Jaded (Rewritten)

Chapter Eight: Just Give It Time

Malfoy's Beach House – Maldives Island – 10:00 A.M

Hermione woke to the rich, nutty scent of fresh coffee wafting through the room. She yawned sleepily, stretching her arms above her head until her joints popped. Once the kinks were gone, she threw the blankets back and sat up, her eyes scanning the room for the source of her awakening. She spotted a tray on the sitting-room table, but before she could investigate—

"WHAT THE BLOODY HELL!"

Hermione's eyes widened at the thunderous roar echoing through the hallway. She scrambled to the edge of the bed and snatched her wand from the side table.

"Didi?" she called out, her heart hammering.

The tiny elf appeared instantly at her side and bowed. "Miss is awake! Did Miss have a good sleep? Did Miss see the breakfast Didi made?" she asked, her voice a pitch too high.

"Didi, I—I heard a voice—"

"MOTHER!!!"

Hermione stopped mid-sentence and whipped her head toward the bedroom door. She gripped her wand tightly and stood up.

Didi winced, reaching out to tug frantically on Hermione's pajama leg. "Didi is sorry, Miss! But Young Master seems to be in a very bad mood," she said apologetically.

Hermione's brow furrowed. "What do you mean, Young Master? I thought I was alone here!"

Didi's eyes filled with tears, and she immediately began hitting her head against the mahogany bedpost. "I am sorry, Miss! Didi was not supposed to tell! Didi is a bad elf!" she wailed.

Hermione dropped to the floor, grabbing the elf's shoulders to stop her from bashing her head further. "Stop that, Didi! I forbid you to hurt yourself!"

The elf stopped struggling and turned her tear-stricken face toward Hermione, sniffing loudly. "Didi is a bad elf... Didi should punish herself..."

"Well, I am your 'Miss' for now, so you'd better follow what I say," Hermione commanded firmly. Didi sniffed again, staring miserably at her feet.

Hermione sat on her haunches, crossing her arms over her chest. "Now, Didi, as your Mistress, I want you to tell me: who is this 'Young Master'? How did he get here? I was told I was the only one with access to this place!"

Didi began fumbling with her hands, but before she could speak, a loud bang resounded through the house—the sound of a heavy door hitting a wall.

"IF THERE IS ANY ELF HERE, OR GOBLIN, OR WHATEVER CREATURE MY MOTHER EMPLOYED TO TAKE CARE OF THIS BLASTED HOUSE, I COMMAND YOU TO SHOW YOURSELF!"

Hermione scowled. "The 'Young Master' you're referring to is quite a character, isn't he?" she huffed.

Didi winced at the volume. "Didi must show herself to Young Master. Didi is supposed to answer to him. Please, Miss, stay in this room! Didi will go to him," she pleaded.

Hermione stood up, her jaw set. "I can't let you do that alone! What if he hurts you?"

Didi offered a small, sad smile. "Don't worry for Didi, Miss. Young Master won't hurt me. He is good."

Another door slammed shut, shaking the villa's light fixtures. "If that's your only basis for 'good,' I doubt your judgment!" Hermione snapped.

"IS ANYBODY HERE? I COMMAND YOU TO SHOW YOURSELF!"