AN: Apologies for the delayed update! Thank you for your patience! I hope this chapter makes up for it! It's the longest one so far! Please read & review!
CHAPTER TEN: THE MINISTRY BALL
Hermione felt the heat from the bright flashes of light before she even registered the paparazzi standing outside the mansion of the Minister. Once Hermione stepped outside the apparition point in front and began taking steps towards the front door, she could feel the press hounds trying to get through the invisible barrier and shield charms put in place. Once one photographer had gotten wind that War Hero H.G. was making a debut at the gala, it was a flurry of activity, shouts, and cheers from fans and supporters busting at the entrance. Kingsley had made a note to hire extra security against the media and incredulous fans wanting to catch sight of the Golden Trio, especially HG, who rarely (if ever) made public appearances.
Fielding the cacophony of bright lights with one hand and waving to the screaming witches and wizards, Hermione slowly made her way inside.
Hermione entered the grand ballroom, and she looked out over a sea of people hoping to spot Harry or Ginny before anyone from work had to snag her attention. She really, really detested these events. The Ministry had paraded the three of them throughout the papers and parties after the Final Battle. They needed to be at every ribbon-cutting, every law-signing, every Death-Eater bust. By the end of the summer, Hermione was thrilled to escape to the haven that was Hogwarts for her faux-Seventh Year. Ron had revelled in the attention, immediately signing on to whatever the Ministry threw at him. Harry seemed uncomfortable, but he had dealt with it in his stride. One of the things she loved about Harry was his grown-up attitude to endure the things he disliked for the greater good. He was used to being in the spotlight when he didn't want to be.
For Hermione though, it was the absolute worst. However, the party looked to be a gala of splendor as expected. She had to admit the decorations looked lovely. Maybe one day she would be used to the extravaganza. For now though, she was not. She shifted uncomfortably at the top of the stairs near the door. Networking wasn't her strong point, but if she was going to be head of a department, she needed to learn how to mingle with the higher-ups in the Ministry.
"Aggravating, isn't it?" spoke a familiar voice from behind her. Hermione smiled instantly at the sound of her best friend's voice, "It's so decorated and glamorous. The elite wines and dines while people out there need our help."
Hermione smiled sadly, giving her Best Chosen One a sideways hug, "You get me, Harry."
"Hands off my man, Granger," came the next familiar voice of her best other friend. The wife of the Chosen One came up on the other side of her, wrapping her arm around Hermione's other shoulder. Leaning in, she whispered into the brunette's ear, "She picked well."
Hermione shot Ginny a look. Ginny returned by sticking her tongue out.
"Not very lady-like, Mrs. Potter," Hermione commented.
"And pray tell, when have you ever known me to be lady-like?"
"Good point there, Red," Hermione said, laughing.
"Oh, sisterly duties call," Ginny said, eyeing her red-headed brother from across the room, "We'll meet up later, yes?"
"Of course, I've got to mingle and schmooze anyway," Hermione said as Ginny smiled and walked away.
"I better follow," Harry said, following his wife's lead, "Knock 'em, dead."
Hermione nodded her thanks. She sighed and looked about the room. She watched as Ginny and Harry made their way over to the final third of the Golden Trio.
Suddenly, out of the corner of her eye, she noticed another couple step into the doorway. She almost forgot to breathe. To say Narcissa Black was elegantly dressed would have been putting it mildly. She was dressed in a dark red floor length gown that did everything for every curve of her body. Her hair was curled to perfection, delicately framing her face while spilling over her shoulders. Beside her was Draco, standing stiff and straight next to his mother, but his attention seemed to be elsewhere.
Narcissa looked over her to her side and saw Hermione standing there. Hermione could feel her heart thudding through her chest as she watched Narcissa's eyes rake over her body. She tried to tell herself that she was just imagining that it seemed like ages before Narcissa's eyes finally met hers. Her body temperature shot through the roof, her breasts swelled up with her erratic breathing she tried to keep under control. Not knowing whether or not to say hello or not, Hermione managed a small smile.
A nod. A brief nod. An acknowledgement and an approval. Draco whispered something to his mother and directed her attention elsewhere, moving her away from the front door. Hermione noted the exact same red heels that Narcissa had worn the day before. Hermione fought the urge to follow them, to say hello, to insist they go right back to the office and drink wine and do silly incompetent work. Anything other than the fancy, formal ball. But tonight wasn't about that. She was still in an interview. She was still under surveillance. She was sure Narcissa would be paying attention to her like a hawk, even when she wasn't in her eyesight. Somehow.
The first part of the night passed slowly for Hermione. She mostly mingled with her co-workers while splitting time with Harry and Ginny. She didn't know most of the high-Ministry officials, or at least not enough to strike up a conversation. Hermione had met many people over the years, but most of them seemed like vague memories there were so many. Some people sought her out while some still held distain over the war. Even with most Death Eaters captured or executed, they ones who had managed to skirt the law still held grudges. Instead, she started with co-workers, people she had met at least a few times, or Harry and Ginny (when she needed a break). No matter where she went in the room, she tried to keep a visual on her blonde supervisor.
Before she could gain enough confidence to actually go over and talk to the woman, she was interrupted while standing solo at a small cocktail table with her champagne.
"Hey, 'Mione."
Hermione turned around and was greeted with a shy smile and awkward wave from her equally awkward red-headed friend. His stance clearly indicated 'I come in peace'.
"Hello, Ron. Are you enjoying yourself?" Hermione asked, casually.
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. These parties are fun once you let loose enough," he laughed lightly.
"How's the joke shop?"
"Oh, you know, it's been going. George and me, we've got a real good flow going. I'm really enjoying myself over there," Ron said, "Much happier than at the Auror's office. I can't stay in Harry's shadow forever."
Hermione nodded, agreeing. Truth be told, she didn't see Ron much anymore. Aside from the occasional Weasley gatherings (Molly would be furious if she didn't attend like she was one of her own daughters), and usually managed to skillfully avoid each other. Although they had ended on relatively good terms, he would be constantly hinting at possibly another round of their relationship. Truth was, she really missed being friends with Ron, where their previous relationship wasn't broadcast on the front page of the Daily Prophet every time they were within fifty feet from each other.
"What's new with you?" Ron asked, leaning his elbows on the table in front of Hermione.
"I'm up for the Head of the Department of Magical Education," Hermione said, finding herself beaming proudly. Even though she had been resistant to promotions, now that she was in the thick of the process for an elite role at the Ministry she could find herself feeling more excited about the prospect.
"Wow! Hermione, that's great!" Ron exclaimed. Hermione smiled.
Suddenly, as if out of nowhere, he stepped around the table and a little too close for comfort, and Hermione found herself stepping backwards.
"Maybe once you get this promotion we could try again?" Ron asked, leaning in. Hermione took another step back. "You'll have reached the top, and you can settle down- not focus so much on work."
Hermione shook her head. This is what Ron didn't get about her. She would always be more focused on work, "I'm sorry, Ron, but I don't think that's a good idea. I love you very much as a friend, but I don't think we can ever be romantically involved again."
Suddenly there was a hand on her lower back, and Hermione instantly got goosebumps as if her body was aware of exactly whose touch it was. She was greeted with the silky voice she had been aching to hear all evening, "Sorry to interrupt, Mr. Weasley, but I must steal Ms. Granger away for a few minutes," Narcissa said, subtly moving Hermione away from Ron. As Hermione turned her back towards Ron, Narcissa leaned close to her ear and Hermione shuddered and the hot breath on her ear, "Ms. Granger, I've been looking for you. Come, there are some people here I must introduce you to."
Hermione shivered. She took a sip of champagne. "Sorry, Ron. Duty calls," she said before he could protest.
She felt the possessive hand on the small of her back the entire time Narcissa lead her away.
Hermione spent the majority of the rest of the evening, surprisingly, with Narcissa. Every few minutes, there was another ministry official or socially-high witch or wizard that Narcissa seemed to absolutely need to introduce her to. Was this her way of starting to introduce her to the people she would be working with in the job? Was Narcissa growing fond of her? Hermione couldn't help but notice every time Narcissa would lead her somewhere, that warm hand would be resting comfortably on her lower back, sometimes minutes into a conversation. Was she even aware she was doing it?
"Ms. Granger, I would like to introduce you to Mr. Gringleberg, sub-department head of the Auror Training and Combat Department. Ms. Granger is preparing for her hearing for the Head of the Department of Magical Education," Narcissa announced, her hand leaving Hermione's back. Hermione finally released a breath she didn't realize she was holding. She politely shook his hand, trying not to cringe at the amount of sweat perspiring from it. She felt sorry that Harry had to work with this man, whom she already found unpleasant.
"Welcome, Ms. Granger," he said gruffly, not even trying to hide his wandering gaze down towards her cleavage. Gross.
"I heard you and the Weasley boy split," he added. She merely nodded and prayed this wasn't his attempt to hit on her at a work event over a relationship that had ended years ago, "Any other beaus in your life?"
"No. No beaus," Hermione replied quickly, suddenly feeling a slight de ja vu from her conversation with Narcissa earlier in the week. She thought she felt Narcissa shift beside her. Maybe if she ended this conversation quickly enough she could convince Narcissa something else needed their attention.
"Well maybe I could stop by your office to discuss certain… policies," he stepped towards her. Hermione rolled her eyes, and she took an immediate step back.
"I have no idea what the Department of Auror Training and Combat and Education could possibly discuss," Hermione shot back, her voice clearly giving a warning of back off to the slimey man.
"Oh, I'm sure we could think of something. Isn't what these parties are for?" Double gross.
Hermione felt Narcissa start to put her hand on her back in order to draw her away before Hermione stepped in.
"Oh. I thought these parties were for networking professionals, not for openly gropey middle aged men trying to seduce younger women into their beds to get ahead," Hermione finally snapped, sending the man a harsh glare. Her attention was briefly drawn to Narcissa, who had snorted behind her hand, holding an empty champagne glass. I would never believed I would have heard Narcissa Black snort, Hermione thought, Wait a second. I just made her laugh!
Watching the bluthering man's attempt to form a response by merely flapping his gap over while stuttering, Hermione took the time to rest her hand on Narcissa's elbow and turn away, "Ms. Black, how about I accompany you for a refill?"
Before the man could reply, Narcissa nodded and sent him an unapproving stare before heading towards a nearby waiter. Hermione followed briskly, determined to get away. After getting a safe distance away and grabbing a new drink, Hermione moaned, "What have I done! I can actually think of a number of ways the two departments could interact… Internships! Special topics class! I just completely botched all of it."
"I thought you handled yourself very well. He's a snubby, money-grubbing bachelor who preys on scantily-clad opportunities. If anything he will respect you more for it, and you shouldn't have a problem interacting with him based on the level of embarrassment he must be feeling."
Hermione noticed Narcissa was actually grinning. A real smile of happiness. Since when did Narcissa give her advice? Maybe she actually was growing fond of Hermione… at least in a professional way.
"I must say I am impressed with how you are handling yourself this evening," Narcissa continued, "These events are a lot of bureaucratic nonsense. Having a diplomatic facade can be tiresome."
How much does she even like attending these things? Hermione wondered. She had always assumed that Narcissa loved these fancy parties considering how often she attended them, but maybe that was a sense of obligation based on her job, her status, and the number of charities Hermione had learned that she supported.
"Thank you," Hermione replied, unsure of what else to say.
"Also, I must say," Narcissa eyes traveled down, examining Hermione's outfit, "You look the part. I was right, the white looks lovely on you."
Hermione blushed. She watched Narcissa eye her as she took a long sip of champagne through her ruby red lips. Is she flirting with me?
"I'm glad you approve," Hermione said in an equally seductive manner. Narcissa raised an eyebrow, but she didn't offer a retort. Instead, her eyes wandered across the hall over Hermione's shoulder.
"It appears Mr. Weasley wants to make another attempt at conversation. I think I have taken up enough of your time with business this evening. Would you like him to interrupt us, or was I correct in your body language in your earlier conversation that you would like me to draw your attention elsewhere?"
"Elsewhere, please," Hermione said immediately, causing a pleased smirk to cross Narcissa's face. That was the moment when Hermione realized that Narcissa rarely, if ever, smiled. She smirked. Narcissa's hand found Hermione's back before leading her across the hall, subtly avoiding a certain red-headed Weasley once more.
The rest of the evening flew by smoothly. Sometimes Narcissa was drawn away, but she always found her way back to Hermione's side. It made Hermione curious, but not enough to ask the devastatingly gorgeous witch about it.
At one point, she felt a tap on her shoulders. When she did so, she was startled to see Draco Malfoy holding out his hand. He wore a well-fitted tux with a elegant skinny black tie. His hair was halfway between business and bed-head with a little stubble around his chin. She knew she hadn't seen him for a few years, but adulthood seemed to be fitting his quite nicely, "May I have a dance, Granger?"
Taken aback, Hermione nodded and quietly excused herself from the group of colleagues she had been talking to. Draco led her out onto the dance floor. She caught a glance of Narcissa on the far side of the room, who was sipping her drink, tuning out whatever conversation she was holding. She didn't have that slight squint in her eye like she did when she was fully engaged. They caught eyes for a moment, but Hermione blushed and looked away.
Once in the middle of the room, Draco took Hermione's hand and snaked an arm around her waist. After a few moments of an easy stroll between the other dancers, he muttered, "I hear you are up for a promotion. Department head would suit you."
Hermione didn't bother to hide her shock. Narcissa.
"Thank you, Malfoy."
He was quite a bit taller than her. She had to crane her head to look up at him. She wanted to press him for more information. Was Narcissa talking about her? They danced in silence for a few measures.
"All is well?" Hermione asked. Except for their tea meeting, Narcissa and Hermione had rarely discussed anything personal. However, she knew Draco and Narcissa continued to be close. So far, Narcissa seemed to be a much better role model than Lucius had ever been.
"Yes. Astoria Greengrass and I just became engaged. The papers are set to report on it tomorrow," Draco replied.
"A congratulations is in order then," Hermione said, remembering the quiet Slytherin girl just a few years below her. They had never had much interaction, except for silently studying in the library near each other. She could guess she would prefer her company much more than her sister Daphne's. "I hope you find much happiness, Malfoy. I fear we have all seen too much darkness."
"Yes, thank you," Draco replied stiffly, eyeing her from his height, "I quite agree."
They fell into a comfortable silence once more as they finished out the dance. At the end, they applauded and Draco took her hand and bowed, "It was a pleasure to see you, Granger. I wish you happiness as well."
Hermione curtsied and nodded, "A pleasure to see you, Malfoy."
He nodded and strutted away. Hermione left the dance floor and it was only a minute before Narcissa was by her side asking her questions about what she thought about the ball.
Every once in a while, Narcissa would pull her away, and whisper something dangerously close to Hermione's ear like "never hesitate", "straight back, you don't want them to see you cower", and "hide your shocked expression, when you go into negotiations, you can't wear your emotions on your sleeve."
Towards the end of the night, Hermione found herself interacting with high profile Ministry officials as if she had been doing so her entire life.
Eventually, she found herself in a rather interesting conversation about the regulations around student Quidditch.
"Would anyone like a cup of coffee?" Percy asked, with a tray of coffee.
There was a mumbled nod of agreement when suddenly the elder Weasley's tripped and the tray came crashing down on Hermione. She bit her lip to keep a scream subdued, however, she instinctively gripped the person next to her, who happened to be Narcissa.
"Oh Merlin! I'm so sorry, Hermione!" Percy apologized while trying to magically fix the broken cups and clean the coffee up off the floor.
"Come, Ms. Granger, let's get you cleaned up," Narcissa said, hand instantly back on the small of her back again. Hermione could feel the tears brimming her eyes. The coffee was slowly burning her skin, but she didn't want to cause a panic. The last thing she needed a week from her hearing was about how she completely melted down over coffee spilt over her.
Hermione let Narcissa lead her to the restroom. She barely got a glance at Narcissa who looked equal parts angry… and worried?
"No good- slimy- arrogant little brat," Narcissa mumbled under her breath. Hermione bit her lip. She couldn't even think about attempting to defend Percy. Her chest burned. She needed a good spell, and quickly, before it became unbearable. Narcissa opened the door to the bathroom, and she allowed Hermione to slip through before following in herself. Narcissa nearly pushed her into a stall, and she locked the door behind them. Hermione became instantly aware how close of a space they were in.
"Lower your dress," Narcissa ordered.
"WHAT?" Hermione looked confused.
"I need to heal whatever burn is forming under your chest. That was magically hot coffee, altered to stay hot, so I'm sure you're in quite a bit of pain right now," Narcissa snapped, then softened her voice, "Ms. Granger, you could have second degree burns. I'm trying to help."
Hermione nodded, undoing one of the buttons from her dress and letting the sleeves fall further down her shoulders.
"Oh my," Narcissa said, her eyes scanning over the burns, her eyes narrowed carefully at Hermione, "Are you alright?"
"Yes-" Hermione breathed, trying to hold in how much pain she was actually in, "I think the embarrassment was worse."
Narcissa smiled softly. Hermione blushed. Seeing Narcissa smile was a rare act. So far tonight, Hermione had made the older woman laugh and smile. Hermione grabbed for her wand before Narcissa's hand stopped her, "Let me."
Narcissa grabbed her wand and began humming a healing spell while running her wand ever so slowly across Hermione's chest. Narcissa's eyes seem to never leave the burns, but her hardened look began to soften. Hermione forgot about the burns, and she didn't realize the her dress was slowly lowering. Narcissa's eyes shifted, and Hermione felt herself blush. Narcissa lowered her wand once the burns had healed, but she lifted her other hand and began tracing Hermione's collarbone. Hermione inhaled.
"You look as good as new," Narcissa replied softly. The sensual touch was almost too much to bear. Narcissa looked as if she was in a trance, memorizing every aspect about Hermione's skin. Hermione's breathing became heavy. She felt Narcissa's fingers trace slowly up her neck, and she whimpered. Narcissa's ears perked up, and her eyes caught with Hermione's. Hermione tried to control her breathing as she saw desire run through Narcissa's icy blue eyes.
Suddenly, she realized she felt a little bit hazy, as if the lust she was feeling for the other woman was palpable in the air. She took a breath in and smelled an intoxicating minty aura. She looked at Narcissa and saw her eyes had glazed over as well. Hermione realized Narcissa had accidentally let her slip into her mind, the parts of her chest where Narcissa's fingers lay burned with anticipation. She could not only feel her own arousal, but Narcissa's as well.
Narcissa trailed her fingers trail over her shoulders, along Hermione's neck, down lower to the tops of her breasts. Hermione inhaled sharply, a gasp let out of her mouth before she could stop it. Narcissa's eyes caught Hermione's. The sharp blue met the warm chocolate brown ones. Both women's chests were rising and falling deeply, but they were too wrapped up in looking at the other to notice.
Hermione stepped towards Narcissa, eliminating the gap between them as Narcissa's hand flew to the back of Hermione's neck. Narcissa took a step forward, essentially pinning Hermione against the stall door. Their foreheads pressed against each other. The blonde's eyes focused and pinpointed, like an animal waiting to strike its prey. Images of them together is passionate embraces went speeding through her mind. She couldn't tell which were her's and which were coming from Narcissa.
"Please…" Hermione panted in a low voice, feeling the effects of arousal travel through her bloodstream.
Narcissa crashed her lips onto Hermione's. A low deep moan erupted from the base of Hermione's throat. She heard the feminine gasp from Narcissa as Hermione dug her fingers deeper into Narcissa's waist. She could taste the lip gloss from Narcissa's lips, mixed with her intoxicating scent, Hermione was in heaven. Narcissa continued to hungrily kiss her mouth. Hermione allowed Narcissa's tongue entry and clung to her harder.
Merlin, she tastes so, so good, Hermione heard. Everything was hazy. She could feel the pool of wetness forming between her thighs. Dear god. Narcissa massaged Hermione's tongue with her own, wrapping her fingers through Hermione's brunette locks.
Suddenly, a door threw open, and they both stopped.
"Hermione?" she heard Ginny's voice call, "Are you alright? I saw Percy fling coffee at you. Uncoordinated git."
Hermione winced. Narcissa immediately backed up against the other side of the stall and seemed frozen.
"Uh- yeah, Gin," Hermione started, "I'm fine."
"Do you need any help?"
"No, Ms. Black helped heal the burns and she just stepped out, but hey- I forgot to ask her- would you mind grabbing my sweater? I think I'm going to head home soon anyway…" Hermione blurted, trying to get the redhead out of the bathroom. She was also very happy that the stall doors went down to an inch off the ground. As long as Ginny wasn't paying too close attention, she wouldn't noticed both sets of heels.
"Sure thing, 'Mione. I'll be right back," with that, she heard Ginny exit and shut the door behind her. Hermione breathed a sigh of relief. She directed her attention back to Narcissa. As if suddenly unfrozen, Narcissa snapped her hands back.
"I… I am so sorry, Ms. Granger. That was highly inappropriate of me. Completely and utterly foolish. Highly and completely reprehensible of me. Please excuse me," Narcissa flung the door open before Hermione could even utter a sound.
"Nar-" she stopped. The witch was already gone. Hermione threw her head against the stall. She leaned her forehead against the cool stall, trying to calm herself down.