"The Noble Art of Etiquette"
"Harry, Hermione, you have to help me," said Daphne as she rushed into the bookstore, her face clearly worried.
For some reason, that little shop had become the children's makeshift playroom while Wanda worked nearby.
"What happened?" asked Harry, looking around alertly, ready to defend his friend if needed.
Meanwhile, Hermione nearly dashed off to find Wanda, her first instinct being to call an adult.
"They want to send me to etiquette classes," Daphne announced, as if she had just been told the world was ending.
Harry and Hermione froze for a moment, clearly confused.
"You have to hide me," Daphne insisted, already growing impatient.
But it was too late.
Selene stepped out from the fireplace, her serene smile lighting up the room… though to Daphne, that smile looked more like a demon in disguise.
"Daphne. It seems I was right in saying you need to learn some manners," Selene said gently.
"No! I don't need them. I have manners!" Daphne replied quickly, glancing around for a possible escape route.
But Selene raised her wand with elegance and, before the girl could run, she was lifted into the air.
"Nooo!" Daphne cried out, clinging to Harry and Hermione, who still didn't quite understand what was going on.
"Well, well… what's going on here?" asked Susan as she entered from outside the bookstore.
She looked curiously at Daphne, now floating and gripping her friends, then at Selene, who still wore a pleasant smilethough her eyes didn't quite match the warmth of her expression.
"Daphne is going to etiquette classes," Selene explained calmly.
"Etiquette? Sounds interesting," Susan said, smiling with genuine enthusiasm. "What if Hermione joins her? They might make some friends there."
Daphne nodded so fast she nearly got dizzy, and quickly added,
"Harry too!"
Harry tilted his head, confused. He didn't quite understand why he was getting dragged into this.
"Then it's settled," Susan announced with a cheerful clap, before turning to Wanda, who was watching her son with a soft expression.
"What do you say, Harry? Would you like to go?" Wanda asked sweetly.
She never forced her son to do anythingshe always offered him a choice.
"Well… if Daphne and Hermione are going, I can give it a try," Harry replied, nodding gently.
"Great!" Daphne exclaimed, clearly relieved.
Even if she'd lose some playtime, at least she wouldn't be alone.
…
In a high-class home that functioned as a small etiquette school for noble wizarding families, everything was perfectly maintained. Families sent their children here to ensure that pride and honor marked every step they took.
Harry, Hermione, and Daphne sat side by side, listening carefully.
Standing before them was an elderly woman in a grand hat and an outfit that blended medieval charm with high fashion.
She spoke in a soft, deliberate tone. Her name was Professor Higberta.
"Welcome, young heirs of distinguished lineages. Today, in our Class of Noble Etiquette and Manners, you will learn to conduct yourselves with the grace and honor befitting a renowned magical family," she said, her gaze briefly lingering on Hermionethough she said nothing more.
After all, Hermione was there accompanying the heir to the Potter family and the heiress of the Greengrass line. Only a fool would dare question her presence.
"First rule: dignity and bearing. A noble wizard must walk with confidence, keep their back straight, and speak with calm and clarity. First impressions are vitalour presence must reflect the prestige of our family. Now, please, stand up," she said, giving a soft clap to encourage them.
The children stood up immediately. Chairs and desks slid aside as if guided by invisible handsthough in truth, it was the work of a quiet house-elf observing from the corner, ready to assist at any moment.
"A gentleman walks with firmness but without harshness. He must radiate confidence and authority without arrogance. Back straight. Chin slightly raised, to show assurance. Shoulders relaxed but aligned. Move with calm and measured steps, without rushing.
Hands should never be in the pockets; they may rest gently at the sides or hold a cane if appropriate. The gaze should stay forward, not wandering too much. And when greeting someone, a subtle nod or a discreet gesture is enough."
As Higberta spoke, several children attempted to follow her instructionsthough not without effort.
Harry, in particular, moved a bit awkwardly. Beside him, another boy his age was also practicing: Draco Malfoy, the boy they had met during the Quidditch games.
Harry and Draco met eyes briefly and, recalling the lesson, exchanged a slight bow and a small smile.
"Now, a noble lady moves with elegance and grace, projecting respect and distinction. Back straight, shoulders slightly backnever rigid.
Her steps are shorter and more measured than a gentleman's, with a subtle, natural glideno exaggerations.
Hands should not be crossed over the chest nor hang without purpose; they may rest gently on the lap or hold a small item. The gaze should be calm and confident, not evasive or challenging. When passing someone, a slight nod or discreet smile will do."
The children began walking around the room. Some followed the instructions diligently; others giggled and made faces as they crossed paths.
Higberta, however, was used to teaching children. She knew manners weren't absorbed in an instant.
They seeped in slowly, like sunlight warming a room. That's why she wasn't strictnot with little ones from powerful families.
She understood that with patience… even etiquette could become a charming game.
…
"Very well, now let us move on to the second rule: Greetings and Conversation," announced Professor Higberta in a calm voice, walking slowly among the children as she spoke.
"You do not greet others with excessive enthusiasm. A slight nod or a gentle tilt of the head is sufficient. In conversation, one must never interrupt; listen attentively and respond with a controlled and well-articulated voice.
A gentleman of distinguished lineage does not extend his hand hastily nor display unnecessary affection. Restraint is key."
She paused briefly to observe their reactions before continuing, her tone elegant and measured.
"The Nod: a subtle movement, never exaggerated, that conveys recognition and courtesy.
The Gentle Bow: in formal events, a bow from the waist is appropriateespecially toward superiors or high-ranking ladies.
The Hand Kiss: reserved for renowned ladies, performed with discretion, without actually touching the skinjust a soft approach of the lips.
Eye Contact: should be held firmly, neither challenging nor evasive. It reflects respect and self-assurance."
She then turned to the girls with a small smile.
"The grace of a noble lady lies in her refinement. Every gesture must be elegant and intentional.
The Light Curtsy: a small dip of the torso, with the back straight and chin held high.
The Delicate Nod: a soft movement of the head, free of any abruptness.
The Hand Gesture: may be offered with elegance, avoiding excessive contact.
The Composed Gaze: not fixated or intense, but one that conveys attentiveness and presence."
With a light flick of her wand, Higberta conjured a small practice circle and smiled serenely.
"Now, the gentlemen should approach one of the ladies and offer a formal greeting, waiting for the lady to present her hand for a proper salutation."
The room filled with murmurs and soft laughter.
For many of the children, the task was more of a challenge than it seemednot because of the etiquette, but because of the embarrassment of approaching the girls… or perhaps the amusing tension of seeing who would go first.
Harry was the one to take the first step.
"A pleasure," he said calmly, bowing slightly to both Daphne and Hermione.
The girls smiled… and extended their hands at the same time, causing a brief moment of confusion for Harry.
He shrugged slightly, then gently took both hands and placed a soft kiss on each one.
All three laughed quietly.
Seeing Harry's gesture, several other children were encouraged to try as well, mimicking the greeting with growing interest and curiosity.
Thus concluded the first class of the day.
Later on, Wanda came to pick up Harry and Hermione, as Susan was still busy with work.
Selene arrived to collect Daphne, accompanied by little Astoria, who was smiling brightly as she waited for her older sister and their friends.
Harry was the first to approach, wearing a calm smile.
He stopped right in front of Wanda and offered a polite nod.
Wanda raised an eyebrow in amusement and, playing along, extended her hand.
Harry kissed it softly, just as he had learned.
"I see you all had fun," Selene said with a serene smile.
Daphne and Hermione walked up together. Their relaxed expressions contrasted with the uncertainty they had felt earlier that morning.
"It wasn't as boring as I thought," Daphne said, crossing her arms with a touch of pride.
"Though some of the boys there were giving me strange looks," Hermione added, slightly annoyed.
"Pay them no mind. They're just children raised by adults with outdated ideas," Selene replied, her voice calm yet firm.
"You are welcome among the children of the Greengrass and Potter allied families. From now on, you are all part of the same circle."
"Well…" Hermione agreed, though her frown showed she was still a bit uncomfortable.
At least, she thought, she wouldn't be alone.
And that made all the difference.