After wandering through several carriages, Richard eventually came upon a compartment where Hermione Granger sat alone.
"Greetings, Hermione," Richard said with a polite bow, though his speech came in uneven bursts because of his heavy breathing after the run.
"Richie," Granger brightened at once. "Were you actually running?"
"I had to. One disaster after another all at once. But never mind that. Did you like my gift?"
"Yes, thank you," Hermione replied, a delighted smile spreading across her face. "The handbag with the Extension Charm is simply incredible! Thank you, Richie. Sorry, but I…"
"You're welcome," Richard interrupted gently, noticing her lower her eyes bashfully. "And thank you as well," he added with a warm smile. "A splendid present! The leopard-print bath mat is absolutely magnificent! You can practically feel how thoroughly you embraced the royal spirit. A gift worthy of a princess, no less! I'd even call it positively regal…"
"Well…" Hermione's cheeks turned scarlet. "You said it was customary in your family to give joke presents. And then you went and gave me… the handbag…"
"It genuinely pained me to watch you carrying an entire library around," Richard replied. "If you'd like, next Christmas I'll give you a present truly in the style of our family."
"I wouldn't mind that at all," Granger perked up immediately. "Those are practically royal gifts!"
Richard laughed cheerfully and gave Hermione a thumbs-up.
"Richie, if it's not a secret… may I ask what was given to the Queen?" Granger asked curiously.
"You won't believe it…"
"What was it?!" Hermione's curiosity only grew stronger.
"No, you might get offended…"
"Oh, Richie…" the girl pleaded. "I promise I won't."
"Alright, I'll tell you." Richard drew a deep breath and then declared on the exhale, "Princess Diana gave the Queen the exact same leopard-print bath mat!"
Silence hung over the compartment for several moments. Hermione tried to process what she had just heard. At first, her mouth fell open in astonishment, then she blinked rapidly several times. Suddenly her expression brightened, the corners of her lips twitched upward, and a moment later the compartment rang with bright girlish laughter.
Granger laughed loudly and for quite some time could not calm herself; tears even sprang to her eyes. Several boys from the neighbouring compartment poked their heads in to see what the girl found so amusing. Discovering nothing of interest, they soon wandered back to their own compartment.
"Oh," Hermione said, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes, "Richie, you must have been completely shocked!"
"Shock is putting it mildly," Richard agreed with a solemn nod. "To be honest, when I saw Princess Diana's present, I couldn't help laughing. Naturally, Grandma Liz asked what was so amusing. I told her truthfully that I'd received the exact same gift from a friend. After that, she and everyone else started laughing as well."
"Now I understand!" Realisation dawned across Hermione's face. "A royal gift! I gave you the same bath mat Princess Diana gave the Queen! Now I can honestly say I give royal presents at Christmas."
"That's exactly my point," Richie replied with a cheerful grin.
"Richie, have you read the Daily Prophet yet?"
"No. Is there something interesting in it?"
"Yes," Hermione nodded eagerly. "Today's front page says Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge has fallen seriously ill."
"How interesting. Hermione, do you still have the paper?"
"Yes, one second."
Granger pulled the wizarding newspaper from a small ladies' handbag made of pale green dragon hide. On the front page was a photograph of Fudge seated in the Minister's chair, beneath which a large headline proclaimed:
MINISTER ILL
Poisoning or Unknown Disease?
"Hermione, where did you get a subscription to the Daily Prophet?" Richard asked curiously.
"During the holidays I decided to visit Diagon Alley and signed up for delivery."
"Mmm… I see. Sorry, would you mind if I read it?"
"No, no, of course not."
Richard immersed himself in the article.
Dear readers, our correspondent has learned that Minister for Magic Cornelius Fudge was admitted to St Mungo's Hospital yesterday.
Our reporter managed to speak with the Healers. This is what Healer Blishwick had to say regarding the Minister's condition:
"The patient's condition is critically stable. We are keeping him in a deep sleep so he does not experience pain."
Naturally, our correspondent could not help but ask exactly what illness Mister Fudge was suffering from.
"It is a very strange disease," commented Healer Blishwick. "His blood appears to be dying, and we are forced to administer Blood-Replenishing Potion constantly. Due to the clotting of the blood, severe anaemia has developed. In addition, the patient suffers from vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, fever, and a persistent runny nose. He also experiences frequent seizures and tremors."
(End of Chapter)
P@treon: /SadRaven
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