Hermione Granger had always felt her abilities lay outside of her poky office job at the ministry. She longed to be doing something worthwhile with her life and the research for her book wasn't going as well as she'd hoped. Gazing out of a window she reflected on what life could have been like if she'd accepted Ron's proposal. As much as she loved the Weasley's and Ron for that matter she couldn't see herself as his wife. He was more of a brother to her, along with Harry. They were the brothers she never had. Her brief relationship with Ron had felt wrong and she couldn't deny the feeling of boredom with him. The fear that she would turn into a housewife, cooking, cleaning and bringing up children. Of course she had no quarrel with the more traditional housewives like her almost mother in law, but Hermione longed for more freedom. Her thirst for knowledge meant that she couldn't stand the idea of everyday being the same. That is why she decided to make the decision that brought her where she is now. Sat in the office of Kingsley Shacklebolt as she handed in her notice in order to continue her research on dark artefacts. Her hope was that if more people were alerted to the dangers of said artefacts they would be less interested and maybe a future war like the one 4 years previous could be prevented.

'I can't say I'm surprised Hermione, I always thought you were destined for more than this.' kingsley's low and booming voice brought Hermione back to reality. She smiled weakly at the minister for magic before he pulled her into a surprisingly gentle embrace and sent her on her way.

She was free.

'It looks like you have no other choice 'Mione. Besides, they're not bad people anymore. Sure what they did was unforgivable but it seems as though they've seen the error in their ways.'

Hermione found it easy to drift away from Harry's reassuring words and into a dreamlike state in which her paranoia got the better of her.

Research for her book on dark artefacts had come to a grinding halt after she discovered that in order to write anything of substance on a particularly dangerous potion she needed the correct instructions and for that, the correct book. A book which belonged to none other than Lucius Malfoy. Hermione knew full well that Lucius was in Azkaban however his wife was not and there was nothing she wanted less than to approach the pure blood elitist, stuck up, 'Ice Queen' who sat back and let her sister brutally torture her.

'You don't really have much of choice Hermione.' Hermione glared and her best friend who smirked in return and leant against her husbands shoulder.

'I'm aware of that Ginny but that doesn't mean I'm happy about it!' Hermione sighed, they were right. She was going to have to do something, she hadn't left her job at the ministry for nothing. She was determined to finish this book and would do so by any means necessary.

Too cowardly to confront Mrs Malfoy about the situation she decided an owl would be the safest option and set to work on a formal letter, trying her best to keep her obvious distaste to the woman to a minimum. It wasn't long before Hermione received a reply, granting her permission to meet with at Malfoy manor to discuss the book in question. Some last minute fussing with her hair and blouse and she was ready.

'Here goes nothing.' She sighed to herself, crossing the living room of her small yet modest London flat to her fireplace. Grabbing a nice handful of powder she stepped in, clearly stating her destination.

'Malfoy manor!' A twinge of hesitation barely audible in her voice at the thought if returning to the very place Bellatrix Lestrange had tortured her. Hermione didn't have time to dwell on the fearful memories trying to worm their way into her conscious. Green flames engulfed her and before she knew it her surroundings changed. Gently brushing some of the soot now on her shoulder she stepped out into a very large and grand reception room. Portraits of previous Malfoy's adorned the walls, not attempting to hide their disgust at a 'mud blood' gracing their presence.

'Don't mind them.' The surprisingly soothing voice came from behind. Hermione cautiously turned to see Narcissa Malfoy standing in the door way. Her electric blue eyes seemed to pierce Hermione's soul and she was momentarily hypnotised. Managing to break her stare from the older woman's eyes Hermione paused to take in the rest of her appearance. She stood with an air of authority and dignity, Hermione's eyes drifted over her. Taking in her pale, porcelain skin, platinum blonde hair pulled back into a neat bun and ruby lips then down to her miraculous body. She was a slim witch who wore a tight midi dress, hugging her curves in all of the right places. Hermione had never witnessed someone so beautiful and was sure that Narcissa Malfoy must be part Veela!

'Mrs Malfoy, I am Hermione Granger' she explained cautiously extending her hand to the woman in front of her.

'I know who you are miss Granger, how could I not?' Narcissa's lips twitched into a slight smile at the girl in front of her.

'But I must tell you it's Black now, Ms Black. I divorced my husband almost immediately after the war and am merely keeping the manor occupied until his release.'

Hermione kicked herself, obviously she was divorced! She had read all about it in the daily prophet, Rita Skeeter had of course, dished the dirt to her 'ravid readers'. She didn't quite know what it was but there was something about the angelic looking woman in front of her that made Hermione lose focus.

After hours of searching through the Malfoy library Hermione now had an ever growing pile of books that would aid her research significantly. Narcissa had stayed to help her sift through some of the masses of books and parchment to find something of substance. Despite the obvious differences between the two, Narcissa found she was enjoying the younger witch's company. She had never been as hateful towards muggle borns as her parents and elder sibling. Saying that she could remember a time where Bellatrix was a relatively normal young woman. As normal as she could be in their situation. Not everyone came from families as famous as the Noble House of Black. Herself and her two older sisters were pressurised by their parents to always keep up appearances and never shame the family name. Narcissa had envied Andromeda for getting out while she could. Her love for Ted had her banished and she was to never see her sister again. She had thought about paying her sister a visit. She was the only family, aside from her son Draco, that remained. However, she knew that it wasn't as easy as that. Andromeda would most likely hate her for everything that had happened and Narcissa knew she should have done more. Maybe if her sudden burst of morality had come sooner she could have prevented the death of her niece. She hated the thought of Andromeda being alone, and Nymphadora's child, her great nephew, having to grow up without his parents.

'Narcissa?'

Hermione's soft voice broke her train of thought, she hadn't noticed that her eyes were now swimming with tears, threatening to fall. She desperately tried to hide her face from the young girl but it was too late. Hermione gently rested her hand on top of Narcissa's and she couldn't deny the feeling of warmth that spread through her. She smiled at the young witch, still attempting to hide her feelings.

'Maybe we should finish sorting through any more of this another time? It's getting rather late and I do not wish for you to waste your night.' Hermione continued to keep her hand over Narcissa's as she spoke. She didn't know why but she felt the need to reassure her. Coming to the manor had shown her the genuine change in the woman sat in front of her. A woman filled with regret and sorrow for the events that took place in the war. She gathered some of the more important documents as she readied to leave.

'Thank you, very much Ms Black. I truly appreciate your help.' Hermione tried her best convey her genuine thanks to the woman who's mind seemed elsewhere.

'I'll owl you tomorrow so we can set up another meeting.'

Narcissa lead Hermione from the library back to the fireplace and shook her hand. Narcissa's grip was firm yet gentle, her skin incredibly soft as it brushed giants Hermione's. As Hermione stepped into the fireplace her eyes locked with the beautiful blue orbs belonging to the other woman.

'Despite want you think, spending the night in your company certainly would not have been a waste.' With that Hermione felt the familiar feeling as the green flames rose, returning her to her own home.

Narcissa lay in bed. Her thoughts full of Hermione. She hadn't known the witch long but there was something about her. Narcissa longed for their next meeting. Hermione's last words playing in her mind. The girl liked spending time with her too. Deciding her thoughts were merely those of a lonely, middle aged woman who was not often exposed to kindness. she was surely misinterpreting the meaning of Hermione's words. She turned out the lights with a flick of her wand hoping to sleep. She was not so lucky as once again her mind jumped to the young, brunette witch she had spent the afternoon and evening with. Not being able to resist, Narcissa let a genuine smile grace her face. She honestly couldn't wait to spend more time with Hermione Granger and that was something she never would have thought.

Soft tapping awoke Hermione the next morning. Groaning loudly at her disrupted sleep she rolled out of bed and let the owl in, tossing the letter to the side she flopped back down on the bed. Gathering her thoughts Hermione realised something. One person had plagued her dreams las night. A woman, with electric blue eyes, ruby red lips and platinum blonde hair. Her dreams were filled with the woman who, little to Hermione's knowledge, had owled already, eager to set up another meeting. Hermione sighed softly, whispering under her breath. 'Narcissa Black? I must be crazy!'