Masquerade (Hermione x Female OC)

Chapter 7 - Contemplation

Total Words - 1171

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*First week of September.*

René bid farewell to her family, the parting particularly tough on her younger brother Felix. He clung to the warmth of his sister's presence, as the impending months of separation weighed heavily on him. The family dynamics were complex, especially due to her father's absence and her mother Éloïse Lior's ongoing recovery from Wizard's Wasting, a condition marked by muscle pain and stiffness. Felix, still unaware of the full extent of his mother's ailment, perceived the situation as a mere bout of illness. She did not think much of her mother for she never had any profound bond with the woman. The older woman did not even come down to bid her adieu. It was never the case but this time René understood her mother's restrictions.

As René stepped out of her house, the bittersweet mix of anticipation and melancholy filled her. The road ahead held excitement, but the parting left an ache in her heart, especially knowing the tough circumstances they were navigating.

The house, dwarfing even their previous residence in Florence, Paris, was a striking embodiment of Mediterranean Revival architecture. Its façade was adorned with a blend of white and beige walls, radiating an air of timeless elegance and sophistication. The walls were meticulously crafted, displaying intricate detailing that added depth and character to the structure. Elegant columns and ornate balustrades graced the entrance, a grand structure that one might expect from a family of their stature. Tall, arched windows punctuated the walls, inviting natural light into the interiors. The house sat majestically amidst beautiful landscaped gardens, where vibrant flowers and verdant foliage framed the property. The manor was a testament to how are you food detector would shaking the tree care 2 male names Amin fucking tired Avatar the comfort she was leaving behind.

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The familiar faces at Kings Cross station brought comfort, a sense of belonging in the midst of the bustling platform. Amidst the farewell crowd, Narcissa hugged Draco, conveying her love and well wishes. However, Draco's eagerness to reunite with his friends made him rush onto the train without looking back, their hug interrupted, leaving his mother with a mix of hurt and nostalgia.

René's gaze locked onto Mrs. Malfoy's figure in the distance. A warm smile graced her lips as she waved enthusiastically. With a heartfelt goodbye mouthed and returned in kind, the train prepared to depart. Her smile lingered as she dashed onto the train, ready to embrace the journey ahead.

As the train whistle sounded, the kids found their compartments and settled in, the journey ahead felt like an adventure waiting to unfold. The train's gentle swaying and the distant sounds of the station slowly faded away, replaced by the excited chatter. 

The train journey followed its familiar rhythm, a blend of tradition and routine. Draco, Crabbe, and Goyle embarked on their customary prank escapades, targeting unsuspecting first-year students with mischievous glee. Meanwhile, within their compartment, Theodore, Pansy and Blaise shared stories, laughter, and the latest updates from their respective families.

René's attention, however, was absorbed by a book on potions. Determined to make the most of her time, she immersed herself in the pages, seeking to gain an advantage for the upcoming year. René's aptitude for subjects like Herbology and Potions was evident, areas where her skills and dedication shone brightly. However, she acknowledged her challenges in Arithmancy and Divination, recognizing the subjects where she sought to improve.

Theodore's departure, prompted by a motivation, as he excused himself to catch a glimpse of an older Slytherin he held a lot of interest in. Meanwhile, Blaise and Pansy engaged in conversation, the two engaged in their own dynamic within the compartment. Pansy's patience appeared to wear thin with Draco's absence, while Blaise, in turn, waited for Pansy to make her exit, his thoughts about her evident.

Blaise's playful demeanor couldn't help but notice René engrossed in her potion book, and a teasing side glance was cast her way.
"René, come on," Blaise said, a playful grin on his lips. "Put that book down for a moment and join in the conversation. We're discussing the latest society scandals, and your input is sorely missed."

René looked up from her book, a faint smile tugging at the corner of her lips. "You know me, Blaise. Scandals aren't exactly my cup of tea." Not always though.

Blaise rolled his eyes in mock exasperation. "I know, I know. But trust me, this one's too juicy. Pansy is convinced she's discovered some hidden affair of Fletchey. He is been eyeing a shitton of people." René looked at him curiously "Do you know him?... It's all rather ridiculous, but your eye input could provide some perspective," he said.

René chuckled softly and closed her book. "Alright, alright. I'll bite. Fill me but don't expect me to get too invested." Blaise grinned triumphantly. "That's the spirit! Now, where shall I start..."

However, their focus was interrupted by the unexpected appearance of Sara, who managed to skateboard her way through the confined spaces of the train was peeking through the glass door.

Pansy's impatience with individuals who didn't meet her criteria of pureblood lineage was palpable, and Sara's nonchalant demeanour only fueled her disdain further. Pansy wasted no time in vacating the compartment, her annoyance evident in her eye-roll and audible groan, her priority clearly being to distance herself from someone like Sara. "Handle this half ass lass, you both. Have fun!" she said as she moved on, her determination to locate Draco and her romantic aspirations remained her focal point, driving her onwards through the train in pursuit of her desires.

René held a clear distaste for Pansy's attitude. Most people did. She minimized interactions with her, ensuring their conversations were brief and to the point whenever necessary. René found Pansy's excessive pride perplexing, especially considering Pansy's lack of academic prowess and extracurricular achievements. Hell, she wasn't even pretty to look at. In René's eyes, Pansy didn't possess any qualities to justify her haughty behavior.

As her contemplation dragged on, René also questioned the intensity of Pansy's disdain for half-bloods with such aggression was even not too common in their own community. The family tree of the pure-bloods, even though ever expanding with multiple generations and children, was still tight nit. The idea of marrying close relatives, a cousin or someone was unappealing to her. It made her gag. She recognized that over generations, the intermingling and marrying among pureblood families with like of others was ought to happen.

She chose to keep her thoughts to herself, recognizing the potential repercussions of openly expressing her opinions about Pansy and other such matters. She understood the situation within her family, friends, and their social circle, and she didn't want to upset that dynamic by stirring up controversy. René's discretion was driven by her desire to maintain harmony and avoid unnecessary conflicts, even if it meant keeping her thoughts hidden. For now at-least.

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