A/N: Hey guys. Thanks for the reviews. I had to neglect making my niece's Easter egg baskets to finish this chapter..Does that make me a bad aunty? Anyway enjoy.
Disclaimer: And no I don't own anything.
'The scars of your love, remind me of us
They keep me thinking that we almost had it all'
The rays of early morning light shone through the blinds of Hermione's bedroom. The lovers laid on the bed, quietly talking to each other.
Narcissa stretched and rolled on to her belly.
Hermione grinned and took the opportunity to tease the older witch.
She hovered over Narcissa's naked body and gently caressed her fingertips down her spine.
Narcissa turned her head and looked at her lover. She wiggled and then smiled before whispering "That tickles."
"Does it?" The brunette grinned
"Yes!" Narcissa laughed as her brown eyed lover repeated her movements.
Hermione trailed her fingers further down Narcissa's body. She stopped momentarily on the at the blonde's buttocks and drew lazy circles.
"Are you having fun?" Narcissa said after a few silent moments.
Hermione looked up to find two sparkling blue eyes focused on her.
"Yes" She answered
They held eye contact as Hermione lowered her head and gently brushed her lips against the blonde firm bum.
Narcissa raised an eyebrow.
"Now you can't say kiss my ass" Hermione answered the silent question. "Because I already have."
Narcissa rolled her eyes and giggled before murmuring. "I can say kiss my ass again."
"And you know that I would do it" Hermione said quietly "I'd do almost anything to make you happy."
The blonde sunk her head further into the pillow and smiled shyly.
"Earth to Hermione Granger!" a voice rudely interrupted her flashback.
Hermione snapped her head up to find Ginny standing at her office door.
"About time" Ginny laughed "I've been standing here for five minutes trying to get your attention."
Hermione cleared her throat. 'Sorry Ginny. Come in."
The red head entered and sat opposite her friend.
Hermione smiled .
Ginny smiled in return.
"So how have you been?" Ginny said looking around the tidy office.
"Good" Hermione tried to say brightly
Ginny rolled her yes. "Stop lying, you sound stupid."
Hermione leant her elbows on her desk and rested her head in her hands.
"It's easier if I pretend that it's ok." She murmured.
"Well you've had seven hours to get 'it' right and go and see her." Ginny said dryly "Even though, it has been nearly six weeks, I'm sure she will understand?"
The brunette's head snapped up
"What do you mean I've had seven hours?" She asked "What are you even talking about?"
Ginny frowned "You don't know do you?"
"No" Hermione frowned
"You mean to tell me that you have not read today's newspaper?" Ginny accused.
"I've been here since yesterday" Hermione said defensively "And no I haven't read today's paper."
Ginny's eye widened.
"Mione." She said carefully "There's something you need to know."
" Enlighten me" Hermione threw her hands in the air
"Well" Ginny took a deep breath "Narcissa has divorced Lucius."
They were both silent for a moment. Ginny watched her friend absorb the information. Hermione's eyes widened at first with a flicker of hope. It quickly vanished and was replaced by the pursing of her lips and frowning of her brow.
"That's good for her" Hermione tried to make it sound as if she didn't care.
"Mione" Ginny began
"No Gin" Hermione held her hand up "Don't you think that she would have told me? Well she hasn't and we aren't together anymore. And I'm over it."
Hermione knew she was lying. She was not over Narcissa. She was not sure whether or not she ever will be over Narcissa. Hell, she even spent most of her days finding herself having flash backs of the times they shared. She had to take to sleeping in her office as her bed reminded her of that night she nearly chocked Narcissa to death. The memory of her anger that night hunted her.
She could not blame Narcissa for her outburst. She knew she had crossed the line. That probably was reason why Narcissa left so soon afterward. How she wished things were different between them.
But they weren't.
"Well if you think that you're over her, then prove it." Ginny challenged
Hermione glared at her friend
"Go on a date with Ron." Ginny almost laughed "Tonight."
"No way!" Hermione shrieked
"Why not?"
"Well in case you haven't already noticed Ginny, I'm into women." Hermione said matter-of-factly. "And even if I wasn't, there is no way in hell I would ever date your brother."
Ginny threw her head back and laughed.
"This isn't funny Ginnerva." The brunette said annoyed. "Why can't I go out for dinner with you and Harry?"
The red head's laughter slowly subsided.
"S..sorry" She breathed heavily . "And no you can't come out with us. Harry and I are going to be baby making tonight."
"You should be." Hermione retorted. "Now that was the most revolting piece of information you have ever given me. I do look at Harry as if he were my brother."
"Seriously Hermione just go for dinner." Ginny said. "Let 'your hair out', even if it's with my obnoxious brother."
Hermione closed her eyes.
"He would not try anything on you." Ginny continued. "Not after what happened after the war."
The brown eyed woman giggled at the memory of Ron's high pitched scream when she hexed him. He had tried to kiss her and she saw red.
"Just look at it as dinner with a friend." Ginny urged.
"Ok I'll have dinner with him." The brunette said. "But I won't hesitate to hex his 'bits' again if he gets too comfortable."
It was seven thirty Hermione ran through Diagon Alley. She had no time to go home and dress, not that she wanted to impress Ron. But it would have been more comfortable to get out of her black pencil skirt, white blouse and those damn impractical black heels. The afternoon had been a blur. After Ginny left, she sent a note to Ron. He confirmed within the hour while she worked through her never ending stack of files.
She rushed past people walking on the pavement in a frantic pace. She needed to make sure that the new Italian restaurant was not fully booked or they would end up having pub food for dinner.
She finally skidded to a stop at the door and took the time to catch her breath, smoothing her skirt out. She turned the door handle and entered the restaurant.
"Welcome to Ambrosia Madame. How may I help you?" The dark man at the front of house asked.
Hermione smiled before she translated "The nectar of the gods."
"Si si" The man smiled.
"Do you have any available tables?" She asked
"Yes we do."
"Could I have a table for two?"
As she followed the polite waiter through the restaurant, she thanked Merlin that it was well lit and not too intimate. She did not want Ron to think that she was interested in him. She sat down at the table dropping her purse on the table and ordered a glass of wine. As she waited for her drink she noticed that most of the patrons were couples and groaned. She checked her watch and decided that she still had time to go to the bathroom.
She stood and made her way to the back of the restaurant. She passed by more occupied tables and stopped dead in her tracks.
In the far corner of the room she saw Narcissa sitting alone. Slowly moving her fork around her food, she did not seem interested. It was as if her mind was far away from her plate. Hermione felt the beat of her heart pick up. She stood stock still as she stared almost star struck at the blonde.
Her hair was neatly pulled into a bun. The sexy black number she wore complimented her pale skin. She was more captivating than ever. Hermione groaned inwardly as she took in the blonde's features. The suborn tilt of her chin, the curve of her lips, her aristocratic nose.
Hermione closed her eyes and she could swear that she could smell the blonde. A crisp refreshing sent of jasmine.
Caught in her own wayward thoughts she did not detect that Narcissa now stood in front of her.
An awkward moment followed as brown eyes slowly opened to meet blue.
Breaking the silence, Narcissa spoke formerly. "Miss Granger."
"Mrs Malfoy." Hermione replied.
"Actually it's Ms Black now."
Hermione nodded "Forgive me. I did hear."
Narcissa frowned.
'Well don't just stand there girlfriend. Say something to her.' A voice urged in Hermione's head.
"The fine weather seems to be treating you well Ms Black…You look…Good." Hermione struggled.
'For someone who is labelled the smartest witch of her age, is that all managed to come up with that?' a sarcastic voice whispered in her head.
'Shut up.' Hermione growled inwardly.
Narcissa's nostrils flared. "So it would seem."
The brunette sighed. They once shared way more than just an awkwardly formal conversation. She wanted to reach out and touch the blonde. She wanted many things. But she dared not to go there and touch the blonde.
Instead they stood there in silence. Both witch's unsure of what to say.
"Hermione!"
Hermione spun around and saw Ron standing by her purse. She smiled quickly and turned back to Narcissa.
"I must leave." The older witch snapped coldly.
"It's not what you think." Hermione explained. "We're just having dinner."
Narcissa stared icily at her and walked away. Inside she felt her heart breaking again. Of all people why him? They had shared no mutual interest. He did not know what Hermione liked and what she did not like. He merely liked the idea of being with a smart beautiful woman. Narcissa was half tempted to pull her wand out of her purse and hex him for even being near her Mia. He was an utter pig and he did not deserve her.
As she passed Ron, Hermione stopped her.
"Narcissa." She called
The blonde turned around to face the young witch.
"You really do look..Well." Hermione said.
Narcissa nodded and briskly walked away.
"What was that about?" Ron asked as they sat down.
"Nothing." Hermione snapped.
"Didn't look like nothing." He mumbled "I don't know why you are so close to her anyway Mione. She is the wife of a DeathEater."
"If it wasn't for her Ronald, Harry would be dead." Hermione retorted. "And she divorced Lucius, so drop it."
"People like her would never do anything unless it benefits themselves." He said without thinking. "She's probably more evil than her deranged sister."
Hermione felt her face turning red in anger. He did not know what Narcissa was really like. He did not know that she was a woman who had every materialistic thing one could possibly want, but longed for love and comfort. How dare he judge her Cissy.
"Get off your high horse Ronald" Hermione seethed. "It's common knowledge that you have used your 'fame' to get women into bed with you."
The red head gasped wide eyed at his bookworm friend.
"Don't know why you're so shocked." Hermione carried on. "We all know your little ginger ninja has been in one too many chambers of secrets."
Ron paled and shifted uncomfortably.
They did not speak a word while they waited for their food. Hermione was distracted from seeing Narcissa again. Ron was trying to find a way to start a conversation without annoying Hermione again. He figured he should start with the most simplistic of subjects. Her job. He expected her to launch into a full rant about how her job functioned within the ministry. However, she cut it down into two words. Stressful and demanding.
And that's how dinner was for Ronald. Hermione gave short answers to his questions. She asked questions and seemed distracted as he answered.
As they parted for the night he suggested that they should have dinner again. She shrugged before quickly leaving.
Hermione sat in her office cradling a glass of fire whiskey in her hand. Her dinner with Ronald was not quite what she had expected, but it served him right for talking about Narcissa like that. She reached forward and opened one of the letters that she had been staring at for the hour.
My Love,
I know that you are upset and I cannot blame you. But please do not let it hinder what we have.
Only yours
Cissy
Too late for that, Hermione thought bitterly. She drained the remaining liquid from the glass. As it burned its way down her body she opened the next letter.
My Love,
I cannot help but think of you today. You seem to always be on my mind.
Do you remember the first time we actually spoke? It was at the Leaky Cauldron. I was the only person in the pub who was alone. In your boldness you came and casually sat down opposite me.
I remember being cold and asking why on earth were you sitting near me. You smiled and said 'even the most numb need someone to talk to every now and then.'
I recall that when I went home that night, you were all I thought about.
I miss you.
Only yours
Cissy.
"I miss you too" Hermione murmured in her empty office. She blinked back the tears and opened the next letter.
My Love,
It is Wednesday, our night out for dinner.
Will you be joining me?
The tradition was your idea if I remember correctly. After the night at the Leaky Cauldron you sent a letter wanting to know if I'd like to have dinner with you. That's where it started.
We would meet once a week. The connection was strong between us. I had never felt so attracted to someone else before. It was as if every time I saw you or heard your voice I was dragged away by an undertow far more powerful than the Dark Lord himself.
Then one Wednesday night dinner we were discussing magical literature. You rambled off some names I had not heard of. When I asked who you were talking about. You laughed and said that I may not be interested because you were referring to muggle literature.
To your surprise I asked if I could see some of the material you had mentioned. And somehow we ended back in the spare room of your flat looking at books. I must admit my thoughts were not entirely on what you were showing me. And I think that it's fair to say that neither were yours. For we both found excuses to touch each other, even when physical contact was not needed.
I remember standing by the bookshelf scanning the columns of your vast collection. You came up behind me and gently laid your hand on my waist. My breathing became heavier and in my stomach butterflies fluttered around.
You gently pulled me back to your chest; I felt your breast pressed against my back. "It's getting late." You murmured. I am only focused on how the heat of your breath chases a shiver down my spine. I stay silent until you laugh and it feels as though you have sent a hurricane down my back. I squirm not realising I grind my bottom into your pelvis.
Your hands slid down my dress, resting lightly on my hips. I feel the tip of your nose brush against my ear. You whisper "Stay with me."
I still recall being astonished as we lay in each other's arms, as you told me that it was your first time sleeping with anyone. I did not believe you because of your skill in the art of love making. You blushed and explained that you had read about it.
I love you.
Please meet me tonight.
Only yours
Cissy
Hermione poured more fire whiskey into the glass. She drained the contents as the memory of her first time with Narcissa lingered on her mind. The soft moans of pleasure and the sharp gasps that came out of the older witch's mouth that night would never leave Hermione.
She shook her head and opened the next letter.
My love,
I take that from your absence last night, you are still angry. I just need more time and then I'll be yours.
Please reply
Only yours
Cissy.
Feeling a little light headed from consuming too much fire whiskey in too short of a time; she fumbled to open the last letter.
My Love,
Last night as I watched the flames of the fire I reminisced about the time you took me to the park. I remember I was hesitant in going because I was frightened of what people would think. You laughed and then assured me that it was the nineties, we were going to a muggle park and no one would care. And you were right. As you held my hand while we walked through the park, no one looked twice at us. As you kissed my cheek, no came over to spit on us. That day was the first time I realised I was in love with you.
You are far more than what I deserve. I wish I had your courage to just live for myself and you.
I will find a way soon. I promise.
Only yours
Cissy
Hermione buried her face in the palms of her hands. No one would know the famous bookworm stayed in her office till the early hours of the next morning crying.
Narcissa hurried quickly back to her room at the Three Broomsticks. Once inside she slumped down on to the bed.
'What did she mean by 'you really do look good' Narcissa thought.
She sat back up and unpinned her hair, letting it rest on her shoulders.
So much had happened over the last seven or so weeks. After leaving Hermione's flat that night, she returned to Malfoy Manor.
She paced the floor of her bedroom. She was glad that she did not share a room with Lucius. She was relieved that she had the privacy to think about what she was going to do.
Her letters had not done anything to change Hermione's mind. The fact that she had shown up at the younger witch's flat done nothing to solve the dilemma she faced .If anything, it made things worse.
She didn't go there to infuriate Hermione. She merely wanted the younger witch to realise what they had as a couple was not worth losing. But she achieved nothing. She had gotten nowhere but to a quivering mess as Hermione gave her the most intense orgasm she ever had.
All her life decisions were made for her. She did not have the choice in who she married. She didn't even have the choice in who she spoke to. Why she was letting that lifestyle of submission over rule her love life, she did not know.
She walked into the bathroom and with the flick of her wand, the taps began to fill the bath with water. She stood in front of the mirror slowly peeling her clothes off. Once she was fully naked she looked up at her reflection. Her neck, breasts and stomach were covered in the marks her lover had left. She bit her lip knowing that Hermione done that on purpose to claim her.
As she sank down into the hot bubbly water she sighed. Her thoughts drifted to some of the moments she had with Hermione.
'I would do almost anything to make you happy.' She remembered her young lover had once told her.
After over an hour in the bath, Narcissa dried herself and dressed in warm woollen clothing. She had pinned her hair into a bun and glamour charmed the marks on her neck.
She had made her decision.
The blonde strode to the other side of the manor. She did not bother knocking on the door, she just strode in and woke Lucius.
She told him that she wanted a divorce.
At first he ranted that the Malfoy reputation would be dragged through the mud. She reminded him that he had already done that, serving time in Azakaban. He asked who she was leaving him for. She shrugged and said she was doing it for herself. He then went into a tirade about how she would not have the lifestyle she had come accustomed to. He could not understand why firstly his son and now his wife were walking away from their obligations as Malfoy's.
Then she finally snapped, saying that if she wanted a divorce. She was going to get one. And she did.
The next morning she moved out of the manor and into the room at the Three Broomsticks. She decided that there was no point remaining in Malfoy Manor until the divorce was finalised. She sent a letter to Draco informing him of the separation. His reply was quick and concise with a 'took you long enough'.
For the next six weeks she tried to find a way to get in contact with Hermione. She wanted the younger witch to know that she had left Lucius. She wanted her lover to know that she had finally got the courage to leave a life that was consumed with lies and deceit. But she could not bring herself to write another letter to the stubborn witch in the fear of being ignored again.
She had hoped Hermione would read about the divorce in the newspaper and come to her. But she did not.
So when she had seen her young Gryffindor earlier that evening, her hopes had been shattered. And that red headed little freak was the reason. But were they really together she wondered. Hermione did say that they were only having dinner. She noticed the seriousness in Hermione's voice. And Narcissa knew that her Mia would never lie to her. But that did nothing for her heart. Just seeing her with someone else hurt. And they weren't even near each other.
'I guess that's how she felt when she saw the picture in the Dailey Prophet' Narcissa murmured as she slowly unzipped the back of her dress.
Tap
Tap
She quickly zipped her dress back up and let the familiar owl into the room.
Nervously she untied the letter attached to its leg and began to read it.
Narcissa,
Please meet me at Brews and Stews cafe at 2:30pm tomorrow.
We need to talk.
H.G
