Title: 500 Hours

Author: pantheradraconis

Rating: T

Pairing: Hermione/Narcissa

Summary: Hermione, unexpectedly crashing and burning after the war, finds herself in community service with nonother than Narcissa Black. Through the course of their mandatory 500 hours, the two slowly find a mutual understanding which eventually blossoms into a relationship.

It was then Daphne saw the two women, sitting very close together up at the bar. They were laughing, chatting, touching each other's arms, and sharing a chocolate cake.

"Huh," Daphne thought to herself. "When did Narcissa and Hermione start dating? What an interesting pair."

Hermione stretched slowly, arms reaching up into the air as if she could climb into a cloud. Narcissa looked away, all too aware of where her eyes were resting. It was a cooler day, a bit overcast, and a wind that didn't seem to want to calm down. They finished delivering their baskets and were about to say their goodbyes.

Narcissa did not want to say goodbye. Something was different between them and she didn't want to admit to it but she also didn't want it to slip through her hands. Ever since they went out to tea a few days before, ever since Hermione had brought forth a warmth in the blonde she thought had been extinguished.

At the restaurant, the older witch thought she may have seen that same shimmer, that same excitement, that same enjoyment in Hermione's eyes. However, while they delivered their baskets, day after day, and said their goodbyes, Narcissa felt she may be alone in her feelings. She shouldn't dwell on them anyway, they were ridiculous and foolhardy.

"Would you like to do something today?"

"What was that?" Narcissa couldn't believe what she had heard.

Hermione smiled, it made Narcissa want to melt. She seriously needed to get control over her reactions. She felt like a schoolgirl with a crush on someone unattainable. Like when she had gotten that ridiculous crush on her teacher.

"I showed you my flat the other day, why don't you return the favor."

"You want to come to my flat?"

"Yes, please."

"Do you normally invite yourself over to others' homes?" Narcissa asked, trying to hold back the smile that wanted to come through.

"Only when they take forever to do it themselves." Hermione laughed. "Honestly, I've been curious ever since I found out you lived in my building!"

And so, on day 55 of their community service, Narcissa led Hermione home to show off her flat. To allow the brunette into her home, to touch her things, and to leave her scent, her glorious scent. Yes, day 55. Only 70 more days of seeing Hermione every single day. Narcissa felt exhausted just thinking about it all.

Hermione was practically bouncing on her heels. She couldn't believe it actually worked! She was going to get to see Narcissa's flat.

The brunette stopped in her step and almost tripped. She waved Narcissa's worry away and made sure to keep up with the long strides. Narcissa was nervous, that much was obvious. Was it because the flat would be so much smaller than her grand manor? The blonde had grown up in wealth, maybe she was worried about what Hermione would think.

The younger witch then snorted, which she quickly covered with a cough. Of course, that was ridiculous. Narcissa had even mentioned her flat was the same as Hermione's so why would the size be a level of concern? Unless maybe the blonde was a closet messy person! Hermione's eyes grew large before she shook her head again. That couldn't be it. Hermione was by no means dirty but her stacks of books and trinkets definitely made her place look out of sorts. And besides, there was no way someone that well dressed and smelling that good, could be that messy.

She thought back over the last few days and wondered if there was something that may be bothering the older witch. She thought about their last few deliveries. There was that one wizard who tried to hex Hermione, but Narcissa had simply cast Aguamenti and doused the old man with cold water.

Hermione tried to think of anything else that went wrong but all her memories were wonderful. The lovely night they spent eating chocolate cake, the days they spent traveling all over London, the tea they had with Neville.

"Oh, that reminds me," Hermione said to herself.

"What's that?" Narcissa asked while holding the door open for Hermione. They had arrived home so quickly Hermione hadn't even noticed.

"Well, Neville is having a graduation party. It's partially for his graduation but also a congratulations party."

"What are the congratulations for?"

"He's taking over the position of Herbology Professor at Hogwarts. He got his acceptance letter directly after his graduation certificate."

"That is wonderful news," Narcissa smiled and pressed the elevator button. "Is Professor Sprout retiring?"

"Yes in another year or so. She'll be helping him adjust to everything and then she'll still be the Head of Hufflepuff until they find a replacement. Right now, their only option is Professor Truman."

"I don't believe I recognize that name."

"Right, Gabriel Truman, he's the new DA teacher and a previous Hufflepuff. He's a great fit, just a little new so they're giving him time to stay."

Narcissa laughed lightly. "Is the position still jinxed, as they say?"

Hermione giggled in return, "I guess she shall wait and see."

They stepped out of the elevator and onto the tenth floor. Hermione followed on Narcissa's heels until they reached her door. With a quick flourish of her wand, Narcissa opened the door and stepped to the side, allowing Hermione to enter first.

She walked into a simplified version of her own flat. The rooms were all there, she noted as she walked all the way in. The bedroom door was closed, as was the bathroom but the second bedroom held a desk and chair as well as several large plants. The living room and kitchen held simple furniture and a few appliances on the counter. The main focus of the entire place was the balcony, open with a table and one chair.

"I put a ward over the balcony so no rain or wind would ever come through but you still get the smells of the fresh air and a lot of the noise of the marsh."

"You must really love the view."

"It's not quite the same as yours but yes. It was the view that drew me to this building. I love the noises and I love watching the people as they scatter around in their day."

Hermione wrinkled her nose. "I much prefer the quiet tranquility of my library."

Narcissa laughed and smiled. Hermione was surprised by how much the older witch's skin was glowing. It reminded her of when she handed Narcissa her wand and how warm everything had felt. She shivered as if she had suddenly grown cold.

The younger witch looked around the room and noticed a few personal items. There were several pictures of Draco, in all stages of life.

"He was a flyer right from the start, wasn't he?" Hermione asked, holding up a small frame sitting atop a cabinet between the couch and the kitchen.

"Draco was flying before he was running." Narcissa gently took the photo from Hermione and smiled down at her son.

Hermione noticed another framed picture on the same cabinet. "Remembering the good times?"

Narcissa's smile dimmed but still held at her eyes. "It was our wedding day and he looked so dashing, like a prince."

"You deserved a happy ending." The words surprised them both; Hermione didn't even remember thinking them before they slipped out of her mouth. They were suddenly standing so close to one another that Hermione felt magnetically pulled toward the blonde. She longed to reach out and grab her hand, to feel her warmth.

Tap. Tap. Tap. The two women jumped apart as if struck by lightning. Narcissa walked over to the balcony and took the letter wrapped around the large owl's foot. It chirped twice before jumping off the table and flying away.

"Well isn't that odd," Narcissa murmured before grabbing a quill from the kitchen counter.

"What did you get?"

The older witch waved her hand in the air and said flippantly, "An invitation to Neville's graduation/celebration party."

"Oh, wonderful!" Hermione said excitedly. "We can go together."

"I, uh, I wasn't planning on attending."

"Why not?"

"Well, we're not exactly close. I only met the man once, that I recall. Not to mention…"

"Don't mention it then, just come." Hermione cut the woman off. "Don't think so much about it. When was the last time you went to a celebration?"

Narcissa straightened and seemed to think hard.

"Exactly," Hermione said. "I'll pick you up tomorrow. Don't worry, we'll have a wonderful time. And if we don't, I can sneak us out." She laughed and twirled away, suddenly feeling very nervous, like she had just planned a date.

A/N: I wonder what rumors may grow from the two attending a party together. Not really, I know exactly how it's going to play out, and let me just tell you - I'm very excited.

[Angelwolf2319] The "not date" was the tea, which was interrupted by Neville. But it also could have been their shared dessert. Or you could say it was the two of them attending Neville's party, but I guess we'll have to wait and see.

[JenDamn] I don't like writing coming out stories or sexuality drama. I much prefer everyone to just treat relationships like relationships. You know, as if love really was love. Maybe some drama will hit at the party? You know, since everyone will be there? Hehe.

[Saoirse820] Haha, I'm glad! Maybe a little less swoon worthy in this chapter but we almost have these two together. Almost.

[Shadow994] I also love the two together, especially now that they're paying more attention to one another. Hahaha! "Just kiss already!" I'm thinking that may be a fun line for Andy… Maybe after she bakes a chocolate cake…

[DutchDreams] A Yaka Hula Hickey Dula is a rum and pineapple martini. It was named after a Hawaiian love song that I'm pretty sure was sung by a white guy that wore blackface. Apparently some southerners also say Yaka Hula as a curse. So yes, it does exist, lol.

[Yanana] I hope there were party hats. And Daphne is Astoria's older sister, so you know Draco is going to learn some hard truth about his mother, real soon.

[VileniaVeladorn] Yeah, Hermione is a bit of a pushover when it comes to the dating agenda. Honestly, I think she just didn't want Susan to feel bad.

[ithinkyourewonderful] Oh rumours are definitely going to spread.

[Loveless00] Wait no longer!