Hermione took a deep breath as Narcissa tucked Draco's old wand into her newly donned holster. The feeling of delicate fingers across her arm gave Hermione the briefest moments of reassurance as they prepared to head to Diagon Alley together.
It would be the first time that Hermione had been seen in public since she was captured at Malfoy Manor. Needless to say, she was utterly terrified.
Not only was she heading to merge accounts with one of the wealthiest individuals in all of wizarding Britain, but that individual happened to be the well-known pureblood supremacist and death eater's wife Narcissa Malfoy. And, on top of all of that, they were also enacting a plan to destroy yet another horcrux in the process.
Narcissa noticed as the younger witch's breathing became more erratic, and she pressed a gentle hand to the small of Hermione's back.
"We have time darling," Narcissa murmured, "we do not have to go today."
Hermione took a deep breath, attempting to steel her nerves before she raised her eyes to the concerned gaze of Narcissa.
"No, I want to. It's just… I don't know how to face anyone. What if they truly think that I have been converted? What if someone attacks us? Attacks you?"
"Trust that I can and will take care of it," Narcissa smirked. "Additionally, I do not believe that anyone who knows you at all would believe that you have been turned to the Dark. Perhaps that I have you under the imperius."
Hermione sighed and shifted, rubbing her temples for a moment.
"That is not much better Narcissa."
Narcissa smirked once more and offered her arm to Hermione. "Well, there is only one way to be certain."
The pair apparated into Diagon Alley with a crack and Narcissa resumed her haughty uncaring demeanor, glancing around with a slight frown at anyone unfortunate enough to look their way.
Hermione inhaled nervously, stepping into place beside Narcissa as the pair strolled down the street. Narcissa's robes swished regally as she guided the pair toward the large bank, and once there she entered with a confidence Hermione tried desperately to match.
Upon entry Narcissa strode to the very front of the queue, much to the dismay of the long waiting line behind her. Hermione gave a startled apology to one wizard who was more vocal in his anger before joining Narcissa at the front.
Narcissa raised an eyebrow with cold challenge to the wizard who was stepping up to the goblin next, causing the poor man to blanch and step backward rather hastily. Narcissa's responding smirk was disconcerting.
"I require a personal meeting with Ragnott with regards to the Malfoy and Black family vaults."
The goblin stared down at her, drumming its long fingers on the cold marble podium behind which it sat. The goblins voice was rough and peculiar as it responded.
"Ah Lady Malfoy. Right away."
The goblin turned and pressed a nail against a button, writing "Ragnott" along the podium surface, before turning back to the pair.
"Follow me," the goblin commanded, leading them across the bank to a set of hidden rooms.
The room was fairly large and gaudily decorated, with an oversized ornate desk in the center of the room. As soon as they entered, Narcissa settled onto the bench seat in front of the desk, looking to Hermione to join her.
Hermione took her place right as a new goblin figure materialized through the wall behind the desk. They had stringy black hair combed to one side and a single monacle affixed into place on their left eye, and as soon as they saw Narcissa their face broke out into a predatory grin full of sharp teeth.
Narcissa smiled politely and extended her hand, letting the goblin shake it lightly in greeting.
"Lady Malfoy. What a pleasure to see you again."
"The pleasure is mine Ragnott. Allow me to introduce you to my new wife, Hermione Granger." As the goblin's eyes flitted over to Hermione, Narcissa smiled. "Indeed. Hermione defeated Lucius in a duel and has thus inherited all of his belongings, including myself. We are here to secure the paperwork and ensure her unhindered access."
"How very interesting," Ragnott drawled, his eyes curiously looking over Hermione. "May I?"
Ragnott draws a small silver letter opener from a drawer beside him and holds one hand out to Hermione with his palm facing up. Hermione glances at Narcissa before giving her hand, which is taken firmly. Ragnott quickly drags the sharp metal against her palm, causing blood to well up which he then elevates in the air with magic.
Hermione pulls back her hand, startled when Narcissa reaches over and grazes her own fingertips around the bloody gash, causing the skin and tissues to restitch together painlessly.
Hermione feels a fluttering in her stomach at the kind, gentle gesture, but her attention is diverted in interest as Ragnott begins to draw magical runes in the air which tie to her suspended blood.
Upon noticing her interest Narcissa begins to explain the intricate patterns before them. "You are magically bound to me in the Old Way and thus your blood is now tied to the Malfoy and Black lines. Those equations represent your blood passing layers of blood wards set up to ensure only those truly granted access may find it."
Hermione watched in wonder as the tendrils of blood continued to light up some of the rather complex formulas in front of her and the goblin nodded, dropping the spells and banishing her blood.
"Correct Lady…" the goblin trailed off, peering at Narcissa.
"Lady Granger-Black, please."
"Lady Granger-Black" Ragnott repeated, signing the name onto a piece of parchment. "This is the official ministry approved marriage license which will grant you both the usual protections and accommodations of the ministry. You are by blood and magic already wed, so this part is yours to choose."
Narcissa looked to Hermione who nodded, reaching for a quill that appeared on the desk between them. Hermione read the contract thoroughly, much to the amusement of the goblin and witch, before signing her new name at the bottom. Narcissa followed suit shortly thereafter, signing her own new name with an elegant flourish.
The contract vanished once more and Ragnott settled back against his elevated chair, folding his long fingers on the seat's arm rest.
"Now, for the finer discussions," he grinned. "You wish to combine all assets for the Black and Malfoy family vaults?"
Narcissa nodded. "Yes, but first I would like to ensure that the inheritance of such assets does actually fall to me alone."
Ragnott summoned another long piece of parchment which he skimmed with a single finger for a few minutes before banishing it once more and nodding along.
"The Malfoy family vault and all of its assets hereby belong to one Hermione Granger-Black for her defeat of Lucius Malfoy by the old pureblood wizarding tradition. Through marriage, Narcissa Granger-Black regains her prior access to the family assets unless otherwise restricted by Hermione Granger-Black." Ragnott pauses.
"The Black family vault and all of its assets hereby belong to one Narcissa Granger-Black with secondary holdings granted to Harry Potter if approved by the primary holder. Bellatrix and Andromeda Black were removed from the inheritance due to the imprisonment clause and the disownment clause respectively. Regalus Black spent the entirety of his portion of the inheritance prior to his death and Sirius Black willed his portion to one Harry Potter prior to his death. Sirius Black's stake on the inheritance was reinstated after his acquittal last year."
Hermione's eyes are wide as she listens and Narcissa focuses intently, drumming her fingers along the bench beneath them.
"And if I grant Harry Potter his secondary holdings what would that entail?"
"Sirius Black willed to Harry Potter the property 12 Grimmauld Place and 50 thousand galleons. This may be disputed in court if desired on the basis of improper reinstatement."
Narcissa glanced to Hermione whose eyes were wider and almost pleading. Taking a chance, Narcissa reached out to her mentally, standing at the barrier of Hermione's well-built defenses.
"What is it, Hermione?"
"You must let Harry keep Grimmauld Place. Please. It's the only home he has and it's important for the war efforts. It is protected by the Fidelius Charm."
Narcissa blinked before turning back toward the goblin. "Harry Potter may retain his holdings in full."
Ragnott held out a separate piece of parchment for Narcissa to sign, which she did quickly. The parchment lit up with magic for a moment before it too disappeared.
"And what of the rest? The combined assets of the Granger-Black vault?" Narcissa questioned.
Ragnott returned to his lengthy parchment, once again diligently scanning it with a single long nailed finger, before responding.
"The Black family vault contains 600 thousand galleons worth of coins as well as countless artifacts and items. Though difficult to estimate in value, according to Gringotts appraisal, the sum is an additional 300 thousand galleons."
Hermione's face went white at this, and her mouth dropped open, something that seemed to amuse Narcissa greatly. Narcissa leaned over with a teasing smirk and whispered into Hermione's ear, her lips ghosting over the skin.
"Careful not to drool, darling." Her voice was a silky purr that caused a blush to rise to Hermione's cheeks immediately, snapping her jaw shut as she blushed even harder.
Ragnott cleared his throat before continuing. "The Malfoy family vault contains an additional 250 thousand galleons worth of coins and 50 thousand worth in estimated items. This brings the Granger-Black family vault to a total of 1.2 million galleons worth of estimated assets."
Hermione felt like she was about to faint, grasping on to the smooth hand that slipped into her own as she began to sway in place. Narcissa smiled and requested that they visit the original two vaults prior to transfer, tipping the grinning goblin an additional 50 galleons for his attentive and thorough work.
As they left the room back into the main thoroughfare, Hermione allowed herself to be grounded by the soft pressure of Narcissa's hand on the small of her back once more. She looked up at the older witch in appreciation and was met with an understanding gentleness in the light blue eyes.
Waiting for Ragnott to return for them, Hermione allowed herself to lean into the other woman's comforting touch. The two were startled apart as they heard an unfamiliar voice exclaim "Hermione?!"
Looking over, Hermione saw a tall man with greying black hair and a thick full beard rushing towards her, eyes wide with a myriad of emotions. Both Narcissa and Hermione immediately let their wands slip into their hands, taking on a defensive stance.
Hermione's head whipped to the side as she heard a voice loudly whisper "Ron! No!" from somewhere off to their left.
"Hermione, what in the bloody hell are you doing here? With Malfoy?" The dark-haired man spat as he got closer. Hermione noted how he seemed to shoulder past something on his way and her eyes darted to the left, taking in a small smear of dirt on the pristine marble floor.
"Narcissa, it's Ron. And I think Harry is using the invisibility cloak to our left. Let me handle this, please." Hermione repeated the message in her mind, trying her best to push her thoughts toward the taller blonde woman who was scowling deeply.
"Excuse me sir, I don't believe I know you." Hermione stared the man down and internally sighed as his face morphed into confusion and then panicked realization.
"Oh, well, ummm" the man stuttered.
"I will say this once so please listen closely," Hermione murmured, dropping her voice to barely above a whisper. "Narcissa and I are married via an old pureblood tradition since I killed Lucius. Ask your parents, Ronald. I am not and nor will I ever be on the side of the Dark. However, I am, with Narcissa's help, planning to use this to our advantage. Please do not cause us problems."
Ron's eyes bugged and his face turned a light shade of purple as he listened. Hermione sighed as she prepared for the outburst that was inevitably coming. When his mouth moved suddenly with no sound, Hermione glanced to Narcissa whose steely grey eyes held a certain victory to them.
"Now, Mr. Higgens if you do not mind, I will be taking my wife to our vault. We can discuss future business at another time." Narcissa provided a tight-lipped smile as she rested her hand once more on the small of Hermione's back, leading the smaller woman away.
The pair turned and left the silently yelling man, Narcissa ending the charm as they made their way into the cart with Ragnott.
The ride down to the vaults was a long one and Hermione was immediately fascinated by the various levels of security she saw as they made their way down. The rickety cart wove past hundreds of vaults as it made its way lower and lower into the bank's hidden depths. At one point Hermione sputtered as the cart passed through a roaring waterfall, soaking them to the bone. Narcissa simply waved her wand and disappeared the water on them all without even looking, but Hermione noticed the small smile that twitched her lips.
It was 7 floors down that the cart finally came to rest and Hermione's jaw dropped open as she noticed the massive white dragon curled up in the center of the open space. It was then that Ragnott employed his Clanker, causing the dragon below to roar and disappear into a large alcove off to one side.
Hermione simply stared in horror, allowing herself to be led by Narcissa to a grand, unfamiliar vault. Ragnott proceeded then to press his hand to the metallic door, dragging a single nail across a complex unseen pattern. Each movement was met with various clicks, whirs, and hisses as the massive door slowly unlocked.
Upon entering the massive vault, Hermione was immediately met with the sight of unimaginable amounts of shimmering gold and coins as well as hundreds of ornate and interesting items.
Hermione glanced to Narcissa who nodded, strolling off to the right and collecting various bags of coins. Hermione began her search for the goblet then, carefully observing all of the rather perplexing items that she found instead. It was only after a few further minutes of searching that Hermione finally found what she was looking for. She pulled the ornate golden cup from its resting place and began making her way back toward Narcissa.
Once there, Hermione smiled triumphantly, holding up the golden object for the other woman to see.
"Now we need to find out how to destroy it in such a way that He will not know," Hermione thought aloud. "In my research I found only a few ways to destroy one, but I don't believe we have access to any of them."
Narcissa quirked an eyebrow at this. "I'm certain my family has something that could do the trick, Hermione. Basilisk venom is not too uncommon in the proper markets."
Hermione blinked at her for a moment before letting out a short laugh. "Alright well let us look for it then."
The pair began to search together, a rather painstaking process of which Narcissa rapidly grew bored of. The older woman instead grabbed ahold of a nondescript cufflink from one of the tabletops with a gasp.
Hermione turned and Narcissa held up the small object for her to inspect.
"Godric be damned" Narcissa smiled. "I did not think that this was still around."
"What is it?" Hermione asked, pausing in her own search.
"I honestly believe that it was Sirius's. It is a magical pranking item, but a strong and oftentimes useful one." Narcissa paused. "It is capable of stealing the magical properties and appearance of any other magical item, except for a wand of course, for up to a week at a time. We used to use it to cause terror."
Narcissa laughed at the memory. "I remember one time, we used it to steal the magic of mother's favorite Powder of Perfection. She shrieked so loudly when her powder was nothing more than muggle disaster. And there was the time when we were young that we took it to Diagon Alley and used it to steal the bottomless replenishing charm on a man's flask."
Hermione smiled at her affectionately, noting the happy reminiscing woman's unmistakable beauty far more than she was ready to admit.
"Let's take it then. Perhaps we can play a prank of our own someday."
Narcissa nodded, her features much softer now than they had been in public. Hermione was amazed at how effective and sudden the shifts were. It was one moment of soft looks and gentle touch to another filled with cold stoicism and haughty indifference.
As they exited the vault together, thanking Ragnott for his help, they heard suddenly an array of alarms blaring. The ground shook as the blind dragon below began thundering out of its alcove tunnel.
Hermione glanced to Narcissa with wide eyes, drawing her wand as the other woman did the same. Ragnott too took on a defensive stance as another cart flew down the tracks toward their own.
As it drew closer, Hermione inhaled sharply upon recognizing the individuals in the cart as Ron and Harry. The boys jumped out of the cart, throwing a slew of stunners toward the trio. Hermione threw up a deflection jinx, causing one deigned for her to hit their goblin companion, knocking him out cold.
Hermione held up her hands then, careful to stay behind the shield Narcissa had conjured in front of them.
"We aren't your enemy Harry," Hermione called out.
"Oi!" Ron yelled, "yes you bloody are. You're all cozied up to Malfoy!"
Hermione removed the golden cup from her bag then, tossing it between the pairs. It clanked across the cold stone floor before coming to rest in the center and Hermione looked to them in challenge.
Harry seemed to recognize the object, his green eyes flashing up to Hermione's as she gave him a determined look. It was only a momentary hesitation before Harry drew the sword of Gryffindor from a bag at his side, Hermione internally proud as she recognized it.
With one swift motion, Harry brought the basilisk venom tipped sword down and through the goblet. A black cloud emerged from it then, a writhing, screaming atrocity that caused Narcissa to shudder where she stood. This was paired suddenly, with a shattering of earth as the dragon below shouldered through rock to snap at them.
Wide eyed, Hermione shoved Narcissa to the side and rolled with her, keeping her body on top of the other woman and throwing up the strongest deflection shield she could muster. Large pearlescent fangs snapped together not far from where they were not moments ago. Narcissa too, her body still trapped underneath Hermione's, began a complicated set of wand movements that caused the chains around the dragon's neck to slither up around its mouth like a muzzle.
Hermione looked to Harry and Ron, the latter firing a stunner at her as he proceeded to put out the fire on his robes with anger. Hermione deflected it easily as she rolled off of Narcissa, her mind moving quickly around their situation. Hermione glanced to the shattered horcrux on the floor nearby and back up to see Harry and Ron climbing onto the back of the muzzled dragon, which thrashed so violently it caused a large cave in of a wall far too close for comfort.
Hermione and Narcissa stood together, wands held out before them as they fired stunners and curses carefully, making sure to only hit the resistant hide of the massive dragon. Hermione winced as the dragon roared in pain from a particularly nasty looking curse Narcissa threw toward the individuals on its back. Both knew that they would be called to answer for what had happened here today, and creating as many memories that could be incorrectly linked together would be necessary to surviving the coming interrogation.
Narcissa threw another well-aimed curse, this time causing Ron to cry out in pain as a bloody gash appeared across his back. Hermione looked on in terror as the dragon began to climb upwards, held back by the final chain around its back leg. Harry turned back to grab his friend who slipped upon being hit, and Hermione was haunted by the look of betrayal in his eyes.
Harry yelled a spell to shatter the dragon's binding and hoisted Ron to safety as the dragon spread its wings. As the dragon took flight above them, Hermione focused her entire being on the sword in Harry's possession, pulling out the cufflink and gripping it so tightly in her palm that she was certain marks were formed, and was relieved it began to transform into the familiar weapon.
Hermione imagined herself yelling out to summon the sword, watching it fly through the air, and catching it by the handle. That is, until the dragon's tail whipped around in its escape, giving the pair not nearly enough time to react away from it.
Their bodies flew to the side, crunching sickeningly against the cave wall. Hermione faintly heard screams and yells from above before her vision swam into darkness.
Hermione awoke to a cool hand on her cheek, words coming from somewhere above seemingly very distant. Her head was pounding and something gritty had made its way into her mouth causing her to grimace as she slowly opened her eyes.
"Hermione?" Narcissa urged. "Can you hear me? Come on, there you are, open your eyes. You will be alright."
Hermione's eyes fluttered open, coming into focus on bright, scared blue eyes above her. Narcissa's blonde hair hung around her leaning face and Hermione reached out upon seeing the blood stain on the woman's temple. There was a bruise forming already on Narcissa's collarbone and jaw where she had been thrown against stone, a deep unnatural color on her pale, unblemished skin.
"Narcissa? What happened?" Hermione coughed out some of the dirt in her mouth and lungs, a metallic tang coating her tongue.
Narcissa looked at her in worry for a moment. "What do you remember?"
Hermione frowned for a moment as sharp pain coincided with her recollection. "Harry and Ron were here. They destroyed the cup and fled on the dragon. I have the sword though."
Narcissa nodded. "Yes, Hermione good. Mr. Potter and Mr. Weasley escaped but we managed to get the sword from them. The Dark Lord will be angry but Bella may be pleased to see her precious treasure."
Hermione winced at the name and Narcissa's face softened in sympathy.
"I apologize. I only mean to say at least we did not fail in everything today."
Hermione felt a gentle brushing against her mind, a familiar force requesting entry. She granted such entry tiredly, almost unable to prevent Narcissa from entering even if she wanted to.
"You did well Hermione. Now, most importantly, we must construct our memories to match an exact set of events that optimize our survival. We do not have long before we will be summoned of that I can be certain."
Hermione sighed heavily and sat up, squeezing her eyes shut as another bout of pain swept through her.
Together, the women worked through sorting both her memories and perspective of the events that transpired and Narcissa's, something that took quite a bit of precious time. After they finished, the entire encounter was reflected far differently, but far more advantageously.
As expected, it was no longer than 20 minutes after arriving back at the manor that Narcissa saw a portal of shadows appear in the sitting room in which they worked to heal one another. Out of it stepped a familiar figure, though an unexpected one.
His tall, pale form and light blonde hair seemed to reflect the room's lighting more than usual as he stood before them, the shadows dissipating upon his arrival. There Draco Malfoy was, looking terrified and hardened in ways that Hermione had never seen before.
Narcissa immediately dropped Hermione's arm and leapt up to hug the man, tears pricking at the corners of her eyes. Draco's eyes met Hermione's over his mother's shoulder as he hugged her back firmly. Hermione broke away from the stare, not wanting to further interrupt their moment.
"Draco, thank Merlin," Narcissa breathed out, taking his face between her slender hands. "Are you alright? Where have you been? You look even worse than a few days ago, are you eating? Sleeping?"
Hermione had to stifle a laugh as Draco huffed in annoyance, but he did not move away from his mother's touch.
"Yes mother," he drawled, his usual uncaring tone not quite as full as it once was.
Hermione noted that he sounded and looked exhausted and thin, and his body language was more jumpy than usual, albeit in a subtle way. Narcissa seemed to notice this as well as she continued to worry over him.
"I have been staying with Aunt Bellatrix," Draco winced. "But I am not here for me, I am here for you both. You are being summoned by the Dark Lord. Aunt Bella mentioned something about Gringotts and Potter exploding through the roof on a bloody dragon."
Draco paused and his steely grey eyes bore into Hermione. "I swear Granger if you did something… If you cause any harm to my mother." He trailed off, leaving the unspoken threat hanging between them.
Narcissa lightly swatted his arm but there was unspoken hesitance to her eyes. "Hermione has accepted her position here with me, Draco. She has done nothing wrong. Come, let us face this together."
Narcissa held out her arm and Hermione crossed the room to take it, sandwiching Narcissa between her son and new wife. Hermione leaned over as the portal was resummoned by Draco and looked to him.
"Oh my God, does this make me your step-mother?"
Draco blanched as they all stepped forward, his gagging noise causing Hermione to laugh before the sounds were cut off by whatever odd mutation of apparation was being used. The group emerged in a darkened room, eyes quickly adjusting to the change in light.
Across the way, Hermione immediately noticed the ornate, transfigured throne and the uncomfortably large snake wrapping itself around the figure resting there. Blood red eyes tracked their entry and Hermione felt fear encapsulate her immediately. She nearly stepped backwards until a firm hand on her back encouraged her forward.
"My Lord," Narcissa murmured, lowering her head in submission. There was a gentle nudge to Hermione who tore her eyes away from the man - no monster's - before her and did the same.
"Narcissa," Voldemort hissed. "Thank you for joining us."
Hermione fought the shudder that passed through her at the silky, unsettling voice of the man before them. His red eyes raked over her, and a terrifying smile broke across his face. Hermione very suddenly wished that she were literally anywhere else as she slammed every defense she knew into place and worked to reinforce her memories of the day's earlier events.
"Ms. Granger… Congratulations on your" Voldemort paused, his smile darkening, "social improvement."
Hermione simply stared at him, her mouth refusing to even open. Hermione wasn't entirely certain whether the sudden copper taste in her mouth was new, or something left over from her previous injuries.
"Come, sit." Voldemort gestured in front of him as two chairs were summoned.
Hermione had not even stepped forward before she felt a presence slam into her mind with such force she almost physically stumbled backwards. She breathed in deeply, allowing him in but carefully directing his search to the crafted version of events they had prepared. She was taken aback by the seemingly rushed and angry search, grateful that he seemed a bit unorganized in his approach.
Narcissa slipped her hand into Hermione's as they approached, creating a steady, grounding comfort for the younger woman. Once Voldemort was satisfied with her, Hermione felt his presence leave, noting the sudden tension in Narcissa's body beside her. The pair sat together in silence for but a moment until Voldemort's smile returned, predatory now.
"You faced your friends for me, Mudblood." His eyes were piercing, and Hermione felt a fresh wave of fear roll through her. "And yet you still failed. Were you protecting them?"
Hermione screamed as Voldemort raised his wand and gently murmured "crucio." The pain was sudden and unimaginable, as if her blood suddenly turned to magma in her veins. The feeling only lasted a moment, however, and Hermione panted hard.
There was something far more disturbing about the way he spoke it, almost as if he was bored. Hermione knew that the strength of the spell came from intent and was terrified to feel that such pain could be matched to such nonchalance. Narcissa's grip tightened on her hand and Hermione could feel a trembling where they joined but was entirely unable to tell who it came from most.
"No," Hermione panted. "I had no idea they were there. Please."
Nagini hissed, coiling around the throne to stare at Hermione in a way that made her sweat even more. Voldemort just grinned. The women could feel the cold fury rolling off of him, but the boredom he presented was somehow even worse.
"Harry Potter will die," Voldemort hissed out slowly. "But you do not have to. Though your blood is filth, I will make an exception. One useful Mudblood."
Voldemort glanced to Narcissa then, his unsettling smile pulling across his face once more.
"I desire your half-breed heir." He paused to revel in the pale faces and discomfort of the women before him. "You will work on this until it is done. And you," Voldemort's gaze shifted to Hermione once more, "will prove your loyalty by providing reports to me about Harry Potter. You are useful only until you are not."
Hermione's heart pounded in her chest and bile rose in her throat. How was she going to report on Harry and not get him killed? How was she going to produce an heir with Narcissa? Oh Merlin, she was going to have to produce an heir with Narcissa.