Disclaimer: I willingly declare that Harry Potter is in no way my property, and I do not profit from it at all. Aside from enjoyment.
Years Ago From Now: Chapter 25
June 5, 1981
Hermione bustled around the ball room, watching as the elves set out the cutlery at the tables and popped food upon the buffet line. This was all, frankly, ridiculous. She had never understood why a one year old should really even have a birthday party. Assuming all of the child's needs could be met by the parent, there was no need for gifts. He was too young to want something he had seen long term, and he wouldn't even remember the birthday party. Still, Lucius assured her that not throwing a party would be gauche.
She had initially suggested that if they do something it be for the absolute minimum number of people. Family plus Severus Snape as Draco's godfather were the only people that had a personal connection to the child of any degree, and even that was minimal. She hadn't exactly jumped at the change for Aunt Bellatrix and Uncle Rodolphus to have the time to sow influence upon Draco. Severus preferred to see his godfather role as one utilized only when necessary, which she understood considering the man's demeanor.
Then, it had spiraled. Lucius had said it would be wrong not to invite the Dark Lord and that the man himself would not take such an oversight lightly. Then, Hermione had said that He would certainly want others there. It had turned into just another Dark-sympathizing event with relatively little focus on the actual honoree.
Still, she had to admit that Draco looked absolutely adorable in his little black tuxedo, complete with a tiny green bowtie and cummerbund. Last she had seen him, Draco was holding Lucius's hand as he toddled up and down the long rug in the foyer, attempting to kick a red ball that he had received that morning after breakfast.
She ate one of the bacon wrapped scallops, under the guise of taste testing but in reality because she had smelled it across the room and couldn't resist. "Get your fill of those while you can," Lucius said, smirking as he came in with Draco on his hip. "No swine for you, Narcissa."
She grumbled a bit, popping another one into her mouth with an eyebrow raised in challenge. Lucius chuckled and kissed her on the cheek as she chewed.
"Guests should start arriving any moment. I'll tell the elves to make sure to have some of those served with dinner tomorrow night," he consoled.
"Thanks, love. Everything okay?" she asked, looking around.
"Everything except for you. You seem antsy. Lock it in," he advised.
Hermione took a deep breath and focused for a few seconds, bringing up her Occlumency shields. She straightened her back a bit and tilted her head so that she could just slightly look down her nose. "Better?"
"Matter of opinion," he responded, running a hand down her back.
She leaned in and kissed Draco on his pudgy cheeks. It was hard to believe she'd been here for over a year. Somehow, the actual year mark had just… slipped by. The anniversary of becoming a mother was something that certainly wouldn't.
"There's my sweet little birthday boy!" Bellatrix Lestrange squealed as she came into the room, Rodolphus walking at her side with a blank expression. "Aunt Bella has missed you so much."
She pulled Draco off of Lucius's hip, who allowed it after Hermione threw him a long suffering look. Despite her familiarity, Bellatrix has seen Draco on just a few occasions. She always seemed to have something that the Dark Lord needed her to do. Hermione suspected they were sleeping together, but if that was the case, Rodolphus certainly didn't seem to care. She had only seen actual emotion on his face a few times, usually when laughing at someone else's misfortune.
Hermione briefly interacted with everyone that came in the room, watching as Bellatrix piled some berries on a plate and gave them one by one to Draco to eat. It was strange to see Bellatrix acting sane, but Hermione knew the madness was brooding under a very thin veil.
Severus came in about thirty minutes into the party. He walked up to Hermione and Lucius, thrusting a brightly wrapped parcel into Lucius's arms, sneering at the package. "I hear this is custom at these things. Ridiculous. Like he needs more toys and clothing… it is a nice smaller cauldron and some stirring rods. Do see that he at least uses them before Hogwarts. I can't have my own godson embarrass me."
Hermione smirked, "Perhaps you should come teach him when he is older. He can go to Hogwarts with a bit of a leg up."
"As if he doesn't already have that, too," Severus replied, rolling his eyes. Lucius excused himself to put the gift down with the others on the table, one Severus had walked right by. She was slightly surprised when Severus took her arm and led her out of the party and into the foyer near the stairs.
"It's been a year now since you lost your memory. I've been patient. Updates?" he said, abruptly.
Hermione cleared her throat, "No, honestly. The last time I saw a healer, it sounded like I was as close to healed as I could be. Considering the memory loss is still there, we assume it is just permanent at this point."
"Such a tragic loss," Severus deadpanned. "You and Lucius are doing well then?"
She smiled, thinking of her and Lucius. They had settled into their relationship quite easily. He was kind, gentle, and courteous when needed and demanding, insatiable and passionate when it was needed.
"We are quite happy together. Thank you for keeping our issues private, Severus. Your discretion means a lot to us," she commented. "We would always welcome you at the Manor. I am sure it would be good for Draco to get to know you. Besides, everyone needs a friend," she replied, calmly.
He looked at her with a glare at the perceived slight, and she rolled her eyes. "Do you truly think I am finding much in common with my sister these days? Lucius is my only friend, but he's also my husband. I would love to have someone to talk potions with. Or defense. I've been told you excelled in both."
Severus nodded minutely, "I am capable."
"Wonderful. How about a standing meal together? Or tea?"
"I could possibly manage tea on Thursday afternoons," he returned before slightly pursing his lips at something over her shoulder. "That might change, though. I have heard that Professor Slughorn is retiring, at the recommendation of many of our brethren. The Dark Lord has suggested I try to procure the post."
"Lovely," she said, attempting sincerity. They were interrupted by Bellatrix practically running into her, throwing her long arms around her sister from behind. Hermione grimaced at the shrill voice in her ear, causing Severus to smirk.
"Cissy! Why are you being so elusive?! I hardly ever hear from you anymore!" Bellatrix said, grabbing her arm and spinning her around to face her instead of Severus. Severus took this for the golden opportunity that it was and excused himself.
"Well, to be honest, taking care of Draco takes up most of my time," she responded, knowing that the excuse wouldn't be enough for Bellatrix.
Sure enough, the other woman rolled her eyes heavily, "Please. That's what elves are for. You still have that one, right? The female? Suede? Silk? Always some fabric with you…"
"Mink, yes," Hermione said, "She is still with me, of course, but I would rather my son's major influences be of his own kind. Can't have him becoming too attached to the help."
"Fine, fine. The Parkinsons say their nanny elf is a godsend, but… well, I've met Begonia Parkinson. She can barely butter a scone. She definitely isn't capable of caring for a child. Oh, goodness, I see her now, what is she wearing?!" Bellatrix said, cackling a bit at the end. Narcissa turned to see Sterling Parkinson and his wife standing near some windows talking to Rosier. The woman's dress was an incredibly bright pink monstrosity that seemed as if Umbridge had taken to designing evening wear. Hermione couldn't help her nose twitching in disgust and briefly wondered what Umbridge was up to right now.
"Wow," she said under her breath, trying to look away from the loud ensemble.
Bellatrix laughed, leaning her head on her sister's shoulder. "I miss you, Cissy…."
"I know, Bella. Things will calm down shortly. In a few months, things should go back to something more closely resembling normal, I am sure," she said, trying to sound consoling.
"Rabastan has been insufferable, you know," Bellatrix confided. "He was absolutely mortified after the Christmas party. He's quite angry with you. Was asking me about curses from the Black family library that would make his cock fall off."
"Must you be so crude?" Hermione said, wigging her nose again.
Bellatrix laughed loudly, "Oh, Merlin! It's true?! Oh, you simply must share that curse with me. What book is it in? I'll pay a visit to the family home tomorrow and even tolerate Walburga trying to get me to take Regulus under my wing if you'll tell me!"
She shrugged. "I can't remember. It's been a while. I'll write it and send it your way. It only works if they cross the line with intent though."
Bellatrix looked thoughtful for a moment, frowning. "Oh. Well, that's not as good, but maybe I can alter it."
"Perhaps," Hermione said, looking around for Lucius. Or anyone else that might be able to save her.
Finally, she spotted her husband, he was juggling Draco on one hip and speaking with the Dark Lord.
"Excuse me, Bellatrix. I should go thank the Dark Lord for coming," she said.
Bellatrix nodded, "Oh, yes. Go ahead then!"
She crossed the room, nodding and doling out pleasantries to the various people she passed along the way, stating she had to greet a very important guest to anyone who attempted to waylay her.
She curtsied for the Dark Lord as she approached from behind Lucius, before placing a hand on her husband's arm. "Thank you for coming to honor Draco for his birthday, My Lord," she said, as warmly as she could manage.
Lord Voldemort nodded, looking at Draco with a bit of confusion while the tiny boy giggled tucking his face against Lucius's neck. "The honor is mine, Narcissa. It was good to get to know people that will one day be responsible for guiding the world we are creating for ourselves. I am sure young Draco will be a great influence on his peers."
"We certainly hope so," she said, smiling.
"I do hope you and Lucius are caring for the gift I entrusted to you?" he inquired, looking at Lucius searchingly.
Lucius nodded resolutely. "Absolutely, My Lord. It is protected with the best wards I could create for it. Do you have need of it now?"
The Dark Lord glanced around slowly, "Not at all. Just continue to keep it safe for me."
He stayed and exchanged a bit more small talk with the couple before leaving them to go mingle with other followers, taking a bit of the tension in the room with him when we went.
After he walked away, Lucius turned to his wife with the slightest of frowns. "Are you ever going to tell me why this book is so special to him?"
Hermione looked away, smiling over his shoulder as if she didn't have a care in the world. In reality, she knew the truth. One day, years from now, Lucius would have to slip that diary into the cauldron of an eleven year old girl, unleashing terror on Hogwarts and leading the girl to be possessed and nearly killed, traumatizing her for life. The longer it took him to figure out what a horcrux was, the better.
"It's best not to dwell on, love. Just know that it will be with us for a while and shouldn't cause any damage during that time." She leaned onto her toes and kissed him on the cheek before spotting her "mother" across the room. "Best we go let… my parents… say hello to Draco."
Lucius, who looked very displeased, nodded, turning abruptly and carrying Draco toward the Blacks. Hermione sighed at his back. If only he could be grudgingly ignorant forever.
Author's Note: Busy! Busy! Busy! And sick. Yay. I'll write more when I am breathing better.