Harry Potter belongs to JKR. Thanks :)

Chapter 14

Since meeting his wife, Robert Granger thought he had seen it all. It all had started 20 years ago when he had met a beautiful, single mother at the grocery store and had fallen in love with her almost instantaneously.

"What do you mean this isn't proper money," the young woman was holding up a funny looking gold coin.

"Young lady," the clerk was huffing impatiently. "If you don't have proper currency, I won't be able to sell these to you. I am sure you can get some money for those at a antique shop. Come back when you have some Pounds instead of those things."

"But how am I supposed to feed my daughter," the woman asked exasperatedly.

"Get job..." the clerk snarled.

"Excuse me," Robert interrupted having witnessed the encounter. "I'll pay for her groceries," the young woman turned to him and he was immediately taken aback by her beauty. She had beautiful brown eyes, a small button nose and full lips. Her brown hair was curly with a few highlights making it look like gold was strung throughout her locks.

"I can't accept that," the young woman protested weakly. He knew she had to feed her daughter and couldn't turn down his offer.

"Really, I am actually being selfish here," he smiled at her. "I am hoping you will be so grateful, that you have dinner with me tonight. Make sure you bring that adorable daughter of yours as well."

The young woman looked at him in surprise. How did he just assume she was single. She did have her daughter with her, after all. However, he seemed to be reading her mind.

"You're not wearing a ring," he gestured to her hand. "And the fact you're here, fending for yourself, tells me her father isn't that great of a bloke anyway. So, how about dinner?"

He had asked Jean to marry him two weeks later prompting her to tell him, that she and her daughter were witches. He had been furious and told her, if she didn't want to marry him, she should have just said so. She had simply pulled out a wooden stick and changed the color of his jumper from red to green. A week later, they had been married. A month later, he had officially adopted her daughter Hermione to be his own.

On Hermione's 11th birthday, a severe and stern looking woman in the strangest outfit ever had visited them and explained that his sweet little girl was a witch. He had pretended to be surprised, even shocked. However, his amazement had been real the first time they had visited Diagon Alley. His wife had always told him about the wondrous wizarding world when Hermione wasn't around. Yet having seen it with his own eyes, was something else. He remembered buying his daughter her first wizarding book, Hogwarts, A History. They had read it together many times before her first year at the strange school.

A year later, he had met the Weasleys and Harry Potter, a special, young boy as his wife and daughter had explained. Mr. Weasley himself, had been overly excited to learn about his world and got some strange satisfaction from talking about plugs and televisions. He had also seen an odd looking man sneer at him and his wife and then get into a fight with Mr. Weasley. His wife had been quite upset when she had seen him and had explained later who exactly Lucius Malfoy was. At the time, he couldn't believe this evil looking man had been one of his wife's childhood friends and his son was betrothed to his sweet little girl.

However, nothing could top the image in front of him. They had received the strangest visitor ever, an aristocratic and haughty looking woman with long blond hair and robes, that were clearly more expensive than his car. She had looked uncomfortable and appeared more out of place than he believed possible. Nevertheless, the second she had spotted his wife she had broke down in tears. Now, the woman, whose name he learnt was Narcissa, and his amazing wife Jean were cackling about some prank involving a ghost named The Bloody Baron and something called the Giant Squid.

"I am going to see what's on the telly," hoping nobody would stop his departure from the kitchen, Robert slowly got up and backed out of the room. Jean flashed him a quick smile before continuing the cackling.

"Netti, are you sure, your husband is alright with me being here," Narcissa spoke up after the man in question had left.

"Cissa," Jean Granger placed her hand gently on her friends arm. "I am sure. He is just not used to me having such a good friend around. He has always encouraged me to make friends, but I worried about slipping up and mentioning something magical. Imagine explaining where I went to school. It was hard enough to hide it from Hermione for so long."

"I am so sorry for what my sister has done to her. I should have stopped her," Narcissa suddenly looked serious. The mentioning of Hermione made her feel guiltier than ever. "I am afraid I'll never be able to make up for my sins. I wasn't strong like you."

"I knew things were going to be hard for my daughter when I decided to raise her as a muggle-born," Jean retorted. "I'll never forgive Bella for doing this to my little girl, but I understand the position you were in. She would have turned on you in an instant."

"You know," Narcissa admitted. "Lucius strongly believed Hermione to be Alexandra. He investigated you for years. For three years, he was almost obsessed in finding something to prove him right. He stopped once the Dark Lord came back, worried about the family's reputation if it came out he suspected a muggle-born to be Alexandra."

"I know he did," Jean responded quietly. "Lucius doesn't necessarily blend in well when surrounded by muggles."

"Oh, I told him to wear some more inconspicuous clothing," the blonde fretted. "But no, Malfoys don't wear filthy muggle clothing. I knew, you would spot him from a mile away."

Jean laughed out loud patting her friend's hand. Narcissa smiled at her. Jeanette - or Jean - had always been very kind. So kind in fact, that many wondered why she had been sorted into Slytherin. However, Narcissa knew better. Her childhood friend could be quite cunning when she wanted to be. After all, she did manage to trick her husband into performing a possibly dangerous and complicated ritual to sever the bond they shared.

"Netti, how did you manage to get away from Rabastan," Narcissa inquired. Rabastan had always been very tight lipped on how exactly his wife got away. She was curious and wanted to know how her clever friend had deceived her ex-husband.

"I gave him a love potion," the other woman chuckled. "He thought he was madly in love with Alceto Carrow and wanted to be with her. I simply informed him that he was bound to me. Oh, he begged me to let him go so he could be with Alceto. He finally decided, that he needed to perform the ritual to break the bond. I took Hermione when he went to see Alceto, performed the concealment charm and apparated to London. I never looked back once"

The blonde looked at the brunette in awe. It was quite genius to use a love potion and very humiliating for Rabastan to believe he was in love with Alceto, who hadn't exactly been known for her good looks and great personality. It did explain, however, why he had always been so angry about Jeanette leaving him and adamant about plotting revenge on her.

"You're incorrigible," Narcissa finally chuckled while Jean simply smiled. "How did you ever manage to raise a Gryffindor?"

"I just raised her the exact opposite way from how we were raised," Jean laughed cheekily. "But I can't take all the credit. Robert is a very good man. He has always treated Hermione as his own and she is just as much like him as she is like me. I'd like to think that she does have a little Slytherin in her, though."

Narcissa chuckled wondering exactly how much Slytherin was in the young woman. She laughed at the thought of her being sorted into her former house.

"What if she had been sorted into Slytherin," Narcissa wondered. "They would have eaten her alive."

"I never really thought she would be," Jean reflected. "I have to admit, I was surprised she got into Gryffindor. I was sure she'd be in Ravenclaw. But I think, had she been sorted into Slytherin, I would have come forward and let people know who we are. I wouldn't risk her getting hurt over this. She would've been tortured by her housemates for being a muggle-born. As it is, she and your son hated each other with a passion."

Narcissa nodded slowly, "I've missed you!"

"Oh, Cissa, and I've missed you. Does anyone else know about me?"

"Andromeda, of course, and Pandora Parkinson. Pandora recognized your daughter in the paper," Narcissa admitted. "I sent her a letter, though, asking her to not tell Pansy."

"So, what are you going to do about my daughter and your son," Jean knew this was one of the reasons, Narcissa had sought her out. "I know you spoke to my little girl. She's hasn't told me much, but I know you. You are plotting something."

"I just want them to be happy," Narcissa felt guilty at once. "I know you want the same for her. I am selfish, yes. I want grandchildren. Lots of them. I always wanted more children, but Lucius only wanted a son, an heir. You know, I don't blame you for leaving. But I always believed, I would at least have my goddaughter to dote on," she paused. "She seems to think she can break this enchantment, but I told her if she can't, I expect her to marry my son. You know, once Lucius gets out, he'll enforce the bond anyway. I'd rather they're in love at that point. They deserve at least that much."

Jean simply nodded knowing how stubborn her daughter could be.

"So, does your son know," Jean wasn't sure she wanted to hear the truth.

Narcissa seemed to sense her friend's hesitation. She didn't want to lie to her, but she had expected her to jump at the idea of meddling in their children's life. They could ensure their children's happiness and finally have some grandchildren. After all, self-preservation was a Slytherin trait.

"I told her, I wouldn't let him know," Narcissa decided to not let her friend in on the fact her son knew already. "As long as she promised to give him a chance, I wouldn't tell him for the next six months... "

"I understand, Cissa," Jean responded quietly. Hermione deserved to be happy and Jean was sure, the moment her daughter let the young man in, she would be happier than ever.

"In any case," Narcissa continued. "I think my son's charm will win her over eventually. Especially, if he keeps insisting on being part of her life. Netti, they're perfect for each other. We've known this for years. They just need a push in the right direction. Please, I do need your help getting them together."

"I've carried around the guilt of keeping secrets from her for years. Things would have been different if I had stayed around," Jean blamed herself. "Rabastan would have had no influence on her since he was in Azkaban. I was just worried about the other Death Eaters and You-Know-Who. I felt save right here where I am at."

Jean was quiet for a few minutes reflecting on her own actions and the impact they had on her daughter.

"I am sorry," she finally continued, "but I am not going to plot against my daughter. I can't help you with whatever you're planning. However, I am sure things will work out with or without my help. I do believe, your son is doing a great job on his own."

The two women sat in silence carrying the guilt and burden of the past. Narcissa finally nodded, understanding her friends reasoning all too well. She had hoped for some sort of involvement from her friend but couldn't blame her for not wanting to meddle. There were plenty of reasons for Narcissa to feel guilty toward her son. She could have done a better job of protecting him from Lucius' beliefs and influence, from the Dark Lord and her deranged sister. She hadn't, though. That's why she understood her friend and her desire to remain honest with her daughter.

Finally, Jean excused herself to the restroom to freshen up. She was emotionally drained from the events of the last couple of weeks. Shortly after she had left the room, Mr. Granger entered and handed Narcissa a piece of paper.

"Don't tell my wife, but Hermione is going to this event next Saturday. See, she always lets us know what is going on. We worry about her after everything that has happened in your world. Your son could bump into her there," Narcissa looked at the man in surprise. "I don't like the idea of going behind my daughter's back either and I may not understand all this magical hocus-pocus involved in this betrothal, but I know my daughter. I want her to be happy as well. I know how she feels about your son and how much she worries about her feelings for him. But I also know, how she's never been truly happy and in love. She lights up around him and I can tell he cares about her. Just make sure, I don't regret this. I may be what you call a muggle, but I love my daughter more than anything and will do whatever it takes to ensure her happiness. I know she dates occasionally but has never been content. It's about time, I do something to change that."

Narcissa took the paper from the man who obviously loved his daughter despite the fact they weren't blood related. She gently nodded and pressed her lips together in a thin line. Narcissa Malfoy was so grateful, she could have hugged the muggle in front of her. However, she settled on a smile and a genuine "Thank you" instead.

"Their house is well protected," Rabastan had just apparated back into the small flat in muggle London, the hideout provided by their informant when they arrived back in London two days ago. "Potter stopped by yesterday inproving their wards. Jeanette has been apparating to work, taking her husband with her. Their practice is better protected than any ordinary wizard dwelling."

"Well, if we can't get to her directly, we'll have to get to her through Alexandra," Rodolphus sneered. "I don't want to hurt the girl, though. Blood traitor or not, she is the last Lestrange. Face it, we won't be the ones to carry on the family line. But she'll definitely get Jeanette to drop her guard. We know your beloved ex-wife will do anything to save her daughter. You will finally get your revenge on her for humiliating you with that love potion."

Rabastan growled at the memory of lusting after Alceto. The love potion had stopped working as he was just done having sex with her. He remembered the humiliation he had felt as he was recovering from the best fuck he had ever had, just to stare into the eyes of the ugly witch. She had followed him around for weeks making him the butt of many jokes.

"How do you expect to get to her," Rabastan asked still shuddering at his memories. "She's bound to be protected as well."

"Well," Rodolphus laughed, "Our friend should be able to draw her out soon enough. I am sure, we just have to wait a few more weeks for things to fall into place. Just be patient in the meantime. I think we should continue watching Jeanette as well. She may make a mistake and then we'll snatch her."

"What do you think Potter was up to," Rabastan muttered darkly. The fact, that the Boy-Who-Should-Have-Died had been at the Granger home and had increased their wards, concerned him.

"We just got back," Rodolphus retorted. "He can't know about it yet, even if the Aurors are much better organized nowadays... What I am concerned about is out friend. I don't think she's working alone. She can't want revenge that badly."

"Let's be careful regardless," Rabastan chuckled darkly. "Once she outlives her usefulness...," he took his wand and made a slicing motion across his neck.

"I agree. Rita Skeeter doesn't know it yet, but she's as good as dead."

I know some of you have been waiting for the reunion between Narcissa and Jean. This chapter was actually supposed to follow Draco's apology. I had it written with Jean helping Narcissa but I didn't like how it portrayed Hermione's mom. I see her as someone that is done lying and very straight forward with her daughter. Her plotting against her own daughter didn't sit right with me.

Hermione's dad is another story. He's seen Draco and Hermione flirt, he doesn't have reasons to feel guilty for anything and his motives are simple: His daughter's happiness. Not sure you agree, but it just worked better for me.

In terms of the Lestranges, it's only been about two weeks since they received the letter. I know my timeline isn't clear cut, but in the last chapter Hermione's dad mentioned it. So really, they just arrived in London. As to what Harry is up to, you'll just have to wait until I am ready to post the chapter that explains it all :)

Oh, and Skeeter, she has always annoyed me and the prospect of the Lestranges causing her harm, is just fun...

Anyway, I actually hate long notes as they make updates look longer than they are, but I just wanted to address a few things. As always, thanks for reading and reviewing. I am always happy to see that people are enjoying my little story... If not, oh well :)