DISCLAIMER: I'M NOT JK ROWLING THUS I DO NOT OWN ANY OF THE CHARACTERS. ONLY THE PLOT. AND THE CUPCAKE. ENJOY MDEARS~
The piano played smoothly throughout the fancy cafe. The instrument was charmed to play different songs endlessly in order for the customer's satisfaction. The café was held in a secret location where only a few muggles – sworn to keep its secrecy – and numerous witches and wizards come to.
No one would know it was held in an old, rusty jungle gym in the backyard of a fancy French cottage; which was located in an isolated place near the sparkling lake and forest of Halcyon. There are other entrances like the ballet-woman oak tree in a park and the Gryffindor coloured fire hydrant near the city which both had to be knocked on three times to activate the apparition process. Each one however are located only in Wizarding world (the tree), and around London (fire hydrant); thus, only a few hundred people know the place.
"Goodness, this is insanely fabulous!" a new customer arrived from the door after the entry bell rang. Letting the waiter guide her to a booth, she smiled brightly at him. "Thank you, young man." She sighed adoringly.
The woman sat with a content sigh on the soft leather seat and faced the young man. With a warm smile he handed her the menu "Alex, madam."
Taking the menu from his hands, she opened it delicately, cocking a perfect eyebrow at what she saw. It was odd how the menu was empty, except for the rectangular space in the center of the whole menu. It had a fuzzy picture of a glass of water. "Humm…" she started to ask but was stopped by the grinning Alex.
"You just have to think of what you're craving for today, madam." The gorgeous man said as he combed his brown bangs off his hazel eyes. The woman looked sceptical.
"Oh trust me ma'am, you won't be disappointed!"
The woman thought for a few seconds, and instantly, the picture inside the rectangle altered into another image.
She laughed, "Well! I must say I'm already beginning to love this place. I'm assuming that my person is craving for a red velvet cupcake with blueberry icing on top. Ooh let's add a few strawberries at the side."
The woman smiled as she stared at the clear image of a cupcake with a few cut strawberries at the side and a glass of tall water on her menu. The price also appeared at the bottom and it was both in muggle and wizard money. Alex began to write it all down with a smile. "Give me a tall glass of water; my son doesn't like it when I eat too many sweets."
Alex chuckled, "Well, that's new to me. Every time I tell my mum to cut down on her sweet tooth she throws a stream of curses my way." The woman giggled.
"So tell me, Alex, how does this menu work?" she asked as she traced a finger down the smooth page.
"This café only has certain foods available since everything is fresh, but in order for great customer satisfaction, the menu is programmed to adjust the food according to the customer's cravings – it's a really difficult spell to accomplish. We always have fresh meat, vegetables, fruits, and whole lot of other ingredients." Alex grinned. "The difficult thing, however, is that this café serves what is mainly you crave. So if one is supposedly cutting down, then…" He shrugged. "You don't want to be here."
The woman laughed outright. "My, that's impressive!" She clapped her hands together and then raised an eyebrow playfully at Alex. "Well, off you go, young man; don't keep this lady waiting for her cupcake! I'm not in any form of cutting down so don't delay now."
Alex bowed with a smug look and left to get her food.
The woman looked at her surroundings; the place was indeed spectacular. The calming dark purple ceiling merged well with the exquisite black ceiling lights that hung about two feet above the smooth glittering black tables. Her hand skimmed the brown leather booth chair as she eyed the fresh red rose perched in a thin crystal vase on the table. She continued to eye the place with admiration.
The small round tables in the middle of the café were similar to the ones on the booth, the single chairs around it however, were maroon. It was pleasant to the eyes. The walls were painted deep purple and blue but there were silver linings and patterns on it like vines. Since her seat was far away from the window, she just noticed the glass doors leading outside in a small porch which was filled with chattering people, facing the flowing lake and forestry. She let out a contented sigh and leaned her head back against her seat, listening to the wonderful piano piece. What a place this was!
She needs – no – she must see the owner of this gorgeous café! And she will get what she wants; after all, she's Narcissa Malfoy.
Alex came back a few minutes later with a tray balanced in his right hand where the cupcake and glass of water sat.
"Here you are, sweet lady." Alex smiled toothily as he sat each one down from his tray.
She thanked him and smiled brightly, "Call me Narcissa, you'll see me everyday here from now on anyway." Alex smiled and nodded appreciatively. "By the way, is it possible to see the owner of this café?"
Alex was surprised and grew wary of this, "I-Is there something wrong?"
To say Narcissa was curious by the sudden reaction was an understatement, "Why no, why would there be something wrong? Goodness to heavens, I simply adore this place already, I would just like to know who the mastermind behind all this is." Nacissa said with the motion of her hand.
With an inquisitive face, Alex replied an emotionless, "I'll see to it if she's busy." And left after Narcissa said a quiet thank you.
She didn't say anything wrong did she? Wait…does he know she's a Malfoy? After all, the Malfoys were both looked up to and scared of. After the war, the Malfoys were supposedly thrown into Azkaban; however, Harry Potter himself, took the liberty to save the Malfoys. Explaining how Narcissa saved his life by lying to the Dark Lord, eventually leading to their victory. And now, they were still at the top; still progressing after all the commotion; and maintaining their usual dignity. Narcissa contemplated all this whilst eating her cupcake with a fork.
The cupcake was seriously sensational! It was better than what she had in a five star restaurant. She could also tell it was hand-made. It wasn't as attractive as those she had, but the simplicity is what made it more appealing. Malfoys refuse to eat something that is half-heartedly made – especially ones that are magically made. They leave an unpleasant after taste in the mouth – a tiny tinge of bitterness a normal person wouldn't notice. That's why they prefer house elves to do their food; they make a fantastic job of preparing home-made meals without using too much magic.
Without even noticing it, she forked an empty china, creating a dull yet grating sound. Gods, that cupcake was sinful. She wanted more, but Draco would nag her about her aging health again. Oh for the love of all merciful things, she'll just take the nagging! All she asked for was one more damn cupcake, after all!
While drinking her water, she failed to notice the woman standing beside her with a wary expression. After giving Alex the direction to close up the café early, the woman decided to make her presence. Clearing her throat, she gained Narcissa's attention. The young lady had cropped hair, defining her beautifully endowed face, her brown eyes showed uncertainty, her full lips set into a nervous yet determined pout. She seemed familiar but can't put her memory into it.
"Nice meeting you here, Mrs. Malfoy." The young lady bowed slightly.
"Oh!" The woman looked familiar to her, but she can't seem to place it. Narcissa gestured to the seat infront of her. "Please sit down, I assume you're the owner, Miss…"
The lady sat down across from Narcissa, and she fiddled nervously with her fingers. Her eyebrows furrowed slightly in contemplation, "Granger. Hermione Granger."
Narcissa nearly choked at her saliva, "Oh my. Forgive me for forgetting Miss Granger. It's been…five years has it?" Hermione nodded. "I apologize for forgetting you so easily and for suddenly calling you out like this, you must be busy."
Hermione looked at the woman infront of her. Surely, she changed. Her eyes spoke what she was saying. Frankly, her sincerity frightened her. Hermione shook her head and smiled slightly, "Not at all. This must be unexpected and rather late but I also apologize as well for…erm, the past…circumstances. I believe we didn't really get along very well; however, I must thank you for saving the whole world." Hermione's chocolate eyes looked straight into Narcissa's confused blues.
"I don't know what you are talking about, dear."
"From before, Mrs. Malfoy," Hermione spoke gently. "I know that some may have deemed you to still be erm…a follower for the dark side, but even before Harry helped you on your case, I believed that you were as innocent as any victims out there. Your act of bravery to the one of the strongest, most evil wizard gains you the title of being a hero." Hermione said with a gentle smile. "You saved Harry that time."
"Why y-yes, but I probably wouldn't have if…if-"
"If your son wasn't alive?" Hermione finished. "But I bet you still would've done it for the sake of living in a peaceful world…or redemption."
It never dawned on Narcissa that someone else would believe her doing. People were hesitant of the Malfoys because of their so-called loyalties. They were doubtful of her allegiance, and so to have another one of the Golden Trios believe and understand her situation was beyond her. "Well, thank you for acknowledging me this way, dear; even after all the things we've done to you bunch." Her eyes dropped in shame. Her eyes fixated on Hermione's left arm, and she cringed at the sight. "I should apologize…"
Looking at the woman infront of her, Hermione saw where her eyes were directed and she smiled faintly.
"Oh yes, this mark." She stroked it gently. "There's no need to be ashamed of it really. For both of us. Your sister – if I may say so – was a sadistic maniac," Narcissa let out a faint chuckle and a nod. "She's totally unlike you. You only did…deeds for the sake of your family's safety, Mrs. Malfoy. Your love is incomparable. So I don't think there's anything to apologize about."
Narcissa was touched at this girl's strength and sincerity towards her – she never really expected it. She gazed at the young woman whose eyes were directed at her blue ones. Her brown orbs showed absolute honesty and respect.
Hermione then sighed and planted a grin on her face. "For me, this mark represents my strength and my identity. Before, I was looked down upon, unwanted; it was hurtful like this scar when it was fresh; because it was believable. But realization dawned on me after a few days that, it was just another scar. We can't help the things that are instilled upon us; we have no choice since life gave it to us – like our blood or famil ." She gave a meaningful look to the older woman. "I don't think I'm a mudblood – a muggleborn – yes, but I'm proud of that. They may say I do not belong in this world but I belong where I think I belong. Mudblood, is just a nasty name someone came up with to bring us muggles down; someone who is supposedly inferior to others. Someone who is unable to do things what others can."
"But you showed them, didn't you, dear?" Narcissa smiled adoringly.
Hermione blushed and grinned nonetheless. "No matter how many scars or tattoos people put upon my skin, they won't be able to identify who I really am inside." She explained, stroking the slightly faded scar. "The prejudice is somewhat gone now and I'm glad."
Narcissa sat in awe at this young woman infront of her. Her strength was unimaginable. Hermione didn't even put up a fight when she met her. Narcissa expected more of a "I'm sorry, I refuse the offer; with all due respect, I prefer not to associate myself with a Malfoy, especially after what you have done – or atleast, what your son had done." Instead, Hermione Granger told her what she wanted to hear; but it all came straight from her heart. And she's here pouring her feelings out to a complete stranger that – as crazy as it sounds – she may understand and trust.
"I want to tell you something if you don't mind, dear; something that I want you to believe."
Hermione cocked her head to the side slightly, intrigued.
"Us Malfoys have left all those 'beliefs' behind if you can believe it," Narcissa whispered, but loud enough for Hermione to hear. "Lucius was an unhappy man; but after the war he became more…his past self. He was…" she exhaled loudly. "Traumatized for awhile but time healed him soon enough. He even donated money for muggle schools; I joked about that at him for months." Hermione sat wide eyed. "Unbelievable isn't it? Lucius wasn't really a bad man; but he…well, you've heard the news, right?"
Confused, Hemione shook her head, "No I haven't."
Narcissa frowned grimly. "He was hunted down by some of the former Death Eaters. Luckily, Draco wasn't there when that happened." Narcissa shuddered. "We were lounging outside when these two men appeared infront of us; Crabbe and Goyle." Hermione saw the spark of sadness and anger in her eyes. "I knew instantly something was wrong, and before I could draw my wand out, they…"
Grasping Narcissa's shaking hand over the table, Hermione shushed her. "It's alright, you don't have to finish."
Shaking her head she looked directly at Hermione, "I was scared beyond comprehension. I knew he was gone the instant the green light hit him on the chest; but I wanted it so much to be false…"
Hermione patted the older woman's hand reassuringly, a sad empathetic smile on her face, and finished for her "To be just a nightmare."
Sniffling, she grasped Hermione hand tightly. "Goodness…" she wiped her tears away and stared at their clasped hands. An engagement ring in Hermione's finger caught her eye. With a frown, Narcissa whispered helplessly, "Weasley? Ronald Weasley?"
The young witch nodded, a frown plastered on her face. "It's been two years since that happened…it was really hard to cope; to lose the ones you love."
"It's not only Mr. Weasley?" Narcissa gasped.
Hermione shook her head sadly, wiping a lone tear off her cheek, "She would've been four years old this year…"
After an hour of unrelenting heart-to-heart conversation consisting of sadness, tears, understanding, a building friendship, and then laughter, Narcissa said her gratitude and left a bright Hermione. She just made friends with a Malfoy…and it's an elder Malfoy.
That night, while closing up the café, Alex came barrelling towards Hermione giving her a huge embrace and a kiss on both cheeks.
Laughing Hermione said, "Merlin, you haven't been drinking the Elf-wine again have you?"
He laughed, "I wish, but you put up those bloody wards in the secret cupboard of yours." He then took out something from his back pocket and handed it to Hermione. "Here, you need to see this."
Hermione took the opened crisp envelope and took out a letter inside.
"Sorry for taking up your time, Hermione. As much as I enjoyed it – and hopefully so have you, I had taken up much of your time for work. Please take this as my gratitude and apology. Sincerely, Narcissa."
Hermione looked inside the envelope and sure enough, a piece of paper was inside.
"Is this-" she asked pointing at the cheque.
"For real! Five thousand galleons, 'Mione! FIVE. THOUSAND GALLEONS."
Hermione stared, astonished. Only she could give such a huge amount of money. She laughed incredulously, "Narcissa, you are SO getting more of those red velvet cupcakes."
AN: Reviews are more than welcome. There's more to come.
