Beltane Night
IX: Mother Earth
They were enjoying a simple breakfast, toast with eggs. Narcissa had the paper opened and Hermione was gingerly pushing her eggs around on her plate. Her nervous stomach kept her from eating, she wasn't sure that she wouldn't get sick afterwards. She was completely nervous about tonight. This would be her first real time she would participate in a tradition that was meant for witches and wizards. She feared that she would end up screwing things up and that she would end up embarrassing herself and Narcissa.
She began to wandlessly stir her tea while she tried to look at everything else in the room besides her breakfast and Narcissa. It was her defense mechanism when she was scared—and she fully admitted it to herself that she was scared of what would happen. Anything could go wrong and as much as she wanted to enjoy like she promised Harry, her brain was working in overtime.
"Dear…" Narcissa trailed off, "you're doing it again."
Hermione didn't answer her but looked her way, her pointer finger now twirling quicker than before. Her tea began to slosh out of the sides and roll down onto the saucer. Narcissa raised one of her pristine brows before placing the Daily Prophet down on the table and shifting herself to face Hermione.
"What has you like this? I told you that everything would be—"
"What if it's not fine?" Hermione questioned.
"You aren't giving yourself enough credit, sweetheart you know it will be fine," Narcissa insisted and grabbed Hermione's hand in hers. The tea finally stopped twirling around in the glass and its abuse was put to rest.
"I—I just don't know," she stuttered out.
"Hermione, what is this really about? Are you that nervous about who you'll end up with?" Narcissa asked her. Hermione hesitated for a moment before nodding her head and looking down at her plate ashamed.
"Hermione, you have blossomed into a smart and beautiful woman. The goddess will choose someone who is right for you, have some faith my dear," Narcissa consoled her and rubbed soothing circles on the back of her hand.
"You're right, I'm freaking out over nothing—it's just strange," Hermione acknowledged.
"I know it is, but everything will work out how it's supposed to," she smiled. Hermione finally gave her first smile of the day and Narcissa dropped her hand and motioned for Hermione to eat her breakfast.
Hermione started to finally eat until Narcissa told her that she would owl the Weasley's so that she and her friend go get dressed together and socialize before the party. Narcissa didn't even look up from her paper and acted as if it was the sanest thing in the world. It made Hermione smile on the inside, knowing that her family was getting along—that's what they were now. They really were her only family.
Hermione ate her breakfast and finished before sending out the family owl to the Weasleys. She knew they would end up getting here quick, Ginny was a bag of nerves just like her and their presence would at least calm each other.
Narcissa and she did dishes the muggle way, Hermione knew that it wasn't like Narcissa to do it but, she knew the witch was trying to keep her busy until her friend arrived. She could have kissed her for that. She was always considerate of her feelings—especially when it came to things like this.
The owl returned shortly later when they had finally finished the dishes and there was a crack on the property. Alarms went off throughout the mansion and Narcissa quickly turned them off with a flick of her wand. No one was allowed to apparate on the property without it sending off alarms, unless they were part of the Malfoy line.
"Come on, my dear, let's go greet them," Narcissa gave her a knowing smile and started walking towards the entrance of the mansion. Hermione was hot on her tail and Mitzi had already opened the door so when Hermione saw Ginny she ran across the foyer to embrace her friend.
"Thank god you're finally here, I've been jumping out of my skin," Hermione whispered to her.
"I imagine, you spoke so fast with your patronus—I could hardly understand if you were asking us to come or not. Good thing I speak Hermione," Ginny teased.
"At least now you're out of the house so all of the boys can stay inside," Hermione replied.
"Oh, you wouldn't believe them—they pitched a huge fit when mum told them they all had to leave. At least they'll never have to be bothered with it after this, until one of them has a daughter," Ginny replied and hooked her arm through Hermione's as they turned to look at the two older witches engaging in quiet conversation.
"Thank you for inviting us over this afternoon, Mrs. Malfoy—my mother and I appreciate it a lot," she told Narcissa.
"Anything for Hermione, besides I'm sure she'd much rather have at least someone her age she can talk too. I want her to have the full experience. It's always nicer to get ready with your sisters. Andromeda did my hair for my Beltane and helped me with everything—it was like joining a secret club when I was your age," Narcissa rambled on and shrugged her shoulders finally. Hermione noticed how she was starting to slowly let her mask slip from her face and she felt pride.
She felt pride that her mother figure was trusting Ginny enough to create casual conversation with her and give a piece of her history up.
"Well, we shouldn't let them wait any longer. Let's get you girls into your dresses and ready for tonight. Where are we dressing them," Molly asked sweetly. The smile on her face hadn't disappeared—her prejudices put aside for the night for her girls.
"We shall be dressing them upstairs in Hermione's bedroom, it has a lovely balcony that overlooks the grounds and we can always poke fun at the boys while they work," Narcissa started walking towards the stairs and gave Hermione a wink.
Ginny gave Hermione a pointed look as well—but molly was in her own world as she prattled on about dresses and the excitement of tonight while Narcissa listened, while they all made their way up towards Hermione's room.
"Your room here is as big as both of our apartments combined," Ginny hissed.
Hermione nodded her head towards her friend, "I know—I've told her before that it doesn't need to be this big since I don't even live here but she insists."
The matron's quickly pushed each of their younger witches behind their fold out curtains and told them to begin undressing. The girls rolled their eyes at each other when they peaked behind the curtain and started to undress. They each listened to the older women chat about the dresses.
"Where did you get yours," Molly asked sweetly. The sugar was dripping from her voice.
"I made it—we have a standard tradition to make both of their dresses. Her night dress is hanging up in my closet though since when it's time to dress she'll be using my room while the other ladies are free to use the rest of the wing. Though of course this room will be locked unless you and Ginny would like to use it?" Narcissa asked politely, though her tone was smug.
Ginny quickly peaked her head from around the corner before her mother could answer, "That would be lovely, thank you Mrs. Malfoy."
"You are most welcome dear, you've definitely raised your daughter to have quite some manners—every time I see her she's nothing but a lady," Narcissa complimented Molly. It made Hermione smile while she finally got off her shoes and pants.
"That she is…" Molly trailed off.
"Where did you purchase your gown from, Molly?" Narcissa pursed her lips and sat on part of the couch that was in the room. She had tossed Hermione's dress over the curtain much like Molly had done for Ginny. The girls would come out when they needed it laced.
"Twillfit and Tatting's," Molly said with her head held high.
"Impressive, they have lovely dresses as always—"
"Mum, could you help me?" Ginny called out and Molly disappeared behind the curtain for her daughter.
Narcissa got up slowly and walked towards Hermione's curtain.
"My love, do you need help?" She questioned.
Hermione nodded behind the curtain, "Please."
Narcissa quickly stepped behind the curtain and a few stray tears came to her eyes. Hermione was wearing a dress very much similar to hers and even in dark green trim around the bottom and the ribbon that would be tied around her waist. The rest of the dress was a beautiful off white color and she had never seen Hermione glow so much.
"You're so beautiful," she sniffed and instructed Hermione to turn around. Narcissa laced up the dark green ribbon that was on the back of her dress like a corset.
Hermione smiled when she finally emerged with Narcissa from behind the curtain and she stared at herself in the mirror. She looked like she was slowly being transformed into a different time.
"Oh, Mione!" She turned and saw Ginny dressed in a similar fashion while the older witches left to go get changed into their own dressing gowns.
"You look amazing, Gin—I'm speechless," Hermione spoke softly.
Ginny waved her off and laughed, "You're speechless—have you seen you? You look like a goddess, all you need are a few braids and flowers in your hair and you could probably be almost as beautiful as the mother goddess herself. In an eerie way you resemble one of her human forms," Ginny laughed and twirled around for Hermione to take a better look at her dress.
"I'm enjoying the Slytherin green on you—but, where is your house pride," Ginny teased her again.
"I have plenty, but did you see Narcissa—we match. I think it makes her feel better to have someone to share it with," Hermione spoke softly and smiled after looking towards the door. She was glad to share something with Narcissa.
"Oh, every time I see you I lose my breath, Hermione," Narcissa said when she came through the doorway a few moments later. She was fully dressed now with everything in place and quickly brought out her wand to charm the girl's feet.
"Unlike the men, we are allowed to use charms—Ginny has your mother done this yet?" Narcissa asked.
"No, I didn't even know that there was a charm for it," Ginny said astonished.
"It's a little thing I picked up from Andromeda. Let me," she pointed her wand at Ginny's feet and soon a warmth spread across her feet encasing them. "That should help both if you when you're in the woods and out in the field. No women are allowed to wear shoes," Narcissa said again apologetically.
"It's alright—the charm comes in handy," Hermione smiled and twirled around and tested out the charm. It felt like she had comfy shoes on but in fact she was still bare footed.
Molly arrived a few minutes after and they each sat down on the bed while Narcissa did Hermione's makeup and fixed up her hair. She put a few braids in it at random but for the most part she made it large and curly. She stuck flowers throughout her hair and magically weaved them in so that they would stay in place.
"You really do look like a goddess, Mione it's going to be hard to keep all of the men away from you," Ginny teased her.
"Oh speak for yourself Miss Weasley, Harry is going to be panting like Remus when he sees you," Hermione teased back. The girls giggled and finally they were finished prepping themselves after Narcissa gave Hermione one of the potions that she had brewed herself.
"It has properties of Amortenia, it will attract the magic of a person who is your equal—but they are not allowed to try anything," Narcissa instructed, "I wonder how the bonfire is coming along—care to yell at them with me?" Narcissa asked.
"A chance to tell Lucius and Draco to hurry their work up? Narcissa are you sure it isn't my birthday today?" Hermione asked and Narcissa slapped her upper arm lightly.
"Cheeky," she laughed.
Both of the witches made it out onto the balcony and Hermione stopped a few feet from the edge. Lucius was walking with Draco. His hair was tucked into a long pony tail and they both were in their dark black shirts and leather pants. It reminded Hermione of Pride and Prejudice, Mr. Darcy's choice of clothing on his long walk back to Elizabeth's house.
Narcissa had put her wand to her throat and enhanced her voice when she yelled over the balcony for the men to hurry up, the guests would be arriving soon.
Hermione still couldn't take her eyes off him though—he looked so different, older almost. When the men looked up she quickly turned her head, she would have been caught staring and the look she had on her face was not a friendly smile.
"You can ogle him later you know—but for now we have to go—I heard a crack so it must mean someone has arrived," Narcissa smirked.
Walking swiftly through the house they made it downstairs and Hermione could see the house elves going through the house getting things ready.
"Mitiz. Winky! I have something for you two," Hermione shouted when she saw them working. They looked over at her before walking over and Hermione used her wandless magic to summon both of the flower crowns that she had made.
"Every girl should feel beautiful today," she told them and placed them each on their heads.
"Thank you missus!" both exclaimed and she hugged them quickly and complimented Mitzi on her choice of eyelashes for today.
"Is that alright of her to do that to your house elves?" Molly asked surprised.
"We give Hermione anything she wants, she's part of the family—even if it's not by blood or by name as of yet. She'll get whatever her heart desires and even both of my boys know that. They already accuse me of having favoritism, but can you blame me?" Narcissa smirked before walking away and out towards the back yard.
Hermione knew what everyone thought of Narcissa, and she also knew what Narcissa thought of everyone who thought they knew of her. She detested them for their blatant lack of knowledge. People made up their minds based on what they saw in the news.
She knew that was why Narcissa kept up her mask.
Time had passed and women were apparating left and right and some others were coming by floo network. It was amazing to see everyone all dressed up and Narciassa greeted each and every one with Hermione by her side. A few had given her looks but when Narcissa wrapped her arm around Hermione's figure and introduced her as her daughter for the night they cowered like children and baby dogs.
A few ran licking their wounds when they tried to make any underhanded insult.
The band had been striked up and they played music that was upbeat and meant for dancing. Hermione became fidgety when she didn't see any of the boys her age around. She had yet to see Harry or Ron anywhere.
"Pansy! How are you my dear?" Narcissa questioned her and Hermione was drawn from her search back to where she was.
"I've been around—I've been touring Europe with my mother and getting my designs out there actually. Granger, how are you?" Pansy asked with a smile. They hadn't been civil during school, but late one night after a few drinks they had bumped into each other at a tavern. Both coming from disappointing dates they had bonded over that night and gotten drunk and ended up at Hermione's flat.
Pansy never forgot and every once in a while they got together for coffee and see how the other was doing. After school, it seemed like old house rivalries were finally put to rest.
"I'm doing good, just finished my lastest book actually and I might have another one in the works after Beltane," Hermione laughed and Pansy quickly leaned up to give her a one armed hug. A drink already in the other hand.
"Are you looking forward to seeing anyone tonight?" Hermione asked.
"Oh, you know me—I have had my eye on Blaise for a while. We met in Paris last weekend and I've been dying to see him again ever since. He sure knows how to sweet talk a woman when he wants," Pansy fanned herself with her free hand dramatically.
"So I've heard, your Slytherin boys had quite the reputation," Hermione laughed.
"They were the best, I'll see you later Granger—we'll catch up and dance!" Pansy declared and walked away towards the party. Hermione watched as she stalked through the dancers and she was in search of Blaise.
"Mione, don't you look beautiful!" She turned her head and saw Luna walking towards her.
"So do you, Luna—how have you been?" she asked.
Luna giggled, "Perfect—I've been with Neville looking for some rare plants that the dragons have been eating in Bulgaria. We've met up with Charlie Weasely for a bit. He and Neville have been getting along splendidly for the past few months. How they can focus on plants for now and not be at the beck and call of those dragons without being distracted is beyond me," Luna mused.
"I can't imagine—has Charlie ever told you about Norbert?" Hermione asked.
"Norbert? You mean Hagrid's dragon? No, we haven't actually discussed it. I think that might be one of the Dragons were supposed to be looking into though. I'll remember his name," she smiled.
"I'll let you get back to the party, have fun greeting guests!" Luna kissed Hermione's cheek and disappeared into the crowd. Hermione focused herself back on Narcissa and what was happening with her. She was still welcoming more guests and he seemed like half of Great Britain was there with them.
"Hermione, you should go and get your friend. Bring her to the forest—it's time for you each to go pick some flowers for the alter," Narcissa tells her and pushes her away from the entrance of the grounds.
"Yes, Narcissa," Hermione grinned and started her walk through the crowd. She found Molly and Ginny talking to Fleur and a few of the other women. Hermione tapped her shoulder and nodded her head towards the woods. The young women of the party were moving in the general direction as well.
"Are you nervous?" Ginny asked finally when they arrived at the edge of the forest.
Hermione bit her lip and peered through the woods and saw the rest of the girls out collecting herbs and moss that was growing, "Extremely—but if you tell anyone our friendship is over," Hermione said and looked down at the stump in front of them. She slowly picked the flowers that were growing around the roots.
"Me? Rat on you for being nervous—never. I am mostly nervous about not getting Harry. We know he's a strong wizard, but what if I'm not a strong enough witch," she sighed.
"Ginevra Weasley, where is the fiery red head we all know and love. You're one of the strongest witches I know," Hermione reassured her.
"No, you're the strongest witch we know," Ginny pointed out.
Hermione turned her head in the direction of a twig snapping and her eyes widened. The Goddess's games were just beginning and she was more than willing to play.
/Okay, so I haven't updated in forever. I'm really so damn sorry. I've been dealing with a lot. Firstly if you follow me on tumblr at katwithlove then you know one of my OTP's has kind of just may have died so I've been so stuck on that and then to top it off my mother had a minor heart attack and we're dealing with her shit.
I'll try to update more often (I do have everything pre-written out and the plot line like where I want to go) However I haven't written it out.
Thank you all for who have stuck with the story and just. Thank you.
Xxx
K
