Chapter Text
One moment Hermione was standing in the forest, pleasantly distracted by a blue eyed witch, the next she was standing in an alley next to the Three Broomsticks, wrapped in her arms. Hermione started deeply in to those stormy blue eyes as Narcissa asked, “How did you know that someone was watching us?”
Hermione mentally shook herself and silently cursed at the fact that she was tongue tied for the moment. “When you are on the run in the middle of a war, you tend to pick up on a thing or two. It tends to always be a part of you.”
They heard a crack behind them, and a voice that said, “I didn’t find anyone there. I could send for the Aurors if you want.”
“That’s alright Fleur, let’s just get some lunch. I’m sure who ever was there is long gone by now anyway.” Hermione said. As she was reluctantly pulling away from within Narcissa’s arms she added, “Besides, I seem to remember you mentioning that you wanted the inside scoop on your future students.”
The three witches walked into the Three Broomsticks arm and arm while Fleur was laughing hysterically as Hermione was as red as a tomato and muttering, “It’s really not that funny.”
An amused Narcissa replied, “Oh, I happen to agree with Fleur on this. Finding you handcuffed to your bed while half naked and gagged does sound quite amusing.”
“How did this turn into two against one? You are one to talk Fleur, or shall we discuss the time I walked in on you pretending to be a Hogwarts student? In the robes and everything.” Replied Hermione with a half smirk playing on her lips.
Before Hermione could continue with her story, Fleur said, “Oh look, there is a free booth,” as she pulled the other two towards the secluded corner.
Narcissa leaned over and whispered, “You’ll have to finish telling me that story another time,” causing Hermione to stop breathing for just a moment. Seeing this Narcissa added, “Take a breath darling. Who knew the brightest witch of her age could become so flustered. I hope I’m not being to forward when I say it does make you rather irresistible.”
Fleur watched the exchange closely and decided that she would be having a long conversation with a certain Potion Mistress. “Welcome! What can I get you?” asked the waitress who clearly having difficulty keeping her excitement under control.
Fleur was clearly amused as she ordered, while Hermione was trying very hard to keep her temper in check as the waitress turned to leave without taking Narcissa’s order. Finally having enough, Hermione said, “I believe you forgot an order!”
The woman turned and had a sneer on her face that would have rivaled Lucius himself as she replied, “We don’t serve death eaters. I cannot even fathom why you are even sitting with the likes of her.”
Narcissa never got the chance to reply, since Hermione immediately jumped to her feet and said, “Who the hell do you think you are? You have no clue what really happened during the war. Tell me, did you fight? Did you help with the rebuilding once all was said and done? Or did you run and hide like most of the wizarding world?” Hermione was so angry by this point, small sparks were shooting out of her finger tips. Before the woman could even attempt a reply, Hermione pointed at her and added, “If you utter anything other than an apology, you will soon have first hand knowledge as to exactly why I am hailed the Brightest Witch of my age, and why I am considered the Brains of the Golden Trio. Those very TEENAGERS who saved your sorry ass.”
The waitress paled instantly at the threat, and Rosemerta came over to apologize before shoving her employee. “Get in the back, I’ll deal with you in a moment.” She turned to the three witches and said, “I am so sorry for that. Your meals are on the house. Lady Malfoy, you will always be welcome here… despite what other people may think.”
Hermione was still ready to hex, but calmed almost instantly when Narcissa replied, “Unfortunately, I am use to all of this. Please, call me either Narcissa or Lady Black, and thank you. Would you be able to bring us a round of Fire Whisky? I feel that at least one of us needs to calm down.” Once Rosemerta retook all their orders and left, Narcissa turned to look at the other two witches. Seeing that Narcissa wanted just a moment alone with Hermione, Fleur quickly excused herself. While getting away from the table, she silently cast a few wards for their privacy. Narcissa took Hermione’s hand and said, “You know I am more than capable of fighting my own battles. In fact, I have been doing so for many years and feel there is many more years of it to come.”
Hermione’s features softened slightly as she replied, “I know you can, and I’m sorry.” She quickly squeezed Narcissa’s hand and went on to say, “But I can’t stand it when others try to criticize those who were involved in the war.” Hermione causally leaned back as Fleur took down the wards and rejoined them. “It’s always the same. Why did you do this? How could you do that? They just don’t get it. We all did what we had to do to survive.” She unconsciously rubbed her arm as she finished, “Even then it wasn’t enough.”
Fleur put a hand on Hermione’s arm to stop her as she pushed a glass of whisky her way. She pushed the second glass towards Narcissa. Raising her own glass she said, “To those we love.” Fleur quickly downed her glass and waited for the burning to stop before adding, “Right, from dis point on, no more of dis morose shit. Tell me, do we ‘ave to worry about zee Weasley Twins reincarnate?”
Hermione snorted at the thought and the fact that Fleur’s accent seemed to become more pronounce after the one shot. “Actually, there are a set of twins you want to keep an eye on. One is a lion, the other is a snake and they are in their Fifth year. Let’s just say that they found out the hard way what would happen if they tried to prank me.” Hermione’s eyes were alight with mischief as she thought back on the incident in question.
Fleur nudged her and asked, “Care to share?”
Hermione just shook her head and said, “Maybe another time.” She went on to explain who was the brightest, who struggled the most and about the difficulty they would be facing while attempting inter house unity.
As their meal was winding down, Hermione became instantly alert and jumped to her feet with her wand at the ready. Before the other two witches knew what was happening she said, “You aren’t supposed to be here Ronald. In fact, you aren’t supposed to be anywhere near me.”
“Please Mione, I only want…” He took a step forward while Hermione took a step back and lodged herself into a corner. Fleur and Narcissa instantly stepped in front of her with their wands trained on him.
“You need to leave Ronald.” Hermione said while trying to keep her voice from wavering. Narcissa took a step back and stood in front of her while reaching back and grasping Hermione’s hand. Meanwhile Fleur stepped over to shield them.
“Leave now Mr. Weasley. I am calling for the Aurors.” Fleur said with a voice full of steel.
“No please, don’t. I don’t mean her any harm…” Ron begged.
Narcissa fired a warning stunner past him and sneered, “Leave… Now!”
Ron’s face darkened with the unsaid threat. “I don’t know why you are even involved in this matter you disgusting death eater, but don’t worry, I’m…”
Ron never finished his sentence. Fleur sent an over powered stunner at him just as the Aurors showed up along with the Minister himself. Harry came bursting through the doors a mere second later. “Mione? Fleur?” He ran to Fleur and pulled her into a passionate embrace as Hermione slid down the wall while she held onto Narcissa. Seeing a bottle of Fire Whisky being floated over towards them, he gave Madam Rosemarta a grateful nod. He poured everyone a glass- a double for Hermione- and saw that Narcissa had to help steady her hands. Not only was she shaking uncontrollable, she was as pale as a ghost.
Seeing that Narcissa and Fleur had everything in hand, he turned to the Minister, who was looking over the scene before him. Harry drew himself up to his full height as he tried to keep his temper under control while asking, “Is this enough evidence for you to lock up this bastard? Hermione told you this morning that this was going to happen.” He took a step closer as he lowered the tone of his voice and went on to say, “Look at what this has done. Do you even remember what she was like?”
“That is enough Mr. Potter!” exclaimed Kingsley. “Before you continue with that line of questioning, I remember all of it. Did you forget that I, like yourself, never left her side? And like yourself, I helped her move into your home once she was released from St. Mungo’s?” Kingsley softened his tone and put a hand on his shoulder as he went on to say, “I told you this morning, my hands were tied. I’m sorry Harry. I may not be as close as you are to her, but I still consider her a dear friend. Despite her earlier protests, I will be posting a guard.”
Fleur put a hand on Harry’s arm as he was about to protest and said, “Leave it for now chéri. We need to get Hermione back to the castle.”
Harry looked over to see that while Hermione was staring at Ron’s body, she was clinging to Narcissa who was holding her tightly. He turned his head slightly and said, “I wouldn’t post any guards just yet Kingsley. We will see you up at the castle.”