The unpleasant smell of Doxycide filled the room, despite the makeshift mask she had made from a towel. At this point, she was pretty sure the scent was embedded in her clothes. Maybe even on her skin.
After what seemed like hours of hard work, marked by lively discussions with Harry and the youngest Weasleys, she finally put down her spray bottle and wiped the sweat from her forehead with a flick of her sleeve. They had finally finished eliminating the last Doxies in the room.
The twins rushed to leave the moment the green light was given by the Weasley matriarch. She witnessed them discreetly recover the bowl containing the Doxy eggs, one distracting their mother while the other grabbed the coveted object. In all likelihood, they would spend the next few days trying to create another of their mischievous products. She shrugged and shook her head. As long as they didn't test their latest creation on her, they could do whatever they wanted.
She found Harry and Ron, who exchanged the scraps of conversations they had managed to pick up behind the door with her. Harry was still angry at the idea that so much was being hidden from him, and was constantly scheming to try to obtain more information about the Order's missions. Obviously, Ron was encouraging him to continue doing so. Hermione was more reserved about it, but she couldn't talk about her reluctance without risking provoking her friend's anger once again.
Also, when the two boys offered for her to join them in their room so that they could talk more freely, she politely refused, telling them that she was going to offer her help to Molly in the kitchen. But assured them that she would join them later.
When she was finally alone in the living room, she allowed herself time to satisfy her curiosity and rushed towards the glass cabinets that they had just decontaminated. Her gaze had been attracted all day by the multitude of precious objects held within.
"Ah, you are still here!" Sirius greeted her friendly, with a big smile, before joining her in front of one of the cabinets. "Look at all these pieces of junk. I wanted to get rid of them, but I fear Kreacher would kill me in my sleep if I threw away the precious family heirlooms."
She frowned.
"Kreacher is not able to harm anyone even if he wanted to, much less someone in the family he belongs to," she reproached him, ready to start her lecture again about the poor treatment of the house elves.
But at the mention of family, Sirius' face fell. He turned away from her, before walking forward and facing the tapestry that covered the largest wall in the room.
The Black family tree.
She followed him in silence, blaming herself for having upset him.
"Look," he said, pointing to a burnt circle at the bottom of the tree. Sirius Black, she was able to read. "I am no longer part of this family. Good riddance. I hate them all." His face was distorted with hatred.
Faced with his silence, Hermione rested her eyes on the tapestry. She discovered that Sirius had had a younger brother, Regulus , but that he had died a long time ago.
Continuing her exploration, Hermione went along Sirius' branch to discover the younger part of the family. She immediately recognised the name Bellatrix Lestrange, and couldn't help but shiver with terror at the sight.
Another burnt circle.
And then… Malfoy. She was gobsmacked. So, he was Malfoy's cousin. She now had a deeper understanding of why he harboured such strong resentment towards his family.
Rousing from his lethargy, Sirius turned back to her and inquired, "So, what do you think?" He motioned to the cabinets.
"How long have they been in your… in the Black family?"
"This one," he said, showing her a small dagger whose handle was decorated with onyx, "is the oldest I think. Family legend says that it dates back to the Middle Ages, and that it was forged by the same goblins who made the Royal family's jewellery. If you ask me, this is just nonsense intended to get people talking at pureblood parties."
He then detailed object by object, telling her the stories he had to learn by heart during his childhood, not forgetting to add his own acerbic comments.
He was about to head towards the other cupboard when Hermione stopped him.
"And this one?" she asked, pointing to a small box hidden behind several tarnished silver ones.
He opened the cupboard door, grabbed the container, then lifted its lid, winking at her.
"Another family jewel. My mother never wore it, I guess it wasn't flashy enough in her eyes."
Hermione's eyes were captured by the beauty of the jewel. The bracelet appeared to be crafted from the finest silver she had ever laid her eyes upon. A delicate chain, so fine it seemed almost ethereal, gracefully extended from both ends of the clasp. The chain was adorned by magnificent silver scrolls, each one an intricate work of art in its own right, undulating and curving with a breathtaking elegance. Nestled at the centre of this symphony of silver was a resplendent amethyst, its regal purple hues capturing and reflecting the light with a captivating allure. The overall effect was nothing short of enchanting, a testament to the masterful craftsmanship that had gone into its creation. She was too stunned to speak.
"You like it?"
"It is beautiful, Sirius," she said, her gaze still fixed on the bracelet.
"So you should take it before Mundungus starts getting interested. If you love it that much, I'd hate for him to sell it to fund his shady activities."
With that, he gave her a wink before heading towards the door.