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 Six

Returning to Malfoy Manor, Hermione walked in a daze to what she was starting to think of as her room. She shut the door behind her, thinking on all that had happened today and what was likely to happen in the future.

Lily Potter was what she had hoped: intelligent, kind, and willing to help even with no real incentive (as far as she knew) on her side. She had every reason to believe that the stories Hermione could tell of Harry would be ones that she would learn of as they happened in the future. Another attribute, that Hermione hadn't quite been expecting, was Lily's rather blunt nature. It was, of course, backed up with a level of pragmaticism that Hermione would appreciate under other circumstances.

Come to think of it she had seen other attributes that she hadn't expected. Most notably, there was a level of cunning and shrewdness and easy use of foul language that even she didn't generally partake in. It slightly messed with her mental imagery of Lily Potter, James Potter's wife and mother of his child. Now that she thought of it though, such attributes seemed perfectly in line with what Lily Evans, Severus Snape's best friend, would be.

Regardless of Lily, she was attempting to get out of this situation, and Lily had pretty much told her it was a fruitless endeavor. It was a blow, one Hermione was trying desperately to come to terms with. These thoughts were the ones that had her barely tracking her surroundings as she walked through her new home.

She might be here forever, and while she didn't know exactly what the relationship was between the Narcissa and Lucius Malfoy of her time, it was certainly more than what she currently had with him. There had also been no mention of amnesia that she was aware of, though she knew that Lucius was trying to keep her "malaise" under wraps as much as possible.

She tried to tell herself it was useless to stress over the situation. Fate was ultimately undeniable, and it would happen whether she wished for it to or not. But to give into it… to give up on going back home, that was not something she could do. At least not yet. She hoped Lily would find an answer for her, otherwise she foresaw a very lonely future for herself.

She took off her shoes before aiming her wand at them and attempting to banish them to the armoire with no success. Instead, they wiggled for a moment before going still. She sighed. A new wand was needed. This was not a good place or time to be as good as wandless, especially if she ended up being here for the long term. Perhaps she could go the next day?

She wasn't quite sure when she fell asleep, but she woke up to hear someone knocking on her door. She sat up, drowsily, calling out for whoever it was to come in.

Lucius opened the door slowly and walked in, looking at her in concern. He watched as she took her hair down from her now rather messy chignon, allowing it to fall down her back in a lightly waved golden curtain. "I was wondering if you intend to come down for dinner tonight?"

Hermione nodded, then noticing that the sun was almost nearly down. She blushed. "I apologize, Lucius. I fell asleep and didn't take note of the time or set an alarm."

He smiled slightly. "That's okay. I hear growing a child is quite exhausting."

Standing up from the bed, she walked toward him and together they headed out the door, his hand finding its spot on her back. This time was a bit different to the past, however, as his thumb was running small circles in place. She tried to ignore the action… and the thoughts that sprung to mind about why he might be doing that.

Dinner began quietly, Lucius watchful, as if waiting for her to begin conversation. He eventually gave up his patience. "How was your adventure?" he asked, quietly.

Hermione smiled. "I went to a park in Muggle London and then a café. It was actually quite lovely."

Lucius nodded in response, "But no change to your memory?"

Hermione shook her head, looking down.

He was silent then, and Hermione waited before looking back up to tell him her plans for the next day. "I wanted to tell you… my wand has been giving me problems. I don't know what to do other than to get another until this one starts working right again... if it does. I am hoping to go to Ollivander's Wand Shop tomorrow to get a new one."

Lucius's raised an eyebrow, "What is your current wand doing?"

Hermione sighed. "It has just been working less and less. I can barely summon or banish things with it. I haven't been using much strenuous magic, so I think it has to be the wand itself and not me. I am hoping Ollivander can fix the problem."

"Would you like for me to accompany you?" he asked, taking a sip of his water as he finished.

Hermione shook her head, trying to ignore the look of disappointment that quickly flew across his features. She couldn't give in… not yet. "I am sure I can manage. Besides, you are a busy man. I intend to just make the quick trip and then get back here."

Lucius simply nodded once, continuing his meal. The rest was finished in silence, and when they stood together, Lucius led the way up to her rooms.

They stopped outside of her door again, and Lucius looked as if he wanted to say something. Hermione sighed and nodded to encourage him. He smiled sheepishly before speaking.

"I know you feel confused and like you don't fit in. I understand that. I also… I understand you wanting to regain your memories and not mess with what you think is fated to be the relationship between us. I must admit, though, that I truly struggle to not hope you stay this way. Not confused or scared, but… kind. Despite this awkwardness, you have been more open with me than ever before. I feel as if this whole experience is a second chance at us potentially being happy together. Thus, I beg you to consider giving me a real chance to be…. The man you want."

She knew how much those words had cost him by the tiniest blush on his cheeks and the stiffness in his jaw. He knew that if she were to "regain her memories," he would likely be mocked for them. She also knew that he didn't deserve that. Everyone, she believed, deserved a chance at a warm home with a family that cared. She couldn't bring herself to shut him down.

She looked at her toes, thinking of what to say and do now. There was a chance, one she was having to force herself to acknowledge, that she really would be here forever. This might just be her life now. And, if she was honest, she didn't want a cold marriage either. Perhaps… perhaps he could be the right husband for her, perhaps she could find the reasons that the Narcissa that had brought her here had.

And…if she miraculously did make her way home and away, he would have had a bit of kindness in his life for a while…

Hermione didn't allow herself to overthink it as she looked up into his eyes. Bringing her hands up to his shoulders, feeling them stiffen slightly beneath them, she leaned up on her tiptoes and delicately pressed her lips to his.

It was not a deep kiss, but she still felt herself melt into it a bit. His lips were full and soft against her own, and they were frozen for a moment before moving surely against hers. Her arms moved around his neck, and she felt his own come to rest at her waist, pulling her slightly closer to him.

After a minute or so, they pulled away, looking at each other curiously. Their arms loosened to return to their sides, and Hermione stepped backward toward her door. "I'll try, Lucius," she said, quietly.

He only nodded, looking at her as if she were some sort of magnificent puzzle, as she shut the door between them.

Hermione hoped that if she was destined to be here forever that, eventually, she would be able to sleep an entire night without stress. Her kiss with Lucius… she had gone into it with the fleeting thought that it wouldn't do anything for her. Likely be a bit disgusting… kissing a Death Eater, Draco's evil father.

That thought certainly had been fleeting though, as the kiss was certainly not disgusting. It was not hot or passionate either, but it had been… nice. It had been comforting and calming, a feeling she hadn't felt since arriving here. She was unsure how to reconcile the fact that Lucius's lips had made her feel that way. Sleep had not come easily.

The next morning, she ate breakfast alone. Once finished, she contemplated reading for pleasure a bit before heading to London. However, as she approached the library doors, she had heard him speaking through the floo in the library to someone. She quickly decided to read later.

She walked down the street toward Ollivander's wondering if he had made her wand yet.

It wasn't that Narcissa's wand wouldn't work for her. It would. Unfortunately, it did not work well. It seemed to protest against her in a way, taking longer than usual for a spell to funnel out of it. It also felt icy and disapproving in her hand.

She decided that with what she knew of the future, it would be necessary to get something that was more accepting of the new Narcissa Malfoy.

She believed it would be an easy trip. Ollivander probably had a vine and dragon heartstring wand just waiting for her, and he was known for being discreet. A wand's make up was a very personal thing, after all.

She walked with her head held high and shoulders back into the shop, nodding regally as the man came out from the back.

"Lady Malfoy," Garrick Ollivander greeted, inclining his head in return.

"Mr. Ollivander, I believe I am in need to a new wand. I find my current one to be less and less helpful as time goes by."

Mr. Ollivander nodded, taking the wand that she put on the counter before him.

"Do you know of any reason why your wand might be causing problems for you?" he asked, inspecting the perfectly polished wand.

"I am currently pregnant, so I assume the baby's magic or just the influx of hormones," she responded, looking at him haughtily.

He nodded, smiling politely. "Congratulations. Yes, the baby's magic could be causing the issues. Please cast Lumos with it, Lady Malfoy."

Hermione took the wand back and said the spell clearly, frowning as it took no less than three seconds for the light to emit. Mr. Ollivander looked surprised.

"Oh, yes… this will not do at all. We will have to do full measurements," he said, pulling out his tape measure.

Ten minutes later, they were still looking for a replacement, and Hermione was becoming impatient. She knew her wand, and he just needed to give it to her.

"Mr. Ollivander, I do not presume to know more about your job than you do, but perhaps you could try vine? I used one belonging to a family member in the past, and it was quite useful. That one had a dragon heartstring core," she said, watching as he repaired a vase on the floor.

He looked at her appraisingly. "That is very odd indeed, Mrs. Malfoy. Elm users do not typically find Vine to be suitable."

She could feel her impatience bubbling over. "Even still, I would like to try vine and dragon heartstring," she said, sure.

He raised an eyebrow but went into the stacks, returning with a wand that looked very familiar. She took it into her hand and… it didn't feel right. The surprise on her face was showing, she was sure. Lips pursed, she attempted to cast a Lumos. The wand reacted slightly faster, but she put it down. "It's not right," she said, frowning.

"No, it is not. The core still seems to be, though. Most strange," he commented. He stared at her for several moments before walking back down the aisles of wand boxes. After waiting a moment, he returned.

"Fourteen and a quarter. It is rare to find a longer length," he said, opening the box.

Inside was a wand significantly longer than both hers and Narcissa's had been. Its wood was not the warm medium brown of Narcissa's or the neutral medium of hers. Instead, it was a light colored wood that seemed to hint at almost a pink.

"Beechwood," he said when she looked at him in askance.

She picked up the wand, feeling the comforting warmth that should be there when holding an extension of your magic. It felt like an extension of her arm almost, her magic funneling into the wand as naturally as the oldest of rivers flow.

She said the word "lumos" incredibly quietly, and was delighted to see how quickly the tip of her wand answered her command.

"I think this will do," she said, happily, reaching into her robe pocket to pull out the sack holding her money.

She looked up to see Ollivander looking at her with a much larger than usual amount of curiosity.

"I do hope that one day, Mrs. Malfoy, you will return here to tell me how someone not only changes lengths by three and a half inches, but also switches from elm to beech," he said, frowning at her with confusion written in his eyes.

"I'm sure it is not that much of an anomaly," she said, trying to sound convincing.

He shook his head, "Seven gallons, Mrs. Malfoy."

She put the money in his hand and made for the door. As she opened it, she heard his parting shot. "Mrs. Malfoy, it is as if you are an entirely different person." She didn't look back at him, instead walking stiffly out, afraid he would see the confirmation he was seeking upon her face.

March 28, 1980

Two mornings later, Hermione was walking through St. Mungo's. Lucius was next to her and was keeping his hands to himself. She privately wondered if it was because he didn't want to look too personal with her in public or if he was just as nervous as she was.

She would be seeing her healer again today to follow up on her "injury" and to check the baby. They checked in at the Maternity Ward desk before taking a seat to wait to be seen.

It was rather quick that Abecca Wynne came out, gesturing to them. "Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy, please come in."

The duo stood as one and walked through the door to one of what appeared to be a few examination rooms. Abecca gestured to the hospital bed, and Hermione nervously climbed on top of it.

"So, following up on my last visit with you… has your memory returned?"

Hermione shook her head as she noted Lucius taking a seat in a chair next to the bed. "It hasn't. Lucius has been very understanding. I have done my best to keep my stress level low as you said and to not be… overwhelmed by things."

"Good, good. Your magic. All is good there?"

Hermione nodded, absently, and then heard Lucius clear his throat.

"Actually, her wand was giving her problems. She got a new one a few days ago. It works okay now, Cissa?"

Healer Wynne looked a bit surprised at this but covered it quickly before nodding. "Alright. Well, as long as your magic isn't giving you anymore problems. Lean back, and I will begin the scans to check you and the baby out."

Hermione tried to relax as the healer cast numerous spells on her. It seemed like forever when the older lady finally leaned back. "Well, Mrs. Malfoy, regarding your injury… as I said last time we spoke there was a rather large disruption between your magical core, memory, and body. That seems to be healing. There is still a ways to go, but I believe you are on the road to recovery. Perhaps your memory will return to you soon? Your core and body are almost in unity, it is just allowing your psyche to catch up a bit. We have no proof, of course, that this will happen, but I believe it will."

Hermione nodded, trying to cover up the fact that she was about to cry. Her magic… it was making itself at home in Narcissa's body. It was settling in. That couldn't happen. If that happened, she felt she truly would be stuck here forever.

"And the baby?" Lucius said, looking at her with confusion.

"Well, would you like to see him?" Healer Wynne asked with a smile.

Lucius nodded before halting himself. "I would, I mean… if Narcissa is okay with that."

Hermione's eyes widened. "Yes, that's fine. Didn't you see him last time we were here?"

Lucius shook his head, his face closing off to cover any errant emotions. "You did not allow me to come."

Healer Wynne nodded. "It is the patient's right, of course, but I believe it is better for the father to be here. It helps with the bond."

Hermione nodded, wishing that she wasn't here herself. "Well, it's fine. You can go ahead, Healer Wynne."

"Abecca," the woman reminded with a smile, starting her wandwork again.

A wave of her wand and a murmured charm caused a golden sort of mist to appear over Hermione's stomach, thick enough that the skin underneath was mostly obscured. A moment later, a form started to appear in the mist, growing denser. Numbers formed around the border of the mass that Healer Brunswick started to copy into her chart by hand.

"Since you already know the gender, I will not be obscuring the genitalia," Healer Wynne said, smiling. "It seems congratulations are still in order, Mr. Malfoy, your son and heir seems to be in perfect health."

The two Malfoys were not exactly paying attention to Healer Wynne though, eyes instead on the perfect golden silhouette of their unborn son.

She hadn't noticed that Lucius had stood from his chair, standing now at her side. He was looking hungrily at the image of his son, pride and amazement clear in his gaze. He reached a hand to the shape, waving his hand through it and watching the mist move for a moment before reforming.

Hermione's eyes were also stuck on the image for the most part. It was very clearly a baby… growing inside of her. She watched as a misty hand went to move about the ear, feeling tears come to her eyes.

She had told herself not to think about it overly much as she had not intended to start a family anytime soon, but she felt tears coming to her eyes.

After the war, when she had finally managed to be checked up on, the Healers had told her that the trauma done to her by the Cruciatus and the time on the run made it unlikely she could ever bear children. While she hadn't allowed it to cripple her, it had still been a heavy burden to take on. One she had expected to deal with later. Now, though… a child was inside of her.

Draco Malfoy was just a baby here… impossibly innocent and completely reliant upon her. She felt tears slide down her face as one hand moved to cover her mouth. She looked up to see Lucius smiling warmly down at her with absolutely no pretense behind his expression. He reached out and took her other hand in his own. "He is amazing, Cissa. Thank you," he said, quietly.

She could feel Healer Wynne watching them closely but didn't glance over. She could imagine the surprise she would find there, especially when Lucius leaned down and wrapped his arms around his wife in a hug. She felt the tears come on harder as she began to audibly sob.

Healer Wynne cancelled the spell and stepped back toward the door, smiling at the two. "I'll leave you both for a few minutes, then I will come back in to answer any questions you might have." The two parents didn't even bother to pull away from each other.

After five minutes, the two were composed once more, though the satisfaction on Lucius's face was as clear as day, even if the happiness was mostly concealed.

Healer Wynne returned and upon not being asked any questions gave them standard advice for the pregnancy to promote healthy development.

As she left, cancelling the spell, she spoke personally to them once more. "It was my absolute pleasure to witness this, Mr. and Mrs. Malfoy. It sometimes takes seeing the baby, seeing the life to come, to truly start the bond. Your heir will never doubt he is loved for a moment, of that I am sure. I'll see you in a few more weeks."

"Thank you, Healer Wynne. I forgot, Narcissa, I was told I need to fill out some paperwork before we left here today. I'll be back in just a moment." He walked out of the room behind the healer while Hermione tried to compose herself.

As they left, Lucius kept a hand on her back as he led her back toward the elevator. Hermione leaned against her husband's side, feeling the tear tracks drying on her face and a mixture of emotions she couldn't quite name.

Author's Note: A kiss! Hopefully, it earns some reviews! I hope you like where we are going. :) Additionally, regarding updates, I will try to get a new chapter out every week, maybe sooner. I am working and between making a mess load (U.S. Southernism) of choreography, teaching it, and writing... I just want to make sure I stay ahead of the curve. Thanks so much for your support! And now to explain Ollivander, carry on.

Author's Note about Wand Lore (compiled from a combo of Pottermore and my brain):

Narcissa's original wand: Elm and Dragon Heartstring, 10 ¼". Elegant and sophisticated. Elm often used by blood supremacists. Lucius's Malfoy's family wand is made up of the same, speaking to the fact that by Malfoy family standards, she is the ideal.

Hermione's original wand: Vine and Dragon Heartstring, 10 ¾". Vine is often someone with hidden depths and someone with a vision for the future.

Hermione/Narcissa's new wand: Beech and Dragon Heartstring, 13 1/4". The length (for my purposes) are indicative of reaching magical potential. As an adult, it would be strange for your wand length to change much, if at all. Beech wood is attracted to those with lots of experience and wisdom. It performs weakly for the anyone that is narrow-minded. Capable of greatly subtlety and artistry.

Obviously, the transition from a wand for a weaker, pureblood supremacist witch to a strong, tolerant witch is a bit of a transition.