When Hermione Fights

Harry at the Cottage I

Chapter beta: Olivia

Chapter translator: Aivy

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After he had returned, Draco had greeted me enthusiastically, but also very curiously in the beautiful, steemed library. I hadn't known what appointments he would have that day, so I had browsed the books a little after Severus had dropped me off safely.

The dark man himself had disappeared very quickly because, as he had disgustedly said, Lucius would be expecting his report.

Yes, Lucius was quite a nuisance. He was so terribly appropriating!

His son followed in his footsteps and so he pressed me for information with huge stamina and an unbelievable stoic patience and equanimity. That was really gruelling for the poor victim, my annoyed self, hence I finally told him how everything had turned out for me in order to preserve my peace of mind.

He showed an incredibly arrogant expression when I had to admit with a heavy heart that Draco had been right and Sirius had written in his will that he loved me.

"You see! What did I tell you? You constantly underestimate the effect you have on others," he lectured me arrogantly and I wasn't even upset, only thoughtful.

He was right, I had to learn to recognize how others perceived me and take advantage of it. That would be an incredible advantage for me both in the battles with Lucius and Severus and in the public world. It wouldn't be nice of me to play so unfairly. But hasn't it been that way for a long time?

Therefore, I pulled my lower lip through my teeth and nodded hesitantly.

"Yes, you were really and truly right about Sirius. Satisfied? And yes, you're also right that I should learn to see the effect I have on others," my assent came slowly, somewhat reluctantly and he nodded contentedly.

"I am glad that I could help! He left you quite a bit."

Then, I remembered something I wanted to know from him.

"Oh, Draco, say, why did you want to get to know Rangok?" I investigated with interest now. I didn't let him out of my sight for a second, witnessing how a steep crease formed between his eyes.

"Well, I want to know with whom you do your banking business. You should only get the best," he opened up suddenly.

"Oh, that's nice... but completely unnecessary. I can do that myself. But tell me, how did you like him?" I was very curious about his assessment and generously passed over his inappropriate interference in my private affairs because I didn't want a quarrel.

"I liked him. The little guy didn't let me intimidate him, although we Malfoys are highly regarded by the goblins. They love nothing more than money and property and we have plenty of both! The little guy impressed me, defending you valiantly by the standards of a goblin. I think you were lucky. Ran... Sorry, I don't remember. Their names are so similar. Well, he seems very competent," he said impudently, generously waving his hand through the air.

"I'm glad you like him because I refuse to transfer my account. I trust Rangok very much! Oh... I showed him the mark, so that in the future he will tell you what you want to know," I enlightened him from above but omitted to tell him that I had done it mainly because of Lucius.

"You showed it to him? ... Good, it is good that they know. Father would probably have reacted differently to a refusal to cooperate," he echoed my thoughts and grinned insidiously.

"Do you know that he is now addressing me with Miss Malfoy? I thought I hadn't heard correctly," I giggled, shaking my head in disbelief.

"Why? It's a logical consequence in itself. My family, my name! Don't say you don't like it," he said snobbishly, looking at me intensively with his sparkling, slate grey eyes.