Astoria pressed her lips together. "Alright, this isn't for you to worry about. As for children—let fate decide."
Changed the subject. Began designing makeup for Gemini's chosen outfit. At noble banquets, not even a single hair could be wrong. No wonder Gemini didn't want to attend.
Even with a full day of advance prep, banquet day was chaos. Gemini woken early for skincare and hair. Barely grabbed lunch. Afternoon—makeup, gown, jewelry.
Whole day of fussing. Barely finished before the banquet began.
"Really, never want another banquet." Gemini sat rigidly, looking dead inside.
"Don't be dramatic. Another when N.E.W.T.s finish. Plus coming-of-age at seventeen. Oh right—sure you don't want to find a decent boy? Get engaged? You're almost an adult." Each thing Astoria mentioned, Gemini's head dropped lower. Just thinking about it was depressing.
"Not getting married. What's good about it? Those nobles' faces are disgusting. Just thinking about getting involved with them makes me sick." Gemini showed disgust.
Astoria looked surprised. "Who told you to look for those nobles?"
Gemini was confused. "Isn't that the tradition? Only marry Pure-blood nobility?"
Astoria sat beside her, amused. "You're overthinking. Potter, Malfoy, Black families—you're the only child now. Who knows the future? According to Draco and Harry, as long as you like someone, even a Muggle, they wouldn't object much. Course, there'd be tests."
Now Gemini was surprised. "But the books say..."
"That's just books. Since the Battle of Hogwarts, Draco changed. After visiting the Muggle world, his views transformed. Because of the Dark Lord, Lucius stepped down after Draco graduated. That's when we met. Gemini, listen—viewpoints change. Can't apply old concepts to current people. You're our family. What Malfoy family values most—family." Astoria's serious words made Gemini blush. Could only stammer an apology.
"Don't want you to apologize. Just want you to know—we're not those stereotypes from books." Astoria said. "You grew up with Gryffindors. Sorted into Slytherin, but never lived with Malfoy family. This time take a good look—see if nobles are really like the books."
Gemini nodded thoughtfully. Picked up the guest list Draco sent. Looked through it.
After the banquet, Gemini's face was stiff from smiling. Following Draco, saw off the last guest. Finally relaxed. Dragged heavy feet back to her room. Rubbed her face. Pondered the evening.
Nobles were truly nobles—eight hundred schemes each. Every sentence, every word—different interpretations. Then the social climbers. Could read hundreds of meanings into a glance. Respond exactly as wanted. All master manipulators.
Best part—nobles' perceptiveness. Slightest disagreement? Topic shifted immediately. No trace. Gemini smacked her lips. When could she cultivate such skills? Figured she was hopeless this lifetime. Maybe next one.
Hairstyle, makeup, outfit—took entire day. Cleared away in half an hour. Gemini collapsed on bed. Didn't want to think. Whatever needed doing could wait. Really wasn't in the mood.
Banquet's aftermath lasted nearly half a month. For nobles, banquets were social venues. Good for cooperation. Marriages.
None concerned Gemini. Three days after banquet, bid farewell to Britain. Promised to take shop employees to visit old employee during summer. Couldn't break her word.
This arrival in America—most legitimate yet. Walked openly through international entrance. Looked around this unfamiliar place with emotion. After all, she'd basically been smuggling herself. First time here.
Outside Woolworth Building, Steve and Parker family waited at entrance. Didn't know wizards' entrance. But Gemini said—one building, one exit. Sure enough, spotted Gemini emerging from main door.
Peter jumped up excitedly. Shouted twice. Gemini spotted them in crowd. Quickly crossed street.
"Peter on vacation?" Gemini asked, getting into Steve's car.
"Course, summer vacation now! Have a good friend—met when you went back. He's amazing. Asian. Grandmother's from Yangcheng in China! Treated me to pastries. Delicious. After we visit Ethan, can we travel to China?" Peter chattered.
Ben stopped Peter. "Alright, let Gemini rest. Just came from Britain—can't you let her breathe?"
Peter sheepishly closed his mouth. Made Gemini want to laugh. "Summer's long. If homework's fine, we can travel. Not short on money—only run shop to pass time. Besides, exams went well. Should celebrate. After playing, need to study hard. More important exam in two years. Won't have time then."
"Great! I'll tell Ned when I get back—we're traveling to China!" Peter cheered. "Ned's my new friend!"
Chatted and laughed back to shop. Within two days of reopening, Fury bought entire inventory. Banner went to Hogwarts while Gemini took exams. After students vacationed, let Hulk out. Helped Hagrid manage Forbidden Forest. Shop had no stock.
Seeing this, Gemini closed shop. Told everyone pack luggage. She'd make contacts. See about arranging China trip.
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