As morning light filtered through the curtains enough to rouse the brunette from her slumber, she became distinctly aware of a few things simultaneously. For one, that had most certainly been the deepest sleep she had had since prior to the war. Second, there were multiple points along her own body where Hermione could feel impossibly soft skin and the weight of another.
Opening one eye in alarm, Hermione chanced a look at the other woman, whose limbs were tangled with her own. She could see a mess of blonde hair just below her jaw, where a familiar head was resting peacefully in the crook of her neck. Soft breaths caused a chill to run through her and Hermione blanched at the sudden warmth in the pit of her stomach.
It was an impossible situation from which to leave without notice and Hermione found herself entirely unsure of whether she even wanted to. But as fate would have it, Narcissa began to rouse on her own almost as if she could hear the tumbling thoughts of the witch above her.
Blue eyes fluttered and pale limbs stretched before freezing entirely. It seemed Narcissa too had noticed their predicament.
"Good morning" Hermione said softly, deciding to break the tension.
Narcissa's cheeks darkened as she removed her head from its resting place. She could still smell remnants of the intoxicating scent that was Hermione Granger but chose resolutely not to give any indication. She carefully separated their bodies and moved further from the younger woman.
"Good morning Ms. Granger. I apologize, I should have transfigured the barrier last night as I mentioned."
Hermione, whose face was far less practiced in hiding her emotions, frowned slightly at the thought. Though she would not admit it, to herself or the other woman, Hermione could feel the tug of the bond between them. It created a sense of wholeness and pleasure where Narcissa's skin touched her own and where her breath ghosted over Hermione's neck. A feeling that was now, unfortunately, missing.
"No, it didn't – what I mean to say is that it was surprisingly comfortable. No offense." Hermione glanced at the stoic face sheepishly.
Narcissa hummed to herself. "It is to be expected."
Hermione's gaze hardened as she suddenly felt an increasingly familiar intrusion into her mind. Reinforcing her defenses and applying new methods she had read about the night prior, Hermione realized happily that it seemed to be working.
Narcissa's mind slipped around her own, lazily traveling across and seeping into any area which she deemed important but finding nothing that Hermione worked carefully to hide. Narcissa pivoted suddenly in her search, moving faster along a thread of thought than Hermione would have thought possible. She tugged on the attached memory and Hermione's mind rebelled, but it was no use.
Narcissa saw an image of herself peacefully asleep by the fire, worn book cradled to her chest. She felt the admiration, the surprise, the attraction pass through her and could not help her own surprise. There was a fire beginning to burn in the Gryffindor's body as she continued to stare and Narcissa found herself being forcefully ejected from the mind upon feeling it.
Hermione seemed to be breathing a bit heavier and her eyes were wide. Narcissa hid her own reaction well behind a practiced mask of indifference and removed herself from the bed with grace.
"Another lesson. Strong emotions act as tethers to memories and are notoriously easy to exploit when found."
Hermione blushed deeply at this and looked away, running a hand through her already wild hair. Narcissa went into the bathroom to change, and Hermione plopped back down with a groan.
An hour or so later, the two women met back up for breakfast in the grand dining room where they sat in amicable silence for a few moments. Hermione had chosen to wear one of the sets of robes from her new collection and marveled at its luxury and softness as she ate.
Occasionally, Hermione's eyes would raise to watch the other woman, something Narcissa tried her best to ignore. However, when brown eyes shifted away to something else, it was often that blue would take over the dedicated observations.
"Ms. Granger," Narcissa began, breaking the silence that encompassed them. Hermione glanced up in question.
"I was hoping to set up an appointment at Gringotts to merge our funds sometime this week. There is also the matter of name."
Narcissa folded her hands together in her lap and sat up somehow even straighter than before. "As your wife it is my duty to take your name. You will also gain access to every Malfoy and Black family vault and asset as owned or accessed by me."
Hermione's brow furrowed. "But don't you want to keep your own name? We aren't even married really. You don't have to give up your name for me."
Narcissa's lips twitched into a smile for a moment before she responded. "It would be improper of me. Perhaps muggles are allowed but pureblood society is certainly not."
"So… Narcissa Granger? No that won't do," Hermione thought aloud. "What about Granger-Black? A merging of traditions so to speak?"
Narcissa tilted her head slightly and lifted her chin in a movement that suddenly gave her an air of superiority.
"Narcissa Granger-Black. Hermione Granger-Black." Narcissa spoke confidently, as if it were the thousandth time such names had been spoken by her lips. She hummed to herself in thought before nodding.
"That will do. I will submit the paperwork to Gringotts at once."
Hermione nodded absently, her mind obviously elsewhere. For a few moments it looked as if she may speak, but she quickly went back to thinking more instead. Narcissa watched her impatiently and lifted a singular, sculpted eyebrow.
"You said our bond prevents you from speaking against me or doing anything that could cause me harm, right?" The words were rushed and accompanied by an intense stare.
Narcissa nodded and replied, "Yes. For what reason do you ask?"
"I have to know that you won't betray me to-" Hermione winced slightly, "the Dark Lord."
"I could not even if I wanted to Ms. Granger."
"I don't know how to trust that. This could very easily be just another trick by your side to get to Harry." Hermione ran a hand through her hair frustratedly.
Narcissa scowled deeply, her eyes cold.
"My side?" Narcissa questioned more like a statement than anything else. "I will take veritaserum if you cannot take me at my word. But let us get one thing clear Ms. Granger. Though I may have been raised to recognize my station and superiority, that does not mean that I condone the violence that has polluted the cause. I supported the notion of increased stratification out of fear and a misdirected desire to protect my family. Over the past couple of years my hand has been forced into a war in which I do not support, but until you and your… Gryffindor stupidity, I had no desire to change if only due to self-preservation."
Narcissa took a deep breath, scowling at the red droplet that fell from her nose after her sharp retort. Taking a moment to vanish the offending evidence that her words affected her as well, Narcissa looked back to the Gryffindor whose expression was almost unreadable it was so undecided.
"Accio veritaserum," Narcissa commanded, her hand deftly snatching a small green vial out of the air.
Placing the potion onto the table between them Narcissa raised her gaze daringly to Hermione.
"Okay Madame Black. Drink it and answer my questions honestly, with no avoidance or defiance." Hermione met the steely eyes before her with defiance of her own. Though part of her mind faltered at the idea of forcing someone to take such a potion, she was not going to back down from the obvious challenge before her.
Narcissa glared as she uncorked the bottle and drank its contents in one fell swoop, her expression unchanging. As always, the potion was as docile as water on her tongue and its effects only obvious as she began to respond to questions.
"Are we really bonded through an ancient pureblood tradition?"
"Yes."
"Did you plan to become bonded to me in this way?"
"No."
"Is any part of you desiring to use me in any way in order to help the Dark Lord in his goals?"
"No."
"Are you truly unable to speak against me or do something that could cause me harm?"
"I cannot intentionally act against you in such a way that would cause you harm either directly or indirectly to the extent of my knowledge. I can speak against you but as you have seen it causes a reflection of harm onto myself. If I were to strike you, for example, the pain to my own body would be severe."
Hermione contemplates this as she watches the other woman.
"Did you lie about or omit anything from your conversation with the Dark Lord yesterday morning?"
"Yes." Narcissa breaks eye contact with the younger witch for a moment as surprise flits across Hermione's face.
"Tell me."
"The Dark Lord was extremely displeased that Harry Potter escaped from our custody. He was also displeased to hear of Lucius' death and the … tainting I was to endure in being with you. I was punished for allowing any of this to happen." Narcissa inhaled and met Hermione's eyes once again. There was pain there, contrasted by the emotionless expression with which Narcissa spoke.
"When I was able, I suggested that we may use this to our advantage. You are known as the brightest witch of her age for a reason, and you are best friends with Potter. If anyone held the ability to predict the boy's movements, it would be you. I promised to get close to you and gain your trust. I promised to not dirty myself in the process."
Narcissa grimaced before continuing. "The Dark Lord was amused by this. Pureblood society is fearful. There have been increases in squib births in the last century as well as a rise of muggle born. Combining the two creates a society that quickly goes against traditions and ideals that have been set for thousands of years and thus there is a fear that pureblood society will soon be a moot point."
"The Dark Lord has decided that it is in his best interest to allow half-bloods and lesser individuals to survive, if only to take a smaller role in his society. I believe he sees us as a unique opportunity to advance that directive. A child between us projects the image that the Dark Lord supports half-bloods in certain circumstances. And if the child were anything special, the Dark Lord would want to utilize it."
Hermione's mouth hung open slightly and Narcissa could see the gears turning rapidly in her mind. Narcissa held her rigid posture and challenging stare as she drank some of the tea before her.
"But you said that you aren't using me," Hermione muttered.
"I told him what he wanted to hear. I had already realized that I was powerless to fight this bond between us."
Hermione looked miffed for a moment before the expression dropped.
"Then let's get divorced and break this bond. Then you can go back to being the perfect pureblood housewife without being forced to marry a mudblood," Hermione growled out, "and you won't have to fight against whatever the bloody hell this is."
Hermione stood abruptly and turned on her heel, quickly leaving a startled Narcissa behind.
Slamming the door to her room, Hermione leaned up against it as the telltale burning in her eyes began. She furiously wiped away the tears that threatened to fall and sank to the floor, exhausted.
Narcissa sat in her chair for a moment in shock, blinking slowly as she tried and failed to gather her thoughts.
It was only when Nibsy appeared a full minute later that Narcissa finally moved. She looked toward the house elf with confusion and exasperation.
"What in Salazar's name just happened?"
Nibsy climbed up onto one of the chairs next to Narcissa, her small legs dangling far off the ground as she fiddled with her potato sack dress.
"Nibsy thinks Master does not understand. Master is angry to be an unwanted burden. Master does not know that Mistress does not feel this way."
"You presume to know how I feel?" Narcissa scoffed.
"Nibsy understands Mistress. Nibsy has served for many years. Mistress has shown happiness and less guard with new Master."
"She's a child Nibsy. A child that I have been forced to marry and I fear I will be forced to have a child with. I cannot do that to her, but I have no choice."
"Nibsy knows. Nibsy knows Mistress does not want to hurt Master. Nibsy knows Mistress is afraid."
Narcissa scoffed again, tilting her chin up arrogantly.
"Nibsy thinks new Master is a good match for Mistress. Nibsy thinks Master does not understand the way Mistress thinks. Nibsy thinks Master is scared."
Narcissa sighed and ran her fingers through her hair, massaging her temples.
"I told the Dark Lord what he wanted to hear because we would have been killed if not. I was being tortured."
"Nibsy believes Mistress acted out of more than self-preservation."
"Of course I did!" Narcissa exclaimed. "Someone has to protect her. She is a mouse in a room full of snakes."
"But why?" Nibsy pressed.
"Because Nibsy," Narcissa drawled exasperatedly, "she does not deserve any of this. She is probably the most important student fighting on the side of the Light and it is by sheer terrible luck that she wound up here with me. Of course, she would be a better Master than Lucius. The problem is that I do not want her to be."
"And no Nibsy, it is not because of her blood status or her age or any of the many other reasons I should not want her. It is because she deserves far better than an old widow of a death eater could ever provide."
There was a sudden intake of breath behind her and Narcissa froze, her head still within her hands. She lifted her body and gaze slowly to look toward the noise and could see Hermione shifting in the entryway to the room.
"Do you mean that?" Hermione asked softly.
"I do," Narcissa responded carefully as Hermione stepped around to stand by the chair she sat in previously.
"I'm sorry for leaving angrily like that. This is just so much to take in and I don't know how to let my guard down. I've always thought you hated me. For my blood, for Harry, for all of it."
Narcissa sighed, allowing her carefully crafted mask to remain dropped. She looked exhausted and there was a reserved sadness to her features.
"I do not. I do not regret our current situation for myself at all. You, unlike me, have everything to lose."
Hermione looked at her then with a softness that took Narcissa by surprise and caused her blue eyes to widen.
"Why do you try so hard to hide the good that you are?"
"Excuse me?" Narcissa responded.
"I've only known you for 3 days now and already I have seen you read muggle fiction, have a full conversation with your house elf with no animosity, and face the Dark Lord for us both rather than attempting to sever our bond." Hermione trails off. "You act like you are so dark and terrible but truly Narcissa, I have not seen it."
Narcissa's heart thudded, and warmth spread across her cheeks at the sound of her name falling from Hermione's lips. If Hermione was able to tell she did not show it, for which Narcissa was grateful.
"I lack your Gryffindor bravery."
"And I your Slytherin cunning."
Hermione offers a small smile and takes a seat once more. She reaches for her abandoned tea which Narcissa warms for her with a murmured spell.
"If we could get divorced, would you want to?" Hermione asked quietly.
"If it would save you the strain of being with me I would. And perhaps if it were simply what you wanted," Narcissa replied.
Hermione shook her head. "No, that is not what I asked. Would you want to? You, Narcissa. Not for my sake or the sake of the world."
Narcissa offered a small smile in response. "I do not know. I have spent my whole life learning to please and protect others. A pureblood wife does not want for anything besides the material."
"That is so-" Hermione makes a face, "so wrong."
Narcissa's smile comes more genuinely this time, and she shrugs, taking another sip.
"One must also consider the fact that the compulsion is permanent as far as anyone knows," Narcissa murmured.
Hermione's eyes shot up to her sharply at that.
"I'm sorry. I thought you just said that this bond is permanent. Irreversible."
"It has never been recorded to break except upon death." Narcissa watched her carefully, the expressionless mask back on.
"That's barbaric!" Hermione exclaimed. "What if a separation is necessary? What if the husband is abusive?"
Narcissa flinched at that and folded her hands in front of her once more. "Trust me Ms. Granger, I know better than most how difficult that system may be."
"I'm sorry Madame Black. Of course, you do." Hermione paused.
"If we manage to survive this war, I will look into potions to subdue the effects or a way to break it."
"Thank you. For the record, of all the people to end up with, you may just be one of the best." Hermione smiled.
Narcissa raised an eyebrow, her eyes betraying a sense of mirth. "Is that so?"
Hermione nodded with a smirk of her own. "You read Jane Austen, how bad can you be?"
Narcissa looked affronted before a smile broke through her mask of indifference. She chuckled lightly to herself before meeting Hermione's eyes with a flirtatious intensity.
"I am more than capable of being bad, Ms. Granger," Narcissa drawled with a smirk.
Hermione flushed instantly, her pupils dilating as she shifted in her seat. An unintelligible noise made its way from her throat, and she found herself trapped in the hypnotic gaze of darkened blue.
Narcissa smirked even deeper and proceeded to drink her tea, forcing Hermione to be the one to break eye contact as she looked on amused.
Hermione cleared her throat and smiled awkwardly. "Right. Obviously."
After a few moments of comfortable silence, Hermione finally felt her flush go down enough to speak again.
"Will you help me with something? And keep a secret as you do?"
Narcissa nodded, looking at her with curious patience.
"Do you know what a horcrux is?"
Narcissa gasped. "Yes, but they are not to be trifled with. That is very, very dark magic."
"No, yes, I know that." Hermione waved her hand in disregard. "That is what the Dark Lord uses. It is something that Harry, Ron, and I were working to destroy. It's the only way to defeat him for good."
"Mmmm that would explain many things," Narcissa pondered. "What do you need of me?"
"Well, I believe I know of where one is. Somewhere that you, and now I, may have access to."
"And you would like me to help you get and perhaps destroy it, I presume?"
Hermione nodded. "You do not have to Madame Black. I will never force you to do something that puts you in danger or is not what you want."
Narcissa smiles softly. "Yes, I know. It is the Gryffindor chivalry in you I expect. I will help you, of my own free will."
She pauses for a moment before meeting Hermione's eye once more. "And please, call me Narcissa. Madame Black was my mother."
Hermione laughed and nodded in response. "Well, in that case, please call me Hermione."
"So, Hermione," Narcissa smirked, "tell me how we find this horcrux."
AN: Next up... I try to write an action scene.