Author's note - I fell in love with the Hermione/Narcissa pairing so here I am trying to do them justice. I don't want to give much away but for set up, this is 5 years after the Battle of Hogwarts and there will definitely be AU parts to the story. The first few chapters are going to be set up to get a sense for my writing and how my universe is the same/different from canon. I do hope you enjoy.
Piercing green eyes looked through the tall, locked, gates of Malfoy Manor after she and her companion apparated here. Slowly fingers curled around metal, squeezing it tightly as if she were a prisoner. She blinked several times as a few splashes from clouds above hit her face, not bothering to cast a charm to let the water fall around her. It fit her mood, coming here as a courtesy for a highly respected wizard. Glancing upwards, dark clouds rolled overhead, casting a deeper sense of intent over the estate, the light slowly dimming as the prelude to storm was about to shift into downpour.
"Come now, Nikole. We mustn't dally with this weather!"
Professor Slughorn shambled up to his companion, voice heavy with concern. "Good heavens! You're already damp from the rain."
Nikole Astrum slowly shifted her gaze up towards him, offering a hint of a smile through the wavy brown strands of hair that were caught between wet and dry. "It's fine. I like the rain."
A half truth that she gave her colleague who long since cast the charm to remain dry upon apparating on the grounds. He shook his head, thrusting a stern finger towards her.
"We're supposed to make an impression here. That won't work if you're all wet!"
With a shrug, she finally let go of the bars as a gust billowed out the maroon robes around her - the grey suit underneath no longer protected from the elements. "You've already made several impressions here. To no avail. And quite dry I might add."
"Which is why this visit is crucial! If it doesn't work I'm going to postpone my retirement yet again!"
Slughorn had been threatening that for years now, but it was always a song and dance that he did with Headmistress McGonagall that surmounted to nothing. Except he had taken on a potion apprentice two years prior by the name of Gena Baldo making good on his threats. She was brilliant and looked up to the potions professor, playing him along with compliments and doing whatever was asked of her. No errand was too small - from fetching ingredients at Hogsmeade, corresponding with Slugs and Jiggers Apothecary by owl with other needs not met on grounds, and grading every inch of parchment for essays and exams for all the students. Which she did quite fair and well, leaving Slughorn to simply teach - the part of the job he loved, next to courting high profile students, of course.
Until a practical lesson that Gena was leading turned chaotic. A second year student, whose identity was still unknown at this time, switched out the lavender sprigs bottle for a bottle of hemlock. Without paying attention to the white powdery substance that she poured out, something she should have known instinctively was incorrect by feel, tossed it into her cauldron causing its contents to explode. The thick, noxious, substance splattered all over Apprentice Baldo and the students in the first row, immediately burning robes and blistering skin! Madam Pomprey was beside herself with such a careless act as her infirmary was filled with injuries from the incident so close to the end of term.
Embarrassed, Baldo handed in her resignation. Slughorn was unable to convince anyone to take the position after word spread like fiendfyre of what happened. This year was much the same. Either under qualified witches and wizards applied, or qualified ones declined. His list of names were growing thin until McGonagall offered another suggestion, but Horace was met with resistance with this particular witch. Having Nikole here was his last attempt to sway his prospect before asking the Headmistress for help. He preferred courting his replacement himself. Or mostly himself, this time.
He brought out his wand, tapped at the gate, and watched it open with invitation. Horace tucked his wand away inside his inner jacket pocket and shifted, offering an extension of his arm towards Nikole. She quietly snorted before taking a step forward. Halfway up the path, Nikole finally spoke up with what was weighing on her mind.
"For all you know, me being at the school is part of the problem."
"Oh I doubt that." He puffed out as he kept pace. "She's stubborn is all."
That quirked a brow. "Proud is a better word."
Horace chuckled as they climbed the few steps to the main door. "Same thing really. Though I suspect she'd like your description better."
He leaned closer to her, lowering his voice. "I know this is difficult but please … whatever you can …?"
Her guarded eyes softened to fondness as she clasped Horace's shoulder with a wet hand. "I know how much it means for you to retire. I'll do my best. Promise."
His eyes squinted as he smiled, reaching up to pat her hand affectionately. The last war left a mark on Horace if one knew to look for it. Outwardly he was the same old Slughorn - compassionate potions teacher, coveting high profile students into his club to gain glory through them. The act was quite brilliant, but you could hear the subtle fatigue in his voice. The passion had diminished and he was just going through the motions at Hogwarts. He needed to properly grieve away from school and enjoy life. For that, she was willing to meet the mistress of the manor despite their complicated history and how uncomfortable she was feeling now. She owed it to her old teacher, friend, and fellow professor to set aside all that.
That was when the door swung open. Horace dropped his hand and stretched his arms out in greeting to the young man on the other side, baffled why Slughorn was here yet again.
"You're a glutton for punishment Professor," said Draco as he accepted the hug. "Mother's not going to change her mind."
The handful of years that have passed since the war had helped bring back Draco's countenance, no longer sickeningly gaunt and slate eyes haunted, there was life behind those orbs and a smile that actually reached them. Nikole noted that and how he was looking even more like his father, especially as he grew out his hair. His presence reminded her of his mother, however. Or at least what she had previously known of his mother. They hadn't spoken since graduation, being on separate sides of ideals, expectations and war.
"Well, even if so, it's always good to visit. Oh! My manners." He stepped aside, a hand still tucked around Draco's elbow as he dispense with the introductions. "May I introduced Professor Nikole Astrum. Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts teacher!"
Despite her hesitations in being here, she was genuinely delighted to meet Draco under happier circumstances and thrust out her hand. "A pleasure."
He accepted her hand and firmly shook it. "Likewise. It's an honor to meet the teacher that broke the curse on the position after all."
She chuckled at that as they withdrew hands. "Five years and going strong. And hopefully for a few more."
"Hopefully, hm? Please," he welcomed the pair to enter. "Come inside and warm up. Bloody weather's changing fast. Weren't supposed to have rain today."
"Thank you my boy!"
Horace followed in quickly as Nikole finally cast a charm to dry herself off before stepping inside. She didn't want to track footprints through the home. The idea was to make a good impression. A fact she couldn't argue.
Draco lead them through the foyer, the large crystal chandelier hanging resplendent above them, candles currently extinguished. They were surrounded by centuries old opulence and magic. It sent a shiver down Nikole's back, knowing what happened here. She could feel the dark history radiating through her bones, bringing back the conversation she had with Hermione on what had happened here. What had happened to her.
Nikole scowled, remembering what details the girl had shared as Horace and Draco chatted.
"Mother said you went to school together."
Draco's question startled her out of her thoughts but outwardly remained calm. She was curious as to when Draco learned that bit of information. "We did. We were actually partners in Horace's class throughout our time there."
He considered that as he brought them into the parlor. The curtains were tied opened but very little light came through due to the storm clouds. It was the fire that cast shadows along the walls as they walked inside. Tea and finger sandwiches were already on the table, quickly placed there by a inconspicuous house-elf.
"Funny that." Draco appraised Nikole and she noticed the beginnings of mistrust. "She never mentioned you until today. When we saw you arrive."
Horace looked delighted in his own selfish way. Draco confirmed that his mother was home! He was going out on a limb with the unannounced visit so this was perfect. That good mood quickly deteriorated as he saw Draco and Nikole straighten their posture in a standoff on either side of the dining table.
"And good students at that!" interjected Horace, trying to diffuse the tension. "Difficult to decide who had the brightest talent for potion making I say."
With a sigh, she brought her hands up to clasp the back of the chair before her. "Thank you, Horace. That's … that's kind."
The hard mask of control she wore slowly chipped away and gave the only Malfoy heir a half smile. "And Draco? I'm sure there's plenty of things you don't want to talk about during your time at Hogwarts, hm?"
Draco reluctantly agreed with a curt nod. "You'd be right."
"Think of it like that."
"Yes Draco. You know it's impolite to press others for answers that they're not ready to give."
Narcissa had entered quietly behind Nikole, cutting off her son's attempt at rebuttal. Something unspoken passed between mother and son and she'd bet a knut that Draco was pressing for answers moments before he greeted the professors at the door.
"You're right mother." Draco offered a genuine smile, though Nikole could see unspoken questions burning brightly in his eyes. "Apologies Professor Astrum."
"Please," she smiled thinly, as Draco began to take his leave. She could feel Narcissa's icy gaze watching them closely. "Nikole's just fine."
Horace just watched quietly, feeling the air growing a few degrees chillier than before.
"Nikole then." He paused close to her and offered some quiet advice between them. "And speaking of pressuring? Don't with my mother. If she wanted to accept the position, she would have done so already."
He pulled back with a fake smile. "Enjoy your time here."
His face was more honest when he said his goodbye to Slughorn, promising a proper time to catch up. He kissed his mother on the cheek and cast a wary look Nikole's way one last time before disappearing.
It didn't lessen the tension in the air and it didn't help that the two witches had yet to speak to one another, despite regarding the other's presence. Nikole knew she should turn around and start off with the pleasantries, seeing as she was asked here for that purpose, but Slughorn was one step ahead.
"Ms. Black!" He gleefully announced before going to see her. "I was hoping you'd be home!"
"I'm sure you were," she said with amusement as he took her hand gently. "And really, Horace? Bringing the cavalry here to sway me?"
If Narcissa was anything other than a proper pureblood lady, Nikole would have heard a derisive snort.
"Well, if I'm one thing it's persistent!" he countered.
It took all of Nikole's willpower to not shake her head in exasperation. "If it helps any, he pestered me quite a bit too. But then reminded me of a favor I owed him. And some things don't change with me."
She turned around and looked right at her, throwing her a bright smile that was so fake. A Slytherin she was not, but her intentions were not to be deceitful at all. Narcissa knew why there were here. Nikole was trying very hard to be brave with social awkwardness of a decades long disconnect with a woman she had once admired.
Still admired, she cautioned herself. Narcissa had lied to save Harry Potter from Voldemort, bringing back old feelings from their younger days of the teenager she once knew.
Narcissa's icy visage didn't have the tiniest of fractures for Nikole, or Horace either, of what was going on inside her mind. She merely regarded the younger professor with a perfectly sculpted brow raising with polite interest. "Yes. Loyal to a fault you always were."
Lady Black held up her hand, silencing Nikole's next words as easily as she had done her son earlier. Nikole snapped her mouth closed, eyes stung by that and knew exactly where things stood between them.
"Let us sit and discuss your reasoning as to why I should become the potions professor at Hogwarts," she challenged and gracefully took her seat across from Nikole.
The white porcelain teapot hovered off the tray and began to pour for the three of them, all the while Narcissa's blue eyes remained fixed on the green ones across from her. "Though I dare say, Nikky, you'll be hard pressed to change my mind."
Then it appeared - the old glimmer of friendly rivalry they once had sparkling in Narcissa's eyes. Everything changed in that moment for the two of them.
Like the Hufflepuff she was, Nikole's heart lay bare upon her sleeve as she heard her old nickname. She was wrong in her assumptions and Narcissa played her soundly. Lady Black was very curious to see her and freely opened communication between them.
Nikole pulled out her chair and took a seat, nowhere near as graceful as her hostess, and leaned forward with joy as the teacups floated before each of them. "Well, Cissa, I don't plan on changing your mind."
She felt comfortable quipping back the old nickname back, to which a small chink in Narcissa's armor chipped away and a pure smile etched forth. "You don't?"
"Nope." Nikole sipped her tea, smirking behind the cup, trusting her instincts.
Horace finally broke his silence and plopped down on the chair. "Merlin's Beard, no?! B-b-but… I … I …. I brought you along to help convince her! Not side with her!"
The younger professor chuckled knowingly as she set down her cup. "But I do want to side with her."
"But?!"
Green eyes held a glint in her eyes only for Narcissa, one that the blonde witch recognized after all this time. Nikole knew that Narcissa was going to take the position and it was just a matter of how long should they toy with Horace for old times sake. It also confirmed that Nikole was initially part of Narcissa's reasonings in declining the position, along with her family's status during the second war with her husband and sister. How the home she was being entertained in was used as Voldemort's base of operations.
Yet there was another reason, or person, for that matter that gave Narcissa pause in accepting a teaching position at Hogwarts. A certain Transfiguration Professor that was one third of the Golden Trio who had been brutally tortured here by Bellatrix Lestrange, the oldest of the Black sisters.
For now, their banter was enough, flustering Slughorn into believing he wasn't going to be able to retire.
"You promised, Nikole! You promised me outside you'd help convince her!" he pleaded.
And to that, the two witches quietly locked eyes before laughing deviously together like old times.
