The Fifth
The tea wasn't getting cold, because there was a spell that kept it warm, even half an hour after Narcissa should have arrived. Molly didn't think she would come any more. She wondered if she shouldn't have expected it – for Narcissa to get tired of this.
Fifteen minutes later, a small, golden brown owl fluttered through the window.
.-.-.
Please excuse my absence, but I am unexpectedly indisposed. I hope to see you next week.
Narcissa Malfoy P.S. Minty sends her thanks. .-.-.
Molly stared down on it for a while, then took a deep breath. She, too, had prejudices to overcome.
The Sixth
"I got a letter from Draco. It's the first one since he got released. He writes that he's fine, and getting used to the circumstances. That he likes living with his friends." Narcissa sipped her tea with a thoughtful expression. "He never sounded like that in his letters from school. He seems happier."
"Well, he did look happy the last time I visited them."
Narcissa stared at Molly for some moments, then lowered her gaze. "Yes, of course," she murmured, "you'd have been there. You'd have seen my son."
She left soon after, looking very pale and discontent with herself.
The Seventh
"It was strange – seeing him like that." Narcissa stared down at her untouched cake. "He looked much better than he did the last time at St. Mungo's, but..."
"I know it's hard." Molly's voice sounded sympathetic. "It takes time getting used to. I'm still shocked every time I see Fred."
"I suppose you're right. It's just...I knew how he looked in a bed. But a wheelchair..." Narcissa sighed and wondered when they had begun talking about so personal things.
When Molly slowly reached over the table and took Narcissa's hand into her own, she looked irritated only for a second.
The Eighth
Narcissa watched Molly restlessly fussing around the kitchen for a while after pouring the tea. Finally, she couldn't take it any more.
"My God, woman, sit down and tell me what happened!"
Molly stared, flabbergasted, but then slumped down on her chair ungraciously.
"It's Arthur. I asked him to help me pick a present for Ron's birthday next week. He didn't even answer. It's apparently not enough he has lost two children – now he even refuses to talk to two of the remaining!"
After a bit of hesitation, Narcissa realised that this time, it was her turn to offer comfort.