Chapter Text
Hermione followed Minerva in complete silence. Harry attempted to talk to her, but she just remained quiet, her face appearing as if it was made of stone. Harry pulled Fleur close and softly said, “I think we should have had Narcissa join us.” Fleur tilted her head to the side in order to look at him out of the corner of her eye before sending a Patronus message to Narcissa.
Seeing Harry’s reaction she said, “I think you are right chéri. This is not going to end well.”
Harry grabbed her hand and gave it a quick squeeze, but didn’t let go. “Keep your wand in your hand, a shield on your tongue and whatever you do… stay out of her line of sight.” Harry tugged on her arm to stop her from walking any further and turned her so that she was facing him. “I’m deadly serious Fleur. I don’t want anything to happen to you. You’ve never really experienced an angry Hermione and hoped you never would. Promise me that you’ll listen if I tell you to go.”
Fleur couldn’t believe her eyes or ears. “I won’t leave you and you can’t ask that of me.” At some point they started walking towards the Headmistress’ office.
As they reached the Gargoyle, Narcissa came running up from behind them, but before she could ask any questions, the sound of a large explosion reverberated down the stair well and was so powerful, it shook the walls of the castle. Narcissa took off at a run, follow closely by Harry and then Fleur. Sprinting up the stairs, Narcissa went to push open the door and rush in, only to be stopped by Harry who put a hand on her arm and said, “Don’t. If that explosion was caused by Hermione, you don’t want to rush in. Let me go first, and keep your wand at the ready. Be prepared to either shield or stun and whatever you do, Do. Not. Hesitate.”
“Your forgetting something,” Narcissa replied with a defiant tilt of her head, “I am a Black. Don’t worry about me, I shall be fine.”
Harry shrugged his shoulders and said, “Don’t say I didn’t warn you. You may be a Black, but you don’t know Hermione. If she is having a flash back, stay out of her line of sight.” He didn’t wait for a reply, and turned to slowly push the door open. Very cautiously he tried to peek his head around the door and found one Auror down and the other was holding her hands out in front of her. Minerva was standing beside a body, and Hermione had her back to the door and was holding two other wands beside her own. Seeing Narcissa contemplating pushing past him out of the corner of his eye, he put his arm up to block her.
“Are you planning on standing behind the door the entire time Harry? If you’re really that worried, then it would be for the better if Narcissa and Fleur stayed down stairs.” Hermione sneered. Narcissa was shocked at the sudden change and made no attempt to hide it. She wanted to ask how she knew she was there, but saw that Harry pushed the door open. “If you wish to keep your wands, I suggest you holster them.”
Harry motioned for the two witches to stay behind him. As he slowly crept closer to her, he noticed that the body Minerva was standing near was none other than Kingsley Shacklebolt, current Minister of Magic. When he was a few feet away from her he said, “Did you really have to stun the Minister of Magic? What the hell happened Hermione?”
He saw Auror Scott attempt to take a step towards her, but stopped when Hermione said in a cold voice, “Take one more step forward and you’ll end up like your partner and the Minister. The only reason you are still standing is because you seem to be the one who will listen to what I have to say. Those two needed to be reminded of who they were attempting to push around.”
Harry tried to take a step towards her and froze as Hermione’s frosty gaze fell upon him. “Let’s talk about this Mione. We can wake those two and have you put down your wand. Weren’t you the one who thought we could speak about everything and I was always the one who just wanted to act? I’m sure we can come to some type of compromise, but you need to put down your wand.”
Hermione didn’t move her arm, but slowly positioned herself so that she could keep an eye on everyone in the room. Harry knew that it wasn’t going to end well when she did this. Right now her drive to protect herself was too great, and that by her feeling threatened, meant that her anxiety had firmly taken hold. “If you want to wake the others than fine, but that’s it. My wand stays where it is, and if Auror Scott cannot control her partner, then I suggest she stays as is.” Hermione paused briefly to survey her surroundings. “As for what happened, the powers to be decided to release Ronald Weasley back to his Pure Blood family instead of putting him in Azkaban where he belongs. The Minister was attempting to tell me that those same people have decided to allow him to attend a meeting with yours truly so that he could attempt to apologize and make amends. I am assuming that they want a publicity stunt to show that the Golden Trio is whole once more. We wouldn’t want the Saviors of Wizarding Britain to be attempting to kill one another, now would we. We want to show the bloody world that we are united as we attempt to heal.”
Narcissa saw that Hermione was just getting started and decided to jump in sooner rather than later. She took a step towards Hermione who continued to survey her surroundings. “Perhaps we can all sit down and iron this all out like civilized people. I’m sure we can work towards a reasonable agreement.” Hermione gave Narcissa a stony glare. Knowing exactly what Hermione was thinking, Narcissa face hardened slightly as the Ice Queen’s mask slipped back into place while she said, “Not all of us Black’s are as insane as the sister who hurt you the most. If you wish to continue thinking that, then I will take my leave and you will not have to worry about my attempts to interfere. If you, the brightest witch of her age haven’t already deduced that fact, then you aren’t nearly as intelligent as I thought and clearly you don’t deserve such a title.” She took a few more steps forward and was now standing directly in front of Hermione. “If you want me to stay, just tell me.” It was as if the air stood still, and Narcissa dropped her mask so that Hermione could see the real her. Since Hermione made no move and said nothing, she threw the mask back on and said, “I see where I stand. Thank you Miss Granger for making that abundantly clear. Good Evening.”
Fleur followed Narcissa out of the office. “Narcissa, wait!”
Reaching the bottom of the steps, Narcissa whirled around and said, “Why? So that I can listen to a woman basically call me insane? That I am simply a death eaters wife who comes from an unstable family and clearly must be exactly like all of them. No, I don’t think so. I have finally been able to rid myself of a monster who use to beat me mentally and physically just because he could. The very monster who would offer certain… rewards to those who would say that money wasn’t enough of a bribe.”
“Hermione is not in her right mind at the moment. She would never be like that.” Fleur quickly pleaded.
Narcissa cut her off and replied, “I will not trade one monster or my freedom for another!”
“Do you really think that I am such a person?” A voice asked from behind them.
“How much of that did you hear?” Narcissa quietly asked.
Hermione stepped out of the shadows looking sorrowful. “All of it. I was running after you once I realized what happened. All I can say is that I am truly sorry, but that doesn’t seem as if it is enough. I was going to ask if you would come back up with me, but I wouldn’t want you to have to suffer being in the presence of such a monster… Excuse me.”
It was Narcissa’s turn to be stunned for a moment. She went to run after her while she called, “Hermione!” When she blinked, Hermione was gone, and when she went to go after her, Fleur stepped in front of her.
“I wouldn’t. There is something you need to know about Hermione’s past. Let me run up and tell Harry that I am walking you back to your quarters.” Fleur said before disappearing up the stairs. After waiting for a few minutes, Narcissa went to climb the stairs, but as soon as her foot hit the first step, Fleur was there to stop her. “Since the students are back, we can talk in your quarters over drinks. This may not be easy for you to hear, and certainly won’t be easy for me to tell.”
Meanwhile~
While Fleur was walking back to Narcissa’s quarters, Harry had managed to get Hermione to calm down enough and wake the fallen Auror and Minister. He squeezed an oath out the Minister that he would not be pressing any charges and when he turned, he saw that Hermione was finally sitting, even though her body was coiled to strike. Once Harry took his own seat he said, “What exactly happened? We all know that Hermione wouldn’t have acted like this unless something big set her off.”
Auror Bailey looked like she had a few choice words but kept her mouth shut except the small grunt she made from her partner’s swift and mighty elbow connected with her side. Kingsley cleared his throat and said, “I may have surprised Miss Granger with my sudden appearance. It doesn’t help my case when all that said was true. Certain Cabinet members released Mr. Weasley, and demanded to arrange a meeting between him and Miss Granger. He claims he was attempting to apologize, which he would be able to do at that time, and that they could attempt to hash out their problems. As far as I know, that is the reason why they have looked past the clear violation of his parole.”
Harry could feel the anger coming off Hermione and put a hand on her arm in an attempt to settle her. “Hash things out?” He said in a low tone. Anyone who truly knew Harry, recognized that tone. He only used it when he was extremely angry and pissed off. Even Minerva seemed to be bracing herself for the storm that was to come. “You want to put that bastard in the same room with the very person he nearly beat to death in a drunken rage? I have a question for you Shack. Are you fucking bloody insane? How could you even think that this is a fucking good idea? What the bloody hell is wrong with you? What was it you said at The Three Brooksticks? You remember what she was like after the attack, because you, like myself, never left her side. Now you tell me where the bloody sane part of this shite of a plan you have is.”
This proved to be too much for Auror Bailey who shot to her feet and said, “Listen kid, just because you are the Chosen One does not give you the right to speak to the Minister of Magic that way. You should be showing the man the respect he deserves. What gives you the right to speak to him that way? Someone should teach you to respect…” She never saw that Hermione had raised her wand and silence her. She looked at the two teens with her mouth hanging open and gripping her throat.
Harry smirked at her and patted Hermione’s arm and said, “I believe you were right Mione, it would be better if she was silent. Really Shack, whatever happened to Constant Vigilance! Mad Eye would be ashamed at what has become of the Auror Corp.” Harry turned his iron gaze on the silent Auror and sneered, “I am the reason we are all sitting here to begin with you twit. The relationship we have with the Minister was forged by fighting side by side. Kingsley knows that he has my utmost respect and vice versus, which is why we speak so freely with one another.” He let his tone become harsh and menacing as he continued, “If Lord Voldemort couldn’t teach me… what did you say? Ah, respect… If the worse Dark Lord in Wizarding Britain’s history couldn’t do that, what makes you think you even stand a chance? I should warn you, I have had a few teachers, but none have pushed me as hard as the witch sitting beside me.” He leaned over to whisper something into Hermione’s ear that earned him a bone chilling laugh. Looking up he saw that the young Auror was almost grey from worry and fear. “I’ll tell you what, if you can keep up with Hermione’s full work out, then I will allow you the opportunity to duel me.”
Seeing that Auror Scott appeared to be worried about facing the same fate as her idiotic partner. Miss Grangers morning routine was legendary in the DMLE and put most of the training they went through as trainees to shame. Seeing this, Hermione smiled and said, “Don’t worry Scottie, you can follow on a broom. You seem to be able to hold your tongue. I wouldn’t want you to suffer the same fate as your partner. You’ll need to be at your peak tomorrow since you will be on your own by the time we are through with your partner.”
Kingsley cleared his throat in an attempt to draw everyone back on topic. “Mr. Potter is right, and I hope he can continue to be honest with me when so many others just sugar coat it and only tell me what they think I want to hear. As for the situation with Mr. Weasley, I will be sitting in on the conversation as well as everyone in this room. Don’t worry Harry, Fleur is included in that as well.” He turned his attention to Hermione and said, “I’m sorry for surprising you and should have known better than to tell you what you would be doing. This isn’t the first time I have seen your temper in action, I think it was back during your Fifth Year when you somehow managed to curse that Edgecomb girl. I’m sorry you have to go through all of this. I would stop it if I could, and you know that.”
Hermione finally slumped back in her chair as Shack’s words sunk in. With a heavy sigh she replied, “I know, and I feel terrible for how I acted towards you. I let my anxiety and anger take hold, allowing to feel as if I was being backed into a corner and seemed to have caused more problems and feel utterly ashamed for most of my actions. You would think I was Harry with the way I acted.”
Harry attempted to be hurt by Hermione’s words, but couldn’t keep the chuckle at bay. Hermione elbowed him as she said, “About that guard, I’m sure they have better things to do than guard a decorated war hero who was instrumental in bringing down Voldemort.”
Minerva’s lips tightened into a thin line as she said, “I know what you are trying to do Miss Granger, and it won’t work. This situation has the potential to affect the safety of the entire student population… especially since Mr. Potter has decided to grace these hallowed halls again. You two couldn’t even sit at the head table for one meal without causing any trouble.”
“But…” Hermione tried to say only to be interrupted by Minerva.
“This is not open for discussion. They stay. We can’t have another incident like earlier today.” The Headmistress stood from behind the desk and made her way over to her Transfiguration Professor. Putting a hand on her shoulders she softened her tone as she said, “Everyone in this room knows you are more than capable of protecting yourself Hermione. But this no longer affects just you. I must do what is best for everyone’s safety, and that includes your own.”
Minerva gave Hermione’s shoulder a pat before making her way over to the side table to pour herself a rather large dram. Harry helped Hermione out of her chair. Seeing that the Aurors wanted to follow, Minerva said, “You two stay. I have a few things to discuss with you. Your charge will be fine for the rest of the evening. I know she won’t be alone, so you have nothing to fear. It’s the rest of the world that needs to watch out since these two have rejoined forces.”
Meanwhile-
Fleur and Narcissa walked through the empty halls in silence. While Fleur was trying to ready herself for what she was about to discuss, Narcissa was trying to figure out why it felt as if someone was trying to rip her heart in two. Once they were inside, Fleur saw that Narcissa was completely absorbed with her own internal struggles, so she helped her onto the sofa before going to pour them a drink. Seeing the fairly expensive bottles of wine, Fleur instantly lit up like a Christmas tree since it had been a very long time since she had something so exquisite. She grabbed two glasses and both bottles before making her way over to the Potion Mistress.
Pouring two glasses, she handed one to Narcissa who absentmindedly took it with care. Fleur waited for her to be settled and watched as she sipped from her glass. Sensing that the witch beside her was finally coming back to this world she said, “You know what happened with Ronald, but being beaten within an inch of her life was only part of it. Something else happened that night and Hermione refuses to talk about it. For part of that event, the second witch was unconscious, and didn’t know all of what he did. In the middle of the beating her, he became painfully aroused at dominating her and raped her. The second witch only woke when he had her on her stomach and was slamming her face into the floor. He flipped her around, and Hermione used what little strength she had left to spit in his face. Ronald lost it then and pinned her arms above her head. There is another brief moment of mystery that only Hermione has the answer for. From what the other witch has told us, he hit her more times than she could count, you couldn’t even recognize her face at that point, and then started to choke her. That is when the second witch banished him across the room before stunning him and putting him into a full body bind. She called for the Aurors and tried with all her heart to wake Hermione without moving her too much.”
Fleur paused to take a deep breath and a large sip from her own glass before continuing, “During Hermione’s extended stay, the very witch who saved her life never left her side. It tugged at your heart really.”
“What else happened?” Narcissa softly asked.
“Well, once Hermione was well enough to be discharged, we had her move in with us. We know that it really hurt her to let her apartment go, but she was too afraid to live on her own. Do you know that very woman never left Hermione’s side when she was at St. Mungo’s? She would become a rock for Hermione, that is… until after the trial.”
“Who was the woman in question? What happened to her?” Narcissa asked while silently wondering why she was suddenly very jealous.
“I’m surprised you haven’t figured it out yet.” Fleur replied slightly amused. Narcissa tilted her head to the side for a second before gasping. Fleur gave her a gentle smile and said, “Oui, it was Alexis or Lex for short.”
“What happened? If Alexis was by Hermione’s side for all of that, why did she leave?” Narcissa asked as she drank deeply from her glass.
Fleur’s face fell as she said, “I’m sure you remember the trial. It put a lot of stress on their relationship, especially since the fact of their relationship was now out in the open. It proved to be too much for her and she left, utterly destroying Hermione. She brought home a few women after a time, but never someone serious. She never allowed herself to let anyone else in after that. That is, until you came along.”
“But we have only been acquainted for the day.” Narcissa said, slightly in shock.
Fleur patted her hand and replied, “Doesn’t matter, well it didn’t. I’m not sure what will happen now. Hermione use to wear her heart on her sleeve, but ever since Lex, well, she keeps everything close to her chest. Not even Harry knows everything. Do you want to explain to me what happened in front of the Gargoyle?”
Narcissa was saved, or so she thought, by a knock at the door. She went to get up to answer it, but Fleur motioned for her to stay where she was as she said, “That will be Harry, I’ll get it.” Fleur quickly disappeared and Narcissa heard, “How did everything go Cheri? Did Hermione hex anyone after we left?”
Harry softly murmured a reply, Narcissa was unable to hear it. Hearing the footsteps coming closer, Narcissa settled backed into the sofa with her refilled glass of wine and her thoughts. “Good evening Narcissa, I hope you don’t’ mind me stealing my beautiful girlfriend. It is rather late and I have a few things I need to discuss with her.” Narcissa looked up and froze. The very woman they were just talking about was staring down at the floor with her arms behind her back. Narcissa was brought back when Harry called, “Narcissa?”
Narcissa slowly put her glass down and as she got up she said, “I’ll walk you out.” She would use the precious few seconds to figure out if she should ask Hermione to stay. Reaching the door, she bid everyone good evening and saw Hermione struggling with her own thoughts.
She laid a soft hand on Hermione’s arm and Harry asked, “Are you coming Hermione? I thought you would use our guest room tonight.”
Narcissa chose this moment to speak up and said, “I was wondering if Miss Granger wouldn’t mind staying for a bit.”
“I wouldn’t want to impose…” Hermione said in all most a whisper.
“You wouldn’t be. Please stay Hermione.” Narcissa pleaded. “We have a few things that we need to clear up. That is, if you don’t mind. I don’t want to force you into anything.”
Hermione gave her a small nod before turning to Harry to get a bear hug as he said, “When you’re finished, you know where we are. I don’t want you to stay on your own tonight.” Seeing her hesitant look he added, “It’s either that or I send for your guards.” Hermione huffed as she let her shoulders drop and nodded.
The two witches silently watched the couple walk down the hall. Narcissa gentle tugged on Hermione’s arm to pull her back in. Deep down, she worried about what she was going to say to the brilliant witch that was next to her. She led Hermione slowly towards the living room and asked, “Would you care for a glass of wine? I do have something stronger if need be.”
“That depends… What did Fleur tell you?” Hermione asked when she stopped by the end of the sofa. Seeing the reserved expression on Narcissa’s face, she said, “Strong it is.” Hermione made her way over to the cabinet and began moving around the bottles. “Scotch, vodka, Fire whisky, Brandy… ah, here we go. Bourbon.” Instead of pouring herself a drink, she grabbed a glass along with the bottle before making her way back over to Narcissa.
Narcissa watched as Hermione methodically poured herself a small glass and quickly downed it. She waited for Hermione finish this small ritual two more times before she said, “I’m sorry for what I said earlier. I didn’t know…”
“Did Fleur tell you I was pregnant?” Hermione interrupted. Narcissa shook her head, not wanting to speak in the hopes that she would keep going. “I found out in the middle of the trial, but waited for everything to be finished before telling Lex. We had a huge fight about it all. She was upset at the fact I kept it from her. If that wasn’t enough, she was having some difficulties with the press and the public since all of Britain now knew that she was in such a romantic relationship with the Golden Girl.” Hermione paused for a moment to gulp the rest of her bourbon. Pouring herself a full glass this time she continued, “The night before she left, we made passionate love. As we were lying in bed, I had her wrapped in my arms and held her close. She… She said…” Hermione had to pause as she felt her throat close from the words getting stuck, and a lone tear managed to escape. Narcissa scooted closer and wiped the lone tear away with her thumb, gentle cupping the side of her face in the process. After Hermione chugged half the glass, she managed to say, “She wanted us to run, to just disappear and raise the baby in the county- away from the public’s prying eyes. I told her that I couldn’t leave, that there was too much to do. Yes, she was slightly upset about it, but she knew me well enough not to try and change my mind on the subject. I was so determined to help rebuild. What finished it off though was when I told her that I was thinking of having the pregnancy terminated. I tried to get her to listen to reason, but she was having none of it. She just couldn’t understand why, but then again, she wasn’t the one who was raped. Before I knew what was happening, she was at the front door with all her things. I barely had enough time to put on my dressing gown.” Tears freely fell by this point as she recalled that horrible night.
Hermione’s voice softened as she felt her heart breaking all over again. “The argument was so loud, it woke Harry and Fleur despite the charms he has in place around his rooms. As she was leaving she told me that she didn’t even recognize me any longer, that I wasn’t the same person she cared so deeply for. Just before she walked out the door and my life she called me a monster, for only a monster could do that to an innocent unborn child. Mere moments after she left I had terrible cramps. When I looked down… Merlin there was so much blood.”
Hermione was sobbing as she brought herself back to that fateful night. Narcissa’s heart was breaking for the young witch who just bared her soul to her. Deciding to throw caution to the wind, she pulled Hermione into her arms to hold her close. It took quite a while for Hermione’s sobs to lessen, all the while Narcissa kissed the top of her head in between whispering soothing words in an attempt to calm her.
“How can you stand to be so close to a monster?” Hermione asked in almost a whisper in between sniffles.
Narcissa pulled away and cupped both sides of Hermione’s face so that they could look directly into each other’s eyes. “You are not a monster. In fact, far from it. I feel terrible for what I said to you, and for that I am immensely sorry.” Both stared deeply into the other’s eyes. Neither one knew who initiated it, but both slowly leaned towards each other, deliberately giving the other time to pull away. When their lips touched, it was as if a bolt of lightning struck and ran right through them. It started slow and sweet, as if they were lost lovers who recently found each other after thirty years. The kiss began to deepen as Narcissa’s hands began to wander and pulled Hermione close. At some point Hermione’s tongue teased Narcissa’s lips begging entrance. The two fought for dominance, but in the end, Hermione won and ended up straddling Narcissa.
Without breaking their kiss, Hermione managed to get Narcissa on her back, and both slowly started to undress the other. Eventually needing air, Hermione pulled away panting heavily. Resting her forehead on Narcissa’s head she said, “We should stop.” Seeing the disappointment in Narcissa’s eyes she added, “I wish we didn’t have too, but both of us are incredibly emotional at the moment, and I wouldn’t want you to regret any of this.”
Hermione tried to get up, but suddenly found herself on her back with her arms pinned above her head and Narcissa was between her legs. She was almost positive Narcissa felt how aroused she was. Narcissa passionately slammed her lips onto Hermione’s. “Tell me, do I regret this? Any of it?” Narcissa panted. She leaned in to prevent Hermione from saying anything. This time the kiss was slow and deliberate, toe curling really. She slowly pulled away, so as to draw out the sensation.
Hermione kept her eyes close as Narcissa pulled away and she felt a lone tear run down her check. Narcissa wiped it away with her thumb and filled her voice with concern and compassion as she softly asked, “What is it darling?”
“I have dreamed of this very moment, and am worried that if I open my eyes that this will all have been a dream. I will wake to find myself alone and still broken.” Hermione replied.
“Open your eyes my darling.” Narcissa urged. “What else are you worried about? I can see that your mind is in overdrive. You need to stop overthinking everything. Tell me, what are you worried about? What are you afraid of?”
Hermione slowly opened her eyes as Narcissa’s thumbs caressed her cheek. She leaned her head into Narcissa’s touch and said, “Honestly? I’m afraid… No, I’m terrified.” She paused to take a deep breath, attempting to draw on her Gryffindor courage. “I’m terrified to let anyone in. Between one thing and another, I can’t go through that pain again. I’ve been able to hid behind these walls I’ve built, not even Harry has been able to get past them.”
Narcissa helped her sit up, and while staying between Hermione’s legs, handed her another glass of the bourbon she was so fond of. She waited for Hermione to drink deeply before she asked, “What’s changed?”
Hermione finished her drink and put the glass down before she turned and took Narcissa’s hands in her own. “You’ve changed that. Ever since this morning, the walls have slowly begun to fall, piece by piece. That’s all because of you. It terrifies me… to open myself up again. All I keep asking myself is, can I trust you? Which really is, can I trust myself? Can I forgive you for what happened? But most importantly, can I forgive myself for trying to hide who I really am.”
Narcissa saw that the more Hermione spoke, the more she drank. The more she drank, the more she opened up. Narcissa smiled and quickly pulled her in for another kiss. “Your rambling darling.” She said as she pulled away. Just as she was about to turn away, Narcissa asked, “Are you willing to take that chance with me? I have my own baggage. I would understand if you said no. But please stop overthinking everything. Are you willing to trust me? Are you willing to let me in?”
Hermione’s mind may have been swimming with random thoughts and from the bourbon, but one was abundantly clear to her… The fates put Narcissa in her life for a reason at this particular time and wasn’t about to let her go now. Pulling Narcissa close while wrapping her legs tightly around her waist, she didn’t give her a chance to question any of it and passionately kissed her, allowing her lust for the woman to shine through like a beacon from a light house. Not giving her a chance to pull away, Hermione’s hands began to wander as her lips started to travel first to Narcissa’s ear for a light nibble, making her softly moan and then trailing kisses down towards her neck, causing Narcissa to shiver. Once she reached her destination, she nipped at Narcissa’s neck before gently swirling her tongue over the spot and sucking, making Narcissa shift slightly in her seat and let out a deep throaty moan due to the sheer amount of pleasure and anticipation coursing through her body. Hermione pulled back for only a second before slamming her lips onto Narcissa’s, using her tongue to force Narcissa’s mouth open. At this point, Hermione was past asking permission and that delicate dance that happens the first time two people come together.
Narcissa tried to pull away slightly and shift her body, but was quickly stopped when Hermione nipped her bottom lip and gave a soft growl. Instantly Narcissa obeyed the unspoken command and melted into the sofa as she felt another bolt of anticipation shoot right through her, making her arousal almost unbearable. Deciding to take this further, Narcissa wrapped her arms tightly around Hermione’s waist and stood. Narcissa carried her to the bedroom, all the while never breaking their kiss. Narcissa and Hermione fell onto the bed in a giant heap of tangled limbs and what little clothing they had left. They rolled around briefly before Narcissa managed to stay on top of Hermione by pinning her arms above her head. Pulling away, both witches panted heavily as they gazed hungrily into each other’s eyes, searching their very souls. “What do you see?” Hermione asked in a sultry tone.
Narcissa licked her lips and bent forward until she was next to Hermione’s ear. In a husky voice she said, “I see a beautiful woman who has the soul to match.” She nibbled on Hermione’s ear, making her softly moan. Narcissa slowly made her way over to the other, placing feather light kisses as she went, making Hermione squirm with each touch. “Who also happens to be brilliant, intriguing, simply amazing, strong and kind with a heart to match.” Narcissa arched her back and shifted her weight to her arms so she could hover above Hermione’s face and saw tears forming in her eyes and threatening to spill over at Narcissa’s kind and thoughtful words. She was interrupted by a knock on the door as she was asking, “Have I said something wrong?” she glanced over her shoulder for a second before turning back and saying, “I’ll be right back darling. I’ll bring the bourbon in for you.” She leaned in and kissed Hermione quickly before getting up to murder whoever was at the door.
Narcissa rushed to the door as the knocking almost became insistent. Making sure she was properly covered, she opened the door to see an annoyed Veela and a wizard attempting to appear innocent. Fleur cleared her throat and slapped the back of Harry’s head. He tried to glare at Fleur as he said, “We…” Fleur hit him again and he went on to say, “I just wanted to see if Hermione was alright. She was supposed to be staying in our guest room for the evening. Will she be coming back to our rooms?”
“I’m fine Harry. Narcissa and I have been talking. Since it’s so late, she offered for me to stay in her spare room.” Hermione said as she walked into the room with another drink in her hand. Seeing the expression on Fleur’s face she added, “But someone already told you that. Look Harry, you said you didn’t want me to be alone tonight and I’m not. Now, why don’t you head back to your quarters before Fleur gets more pissed off.”
Harry was a little startled by Hermione’s bluntness and said, “I’m just worried about you Hermione.” He looked her over with narrow eyes and asked, “How much have you had to drink? And before you get all defensive with me Hermione, as someone you call brother, I have a right to ask.”
Hermione stood still just staring at him briefly before putting her glass down and going to stand beside Narcissa. “I know you care Harry, but the things we spoke about this evening requires me to drink and you know that. Is it healthy for me to drink this much? We all know the answer to that. None of this is easy for me Harry.” Seeing that he knew exactly what she meant she added, “You can’t fix this. You can’t fix me… only I can do that.” Hermione looked Narcissa directly in the eye and added, “And I’m working on it.”
Harry saw the silent exchange between the two witches and said, “You know me too well Mione. I’m here if you need me,” as he brought her in for a hug. Before she could pull away he whispered, “Try to get some sleep Mione.” Hermione playfully smacked his arm as he went to step away. Harry gave her a knowing smirk and said, “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.”
Hermione snorted in reply, and playfully shoved him out of the doorway as she said, “Judging from the look Fleur is giving you, this is where you say good night and take her back to your quarters before she hexes you.” She smirked as Harry looked over his should and grimaced before he quickly said good night. Hermione and Narcissa watched as Fleur waited to be half way down the hall before she smacked the back of his head so hard it made him stumble as his whole body pitched forward.
Hermione chuckled as she walked back towards the sofa, followed closely by Narcissa. As Hermione went to pick up her glass, Narcissa put a soft hand on her arm to stop her and said, “No more. Come, we should try to get some sleep.”
Narcissa was beginning to pull her towards her bedroom when Hermione said, “The guest room is fine for me. I wouldn’t want to wake you if I have a nightmare.” There was no if, Hermione knew she wouldn’t be sleeping very well, and didn’t want Narcissa to suffer the same fate.
Narcissa stopped in front of her bed chambers and put her arms around Hermione’s waist and pulled her close. She looked deeply into those chocolate eyes and said, “When you do wake, I will be there to help pull you back, to help you realize that you are safe.”
Hermione tried to look down, but Narcissa put a hand under her chin to keep her from looking away. “Why are you so willing to help me?” Narcissa moved her hand to cradle the side of her face and wiped away the tear that was beginning to travel down her cheek. “It has been a very long time since someone has showed me the kindness you have. Well, it has been a long time since I let someone get this close.”
Narcissa gave her a sweet kiss before pulling Hermione into her room. Narcissa waited for both of them to be in bed before she pulled Hermione into her arms. While holding her Narcissa said, “You’ve heard a little of what happened to me earlier.” Feeling Hermione struggling to stay awake, Narcissa tightened her hold on her and kissed the top of her head. “We can talk about that another time. Rest now darling.” Hermione tried to mumble something, but it was lost, and Narcissa added, “Rest… I’ll protect you.”