Since the return of the Dark Lord and the departure of the dementors from Azkaban, security measures had doubled and wards were strengthened two-fold. So when Narcissa Malfoy went to visit her husband, which she was allowed to do by law, once a month, she was forced to undergo a series of tedious screenings: a short interview under Veritaserum, scans for dark magic, a body check—entirely demeaning of her person—and an inspection and temporary confiscation of her wand.
As she waited for Lucius in the dingy room she wondered how he would react to the missing galleons from their Gringott's vault and what he'd do when he learned how it was spent. Looking around the small space, she couldn't help but cringe. What crude furnishings, she thought, how hard could it be to decorate for Merlin's sake. I don't see why visitors should be tormented as well. The door to the room clicked opened and her poor frail husband was escorted in by a guard.
"You have twenty minutes," he said.
Narcissa watched the door close behind them with a heavy thud and threw herself at Lucius with less poise than she usually had. He slowly disentangled himself and pulled out a chair for her on the opposite side of the table.
"Cissa," he greeted, offering his open palm to her. She placed her hand in his squeezing hard. It broke her heart to see him like this. So ungroomed. He really must be suffering. She'd rarely ever seen Lucius without a clean shave, except for when they summered in the Caribbean Islands before Draco was born. That had been a strange time.
She tried to smile but found she couldn't. "I look dreadful, I know."
"You are as handsome as the day I first met you," she whispered. He took her other hand in his and kissed them both in a loving gesture. Her eyes stung. She had never cried in front of Lucius and she wasn't going to start now. She let go, clearing her throat and adjusted herself on the metal contraption they considered a seat. "I have something important to discuss with you. It concerns our son."
"Oh."
"I just recently discovered a small, yet considerable sum missing from the Gringotts vault and I checked with—"
"I authorized the withdrawal."
Narcissa was surprised. "Whatever for?"
"Draco said it was imperative that the Slytherin Quidditch team have new broomsticks."
"Broomsticks?" she asked disbelievingly. So Draco had lied to his father about why he wanted the money. Well, this wouldn't end well.
"Yes, apparently there's a new model out."
"I can assure you that what your son purchased had nothing to do with his love for Quidditch or his team. He custom ordered a bracelet from Laurel & Moons," said Narcissa curtly. "Almost identical to the one you bought me. Laurel herself confirmed this."
Her husband looked sheepish.
"Hmmm... I suppose he's finally making his intentions with the Parkinson's daughter clear."
"If I didn't know any better I would say you aren't altogether surprised. Did you know?"
"Know what?"
"Lucius Abraxas Malfoy, I am not one of your ministry toads who you can slither around!"
"Alright, alright!" he conceded. "I did give Draco the money. How could I say no, what father would I be to deny him something I could give him when I have failed him so miserably…"
"How could you think he wanted broomsticks, at a time like this, with everything he's had to take on?"
"I had a feeling he was lying, I thought he wanted it for nefarious reasons, but I didn't believe it would be for jewelry, for Merlin's sake! It was only much later that Mr. Moons wrote me to say that while he was happy to craft the bracelet, as a final thank you for our long-standing patronage, he will no longer be able to offer his services to us."
Her face fell. "Mr. Moons said that, really?"
"It is fair, in light of everything…"
But we're all old friends, she thought sadly looking at the rusty table. We attended the opening of Laurel & Moons, Laurel used to bring Cauldron Cakes for tea…
"Cissa..."
"They were at our wedding," she whispered sadly.
"You will never know how sorry I am."
"Well, you'll be sorrier when you hear who I believe Draco gave the bracelet to—"
"I know," he frowned. "Must be that Mudblood girl who's always with Potter and the Weasley's."
"H-how did you… how could you let something like this happen?"
"I thought it was merely a passing curiosity, how was I to know—"
"You did this!"
"How dare you hold me responsible!"
"I don't understand how you could be outdone by a Mudblood," she imitated. "Potter's girl seems to best you at everything, shame you didn't get an Outstanding in Charms like the Mudblood—"
"Alright, alright!" her husband interrupted. Taking a deep breath, he continued calmly, "Draco knows this type of behavior will not be tolerated. I will put my foot down. No means no and that's final."
"This is not like the time he wanted a unicorn because the Zabini boy had gotten a Puffskein!"
"I don't know why you're even worried about this Cissa," Lucius suddenly laughed, smiling happily. Perhaps Azkaban was driving him mad. "That girl is in love with Potter. It's disgustingly obvious! You can practically see the stardust in her eyes. Nothing will come of this fixation."
"Fixation? You said passing curiosity. When did you even realize?"
Taking his hands into hers again he replied, "I caught him watching her read in Flourish and Blotts once, but, don't worry, she's in love with Arthur Weasley's son—"
"You just said—!"
"It-it could be either," he spluttered. "It's difficult to tell with the way they all carry on."
"I hope you're right... if the Dark Lord finds out—"
"Trust me," said Lucius in a confident, all-knowing tone. "We have absolutely no reason to concern ourselves with Hermione Granger."
Hermione Granger couldn't stop thinking about Draco Malfoy.
She couldn't stop thinking that she should really be turning him into Dumbledore, or Harry, or the Order. Nor could she stop thinking about his hands. They were so much bigger than hers and when did he get so...
"What are you still doing in bed?" asked Ginny pulling the bed curtain aside.
"Nothing."
Her friend was looking at her curiously, "You better hurry up or you'll be late."
"For what?"
Now the redhead was looking at her like she was completely bonkers.
"To go home? Christmas holidays, remember?"
"Oh," said Hermione in a dreamy voice. "Right."
Ginny rolled her eyes wondering if perhaps her friend had too much mead at Slughorn's party last night.
Instead of getting up, Hermione just rolled over onto her other side. She had barely been able to sleep, running the tumultuous events over and over again in her mind. Maybe she should say something to him, but what could she say?
Good morning — no— hey, how was — no, she sighed, that was stupid…
"Oh, I know!" she exclaimed out loud. Taking hold of the coin she began writing a message. She bit her lip smiling at her own cleverness. Then she stared at the coin waiting for a reply. Nothing was happening. Well, he probably didn't have his with him at the moment. Getting out of bed she showered, dressed and made her way with her bag to the Great Hall even though there wasn't much time left to have a proper breakfast. Everyone was there, including Won-Won.
Sighing, she sat down next to Harry who, she was beginning to realize, would strategically place himself away from Ron's snogging and closer to Ginny. Whenever Hermione saw the two lovebirds she would diligently ignore them and today wasn't going to be any different. Plus, she was in high spirits knowing she'd be with her parents for a few days and she wouldn't let Ron ruin that. After a few minutes, she was wishing everyone goodbye and a Merry Christmas. When she was hugging Harry, he whispered that he had something important to tell her when they all got back to Hogwarts. She didn't pay much mind to him though, because just then her wrist flashed hot and her mind went back to the blonde-haired boy who'd kissed it last night.