Leisurely Holiday

Happy, of course I'm happy.

Harry woke up the next morning feeling refreshed.

He had a head nestled in each of his arms, Veratia's blond hair scattered loosely on his shoulders, while Cassandra lay on her side facing him, one hand unconsciously resting on his chest. Her usual aloofness had vanished, and her cheeks were flushed with the rosy glow of sleep.

Harry lay there quietly until Cassandra's eyelashes fluttered, and she was the first to wake up.

Her eyes snapped back to reality the moment they met Harry's smiling gaze. Memories of the previous night flooded back, and a blush rose to her cheeks. She immediately tried to pull away.

"Good morning, Cass." Harry spoke first, tightening his arms and quickly planting a light kiss on her forehead.

Cassandra stiffened, staring at him, her ears burning red, but suspiciously, she stopped struggling violently. She simply turned her face away, her voice muffled. "----Let go. I have a strict morning routine."

Veratia was also woken up. She yawned lazily, recalled what happened yesterday, and a knowing smile appeared on her lips.

"Good morning, Miss Malfoy. It seems you adjusted your schedule well last night?"

Cassandra finally managed to sit up, ran her fingers through her long, golden hair, and tried to regain her innate haughty demeanor.

"My daily routine is none of the concern of the foreign Minister for Magic. Now, let me get up."

Harry suggested inviting his friends over to play.

"There are plenty of rooms here," he said, watering the magical plants in the garden, to Cassandra, who was studying an Ancient Runes tome in the shade of the veranda, and Veratia, who was reclining in a deckchair reading the * International Review of Magical Law *. "Ron and Hermione would definitely love to stay for a few days, and Neville, Luna, and the others too— George and Fred would probably want to bring some of their experiments over if they knew how big this place is."

Veratia looked up from her legal journal. "I have no problem with it. As long as they don't blow up the Living Room, or bring in some Weasleys' Wildfire Whiz-bangs."

She hadn't forgotten how Harry had told her Seamus's antics in the Common Room were absolutely hilarious.

Of course, most people can't handle the word "joy." Throughout history, only Judy has been able to handle it. The last man who couldn't control his joy has already had a wild imagination.

The next one will be overjoyed.

Cassandra turned a page without looking up, her voice carrying her characteristic languid threat. "Fine. But let me make it clear beforehand, if the Weasley twins ' experiments affect my library, or if any of their cheap tricks damage any antique in this mansion—not even a vase—I will personally send them a repair bill."

Harry laughed. "Don't worry, I'll keep an eye on them."

The invitations were sent out quickly. Ron and Hermione were the first to respond. Ron was looking forward to visiting his best friend's new home, while Hermione wanted to come and help Veratia in advance so she could get used to her secretarial life.

The sun was shining brightly the afternoon they arrived. Ron exclaimed in exaggerated admiration as soon as he entered, while Hermione more subtly surveyed the hall, which had clearly been meticulously maintained.

"Harry! This place is amazing!" Ron's eyes lit up. "It feels like stepping into the old mansion from History of Magic textbook! Can we play Quidditch in the garden?"

"I'm afraid that won't work, Ron," Harry said with a smile, taking their luggage. "There are Muggle houses all around. But there's an old batting practice room in the basement that might be useful."

Hermione had already greeted Veratia and Cassandra as they came down the stairs. She wasn't very familiar with Cassandra, but she was quite close to Veratia.

After exchanging pleasantries with Veratia, Hermione launched into a rapid-fire speech. "Miss Malfoy, it's an honor to meet you again."

Harry mentioned the other day that you have in-depth knowledge of ancient Norse Ancient Runes and deep-sea Magical Creatures Runes? I've recently been looking at some related materials, specifically the section on the intersection of Merpeople Law and the early Wizarding Conventions—"

Cassandra raised an eyebrow in surprise. She had expected Hermione to be interested in such an obscure area, but she hadn't anticipated that Hermione would ask her so directly—especially in this setting.

She glanced at Harry; if he weren't his friend, she wouldn't have bothered with him.

She nodded slightly, her tone calm. "I have indeed dabbled in it. I've kept the relevant materials in the study on the east side of the second floor; you can consult them at any time. However, the original text of the Merpeople Law is mostly recorded in Ancient Runes and wavy symbols, requiring specific skills to decipher, which is not covered in Hogwarts' regular curriculum."

"That's exactly what I wanted to ask!" Hermione's eyes lit up.

Watching Hermione walk towards the study, Ron scratched his head and whispered to Harry, "I think Hermione's main purpose for coming here might not be to play with me—she's probably here to study and improve her skills."

Harry laughed, "You'll get used to it. What would you like to drink? There's plenty of food in the Kitchen."

In the following days, Grimmauld Place, Number 13 became much more lively.

Neville and Luna also came to visit. Neville brought several pots of magical flowers that he had carefully cultivated, saying they could soothe emotions and promote harmony. Harry solemnly placed them on the windowsills of the Living Room and bedroom.

Luna, wearing a pair of colorful swirling glasses, floated around the house, occasionally pointing out gathering spots of Wrackspurt and giving away some homemade sachets.

George and Fred did come once, bringing a whole bunch of "non-explosive" new product samples, but they were quite restrained in the face of Cassandra's silent gaze and Veratia's smiling but clearly defined red lines. They also showed great interest in the spacious basement, hinting at the possibility of renting it for a short period, which Harry politely declined with a wry smile.

Breakfast is usually lively; Hermione might ask some questions, Cassandra will answer patiently; Veratia will sip her coffee while quickly glancing at the Ministry of Magic's morning briefing, while Harry and Ron will focus on devouring the delicious food prepared by the Elf.

Cassandra maintained her elegant and composed demeanor throughout the meal, displaying the typical grace of a lady, but occasionally, when Harry told a completely unexpected joke, the corners of her mouth would subtly curve into a smile.

After lunch, people usually go their separate ways.

Veratia sometimes handles departmental affairs in her makeshift home office, and sometimes she joins Harry in their leisure activities.

She's incredibly skilled at Wizard Chess, and when watching Muggle movies, she can pinpoint the absurdity of certain magical settings.

Sometimes Hermione would help her with some tasks, which showed that Veratia trusted her a lot.

Cassandra spent most of her time in her study, occasionally venturing out to direct Harry on tasks.

The nighttime is a more private time; after the friends have gone back to their guest rooms to rest, the three of them truly begin their private time in the master bedroom.

Cassandra initially insisted on returning to her luxurious room, but after Harry and Veratia used the excuse of discussing the magical principles of the Echo Shell to keep her there, she gradually relented and it became a regular occurrence.

Sometimes she would lean against the headboard reading the heavy books she had brought from the study, while Harry would sit next to Veratia watching her review documents, his feet brushing against Cassandra's calves. Sometimes they would chat idly.

One evening after dinner, Ron and Hermione were taking a walk in the garden, while Harry, Veratia, and Cassandra sat on the terrace, watching the sunset paint the London skyline gold and red.

"I never imagined a summer like this before," Harry suddenly said, unconsciously turning the leaves of the Bellflower Neville had given him, the flowers making a soft tinkling sound.

Veratia turned her head to look at him, her gaze gentle. "Don't you like it?"

"I love it," Harry said immediately, glancing at the two of them. "It just feels so wonderful, almost unreal."

Cassandra took a sip of her fruit and herbal tea, gazing at the city lights gradually illuminating the distance, and said softly, "At least our existence is real now, isn't it?"

Harry looked at her, somewhat surprised by her reaction.

Veratia grasped Harry's hand in return, scratching his palm with her fingertips, and said to Cassandra, "Did you hear that, Cass? He's worried we'll abandon him."

Cassandra glanced at her, then at Harry's expectant and apprehensive eyes, and finally raised her chin slightly, regaining some of her usual expression.

"I'm simply stating the facts, Potter. If you can't even be sure of established facts, then Gryffindor's courage is an exaggeration."

But her hand, which was under the table, lightly touched Harry's knee, then quickly withdrew, as if it were merely unintentional.

The next morning, Harry received a call from Draco.

When the call came in, Cassandra was spreading jam evenly on slices of toast.

"Draco and Pansy," he said a few words before hanging up, "They're planning to visit tomorrow afternoon."

O

The air was silent for a moment. Ron was about to put a spoonful of oatmeal into his mouth when he heard this and froze, his expression as if he had suddenly swallowed a live cockroach.

"Malfoy? Pansy Parkinson?" His eyes widened. "They're coming here?" He glanced instinctively at Hermione, then quickly turned to Harry, his brow furrowing. "Is that Malfoy kid up to something again? I'm warning you, Harry, he's been hanging around the Burrow all the time, making excuses to discuss Quidditch tactics with Ginny. My mother thinks he's reformed, but I don't believe it!"

Hermione kicked him under the table and whispered, "Ron!"

She knew that Cassandra was Malfoy's great-aunt, so she couldn't speak ill of her grandchildren in front of them.

But her brow furrowed slightly, clearly as she quickly considered the complexities this social visit might bring, especially with Pansy present—and Pansy relationship was far from friendly.

Veratia put down her coffee cup and tapped it lightly on the rim with her fingertips.

"Oh? Mr. Malfoy and Miss Parkinson —these are rare guests."

She looked at Cassandra, a smile playing on her lips, "Should I adjust tomorrow's schedule, Cass? Or, given your great-aunt status, should you prepare a small gift for the younger generation?"

Cassandra gave a soft hum, put down her silver knife, and elegantly dabbed her lips with a napkin.

"No need. They're not outsiders; they're just visiting as younger family members and old acquaintances. A simple afternoon tea will suffice."

She paused, her gaze sweeping over Ron.

"As for Ginny Weasley —that's Draco's business. If he can't even handle something this small, he doesn't deserve the Malfoy name."

These words sounded indifferent, yet carried the tone of a family elder.

Ron opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to argue that this was no small matter, but under Cassandra's calm gaze and Hermione's warning look, he ultimately only muttered, "Anyway, he's not getting away with this easily—"

Harry reached out and gently squeezed Cassandra's hand, which was resting on her lap, under the table.

Cassandra's fingers trembled slightly, but instead of pulling away, she squeezed back a little before releasing them and continuing to arrange in a calm tone, "Afternoon tea should be prepared to a moderate standard. Pansy prefers Ceylon Black Tea, Draco prefers unsweetened Earl Grey tea."

The desserts should be delicate, but not too sweet.

"I've got it, Miss," Harry replied with a smile, but inwardly he was thinking how well Cassandra remembered even the preferences of her juniors.

She truly lived up to her great-grandmother's reputation.

The following afternoon, Grimmauld Place, Number 13 welcomed two young Slytherin visitors.

Draco wore a well-tailored dark green wizard's robe, his pale golden hair was meticulously combed into a slicked-back style, and his pale face carried his usual composure, but his eyes had lost some of their former sharpness and gained a hint of unease.

Pansy walked beside him, dressed elegantly in a dark dress, her hair neatly combed, her gaze as sharp as ever.

But when he stepped into the mansion and saw Hermione and Ron in the Living Room, he habitually pursed his lips.

However, when her gaze fell upon the relaxed Veratia and the calm Cassandra sitting beside her, her deliberately maintained arrogance immediately diminished, even revealing a hint of barely perceptible tension.

Draco greeted them with complete ease, showing no awareness of being a junior.

Pansy appeared quite nervous. Although she knew everyone else in the room, she was noticeably reserved in front of Veratia, the Slytherin legend.

"Minister Grindelwald, Mrs. Malfoy— "

"Relax, Pansy," Cassandra said with a chuckle. It wasn't the first time she'd met Pansy.

While at the Malfoy Manor, Pansy was a frequent visitor, and the two became quite familiar with each other.

The House Elf quickly served afternoon tea, and the refreshments were as exquisite as ever.

Draco cleared his throat first, then started making small talk.

"My father asked me to convey that the family library in Wiltshire has recently unearthed a batch of medieval Manuscript on ancient Alchemy, which you may view at any time if you are interested."

"Thank you for your kindness." Cassandra nodded slightly. "Please thank Lucius for me."

Then Draco started looking around, as if he wanted to say something to Ron.

But Ron didn't give him a chance at all, just kept refilling his tea and drinking water, completely ignoring Draco.

"Are you still drinking?" Hermione nudged Ron with her elbow. "This is the seventh cup already. Can your stomach really hold all of it?"