CHAPTER FOUR

Thinking of the people I met at Laugharne School I was reminded of a quote from an inspiring woman, Naomi Shihab Nye - 'The person you have known a long time is embedded in you like a jewel. The person you have just met casts out a few glistening beams and you are fascinated to see more of them. How many more are there? With someone you've barely met the curiosity is intoxicating'.

I heard steps coming to me and looked up to see Malfoy approaching and I allowed the corners of my mouth to rise. I have been in Laugharne for almost two weeks. If before when near Malfoy I would be defensive and had to remind myself to be civil, now I was finally feeling comfortable enough around him to be friendly.

"Good afternoon, Granger, may I join you?" He politely asked.

"Of course. Please, have a sit." I answered and he took his place at the bench. We sat in comfortable silence as I finished reading the passage from the book I held, and he just watched the Victorian gardens.

"Malfoy, you were right that first day at the dinner hall. The Daffodils are splendid here. It's refreshing to see simple beauty is still appreciated." I said as I closed the book and followed his gaze to the gardens.

"Benthyg dros amser byr yw popeth a geir yn y byd hwn." Malfoy said with a faraway look.

"Everything you have in this world is just borrowed for a short time." I translated from Welsh looking directly at him, a question in my voice.

"The Latin name for the common Daffodil is Narcissus, did you know? This flower was a favorite of my mother. She loved flowers. Even during the War she would take solace at the mansion garden caring for the only place that still resembled life and hope. It helped keep her sane at the time when Voldemort corrupted our home." His voice thick and I was so stunned by his openness that my eyes went wide.

"I…." I stumbled over words to say… so I extended my hand and pressed his instead.

He pressed my hand back and sighed. "I am sorry if I shocked you. Mother told me that saying during our brief sentence in Azkaban. Everything, even life itself, is just borrowed time so we should appreciate what life has to offer, be it in the form of simple beauty, as you put it, or the people in our life."

"That is wise of her." Emboldened by his admission, I continued. "You really do love your mother, don't you?"

"Yes" He answered simply. "Love is powerful. It was my mother's love that saved me from a darker destiny. Love can deeply change even the most tainted souls." He ended, looking directly at me, and my I felt my throat constrict at how much pain those eyes held.

"Thank you for sharing that with me. She must be very proud of the man you came to be." I said in comfort, for I knew the war affected us all in different ways.

"She was. She told me so earlier this year in our final talk." Malfoy admitted.

I turned to him again at his words. "I am sorry. I didn't know." I touched his shoulder and saw him smile, though he had moist in his eyes.

"Don't worry. Mother had a peaceful end. I can be glad for that." Malfoy said and he picked his wand, performing a silent incantation as Daffodil flowers flowed and intertwined creating a crown. "I would like to properly say I am sorry for the horrible teenager I was to you. I truly am sorry." He offered me the crown, looking at me deeply and I just nodded in acceptance. "Thank you. You are a unique person, and I am honored you can find it in your heart to forgive me."

"Mewn pob daioni y mae gwobr." I recited and put on the crown.

"There's reward in every goodness." Malfoy translated and smiled gratefully at me.

He rarely smiled so I squeezed his hand to show I valued his sincerity. I stood up, turned to him and asked playfully "Would you escort me back to the castle, Malfoy?"

"It would be my pleasure, Granger." He answered, smile still on his face. "Are you going to the staff get together or would you like me to escort you to your quarters?" He asked.

Twice a week the staff would get together for an informal meeting and I was invited as a guest to the school. This would be my eighth attendance and all meetings have been pleasurable so far. "Please, if you'll escort me to the get together. Are you not going?" I returned the question.

"I am, if only briefly. I have a meeting with Cadfael later tonight." Malfoy answered.

We arrived at the staff room in good spirits, and I went directly to the refreshments table while Malfoy excused himself to go speak with the potions master.

"Miss Granger, how delightful it is to see you wearing our treasured flowers. I must say you look lovely." Mrs. Delyth Verey said approaching me.

"Thank you, Mrs. Verey. You are a superb Herbology teacher. The gardens look like a dream land." I replied.

"Why, thank you. Do you perhaps have a special interest in Herbology?" Mrs. Verey asked while sipping seaweed gin.

"I can't say I have the skill for it. However, there's no need for skill to recognize the amazing job you've done here." I told Mrs. Verey.

"Oh, you flatter me. It runs in my family. You see, we from the Verey have been prominent in Herbology for more than six hundred years. We are proud of our connection with the earth element." Mrs. Verey hiccupped then; her cheeks already rose from alcohol induction.

"Are you alright Mrs. Verey?" I asked, amused.

"Delyth, don't embarrass yourself." Mr. Rees said, arriving at the scene. "Good evening, Miss Granger, you look even more gracious tonight." He continued.

"Good evening Mr. Rees and thank you." I answered Mr. Rees.

"Pish posh Cadfael, it's a joyous occasion." Mrs. Verey interjected. "I was just about to tell Miss Granger here how my nephew Charles Verey, son of my sister Rosemary Verey, has just finished his mastery in herbology. Do you remember him, Cadfael?" She asked Mr. Rees and he nodded.

"Yes, I remember. Quiet boy, a prefect very dedicated to his studies and duties. I also remember you told us all about him today at lunch, Delyth." Mr. Rees told her, also amused.

"Of course, Charles is a wonderful boy and very handsome too. I invited him for our next ball. I'll make sure to introduce you to him, Miss Granger." She continued, hiccupping again and ignoring Mr. Rees comment about lunch time. I couldn't help but giggle at her inebriated matchmaking attempt.

"I'll be delighted to meet him." I answered agreeably.

"Excellent." Mrs. Verey said happily and hiccupped again. "Now, if you excuse, I'll join Glyndwr at her table and tell her the good news." And she left.

"Don't mind Delyth, she is just overjoyed for her nephew. She doesn't have children of her own, so she is very close to her family, including her sister's children." Mr. Rees explained.

"She is a dear. Have you been friends long?" I asked curiously.

"Yes, we have. Her husband and I apprenticed at healing at the same time. We became friends then. She is a good witch." Mr. Rees said, and I smiled at his clear fondness. "Now, since you are also attending the next ball, could you perhaps do me the honor to be your date for said night Miss Granger?" He said, flashing me a charming smile.

"I would love to, Mr. Rees." I answered, pleased he asked. Looking around at all the people I met here I said: "I have greatly enjoyed my time here at the castle. In a few days I'll be taking my leave."

"So soon… In that case I'll make sure to enjoy your lovely company while I can." Mr. Rees said, getting closer to me and I could smell his cologne. "Does that mean you research is going well?" Mr. Rees asked interestedly.

"Yes, it's going most satisfactorily. I suppose once I publish it you will see it too, considering your subscription. I saw you receiving a Runes magazine at breakfast today from owl delivery and I remember you said the runes set at Beddgelert are your favorite." I said, aware that I was showing my interest in him, and he smiled.

"My my, I am glad I made such an impression that you remember such detail from our brief conversation." He said, looking just as pleased as he sounded, and I smirked.

"Only when I see something I like." I replied using his line from that day and he laughed.

"I believe you know the story of that monument?" He continued and I was glad for the change of subject as my flirting abilities would not survive a long test.

"It was built by Welsh Prince Llewelyn the Great, in remorse for having killed his Faithful Hound by mistake." I answered.

"Well said. Have you deciphered the purpose of the rune set?" He asked looking so intently at me that I was a little flustered by his gaze.

"It is a protection ward against physical damage." I stated.

"Very good. I am impressed. The Prince was so consumed by sorrow that he wanted the resting place for his hound to never be perturbed. However, that rune set protects from more than erosion, it also protects from attacks from magical beasts. And that, is why it is my favorite. It is very powerful." He finished.

"That is extraordinary. How do you know that? That detail wasn't anywhere." I asked excitedly.

"I was born in Snowdonia, and it was my family line who served the Prince in arranging the rune set. I learned my Runes mastery from my own father, and I can attest to the runes reliability for my family has worn it for many generations." Mr. Rees confessed in a low tone, and I was entranced by his voice so near.

"What do you mean by worn it?" I whispered.

"Perhaps I will show you before you go." He said, looking at my lips and I inhaled sharply.

"Forgive my interruption, but I believe we have a meeting now, Cadfael." Malfoy said, his eyebrow rose at seeing Mr. Rees proximity to me.

"Ah, Draco, good evening." Mr. Rees said, turning to Draco but not moving his distance from me. "Thank you for the remainder. You can go ahead, and I will meet you momentarily." Mr. Rees went on.

Malfoy nodded to him saying "Very well." then said to me "Good night, Granger." And left.

"Well, Miss Granger, it seems I am required elsewhere. I bid you goodnight." he said and kissed my hand before leaving with a wink.

Smiling in satisfaction for how Mr. Rees responded to my flirting I then went to the ladies room to check on my appearance. Miss Argall was there touching up her hair.

"Hello, Miss Argall." I said politely.

"Hello Miss Granger. I like your choice of head attire." She said and I smiled in thanks.

"Can I speak freely with you about something personal?" Miss Argall asked.

"Are you sure I am the right person for that Miss Argall, since we were only recently became acquaintances?" It was not the first-time awe-struck fans tried to befriend me just for my fame and I had learned not to encourage such people.

"I know, but with how much I read about you I feel like I've known you for a long time. Besides, I just want to share with you something about Mr. Rees." Miss Argall said in a sweet voice, and I was once again stunned by how good she looked. As if sensing my thoughts, her smile grew broader.

"Even if that is the case, Miss Argall, I believe we are not on the right terms for such discussion, since I hardly know you." I declined feeling suspicious.

"Miss Granger, from witch to witch, he seems to pay a lot of attention to you. All I wanted to say is…." She went on as if I had not objected.

"Miss Argall, I have no inclination for gossip. If you have something to say about him perhaps you can say in his presence." I cut her off more harshly than I intended, a little perplexed by how she approached me in such a way. "Now, if you may excuse me, I need to speak with deputy headmaster Rier about something. Have a good night." I told her, not noticing how her eyes narrowed at my back, her mouth twisting in annoyance.

The next that day I woke up feeling well rested. The light coming from the window showed it was already mid-morning. After the get together I had gone to the library once again and did not leave until late so I was in no hurry to get up now. I decided to take my time getting dressed and ordered a late breakfast in the room. Ringing the magical bell on my nightstand, an elf appeared immediately.

"Good morning, Missus Hermione, how can Gatsby serve?" The elf asked.

"Good morning, Gatsby. Could you arrange a simple breakfast for me, please?" I asked politely.

"Of course, Missus, right away." The elf said and popped away.

I climbed out of bed and started to stretch; using the routine I memorized from my childhood ballet lessons. Every day I did the same routine when I woke up. 'Mens sana in corpore sano', my mother always insisted. I helped keep my body fit and I enjoyed using the time to relax and center myself.

"Your breakfast, Missus Granger." The elf appeared suddenly as I was finishing up exercising and just as well popped away before I could thank it. After the escape Malfoy Manor I had a hard time processing the torture I had suffered and Dobby's sacrifice for us. Luna was the one who helped me understand and cope with everything. She had endured much during her captivity but never once her spirit broke. Through our talks I learned how uneducated I was about house elves and how work and family bonds is what powers their life force.

Eating my breakfast, I pondered on what to wear today. I decided for a cream-colored blouse and long skirt also light colored. Pulling my hair on a loose bun I applied some mascara, soft pink lipstick and put on my earrings. Perfect.

As usual I went to the library and made myself comfortable at one of the tables. I was already on my third book when I found a very interesting passage in which Taliesin, Welsh wizard poet, described his encounter with Myrddin. Unconsciously, I muttered "Fascinating."

"Found something interesting, I see." Mr. Rees said, "May I sit?" standing next to the table I was.

"Oh, Hello Mr. Rees. Yes, of course, have a seat. I had never seen this work from Taliesin before. Only other books pertaining general accounts and poems about the magical world. Thank you for suggesting it to me." I shared with gratitude.

"It was no problem at all. It is not uncommon for scholars to come to Laugharne in search of preserved texts from native folk. That one is a treasure, an only edition." Mr. Rees told me, his eyes on me.

"You are either very familiar with the fae subject or just very knowledgeable of the collection in this library." I continued and he leaned closer to me to speak in a lower voice.

"I believe each person has at least one talent, Miss Granger. However, some people have more than one thing in which they are especially good." Mr. Rees looked intently at me, and I saw his eyes wander to my mouth.

I locked my eyes on his. "I am not sure I follow you, Mr. Rees." He smirked then.

"Miss Granger, as you know The Merlin festival of Carmarthen is happening tomorrow. I would be happy to accompany you to the muggle festival in the village and we can take this opportunity to discuss more about the fae legends from a local folk perspective." Mr. Rees asked, and I licked my lips, his eyes following the movement.

"Mr. Rees, flattered though I am by your invitation I am taking the festival opportunity to finish a side project of mine." I said politely.

"Miss Granger, I must insist. I would like to talk to you alone and I greatly enjoy your company. Unless the side project you are going to work on is a secret, I would not mind accompanying you on a field trip." Mr. Rees pleaded taking my hand in his.

I pondered over his invitation. He has been working at this school for several years and all the staff seems to be friends with each other, some even best friends. He seems to be a reliable person. In all our interactions so far, he has been polite, chivalrous and courteous. I had no objective reason to decline his presence and had a very subjective reason to accept it. There was no denying the attraction between us. "In that case, you are welcome to come along Mr. Rees." I agreed and stood up. He stood up as well and he kissed my hand.

"Brilliant! I'll go back to the hospital wing now. Enjoy your day Miss Granger. I'll meet you tomorrow at breakfast and we can leave to the village then. Is nine o'clock suitable?"

"Yes, it is Mr. Rees and likewise." I told him and he departed. Mr. Rees was certainly an intelligent, handsome and charming man. Tomorrow was going to be fun. I gathered my things, returned the books and went to the memorial room. I had something to look up before meeting Headmistress Glyndwr for tea.