Hermione's house has always been full of books. A bunch of books were at the living room centre table. Some books are in a small cabinet in the dining room. A couple of books in the kitchen. The small corridors between the rooms had ledges with books on them. And, of course, each bedroom had its own shelves with a stack of books. Even the guest room has its own shelves with books, a book of the younger sibling Hermione never had. Even the bathroom has books.
When Hermione was younger, she decided that she would read all the books in the house. Her parents pranked her as they kept buying books, making the list for Hermione longer and longer.
The self-imposed quest started when she was 6 and ended when she was 9. Even reading the books from her parents' bedroom. Ultimately, she ended up loving the books and treating them as if they were this wise old knowingly person, but above all else, like her only friend.
It was not like she did not have people who spoke with her or were bullied or mistreated, but all contact with anyone else was out of politeness. They talked to her about school but left her alone as soon as the bell rang. She was a walking library, the team member they wanted in their team when it was about a school project, but for anything else, she was a ghost.
Books were her only friends until she went to Hogwarts. Harry had become a good friend, asking nothing in return, helping her for no real reason. Thanks to him, Her family has reconnected with others they did not know existed. Economically, they are better and getting help managing that money, which her parents are grateful for.
Then she became friends with Harry's friends, Draco and Dean. She knew that they talked to her because of him. Especially when Dean said it to her bluntly, 'Harry wanted me to help you out, so you won't be alone'. Draco was more subtle and just helped me, helping me through the whole magic society thing.
She wondered why he did that, and she asked her parents. Her father told her that maybe he saw someone like him, someone new to the magical world, and he did everything to help a compatriot. Her mother had another theory, but Hermione knows she is biased as she loves reading romantic novels. Still, that made her wonder if that was true. That would be one of the sweetest things someone could do to her. Not give her the answers but the tools to find them.
Thanks to her whole situation, Hermione started to try to become friendlier with her housemates. She did not want to let Harry's efforts be in vain. The bubble she created a long time ago exploded, exposing her. Her housemates were friendly with her; even Ron Weasley was not that bad. But it also shows the other side she had ignored, those who spoke badly about her. Some Slytherins like Theodore Nott used any opportunity when they were alone to make hurtful comments.
She has not talked about it with anyone, not Harry or Draco. Some students from Ravenclaw looked at her as if she was their enemy, something she thought was because of some kind of academic competition, but then she realized that it was another thing. Hufflepuffs were friendly, but they were close to her classmates in elementary school, with superficial smiles only to look good.
It was getting on her head all of this. For a moment, she thought the best place to remain was between Gryffindors. Harry and Draco are the only exceptions, and maybe Vincent and Greggory. Then, as if Harry knew what she was thinking, he asked her to be closer to Pansy. The girl who had never hidden her disdain against Hermione, and still Harry, has the idea that they are good friends.
She did try to get closer, even before Harry asked her, but she remained indifferent about everything. It did not matter what she tried because Pansy had a wall that didn't let her get close. Pansy seems to want nothing but Harry on her side, and every time she interacts with her, it seems as if she looked at her down.
She sighed and then made a wince of pain. She was again in the same place as last year, with the same person pulling her hair to make her look better. She really hated this part of her holidays, but her mother loves to spend time with her while doing things like this.
She wanted to go in the same dress as last year. Still, her mother turned her down, especially after she got called by many designers who offered their service for free, as long as I used their dress and let the people know about them.
'Maybe my parents were Slytherins,' thought Hermione.
Dean has been with the cellphone close to him since returning from school. His family had already used it to communicate with their family. But now that Dean knows that he is spending the time with the device to finally use it. It did not matter where he was, in his room, eating, playing football outside, or playing cards with his siblings inside the house.
Unfortunately for Dean, After eating, he left the cell phone at the table to go and help his mother with the dishes, and it was at that moment, the cell phone rang. Dean almost broke the plate on his hands when he rushed to answer, but his little brother picked up the phone and answered.
"What? Yes, Wait", said the small boy. "MOM! It's for you!" yelled the young boy, and his mom walked and took the phone. Dean then went back to the kitchen and continued to do the dishes. Although he wanted to use the cell phone, he could always use it later for the call from Harry's party.
After a while, his mother came back, "Who called?"
"The company from your friend", answered his mom, and Dean froze. "It seems that it was better for them to give us a phone call rather than a mail with the owl." His mom continued talking while she started to clean the kitchen, "They wanted to confirm our assistance and if we wanted the transportation".
"Mom! I was waiting for that call!" wined Dean.
His mother turned to see him, "didn't you say that you were waiting for your friend's call?"
"Yes. My friend called about his party".
"Sorry, sweety. I thought you were waiting for a call from your friend directly".
Pansy's school year was all right. Academically, she did above average, and in Potions, her best subject, she is the best, followed closely by Half-blood Granger. Unfortunately, this is because she has no other thing to do. Bulstrode was not a good conversationist; even Crabb and Goyle were better, but it was better than nothing. Something she can say she has anymore. She only has Harry now, only him.
All because she was with Suzuki. I have to be familiar with him. She has never been so familiar with anyone, only with Draco. Even when she has known Crabbe and Goyle for too long, she has always called them by their last names.
Pansy and her family were inside the limousine. She was looking outside the car window, and a disgusting feeling crossed her sight. Most of the non-wizard people looked horrendous. Hair looking like spikes, people with ripped trousers, and some looking like lumberjacks. Then she saw a photo, immobile, yes, but the image in it was of a beautiful woman in a stylish dress. She sighed and looked to the front and saw the maid, and then she turned to see her parents.
'Did they really think that the Suzuki would accept me?' thought Pansy. Before coming to the Christmas party, Pansy was already told by her parents that she should do whatever she could to make Harry happy. But how could she? Girls would do anything to get close to him at school because the Suzuki family has money. Others have fallen for Harry's popularity; many of them are beautiful.
Pansy then looked at the maid again and questioned how she could win Harry over when he has so many admirers and maids this beautiful. She knew exactly who she was and how she looked. She did not need Weasley's remarks on her nose to know she was ugly. Harry may be lying to her due to their family business. Still, she can't lie when she feels relieved whenever he says something flattering to her, even if it is a lie.
The car stopped, and the door was opened by the maid. Pansy stood out of the car, and the camera flashes started to shoot. She began to walk, wearing a beautiful deep green dress and white gloves. She walked through the whole thing with no problem, and at the other side of the door was Harry's mother, who welcomed them. Pansy looked around and saw Harry talking with a couple.
She did not know who they were, so she thought it was another non-wizard family. Perfect, alone even here.
Of course, his plan was working. That's the apparent conclusion Professor Lockhart thought of. He received an invitation to the Christmas party for the most influential Wizard family in the Muggle world. Even more influential than Merlin himself, people could say. Although Merlin did it with his power of Magic, Lockhart believed with all his heart that Merlin also used memory charms to get where he was. But unlike Merlin and himself, the Suzukis become influential using Muggle ways.
It was no matter. Lockhart knew that they were associating with influential people right from the start. The Parkinsons are a well-connected family. The Malfoys have influence in the Ministry, but they don't have control over the masses. Obviously, that's why they called him.
Unfortunately, they don't do any public party in the Magical world, but it cannot be helped. Maybe he would be their saviour and could create a big party next year, promoted by him, but with their money, of course.
Gilderoy Lockhart looked at his big closet, full of clothes of the best quality. He needed to search thoughtfully to find something that could suit the Muggle event. He found a light brown tuxedo, which he combined with a small cape that only covered his right hand, enough to hide his wand.
Once he was happy with his looks, he walked outside his house. A small apartment in Hertfordshire, the building is run by an old witch who doesn't charge him for his stay.
Once outside the building, a large black car was there, and a maid. She was an elegant, snow-white skinned, black-pony tailed beauty.
The maid then opened the door to let him enter the large car. "Ah, my dear, it's simply delightful to be in your company for this soirée. I must say, you are truly a vision of elegance and grace with your snow-white complexion and that stunning black ponytail."
Gilderoy flashed his charming smile as he stepped into the waiting limousine.
He sat on one side of the limousine, and the maid had to sit in front of him, facing each other.
Gilderoy Lockhart then tried to start a conversation, "Tell me, my dear, have you heard about my many daring adventures and bestselling books? The ladies and gentlemen at this party will surely be enchanted by the tales of my heroic exploits."
The car engine roared and started to move towards the party. And the maid only tsked in annoyance without answering back to Lockhart.
Lockhart, seemingly oblivious to the maid's lack of response, continued to talk about his achievements, occasionally glancing at the window. "My dear, I've faced the most fearsome creatures and uncovered the most hidden secrets, all for the betterment of wizarding society. I do hope you'll join me in celebrating my many achievements tonight."
The maid murmured, "Shut up, insect". But Gilderoy did not hear her and continued to speak, seemingly oblivious to the maid's annoyance.
"Ah, what a picturesque night it is, my dear," said Gilderoy while looking out the window. "The moonlight plays on your alabaster skin, creating a most enchanting ambience. You truly are a sight to behold. Now, let me tell you about when I single-handedly defeated a horde of Cornish Pixies, their wings sparkling like the stars above."
Lockhart continued on, lost in his own world, as the limousine continued to the party venue.
The maid, annoyed, finally spoke up, "Would you shut up? I am unable to hear it.#
Lockhart was taken aback and asked, "Hear what, my dear?"
"The silence", said the maid, annoyed.
Lockhart finally seems to register the maid's frustration, and His expression wavered momentarily. But then he ended in the wrong conclusion that she wanted to only look at him.
"Oh, my apologies, my dear. I do tend to get carried away with my tales. But you see, it's these stories that have made me famous in the wizarding world, it was not only my look. I'm sure you'll find them quite thrilling once you give them a chance."
He quieted down for a moment but couldn't resist continuing. "Ah, my dear, you've been rather quiet, haven't you? Tell me about yourself, my dear elegant companion. How did you come to be the one entrusted with accompanying a celebrated wizard like myself to this splendid gathering?"
The maid made an annoyed expression before answering, "The supreme... I was asked by my employer. You should be grateful to even be given an invitation. Now shut up.
The maid hoped Lockhart did not hear almost say that the supreme being asked her. for that job.
Seemingly undisturbed by the maid's somewhat curt response, Lockhart gives her a gracious smile. "Grateful indeed, my dear. Your employer certainly has excellent taste. And I do appreciate your company, even if you find my stories a tad tiresome."
Lockhart leaned back in his seat, appearing content to enjoy the remainder of the journey in relative silence. It was only for a short time as they arrived at their destination.
The Limousine door was opened by another maid, but there was no red carpet or Muggles taking pictures. That was disappointing, but then a man arrived to receive him, the patriarch of the Suzuki family, Satoru Suzuki.
"Welcome, Professor. I hope the ride has been of your liking", said Satoru.
Gilderoy Lockhart turned with a charming smile as Mr. Suzuki approached, offering a gracious nod, "Ah, Mr. Suzuki, a pleasure to meet you! The trip was, of course, most delightful, as expected. Your hospitality is always exceptional. And what a remarkable event you've put together here."
Lockhart then turned to look around for a moment to admire the venue, feigning modesty but clearly a little annoyed at the idea of entering through the back door. "It's always a pleasure to share my experiences and expertise with esteemed individuals such as yourself. I trust my presence will add a certain... enchanting allure to the evening, don't you think?"
The supreme being, dressed as a human, smiled, "Of course, how could it not with a person such as yourself? But I must apologise for telling you to enter the venue using the back door. You see, the person in charge of the organization was adamant that it could be problematic for someone as famous as you to walk in front of all those paparazzi."
Mr Suzuki leaned closer, and in a whisper, he said, "It seems that Mrs Skeeter is there. And we all know how she works."
Professor Lockhart chuckled in response, "Oh, I completely understand, Mr. Suzuki. A bit of intrigue and secrecy can add an extra layer of excitement to an event like this, don't you think? And as for Mrs Skeeter, well, I'm no stranger to her... colourful reporting style. We mustn't give her more to write about than necessary." He was apparently rather pleased with the arrangement, a twinkle in his eye, ready to make a discreet entrance. "Lead the way, my dear friend, and let's ensure that the night remains a memorable one for all in attendance."
The Ainz Ooal Gown Christmas party went smoothly. The presentation for a new technology went as expected and blew the minds of many. With the rise in popularity of the pagers, or beepers, the telecommunication brand of the company decided that instead of creating one to compete, it was better to add it to the functions of their cellular phones, together with new models with the screen to support the text. Instead of getting bigger, the phones got smaller and with better designs. All the guests loved this idea, and the media couldn't stop with the flashes of the pictures of such revelation.
After the press conference, the party started, and the tables of some of the guests were visited by some maids.
Hermione, Pansy and Dean arrived at Harry's room, but a small, thin, blonde, long-haired girl stood in the middle instead of finding their friend. She was wearing a litmus dress with white open slippers. "Hello!" said the girl with a dreamy voice.
The three kids were frozen in their place, and then the maid that walked them left, closing the door behind her.
"Here they are!" said a voice from inside a door. Suddenly Harry arrived with a big box in his arms. He carefully put the box on the floor in front of a giant TV. He then turned and saw Pansy and the rest, "Hello guys".
Dean's tension vanished when he saw the legend on Harry's box that said, 'videogames'. Hermione could not ease her tension as she was next to Pansy, who was frowning deeply while looking at the blonde girl.
Harry stood and walked close to the blonde girls, "Let me present you, Luna Lovegood. Luna, these are my friends. From left to right, Dean, Hermione and Pansy. Guys, This is Luna. Her father decided to work alongside Ainz Ooal Gown."
"I guess the proper term would be 'for' Ainz Ooal Gown", said Luna with a smile.
Harry nodded and then walked to the box. "I was going to connect one of my video games. It seems she has almost no interaction with Non-wizard games, so I would use a soft introduction with video games."
"I like the idea!" said Dean enthusiastically.
Harry walked again to the box and took one video console. "I guess we can use the Super Nintendo."
"Do you have Mortal Kombat?"
"I was thinking maybe some RPG games. You know, so they won't get scared", Harry said without looking at Dean.
"Ok, but you owe me a match", said Dean, helping Harry with the console.
After connecting the console to the TV, they let Luna play the game. She immediately understood the controls and smiled when she read the tale of 'Final Fantasy III'.
Hermione was sitting close to her, trying to read. Still, she turned to see the TV screen occasionally until she started to try to direct Luna. They commented about the different things inside the game, like why a potion can heal anything and another potion can give you energy. Dean also participated in giving Luna information about the views of technology in real life.
While they were playing the video game, Pansy was sitting on a chair away from them, looking out the window. Harry then walked and leaned to the wall next to Pansy and looked out the window. Harry looked at Pansy, and her earrings showed a pale grey light.
"Malfoy would talk to you again", said Harry, carefully so the others wouldn't hear them. Pansy only looked at him with a frown and then looked away again.
Harry was puzzled, 'wasn't that why she was angry and lonely?' He then turned to see the others and only ventured a small thought, "The Lovegoods are going to work for us. Parkinson's work WITH us."
Pansy sighed and nodded. She did not know why she was so angry; she already knew the blonde girl was behind Suzuki. At least she believed she could win over her.