by those people. That should explain why Molly prohibited Harry from talking about it.

Also, some snobbish people thought ill of the head of the family whose daughter went out to work!!!

I know I inducted Harriet in medicine in my other story too, but I had little choice as you can see. I couldn't make her governess (Can you imagine how OOC it will for Harry to be working as strict Governess and teach rich brats (girls) not to slouch or sit straight or etiquette) or lady's companion because that would involve Harry moving away from Burrow, which she never would.

In canon, since Harry is describe as the one who never follows protocol or rules, I thought a controversial profession such as nursing would be perfect.

I am not saying doctor because in those days, ladies were not allowed to enter universities or colleges. There was also no test to qualify them for job. Women began nursing after doing unofficial apprenticeship for years. As a nurse, they received around 50 pounds per annum. That should explain why Harry was shocked at the book price, which cost around half of her month's income.

In all the professions, women were paid considerably less than men. Maid was cheaper than a male servant. Governess and lady's companions received 20 pounds per annum along with boarding.

Medical hierarchy:

Physicians had the most prestige in the 1800s. They were called physicians because they only administered drugs, or "physic". They did not deal with external injuries or perform surgeries or set bones or do physical exams, other than the patient's pulse and urine. They took detailed case histories and then wrote out a prescription to be filled by an apothecary.

Next below the physicians were the Surgeons. They were the men who cut people open, dealt with fractures, skin diseases, V.D, eye problems - anything, in short, for which a physician could simply not give a prescription. From a social point of view, the problem with being a surgeon was that the actual work involved was like manual labour; you did, after all, use your hands to treat people and did something with them - unlike the physician - besides just write on a piece of paper.

The apothecary was the lowest man on the medical totem pole. He was originally only supposed to make up prescriptions from the physicians, but in many areas there was no physicians, so the apothecary began giving advice, too. This was officially permitted in the eighteenth century - but with the stipulation that he could not charge for the advice, only for the drugs. Like the surgeon, he learned his trade by apprenticing himself to a man with experience. He was selling things over the counter, and hence, "in trade", which made him hopelessly lacking in social status." Today, we call them chemists.

While Mr. Pomfery give medical advice to the people, Madam Pomfery treated and tended to the mid class and lower class people in the Biddestone. Their 24/7 jobs resisted them from attending Harriet's wedding.

Let me know if I am getting carried away and boring you with these facts. I am like Hermione in the sense of rattling off the facts, All right!!!

Well guys, while I go find a way to end Draco's anger, you go send a review and let me know what you think of this chapter!!!