Jun 25, 2010 21:49
Hermione Granger wished people were as easy to interpret as books. As she felt Augusta Longbottom’s hard gaze burn into her, she wished she had some sort of way to tell what the old witch was thinking. Her eyes reminded her of McGongall’s critical gaze that Neville had told Hermione she had shared, mixed with a bit of Moody’s sternness. Still, she hoped that the old witch was hiding sympathy. In the meantime, it was time to pass the exam.
The air seemed very, very still in the old house. It was certainly a lot fancier than anything she had been used to. It was like if the Weasleys were trying to imitate the Malfoys, but using a bunch of museum relics that had been gathering dust for centuries.
“I’ve heard many good things about you from both Neville and Minerva, and I hope you would indulge me with your time and cooperation” Mrs. Longbottom circled the much younger woman. As Hermione’s gaze followed her, she noticed her boyfriend sitting on the couch, looking helpless.
“Are you going to be tough on her, gran?” Neville stared up with wide eyes in undisguised anxiety.
“Of course not, my boy. I’m just going to know her a little better for myself. If I you to verify something, I’ll ask for it”
That was her signal to make him shut up. From the balcony, great uncle Algie and great aunt Enid watched from their magical wheelchairs like a jury at a court. Hermione offered them a polite smile, which they returned, but she couldn’t help but feel like she had been called to the head of the class.
“So, you come from a respectable muggle family?” She continued circling
“They’re dentists. It’s good work. There’s enough money for them if that’s what you’re asking. They both have doctorates from King’s College, and they’re very well educated”
‘What is the family faith?”
“Mum’s a Liberal Jew, and dad’s Methodist. They follow their faiths and they taught me to think for myself and find my own way in life”
“Not much for tradition?” The tone of voice sounded like a whisper before an avalanche
“The tradition of thinking rationally and independently. Of making sure you’ve read everything before believing it. Of finding the most credible information and learning it and using it to help yourself and other people” Hermione knew she was coming off as defense, but she was going to stand up for herself.
“And you believe my grandson is trustworthy and worthy of your affection, faith, and best efforts?” This came out very neutral. Augusta Longbottom was playing her poker face. She played her cards very close, closer than Dumbledore or McGonagall. Hermione stared her down.
“If I didn’t, I wouldn’t love him. And I love him” At this she turned to Neville, determined but softening. She was absolutely sincere. She loved him, no matter what his gran thought of either of them.
“Good. Because I believe the same thing and love him too.”
Mrs. Longbottom stopped walking.
“Mrs. Granger, you have passed the test. I considered trying to hex you or quiz you or trick you, but I know you would pass those anyway, and, more importantly, you passed what is important. My blessing on you, Hermione Granger, still holds” At this, a smile crossed her wrinkled face and her broadbrimmed hat nodded upward. Even the stuffed vulture seemed to smile.
Neville ran up to embrace his grandmother
“Oh gran, I’m so glad. I knew she’d be good enough” He held the old woman in his arms.
“So did I, to tell you the truth.” She patted him on the back
As Algie and Enid descended the stairway, Neville turned to meet Hermione’s embrace.
“I did it because I love you” “I knew you would, Hermione, I knew you would. I love you so much I’d do the same for you”
There was a glint in Hermione’s eyes like a wand lighting up. Neville knew it could be either very good or very bad. Since he loved her, though, he didn’t really care, either.
neville,
hermione,
n/hr,
fanfiction,
hp