Huge thank you to The Dragon and the Rose and CarbConnoisseur for beta-ing this.
25th August
"Now darling, we'll do the uniform and school list first, I think." Narcissa decided, her arm looped through Hermiones.
"Yes, Aunt Narcissa." Hermione sighed, already dreading this.
"It will be fun!" Narcissa grinned, "After that, your father gave me the names of some of the….more high-end Muggle clothing stores. I gather you came to an agreement?"
"Yes, apparently if I wear the ridiculous heels, he'll compromise on my not needing to wear robes continually."
Narcissa hummed, not looking hugely impressed with compromise. "Very well. I shall need your help locating some of these. I've never been in Muggle London."
"Never?" Hermione squeaked.
"Not once. I imagine it'll be interesting. Now after that, we'll come back, you have an appointment in Wonderland at one."
"Wonderland?" Hermione frowned.
"The hairdressers, dear. I did promise we could explore the side streets, did I not?"
"Yes. But I'm sure you also threatened bespoke robes."
Narcissa looked amused, "Oh. I very much intend to follow through with that. You'll need some. And a coat, and shoes….oh, and winter boots!"
Hermione sighed. "Great," she replied weakly.
Narcissa dragged her to Twilfit and Tattings for the basic school uniform where she watched with amusement as the sales witch fawned all over her aunt.
"I…it's very….fitted," she remarked, looking at herself in the mirror.
"You mean it fits," Narcissa replied pointedly. "Unlike the last two years where I gather you've gone oversized. "
Hermione flushed. "It's comfortable," she muttered.
Narcissa rolled her eyes. "Is this uncomfortable?"
"Not…not to wear but…."
"Hermione, you cannot hide in baggy clothing," Narcissa replied exasperatedly. Hermione bit her lip, her eyes pleading. Sighing, Narcissa gentled her voice, moving to stand behind her as she turned her to face the mirror. "Don't look at me like that. You are beautiful. And much more importantly, formidable, intelligent, and far more compassionate than most people deserve. Don't hide yourself. Hold your head up high and let them see you, remind them daily that you are not to be underestimated. Because you are not."
Sighing, Hermione nodded.
"Good girl."
The robes were equally painful. Gone were the baggy set that she had hid in after arguing with Madam Malkin for two years running not to make them too fitted to be replaced with a set that fit her perfectly and despite covering her from wrist to ankle, made her feel exposed.
"I'm glad someone finally talked you around, Miss Granger," the witch commented as she made last-minute adjustments.
"Miss McKinnon," Narcissa corrected. "Might I ask what you mean?"
"McKinnon?" The witch's eyebrows rose sharply. "I see. Well, she insisted on baggier robes after first year. Wouldn't listen to reason."
"Why, Hermione?" Narcissa asked once the witch had left them, herding Hermione out the door.
Hermione flushed. "Oh…I ah…I don't know."
"You do," Narcissa insisted, watching her intently.
"First year was…hard," she whispered, recognising the tone in her Aunt's voice. She'd have to give her something. "I had no one for two months. And the comments…about my appearance, my attitude….I wasn't liked and…when second year came, even though I had Harry and Ron, I couldn't forget their teasing."
"I don't understand what that has to do with your robes?" Narcissa frowned.
"They…they made fun of how I stuck to the uniform regulations, how everything I wore was perfect….I…I just wanted anonymity." Narcissa sighed as Hermione continued. "I…I was never a girl. I wasn't pretty enough or demure enough or….God, I just wasn't enough. The robes let me blend into the background when I wasn't in class in the only way I had available. I'm not even sure they saw me as a person, just a walking encyclopaedia."
"Oh, Hermione," Narcissa sighed, running a hand over her head before she wrapped an arm around her shoulders in a shocking display of public affection. "You are a girl. You are beautiful and they are jealous."
Hermione shook her head, opening her mouth to deny it.
"They are," Narcissa insisted firmly. "Your magic…even Draco was jealous. They were jealous so they picked on you in the way they knew would hurt most. Now, we are going to discuss this again, but not here. We are going to collect the rest of your school supplies, have an elf return them home and then you are going to explain Muggle fashion to me, alright?"
"Yes, Aunt Narcissa," Hermione sighed, already dreading that conversation as she leaned briefly into the one-armed hug, hating herself for needing the comfort before she allowed Narcissa to pull her towards the apothecary.
Narcissa startled as she stepped out of the Leaky Cauldron and into Muggle London for the first time in her life. "It's so busy!" she murmured.
"I know," Hermione winced. "London is one of the worst places to come first, to be honest. It is busy."
"Right," Narcissa replied faintly, her eyes darting.
"What's on Dad's list?" Silently Hermione scanned the list, coming to a decision. "Right, we're not doing all this. Let's just go to Harrods. It's all in one place and we can work our way up to multiple shops when you've spent time somewhere quieter."
Narcissa nodded distractedly as they walked. "What…what are those things they're talking at?" she whispered as Hermione attempted to hail a taxi.
"Oh, they're mobile phones. Like… a Floo but portable."
"Like a Floo but portable," Narcissa repeated, arching a brow as Hermione sighed in relief as a taxi stopped.
"Harrod's please," She instructed the driver before turning back to Narcissa, keeping her voice low. "Yes, they connect to another person's phone using a series of numbers so that you can talk to one another, each phone has a unique number to use."
"Oh," Narcissa replied softly. "That's…..rather impressive."
Hermione laughed at the look on her aunt's face but decided not to comment further.
Several hours later and with more clothing and footwear than Hermione thought she could ever wear, they re-entered the Alley. "That was fun!" Narcissa grinned. "I think we should do that again soon!"
"Soon! I have enough clothes to last me until I graduate."
"Nonsense! You're still growing and robe styles are always changing."
Hermione sighed. "Wonderful."
"I tend to think so," Narcissa grinned. "And now you'll need to take me back to see what Muggle fashion is like in a few months. Does it change much?"
"More frequently than here," Hermione admitted. "And…more drastically, I suppose."
"Oh?"
"Well…. there's often a…theme. I suppose, almost every decade and it's recognisable. Not everyone follows it of course, and there are themes within themes but…you can generally guess the era in a picture by the fashion. I don't get the impression it works in quite the same way here."
"No," Narcissa mused. "Interesting. So those dresses I bought today aren't something I could wear forever? And where would one find pictures of these….past fashions?"
"You could," Hermione replied slowly. "But it's likely to be obvious in the Muggle world that they're not something you've bought recently as the style or colour choices or pattern changes. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing. Some fashion is timeless and not everyone follows the current trends. And the library maybe? Old magazines."
"I see. Perhaps a project for another day. Now, what would you like done with your hair?"
Hermione looked startled as she realised Narcissa was guiding her into a tiny open-plan hair salon. Plants climbed the walls with glowing orbs hovering over the only seat in the room, illuminating the client. The entire place felt cosy, intimate, and, if Hermione was honest with herself, slightly intimidating. The mirror in front of the chair was huge, trimmed in tiny lights that almost looked like wireless muggle fairy lights, along the side of it various trophies filled a narrow shelf. She wasn't close enough to see what they were for.
"I, ah…I don't know!" she stammered.
"Vivienne, my niece has no idea what to do with her hair, perhaps we shall leave it in your capable hands?"
The witch waiting for them smiled, setting Hermione immediately on edge. She looked fantastic, her cropped hair dyed vibrant orange, chunky dragonhide boots that reminded Hermione forcefully of Doc Martens poking out of the bottom of overlong black and white flared trousers. Her look was finished with an old-fashioned emerald and black laced frock coat with a black cravat at her throat. It wasn't a look Hermione could ever pull off and she knew it.
"Don't look so worried! I'm not about to chop off all your curls, your Aunt would Avada me if I suggested it." The witch's eyes twinkled with amusement that was not unlike Dumbledore's.
Hermione nodded, trying not to show her relief.
"Now….how attached to the length are you?"
"I..reasonably? It's easier to put up when it's this long and I need it out of my face for classes."
"Fair enough, some layering then. It'll be less heavy. Now, how about colour?"
"Colour?" she squeaked.
"Yes! Just through the ends, and only underneath that top layer I think, you won't be able to come back for upkeep appointments while at school. How about a burgundy?"
"Burgundy?" Hermione repeated.
"Oooh, or purple….or blue…we could do blue."
"I think the burgundy, thank you," Narcissa interjected. "Your dress robes are gold are they not?
"Yes."
"Then we don't want blue or purple. It'll need to be something warmer."
Knowing she wasn't really required to give her opinion and trusting Narcissa wouldn't sanction something ridiculous, Hermione agreed.
The entire experience was bizarre. Hermione watched as Vivienne directed the scissors without touching them, her hair seeming to lift all on its own as brushes placed colour at seemingly random points in between. There was no way it should work but Narcissa didn't look concerned so perhaps this was normal.
After being led over to a basin to have her hair washed, Hermione returned to find the mirror covered over.
"That's so it's a surprise," Vivienne grinned, noticing her frown, running her fingers through Hermione's curls before summoning three little vials.
Forty-five minutes later, Viviene flicked her wand and the cover was removed from the mirror. Hermione's jaw dropped, her curls were shiny, frizz-free, and healthy looking, tamer than even Narcissa's charm and potions had managed to achieve. Hits of burgundy and coppers became visible as she turned her head. "I…wow," she murmured.
"It looks lovely, darling," Narcissa cooed. "Now, we'll take the potions, of course. They work better than the ones you have been using. Can we set up an owl order to Hogwarts?"
"Of course. You shouldn't need them more than once every three months. You don't need a lot. I'll put your specific instructions on the bottles."
"Wonderful! Charge it to my account, if you please, and have the first batch sent to McKinnon Hall."
"Of course, Narcissa! It was lovely to meet you, Hermione." Vivienne smiled as she walked them to the door to greet her next client.
"She's rather remarkable is she not?" Narcissa looked amused.
"Yes. I didn't expect it to work," Hermione admitted. "It looked like it shouldn't."
"It always does, Vivienne is a genius. Now. Bespoke robes!"
"Or…antique books?" Hermione ventured.
"Two sets of robes and half an hour with the antique books,"
"One set of robes and an hour with the antique books." Hermione countered.
"Three sets of robes and an hour with the antique books."
Hermione paused. "Done. Aunt Cissa?"
"Hmmm?"
"When am I going to wear all of this?"
"You have weekends and holidays and you're unlikely to grow out of it all at once. I know it seems like a lot but it's not inconceivable to wear more than one thing in a day. What if you have a date? Surely you'd change for that?"
"How am I meant to go on a date at school?" Hermione gaped, "Even if someone actually wanted to take me, and that's about as likely as me growing wings, I live in a boarding school!"
Narcissa snorted, "I think this is a discussion to be had over tea. Come along." Narcissa guided her into a tiny tearoom she had no idea existed on an alley she thought had been called Intern Alley. She fleetingly hoped not, surely the wizarding world had more imagination than that?
"Tea for two, please, Marianne," Narcissa commanded as she led Hermione over to a small table followed by a young witch in robes emblazoned with the tearoom's name. "Do you want something to eat, dear?"
"Oh, I…yes?" Hermione stammered, realising suddenly how hungry she was.
"We'll have afternoon tea then, please, Marianne."
"Of course, Lady Malfoy," the witch demurred. "I'll be out with it momentarily."
"Now, what is this nonsense about no one wanting to take you out?" Narcissa asked sharply.
Hermione flinched, not at all sure she was ready to lay out all her insecurities in front of the, frankly stunning, elder witch. Surely her Aunt had never questioned her own attractiveness? Hadn't she told her enough earlier?
"Hermione?" Narcissa prompted.
"I…do we have to do this?"
"Discuss your appalling self-esteem? Yes," Narcissa replied firmly. "I know I must seem pushy, darling, but this cannot continue. Do I need to send daily owls reminding you of how wonderful you are?"
"Oh god, please don't."
Narcissa smirked. "I will, you know. I could make them Howlers."
"Do you hate me, Aunt Narcissa?" Hermione whined.
"No," Narcissa replied softly, all amusement gone from her face. "You…you gave me a chance when many would not have. You have allowed me into your life. You have let me advise you and more importantly than that, you befriended Draco when it would have been completely understandable if you had refused. He adores you. I…I haven't seen Draco smile as much in years, and that is mainly down to you."
"But I didn't…."
"You did," Narcissa interjected. "You don't have any expectations of him, other than to be himself. There are…very few people who can say the same. Our name, like yours, carries a heavy weight. We are perceived to be many things, most of them not particularly favourable, and Draco is aware. At school, he is…courted by the girls of families who wish to secure a betrothal, and by the boys whose families want to be seen to be associated with us. He has acquaintances rather than true friends. I do not think he knew such a thing was a possibility until this summer. He has spent time with you, with Miss Bones and Mr. Longbottom without anyone expecting anything from him. And that is a gift that we have been unable to give him."
"What about Marcus, Adrian…gods, even Pansy Parkinson?"
Narcissa sighed. "The Flints are friends of the family. I suppose in some ways Marcus and Draco are friends, but it was limited at school for many reasons. Adrian has been on the fringes of our group for many years. They know each other reasonably well but they are not friends. Pansy is after a marriage contract."
"Gods," Hermione muttered. "That might be the saddest thing I've ever heard. What about the others….Theo Nott…I don't know, Zabini?"
"Theo is…difficult. They should be friends and were when they were younger but he wants to distance himself from our reputation. I blame his father, he has always been too hard on the boy. Mr. Zabini is difficult to place. A bit like Adrian, he has been on the fringes of our group for many years."
Hermione hummed. "No wonder he was so adamant I give him the chance," she murmured.
"Quite."
"Aunt Narcissa?"
"Yes?"
Hermione paused, wondering if she should even ask. "You…you mentioned your reputation?"
"How true is it?" Narcissa arched a brow. Hermione flushed but nodded. "It is…difficult to give a full answer. I have had many beliefs that just today you proved false. I have had more than one conversation with Draco recently that was… interesting. He also happened to mention your comment about no one showing Muggleborns the rules. I…I had perhaps overlooked that. You must understand that the way I was brought up was not conducive to original thought. My parents were not as conservative as your grandmother, she was terrifying, but they were not overly open-minded. They would have accepted Andromeda marrying a Muggleborn as long as it was done to their specifications because abandoning a child was worse in their eyes. Children are precious in our world. There are so few of them."
Hermione arched a brow in disbelief as Narcissa winced.
"Yes, unfortunately your father takes after his mother more than he would ever admit to."
"If…if they would have accepted a Muggleborn son-in-law, how..how could they support Voldemort?" Hermione hedged.
Narcissa sighed. "Originally, the man promised political power. He discussed ways to keep us safer and preserve traditions. It was never supposed to be fear and genocide."
"But it was."
"Yes," Narcissa sighed, "on both sides. Not just ours. I do not dispute that some of the acts he sanctioned in his name were vile but I have also heard rumours of what supposedly went on. The wilful kidnap and torture, rape, and murder of Muggles as part of an evening's entertainment. It is not something I have ever seen nor is it something I have heard of outside the smear campaign from the other side."
"Could they have hidden it from you?"
"Perhaps, but it wouldn't have been easy. You have met, I presume, Mr. Crabbe? His father is made from the same mould. Do you believe he could have kept his mouth shut for years?"
"Fair enough. But…what about Harry?"
Narcissa winced. "Towards the end, the Dark Lord was…not always sane. In his lucid moments, he realised what a ridiculous notion it was to put stock in a prophecy. When he was not lucid," Narcissa shuddered, "he was ruthless and unstable. It was an alarming change. I can only speculate on the types of magic he dabbled in."
"And…and the diary?"
Narcissa closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. "Yes, the diary. I had no idea that Lucius had done it until the end of the year. I…I have never been so close to murder in my life. He..he informed me that he wanted to get back at Arthur. He thought the diary would be picked up by the school wards and Arthur would be embarrassed and questioned."
"Why?"
"Because there is a long-running feud. Because Arthur and Molly Weasley are…can be selective in the rules they follow. Had Lucius been found with that flying car, he'd have had more than an inquiry to deal with. Their bias is tolerated because what's the condemnation of a few Slytherins? It doesn't matter that they're children, they must be evil. Their children are taught that, and they go on to preach it. I understand Draco's approach to Mr. Potter was high handed, but the boy wouldn't even give him a chance because Ronald Weasley had already informed him of how evil Draco was based on nothing more than his last name. Now I am aware of how hypocritical it is of me to say that, given the nonsense Draco has spouted over the years, but I am trying to change that."
Hermione hummed, her face blank. "Did he know what the diary would do?"
"No! Whatever else Lucius is, he is not usually willfully stupid. Our son lived in that castle too and he has never, nor will he ever, support the murder of children."
Hermione sighed, "I… it's hard, to…."
"Accept that we've not always been the best of people but like us anyway?"
She snorted. "Sort of? Dad mentioned that I could have been given to you as a toddler but he was terrified that you'd teach me to hate him. It's…a lot to forgive."
Narcissa gulped, a wave of sadness washing over her at the thought that this girl could have been her daughter if she had just been less prejudiced. "I imagine we probably would have," she admitted softly.
"So why not now?"
"Because…because I am not stupid. You would have refused to have anything to do with us if there was even the slightest hint of us not welcoming your father. Believe it or not, this summer has been as steep a learning curve for me, us, as it has been for you. We are trying to change. I am asking that you are patient with us while we learn."
Hermione sighed. "I…I can do that.
"Thank you," Narcissa whispered, squeezing her hand as Marianne placed their afternoon tea down in front of them. "She always does know when the most appropriate time is," Narcissa mused. "Now we got rapidly off subject. Tell me why you don't believe anyone finds you attractive?"
Hermione groaned. "I was hoping you'd forgotten."
"Not a chance."
"I…I've never had a female friend before Susan. Neville was my first friend ever. I…I was teased at school for my hair, my teeth, how plain I was, it continued at Hogwarts. No one has ever looked at me like I'm pretty. I'm….one of the boys or the bookish boring one that's there to be carted out when homework needs to be done or something doesn't make sense. I'm not…I'm not the girl that anyone notices. Hell, I'm not a girl as far as school is concerned."
Narcissa frowned. "You are not plain. Your hair is beautiful. You just had to learn how to treat it. I can fix your teeth if they bother you that much, but Hermione, there is nothing wrong with being intelligent, the right boy, the right man, won't be threatened by it. And you are not boring in the slightest! "
Hermione shrugged. "I'm hardly Lavender Brown pretty though."
Narcissa snorted. "She is pretty enough, but she is vapid, although I do believe it's an act. I know the girl's mother. She is not unintelligent, but for whatever reason she chooses to downplay it."
"Why?"
"Perhaps for the same reasons you bought robes several sizes too big? She wants to blend in, fit in, be accepted."
"I never thought of that," Hermione murmured.
"You are not the only one with insecurities," Narcissa pointed out. "And this year, there will be no mistaking that you're a girl. Draco will no doubt try to play bodyguard but there are four houses at Hogwarts, and there are going to be two other schools staying for a while. Never, ever tell your father or Lucius that I said this, but enjoy it. Steal some kisses in alcoves. Go on dates to Hogsmeade and get to know people outside of Gryffindor tower. Your abilities are well known. It makes you formidable and that scares some people. Show them you're approachable too."
Hermione laughed then sighed. "I'll try," she hedged.
"Do not make me send those Howlers," Narcissa retorted as Hermione huffed out a laugh and rolled her eyes, picking up a tiny sandwich so she didn't need to reply. She felt raw and exposed and, if she was honest, confused. She liked Narcissa and Draco, which was unsettling all on its own, but sooner or later she was going to come back into contact with Lucius and she wasn't sure how she felt about it. He had been perfectly polite at the World Cup but she couldn't pretend he hadn't done what he had done. He had given something he knew was dark to an eleven-year-old girl. Even if he hadn't known what it did, he knew it was dangerous. He had encouraged Draco to look down on Muggleborns. Draco had told her how angry he had been when she had beaten his scores in first year. Could she forgive him? Should she? It made her head hurt to think about. She wondered how receptive to her questions he'd be. She had many and they needed answering or she was going to be forced to make a decision she wasn't sure she wanted to.
"I think we're done," Narcissa announced, exiting the beauticians.
"Because the shops are closing?"
"Partially," Narcissa smiled. "However, I truly cannot think of a single thing you need right now."
"That's because we've bought more today than I've owned for all of the last fourteen years combined!" Hermione exclaimed.
Looking unrepentant Narcissa took her arm. "You'll come to the manor?"
"Oh, I…yes?"
"Good. It's time you met Lucius properly. After the world cup was not enough."
Hermione felt a jolt of fear shoot through her. Apparently, it was time to find out if she could forgive the man. She wondered if she'd still have Narcissa and Draco by the end of the visit.
Her first thought about the Manor was that it was huge and she'd only seen the entrance hall. No wonder Draco was such a boastful little prat.
"Come along darling. Let's see if we can find them." Hermione nodded her agreement, following Narcissa down the hall, past more doors than could possibly be needed. "Ah. Lucius, Severus, there you are. Where is Draco?"
Both men's heads snapped around to Narcissa. Hermione barely suppressed the urge to flinch as her potions professor's eyes widened upon spotting her.
Narcissa caught his expression too. "Honestly Lucius, did you tell Severus anything?".
"No," Lucius drawled. "I imagined the look on his face would be far more entertaining and I see I was right. Draco is in the Library."
"No. Sit," Narcissa commanded when Hermione's eyes lit up.
"Would you like a paw too?" If possible, Severus' eyes widened further.
"Not today, dear. Cally?"
"Yes, Mistress?"
"Fetch Draco from the library, please. Now, they will not bite, Hermione. Sit down." Reluctantly, Hermione moved over towards one of the sofas.
"Successful day?" Lucius inquired lightly.
"Oh, ah…yes. I doubt I'll need anything new for the next decade."
Lucius snorted. "Yes, I imagine Narcissa probably went overboard in her excitement."
Hermione hummed, feeling utterly out of place.
"Is someone going to explain?" Severus demanded into the silence.
"You wanted me, Mother?" Draco's voice came from the door before he looked around the room, a wide smile splitting his face. "Hermione! What are you doing here?"
"Your mother insisted," Hermione replied softly.
Draco outright laughed, walking over to sit beside her. "I'm impressed you lasted as long as you did. I expected you to plead for mercy hours ago."
"You say that like it would have worked," Hermione responded wryly. "Next time it's your turn."
"Not a chance. I've had years of this. And you're here now. I've got at least another decade before I need to consider it, and maybe by then one of us will have children she can shop for instead and for that she'll need to take either my wife or your husband. Oh or Tonks! Tonks would be perfect. Next year it's her turn!"
"Good plan," Hermione agreed as Narcissa huffed. No one noticed Severus' instinctual flinch at the name.
"I am not that bad! But if Nymphadora wishes to come shopping, I would not say no. Her choice of attire is scandalous."
"I quite like it," Hermione mused.
"Absolutely not. Her trousers had holes in them!"
Hermione laughed. "You do know they were meant to have them, don't you? But if you're going to force her into heels, can you make sure we're there to see it? And perhaps have a healer on standby?"
"Yes, I know they were meant to be there," Narcissa huffed. "I just don't understand why!"
"Fashion," Hermione sang. Across from them, Severus was barely hiding his agitation.
"Will someone bloody explain what is happening!" he howled. "Have you given me something? Is this a particularly strange and vivid hallucination?"
The entire room fell silent before Lucius began to laugh. Narcissa attempted to hide her smile, but Draco looked stunned, watching his father as if he hadn't seen him before as he gasped for breath.
"Oh gods, it was better than even I had anticipated," he gasped. "I knew there was a reason I kept you around Severus."
"I'm so glad I can be of use," he drawled, his eye twitching slightly showing his annoyance.
"Yes, Yes. Now, who wishes to start?" Lucius looked around expectantly once he was calm.
Hermione and Draco shared a look and promptly shut their mouths.
"Really?" Lucius sighed exasperatedly. Narcissa smiled back blandly. "Fine. Miss McKinnon…."
"Who the hell is Miss McKinnon?" Severus demanded.
"I am," Hermione replied, refusing to meet his eyes.
"Explain!" he barked, forcefully transporting both Hermione and Draco back to his classroom.
"It would appear that Miss McKinnon is the daughter of Marlene McKinnon….and Sirius Black," Lucius explained, seeing their grimaces. No one missed the stiffening of Severus' spine.
Hermione gave him a wry smile. "Don't worry Professor, your opinion of him cannot possibly be worse than mine."
"Oh?"
"Lord Black has had nothing to do with me since I was months old. He is not, nor will he ever be involved in my life."
Severus' eyebrow shot up. He had never heard Miss Granger….McKinnon sound so bitter. There was clearly more to the story; the way Draco had reached for her told him that.
"Sirius decided that his godson was…in more need than his daughter," Narcissa sneered, her eyes hard.
"I see," Severus murmured.
"Oh, I don't really think that you do, but you will," Lucius replied softly.
"Do feel free to explain."
"Later," Lucius murmured. "Draco, why don't you take Hermione to the library. We'll call you for dinner. You're staying, I presume?"
"Of course she is," Narcissa interjected. "I'll send Cally to inform your father."
"Oh, I…alright," Hermione agreed with a slight frown as Draco dragged her from the room.
"Am I getting that explanation now?" Severus asked wryly.
"She despises him," Lucius replied, an expression of satisfied glee flitting over his face.
"Lucius," Narcissa warned.
"Well, she does."
"With good reason. Were you aware Hermione was brought up in more foster homes than I want to count?"
Severus looked momentarily startled. "No," he replied slowly. "Why?"
"Marlene died. Sirius had disappeared to the Potters' when she was four months old and didn't see her again until the last school year, where he ignored her and promised Potter a home. Remus Lupin in her godfather." Severus' eyebrows jumped. "As aware as I am of your history he's….not entirely as I expected. He couldn't keep her, of course, the laws being as they are. Andromeda refused. Amelia Bones was barely coping with Susan and apparently, Pandora Saw her death if she took her in, so he visited and she lived with various Muggles who were terrified of her accidental magic."
Several things slotted into place for Severus at that point and he winced internally. No bloody wonder the girl was so desperate to prove herself. "Why now?"
Narcissa sighed. "Are you aware that Harry Potter's relatives are abusive?"
Severus stilled. "No. I had no idea he was with Petunia until he turned up in first year. I gathered that they weren't overly kind, but I didn't realise that they were abusive.
"Well, they were. And Sirius is innocent of the Potter's deaths, so she revived the McKinnon name so she'd be taken seriously and managed to convince Amelia to have Sirius exonerated, allowing Potter to move in with him."
"How touching," he sneered.
"Yes, it's been wonderful seeing how badly it affects her every time she takes another hit," Narcissa bit out, making him wince. "They haven't even bothered to thank her. They stood at the World Cup and Sirius spoke about making memories with the boy in front of her. I have never been so fucking close to cursing someone in my life."
"You like her," he stated, frowning.
"Yes," Narcissa admitted. "I've been helping Augusta train her and well…you saw Draco. Tell me, Severus, when was the last time my son looked that free with one of his peers? She's given us a chance when many would not. I don't imagine it's going to be easy. She was asking questions about Lucius today, so be prepared for that, darling," Lucius winced in response. "But she is family."
Severus inclined his head. "It is unusual to see Draco so animated," he agreed. "You mentioned her father….if not the mutt, who are you talking about? I cannot imagine you could send an elf to Muggles."
"She calls Remus Lupin dad. She left her last foster home at the beginning of the summer. He's…trying to put the pieces together. Forgive me….." Narcissa paused. "She reminds me viscerally of you. I understand your…persona, but we both know that is not who you truly are. Please…keep an eye on her this year. She has lost Potter and Weasley, at least for now. I know she has Draco and I'm sure Adrian will keep an eye on her, along with Susan Bones and Neville Longbottom, but she…hides so much of what she's feeling. She feels…out of place, unlovable, and for all we're working on her self-esteem, the summer holidays are not long enough to undo years of conditioning. I am worried about what will happen to the little progress we've made with her when she returns to that school."
Severus sighed. "I…I will try. We all know she's exceptionally bright if she would just stop trying so hard."
"She's terrified of not being enough. Again." Narcissa responded softly.
"Very well," Severus groaned. "Is Minerva aware?"
"Yes. Augusta and Remus informed her. I gather she will also be keeping an eye on her."
Severus hummed. "If the wolf could not keep her, how exactly has he managed it this time?"
"Oh. He had Andromeda sign the guardianship papers."
"Interesting. And when Albus inevitably meddles and blows that up?"
"Then we will be there. She is not going back to the Muggle world, Severus, and she sure as Circe is not going to Sirius."
"The wolf will love that," he mused.
"He'll accept it. And we will not cut him out. She'd never forgive us."
Severus' eyebrow rose. "And if Dumbledore is correct and He returns? What then?"
She winced. "We'll deal with it. For all she's Gryffindor, she's a practical little thing. Let us hope if he returns then he is as he was, not what he became."
"And if not?"
"Then we put him down. It would be a kindness and I will not allow him to harm the children."
Severus and Lucius both blinked at her. "Very well."
Dinner was slightly tense, Hermione couldn't figure out how to navigate both Lucius and Professor Snape, so she kept quiet. Narcissa tried, but even Draco was stilted as if he wasn't sure how much he was allowed to speak.
"Hermione? Will you join me in my study?" Lucius asked as dinner finished. The mirrored looks of astonishment on Narcissa and Draco's faces immediately set her on edge.
"If…if you want," she allowed, barely resisting the urge to vomit. What the hell was this? Was he about to ask her to leave his family in peace? Warn her to keep her opinions to herself? Forbid the excursions into the Muggle world?
"Don't look so scared, Hermione," he murmured, gesturing towards a seat as he took the sofa across from it. "Your Aunt mentioned you had questions."
"Oh," Hermione replied, her heart threatening to beat through her chest.
He arched a brow. "Well?"
"You….you want me to ask them?" she frowned, having not expected that.
"Yes. I think it would be wise. You've come to mean rather a great deal to both my wife and son in a short period of time. We both know you're not going anywhere and I find that I cannot abide the thought of you feeling as uncomfortable in my home as you quite clearly do. So. I cannot promise to answer everything but I will try."
Hermione took a deep breath and straightened her spine. "Why do you hate Muggleborns to the point you encouraged Draco to torment them?"
Lucius winced. "Thank you so much for easing me into this gently," he murmured wryly. "I…I was taught to hate Muggleborns. I was taught I was better than them, better than half-bloods, better than most purebloods, truth be told. I am a Malfoy after all." He smirked when she predictably rolled her eyes. "Your Aunt would warn you that wasn't very ladylike, you know."
"I know," she agreed. "I don't think I'll ever quite be as…perfectly ladylike as she'd want me to be."
"I don't know. She seems to believe you're doing well." Hermione hummed but didn't comment. "Back to Muggleborns then? Very well. Muggleborns come into our world and start trying to change things."
"Has it crossed your mind that they are not trying to change things deliberately, but because no one bothers to explain any other way?"
"Well it has now," he allowed. "But no, not before. They seemed….disrespectful. Add in that they risk the statute, and it makes them an easy target. Did you know that there are no enchantments stopping Muggle parents from telling whomever they like?"
She nodded. "Yes. I knew."
"Then I can imagine you can appreciate how at risk that makes us."
"Yes. I do. But…. that's not really their fault. It's the fault of the Ministry, or Hogwarts, the system, whatever. Muggleborns don't make the rules. The people here do."
He froze before he sighed. "You're not wrong."
"That was really difficult for you to admit, wasn't it?"
He gaped for a moment before he laughed. "I suddenly understand why my wife and son are so taken with you. Do you have a filter?"
"Sometimes? Sometimes the words just escape me."
"No wonder you drive Severus…batty."
Hermione winced. "That was an awful pun. Why encourage Draco to torment Muggleborns though? That's active hate."
Lucius sighed. "You, partly. I'll admit it was not my finest moment, but I'm sure that you are aware that Draco did not actively target you until your second year, after I was….unreasonable when your scores topped his. Draco, who has had every advantage we could give him, was beaten by a child who had no lineage, no advantages to speak of. It was…infuriating."
"I see," she murmured.
"I'm not proud of it, Hermione," he replied, watching the girl in front of him, uncomfortably aware that Narcissa would never forgive him if he made a mess of this.
"Because I'm not Muggleborn or because it's wrong?"
"Both. I…I am not unaware of what my son has been thinking recently and it is only your arrival into our lives that has allowed us all to consider it."
"And if Draco asked you to join us in the Muggle world, would you come?" she asked curiously.
Lucius winced. "I…I would consider it."
She hummed. "He wants you to come to the cinema with us."
"The giant pensive?"
"Yes."
"I see…when?"
"Um, the day after tomorrow? There's a few of us going."
"Right." Lucius shifted uncomfortably. "Right I…I can….I can do that."
"Can you?" she arched a brow.
"Yes," he replied decisively. His son had survived the trip twice. His wife had come back in one piece today and she had seemed so excited about it all. He was not a coward. He could do this.
"Alright. Explain the diary?"
"Gods, you really are blunt. Fine. What did your Aunt tell you?"
"You wanted Ginny caught with it to get back at Mr. Weasely," she replied promptly.
He winced. "Salazar, I'm getting your aunt to add tact to your next round of lessons. I suppose that that is…accurate. I truly thought that the wards would pick it up."
"And what….humiliate an eleven-year-old little girl?"
"Not my finest moment," he muttered.
"You appear to be having a few of those," she responded pointedly.
"So it would seem," he sighed. "I never, not once, thought it wouldn't be caught. I also had no idea what it would do. If you believe nothing else, believe that."
"I do, strangely. Do you regret it?"
"Yes! Gods, yes! Whatever else I may be, I am not interested in harming children."
"Just their families?"
"Good gods, I hope to never face you on the Wiznegmaot. I have not always been….a good man. I have done things I shouldn't in the name of the cause I believed in, and things that I didn't believe in in order to stay alive."
"Yes. About that. Explain Voldemort."
"Well, when a witch loves a man very much….." he began, smirking at her withering look. "Oh, alright. He promised more protections, the tightening of the statute, and more regulations for Muggleborns entering our world. And I believed in his message. I do believe in that message. But he became….ill, almost. He was unstable and prone to fits of temper. He was an extraordinarily powerful wizard and therefore when he had a tantrum, the results were deadly."
"I'm aware," she replied coldly. "I have a list of dead family members that proves it. What did they do? How does that fit into your pureblood supremacy message?"
"It doesn't," he admitted slowly. "We…we never found out what happened, but Hermione, he didn't sanction those murders. You are right. It directly contradicted his message."
"You said it yourself, he wasn't always sane."
"No," Lucius inclined his head. "He was not. But his insanity tended towards indiscriminately torturing his followers and sanctioning random acts of vandalism and destruction. He allowed the torture of purebloods but never their deaths. He wasn't all that fond of killing any magical people. To be honest, he thought that magic was sacred. He believed in a clear hierarchy, don't get me wrong, but not in the murdering of magicals."
"That completely contradicts everything I've ever heard about him," Hermione countered.
Lucius sighed. "And the winning side is never biassed."
Hermione bit her lip. "Fine. I'll give you that. So what's the theory then?"
"For your family?" Lucius sighed. "I don't know. People going rogue isn't out of the question, but you also have to remember that the other side was as violent as ours."
"You think that the other side did it?"
"There were rumours,'' he murmured slowly, "but I truly do not know. It could quite as easily have been some of ours on a ridiculous side quest for some perceived slight."
Hermione let out a long exhale, her mind spinning. "And the Potters?"
"Not his finest moment," Lucius granted. "He was….more unstable towards the end. We advised against it. I still have the scars to prove it."
"I don't really know what to say, you know," she murmured. "I….I don't know how to accept that you all hold these beliefs and that you've willfully hurt people…."
"You think Dumbledore, Lord Black, your mother even, Madam Bones, your father…all of them, you think that they have not?"
"I…I can't honestly say I've ever thought about it," she admitted.
"Speak to your father. Perhaps his perspective will surprise you. All I ask is you give me a chance. Draco…is lighter. I am not unaware that I have not been the best father but….he is my son and there has been a spark in him recently that I haven't seen since he was small. He spoke to me about….the little square pensive?"
"Televisions?"
"If you say so. He asked for my help in figuring out how to make them work around magic. I…" he sighed, "Draco does not come to me to ask for help. I…I have not been approachable. I hadn't realised how much I wanted to change that until he forced the issue."
"Oh," she replied softly, her eyes raking over his face. "How far have you gotten?"
He barked out a laugh. "I don't even understand what it is!"
She hummed, "Then perhaps we need to go buy one after the cinema. Can I….if I have more questions can I ask?"
"Yes," he agreed.
She nodded before she smirked slightly "I…I'm going to go reassure Draco I'm still alive. Thank you for…well…being at least slightly honest with me."
He nodded. "Thank you for giving us a chance."