I'm not really sure where this story is going. I just love Hermione and Theo together and like to picture what their love story might look like.
Voldemort's body hit the stone floor with a mundane finality. There was a pause. Everyone held their breath wondering if this was really the end. The remaining death eaters attempted to flee, pushing everyone back into action. Stunners, body binding curses, and more flew through the air. The Order and other survivors contained as many dark wizards as they could. Some of them just gave up. Hermione noticed a few dropping their wands and standing frozen while others desperately ran or disapperated.
It was over soon. She took a breath and looked around her. The Weasleys huddled close together around Percy's body. The pain in Hermione's heart grew. Percy Weasley. The lost boy who finally found his way home, just to be struck down by a falling wall. Harry was nowhere to be found. She needed Harry. Or him…no. She would find him later, she couldn't let herself think about him just yet. Or maybe she should.
"Stop!" She chided herself. She needed to gather herself. She needed to see what she could do, who she could help.
Around her, the Order members and loyal aurors were gathering the incapacitated death eaters. That's when she saw them. Two aurors were gathering Theodore Nott and the Malfoys, escorting them outside.
Absolutely not, she thought to herself. She pushed her way through the crowd of survivors, gritting her teeth through the pain in her side. She had to get to them before they could apparate away to Azkaban.
She grabbed the shoulder of one of the aurors, "Stop, wait! What are you doing with them?"
The man turned with a sneer that rivaled the young Malfoys. "To Azkaban. Where they belong."
She narrowed her eyes and squared her shoulders. "Theodore Nott and Draco Malfoy were spies for the Order. Let them go."
"Hermione," Theo began softly. "We're okay. It's just procedure."
She ignored him, yanking him out of the hold of the auror by his side, doing the same to Draco. "They're not going to Azkaban"
"Now just who do you think you are?" The Auror snapped. "We're to gather the remaining death eaters and escort them to the prison and that's what we're going to do."
"Mate," The other auror interrupted. "That's Hermione Granger. She's part of the Order."
His partner, a sneer still plastered on his face, scoffed. "Harry Potter's little girlfriend? Sorry darling, we don't answer to you."
The auror that seemed to have at least half a brain stepped forward, "It's a pleasure Miss Granger. I'm auror Robbards. This is auror Johnson. You said they were spies for the Order. Who was their contact?"
"I was. They provided me with as much information as they could of Voldemort's plans. They saved my life multiple times, as well as others." She said firmly.
Johnson scoffed again. "That's really convenient isn't it? Look, little girl.."
"I beg your pardon?" She was seething.
Theo and Draco were both stiff by her side. Theo snapped, "Back off of her, mate"
"What's going on over here? Hermione, are you okay?"
Hermione turned to see Tonks wearily eyeing Theo and the Malfoys. "They're trying to take away these two boys. I've told them they were spies for the Order. I was their contact. I won't let them go to Azkaban."
"And I won't be told how to do my job by a school girl with a hero complex." Johnson snapped.
"Okay, okay." Tonks sighed. "Johnson, Robbards, please go deal with others that need escorted. I'll deal with Mr. Nott and the Malfoys."
Robbards went with a nod, pulling an annoyed Johnson with him. Hermione released her two schoolmates, thankful for Tonks intervening.
"Ok, let's step outside for a mo." Tonks said, "Causin' a bit of a scene."
It was then Hermione looked around and saw the eyes of most of the great hall on her and the group of prisoners. Tonks was guiding them outside the hall and Hermione rushed to follow.
"Ok, what's the story here Hermione?"
"There is no story. Just stay out of it, Granger." Malfoy snapped.
She grit her teeth and held herself back from snapping back at him. Theo rolled his eyes. Tonks looked at her like she was crazy for trying to help him.
"Theodore and Draco each had a charmed journal that connected to a pair of journals that I have. They sent them to me at the end of sixth year. Ever since then, they have been updating me with Voldemort's movements and plans. They let me know where Death Eaters were targeting and looking for us. They let me know if the Death Eaters had any information about the Order and its missions. On top of that, Draco Malfoy saved our lives when we were caught by snatchers and taken to Malfoy Manor. And I guarantee I'll find even more if I look into it."
Tonks nodded apprehensively. "This is all information that will be perfect for their trials, but they are marked, Hermione. We can't just let them go unfortunately. People are going to want trials, especially of marked persons."
"Tonks they're barely of age. This is ridiculous. They don't deserve Azkaban. They helped more than anyone even knows!"
The boys said nothing. She glanced at the elder Malfoys to gauge their reaction. Lucius looked numb. He was looking at his wife, but his expression was glazed and unseeing. However, Narcissa was looking right at her. Her eyes calculating and curious. Were they not going to say anything for their son? Were they really going to stand here and let him get taken to the dementor filled prison? She wasn't able to think much more about that. She heard huffing and yelling behind her.
"Hermione, what are you doing? They said you were yelling about helping the Malfoys? And Nott? Of all people! 'Mione, what the fuck?" Ron half yelled.
"Not now Ronald. This is important." She said firmly.
He glared at the people in question. "No girlfriend of mine is going to help a bunch of death eaters escape arrest. Let them go to Azkaban where they belong."
Staying calm was immediately much harder. "Well I don't know where your girlfriend is but she isn't here. Maybe you should go find her."
She heard Theo, and surprisingly Draco, snicker beside her. Ron's face was growing more red by the second. Tonks looked irritated, exhausted, and slightly amused. The elder Malfoys looked like they would rather be anywhere else. In all fairness they probably would like to be anywhere else. She couldn't deal with this right now.
"Ron, go back and be with your family. I need to figure this out. We'll talk later."
She swore she heard him growl. "I'm going to find Harry. Maybe he can talk some sense into you."
"No need, I'm right here." Harry was suddenly in front of her, pulling off his invisibility cloak. "And watch your tone, Ron. I agree with Hermione. Tonks, Nott and Malfoy shouldn't be taken in. Honestly neither should Mrs. Malfoy. She saved my life in the forest. She lied to Voldemort's face. If she hadn't done that, we most likely would have lost."
Tonks swore. "I understand you guys wanted to do the right thing but I can't just let them go. Kingsley wants ALL of the opposing side taken in for trials."
"They weren't on the opposing side." Hermione snarled. "That's what I'm trying to tell you. Theo was fighting against death eaters all night. Hell, Draco threw his wand to Harry and left himself defenseless for the last part of the fight!"
"Which is honorable. I don't doubt you. But Kingsley had orders. I have to take them in. I'll see if I can get them released but they most likely will have to wait and go to trial like everyone else. Get them a solicitor. Gather proof: memories, letters, anything you can. Build them a case. That's the best I can do."
Finally one of the elder Malfoys spoke. Lucius' voice was much softer than she ever heard it, but still cold. "The family has a solicitor."
"Yes, I'm sure any solicitor already involved with your family will look great in front of the Wizengamot and society. Do you want your son to rot?" Hermione snapped.
Harry grabbed her shoulder softly. "Hermione calm down. I know you want to help. Let Tonks do what she has to do. If she can't get them released, if they have to stay then you can go from there. Right now you need to get healed. Don't think I didn't see you holding your side every few minutes."
"I'm fine." She ground out.
She felt her jacket and shirt being ripped up. Ron had ahold of it looking at her abdomen.
"Bloody Hell, Hermione go get healed. Right now. I promise I will do what I can for them. You know you can trust me." Tonks ordered.
She looked down at her side and cringed. There was a large gash in her skin from a piece of stone that exploded in the chaos. It was bruising almost the entire length of her torso.
She debated arguing. But she saw the look on Harry and Tonks' face. "Fine, fine! Just give me five minutes with Theo and I'll go."
"Five minutes alone? Absolutely not." Ron growled.
Hermione actually laughed. Hell she was tired. She felt like she might explode. "Harry get him out of here before I start shooting hexes again."
Harry, always understanding and trusting, nodded and ushered the yelling Weasley back into the hall. Tonks motioned for Hermione to take Theo a few feet away for a few moments. He followed without question.
"You don't need to do this Hermione. You shouldn't do this." He said quietly.
"Theodore Nott. When have I ever listened to what I should do? Wait, I'll answer that- never.. I'm doing this. Not just because it's you. But because it is truly the right thing to do. The aurors and Wizengamot are going to want to make examples out of all of you to help calm down society. You know they will. Harsh punishments for all to help people relax into an after-war world. I won't let them do that to you and Malfoy. Especially you. Please don't ask me to leave it alone."
His hands were bound but he lifted them up and, only slightly awkwardly, tucked some loose hair behind her ears. "Even if i asked you to, you wouldn't listen. Look, I'm not like Draco. He thinks he deserves Azkaban so just know he's given up and will probably fight you every step. He also doesn't want to feel like he owes you anything. But I remember we had plans in place for after the war, if we won and were both still alive. So I'm going to fight this with you. And I will be forever grateful when you get me out. Because it's you and I don't doubt for a second that you'll save my undeserving arse."
"Your deserving arse." She corrected. "Now. I'm going to kiss you, Theo."
She released the bindings on his wrists and pulled him in. He clung to her. One hand gripping her hair, another wrapped around her waist. He held her tight, aggravating her already hurt side, but she couldn't bring herself to care. Her hands ran through his matted hair and down his back. He just held her like she was going to disappear again. She lost herself in him. He smelled of blood, sweat, and mud. Yet under all the scents of battle was the smell that was inexplicably Theo, old books and spearmint. And his lips and tongue tasted like hope and salvation and freedom against hers. He kissed her hard, a hint of desperation and need. But there was a sweetness there too. A sense of relief, like he knew it was almost their time
"You need to go now, Hermione. Go rest, heal. I'll be okay." He murmured.
She reluctantly let go and redid his bindings, leading him back over to Tonks and the Malfoys. Then she addressed him and Draco. "If Tonks can get you released or at least released into the custody of someone until your trial, you can stay with me if need be. If not, I'll schedule a meeting as soon as possible with a solicitor and start building your case. Write to me as soon as you can and let me know if you need anything…"
"Granger it's a fucking prison, not a hotel. They're not going to let you send us anything. Bleeding fucking Gryffindor." He muttered.
"Malfoy, please. Shut. The. Fuck. Up."
Tonks snickered and gathered the group. "I'll let you know any information I have when I have it, Hermione. Now go. Get yourself looked at and rest. That's an order. If I have to send Harry to babysit you, I will. And if that doesn't scare you enough, then I can always call Molly."
"All healed up?"
Hermione sat in the ruins of the library, still her safe haven even among the rubble. She smiled at Harry. He made his rounds, everyone wanting to shake his hand, hug him, thank him. He was exhausted.
"Yes. I'm feeling much better. I think I'm ready to go now. If you are."
He nodded. "The Burrow?"
"I think we should let the Weasleys just be together right now."
"We're family too, Hermione. You know that."
She shrugged. "It's different. They love us. We love them. But they lost a son and a brother. It's different. Let's just go to Grimmauld and give them a day or two to just be with each other."
"You're sure this has nothing to do with Ron?"
"Maybe. But not in the way you think. I know he wants to talk. I know we need to talk. But he shouldn't be focusing on that. He should be home, hugging his parents and being with his siblings."
Harry nodded in agreement. "Let's go then. Kreacher already found me and begged me to come back. He's been talking about how nice he's going to make the house."
Hermione scoffed. "Harry, it's only been a few hours since he fought alongside us in a war! He needs to take it easy. He deserves a break. Not to go back home just to fix up an entire house by himself."
"I know, I know! I told him that but he had none of it. Besides, I have some ideas. A few surprises for him to thank him for, well, for everything. But right now, you look like you're about to pass out, so let's go give some hugs and goodbyes, go home, and sleep for, oh I don't know, three weeks?"
And sleep she did. It was the best sleep she had gotten in over a year. She stretched out on the bed, an actual bed, not a cot in a tent in the woods. It was light outside, sunshine seeping in through the curtains. She heard Harry cursing downstairs, something about "damn sausages burnt." She laughed unable to fight the relief she felt. It was over. No more tents and running for their lives. They were alive and Harry was grumbling about burnt breakfast. She crawled out of bed, half running down to the kitchen.
"Finally, I was really starting to get worried." Harry said. "You slept three days straight."
"Three days?! What did I miss? Any updates from Tonks? What about the minister, who was put in place? How are the Weasleys, did you see them?"
He raised a brow, signaling her rambling. She rolled her eyes but stopped the interrogation. "Kinglsey was instituted as minister. Tonks was actually made Head Auror, how cool is that? There was a vote for Remus but he went off about how they only chose him because he's a man and Tonks was the obvious choice. As for updates from Tonks, there's a letter for you. I checked in with the Weasleys, they're as okay as they can be. I thought we could go over today. The prophet is claiming we're saviors of the wizarding world, the Golden Trio. Skeeter has already sent four requests for an interview. I know we probably have to do it soon but I won't work with Skeeter. There has to be someone else that can report it."
"Okay, wow. Kingsley is a great choice, not just because he was in the Order. Tonks really is really going to be perfect for Head Auror."
"Here, eat. Ignore the fact that the sausage is burnt."
She gratefully shoveled her breakfast down. "I'm surprised Kreacher isn't in here scolding you for cooking."
"I told him if he insists on fixing up the house then I would take care of meals."
While she ate, she looked over the letter from Tonks. She knew what to expect but it still hurt. "Theo and Draco have to remain in Azkaban until their trials. But Narcissa was released. She wasn't marked and there were no charges they could stick her with because she technically didn't do anything for Voldemort."
"Are you surprised?" Harry asked.
"No. I knew yesterday that demanding they weren't taken in was probably useless. And I knew that they probably wouldn't be released. But I needed people to see and know that I supported them. Still hurts though. She did give me the information of a solicitor to reach out to though."
"So," He started. He had that look on his face. The look that said he wanted answers. "When did your relationship with Nott start?"
She shrugged. "We weren't in a relationship. Not really."
"Hermione. I'm not stupid or blind."
"Merlin okay. It probably would have been the sixth year. But he was scared, trying to be honorable or something and protect me." She paused. "Really if I'm being honest with myself the seeds were planted earlier. Fourth year."
Harry choked on his pumpkin juice. "Fourth year!"
"Ronald, you've ruined everything!" She cried.
Hermione watched him half run up the stairs with Harry and sunk to the floor, kicking off her shoes. It wasn't fair, his hot and cold attitude towards her. She didn't do anything wrong. She let him ruin her night. She should have ignored him. She sat there for who knows how long.
"Hermione?"
Theodore Nott was standing a few steps down for her, a look of concern on his face. Her shock was undeniable. They shared a few classes, and were partnered in Ancient Runes a few times. Theodore was an enigma to her. He was always polite, respectful, and quiet. Which boggled her mind since he was always tailing Draco Malfoy- the exact opposite of everything Theo was. But still he never approached her outside of class, never called her Hermione. They weren't friends. Yet, there he stood. His dress robes were rumpled from dancing. His dark curls fell in every different direction, hanging just above eyes. And Merlin, his eyes. She'd noticed them before. How could she not. His eyes were a brilliant blue. He may be a Slytherin but she'd have to be blind not to notice him. Almost every girl in their year did.
"Are you okay?" He asked.
She gathered herself. "I'm fine, Theodore. I'm just heading up to the Tower."
He didn't say anything as she turned to leave, but a few steps up she heard him call her again.
"You look lovely tonight." He said nervously.
She wasn't expecting that. She was just going to say a quick thank you and leave. Her bed was calling to her, but they were interrupted.
"Nott! Where'd you run off to?"
Malfoy rounded the corner with Pansy on his arm and spotted his friend. His eyes flickered from Theo to Hermione and narrowed. His mouth opened, ready to spew whatever hateful insult he could think of.
"Don't even start, mate." Snapped Theo. "Let's just go."
He cast one last look at Hermione as he led his friends away.
"So, he was nice to you at Yule Ball. Said you looked pretty?" Harry asked.
"It just confused me at the time. He was never like most of the others in our year. And you know I hate a mystery." She explained.
Harry nodded in agreement as she continued. "Anyway he started asking if he could join me when I was studying in the library. I don't know why I said yes but I did. Then it moved to voluntarily partnering in class the rest of fourth and fifth year and meeting at the library most nights. We became friends. Really good friends. I could talk to him about things I couldn't talk about to anyone else."
"Hermione, I'm glad you had someone else you could have fun with and talk to but you know that you can talk to me about anything."
"I mean intellectual things, Harry. We debated and theorized. When I tried to talk to you and Ron about academic things like that, you both just glazed over and turned the conversation to anything else as soon as possible. But we did talk about more, a lot of things really."
"I don't understand why you want to be friends with me." Hermione said one night while they were studying for OWLS.
Theo looked confused. "Why wouldn't I? You're smart. You're one of the only people who will indulge my academic rants and theories. You're funny. I like being around you. And well, you're…you know."
"I know what?" She asked.
"You're…well, you're beautiful." His cheeks were bright red, his eyes glued to his books.
She couldn't take her eyes off of him. No one said she was beautiful. She wasn't that girl that turned peoples heads. Her own cheeks were hot. "I…but you…your friends?"
He finally looked back at her. "My friends?"
"I just mean. I don't know, Theo. I'm a muggleborn. You're friends have made perfectly clear what they think of me and those like me. But you? You've always been a mystery to me. You seem to be the complete opposite of everything they are. I mean you're here with me, telling me you like to be around me and that you think I am beautiful."
"First, I don't think you're beautiful, I know you're beautiful and so does most of the male population. Second, I had someone to teach me against blood superiority nonsense. It's not an excuse for them, I know. But my mum, I mean she was wonderful. She used to sneak me out to the muggle world when I was little. Anytime my father would spout off about muggles and muggleborns, my mum would tell me and show me how he was wrong. She never wanted me to have hate in my heart. Merlin, she was too good for this world. Draco and Pansy didn't have that though. I used to argue with them about it but it never ended well. I grew up with them, they've always been there for me so I've always stuck by them. We love each other. But I don't, nor have I ever, believed or cared about someone's blood being superior."
She thought about that. How different would Draco Malfoy be if he wasn't indoctrinated with prejudice his entire life. Would she be friends with him like she was Theo? And Theo's mum, she heard the rumors. She never wanted to ask him, it seemed too personal. "Your mum sounds delightful."
"The best, Hermione. She was the best. It didn't matter what was going on, we could be at a society ball, and if I needed her she would stop whatever she was doing for me. She would get on the floor and play with me. She read me stories every night. She would have loved you."
"I wish I could have met her."
He looked at her for a moment, he knew she heard the rumors. Most people have. "You can ask me about it."
She shook her head. "It's not my place."
"You're curious."
"That doesn't mean that I'm entitled to your personal experiences."
He shrugged. "Maybe I want to tell you. Maybe I finally found someone that makes me feel safe enough to talk about it."
Her breath caught. She made him feel safe. She liked that. She liked that a lot. "You can talk to me about anything."
Theo seemed to be planning his words. Looking through Hermione for a moment before beginning his story. "She was beautiful. One of the most beautiful women I've ever seen. That's what caught my fathers eye. He wanted an heir and my mother was beautiful, pureblood, and terrifyingly intelligent. But she didn't give him the time of day. That just made him want her more. She was already engaged though, it turned out. He was a muggleborn and they were keeping it a secret. They were going to run away together. Somehow my father found out. I still don't know how and mother said she never found out how. Anyway, my father went to her father and told him everything. Within days, a contract was written up and she was married to Tiberius Nott. She tried to leave a few times. She was still trying to run away with her lover. But my father always found her. I think he put tracking charms on her things. That's the only thing that makes sense, you know. How else could he have kept finding her and dragging her home. She finally got pregnant though and that's when she stopped trying to leave. She wanted to protect me. In this world, the Head of House is the man and he has control over heirs. So she stayed for me and fought behind the scenes to make sure my father didn't turn me into something ugly."
He paused, taking a breath. His face was blank, except his eyes. They were dim, lacking the shine they usually had.
"My father is a monster. He's an awful, pathetic excuse of a man. There's so many rumors about him and what he's done. His father, Cantankerous Jr., used to take him muggle hunting. He was one of Voldemort's original followers. But in this case the rumors about him aren't true. He didn't murder my mum. He didn't love her. He despised everything about her by then end, but he didn't kill her. She got sick. She just wasted away. He didn't help though. Once the healers admitted that she wasn't going to make it, he stopped them from coming and making her comfortable. He just locked her away and let her suffer. When she was gone my father said that she was finally out of the way and he'd be able to make me less of a disappointment. I vowed that I would never let him break me."
Hermione moved her chair closer to Theo, taking his hand in hers. She squeezed gently. This boy. This broken boy that hid in the shadows of his friends. This boy that wanted to be better. This boy that wanted to be different. "I'm so sorry, Theo. I'm so sorry. She would be so proud of who you are today. I don't have to know her to know that."
He gripped her hands tighter. "I promised her that I would change what it means to be a Nott. I used to hate it. I wanted to change my name, run away from it all. But before she died she reminded me that I was the only heir, that I had the power. That I could really change our family. I want that more than anything. I want to change the stigma that's attached to the name Nott so that one day my children can be proud of who they are. I want to be good. I want to be better. I don't want anyone to ever have any excuse to compare me to Tiberius. I will change centuries of hatred."
"And that's when you fell in love with Theodore Nott." Harry guessed, not unkindly.
Hermione laughed. "Not quite. Though, it was definitely when I knew that there was something more there. Something more than just a passing fancy."
"So, when did you fall in love with him? Sixth year? I saw the looks, Hermione. From both of you. Staring at each other across the tables…"
"Sixth year is complicated, Harry. I think showing you memories would be easier. If Theo and Draco consent I will show you. But most of it isn't my story to tell. But to answer your question, no. It was still the fifth year. A few months after the conversation about his mother. He hadn't talked to me for a little bit because of the break out of Azkaban. He got scared, worried since his father was back that he would hear about me and do something to me. But I was in the hospital wing, after the Ministry. I woke up in the middle of night and Theo was sitting next to my bed. He didn't see that I woke up. He was hunched over folding origami flowers. Origami, Harry. He's a wizard. He could have conjured flowers in a second. But there he was bent over my bed folding paper flowers. I watched him for a while before I finally fell back asleep. The next morning I had a bouquet of paper flowers. I consulted Ginny and she helped me decipher the meaning. Flowers mean things in pureblood culture."
Harry cocked his head. "I read that somewhere but I didn't know it was still relevant. Seems outdated. What flowers did he make?"
"It was such a random bunch of flowers to put together aesthetically. But they meant everything to me. There was a sunflower for pure adoration, a daffodil for respect, an iris for hope and faith, and asters for patience. I sent him back a red carnation."
"Which means?"
Her lip caught in her teeth fighting a smile, remembering the look on his face when she saw it delivered to him. A smile on his face that she had never seen on him before. "My heart aches for you."
"Wow."
She nodded. "Things got kind of messy in sixth year. But that's a conversation for another day. Right now, I want to make a list."
"A list."
"Yes, Harry. A list. I feel a little overwhelmed if I'm being honest. This last year our only goals were finding horcruxes and staying alive. Now we can finally settle down and I don't know, start living again. But I almost don't know where to start.'
Summoning some parchment and a quill, she started jotting things down.
Her best friend sighed dramatically, "Hermione you can take a break now. You don't have to keep going full steam.
"I know. But this helps me feel better, gives me a direction instead of sitting her on the other side of a war that I didn't think I'd make it out of. Here, look. It's not a crazy list. Just things I want to get done."
Sort and clean bag
Unpack
Owl solicitar for Theo and Draco
Gather memories for Theo and Draco
Go to muggle bank and Gringotts
Shopping
Connect Grimmauld floo
"I can take care of the Floo." Harry offered. "Also, muggle bank? Gringotts? Shopping?"
"My parents set up an account for me as a child that was supposed to open to me when I became of age. When they found out I was a witch, they transferred half of it to Gringotts for me. I'm of age now so I want to see what all I have. If I'm being honest, I almost feel guilty taking it. It was supposed to be for University but of course that all changed. But I know they would want me to take care of myself. So. I'm going to make sure I have access to it all and yes, go shopping. For new clothes and shoes and anything else I need."
He laughed. "Hermione, you hate shopping."
She shrugged. "It's stupid really. But I feel like I can't even look at my old clothes anymore."
"What do you mean? I'm sure it's not stupid. You're a lot of things but never stupid."
"It's just that so many of my clothes remind me of something. The jacket I was wearing when Ron left us in the woods. The pair of jeans I was wearing at Malfoy Manor. The sweater I wore to Godric's Hollow. I know it's crazy. They're just clothes. But I look at them and I see a certain stain or a tear in the fabric and I can picture exactly what happened when I was wearing them. Plus, I need to get something to wear to Percy's funeral and nicer clothes for the trials."
Harry grabbed her hand, giving it a squeeze. "It's not stupid. I never really thought about that. But I get it. Treat yourself. Maybe you can take Ginny. You've spent the last year in a tent with two messy, gross wizards. You and Ginny take some time together. Forget about everything for a little bit and just be normal witches, okay? Now. What do you want to check off first?"
She smiled, "Go see the Weasley's."
"Hermione! Oh, my sweet girl!" Molly cried. "We were starting to get worried. Harry assured us you were just resting. Oh, which is so, so good. You deserve to rest and relax."
Hermione sank into Molly's embrace. She held her tight. "I'm feeling much more rested than I have in a while. Harry said I slept for three days straight."
"Wonderful! I'm so glad you came to see us." Arthur cut in, wrapping her in an equally fierce hug.
She spent the next few minutes hugging each and every Weasley. Each one hugged her tightly until she got to Ginny. Ginny stared at her for a second before launching herself into Hermione and almost suffocating her.
"I missed you so damn much 'Mione. I thought about you every day."
"I missed you too, Gin. Imagine my pain living in a tent with your brother and Harry. I missed my best friend."
Ginny laughed. "Your sister."
"Yeah, I'm your best friend!" Harry snapped playfully.
"Actually Ginny." Hermione started, "I need to go shopping. I'm settling into Grimmauld and just need a few things. Plus some new clothes. A lot of mine are ruined. Harry thought we could take some time together."
"Hermione Granger is asking Ginny Weasley to go shopping?" Fred joked.
George laughed, "She must have hit her head."
Ginny was thrilled. "Oh Hermione, I'd love to! We'll have so much fun. I can pick out some really nice stuff for you."
"Wait, no. I didn't mean…I just need to get some essentials really…" Hermione argued.
She wasn't successful. Ginny was already planning some stops in Diagon Alley to make and all the different things that would look so great on Hermione.
"I'm sure we'll go to muggle London too. I've never been shopping in the muggle world." Ginny prattled on.
"Hermione is seeing her mistake." Fred fake whispered.
"She's already regretting it." George fake whispered back.
Harry was laughing at her from the table. "Don't I have great ideas?"
Hermione thought about arguing, but Ginny looked excited. She looked like a 16 year old girl should look. Excited about going shopping with her best friend, not worrying about getting tortured at school or losing her entire family and all of her friends. If it kept her smiling, Hermione would let Ginny pick out the whole store for her.
"I don't know, girls. Arthur what do you think?" Molly asked. "It's only been a few days. What about the Death eaters that weren't captured?"
"I don't think we need to worry Molly-wobbles. Kingsley has been working straight through to stabilize the ministry and he's made great progress. Trials are actually going to start in the next few days. And Diagon Alley is already flourishing. People are out celebrating. I don't think any stray death eaters will be attacking. I believe they know they lost."
Hermione saw Molly slowly battling herself. She lost one child. Letting another out of her sight so soon seemed impossible. Hermione immediately felt guilty. She shouldn't have suggested it. This was thoughtless.
But Molly seemed to make up her mind. "You're right, Arthur. You girls should go have fun. Be teenagers today."
"Harry and I still have our coins from fifth year's defense group. If anything even remotely suspicious happens, I'll alert him right away." Hermione promised.
"Oh, thank you dear. That makes me feel much better." Molly sounded relieved.
The girls stayed until lunch, eating a quick meal together before leaving. Hermione noticed that no one mentioned Percy, except that the funeral was the next day. Everyone was smiling and laughing. Though at times it seemed strained. Ron didn't even try to talk to her. Molly especially was struggling through conversation. She wanted so desperately to do something for them, but how do you console someone from losing their son, their brother? It was different for her. She lost her parents but not really. They would never know her again, but they were living. They were safe and happy.
"Are you with me, Hermione?" Ginny asked.
"Oh yes, sorry Gin. I just need to make two stops first. Godric, I'm really not looking forward to going to Gringotts. The goblins will probably ban me."
Hours later she stumbled home. She had so many bags, her arms were numb. Ginny piled anything and everything onto the counters. Hermione was half afraid to see some of the things she picked out. She made her way to the stairs, hoping to avoid Harry. She knew he would have a laugh at her. She wasn't lucky.
"Wow you really went to town."
"Harry James Potter. Don't ever suggest that I go shopping with Ginny Weasley again."
He laughed, throwing his head back. "That's like twice the amount of clothes you owned before!"
"I'm aware. She had more bags than me. I told her to get whatever she wanted. It was really a great time before she started throwing shoes and bags and clothes in for me every three seconds. So I compromised and told her she was only allowed to pick out one new bag and three pairs of shoes for me."
"How'd that work?"
Hermione scoffed. "The only thing she compromised was my bag. She had the nerve to say my bag I have now is "horrid" and if I promised to use a new one she would only pick one. But I have more pairs of shoes and clothes than I can ever picture needing. But we did have fun. For awhile there was no war. No aftermath. No funerals ahead of us. She smiled and laughed. It was worth it."
"Good. You both needed an escape. Oh! Kreacher finished your room today. It's spotless. I think he likes you more than me. Your room looks fantastic. He even got new sheets and curtains somewhere. It's ready for you to unpack and officially move in."
"That's wonderful. I'll have to thank him. We need to do something for him. I didn't look around much this morning but look at this place! It looks fantastic and it's only been three days!"
Harry shrugged unsurprised. "He is an elf. Their magic is powerful. But I do have an idea of what we could do for him. I told him while he's cleaning and fixing things that he could take any knick-knacks or pictures or whatever he wanted to keep for himself. The rest is to be boxed up. I'm going to offer it to either Andromeda or Narcissa. They're Blacks, I don't want any of it so it should go to them. Don't know how Mrs. Malfoy will react to me approaching her so maybe just Andromeda. Sorry, that's besides the point I'm off track. Anyway. I also told him to pick a room for himself but he freaked out. He likes that damned cupboard. I don't know why. But I thought maybe you could cast one of your nifty extension charms on the cupboard. Make it big enough for a bed for him. We can put a nice shelf in there too so he can display all of the trinkets he keeps."
Hermione beamed at him, "Harry that's perfect! I'll get it done tomorrow before the funeral."
"I just need the extension done. I'll clean it and get it set up. You don't have to do it all. You have your list and I have mine."
"Well the extension only takes a few moments so I'll do that now. Then I think I'll unpack these clothes, sort through my bag, and unpack. Oh I'm so excited to have my own space again!"
Harry grinned at her. "I'm glad you're staying here with me. Go have fun organizing. I know that's your idea of a good time."
Being the dignified, mature witch she was, she stuck her tongue out at him and scampered up the steps. She noticed the plaque on her door had changed. It had been Regulus's room, but the plaque had her name on it now. Once inside, she had to do a double take. The walls were pale blue and white curtains hung in the window. The room looked so open now that all the junk was gone.. There was the bed with a night stand, a desk, a wardrobe next to the closet, and the best part: bookshelves floor to ceiling along the longest wall. There was even a decent amount of books on them. Harry must have told the elf to give her any books that were found.
"Kreacher you are incredible." She said to herself.
Whipping out her wand, she sent her clothes and shoes to the closet and wardrobe. That was the easy part. Dumping out her bag, she realized she had more things than she thought. It was nice to use her wand for something other than defense for once. She sent all of her books to the shelves, giddy at the fact that there was plenty of room for more. There ended up being a lot of junk in her bag that she didn't need. But much sooner than she thought, her bag was empty and her room was full. Parchments, ink, muggle pens and paper were put away in her desk. A picture of her parents sat on her nightstand alongside a bouquet of paper flowers. Pictures of her, Ron, Harry, Ginny, Neville, and others were stuck on the wall. It felt like she had a home again. Before she could do anything about it, Kreacher was coming in and hauling out all of the junk, old clothes, and odds and ends that needed to be thrown away.
"Thank you, Kreacher! You've gone above and beyond for me and Harry. I hope you know how much we appreciate you." She said warmly.
"Kreacher is happy to be of service to Master Harry Potter and Mistress Grangy!" He beamed.
She thought about correcting him. But Kreacher heard Dobby call her Miss Grangy a few times and it stuck. Mistress Grangy. She laughed. Fourth year Hermione would be having an aneurysm right now.
Taking one last glance around her room, she settled for the night. Two journals sat on her bed. She had yet to put them away. One was a brown leather bound with the image of an otter on the front. Her name elegantly scripted at the bottom. She never asked Theo how he knew her Patronus but she loved it. The other was also brown leather bound but it had the image of a lion. Her name, again scripted at the bottom. Typical of Draco to pick a lion for her, but it was beautiful. She thought of Draco's coldness when she tried to help him after the battle. It was typical Malfoy. He was exhausted, afraid, embarrassed, ashamed. He was backed into a corner and lashed out. She flipped through their exchanges. For the longest time she didn't acknowledge that she knew it was him writing to her. And he didn't admit it. But on the night of Godric's Hollow she finally addressed him.
H: Malfoy, be careful tonight. We were almost caught in Godric's Hollow. He's angry. Terrifyingly angry. Stay away if you can.
D: Godric's Hollow?! I told you to stay away you daft witch! I told you he was watching! Why would you go there? Aren't you supposed to be bright? How could you do something so stupid! Idiotic is what it is. Do you want to die? The fate of our world is in the hands of bloody idiots.
H: Are you done?
D: Fuck, are you okay?
D: Wait, fuck. How long have you known it's me?
H: Yes, I'm okay. We're both okay. I've known it was you since the first message, you dense ferret. Why didn't you want me to know it was you?"
D: I was afraid if you knew it was me you would ignore the messages, not trust me.
H: Why help me?
H: Don't ignore me. Draco Malfoy, answer the question. We decided we were friends weeks ago through our messages. Friends don't ignore each other. Now answer me.
D: So you knew it was me when you agreed to be friends?
H: Yes. Do you have trouble reading? I said I knew it as you after the very first message.
D: I don't want you to die okay. I don't want this life. I don't want him to win. The world is fucked right now. And all over blood? It doesn't make sense to me. My best friend, my brother, is in love with you. He never saw a difference in blood and it took me a long time to catch up, but you and Theo made me question everything. Now I'm too late to save myself. But I'm going to do everything I can to save you and Theo.
D: I'm sorry. I need to tell you that. I don't know if I'm going to be alive at the end of the war. I don't know if you will either. So I need to tell you now. I always wanted to do this in person but I don't want to wait. I'm sorry for every single awful thing I've ever done to you, every single awful thing I've ever said to you. I'm sorry for every slur. You're brilliant. Truly. Brave and strong and passionate. I'm completely undeserving of your friendship but if we all live through this I want to be friends. More than "warn each other of danger in connected journals" friends. You and Theo are made for each other so we'll be around each other enough. I hope I can earn your forgiveness and trust some day.
H: You've had my forgiveness and trust for awhile. But I appreciate your apology and the words. We're going to win this Draco. We're going to win this and we're going to live.
D: I sincerely hope you're right, Hermione. What the hell, I'll put all my galleons on you. You've never been wrong before.
D: Except going into Godric's Hollow. Stupid, daft, barmy witch.
H: I'M FINE!
H: Night Ferret.
D: Night Swot.
"Hermione?"
She looked up from the journal with a jump. Ron was in her doorway. "You scared me, Ronald. Merlin I didn't hear you."
"Reading?"
She just nodded. She didn't want to go into Theo and Draco right now. Sliding the journals into the drawer of her nightstand, she moved aside and motioned for him to sit. "What's up?"
"I figured we should talk. It kinda feels like you were ignoring me." He said warily.
"I wasn't ignoring you to be hurtful. I know we need to talk. I just wanted you to have time with your family first. You deserved to have some quality time with them before worrying about anything else. That's all."
Ron chuckled. "You always know what's best. I really did need them. It doesn't feel real that Percy's gone to me yet though. It feels like a dream."
"I'm so sorry, Ron. I'm so sorry that you lost a brother. I'm so sorry that your family is hurting."
"Fred and George said that Percy would want us to move on quickly. Be happy and celebrate the new life we have. But that feels wrong. Celebrating with one less brother? We just got him back when they took him away. I think that's why I was so angry about Nott and Malfoy. Death Eaters killed my brother and I then I found out that you were trying to help some of them? I kind of lost it. But Harry talked to me. I calmed down. And I get it. Harry said we didn't have to trust them, we just have to trust you. And I do. So if you think they deserve a chance then I won't fight you about it. So, all that to say I'm sorry. I acted like a complete fool."
"Oh, hug me you big prat." She laughed. "Thank you for understanding. I promise at their trials, you'll see who they really are."
He grimaced as she pulled back from their hug. "Look, I'm not trying to be friends with them, 'Mione. I just trust you when you say they don't deserve Azkaban. I still don't like them. Once their trials are over, we can go back to the way things were. The way things should be.
She tried to speak up, tell him that they would most likely be around quite a lot after their trials, especially Theo. But he steamrolled through her.
"I also have another apology. After the battle, I didn't give you any time. I just took the kiss we shared and ran with it assuming you were my girlfriend. I didn't even think that you might need some time. I'm sorry I jumped to conclusions. Really, I am. Take all the time you need, Hermione."
"Ron, that's not…I don't need time…How do I even say this?" She felt her face burning. She was about to break her best friend's heart.
Ron was absolutely beaming. "Really, you're ready now? Hermione, that's incredible!"
"No! Wait. Fuck." She stuttered. "Ron. I love you. You and Harry are two of my closest friends. We've been through everything together. But Ron, please understand that I don't love you any other way. I don't have romantic feelings for you. And I'm so sorry. The last thing I want to do is hurt you."
"What about that kiss? Hermione, that kiss was something. There was something there. You can't tell me you felt nothing." He pleaded.
"Look, maybe we should talk about this later. Ron, Percy's funeral is tomorrow. You have a lot going on right now. I don't want to be the cause of any more pain for you."
She could see the gears turning in his head. He was putting two and two together. He didn't like academics, he didn't like logic and puzzles. But Ronald Weasley was far from stupid. "It's because of one of them isn't it? Which one?"
"Ron…please. Not now. It's not the time for this conversation." She begged.
"Fuck are you serious? How long have you been sneaking around with a Death Eater, Hermione? Which one?" He yelled.
She flinched at his tone. The infamous Weasley temper was bubbling. She knew he wasn't going to stop. "Theodore. We became close at the end of fourth year. We never officially got together because of the war. But we've been close for awhile now, Ron. He's not what people think."
She noticed Harry lingering at the door, no doubt hearing Ron's raised voice and came to try and mediate.
"Nott?" Ron scoffed. "You know his family used to hunt muggles? They hunted them, Hermione! And this is the bloke you're choosing? A marked death eater whose family legacy is hunting people!"
"Ron, stop. He is not his father! He's good and kind and warm. He wants to change the Nott name."
"Then he's using you! What better way to change public opinion than getting in the Golden Girls knickers." He sneered.
She didn't see Harry moving to intervene. She only saw red. "So, anytime a man is interested in me it's because they're using me? Viktor was using me. Theo is using me. Are you trying to use me too? Since that's the only reason a man would want to be around me. What do you want from me then, Ronald?"
"I want you to listen! I would never use you. I would never take advantage of you. But I guarantee that's what's happening. He sees a way out of prison and he'll drop you as soon as you make it happen. I won't accept this, Hermione."
"You don't need to accept it. You don't need to like it. You do need to accept that I make my own decisions. That I'm intelligent enough to make good decisions! You need to accept that you don't get to scream and yell every time I say or do something that you don't agree with!"
Harry stepped in then. "Look guys, maybe we can table this discussion. It's getting a little heated."
"No." Ron said. "We don't need to table it. I'm done. You want to go run off with your death eater, fine. You want to throw what could be an amazing relationship away, fine. Don't come crying to me when it blows up in your face. And don't expect me to take you back after him either. I don't want a death eater's sloppy seconds."
"Enough, Ron. Get out, go home." Harry snapped. "You went too far."
"Typical. You always take her side!"
Harry scoffed. "Because her side is usually the right side. And she's the only person who has never wavered from me. She's been by my side, no matter what for seven years. Even the times when you left. So I will not stand here and let you talk to her like this. Go home and calm down. Don't come back without a damn good apology."
If looks could kill, Hermione would be six feet under. "Fine. You two stay here, holed up together. I have my family. And let's see how accepting my family is of you when they know everything. You have nobody but each other. And don't bother coming to the funeral tomorrow. I don't want a death eaters whore at Percy's ceremony."
That's when Harry saw red. Hermione wasn't quick enough to stop it. Harry threw himself at Ron, his fist connecting with Rons freckled cheek. There was some yelling, more scuffling. She didn't hear what was said. She was in a daze. This wasn't supposed to happen.
"Hermione? Hermione, are you okay?" Harry's voice came drifting through the fog.
She blinked tears away, not realizing she was crying. "It wasn't supposed to happen like this. I wanted to wait until after the funeral. Give him time. I didn't want to hurt him, Harry. He's already going through the loss of his brother. I didn't want it to be like this."
He pulled her into a hug. "I know. I know you didn't. I'm sorry it blew up. I'm sorry he said those awful things to you. I'm sorry you're the one hurt. I'm not sorry I punched him though. He went too far. He goes too far too often. I'm done letting him treat you like shit. Him being hurt does not give him the right to try and hurt you back."
"I don't want to lose our friendship. I don't want him to get hurt. But I won't give up Theo. I won't. I can't, Harry."
"And you shouldn't. You saved the world, Hermione. Ron said it himself, we wouldn't have lasted two days without you. You've gone above and beyond what anyone should have to. From now on, do what makes you happy. Not what others think makes you happy or what others expect you to do. You're usually the smartest person in any room and your instincts have never steered me wrong. Live for yourself now."
The rest of the week was a whirlwind. She did attend Percy's funeral. She made sure to stay away from Ronald to give him space. The service was beautiful. Each Weasley stood and spoke for him. Harry himself made a speech, at the request of the Minister, about moving forward and living for those that were lost, so their sacrifice wasn't made in vain.
Ginny had given her the third degree about Theo. She knew there was a mystery man from when Hermione asked her about flower meanings but she never asked who, knowing Hermione would tell her when she was ready.
"Honestly, it's only right that the universe gives you a Greek god of a boyfriend. It's the least you deserve." Ginny had said. "And I have some memories from Hogwarts last year for his case. He tried to protect the kids, Hermione. He really did."
She also reached out to Ms. Smythe, the solicitor that Tonks referred Hermione to. She was happy to represent both Theo and Draco and quickly set up a meeting at Azkaban to start building their cases. In the meantime, Hermione was already collecting memories and noting certain passages in her journals. She sent letters to classmates and professors, asking if they could send any relevant memories to help the boys.
In a shocking twist of events, Narcissa sent a few vials of memories as well as a penseive- Hermione had asked where she could possibly find or borrow one, and asked Hermione to meet for tea. Which is why Hermione found herself sitting on her bed while Ginny tore through her clothes.
"You're trying to save her son from Azkaban, it's not very surprising that she wants to talk to you." Ginny reasoned.
"I assumed she might want to talk to me at some point but to go out for tea? It seems so normal. She even asked me to choose the location to ensure I was comfortable."
Ginny shrugged. "I don't know, 'Mione. No use in worrying yourself over it. If you worry, that just means you suffer twice."
"Thanks, Gin." Hermione deadpanned. "Just help me figure out what to wear. I don't need to impress her, but I also don't need her looking down on me more than she already does. And hurry, I have to meet her in less than an hour!"
Forty-five minutes later, Hermione was seated at a posh French cafe on Diagon waiting for the Malfoy matriarch. As she saw the elder witch approach, she stood in greeting.
"What a lovely little establishment. I've heard it's quite delightful, but I've never been here myself." Narcissa said warmly.
"Yes, it was highly recommended."
Narcissa bumped her cheek in greeting and sat primly across from her. Hermione wasn't sure what she expected but it wasn't this. Narcissa seemed warm and more than polite.
"I'm sure you'd rather get straight to the point, Miss. Granger. I'm aware my invitation and my presence in general has garnered some much deserved suspicion."
"I would be lying if I disagreed." Hermione replied curiously.
Narcissa took a delicate sip of tea before squaring her shoulders. "My first order of business is an apology. What happened to you in my home was nothing short of a tragedy. An abomination. I know my apology does not mean much, but I am truly sorry for what you endured. You're an incredibly strong witch. Not many could have held up to Bella the way that you did, even with my son's help."
Hermione took a moment to look at the other witch. Narcissa was looking at her with something that looked like respect. It shook her. Narcissa Malfoy wasn't a witch that respected many others. "I appreciate your apology, but it was your sister who hurt me. You needn't apologize for the actions of others."
"It took place in my home and I allowed it. I most definitely need to apologize. As well as thank you for giving me the opportunity to meet so I could do so."
"Thank you. I accept your apology then Mrs. Malfoy. May I ask you something that will probably be uncomfortable? Sometimes I have the tendency to be blunt and I don't want to cross any lines."
Narcissa nodded her reply. "Please, go on."
"Why did you lie for Harry? I know you were concerned about Draco being hurt in the battle, but Voldemort's side seemed like it would have been more welcoming to the Malfoys then the Order."
"Welcoming and safe aren't the same thing. I saw things during the war that I never imagined. All my life it was taught to me, ingrained in me that I was better than most. My family was rich and powerful because we were pureblooded. But this war, this blood purist agenda cost me almost everything. I lost one sister because she married a muggle-born and was disowned, blasted off the family tree, and shunned. I lost another sister to madness and war after becoming obsessed and fighting for a blood purist. My husband will most likely be in prison for the majority of his life. All I have is my son. And the biggest reason I will have him is because of you, a muggle-born. So all of these people that I have lost and were put at risk was because of blood? This great new world that the Dark Lord promised had people torturing children. I didn't sign up for that. I didn't sign up for my son being in constant danger if he made the one wrong move. If that's what it means to be powerful then I don't want that power. I think, Miss. Granger, you are going to change this world. By all my parents' teachings you should be weak. You should be dirty, uncivilized, unintelligent. However, you are opposite in every way. I lied to the Dark Lord because I wanted my son to be able to have a happy, safe life. The only way I could get that for him was to make sure Mr. Potter had the chance to take the bastard down. Draco is a good person. He started questioning his beliefs years ago. He's better than myself or his father could ever be and I hope I can learn from him. I have no doubt he will change what it means to be a Malfoy."
Hermione understood that. She let herself hope that others could see this and maybe there could be real change in the world. "A mothers love is powerful. It saved Harry more than once. Thank you for your honesty. And I do believe Draco will indeed be a force to be reckoned with."
Narcissa smiled fondly. "I owe it all to you, truly. You and Theodore. I always knew Theodore was good for him. The boys are another reason I reached out. I was hoping to accompany you to their meeting with the solicitor."
"Of course. I think Draco would very much like that. It's in two days, on Tuesday, at 11:00. I'm meeting the solicitor at the dock at 10:45, if you would like to meet us there. I have all the memories I could collect. I'll be sorting through them and organizing them tomorrow to prepare. I have no doubt we'll succeed, Mrs. Malfoy."
She looked at Hermione for a moment before nodding. "Please, call me Narcissa."
Hermione kept her expression calm but internally she was balking. This was good, she told herself. Good, however, didn't negate how strange this was. She never imagined sitting down having a respectful, amicable conversation with Narcissa. "Only if you call me Hermione."
"Wonderful! I do look forward to our further interactions, Hermione. This was lovely."
"It was. I was pleasantly surprised if I may say so, Narcissa."
The elder witch again granted Hermione another warm smile. "Well, this is all I really had to discuss with you today. If there's nothing else, I really should be going. I have a few more stops to make."
"Actually there is something. Harry and I live at 12 Grimmauld Place. Kreacher has really cleaned the place up nicely. We have a few boxes of portraits and other belongings. Harry wanted to offer the boxes to you and Andromeda since the two of you are Blacks. Would you be interested in looking through anything?"
"Interestingly enough I'm actually meeting Andromeda today. I think we could go through them together. Would you mind if I accompanied you back to Grimmauld? I can shrink the boxes down and take them with me."
This woman was full of surprises. She was sure Narcissa would send a house elf for them. In no way was Hermione expecting her to offer to pick them up. "That would be lovely. I assume you remember where it's located."
Narcissa answered with a nod and motioned for Hermione to lead the way. In seconds, they were across the street in the garden. Narcissa politely followed Hermione inside. She was looking around fondly. It was strange for Hermione to picture Narcissa spending time somewhere where she was currently living, but she could see the older witch reminiscing.
"'Mione, is that you?" Harry yelled.
He came wandering down the stairs in an old t-shirt and boxers. He noticed their guest too late. Hermione fought back a giggle, she didn't think she ever saw Harry blush harder.
"My apologies, Mrs. Malfoy, I didn't realize we had company. Excuse me for a moment." He choked out, running back upstairs.
"Oh, poor boy. Like I haven't seen a teenage boy in boxers before." Narcissa jested. "Draco barely gets dressed over holidays."
Hermione wasn't able to hold back her laughter that time. "I apologize, Narcissa. Draco always seems so put together. It seems very strange to picture him being lazy and lounging around."
"Oh, Hermione, a teenage boy is a teenage boy."
Harry came stumbling down the steps a moment later, fully dressed and still blushing. "To what do we owe the pleasure, Mrs. Malfoy."
Narcissa bumped his cheek, just like she did to Hermione. "It's lovely to see you Mr. Potter. Hermione told me of the boxes you had put away. I was just stopping by to grab them. I'd like to shrink them down and take them when I see my sister today."
"Oh yes, of course. Let me grab them. Kreacher is off at Hogwarts visiting some of the elves. I threatened to free him if he didnt take a few days off from working on the house."
"You probably broke his heart saying that." Hermione chided.
He just rolled his eyes and ventured to the attic. He came down a few moments later with a handful of shrunken boxes. "This is everything. If there's anything specific you're looking for, please just let us know and between the two of us and Kreacher, I'm sure we can find it."
"Thank you so much. I apologize for intruding on you. Hermione, today was lovely. I so look forward to our next tea date." And with a swish of her robes she was off.
"What the fuck was that?" Harry asked, shocked.
Hermione could only shake her head and shrug. "That was Narcissa Malfoy."