Work Text:
1st Anniversary
Hermione knocked on the door to her parents’ quarters and attempted to keep her hands in her pockets. While that stopped the fidgeting, her toe started tapping rapidly instead as she waited for a response. She had learned within the first week of her mom coming to be the Muggle Studies Professor to never ever just open the door unless she wanted to obliviate herself. There were some things a child should never have to see.
The door opened to a smiling Monica, who tilted her head in confusion at the sight of Hermione standing alone. She noticed Hermione’s feet and felt more confused. “Oh, sweet pea! Is everything alright? Where’s Narcissa?”
Hermione only smiled. “I’ll explain in just a moment if I can come in.”
At Monica’s gesture to the living room, Hermione walked into the cozy space. The brunette eyed the magical and non-magical photos that filled the space – Smiling pictures of the Grangers and Hermione’s friends put Hermione at further ease for the ensuing conversation she planned to have.
Monica closed the door and yelled towards the small kitchen for her husband to make some tea. She pulled Hermione to the couch by the fireplace so they could talk.
“So, Hermione, what is going on? Surely you and Cissa cannot already be having marital issues?” Monica asked. She could think of no other reason for Hermione to be so nervous at the door.
“No no no. Nothing like that. It’s just as you know, I’m a planner. Or, I’m trying to plan mine and Cissa’s anniversary.” This caused Monica to snort. The two had only just gotten back from their extended honeymoon a month before. And here her daughter was planning their anniversary.
“But I have no idea what to get Cissa. I want it to be special and intimate.” As soon as the words left her mouth, Hermione knew she had made a mistake based on her mother’s wicked grin. How she didn’t realize her mother was a Slytherin before would forever elude her.
“Well, you could always get her what your father gets me for special occasions. Edible panties,” Monica said with a smirk, leaving Hermione completely mortified.
“MOM!! I did not mean intimate in that way! I meant something unique and meaningful.”
Her mother wiggled her eyebrows while still smirking, trying to hold in a laugh. “One could say it could lead to a unique and meaningful night.” Hermione rolled her eyes at her mother’s antics right as her father walked over with the tea.
“Monica, stop teasing Hermione. And pumpkin, let me know if you do want to get some. I’ll tell you the good brand, as not all brands taste good,” her father said. This only caused Hermione’s blush to intensify,and for her to make fake gagging sounds while her mother was unable to hold in her evil cackle at her husband.
Wendell got to work making the tea just the way his girls liked it. He ignored his daughter's adorable muttering about her parents being gross. Once all three cups were made, he passed each respective one to his wife and daughter.
“So, pumpkin. Have you come up with any ideas yet?” Wendell asked, trying to stop the teasing his wife had started.
Hermione sighed but nodded, “Yes, I am going to make her a bouquet of daffodils out of letters I am writing. I found a spell that allows her to open them, and they will fold back up on their own, which I know Cissa will love. I feel like for our first anniversary, I want to do something a bit more special,” Hermione said with a hint of sadness. She was never one for not knowing what to do.
Monica set her hand on her daughter’s bouncing knee. “Hermione, for starters, you have over 6 months before your anniversary. There is plenty of time to find what you want to do. Let’s get some questions out of the way.” Hermione nodded at her mom’s words and smiled, forever thankful that her wife was able to restore her parents’ memories and bring them back to her. She would be so lost without her mother and father.
“So Hermione, do you want to buy Narcissa something or make it by hand? Would you like it to be something she keeps at home or on her? And would you prefer the focus to be her, both of you, or your whole family?” Her father asked.
Hermione smiled softly at the inclusion of the word ‘family.’ She knew her dad primarily meant to imply Draco as part of their family. She did not know exactly what their relationship was, besides knowing Draco saw her as a friend and sometimes someone to go to when his mother was not around.
“I want to make something for her. She once told me that her favorite gifts were those made by hand, as it was simply not done when one is a pureblood; all gifts were bought with little regard for whether the recipient would like the gift.
“Either way would work, but I would prefer something she can keep on her at all times. There is plenty to remind her of me or our family at home. I like the idea of her having something to look at while she is in class or away from the castle.
“And definitely something for our family, Draco included. I know how much family means to her.” Hermione said fondly. She and Cissa had bonded over their shared value for family. Family was a core value they both shared and bonded over. “Well that’s a great start!” Wendell said, patting his daughter on the knee. “We’ll figure it out.” Her parents discussed various things that Hermione could do, ranging from a scrapbook of their love story to crocheting her a shawl. But nothing ever seemed to be quite what Hermione was looking for
After an hour, Monica's eyes lit up. “Oh, what about a clock like the Weasleys have? Molly was showing it to me the last time I met her for tea, and that seems like something Narcissa would love!” Hermione smiled sadly as she recalled a story Narcissa told her.
“She used to have one actually. It was something Andi had gifted her before she left with Ted, but Cissa had to keep it hidden, as it had Andi’s name on it. When Draco was born, Cissa added him to it. It was destroyed during the war. Cissa was checking the clock one day, and Bellatrix walked in on her before she could hide it. Bellatrix blew it to bits when she saw Andi’s name. She tried to destroy everything that had any relation to their middle sister. Narcissa was too heartbroken to ever get another, afraid for it to break as well.”
Her father looked deep in thought for a moment before smiling widely. “Could you enchant a pocket watch to be like the big clock?”
They all knew they had finally come up with the perfect gift when Hermione’s knee finally stopped bouncing.
“That would be perfect! Would you help me make it, Dad?” Hermione asked, knowing her father came from a line of watchmakers.
“Of course I will pumpkin, I would love to! It will take me a bit of time to get all the tools and parts, but I will ask your uncle William if he still has Grandpa’s tools. That should go a long way in speeding up getting everything,” Wendell said, smiling at his daughter.
“Oh, maybe Uncle Vlad can help with the design of the watch itself! He will love being able to help with Cissa’s gift. I swear he likes her more than me.” The Grangers all laughed — how Vlad adored Narcissa. No family gathering was complete without Narcissa discussing the latest tea imports Vlad had acquired. And how Hermione- and now Narcissa- were the only ones allowed to share them.
“Would you like to discuss what design you have in mind?” Monica asked.
Before Hermione could answer, the Grandfather clock her parents had by the fireplace began to chime, alerting the trio to it almost being dinner time. “Next time? I promised Cissa I would have dinner with her tonight and stay out of the library for the rest of the night.” Monica chuckled at her workaholic daughter
“Of course, sweet pea. We will get hold of your uncle tomorrow.” Monica said, reaching over to hug Hermione tight. Something that had become a habit after her parents' memories were restored. The fear of forgetting Hermione still lingered.
They all said their goodbyes, Hermione left with a bounce in her step, happy to spend more time with her parents, and happy that she had figured out the perfect gift for her beloved.
— — — & — — —
Many months later
— — — & — — —
Hermione practically skipped down the hallway towards her living quarters. She had just finished layering the final spell on the gift she had spent the last few months painstakingly making for Narcissa. Spending almost all of her spare time in her parents' guest room, which had been turned into a little workshop for her and her father.
She had finished early tonight! And was able to finally spend quality time with her wife. Hermione was so excited to see Narcissa when she opened the door, not ready for the sight that greeted her.
Narcissa sat in front of their fireplace, pictures of them together and pictures of Hermione surrounding her as she cried near silently, so lost in her emotions that she did not notice Hermione had returned home early.
“Cissa? What’s wrong?” Hermione asked, concerned as she walked over to Narcissa, who had whipped her head around at the sudden voice
Much to Hermione's dismay, she watched as Narcissa donned her ice queen mask, something she had not seen in years. Narcissa’s tears stopped save for a glimmer at her waterline, her face showed no emotion, and. she stood quickly, regally waving her hand, sending the pictures into a box in the corner.
“Apologies, Hermione, I did not know you would be returning early. It is nothing for you to be concerned over,” Narcissa said, her voice flat and devoid of all emotion. Hermione stared into her deep, piercing blue eyes, the only place that gave way to the storm within her heart.
“Cissa, anything that troubles you is my concern,” Hermione said, attempting to close the distance between them, but being struck in her heart when Narcissa stepped back.
“It does not matter, I knew this would happen one day, and I was a fool to believe otherwise,” Narcissa said, her beautiful eyes full of pain. Pain that was killing Hermione to witness.
Narcissa turned to walk away, Hermione reached out and grabbed her wrist, causing Narcissa to whirl around. “Let. Me. Go.” Narcissa warned, but Hermione simply shook her head.
“Cissa, no, you are clearly hurt and upset by something, and I love you too much to let you go without talking.”
This, out of everything, is what broke Narcissa. She ripped her hand out of Hermione's admittedly light grip and walked to the couch, but did not sit down.
Her mask cracked, as a single tear made its way down Narcissa’s face when she raised her voice, “You do not get to say those words, I will not live another day within this lie, you… You told me your love would never fade,” Narcissa whispered the last sentence as if she was saying it to herself more so than Hermione.
“What!?” Hermione asked, tears welling up in her eyes now. All joy from finishing her project was gone, it felt as if someone held a dagger to her heart and plunged it through the middle. “My love has not faded. I do not know where you have come to believe that, but Narcissa, I swear, I love you with my entire soul. And I will continue to love you long after I die.” Narcissa had been holding onto her emotions by a thread for months, and this was all she wanted to hear from her little witch. But the guilt and insecurities would not allow her to feel any relief.
“How can you claim to love me when it has been weeks since you last said those words? Months since you last touched me beyond a mere kiss. You are never here anymore. I see more of Harry, my son's husband, than my own wife. You are gone at all hours of the day and night. Just like Him, you claimed you would never do to me what that man did during our marriage, yet here you are. Leaving me doomed to remain in a loveless marriage.” With Narcissa’s words, everything slotted into place for Hermione, to her horror. Her mother had been correct in saying that Hermione was spending too much time on this project.
“Cissa, no, I swear I love you, I was just busy. But that does not excuse it. I’m so sorry.” When Hermione looked up, she saw that the ice mask was still on
Narcissa, it felt like her heart was being ripped in two.
Narcissa scoffed, “Do you really expect me to believe you were ‘busy’? So busy you can spend time with the Weasleys! But you can’t make it to our date night for three weeks in a row! " Hermione opened her mouth to speak, but Narcissa continued before she could get a word out.
“Imagine my shock when I visited the Burrow. I thought it was everyone you were avoiding, and honestly, I just wanted some normalcy. But no. Molly let slip that you had been over to visit them multiple times within the last month! She wouldn't tell me why. So I can only assume you have found another. Someone your age? Hmm?” Narcissa asked as if she could preempt the blow.
Hermione felt sick to her stomach as she realized how everything must look to Cissa. “No! There is no one else, I swear! I c-can’t tell you why I have been spending time with the Weasleys, but I promise you. You're the only woman I have eyes for,” Hermione said, tears falling freely. But this must have been the wrong thing to say s Narcissa looked as if Hermione had physically slapped her.
“Only woman? So you are seeing a man then? I should have known I was only to try on for a while. You are just like Lucius. Using my love against me. Was any of it true? Or did you merely look for a trophy wife as he did?” Narcissa asked, venom lacing each of her words as they dug deeper into Hermione's heart
“N-no! I am nothing like that man! I am not seeing anyone but you! You are the only one to hold my heart. I would never forsake our bond,” Hermione tried to plead, only to be met by a wall of ice.
“You are everything like him! Do you not think our marriage started out filled with love? Well, at least from my side, I suppose. I loved him, Hermione! It is why I did the marriage bond. And why I did one with you! But after we got married, he began to drift. No matter what I did, he would leave me for days at a time. Touch me less and less. Stand me up for dates I had arrangeduntil we became more like roommates than partners! Did you know I begged him to at least attend our first anniversary party. The one I had planned by myself. Guess what. He never showed up! I reminded him relentlessly. Come to find out, he was screwing some Muggle while I entertained our family and friends. I poured my heart into that party, hoping it would help renew the spark. All it did was show all the cracks,” Narcissa half yelled. Causing Hermione to flinch. Narcissa never yelled.
“So please, Hermione. Tell me, have you helped with our anniversary party? Have you done more than kiss me? On the lips if I'm lucky! Have you bothered to show up to any of the dates I planned for the two of us? I spent the entire day trying to give you reminders about our date tonight, only to sit at the restaurant for two hours by myself. Until your mother tells me something came up and you can’t make it again, you are not any better than Lucius!“
Narcissa was pacing along the room as she spoke. She continued on, leaving no opportunity for a shellshocked Hermione to even attempt to respond. Not that she could have. Her mind was a mess of racing thoughts of how to fix what she had caused.
“I know I am not young. I am broken in many ways. But I thought our love was enough. That my love was enough for you. If you no longer love me. If you are spending your time in another’s arms, then tell me now. Tell me now so we can go our separate ways. I will not stop you, but I can not go through this again, no matter how much I love you,” Narcissa said hoarsely, her voice breaking at the last words.
The pain and realization of everything caused Hermione to crumble to her knees. “Bloody fucking hell. I have ruined everything,” Hermione whispered to herself. She felt more than heard Narcissa walk towards her. Hermione took a deep, shuddering breath as she looked at the ground. She found herself unable to look at her wife’s cold face. A million thoughts ran through her mind. But one sentence stuck out the most: she was no better than Lucius. Those words repeated over and over in Hermione's head.
“Y-you deserve s-so much b-better and I-I never meant to hurt you.” Hermione had not stuttered so badly in years, and she cursed herself for it now, even as Narcissa crouched on the ground by Hermione.
“I did not want better, Hermione. I just wanted you. I am sorry I did not give you what you wanted,” Narcissa said, having taken Hermione's words as a confession, and allowed her ice mask to fall completely. Tears flowed down her face, but Hermione did not notice. Too busy trying to stop her panic attack. While she continued to stumble over her words
“You have me. Even if I have ruined things, you will always have my heart, and you have always given me what I needed and wanted,” Hermione said between sobs. She flinched at Narcissa touching her shoulder. She did not deserve any kindness after she had made her wife feel so worthless.
“Then where have you been?” Just a simple question was enough to make Hermione want to wail as she pushed Narcissa’s hand off. She dared not seek comfort she did not deserve.
“I was working on a gift. For our anniversary,” Hermione managed to get out. Narcissa was frozen in place. All this time that she thought Hermione was purposely avoiding her, she was supposedly busy working on some gift. As if Hermione were not the greatest gift the younger witch could give.
“A.. gift? What gift could possibly take so many weeks to make? And how can you ask me to believe that a gift has made it where you have done no more than kiss me in over two months?” Narcissa asked, voice slightly wavering. Despite trying with all her might, she could not stop thinking of all the times Lucius had used that very same excuse for why he was out at all odd hours of the day during the early years of their marriage.
Hermione looked at her hands. New calluses adorned them from tediously working away on the watch.
“I want to surprise you still,” was all Hermione could get out.
Narcisa choked back a sob, trying to keep her voice level. Despite her tear-stained cheeks, “How can you ask me to just believe that? You know, he said the same thing, then would just get me some hideous necklace or earrings I would never wear.”
Narcissa was breaking inside as she watched Hermione crumble from what she assumed was guilt.
“I do not know when your love shifted. But I ask that you tell me what changed. The honest truth, at least one last time. So I can try to change if at all possible. I just can’t live another marriage like that,” Narcissa said quietly. The blonde was unsure if she could honestly live without Hermione. Even if the younger witch no longer loved her.
Hermione could barely comprehend the words Narcissa was saying. She focused only on the fact that Narcissa could not live in this marriage any longer.
“Please, I know I ruined this. But at least let me show I never stopped loving you," Hermione said, rising on shaking legs, unable to look at Narcissa and see the ice mask she had worked so hard to break while befriending and then courting Narcissa.
Hermione wobbled into their bedroom and fell to her knees again as she opened the trunk at the end of their bed. Hermione had hidden one of the gifts inside it. It was a handy spot since Cissa never opened the trunk and just Accioed whatever she needed since Hermione had added an extension charm to the chest.
Slowly, she pulled out the vase and ran her fingers over the 28 paper daffodils. She was so lost in thought and still softly crying that she did not hear Narcissa walk into the bedroom. Narcissa gasped loudly at the sight of the flowers, the same ones Bellatrix would always make her when she was a child.
Hermione took a deep breath, determined not to stutter anymore.
“Ciss-...” She cut herself off, feeling like she had lost the right to call her wife by that nickname that was entrusted to her so long ago.
“Narcissa, I am sorry for what I have done. I love you so, so much. I made these for you every week. I did 28 letters because you are from the Sacred 28. A part of you I never wish for you to hide, for you are as sacred to me as they were once considered to be.” Hermione held the flowers up, still unable to look at her wife’s face
Narcissa took the vase and was able to feel the amount of magic Hermione had used on what looked like a simple vase of paper daffodils.
Wordlessly, she set the vase down on the vanity in their room and plucked a flower with a date written on the stem, dated to just a week before.
Her heart skipped a beat as she saw Hermione's elegant handwriting. The type Hermione had confessed she only ever used when writing to Narcissa.
My Darling Cissa
This is my final letter, although I may keep writing to you. I do so enjoy expressing my love for you.
Every day you bring light to my life, even though these past few months I have been busy making your big anniversary gift. Not a moment goes by that I do not feel the love we share. I would lay my life down to protect you. You are my Cissa, my Heart, and my soul. I often find myself just watching you before leaving for the day. My breath has been stolen by your pure expression of content while you sleep.
The life you have given me is something I can not live without. You gave me my family, both my parents, and allowed me into your family. Without you, I would have died many times over. There will never be enough ways to express how much I love you, nor how thankful I am to call you my wife. I love you, my Dearest Cissa.
The paper would have become wet with tears from Narcissa. But as if in anticipation of this, the paper was charmed, and the drops rolled off onto the ground.
When Narcissa went to set the paper down, she watched in amazement as the paper rolled back into a daffodil on its own.
She was brought back into the present when Hermione sniffled a little, “I am sorry, Narcissa. I never meant to make you feel like you did when you were forced to be with Lucius. I hope you know that no one. Neither man nor woman will ever compare to you. I love you and only you. But if…” Hermione swallowed the bile that threatened to overtake her.
“If… you can not forgive me, I will understand and dissolve the bond willingly, you deserve that much. I would never make you stay married to me,” Hermione practically choked out. She would never put Narcissa through another marriage where her partner refused to become divorced or see others outside of the marriage, even if she went insane. She looked left to stare out the window in their bedroom as tears streamed down her face. Unable to face Narcissa directly. Fully expecting this to be the end of their relationship. Things had been too easy for far too long. Hermione should have known that the love she felt for Narcissa would be ripped from her one way or another. Maybe Bellatrix had been right. Maybe she did not deserve the same things that Narcissa did as a Pureblood.
Narcissa only then realized how much she had hurt Hermione. She for the first time that night really looked at the younger witch, watched as she dug her nails into her arm from anxiety. Comparing Hermione to the man who once called himself Narcissa’s husband was a horrid mistake. It was so wrong. And even more so when the whole thing had been possibly one of the worst miscommunications ever. She regretted everything she had said since Hermione had returned home. And if she thought it was possible, she would have gone back. And stopped herself from saying something so vile about the woman who clearly loved her just as much as she loved the younger witch.
“Ma petite sorcière,” Narcissa called out. Hermione's head spun around to look at Narcissa, finally. for the first time since she came home. She saw the warmth that Her Narcissa always held for her. It felt like almost too much, to hope that they can move past this. Perhaps this doesn't have to be the end simply because they didn't communicate. But Hermione was unable to resist when Narcissa opened her arms in a clear invitation for a hug. Hermione walked straight into Narcissa and wrapped her arms around her wife.
“There will be no dissolving of our bond, sweetheart. I am sorry for making you think I would ever desire that. I would open our marriage long before ever making you go through the pain that would cause you. I love you just as much as I did the day we said our vows. And I still mean every word, in sickness and in health. In life and death. My soul is yours to keep. I know now that you truly do love me still, but we need to have an honest and painful conversation. Something neither of us is good at.” Hermione chuckled dryly, but could not help the smile she had. Narcissa was just so warm to hold onto. Especially after all of the turmoil of the night.
Narcissa leaned down and kissed the crown of Hermione's head, “but not tonight. Our emotions are too raw. I do not want to hurt you anymore than I surely already have. Let's rest tonight… And tomorrow we will spend a little time apart. To figure out what we need and want to say.
“Then we will talk more, and maybe with some help from Monica or Andromeda, if they are available, we will talk honestly with each other and deal with this before we allow it to fester anymore. I cannot lose you, Hermione. Especially if this is truly some big misunderstanding,” Hermione nodded and pulled away to look at Narcissa. She had only taken in about half of what her wife said. They needed help. And that she was still not convinced it was a misunderstanding was about all Hermione understood. But she could not bring herself to admit that.
"I agree, we need help, and I will do whatever I can to make this right." Hermione spoke solemnly, “But what about tonight? I can sleep on the couch. Or even ask my parents if I can stay with them.” Hermione longed to stay but was willing to give Narcissa space if asked.
Narcissa slumped into Hermione's embrace. The one she had been dreaming of for weeks. The one she longed for as she woke up, with Hermione already gone, and fell asleep long before she returned. All she wanted was her wife to hold her, to not feel like a stranger in her home.
She leaned towards Hermione's ear tiredly
“Stay tonight, please, I want you, I just… I need to feel your arms wrapped around me. We do not even have to be intimate, but please stay,” Narcissa begged. Narcissa never begged. Well, at least not without much teasing from Hermione.
Hermione willed her eyes not to begin crying again. She could not believe how much she had hurt her wonderful wife for her to feel the need to beg just to be held, let alone anything more.
Hermione knew how scared Narcissa was to be turned away again by the tremble in her hands as they grasped Hermione’s. Instead of words, Hermione grabbed Narcissa’s collar and pulled her in for a heated kiss that Hermione did not know she had missed so much. She broke away only to grab Narcissa’s hands. “Of course, my love. But first, I need to apologize properly. I am sorry. So sorry for how I have treated you. You should never have had to second-guess my feelings for you. I have neglected you so much, and I truly do not know if I will ever be able to forgive myself. But I need you to know. That I have always and will always love you and only you. And I will spend the rest of my life trying to show you just how lucky I am to call you my wife.”
She grabbed Narcissa’s hand to slowly kiss the palm while looking at Narcissa’s lovely blue eyes. Hermione would show Narcissa just how much she loved her.
---&---
Hermione woke up early, with Narcissa’s unclothed body curled tightly around her. Slowly to keep Narcissa from waking up, Hermione untangled their limbs. Kissing Narcissa on the forehead, she slid out of their bed.
She smiled, watching Narcissa sleep peacefully for a couple of minutes before getting dressed in a pair of sweatpants and an oversized shirt she had stolen from Harry the last time she had seen him. Which had been…. 4 months ago. Hermione shook her head. Not wanting to dwell on that right now.
She quietly padded into the kitchen and began to make breakfast, intending to bring it to Narcissa.
She reached for the croissants that were kept in a cabinet where they put all the pastries, only to realize she had not made any in weeks. Hermione felt her heart break all over again. She always made Narcissa croissants on the weekend. Always enough to last the entire week, as they were Narcissa’s favorite treat, and she had told Hermione they were one of the things she looked forward to the most. Knowing how much care and love Hermione put into making something just for her.
“Such an idiot,” Hermione whispered to herself. Starting to make a light breakfast with eggs and toast, she could not help the unsettled feeling she still had in her stomach. Narcissa had told her last night she did not want to dissolve the marriage, yet Hermione could not see how her beautiful wife would want to stay with her after what she had pulled. All she had wanted was to do something nice for their first anniversary. And now she did not know if they would even see their second.
Narcissa woke up slowly at first. Her heart was full of hope that maybe Hermione really had just been busy. And things would change. But her heart shattered when she realized she was alone. Hermione had left before Narcissa woke up once again. Not even bothering with a goodbye kiss. Narcissa began to cry softly, “I am such an idiot,” she whispered bitterly to herself, clinging to a pillow that still smelled of Hermione.
‘What could I do to win her back?’ ‘Is she seeing someone else?’ ‘Am I too old for her?’ and many more thoughts ran through Narcissa’s mind, but at the end of it all, during the height of her breakdown, she vowed to herself she would not ask Hermione to break their marriage bond. Both because it would cause Hermione great pain. And because Narcissa would settle for just being near Hermione if it meant she would not have to forgo seeing her ever again.
Just as she made the vow, she sat up straight as the bedroom door opened and Hermione walked in with two trays of food and tea.
Hermione smiled, hoping to surprise Narcissa,. knowing she loved to eat breakfast in bed with her, on rare occasions at least, since Narcissa had not been allowed this as a Pureblood child. But Hermione's smile fell when she saw the tear-stained face of her wife, “Narcissa? What's wrong?” she asked, concerned.
Narcissa could not stop the new round of tears that streaked down her face, but knew she could not lie either. “I thought you left without saying goodbye. Again,” Narcissa told Hermione, her voice full of embarrassment. Her words were like a dagger to Hermione's heart.
Hermione magicked the trays to float in the air and walked over to Narcissa, wrapping her arms around her neck. Narcissa buried her head into Hermione's shoulder, trying to control her emotions
“I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt you…” Hermione said quietly. Leaving the words unsaid that she was thinking, ‘I never meant to hurt you like Lucius. How was she ever going to make it up to Narcissa?
She wiped at her own tears that were fighting to be released, and kissed the crown of Narcissa’s head.
Narcissa had so much she wanted to tell Hermione. But the words were lodged in her throat. How does one even begin to fix the mess they had made?
“Would you like breakfast?” Hermione asked, cursing silently when her voice wavered slightly.
Narcissa wiped her face with the edge of the blanket and nodded.
Hermione slowly crawled into bed next to her. With a snap of her fingers, the trays floated over and settled on their laps.
Hermione interlinked her right hand with Narcissa’s left hand, thankful to be left-handed for moments like this. She brought the hand up and kissed Narcissa’s knuckle, taking a ragged breath. She watched Narcissa for a moment, the conversation from the previous night playing over and over within her mind.
Narcissa had said she was just like Lucius, and had valid points, points that Hermione could not argue against. After thinking for a moment, her choice was clear. Frankly the only option she saw she had. She would set Narcissa free; she would never force Narcissa to stay in a marriage when she had been neglected again.
Their breakfast went by quietly. Narcissa tried to calm her anxiety that said this was all a lie, that everything would return to the way it had been before. And Hermione, while mentally figuring out what would be needed for the ritual, mostly pushed her food around, suddenly not hungry at all
Hermione did not let go of Narcissa’s hand at all during breakfast. She waved her left hand once they were finished and vanished the trays to the kitchen.
Only then did they let go of each other and begin getting ready for their day.
Once they were both dressed and ready, Hermione stared at Narcissa as she walked into the living room, where Hermione stood by the fireplace.
Unable to take the Silence anymore. Hermione called out, “Narcissa?”
Narcissa turned around, having intended to head to the kitchen
“Yes, dear?” Narcissa said, attempting to keep her voice even.
Hermione walked over and hesitated a few steps away from Narcissa.
“I am going to head over to Andi’s. You were right. I need to get outside help before we can resolve this. I just…” Hermione trailed off, not sure how to ask for a simple hug
Narissa seemed to sense the issue. It used to be their tradition, after all, to hug before leaving for the day.
“You do not need to hold yourself back, if you want a hug i am more than happy to do so, darling,” Narcissa said while reaching out to pull Hermione into a hug. The curly haired witch buried her head into Narcissa’s shoulder and mumbled something that Narcissa could not understand
“What was that?” Narcissa asked her. She lifted her head after taking a breath.
“I do need to hold myself back. I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I have hurt you so much without ever knowing it. But I will make things right, I promise, " Hermione whispered, placing a soft kiss on Narcissa’s forehead.
Narcissa opened her mouth to argue. Slightly concerned with the way Hermione intended to make things right, but Hermione continued on. Knowing she could not keep from breaking down if Narcissa asked any questions. Narcissa deserved this to be easy.
“I should get going, I love you, Narcissa," Hermione backed out of the embrace, leaving Narcissa at a loss for words. Not knowing what to say, she merely nodded, “I will see you at Lunch?”
Hermione wanted to say no, that she would need more time. But could not deny Narcissa anything, not when she sounded so uncertain “Of course, my love,” Hermione said with a small smile before walking over to the fireplace. Once she was turned away from Narcissa, Hermione allowed the smile to fall. She tossed the floo powder in, saying, clearer than she thought possible due to the tears gathering in her eyes, “Tonk’s Residence.”
With a woosh, Hermione was gone. Narcissa remained momentarily to gather her emotions alone before leaving their living quarters. She made her way to where the Grangers' quarters were.
— & —
Hermione walked out of Andi's fireplace and quicklyvanished the soot out of muscle memory. Her breathing was slowly becoming erratic now that she was not in front of Narcissa and trying to pretend everything was ok.
Andi walked down the stairs after hearing the sound of the Floo going off., Ted had left an half hour earlier making her curious as to who would just show up unannounced. She had not been expecting to see Hermione standing there, shaking slightly as the younger woman appeared to be holding back tears.
“Hermione? What’s wrong?” Andi asked, concerned as she finished walking down the stairs
“I-i messed up, and I don’t think I can fix it this time,” Hermione said hoarsely. Her mind felt like a jumbled mess of emotions, chaotically swirling and not stopping.. Andi quickly crossed the room and pulled Hermione into a near-crushing hug,
“Nothing is ever unfixable. What happened?” Andi asked. She ledHermione over to the couch. The younger witch was unable to stop the tears from flowing now.
Between tears, stuttering, and deep breathing, Hermione got the story out. Everything from what she had been doing the past few months to what had happened the previous night.
Finally, Hermione ended her story with a simple statement. Her tears having finally dried with her conviction, “I have to do it, Andi. I can't force her to stay with me. not like he did,” Hermione said.
“Do what?” Andi asked, confused at the steadfast look in Hermione’s eyes. And then it clicked, and a look of horror crossed her face. “Hermione, no! This is not that serious. Not to mention the consequences this could have on you. Dissolving a marriage bond is not to be taken lightly,” Andy said, bewildered how Hermione could jump to that conclusion so fast.
Hermione shook her head, staring at the fire now. “I made a vow to Narcissa. To never treat her without love. To care for her until my dying breath. And should I ever become what Lucius was, I would dissolve our bond without caring for the harm that would befall me. I meant it, Andi. I refuse to be like that vile man. So, please, I just need you and mom to agree to it since you were our witnesses.” Andi did not know what to say. How could she ever agree to something that could fragment Hermione’s soul?
“No, Hermione. Either you do not understand the gravity of what that could do to you, or you have a death wish, one I will not partake in.” Andi looked at Hermione with concern.
“Andi, please! Have at least a little respect for the things I have been through.” Hermione said hotly. How could Andi think she would ever not do her research on something? Never mind the fact that she had dealt with worse.
"I gave up my childhood and fought a war for a world that wanted to turn its back on me. I became a soldier when I was 16 years old. I erased my parents' memories and sent them away to protect them. I was tortured by a madwoman who carved a curse into my skin. I have been through hell and back." Andi flinched at the reminder of what her own sister had done to the poor girl, but Hermione continued her rant.
“So I would like to think that I can handle this. Yes, I know the risks. Who do you think I am? And even if it did make me lose my mind? I would do it without question. I would lay down my life to free Narcissa. She is my everything,” Hermione said while rubbing at her eyes roughly to stop the new tears. Andi sighed greatly, trying to calm herself instead of speaking with anger. After a few minutes, she managed to temper her anger towards Hermione's lack of concern for her own life.
“I will give my blessing, if and only if your mother and Cissy agree to it, but this will be a long conversation. I doubt it has even crossed Narcissa’s mind that you would seriously consider this ludicrous idea. Let alone your mother. Monica lost you once. Do you truly think she will even allow a chance of losing you again?” Andi asked Hermione, who had begun bouncing her leg with anxiety.
“Then what would you do, Andi? How do I even begin to make things right without freeing Narcissa? It is not fair that she stays tied to me. Not after all the pain i caused her.” Hermione's voice broke as she tried to hold in another wave of tears. Vaguely, Andi wondered if Monica was having to console an equally upset Narcissa. Or if her sister even knew how upset Hermione was.
Andi sighed and reached out, grasping Hermione's hands. “I think you need to talk to your wife. Merlin knows communication is not a Slytherin quality.”
Andi took another deep breath, knowing this next part was going to take some convincing.
“But I will be honest here. Knowing my dear sister, there is still doubt that you have truly been so caught up in making this gift. So as much as you wanted to wait, I think you're going to have to show her the watch.”
Hermione, much to Andi's shock, just nodded slightly. “Y-yeah, I agree with you,” she said quietly.
“You agree? Just that easily?” Andi was unable to refrain from asking, her voice laced with confusion. Hermione never just gave in to another idea once she had her mind set on something.
“Yes. I have made enough idiotic choices these last few months. If you think it is for the best, then I will do what you say to an extent. I am still going to advocate for the dissolving of our bond, though. I just know I will have to convince mom first, and should I get her to agree, I want to give Narcissa her gift with a clear mind.”
Andi just shook her head and pulled Hermione into a hug. Her heart broke for the girl. Her family had put her through so much and it still continued. She sighed before continuing.
“Hermione, the war is over. You don’t have to keep making life-altering choices at the drop of a hat.” Finally, the last of the tension left Hermione as she sank into Andi's hug.
They continued to talk for a while about how Hermione could make it up to Narcissa. More so for Andi’s benefit than Hermione's. Hermione was still set on dissolving the bond, even if she had to do it without the blessing from Andi and her mom.
Andi looked up at the clock and realized that it was inching closer to lunchtime. So she excused herself to send off her Patronus twice. Once to Ted, who was in Muggle London with Wendell, to let them know she would not be home when they got back. Then she sent another to Narcissa, asking her if now was a good time to come over.
Within 10 minutes, Narcissa’s otter bounded into view, relaying that Andi and Hermione were welcome to come over to the Grangers whenever they were ready. Andi did not miss the sorrowful look Hermione gave the otter. Andi knew Hermione always adored Cissy's otter as it felt like another testament to their love.
They both stood up from the couch. Andi helped Hermione clean up as best as she could, given how much crying Hermione had done. Her face was still slightly red and puffy, it would just have to do.
“A-Andi?” Hermione said as she stared at the fire. She froze as her breathing picked up once more at the idea of the talk she knew she needed to have with her mom
Andi came and wrapped her in another hug. “It’s going to be ok. You two will get through this.” Andi said. Once Hermione's breathing calmed down once more, Andi picked up some floo powder. She threw it in the fireplace as she stepped through to go to the Grangers’.
Hermione took a deep breath to calm the racing thoughts in her mind. She was not remotely ready to see Narcissa again. But she also felt the hurt from being away from her for so long after the emotional roller coaster they had been on since last night.
Grabbing a handful of powder, Hermione stepped into the fire. Her last thought before being pulled into the flames was a prayer to whatever deities were listening. She hoped this would be the last time she messed up so badly.
— & —
Hermione stepped into her parents' living room. It would never stop making her proud that her mother worked at Hogwarts with her.
She saw her mother sitting on the couch with an arm around Narcissa’s shoulder. Andi was standing behind the couch, also hugging Narcissa from behind.
Monica and Andi both sighed with relief as Hermione stepped out of the fireplace, while Narcissa had a look of surprise on her face. She had not expected Hermione to actually show up.
Narcissa stood up, smiling at the sight of her wife. She walked over, and Hermione, without thinking, wrapped her arms around Narcissa, just as they had done a million times before,
“Hello, how was your day?” Hermione asked awkwardly.
Narcissa practically melted into the hug, having not expected her wife to actually come to lunch. “Better now that you're here. I missed you. Monica and I talked. I just wanted to say I am sorry for reacting the way I did.”
Hermione frowned. “Why? There is nothing for you to apologize for. I am the one who messed things up, but I will make it right.” Hermione said, making eye contact with Andi over Narcissa’s shoulder. Andi Internally cursed. Hermione was still hellbent on ending the bond.
“I am glad that you spent time with mom, though. After lunch, maybe we can talk some more. I have something I think I should give you, and I need to talk with mom privately.”
Narcissa and Monica both did not know what Hermione could need to talk to her mom about, but Narcissa merely nodded. “I figured i would make lunch for everyone if you guys want to sit in the kitchen” Monica said walking towards the doorway.
They all followed her into the kitchen. Monica told Hermione and Narcissa to sit while she and Andi prepared lunch. Hermione sat down next to Narcissa, but was unsure of where to even begin. Her insecurities were at the forefront of her mind. The memory of the previous night played over and over until it was interrupted by a hand being placed on top of her own.
Hermione looked up into her wife’s eyes. “Are you ok? You are not normally this quiet.” Narcissa said. Her concern was clearly written on her face. Hermione forced a smile and attempted to settle down. No need to worry Narcissa, when she did not have everything prepared to do what needed to be done.
“I’m fine. I just got lost in my mind,” Hermione explained and liftedNarcissa’s palm to her lips to kiss it softly. Narcissa sighed, upset at allowing her emotions to get the better of her. She opened her mouth to apologize, but was quickly silenced by Hermione kissing her.
After a moment, Hermione broke the kiss. “After lunch. We will talk then. For now, I just want to enjoy my time with my wife.” While I still can, Hermione added silently. With that, they shared a relaxing lunch. Everyone knew Hermione just wanted to have a normal meal, Andi being the only one who had any idea of the true reason. Once they were finished, Hermione took a deep breath. Trying to keep her emotions in check was taking all of her Gryffindor courage.
“Narcissa, Andi, I need to talk to Mom without you two for just a moment. Then we can talk together, alright?” Hermione said, unable to meet anyone's eyes.
Narcissa tried not to show she was hurt by Hermione's refusal to call her anything but her full name. “Oh, alright, darling. We will wait for you in the living room,” The blonde kissed Hermione on the cheek as she stood up with Andi to leave the room.
Once both the Black sisters left, Monica raised one eyebrow. She knew whatever Hermione was about to say would not be good
“Hermione, what is so important that you needed to talk to me now and could not be said in front of Narcissa or Andi?” Monica asked in a tone only mothers and eldest siblings knew. Hermione took a deep breath. She knew that what she was about to do would require much convincing.
“I need your blessing to dissolve our marriage bond. Andi would not agree to it unless I get your permission first.” Monica was horrified at what her daughter had just suggested. She had been expecting many things. Her daughter asking for her help to possibly make said daughter go insane was not one of them.
“What! I know you had an argument, but it can not possibly call for this drastic of an answer. I will not agree to this! You told me what could happen if you rid yourself of the marriage bond. You could go insane. Your soul would be fragmented. How could I live with myself if I allowed that?” her mother asked.
Hermione huffed out a breath, knowing this was about to be an intense argument.
“Because I made a promise. You and Dad raised me to keep my word. I hurt her mom, the woman I love with all my heart. I hurt her to the point of becoming like Lucius,” she whispered, saying Narcissa’s late husband's name with a face of disgust. At herself or the name Monica did not know.
“Don’t use that against me now. You know as well as I do that we never wanted you to lose your mind just to uphold your word. And what's this about Lucius? You are nothing like that man!” Monica shot back.
“Well, that is not what my wife told me herself! How can I force her to stay married to me? All because I wanted to make a gift for her! I have ruined my marriage. I would die for her, and you know this.”
Monica rolled her eyes at her daughter, thinking she was being overdramatic, “She was hurt, yes. But do you not think it will hurt worse to tear your bond apart? I will not allow you to go through more pain than you already have. How could I forgive myself if I let you get hurt again?”
Hermione was growing frustrated with the argument and loudly yelled.
“No, it can't possibly hurt her more than I have already!” Hermione remained unaware of Narcissa, who was now standing in the doorway behind her. Hermione’s raised voice had caught her attention to listen in.
“I am not asking your permission to do this, mom. All I am asking is for you to give me your blessing, so it physically hurts less. I will set her free even if it kills me. Narcissa deserves someone better than me. I always knew I would be the downfall of our relationship. I selfishly wanted Narcissa for myself. And hoped, Merlin, I hoped, I would be enough. But don’t you see?” Hermione’s voice wavered. She refused to cry anymore, but couldn’t meet her mother's eyes either.
“I was broken during the war. The darkness that touched me will never truly let go, and I will never be able to be the woman Narcissa deserves. And if that means dying to set her free, then so be it. Please, mom, I-I can not keep hurting the one I love. But I am selfish enough to ask for less pain when, not if, I do this.” Hermione's hand had snaked into her hair, and she subconsciously pulled at it.
The sight made Narcissa’s heart squeeze so tightly she thought it would stop. Hermione had not pulled her hair since their first big fight when Narcissa had tried to say their relationship was a mistake. It was something Hermone only did under extreme stress.
Narcissa opened her mouth, ready to refute what her wife was saying about herself, but then Monica made eye contact with Narcissa. Her deep brown eyes were ablaze with emotions, predominantly anger. It was something Narcissa had not seen directed at her before. Even without words, Narcissa could tell Monica expected her to fix what she broke and to do it immediately.
“Hermione?” Narcissa said quietly, hoping to avoid the reaction that happened anyway. Hermione startled with her hand getting caught in the mess of curls she had neglected to tame that day.
Hermione let out a quiet “Ow” and then looked at her mother while taking her hand out of her hair. “This conversation is not over,” Hermione told her mom. Monica just sighed and walked off to leave Hermione with Narcissa.
“Did you mean it? Do you really think you are not good enough for me?” Narcissa asked the back of Hermione's head. The brunette still had not turned around.
“There is nothing to think of. I know I am not good enough. It has become crystal clear how much I hurt you. And I will not stand for it. If you do not already, then you will come to hate me,” Hermione sniffled, but forged on. “You doubted my love for you. My loyalty. You thought I could ever love another as I do you. You… you thought I did not love you anymore. And for that reason, I am going to set you free. You will not be forced to stay in a marriage where you have to question what your spouse is doing again, and I am so sorry for not being the woman you deserved.” Hermione practically choked out around the emotions whirling inside her. She wrapped her arms around herself asher body shook with emotion.
Narcissa looked at Hermione with shame. How could she have been so stupid as to hurt her witch, the woman she loved with all her heart, so badly?
“Hermione, if anything, I don’t deserve you. You're perfect, and you care so deeply. I love you so much. And I can’t stand the thought of living my life without you,” Narcissa said to an overwhelmed Hermione. The younger witch’s hands had snaked up to her hair again, and she cried out in frustration. She ground her teeth down in a vain attempt to keep the tears from falling.
“I don’t get it! You compared me to him, to Lucius. And the worst part? You were right! I’ve not done a damn thing to plan our anniversary. I’ve been so busy and focused on making you the perfect gift that I neglected you. And I don’t see how you could want me around after I hurt you like your ex. I told you that if I ever became like Lucius, if I ever hurt you, I’d walk away instead of hurting you again. Narcissa, you said I was just like him. How could you want anything to do with me now?”
They were both crying now. Narcissa reached out and wrapped her arms around Hermione, pulling her into a crushing hug
“Oh ma petite sorcière. I’m sorry. I’m so sorry I made you feel this way. I was wrong. You aren’t anything like Lucius. I let my emotions get the best of me, and I said things I wish I could take back. Please, darling, you need to understand. In every way, you are better than him. For starters, you listen to me. Look at the flowers you enchanted. I told you that story, how long ago? 3 years at least? And you remembered and chose to make me something special. You never knowingly do anything that could hurt me. The few times you have been made to choose, you always came to me and talked it through, and you included how it could affect Draco. He's not even your son! Yet you care so deeply for both of us.” Narcissa was rambling. But she did not even care at this point. Not when Hermione looked up with such hopeful eyes.
“You have shown you love me in so many little ways. I could keep going if you want. But the most important thing is I love you. And I honestly think I would die if you tore our bond apart. I don’t want to lose you. I just can’t arling. I will do whatever it takes to convince you.” Narcissa was crying as she clung to Hermione like her life depended on it. Which, for all she knew, Hermione's life did.
“Y-you mean it?” Hermione asked quietly. It was taking everything in her not tolisten to the thoughts that she had somehow forced Narcissa to act like this.
“About which part? Actually, that's not important. Yes, I meant every word. I love you. I will never love someone the way I love you. You're my soulmate, and if… if you can not forgive me, then I will understand. But I know it is selfish. Please don’t take away our bond. I beg of you. I do not want you to leave, nor do I want you to get hurt. You are everything to me, and I am sor-” Narcissa was cut off by the feeling of her wife's lips on her own and felt Hermione’s arms around her waist.
“No more apologies. At least for the time being. If anything, I should be apologizing to you. I have hurt you in so many ways. You even let your glamours drop. You never do that, "Hermione whispered against Narcissa’s lips while the beautiful vitiligo marks she loved being allowed to see.
Hermione kissed Narcissa again. This time, Narcissa let out a moan as Hermione deepened the kiss. Everything felt so perfect like this. But eventually, they had to break apart for air. Narcissa leaned her head onto Hermione's shoulder, anting while trying to catch her breath
“Darling? I know you said no more apologies. But that is not fair to you or me. We have a lot to talk about. Both of us need to talk about how we felt. Even though you know how much I despise talking about my feelings,” Hermione chuckled. It would do no good to argue when Narcissa was right.
“Ok, but I have something I need to grab. Let’s go back to the living room first, though. I probably need to talk to Mom and Andi.” Hermione kissed Narcissa on the forehead when Cissa lifted her head to look at Hermione, confusedly.
“I was in the process of getting their blessing to dissolve the bond. As soon as possible. I was going to do it after the party. I would never embarrass you like that, knowing how much work you have put into planning it.” Hermione said, a moment to try and wrangle her thoughts back into order.
“You could never embarrass me,” Narcissa said. The blonde reached to push a lock of hair behind Hermione's ear with a satisfied smile.
Hermione smiled softly at her, and together they walked into the living room where Andi and Monica were seated. The way Monica's eyes went to Hermione first made her aware that the conversation was probably about her.
“M-me and Ci… me and Narcissa talked a bit. I am not going to rush and dissolve our bond. We have a lot to talk about, so for now it is still on the table. But I am not so hell-bent on it. You can ask questions later. But I want to focus on how to fix what I broke.” Monica simply nodded as if she expected that. Narcissa looked at Hermione strangely before something seemed to dawn on her.
“Love, you do not need to hold yourself back. I prefer when you call me Cissa; calling me Narcissa only puts space between us, and I want to get rid of the space, not make it wider,” Hermione released a breath and nodded. Andi smiled at her sister. She knew things would be ok as long as they did not run from their problems, they always did.
Monica moved to sit up so she and Hermione could sit next to each other. However, Narcissa waved her off. Instead, she sat in the armchair across from Monica and pulled Hermione into her lap. “Hey, that's my spot!” Hermione said, giggling as she sat down on Narcissa’s lap. Narcissa smiled, “Yes, but this way you can grab whatever it is that you need, and I get to hold you for a time.” Hermione sighed as she lay her head on Narcissa’s shoulder.
“What is it you need to grab, sweetpea? I can get it for you,” Monica said to her daughter.
“Well, I decided to give that thing I made to Cissa early. I have it all wrapped up in the workshop.” Hermione replied, causing Monica to gasp slightly. At no further detail, shenodded and went to fetch it.
Narcissa planted a soft kiss on Hermione's forehead. “Are you sure, darling?” The younger witch merely nodded. Monica walked back into the living room. holding a small box wrapped with wrapping paper. The paper was white with various flowers on it, including bunches of daffodils. Hermione stood up and grabbed the gift. Then turned around to place it on Narcissa’s lap.
“I hope you like it. I'm sorry I spent so long making it, but between designing it with Uncle Vlad, me and dad working on it, then layering all the charms and enchantments, it took far longer than I ever thought it would,” Hermione rambled nervously.
Ever so slowly, Narcissa tore the beautiful wrapping paper to reveal a square black leather box. Narcissa could feel the magic radiating off the box andcarefully opened it. The blonde gasped softly at the silver pocket watch cushioned by dark green silk fabric.
On the front of the watch was a finely engraved daffodil, surrounded by music notes (which Narcissa immediately recognized as “my only sunshine,” a Muggle song Hermione had learned to play just for Narcissa) and a bright red ruby in the center of the daffodil. Narcissa carefully lifted the watch out of the box and flipped it around. Her eyes were watery as she saw the Hebridean black that was engraved andwrapped around a lyre. “Y-you got all the details on the dragon right. I can’t even imagine how much research and time went into this.” Narcissa said in awe.
“There is more on the inside,” Hermione whispered. The inside was what she had most worried about. Monica and Andi leaned forward in their respective seats, wondering how Narcissa would react to the inside.
Narcissa pressed the latch release on the crown, making the watch click open. Narcissa nearly dropped the watch into her lap in shock as she looked at the watch face. It was not a normal face. It had 7 hands. Each hand had a name -Draco, Edward, Andi, Monica, Wendel, Hermione, and Narcissa - they were all pointing to various named locations. Some were pointed at work. Others like her own and Hermione’s were pointed at home. Narcissa felt the tears falling down her cheeks as she stared at the hands. Slowly, Hermione reached out and turned the watch around to show the inside of the watch.
A heart within a ribcage was engraved, with the words Hermione had said to Narcissa so long ago. Hermione slid her hands along Narcissa’s cheeks and wiped the tears still falling. “I promise you, Cissa. Those words still hold true. Beauty fades over time. But my love will always remain the same.”
Narcissa put the watch back into the case, then stood up just to half jump into Hermione's arms, kissing her wife slowly and deeply. She poured as much love and joy into the kiss as she could. It continued until fake gagging sounds broke them apart.
Narcissa looked up from her assault on Hermione's lips to see Andi smirking and Monica still making fake gag sounds, “Can you continue molesting my daughter in your own chambers, please?” Monica said. She tried to feign being upset, but was unable to hide the smile at seeing her friend and her daughter forgiving each other.
The two women were saved from having to answer by Andi laughing gleefully, “You're just upset you owe me 5 Galleons now,” Andi said to Monica, which started a line of bickering. They were like sisters who could not be left alone as they traded insults. Narcissa and Hermione both ignored them, knowing this was just how Monica was with the two black sisters.
This time, Hermione sat in the armchair with Narcissa curled up in her lap. “I don't know what they bet on, and honestly, I don't know that I want to find out,” Hermione said. She softly kissed Narcissa before grabbing the watch again. “Knowing them, just us asking what the bet was is probably another bet,” Narcissa said, laughing lightly.
Hermione smiled, then asked the question her anxiety had kept at the back of her mind, “So you do like the watch?”
Narcissa looked at Hermione like she was an idiot, “For the smartest witch of her age, you can be incredibly stupid. I do not like the watch.” Hermione's face fell. But before Hermione could spiral, Narcissa ran a finger under Hermione's chin.
She tilted her face up and made Hermione look into her eyes, “I do not like it because I love it so much. Words are inadequate. It means so, so much to me that you spent so long making it. And I can only imagine the time spent and enchantments you have layered on. It would be enough to practically get your Charms mastery. It is perfect.” Narcissa was smiling happily.
“I am so glad,” Hermione said, her eyes tearing up with joy, “and you are right. This is going to be my final invention to get my Charms mastery,” which caused everyone, including her mom and sister-in-law, to freeze.
Andi was the first to speak, “What! How dare you not tell us this?”
Hermione smirked. “Because i am allowed to have surprise’s for my wife without telling the two of you and because i knew damn well that you would have just turned it into another bet as to what charm it is i invented” Hermione said before turning to a shell shocked Narcissa “I have put every single charm and enchantment that is of any use for the watch onto it. And I indeed invented a new charm myself for it.” Hermione said nervously.
Narcissa furrowed her eyebrows and asked, “How long have you been working on this?”
“She worked for about 8 straight months. If she was not working on it in the workshop, Wendel set up in the guest bedroom. Then she was studying charms to place on it,” Monica answered. happy to gloat about her daughter.
“8 months!? And you invented a new charm at that time? I did not think you had a theory to study, let alone make,” Narcissa asked, flabbergasted. She knew it could take an apprentice 4 or more years to come up with the theory for a new charm. Let alone put it into practice.
Hermione smiled tightly. And had a faint blush. “I did not have a theory. I had come up with the idea when I started making the watch with dad. It was about a month or two after I started trying to make the watch itself that I concluded I could layer your magical signature into each part of the watch as I built it. And now, only if you willingly give it to someone will they be able to hold it.” Hermione explained.
Narcissa tilted her head in confusion. “ What do you mean?” she asked.
Instead of explaining, Hermione took the watch out of the case again. “Andi, can you come steal the watch from Cissa, please?” Hermione said.
Andi grinned wickedly, “With pleasure,” she said as Hermione passed the watch back to Narcissa.
Both sisters were standing and stared at each other for a moment. And then Andi shot after Narcissa. The chase began. Monica and Hermione lifted their feet and tucked them under themselves as if the sisters were a pair of cats having zoomies around the room. The battle ended when Andi tackled Narcissa to the couch and grabbed the watch, holding it up in the air triumphantly.
Until the smell of burning flesh filled the room. Andi looked at the hand holding the watch to see that it was smoking. Suddenly, she felt the pain and dropped the watch to clutch at the round burn now on her palm. “You bastard!” Andi half yelled at Hermione. While Narcissa and Monica looked at the watch as it bounced a couple of feet off the ground harmlessly.
Hermione laughed at the look of horror on Narcissa’s face. “Oh, hush, Andi, come over so I can heal your hand. And Cissa?” Narcissa looked on the verge of tears as she looked up from her spot, where she was frozen staring at the watch, afraid it had broken.
“I have placed. Every. Single. Protection charm. Imaginable. On that watch. You can go swimming with it. Put it inside a forge. Or drop it off the astronomy tower, and it will be perfectly fine. A small drop like that will not have even scuffed it.”
Narcissa let out a breath and smiled brightly. “So you have made an anti-theft charm? That burns the theif?” Narcissa asked her wife while picking up the watch again. Hermione giggled as Andi grumbled about it.
“No, I invented a Charm that curses anyone who tries to take your watch without your permission. Your magic core is linked to your emotions as well. With this charm, it can differentiate who you allow to touch it, and you can revoke that permission at any time. But the catch is that only someone who has permission to touch your watch can heal the wounds on someone who does not have permission and got burned,” Hermione explained as she touched her wand to Andi’s hand, healing it instantly.
“Am I forgiven, Elder?” Hermione asked, knowing and welcoming the snarky reply from Andi.
Narcissa stared at the watch. She felt so many emotions; she was so touched by the thoughts and love that went into the watch, and could not believe that Hermione had made a charm just for her. Especially knowing that one of the main reasons Narcissa had never gotten another clockas the fear that someone would steal it and destroy it just as her eldest sister had so many years ago. And she had very nearly ruined their entire relationship by being insecure and allowing her anxiety to win. She stood up from the couch and walked back over to Hermione, ignoring the bantering between her wife and sister to pull Hermione into a hug.
“I'm sorry. I’m so sorry for how I acted. I was so stupid to think that you would ever do anything to hurt me. And I don’t know what I have done to deserve your forgiveness, let alone your love,” Narcissa cried into Hermione's shoulder.
Hermione shushed her gently, “Sweetheart, I think it's time we have that talk. Because frankly, I do not see why you have forgiven me either when I hurt you so much as to question my love.” Narcissa wiped her tears on Hermione's shoulder.
“Ok… I will try and talk,” Narcissa said. And talk they did. Over the next few hours, they talked and talked, then talked some more. About their feelings. What they had both thought. What were the plans for their anniversary party were.
They had talked about everything and anything that had troubled one or both of them with the help of Monica and Andi. Some things they did not have a solution for yet. But both of them were aware of the issues now. They saw where the communication had broken down. And they were determined to fix it before their relationship could actually fall apart.
Hermione held Cissa close. After spending so many hours talking, she was tired but still wanted the comfort of holding her wife.
Monica was the first to speak after the comfortable silence had settled. “Wendel and Edward should be back soon. So I am going to start on dinner. Will you all be staying?” she asked.
Andi raised her hand. “Yeah, I will stay. I am sure Ted will want to stay. And talk about whatever they got up to in London.”
Hermione ran her hand through Narcissa’s hair. She playedwith it gently as she had been for the past little while. Then whispered softly, “I am pretty tired, but if you want to stay, we can,” she said, trying to do as she had promised and communicate her feelings.
Narcissa just smiled and softly kissed Hermione's cheek, then looked up at Monica. “I think we are going to head to our rooms for the evening. Thank you both for helping us get through today. Clearly, this is something that had been building up, and Merlin knows neither of us would have been able to be as straightforward without both of you.” Narcissa softly chuckled. Andromeda and Monica came over and hugged the two women while saying their goodbyes.
“And if there is a next time. For the love of Merlin, come to one of us before you explode, ok?” Andromeda laughed while hugging her sister. Narcissa rolled her eyes but agreed.
They both decided to take the floo home. Neither wanted to bother walking to the other side of the castle, so they both waved as they stepped into the fireplace to head home.
When they arrived, Narcissa magicked the soot off their clothes. Hermione kissed Narcissa on the cheek. “I am going to make dinner real quick. Why don’t you go sit down?” Narcissa smiled and just let Hermione do her thing. She went and sat at the dining table. Closing her eyes, she leaned back in her chair and just listened to Hermione cook. When she heard the pitter-patter of Hermione’s bare feet walking out of the kitchen, she sat up and smiled at her wife.
Hermione placed only one plate of croque monsieur in front of Cissa before sittingdown at the small table. “Are you not eating?” Narcissa asked.
“I am not hungry, you know how I get sometimes. I will eat in the morning, alright?” Hermione responded, and Narcissa sighed. But understood all too well that Hermione’s nerves were too shot to eat.
“Fair enough. But it is my turn to make you breakfast in bed,” Narcissa said while smiling at her wife, the smile growing as Hermione laughed softly. “If you insist.”
The younger witch relaxed in her seat while sipping her cup of tea. After a bit, Narcissa finished her food, and they both made their way to the bedroom. Within a short period of time, they got ready for bed together.
Hermione crawled into bed first, then opened her arms so Narcissa could tuck herself close to Hermione, who held her tightly. “Good night, my love. Thank you for choosing me. Even when I am being irrational,” Hermione whispered against Narcissa’s head.
“We have gone over this. We were both irrational. There is no thanks needed. I love you, ma petite sorcière. I will choose to fall in love with you, over and over again, you're mine.” Narcissa sealed her vow with a kiss to Hermione's lips and then snuggled close once more. She basked in the warmth of her wife’s strong arms. Being married to someone who lifts books for a living sure had its perks. Plus, she could ask Hermione for any book she wanted and have it by the time her wife closed the library for the evening.
They both slowly fell asleep. Wrapped around each other, exhausted but happier than they had been for a while
— — — & — — —
Narcissa was lying on her side, facing away from Hermione. She turned over with her eyes still shut, intending to burrow into Hermione's warmth. Only she found herself met by a cold bed. Narcissa’s eyes opened, and she looked around. The light in the bathroom was off. But the door to their room, which Narcissa kept open for Hermione's sake, was shut.
Narcissa slowly got out of bed and went to find her wife. She was doing her best not to jump to conclusions. She looked at the clock in the empty living room and saw it was almost 3:30 am. Narcissa noticed the light was on in the kitchen.
She found Hermione silently singing while cleaning up what looked like baking supplies. Narcissa then realized that Hermione was not silently singing. She was just unable to hear her. Narcissa stepped over the doorway to the kitchen and felt a shimmer of Hermione's magic rippling over her skin like a soft caress.
First, she smelled the scent of baking dough. And then her brain caught up to Hermione singing softly. “You make me happy when skies are grey. You’ll never know, dear, how much I love you. Please don’t take my sunshine away.”
Hermione looked so happy and proud of herself. And Narcissa could only smile fondly at the witch that had stolen her heart, “Darling. What are you doing?” Narcissa asked, making Hermione jump and then blush brilliantly,
“Cissa! I um, was just making a few things,” Hermione said sheepishly. She knew full well she had been caught doing something Cissa would not be the happiest about.
“I see. Care to share what that was and why you had to start, I'm assuming, an hour ago? Which, in case you don’t know, would have been 2 am,” Narcissa said, eyebrow raised in question.
“6,” Hermione mumbled as a timer went off, moving her to put oven mitts on.
“What was 6?” Narcissa asked.
Hermione could not simply hide the tray of baked goods, so she replied as she pulled them from the oven. “I woke up six hours ago. I had hoped to have everything cleaned up before you realized I was not in bed,” Hermione said as she turned around, showing Narcissa the tray of perfectly baked croissants.
Narcissa gasped, “Y-you woke up just to make me croissants? Why? You could have done this after you got some sleep,” Hermione did not answer right away. She slowly began to put the croissants onto a wire rack to cool off.
“Because you deserve it. And… and I couldn't sleep. It is why I started making them in the first place. I just can’t sleep sometimes and don’t want to bother you. I know how your body revolts against you for any lack of sleep,” Hermione said as she set the tray and oven mitts aside.
Without warning, her wife half tackled her in a hug, “Oh my love. I am sorry if you ever thought I wouldn't get up for you. Or felt it was a burden,” Narcissa said. She swallowed the lump in her throat but felt the sting of unshed tears prick at her eyes
“No,” Hermione said loudly. Not quite a yell, but more than regular volume, startling them both. Cissa looked down at Hermione's face. “Cissa, I always knew I could wake you, and that you would comfort me if I asked. But I have dealt with this since I was a child. I just wanted to let you rest. Especially on rough days.”
Narcissa sighed and kissed Hermione softly, “No more of that, ok? I want you to wake me up from here on out. Understood?” Hermione nodded and kissed Narcissa again, deeply this time.
After a moment, Narcissa pulled back. “Come on, darling. Let's go get some rest. We can clean up everything later, but I need my personal heater,” Narcissa smirked, causing Hermione to laugh. They walked to their bedroom and quickly fell asleep holding each other.
— — — & — — —
Narcissa was excitedly talking with Draco. She stopped talking when she felt someone tap her shoulder. Narcissa turned around to see her wife grinning at her happily. “May I have this final dance?” Hermione asked, holding out her hand. Narcissa returned her smile. And grabbed Hermione's hand, “Of course, darling.” Hermione proudly led Narcissa to the center of the dance floor, Narcissa’s floor-length dress gliding across the wood. Hermione got into position to be led by Narcissa. She knew how much her wife loved to lead when they danced together.
The notes to their song ‘Time in a Bottle’ began to play softly as Hermione followed Narcissa in time with the music.
As the first verse bled into the second, Narcissa caught the look of pride on their fellow staff members as she spun Hermione in front of them. Especially Minerva and Flitwick. Narcissa could tell that Flitwick was still talking to his wife, Pomona, about the watch Hermione had made.
Narcissa thought back to earlier in the day, shortly after the party began. Minerva had just happened to catch the tail end of Narcissa… admiring Hermione’s body.
**************&**************
Narcissa smiled as she looked at her wife in the morning sunlight. “Darling, you are so breathtaking. But I am looking forward to seeing you later tonight and taking this suit off.” Narcissa whispered into Hermione’s ear, keeping her voice low, given all the people around them. That did not stop her from flustering her wife.
Hermione blushed at Narcissa’s word, “Cissa! What if someone hears you?” Hermione askedlooking around at the not-so-tiny party.
Narcissa merely chuckled and leaned in to whisper into her ear once more. “Then they would hear me simply admiring my wife’s bonne body, like the perfect curve of your hips or the way your undershirt perfectly hugs your breasts.”
Hermione grew more flustered especially when two figures caught the happy couples attention “Well… going off Narcissa talking about Hermione’s body like its a work of art, i am guessing you two finally talked. I swear to Merlin I was about to lock you into a broom closet together” Minerva spoke to the couple withFilius was nodding along.
It was Narcissa’s turn to blush realizing the cat animagus heard every word, and had correctly guessed they had finally talked. Minerva had kept telling Narcissa to do after noticing how down Narcissa had been for the last few months.
“Yes we talked. I had not realized how much time I had spent working on Cissa’s anniversary gift. Nor how much I had been neglecting my wife. But like I said, we talked and are stronger than we were before.” Hermione said happily to Minerva. The brunette could still feel the undercurrent of anxiety she still felt at the thought of what she had almost lost. Narcissa caressed Hermione's arm lovingly picking up on the younger witch’s emotions.
“It's ok, Hermione, we are ok now.” Minerva could see how in love the two in front of her were. No one could deny it ss they looked at each other adoringly.
“So it was a gift that kept you apart?” Minerva asked, somewhat confused. Filius just stood silently, waiting for the full story.
Hermione nodded and rubbed the back of her neck. “Yes, it was a gift I made and enchanted for her. It was just a small thing. Not that big of a deal. And I don’t want to take away from Narcissa today, so you two will have to wait until we return to Hogwarts to find out what it was,” Hermione said, attempting to deflect what the gift was.
Narcissa openly scoffed “Hermione. You did not just say my watch was just a little thing and no big deal.” Narcissa looked at Hermione like she had grown a second head. She pulled the pocket watch out, showing it to Minerva and Filius, who marveled over the gorgeous design as Cissa flipped it over to show the back with the dragon. “My darling wife made this for me. Yes, she could have done better at not getting so focused on it. But she poured her heart and soul into crafting this.” Filius reached to touch the watch to better see it, but Narcissa pulled it away abruptly when she saw the smaller wizard reaching for it.
“Hermione enchanted this so only those I give consent to can touch it. Otherwise, it burns them and is only healable by one of the people I have given consent to.” Both Minerva and Filius looked at the two women, confused.
“But I have never heard of a charm that could do this,” Filius said which made Hermione blush.
“That’sbecause I sort of invented it?” The headmistress and her deputy both let out bewildered “what's”, drawing the attention of their respective partners. Poppy and Pomona walked over to see what the noise was about.
“Minnie, what is all this commotion?” Poppy asked her wife while Pomona looked at Narcissa. She knew her husband was too far gone in excitement over whatever his star pupil had accomplished this time.
Narcissa began explaining to the two women what Hermione had made. The pride was evident in her voice. Meanwhile, Hermione began talking to Minerva and Filius,
Narcissa froze when she heard Flitwick ask Hermione a question: “Is this what you wanted to learn the animation charm for?”
Hermione let out a groan as Narcissa snapped her head to Hermione, “Animation charm? Is there even more to the watch than you have told me?”
Hermione rubbed the back of her neck and shot Filius a glare. He had the decency to look bashful. “I wanted it to be a surprise. But yes, tap on the ruby in our knock with your wand.”
Narcissa quickly pulled out her wand and tapped on the ruby 7 times in a simple friendly pattern. Music began to play from the music notes. Each one glowed red with every note played. Hermione reached over and pressed the release on the watch. Opening it up, Narcissa could see the heart that beat within the ribcage, “Oh my love. You are so amazingly talented,” Narcissa said in awe as she watched the heart beat.
Hermione smiled and kissed her cheek. Words were not needed. Narcissa knew just how happy Hermione was with the watch. Narcissa continued showing the watch off to Pomona and Poppy while Minerva and Filius talked about all the magic put into the watch. Narcissa knew just how lucky she was to have a wife so talented.
**************&**************
Hermione could not nor did she care to stop the look of adoration as she shamelessly stared at her wife, happily allowing Narcissa to take the lead as she followed the routine they had perfected together. The very same one they had created for their wedding. Hermione laughed softly while blushing when she heard Harry whistle as Narcissa dipped her slightly. And then she heard the soft whack of Draco undoubtedly hitting the back of Harry's head.
“Thank you, darling, for making sure they were here today,” Narcissa whispered into Hermione's ear as she pulled her wife in close to slowly dance around the room in time with the chorus of the song.
“Of course, Cissa. I know how important it was for you. And if me handling some paperwork for the boys made that happen, then I would have done all of the paperwork for them,” Hermione said softly, smiling at the love she saw in Narcissa’s eyes. Her mind began to replay the surprise she had given her wife earlier.
**************&**************
Hermione looked at the grand clock that hung above the fireplace. It had been an hour since the small party had begun. And yet they were still not here.
She sighed, frustrated and knowing full well the two men probably got “distracted” because the other looked so handsome in their suits. Those two were so predictable, not that Hermione was much better. She felt her frown lift into a bright smile when she saw Narcissa walking towards her.
They had broken apart for a moment when Hermione was talking with her mother, and Narcissa had seen Andi attempting to spike the punch bowl. After Narcissa had left to deal with her sister, Hermione had lost sight of her.
“Darling, what has you so upset?” Narcissa asked once she reached close enough to grasp Hermione's hands in her own.
Hermione let out a long sigh. “I had a surprise for you. But it has not arrived as I was told it would, and I was considering whether I would have time to knock some heads together before you noticed. But alas, you caught me,” Hermione, while still frustrated by the boys, simply smiled while telling the truth. She refused to totally hide anything from her wife again.
Narcissa, for her part, patted Hermione's hand. “I would prefer my wife not get into a fight on our anniversary. I would not want to have to pull Draco from his work,” She tried to joke, but her smile fell a little at the mention of her child. Hermione wrapped Narcissa in a hug where Narcissa laid her head onto Hermione's shoulder. Her frustration was multiplying at her special guests' lateness.
Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione saw a flash of green and red. An idea formed in her head, and she smirked. Hermione pulled back from the hug. Looking Draco Malfoy dead in the eyes as she leaned up and kissed his mother passionately, which Narcissa leaned into. She unknowingly gave her son and his husband a small showwhere Narcissa surprised Hermione and pulled her in so they were flushed together. Her hands roamed Hermione's back as they kissed.
Narcissa pulled back from the kiss when she heard sputtering and a familiar laughter from behind her. She turned around and let out a sound (which she would deny was anything resembling a joyful squeal), then ran towards Draco, who was still sputtering at Hermione's audacity of kissing his mom right in front of him, and Harry, who was holding onto Draco’s arm and laughing at what had just transpired.
Narcissa threw her arms around both Draco and Harry, hugging them tight. “Boys! What are you doing here? I thought you were going to be stuck in France, dealing with all that paperwork?” Narcissa asked, confused how they were here, but so happy to see her son and son-in-law.
Draco smiled at his mom. still slightly flushed, “We would have been, but Hermione helped us in her spare time, so we could make it.” Draco explained, then narrowed his eyes, “I regret accepting your help if you kissing my mother like that, is what you wanted us here for?”
Hermione just laughed, “Maybe you should not have been so late! Don’t think I do not know the reason behind your lateness, Mr. ‘I can’t see Harry in a suit without jumping him’.” Narcissa swatted at Hermione's arm, making Hermione roll her eyes and go to hug the two men. “It is good to see you two.”
Narcissa suddenly grabbed her arm and pulled her into a hug. “Oh, thank you, Darling. I love you so much,” Hermione just beamed at Narcissa and ignored Draco’s protests at their sappy love.
**************&**************
Narcissa’s eyes were drawn to the golden pendant that hung in the middle of Hermione’s chest. Her tie having been excitedly taken off, and the first two buttons undone so Hermione could wear the necklace proudly. Narcissa pulled Hermione close in time with the music so she could whisper into Hermione's ear, “I look forward to those panties soon, darling.”
Narcissa enjoyed seeing the blush rising up Hermione’s chest and reminded herself to thank Monica and Wendell later for the matching gifts.
**************&**************
Hermione was running her hands through Narcissa’s hair. Her wife was leaning against her shoulder while sitting on the love seat. They decided on a small break from the party to sit in a cozy corner while talking with Draco and Harry. Their conversation was interrupted by Monica walking up with an amused-looking Wendel holding what looked like a regular brown gift bag, which Hermione eyed suspiciously.
“There you two are! I wanted to give you your gift before it got much later. One's for you, and one is for Narcissa,” Monica said as Wendel passed the bag over. “If you like them, there’s a gift card to the place as well.”
Narcissa’s curiosity was piqued. Hermione sat up straight to look into the bag as Narcissa removed the tissue paper and then pulled out two small boxes. One had a picture of strawberries, and another had a picture of green apples on the cover. On the cover in bold letters read “Edible Gummy Panties.”
Hermione blushed bright red as Narcissa let out a wild cackle. “MOM, why!” Hermione said, quickly grabbing the boxes and stuffing them back into the bag. She then buried her head into Narcissa’s shoulder.
Harry chose that moment to speak up, “Oh, the strawberry flavor from that brand is lovely,” earning a swat to the head from Draco, who was just as red as Hermione now, as Harry had just admitted to them using the same brand. Monica and Narcissa continued to laugh at the absurdity. Hermione stood up and went to find a drink, stating she would be back when her mother learned some manners. This only made Monica laugh harder.
Once Narcissa was able to compose herself, she went off to calm her wife after she vanished the brown gift bag to their bedroom in the Manor.
She found Hermione staring down a glass of wine, contemplating whether she could drown herself in it or not. “Darling, here I wanted to give this to you before it gets much later.” Narcissa held out the small wooden box. Hermione set her wine glass downand gently took the box from Narcissa.
She lifted it open and gasped at what was inside. Sitting upon a red velvet cushion was a golden necklace in the shape of a daffodil. And in the center was a round black diamond. “Cissa, this is gorgeous.” Hermione set the necklace down long enough to pull off her tie and unbutton the top buttons on her shirt. She couldn’t wait to proudly show the necklace off.
Hermione put the necklace on. “I love it so much, thank you.” Narcissa blushed, enjoying the praise, “Of course. I love you too, and I will tell you more about it later. ok, my dear?” She said sweetly. And leaned in to kiss Hermione. The brunette nodded, she knew Narcissa could be shy when it came to anything sentimental.
**************&**************
As the final chorus to their song played. Narcissa softly sang along, “You're the only one I want to go through time with,” blushing slightly at the look of pure devotion on Hermione’s face. Narcissa led them towards the middle of the ballroom, where she bent Hermione in a deep dip. She kissed her softly as their friends and family watched the dance, and clapped at the magnificent display of love and devotion towards each other. Once they both stood up, Hermione could not hold back her joyful laughter. She smiled brightly and looked up at Narcissa.“You're such a softy. But you are my softy.
————&————
The rest of the night passed by in a blur for Narcissa. All she was aware of was the constant presence of Hermione by her side. Both refused to let go of each other’s hands as they said their goodbyes to the guests who had come.
Hermione leaned on Narcissa’s arm as they waved at Hermione's parents. Wendel held up a more than buzzed but not quite fully drunk waving Monica. “Bye, girls. don’t do anything I wouldn’t do.” Hermione rolled her eyes and said her goodbyes, giving one final hug to her parents just before her dad threw a pinch of floo powder into the fireplace. Seconds later, it was just Hermione and Narcissa.
Narcissa was excited to show Hermione her final gift. But she was also afraid her wife was too tired. Little did she know the exact opposite was more true. Narcissa and her beauty had ruthlessly teased Hermione all day.
Narcissa placed a gentle kiss on Hermione's crown. “Are you ready to head to bed?” Narcissa asked, squeezing Hermione's hand in her own.
Hermione looked up with a face Narcissa could only describe as pure outrage. “Excuse you. I wish to hear you tell me about my necklace. And then move onto more pleasurable things,” Hermione nipped at Narcissa’s neck drawing a small groan from her wife.
“You are going to be the death of me,” Narcissa grumbled. She reached over and grabbed Hermione's hand, leading her through the Manor. They stopped in front of the door Hermione had always wanted to go through. But had learned the hard way when they were first dating that she was not allowed inside the Black family library.
When Hermione had tried to enter the library the first time, she had gotten electrocuted and thrown against the wall across from the door, earning herself a concussion for her trouble. Narcissa then forbade Hermione from ever attempting to go into the library again. Which is why she looked at Narcissa like a confused puppy, “What are we doing here?” she asked. Narcissa smiled and held up her wand. She mumbled an incantation quietly as she tapped it against Hermione's necklace. The tip gently touched the black diamond 3 times. On the final tap, Black magic began to arc outwards from the necklace and wrap around Hermione's body in black vine-like tendrils.
After a moment, the magic sank into Hermione's skin. Hermione gasped as she suddenly felt the connection Narcissa and Andromeda had both tried to explain to her. How the Manor felt like a living creature. When they were sad, the Manor was sad, and now... now the Manor was happy, as happy as Narcissa was to see the magic had done what she had intended and connected Hermione to the Black family magic.
“Now, my love, you are fully connected to my family. No spells intending to keep anyone but blood relatives out will be able to hurt you now!” Narcissa explained excitedly. She nodded her head towards the Library’s door.
Hermione ignored it for a moment to sweep her wife up into a crushing hug. “I love you so much,” she said, spinning Narcissa around. Hermione sat Narcissa downkissing her while they both laughed. They both turned towards the door and opened it together. For the first time, Hermione was able to step into what had to be the biggest library she had ever seen. It went on and on with 2 stories of floor-to-ceiling bookshelves. There were countless aisles of bookshelveslining every wall. Narcissa once again grabbed at Hermione's arm to pull her farther into the library.
When they reached the back wall. Hermione saw a decent-sized window seat. The seat was filled with pillows and blankets. “This is where I love to read the most. It has been my favorite spot since I was a little girl.”
Hermione looked at it with wonder, “It's perfect. I can not wait to spend days in here with you, showing me your favorite books and telling me all about how you got this necklace to work.” Hermione smiled at Narcissa. She mentally thanked whatever deities there were that she was able to love this wonderfully beautiful witch when she noticed something out of the corner of her eye that caught her attention.
Hermione walked over to a familiar green pillow with red patches sewn on where something had scratched it, and then someone had fixed the scratches. The same pillow that had gone missing 6 months ago. “Cissa... is this Crook’s pillow?”
Hermione asked, turning to see a teary-eyed Narcissa, “Yes, he spent a great deal of time with me in here while I worked on the necklace for you. He even helped me test the magic. I added him to the family magic first by enchanting his collar. He is on the Family tree, even.” Narcissa said, pointing towards the far end of the library where a tapestry hung.
Hermione walked over. Up close, she could see where a small section had branched off from Narcissa’s portrait, which held a small picture of Crookshanks and his name, along with his birth and death days.
Next to Narcissa’s name stood a banner that looked identical but bore the name “Hermione Granger,” which was also attached to Crooks’ branch. Narcissa stood next to Hermione and held her hand. “He was loved. So very much. Till the very end,” Narcissa said gently.
Hermione turned and threw herself into Narcissa’s arms. They hugged and in Hermione’s case, cried for the loss of the cat they had both considered more a child than a pet. After a little bit, they both calmed down. And Narcissa gave Hermione the tour of the library. She taught her the spell to summon any book she wanted, so it would fly to a table.
They then returned to the reading nook. Hermione looked out the window to see the sparkling stars. “I see now why you loved this spot so much. The stars are beautiful here.” Narcissa smiled. It was so nice to have someone who understood her. Valued and not ridiculed the things she liked and was sentimental about.
“Yes, but I have an even better view now than I did when I first claimed this as my spot,” Narcissa said seductively. Running her hand up Hermione's clothed thigh causing Hermione to let out an involuntary shiver. Then turned the tables and grabbed at Narcissa and pinned her back against the wall of the window alcove.
“Well then. What do you say to making some more memories in this spot?” Hermione husked into Narcissa’s ear. Instead of responding with words, Narcissa grabbed the collar of Hermione's slightly unbuttoned dress shirt and kissed her deeply. Hermione always did have a way of lighting a fire within Narcissa.
Eventually, they made their way to the bedroom. Where, after their activities, they were both exhausted. Neither bothered to re-dress. Simply showered and removed any remnants of makeup that remained. Then got into bed and held each other. While it would take some work to ensure they never went through another miscommunication such as this, they were stronger than ever before now.
Narcissa burrowed into Hermione's warmth and kissed her neck. “Je t'aime, ma petite sorcière.”
Hermione’s arms wrapped around Narcissa and pulled her even closer. She placed a kiss on Narcissa’s crown and whispered back, “I love you too, Cissa. Beauty may fade, but my heart will forever stay the same,” she said. Despite all that happened, Cissa truly felt Hermione meant it.
They drifted off to sleep cocooned in their shared love. Both looking forward to many more happy anniversaries and the rest of their lives together.