The Dragon's Treasure

Return to Hogwarts

Lord Black sent a drying spell at the parchment he had just filled, and placed his head in his hands. He was so tired of writing these letters, tired of begging his late brother's soulmate to come back home and do his duty.

He had written Mister Remus Lupin every six months since he had left their home when Sirius died. Lord Black had insisted that he belonged with them, but Remus was never swayed. Even the late Lady Black couldn't make him see sense.

More often than not, Lord Black received no response to his letters. He always duplicated the letters and sent them to several post offices where he paid to keep a box for Remus, never quite knowing where he would be.

Remus was his own worst enemy.

Lord Black understood loss all too well. He understood the sorrow that came with losing your

soulmate, but he had not run from his duty as Remus had. He had pushed through the depression to live for his daughter.

She needed him.

Remus had run away as soon as Sirius had passed.

He had said all manner of things about not wanting to be a burden, and about werewolf

discrimination, but in the end Lord Black knew that it came down to his own cowardice.

Hermione pulled yet another book from the shelves of the Smith Library, and placed it in her pile to take to Hogwarts. Zach was alphabetizing her selections as she went. He was quite vocal about how it was the only acceptable way to organize books, so she left him to his task.

Lady Smith's voice called out to them from the doorway, enquiring whether their trunks were done being packed.

"Yes Mother!" Zach called through the open door. Hermione had insisted that they do it

themselves, though the house elves had insisted on double checking it for them.

The books they selected would be put into her tote to be taken on the train. Lady Smith had

magically enlarged it, and placed a featherlight charm on it, so she could carry as many books as she wanted without hurting herself.

The Hogwarts Library was excellent, but not quite good enough for Hermione. The Smith library had a wide variety of texts, and no one tried to restrict what she could read. No knowledge was off- limits to her here.

On the contrary, Lady Smith encouraged her to read broadly, and would buy her any text she

showed the slightest interest in.

Lady Smith smiled as she went to confirm their travel plans with the head house elf.

Hermione was an excellent addition to the family. She thought the late Lord Smith would have loved her. She was sharp as a whip, and incredibly kind. She didn't take any of Zach's nonsense, and didn't hesitate to put him in his place.

It was always amusing to watch. She could admit she had spoiled him, and it had made him a bit arrogant. Hermione didn't bow to him though, indeed it was quite the opposite. She could often see Zach doting on Hermione when he thought no one was watching.

She had ordered a particularly rare edition of The Tales of Beedle the Bard upon Zach's urging.

When he presented it to Hermione she had placed a kiss upon his cheek before blushing furiously and running out of the room.

It was adorable.

Hermione hated clothes shopping just as much as she loved book shopping. That suited Lady Smith just fine. Once she had Hermione's measurements and a few instructions as far as favorite colors and so on, she was able to pick Hermione's wardrobe for her.