A/N Wow, it's been awhile! Sorry about that. This one is a bit of a short chapter but the next one should not take so long to write. I'm going to work on making time to write instead of procrastinating so much. For those of you that also read "Monsters," I should be updating today or tomorrow. Again, sorry for taking so long to update but I hope you enjoy some Hermione and Narcissa time.
Sirius Black Announces Minister Candidacy!
Sirius Black has officially announced he is vying for the position of Minister of Magic. The wizard claims it is time to take an active role in shaping the future. Although previously against Ms. le Fay, he has proven himself to be a competent ally. We were unable to contact Ms. le Fay for an endorsement of Mr. Black, but it is the opinion of this reporter that Ms. le Fay will support Mr. Black, considering not only their alliance, but Ms. le Fay's connection to the Black family. Needless to say, Mr. Black will no doubt make an excellent candidate, and we certainly look forward to hearing other announcements.
Narcissa hummed, folding the newspaper and tossing it onto the table. She wasn't surprised exactly but she hadn't been expecting Sirius to go for the position of Minister. He wasn't the least qualified person to be Minister, all the Blacks had extensive exposure to those situations. Still, there was something about her cousin running that seemed unlikely. Perhaps Sirius's change of heart had been greater than she thought, seeing as he had never cared for politics before. Narcissa knew the press would be putting pressure on Hermione to announce an endorsement and she decided to find the young witch to let her know. She had never seen Hermione read the newspaper and she doubted that Sirius would have told her beforehand. He probably hadn't thought about an endorsement from Hermione.
The chair slid soundlessly over the floor as Narcissa stood, trying to determine where Hermione would be. It wasn't terribly early, but the young witch had taken to waking early and disappearing until noon. For the life of her, Narcissa hadn't been able to figure out what Hermione was doing. Draco sometimes went with her, but she wouldn't ask him to tell her what was going on. She trusted both of them. Besides, Hermione had always revealed her projects once they were done. It was only a matter of time. Muffled sounds of discontent echoed through the halls of the Manor and Narcissa followed them to the source. As she got closer, there was no mistaking the sound of Hermione muttering angrily to herself. Narcissa smiled to herself, stifling a chuckle as she knocked lightly on the door.
"Come in!" Hermione shouted.
"Hermione, there's something you should know- what are you doing?" Narcissa asked, looking curiously at the laptop in front of Hermione.
"I'm trying to integrate magic and technology. Say what you will about Muggles, they are quite inventive," Hermione said, not looking up from the computer. The shell was opened, revealing its components. Narcissa's mouth formed a tight line, watching Hermione fiddle with them.
"Hermione," Narcissa tried after a few moments. She hated to interrupt Hermione's train of thought but she had to tell her what she had read.
The young witch looked up, blinking at Narcissa as if just realizing she was there. "Sorry. What is it?"
"Sirius is trying to become Minister of Magic. The press published it this morning." Narcissa observed Hermione's face for any sign of surprise, but the young witch's expression didn't change.
"He sent a letter yesterday saying he would announce it tomorrow. I must've forgotten to share the news." Hermione smiled sheepishly at Narcissa as she blinked in a subtle manner of surprise.
"I was a little more worried about the political pressure on you because of...familial ties. Although I must admit I'm a little surprised he had the courtesy to tell you first." She sat delicately on the arm of Hermione's chair, running her fingers through the tangled mane of brown hair. "Where have you been running off to almost every morning? And taking my son with you sometimes?"
"In due time, Cissa," Hermione murmured, leaning into the absent touch. "Nothing dangerous, I promise."
Narcissa hummed. "Well, that makes me feel so much better. I can't even have a hint?"
"No. It's supposed to be a surprise. If I give you a hint I run the risk of you figuring it out and then it won't be a surprise." Hermione pouted, the expression almost identical to Bellatrix's.
"Fine, fine," Narcissa chuckled, "No need to channel your inner Bella."
"That's all me, Cissa," Hermione laughed.
"Okay, I won't ask anymore. Back to more serious matters, what are you going to do about Sirius? People will be waiting for you to announce whether you're endorsing him."
"I don't know. I don't even know who else is going to run. To be perfectly honest, I don't want any part of it. Why is my endorsement so important? I mean, it's not as if I even have any idea what I'm doing!" Hermione threw her head back against the chair, sighing discontentedly.
Narcissa was quiet for a moment, stroking Hermione's hair affectionately. "You may not know what you're doing but other people seem to think you do. And, for the most part, they agree with what you've done. I know you're ready for this to all be over, I don't blame you. If you don't want to endorse anyone, don't. But know that people will be pressuring you for it because they want someone to look to. They trust you, and if you say someone is good enough, they'll believe it."
"Cissa? Can we do something fun today?" Hermione asked, turning her head to look at the blonde witch.
"You hardly need my permission, Hermione. But I think that's a wonderful idea. We can go dress shopping for the wedding," Narcissa said, smiling brightly at the young witch.
"I think we have different definitions of fun," Hermione teased.
"Oh, hush. Go wake Bella, she'll take it much better coming from you."
Hermione stood from her chair, leaving the laptop on the table and making her way to her room. She slipped in silently, hearing the sound of Bellatrix's gentle snoring. An adoring smile appeared on her face as she crept toward the bed. Bellatrix was on her stomach, dark hair spread wildly around her in messy curls. Her face was turned toward Hermione, ruby lips parted slightly. Hermione admired the pale face, tracing her fingers lightly along sharp cheekbones. Bellatrix fidgeted, groaning incoherently and Hermione stifled a laugh.
She leaned down, placing her mouth right next to Bellatrix's ear. "Bella, wake up."
The dark witch hummed, and Hermione watched dark eyes flutter open. "Morning, love."
"We're going dress shopping today," Hermione said, placing a soft kiss on Bellatrix's cheek.
"How fun," Bellatrix mumbled sarcastically, moving Hermione back and rolling out of bed. Hermione watched the dark witch randomly select clothes and pull them on. She pushed off the bed, looping her arm through Bellatrix's when she was finished.