Disclaimer: JK Rowling is the creator of the HP universe and its characters. I do not own anything except the rather strange plot bunny, and I solely profit in reviews.

Years Ago From Now: Chapter Three

She spent the rest of the day reading in bed, only pausing long enough to eat the lunch that Bando brought to her. It was only as the final vestiges of daylight were leaving the sky that Mink appeared once more.

"Mistress, Master Lucius wished for me to tell you that he will be sitting down for dinner as usual in fifteen minutes," Mink said, calmly.

Hermione put her book down and nodded slowly. "I am expected to join him?"

"Yes, Mistress," Mink said, curtsying.

Hermione sighed, glancing at the book. The book on time travel that Mink had procured for her, if Hermione were to admit it, had little information that was anywhere near similar to her own circumstances. In fact, it was mostly useless. It was, however, incredibly interesting. She had found herself pondering things and losing focus on her task.

"Very well. You can return this book and put a replacement under the bed while we are at dinner. Might I bother you to pick out an outfit that I would regularly find appropriate?"

Mink looked excited and tittered a bit as she made her way to the armoire, snapping her fingers to open the doors. She stared thoughtfully, wrinkly hands brushing over the various fabrics. After a few minutes, she pulled out a knee length navy shirt with small diamond patterns and a light pink blouse made of silk with a high tying collar and cuffed long sleeves.

"I thinks you would look very beautiful in this," the elf said, kindly.

Hermione smiled. "Thank you, Mink." She walked to the bathroom after taking the garments and changed quickly, trying not to pay attention to her swollen stomach. She was trying to stay firmly in denial that a baby was in there. Thankfully, the small kicks she would feel now and then were barely noticeable and infrequent so far.

"Where do I go to meet Mr. Malfoy?" Hermione said, quietly, pulling loose the now-messy braid that Lucius had arranged for her and allowing her long, blonde hair to fall in free waves down her back.

"To get to the family dining room, goes to the left from your room, down the main stairs, and thens be turning a sharp right through the hallway with the paintings of the peacocks next to it. The first room to the left is where the Master will be eating."

The elf popped away without another word spoken, and Hermione straightened her back as she walked out of the room toward her husband.

Hermione was walking down the stairs when she heard footsteps behind her. She turned slightly to see that Lucius was coming down from the opposite wing of the house, reading a letter as he used a hand to lightly guide his way down the stairs. Upon reaching the bottom, Hermione hesitated.

It would be polite to wait for her husband, right? She stopped, and Lucius almost bumped into her from behind, he was so absorbed in his letter.

"Narcissa," he greeted, putting his letter into an interior coat pocket.

"Good evening, Lucius," she greeted.

She dropped back to walk at his side as he deftly led them toward the dining room, trying not to look at the man. She could feel his eyes on her, though.

He gestured her into the dining room with a swept arm, and she nodded politely as she walked by him into the room. She tried to act natural as she walked to sit at the chair customarily used by the wife of the household whenever she had been to parties, just to the side of the head of the table of six. She pulled out her chair and sat down, then looked up to see that he had not followed her all the way into the room.

He was stood at the foot of the table, the chair pulled out as if he was seating someone, looking at her quizzically.

She blushed. "I'm sorry," she said, beginning to stand up to go to the seat she assumed was her usual.

He shook his head. "You are free to sit wherever you like," he responded, smoothly replacing the chair. She sat down again, looking at her plate. He, dare she say, awkwardly walked around the table and took the seat next to her.

After only a moment, a house elf appeared, putting dishes on the table. A full English breakfast. Hermione felt her stomach rumble in response. Of course, I haven't had a good meal in negative 19 years. The bemusing thought caused her to chuckle slightly as she watched the elf put food on her plate. Looking at the food, she found herself disappointed. No meat. She frowned at it.

Slowly, she took to eating the meal, aware that Lucius was looking at her the entire time. Did they usually chat? She looked up to catch him, and he seemed to blush slightly.

"Are you quite alright?" he asked.

She nodded, finishing the bite of carrot in her mouth before responding. "As well as I can be, I suppose. Nothing has come back so far that I know of. I have spent the day reading."

She watched him put a bite of pork tenderloin in his mouth, chewing thoroughly. Gods, she really wanted some meat right now. She cleared her throat. "Can I… am I a vegetarian?"

His eyes squinted a bit. "No."

She felt confused, but decided not to respond, instead tucking into her meal once more. Lucius kept looking at her, but he wasn't speaking, and she wasn't sure what to do. As she ate her last bite of potato, she frowned once more. She had not had enough to eat, and she really wanted some of the meat. She looked at his own plate, enviously watching as he cut a bite off.

She then watched as he took the piece of meat and reached over, sliding the knife on the fork to drop it on her plate. "Eat it and see if you like it. If you do, I will gladly have the elves retrieve you as much as you like."

She didn't hesitate before eating the offered bite, making a small noise of appreciation. She looked up to see his lips quirked into a tiny smirk. "More?" he asked.

She nodded, wiping her mouth and feeling suddenly exposed. "Do I… not like pork?"

Lucius raised an eyebrow and tilted his head slightly, "You haven't in the past. In fact, you usually look rather disgusted to see me eat it. You often complain that pigs are gross creatures and cannot understand why anyone would eat anything that came from them. You particularly despise bacon."

Hermione felt her eyebrows raise. Taking a moment, she schooled her expression. "I… I think I would like to start eating the meat served. I do not presently find pork to be repugnant."

He smirked again before nodding, quickly calling out. "Ginger! Please bring the Mistress a generous portion of meat, and some more vegetables to accompany it."

A moment later, her plate was replaced with a much more satisfactory looking one. She happy returned to her meal, trying to ignore the fact that Lucius was looking on in amusement, finished with his own plate by that point.

When she was finished, she leaned back in her seat, exhaling slowly. "A lovely meal," she said, politely.

Lucius simply nodded in response. After a moment, he spoke seriously. "Regarding your… misadventure: I have cancelled our social engagements for the next few weeks. I excused our absences by telling our friends and family that you have been placed on strict bedrest in order to preserve the pregnancy. You might receive a few letters, but no one will be coming unless you ask. I might be called away… unexpectedly. If I am, I will make sure the elves let you know. Otherwise, feel free to have them send for me, and I will come help with whatever is needed."

Hermione nodded, feeling sick at the thought of what he was being called away to. Voldemort. He was still a problem here and would be for… well, for another year and a half. She decided this would be a good time to get a brief read on what Lucius had Narcissa know of his involvement.

"Where would you be called to suddenly?" She blushed after asking, knowing that it sounded nosey. She was surprised to see him blush as well.

"I… I am occasionally needed to give advice and perform tasks for…" he hesitated for an inordinate amount of time. "For a group seeking more political sway. Both of our families have been involved in their plight."

The heavily censored answer caused her to raise her eyebrow, but she allowed it to pass. He seemed to exhale. Surely Narcissa knew what her husband was up to?

"Am I involved with this group?"

Lucius was silent for another moment before responding. "Not directly, though you have heavily encouraged my involvement in the past. You have previously taken the stance that such work is left best to wizards. Your sister, who is directly involved, disagrees. You have had several arguments about it."

"And you think she is correct?" Hermione asked, trying to tread carefully.

He seemed as if he had anticipated this question after mentioning Bellatrix. "I believe you, and our son, are best off here as long as it pleases you. The work can be done without you, and I support your decision to let me take the reins."

That was the first time he said something that slightly reminded her of the Lucius of her timeline. He seemed to be attempting to protect her, even if he was happily serving. The thought warmed her to him, but only very slightly.

They were quiet then, both awkwardly trying to come up with something to say to each other and failing miserably. She knew that it was important he, at the least, tolerate her being there. Her excuse of no memory might help for now, but it would be good for him not to be constantly looking in on her.

She shrugged. "I… I think I will go to Diagon Alley tomorrow. It is still in my memory…what things are and the like. I think it might do me good to get out and explore something familiar that isn't in my back yard, so to speak."

Lucius nodded. "That sounds reasonable. I am sorry to say that I will not be able to accompany you. Will you do me the favor of making sure Mink knows to come to you if called? And take one of the emergency portkeys as well?"

"Yes, of course," she said. "Can Mink get one for me?"

"She probably already has done so," he said with a very slight smile.

"Will you be back for dinner?" she asked, putting her clasped hands in her lap to prevent fidgeting.

Lucius took a deep breath before nodding. "I believe my business will be settled by then. Any special requests to make of the kitchen?"

Hermione thought of what sounded most appealing before speaking. "Fish, I think? And something chocolate for a dessert."

Lucius stood, coming and helping to pull her chair out as she stood from the table. "It shall be done. I am sorry that we did not have dessert tonight. Narcissa does not typically eat it. I mean… you. I apologize, this is all a bit strange for me. You look just like her, but you seem to be quite different. I am trying not to become accustomed to this as Abecca said you are likely to be… more like yourself soon."

Hermione smiled softly, feeling slightly bad for Lucius against her wishes. "I understand. I am, honestly, not quite sure what to do about it myself. I don't know if I should attempt to be like I supposedly…"

"No," Lucius said, suddenly.

Hermione looked up at him in shock, watching as his cheeks pinked a bit.

"I… I don't mind you being a bit different. I have been thinking, and… well, I think this would be a good opportunity to try to improve our marriage a bit. We started our relationship against our wishes and it inevitably colored how we interact with each other. This is a clean slate, and while I don't expect it to be perfect… I want it to be an opportunity for us to get to know each other without prejudice. Please, interact with me as you please. If it lasts, that's wonderful. If you wake up tomorrow and have started to hate me again… it will all have been a nice daydream. Very well?"

He looked embarrassed at his rambling admission, and Hermione (still against her own wishes) felt her heart swell at his genuine and thoughtful response.

"Okay."

Lucius smiled in a way seeming free of any attempts at subterfuge, trying to wipe away the blush on his cheeks. She privately thought he looked quite a bit more handsome and boyish when he did. "I don't know if you are aware… Of course you are unaware. You… you have always called me Mister Malfoy. To annoy me, I believe. I would… appreciate if you would continue to use my given name."

He stood from the table as she placed down her fork on the empty plate, walking to help her up.

"Lucius," she said in agreement, walking toward the doorway with him at her side. Together, they climbed the stairs and eventually found themselves at the top, preparing to head in opposite directions.

He bowed, still looking incredibly formal with his shoulders so squared. "Goodnight, Narcissa. I will see you at dinner tomorrow. Enjoy your day and send an elf to find me if you have need."

Hermione nodded, delicately. "Goodnight, Lucius. Sleep well." And with that she left him to watch her walk to her room, planning the day to come.

Hermione woke up the next morning in what she had to be admit was, for now, her insanely comfortable bed. It took only a moment for the previous day's happenings to return to her, and when they did, she groaned loudly. She was trapped in Narcissa Malfoy's body in 1980. Geez, it would have been so much better if she could have woken up in the body of Molly Weasley (Merlin forbid). At least she could have went to Arthur and told him that something was seriously wrong. Arthur wouldn't serve her up on the platter to Lord Voldemort!

She tried to shake off the would-haves and could-haves, instead attempting to focus on what she had learned so far and how she was to get out of this situation.

Obviously, it wasn't Polyjuice that had been forced on her. It had been a whole day since she arrived, and… well, that wouldn't account for being thrown back in time. Time Turners were simply incapable of sending someone so far back as best she knew. Was it possible she had truly somehow switched with Narcissa? Was Narcissa Malfoy now Hermione Granger in her time? Who knows what kind of havoc she could cause! And it had to be at the worst possible time in which she ended up… a living Voldemort at the height of his power, and she was pregnant!

Her hand went down, brushing over her rounded stomach, thinking of the fact that a baby was inside of her. She supposed it was surreal for a woman to think about, having a baby inside of you and not even being able to feel it. She had skipped that part, though. While Narcissa was not large in pregnancy at this stage, it was still noticeable. But to wake up in the body of a civil acquaintance (in the absolute best of outlooks) pregnant with a child you certainly did not conceive… surreal wasn't a strong enough word for that. A strong enough word for that didn't exist.

If she couldn't get herself out of this jam, she'd be giving birth to Draco sodding Malfoy in three-ish months! Geez, he was almost as young as Harry, making her a full 9 months older than him.

Wait… if it was March 1980, she had already been born! In Hampstead, a six month old Hermione should be home with her mother. Or… was she?! What if Narcissa had abducted the baby and sacrificed her in some horrible dark ritual to get her here?! She had to find out!

With a goal in mind, she immediately called her house elf. "Mink!"

The house elf appeared, gazing at her in confusion. "Yes, Mistress?"

"A small breakfast, please. Just fruit and toast with some jam, I think. Herbal tea?" The elf disappeared again, and Hermione climbed out of bed, going to the armoire and quickly dressing for today in a tan skirt and green blouse.

Mink returned with the tray of food, and Hermione ate hurriedly. She knew it wouldn't do to go hungry and she wasn't sure what she was to find. Besides, it was still only half past seven, and her mother had always been one to sleep in when possible. If all was well, she might not be up yet.

"Could you please direct me to the floo and… do I have some money here?" The house elf nodded, quickly going to the dresser and pulling out a silk clutch from the top left drawer. Hermione reached into the armoire and pulled a pair of beige pumps out, sliding them onto her feet. Then, together, they walked out of the room and down into a large study/foyer. The elf gestured to the fireplace, and Hermione thanked her before going to it. It wouldn't do for her to leave directly from the Manor… what if Lucius was watching, or making one of the elves report to him?

She quickly called out the address to the Leaky Cauldron and stepped in, swirling through the green flames on her way. Once arriving, she would have generally looked around. However, she did not know anyone here, and it was probably not wise to start up conversations at this point in time. Instead, she walked straight out into Muggle London, took a turn down the closet alley, and hailed the Knight Bus.

The purple bus appeared with a bang, and the conductor opened the door beginning his spiel without looking at her. "Welcome to the Knight Bus- the best way to travel for the stranded witch or…" he looked up and seemed vastly surprised.

"Uhm… Lady Malfoy. Where may we take you?"

She pulled out her coin purse, sifting through it for money. "Hampstead, Mister..."

"Corning, Lady Malfoy. No charge for you, though. Ernie! Next stop is Hampstead!" She heard several groans from on the bus and felt slightly bad about taking their spot, but it wasn't her fault she was being treated like the damned queen.

She climbed on and was led to what she was assured was the best seat before being offered hot chocolate or tea for the ride. She declined both and leaned back, relieved when Mr. Corning left her alone and the bus began its journey.

The ten minute ride was one of the most nauseating trips of her life. She wasn't sure if it was just the swerves, bends, and bumps of the bus itself or if the pregnancy exacerbated it, but she knew she dreaded the ride back to London. Upon arriving in Hampshire, she waited until the bus disappeared from view before starting her walk.

She was not sure what to expect upon arriving at her parents' home. Perhaps the baby, herself, would be missing, and she would be walking into an active crime scene. Or dead. What if, upon seeing the baby, she lost her mind as was supposedly the case if you ran into yourself when using a time turner?

To be honest though, how was she sure she hadn't lost her mind. Maybe she was really in St. Mungo's, babbling like a loon and hallucinating this nightmare. Strangely, the thought was somewhat soothing to the potential reality. What if, somehow, Narcissa Malfoy really had sent her back to take over her body? What the hell was she supposed to do about that?!

She turned the corner down her street and quickly made her way to the familiar house on the left. Quickly, she thought of a reason why a perfectly posh looking stranger might come to someone's home and ask questions. Fortunately for her, she saw a house down the way a bit that had a large For Sale sign in the front yard. She walked up the drive to her parents' front door and knocked.

After a few minutes waiting, a very young Amy Granger opened the door, wiping her hands on an apron tied about her waist. "Hello. May I help you?" she asked, politely.

Hermione smiled. It felt strange to see her mother like this. The last time she had seen her mother was when she was sending them off to Australia with no memory of her. She had been unable to find them herself, but the ministry had a team dedicated to it. Australia had volunteered some of their own ministry workers as well. "Yes, please. I actually am looking at buying the house down the way and was wondering if I might ask you a few questions about the neighborhood?"

Amy nodded, "Oh, yes, of course. It's a lovely neighborhood. We don't have much to worry with crime as best I can tell. We have only been here for a little over a year, mind you."

"Oh? And how is it for children? I'm expecting one of my own, and…." She trailed off, putting a hand on her stomach lightly.

Amy's smile widened. "Lovely. Congratulations. Well, there seem to be quite a few younger families here. We just had a baby a few months ago. Kids play outside quite a bit, and there is a park just a block or so down the next street. Of course, Hermione is a bit too young for that now."

"Hermione, is that your daughter? Interesting name," Hermione commented. "You are happy here?"

"Yes, Hermione. All is wonderful for now, though she does keep me up a bit. It's to be expected," Amy replied. She was about to say more when they were both distracted by the cry of a baby coming from inside the house.

"Oh, just a moment!" Amy said, leaving the door open as she walked into the living room. The ease with which her mother left there on the doorstep unattended and unconcerned with potential danger surprised her. A moment later she returned, cuddling a small girl to her chest. The curly haired brunette seemed to be in perfect health and was drooling something fierce with a pudgy hand shoved into her mouth. "This is Hermione," she said proudly.

Hermione looked down at herself. Despite feeling as if she already might be a little crazy, her mind failed to snap at seeing the baby version of herself. The baby looked healthy, with rosy cheeks and large brown eyes that looked sleepy. Nothing seemed amiss.

"Beautiful," she said, kindly, noticing the smile light up her mother's face.

"She is the most wonderful baby. I hope you have the same luck with your own. Do you know what the gender will be?" Amy asked, bouncing the tiny girl in her arms a little bit as she swayed from side to side.

Hermione cleared her throat, "A boy, I think."

Amy nodded. "Well, I am sure they could be great friends!"

Hermione held back the scoff at the idea that she and Draco Malfoy could have ever grown up being great friends. Instead she smiled, she had fulfilled her reason for coming.

"I am sure. If we buy the house, I will let you know. Thank you so much for your time, but I'll let you get back inside. Hermione looks like she needs some rest, and you should get some, too," she said, smiling warmly at her mother.

"Okay. Oh, I'm sorry for my rudeness. I'm Amy. What's your name?" her mother asked, free hand on the door.

Hermione smiled, somewhat sadly. "Narcissa."

Amy smiled, "Pleasure to meet you, Narcissa. Good luck with the house and the baby!" Then, she was gone.

Author's note: Thank you for all of the kind reviews. I hope to see many more! Take care and stay safe out there!