AN: Please Read the End Note!
Chapter 7: Mind and Spirits
A month and a half had passed.
Hermione had managed to catch up to Draco in both magical prowess and schoolwork. Now, Narcissa was drilling them mercilessly on dancing in preparation for the upcoming Halloween Ball and the Yule Ball. Their lessons in spellwork had been trimmed down to make time for etiquette and ball training.
"Draco, is your mother always this particular as the holidays approach?" Hermione asked.
Draco glanced at her. "This year, yes. Normally, I'd just have a few extra dance lessons, but this time she seems determined to make an entrance for us both. After all, it's the Introduction Ball."
The instructor barked at them to repeat the last sequence of steps.
"Introduction Ball?" Hermione repeated as they resumed the sequence.
"It's a tradition," Draco explained. "The year before starting at Hogwarts, the children of all the prominent families are introduced to one another. Think of it like a debutante ball, but specifically for the next generation of Hogwarts students. You'll meet the future Lords and Ladies—everyone who matters in the wizarding world."
When the instructor finally allowed them a break, Draco poured them each a cup of tea from the tray.
"So that's why your mother is being so insistent about this," Hermione said, taking a sip. "She wants us to make a good impression. And, since we're at the top of our class, we might be asked to dance quite a lot."
Draco smirked. "That, and she wants it to look as though we've got an understanding. Trust me, I'd rather that than deal with Pansy or the Greengrass girls."
Hermione rolled her eyes, unimpressed. "You mean the ones who think their sole purpose in life is to marry well? I could've strangled Pansy when she called me a bookworm."
Draco chuckled. "I understand. Believe me, Mother doesn't want me stuck with anyone vapid. That's why she's putting so much effort into all this."
Hermione couldn't help but laugh along with him.
"Anyway, what's the plan for this afternoon? I know I've got etiquette lessons. What about you?" Hermione asked.
"Mother says lunch will double as part of the lesson. After that, you've got heel training, and I'm supposed to help you. Apparently, in a few weeks, we'll start dancing with… weapons."
Hermione raised an eyebrow. "Weapons?"
Draco smirked as they walked to the dining room. "Heels. Trust me, they are weapons. Pansy once trampled my toes during a class, and let's just say they weren't the same colour for weeks."
Hermione couldn't suppress her laugh. "I've worn heels before, and I did ballet. Why doesn't Narcissa just let me show her that I'm not hopeless at dancing?"
Draco stopped in his tracks, staring at her. "You did ballet? That's brilliant! Mother would love that. She's always wanted someone who looks and moves like a princess. That's exactly why you've got all these lessons."
Hermione smiled as they entered the dining room, where the etiquette instructor awaited them.
"Please take your seats," the instructor said curtly.
Lunch was a formal, five-course meal designed to test their etiquette.
"Miss Granger, your fork is in the wrong hand," the instructor noted sharply. Hermione hastily corrected herself, sighing inwardly.
After lunch, the pair requested a short break.
"I'll be at the pitch. Fancy coming along? We've barely seen daylight today," Draco offered.
"Good idea," Hermione agreed. "Your flying lessons start soon, don't they? Are you excited?"
Draco shrugged, grabbing his broom. "Yes and no," he said, heading out.
Hermione followed, relishing the fresh air as Draco practiced in the sky. She settled on the grass with a book about flying techniques for beginners, determined to prepare herself for tomorrow's lesson.
After half an hour, Narcissa called Hermione inside for her heel training.
"Have you worn heels before, Hermione?" Narcissa asked.
"Yes, but never stilettos," Hermione replied.
"Well, we'll start small. Stilettos aren't for young girls. Perhaps when you're sixteen—if I feel you're ready," Narcissa said.
Hermione changed into a dress and modest heels. The lesson was thorough, covering everything from balancing books on her head to walking gracefully on uneven ground, wet floors, and grass. Narcissa explained that every aristocratic lady needed to master these skills.
By the end of the day, Hermione slipped off the "torture devices" and returned to her comfortable shoes. She headed to the library to unwind, immersing herself in a book on charms. Lucius and Narcissa had ensured she and Draco had the full Hogwarts curriculum at their disposal.
Draco burst into the library, looking thoroughly exasperated.
"I can't believe we have to learn Legilimency next week," he groaned, tossing a book onto the table. "Father says we're to finish it by Friday."
Hermione sighed, setting aside her charms book and picking up Mind and Spirits: Introduction to Legilimency.
The book delved into protecting one's thoughts and building mental barriers. Hermione found it fascinating, even as the sheer complexity of it overwhelmed her. That evening, their timetable was updated to include meditation and relaxation classes.
Later, as she prepared for bed, Hermione began imagining what her mental fortress might look like. She scanned her bookshelf for inspiration.
"Alice in Wonderland? Little Women? What would work best?" she murmured.
"Miss, your bath is ready," Millie, the house-elf, announced.
"Thank you, Millie," Hermione said, setting aside a small stack of books.
October at Malfoy Manor had grown cold, and warm baths had become a nightly comfort. Hermione soaked her aching feet, grateful for the relief.
Afterwards, she slipped into her pyjamas and climbed into bed. Millie left her a glass of water and her evening potion before bidding her goodnight.
Hermione whispered, "Nox," extinguishing the light. Hugging her stuffed bear, she closed her eyes.
That night, she dreamed of Hogwarts. The castle unfolded in her mind, its towers and hidden passages forming the foundation of her mental fortress.
When she awoke, she felt ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead.
The dream had been the first step in her training.
AN:
Hello, everyone!
It's been a while, and I'm so sorry for my absence. Last year was a rollercoaster for my health, and I needed time to recover and focus on getting better. Thankfully, I'm in a much better place now, and I truly believe that this year will be the one where I finally finish Pureblooded Orphan.
Though it's still a work in progress, I've completed a few chapters in the past, and I'm excited to start sharing them with you! I'll be posting monthly starting now. Thank you so much for the reviews on AO3 and here—I've loved reading them, and I hope you'll continue to enjoy this story.
Thank you for your support!
Audrey