Though she'd nearly translated the letter, Hermione found several inconsistent runes in addition to the first one she'd identified. Given that runes change their meaning depending on what they are surrounded by, these missing puzzle pieces frustrated Hermione. It was clearly a letter, one hiding something in runes and possibly an encrypted code. Whatever that something was had to be important. She scoured the library, finding the original rune she picked out as being off after a harrowing day of pulling nearly all the books in the library from their shelves. It marked a page for a dark curse, one that would have to end in a painfully slow death. Hermione was especially perplexed when she revisited the letter and realized this mystery rune was next to the rune for prophecy.
After analyzing the letter for a week, Hermione's hope dwindled, concerned that this was a red herring she'd devoted too much time to when she could've been focused elsewhere. Perhaps this dark curse was one her biological father had identified for his unsavoury purposes, and this really had nothing to do with her. She considered moving back to her original research until one day she stared at the letter so long, her vision blurred and one of the unidentifiable runes looked a bit like someone added two dashes to the rune for child.
Since that day a few weeks ago, Hermione spent most of her free time trying to find any clues she could to break the code. She'd been doing it nearly alone now too, with Theo's time being consumed by a certain blonde witch. Hermione couldn't complain though, she loved seeing her friends happy and she enjoyed the research. She just needed to catch Theo to actually update him on her potential progress. But today's activities would cut into that progress. She sighed, tucking the letter back into her as she approached the shop. Madam Dupont's was just off Diagon Alley, with no sign out front nor a door. As she stepped closer to figure out how to get in, a pleasant melody chimed and the door opened for her. Looking around curiously to figure out how the magic worked, a familiar delicate laugh caught her ear.
"Good morning, Hermione," Narcissa, impeccably dressed in glamorous emerald robes, greeted as Hermione walked through the door. The older witch was already seated on the purple loveseat in the middle of the small shop, holding a teacup and saucer. As someone who was perpetually early, Hermione found herself frustrated that she could never seem to beat Narcissa to their meetups. The blonde patted the spot next to her, with a graceful smile playing at her lips. "I'm so excited for today. The ladies here will take fine care of you. Madam Dupont, we are ready," Narcissa beckoned an older witch, petite and stern under a mess of brown hair piled on her head.
"Oui, Madam," the woman nodded, jumping to action. She snapped twice and two younger women came out of the back, levitating several gowns behind them. "Tea?" The seamstress asked Hermione in her heavy French accent. When Hermione declined with the delicate head shake she'd learned in her etiquette lessons, the woman gestured to the gowns. "Do any of these suit your fancy?" While Madam Dupont was clearly asking Hermione, she looked at Narcissa, who stood to examine them. The elegant witch took her time looking between the floating gowns, before motioning to the emerald gown, silky and slinky. Narcissa looked to Hermione for her input.
"Oh, erm," Hermione looked it over for a moment, although she knew immediately she'd never wear it. "No, no green for me. Thank you."
"No, I imagine not," Narcissa said, looking amused. "Why not this?" The witch asked, gesturing to a lavender number with a deep plunging neckline. Hermione wrinkled her nose before she could stifle the reaction, causing Narcissa to laugh quietly. "Very well, I suppose I agree. Why don't you tell me which you like best instead?"
Hermione nodded, standing to look over each dress. After passing over four very revealing gowns, she stopped at a modest black ball gown with long sleeves and a full skirt. "What about this one?" Hermione asked. Narcissa frowned over Hermione's shoulder without creating any wrinkles on her face, prompting Hermione to wonder if she spelled herself to do that.
"My darling girl, you're in your twenties. Let's get you something a bit more age appropriate. You've got to flaunt what you've been blessed with," Narcissa said, in a tone that vaguely reminded her of Tonks, though much more subdued. Narcissa called forward a particularly racy red dress that made Hermione blush just seeing it in the air. Perhaps this ease was something that ran in the Black family.
"You're nearly as bad as Ginny!" Hermione exclaimed in surprise, causing Narcissa to softly giggle again. "I could never wear that. I don't have the body to fill that out."
"Please," Narcissa shook her head. "What have we said before during these talks? Modesty is an appealing trait, but it is only to be brought out to be leveraged properly. You must take ownership and pride over your talents. I know your brain is the asset you are proudest of, and rightfully so. But do not discount your body. It has often been my greatest weapon, especially with wizards who will never get more than they see," Narcissa said patiently, as though Hermione was learning a concept in Charms, rather than manipulation. Hermione scoffed a bit. It made sense that a witch as beautiful as Narcissa would be able to wield her looks. But no one thought of Hermione that way.
"Most women look much like their mothers," Narcissa continued, now lightly scolding Hermione. "Thinking so negatively of your own body is like an insult to her's." Hermione looked down, embarrassed. The truth was, she didn't have her mother's body. Instead she looked like some stranger she had no connection to. "Even if that body isn't the one that birthed you, it still took care of you and loved you. I'm sure Dr. Granger would agree that you are a stunning young beauty. But, perhaps we can find some middle ground," Narcissa acquiesced, shooting a look towards Madam Dupont. She sent her girls to the back and they brought out only one dress this time. It was a slinky purple dress with a high neckline and no sleeves. "Well?"
"I could try this one on," Hermione mumbled, ready for this shopping ordeal to end. As she slipped the purple gown on in the dressing room she realized it was backless, but that the cut actually quite suited her. The high neckline still showed off her clavicle, which Hermione thought was rather attractive, and the dress wasn't too tight while still highlighting her bum. The backless dress was a bit more daring than anything she'd worn previously, but she thought that Narcissa was right: she was young, she should enjoy something that was a little less modest than she was used to. As she stepped out of the room, Narcissa's face lit up. "Do you think we could alter it to be gold?" Hermione asked the seamstress, who looked offended by the question.
"Of course," the seamstress huffed, quickly grabbing her wand to start the transfiguration.
"Hermione, that is perfect," Narcissa 's cool voice floated over the older witch's shoulder. "No one will be able to resist the Lady Nott Granger - or her fundraising requests," Narcissa said with a wink. "Madam Dupont, please put this on my account."
"Oh Narcissa, I can't let you pay for this! You've already been so generous with your time and insights."
"Consider it a gift - it is typical for families to present gifts on the day of a baby's birth. I didn't get you a birthday gift. So, how about a formal presentation gift? Now we can move onto work robes."
"Thank you. Truly," Hermione smiled up at her tutor, aware that she no longer felt like she had to be on the defensive with her at all times. "With a dress like this, Ginny is going to be over the moon."
"Is Miss Weasley a troublemaker? I can't imagine Mister Potter's betrothed to be too over the top," Narcisssa said, pulling out work robes from the floating options for Hermione to try on.
"She can be, but it is mostly good natured. Ginny likes to see her friends happy, so she'll push them. Present company included."
"That reminds me of my best friend at Hogwarts, Harper. She was my roommate, so we got into all sorts of trouble. Draco and Theo were - well, still are that way. I'm sure you and Miss Weasley are too."
"Hopefully not too much. I'm a bit worried about how she'll be at the ball. She is eager to set me up with someone," Hermione said with a laugh. Her mirth died on her lips at the interested look Narcissa gave her. Swallowing hard, Hermione turned away and pretended that a set of maroon work robes were especially enticing. Perhaps remembering to keep her guard up a little bit more around Narcissa wouldn't hurt her.
"Why don't you bring Miss Weasley to the manor before the ball? I'd already arranged for a team to help the two of us prepare. You two could indulge an old witch with some girl time, like the good old days," Narcissa suggested sweetly, though Hermione knew that this was no request.
"I'm sure she'd jump at the invitation," Hermione lied with a smile at the older witch. "Will your friend be joining us at the charity ball? I'd love to meet anyone who could get you into trouble."
"No, she passed away a long time ago," Narcissa said without emotion, though the wistful look she wore made Hermione feel a pang of sympathy. "But I try to make a little trouble now and then to carry on her legacy. Perhaps Miss Weasley will be that person for you. Don't fight her too hard on the opportunity to be set up. You're young, beautiful, and in very high demand, so I'm told," Narcissa raised both eyebrows gracefully at the suggestion before handing Hermione a few robes and pushing her to the changing room.
Hermione pondered Narcissa's words hours later as she walked through the floo to Draco's house. Though she never considered herself a troublemaker, there were many people she loved who fit that description. She thought of Fred, of Tonks, of Remus, of Sirius. Tonks, Sirius, and Fred would certainly encourage her to get into at least a little trouble at this ball. Perhaps even Remus, one of her favorite professors, would encourage her to open her heart to finding someone, like he had with Tonks. She sighed, stepping out into a nearly empty room. She looked around, confused at the sight of the plain, empty room, and decided to go look for Draco.
"Malfoy?" Hermione called quietly as she tiptoed down the dark hallway before seeing a cracked door, with light pooling out of it. "Draco?" She called his name again as she cracked the door open again. His blond head was focused above a cauldron, tight shirt sleeves pushed up to his elbows. She could see the Dark Mark, which caused her to draw a sharp breath of surprise. He apparently hadn't heard her before because as soon as she did, he knocked the cauldron he was hunched over, spilling the contents across himself and the floor.
"Fuck! Bloody hell, Granger!" Draco yelled, looking up at her and back down at the mess. "Fuck, you scared me," he added, in a much calmer voice. "Can you give me a minute to clean this up?"
"Sorry, I'll wait in your, er, living room," she said as she turned and walked back towards the room she entered through. As she waited, she thought about the intensity with which he was working and wondered what potion she'd just ruined. As he entered the room a few minutes later, she realized he'd shed his casual work clothing for a set of dark robes. "I'm so sorry about that Malfoy. Do you need help with cleaning up?"
"No," Malfoy said sharply, glaring at her with suspicion. "I thought I was coming to Nott Manor in an hour. What are you doing here? Did Theo finally come to his senses and kick you out?" Amusement crinkled the corners of his eyes with his last sentence, but the rest of his face remained neutral.
"In a way, I suppose," Hermione smiled, causing him to cock his head slightly in interest. "He needed the manor tonight because he has a date," she added, thinking of the over the top dinner Theo was planning for Luna.
"The mystery witch," Draco sighed, his face softening and his stance relaxing. Hermione nodded, surprised Theo still hadn't told his best friend about Luna. "He's always been secretive about courting. Blaise and I had a bet for a few years that he wasn't going to be attracted to anyone," he chuckled.
"Someone's sexuality is a horrid thing to make a bet about," Hermione scolded, crossing her arms over her chest. "That is appalling."
"We were 13," Draco shrugged with a lopsided grin. "We made bets about everything." Hermione rolled her eyes quickly, but was still curious.
"What made you stop the bet?"
"I," Draco started before he coughed into his fist to regain some composure, "I made a wand vow not to reveal anything that happened that night. All I can say is a post-quidditch truth or dare game got a little out of control in the common room and everyone became very aware of how much Theo likes women."
Hermione narrowed her eyes at him as he fought a smirk. Her curiosity was screaming, but the idea of hearing anything sexual about Theo was revolting. The disgust won out. "And any discoveries about yourself or Blaise?"
Draco cocked an eyebrow, looking surprised yet amused by her interest. "Asking a former Death Eater about his secrets? That is a dangerous game, Granger." After a low chuckle, he added, "I can assure you we both like witches as well, if that's your question. Though Blaise is more flexible." Hermione rolled her eyes again, though this time she made it quite obvious to him she was doing it.
"So this is where you live?" Hermione asked, hoping to change the subject away from hearing anything about Draco Malfoy's sex life. Looking around, she considered that the house didn't feel like a home. It was bare and sparsely decorated, with sterile white walls. It felt so unlike the opulence of Malfoy Manor. "It looks a lot different from Blaise's house. A lot different from Malfoy Manor too, I suppose. I just expected you to live in grandeur," she emphasized the last word, gesturing to his well tailored clothing.
"You went to Blaise's house?" Draco asked, ignoring her comments about his appearance.
"Yes, he has some ancient scrolls he thought I'd be interested in," Hermione shrugged, confused why the blond would care. "It was truly a pleasure, though I can't understand why they are in his home and not in a museum for the rest of the world to see." Draco rolled his eyes at her response.
"Of course. That is one of his go to moves, especially with smart witches. Watch yourself there, Granger. Zabini is one of my closest mates -
"Don't you mean only?" Hermione shot back, unable to miss the opportunity. But he did not react, only charging forward with his thought.
"He can be shifty with pursuing witches. And wizards, for that matter. Be careful," Draco warned solemnly. Hermione felt like she shouldn't joke about it, so she simply nodded. "To answer your question, when I moved into the cottage I spelled it to be blank, so I could make it my own. I just haven't gotten around to it yet. But if you come with me," Draco said as he started walking down the hall, "you may prefer to work in my other room." He stopped in front of a closed door and as soon as she was behind him, Draco opened it to reveal a library, charmed to extend far past the length of the house. Hermione gasped at the sight of it, causing Draco to give a low chuckle.
"Since you're unceremoniously early, I assume you'll be okay in here until our agreed upon time?" Hermione blushed, embarrassed she hadn't even floo called prior. Theo had made it sound like popping around to Draco's was a normal thing to do. "I have a few things to wrap up in my workspace." She nodded, before eagerly turning back to the room. She browsed the shelves, fighting the temptation to pull and stack the most interesting ones by reminding herself exactly who she'd be asking to borrow from.
She'd made it through three quarters of the room before a low voice interrupted her. "See something that interests you?" Draco asked from behind her, so close she could smell his spiced cologne. She whirled around, now face to face to the tall wizard looming over her, and let out a small squeak of surprise.
"Ah, yes," Hermione said softly, side stepping away from him and hoping he didn't hear her motifying reaction. "You have quite the collection here," she added, with more confidence in her voice now that there was some space between them. "There are a few tomes I'm shocked the Ministry didn't confiscate after the war."
"Too busy with things from the manor, I'd wager. Bit of a treasure trove there," Draco said cynically before holding up a folder she recognized from their past few ball planning sessions. "Shall we? Only a few more details to hammer out and then your precious nights will be free again. How your books shall rejoice."
"My nights?" Hermione asked as they sat down at the table next to the large windows. "I assumed you'd be fair more concerned about your own. How your only three friends shall rejoice." When Draco looked confused, she supplied, "Your Mother is your third friend, Malfoy." He narrowed his eyes at her as she giggled.
"Well, at least I-" Malfoy was cut off by the crack of apparition next to him.
"Tippy is bringing the fresh pressed robes for Master's meeting with the La - oh Master is having company! Master never is having company. Tippy is sorry to intrude," the house elf wrung the robes between her hands as she looked nervously between Draco and Hermione.
"It's quite alright, Tippy," Malfoy said, standing and placing a hand on the elf's shoulder gently as if to calm her. Hermione watched the gesture curiously, thinking of her late friend Dobby. "Thank you so much for bringing me the robes. There was a last minute change in plans, so my meeting came to me instead." The big watery eyes of the elf looked past him to Hermione. Hermione gave her a small wave, which seemed to shock the little elf.
"Hello Tippy. My name is Hermione Granger, it is a pleasure to meet you," Hermione introduced herself before extending a hand.
"Oh the Lady Nott Granger, Tippy is being excited to meet you," the elf said excitedly, grabbing her hand and jumping up and down with each shake. Hermione giggled, giving her a big smile. "Very pretty, very pretty indeed," Tippy muttered, looking pointedly at Draco, who promptly flushed bright pink. Hermione giggled at the sight of his pale skin such a bright color, but found that she enjoyed the way it made him look. He seemed rather charming.
"Thank you, Tippy!" Malfoy said loudly, staring at the elf with wide eyes. Hermione thought this was the closest she'd seen Malfoy to embarrassment since their reacquittance. "That will be enough." The elf winked cheekily at him before disapperating, causing him to scrub his face with his hands a few times. After getting over her amusement, she pinned Draco with an angry look.
"What, Granger?" Draco asked, pinching the bridge of his nose and shaking his head.
"A house elf? Really? I thought you had to free them as part of your arrangement," Hermione said, drumming her fingers at the table, irritated that the elites could get away with this treatment even after the war.
"Oh come off it, Granger," Draco said, clearly annoyed. "We all remember - what was it? ICK? SPOUT? SPEW? Whatever that disaster was called," Malfoy laughed, waving the names away with a hand motion.
"It was S.P.E.W., thank you very much," Hermione huffed, glaring at him.
"She was offered freedom, but refused it. We pay her now. I'm glad she didn't leave, she is, uh, well she is part of the family really," Draco said softly, glancing at her hesitantly. Hermione was surprised by the answer, but it clarified why the elf was so outspoken with Draco.
"As long as she is treated better than Dobby," she whispered, watching him intently. He paled, that lovely shade of pink gone from his cheeks.
"He was Father's personal elf. I would never -"
"Will you check the names of those who RSVPed yes and I will write the final checklist of to do actions for us these final weeks?" Hermione interrupted, sensing Draco's sincerity and vulnerability about the topic. She wanted to keep things civil, after all. Draco nodded, visibly thankful to move to another topic, and the pair got to work. Once she finished, she looked up to ask Draco how much he had left. Instead she found him staring at her, his gray eyes dancing with amusement.
"You write slowly," Malfoy sighed, thought she could see he was entertained under this little act of boredom. "I've been done for ages." Hermione rolled her eyes before she copied the list with her wand.
"Well thank you for your dedication to the wizarding world's werewolves," Hermione said sarcastically as she handed him the copy. "So thrilled to have you on the team. You're really showing what an asset you are. No wonder Theo keeps you around."
"You know, Theo is happier than he has ever been," Draco commented abruptly as he looked over the list, avoiding her eyes. Hermione was surprised again by his candor. She considered him before realizing it was likely after something. Perhaps this was his way of asking about Luna, which Hermione wouldn't share.
"Well I am hardly the only reason," Hermione offered up, wondering if she should disclose her brother's secret.
"The company he is entertaining then?" Hermione gave a noncommittal shrug, but knew she was beaming despite herself. Draco rolled his jaw at her silence, but kept talking. "I'm thankful to you, though," Draco forced out, still studying the to do list she'd provided. She felt the corners of her mouth turn up in amusement at the great effort it took for Draco to be kind to her.
"For what?" She asked, curious if he'd share more. At that, Draco finally looked back up at her.
"I suppose for existing," he said simply. His eyebrows pinched for just a second, and Hermione would've missed the annoyed look that crossed his face if she hadn't been watching her. He quickly smoothed himself out. "What I mean to say is, I am thankful that you appeared in Theo's life this way. He did not have an easy childhood, as I am sure he's shared." Hermione felt herself soften a bit, surprised that this conversation had veered from inquisition to compliment.
"He has shared enough for me to understand that I got the better end of the deal," Hermione said sadly, fiddling with her quill.
"Well, you had a rather difficult go of it if I recall. Most of it at my hand," Draco said as he ran his hand through his hair. Hermione was surprised he was willing to revisit the topic and gave him an understanding nod. His face was unreadable, making her more anxious.
"I meant with my parents. When I was a child," Hermione said, now studying her own list.
"Did they tell you anything about the adoption? When you told them about this all, I mean," Draco was watching her when she looked up. She registered a brief shock and gratitude to her brother for not sharing her secret, even with his best friend.
"They can't," Hermione said quickly, shocking herself as she stared into his steel eyes. While she found it so easy to lie to Narcissa about this very topic weeks ago, suddenly she very much wanted to tell Draco what was going on with her parents."I erased their memories of me before the war and moved them out of the country," the confession tumbled out of her mouth before she thought to stop it. Hermione's stomach dropped at the realization that she'd shared something so personal with Draco Malfoy. She'd only told three people about her situation, discounting the Weasleys and the medical staff.
"To keep them safe? Clever," Draco commented, still studying her. "And brutal. I'm rather impressed," he offered as he returned his gaze to the papers in front of them. "So you were unable to reverse it?"
"My current hypothesis is they had already been significantly altered to include me due to the adoption. When I erased myself, I complicated their mental state. I've been searching for a cure. That is what Theo and I have been looking for, why we are so focused on our father's journal. Not my biological mother. I just need to find a solution," Hermione said, feeling a sense of relief wash over her with each word. She was shocked at how comfortable she was sharing something so private with someone who she hated. It should've been unsettling, but the more she said, the less uncomfortable she was.
"I'm sure you'll find a better solution for your parents than Theo did for your father," Draco let out a cruel laugh as dropped the paper and looked at her expectantly.
"What do you mean?" Draco started at the question, before quickly shuttering himself and making his face cold to her. Hermione realized he'd said something he shouldn't. When he didn't respond, his face growing darker with each silent second, she grabbed her papers and stood up. "Thanks for meeting with me, Malofy. Especially when I showed up here with no warning. I think we should be good on meeting until the week of the ball. You have all the action items there. I will see you then," Hermione said quickly before turning and darting out of the room. She didn't look back, but she knew he'd let her leave without comment.
Her thoughts were racing as she stepped through the floo to Nott Manor. Their father had died during the war - at the final battle she'd thought. Theo hadn't wanted to discuss it in too much detail, and Hermione wasn't especially keen on it either, with her own parents as her first priority. He'd really only talked about their father killing Theo's mother. Her mind wandered back to the dark curse she'd see in the letter. Perhaps she was not the child mentioned in the letter after all. Hermione decided she'd have to fully translate the blasted thing before bringing up any of her suspicions to her brother, who she realized she might not know as well as she thought.