Chapter 4: The book girl
...
Hermione's heart skipped a beat. Or two. She felt like she had been caught and was now in trouble.
But that was absurd.
Lady Malfoy had asked her to come, and Hermione was waiting for her.
"Yes, I am Hermione, hello."
She tried to sound full of confidence, but instead, Hermione noticed her voice trembled with every word. The man before her had not taken his eyes off her as if analyzing all her features and deciding what to do with her.
Important men are easy to displease; avoid long conversations when you can, ladies. Madame Umbridge had come to the little school a few months ago, bringing with her etiquette lessons for girls who were far from the nobility. It had been a complete disaster.
But to her surprise, Hermione agreed with Madame Umbridge's lesson today. The less time she could spend in a room with the intimidating man before her, the better chances for her to leave unscattered.
"I apologize, sir." She needed to address him respectfully if he was Lady Malfoy's son. He would be Lord of the Manor one day. "I... Lady Malfoy called for me, but she might be gone now; I will take my leave and return later."
The man remained untroubled, blocking the door.
"Why did Lady Malfoy call for you?" he asked. Hermione noticed his eyes were inquisitive. Hermione could not fathom why such an important man would take the time to ask her even a single question.
"I... it's my birthday, sir, she was going to give me a birthday present..." Her cheeks were probably the colour of beets at this point. She could not believe her luck. After so many years of visiting Lady Malfoy's study, it was the first time Hermione had faced another family member without Lady Narcissa's presence.
It was the first time she had seen Draco Malfoy up this close.
She had seen glimpses of him, of course. People talked about how he liked to ride his horses on the south fields before dawn. Girls like Lavender would squeal with delight, calling him dashing. Hermione agreed; he was very handsome. Almost too handsome. His features were so symmetric that they made the angles look painfully acute. It made her feel uneasy. His question was making her nervous. All she wanted was to go home and take this silly dress off.
"A birthday present, you say..." he hummed, "and what has Mother given you for a present this year, Hermione?"
He spoke to her like he already knew her. It was as if he had heard much about her over the years. Hermione had heard only gossip and town talk. She was at a disadvantage.
"A book, sir; she always gives me a book."
His laugh was short and sincere. "Of course, a book; I have heard for years of the book girl; that is how Father calls you." He took a step forward, detaching himself from the door frame. "You have been a topic of conversation in several family dinners, Hermione."
The way he addressed her, with such familiarity made her feel weak on the knees.
"Oh..."
What else was she supposed to say? She wanted to leave.
"Oh, indeed," he snorted gently. "The book girl, the piano girl, the girl who brings Mother flowers and makes father insufferable." He took another step towards her.
Hermione felt rooted to the spot.
"You seem harmless enough. I do not understand why Father spends so much energy arguing about you." She had no idea arguments had been made about her. It made her feel guilty. Hermione did not want to get Lady Narcissa in trouble. "Mother had always wanted a daughter, and you have been a decent substitution. Pleasant and eager, knowing your place."
Hermione felt herself getting teary.
Yes, she knew her place. She did not need a reminder.
"The way Mother fills your head with ideas is cruel and unfair, though. Why bother to make a farm girl dream of another life?"
The air left her lungs, but as much as she wanted to cry, Hermione swallowed her small pride and forced a polite smile.
"I do not presume to know Lady Malfoy's intentions, sir." She took a sideway step, looking at the door, ready to jump out of the room, "I will take my leave now."
She took three small steps toward freedom, but her arm was grabbed before she reached the door. "Aren't you forgetting your gift?" He mocked.
Hermione felt nauseous. " I..."
"There you are."
To Hermione's immense relief, Lady Malfoy was now standing in the room. "I am glad you waited, Hermione." Lady Malfoy's eyes remained soft when she noticed her son, "Draco, I see you have met Hermione."
His nod was short.
"We should be leaving soon. You know how impatient Lord Nott can be". Lady Narcissa walked quickly to the desk, grabbing the book Hermione wanted to obliviate from her mind. "I've seen you reading this one several times now, my dear; it makes most sense for you to keep it. Happy birthday, little lion."
Hermione forgot for a minute that Draco Malfoy was in the same room. Her heart warmed up to Lady Malfoy's voice, and she stepped towards her. "Thank you, Lady Malfoy. It is the best gift I could have asked for." And she meant it.
Hermione thought Lady Narcissa would not hug her in front of her son. She had already resigned to receive a smile and a polite handshake. But as always, Lady Malfoy took her breath away, giving Hermione a warm and long-lasting hug, from which Hermione could not help closing her eyes in happiness during the seconds it lasted.
"Off you go, dear; I will see you next Tuesday for your lesson." Hermione took the book and held it tightly against her chest.
"Yes, my Lady." Hermione beamed with the most sincere and biggest smile she could muster. She would not allow Draco Malfoy or anyone to take this moment away from her.
She wanted to turn and leave without a proper goodbye to the future Lord of the Manor. But it would not do. She did not want to displease Lady Malfoy in any way.
"Good day, Mr. Malfoy."
"Good day, Hermione." His tone was all politeness now, "The pleasure was all mine."