Chapter 5 – Making It Official
As they laid in sated bliss Harry absent-mindedly ran his fingers through her black and blonde locks that were wildly spread across his chest. Narcissa hummed in approval as she relaxed into him. 'That was amazing, and the cuddling afterwards is nice too. I never really had that before.'
"Do you have any plans for tomorrow? Or I suppose maybe today. I have no idea what time it actually is," said Harry into her hair. Narcissa chuckled and let her fingers roam around his naked chest.
"No, not really," she replied breathily.
"I was hoping you would go somewhere with me," he said.
"Where?" she asked.
"Andromeda's," said Harry softly. Narcissa tightened her hold around his waist and took a calming breath. 'After such a wonderful night together, why would he bring up my sister?'
"Harry," she warned in a dangerous tone.
"Hear me out Narcissa. I have gone to visit Teddy every Sunday for two years. I suppose you could home when I leave if you preferred, but if you come with me then I get to spend more time with you. Besides, last time I was there Andromeda asked me to bring you along sometime, so I know she would be open to seeing you, and I guess I thought you might like to see her as well. I promise this isn't some kind of trap," said Harry.
"You already told my sister about us?" Narcissa asked in surprise as she looked up at him.
"Was I not supposed to say anything? I'm sorry if it was meant to be a secret," he replied nervously.
"No it's okay, I guess I just didn't expect you to be willing to tell people so soon, especially my sister. How did she respond?" Narcissa asked curiously.
"Well she was angry at first, we talked, I defended your honour and, in the end, I think she was happy, for the both of us, not just me," said Harry. Narcissa put her head back on his chest and they laid in silence while Narcissa thought about his request.
"I think I would very much like to see her again," she replied softly.
"I think she would like that too," Harry responded as he kissed the top of her head. "So, you'll come then?"
"Hmm, on one condition," she answered.
"What's that?" asked Harry sounding a little nervous. Narcissa chuckled.
"You let me spend the whole day with you, and stay the night again," she requested as she looked up at him with a twinkle in her eyes. Harry laughed.
"I would be crazy to reject that request. I accept your conditions," he said with a smile. Narcissa kissed him softly, she had just started to deepen the kiss when she remembered that she meant to talk to him about Draco at some point and pulled away.
"If we are telling people about us, we should talk about Draco," she said. She hated dampening the mood, but she wanted to talk to him about it sooner rather than later so they could get it out of the way.
"Well, technically, Andromeda already knows along with Kingsley, Neville and Luna, but I know what you meant. What do you want to do in regard to Draco?" Harry asked.
"I was thinking you could come over for dinner next week and we could tell him then," said Narcissa.
"If that is what you want, I'm generally free any night so just let me know when to show up and I'll bring my tactical robes," he said with a smirk. Narcissa rolled her eyes.
"TEMPUS," said Narcissa then she looked up at the time displayed in the air above her head. "Oh, it's only 1 am, that means we have plenty of time for another round. I'm on top this time." Narcissa rolled her body so that she was straddling his waist. She blushed as Harry took a second to admire the breasts bouncing above him before pulling her down for a passionate kiss.
Narcissa woke up the next morning wrapped up in Harry's arms his hand resting gently over her abdomen as his morning erection poked into her back. 'Oh, the joys of youth.' She laid there reveling in the sensation of him breathing against her neck as he held her close. 'It is going to be so hard to go home on Monday and sleep by myself. I don't think I've ever slept this well. Although I did quite a bit of exercise last night so that could be why.' As she laid there, she realized she desperately needed to pee, so she slowly tried to extract herself from Harry's embrace, but her movement just caused him to pull her closer. She huffed and then heard a soft chuckle from behind her.
"Good morning Narcissa," Harry said as he kissed her neck.
"Good morning Harry," replied Narcissa as she turned onto her other side so she could see him.
"How did you sleep?" Harry asked as his eyes roamed down her body, making her skin flush.
"Better than I ever have. I could get used to waking up with you every morning," she said with a content smile.
"Me too," said Harry as he leaned in and kissed her. "I usually go to Andromeda's sometime between 11 and noon, so we should probably get ready." Narcissa's eyes widened as she checked the time.
"Oh my, yes, we need to get going, there is barely enough time to get ready," she said frantically as she moved to get out of bed. Harry reluctantly let her go. Narcissa sauntered to the bathroom. She stopped and looked back at Harry when she got to the door.
"I'm going to take a shower. I will not go see my sister smelling like sex and don't you dare join me and make us later than we are already going to be," said Narcissa with a smirk as she shut the door. Harry stretched and stood up when suddenly Narcissa stuck her head back out the door.
"Although, I do have to admit that I find the idea of showering with you very enticing. You may shower with me tomorrow morning if you'd like," she said. Harry groaned at this and threw a pillow at the doorway. Narcissa yelped and closed the door with a wink.
o – o – o – o – o
While Narcissa showered, Harry busied himself with looking through the mail, and sent a quick return note to Hermione asking if Tuesday night was okay for dinner. When he heard the water turn off and the sound of Narcissa stepping out of the shower, he counted to sixty and then went into the bathroom. He moaned at the sight of her drying herself off with a towel and tried to ignore his growing erection as he maneuvered around her and into the shower himself. He didn't want to go to Andromeda's smelling like sex either. She already had an uncanny ability of knowing things about him. He didn't need to make it obvious he just spent the night having sex with the sister she hadn't seen in twenty something years.
When he walked out of the bathroom, Narcissa was putting the finishing touches on her makeup and putting a drying charm on her hair. He walked up behind her and placed a lingering kiss on the side of her neck before pulling clothes out of the wardrobe. While he got dressed, he watched her remove a dress from his closet and put it on before coming over and asking him to zip it up for her. He couldn't find words, so he just nodded. His fumbling fingers eventually found the zip and when he was done with the task Narcissa turned around and gave him a soft kiss on the cheek before walking over to the mirror to do her hair. Harry smiled at how easily she moved around the room, as if she'd lived there for years. Harry realized in that moment how much she belonged. In his life, in his home, in his heart. It was an overwhelming feeling, but he knew he would fight any battle he had to, to keep her there with him.
"Are you alright?" She asked as she looked at him through the mirror, having just finished her hair. He smiled at her and walked over to spin her around and give her a soft kiss.
"Never better. I was just thinking about how nice it is to have you here," said Harry. Narcissa didn't say anything, she didn't need to. She just leaned up and kissed the side of his jaw tenderly.
"Are you ready?" asked Harry. Narcissa took a deep calming breath.
"Yes, I think so," she replied. Harry kissed her forehead softly and then wrapped his arm around her waist and apparated them to a quiet muggle neighborhood near Sutton. Harry took Narcissa's hand and squeezed it gently before leading her towards the front door of Andromeda's home. He knocked on the door, wincing slightly at Narcissa's death grip. They heard someone unlocking the door before it sounded like a herd of elephants were rampaging down the stairs. Harry chuckled at the obvious sound of Andromeda's admonishment before the door opened.
The door opened fully to reveal Andromeda and a pair of wide brown eyes staring at them from between her legs. Harry smiled at the little boy and his eyes quickly shifted to green to match his uncle and' bestest friend'. Narcissa gasped in surprise, causing Teddy to look up at her.
"Unca Harry, who dis?" asked Teddy, pointing one chubby fingers in Narcissa's direction.
"Hello Teddy. This is your aunt Narcissa. She is your grandmother's sister and I brought her to meet you. She's been very excited to play with those fancy muggle trains of yours," said Harry.
"Really?" asked Teddy looking back up at Narcissa in innocent excitement. Narcissa seemed to momentarily be in a state of shock, but she recovered quickly enough and nodded before kneeling down to Teddy's level and putting out her hand.
"It is wonderful to finally meet you Teddy, and Harry is right I am looking forward to seeing your trains," said Narcissa. Teddy smiled at her and shook her hand as firmly as he could before turning back to Harry.
"Okay, but after lunch. Right now, it's time for dragons! Come on Unca Harry," yelled Teddy as he began to pull on Harry's arm.
"Um - well- I - Uh - I'm not sure I should leave them alone," said Harry. Andromeda laughed.
"Go on Harry, we'll be fine. Cissy can help me get lunch together," Andromeda said turning to look at her sister for the first time in over twenty years. Narcissa nodded but visibly paled.
"Alright Teddy, go on up I'll be there in a minute," Teddy let out a shout of excitement and then started to run up the stairs, slowing to a walk half-way up when he remembered he wasn't supposed to run in the house. Harry kissed Narcissa's cheek and then turned to Andromeda.
"Please don't kill my girlfriend Andie," he said before giving her a kiss on the cheek as well and chasing after teddy.
"Girlfriend?" said two surprised voices as he reached the top of the stairs. Silence reigned for a few minutes as the two sisters looked at each other.
"Cissy," said Andromeda with an amused smirk at her clearly nervous sister.
"Andie," said Narcissa. She tried to give a glare of indifference, but her emotions were too raw, too real and overwhelming to fake indifference.
"How in the name of Slytherin's snake did you become the girlfriend of Harry Potter?" Andromeda asked with a raised eyebrow. Narcissa laughed and rushed to give her sister a hug.
"Come in then," Andie said when she pulled away. Narcissa wiped her eyes and followed her older sister inside the house.
"I've missed you Cissy," said Andromeda as they walked to the kitchen. "I'm glad you have finally put your own happiness before your duty. I'm still shocked that you turned out to be the person Harry fell madly in love with last week, but if you love him half as much as he loves you, I imagine you'll have many happy years together."
"He told you he loves me?" Asked Narcissa in surprise as she sat down at the table.
"He didn't have to, it's written all over his face and has been since your first date," Andromeda said as she looked her sister over critically.
"You had sex with him last night, didn't you? asked Andie with a smirk. Narcissa gasped and blushed slightly. "Premarital sex, and with a half-blood half your age? How deliciously naughty of you. Makes me wish mother was here to see it. Is he any good?
"I've never been one to kiss and tell Andie," replied Narcissa as she returned the smirk.
"You've never had anything to tell Cissy," said Andie. Narcissa rolled her eyes.
"I'm happy for you Cissy, but I'm warning you now, if you hurt that sweet, caring, generous young man, I will gut you," said Andromeda seriously.
"I don't plan to. He's given me more than I ever thought I would have," said Narcissa honestly. Andromeda nodded.
"Would you like some tea?" Andie asked.
"Tea would be great, thank you," said Narcissa as she looked around. Andromeda waved her wand a few times and two cups of tea were quickly made and brought to the table.
"You have a lovely place here Andie," said Narcissa as she took a sip.
"It's not as big and elegant as you are used to I'm sure, but it's suits me and Teddy fine," said Andromeda, a hint of sadness in her voice as she remembered her home that had burned down.
"I'm sorry Andie. I'm sorry for everything that has happened to you. I'm sorry that I never reached out. I could have, after our parents died, but I was never as courageous as you and when the Dark Lord returned - I just wanted you to be safe," said Narcissa, not even bothering to stop the tears.
"Harry made a very compelling argument for why I should give you a chance. I have no idea how you gained that boy - man's loyalty, but he won't hear a word against you," said Andromeda shaking her head.
"I'm just as surprised as you are Andie. I keep waiting for him to wake up and realize who I am and that he's made a huge mistake. I don't deserve him," said Narcissa with uncharacteristic shyness.
"Yes you do, you deserve all the happiness you can find Cissy," said Andromeda sincerely. Narcissa smiled.
"You taught him to dance?" asked Narcissa in surprise.
"I did." Replied Andromeda as she took a sip of tea.
"Even though you knew he wanted to learn for me?" asked Narcissa
"Yes," said Andromeda.
"Why?"
"Because it is impossible to deny him anything. After everything he has been through. Honestly, I would have done it if he told me he was taking Fenrir Greyback dancing," said Andromeda as she laughed at her own humor before growing serious again at Narcissa's intense glare. "He looked so desperate Cissy and I knew that if I said no, he would have no one else to ask. It took a lot of courage for him to ask me, and I knew then how much you must mean to him. I agreed because making you happy was the best way to make him happy. The past is the past Cissy. I want to move on, and I want to enjoy having you in my life again, but I need you to answer one question."
"Alright," said Narcissa nervously.
"Do you love him?" Andromeda asked.
"With all my heart," said Narcissa.
"Good," responded Andromeda. "Then you won't have any problems from me." They talked for several more minutes, each sharing tidbits of what they had missed in each other's lives. They both seemed to agree to stick to the happy memories for now. There would be time for the other stuff later. Eventually Andromeda moved over to the counter to start getting lunch ready, but the conversation never ended. An hour later, Teddy and Harry found the two women in the kitchen still talking.
"Grandma, we eat soon? I'm hungries," said Teddy from the doorway as he bounced on the balls of his feet.
"Oh my, I'm so sorry. Of course, have a seat, Teddy. Its nearly ready," she said as she hurriedly finished up. Harry helped teddy into his seat and then sat down next to Narcissa. He was happy to see the light mood between the sisters and the bright smile on Narcissa's face. After lunch Teddy surprised everyone by climbing into his Aunt Cissy's lap.
"Want to see my trains now?" he asked.
"I'd love too," Narcissa said with a smile. Teddy hopped down and practically dragged Narcissa into the living room. Harry stayed to help Andromeda clean up from lunch.
"Thank you for bringing her," said Andromeda, as she brought the plates to the sink, her eyes shining with emotion.
"She didn't want to come at first, but I think it's been good for you both. I'm glad you have each other again," replied Harry. Andromeda gave him a quick hug and then went to check on the pair in the living room. Harry following quickly behind her.
Both Harry and Andromeda raised their eyebrows in surprise to see Teddy sitting comfortably in Narcissa's lap on the floor while he listed off the names of all of his trains, which he had lined up in front of them. They played with Teddy for a couple more hours and then when he started to yawn, they said their goodbyes and headed back to Grimmauld Place.
o – o – o – o – o
As soon as they appeared in the kitchen at Grimmauld Place, Narcissa launched herself at Harry, wrapping her arms around his neck as she snaked her tongue into his mouth in desperation.
"Thank you Harry," she said breathlessly when she pulled away. "You have given me a gift that I can never repay." Harry stroked her cheek lightly and she closed her eyes as she leaned into his touch.
"I would do anything to see you happy Narcissa," whispered Harry. She felt his slightly bruised lips on hers again as his hands moved around to caress her bottom. She moaned into his mouth as the kiss deepened, and she moved her own hands up into his hair.
Moments later they were kissing frenetically as Harry began to move her backwards. She felt Harry's body pin her against the wall as his tongue continued to explore her mouth. She could feel his growing need against her abdomen and the arousal pooling in her belly made her gasp. 'Are we going to have sex against this wall? I've never done that before.' Suddenly her mind filled with images of Harry's strong arms holding her up while he drove into her, and her panties were immediately soaked through. Narcissa wrapped a leg around Harry and thrust her hips into him in need. Harry magicked away her clothes, causing Narcissa to gasp at the sudden temperature change, but the cold was soon forgotten when Harry began his now familiar oral examination of her breasts. 'He's definitely a breast man. Not that I mind, he is very talented with that mouth of his.'
As Harry took a nipple between his teeth, Narcissa snaked her hand inside his trousers and started pumping him gently. Harry magically removed his own clothes as he pushed himself further into her grip with a moan. Narcissa screamed Harry's name as he pushed two fingers inside of her and crashed their lips together. She was practically vibrating with desire as her hips rocked into his hand frantically, enjoying the way his finger circled around her clit just the way she liked. 'It certainly didn't take him long to figure out what I like.'
Her hips continued to thrust against his hand, as her fingers clamped around his shaft, and the nails of her other hand raked down his back. Harry kept her pinned with his chest as she bucked against him. He buried his head in her neck and sucked and bit his way over the sensitive skin. Narcissa could feel herself tightening around his fingers, as he swelled in her grasp. With a desperate moan, Harry pulled his fingers out of her, and pushed her hand away from his erection, then he lifted her thigh and entered her as fast and far as he could.
"Oh, Salazar, yes, Harry, oh, harder!" she cried out. She bent her knee over his hip, and with his next thrust, he kept her pinned against the wall as he lifted her other leg. She wrapped her arms around his neck and gripped his sides with her thighs as he held her up with his hands under her buttocks and drove into her. Each thrust took him deep inside her and the small of his stomach brushed against her swollen clit. She tried to hold back, to make this incredible moment last as long as possible, but the heat burning through her centre soon made her lose control and with one last scream of pleasure her back bowed against the wall as the orgasm exploded inside her. Harry drove into her twice more before matching her cry with his own guttural shout. When both of their muscles stopped twitching, Harry slowly helped ease her onto the ground and then his lips found hers tenderly, both of them still breathing hard.
"I'm sorry Narcissa. I couldn't control myself long enough to make it to the bedroom," said Harry as he cast a cleaning charm on them both and stepped away.
"You don't see me complaining," said Narcissa as she pulled him back in for a lingering kiss before he could get too far out of reach. "You can fuck me in any room any time you want Harry, it's not like we have to worry about anyone walking in on us." Harry reddened at this and backed away before he could get carried away again. Narcissa conjured a simple summer dress and then took her first real look around the room as Harry conjured some clothing for himself.
"What's all of this?" asked Narcissa curiously, motioning to the parchment covered table in the middle of the kitchen.
"Oh sorry, I promise I'm not usually this untidy. I just wanted space to lay everything out while I looked it all over," said Harry in embarrassment. Narcissa smiled at him.
"I'm not concerned about you being or not being untidy, that's what house elves are for. I just wondered what you were looking over so diligently," Narcissa replied.
"Oh, well I've been thinking about buying a house. Something in the country where I can fly my broom. I know I have Grimmauld Place, but it has never really felt comfortable to me. I want somewhere that is mine, where I can make my own memories," said Harry.
"Oh," said Narcissa as she walked over and ran her fingers over the property deeds as she looked at each one.
"I've narrowed it down to five that I like the most," said Harry.
"Can I see them?" Asked Narcissa.
"Sure," said Harry with a shrug as he pointed out the five at the top farthest from them. "I was going to go look at them next weekend. I have a pretty good idea which one I will like the best, but I figured it's better to look at a few extra just in case." Narcissa looked his top five choices over thoughtfully before looking up at him with a playful smirk.
"They all claim to be a gardener's dream," said Narcissa with a smile.
"Yes, well..." said Harry blushing deeply. 'It's so sweet that he thought of me while he was deciding.' Not wanting to embarrass him anymore and wanting him to know she appreciated the gesture she looked down at the properties again before handing him her favorite.
"This one is my favorite," she said with a shy smile. Harry beamed at her as he looked it over.
"This one is my top choice as well," he said in response. "Would you like to go look at with me next weekend. It's just - you know- it's always good to get a second opinion." Narcissa chuckled at how nervous he seemed.
"Of course. Don't you know the rules of being in a relationship?" asked Narcissa playfully. Harry looked at her in curiosity.
"Everything you buy requires the girlfriend's stamp of approval," explained Narcissa.
"Everything?" asked Harry as he walked over and pulled her into his arms.
"Oh yes, even your knickers," Narcissa replied cheekily.
"I see. Well wouldn't it be easier to just let my girlfriend make all my purchases for me then?" Asked Harry.
"Hmm, perhaps, but it's a dangerous risk to take. You never know what she might do with that kind of power," said Narcissa with a mischievous twinkle in her eye. "I think I'd quite like you in a thong." Harry winced.
"Point taken. But, just so you know, I'd happily wear a thong as long as said girlfriend was you. I don't think I want anyone else to ever have that title again," said Harry sincerely. Narcissa rewarded him with a deep and passionate kiss.
o - o - o - o - o
The next morning Harry was allowed to shower with Narcissa as promised. That combined with the extra thorough goodbye she gave him before she left made him an hour late for work, but he didn't care. It was well worth it. He would skip the canteen and eat lunch at his desk while he worked if any one actually noticed he was late.
Tuesday night after work, Ron and Hermione were coming over for dinner. Harry already wasn't in the best of moods, so as he stood in the lounge waiting for them, he hoped the evening wasn't about to get worse. He didn't sleep well last night without Narcissa there. He found himself equal parts concerned by how much he missed her and how little he slept. 'I should just be pleased that things are going so well with Narcissa. We are going out on Wednesday to see the Shard and have dinner, and then Saturday we are going to look at some of the houses, so it's not like I won't get to see her. Hopefully, she will decide to stay the rest of the weekend as well.'
Harry was unexpectedly pulled out of his thoughts by Hermione's loud coughing. He looked over to see Hermione frowning at him while Ron stepped through the fireplace.
"I hope you've asked us here to tell us what or should I say who has got you so distracted," said Hermione with a knowing smile.
"I have, but let's eat first. How are you mate?" Harry asked as he walked over and clapped Ron on the back.
"Alright. I've taken a page out of your book and decided to leave the Auror Corp. I am going to help George manage the shop," said Ron as he dusted himself off.
"Well, if your happy, I'm happy for you mate. How about you Hermione, how are things with the Regulation and Control of Magical Creatures department?" Harry asked.
"Well making changes has been harder than I thought it would be, but you know me, I always like a challenge," said Hermione as she gave Harry a hug.
"That you do Hermione," responded Harry with a smile. "Shall we go into the kitchen? I know you're hungry Ron." Ron enthusiastically agreed and they headed for the kitchen. Once they had sat down, Kreacher served them what actually looked like a pleasant meal.
"Ginny said to tell you that her and Dean are doing really well, although I have no idea why she thinks you'd care," said Ron around his food as he put three more forkfuls in his mouth. Harry frowned at this. 'Is she hoping I'll be jealous? Has she really not moved on? I feel kind of bad for Dean.'
"Well, I'm happy for her. I'm glad she's moved on," said Harry as he took a bite of his own food.
"Like you?" Said Hermione questioningly.
"Yes," said Harry.
"Well?" Said Hermione. Harry chuckled.
"You have no patience do you Hermione?" Said Harry.
"No, not really," replied Hermione. Harry nodded and took a deep breath.
"I am dating Narcissa black," said Harry quickly. Hermione winced and looked at him in surprise.
"Not just went on a date with, but dating?" clarified Hermione.
"Yes, she's my girlfriend," said Harry proudly.
"Narcissa Black, Draco's mother and Lucius's ex-wife, is your girlfriend?" Hermione said slowly.
"Yes," responded Harry. All of the sudden Ron seemed to catch up with the conversation and his face reddened with anger.
"Narcissa- fucking - Malfoy?" screamed Ron. "No way, you cannot be fucking the ferrets mum. She's ancient, and evil, and well the ferrets mum."
"Ronald!" yelled Hermione.
"What," he said turning to her while he took another bite. "It's true."
"No Ron, other than her being Draco's mother nothing you just said is true," said Harry as calmly as he could, but with a determined firmness that made Hermione tilt her head in curiosity.
"You're my best mate Ron, but if you think that gives you free reign to insult the woman I love then you don't know me very well. You can think whatever you want about her, but from now on I strongly suggest you keep your opinions to yourself," continued Harry. Hermione gasped and Ron scowled.
"Love? You can't possibly love that viper. You would seriously choose her over me?" demanded Ron. Harry sighed sadly.
"I would hate to lose you over this, but if you would truly make me choose than you aren't the friend I thought you were. Either way, it wouldn't change anything. I knew there would be some people who would not be able to accept us. If you are one of those people then I have to live with that, because I will always choose her," both Ron and Hermione looked at him like he had two heads. Ron switched tactics.
"Her sister tried to kill Ginny, she's just like her, a ruthless, heartless, bitch," spat Ron. Harry looked like he'd been slapped but he recovered quickly.
"Yes, her sister, not her. Andromeda is also her sister, but I don't see you saying such hateful things about her. If Andromeda can accept our relationship, why can't you? What is your fucking problem?" yelled Harry as he stood, and his chair tumbled to the floor.
"Andromeda knows?" Asked Hermione, trying to diffuse the tension.
"Yes, as does Kingsley, Neville and Luna. Neville even invited her to the wedding. He's been the kind of friend you should be," said Harry as he took a calming breath. Ron looked ashamed for a moment, but then he squared his shoulders and stood up to leave.
"I'm sorry Harry, I can't support you in this," Ron said as he walked away. When he got to the doorway he turned to Hermione. "Are you coming?" Hermione shook her head and her shoulders slumped. She knew there was going to be a fight later.
"Of course not, you always take Harry's side," he said dejectedly. "Whatever."
"Ron," pleaded Hermione but she didn't go after him when he walked out the door. She turned to Harry with a sad look in her eyes. "He just needs to cool down, he'll come around. I'll talk to him." Harry just shrugged and picked up his chair.
"Why her Harry?" Whispered Hermione. "I know you were set up for the first date, but why keep seeing her? I'm not trying to judge I just want to understand. Why her?" Harry sighed and ran his fingers through his unruly hair.
"Can I show you something?" asked Harry instead of answering. Hermione nodded. They left the rest of their food on the table, both having lost their appetite, and Harry showed her to the library.
"Have a seat," he said motioning to the small sofa near the fireplace. He quickly found the old photo albums and brought them over. He sat down next to her on the sofa and started flipping through the tome. He pointed out pictures of Narcissa growing up, ending with the picture of her in her wedding dress the day she married Lucius. Narcissa smiled at the camera as her mother clenched her shoulder tightly, but the second before she turned from the mirror, it was impossible to miss the hopelessness and sadness in her eyes as she looked at her own reflection.
"She never wanted to marry Lucius, but she made the best of a situation she thought she would never escape. She played the dutiful wife, she tried to be happy, she protected her family. She has been through more than it is my place to share with you, but part of what I love about her is that she is just as broken as I am, but her pieces fit so perfectly with my missing parts that when we are together, I feel whole, I feel unbroken," said Harry. He turned back a few pages to a laughing carefree Narcissa as a teenager, the picture taken a couple years before she became Mrs. Malfoy. "This is the Narcissa that I see. She may be older now, but her heart and the light in her eyes is still the same. She's intelligent, loyal, adorably shy, and has a wonderful sense of humor. Every choice she made after Voldemort's return was to protect Draco, she did the only thing she thought she could at any given moment. She was just trying to ensure her, and Draco survived, but I know she has many regrets. But then again, so do I. We have both have to live with those." Hermione chuckled.
"Well it's hard to hate her after a speech like that," she said as she looked back down at the picture. "She really is beautiful."
"Yes she is," replied Harry. "I hope you'll talk to her about that day at Malfoy Manor. If you can find a way to move past it, I think you could be great friends. She's a lot like you, just as bossy." Hermione nudged him as she let out another chuckle and wiped her eyes.
"I'll talk to her Harry. We are busy this weekend, but I'll try and come by next weekend or something," said Hermione.
"Thanks 'Mione. That means a lot to me," said Harry as he pulled her into a side hug.
"I don't know what do about Ron." Hermione whispered several moments later.
"Give him time to come around, I guess," said Harry.
"I hope he will, but it's not just that," said Hermione as she let out a deep sigh. "He's not the person I thought he was. Or perhaps, the problem is that he's not becoming the person I hoped he would. Being married to him is hard and exhausting. He has no ambition. He's always angry and jealous, and he wants so much more of my attention then I have to give. I've realized, unfortunately too late, that he has always been that way. I just hoped that as he matured, he would change. It seemed like he was, but as soon as we got married, he just quit trying... and I'm - I'm worried I've made a mistake," said Hermione. Her shoulders began to shake, and Harry realized she was sobbing. He didn't say anything he just held her while she cried. A couple hours later she stood from the sofa.
"I should go," she whispered as she cleaned herself up.
"I'm always here if you need me. You deserve to be happy Hermione. Whatever you decide to do I'll support you," said Harry.
"Thank you Harry," said Hermione with a sad smile.
"Before you go, can you teach me how to duplicate this album so I can give one to Andromeda and keep this one for Narcissa?" Asked Harry. Hermione gave him a small smile.
"Just show you how to do it, not do it for you?" asked Hermione.
"Yes," said Harry, slightly offended. Hermione laughed.
"I'm glad at least one of you can grow up. Now, I'm only going to show you once, so pay attention," said Hermione, much happier with something to focus on.