Hermione felt a sense of relief wash over herself when she realised it wasn't just her who was nervous about the dinner, the nervous energy was radiating from Narcissa despite the older women's attempt to appear calm and collected. Hermione could sense the woman was taking in every part of the room without even turning around, glad she had taken the chance when Rose had a quick nap earlier to tidy up.
Placing Rose in her high chair, Hermione motioned toward the seat to Narcissa situated to the left of her daughter. Rose was wearing a pale pink dress, her curls as wild as her Mother's.
Narcissa had always longed for a daughter, not that Draco wasn't enough but she had wanted to give him siblings like she had had and a little girl with hair the same as her own that she could dress up and spend time doing their hair was always in her dreams. Lucius had said Draco was enough, an heir to pass along the Malfoy name and with that the subject was closed.
"I brought some wine, I wasn't sure whether you preferred red or white though so hopefully you'll like it." Hermione noticed the way the older women fidgeted with her hair, taking a second to appreciate the complicated braid that she knew would have only taken Narcissa seconds to do.
Hermione never was going to be the kind of witch that sat down and learnt spells for hair or make up, even if there hadn't been the need to race after Ron and Harry making sure neither of them ended up dead. A messy bun was usually the closest she came to styling her hair yet tonight she had taken the time to try to tame her hair into something a little more presentable. She didn't even want to begin to question herself as to why she was making an extra effort. Not right now anyway.
"Thank you, I'm not fussy so you're in luck. I'll just plate dinner up, can you keep an eye on Rose for a moment?" Hermione reached out to take the bottle from Narcissa's hand, their fingers brushing for a split second causing the younger women to almost drop the bottle.
Trying her hardest to ignore the spark she felt, she knew it would only be a matter of time before it became something she couldn't ignore.
——
Left alone with Rose, Narcissa chuckled softly as she watched her tug at the straps that stopped her from escaping from the high chair. It was clear to see the young girl took after her Mother in the brains department as her fingers traced along the clip before pushing down lightly.
"Uh uh sweetheart, no escaping for you. I don't think your Mother would appreciate that very much." Pulling her wand from the discreet holster on her hip, Narcissa conjured up some bubbles from the tip before waving them in front of Rose much to the young girl's excitement.
It had been a long time since Narcissa had been around a baby so small, she had almost forgotten just how easily distracted they became as soon as a simple spell was cast.
Draco had been an easy going baby, happy to follow his Mother around absolutely everywhere much to Lucius' annoyance. Lucius had always berated her for being too soft as well as Bellatrix but she couldn't bare the thought of her son doubting her love for him the same as she did her own parents. If there was one thing she wanted her son to know it was just how much she meant to her. She would die for him.
"Here we are. I hope you like pasta, I must admit that I'm not a very good cook but your older sister has taught me a few things since having Rose." Narcissa found a plate being placed in front of her before a glass of wine floated to rest beside it.
Placing her wand back in it's safe place, Narcissa watched as Hermione took the seat opposite her, on the other side of her daughter who bounced up and down excitedly at her Mothers appearance as though she had been away for hours and not a matter of minutes.
It was a sight that melted her heart, a bond between Mother and daughter that was clearly very strong. Hermione's eyes lit up with love as she absentmindedly reached out to kiss Rose's hand.
"It smells delicious, thank you Hermione. I must admit Andromeda's cooking is pretty good but don't let her know I said that, her ego is already the size of a house." Narcissa chuckled softly as she took a bite of her dinner, barely managing to hold on the moan at the flavours dancing around in her mouth.
Thinking she had managed to hide her appreciation she was sorely mistaken as she noticed the delighted grin that appeared on Hermione's face.
"Must be a Black family trait. Having egos the size of a house, that is." Hermione jested, a barely concealed smirk upon her face as she held out a spoonful of baby food for Rose who gladly accepted it.
"I find there's a big difference between having a big ego and having confidence in yourself. The two often get confused with one another, in my own opinion anyway." Narcissa watched as Hermione tilted her head, her eyebrows bunching together as though contemplating her words.
Narcissa so badly wanted to reach out and smooth out the crease between the women's eyes, a light brown that she could get lost in if she let herself. Lifting her glass of wine to her lips she watched as Hermione's eyes briefly flickered down to look at her lips before just as quickly darting back up to meet her own. The attraction apparently wasn't one sided much to Narcissa's pleasure.
Part of Narcissa wanted to ramp up the flirting but another part couldn't stop looking at the wedding ring that resided on the younger woman's left hand. Like a massive warning to her that she was playing with fire.
"I hadn't realised you still considered yourself a Black these days, you are still a Malfoy are you not?" Narcissa could see Hermione's own eyes had settled on the wedding ring that sat heavily upon her own hand.
The ring was something she would never have picked for herself, over the top and flashy was something which she was not. Lucius had never taken her likes into consideration, always more concerned about whether something looked nice and if it would impress other Purebloods.
"Only in name. I'm sure both my elder sisters would agree with me that despite being married and changing our names we will always be Blacks, through and through. Andromeda may argue slightly and claim that she left it all behind when she ran away but I can still see the "Pureblood" in her even if she can't." Narcissa commented, staring down at the ring and twisting it around and around as she always found herself doing.
The blonde witch would love to take the ring off but she knew the newspapers would have a field day, despite the face she showed everyone there was still a part of her that was hurt by the horrible words written about herself and her older sister. She could understand the slander Bellatrix received but it didn't mean it still didn't upset her. Narcissa so badly wanted to show people the kind of woman Bellatrix was before she was ever introduced to Tom Riddle, the man had taken advantage of Bellatrix's greed for power and manipulated her over and over. The horrible words printed about herself could be just as vicious but it didn't just affect her, it also affected Draco who had to see his Mother pretend the words didn't cut deeply.
"I can remember the first time I met Andromeda, it was so startling. The resemblance between her and.. and Bellatrix is uncanny." Narcissa didn't fail to notice the way Hermione's hand had subconsciously reached over to cover the scar that still marked her left forearm.
Narcissa had noticed the other day that the scar was covered but tonight the younger witch hadn't bothered to cover it up. The blonde had made a conscious effort not to stare, not wanting to make the younger witch feel uncomfortable in her own home but her eyes couldn't help but be drawn to it when the women mentioned her older sister.
"They were often mistaken as twins when we were younger. It's understandable it would be unsettling for you.. I won't bring her up again. I can see it upsets you and that's something I certainly don't want to do." Taking the plunge Narcissa let her hand reach out across the table laying palm up, leaving it in the middle for the younger witch to choose whether to accept her touch or not.
It took a second but Narcissa soon felt a hesitant hand rest on top of her own before the women's strong and elegant fingers traced along the lines of her palm.
"Why don't I finish feeding Rose and you can eat your own dinner?" Narcissa offered, as much as she wanted to sit and enjoy the feeling of the younger witches soft skin against her own, she could also see Hermione had eaten very little of her own food.
It was always the same with young babies, always putting their needs in front of your own and running on empty. It was sad to see how Hermione was almost shocked at someone offering something as simple as helping to feed Rose while she ate her own dinner first.
Hermione nodded her head gratefully, handing over the plate of what Naricssa assumed was some kind of mashed up vegetables. Rose didn't seem to care who it was that was feeding her, just happy to be given some food.
Sitting in a comfortable silence as Hermione ate, Narcissa couldn't recall the last time she had felt so relaxed. Dinner at Malfoy Manor had always been a stiff event, Lucius preferring everyone to sit in silence. Even now she would eat her dinner alone in her own wing of the house. It was pitiful. Hermione's presence was calming, the younger women having such a warm aura about her even after everything she had been through. Rose was as good as gold, not that Narcissa expected anything different from a child of Hermiones.
"I take it Mr Weasley is at work?" Hermione's body tensed ever so slightly at the mention of her husband, quickly letting her body relax as she took a sip of her water.
"Either at work or at the pub with his friends. I never quite know which one it is." Narcissa noted the way Hermione's voice was heavily wrapped with embarrassment and shame, the brunette not meeting her gaze as she quickly took another bite of dinner.
Rose had finished her dinner and was happily playing with the never ending bubbles that Narcissa had wordlessly conjured up, glad the young baby hadn't picked up on the slightly stilted atmosphere that had risen at the mention of her father.
Narcissa felt as though she had stumbled upon a sore point and wasn't quite sure what to respond with. Not wanting to seem as though she was being nosey but also not wanting to let the women feel as if she didn't care. Narcissa did care, a great deal. Before she could even begin to say anything, Hermione bet her to it.
"I'm so exhausted and alone. I wish Ron would step up and be the father that Rose deserves but it's as though he can't bear to even be in the same room as me." Hermione still wasn't making eye contact, fidgeting with the napkin that rested beside her plate.
The blonde witch wasn't a very affectionate or tactile person but she found herself almost drawing blood with her nails from holding her fist so tightly to stop herself from reaching out. There was something about the brunette witch that sat opposite her, so broken and damaged that broke a piece of her inside. If Narcissa had hated Ronald Weasley before, she loathed him now. To break such a caring woman, a Mother who only wanted the best for her daughter. It was devastating to see such a sight.
"You're not alone Hermione. I'm here, for as long as you want me to be." Narcissa words were spoken with such vehemence, meaning every single word she said.
Hermione's eyes darted up to meet her own, the sadness in her eyes still there but the faintest glimmer of of hope sparkled now as she listened to the older witch.
"I must seem such a mess." Hermione chuckled with no real humour behind it, wiping underneath her eyes before quickly rising from her seat and beginning to gather the empty plates that littered the dining table.
"A mess? Please tell me, you must realise how beautiful you are?" Naricssa heard the snort of laughter as Hermione brushed the comment away as though the blonde was suggesting something well beyond the realm of possibility.
The brunette moved around the kitchen as though a natural domestic goddess. Narcissa had come to realise if it wasn't completely necessary then the younger witch abstained from using her magic, instead choosing to do everything herself. It was rather refreshing to see, even Andromeda who had left the Wizarding World couldn't leave her Magic behind. Not that Narcissa blamed her, she didn't think she could go half a day without casting some form of spell.
"I'm just going to put Rose to bed since it's past her bedtime, I shouldn't be longer than ten minutes." Hermione stood in front of her, baby Rose clinging to her like a monkey as she struggled to keep her eyes open. The woman truly was a sight for sore eyes, it was saddening to realise how little the woman really did think of herself.
The older witch had come to the conclusion that it was going to take more than just telling Hermione how special and beautiful she was, she would have to show her and it didn't matter how long it took. Narcissa had all the time in the world for Hermione.
"I'll be eagerly awaiting your return." Narcissa teased, softly squeezing the women's upper arm as she stood up to bid Rose goodnight.
Receiving a soft smile in return, the Pureblood watched as Hermione quietly trailed out of the kitchen toward the stairs where she was sure to lead up to a few bedrooms up the stairs if the size of the cottage was anything to go by.
The interior matched up rather well with the younger brunette witch, cosy and yet intriguing as what must be hundreds of books lined the bookcases along the living room wall. The kitchen and living room were joined on to one another, open plan giving the room a sense of space with patio doors allowing the sunset to shine into the space.
Taking a closer look at the books Narcissa caught the glint of a picture frame hit her eye, her focus diverting toward the small collection of photos that sat upon a small table next to the fireplace.
Picking up the various frames, Narcissa felt as though she was peering into the younger women's life. A smile falling upon her own face at the sight of a baby faced Hermione with whom she assumed were the muggleborn's parents. The more the blonde looked, the more she could see which features came from each parent. It was a sight to see, such a seemingly carefree child who would soon become involved in a world that was so cruel at times. Placing that specific frame down, Narcissa continued on with her snooping unaware of the eyes tracing her every move.
——
Returning from upstairs, Hermione released a heavy sigh. The multitude of emotions she had felt throughout the night was like some kind of emotional whiplash, excitement at Narcissa's presence yet heartbroken at the fact her own husband couldn't be bothered to show his face even though she constantly pleaded with him to make more of an effort.
It had been true what she had told the older witch, she was exhausted and wasn't quite sure what to do anymore. It felt as though she was drowning on dry land.
Padding softly toward the kitchen, Hermione stopped short of entering the room as her eyes became drawn to the sight of Narcissa. The blonde seemed to be engrossed and the closer Hermione looked, she realised it was her picture collection that Narcissa was so interested in.
Taking a moment, Hermione let her eyes glide over Narcissa's body from head to toe. Taking in the elegant hair do, the high cheek bones that screamed aristocrat, the deep red lips painted with lipstick that were currently being sunk into by the women's teeth with what seemed to be deep concentration. Hermione was sure Narcissa had men falling at her feet, she could see the similarities she shared with her sisters although when compared to Andromeda and Bellatrix she was a lot softer. Where Andromeda and Bellatrix were dark, she was light. The platinum blonde hair floated around the women as though she were an angel.
How this woman standing in front of her could claim to see her as beautiful, Hermione couldn't understand.
"More wine?" Hermione cleared her throat before asking the question softly although it didn't stop Narcissa from jumping slightly, a blush lightly shading her cheeks as though embarrassed to have been found going through the younger women's things.
Immediately placing her hands behind her back, Narcissa presented herself as the perfect Pureblood with posture she was sure even royalty would be jealous of.
"That would be lovely, thank you dear." Narcissa's voice was soft, floating across the room as she walked back toward the kitchen table taking up the seat she had previously sat in.
Hermione could feel Narcissa's eyes on her as she grabbed a new bottle of wine from the fridge. Drinking wasn't something she did very often, especially since she had Rose to look after however tonight she needed it.
It was nice, being the main focus of someone's attention especially a woman of Narcissa's high standing who could no doubt be at whatever Pureblood party was on this evening. Hermione couldn't remember the last time Ron chose to stay in, long before Rose's birth that's all she knew.
Putting the radio on at a low volume, Hermione carried the two glasses over to the table where Narcissa sat but rather than sit across from the blonde she chose the seat beside her, their legs brushing up against one another as the brunette took her seat.
Murmuring a quiet 'sorry', Hermione twisted her upper body around so she was facing the blonde.
"Did you mean what you said before?" The words were out of Hermione's mouth before she could help herself, the wine clearly serving as some kind of extra bravery which she had been sorely missing these last few years where Ron was concerned.
Narcissa, who had just taken a sip of wine as Hermione had asked her question, tilted her head as though thinking back to her earlier words.
"Which words would those be exactly? When I called you beautiful or when I told you you weren't alone anymore? Because both of those statements are true." Hermione felt her heart race slightly at the compliment, so unused to being on the reviewing end of such sweet words.
"Thank you Narcissa. That actually means a lot coming from a woman as beautiful as you." Sensing the woman's eyes on her again, Hermione felt a surge of confidence as she flicked her own eyes up to meet the older women.
There was so much to be said for the expression on Narcissa's face, a gentle smile gracing her lips as her eyes slightly crinkled at the corner. A beautiful smile for a beautiful women.
The music played softly in the background, an old Fleetwood Mac song that Hermione recognised from many Sunday road trips in the car with her parents. The soft melody floating around the room.
Content to sit in one another's company, Hermione could hear Narcissa humming along slightly to the music as crimson nails tapped lightly along to the beat on the wooden table.
"I must admit, if I had told my younger self ten years ago I would be sitting with Narcissa Malfoy enjoying a glass of wine after dinner then I'm sure she would think I had gone crazy." Hermione confessed, lightly bumping her shoulder with Narcissa who let out a gentle giggle.
The sound was like liquid gold, so soft and full of melody. So far from the dark and humourless cackle of her elder sister.
"I'm sure my younger self would think the same thing. I'm grateful you even give me the time of day Hermione. I can't even begin to tell you how sorry I am for everything I've done wrong toward you, your friends and family but I'm willing to show you in any way I can that I mean it. If you'll let me, that is?" Hermione noticed, not for the first time, how Narcissa's fingers fiddled with her wedding ring whenever she became nervous or agitated.
The blonde woman sitting beside her wasn't the same Narcissa Malfoy she had met all those years ago, this woman sitting in front of her was willing to put every bit of pride she had on the line. The woman who had sneered at the very sight of a muggleborn was replaced instead with a woman who was very clearly trying to make amends. Narcissa probably didn't realise how much it meant to Hermione, the olive branch that was being extended was something she could only ever have dreamed of all those years ago as she lay being tortured by Bellatrix.
The admiration she had for Narcissa, it was undeniable now.
"Would you object if I hugged you right now?" Hermione ignored the blush she knew was blooming across her face, resorting back to being a teenager who couldn't keep her embarrassment to herself.
It was worth the embarrassment though when Narcissa didn't verbally respond to her question and instead leant forward to wrap her arms around Hermione's shoulders.
Not needing any prompting Hermione grasped at the women's shoulders, enjoying the feeling of the blondes body pressed against her own. Unsure of the last time she had ever felt anything so warm as Narcissa's embrace, Hermione allowed herself to bask in the feeling of such care.
Taking a deep breath, Hermione's nose was filled up with the smell of expensive perfume mixed with someone so uniquely Narcissa that if she could she would bottle it up. Narcissa's hand rubbed soothing patterns across the back of her dress, fingertips lightly tracing over bare skin every now and then causing a welcome shiver to float through her body.
"Cold?" Narcissa teased, a glint in her eye that told Hermione that the woman knew very well that the cause of her involuntary shiver was anything but from feeling cold. Quite the opposite actually.
Clearing her throat, Hermione pulled back but not before placing a feather light kiss on the women's cheek as she brushed past.
The wedding ring that sat heavily on her finger a reminder of the life long vows she took and yet she couldn't help the rush of pleasure she got from seeing the blush on Narcissa's face that no doubt matched her own.
"I should really be leaving now." Narcissa whispered softly as though not wanting to break the bubble they had created with one another, Hermione only just noticing how close the two women were sitting, the younger women's bare knees were brushing gently against the soft denim of Narcissa's jeans.
Despite noticing the closeness, Hermione didn't pull back. Even though a part of her was screaming at her to pull back, a larger part of her told her to stay put.
"As much as I don't want you to leave, I think that might be a good idea." Hermione matched the older woman's whisper, her eyes tracing the lines and shadows of Narcissa's face as the other women opened and closed her mouth as though unsure of her next words.
Hermione felt a deep sense of disappointment settle within herself as she watched the older women seem to come to her senses, clearing her throat Narcissa rose up from her seat but not before finishing her wine in one very large sip. A move so unladylike that it caused Hermione to have to hold in her laughter. Hermione lead the older women toward the front door, feeling Narcissa's eyes on her the entire time.
"I've enjoyed tonight Hermione. A lot. Thank you for having me, maybe I could return the favour and host you and Rose for dinner next week?" Hermione noticed the shift in the women's personality, it was only slight but the Pureblood politeness told Hermione that whatever moment might have been had was past.
"I enjoyed myself just as much so no need to thank me. That sounds perfect. I'll owl you tomorrow?" Hermione offered, handing Narcissa's bag over from the coat cupboard as the two women stood by the front door.
Nodding in agreement, Narcissa adjusted the bag on her shoulder before nervously tapping her foot as the two women stood by the front door. Neither woman said anything, the both of them seemingly unsure of how to end the evening.
Hermione felt like kicking herself, the bravery she had found not too long ago seemed to have disappeared. A hand gently squeezing her forearm broke her thoughts, before she knew it a kiss was being placed ever so gently upon her cheek. The lips lingered for a beat before she felt fingers lightly brush away the lipstick that had marked her skin.
"Goodnight Ms Granger. I'm already looking forward to your owl tomorrow." It took absolutely every ounce of self restraint in the young brunette not to moan when she felt Narcissa's hand touch her face so tenderly and with such affection.
It took a second for Hermione to realise Narcissa had gone, the older women expertly apparating with the quietest of pops.
Hermione didn't even need to see the woman's face to know she would have been sporting a smug smile at the mess she had left behind.
Legs like jelly, her heart racing a million miles per hour and it wasn't from the wine she had drunk. Hermione was drunk on Narcissa Malfoy. And she was finding herself to enjoy it.
———
Hopefully that wasn't too bad.. Thanks for reading!