Okay so.. here's another chapter.
—
Narcissa knew it would only be a matter of time before her sister started quizzing her on exactly why she was wearing muggle clothes all of a sudden but all the blonde witch knew was that she wasn't offering up the information voluntarily.
The tilt of the head and raised eyebrow from Andromeda as she had opened the door to her in a couple of hours ago told Narcissa she was in for some form of inquisition. The blonde had been graced with patience however her two older siblings were without a doubt the nosiest and inpatient pair of people she had ever come across and so for Andromeda to have lasted two hours Narcissa almost felt like applauding her elder sister.
The lip of the teacup had just touched her lips when her sister's curiosity seemed to get the better of her, dark eyes full of interest roaming up and down her attire as the two women sat beside one another at the older witches kitchen table.
The jet black jeans that she had slipped on this morning had taken some getting used to, not familiar with such restricted and tight clothing and yet she found them rather flattering as she had looked at herself in the mirror this morning. Paired with a crisp white shirt she had actually found herself rather pleased with her choice considering she had never been in a Muggle shop before.
"I like those jeans on you Cissy." Andromeda commented as she picked the cucumber out of the sandwich on her plate. Narcissa had to restrain herself from berating her older sister for picking at her food as her Mother would have done, why she would put cucumber on a sandwich she had herself prepared for the two of them to enjoy the blonde which would never know.
Part of Narcissa believed Andromeda did it to wind her up and the twitch of her older sisters lip confirmed it and yet she wouldn't rise to the bait, unlike with Bellatrix whom she had regularly nagged. Before the War that is.
"Thank you, I picked them out yesterday." Andromeda simply nodded her head in response before deciding to cram more or less half a sandwich in her mouth much to the dismay of Narcissa who sent the women daggers in response to her unladylike behaviour.
"Must you do that Andromeda?" Narcissa sighed as she held a napkin out for the dark haired witch to wipe the side of her mouth which was currently covered in mayonnaise.
Andromeda snorted as she watched her younger sister readjust herself in her chair, ever the Pureblood with perfect posture. Blonde hair spilled over the younger woman's shoulder while the rest of her darker hair was pinned up beautifully in an intricate pleat that Andromeda could never quite get right despite Narcissa trying to teach her multiple times.
"So am I going to get an explanation as to why the sudden change of wardrobe or are you going to make me drag it out of you by questioning you relentlessly before you eventually give in?" Andromeda never could quite master Bella's intimidating eyebrow raise, not that she herself was any better at it but she had her own icy stare mastered.
Narcissus resisted the urge to fidget with the many rings that adorned her fingers, it was something her sister would instantly pick up on and so she met her sister's gaze and shrugged her shoulders in response.
"I always found Bella was a lot better at interrogating than you.." Narcissa knew the second Bellatrix's name left her mouth she should have kept the comment to herself, Andromeda's posture stiffened and she drew a harsh breath before settling her own eyes on fireplace where a picture of the three sisters resided.
It had surprised Narcissa, the picture sitting in the centre of the fireplace. One of the first things people would notice as they walked through the door and yet a horrible reminder of what Andromeda had had to leave behind. It had confused Narcissa when she had noticed it and yet she knew she had the same photo sitting on her vanity table back at the Manor that had sat there since the day she had moved in at the tender age of 18. Lucius had never commented on it but she could see the disgust in his eyes when they settled on Andromeda. Narcissa could never bring herself to get rid of the photo. It seemed as though the same went from Andromeda.
Even after all the pain and misery, they were sisters. Bellatrix included.
"Bella was good at many things Cissy, I just wish that hadn't included torturing and killing innocent people." Narcissa could hear the emotion in Andromeda's voice, the older women trying her best to ignore the tears glazing over her eyes. No doubt thoughts of her daughter and husband were swirling around in Andromeda's head, Narcissa wishing so much she could ease her sister's pain.
Reaching out, Narcissa laid her hand to rest on top of her older sisters as the two of them sat quietly letting the moment wash over them. Andromeda, much like Bellatrix, had never wanted to appear weak in front of anyone and so Narcissa found herself staring at various photos dotted around her sisters living room. It was a comfortable silence, both sisters happy to be in one another's presence as their fingers entwined together.
Narcissa had long since grieved her eldest sister, long before she had died. The Bellatrix that had died at the hand of Molly Weasley hadn't been her sister, only in appearance but not in spirit. Voldemort had been sure to strip what was left of her sister after she had returned from Azkaban an extremely broken and deranged woman. Watching as her sister declined before her own eyes, Narcissa had felt her heart break at the sight of her caring and strong sister be reduced to such a cruel and unkind person.
Nobody but Narcissa and Andromeda had seen how loving Bellatrix could be, reading bedtime stories when their parents would rather entertain guests and leave them to the house elf's care. Protecting them at any length from anyone, no matter who it was, she would come to their rescue.
The Bellatrix who had pinned Hermione down on her drawing room floor wasn't that same sister. That Bellatrix was a monster that Narcissa had never dreamed her sister would ever become.
The thought of Hermione screaming out in pain, trying in vain to wriggle out from underneath her sister would forever be seared into her mind. Narcissa knew she deserved to be haunted by it all when she could have done something. Now was the time for amends, even if it took begging on her hands and knees she would offer it to the younger witch. It was the least she deserved.
"Do you know Ms Granger well?" Narcissa's question broke the silence and yet it took a moment before Andromeda began to answer it as though confused as to where the change of conversation had come from.
"Hermione? Yes I do, very lovely girl. Although I'm sure you're aware she goes by Mrs Weasley these days. Never could quite understand why she settled for Ron though, Dora and I always thought she could have done better for herself." Narcissa was surprised by Andromeda's comments given she and the Weasleys were friendly however she couldn't help but nod her head in agreement with her elder sister.
Despite the War ending it didn't mean the divide changed, the hatred was just hidden in between sentences printed in various newspapers and magazines every week. Ronald Weasley was a constant thorn in her side, constantly dragging her family name through the mud even when she had been cleared of any wrongdoing in court as well as Draco.
It was petty and unnecessary, something which should have been long since resolved. Narcissa had never fought back, the blonde had lost count of the amount of times she had held her tongue when a reporter had asked for a comment on nasty gossip.
Never Hermione though, it was something Narcissa had picked up on fairly quickly. The young witch wasn't one for mud slinging, happy to fade into the background. Not that she could blend into the background in Narcissa's view, the women's beauty unlike anything she had ever seen before. The young witch truly was the 'Golden Girl' in every sense, a natural beauty and so sweet and caring when the world had shown her so much hatred. Hermione was extraordinary, in every aspect possible.
"I'm visiting Hermione and her daughter for dinner this afternoon." Narcissa watched Andromeda's face for her reaction and yet found her sister was still able to master the face of indifference their Mother had drilled into them at a very early age. How Andromeda could keep such a skill and still not have proper table manners was beyond Narcissa.
Narcissa could feel herself starting to squirm under her sisters attention, Andromeda was looking at her as though she was a puzzle that needed solving and the younger witch didn't appreciate being under such scrutiny.
"I didn't realise you and Hermione were friendly with one another." Narcissus could feel herself starting to fidget under her sister's unrelenting gaze, her fingers flexing underneath Andromeda's before pulling her hand away to rest on her lap.
"It's a recent development, like you say she's a lovely woman so it's easy to be friendly." Narcissa spoke softly, almost a whisper as she glanced down at her cup of tea. She could feel the blush starting to rise on her chest, the white shirt doing nothing but help point out the blatant redness as it creeped up her neck.
It had always been a hindrance, the second she felt embarrassed her face would always be the first thing to give her away and both of her sisters knew about it the same way every sibling knew every little tick about one another. It was something which both Andromeda and Bellatrix had both teased her about, it used to be talk of Lucius that brought about a flushed complexion and yet it was a certain young brunette that was causing it now.
Narcissa knew the second her sister let out a heart chuckle she had been rumbled, not that she thought she would be able to sneak anything past her sisters' never ending nosiness and need to know everything about her life. Having been out of each other's lives for so long it was as though it had brought them closer together, something which Narcissa would always be grateful for.
"You must think me an idiot if you believe for one second I'll let you leave here without admitting you have a fancy for Hermione. I'm not blind Cissy, I know you like the back of my own hand." Narcissa rolled her eyes at her sister's accusation but felt her heart speed up at the accusation. Andromeda had hit the nail perfectly on the head and if the smirk was anything to go by then her sister knew perfectly well she had done just that.
How on Earth did Hermione have such an effect on her with a 10 minute interaction only days ago? Letters had been sent back and fore since that day, short and sweet letters before Hermione had offered an invite around to her house for an evening of dinner. The nervousness had radiated off of her since yesterday, unable to sit still which hadn't gone unnoticed by her son who had watched her with great interest.
"Fancy her? Don't be so silly dear. I hardly know her and she's married as we both already know. Besides that, as you've pointed out she's a woman and I'm not gay Andy." Letting out a very unlady like scoff Narcissa rebutted the accusation.
Narcissa knew there was no stopping her sister now, when Andromeda started something she always finished it. Like a dog with a bone their Mother used to say.
"The lady doth protest too much." Andromeda sang in a teasing manner, a twinkle of mischief lighting up in the older women's eye.
As much as Narcissa hated the teasing she couldn't help but admit she had sorely missed this, the sisterly teasing was something which had vanished soon after Andromeda had run away. There wasn't much to laugh or joke about when their family was left in ruins.
"Think what you like, see if I care." It was written all over the blonde witches face that she clearly did care what her older sister thought, Andromeda's expression soon changed to something more serious, a caring hand reaching out to grasp her own.
"You're lucky Bella isn't here, she wouldn't let you off as easily as I do. All I'll say is be careful Cissy. The last thing I want to see you is hurt." Narcissa felt Andromeda's thumb lightly brush over her knuckles in a soothing motion, the gentle touch almost too much as she felt tears spring to her eyes.
Taking a deep breath, Narcissa quickly brushed away a few stray tears that had managed to escape, still not used to such care despite it being years since they had reunited. Andromeda didn't let her off as easily with hiding her emotions, reaching out she wiped away a smudge of mascara from under Narcissa's eye.
"How you manage to cry and still look like a Greek goddess is still something I'm envious of you know." Laughing lightly at Andromeda's comment, Narcissa glanced over at the clock that sat above the kitchen door and found her stomach flutter with nerves.
It was time to leave, Andromeda must have noticed her looking at the time as she began to gather up the empty plates and dishes on the table.
"You can use the fireplace to Floo to Hermione's if you wish, although I'm sure you don't want to risk getting floo powder all over your new clothes." Narcissa nodded her head in agreement, standing up from the table she tugged on the shirt and adjusted the belt on her jeans. Gosh she was like a teenager all over again, fiddling with her clothes as though going on a date. Which tonight most certainly wasn't.
Narcissa had been worried she may have looked silly or the colours and styles didn't match but given her sisters approval she was sure she wouldn't be embarrassing herself in front of Hermione tonight. Andromeda may tease and wind her up but she would never allow Narcissa to make a fool of herself.
"You know me well dear. I'll owl you when I get home later, thank you for tea Andy." Narcissa let her arms wrap tightly around Andromeda's waist, smiling softly when she felt her older sister hug her back with the same enthusiasm.
Remembering the first time the two of them had met, Narcissa could recall the awkward goodbye which consisted of a handshake between the two of them. Before Andromeda could leave though Narcissa had found herself chasing after her sister and pulling her into a hug so tight she was afraid for a second she had broken Andromeda's ribs. It had taken a second but it had been returned with just as much force and the next time they had met the awkwardness was gone, as though the years of distance had never happened.
"You and Hermione would make a rather good looking couple though, you have to admit to that at least Cissy." Stepping back from the embrace Narcissa was tempted to send a hex her sisters way as she took a few steps back with her wand held in her hand in preparation for apparating but decided on flicking a rude hand gesture toward Andromeda instead.
If her Mother and Father could see her now, reunited with her sister and about to visit a half blood for dinner.. Narcissa instantly put a stop to that train of thought before she fell down a rabbit hole of unresolved issues that she still hadn't faced yet.
Andromeda's loud laughter was the last thing she had heard before she apparated, a smile tugging on her own lips at the sound. Oh how she had missed her sister.
/
Apparating with a soft pop, Narcissa was pleased to find she had arrived in one piece and only a few strands of hair had come undone from her pleat. Hovering her wand around her head she made quick work of getting the strays back into place.
Narcissa took her first proper look at Hermione's house as she let her eyes take in the quaint cottage in front of her. Seemingly in the middle of nowhere with no houses nearby, Narcissa could see the attraction to the peace and quiet.
Brushing down the front of her shirt, the blonde witch could feel her heart pounding against her chest. Sweaty palms were quickly rubbed against her jeans, berating herself at her nervousness. She was acting like a school girl and she desperately needed to get over herself. Easier said than done at times though as Narcissa came to realise.
Pulling her purse open, Narcissa was glad for the extension charm she had placed on it as she pulled out a bottle of white wine. Hermione had insisted that she just bring herself and not to bother bringing anything else but Narcissa had been brought up with manners and appearing at someone's house without a gift was always considered extremely rude.
It had crossed her mind to bring a bunch of flowers however that idea was quickly shot down, too much like something she would do for someone she was dating. And this most definitely wasn't a date.. not that she wished it was. Not one bit. She couldn't count the amount of times she had had to repeat that statement over in her head. And Narcissa knew it wouldn't be the last time tonight either.
Taking a deep breath, Narcissa quickly schooled her face into something somewhat calm. Not anything like she felt inside. Gosh she was a mess, never before had anyone made her feel like this.
Not even with Lucius. Whom she had been married to for countless years and had shared a son with.
And this was only after exchanging words with the women for no longer than 10 minutes. But there was just something so unbelievably attractive about the women, if Narcissa hadn't had plans with her sister that day she would have stood and spoke for hours.
Hermione was like a flame and she was the moth. Narcissa just couldn't help but be drawn in by the women.
Clearing her throat and shaking her head, the blonde witch raised her first and knocked on the door. Waiting for the door to open she almost felt like running, saving herself the embarrassment that was sure to come from being attracted to a young witch the same age as her son.
Before she could even begin to make a run for it the door opened revealing Hermione, the young witches face widening into a toothy grin when their eyes met each other's. How Narcissa was going to manage hours when she could barely handle their brief meeting, the older witch didn't know.
Rose, who was currently resting in Hermione's arms, seemed to recognise her and took great joy in gurgling what Narcissa took as a greeting.
Hermione's eyes gleamed with warmth, something which Narcissa still couldn't believe the women could feel anything of that kind toward her. The young witch was sporting a pale blue summer dress, barefooted and fresh faced with not a scrap of make up upon her face. The woman's hair was tamed into a chignon bun at the base of her neck, a few loose strands framing her face perfectly as the sunlight bounced off her hair. The woman was a vision. If Andromeda could see Hermione now it wouldn't be her sister she would be calling a Greek goddess that was for sure. It would be the brunette standing in front of her that would rightfully take that title from her.
"You're right on time, dinners just ready. Come on into the madhouse. Enter if you dare." Hermione chuckled softly as she held the door open wider, bouncing Rose up and down on her waist. It didn't escape Narcissa's attention that the young witch's eyes had taken in her outfit more than once as she moved past the brunette.
"Madhouse? It seems pretty normal from where I'm standing. Hello little one." Taking a step forward Narcissa couldn't resist reaching out and stroking Rose's cheek much to her excitement. Clearly happy to see another person's face other than her Mothers.
Making eye contact with Hermione she smiled softly, feeling the nerves that had been simmering inside for the past couple of days melt away. Clearing her throat gently she motioned her hand for the younger women to lead the way inside.
Narcissa knew that it was going to take every ounce of will in her body not to try to flirt with the women currently walking in front of her as she was led to the kitchen.
As she followed after Hermione, Narcissa could picture Andromeda's smug face. Andromeda was right. Narcissa was attracted to Hermione.
Big time.
—-
Apologies for getting side tracked with the Narcissa and Andromeda interaction however I wanted a little bit of background. Next chapter will be the dinner so a lot more of Hermione and Narcissa. Please feel free to let me know if it's a load of garbage, I won't be offended!