Narcissa entered the room and found Hermione lay propped against the headboard. She had an odd look in her eyes as she watched Anathema busy herself with fixing the sheets and removing the empty vials off the nightstand. Narcissa chewed on her bottom lip as she hovered in the corner.
"I'm leaving now. Remember what I said."
"Yes, Mamma," Hermione grumbled.
"Don't be like that. Now, would you like some tea and toast?"
"No to the toast, but yes to the tea."
"Alright, cara." Anathema leaned over and kissed Hermione on the cheek. "I love you," she said.
"I love you too."
Anathema smiled and squeezed Narcissa on the arm before she paused at the door. She gave Hermione one long look, a silent warning, and Hermione saluted. To Narcissa, it looked sarcastic, but apparently, it worked well enough for Anathema. Once they were alone, Hermione patted the space next to her on the mattress. Narcissa hesitated, and Hermione laughed.
"I promise I won't bite, sweetheart."
"Sweetheart?"
"Oops?"
"That wasn't a complaint." Narcissa slipped off her shoes and crawled on the bed beside Hermione. She adjusted her clothes and clasped her hands in her lap. "You seem oddly upbeat after what happened," she said.
"That might be because I don't know what happened," Hermione explained wryly.
"You don't recall anything?"
"No, but considering I woke up with both of my parents, my brother, Andromeda, and Severus hovering over me, I can imagine it was something bad."
"Well. Would you like to know?" Narcissa asked, her hands clenched in her lap.
Hermione reached over and pried her hands apart, taking one in her own. "No," she said. "I would rather not."
The tension in Narcissa's body drained in one full go. She rested her head on Hermione's shoulder, breathing in her familiar scent, and nodded.
"Good," she murmured.
"Would you have told me if I asked?"
"Yes," Narcissa said. "But I would have hated every moment of it."
Hermione laughed lightly and intertwined their fingers. The two sat in silence for a moment before Narcissa lifted her head and turned to the side.
"I have something for you," she said.
"Oh? It wouldn't happen to be this mysterious gift you got me for Christmas and never gave to me, would it?" Hermione asked dryly.
Narcissa groaned in annoyance, and she asked, "How long have you known?"
"Since the morning after Christmas. You can thank your sister for that. Andromeda spent most of the breakfast complaining that she spent all that money on it, and you never gave it to me. Then she remembered I was in the room. I'd never seen her move that fast in my life."
Narcissa rolled her eyes. She reached into her pocket and removed the box, handing it to Hermione. She said, "I told her I would pay her back once we got home."
"Why didn't you give it to me?"
"Open it."
Hermione managed to open it without letting go of Narcissa's hand, something that made her heart warm in so many ways, and she took the charm bracelet from the inside. She grinned, her eyes twinkling in amusement, and Narcissa gave a wry shrug.
"I take it we had the same idea?" Hermione asked.
"So it seems."
Hermione glanced down at Narcissa's wrist, and she said, "May I ask why you haven't worn yours yet?"
"First, I wore it every day since you gave it to me, and second, it did not match my dress, so I took it off."
"You're kidding."
"Do I look like the type of person to joke about that?"
"I suppose not." Hermione let go of her hand and stuck out her wrist. "Do you mind?" she asked.
Narcissa held her breath. There were still moments she struggled with things like clasps and buttons. Thankfully, she was able to snap the bracelet around Hermione's wrist. It fit perfectly. Narcissa shifted when she felt eyes on her, and she looked up. There was barely an inch of space between them, and Narcissa's breath caught. Hermione wasn't surprised or caught off guard. If anything, she seemed entertained. Like she knew what the proximity was doing to Narcissa.
"Hello," Hermione whispered.
Narcissa's eyes fell to Hermione's lips before she quickly glanced back up. Hermione's expression became guarded, and she sighed.
"I wish I could stay here with you. Maybe to get to know this version of you."
"Who says it's different?"
"I can tell. You seem freer, lighter, and I haven't seen it before."
"Would it make you feel better if I told you that I have to learn this version of me also?"
"A little, but not completely."
"What can I do to make you feel better about the separation?"
"Come to Hogwarts with me."
"Realistically," Narcissa laughed.
"That was my realistic answer," Hermione grumbled with a pout.
"You are entirely too cute."
"Not cute."
"Of course not. Forgive me?"
Hermione rolled her eyes and said, "You are insufferable, you know that? Let me see your tattoos. I don't see why you put the glamour back on them."
"Because I wanted to, and no."
"What?"
"You heard me."
"Why not?"
"Because I want to show you in the context that would require my clothes to be off in the first place."
Hermione's eyes visibly glazed over, and Narcissa didn't have to look into her mind to see where her thoughts had gone.
"If you are done imagining me without my clothes on..." Narcissa trailed off.
Hermione was startled out of her thoughts and gave a sheepish smile. Narcissa hummed under her breath and moved to her side of the bed. Hermione stopped her from getting too far, however, when she grabbed the back of her neck. Narcissa let herself be pulled forward and back into Hermione's breathing space.
"I have a confession."
"Go on."
"I have dreamt of your lips since I first saw them, and I desperately want to know how they taste."
"Oh," Narcissa exhaled. "That is-
"Was that too much?"
"No! No, no, that was not too much at all," Narcissa said. "It just caught me off guard."
"May I kiss you then?"
Narcissa's mouth went dry instead of a response, so she nodded. Hermione leaned in slowly, giving her a chance to back away, but Narcissa remained still. She could hear her heart in her ears, beating loudly and roaring over the sound of the sheets rustling as Hermione moved. Hermione stopped just before their lips connected, Narcissa's sharp exhale echoing between them, and she gave her one last out.
"Are you sure?" Hermione murmured.
"Yes."
"Okay. I know you wanted to go on a date first-"
Narcissa huffed in frustration and lunged forward. The moment their lips finally met, Narcissa felt a piece of her soul come to life that she never knew existed. Their lips danced over one other, Hermione's tongue occasionally pressing against Narcissa's lips in an almost urgent fashion, but Narcissa refused to give in. She enjoyed what little power she had over the situation, and she broke the kiss first. Hermione whined and chased her lips, and Narcissa moved away with a smile. Hermione tightened the grip she had on the back of her neck and tugged her forward so hard their teeth clashed as they resumed their kiss. But once they found their rhythm, Narcissa started to giggle. Hermione nipped at her lip, a similar smile on her face, and she slowed their kiss to an almost leisurely pace.
Pure, unadulterated joy was not an emotion Narcissa felt often. In fact, she could only recall one other time her happiness spread through her body until it was the only thing she felt. Still, Narcissa was positively giddy when Hermione maneuvered their position until Narcissa was flat on the mattress. Narcissa's hands slid down on instinct, and Hermione pulled back to catch her breath. She lifted herself into an upright position, pressing her hands into the bed beside Narcissa's head.
"Happy New Year," Hermione quipped.
Narcissa snorted and covered her mouth, but she couldn't completely stop the peals of laughter from bursting from her chest. Hermione stared at her with so much affection, so much adoration, that Narcissa's cries of joy became cries of relief. She cupped Hermione's face when it changed into concern, and she kissed her sweetly.
"I'm okay," she said. "Just very, very happy."
Hermione didn't believe her, but she didn't push her on it. Narcissa brushed some of Hermione's curls from her face and trailed her finger down her jaw to her lips. Hermione kissed her finger, and she leaned down with intent clear in her eyes. The door suddenly opened, hitting the wall, and they both jumped when they heard-
"Hermione Rose Zabini!"
Narcissa and Hermione turned to see Anathema at the threshold.
"Shit," Hermione muttered.
Anathema gently placed the cup of tea on the vanity, her movements calm despite the clear disapproval on her face, and she stared at her daughter. Hermione pouted immediately, and Narcissa felt like she was on the outskirts of a silent conversation between mother and daughter.
"What was my one rule when you asked to see Narcissa?" she asked.
"No funny business," Hermione sighed.
"And?"
"To keep my hands to myself."
Narcissa bit her lip to keep from laughing out loud, but a few slipped free. Her face fell when Anathema looked at her, and there was a reason Narcissa never pissed off her friend.
"Honestly, Narcissa, I expected better from you."
"I didn't do anything," Narcissa argued.
Anathema arched an eyebrow and glanced down. Narcissa did the same, and she quickly dropped her hands from where they'd been resting on Hermione's thighs.
"Separate. Now."
Hermione and Narcissa reluctantly parted, and Anathema pointed at Narcissa, then to the door.
"But Mamma-
"You need to sleep," Anathema interrupted Hermione. "And she's been summoned by her son."
"Must you say it like that?" Narcissa asked, exasperated.
"Yes, considering I found you in such a compromising position. Just because you are getting younger does not give you permission to act like a horny teenager," Anathema scoffed.
"What do you mean she's getting younger?" Hermione asked.
Narcissa pretended not to hear her as she moved off the bed. She adjusted her clothes and fixed her hair.
"Also, the Ministry reached out to Andromeda to inquire about your whereabouts. She also wants to see you so we can discuss the next steps."
"They must be really desperate to locate you if they reached out to Andromeda," Hermione muttered. In a louder voice, she added, "Seriously, what does she mean by getting younger?"
Narcissa turned to Anathema and said, "Despite his unsavory connections, Lucius had a clearance in the Ministry high enough for his disappearance to be an issue. Where is his body, by the way?"
"Severus placed it in a stasis of sorts until you decided what you wanted to do with…it."
"Well. That makes sense."
"Am I just not going to get an answer to my question?" Hermione deadpanned.
"To what?" Anathema asked innocently.
"Unbelievable. Narcissa, are you getting younger?"
"That would be a ridiculous notion, Hermione."
"But- wait, are you being sarcastic?"
"Is Draco downstairs?" Narcissa asked Anathema.
"He is."
"Thank you."
"Wait, but- Cissy-
Narcissa kissed Hermione on the nose and said, "Sleep. I will come and see you before lunch."
Hermione huffed and scrunched her face.
"You're not going to give me an answer, are you?"
"What would be the fun in that?"
"Fine. Promise you'll come back?"
"I promise."
"She's going downstairs, not War," Anathema teased.
"Mamma," Hermione whined.
Narcissa grinned at the two of them before she left the room. Anathema ducked out behind her and snagged her wrist.
"When are you going to tell her?"
"Before she leaves."
"Why wait?"
"Because I like watching her squirm, knowing that everyone else figured it out except her."
Anathema released her with an eye roll and went back into the room. Narcissa made her way downstairs and barely avoided running into Bellatrix.
"Oh, I was just coming to get you."
"The letter?"
"Yeah, Andy thinks we should open it as a unit. She's waiting in the study with Draco." Bellatrix paused and glanced at Narcissa's lips. She frowned and added, "Why are your lips so puffy?"
"They are not!"
"Yes, they are. So. Either you're having some odd allergic reaction, or you just got snogged within an inch of your life," Bellatrix said dryly. "So, which is it?"
Narcissa's eye twitched.
"I'm trying a new lipstick that might have caused a reaction," she lied.
"I personally prefer lipsticks made in France, but I guess you prefer yours Italian?" Bellatrix teased.
"Piss off."
Narcissa stomped off to the study to the sounds of Bellatrix's laughter.
Severus stared off into the trees as he relaxed outside. He was supposed to be at Hogwarts, preparing for the new year, but he couldn't find it in himself to leave just yet. Minerva wanted him at the school sooner rather than later, Albus wanted information on Voldemort's disappearance, and Severus just wanted a damn break. He went between the Order, the Death Eaters and then crawled into his bed for a few hours of sleep. He was being stretched thin, and it was beginning to weigh on him.
His loyalties were clear, and Severus had no doubt in his mind he would follow Hermione and the others down whatever path they were destined to travel. Severus buried any mention of the War, of Voldemort, of Albus, and of Hogwarts. He would enjoy the next two hours to himself before he had to return to school.
"What are you planning to do?" Andromeda asked. "They seem eager for information, and Nymphadora confessed Alastor and the others are getting anxious."
The letter was in the fireplace, nothing but ash, and Draco seemed intent on ignoring the conversation in favor of replying to some nonsense Pansy sent him about Blaise's mysterious sister. Bellatrix paced in front of the fireplace, lost in thought, and Narcissa gave her attention to Andromeda.
"I expected nothing less from them," she said. "I only have one option, honestly. I confess my husband ran off with another woman, which would be a public embarrassment for myself and my status as the perfect Pureblood wife."
"You'd be ostracized," Draco said distractedly.
"I am well aware of that, hence my issue."
"Tell the Ministry that Lucius went missing after a private meeting away from the house. You didn't know who it was with, you didn't know when he would be home, and that was the last you heard from him," Bellatrix said. "You can imply without saying for sure."
"They'd want to know why she didn't go to the Ministry when he didn't return home," Andromeda said.
"Because Lucius has been known to have meetings outside of the country. I assumed he would return when he was finished," Narcissa answered quickly.
Bellatrix and Andromeda focused on her, and they took turns grilling her.
"Are you saying your husband often left the country in secret?" Bellatrix asked.
"I am saying that he often had meetings that were not in London."
"Would you say he met with other women?"
"I am not privy to Lucius' private life, and yes, I see the irony in that statement."
"You allowed your husband to sleep with other women?" Andromeda scoffed.
"I did not allow him to do anything. He consciously chose to do so while I focused my efforts on protecting my son."
"Your son?" Draco chimed in, glancing up at her.
"Our son," Narcissa corrected.
Draco gave her an approving nod before he went back to the letter. The 'inquisition' stopped, and Narcissa relaxed for a moment.
"There is still the matter of the body. Hermione's magic will be all over it," Bellatrix said.
Narcissa glanced at Draco before she said, "Burn it and put the ashes in a container. Have the container sent to the Manor, and I will open it when I return."
"Would I be called away from my classes?" Draco asked.
"A natural assumption, yes."
"Would I need to play your grieving son?"
"How else would you play it?"
"Angered son eager to step in to take care of my mother. I think revealing to the world that Lucius was a monster would sympathize you to the right people."
"And turn me into a martyr for others."
"Not to mention the pity-
"The disgust," Andromeda interrupted.
"And the disappointment," Narcissa finished. "As long as you are comfortable."
"I would walk through hell for you," Draco muttered, scratching something out on the parchment.
Narcissa inclined her head in silent support before she looked at her sisters, who glanced at her and Draco with amusement.
"That takes care of that, but there is another issue," Bellatrix said.
"Is it this issue that has you so tense?" Andromeda asked.
"Tense is not the word I would use."
"What else is there? We covered everything else, and I am an exceptional liar when I need to be," Narcissa said.
"This isn't about the Ministry. This is about the Dark Lord."
Draco paused in his letter and looked up. Andromeda's face scrunched together as she sat back in her seat, and Narcissa sighed.
"What about him?"
Bellatrix reclined against the wall.
"The Dark Lord will not accept the story you will give the Ministry."
"I owe him nothing.
"No, but Lucius did."
Narcissa and Draco shared a look before she said, "We know."
"Wait, you do?"
"Of course, Bellatrix. What kind of wife would I be if I didn't know every deal my husband made?" Narcissa rolled her eyes. "I know he promised to fund and house the Death Eaters. And without him, the Dark Lord will make those same demands of me. With that said, He can have the Manor and what little is left in the Malfoy account."
Draco relaxed minutely and went back to his letter.
"Hold on, what do you mean by little?" Bellatrix asked. "I thought Lucius had plenty of money stored away."
"My father had a bit of a gambling problem," Draco said with faux sympathy.
"Yes. My ex-husband owed money to many unpleasant wizards and muggles alike."
Andromeda and Bellatrix looked between Draco and Narcissa in confusion and suspicion.
"Honestly, you two act like you don't know me at all. I haven't been sitting around letting Lucius beat on me without several contingency plans in place. Whether he died from the Dark Lord or at the hands of whatever mistress he had that week, I was prepared to be a widow long before this moment. Once I finish all of this nonsense with the Ministry, Draco and I will have our things moved to our flat in London-
"You have a flat? Since when?" Andromeda interrupted.
Narcissa shifted in her seat and said, "Well, I purchased it on the off chance that Draco and I were able to get away a couple of months ago."
"How did you manage that?"
"I had a friend do it for me."
Bellatrix narrowed her eyes, and then she said, "Anathema."
"Yes."
"Anathema purchased you a flat," Bellatrix repeatedly flatly.
"It's more of a loan, really."
"What the fuck, Narcissa? How long have you been planning this?"
"Since the day Aunt Bella returned from Azkaban," Draco said softly.
Bellatrix and Andromeda stared at the two of them for a long time. Narcissa tucked hair behind her ear and chewed on her bottom lip.
"You sneaky, little imp," Bellatrix laughed.
Narcissa relaxed when she saw that neither one was mad at her. Andromeda shook her head and stood from her chair. Draco relaxed as well, and he winked at his mother before sealing his letter. She can only imagine what her son said to Pansy.
"When do you want to put your special plan in action?" Bellatrix asked.
"Give Draco a week at Hogwarts, and then we do it."
Blaise knocked on the door and poked his head into the room. Hermione didn't budge, but he knew she was awake. Blaise closed the door behind him and got down on the bed beside her. He rested his head on his arms and waited for her to acknowledge him.
"What are you doing here? I thought you were spending the day with Daphne," she said sleepily.
"I came to check on you."
"Why? I'm fine."
"You're pouting because Narcissa had to make a run into town," he teased.
"If you came here to tease me-
"Okay, okay." Blaise tugged playfully at the end of her hair. "Would you hold it against me if I said I'm worried about tomorrow?"
"No. I am too."
"We go back to our other lives, and I'm- I don't think I'm ready."
"This is what we signed up for, Blaise. What we agreed to do," Hermione said. "Of course, that was before we discovered the prophecy. Still, my point remains."
"We're stronger as a family," he said.
"I know," she sighed. "But until we know for sure what comes next, we can't take that risk."
"That doesn't mean I have to like it."
Hermione rolled over and looked Blaise in the eyes. She poked him in the cheek and said, "You worry too much."
"One of us has to. Mia, I don't want to lose you again."
"You won't."
"How can you promise that? You think I don't hear your thoughts and see the damage the Dark Lord left behind?"
Hermione flipped on her back and stared at the ceiling. Blaise copied her position, and he waited in the tense silence.
"It feels like I'm fracturing, I will admit, but I am okay."
"Do you swear you won't do something stupid this year?"
Hermione laughed and turned her head toward Blaise.
"Now, why would you have me promise something I will never be able to honor?"
Blaise shrugged one shoulder and said, "Seeing if you have the balls to lie to my face."
"I love you too, brother."
"Why wouldn't you?" Blaise kissed her cheek and pulled her into his arms. "I love you too, Mia," he said.