"Luna is - well, I'm not sure where to start with Luna," Hermione dithered, trying to figure out how to answer her brother's request to learn more about her quirky friend. She was desperately curious to hear what Ginny was telling Harry and Ron at 12 Grimmauld Place about their strange interview. "She is just a bit hard to put into words. But I met her on the Hogwarts Express fifth year when -"
"Oh bollocks, we are going to be late," Theo interjected as he looked at the ringing grandfather clock near the library door. "You can tell me while we walk."
"Late for what?" Hermione rose to join him, the pair walking to the floo quickly.
"Tea with Lady Malfoy. I told you about it yesterday," Theo sounded surprised that he had to explain again. Hermione sighed, frustrated that he had not, in fact, told her yesterday or at any other point in time. At that moment, she decided to get Theo a planner for Christmas. "She wrote me asking us to tea before I even sent out my request for her help with the reporters. I thought we could ask for her assistance in person since we were already going there," Theo said as they arrived in front of the fireplace. He pinched the floo powder, threw it in and enunciated "Malfoy Manor" before disappearing into the green flames.
Hermione stared at the empty fireplace, frozen. She tried for over two years to put Malfoy Manor from her mind, though she frequently found herself back there in her nightmares. She briefly debated not walking into the floo, instead running up to her room and hiding under her covers, but she called up her Gryffindor courage instead and took a pinch of the powder. Theo didn't know about her only other visit to the manor and she wouldn't abandon him. She took a deep breath before throwing the powder in and squeaking the place she wanted to revisit least: "Malfoy Manor."
Hermione stepped out onto a black marble floor of a room she hadn't seen before and looked around. She postulated it was a ballroom from the high ceilings and intricate chandelier before scoffing internally that of course the Malfoys would have a ballroom in their home. Even Nott Manor didn't have that. Her brother stepped in front of her, brows furrowed as he studied her, and rubbed a bit of soot from her cheek. "Get lost on the way here?" Theo asked sarcastically to her in a hushed tone, grabbing her arm and dragging her forward with him. "Lady Malfoy, may I present Lady Nott-Granger?"
The pale woman stood a full head above Hermione, thin and impeccably dressed in tailored robes. An inner warmth melted the icy look of her pale blue eyes as she took in Hermione with a small smile playing on her lips. "Lady Nott-Granger, it is a pleasure to have you in my home and under better circumstances this time," Lady Malfoy said in a clear voice as she deftly curtsied. Before Hermione could react to that statement glossing over her tourture likely a few rooms away, Theo pushed her forward slightly and she clumsily returned the gesture.
"Thank you for inviting us, Lady Malfoy," Hermione said shakily, looking to Theo for direction. He waved his hand towards Lady Malfoy as if to prompt her into saying more. "Please call me Hermione," she added, willing her hands to steady.
"I'd be thrilled to, Hermione. You may call me Narcissa," the witch responded quickly, her friendly face becoming less and less like Malfoy's with each moment. "I've set up tea for us in the sunroom, if you'll follow me."
Theo offered his arm to Narcissa, which she playfully smacked away before accepting. "You're growing into such a handsome young man, Theo. I can't believe a young witch hasn't snached you up," Narcissa whispered proudly and patted the arm he escorted her with. Theo looked back at Hermione and winked brazenly. "While my son may not be interested in my matchmaking skills, maybe I could help you."
As Narcissa updated Theo on the lives of various aristocratic young witches, Hermione glanced around the dark hallway they were walking down. The walls were totally bare, the various portraits that hung when she was last here removed. Hermione subconsciously grabbed her marred forearm, unable to stop her glance from darting side to side. When her breathing became more difficult, she began to count mentally, tuning out the conversation ahead of her.
"Here we are," Narcissa announced, ushering the half-siblings into a room brighter than any they passed on the way. Nearly entirely windows, the sunroom was cheery and cozy, reminding Hermione of the Nott Manor library. She felt immediately more at ease. As Theo walked Narcissa to one of the yellow armchairs surrounding the tea table the witch whispered wistfully, "I wish your mother was still with us to see you. She'd be so proud of you." She pinched Theo's cheek theatrically before taking a seat. Hermione shifted awkwardly just inside the doorway, realizing how out of place she was in this scene. To Theo this was likely one of the happiest places from his childhood, running amuck in these hallways with a small Draco Malfoy and finally having a mother figure fawning over him.
"Please join us, Hermione. I'll get us some tea. Mippy!" With a crack of apparition a house elf appeared. Hermione let out an audible sigh at the sight of the elf. Theo had made it a point to give the house elves at Nott Manor out of sight tasks, tailored to their preferences, and vacation days, after a house elf appeared when they first entered the manor. It was their plan to work out a fair agreement for the house elves so they would be at their happiest, whether that was freed or working for a fair wage. She was sure the elves weren't given the same considerations here.
"I'm so happy you could join me. I see you too little as it is, Theo, But before we get to talking, I thought I should get the reason for my invitation out of the way. First, an apology. Hermione, I trust you got my note of apologies following my trial, but I do want to say again how sorry I am from my sister's actions."
At this a line formed between Theo's eyebrows as he looked at her questioningly. Hermione was not eager to hash out the details, so she trained her eyes back on Narcissa, pursing her lips and giving a short nod of acknowledgement.
"Good. Now, the reason I asked you here was not only to reintroduce myself properly, but to offer my assistance. Theo has been like a second son to me and I'd do anything to help him. I know how surprising this change must be for both of you, but an announcement cannot be put off forever. You'll need a formal introduction to society soon and, if you'd like, I'd be happy to meet with you every few weeks to help mentor you."
"Mentor me?"
"You're playing over 20 years of catch up to your peers. You may not have to handle the matters of the Nott estate like your brother, but things are still expected of you. I'm sure Theo has talked through the issues of courting from his end, but it is quite different if you've actually gone through the process."
"I'm not particularly interested in being married off to the highest bidder like a cow being sold at the market. This isn't the 16th century," Hermione huffed, irritated to be lectured on her marital expectations by a second Malfoy. She could see Theo pinch the bridge of his nose next to her.
Narcissa threw her head back gracefully, quiet pearls of laughter escaping her. After a moment, she caught her breath and smooth her skirt, an amused look remaining on her face. "I know the public opinion of Lucius, and probably your personal opinion of him too, is exceptionally low. But no one dared call me his cow before." Hermione could feel her face turning to a scowl, both from embarrassment and frustration at Narcissa's reaction. "Times have changed from when I was of marrying age anyway, with love matches much more prominent. Formal courting is a necessary formality to get to that. Though I doubt that Theo would hold you to any marriage proposals anyway." Theo nodded, taking Hermione's hand and giving it a squeeze.
"As the Lady of a house," Narciss continued, her voice becoming more self-important, "whether of the Nott house or if you marry into another, you have certain responsibilities. Nott Manor and the Nott house elves are under your direction, as well as your duty as a patron of the community."
"A patron of the community?" Hermione latched onto that, but tucked the house elves piece into her mental back pocket for later.
"Theo, you really haven't given her a primer have you?" Narcissa practically tutted, but Hermione realized she must fancy herself too refined.
"We've been busy! It's been less than a week!" Theo held his hands up.
"Hermione, the families who hold these titles are duty bound to uphold aspects of our society. The Malfoys and Notts both maintain Diagon Alley, along with a handful of other families. This patronage is a blood oath. Additionally, many take on different causes that matter to them. For example, Lucius was on the Hogwarts Governors Board. I myself sit on several charitable boards. I'm sure that any organization you're interested in joining would've taken you before to use your fame to fundraise. Now, you bring your own fortune to the table, no longer a pawn, but a real player in the decisions they make."
Theo was watching Hermione with a smug look. "I told you, becoming a Nott opens doors to make the difference you want, but you need to play the game," he said with a lopsided grin.
"Six months ago I read in the Prophet that the Wizgamont denied the Centaur Defense Act, which I'm sure you either wrote or assisted with. Marcus Bulstrode sits on the council and the Bulstrodes are patrons of Diagon Alley. Virginia Selwyn is on the St Mungo's Board with me and her husband also sits on the council. These relationships could help you help the world."
"You don't have to just be a lady of society, Hermione. You can be a lady who shapes society," Narcissa gave her a meaningful look as she said it. If it had been anyone else, she might have believed her to be genuine in her desire to help. But she was a Malfoy, and Malfoys always want something.
Hermion took a deep breath. Theo had been right. If she was willing to use the tools their name provided, even if they may be unsavory types like the Malfoys, she could make a real and positive change. After a moment of consideration, Hermione smiled at Narcissa. "I'd certainly be open to learning more," she said slowly, shocked that she'd agreed to meet with Narcissa not just again, but regularly. "It looks like I may need someone to fill the gaps Theo leaves," Hermione teased her brother.
"I was promised tea and conversation, and now I'm being ganged up on by two of England's most charming witches instead!"
What followed their uncomfortable start was a surprisingly pleasant tea. Narcissa was especially interested in what Hermione did for work, asking several questions about her goals and passions. Hermione found herself shocked by the witch again and again, as she hadn't expected her to have such an interest or be so well versed in Ministry matters. But, she was a Malfoy, Hermione found herself thinking after each enjoyable surprise.
"Perhaps if you fundraise there you could -"
"Mother, I already told you I -" Draco burst into the room, cutting his mother off with his frustrated outburst before stopping short at the sight of Hermione and Theo with teacups to their lips. His iron eyes bounced between Theo and Hermione and his mother a few times, before narrowing at Narcissa.
"I didn't realize we had company, Mother," he fumed as he ran his hand through his hair. "You might have mentioned that when you sent for me." Hermione considered him for a moment as he addressed Narcissa, her eyes tracing the curve of his cheekbones and the twist of his irritated lips. For a moment "he's handsome," echoed in her brain. Though she'd thought of his vile words and terrible apology practically the entire night before, her mind's eye didn't do Draco's face justice. Hermione mentally scolded herself for allowing such intrusive thoughts, outraged that some part of her brain could find him attractive.
"Oh Draco, please join us," Narcissa said, an order concealed in a sugar tone. Draco sneered at her, still in the doorway, and Hermione was grateful to see the expression directed at someone else. Narcissa looked at him imploringly when he didn't move, inciting him to walk stiffly to the chair next to his mother.
"Theo. Granger," Draco greeted them with a formal bow, tight lipped and uncomfortable, before sitting down. Hermione realized he was avoiding looking at her, a repeat of their first encounter yesterday.
"As I told your mother, Hermione, please," Hermione responded lightly in an attempt to force the arrogant bastard to look at her. He grunted while looking at Theo. Was she truly so horrible that he couldn't even take in the sight of her?
"We were just discussing Hermione's underfunded wolfsbane subsidy work and I suggested she organize an event to raise funds. As I started saying, I'm unfortunately too busy with my other charitable engagements to get into the minutiae."
"Fascinating," Draco said absently, pouring himself a cup of tea.
"Your mother and Theo were talking about my formal presentation and I thought I could put on a charity ball rather than attend the wizarding debutant event. This way, we could get more people to attend and actually contribute to something, rather than just have a party." Draco nodded at Hermione's left hand, pursing his lips in inattentive agreement with the idea.
"But I thought that you two boys could help get Hermione to sort through things. I can do some work on the front end, of course."
"I'm not much of a planner, but with your help I'm sure we will succeed, Narcissa," Theo agreed.
"Draco will help, won't you darling," Narcissa asked sweetly, another covert demand.
"Of course, Mother. I would never dream of letting the werewolves of London suffer," he smirked at Theo. Narcissa smiled at him before taking a sip of her tea. Hermione recognized that smile. She'd seen it on Harry's face just before he caught a snitch, and Ginny's when she sniffed out a secret, and Ron's when he was one move away from checkmate when his opponent hadn't figured it out yet. It was the face of knowing you've won before anyone else had. Hermione's stomach sank at the realization, anxious to know what exactly Narcissa considered her prize.
Hermione and Draco were both quiet as Theo and Narcissa moved onto her help with fending off the press after the story ran in the Quibbler in the evening. After a few minutes of staring at her Narcissa and nodding whenever there was a pause, Hermione felt his gaze on her. It felt like he was casting a hole into her head from a blind spot, but she fought the urge to look at him. The longer this went on the more uncomfortable she became, fidgeting her hands, biting her lip, and wishing she could take off her outer robes because the room had become quite hot. After several minutes, Hermione finally looked at him, only to see his gaze on his own teacup and nowhere near her at all. Perhaps she'd imagined it, which worried her far more than the arrogant ass looking at her.
"I do so appreciate you both for coming. Hermione, look for my owl this week to set up a lunch. And Theo, come here for a moment, I can give you the name of the etiquette tutor we sent Draco to. It looks like you have a few things to get in order before any formal presentation." Hermione wanted to feel offended, but she privately and begrudgingly agreed.
Draco opened the door and practically ran away from the room. Hermione started following him to leave, but quickly realized she'd gone the wrong way to the floo. She turned and walked down another corridor, feeling a bit like a child lost in a hedge maze. After rounding another corner, a huge pair of black doors entered Hermione's view. They triggered a flood of images, Bellatrix standing over her laughing, the knife cutting into her, Draco's pained face watching, all flashed before her. Suddenly she couldn't breath and felt herself sink to the floor, tears pouring from her eyes.
"Brightest witch around and yet you're directionally challenged, Granger? Theo is looking fo- Granger?" She heard a deep voice behind her, but it sounded far far away. She felt a hand on her back, tentative and warm. "Granger?" It was Draco's voice. She choked on a small sob. "Best we get away from the door," the voice said, in that same gentle tone she heard him use with Theo a few days ago. She felt herself lifted off the floor by a strong grip on her back and shoulder. "Can you walk?" She nodded and they walked in silence, the ability to breath returning and her vision clearing. She was walking down the bare hallway again, the one from earlier, with Draco's hand still on her shoulder. After a few moments, she realized how close her was and turned to look at him. He was watching her as they walked, eyebrows furrowed and free arm awkwardly out at his side, seemingly waiting for her to collapse again. Once she made eye contact, he seemed to release a breath he'd been holding. "That room needn't worry you anymore. Mother made the room unplottable before we sealed it off together," Draco whispered, voice calm and clear.
"Thank you," Hermione squeaked, her voice catching in her raw throat. While she was mortified that Draco Malfoy was the one who found her, she was grateful he was being kind. Before this moment, she doubted his capability in the area.
"Well, we didn't do it for you," Draco spat out. "You weren't the only one tortured there." Draco grabbed his hand back away from her shoulder with a face of disgust, as though she was contagious with Dragon Pox.
"Charming as always, Malfoy," she snarled, all other feelings replaced by a white hot anger. "I meant for helping me, you prat." On her final world, he turned away from her and stomped forward.
"Just follow me," he said without turning around, his words like ice. Hermione glared so hard at the back of his stupid blonde hair she was shocked it didn't burst into flame.