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>Speak with your mother.
Hermione sits back in her chair, enjoying the cool breeze on her face. “Well, you know, mother, I was thinking over how we might spruce up the wedding décor, and I had a rather inspired idea.” The girl gestures casually, forming an illusory plush of Kyubey for her mother to see. “After a brief discussion with the Hawaiian boy, that distant relative to the Kawānanakoas, I came up with a nice design for a small stuffed animal, which could serve as a centerpiece for each guest table.”
Her mother smiles. “I see.”
Hermione plays with the illusion’s long floppy ears. “Adorable, yet refined enough to avoid being seen as childish. It was inspired by their so-called ‘curse-catchers’, and said to represent the idea that any wish might come true through a life-long bond. Rather appropriate for a wedding, wouldn’t you say?”
Her mother looks at the plush, continuing to smile pleasantly. “An interesting idea, dear.”
“Thank you, mother. I do hope you’ll consider it.” Hermione allows the illusion to fade. She pauses for a few moments, before resuming. “There was one other thing I wanted to discuss, or rather, bring to your attention, mother.”
The woman looks back out at the trees in the distance, the picture of elegance. “Oh? What would that be, dear?”
“As you and father have always reminded us, ever since we were children, the heiress of the Rockefeller line must shoulder a great deal of responsibility. She must be firm in her convictions. She must exemplify refinement and intelligence. She must always keep the good of the family in mind.” Hermione’s tone sharpens. “I believe Aurelia is unfit for the role.”
Her mother keeps the same expression on her face, but her words are ever so slightly more stilted. “Would you like to explain?”
Hermione shakes her head with a regretful air. “The girl’s mediocrity leaves much to be desired. Her speaking skills are passable at best; her studies do not come to her naturally. She takes an hour to accomplish what I might in half the time. In what world is such an average girl fit to represent our family?”
Her mother remains silent, and Hermione continues.
“However, worrisome though that may be, the largest concern by far is her personality.” Hermione frowns disapprovingly. “She lacks conviction. She lacks the steel needed to lead the family forward. She really doesn’t even want this marriage! She’s still the same naïve, dreaming girl that enjoyed reading those detestable romance novels all those years ago. It’s abundantly clear that when faced with any proper form of challenge, she’ll crack from the pressure.”
Hermione laughs.
“Why-! Just the other day, she told me that she’d rather have been the younger sibling! She’s far too weak to be any proper sort of heiress; she hardly wants to be the heiress at all!”
