A/N: I did not mean to take so long to bring you all an update for this story. My muse, when present, has been focused on other things but I am so happy to finally be able to update for you. I hope you're all doing well and I'm excited for you all to read this chapter.
Enjoy!
Fight for what
What we want
Doesn't matter the cost
Every day
Put in work
Blood sweat and tears
-Evolve, Ki:Theory
Harry shifted his weight from one foot to the other, debating whether he should knock or not. Hermione had made it clear she didn't want them to visit her at Malfoy Manor, but he was worried about her and he missed her. He was ready to work on their friendship and he wanted to check up on her. Reminding himself that he had faced Voldemort when he was just a child, he raised his fist and knocked on the door. He wasn't sure if it was his nerves or not, but he could swear he heard the sound echo through the large house. A moment later, Narcissa pulled it open, surprised to see him there but remaining composed nonetheless.
"Mister Potter, to what do I owe the pleasure?" she asked, keeping herself firmly settled in the door so he couldn't slip inside.
Harry wrung his hands in front of him, looking up and saying, "I know she said she didn't want us to visit here, but I was hoping I could see Hermione. I, erm, I wanted to talk to her about how I've been acting and check up on how she's feeling."
Narcissa considered him for a moment, debating turning him away but deciding against it and gesturing him into the entryway. "Let me ask her if she's willing to see you. Please try not to wander off while I'm gone."
Harry nodded even though she had already turned and headed up the stairs, doing his best not to fidget. Narcissa cast him a subtle glance as she reached the top of the stairs, satisfied that he was still in the same spot. She continued to the room Hermione was in, along with her sister, which was part of the reason she had left him down there. Hermione had expressed no desire to have Ron or Harry visit her here, but she supposed it was a good sign that Harry just showed up. Sure, he was disregarding Hermione's request, but he seemed to genuinely want to make up. Narcissa gently pushed open the door to her sister's room, finding both witches asleep. Her sister hadn't moved an inch but Hermione had gradually gravitated closer to Bellatrix over the past few days. She found it sweet.
"Hermione," Narcissa whispered, gently waking her with a hand on her shoulder.
"Hmm?" Hermione intoned, rolling so her face was pressed into her pillow.
Narcissa couldn't help but smile fondly at the action her sister had often done upon being woken. "Harry came to see you."
Hermione groaned into the pillow, reluctantly pushing herself up. "Where is he?"
"I'll take you," she insisted.
"Cissa, I've been resting for I don't even know how many days now! I barely leave the bed, I'm fine!" Hermione rubbed the sleep from her face, cringing at the harshness of her tone. "Sorry."
The blonde witch had the grace not to seem offended, which Hermione appreciated. "I know you've been feeling restless, which is why I didn't turn him away outright, but I will take you so I can keep an eye on how well you're doing. You'll have privacy once you two are settled."
Hermione nodded, her cheeks tinged pink with shame. "I don't mean to snap at you. I really do appreciate you taking care of me, it's just frustrating that I can't do my job."
Narcissa offered Hermione an arm and a soft smile. "I understand, Hermione. You're so used to taking care of everything that it's difficult to have to wait for other people to get the job done. I know you want to find out what's going on and I promise you your friends do, too. You can't help anyone if you aren't at your best."
Hermione found herself returning the smile as she looped her arm through Narcissa's, allowing the blonde witch to walk her to the entryway where Harry was waiting patiently. He broke into a grin upon seeing her and she found herself returning the sentiment.
"Hermione!" he exclaimed, rushing forward and engulfing her in a gentle hug as Narcissa made her exit.
"Hi, Harry," she whispered, squeezing him tightly, "Have you finally come to your senses?"
He laughed, his cheeks reddening. "Yeah, I just wish I could say the same for everyone else. Sorry it took so long."
"I forgive you." Hermione affectionately slapped his cheeks, pulling a laugh from both of them.
"How are you feeling?" he asked as if suddenly remembering why he had come.
Hermione looped her arm through his, pulling him into step with her toward the library. "Better now that I've got some company. It's boring having to rest all the time but I think I'll be able to come back to work soon."
"I'm sorry I haven't really been there for you," Harry mumbled, his attention caught by the walls of books. Of course, Hermione would bring him to the library.
She waved off his apology. "You're here now, that's more important."
"I-I realized something recently. I've been thinking a lot since we last saw each other. I realized that you're right, Hermione. About Bellatrix, and Draco, and, well, everything, really. I wish it hadn't taken me so long but we both know I can be a little thick." He sat down in a chair across from Hermione, bouncing his leg up and down.
Hermione pulled her legs under her, leaning against the arm of the chair. "It's not too late for Draco. He's been doing really well, actually."
"Do you think I could talk to him?"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "You're both adults Harry, if you feel like you can have a conversation instead of an argument then yes. As long as he wants to talk to you."
Harry smiled, forcing his leg to still. "I know that I haven't been great, but I want to be. If you need anything, 'Mione, anything at all, I've got your back."
"I appreciate that, Harry."
Harry nodded, and they fell into a partly awkward, partly comfortable silence. Hermione seemed lost in thought as they sat there and Harry didn't blame her. A lot rested on her shoulders, had been resting on her shoulders for a long time. He had thought it was difficult to be the Chosen One, but it had been so much harder to get him where he needed to be. After the war, Hermione had worked harder than all of them, had so much more responsibility. She had always seemed to bear it with ease but now Harry could see the toll it was taking on his childhood friend and he worried for her.
"I should get going, it's almost my turn for guard duty but it was nice to see you, Hermione," Harry finally said, standing from the chair and leaning down to hug her.
"Thank you for stopping by, Harry," Hermione whispered in his ear, watching him go with a sigh. She was ready to be more helpful than she had been lately. All she had done was look over files and cross-referenced the people in custody with the uncaptured Death Eaters. It had borne some results, there were five Death Eaters that had been captured as members of the Arthurian Order and they had uncovered a little more about their plans thanks to that information. She had even learned a little bit more about the Order's history from the book Bellatrix had told her about. She hadn't spoken to her about it more, not wanting to bring it up.
So far, they had discovered that the Arthurian Order was targeting people who pushed for extreme change, confirming Hermione and Ginny's theory that they hadn't actually been targeting Kingsley. It had its roots during the time of King Arthur, though they had nothing to do with him. Rather, the Arthurian Order was formed by a collection of nobles that had opposed King Arthur's claim to Camelot and sought to undermine his rule from the shadows. It was originally created by Muggles but was overtaken by wizards after Morgan le Fay joined Arthur's court. They had disbanded when she was banished and replaced with Merlin, and had reappeared and disappeared a few times throughout the centuries. From Bellatrix's memories, she understood that the reformation of the Order was a backup plan to Voldemort, or that it had supplemented his followers, or something along those lines. It had happened so fast that she wasn't sure what the memory was and she didn't have the heart to ask Bellatrix to relive it.
"Hermione?" Draco asked, peering into the library, "Are you okay?"
Startled from her reverie, she nearly fell out of her chair. "Just thinking, Draco. Trying to solve this whole mess."
"I was thinking, since it's almost mum's birthday, that we should go shopping for her," he offered, leaning against the doorframe.
"That sounds nice. And, lucky for us, the Head Auror and Head of War Crimes approved going out without Aurors. Now we just have to get past your mom," Hermione grinned, pushing herself out of the chair.
"Aunt Andromeda is bringing Teddy over," he answered, offering his arm to Hermione "That'll keep both of them busy for a while."
She gave him a look as she looped her arm through his. "It's almost as if you've been planning this."
Draco smirked at her, letting her draw her own conclusions. He knew she had already figured him out, she wasn't easy to trick by any means, but it was still a fun game to play. It kept them both entertained. Draco waited outside the door while Hermione changed into something more suitable for going out in. It was hardly a surprise when she emerged in jeans and a plain shirt, since she almost always preferred to wear Muggle clothes unless the situation demanded something else. He took her outstretched arm, feeling the twisting in his gut that signified Side-Along Apparition. When he oriented himself, he found that they were in Diagon Alley, toward the end with Ollivander's.
"What kind of things does your mom like?" Hermione asked, deciding to get the blonde witch a present. She knew that was why Draco made a point of telling her what the trip was for because she wouldn't have asked if he hadn't disclosed the reason.
"You've been with us for how long, Hermione?" he teased, starting off down the alley.
She rolled her eyes, easily catching up to him and matching his pace. "I know what she's interested in, if that's what you mean. Should I get her books or potion ingredients or what?"
Draco just shook his head. "I can't tell you what to get her. It has to be from you. When you find it, you'll know."
"How helpful," she muttered sarcastically.
Draco beamed at her, gesturing for her to enter the shop first. Hermione just shook her head from side-to-side, unable to hide the smile on her face. He entered right behind her, chuckling at her faux exasperation. Truthfully, he wasn't sure what he was going to get for his mother so it was difficult to give Hermione advice. They meandered through Flourish and Blott's, browsing through the books in the hopes that something would stand out to them. They had no such luck so after reluctantly admitting defeat, they continued to browse through Diagon Alley. Hermione was overly-aware of the time that passed, bordering on paranoia because she didn't want Narcissa to notice her absence. Draco continued to assure her that they would be fine but Hermione had a hard time matching his confidence.
"Look at this," he said, pulling her attention away from the time. Again.
Hermione observed the windows of the small store with interest. She couldn't make out what was inside and she couldn't remember ever coming across it before, but her interest was piqued. "Let's go in."
She pushed open the door, looking up as a little bell rang above her head. Draco poked her back and she continued moving forward, the bell ringing again as the door closed behind him. They both looked around, taking in the eclectic collection of items. Despite their expectations, the shop was well-kept and the items all looked brand new. Exchanging a glance, they both set off in opposite directions, browsing through the odds and ends slowly.
When a voice suddenly said, "Welcome to my shop," Hermione barely refrained from drawing her wand as she spun toward the source.
"What is this place, exactly?" Draco asked, sending Hermione a reassuring look.
"This is my shop," an old man, the source of the voice, repeated.
Draco opened his mouth to say something, but Hermione interrupted with, "I've never seen this place before."
The man smiled, several of his teeth missing. "My shop can only be found by those that are meant to find it. There is something in here that is meant for each of you to find."
"What does that mean?" Draco asked. Hermione just continued browsing, recognizing that was the extent of the shopkeeper's help. He kind of reminded her of Dumbledore with his cryptic ways.
"You will know. When you are ready, I will be waiting." With that, he disappeared, and Draco stood with his mouth open for several moments before he was able to shake himself out of his stupor.
A small, leatherbound book caught Hermione's eye and without hesitating, she grabbed it, stroking the soft material. The cover was a plain, faded brown with no indication of its contents. The spine was just as unhelpful, but Hermione tucked it under her arm anyway. She continued to make her way around the store, squeezing past Draco who was fixated on a nice looking pair of boots. Just as she thought she was finished looking, Hermione saw a bronze-colored necklace with a small, circular disk. It almost looked like a flattened coin but was clearly made of something else. She studied it without picking it up, wondering if she should.
"Ah, yes, a curious piece, isn't it?" the shopkeeper asked, peering over her shoulder.
Hermione forced herself not to jump at the sudden presence. "Am I meant to take it?"
"It would not have caught your attention otherwise. The items in my shop are very peculiar that way." He waited until Hermione picked up the necklace, watching the pendant spin. "This one in particular is very strange. It has been here for quite a long time. Many witches and wizards have walked right past it, never taking notice of it. This necklace was forged to be part of a pair, but I have never encountered the other. It is believed to have protective properties, but I can't prove that."
She looked at it closely, watching the light glint off it as it slowly stopped spinning. "I'm ready."
He smiled at her, once again revealing several missing teeth. "I thought you were. Come along."
Hermione followed him to a counter that she could swear hadn't been there before. Internally shrugging, she set the book and necklace on the counter, shortly joined by Draco who placed the shoes next to the book. The shopkeeper observed the items, nodding and mumbling to himself for a few minutes while Hermione and Draco shared a few unsure looks.
"Well, it looks like you two are all set," he finally said, clasping his hands together.
"Erm. How much?" Draco asked, looking from the items on the counter up at the smiling shopkeeper.
The shopkeeper chuckled, shaking his head back and forth. "No, no, no. The items in my shop are not purchased like in other shops. All of my items choose someone to own them. I am merely a facilitator for this to happen, I could not possibly charge anyone for an item that is meant for them to leave with."
Hermione and Draco shared a bewildered, confused look.
"Well, thank you, then," Hermione managed, grabbing the book and necklace while Draco grabbed the shoes.
"It is my pleasure," he said, waving them goodbye.
As the door closed behind them, neither of them could resist the urge to turn and look, only to be met with a bare wall. They exchanged another confused look, both of them opening and closing their mouths several times.
"We aren't mad, are we?" Draco asked uncertainly.
"That was... strange. But we still have the items." Hermione glanced pointedly at the pair of shoes in Draco's hands.
"I think I want to go back home," he said.
Hermione nodded in agreement, offering her arm to him. "Are those for Narcissa?"
Draco nodded as he gripped her arm a little tighter than usual. She Apparated them back to Malfoy Manor, the pair of them appearing outside her door. They glanced both ways down the corridor, breathing a sigh of relief when neither Narcissa nor Andromeda came rushing into view.
"They're probably in the garden," Draco said, "Are either of those for mum?"
Hermione contemplated the book and the necklace, weighing them in her mind. "The book. I'm not sure what it's about, but I wouldn't have found it if I wasn't meant to."
"And the necklace?"
Hermione shrugged as she pushed open the door. "I'm sure I'll figure it out."
He nodded, making his way back to his room and hoping he wouldn't run into Andromeda or his mum on the way. Hermione placed the book on her desk, fiddling with the chain and debating going over to Bellatrix's room. She changed into something more comfortable, tucking the chain into her pocket and wearily pushing her hair out of her face. Her energy still depleted so quickly when she wasn't near Bellatrix, and even though she was able to be away for longer each day, it wasn't more than a few hours. Hermione trudged across the hall, pushing the door open and smiling when she saw the dark witch awake and looking at the ceiling.
"See anything interesting?" she asked, hoping the humor would be appreciated.
Bellatrix didn't laugh but a grin did spread across her face. "Nothing I haven't seen before. What are you up to?"
"Draco and I just got back from Diagon Alley. It was...interesting." Hermione sat on the bed, pulling her knees to her chest and leaning back against the headboard.
"Interesting how?" Bellatrix tilted her head slightly so she could see Hermione better.
Hermione opened and closed her mouth a few times, struggling to find the words she wanted to use, "There was this shop that we had never seen before and when we left, it was just gone."
Bellatrimed hummed in thought, mumbling, "I don't think I've ever come across anything like that."
"Well, in that case, want me to show you something interesting?"
Hermione smiled when Bellatrix nodded her head. She wasn't able to move more than her head yet, but Narcissa worked with her every day to get there, sometimes with Andromeda's help. Pulling the necklace from her pocket, she held it still while the other witch studied it with keen eyes. Bellatrix hummed again, narrowing her eyes at the plain-looking necklace.
"The shopkeeper said it's part of a pair but didn't know anything about the other and that this one might have protective properties."
"If it does, you should wear it. Make it harder for the people trying to kill you," Bellatrix joked.
She raised a brow at Hermione who was looking down at her with an awed smile. "I think that's the first joke I've ever heard you make."
"Don't get used to it," she said, rolling her eyes playfully.
Hermione bit her lip to stop herself from saying anything else, opting to slip the necklace on over her head. She held the pendant between her thumb and index finger, inspecting it for anything she hadn't noticed before but it was just a plain, flat disc.
"You should tuck it under your shirt," Bellatrix suggested.
Hermione nodded, tucking it into her shirt after looking at it for a few moments. She leaned her head back against the headboard, sighing restlessly. "I don't know how you haven't died of boredom."
If Bellatrix could've, she would've shrugged. "I have a lot to think about. And good company."
She watched Hermione stare blankly at the ceiling, wishing she could reach out to her. As hard as she tried, she couldn't even get her fingers to twitch in response. She knew it would take time but she wanted to be able to move, to do something other than lie in bed. She wanted to help.
"What's on your mind?" she asked, looking up at Hermione.
Hermione shifted her gaze to her, pulling her legs tighter to her chest. "How did you do it for so long?"
"Do what?"
"How did you fight for so long?" She let go of her legs, sliding them down the bed.
Bellatrix looked up at her, her eyebrows furrowed. "I'm...I don't know. I had to. For my family. Everything I did. The people I hurt, the lives I ended, it was all to keep my family alive. I didn't know I was on the wrong side until it was too late for me, but I could still keep them safe from harm."
The brunette nodded, her eyes glazed over as if she were lost in thought.
"Why do you fight, Hermione?" Bellatrix asked softly.
"When I was thrust into the war, I didn't realize how complicated the world actually was. It was as easy as us being the good guys and you being the bad guys. Then I realized it was more complicated than that and I was fighting to make things better than they were. And we won but things aren't better in the way I thought they were. What was it all for?" Hermione fiddled with her hands while she spoke, furrowing her brow.
"Are you going to stop fighting?"
"I'm tired. Of everything. I spent 7 years fighting an impossible battle and we won despite the odds and I feel like I haven't stopped fighting."
Bellatrix turned her head back to the ceiling. "So was that a yes or no?"
Hermione sighed, leaning her head in her hands and mumbling, "I don't know anymore."
"May I put things into perspective?" When Hermione nodded, she continued. "Let's say you stop fighting. If you do that, the people you care about will get hurt protecting you. Are you willing to stand by and let them get hurt for you just to let them kill you in the end?"
She picked her head up, shaking her head with a set jaw. "No. No, I'm not."
"There she is," Bellatrix smiled, "I'll help you as much as I can."
"Thank you," she mumbled.
Bellatrix nodded, the pair of witches descending into a comfortable silence. They stayed that way until Narcissa poked her head into the room, breathing a sigh of relief at finding Hermione.
"There you are," she breathed.
"Here I am," Hermione muttered.
Narcissa gave her a stern look that softened when she saw the expression on her face. "Teddy would like to see you."
"I'll come down," she said, pushing herself up from the bed. She cast a look a Bellatrix to find her sleeping, or at least pretending to.
"Are you okay, Hermione?" Narcissa asked, looping her arm through the younger witch's.
She frowned, staring hard at the floor as they walked. "I have...a lot on my mind."
"I understand. I know it's difficult for you to be stuck at home, but I have to admit I've loved having you and Draco home all day. And it's nice to know Bella has someone to keep her company and engage her in conversation. Perhaps it's a bit selfish, but I can't find it in myself to be sorry about it." Narcissa insisted on supporting Hermione's weight as they descended the stairs. "You truly are a blessing, Hermione. You've brought both my sisters back to me without even meaning to. I don't think I'll ever be able to express the extent of my gratitude."
Hermione turned her head to the blonde witch. "It is difficult, but at least I have company. I know I can be difficult but it isn't because I don't appreciate everything you do for me. It's so easy spending time with you and Draco and Bellatrix that I feel like I should've experienced it from the beginning. It feels like I have been. I want to protect you. All of you. I need to."
Narcissa pulled them to a stop outside the parlor Andromeda and Teddy were waiting in, placing her hand on Hermione's cheek. "You must allow us to protect you. You can't do it all on your own."
A slight stupor fell over Hermione after Narcissa's words and she was only brought back to the real world when Teddy excitedly yelled, "Hermione!"
She laughed and took a step back as he threw herself at her, his small arms wrapping around her legs. "Hi, Teddy. I've missed you."
"I've missed you, too! Can we play cops and robbers?" He looked up at her expectantly, bouncing up and down with enthusiasm.
"Of course we can," she answered, kneeling down in front of him.
He giggled, throwing his arms around her shoulders. "I wanna be the robber! You can be the cop. Come find me!"
He took off down the corridor before Hermione could respond, his giggles trailing after him. She braced herself on her knee, pushing herself into a standing position. Teddy's giggles still echoed through the manor, drawing a smile to Hermione's face.
Turning to meet Andromeda and Narcissas's gazes, she lightheartedly said, "You'd think I'd get tired of always being the cop."
They both chuckled, the middle Black sister moving toward her to gently hug her. "How have you been doing?"
She shrugged half-heartedly. "Physically, I'm getting better. It's just tough to be so limited with what I can do. I still can't go more than a couple hours without needing to rest and it's starting to get to me."
Andromeda placed a hand on her shoulder, smiling reassuringly at the brunette. "You need as much rest as you can get, your body has a lot to recover from. I know you throw yourself into work instead of dealing with things but you can't do that forever. Things will always catch up with you."
Hermione nodded, her eyes on the floor. "I should try to go find him now."
Andromeda and Narcissa watched her go with varying levels of concern in their eyes. Hermione sighed as she wandered through the corridors, roughly in the direction Teddy had gone. He wouldn't be difficult to find as she got closer because his laughter was always uncontrollable and gave him away. Even though the manor was huge, she didn't think he would go up the stairs or outside, so it was just a matter of walking around enough.
She reached the end of the corridor and was about to continue to the left when she heard stifled giggles from her right. It almost sounded like more laughter than Teddy could produce but she brushed it off as a strange echo until she heard Draco whisper something she couldn't make out followed by two sets of footsteps. Shaking her head with a smile, she set off after them, quietly tailing them through the corridors. The two sets of footsteps abruptly stopped when they entered the foyer, and it didn't take her long to figure out why.
"Ginny," she greeted with a grin, "You cut off my two suspects."
She looked between Draco and Teddy with a raised brow. "Oh? What are they suspects for, boss?"
"This one," she pointed to Teddy, "Assaulted me with a hug. This one," she pointed to Draco, "Was aiding and abetting our little criminal."
"That's no good," Ginny chided, shaking her head, "I guess I'll have to break out the shackles."
Draco struggled to hide his smile, finally getting used to Hermione and Ginny's banter, while Teddy paled and threw his arms around Ginny's legs. "Please don't put me in shackles!"
She crouched down, allowing him to throw his arms around her shoulders. "We would never. So long as you behave."
He nodded fiercely and the three adults laughed when he moved behind Ginny as Hermione approached.
"I promise you're not in trouble Teddy. I was just playing, but I'll make it more obvious next time, okay?" She smiled when he nodded, opening her arms for a hug. "Do you forgive me?"
Teddy hesitated behind Ginny's legs before rushing forward, giggling as Hermione picked him up and spun him in a circle. Ginny steadied her when she almost stumbled, giving her a stern look.
"Auntie 'Mione, are you okay?" he asked as she set him down.
She nodded. "I'm okay, Teddy, I just lost my balance. Ginny and I need to talk for a bit, but I'm sure Draco will play with you."
"Be careful," he said, hugging her legs before grabbing Draco's hand and pulling him. Draco smiled, allowing himself to be dragged but redirecting the young wizard's attention to more suitable things.
"Are you really okay, Hermione?" Ginny asked once they were out of earshot, her hands still on her shoulders.
The brunette sighed. "I'm getting rather tired of that question. I'm getting there, Gin."
"We just worry about you. You push yourself so hard," Ginny whispered, brushing a stray strand of hair behind Hermione's ear.
"I know, but I'm not going to break from a little exertion. I'm not fragile."
"No one is saying you are. We just want you to take care of yourself the way you take care of us. At the very least, let yourself be taken care of instead of doing it all yourself. I know you've heard this all before, so why don't we drop it and talk about something else?" Ginny's fingers brushed Hermione's cheeks as she pulled away.
"Yeah, that sounds good. Is the library okay?"
At Ginny's nod, they began making their way to the library, silence comfortably draped between them as the walked. The library was- blessedly- empty for the moment. It was difficult to keep work as confidential as it should be while Hermione was recovering but they weren't worried about anyone using the information, just that they may overhear something that would make them more worried.
"Have you been able to get any more information out of Rookwood?" Hermione asked as they sat down in chairs facing each other.
"No, he's refusing to answer anything. The other Death Eaters haven't been helpful either." Ginny draped her arms across the back of her chair, resting her right ankle on her left knee. "Even Luna can't get anything useful out of them. And we still have no idea who the others are. We've reached a dead end."
Hermione scowled at the table between them, staring hard at the glass and Ginny almost wondered how it didn't shatter under the weight of her stare. "Wand records?"
Ginny shook her head.
"School records?"
She shook her head again.
Hermione sighed, slouching in her chair and drumming her fingers on the arms of it as she thought. "Legilimancy?"
Ginny's eyes widened at the suggestion. "You aren't seriously considering that?"
"It's either that or Veritaserum, which doesn't necessarily compel them to answer. I don't like having to resort to such tactics but it seems like we have to," Hermione continued staring hard at the table as she spoke, a frown tugging the corners of her mouth downward.
"Right," Ginny muttered, shifting uncomfortably.
"Keep trying without it for now, I have a particular person in mind and I want to be there when it happens." Hermione stopped drumming her fingers, fixing her intense gaze on Ginny. "What else has been going on?"
"The usual, mostly. It might cheer you up that Cormac's trial finished up this morning. I don't know why it took them so long considering all the evidence against him. He wasn't sentenced to Azkaban but he was fired and banned from working for the Ministry in any capacity, even as a contractor. He did testify against other Aurors we had temporarily suspended while we reviewed their actions." She was used to Hermione's heavy gazes and felt calmer when it was fixed on her than something else.
Hermione nodded, relaxing a little bit. "How's the press?"
Ginny chewed on her lip, grimacing as she said, "They really want answers. We're trying to keep them at bay, but it gets harder every day, especially with Rita Skeeter at the head of it."
Humming in consideration, Hermione began drumming her fingers on the arm of her chair. "Is she still unregistered as an Animagus?"
"I'll check tomorrow," Ginny said, "What do you have in mind?"
"Leave that to me," Hermione muttered, "I'll deal with her."
Ginny have her a thumbs up, shifting to throw her legs over the left arm of her chair. "When do you think you'll be back?"
Hermione sighed and shook her head back and forth. "I have no idea. I still have to rest after a few hours of just being up. If I take it easy at work, maybe the end of the week or the beginning of next."
Fixing Hermione with a look, she said, "You? Take it easy at work?"
The tone of Ginny's voice had Hermione descending into laughter, soon followed by the redhead. "I know, it sounds absolutely ridiculous. But I do want to come back, and if that's what it takes, I'll do it."
"Well, I'll be sure to keep you from overexerting yourself."
"Thanks, Ginny. How's your family?"
Ginny groaned, throwing her head back in annoyance. "Mum is upset that I'm considering moving out and that I want to take the offer from Narcissa. It's a really nice cottage, I can't wait for you to see it. It'll need a bit of work but it'll be nice to have something to make my own."
"I can't wait to see it, Gin." Hermione offered her a soft smile. "Harry came to see me this morning."
"How'd that go?" she asked with an eye roll.
Hermione laughed before answering, "Surprisingly well, actually. I was happy to have the company for a little bit."
"If only the rest of them would get their heads out of their arse," Ginny grumbled.
"Don't let it get to you. If they don't come around, that's on them."
"You're right," Ginny sighed, letting her head fall back, "It's just so hard to break mum's heart like that."
Hermione nodded sympathetically, suppressing a yawn as she leaned her head back.
"Do you want me to take you upstairs?" Ginny asked, almost forgoing the question to avoid irritating Hermione.
She shook her head from side to side in response, inhaling slowly. "No, but I should let Andromeda check to make sure I'm doing fine."
"I'll go get her." Ginny was about to push herself up when Hermione shook her head again.
"Don't. She'll find us. Just keep me company."
Ginny nodded even though Hermione couldn't see it. She did push herself up but occupied herself with choosing a book from the shelves. She was still browsing the shelves when Narcissa poked her head into the room. The blonde witch smiled at her in greeting as she pushed open the door to reveal Andromeda behind her. She offered them a wave and turned her attention back to the shelves. Narcissa laid a gentle hand on Hermione's shoulder, causing her to jump slightly.
"You shouldn't do that, Cissa," Hermione muttered, forcing herself to relax.
"I know you'd never hurt me," she said softly, "Can Andy check on you?"
At Hermione's nod, Narcissa moved away to make room for her sister, choosing to browse the shelves in silence with Ginny. Andromeda crouched in front of Hermione, observing her relaxed posture. She couldn't remember the last time she had seen Hermione naturally relaxed, if she had ever seen it. It was certainly much easier to see how she was recovering when she was relaxed, and it only took her a few minutes.
"You're getting much better. A few more days and I think you'll be back to full strength," Andromeda informed.
Hermione heaved a sigh, sinking into her chair. "Thanks, Andy."
"Perhaps this is a lesson to be more careful in the future," Narcissa said gently.
"I will always do what I need to," Hermione answered, fixing Narcissa with her gaze.
Narcissa, to everyone's surprise, looked away first. Andromeda placed a hand on Hermione's shoulder, hoping to relieve some of the tension in the room. Thankfully, Teddy and Draco chose that moment to burst into the room, the former squealing in laughter as he ran from Draco with his arms outstretched. He looked back at Draco, running into Ginny's legs and falling down. He giggled up at her as she crouched to pick him up.
"We're playing cops and robbers," he beamed, gripping Ginny's arms as she lifted him to his feet.
"Draco makes a good cop then," Ginny teased, lifting him into her arms when he tightened his grip.
"He didn't catch me," Teddy pointed out.
Ginny hummed in faux consideration. "But he chased you straight to me."
Teddy squealed as Ginny squeezed his sides, squirming in her arms to be put down. She complied, all of them looking on in amusement as he ran to Hermione and climbed up into her lap. He wrapped his arms around her neck, turning to stick his tongue out at Ginny and Draco.
"Yeah, big bad Auntie 'Mione will protect you," Draco teased.
"She will!" he insisted.
"Until my dying breath," she assured. It was clear to everyone in the room that she meant it for all of them, and brought them to varying states of worry for the brunette witch that was too stubborn for her own good.