It is an unbearably hot day in London. The air stands between the thousands of vehicles and buildings like a wall. Traffic is even more chaotic than usual. The heat leads to a lack of concentration which leads to a lot of beeping and shouting. Luckily, Draco's apartment lies just at the beginning of the magical part of the city, near the Ministry. Narcissa fans herself with a plan of the Tube as she walks toward the visitors' entrance of the Ministry, her mustard-coulored summer dress clinging to her back.
The telephone box is empty, a rare finding. With this weather, though, a lot of people take a day off work, preferring to stay at home or at a shadowy park if possible. Narcissa picks up the receiver and dials six-two-four-four-two. A mechanic female voice sounds inside the box. "Welcome to the Ministry of Magic. Please state your name and business."
"Narcissa Malofy. I'm here to see Hermione Granger," she says. "If she'll see me that is," she adds, mumbling.
"Thank you," the mechanic voice says. A badge drops out of the slot for return coins. "Please, take the badge and attach it to your robes."
Narcissa takes the golden badge. She snickers reading the carving: Narcissa Malfoy, seeing Hermione Granger. She attaches the badge to the collar of her dress. The floor of the telephone box shakes and sets into motion. The streets of London fly out of view as the interior of the box descends and eventually hits the ground. "The Ministry whishes you a pleasant stay," the female voice says. Narcissa steps out into the Atrium. She heads across, pass the fountain that no longer consists of tortured Muggles. It had been rebuild after the war to resemble its predecessor. Together with another witch and a wizard, who's sporting a full set of robes despite the heat, she steps into one of the lifts and presses button eight. To her great dismay the lift goes upwards three stories until it stops. The witch gets out. The lift rattles, sets into motion and descends this time. After several stories, stopping at one to let a Ministry worker in, the lift comes to a stop at the eight level. "Level eight, Department of Magical Law Enforcement," the same mechanic female voice from before says. Narcissa gets out and walks down the corridor. Hermione's office is at the very end. She nocks two times.
"Come in."
Narcissa opens the door and finds Hermione at her desk, head buried in piles and piles of documents. She keeps scribbling away, not paying her any attention.
"Hello," Narcissa says. Hermoine's head snaps up, looking startled. "I hope I'm not intruding."
Hermione shakes her head. "Have a seat," she says, pointing towards an empty chair in front of the desk. "What can I do for you?"
"Really?" Narcissa says, somewhere between amused and offended. "I'm not here as a client, so drop the act."
"I'm sorry. Bad habit." Hermione puts her pen away and closes the folder she'd been working on.
They both remain silent for a while, looking at everything, but each other. Narcissa had hoped once she showed up here, Hermione would soften up, but apparently not. Eventually she says, "I don't understand why you wanted me to leave."
Hermione sighs, lowering her head. It infuriates Narcissa. She was thrown out after she had just learned of the prophecy, after she had just told her they were having a child for Merlin's sake and now Hermione won't even talk to her. "Do you not believe me, after all?" Narcissa asks.
"I do believe you," Hermione says. She sounds defeated.
A nervous tingling feeling spreads in her stomach as she slowly realizes what this must be about. "You don't want it." Hermione doesn't say anything to that. A lump forms in her throat, wanting to burst out, the longer Hermione stays silent. To be fair, she herself has not been overly excited at the prospect of a child even if it's Hermione's. She is not exactly at the point in her life where a child would fit. And anyway, she's already experienced becoming a parent, raising a child and had no intention to repeat it. She had been willing to cope with the situation for their child, though. And so Hermione's reaction hurts. "I can still get rid of it," she says. "I had wanted to originally. I just thought, after realizing it was your's, you should have a say-"
"No," Hermione says. "I don't want you to get an abortion just for me. You'll resent me for it forever."
Narcissa scoffs. "Then how exactly is this supposed to work? I can basically choose between my partner or my child? Is that what you're telling me?"
"No, that's not what I'm telling you!" Hermione gets up abruptly, her chair falling over. "I … God, I don't know how I feel or … what to think about all this. Hell, I don't even understand how this happened."
"The spell," Narcissa says. "It was the spell we used that night we came out."
"You think so?"
"Well, I don't know for sure, but it's the only explanation I can think of, quite frankly." Hermione doesn't say anything to that, but Narcissa can basically see her brain working on full speed. "Let's look it up," Narcissa says.
"Look it up?"
"Yes, knowing you there's no point in talking to you until you understand what's going on. So let's go to Black Manor and look it up. If it really was the spell, the author be damned if there's not a mention of it."
"Fine."
"When do you have time?" Narcissa asks, looking at the huge amount of workload on Hermione's desk.
"I'll make time," the witch says and walks toward the door. "Let's go."
…
Narcissa shudders. It's not from the fact that she's back at her childhood home; it's the fact that they just Apparated and it was the first time they touched since their argument. Still, Black Manor does look at gruesome as ever, even the beautiful sunlight can't help its goth demeanor. Narcissa runs her finger among the snake ornament on the front door and it opens. Although she can't see it because Hermione is standing behind her, Narcissa is sure the witch is rolling her eyes. The moment they step inside, the voice of Druella sounds. "Narcissa, is that you?"
"Yes, mother."
"That's your mother?" Hermione whispers, looking at the life-size portrait.
"Of course, I am," Druella says haughtily. "And who's that?"
"That's Hermione. I told you about her, remember?"
Druella gasps. "You dare bring such filth into my house?"
"Keep it, mother. It's getting old," she says and walks on, up the stairs. "By the way," she calls out, "that filth is going to be the parent of your second grandchild."
"NARCISSA ORFELIA BLACK!"
"You just couldn't keep that to yourself, could you?" Hermione says, smirking.
Walking swiftly Narcissa continues towards the library. Hermione's trailing a bit behind, looking left and right. As Narcissa opens the door to the library it is Hermione's time to gasp. "Like what you see?" Narcissa asks in a mock-seducing tone. Hermione can only nod. Narcissa dives right into this forest of shelves, remembering very well where she has to go. She finds the book within a few minutes. She flips the pages quickly until she finds the page she is looking for. "There it is." They both start reading the passage in question, Hermione peeking over her shoulder.
Amorem Unificarum
This spell will make a witch's genitalia resemble those of a male temporarily. To use the spell one must simply whip their wand in a circle and bring it down in a swish while saying the incantation. The Amorem Unificarum spell is a very ancient one. Its exact roots are unknown, but is said to have been developed during the age of Walpurgis. Its intention was by no means merely sexual pleasure. Rather it was supposed to enable two witches two conceive a child together, should a male partner not be available. This was most often the case in Wizarding families who placed tremendous importance on the purity of their linage. Rather than marrying a Muggle or a close relative families would use this spell to keep the lineage alive and pure via two witches. However, what the inventors of the spell could not foresee was that this only works if the witches in questions are soulmates. Today, this original intention of the spell is wildly forgotten and it is mostly used for sexual pleasure.
Narcissa reads the lines a second time and then a third as if she might have overseen something that would change the meaning, but the meaning remains fairly clear. Hermione has stepped away from her, not saying anything either. Narcissa puts the book back in its place and turns to look at Hermione. "Are you ok?" she asks, because Hermione just stares into space, looking rather pale.
"Yes. Are you?"
"Yes. So, that means we must be …"
"Soulmates," Hermione finishes the sentence. "This is crazy."
Narcissa can't argue with that. "What exactly does that even mean, soulmates?"
"I don't know," Hermione says, "but I know someone who knows everything about anything."
…
They've only been here for a hot minute, but the staring and whispering behind their back is already grinding Narcissa's gears. "Remind me again why you brought us here," she says to Hermione as they walk across the Hogwarts grounds.
"Because I don't know anyone who has a more profound knowledge about all areas of magic than Dumbledore," Hermione says.
"I'm sure we would have found a book on soulmates, had we just looked."
"Probably," Hermione says, opening the grand doors to the Entrance Hall, "but this will be lot quicker and probably more enlightening."
They walk quickly upstairs, squeaking as one of the stairs moves at random. "Damn it," Hermione curses, clinging onto the railing. "I had forgotten they change directions." After a few more flights of stairs they reach the gargoyle that guards the office of the current Headmastermistress. "I don't know the password," Hermione says.
"Lovely, what do we do, now?"
"Mh, we could try to find a teacher and-"
The gargoyle moves aside before Hermione can finish the sentence. "Seems like someone is expecting us," Narcissa says and steps onto the stairs, followed by Hermione. The stairs carry them up in circles until they reach the door of the Headmistress' office. Narcissa nocks.
"Come in."
When they enter they find Minverva McGonagall sitting behind her desk.
"Narcissa Malfoy. What a sight for sore eyes," the portrait of Phineas Nigellus Black says. He gets up from the chair in his little frame and bows.
"As charming as ever. Thank you, Phineas," Narcissa tells her ancestor.
"Yes, Phineas," McGonagall says, "thank you very much for that enlightening comment." She looks just as stern and chronically annoyed as Narcissa remembers her from her school days. "Please have a seat, ladies. Tea?"
"No, thank you," Hermione and she say simultaneously.
"Right, no beating around the bush, I see. What has brought you here, today?"
"We'd like to talk to Professor Dumbledore," Hermione says.
"Oh, well there he is," McGonagall says, pointing toward a picture on the left wall. "Albus?" The image of Albus Dumbledore is sleeping, snoring lightly. McGonagall steps toward the portrait. "Albus!" She knocks rapidly on the picture frame and Dumbledore startles.
"Yes, Minerva? What is so important that it is worth interrupting my midday slumber?" he asks.
"You have visitors," McGonagall says. "Hermione Granger and Narcissa Malfoy wish to speak to you. I'll leave you three alone for a while."
Narcissa is sure she saw Dumbledore's eyes twinkle for a second at the mention of their names.
"Good day to you," Dumbledore says once McGonagall has left. "It's wonderful to see two of my favourite students again."
"Though you probably did not expect to see us together," Hermione says.
"Actually, Ms. Granger, Minerva reads the Daily Prophet to me every day, so I am very well up to speed."
"In that case," Narcissa says, "I'd like to cut right to the chase."
"Please do so, Mrs. Malfoy."
"Speaking in broader terms," she starts, "we are here because of a prophecy that I've discovered recently and that was made about me and, as it now turns out, also about Hermione. The prophecy says-"
"I know what the Prophecy says," Dumbledore says.
"What? How do you know?" Hermione asks.
"As it so happens the prophecy was made to me by Roseanna Trewlany in her very late years as she visited her granddaughter here at Hogwarts."
"Why didn't you tell me?" Narcissa asks.
"I do not find it wise to speed the course of the world. We learn of things when we are supposed to. Though I must say that I expected you to contact me sooner about the issue."
"Lucius obliviated me. I did not remember anything about the prophecy until about a week ago."
"I'm very sorry," Dumbledore says. "I did not know. What makes you think that the prophecy also applies to Ms. Granger?"
"Well, I am in fact pregnant with my second child. The prophecy, as you apparently know, speaks of a child conceived of love. That would only be the case with Hermione and the timing also fits. Either way, she is able to activate the prophecy."
"Then it is clear," Dumbledore says. "Prophecies can only be activated by those about whom they are made. There is no doubt about that. Forgive my bluntness, but I assume you used the Amorem Unificarum spell?"
"You've heard of it?" Narcissa asks.
"Certainly. I've always been highly interested in ancient magic."
Hermione gives her the I told you so-look. "Professor," Hermione says, "from what we understand the fact that we were able to conceive through the spell means that Narcissa and I are soulmates."
"That is correct, Ms. Granger."
"There is no doubt about it?" Narcissa asks.
"None at all," Dumbledore says.
"Professor, what we were wondering," Hermione says, "is … what exactly does it mean to be soulmates?"
"Well, in laymen's terms it means that you are destined for each other. There is and will not be a person that is better suited for you as a partner."
"So we have no choice, but to be with each other," Hermione states. It makes Narcissa's heart drop. It's sounds as though Hermione whishes she could be with someone else.
"Oh no, not at all, Ms. Granger," Dumbledore corrects her. "You see, soulmates have the perfect set up to form a bond like no other. However, it is completely up to you what you make of that set up. It is very well possible that two soulmates are not able – or willing – to create the bond."
Hermione seems relieved and if she's being honest that does sound a lot more appealing. "Assuming we would not be willing to create the bond," Narcissa says, "what would the consequences be?"
Dumbledore chuckles. "It does not make sense to dwell on that question. The bond is created once the union has been consummated."
"Excuse me?" both of them exclaim simultaneously.
"Yes, only if the union is consummated does the bond come into full effect."
Narcissa looks at Hermione and is sure the woman is thinking about the same lines. All this time …
"However," Dumbledore continues, "you could still decide not to uphold the bond you've created. Of course, that would leave you with a lot of heart ache and sorrow. Mrs. Malfoy, allow me also to say this: the fact that your bond is already created is also of importance for your legal status."
"How so?" she asks.
"From what I understand you have been seeking a divorce, but have been unable to go through with it because your husband is missing?"
She nods.
"Well, an existing soulbond is so strong that any other relationship will not compare. Your true partner at heart will always be your soulmate. Therefore, you are not allowed to enter marriage with any other person as you would be unable to fulfill your vow. This also means that an existing marriage with a person other than your soulmate becomes invalid."
A broad smile spreads on her face. "Thank you. I would have never known." Hermione takes her hand and squeezes it. She has not felt so excited in a very long time. It is the most wonderful feeling.
The door opens and Minerva McGonagall is back. "It seems the answers you were seeking are to your liking," the Headmistress says, looking at her.
Both, she and Hermione, simply smile and nod.
McGonagall looks forth and back between the two of them, her usual expression of annoyance growing even stronger. "You don't want to enlighten me as to what is going, I see. Fine."
"I think," Dumbledore says, "you will find out soon enough, Minerva. I would advise you to call a meeting of the Order."
Minverva gasps. "It is true, then, what we have been suspecting? The Death Eaters have reunited?"
"Kingsley doesn't want people to know," Hermione says, "but yes, they have reunited."
"He doesn't want … Merlin, he has some nerve. I guess, the position as Minister does change people," Minerva says. "Well, let's schedule a meeting and then see."
"I'll let you know the details," Hermione says and they leave.
"It sounds like the meeting might be rocky," Narcissa says. "Kingsley is part of the Order as well after all."
"I fear you're right and we really don't need that," Hermione says.
…
They go home together that day. They did not talk about it; it was a given. It is a peculiar dynamic they have sometimes. Occasionally one of them will question everything, but once the anger, sorrow and tension deflated like a hot balloon it is as though nothing ever happend.
"I need a good cup of tea, now," Hermione says after taking off her shoes and throwing her bag exceptionally carelessly into the corner. "How about you?"
"Definitely. Anything herbal for me." Narcissa makes herself comfortable on the coach, closing her eyes. She could fall asleep on the spot; she's so tired. "Don't you need to get back to work?"
"Well, I can't work until late in the evening anymore," Hermione says, carrying two cups of tea, "Harry has honestly started checking up on me, can you believe it? He thinks I'm working too much."
"I reckon he's right," Narcissa says.
"Besides, there are more important things at the moment." Hermione gets that solemn look whenever she retreads into herself, thinking.
"How do you feel about today?" Narcissa asks.
"Good, actually."
"Really? I didn't think you'd be alright with the idea of having a soulmate. It interferes with you sense of independence, doesn't it?"
Hermione takes a long zip of her tea. "I'll admit that's how I felt right after I had read the passage about the spell. It does feel good to know that we're not chained to this relationship, doesn't it?"
"Yes. I've felt that way before. I don't want to feel it with you." Narcissa grows a bit melancholic. To think for how long they played cat and mouse when the bond was already created … Or maybe that is exactly why they played games for so long. Right from the start they had been drawn to each other inexplicably strong and, at times, it had been scary. „It explains a lot, doesn't it? Why I felt so safe with you when we were only strangers really. How you just seemed to know what I needed that first night."
Hermione nods slowly, seemingly deep in thought. "You know, I never truly understood why I helped you, took you home. I can't stand to see people suffer, friend or foe, but it was more than that. I felt the need to protect you. I felt responsible."
The confession melts Narcissa inside. "How did you manage to be so cold to be then?"
The look on Hermione's face grows solemn. "It wasn't easy, I can tell you that, but I was afraid. My feelings for you scared me. I wasn't supposed to fall for … well, someone like you. But I just couldn't stay away from you. So I decided to keep our relationship purely sexual – and brutally so. I thought that would satisfy my feelings and keep them at bay at the same time."
She smiles to herself at the thought of Hermione going through the same emotional turmoil she went through. "That didn't quite work out, did it, Ms. Know-it-all?" She chuckles, but Hermione turns her head, breathing irregularly. "Hermione? Are you … crying?" She has never seen her cry before.
"I'm so sorry, Narcissa." Now, the tears are obvious by the tone of her voice. "I treated you so horribly and I feel so guilty."
"It's alright, love."
"No it's not! How can you say that? How can you just forgive me?"
"For the same reason you forgave me. I love you and I understand. I understand where you came from. We were on opposing sides of a war. I watched my son bully you, I watched my sister torture you and did nothing. It's understandable you didn't want to fall for me. Yet you did, you forgave me and I forgive you."
"Even for these past days? It wasn't ok to just kick you out, but I felt so overwhelmed."
Narcissa nods. "You're young and I think sometimes I forget just how young with how strong and confident you are. You probably haven't thought about being a mother for several more years, if at all."
"Basically. Still, I'm sorry."
"It's fine," Narcissa says. "And I meant what I said. I can still get an abortion. I will always choose you over anything. And I didn't exactly plan to become a mother again either."
"I don't think we should rush this. Let's take our time to talk about it and see what would be best for us."
Narcissa nods without saying any more. She has no idea what they're going to do, but the fact that Hermione at least considers having this child makes it all hurt a little less.
Well, it's been a while, hasn't it? I hope some of you are still interested in the Story. This break was defenitely not intentional. The main reason for it was that I was getting closer and closer to finishing it, but I just couldn't come up with the actual ending. I decided to stop publishing chapters as long as I was unsure about the ending because I really didn't want to leave another story unfinished. I've worked out the ending, now and I'm actually really excited about continuing this story. I only need to write two more chapters. The rest is just editing. I'm not going to make any promises about updates as I've started an original story that I need to focus on, but you're defenitely going to have to wait another six months.