This is painful to redo *sigh* trust me to start over instead of just edit... enjoy loves...
The argument that ensued once returning to the Burrow and after Hermione's admission at accepting Kingsley's offer was one that would go down in 'Golden Trio' history. Ron's face had transgressed through the many stages of red before settling on almost maroon whilst bellowing "Are you mad!" in Hermione's direction before she finally snapped,
"No I am not mad, for your information Ronald, I am merely proving a point to society that people can and will change, especially when given support by people that they wouldn't usual expect to receive it from". Her head was throbbing from his aggravating voice, holding up a hand she continued "And I don't need you to tell me your opinion as I think you've made it perfectly clear for the better part of the last hour". Ron huffed loudly, sunk down on the sofa, crossed his arms and began sulking like a scolded school boy. Silence washed over her like a cool wave, closing her eyes and bowing her head she breathed deeply against the onset of a headache. Feeling the throbbing recede slightly she looked up at the four sets of eyes holding many variations of the same emotion; concern. "I believed them" she began softly "and before I could argue my way out of it my mind made the decision for me. It was like a switch going of in my head and I just knew I couldn't say no. There was no reason for me to say no". Ginny crossed the room to knee at her feet resting her chin on Hermione's knees she held the brunettes gaze.
"I trust your judgement 'mione, honestly I do, but please don't ask me, ask any of us to not be worried about you, about this whole situation". The familiar exhaustion of an argument won released her muscles and she flopped back into he comfy armchair.
"I'm not Ginny, of course I'm not asking that. I just wish I could explain why I have this desire to help them".
"Because you are a kind, considerate person, that's why you feel that way" George's low voice stilled her frustration, getting up he moved towards the kitchen intent on making a cup of tea.
"So what's your plan 'mione? Do you think you can change them?" Harry asked rubbing the back of his neck, glasses hanging precariously between his relaxed fingers.
"They're already changed Harry, we all are, the war saw to that. The question is, can I do it? Can I convince the wizarding community to squash their deep-set feelings in light of my association with them? Can they forgive them?" Ginny glanced at Harry as he placed his glasses back on, an unspoken conversation went on between them. Rolling her eyes Hermione snorted, "Can you two not have your secret relationship conversations so blatantly" blushing slightly Harry sheepishly smiled at the two women across from him.
"Sorry, can't help it" he muttered.
Ron opened his mouth to start voicing his opinions again, a warning tone took over Hermione's voice "I'm not going to change my mind Ron so you might as well thin of something different to say".
The maroon returned, "Fine, by all means go and spend as much time as you want with those Death Eater scumbags, but do not come crying to me, any of you, when you realise I'm right" and with that he stood up angrily and left the room, his stamping feet hard against the wooden stairs as he climbed.
George returned floating four cups in front of him, Harry raised his eyebrows at the number, George shrugged, "I knew he would storm out the moment she told him the stop, I'll send his up in a minute". The other three accepted the tea thankfully, and a comfortable silence commenced broken only by the sound of Molly humming in the garden. Hermione had had the sense to cast a muffling charm about them the moment they got back, pre-empting Ron's outburst.
"So, when does this job officially start?" Ginny asked shifting to sit on the arm of Hermione's chair,
"Tomorrow technically, I need to meet with them one more time with Kingsley just to check they aren't having a change of heart. After that, I'm on my own". Filling her cheeks with air she held her breath for a moment then blew upwards, "I am bloody mad aren't I?" Harry grinned across at her shaking his head and laughing, the remaining Weasley's joined in and finally she did too.
Arriving at Kingsley's office the next day Hermione felt her palms grow sweaty, and for the first time since agreeing to the proposition the day before she felt doubt niggle at her mind. Straightening her already straight skirt she knocked at the door, it swung open to admit her. Kingsley stood to greet her as did the only other person in the room, "Hermione please come in, sit" he motioned to an empty chair next to the blonde.
She smiled in thanks and faced Narcissa, "Good afternoon, Hermione" the woman uttered softy,
"Good afternoon Miss Black, is Draco running late?"
Folding her skirt beneath her she sat, as the woman next to her did the same, "No, he can't make it, he sends his apologies and will explain his reasons the next time you two meet". As ladylike as she could muster Hermione crossed her legs and tucked her hair behind an ear.
"No problem, I'm sure I'll see him soon", glancing down at her clasped hands she berated herself for being so ill prepared. Clearing her throat slightly she turned in her seat to give Narcissa her full attention, as it was, the blonde woman was already giving her all of hers. "I'm not entirely sure where to start, I am somewhat out of my comfort zone".
A small smile played at the corners of Narcissa's mouth at these words, "I'm afraid as am I".
An embarrassed grin took hold of Hermione "The only thing I can suggest is that it would be prudent to not thrust you back into the publics eyes so blatantly as an article in the 'Prophet' but perhaps coffee in 'Diagon Alley' would be just enough to get people talking".
Narcissa nodded in understanding, "When do you think we should have this coffee date?" she asked, studying the young woman's features and subliminally comparing them to that of her memories of her.
"Well, I've got no prior engagements, how about now? The weather is fantastic and I'm in dire need of caffeine".
The older woman visibly relaxed "Thank heavens, as am I" she laughed slightly at the expression on Hermione's face "does the fact that I drink coffee surprise you?"
A blush crept across the brunettes cheeks at allowing her emotions to be so easily readable "No, no, - well- yes actually it does. I'm sorry it's just I always pictured you drinking tea, or scotch, or wine- sorry does that sound rude?"
Narcissa waved a bare hand "Not at all, I do drink tea yes, but only in the morning. The others only after five" standing she looked at Hermione, "Where would you like to get coffee?"
Following suit, the thoroughly embarrassed brunette held out her arm to let Narcissa go ahead of her, "There's a small café just off the quieter end of 'Diagon Alley' I go there when I've been to buy books from the lesser known shops".
"You're not meaning Pippin's are you?" Narcissa asked leaving the office, head turned to keep talking to Hermione.
"That's exactly where I'm meaning…." The female voices became muffled as the door shut quietly behind them, Kingsley sat arms crossed, the rumble of a laugh climbing inside him as he wondered how long it would take the pair of them to realise they had not said anything to him, and left without saying 'goodbye'. It appeared that Hermione was going to be just fine.
Sun glinted blindingly off the glass topped table, an old-fashioned parasol cast shade across the quiet pairs heads as they stared down into the bell shaped mugs before them. A peculiar silence had descended once seated outside the tiny café, each not knowing how to proceed with the tentative conversation they'd been having en route to 'Diagon Alley'. Opening her mouth Hermione raised her head slightly, sensing her movement Narcissa did the same; nothing. Feeling foolish the brunette looked away, expelling a wobblily breath as she did so, her usually overactive mind humming blankly inside her head. "So, tell me" Narcissa's quiet voice began "what does the brightest witch of her age do with herself on a daily basis?" The sense of relief made Hermione's knitted forehead relax partially at the question, resting her elbow on the table top she brushed a few strands of hair back of her face.
"If I'm honest not a great deal, I have meetings here and there with ex classmates and teachers. The occasional request of opinion from the Ministry, and sometimes I help Harry and Ron with research for their jobs but on the whole, I keep myself to myself studying and training in certain forms of magic".
A perfectly sculpted eyebrow raised in surprise, "Do you not have a career?"
Hermione shook her head woefully at her companions' question, "No. I mean for a time I was helping rebuild Hogwarts, and I then returned to complete my final year but once that was all finished, I had nothing else to do. There were many avenues I could and still can take but not a single one grabbed me enough to pursue it".
"Really, like what?" Narcissa was delicately blowing across her coffee, eyes trained on the young woman before her.
"I was offered the position of Transfiguration Professor once I'd finished my final year. McGonagall is now Headmistress and doesn't have the time to dedicate herself to running the school and teaching, so she asked me, but I declined her offer. I often wonder if that was a mistake on my behalf, but my heart just wasn't in it, she did however insist that at each new job opening I could have first refusal. Then there was the Aurorship Kingsley offered me straight after the war, the boys took it, but I just couldn't. There's something in people that makes them almost want to be constantly in fight mode and I don't possess that part. As I say to everyone, can you honestly see me in the uniform, conforming to that perfect style of regimency? And of course, there was the offer to train to become a healer at 'St. Mungo's' but again that just wasn't me. Yes, I will always do everything in my power to protect and heal another but the idea of that being my full-time career was almost on par with the Aurorship". She paused to take a sip from her own coffee, grimaced then added a sugar. "I know it sounds terribly picky of me and there are people out there who would give their hind teeth for those careers, but there was just something inside me that just could not accept. So here I am, qualified and yet not at the same time. The brightest witch of her age jobless" Hermione's voice was streaked with bitterness as she spoke the last few words.
"But you aren't jobless Hermione, you accepted Kingsley's latest offer and will be paid in lieu of that. True this may not be your lifelong career, but it is a start at least" Narcissa replied, smiling encouragingly across at her. It looked familiar, her smile, the way a slight crease appeared just right of her mouth, and the shape of her lips, Hermione's mind flinched with recognition; Andromeda. It shouldn't have horrified her as much as it did, of course there would be similarities between the two women, they were sisters after all, but try as she might she just could not place her friend next to the blonde witch.
Narcissa sensing an internal battle going on put down her mug, "What is it? You don't look happy?" Shaking her head slightly, hair falling across her face Hermione searched for the appropriate words to express her sudden discomfort.
"I'm sorry it's just, you look like Andy when you smile. I don't know why I'm so shocked you're sisters but I guess subliminally I didn't make that connection until just now".
A sadness washed over the other woman, eyes dimmed, lips turned down, "Sisters" she snorted quietly "you wouldn't believe so given our current relationship. But yes, blood we are, and will remain. How is she?"
"She's well" Hermione whispered, "As is your great nephew, already into the terrible two's but the loveliest little boy I know". Tears filled the elder woman's eyes, as she looked away fingertips pressing lighting to her lips, a stopper for the threat of sobs. Reaching into her purse she pulled out a lace handkerchief and began dabbing at the corners of her eyes, Hermione astonished at such an obvious display of emotion from the proud Slytherin, slowly reached across the table to place a hesitant hand on the woman's trembling arm.
Jumping at the contact Narcissa looked down at the hand, "I could speak to Andy if you would like, see if she would like to see you?"
Fear replaced sorrow, shaking her head quickly Narcissa breathed out shakily, "No, no thank you, it's very kind of you to offer but I fear that bridge was burnt a long time ago. No, had she wanted to see me we would have met before now, but thank you again for the offer. I get a little emotional when Andromeda is bought up, I apologise".
Hermione applied light pressure to her arm, "You have nothing to apologies for Miss Black"
"Narcissa, please. Miss Black makes me sound like I'm a school girl in Hogwarts again", she gave a tear riddled scoff looked up at the sky and forced her face to return to normal.
Voice regained, but eyes slightly pink the older of the pair returned her gaze back to the wavy-haired woman. Taking a steadying mouthful of coffee Narcissa pushed past her emotional hiccup by asking, "Tell me more about your time at Hogwarts Hermione, as I understand my son was not particularly kind to you and your friends whilst there. I'm ashamed that I raised him to treat his contemporaries in such a manner, I do hope you can look past my lack of parenting skills and forgive him".
Raising a slender hand, Hermione replied "I have nothing to forgive him for Narcissa, as I said to you yesterday our pasts are null and void, but yes there were times throughout our school years where our paths crossed unpleasantly. My time at Hogwarts was still however the most exhilarating time of my life, I owe a lot to the place and its teachers. The stories I could tell you" she chuckled "you'd never believe me".
A genuinely delightful expression spread across the blonde's face, "Try me. I'm sure there are a few I could share which you wouldn't believe also".
Leaning back in her seat Hermione tapped her chin, "Well now lets see, did you ever hear about me setting alight to Snape's robes during a Quidditch match in our first year?" Narcissa shook her head amusement twinkling in her cerulean eyes.
The minutes ticked by as story after story was swapped across the glass table top. Unbeknownst to the pair a small crowd had begun filtering through the street just to steal a glance at the unlikely couple chatting away contentedly. Whispers jumped from witch to wizard, 'could this be, is that really Hermione Granger and Narcissa Malfoy sitting together?' Brows rose in shock and horror, heads shook in disappointment, but still the women did not notice, too engrossed in their tales of childhood to look away. A clock chimed somewhere in the distance, checking her watch Hermione was surprised to see it was already half four, they had been talking for almost two hours straight; remarkable. Smiling shyly down at her crossed legs she cleared her throat politely, "So you said you got 'outstanding' on all your N.E. , what did you take?"
"Charms, Herbology, Transfiguration, Defence Against the Dark Arts, Potions, Astrology and with many, many hours of tutoring Ancient Runes" Narcissa replied delicately moving her seat out of the rays from the low hanging sun.
Hermione balked, "Seven! You took seven N.E. , I thought I was hard pushed with six, but seven? Most students only take four or five, well Narcissa Black you do surprise me".
A soft chuckle issued from the blondes' pale pink lips, "What can I say, I loved to learn, as did you it seems". Being closer to the woman meant the faint scent of vanilla found its way to Hermione, she breathed it in body stilling.
Feeling the other woman's eyes on her she gave a quick embarrassed smile and quickly continued with the conversation, "yes, I did-do love to learn, my mind, it never stops I can't help it. It's been my friend and support system throughout the years, I know that sounds strange but I'm thankful I'm above average intelligence- and that came out more pompous than I had intended; sorry". The same soft chuckle again, like the caress of a sea breeze; delightful really.
"Nonsense Hermione, you were merely being honest and I for one see no problem with being proud of your mind, your gift for knowledge, it's becoming on you".
A faint blush crept across the brunette's cheeks as a momentary lapse in conversation instilled, before she swung her body round still astonished to fully face Narcissa, "Seven N.E. ?" The woman nodded, "Intelligence runs in my family, we all took more than the usual amount of exams, both at O. and N.E. level. True we each had our individual fortes, but were encouraged, no, instructed to push further than our peers, and we did".
A wave of admiration washed over Hermione as she gazed into the suddenly tired eyes of her companion, "And what are your fortes?" she asked.
"Charms and Potions. I could probably outrank Flitwick if I tried, and poison someone without being detected". She reached up and pushed a rogue tendril back into place, Hermione cocked an eyebrow at her last comment. "Would you like another coffee?" Narcissa asked inclining her head towards the empty mugs before them.
"That would be lovely, thank you". Rising slowly the blonde picked up the mugs and glided inside, Hermione watched through the window as the woman ordered and paid.
Returning a few minutes later Narcissa carefully handed the now full mug to the younger woman, "Milk two sugars?" Hermione nodded eyeing the dark black liquid in Narcissa's counterpart. "Always black, no pun intended" the blonde smirked good humouredly over the rim of her mug.
They sat for a while each engrossed in their own thoughts, birds swooping in an out from under the overhanging beams of buildings around them. The sudden feeling of soft skin touching hers made Hermione jump slightly, looking down she found Narcissa's hand gently covering her own. Glancing up through her lashes she found cool blue eyes watching her intently, "I read in the 'Prophet' about what you did to protect your parents before the war broke out. I just wanted to say how much I admire the courage you possess to have done that".
Breathing heavily out through her nose Hermione focused on the beautifully elegant fingers that applied pressure in a reassuring way. "Thank you" she whispered, she didn't know what else to say, instead of looking up for fear of crying she continued to stare at the pale digits resting on her skin. 'She has extraordinary hands' Hermione thought, perfectly shaped, never been used for a days work in her life, completely feminine. How unlike her own, nails cut short to stop breakages, calluses on her palms from years of carrying too many books, and a lump on her middle right finger caused by holding her quill in such a way. A faint hint of embarrassment washed over her, she knew she couldn't hold a candle to the woman beside her in regard to regality, but she had always thought she at least appeared ladylike, her hands spoke differently. Although as she looked closer Narcissa appeared to have a similar writing lump on her middle finger too. She smiled slightly at that, it was the only physical evidence that supported the witches' claim to hard academia
Following the young woman's gaze a prickle of heat ran up Narcissa's spine, so as not to seem rude she gave the hand one more squeeze and then removed her own. The August evening was drawing in, heat began to disappear as the sun dipped below the roof tops, seizing the moment Hermione looked up at the older witch. "Would you and Draco be apposed to leaving the country for a bit?"
Narcissa gave her a confused look, "I'm not sure what you mean Hermione".
"I mean with me, leave England for a time so you can see how other parts of the world live, muggles included". There was a pause, laden heavily with doubt. The witches looked at each other, both as unsure as the other as to which way this conversation could go. Feeling terribly foolish at her silence Narcissa looked away, steeling herself for the answer she knew would be the correct one.
"Okay, where do you propose we go?"
"America-" Hermione answered immediately "I'm well versed in their laws and I think it would be an easier transition than that of a truly foreign country, one where I'd need to seriously brush up on my languages". The complete uncertainty on the older woman's face was almost painful to look at, like that of a child stood on the threshold of a nursery. The desire to remove such a look was surprising to Hermione, "Please do not worry, this trip does not need to happen any time soon. After all, this is the longest time we've spent in each other's company, I wouldn't want to push to hard and cause issues where there shouldn't be".
"I'm grateful for your delicacy over this situation Hermione, but we are both aware that if efforts are not made this agreement will reach a stalemate, and besides, I trust your judgement. If you believe that time away from our normalcy is in order, then I am not going to argue". Resting back in her seat, Hermione searched Narcissa's face for any hint of dishonesty, when none was found she let her expression settle into that of happy acceptance.
"You know, I am surprised that the infamous Narcissa Black 'trusts' anything linked to the insufferable know-it-all Hermione Granger. Perhaps-" she paused, fixing her honey eyes on the blonde's "-this arrangement will not be as trying as I initially thought". The barb was good humoured, and she was relieved to see a playful smirk pull at the corners of Narcissa's mouth.
"Is that so? Well fear not Hermione, I am never one to disappoint" a small flash of teeth could be seen before the woman took another mouthful of coffee.
Bolstered by the woman's response Hermione replied matter of factly "Yes, it is, and I'm glad to hear you never disappoint".
Narcissa cocked an eyebrow, "Well then, perhaps another meeting should be arranged, sooner rather than later?"
The invitation hung in front of Hermione waiting to be accepted, a genuine smile crossed her face, "Do you have a time in mind?" There was a heartbeat of a pause as
Narcissa took in the smile before answering without thought "Tomorrow. For tea, say four o'clock?" The smile remained in place.
"Perfect, where shall we meet?" The final sunbeams before dipping too low to see, caught the crest of Hermione's head setting her soft curls alight. Narcissa swallowed slightly.
"Well considering what you are doing for Draco and myself, I was thinking perhaps my home". The rays vanished, as did the easy in the brunettes' face, seeing this a rigidity returned to Narcissa's back. Fighting down the claws of fear Hermione ran a tremulous hand across her creased brow.
"Your home?" Narcissa nodded slowly. Not used to possibly being rebuked she frowned and scanned the now closed book that was Hermione. Her eyes lingered on certain parts of the young woman, the small crease across her forehead, the hesitant biting of her bottom lip, shoulders squared, one fist clenched as the other rubbed her forearm. Her forearm. Realisation slapped Narcissa around the face, heat burnt up her back, 'foolish woman' she berated herself. Back peddling drastically the blonde touched her mouth as words tumbled from her lips in a desperate bid to quell the fear that was now evident to her on the witches' face.
"I mean my family home, as in the Black family home. Not my former residence. I apologise Hermione, I spoke without thinking. I would never dream of inviting you back to the place where-" unable to finish her sentence and at a complete loss of how to convey what she meant Narcissa did the only thing she could think of and motioned her head towards Hermione's arm. Silence ensued.
A warm breeze swept past them down the alleyway, brown tendrils lifted, sending the delicate scent of Honeysuckle towards Narcissa. She felt the sigh before it came, the afternoons light heartedness had disappeared as quickly as it had formed. Foolishness was replaced by forlornness. Moving to pick up her purse, intent of leaving, a hand reached out stilling her actions, "Where is it?" The words were no more than a whisper. Looking up, a pair of bay eyes found hers. They smiled gently, coaxing her to relax, the hand on her wrist preventing her from leaving.
Turning back Narcissa breathed out "Yorkshire, just outside of Whitby. You can't miss it I'm afraid".
Hermione snorted softly "No, I don't suppose you can. If the properties are as prolific as your name, I'm sure even muggles have a hard time ignoring them".
The shadow of a smirk crossed the blondes' lips, "Now come now Miss Granger, you know how powerful my family are. You cannot tell me you doubt our shielding abilities?" Pursing her lips Hermione tried her best to prevent the laugh from breaking free, it was fruitless. Looking down at the cobbled floor she felt her shoulders tremble as she let it out. Narcissa bit her lip, the woman's' laugh was infectious, 'keep composure, keep composure' her mind repeated, but yet her own still came out, mingling with that of Hermione's. The brunette sat back against her chair, laugh turn to giggles she shook her head in utter astonishment at the sight and dulcet sound of Narcissa Black laughing. "You'll come then?" The blonde asked amusement tinging her words.
Hermione nodded, "Yes, yes of course I'll come. Four o'clock. It will be good to see Draco and relay what we've discussed today".
Composure restored the pair looked at each other for a moment, before the elder shifted back her blouse cuff to look at her watch, surprise pulled her eyes open wide. Five twenty-eight. Looking up she gave an embarrassed smile then stood up "I apologise Hermione, but I must leave, time seems to have slipped away from me and it's later than I thought. Draco will be wondering where I am".
Consorting her own watch the younger witch sighed "Yes, I suppose I should be heading home as well, lest they send out a search party for me". Standing to face her elder she extended her hand, "I'll see you tomorrow then?" Without blinking Narcissa slipped her own into Hermione's and gave it a gentle squeeze.
"Yes, tomorrow". Releasing the blonde turned to go, but on reaching the few steps down to the street looked back over her shoulder. "Oh, and Miss Granger-" Two pairs of eyes locked, "-It's Whiskey, never Scotch" and with that Narcissa, halfway between steps vanished just as the distant clock began to chime.
A grin curved Hermione's lips as understanding sunk in at what the other woman had meant. Running her fingers through her hair she blew outwards, nerves she didn't realise she'd been harbouring dispersed. Picking up the two cups off the table, she made to enter the café, but just as she touched the doorknob it swung open. An elderly wizard fixed her with a concerned stare, "I do hope Miss Granger that your allegiance has not changed. I've been watching you, and if you don't mind me saying that was an awfully long time you just spent with that woman".
Annoyance caused Hermione's back to straighten sharply, glowering at the old man she handed the two cups back over, "I was taught to never judge a book by it's cover sir, and that woman, believe it or not, has a good heart. She was the tipping factor in the war, and you would do well to not forget that". Turning and grabbing the small handbag she had hung on the back of her seat she gave the now startled man a single withering look and left without a backwards glance, her heels clicking on the cobbled street.
Hope you are enjoying the updates dears 3 DT xx