Chapter Text
Walking towards the classroom, Hermione’s head was battling her heart. “Do you think it wise to have Narcissa join us?”
Harry stopped them just before they were about to come around the corner and forced Hermione to turn and look at him. Gripping both of her shoulders, he said, “She needs to be there as much as for you as for herself. You both are in this relationship, and for this to work, you both have to be honest with each other. The minute you start lying to one another is the minute your relationship becomes a doomed venture. I care for you too much to let you push her away. Narcissa’s intentions are pure, trust me.”
Hermione narrowed her eyes and asked, “How would you know that?” Seeing him suddenly scrutinizing the floor she hissed, “Harry James Potter, tell me you did not do what I think you did!”
Shuffling from foot to foot he carefully replied, “Of course I did. I’m your brother Hermione. I wouldn’t be doing my job if I didn’t threaten potential boyfriends or in this case girlfriends. I don’t want you to get hurt again, and I’m not the only one who had that particular conversation with her, and I can guarantee that I won’t be the last.” He threw his arm around her shoulders and pushed her forward as he continued, “Let's get this over with. The quicker we finish, then the sooner we can all get on with the rest our day.”
When they finally turned the corner, Hermione’s gaze instantly zeroed in on Narcissa’s red-rimmed eyes. She saw one of Fleur’s hand give her arm a supportive squeeze and used the other to push her forward as Harry did the same. The two awkwardly closed the distance and stood completely still for a few breaths when they finally met. That was all it took before they wrapped the other up in a tight embrace. Hermione Nuzzled her head into the older witch’s neck, she tilted her head up said, “I’m sorry for running out. I shouldn't have treated you like that, and you deserve so much better… someone better.”
Narcissa carefully pulled away and wiped away the tear traveling down Hermione’s cheek with her thumb as she cupped both sides of her face. With a soft smile, she replied, “You silly little witch. You are the one that I want. You are the one capturing my heart, and we deserve each other. I have said it before, and I shall say it again… I am not going anywhere and plan on being by your side for as long as you’ll have me.” Feeling as if both of their hearts were being mended, Narcissa leaned in for a kiss that had just the right balance between passion and sweetness.
Fleur gently cleared her throat to interrupt the two and said, “We should get started with examining that letter. I would think that between all of us, we should have no problem dismantling it and writing up an official report. Do you want the Headmistress to be here as well?” Fleur and Harry knew better than anyone about the type of relationship Hermione had with Minerva. It wasn’t one of student and mentor, but something more profound… as if they were more than close friends, it was as if they were mother and daughter. Minerva was there for Hermione last year as she continued with her work towards gaining her mastery, and always will be.
With a shake of her head, Hermione replied, “Not yet. I have already caused several headaches, and the term has barely started. I don’t want to burden her with all of this until its necessary.”
Narcissa made sure she held Hermione close, offering silent support and comfort. “Let’s head in before a student passes by and then you two can fill the rest of us in.” The group quickly set about their business and managed to have the letter analyzed, countered, and were settled in their seats in about twenty minutes. Hermione was the last to sit back as she clutched the letter firmly in her hand. Seeing that Hermione’s mind was churning at an alarming rate, Narcissa did her best to ease some of the tension away and asked, “Was Alexis the one to cast those charms? How powerful is she really? Do we even know if that is her magical signature? How are you holding up with everything?”
Narcissa had to softly nudge Hermione to addle her from her thoughts. “Hmmm… I’m sorry Narcissa, I seemed to have entered another dimension. I didn't think that Alexis was capable of doing something like this. As for her power, I believe her to be about average, but for all we know, she could have downplayed everything. I can’t even be sure that she was the one to cast them.”
Slowly tracing light circles onto her back, Narcissa purposely softened her tone as she asked, “How are you holding up?” She noticed the woman avoided the question, and she wasn't about to let her keep it all in. She meant what she said. No matter what happens, she had no plans on leaving. She initially felt drawn to Hogwarts, and now felt the same pull towards this beautiful and intelligent witch.
All Hermione could do was shrug her shoulders, her mind racing in several different directions. She looked down at the crushed letter in her hand and asked herself for the thousandth time, ‘Why is all this happening now? Am I not to know a moment of peace?’ Everything seemed to be spinning out of control, and her thoughts were completely disjointed thanks to the several recent upheavals within her personal realm. There was no way for her to honestly answer Narcissa’s concern, so instead chose to crack open the now infamous letter and began to read aloud.
“My dearest Hermione,
I must have written this letter a thousand times, and each time I haven’t been able to put into words how deeply sorry I am for all I have done and said. I have regretted all that has happened, and it has continually played over and over again. I should have listened to you, and not shut you out. I also know that even though the press were hard on me, they were even worse to you, and I don’t see how you dealt with it all. You were absolutely amazing… you ARE amazing.
There aren’t enough words in any of the dictionaries I have searched through for me to even begin to tell you how heavy and sorrowful my heart is. You were the best thing that ever happened to me and the strongest person I have ever had the privilege to know. The truth of the matter is, I am completely lost without you. It used to drive me crazy when you would try to downplay your fantastic accomplishments, and how you would sacrifice yourself for others. But the truth is, I admire that. That is one of the many things that make you, well you.
You have the courage of a lion, and a heart made of gold. I feel that I also need you to know is that you are not only beautiful, bold, brilliant at all that you do, but that I have had never met anyone like you and have never loved someone as intensely as I do you.
I know that what I have done to you was incredibly wrong and can only beg for a chance to make it up to you. I will be at the Three Broomsticks this afternoon around One. Please give me at least a chance to speak with you, I beg of you.
Loving you and only you with all that I am,
Alexis.
You could hear a pin drop once Hermione finished reading. Auror Bailey was the first to break the silence and asked, “Why weren’t you affected by those charms?”
Hermione saw Fleur’s eyes dart from her to Narcissa for a second and said, “What is it Fleur? You have an idea why, don’t you? But you're worried about our reactions.”
Fleur continued to watch Narcissa and Hermione closely. Feeling Harry give her arm a squeeze, she took a deep breath, unsure that they were ready for the truth. Grabbing Harry’s hand for not only his support but also for some well-needed strength as she replied, “You two share a bond, that is the reason why Hermione wasn’t affected.” Seeing that both of them wanted to object, she held up her free hand and continued, “First off, I have already mentioned this to both of you. Second, why did you come to Hogwarts Narcissa? And why did you follow Hermione that first day? Let me guess… you were first drawn here for some unknown reason, and then the moment you placed a single toe across the wards, you somehow knew that Hermione needed you, so you followed the pull right to her.” After pointing her finger at Hermione she added, “Thirdly, do you even want me to mention your dreams? How about the fact that Narcissa has been the only person to get this close to you since everything happened and it has only been two days! I’m positive you have asked yourself more than a thousand times as to why Narcissa can slip past the walls you have fortified and even into your fortress. We both know that your heart is telling you to trust her and your gut is telling you that she is different. Do either of you want me to continue?”
Harry tugged on her arm and said, “I think they understand love. Please try to relax, I’m more worried that you’ll upset them even further. That is a lot to process after all. You have to give them some time.”
Fleur dropped her shoulder slightly and looked directly at the two women in question and said, “I’m sorry for going off on you two. As a Veela, I can sense the bond between you and the fact that it’s getting stronger. Just promise me one thing… don’t fight it, give one another a chance you. You both have a right to be happy and loved… no matter what either of you may think.”
Hoping to avoid THAT conversation, Hermione checked her watch and said, “It’s almost time for supper. We should start heading towards the Great Hall.” Harry pulled Fleur out of the room and was followed closely by Bailey and Scott, leaving Narcissa with Hermione. While looking down at her feet and adjusting her robes, Hermione said, “I’m sorry to have dragged you into all of this.”
Narcissa cupped Hermione’s face and forced her to look her in the eye as she warmly replied, “You have nothing to be sorry for. Let’s join the others. I imagine the Headmistress would not be happy with us if we were late.” Leaning in she gave her an almost loving kiss that one moment said, I’m falling for you, and then the next was filled with lust and said I want you… I crave you. Narcissa forced herself to pull away, seeing Hermione’s eyes mirrored her own desire. Both witches panted heavily for a few minutes in a herculean effort to steady themselves. It was going to take an insurmountable amount of self-control for them to keep their hands to themselves, and from the looks of it, they were going to be in for a very long evening.
Walking towards the Great Hall, Narcissa tried to distract her urge to hold Hermione close and asked, “Do you plan on telling the Headmistress about Alexis and that letter?”
Hermione chewed on her lower lip as she thought about everything and Narcissa felt the heat from the incredibly delightful sight shoot right to her very core. “I guess I don’t really have a choice,” she shrugged. “I’ll tell her about it this evening when we meet for our usual cup of tea.” Seeing Narcissa’s curious expression, she added, “We met a few times a week to chat. It helps me stay grounded. Minerva has become like a mother figure to me over the last year.”
Narcissa glanced at her out of the corner of her eye and asked, “Do you plan on telling her about us?”
Hermione stopped her and forced her to face her as she replied, “I’m sure she already knows, but yes.” Suddenly feeling very self-conscious, she softly asked, “Would you rather keep us a secret?”
Narcissa didn’t care who saw and pulled Hermione into her arms wrapping her up. “I would have it announced on the front page of the Prophet if you wanted me to.”
Hearing someone clear their throat from behind them, the two jumped apart as Minerva scolded, “Do I really need to go through what is expected of the Professors?” Seeing both blushes heavily, Minerva softened her tone and continued, “Keep it contained, please. Are we still on for this evening Professor Granger? I do hope you are not planning to cancel.”
Hermione gulped under her mentor’s glare and replied, “Not at all Headmistress. I was just speaking with Professor Black about it.” Minerva gave them a short nod before brushing past them. Once the coast is clear, Hermione said, “I don’t know how she does it, but she still can make me feel as if I were a student.”
Narcissa laughed softly and replied, “I have stopped asking that question a long time ago. Tell me, should I be prepared for a certain Headmistress to make sure my intentions are honorable? Seeing the type of relationship you two share, I really shouldn’t be all that bit surprised. Harry has already acted like an older brother, and Fleur as your closest friend.”
Hermione’s head dipped slightly as she tried to hide her embarrassment while she replied, “I’m sorry about them.”
Narcissa waved her off as they started to walk into the Great Hall. “They mean well, and you do tend to bring out people’s protective side. I guess I won't be able to ask you to join me in my quarters after supper for a drink.” All Hermione could do was shake her head to reply as she tried to stamp down her embarrassment.
Supper seemed to be mostly uneventful despite Harry’s attempts to ruffle Hermione’s feathers. While Minerva may not have been pleased with their antics, the students seemed to be enjoying the show. When the plates began to clear, Narcissa turned to Hermione and asked, “Would you be interested in stopping by my quarters after you’ve finished with Minerva or do you plan on just heading back to your own rooms?” She desperately wanted to talk more about this bond they shared but didn’t want to push Hermione into doing anything she wasn’t ready for.
Hermione gave her a small shake of her head as she replied, “No, I need to go over my lesson plans for tomorrow and think it would be better if I just stayed in for the night.”
Narcissa did her best not to show her hurt and vulnerability as she heard the reply. Making sure she kept her disappointment locked deep within, with a warm smile she said, “If you think that is for the best. Would it be alright if I walked with you to the Headmistress’s office?”
“If you would like,” Hermione replied. She originally planned to go alone and try to organize her thoughts. However, she saw what Narcissa was trying to hide, and felt terrible about being the one to cause it.
A warm and honest smile bloomed on Narcissa’s face as she said, “After you.”
Hermione returned her smile, ignoring the dressing down Harry was currently getting from Fleur. Fighting the urge to take Narcissa’s hand, she merely looked forward and took the lead as everyone started to head back to their Common Rooms. Once they were well on their way, Hermione slipped her hand into Narcissa’s, not caring who saw. Hearing footsteps behind them, she knew there would be no ditching her guard. When they were about halfway to the gargoyle, Hermione turned and stopped Narcissa to say, “I know what you're trying to hide.” Seeing that this clearly distressed the witch, Hermione took a step forward and cupped both sides of her face as she continued, “I don’t want you to feel hurt by me choosing to head back to my own rooms this evening. Since tomorrow is the first day of classes, I really do need to review my lesson plans. I know for a fact that if I came back to your quarters, then I wouldn’t be able to finish any of that. Besides, I thought you would prefer to be well rested since tomorrow is the next step on your journey. Merlin knows that I don’t want to be the one responsible for you being woefully unprepared for the students and having no voice.”
Surprised to be caught and even more so when she felt the blush creep up her neck and face. “I’m terribly sorry that you saw that. It’s just, I had hoped we would have a chance to discuss this bond,” Narcissa replied while gazing deeply into Hermione’s chocolate eyes.
Before Hermione could reply, Minerva’s soft Scottish brogue came from behind them, “Ready Hermione?”
Giving Narcissa a quick kiss, she pulled back and said, “Speak to Fleur first. I’ll try to stop by in a bit.” Not giving Narcissa a moment to reply, Hermione turned to greet her Mentor. “Good evening Minerva, and yes, I’m ready when you are. Do Aurors Bailey and Scott need to come in with us or are they able to stay down here?”
Minerva raised her brow at the question. “They can either stay down here or in my main office while we retreat to my private quarters for our tea.” She knew something was up when Hermione didn’t attempt to dismiss the pair completely.
Her guard gave her a nod and chose to follow Hermione to Minerva’s office in silence. They knew that Hermione would tell the Headmistress about everything that has happened. Leaving them to their own devices, Hermione followed to her adopted mother closely, all the while trying to sort through all of the details. Minerva’s personal quarters were basically a classier version of the Gryffindor Common Room, the only difference being that the gold and maroon colors were toned significantly down and happened to make the room feel as if it were a warm sanctuary. Waiting for Hermione to be settled with her tea, Minerva asked, “What would you care to discuss first? The fact that your guard is so close without complaints or Narcissa?”
“Right to the heart of the matter I see,” Hermione sighed. She took a fortifying sip before continuing, “There is more going on then you know. I fear that all hope for a relatively normal year has gone out the window, Minerva.”
“I was afraid of that. It would seem you need to start at the beginning,” Minerva said with a shake of her head.
“Alright.” Hermione nervously replied. “Then I should start with Narcissa. As you have seen, she has been the only person who can reach me when either my temper and/or anxiety are running rampant. I found out earlier that Narcissa was drawn here for some unknown reason at the time, while the same woman has been occupying my thoughts and dreams for quite a while. Yesterday morning was the first time we met. I’m sure you have noticed that since then, we have been inseparable. When we were out for lunch this afternoon, we ran into someone… unexpected. As we were heading back, we stopped for a little chat to address our feelings for one another and have decided to begin seeing each other exclusively.”
Minerva knew that Hermione would tell her everything in her own time, but there was still one thing that was bugging her. Leaning forward in her chair, she softly asked, “Who did you run into?” Seeing Hermione pale instantly at her question, she was becoming increasingly concerned by the second and was debating on calling for a calming draught.
Hermione tried to take a steadying breath but found every bit of her was trembling as she replied, “Alexis. Apparently, she sent me a letter begging me to meet with her. I never actually read it seeing how things became rather difficult this morning. The thing is, we analyzed the letter and found some alarming evidence. We found several layers of compulsion charms on them. Harry and Fleur have pointed out, and I do agree with them, that somehow Alexis attempting to come back into my life at this very moment is tied to Ronald’s release.”
Minerva almost flopped back into her chair, stunned at the recent revelations and could not help but agree. “So that answers my other questions.”
Hermione shook her head as she said, “There’s more. The complusions had no effect on me once so ever. There is this bond…”
Now Minerva understood the rest of this complicated situation. Why was it every time Harry Potter and Hermione Granger both resided in this castle, all sense of normalcy went out the bloody window? “You and Professor Black share a bond? Do I dare ask how you found this out?”
Hermione sunk back into her chair and blushed like a student that was just caught in a broom closet. “Apparently Fleur can recognize bonds due to her heritage. When she pointed it out to us, she ended up getting a bit upset with us when we tried to deny it.”
Minerva snorted at this, making Hermione stare at her curiously. With a wave of her hand, Minerva replied, “Of course she was upset. You to just insulted her and her heritage. As for everything else, how are you holding up? I know that today has not been the easiest for you and I am relieved to know that Harry and Fleur are here to support you… even if it brings unwanted shenanigans. I suppose I should add Narcissa to that list as well.” What she didn’t ask was the question she truly wanted to be answered. Was she ready to be in a relationship? Was she finding it difficult to trust someone new?
“I’m not sure about anything right now,” Hermione replied. “I’m sorry Minerva, I must cut our night short. With tomorrow being the first day of classes, I still need to review a few things.”
“I know for a fact that you are worrying needlessly.” Minerva chuckled. “We both know that you are well prepared for your lessons tomorrow. Before you go, I have something else to ask you.”
Hermione squirmed under Minerva’s stare and replied, “As long as it doesn’t involve the Spanish Inquisition. You know that I treasure your opinions and that I view you like family since my parents aren’t around.”
Minerva did her best not to let her face fall slightly. “You know how much I care for you as well, and simply wish for you to be happy. Are you sure you're ready for a relationship? I’m asking in general, and not just because of your age difference.”
Hermione shrunk back a little further in her chair as she said, “Do you really expect me to believe that our age and background is not playing a deciding role in this?”
Minerva heard the faint edge in her voice and leaned forward to grab her hand. Giving it a little squeeze she said, “I am allowed to be concerned for you. I imagine that if I had a daughter, that she would be very much like you. When you first came to teach, I remember how lost you were. Truthfully, it broke my heart to see all that you went through and not being able to take some of what was troubling you off your shoulders. As I said before, this has nothing to do with your age. I am simply worried that you will be hurt once more. As you said, we are family, and I do see you as such.”
Hermione’s eyes became a little watery at Minerva’s declaration. She may have lost one family, but fate has an impressive view of how the world and life work. She gained a brother in Harry, a sister in Fleur, and to add to that growing list, mother in Minerva… even if she rarely came right out and said it. She cleared her throat and softly said, “Thank you. I can’t explain the bond Narcissa and I share, or if I’m ready for such a serious relationship. What I do know is that being with her just seems right, and the only way I can know for sure is to jump right in. Can I ask you to do me one favor? I need to find someone and don’t really know who I can turn to with such a delicate matter. I need someone to discreetly track down Draco Malfoy and not only tell me where he is but also how I can get in touch with him.”