Chapter Text
Friday #15
They’d sent the list of their demands to her mother and then stored the evidence in the Black vault at Gringotts. Hermione had given her nightmares by recounting their break-in into the bank after Narcissa had made the mistake to inquire why she was receiving such hateful glares from the goblins upon their entry.
Her sister kept pestering Narcissa to fix the ‘ridiculous situation’ with Hermione, as Andromeda liked to put it. Hermione still joined her for their usual Fridays together, and they continued to exchange letters. However, since that incident on the couch weeks ago; since Narcissa’s declaration that a romantic relationship between them had no future, Hermione had backed off. There were some lingering glances, but mostly, it seemed that Hermione had settled and made peace with a platonic friendship between them.
Narcissa hated every minute of it, but she also didn’t know how to change it. Worse, she feared she had missed her chance and Hermione had moved on, given that the dark-haired witch had attended a date the previous Saturday. At least, that’s what Narcissa called it, even if Hermione had denied it. How else would one call a dinner meeting with a person not of their regular slate of friends and acquaintances?
Narcissa had ventured out of Black manor a few more times. They’d attended a couple more AA meetings, and Hermione had showed her some of her favorite Muggle places in London. Now that Narcissa thought about it, they were spending an extraordinary amount of time together, and in fact, even her dragon had become somewhat suspicious during his last few visits. However, that train of thought appeared to lead to too much trauma, so he’d always drop it, and Narcissa followed suit. Not that she was keen on having that conversation with her son.
She’d applied for a course in potions to obtain her masters. She wasn’t sure what exactly she wanted to do with it, but it was a dream she’d had since her first year at Hogwarts, one she’d never dared to go after for many reasons, but now she felt she owed it to herself to try.
Did she also owe it to herself to give what was between her and Hermione a try? That assumed Hermione was still interested in her. The dark-haired witch was supposed to arrive in two hours. What if Narcissa surprised her at her flat? Hermione had said she’d always be welcome there. Taking a deep breath, Narcissa rushed to the bathroom to get ready.
Half an hour later, she stood in front of Hermione’s door, filled with nerves and doubts. She didn’t want to destroy what they had. Their friendship had been so helpful to them both. She was good for Hermione like this, as her friend. Would that translate to more? What was between them now was better than nothing, but what if there could be more and it slipped through her fingers because she was too scared?
Narcissa shook her head and knocked on the door. As soon as it swung open, she stormed inside. “What is your relationship with that Harpy’s player Gwendolyn Post?”
“Narcissa, hi. You’re here. In my flat. Wait, what?”
“Your date last Saturday?”
“It wasn’t a date. I’ve told you that already. I met with her to convince her to do an outreach event with our department, to help our work to create more opportunities for magical beings. You know how popular quidditch is. I thought we could draw in more people that way.”
“Oh.”
“When would I have time to date? I spend all my free time with you!”
“That’s just it! Remember when I told you the unbearable characteristic of life?”
Hermione frowned. “That nothing is unbearable?”
“I lied.”
“About what?”
“I... This isn’t easy. I’m... I don’t think I’ve ever done this before, not that I’d wanted to, but even if I did, I’d never dared, and—”
Hermione laughed. “You’re rambling. And now you’re pacing. What’s going on? Did something happen?”
“Yes! No, it depends.”
“All right. Do you want to sit down?”
“OK,” Narcissa said, halting, and following Hermione to her couch.
“What happened?”
“I’ve been talking to Andromeda a lot, and... well, any time I don’t spend with you, I often spend with her.”
“I’m glad you’ve reconnected.”
“Thanks to you.”
Hermione waved her off. “You’d have managed.”
“I’m not so sure about that. We Blacks are stubborn.”
“That I’ve noticed.”
“I’ve applied to start my master potions studies,” Narcissa rushed out. Why was she saying that? What was wrong with her? She didn’t come here to discuss that part of her life.
“That’s awesome! They’ll accept you for sure.”
“Thank you. Let’s hope so. There’s still quite a stain associated with... me, my name.”
“Maybe, but that won’t matter when you’re qualified, given that the wizengamot didn’t press any charges against you.”
“You’re always so optimistic,” Narcissa said. “I admire that.”
“Thank you, though my attitude here doesn’t stem from optimism. You are a talented potions brewer, and they’ll be lucky to have you.”
Narcissa laughed and shook her head. “How far we’ve come in these months.”
“Yeah,” Hermione said, pulling her legs under her.
“Do you remember that night on the couch, several weeks ago, when we—”
Hermione raised her hand. “Don’t.”
“Oh.” It was too late. Narcissa’s gaze traveled to her fidgeting hands in her lap.
“I’ve just reached a point where I can... where I can live with it without... You don’t understand how much restraint I’ve had to...,” Hermione said, gritting her teeth.
Narcissa raised her head. “I’m not sure I follow.”
“I’m trying to be your friend.”
“You are my friend.”
“Yes, and that’s all we can ever be, and it’s hard when... when I want so much more, but I’m trying so hard to respect your boundaries, and—”
“You what?” Narcissa’s eyes widened.
“Have I done something wrong? I... it’s hard, but that’s no excuse if I made you uncomfortable. I’m sorry, but you are just so attractive and I’m not just talking about your looks, though they do get me in trouble, too, but it’s who you are, and how you treat me, and how you defended me to your mother. I know how difficult that was, and—”
“Hermione, dear, stop.” Narcissa chuckled. “You’ve misunderstood my reason for bringing up that night, and no, you haven’t made me uncomfortable, and Merlin knows, I’ve wished for weeks now you’d cross those boundaries, and—”
“What?”
Narcissa worried her lower lip. “I may have been too... hasty back then, in dismissing a romantic future between us.”
“What does that mean?”
“That I’m sorry. I’m especially sorry for any distress my cowardice has caused you.”
“You’re not a coward. I understand why you reacted the way you did, and I... it hurt, but I didn’t hold it against you.”
“You’re a better person than I am,” Narcissa said.
“That’s nonsense. Besides, we all change and grow, and in the end, you can always decide anew who you want to be.”
“It’s that easy? I just decide?”
“Well, yes. How else does this work? People make mistakes, and when they realize it, they can choose how to handle it: learn from it and do better or find excuses and double down.”
“You make life sound so simple sometimes, though I know yours wasn’t either. All the pain and hardship you’ve struggled and overcome.”
“I’m not... There’s a lot I still need to work on.”
“Don’t we all,” Narcissa said with a small smile.
“So back to the important point here. What do you want from me?”
“As always straight for the jugular.”
Hermione shrugged her shoulders.
“I want you, that is, if you want me, too, still. And I’d understand if you didn’t because—”
Hermione surged forward and silenced Narcissa with a kiss; it was a mere press of their lips, but Narcissa’s heart stumbled to a halt before thrashing in her chest. Her hands rose, and she cupped Hermione’s cheeks, putting their foreheads together.
“I want you, too,” Hermione said, and her eyes shone.
“Good. That’s good.”
“Do you want to relocate this to my bedroom, or is this too forward?” Hermione asked, biting her lower lip.
Narcissa’s gaze dropped to Hermione’s lips. “No. Not to forward.”
Hermione smiled and rose before grabbing Narcissa’s hand and pulling her off the couch. They stared at each other for a long moment before Hermione led her to her bedroom.
***
Hermione struggled to believe this was real. She’d all but given up on their friendship morphing into more, and she hadn’t lied–she had reached a moment where she felt she could live with it, with just being Narcissa’s friend.
Now, they were in bed together. Naked. Not just in bed, but in Hermione’s bed at her own flat, a place Narcissa had never visited before.
“Are you sure about this? I don’t want you to regret it, and then we lose our friendship,” Hermione asked, gazing up at Narcissa who snugly laid on top of her.
“Hmm, let me think about this,” she said, sliding their bodies together.
A shudder ran through Hermione at the heat and smoothness between them.
“We’re naked in your bed, and...” Narcissa slid one leg between Hermione’s, pressing up, causing a low moan to spill from the dark-haired witch’s lips.
“You seem to be in the same situation as me,” Narcissa said, shifting in a way that allowed Hermione’s thigh to be painted with the evidence of her arousal.
Hermione groaned, and she reached out to pull Narcissa closer. She sought her mouth, drawing Narcissa’s lower lip between her teeth, nibbling before sucking it into her mouth.
Narcissa groaned, her eyes fluttered shut, and she sunk into the kiss, hungrily seeking Hermione’s hot tongue.
Hermione’s hands ran up and down Narcissa’s back while the blonde witch deepened their kiss, rocking her hips into Hermione.
Narcissa broke their kiss and their warm and shallow breaths mingled. “You do not know how often I’ve envisioned this. Dreamed of having you in my bed or being in yours. You are so dear to me,” Narcissa said, one hand cupping Hermione’s cheek before she trailed a finger from Hermione’s temple down her cheek. “I want this. All of it. I can’t imagine not having you in my life.”
“Me neither,” Hermione whispered with wide eyes. This was really happening. Truly not the Friday night she’d envisioned or come to expect.
Connecting their lips once more, their kisses intensified, and rough breathing filtered through the room.
Narcissa’s thigh pressed harder against Hermione’s heat, whose eyes fluttered shut at Narcissa’s closeness, and the arousal that flowed through her.
Narcissa ended their kiss and sucked on the sensitive skin of Hermione’s neck before shifting to the side, her fingertips dancing along Hermione’s body, leaving goosebumps in their wake.
Narcissa’s blue eyes shone and held an intensity that made Hermione shiver.
Panting, Hermione ran trembling fingers through Narcissa’s blonde curls, accidentally leaking magic that shimmered and seeped in colorful bursts into the older witch.
Narcissa’s eyes widened before fluttering close. She groaned and lowered her head onto Hermione’s sternum. “What are you doing?”
***
Heat lashed through Narcissa, and she couldn’t remember ever being this aroused. The spark of Hermione’s magic gushed through her veins, leaving a trail of excitement and longing that Narcissa felt etched into her very bones.
“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to—”
“Hush. It’s fine. Just... unexpected,” Narcissa muttered, trembling.
Narcissa kissed Hermione again, while shifting her arm between them, seeking the heat between the dark-haired witch’s legs.
Both witches groaned when Narcissa’s fingers trailed through Hermione’s wetness.
Hermione clutched Narcissa’s back, her face a mixture of concentrated tension and relief.
Narcissa’s gaze locked on Hermione’s face, taking in her expressive eyes that struggled to stay open, and a sense of wonder filled Narcissa. She didn’t deserve the affection of Hermione, but she’d try to earn it for the rest of her life.
Her fingers shifted, playing between Hermione’s legs, she chased the dark-haired witch higher and higher.
Hermione’s body glistened in a sheen of sweat, straining against Narcissa’s altering movements, who turned languid strokes into rapid circles until Hermione’s body shuddered and trembled against her, while a weak “Narcissa,” fled her lover’s lips as the blonde witch guided her through a series of aftershocks.
Hermione chuckled and covered her eyes with one hand.
“Are you all right?”
“Yes, it’s just... this always seems to happen. When I want something so badly it hurts, I don’t get it. Nothing resolves or gives, but the moment I accept it and let it go, things miraculously work out.”
Narcissa’s eyes widened “This is something you wanted so badly it hurt?” Narcissa was achingly familiar with that feeling, though she’d never imagined being on the receiving end of it for someone else; someone who meant the world to her.
“That’s the part you focused on, huh? I seem to remember you teasing me for something similar.”
“Well,” Narcissa said.
“I want you, us, so badly it hurt, yes. “
Narcissa shook her head, disbelief and awe coursing through her in equal measures.
“Now, though, I want to fulfill a fantasy of mine, if you’re up for it,” Hermione said, her intense gaze causing a low tug of arousal to swell in Narcissa’s stomach.
“I doubt I’d not be up for one of your fantasies.”
“Oh goody,” Hermione said before claiming Narcissa’s lips in a hard, open-mouthed kiss.
The taste and scent of Hermione made Narcissa dizzy with want, and before she registered it fully, Hermione had flipped their positions, now laying on top of the blonde witch. “Smooth,” she said, which made Hermione laugh, and now Narcissa could see how far down her flushes spread.
Hermione kissed and licked down her chest, sucking at Narcissa’s breasts before trailing her lips down her stomach.
Narcissa threw her head back and moaned. This too had been one of her recurring fantasies, and her hands clutched the bedsheet when Hermione’s destination became clear. She wanted it, in ways she couldn’t put into words, but it also terrified her because this wasn’t something she’d ever experienced and her nerves lit up, and without conscious thought, her mind reached out to Hermione, pushing her thoughts and emotions into the dark-haired witch’s head.
Hermione groaned and halted. “What... Merlin,” she panted.
“Sorry,” Narcissa mumbled, her legs closing around Hermione.
“No, it’s fine. Just... startling and intense. Do you want to stop?”
“No!”
Hermione chuckled. “All right then,” she muttered, spreading Narcissa’s legs, and ducking her head between them.
Narcissa sobbed the moment Hermione’s scorching tongue touched her, and with sure and fast dexterity she propelled Narcissa near the edge.
The blonde witch’s hands shot to Hermione’s head, drawing her closer while her release crashed through her, her back bowing and a long moan filling the room.
Hermione placed lingering kisses on Narcissa’s mound before climbing back up, connecting their lips in a soft kiss. “I love you.”
With tears in her eyes, Narcissa stroked Hermione’s cheek. “I love you, too.”
Hermione’s face light up with pure joy as she leaned into the caress.
“You found me dressed in black,” Narcissa muttered, tears tumbling down her cheeks.
***
“Hermione, dear, there’s a man with a box at your door,” Narcissa called.
“Oh, hello, Tom,” Hermione said after leaving her office. “How are you? Is Sam any better?”
“Hey, Hermione. Yeah. He’s loads better. Thank you.”
“What have you got for me?”
“This here and some letters. Thought I’d bring it up all together.”
“That’s sweet of you. I appreciate it.” Hermione grasped the items. “Tell Tom I said hi.”
“Will do. Take care!” He waved at her and left.
Hermione ambled to the table and put the parcel down, inspecting the letters. “There’s one from my parents. I wonder why they didn’t just call.”
“This is how Muggles deliver mail?” Narcissa asked, stepping next to Hermione. “How inefficient.”
“Because nocturnal birds are the better option,” Hermione muttered.
“They are.”
“You just like them because they are rude.”
“Excuse me?”
“That’s probably also why you get along so well with Crookshanks.”
Narcissa folded her arms in front of her chest. “You were saying something about a letter from your parents?”
“Right,” Hermione said and opened the envelope. “Oh,” she said.
“What?”
“They’re inviting us for tea. This Sunday, at their new place.”
“Us? As in you and me?”
“Yes, is there a different us I don’t know about?”
“What?”
“Never mind. I’m sorry. This stresses me out a bit.”
“You didn’t tell them about us?”
“No, hence the stressed-out part.”
“Do you... are you expecting them to be upset?”
Hermione fell on the couch, the letter dangling in her hand. “No, I don’t think so.”
“What aspect of... of us is worrisome to you?”
Hermione’s eyes widened, and she dropped the letter, hurrying over to Narcissa. “I’m not... Merlin, I’m sorry. I’m not worried about us, and there’s nothing they can do or say that will change how I feel for you, or how much I want to be with you.” She grasped Narcissa’s hands.
The blonde witch’s shoulders relaxed. “I’m glad you feel that way,” she said in a low tone before pressing a soft kiss on Hermione’s lips. “But it’s unrealistic to expect that their reaction won’t affect us. You love your parents, and you’ve just gotten them back. I... I don’t want to stand in your way.”
“What are you saying?”
“Nothing. Just that I wouldn’t make you choose. I’d understand, and—”
“You’ve lost your mind!”
“I’m trying to be thoughtful and considerate.”
“By saying you’ll leave me if my parents don’t approve of us?”
“That’s a rather radical interpretation of what I’ve said.”
“Then what are you saying?”
Narcissa sighed, clasped their hands, and led them to the couch. “Let’s sit down.”
They sat on the same couch, sideways, facing each other.
“I wasn’t worried about my parents’ disapproval.”
“But you said—”
“I meant that in general, to let you know I’m in this, for real. There are not holdbacks or doubts. I love you, and I want to be with you, and what other people say or do, I don’t care. I won’t give up on us.”
Narcissa smiled and cupped Hermione’s cheek. “I love you, too, and I feel the same, but it would grieve me beyond measure if our involvement ruined your relationship with your parents.
“Merlin, woman, listen to me. It’s not their disapproval I’m worried about.”
“Then what is it?”
“That they will mercilessly tease me and embarrass me with old childhood stories and baby pictures,” Hermione said, pouting.
“Are you serious?”
“Yes!”
“Well, if that’s the case, then I’m sure you’ll survive it, and we’ll be fine. I’m actually looking forward to such stories and pictures, even if they don’t move. Do you think we could animate them somehow, or are we risking what happened to Dr. Frankenstein?”
“Wait, what?” Hermione laughed. “No! You do realize that’s a fictional story, right?”
“So is Sleeping Beauty.”
“That’s real? That really happened?”
“That a witch cursed a person and made them fall into a deathlike slumber?”
“Well, if you put it like that.”
“So can we animate your baby pictures?”
Hermione dropped her face into her hands. “No!”
***
“Are you going to fill us in on why you’ve been so absent these last few months? I’m assuming that’s related to you pacing a hole in our floor,” Ginny said, sitting next to Harry in their flat. They had invited Hermione over, and after having canceled on them too many times, Hermione had agreed to join them, planning on telling them about Narcissa. However, now that she’d arrived, her nerves got the better of her.
She meant what she told Narcissa. She wouldn’t leave her, no matter how her friends and family reacted, yet that didn’t make this any easier. Not to mention, the tea meeting with her parents tomorrow. Why did everything always happen at the same time?
She halted. “I’m dating Narcissa,” she blurted out, wringing her hands.
Silence.
Harry took off his glasses and cleaned them with his shirt.
Ginny gazed at Harry before finding Hermione’s gaze. “Are you joking? Is this some prank that Harry and Ron set up with you?”
“What?” That wasn’t the reaction Hermione had imagined, and she’d pictured plenty of different scenarios.
“I just told them the other day that I thought you fancied witches. Of course, Ron said that would explain why you guys didn’t work out. As if,” Ginny said with a small grimace.
“I wouldn’t play a prank like that,” Harry said, finally placing his glasses back on top of this nose.
“You’re really dating Narcissa Malfoy?”
“Black,” both Harry and Hermione corrected, sharing a small smile.
“Whatever,” Ginny said and waved them off. “You’re still shagging Draco’s mum.”
Harry groaned. “Ginny.”
She swatted him. “Stop acting like you’re a prude.”
He cleared his throat. “Since when have you two been together?”
“We’ve… we’ve been friends for months now, ever since Draco asked me to check on his mother, but—”
Ginny burst out laughing, wiping her eyes. “I don’t think that’s the checking up he had in mind, ‘Mione,” she said.
“You’re on something tonight,” Hermione said, folding her arms. “As I was saying, we’ve been friends for a while but the… romantic aspect is a more recent development.”
“So you haven’t had sex yet?”
Hermione felt heat travel up her neck and spill into her cheeks. She now understood why her subconscious must have prevented her from talking about this to Ginny a while back. “I didn’t say that.”
“Ohh, I want all the details. Is she good? I bet she is,” Ginny said, leaning forward.
“I don’t,” Harry said, at which both witches’ heads snapped in his direction.
“I mean, I don’t want any details, not that… not that I’ve thought about Narcissa… like that.” His gaze found his feet.
“We’re not talking about my sex life.”
“Spoilsport. Well, at least you have one. I was worried about you.”
“Not everything in life revolves around sex. Not to mention, there are more important aspects to a relationship than that.”
“Uh-oh,” Ginny said and shook her head.
“What?” Hermione knew she’d regret that question.
“Is she that terrible?”
Hermione closed her eyes. Yes. Regret was plenty about. She sat down. “No, Ginny, Narcissa is bloody fantastic in bed. Can we drop that now?”
“Please,” Harry said.
“Fine,” Ginny muttered. “Who else knows? Ohh, let me be there when you tell Ron.”
“You guys are the first ones I’ve told. We’ll have tea with my parents tomorrow, and I want to tell them about Narcissa.”
“You must be serious about her. I’m happy for you,” Harry said. “And for Narcissa. She’s pretty great, but you’ve figured that out yourself,” he said and rubbed the back of his neck.
“Yes. She is,” Hermione said.
“Wow. Your heart-eyes are a bit gross. Do you think your parents will be OK with it? You know, given that Narcissa is… how old are your parents? Because either way, they’re going to think she’s robbing the cradle.” Ginny chuckled.
Hermione sighed. That truly was a terrible joke, and she regretted ever having uttered it.
“My parents are fifty-one and fifty-three.”
“How old is Narcissa? Forty-eight?”
“She’s forty-six.”
“So they could be mates.”
“What does it matter?” Harry asked. “Who cares about age differences? As long as they are happy. You are happy, right?”
“Yes,” Hermione said, feeling her eyes tear up. Was there a way to blame it on allergies?
“That’s all that matters,” Harry said before leaning forward and hugging Hermione.
***
“Hermione, dear, maybe we should wait a little longer before telling your parents about us?”
“Nonsense. If we do that, then we’ll never hear the end of it. Since they’ve been back they... they want to know everything.”
“Well, you can’t really blame them.”
“I don’t. That’s why we’re here.”
Narcissa groaned. “They invited us to tea, that doesn’t mean we have to—”
Hermione frowned and halted in front of her parents’ front door. “Don’t make that sound.”
“Excuse me?”
“That... sound. It reminds me of last night. I don’t want to feel like that when we’re about to have tea with my parents.”
Narcissa swallowed a laugh. “That is entirely your fault.”
“You weren’t complaining then,” Hermione said.
“I thought you didn’t want to be reminded of the things you did to me last night?”
Hermione grumbled and stomped her foot. “Enough. I’m going to ring their doorbell now.” And so, she did.
“Hermione, sweetheart,” her mother said once she opened the door. She pulled Hermione close before turning to hug Narcissa as well. “Narcissa. It’s good to see you again.”
“Thank you, you, too,” Narcissa said, returning the embrace.
“Come on in. Your father baked his famous sugar free marble cake.”
They entered the house and followed Hermione’s mother into the dining room.
“Sit down,” she said, pointing at the set table.
“Here they are!” Hermione’s father entered, carrying a tray with a cake on top.
“Hello, Dad,” Hermione said.
“Hello, sweetie,” he said, put down the cake and leaned over to kiss Hermione’s head. “I’m happy you could join us, too, Narcissa. We are in your debt for the potion.”
“Oh, no. Don’t worry about that,” Narcissa said.
Halfway through the cake, which tasted like chalk, apparently, sugar was a necessary ingredient, Hermione’s mother turned to Narcissa. “So how long have you been dating my daughter?”
Narcissa coughed, grabbed a napkin, and held it in front of her mouth, fearing she’d spit out dusty bits of cake without it. She cleared her throat after managing to swallow. “Excuse me?”
“Dear, couldn’t you have waited until after cake?”
“I couldn’t bear the suspense anymore. I also want to know if I won the bet.”
“What bet?” Hermione asked.
“That you two are dating,” her mother said nonplussed.
Hermione and Narcissa exchanged a glance. “Yes, Mom. We’re dating.”
“I knew it!” Her mother cried, slapping the table. “You’ll clean the kitchen for the next month!”
“You bet against us?” Hermione said, sounding offended.
“Sweetie, I just... I didn’t... This is your mother’s fault. She goaded me into it.”
“How did I do that? I’ve got eyes, and I’ve seen the way Narcissa looked at Hermione in Australia. It’s not my fault you’re bad at reading body language.
“It’s the masks. I wear masks all day.”
Hermione frowned. “What does that have to do with anything?”
“Exactly!” Her father said and jumped out of his chair. “More tea?” He left for the kitchen before anyone had a chance to reply.
“Don’t worry. He’s just embarrassed. We’re happy for you. Narcissa, you seem like a lovely person.”
“Thank you,” Narcissa said, sure she’d never understand the workings of Muggle families, but she’d take it along with the warmth and affection that accompanied it over the lifeless and stark existence she’d led growing up and way into adulthood.
***
One Year Later
They had planned a surprise dinner party at Black manor to celebrate Narcissa’s potions master. They’d invited their immediate family and friends, and Hermione, joined by Draco, and Andromeda, was preparing for the festivities, while Narcissa was out on various errands.
“Did you know that my mother doesn’t like surprises?” Draco asked.
“Really? She’s been quite fond of some of mine,” Hermione said with a grin.
Draco grimaced, while Andromeda laughed.
“I can imagine, but don’t traumatize my nephew, Hermione,” Andromeda said.
“Yes, please, Granger. I’ll be in therapy forever. That’s not what I had in mind when I asked you to talk to my mother,” he grumbled.
“Be careful what you wish for and all that,” Hermione said.
“Well, at least it worked. Most actions have unintended side effects.” He sighed.
“Hey!” Hermione called.
“What?”
“That sounded suspiciously like an insult,” she said.
Draco leaned closer and muttered, “because it was, Granger.”
“Be nice, children,” Andromeda chided. “We still have a lot to do before the guests arrive.”
“Are you sure mother will be gone long enough?”
“Yes. The errands we sent her on will take a while,” Andromeda said.
Two hours later, their guests arrived and congregated in the decorated dining hall.
Hermione and Narcissa’s relationship had surprised people, though there’d been no issues, and aside from a few mean-spirited articles in the Prophet, they’d encountered mostly acceptance.
Hermione couldn’t believe her mother had bet on her relationship just because she apparently had seen something between them when they were with them in Australia to restore their memories. Ron had called her mental and then cracked a joke about her being Draco’s stepmother, which had earned him a hard smack on the back of his head. Even though Hermione must still endure Ginny’s teasing, she and Harry were happy for her, the latter no surprise, given his soft spot for Narcissa.
Hermione didn’t know how Narcissa’s conversation with Draco had gone. She had told him on her own, and when Hermione had asked about it, she’d only grunted and said, ‘it went,’ as if that explained anything. He’d been mostly his usual self around her, though sometimes she caught him eying her with this blank stare of disbelief. She had to be careful not to laugh or Narcissa would bemoan that she was messing with her son. Molly had sniffed, still mourning that Ron and Hermione hadn’t worked out, but the Weasley parents still embraced them. Best of all, Narcissa’s mother had heeded their warnings, and after dropping the lawsuit, they hadn’t heard from her again.
All of them were here today to celebrate Narcissa’s accomplishment, and now they were waiting for the blonde witch to return home.
The door opened, and Narcissa, laden with multiple bags, entered the room. “Hermione, dear, I don’t know why Dottie ushered me in here, but you owe me. What in Merlin’s name do we need with—”
“Surprise!!” Everyone yelled.
Narcissa’s eyes widened, and she stood frozen in the door to the dining hall.
Hermione rushed to her side to take the bags out of her hands before returning and embracing Narcissa. “Hey. I hope you don’t mind this little get together,” she whispered in her ear.
Narcissa returned the embrace. “It’s fine. What is it for? It’s not my birthday.”
“It’s for your potions master! We wanted to celebrate you,” Hermione said, taking Narcissa’s hand and facing the rest of their friends and family.
“Oh,” Narcissa breathed. “Thank you.”
“Congratulations, Mother,” Draco said and stepped forward to hug his mother.
“Thank you, dragon. It’s good to see you. Everyone. Thank you all for joining us.”
“Hear, hear,” Andromeda said, raising her glass, and everyone else joined.
“Have you decided what you’ll do with your masters? We could use a new potions’ professor at Hogwarts,” Minerva said.
Narcissa laughed. “No, thank you. I’m not made for teaching. I’m thinking about starting my own business. We shall see.”
Minerva sighed. “Too bad. Let me know if you change your mind. Congratulations, again.”
“Thank you. It’s good to see you,” Narcissa said.
“My father can run ads for you in the Quibbler if you’d like,” Luna said.
“That’s sweet. Thank you. We’re not there yet, but I’ll definitely keep that in mind,” Narcissa said, accepting a glass of water from Hermione. “Thank you, dear.”
“We’re also always in need of decent brewers at the ministry,” Draco said.
“That’s so kind of you, dragon, to call me a decent brewer,” Narcissa said with a chuckle.
Draco cleared his throat. “That’s not what I meant, Mother,” he said.
“I know, sweetheart. Don’t worry, and, no offense, but I’d rather teach at Hogwarts than work for the ministry.”
“Ouch,” Hermione said laughing. “It’s funny how people think that adding ‘no offense’ to something makes their statement less offensive.”
“Did I hurt your feelings, dear?” Narcissa asked, smiling at Hermione, her eyes aglow.
“On that note, look, there’s Neville,” Draco said and hurried away.
Hermione’s parents joined them, and afterwards, Harry and Ginny appeared at their sides while Andromeda seemed lost in an animated conversation with Luna.
Hermione loved seeing their friends and family together, but most of all, she loved that they all had gathered to celebrate Narcissa.
***
“I don’t know how I ever managed clean-ups without magic,” Hermione said, dropping onto the couch next to Narcissa.
“It makes life easier.”
“Because you’ve grown up doing hard manual labor,” Hermione said, snuggling up against Narcissa.
“No, but having parents who punish you with magic isn’t fun either.”
“Right. I’m sorry. Your parents sucked,” Hermione said and yawned.
Narcissa chuckled. “I like your parents, though.”
“They are all right,” Hermione said. “You just like them because they adore you. I’d told you they would, but no, you were all worried they’d hate you for being so old.”
“You’re calling me old?”
“What?”
“You said, and I quote ‘they’d hate you for being so old,’ that implies that I am ‘so old,’ to quote you again.”
“Hmm, a quote within a quote,” Hermione muttered. “Seriously, though. You’re not old. Wizards and witches live for ages. You haven’t even scratched middle age.”
“Says the woman who is twenty-three years old,” Narcissa grumbled.
“What can I say? You like them young.”
Narcissa swatted her. “Get off me.”
“What? No!” Hermione said, tightening her hold on Narcissa, shifting her face into the blonde witch’s neck, pressing a soft kiss against Narcissa’s throat.
“Mmhmm, that won’t get you out of trouble.”
“You smell so good,” Hermione said with a sigh. “How do you do that? You ran errands, played the guest of honor at the party, and now you still smell like that.”
“Compliments won’t work either,” Narcissa said but pulled Hermione closer to her.
“That’s too bad,” Hermione said. “Do you remember that tea with my parents, though?”
“How could I forget? That cake was dreadful. It’s a good thing your father has other redeeming qualities. He can’t bake to save his life,” Narcissa said,
Hermione laughed. “I always blamed it on the sugar, but you might be onto something.”
***
“You’re really not mad about the party? I know you must have been tired,” Hermione asked, later that night, or early morning, when she joined Narcissa in their bed.
The blonde witch took off her glasses and placed them, along with her book, on the nightstand. “Why would I be mad because our family and friends have decided to celebrate an accomplishment of mine?”
“I don’t know. Draco said you don’t like surprises.”
“Hmm, he’s not wrong, though I’ve enjoyed all of yours so far.”
“I told him that, too,” Hermione said, having the decency to look sheepish.
“Merlin, Hermione. You need to stop messing with him.”
“Don’t worry. He gives back as good as he gets.”
“At least that,” Narcissa said with a sigh.
“Hey!”
Narcissa leaned over and pecked Hermione’s lips. “There’s one difference.”
“That is?”
“When Draco grew up, most surprises were... negative, so no, I did not like them, and preferred not to be surprised. With you however... everything is different. Your surprises are... delightful, or sweet. You don’t mean any harm, even if you were to do something that wouldn’t be my first choice.”
“Why would I mean you harm?”
“Good question. Either way. It was very kind of all of you to do this for me tonight. I... I worked hard for my masters, but I did that for myself, and I didn’t expect any recognition. Still, it felt good, tonight.”
“I’m glad.”
Narcissa held Hermione’s gaze, struggling to believe how much her life had changed within the last eighteen months. She could never have envisioned such happiness, such a content life and a connection unlike anything she’d ever dreamed of — the life she now shared with Hermione would have blown any fantasy out of the water. For the first time in her life, the darkness that had been her constant companion had drained away and was replaced by joy and laughter. While she wasn’t sure she’d deserved such a life, she’d kill to keep it.
The End