A/N: NarcissaHermione for Uni Shall Not Sink for being the first to complete 50 stories in my Pairing Diversity Bootcamp Challenge. Congratulations and well done! Since she got hooked on Cissamione after Sappho's Verses, I'll do another one in this universe. Enjoy!


"Darling, what are you fretting about?"Hermione nervously picked at her finger nails and Narcissa placed one of her own on top of Hermione's. "Don't," she simply said. Her own nails were - as always - meticulously manicured.

"I don't know. Eleven is an important age and I don't want to spoil it for Rose, but seeing everyone again after all this time..."

All of a sudden, Narcissa understood. After things had quieted down between them, Ron and Hermione were sort of on speaking terms again. She still saw Harry and Ginny on a fairly regular basis and occasionnally even spoke to Arthur and Molly. But after she and Ron had split up, Hermione had not met with the entire Weasley clan all at once.

"I'm sure that by now everyone is already used to the fact that we're together, so it shouldn't be that awkward, right?"

However, Hermione didn't seem that convinced altogether.

"Listen, this is Rose's big day, so all focus is going to be on her."

"You're probably right," Hermione sighed.

They Apparated to a hill side not far from the Weasley home. It was obvious there was a party going on, they could hear laughter coming out of The Burrow. They were welcomed by a woman with short cropped blond hair.

"Hi Allison," Hermione greeted her. "How's our birthday girl doing?"

"She's very excited to have everyone around." She first kissed Hermione and then Narcissa on the cheek. "Did you bring..."

Narcissa held up the package.

"Perfect. Ron has kept the broom in the cupboard. Come on inside."

Hermione hesitated for a moment but Narcissa placed her hand in the small of back. "Don't worry, I'm here with you."

They stepped over the threshold and Narcissa glanced around. She had visited a couple of times before, but the outlay of the Burrow never ceased to amaze her. It didn't look anything like her London Mansion, but over the years, she had learned to appreciate its cozyness.

A bouncing girl with bushy red hair flung herself at Hermione and Narcissa smiled. No matter how old Rose got, that would never change.

"Now that everyone's here, can we finally do presents?" Rose glanced around the room excitedly.

Ron and Allison were the first to hand their package. With a cry she unravelled the newest Cleansweep broom, not the best available, but good enough for an eleven year old. "I love it!"

Next, it was up to Hermione and Narcissa and when Rose unwrapped a set of practice Quidditch balls, she flew them around the neck again.

"Thank you so much, it's just what I wanted"

Given how Hermione felt about Quidditch, it had taken Narcissa some persuasion to get her to buy Rose the set, but when she looked at Rose's face, she was glad she had.

While Rose unwrapped present from her grandparents and aunts and uncles, Narcissa wrapped her arms around Hermione.

"See? All focus is on Rose, you needn't have worried."

Hermione leaned back, resting her head against Narcissa's shoulder. "You were right, as always," she smiled.

Narcissa kissed the top of her head. "I love you," she whispered.