When Hermione Fights

Mum and Dad

Chapter beta: Olivia

Chapter translator: Nik (& Aivy)

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When I came to a stop, Dad was the first to envelop me in his strong arms. I returned the embrace from the bottom of my heart and enjoyed the familiar smell of lemon that he was emitting. I tried to commit it down to memory.

"Hello, my darling! How was school?" Mum chirped excitedly as she also embraced me. I inhaled her familiar scent of Chanel No. 5.

"Exciting as always," I beamed at the two of them falsely. I was happy to see my parents looking so well.

"Well then, let's go. I'll drive," Dad said importantly and pushed the suitcase trolley. It was good that Orange was with the Twins.

With her, we would have been very conspicuous. My parent's bewilderment wouldn't have helped either as they had supposedly given her to me for Christmas which of course wasn't true. These were all things one must always consider when one starts lying.

It results in a vicious cycle!

We got into the BMW and raced away. When I climbed the three white steps to our townhouse, a profound sense of melancholy came over me. Soon this house would belong to me alone. I sighed sadly.

We stood somewhat lost in the hallway with its beautiful, elaborate stucco ceiling which I had always loved as a child.

"It is nice to have you back with us, sweetheart," Mum said, stroking my cheek tenderly, and I smiled at her fondly as sadness threatened to arise within me.

"I'm happy to be back too! Do you have anything planned for today?" I enquired curiously and tried to pull myself together.

"No, nothing special. It's already late. If you want, we can go out for dinner tonight or stay in and cook here," came my mother's well-intentioned offer.

"I would love it if you would cook; I have missed your cooking skills," I flattered her. Honestly, I did like her cooking, but this was also a way I could easily mix the wine with a Sleeping Draught. Let's just put it like this - I was in for another long night.

"Oh, I'm so glad to hear that! Thank you for the compliments! We'll have to make another trip to the grocery. What are you going to do in the meantime?" Mum was getting herself into a frenzy, beaming from my praise.

"Perhaps, I will take care of a couple of things but first I would like to get unpacked..." I announced and looked over at my trunk.

"Good, you do that, sweetie; I will accompany your mother. See you later!" My father proclaimed and just like that, I was alone again, just like I wanted. I pulled out my wand and directed the now floating trunk into my room.

I love magic! A wave of my wand and I had cleared out everything I wanted. It sure made life a lot easier. I then took the time to read the Gringotts letter Rangok had written me with great care and focus.

Two months ago, my parents' practice had been successfully sold at a handsome price. From the proceeds, the goblins bought them a chic, stately house with extensive grounds in an exclusive suburb of Brisbane and a high-quality new practice in the city centre. At one PM tomorrow, the transfer of their practice to the new owner was to take place. How fortunate that I looked quite similar to Mum. Just a few transformation spells would be needed; no disgusting Polyjuice Potion necessary. As long as I could get around it, I wouldn't take it. It was very complicated to make and, yes, it just tasted foul.

As it was, there was some cash left even after the purchase of the real estate and two cars. Not much, but combined with the money from the closed accounts in England, their new Australian accounts had a large amount of cash and savings. Mum and Dad would be well off and could lead the same affluent life in Australia as here in England. They would have better weather too, I thought with a grim sense of humour.