Narcissa avoids Ron and Hermione the next few days, leading Hermione to realize with awe - and frustration - how large the manor truly is. Narcissa knows how to avoid them, and it causes an uneasiness in Hermione's chest not knowing where she is. She chalks it up to her being so used to knowing where Ron and Narcissa are at all times.
Ron's knowing glances agitate her further.
"What, Ron?" she finally snaps as they explore the manor.
He jumps. "What do you mean?"
"You keep staring at me. What is it?"
"Nothing," he says quickly.
"Don't give me that. What did you mean about me and Narcissa the other day?"
Ron shrugs, looking uncomfortable. "I don't know. Honest! It just seems... I don't know... You get along so well... It's weird, her being a Malfoy and all..."
"She's not a Malfoy anymore," Hermione reminds him.
"I know, but still... I don't know..."
"You were getting along with her quite well yourself," she snaps.
"Yeah..."
Rolling her eyes, she strides away from him. He doesn't call after her. That's fine by her. She doesn't know what he is getting at with his comments, but she has no interest in listening to him disparage Narcissa.
Hadn't Narcissa proven herself time and again the past few months?
Once she's far enough away from Ron, she stops at a window, staring out over the gardens, following the path of an orange leaf floating on the breeze. Why can't he just spit it out, honestly, what is he even thinking -
Movement in the garden catches her eye. Leaning close to the window, nose pressed against the glass, she tracks two figures pass the fountain, one with blonde hair, the other with black.
What's Bellatrix doing here? Hermione worries her bottom lip between her teeth. Why didn't Narcissa come find us...?
Bellatrix and Narcissa disappear from sight into the tall hedges. Hermione bites her lip, hesitates a moment, then dashes to the front door.
