Esperanza had been working tirelessly to make sure that her sisters' quinceañera dresses were perfect. She was going above and beyond, yet also taking some risks and trying new techniques. Using alchemy and arithmancy, she had made thousands of tiny diamonds for Bianca's dress. She had requested to look like a giant, sparkling, cupcake topper. Esperanza didn't want it to look like any old poofy dress; she was experimenting with layers upon layers of lighter than gossamer fabric that she wove herself ages ago and was hand painting in pale shades of pink and purple like watercolors. It was a lot of fabric and a lot of gems. Bianca was so excited, she squealed each time she saw its progress. It was the princess gown every little girl wanted and when it had its use, there would be discussion as to what to do with it. Sell it as an art piece, or as a quinceañera gown for a very rich girl.
"How's the dressmaking going?" Hermione asked when Esperanza came down for a lunch break.
"Oh, it's going great," said Esperanza. "I was working on it in Bulgaria and I think it's really coming together now."
"I'm almost expecting it to come with glass slippers," Hermione joked.
"Where's Viktor?"
"The boys went outside to play pick-up Quidditch with Noa, Bianca, Josefina, Paula, Emilia, and Abril," said Hermione. "I only stuck around for baseball, even though I'm not that good at it. Can I watch you work? Maybe I can help."
"Okay," said Esperanza. "I'd like the company. I'm getting to the point where I'm questioning everything I do and worrying that it will turn out bad."
"It'll be gorgeous," Hermione assured her. "I've seen your work."
"Every artist make mistakes."
Hermione thought about quoting Bob Ross at this time, but she knew that fashion often made mistakes. Happy accidents only happened when painting and, occasionally, in baking.
"You won't make a mistake with this one," Hermione insisted.
Esperanza pressed her hand against her face and tapped her nails against the table. "I've had some horrible mistakes in the past."
"Don't think about those," said Hermione. "Eat your lunch."
After a break, Esperanza felt a lot better. She and Hermione made their way up the stairs and passed by the playroom.
"Zaza!" Rafaela called, making her backpedal. "Zaza! ¡Mira!"
Rafaela ran up to her holding up a picture covered with an odd-looking glitter. Inside the room, in a rocking chair, Mama Florencía was dozing.
"Innit pretty?"
"Very pretty," said Esperanza. She frowned and looked at the glitter. It was super sparkly. "Where did you get this?"
"From your room!" Rafaela beamed. "Melanie and Salome are in there now."
The front door banged open.
"Esperanza!" Viktor shouted. "Merelin! Get Esperanza's attention for me!"
Hermione went back to see him running up the stairs. His shirt and arms were smeared with the red dirt that was compacted down around the Pitch like he'd fallen in his scramble to come inside.
"What's going on?" she asked.
He reached the first floor and saw Esperanza. He raised his eyebrows and they made eye contact.
"No…" Esperanza whispered, running up the next flight of stairs.
"Esperanza, don't!" Viktor called, chasing after her.
Hermione followed. Cedric and everyone else playing Quidditch were not too far behind. Whatever had brought Viktor inside could be seen from outside. They were all calling to Esperanza/Merelin to try and stop her.
They reached the roof, all panting heavily except for Esperanza who didn't seem to be breathing at all. The door to her room was ajar. She pushed it open and everyone's jaws dropped. Melanie and Salome were playing with Esperanza's things, many of her materials strewn about in their attempt to find whatever it was they were looking for initially before becoming distracted by the pretty things.
Worst of all, they were playing with the special fabric she made for Bianca's dress. They were grabbing more off the spool that she already dyed and were throwing it out the window to watch it float in the wind.
"Hola, Zaza," said Salome, noticing their cousin.
Esperanza was incredibly still.
"What'd I miss?" Noa asked, pushing through them and seeing the state of the room. "Oh…"
"Zaza! We used some of your glitter," said Salome.
Melanie signed happily and held up her own picture plastered with the tiny diamonds that were being sewn into the very fabric they were tossing out the window. Emilia and Abril ran in and snatched up the two girls, bringing them out of the room, ignoring their protests and growing tantrums. The rest went about putting the room to rights and rescuing the fabric.
"Esperanza?" said Viktor, resting his hands on her shoulders. "Speak to me."
Esperanza didn't respond, her eyes going out of focus. Hermione could've sworn she saw her soul leave her body for an instant.
"My swan," Viktor tried again. "Merelin, are you translating?"
Merelin poked her head out of Esperanza's hair and flicked her tongue before going back in.
"Esperanza?" said Bianca. "Are you okay?"
"Let's get her downstairs," said Hermione. "Cedric, coordinate clean up here. Er— Tavi!"
Tavi popped into the room. "Yes, Miss?"
"Brew up a pot of tea, please," she said. "Herbal. Perhaps the blackcurrant."
"Right away, miss!"
Viktor led Esperanza to the lift while Hermione snatched up her Walkman off the work table and sped down the stairs to get the chaise ready in the parlor. They helped Esperanza lay down on the chaise and got some of her music playing which just sounded like static. Tavi presented a tray of tea.
"Anything else I can do?" Tavi asked.
"I'd just stay out of the way," Hermione suggested. "Everyone else is going to go into hiding."
"What's going to happen?" Viktor asked.
"I don't know," she admitted, fixing herself a cup of tea just to do something. "You saw her after the Second Task, that was when her family was put in danger and you were nearly killed. This is completely different territory. The girls are six and getting into more trouble and mischief than ever. They're doing what children do and it just happened to be more destructive than they realized. They don't realize the amount of work they literally threw out the window. Judging from everyone's reactions, this hasn't happened before."
"So we wait and see what happens?" he asked.
"We wait and see what happens," she confirmed.
Esperanza sat in a near trance for the rest of the afternoon; Viktor sat with her almost the entire time, leaving only once to change into clean clothes. Cedric came in at one point to check on her.
"You've been working with Tía Constanza," said Hermione. "Can you see what's going on in her head?"
"I can try." He sat down, Viktor moving aside so he could, and rested his thumb against her temple, looking into her eyes. "Her mind's gone blank. I'm not reading anything. Oh, here comes a thought! Never mind, it's gone."
Tía Manola and Tío Greg arrived home shortly after.
"Hello," Tía Manola called.
Hermione opened the door to the parlor the rest of the way. "You two need to come in here. It's about your daughters."
"Why?" Tío Greg asked looking alarmed. "What happened?"
"Are they okay?" Tía Manola asked.
"They are," said Hermione, turning to look at Esperanza. "While we were eating lunch, they were playing. Mama Florencía fell asleep and I guess they wanted to get some glitter for their drawings. They went to Esperanza's room to find some and found the diamonds she made."
"Oh, no."
"And Salome and Melanie stayed behind to play with the fabrics," she continued. "And they realized that the super light fabric Esperanza wove looked really pretty in the air."
Tío Greg put a hand over his mouth.
"Esperanza has been in shock for hours," said Viktor. "I can't get a response."
"I…" Tía Manola blinked a few times, processing this information. "I… um… I will… go talk to the girls and we will move forward from there when Esperanza comes to."
Bianca entered the room soon after they left. Viktor removed Esperanza's earbuds and Merelin returned to her post.
"Esperanza," she said. "If you can't… if you can't finish it… I don't need a cupcake gown. It's just a dress. I'll live."
Esperanza blinked slowly and her eyes focused then narrowed.
"My motto is:," she said slowly, "I don't give you the outfit you want. I give you the outfit you deserve. You will get that dress. I have put too many hours into that dress to give up now."
Viktor helped her to her feet and Esperanza moved on, leading her own little parade back to her room. Cedric was good at deducing where things were kept, and so the room was mostly back in order. They put what diamonds were saved into a glass jar that was kept out of reach and sight of a six-year-old. The damaged fabric was folded up and placed on a blank space for Esperanza to examine and see if any could be salvaged.
There was just a lot of it.
"Are you going to be okay?" Bianca asked.
Esperanza burst into tears.
"That's a 'no' then," she said drily.
Esperanza plunked onto her bed and buried her face in her hands.
"I will stay with her until she calms down," said Viktor, sitting beside her and holding her gently.
"I'll check up on her in the morning," said Bianca. She looked at the half-finished dress on the form and lightly touched it before leaving.
"Want me to bring you up some food?" Hermione asked.
"No," said Viktor. "We can always get some later."
"Alright."
When Viktor and Esperanza didn't come down, Hermione decided to go up and check on them again, bringing some water with her. When a person cried a lot it was important for them to hydrate. Cradling the water bottles in one arm, she knocked on the door.
"Come in," came Viktor's voice.
Hermione opened the door. Esperanza was holding Viktor tightly, her head rested on his chest and her breathing was slow and even while Viktor stroked her hair.
"When did she fall asleep?" Hermione asked.
"An hour ago," Viktor replied. "I don't want to move because I'm worried I will wake her."
Hermione nodded. "Well, I'll just put this water by you. Make sure she drinks it when she wakes up."
He nodded and Hermione left, closing the door behind herself, but not before she took Esperanza's notes on the diamonds with her. She found Cedric with Renata and Paula in the library.
"Hey," she said. "I was thinking we could help Esperanza get her gems back."
Cedric took the notes and studied them. "Yeah, I think this is manageable."
"I'll help," said Paula. "We can go to my lab. I'd like to study this further."
Renata laughed as she read the notes. "Only Zaza would discover how to make diamonds using arithmancy and alchemy on carbon-based objects only to sew them into a dress."
The lab was… interesting to say the least. It was a large room with a high ceiling and vents. The work tables were absolutely covered with scrolls and notebooks and papers. An entire wall was chalkboard, filled with runic and arithmantic combinations. Various experiments took up the rest of the space.
"You need to clean up in here," said Renata, giving her younger sister a stern look.
Paula cleared her throat.
"I'll say!" came a squeaky voice.
Tavi rounded the corner with a broom in her hand. "I can't sleep knowing a mess like this is in the house!"
"We have a system!" Paula shouted.
"And I'm making you a new one," said Tavi, with her arms akimbo. "Don't go arguing with me!"
"Don't go arguing with her," said Cedric. "I see her mind is made up and she's free to do whatever she wishes."
"That's right…" said Tavi. "I am free to do as I wish!" She snapped her fingers and the papers started organizing themselves. "If you're going to be working, work at this table." She pointed to the newly cleaned table. "Pick up after yourselves when you're done, please."
"I think she's settled in well," said Hermione cheerfully. If she agreed to it, Tavi would be the perfect example of how freeing house-elves was good for their health and overall well-being.
Tavi hummed to herself and went about cleaning as the four got to work.
"Apparently," said Renata in hushed tones, "Esperanza was working with sand to glass crystals but didn't find them shiny enough with that special fabric she created. That's why she moved on to diamonds."
"How many do we need to make?" Cedric asked.
"I think she said she made ten thousand," said Hermione.
"How many for Bianca's dress?"
"… Ten thousand."
"Oh…"
"That's okay," said Paula. "We'll just make one and I can measure it and find a proper volume container and we'll just keep making diamonds until it's filled."
"Might take all night even with the four of us," said Cedric. "We have to perfect the technique after all."
"I'll get a reject container," said Paula as she tied her blond curls into a puffy ponytail.
"Tavi," said Cedric.
"Yes, Cedric," she said.
"In an hour or so, could you make some coffee for us, please?" he asked.
"Certainly, Cedric," she said cheerfully.
Hermione noticed that Tavi had started wearing clothes. If not Esperanza, someone had time to sew and embroider a proper tunic for the elf. It wasn't far from the pillowcase she wore before, but it was a good start. Tavi definitely seemed to be taking freedom a lot better than she had over a month ago. She had really become assertive which was surprising considering how long she'd been in servitude.
"Okay," said Renata, making four copies of the 'recipe' for diamonds and passed them out. "Let's begin."
Paula worked to get them the carbon necessary. She left a note next to the oven claiming she would go into town tomorrow to replace their coal.
Hermione found that her first ten attempts turned out wrong. Too big, wrong cut, misshapen, more coal than diamond. Finally, she got it down and was able to start filling up the container. Cedric got out his homemade pair of magnifying glasses. His diamonds were turning out the best and he fell into a rhythm, creating a steady line of production.
Even with this rhythm, they worked all night. It was a wonder how Esperanza achieved this by herself.
"Okay," said Paula, rubbing her eyes. "I think we've made more than enough."
"Got a childproof cap?" Hermione asked.
"Yep."
Cedric rubbed his hand down his face and sighed.
"I think I could actually sleep," he said.
Hermione furrowed her brow. "Are you still having problems sleeping? We've got remedies for that."
"It's nothing," he said. "I'm fine."
"There will come a time where I won't accept that answer," she said and sighed. "That is not today."
She picked up the container of diamonds. "I'll take this to Zaza, the rest of you can go get some rest."
"Mm… I have to get to work," Renata muttered. "I'll just drink some espresso and I'll be fine."
"If you say so," said Hermione.
While everyone else went down the spiral staircase, she went to Esperanza's room. She was just going to leave it on one of the worktables and make her exit. When she opened the door, Viktor was still there, though judging by his snores, he had nodded off. Esperanza was still asleep with her head on his chest. The morning light would reach them soon but, for now, it was still hidden behind the ridge and crest of trees, the pink sky clearly visible in the wide skylight.
It must've been a beautiful view at night and provided excellent light during the day.
Moving quietly, Hermione set the jar down where it would be seen. As her hand touched the door, Viktor snorted and Esperanza jolted awake and sat up with her wand drawn. An imprint of one of Viktor's buttons marked her cheek and her hair was flat on the same side.
"Good morning," Hermione signed.
"Why are you here?" she signed back.
"Cedric, Renata, Paula, and I made these." Hermione gestured to the jar.
Esperanza's eyes widened and she beamed, jovially signing her gratitude. She quietly got up and gave Hermione a giant hug. Smiling, Hermione continued signing, "Viktor snore loud. Why you no wake?"
"It's like purring," she replied. "I love it."
Viktor snorted again and jerked awake, looking around blearily. Esperanza went to his side and stroked his cheek with the back of her hand.
"Go back to sleep, mi amor," she said.
He nodded and rolled onto his side with a soft groan. Esperanza picked up Merelin from her perch.
Hermione followed Esperanza out and down to the kitchen for some breakfast.
"Did you sleep all night?" Hermione asked.
"Mm," she shook her head. "I woke up for a little bit. Drank some water. I was still upset, so Viktor said he'd stay with me. Isn't he sweet?"
Hermione nodded and broke into a yawn.
"Did you stay up all night working?" Esperanza asked.
"Mmhm. I hope we did them right."
"Well, I usually like to do things myself," she said. "I'm a control freak that way but… I'll make an exception in this case."
"Well, that's good. Will you be working all day today?"
"Of course!"
"Thought so. Need any help?"
"Not yet. I have this vision in my head and I don't know how to project it to other people," she said. "I'm not like Tía Constanza or Cedric."
"Cedric can't project visions," said Hermione. "Just thoughts."
"Not yet. Give him a week."
Hermione was quiet for a moment. "What will you do with the dress?"
"Oh, I think I'll keep it until I hate it, then sell it to the highest bidder," said Esperanza, waving her hand. "If Bianca were a size six then I would have to eat that dress, no one could wear it. A size six here is a size two in the UK, for reference."
Women's clothing sizes must've been decided however the planets aligned in the Fuck You Galaxy.
"Why would you ever hate it?" Hermione asked, not wanting to set her cousin off on clothing sizes.
"Stare at something you made long enough, and you start to think of ways that you can make it better," she explained. "But it's like a book already published. You can't take all of them back and make the changes then send them out again. You can make new editions, but it would never be the same and someone will always have a copy of your mistakes."
"I suppose so."
With the quinceañera approaching, everyone was working to get it set up. It would be held in the main plaza in Luesma. The plaza was named after its founder, a taíno named Cayacoa. Of course, even after his attempts to battle the Spanish invaders, the area still absorbed a lot of Spanish culture, but there were plenty of memorials dedicated to Cayacoa and settlements of Taínos and Kalinagos were located nearby. They were the largest villages of indigenous peoples outside of Carib territory.
The party would take place in Plaza de Cayacoa as was tradition for a lot of quinceañeras. They would have Mass in the church with Madre Doralis, then there would be a procession to the plaza. Fifteen couples do a waltz while the quinceañeras watched from their special thrones. Then, the quinceañeras would each say something about five people who influenced their life, then they would receive gifts, and family members would toast to them. After that, they would just eat and party.
Since this was for triplets, they each invited five boys and five girls, most of them being friends from school. Hermione, Cedric, and Viktor were part of Noa's procession. Noa and Josefina asked if they could borrow Cedric and Viktor as dance partners. Bianca was dancing with one of her friends from school. Hermione and Esperanza didn't mind and agreed. The days leading up to the celebration were spent practicing the dances, rehearsing speeches, and preparing for the meals. The cakes would be made by friends in town.
Two days before the party, Esperanza finally, finally, finally, finished the dresses. She cried when she was done, then took a two hour nap before checking the final fitting. The dresses were just gorgeous. Noa's was pale yellow and covered with flitting butterflies, Josefina's blue dress was reminiscent of the sky complete with clouds around the hem and neckline, supposedly it would change as the evening went on. Bianca's lavender and pink gown was absolutely gorgeous. Esperanza achieved cupcake in the most tasteful way. Tiny rosettes decorated the collar, and when Bianca spun around, the layers floated so softly. She absolutely sparkled with the diamonds in her dress and in her hair. Her sisters were envious and begged to have a turn in it, even if they couldn't have it for the party.
Hell, Hermione, wanted to wear it and twirl in it. Esperanza promised everyone would get a turn twirling in the princess skirt.
The easiest dresses were the dresses for the procession. They had about fifteen of every color in the shop and slight changes could be done to make the hue match the main dress. They were a simple cut so they wouldn't distract from the quinceañera. The boys were in white suits and had cummerbunds and ties to match their specific quinceañera.
Finally, came the day of the quinceañera. Everyone was gathered in the foyer waiting for the quinceañeras.
"Don't you look handsome," said Hermione, smoothing down Cedric's lapels. "A real lady killer."
"Acquitted," he said.
Hermione snorted and laughed then pressed a kiss to his cheek.
"You look good in yellow," he said. "You should wear it more often. Not that I'm telling you what to wear, but I just think it looks nice on you."
"Of course you want me to wear yellow," she said. "You're such a Hufflepuff."
He grinned.
Esperanza hurried down the stairs and did an outfit check on everyone. She was wearing a black cocktail dress that she could easily move around in.
"Calm down, my swan," said Viktor, following her.
"I need this day to be perfect," said Esperanza. "You only get one quinceañera. It's an important milestone, and I don't want there to even be an opportunity to nitpick."
"What happened at yours?" Hermione asked.
Esperanza made a face. "There's a reason why I created an enchantment to repel all liquids and foods." She took a lint brush to Viktor's shoulders. "That is all I will say."
Tía Manola appeared at the top of the stairs.
"They're coming," she said.
Hermione got her camera ready.
The three quinceañeras stood at the top of the stairs. Noa was wearing her leg braces just for the staircase photos, but would use her chair for the rest of the day. They weren't exactly comfortable to dance in and she didn't like wearing them if she could help it. The triplets were radiant and smiled brilliantly, posing for pictures.
"Oh, look at you," said Esperanza, tears coming to her eyes. "You all look so gorgeous. Okay, two more pictures and then we'll be on our way, we're running late."
"We're always running late," said Noa, shifting uncomfortably. "But yeah, hurry up, these things are killing me."
Soon they were on their way. Hermione could've sworn she saw glitter floating in the sunlight streaming through the windows.
"What's the day today?" she asked Cedric.
"Er… Friday," he said. "Friday the twenty-eighth."
Hermione rested her chin on the seat in front of her.
"Friday night and the lights are low…" she sang. "Lookin' out for a place to go."
"Where they play the right music," Cedric sang, joining in. "Getting in the swing, you come to look for a King."
Renata joined in singing and eventually most of the bus was singing "Dancing Queen."
Mass went smoothly and soon they were in the plaza. It was all decorated with fairy lights and round tables with white tablecloths and pretty centerpieces. Hermione lined up in Noa's procession with Cedric.
"Hi," said the boy in front of her. He was brown-skinned and his hair was close-shaven. "I'm Bembe, Noa's friend. The shrimp behind you is Linda."
Linda really was scrawny with big glasses and bad acne. Though, most teenagers and adults had acne due to rising stress. She kept her head at a weird angle and avoided eye contact with her dance-partner. She looked as if she would rather be anywhere else.
"Herminia," Hermione replied. "I'm transferring to Castelobruxo."
"Ah, well, we'll have to make room at the loser table," said Bembe.
"In primary school, I wasn't high enough on the social ladder for the loser table. This is a total upgrade."
Linda laughed nervously.
"She's awkward," said Bembe. "Usually around pretty people."
Linda twitched a little and Cedric was frowning as if he wanted to say something, but couldn't. Maybe he saw something in Linda's head, but couldn't say it out loud without embarrassing her.
The band began to play and the procession began. The quinceañeras made their way to the platform and sat at their thrones while the Court of Honor started the waltz. Hermione smiled up at Cedric as they danced.
"I wish I would've told you how I felt about you during your quinceañera," he said. "I'd tried to tell you so many times."
"Looking back," said Hermione, "yes, you did. I wish I wasn't so obtuse."
"Nobody's perfect," said Cedric. "I guess I needn't have been scared of being obvious."
"Guess not."
When the waltz ended, it was time for the quinceañeras to cut the cake and then make their speeches about five people who influenced their life, they would then receive their wand handles and get to cast magic in public for the first time. After that, they would have their dances with their "dates" and everyone could just party. The presents would be opened later and at home, for now, they were stacked high on a table. Some of the townspeople brought presents along as a ticket to get in on the party.
Noa was first since she was the oldest by five minutes and cast a charm creating a flock of birds that sang a birthday song, Josefina was next and made it lightly snow in the square, and Bianca was last making all the plants in the square go into full bloom. Everyone applauded and the dates went forward to dance. Viktor took Noa and Cedric took Josefina. Bianca already had a date. A boy from her school named Enrique.
Hermione swayed to the music and smiled. She was glad she got to wear Mamá's dress for her quinceañera. Though that was fun to twirl in, Bianca's looked even more fun. The local newspaper seemed to be paying special attention to the princess gown. In fact, a few people already approached Esperanza asking about an exact copy being made for their daughters. When she mentioned the price and recommended a similar but cheaper alternative, they all chose the alternative and placed their orders before being shooed away.
"Hola," said a voice.
Hermione glanced and saw a tall boy with something that was probably supposed to be a mustache on his lip. He stared at Hermione in a way that made her feel uncomfortable. She hummed and took a step away which only made him take a step closer.
"Friend or family?" he asked.
"Family," she replied shortly.
"Let's get this party started!" the band leader shouted. They jumped into a fun dancing song that reminded Hermione of Selena's music when she was still singing with her siblings.
"I'm Osmin," said the boy. He seemed to be talking to her chest rather than her. "Want to dance?"
"I do want to dance," said Hermione. "Just not with you."
She strode out onto the dance floor and tapped on Josefina's shoulder. "May I cut in?"
Josefina smiled and stepped to the side. Hermione kissed Cedric lightly and began dancing with him.
"Having fun?" she asked.
"Loads," he said. "These parties are great."
"Expensive too," said Hermione. "It's a good thing the next one is the youngest triplets. Manolo will get a party, but men's dresses are significantly cheaper. Gotta love the pink tax."
Cedric threw his head back and laughed.
They danced and danced until the younger children and the old ladies needed to go home. Diego would drive everyone who was ready to leave home in the bus and then drive back to the party and stay until it officially ended.
"Alright," said the lead singer. "Let's mix this up a little. Ladies make a circle, gentlemen make a circle around them. Girls go clockwise, boys counterclockwise. When you hear the whistle, dance with whoever you are next to."
"Sounds like fun," said Hermione.
"Actually, I think I'll rest a little," Cedric said apprehensively. "Have some cake."
"I'll sit with you," she said.
"I know you want to dance," he said. "It'll just be for a song or two."
"Alright, if you're sure," said Hermione.
"Tell you what," he said. "If you're with someone you can't stand, just shout 'Express' and I'll come running."
"You got it," she said, kissing his cheek and running to join the ladies' circle.
A jovial song played as they went around in circles. A whistle blew and there was a little confusion as partners were grabbed. Hermione tugged on the closest hand and Viktor fell through the ranks.
"Ah, so we dance again," she said.
"It seems so, yes," he said with a smile. "I am afraid I still cannot mambo."
"It's alright," she said. "How are you enjoying D.R.?"
"It is my favorite place I have visited. I will be sad to go next week."
"Leaving so soon?"
He nodded.
"Can I tell you secret?"
"Of course," said Hermione. "I've gotten rather good at keeping secrets. I used to be awful at keeping them."
"I am going to ask Esperanza to come with me," he said. "I am certain she is the one."
Hermione grinned. "Anyone else know?"
"I was just going to tell Cedric, I see him as best friend.."
"Cedric is amazing with secrets."
"Mix!" the lead singer called.
The circles were set back up. Hermione hummed with the music, thrilled to have the first knowledge. Viktor didn't exactly state he was going to propose, but he wanted to be with Esperanza. Oh, it was so romantic.
A whistle blew and a hand gripped onto Hermione's wrist. Ugh, it was Osmin.
"Looks like we got our dance after all," he said.
"Ugh, not you," said Hermione.
"Uh-uh, rules say you have to dance."
The box was too tight and she couldn't see Cedric to call for his help. Her only chance was to dance her way out.
"So," he said. "You sound like you're not from here."
"Not exactly," she said.
"Well, if you're unfamiliar with the area," he said. "I'd be more than happy to show you around."
"I'm sure you would," she said, forcing sarcasm to cover her anxiety. "As I said, I have a boyfriend and he is better than you in every way."
"You haven't even given me a chance yet," he said, grabbing onto her arm.
"EXPRESS!" Hermione shouted.
Cedric broke through the crowd and nearly bowled over Osmin as he skidded to a stop in front of her.
"You bellowed?"
"I think I'll take a break, too," she said. "It's getting a little stuffy."
Cedric narrowed his eyes at Osmin. "This bloke giving you trouble?"
"Yes, but don't make a scene or Esperanza will have your other arm," she replied, leaving the mass of dancers. They both got some water and sat down at one of the tables.
"You know, I wouldn't have to make a scene," said Cedric.
"I know you wouldn't," she said. "Osmin most definitely would."
"How did a bloke like him get in in the first place?"
"One of his relatives is probably friends with one of my relatives," she said. "Or he's a party crasher. I think there are more people now than there were when people started leaving."
"It's easy to crash big parties," said Cedric, adding, "So I'd assume."
"Mm…"
They rested for a bit until the mixer was done and regular dancing had gone on, this time a bit slower. Hermione was more than happy to sway back-and-forth with her arms draped around Cedric's neck and her forehead touching his.
"We've got two more weeks in paradise," he commented.
"And we'll make the most of— ouch!" She stumbled and the strap on her shoe snapped. "Oh, these are my favorite dancing shoes…" she groaned, studying her foot. "Have they really worn out so quickly? Ugh, I'm going to go find Esperanza and see if she has a quick fix."
"Okay, I'll go sit," he said. "Maybe have one of those mini-empanadas."
"Alright," she said squeezing his hand before going off to find Esperanza.
She found her in the loo, taking her hair down.
"There you are," said Hermione. "Can you help me? My shoe broke."
"Did you cast a repairing charm?"
Hermione paused and slapped her forehead making Esperanza laugh. Hermione sighed, sat on the counter, extended her leg in front of her, and cast the charm on her shoe. The strap fixed itself and looked as good as new.
"I think you should take a little break from dancing," Esperanza suggested. "The party's almost over anyway."
"Is it really that late?" Hermione asked.
Esperanza nodded. "I was thinking tomorrow might be a fun spa day. Anyone is welcome and we can set up in someone's bedroom."
"That does sound fun," said Hermione. "Would Renata be willing to grow my hair back out? Honestly, I miss it."
"I can do that," said Renata, exiting a stall and washing her hands.
"Aces!"
When they left the loo, Hermione searched the tables for Cedric but he was nowhere to be seen. So, she checked the snack table but he wasn't there either. He wasn't on the dance floor. A bit worried now, she knocked on the men's loo and called to see if he was in there, but it was only Bembe.
Hm… Where could he have gone?
"I can't find Viktor," said Esperanza. "Have you seen him?"
Hermione shook her head. "Could they have gone home?"
"I think they would tell us if they were going home."
They asked around.
"I saw them," said Linda. "They were chatting and then Osmin came up and said something that made Cedric mad, but Viktor held him back. Then two other of Osmin's friends came up and said something that made Viktor mad. Then they left."
Hermione and Esperanza exchanged looks and hurried to the exit, skidding to a halt when two figures moved in the shadows. Viktor and Cedric stepped into the light looking battered up, their white suits now brown with dirt, and their knuckles swollen. Viktor had a fresh black eye and Cedric had a cut on his temple and the two of them were supporting each other.
"What happened?" Hermione demanded. "What did Osmin say to you?"
"Doesn't matter," said Cedric. "We won."
"No, it does matter," said Hermione. "This is the second fist fight you've gotten into!"
"It's no big deal!" Cedric huffed. "I'm going home."
Hermione wrapped her arms around his middle, holding on tightly.
"You're taking me with you," she said. "I've been trying to be patient and understanding, but you can't avoid talking about it forever! I'm your best friend, just tell me what's going on. I can't read minds like you can."
His face twisted up and he avoided eye contact as if she could read his mind.
"I'm not letting you go," said Hermione, holding him tighter. "I don't want to fight, but we are going to talk."
She didn't let go of him for the rest of the night and when they got home, he tried to get out of it.
"I'm actually a bit tired," he said. "Can't we talk about it in the morning?"
Hermione narrowed her eyes. "No. We're talking about this now." She dragged him through the house, down to the docks, and into the Get Along Boat.
"Sail!"
It took them out a long ways away from the shore but not so far that they could no longer see the house. Hermione tucked her wand in its holster.
"Okay," she said. "Talk to me."
He stared at her silently.
"Oh, the quiet game, huh?" she said. "Alright. Just know we're not going home until you talk to me about… something."
She linked her fingers around her knees and stared him down. She refused to speak again before he did. She recited The Little Prince in her head and got near the end when he finally spoke up.
"Do you feel sorry for me?" he asked.
Hermione furrowed her brow. "In… what way?"
"Like… about all this," he said, gesturing to his arm and face.
"I feel sorry that it happened to you," she said. "I hate that it happened to you and I would happily end whoever did that to you."
"I noticed you've been more affectionate," he said.
"Yeah, so?" she said.
"You didn't start being that way until this happened!"
"It's not because I feel sorry for you," she countered indignantly. "I love you and I don't care who knows it. I don't care about PDA as much anymore. I mean, I'm not going to be making out with you in front of the family…" It hit her. "Osmin put that thought in your head. That I would only be with you out of pity."
His silence confirmed it.
"Cedric," she said. "You've known me for ten years. You knew Osmin for ten minutes. He was creeping on me for half the night and I rebuffed him and if you can't take something then you break it."
Cedric ran his fingers through his hair and sighed.
"That's not all," said Hermione. "I know it isn't. Cosmetic things… we can fix that. You've got an arm that will be ready any day now."
"I'm having nightmares nearly every night," he admitted. "I'm scared of every shadow, I can't walk into a dark room or anything… I'm scared of how my lycanthropy might affect our relationship. How it will affect you."
"Cedric," she said. "I am a black, autistic, technically illegal immigrant; a person with No-Majs for parents, and I was raised by muggles. I have just about every single disadvantage a person could have. Only other two I don't have is: I'm not physically disabled and I'm not gay or bisexual. I mean… I don't think I'm bisexual." She furrowed her brow. "I mean… does it count if I just don't care what a person presents as and more about what they're like on the inside?"
"You tell me."
Hermione rested her chin on her knees and shivered a little. It was chilly at night.
"Cedric," she said. "I won't pretend to understand the challenges you're facing, but I'll be there for you."
"What if I hurt you?" he asked. "What if… I… we… you know…"
"What if our relationship keeps on?" she said. "If… we do get married someday?"
He nodded. She could picture him blushing. These were questions that should be kept for when they were both adults, but now was probably as good a time as any. If she were being honest, with things as they were, she could see a future with him. She wasn't picking out the stationary or anything, but it was a possibility.
"We'll deal with it then," she said.
"What if something happens?" he asked. "What… what if I break free? What if I miss a dose?"
"It'll be okay!" said Hermione. "I'm learning how to be an animagus, okay? I'll be with you! When I graduate, I'll be right back by your side and when we have our time together, I won't let you be along during your transformations." She grabbed onto his hand with both of hers. "I wish I could be at school with you… you know, maybe—"
"No," he said. "I won't ask that of you. You don't have the best track record at Hogwarts. I want you to be where you're safe and that's at Castelobruxo."
"Then come to Castelobruxo to be with me."
He sighed. "I looked into it. I can't afford the transfer fees."
Hermione sighed. "Well, we have our mirrors. I wish I had a way to send you letters instantaneously."
"You're right," said Cedric. "We can make long distance work. We had a friendship last for six years over letter and just a few weeks of hanging out."
"Exactly," said Hermione. "I mean, we'd face this bridge when you graduate. You're getting a job in Kilokilo and living in Japan."
"Yeah…" said Cedric. "That's right, I'm set after school!"
Hermione smiled. "Listen, you don't have to tell me everything that happened in the maze, but I do hope you will talk to me about anything that's bothering you. I might understand better than you think."
"I know… it's just… it's hard and… I'm so tired and my arm hurts like hell it drives me mad."
"Abuela can make you something that will help you sleep," said Hermione. "I have my necklace, Esperanza has a bracelet… it's not, I mean… it won't stop everything, but it'll help for the most part. Like medication. It's not always a cure but it takes the weight."
"Alright," said Cedric. "I'll give it a try."
"Good," Hermione said and leaned forward. "I don't know if this'll help, but you're still gonna be the hottest boy at Hogwarts."
Cedric laughed and closed the distance. When they parted Hermione pressed her forehead against his. They were alone. They were never alone. Even if they were alone in a room, there was always the chance someone could walk in and then they'd get that smile that Hermione couldn't name. Feeling a burst of confidence and desire, Hermione threw her arms around his neck and kissed him soundly. He lost balance and fell back against the bottom of the boat.
"Oh! Are you okay?" she asked. "Did you hit your head?"
"I'm brilliant," he said, breathless and a little stunned.
"Okay, good." She pulled him back in.
A swirl of emotions filled her chest and stomach. Giddiness, euphoria, bliss.
"Mmph!" Cedric broke away and looked around. "Did you hear that?"
"I dunno, check the car handle for a hook."
"I have no idea what that means."
Hermione tipped her head and only heard the water lapping on the side of the boat. Odd that Cedric would hear something she didn't. Wait… there it was. A low rumble.
"I hear it," she said. "What is that?"
She looked over her shoulder. There was no moon and the stars were quickly being blocked out by clouds. A flash of light lit up a haze that was fast approaching. Hermione scrambled for her wand and nearly dropped it. She tapped it against the mass.
"Sail!"
The boat turned and made its way back to shore. However the storm was faster. Hermione shrieked as cold water poured down over them. She stayed put until they made it to the dock. By then it was raining so hard they might as well have been walking through a waterfall. Lightning was illuminating the sky every few seconds and the thunder was growing louder by the instant.
Hermione carefully got out and scrambled onto the dock with Cedric not too far behind. They practically crawled up the stone stairs hoping they wouldn't slip. Luckily, the doors were unlocked.
"I thought Esperanza's clothes were waterproof," said Cedric.
"They're water resistant ," said Hermione. "I don't think jumping into the ocean is included."
"We didn't jump into the ocean," he said.
"We might as well have."
"Did you two have fun?"
Hermione jumped sky high and Cedric drew his wand.
A lamp switched on and Abuela rested her hands in her lap.
"I was worried when I saw that you were adrift," she said, gesturing to the clock. "Did you have fun?"
"We talked some things out," said Hermione.
"Mm… I hear from Diego that Osmin and his gang were found beat up in an alley."
"He deserved it," said Cedric. "Besides, he was caught in a catch-22. If he beat me up, he beat up a disabled man, but I beat him so he just got his ass beat by a disabled man."
Hermione snorted.
"Why, did he deserve it?"
"He made some… comments," said Cedric. "We decided to take care of this matter outside the party so that Esperanza wouldn't kill us for tarnishing the quinceañera."
"Mm, yes," said Ximena. "Hers was crashed halfway through and a fight broke out. Their weapons of choice started with food before turning to wands."
"Do fights often break out at quinceañeras?" Cedric asked.
"Only Sanchez quinceañeras," she replied cheerfully. "I started the fight at mine. See, this girl was dancing with the boy who was my date. I pushed her, called her a name, she brought up my family's curse, so I punched her in the face. That boy would later become my husband. Samsó. I miss him every day."
"I didn't get into a fight at my quinceañera," said Hermione, shivering from the cold. "I might have though if I hadn't made Ron promise to say anything negative."
Ximena nodded. "Well, you two are ruining the carpet. Go on and get warm."
"Gracias, Abuela," said Hermione.
The storm was too bad for either to take a shower unfortunately.
"I've got a little idea," said Hermione. "I'll meet you back out here once I'm done changing."
A crack of thunder rang through the house, nearly sending Hermione to her knees. She grabbed onto Cedric and placed a hand over her heart. She wasn't afraid of storms, but really bad ones tended to make her uneasy. If this storm raged on into Sunday, she was not going to church and they couldn't make her.
Two screams rang out. Hermione and Cedric acted first, bursting into the children's room.
"Everyone alright?" Hermione asked, flicking her fingers to create bubbles of pink light. Rafaela and Salome were sitting upright in bed and crying. Melanie was sleeping away soundly, unaware of her sisters' distress.
Manolo appeared around his divide looking a bit scared as well. He spotted the teenagers and blinked in surprise.
"Why are you all wet?" he asked.
"Decided to go for a swim," Cedric deadpanned.
"In your party clothes?"
"Formal swimming."
Tío Greg squeezed between the teenagers and strode over to his children.
"It's okay," he said. "Papí's here."
Hermione left her light and went with Cedric to their rooms. She was still shivering and she really didn't want to get a cold.
"You're up late," Bianca commented as she entered the room.
"Could say the same for you," said Hermione, entering the bathroom to change out of her dress. Unsure of what else to do with it, she hung it over the railing of one of the showers hitting the other side with a loud splat!
She wrapped up in her dressing gown and put her hair in a towel.
"Big storm out," said Josefina.
"I know," said Hermione, climbing the stairs to get to her quadrant.
She closed the curtains and changed into her nightgown and some warm knee high socks, then dried her hair with a charm. A thought occurred to her. It was a little silly, but she decided to give it a try. She grabbed her pillow, carefully scaled down the bunk stairs, and went to Cedric's room, ignoring the giggles from her cousins. She lightly knocked on the door and Cedric answered a moment later wrapped up in his own bath robe.
"I, um," she felt her ears grow warm. "I thought we could switch pillows. Maybe it'll, I don't know… help."
He smiled and kissed her lightly. "Brilliant idea." He took her pillow and placed it on his bed before making the trade.
"Goodnight," she said.
"Goodnight."
Parting, Hermione went back to her room. She felt a wave of exhaustion come over her. Her scalp ached, her feet even more so. She was still feeling cold, so she hurried to her bed and wrapped up in her blanket.
"Where were you and Cedric?" Bianca asked.
"We needed to discuss a few things," Hermione replied. "That's all I'm at liberty to say."
"Alright."
Hermione curled up, pressed her face into Cedric's pillow, and breathed in his scent. Fresh laundry and bergamot. Even though he hadn't been on the farm in a while, she could have sworn she smelled hay in the sunshine. Wrapping her arms around it, her eyes drooped shut despite the rumbling thunder and rain pounding at her window.