In which Harry is missing, Helga doesn't commit murder and Hermione talks with Draco about cars and carriages.
Enjoy!
A_A
It was Minerva who brought him the news. Harry was sick. Everybody knew it. A lot of students returned from their evening spots to the common rooms, and many saw how Gryffindor carried him through corridors and then out of the castle, unconscious. In the morning, Hufflepuffs told others that Helga visited the boy's dormitories in the evening to pack some of Harry's clothes and books. She explained to the concerned roommates that Harry had suddenly gotten sick and needed rest in the warmth of his home. She told them that he would be back soon.
Albus was able to calm agitated Minerva, ensuring that he'll talk with the founders to find out the truth, and he'll bring Harry to safety. He wasn't certain, however, if he could do that. For one, he had no power over any of the founders. And wished no open conflict to emerge. There was too much to lose in such a case. He also sincerely doubted that recovering Harry by force was necessary. From what he observed, they were friendly and caring towards the heirs and the students. What leads to the second thing? If Harry had gotten close enough to the founders to know their plans, and if their plans had contradicted Albus more than he had initially imagined, Harry could have lost his loyalty to Albus. And if the loss of consciousness was resulting in his doubts or even opposition… Well, in such a case, the boy was too far gone to rescue him for the light, and the founders were too big of a threat to treat lightly.
The thought of losing the boy lay heavily on Albus' heart. He wished nothing of the sort to happen. Yes, he hoped for the boy to fulfil a certain role and took precautions to lead Harry in the correct direction, but that was necessary. He installed the enchantments that provided him with prosperity, accomplishments, triumph, and a driving force. He assured that the boy, under Albus' guidance, would become victorious and be able to live a long and very happy life. Albus gave him all the resources for a fulfilled, successful life of a hero, the conqueror of the Dark Lord. And the only thing he expected in return was loyalty.
Albus would never decide to add the other enchantments, not to mention the curse if he were certain that the boy would not be led astray. He couldn't afford to give the gift of a well-equipped and powerful ally to the opposition. What's more, he never expected Harry to let himself be led astray! He was such a good boy. Not to mention, Albus took care to surround the boy with people of appropriate world views and keep him out of the influence of lost souls.
To be absolutely honest with himself, Albus had to admit that he cared for the boy a little too much. He had to force himself to follow the plan. Otherwise… well, he would have left the fate of the chosen boy to himself, he would have allowed him a better childhood, and he would have kept him closer to the heart. If only he could! But the fate of one boy, even the fate of Albus himself, was nothing in the light of the fates of generations of wizards and witches.
According to Minerva, Helga Hufflepuff had planned to observe Hagrid's lesson before lunch, and Albus hoped to find her there. Indeed, she was visible from afar, ribbons fluttering in the wind merrily as she stood on the side. Albus strolled towards her, enjoying the beautiful autumn weather and not hiding a smile. He honestly liked the woman and her friendliness towards students. He'd seen her often talking with them, helping in small, everyday matters. Once or twice, he heard that she comforted a home-sick firstie or found the time to help students in the library with their homework. He only found her disciplinary measures a little too severe for his own tastes. After all, they were all only children and fought for what they believed was right.
Even now, Hufflepuff smiled at the students with whom she met eyes. Her demeanour was warm and welcoming, and the ribbons made her seem younger, almost girlish. It was no surprise that she quickly found many admirers among the students. Albus saw some girls, especially younger, weaving ribbons into their hair, and boys, especially older, following her with enchanted eyes. If he were younger, he'd probably do the exact same thing...
Smiling softly to his thoughts, Albus stopped by Helga Hufflepuff.
"Good morning," he said lightly.
"Good morning," she replied curtly, not even looking at him. Dumbledore noticed how her face sharpened but didn't stop smiling.
"Such a beautiful day to enjoy outside," he said, not changing his tone in the slightest. "Would you mind joining me for a walk?"
"Yes," Hufflepuff replied, almost barking back. "I'm busy."
"Of course," he nodded, "Is that the first Hagrid's lesson you evaluate?"
"No," came another unpleasant response.
"And how do you find them?" Albus asked, nonetheless pleasantly.
"Two weeks is too short to draw any conclusions," she snapped and added coldly, "May I help you with something?"
The words themselves could be pleasant, even caring, but the tone and the icy gaze of the amber eyes said that there was absolutely nothing Helga Hufflepuff would like to help Albus with.
"Nothing too troubling, I imagine," he replied kindly. I'd like to inquire about Harry's whereabouts and health, but that is a conversation to be held out of the reach of prying ears," he smiled, tilting his head to indicate students. Some of them already had their ears growing, and faces lit in curiosity. Miss Granger seemed even to make a few discreet steps towards them.
"That's a rather short conversation," Hufflepuff said sharply. "According to the school regulations, I have informed the head of the house of the necessity of taking Harry away from school for some time for health reasons. If she hadn't approached you with the appropriate documents yet, it's because she didn't have time to do so."
"I see," Albus nodded his head slowly, a smile slipping off his face to be replaced with concern. "I was hoping that was maybe only an excuse for visiting his godfather. He's in France, I hear?"
Hufflepuff did not answer but asked, "Is there anything I can help you with?"
"Well, as Harry's legal guardian and out of concern, I'd like to know about his health and whereabouts. After all, I not only wish to provide him with safety and care, but am obligated to do so."
"You are not his legal guardian," Hufflepuff said, a hint of satisfaction in her tone. "And you are not entitled to this information."
Albus smiled in response. After all, she was new in this time. She could have misunderstood the situation or lacked knowledge about legislation, thinking that Dursleys were Harry's representatives also in the magical world. Albus hoped that someday it would be so, but as for now, the regulations were in his favour.
"Ah, I see your confusion about the matter. I am not his family by blood, but I represent him in the matters of the magical world. So, you see…"
"No," Helga said sharply. "I am not confused. I am his legal guardian in the magical world, and I am his family by blood. So I understand your confusion about the matter, but you can cross this responsibility off your list. If you have any doubts, I suggest you speak with the Ministry workers. I am not obligated nor willing to tell you a single thing about Harry. Now, may I help you with anything else?"
The tone of the last question suggested that under those words hid the nastiest 'fuck off, old man!' Albus had ever heard in his life. He smiled pleasantly.
"Ah, no. No, everything is fine in this case. I'm happy to know Harry is well taken care of. Please wish him a speedy recovery from me," he added blandly. Smiling at the students and nodding to Hagrid, he turned to stroll back to Hogwarts.
He decided to take a longer road by the lake to gather his thoughts and calm his emotions. He seemed to have lost much more ground than he thought, and not only with Harry. He needed to have a nice cup of tea with Amelia Bones. She enjoyed berry tartlets, as far as he remembered.
Hermione observed the interaction between Helga and Professor Dumbledore with curiosity. From her place, she could hear Helga's replies, but Professor Dumbledore spoke in a softer tone. Yet it was understandable when she discreetly moved a little closer. She was certain they didn't notice her movement, as none of them attempted to move away or hush their voice.
Helga was undeniably harsh in her replies, and knowing Helga as she did, she supposed that Harry's sudden decline in health had something to do with Professor Dumbledore. Hermione had no knowledge of why Harry had to leave, and she was thoroughly worried. So were Neville and Ron. They spoke about it shortly after breakfast, but none of them knew anything except what was said in the gossip. Hermione wanted to ask right away, but Rowena was nowhere to be seen, while Helga appeared only to grab a toast and told Hermione they'd talk closer to lunch. When asked, Godric laughed merrily and, patting Neville on the arm, said that he shouldn't worry and Harry would be just fine with a little rest, but Neville and Hermione agreed that he said what others should hear. Finally, they approached Salazar, who announced that if they needed to know, they would be informed. And that was it.
Hermione found it difficult to concentrate during runes. Fortunately, Daphne understood her trouble and offered to repeat the lesson with Hermione in the evening. It appeared that Hermione would have to ask Lisa for the same favour in case of care. However, they usually read more extensively on the subject chosen by Hagrid and supplied the lessons with other creatures that could be found in the curriculum, which Hagrid chose to skip.
As they spoke, and Professor Dumbledore remained cordial and unconcerned, Hermione got very mixed feelings. Initially, she thought it graceful when he ignored Helga's curt responses and remained friendly. She was even a little ashamed of Helga's behaviour towards the old headmaster. Of course, with everything they learned about his actions, it would be unreasonable to trust him or work with him, yet Hermione was under the impression that Salazar demanded civil behaviour from them all, and even without it, there was no reason to reply with unpleasantries in the conversation… Yet then she thought that Helga was probably worried for Harry, and there was a possibility that Professor Dumbledore was somehow involved in Harry's state… although it seemed rather slim, and she only thought that because Helga tended to be a little overprotective at times and defended her own quite fiercely. That finally made Hermione angry at Professor Dumbledore because if he was concerned according to his own declarations, why would he remain so cheerful? And if he cared for Harry, how could he not notice in over a month that he lost the guardianship over him?
Hermione wanted to pester Helga about Harry immediately. However, she waited patiently until the end of the lesson, when both Neville and she approached the woman. Helga undoubtedly was expecting them as she immediately steered them in the direction of the lake.
"Let's take a short walk prior to lunch," she offered quite pointedly, and even if Neville tried to shoot the first question immediately, Hermione hushed him and moved with Helga towards the lake. After a couple of steps, Helga took out her wand. Linden leaves and fruits rocked gently as she cast the silencing spell around the three of them.
"Now," she said softly, "I'll tell you everything I can. However, none of you can repeat my words to anybody. Not even to Ron, Hermione. Not to mention the rest of the Weasleys. If anybody asks you, Harry is just weakened. If a close person asks you, and it would be apparent you're hiding the truth, you can add that it was because he tried to help in the ritual for Rowena's studies. She was working on the creation of the old artefact with the use of newer methods. You don't know what precisely. Is that clear?" she looked carefully at Neville and Hermione, who were both nodding eagerly and memorizing Helga's words. Then Helga smiled at them warmly.
"Harry is going to be just fine," she added, "He is magically exhausted after the ritual in which he successfully created a magical artefact. However, it took all his magical prowess to complete. He's resting at Riddle Manor, where he is well taken care of."
"By Voldemort?" Hermione asked doubtfully. That really sounded preposterous.
"No, rather not," Helga replied with amusement. "By Godric, Barty, and myself. Tom closed himself in the library and emerges occasionally when he needs more data for his studies. Only then does he see Harry, and Harry is still unconscious, which is a rather desirable state… Before I tell you more, I need both of you to meet with Rowena. Neville, you're going to visit her today just after lunch. You'll be done before your afternoon lessons. Hermione," now her look was a little scornful, "New date for yours and Draco's conversation with Rowena is tomorrow after lunch. Pass the news to Draco. Come to her straight after Herbology. When you're done, you'll stay a little longer so Rowena can investigate. And tomorrow after dinner, I can explain to you what else is happening."
"I have astronomy after dinner," Hermione said regretfully.
"Only at eleven, we will manage before that. I would also appreciate it, Hermione, if you could organize notes and homework for Harry. I'm not about to allow him to laze or, worse, argue with Tom, which Harry will most likely start doing as soon as he's conscious. If there won't be enough for the whole weekend, you may add an assignment of your own. Preferably in potions. His grades in potions are dreadful."
Hermione thought that Harry's grades in potions were equally the fault of his sloppy learning, as it was of Professor Snape's attitude towards Harry, but she said nothing about it, convinced that either way, it wouldn't do any harm if Harry learned more. Neville, however, thought differently on the matter, showing true Hufflepuff loyalty.
"It's not only Harry's fault," he declared. "Professor Snape hates him. He always lowers Harry's grades, and he's unhappy with everything Harry does… Not to mention that he's hovering over us like an overgrown bat…" Neville stopped speaking, going a little red with embarrassment. As he should, in Hermione's opinion. But Helga laughed softly.
"Well, I know that Sal is already working on your Potions Master, and that Godric is about to do something, but if they won't be successful, I'll go there, and force him to behave one way or another," she assured. "Is he any different this year?"
Hermione and Neville exchanged glances, considering. Hermione didn't notice any sort of kindness or even neutrality, if she were to be honest. She was also not called to answer as often as she'd like. She received some points for Ravenclaw, but that was rather because she was a Ravenclaw, and she doubted that Professor Snape would grant her any if she were still in Gryffindor.
But Neville had a different opinion.
"A little," he said slowly, after a moment of consideration. "He hadn't insulted me yet this year…"
Helga and Hermione raised her eyebrows. Hermione surprised by the size of the improvement.
"That's all?" Helga asked disbelievingly.
"He stopped taking points for nothing," Neville added slowly. "He rather pretends we're not there if he doesn't have to talk to us. I mean Gryffindors. I don't know about other houses. He surely favours Slytherin just as he did before. No matter who that is. He recently granted points to Ron just because Ron filled his cauldron with water 'exceptionally accurately', whatever that's supposed to mean… Ron looked uncomfortable, and Professor Snape added more points for how he cut his ginger root, that he stirred at an appropriate tempo, and then for the way Ron organised the ingredients. Every time, Ron looked more pained by that than happy. So I'm not certain if that's favouritism or bullying…"
"Oh, it's probably because the points were given to Slytherin," Hermione explained, thoroughly amused, "Ron hates his new sorting with passion. We have herbology and transfiguration together, and Ron seems to be about to scream every time he gets a point. Of course, Professor Snape finds it amusing to torment Ron this way," she added disapprovingly.
"And how about you and Harry, Hermione?" Helga enquired.
"He allows me to answer questions and gives me points, not as often as I'd like, but he avoided doing that while I was a Gryffindor. With Harry… well, he doesn't even look at Harry if he doesn't have to. I'm sure he wouldn't allow him any serious mistakes, but other than that, I'm fairly certain he pretends Harry's not there, or glares at him and… And that's actually unpleasant to even look at. He was outright insulting during our first three years, but I'm actually not certain if this is better for Harry. But I don't know. Harry doesn't speak about it; he is just there, doing what he has to do, and leaves. And Professor Snape is rather unbiased towards Hufflepuffs or Ravenclaws in general. He certainly appreciates that Ravenclaws are always prepared and Hufflepuffs work diligently during the lesson. I know because he told us that if there would be a student combining Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff, he'd have at least one model student."
Hermione could swear that Helga's seriousness was held forcefully after what Hermione said.
"Well, I'll talk with Harry," Helga said, "We'll see what he says, and maybe I'll go to him as Harry's family and not as the Hufflepuff. I'm almost certain Sal and Godric can deal with him in official matters efficiently… Are we ready for lunch?"
Hermione and Neville agreed, and they changed the subject to something lighter on the way back to the castle. While Neville and Helga spoke about his Gryffindor friends and the Triwizard Tournament, Hermione mused what she heard and concluded that she should seriously worry about Harry and whatever happened to him. Because what Helga told them certainly had a thick underlayer of serious trouble. What kind of ritual drained Harry so thoroughly? And if Harry was unconscious but Voldemort saw him while gathering data, didn't it mean that Voldemort was learning something about Harry's ailment? And if that happened while Harry was constantly with Rowena, who researched Harry's scar, didn't it mean that she discovered something? And considering everything, wasn't it obvious that whatever she discovered was really, really bad?
Ravenclaw had its own traditions, just like any other house. And just like in the case of any other house, the nature of those traditions was closely related to the nature of the students belonging to certain houses. Ravenclaws prided themselves on being the first house to create house-specific customs surrounding birthdays. Although nobody could verify the claim, it was a reasonable one.
Hufflepuffs had no house-specific traditions, simply celebrating their friend in the most appropriate manner for said friend. Gryffindors simply used the occasion to organise a larger or smaller party, depending on the day of the week and the popularity of the jubilant. Slytherins expressed their reverence (or lack thereof) by throwing larger or smaller parties for a person who was worth their while, and the lowest part of the social ladder got nothing, as nobody could be bothered enough to care. Although it was usually much more complicated and carried so many undertones, one could write a book solely on the language of birthday celebrations in Slytherin. The parties in Slytherin usually included much more recreational intoxication than in Gryffindor, while in Hufflepuff, it always depended on the preferences of the celebrated badger.
Ravenclaws had Traditions. No matter of social standing or popularity, it was the responsibility of the entire year to discover what would be the perfect gift for the jubilant. A gift that should reflect the knowledge of not only the jubilant's favoured field of study but also the level of his skill and what they currently need to develop their competencies. The birthday boy or girl was gifted with only one special gift, but it wasn't the only tradition.
At this point, however, that was the one which occupied the minds of fourth-year Ravenclaws. Hermione Granger was a person of vast interest and knowledge, and none of her housemates knew her well enough to provide an easy answer. After all, she was outside of any of their social circles until two weeks ago. Yet all of them grew to like and appreciate Hermione. Some more than others, as Theo held a little grudge towards her for her ignorant words about his great grandfather's book (even if he wasn't a proven author), while Daphne considered her the leading candidate for the title of the best friend, and Draco… Draco had strongly mixed and unwanted feelings.
They struggled to find a perfect gift for over a week now, constantly finding new possibilities and discarding them as not special enough. After all, it was the first birthday they were about to celebrate in this group, and it would set a tone for all the following ones.
"I've got something!" Lisa Turpin announced, as soon as Hermione distanced herself from the group following Hufflepuff and Longbottom for a stroll around the lake. Ravenclaws were curious, as much as everybody else, about the sudden disappearance of Potter, but it was far from their main concern. And Hermione would satisfy their curiosity later, one way or another. Therefore, none of them found this especially interesting. Well, none except for Draco, who was very much keen to know but hid it exceptionally.
Right now, Lisa got full attention, and the whole group instantly understood what she meant and shared her excitement. Draco, as well, although he admitted that reluctantly.
"A while back, I heard Ravenclaw asking Hermione about the progress on her project. And I asked Hermione about it, and you know how she is; when she gets on the topic, she can talk till the world keeps spinning. So, she's researching soul magic."
According to Lisa's expectations, the announcement gathered an appropriate amount of gasps and other shocked expressions.
"Granger?" Draco asked disbelievingly. "Soul magic? She must know it's mostly illegal, dark and overall everything the Golden Trio stands in opposition to, right? Or is it the new interest and she has no idea what she's dabbling with?"
"Knowledge is knowledge. She may never want to use it, but why remain ignorant on the matter?" Theo replied, shrugging. And Daphne nudged Lisa to keep talking.
"She's actually far more advanced than I'd thought," Lisa admitted. "Apparently, she got to some of Ravenclaw's books during the summer, and she found the subject of magical oaths. She researches the potential consequences of taking the vow, keeping it, and breaking it. She, therefore, is very interested in souls and the workings of soul magic. She said she's stuck because she cannot possibly buy any legal book or description that would further her research besides the basic knowledge or the middle-age knowledge, because Rowena has no newer books, and she read everything recent she could place her hands on. And, listen to this," Lisa looked beyond excited at this point. "She found somewhere 'Consuming the Souls' by Ekrizdis. Do you get it? Ekrizdis! Where would she even find this book? I honestly thought any book even owned by him got destroyed after the Ministry took over Azkaban!"
Draco was astonished by the revelation and exchanged glances with Theo. They both knew something about what happened with Ekrizdis' books because they overheard the conversation of old Cantankerous and his gleek friends a few years back. Apparently, the Blacks bribed someone at the Ministry to be able to look through and nick a couple of Ekrizdis' books before they were destroyed. They paid a ridiculous amount of money for a few tomes that were placed in the darkest parts of Blacks' library and taken out only for special occasions. However, at some point, Theo's grandfather, Thurstone, with his friends and Orion Black, got to those books and stole some. One of those, about rituals, rested now in the Nott library. The others were nowhere to be found. After all, everybody involved (just like Notts) treasured, but hid the books. Especially because showing them would mean admitting their families took part in the robbery, as well as supporting the notion how unique and extraordinary was the collection of treasures belonging to the Most Ancient and Most Noble House of Black, thus supporting their superiority claim. Not to mention, the family fell terribly in the meantime.
The question Draco wanted to be answered, however, was how in Morgana's name did Hermione Granger put a hand on this book?! It seemed unrealistic for the muggleborn to come even in close proximity to the library of one of the proper dark families, not to mention to be shown one of their treasures! Too stunned to follow the conversation, Draco wondered what other secrets held Hermione Granger. The annoying girl, the nobody in their world. Yes, now he could see that with her brain and looks, she could go far somewhere in the future, but… But suddenly, she was not only the know-it-all friend to the Boy Who Lived but also Ravenclaw's heir, chummy with all Hogwarts founders, and apparently, that wasn't all!
That couldn't be all! Neither Longbottoms, Potters, nor Weasleys would own Ekrizdis' book to lend her. The Hogwarts founders predated Ekrizdis for centuries, so none of them could possibly own the book, and their heirs were inherently light! Especially including a muggleborn and a half-blood.
Draco furrowed, suddenly stricken by something he missed all the time. Something so prominent that was hidden in plain sight: there were only three heirs. Who was the fourth? Was there the fourth? Which family was descended from Salazar Slytherin himself apart from the long-extinct Gaunts? Morgana, Draco hoped it wasn't another mudblood!
"Draco," Theo brought him back from his musings, nudging him gently. "Could you buy something illegal?"
"Of course," Draco sneered. "My lovely grannies Druella and Violetta Black will surely allow me to buy and gift the illegal book openly. They would even wrap it in a pretty prison-themed paper. Are you nuts?"
His response apparently ended the longer discussion, as the Ravenclaws fell silent, not even amused. They clearly were in the predicament of not being able to procure the absolutely perfect gift: the illegal book on soul magic. And, quite honestly, there was something Draco could do about it. The question was: would he? Did he want to?
Draco walked into the Great Hall with others. All thinking of the solution, once in a while, someone looked as if they got the idea, but every time the thought extinguished quickly enough to not even be verbalised.
"She's coming," Walter said warningly, and Draco followed his gaze to the entrance. Indeed, Hermione Granger just entered with Longbottom and Hufflepuff. Contrary to both of them, she wasn't chattering but was buried deep in her thoughts. Brows furrowed, teeth worrying her lower lip, eyes glued to the floor, what caused the soft curls to slide closer to her face, and…
"I'll get the bloody book," Draco muttered, stabbing his roast.
Rowena was happy to confirm that Neville was clear of any compulsions. There was absolutely nothing on him that would influence his body, mind, or soul. She sincerely hoped to achieve the same results after investigating Hermione, although, before that, she had quite an unpleasant responsibility to perform. One that gave her a thought to test Draco Malfoy as well, although she didn't know yet how to do so. To be quite honest, she would gladly test all Ravenclaws. She just couldn't decide what was more important and what should be prioritised. While she was at it, she started to think about testing all the Hogwarts students because Dumbledore's interest should lay in Gryffindors and Slytherins above Ravenclaws. Or Hufflepuffs, for that matter.
Mentally correcting her plan for the upcoming months, Rowena revised her notes on Harry's scar. She needed to be sure to catch on to anything first. It would not be very pleasant if Tommy would find anything sooner. Quite embarrassing, to be frank.
When the knocker on the doors to her room announced the visitors, she must have admitted to completely forgetting about Hermione and Draco. Walking slowly to let them in, Rowena closed the doors to her washroom, wardrobe, lavatory, bedroom, library, study, and scriptorium. After a moment of hesitation, she also let down the curtains to cover her private reading nook and the other meant for secluded dining. After all, Draco wasn't someone she wanted to invite closer than to her reception room. Actually, she didn't want any of the students, except for the children she treated as family, in any of those spaces. That could prove to be a problem while working with other children… It looked like she had to find some time to dust off her teaching rooms.
Contrary to other founders, Rowena preferred to have every private and semi-private room together. Therefore, she designed all of her rooms in the same place, including every chamber she needed to use with her students. She believed that if she wanted to walk through the castle, she could do so purposefully. Otherwise, it was just a waste of her time. Meanwhile, Godric, Helga, and Salazar had something everywhere and ran all day long. Although Godric had his rooms concentrated relatively in the proximity of the Gryffindor common room. At least most of them, Salazar and Helga, seemed to inhabit every floor of every building in the castle with at least a little storage. Salazar owned seven different rooms, which he used solely for admitting guests and conversations with students. He said it was about ambience, balance, and appropriate impressions. She thought he was being vain. They never talked about it after the first time.
Rowena opened the door and looked at Draco and Hermione from a height of 5'7 feet with appropriate reproof.
"Please, enter," she invited them rather coldly, and both children silently slipped into the room to occupy two separate armchairs. Rowena modernised her rooms, just as Salazar did. She liked comfort and wasn't particularly sentimental. Therefore, she added upholstered furniture to her room. It was more practical than the furs and pillows she used previously.
Gathering her thoughts on the issue at hand, Rowena took a moment to organize her words, before she spoke.
"Your behaviour reminds me of kings of the realms preceding England," she announced. "Most of them sitting on their straw thrones and bickering with each other about fallow lands on their borders and silly little things that were so devoid of importance that history has long forgotten about them. All they aimed for was power, and few stopped to consider its definition. That is why it took so long for the proper ruler to create England. Shame it was this prude, Ælfrǣd and his spawns. Yet, he had something that you two should have, as not only the students of Ravenclaw but also my heiress," she looked sharply at Hermione, who visibly shrunk. Then, Rowena added pointedly, "Brain. A functional brain he was able to use for reflection. I wonder how the two of you, in theory intelligent, talented and capable, can be so bigoted, rash, and judgmental. So ignorant. I expect better of you. Seeing that none of you can honestly understand the other's perspective on matters of import, I feel that I must interfere. Starting today, you two are going to educate each other on the worlds of your origin. I want to see you here weekly, and I'm going to supervise your discussions. Every instance of raising your voice at the other or insulting the other will result in one hour of working in the kitchens. Is that understood?"
Two nods replied, two identical 'yes, madame', and two angry glares were exchanged.
"Good, the topic of today's conversation will be easy. I'd like you two to talk about the mode of transportation that you used most often as children."
Hermione instantly took a deep breath and opened her mouth to answer. Therefore, Rowena said.
"Draco, you will begin."
There was silence when Draco clearly tried to gather his thoughts and organise them in a manner suitable for the circumstances. And he replied looking at his lap, even if he sat straight.
"It depends," he said finally. There were two: Apparition and the Floo network. I have used Floo to travel to my friends and relatives since I was old enough to do it myself. Before I travelled with my mother. When we apparated, I usually travelled with… my father, even if we were going all together."
Draco's voice wavered when he mentioned his parents, mostly his father, and Rowena had an impression that he initially wanted to use a different name. When he fell silent, Hermione was quiet, too, probably because she didn't know if she could speak. Rowena inclined her head.
"We usually travelled by car or tube. Although sometimes I took my bike to go to school. It was for health. While travelling abroad, we went by plane, but we rented a car for sightseeing. We used the buses as well, but rarely."
As far as Hermione clearly understood Draco's words, he looked as if she spoke a foreign language. Rowena herself had only vague idea about the mentioned means of transportation.
"Could you tell us more about those?" Rowena asked. "Explain what exactly are cars, tubes, bikes, planes and rented cars for sightseeing?"
Hermione blinked but nodded.
"Cars are… well… it's like carriages, but without horses. A little like the carriages that take us to and from Hogsmeade train station. There are no horses to pull them, and…"
"Thestrals pull those carriages," Draco said, rolling his eyes. "You can't see them, can you?"
Hermione looked at him in confusion.
"There are? What are Thestrals?"
"Winged horses. Like Abraxans. But everybody can see Abraxans, and they are the most beautiful and sophisticated horses in existence. While Thestrals are scavengers, and only those who have seen death can see them. They're black, bony, and have membranous wings. They're smaller than Abraxans, and they can travel great distances. We have Abraxans in our summer house in Provence. My father…" Draco broke off, and Hermione used this to say.
"Of course, your family would own flying horses and summer house abroad," she snorted.
"Houses," Draco corrected her, "Houses, Granger. We have them in France, Canada, Bahamas, Falklands, Kenya, India, Ceylon, Australia, New Zealand, and Weihai."
"So nice of you to admit that your family supported British colonialism," Hermione commented sarcastically.
"If they were too stupid to defend themselves and cater to their own needs, it's their problem," Draco shot back.
Rowena had a strong urge to send a stinging hex at both but resisted.
"An hour in the kitchen, both of you," she declared. "You were talking about cars, Hermione. How do they drive if they are not pulled by horses?"
It was a long, long, long hour for Rowena. However educational it was to get to know some more about Floo powder and modern muggle means of transportation, she had much more pressing issues to attend to. However, she saw no possibility of allowing this ridiculous dynamic between those two to continue. It was harmful not only for them but for everybody around.
Having judged four hours in the kitchen to each of them, Rowena dismissed Draco and ushered Hermione to the other room. She sighed with relief, discovering that the girl was perfectly clean of any outside interference. Dumbledore hasn't laid his hands on her girl.