Disclaimer: As always I own nothing and it's beta'd by my wonderful better half (who is mine.)
Narcissa was pacing the lounge much to Augusta's annoyance, the blonde was anxious and excited, "What if they don't like their presents? What if they don't like me?" She was getting increasingly worked up.
"Narcissa Black!" Augusta's sharp tone snapped the blonde of her increasing frenzy, "They will love their presents just as they already love you. Now sit down and stop wearing a hole in my rug." Narcissa instantly sat down, feelingly like a scolded child and pouted like one, although the elder woman just laughed at her expression. "It'll soon be time for us to go and get the children, I'm sure they'll want to go shopping tomorrow too so you'll have that to look forward to."
It took far too long for them to be able to meet the kids although that was something that Narcissa thought every time it came to be time to for the children to come home, but eventually the time came and the two from Longbottom Manor headed to the platform. Molly beamed when she saw the two, waving and bringing over a pair who were eying her wearily.
"This is Dan and Emma Granger," Molly gestured to the pair who were walking with her, "Dan, Emma this is Narcissa Ma-" She hesitated on the blondes last name.
Narcissa smiled, "Its unfortunately still Malfoy," She laughed softly, "Pleasure to meet you two, am I right in thinking you're Hermione's parents?" When the two confirmed that yes they were, her smile widened, "You have a wonderful daughter from what my girls tell me."
She quickly introduced the pair to Augusta, the elderly woman repeating her greetings and adding that Neville likewise had mentioned that Hermione was lovely to him, "I hope that the two of you will come and visit with Hermione during the holidays? I'm sure they would love to see her and we can answer any questions you have."
When the train pulled into the station, there was a rush to the window to see if they could spot their parents. Harry didn't bother pushing through the crush and stayed sitting back in her seat. Although Ron almost falling back into his seat drew her attention, she looked at him quizzically and the ginger shook his head.
Ron had heard how much Narcissa had changed but seeing for himself; her standing chatting away happily to his mum, Neville's Gran and if he wasn't mistaken Hermione's parents as well, had shocked him. However he was glad that Harry wasn't about to have her heart broken by Draco's mum and his mum was an excellent judge of character plus he'd heard that the pair were going to be staying at the Longbottom's for the holiday and Neville's Gran was terrifying.
Neville wasn't sure what his Gran had planned for them but he was looking forward to having more company than just the two of them. He had been just as surprised as Ron to see the group waiting for them on the platform although he knew that Lady Malfoy had to have changed for his gran to have allowed her to stay so his surprise wasn't noticeable.
The group dismounted the train heading for their families, neither Pansy, Luna or Millicent had spotted theirs so the group headed over to those they'd spotted. Ron was the first to be given a bone crushing Molly hug but none of the group was excused, even as to Millicent's surprise as she was given one as well, however the big girl's face had broken into a wide smile. Augusta's greeting to her grandson had been much more proper although the assembled group could see the affection in hers was no less than what was in Molly's, Hermione was delighted to discover that apparently they'd all be heading over to the Longbottom's during the holidays even if the date had yet to be decided, she'd had to suppress her grin when Narcissa had given both of her girls an embrace that looked as though it rivalled Molly's although a giggle had escaped her when a protesting Neville was added to the bunch.
All too soon the friends were saying goodbye to each other, hugs given all around as the Longbottom group headed away leaving with the Grangers through the barrier, the Weasley's were going to help Luna look for her father but the others couldn't stay much longer especially as the Granger's had to drive home.
The rooms were large, spacious and elegantly decorated, a few plants decorated each one and Harry had laughed in delight seeing that one of the pots in her room contained lilies. Both girls had been shocked when Augusta had said that they could change the decoration if they wanted as they were now theirs, but the two had beamed and thanked her for it. Augusta had told them that they'd be going shopping in the morning but for now to get cleaned up before tea.
Neville had grinned and told them how to get to his room from theirs. Draco had suggested that maybe he gave them a tour the later after they'd eaten, Harry had laughed saying that it was probably in part because Draco wanted to avoid doing homework as long as possible. Neville had chuckled and nervously said that it sounded like a good idea, he'd rather put the work off until tomorrow at the earliest. Harry had found herself giggling wondering how long the pair would manage to put it off with Narcissa and Augusta on their case about it, personally she didn't mind when she did it, although she'd rather get it done sooner rather than later so that she didn't need to worry about it but at the same time she agreed with Draco that it would be helpful to know her way around. Besides homework was dull and she'd far rather enjoy her holidays without having to do any of it, although it would make sense to get it out of the way before they went back to school if only to keep Hermione quiet. That thought she also dreaded how Narcissa would react if she continued not really trying, it was a weird feeling having someone to impress and as she mused she felt Draco squeeze her hand in comfort evidently knowing where her thoughts were taking her.
Morning had dawned bright and way too early, Draco had woken from a nightmare and snuck into Harry's room, when Narcissa had looked in, she'd had to quickly sneak out to summon her camera. The girls had been gently woken up by Narcissa concern in her face. The girls exchanged a look worried if they were in trouble, but she'd smiled soothingly at them and Draco had looked away mumbling that she'd had a nightmare and didn't want to disturb her.
"Did you want to tell me about it?" Narcissa asked soothingly smoothing Draco's hair back, she'd smiled when Harry had budged over so that she could sit on the bed.
Draco bit her lip, and nodded, "Was dreaming about Voldemort. When he came for Lily and Harry." She shivered, "Woke up with the flash of green light again."
Narcissa hadn't hesitated to pull both kids into a hug, "It was just a dream. You're safe now." Her eyes had widened when Harry seemed to have come to a decision and she shook her head.
"It's not been that bad yet, we've noticed some memories seem to be duplicating," she bit her lip looking guilty and tried to pull away but Narcissa had just drawn her closer, "What Draco described to me is one of my memories."
Realisation dawned on Narcissa, horror and bile rising in her throat. Harry remembered that night?! Harry was still looking at her worriedly and she managed a smile at her, "It's not your fault, it's His fault for coming after you both." Harry looked reassured even as she continued, "I'll have to speak to Dumbledore and Severus to see if there is something which we can do to help you both." At their protests she held up a hand, "There is nothing wrong with either of you but…for you to remember such a horrific event is not ideal." The pair quietened and she smiled, "Why don't you two get ready for breakfast? We'll have a busy day today and I'm sure Augusta is looking forward to getting to go shopping with more females."
The kids beamed and with a gentle smile Narcissa slipped out of the door, once outside her smile fell. She was used to how Draco omitted certain things for it to have not escaped her notice that if her baby was remembering that from Harry, what had Harry gained from Draco. It was also concerning her in case Draco remembered things from just as far back after all Lucius hadn't been the kindest during those first few years and adding in early visits from her insane sister at the same time had been a recipe for disaster. Although she was certain that she'd managed to shield Draco from the worst of it, she couldn't remember if there was anything that she'd have missed. Not to mention the dementors…she'd have to see if she could get those removed especially with the kiss on sight revoked.
Narcissa had quickly told Augusta her worries before the kids had come down, and Augusta had agreed with her thoughts, and the younger woman had quickly penned a couple of letters to be sent off after dinner. Despite Dumbledore's sometimes questionable decisions he was the best person to talk to about this that and Severus had been studying the potion so she had written to him as well. That done the two sat sipping their tea discussing their plans for the outing while they waited for the children to come down.
Harry was shocked and delighted at the spread that the Longbottom elves had put on for them, Draco however took it in her stride by grabbing her hand and pulling her along. She knew that Narcissa wouldn't let any of them start before they were all there and she was hungry. Neville was just behind them after all and she had no intention of letting Harry hold up their food, that beside if the boy didn't hurry up she wasn't above dragging him in with them.
Harry had caught her expression and laughing grabbed Neville's arm, "She'll sulk all day if we take too long walking in, you don't want to stand between Draco and food, she's worse than Ron." Draco turned mock pouting at her sister as she did, causing both the younger two to burst out laughing and it was in the throes of amusement that the trio walked into the informal dining room. Neville had automatically quietened seeing his Gran, but she'd only smiled at him and he'd let out a breath he hadn't realised that he was holding. Harry had a mischievous expression grow across her lips and she quickly ran her fingers across Draco's side when the blonde collapsed into giggles, she risked a glance over at Neville who had timidly stayed quiet for a moment before the infectious laughter caused him to join in.
The kids soon enough joined the adults at the table and after thanking Augusta, they tucked in. Harry hadn't realised how hungry she was, and listened to Narcissa and Augusta telling them how they'd organise the day. Apparently they'd start with getting the kids all measured for new formal robes, a groan escaped the girls although Neville looked none the less unimpressed but he was far more reserved about his disagreement. Both adults had to look away to prevent them from laughing at the kids reaction to their news.
"Why do we need formal robes? We're not hosting a New year's ball this year?" Draco whined, pouting at her mother.
Augusta laughed softly in part at Neville's shocked reaction at Draco's lack of decorum, but she answered for Narcissa, "As you are both our guests it would be unseemly for you not to attend our New Year's ball." Neville looked torn between pleased that he'd have company his age and annoyed because he'd been hoping that he'd be excused to keep the girls company while it was going on. "We're thinking you're of the age where it would be proper for you to make your appearances to society." She added.
"Plus that allows us to invite others your ages, so that you're not stuck with some old snobs for company." Narcissa continued, remembering how dull it had been as a teen when her Mother forced her to one of the many Black balls. "Unfortunately we will have to quickly teach you to dance." While she'd insured that Draco had had many lessons as a kid, she'd have to teach her to dance the girl parts to all of them. Although she was certain that Neville and Harry would probably benefit from the lessons too, "Andromeda is going to come over and help us with it." This time Neville didn't even try to hide his groan, he hated dancing lessons, they were always humiliating and embarrassing, he was relieved to see that Harry looked just as upset about the lessons and even Draco didn't look particularly happy about the news.
Shopping was an interesting experience, Augusta and Narcissa had made the kids play dress up and then the group had split up. Narcissa taking her girls while Neville went with his Gran, they'd agreed that they'd meet up for dinner and then change the groups around. The girls had tried to drag Narcissa into Quality Quidditch Supplies but she'd told them no, knowing for a fact that she'd never get them out if she let them through the door. They relented although Harry had said she wanted to go in to get a present for Ron, heading into the bookshop as that was always the best bet for getting a present for Hermione.
Draco had gathered up some books about customs and etiquette for Hermione, Harry had laughed and said that she might take that the wrong way. Draco had frowned concerned, picking up one on traditions instead of etiquette. Harry caught the blonde eying some on Ancient Runes and snuck them into her heap. They'd got a few in their stacks when Narcissa suggested that maybe they'd be able to find some rarer and more unusual ones if they went into a second-hand bookstore on the edge of Knockturn Alley. The pair quickly agreed, paying for their piles before following her to the shop, Narcissa had never been gladder that Draco hadn't been cut off from her trust vault she'd never have afforded to pay for Draco to buy presents too.
The shop was dark, towering bookshelves as far as the eye could see, reaching away behind the check-out. Narrow paths leading in all directions winding through stacks and tall reaching bookshelves, the smell reminded them of the library, Harry had giggled and whispered to Draco that they'd lose Hermione for days if they showed her the shop. The pair had quickly vanished into the stacks, searching for that diamond in the rough. Arms were quickly full before Narcissa had called them, when at the desk Harry had softly asked if they had any books on Parseltounge. The clerk had looked shifty but when he'd seen Narcissa raise an eyebrow, he'd quickly reached behind the counter, flicked his wand and put down a couple. One the girls quickly discarded but the other two fascinated them and seeing that they were likely to buy them, the clerk offered them a discount on all three. Draco declined and the pair soon had their new books tucked into their bags, including the two on their special ability.
Before the group headed out for lunch, Narcissa asked one of the Longbottom elves to take their shopping back to their rooms, she'd initially been shocked when Augusta had asked all of the elves to answer Narcissa's calls and requests. The kids were chattering excitedly about what they were going to eat and were giggling in delight about what they'd bought for everyone so far. Lunch was light but delicious and the kids were all chattering excitedly about shopping but managing to keep quiet on what they'd bought each other. The kids were almost bouncing in their seats eager to get back to shopping when Augusta and Narcissa finally finished their drinks, although none of the kids were excited about shopping they were excited about Christmas and the shopping just proved it was getting closer.
Narcissa had been looking forward to spending some time getting to know Neville, from what Augusta had told her and what she'd seen the boy was indeed friendly and kind, although personally she thought that he lacked confidence. She'd already decided that her and her girls would do their best to pull the sandy haired boy out of his shell.
Harry and Draco were on their best behaviour when Augusta led them out, but even so the old woman couldn't help but chuckle as the two tried to look in every direction at once before making a bee-line for a Jewellery shop. Apparently the two had decided that no cost should be spared for Narcissa as they studied the jewels, a whispered argument was taking place and Augusta had to bite her lip when she realised that the pair were bickering over which jewel would suit her better.
After a full day of shopping it was three very tired children who headed back to Longbottom manor, but the three were bouncing with excitement as the celebration felt far closer. It was that evening when the kids were sitting in the drawing room that Narcissa broached the homework issue. Harry looked up while Draco and Neville quickly pretended to be engrossed in setting up their chess board. "Children you do realise you'll have to do it at some point this week?" She raised her eyebrows them.
Harry nodded, "We're better to get it out of the way sooner rather than later."
"Traitor!" Draco hissed at her. Neville chuckled but quelled it quickly when his Gran scowled at him.
"Harry!" Neville whined softly, mindful of his Gran eyeing him.
"Neville!" His Gran snapped watching him, "You children will do your homework in the morning. It is better that you get it out of the way so that you can enjoy your breaks." The kids pouted, "Besides we need to discuss whether we are going to see Alice and Frank before Christmas or on the day. I was thinking that we could go either a couple of days before." Neville's face shuttered.
Harry noticed, and bit her lip, "um…if that's the case…" She looked down, "…I…I was kind of…I want to go and see my parents graves." She bit her lip mumbling the last part, "Can we go?"
Augusta beamed, "That's a wonderful idea! Neville can go and see his Godmother while you get to go and see yours!"
Harry dropped her mug, it shattered, "…my Godmother?"
"Has no-one told you?" Augusta spoke softly, "Has Neville never told you?" She scowled at her grandson.
Neville looked downcast, "…I…I didn't think Harry would want to be associated with me."
Harry's eyes widened and she rushed to him wrapping her arms around him. "Don't be silly! Why wouldn't I? At least now I know my parents didn't leave me alone." Tears ran down her face and the sandy blond haired boy hugged her tightly as tears ran down his face too. Draco rushed over to the pair and wrapped her arms around them, not that it took long before in rare lack of decorum Augusta headed over to the group and bundled them up in a warm embrace.
The next day saw the kids having breakfast before retreating to the library to do some homework, they were thankful for a break after the events of the night before, Neville had been worried about them mocking him but instead Draco had helped him when he'd been struggling and his eyes widened when Harry had asked for his assistance with her Herbology homework. He was so relieved not to be a complete moron that the time passed rapidly and before he knew it Augusta had come up to fetch them for the lessons.
Neville had frozen seeing the woman waiting with Narcissa, he took a step backwards, the face was kind but other than that it tugged at something on the edge of his memory and he stumbled further backwards. His face going white and his vision blurring as he struggled to recall what the dementors had brought back to his memory. "Why did she stop?" He stuttered, "Why did the woman stop screaming?" He was gasping now, on the edge of hyperventilating falling to his knees.
Augusta and Andromeda had gone pure white and looked to be going into shock as such it was Harry and Draco who reached him first. Wrapping their arms around him and whispering into his ears. "Neville. Neville." He looked up at Harry who continued whispering to him, "She's our Aunt Andromeda. She married a muggle born. Got kicked out of the Black Family. She's not the evil one. She's nice. Calm." Harry kept whispering the same things over with Draco joining in whispering questions about plants and between the pair Neville slowly began to breath calmer. Although the girls were by now sitting on the floor with him, the boy half on each of their laps rocking him gently as they whispered to him.
By this time Narcissa had come out of her surprise and gone over to the kids, wrapping her arms around the bundle of kids. Andromeda looked guilty but it was Augusta who assured her that it wasn't her fault and eventually when Neville came out of his shock, he would agree with his Gran and apologise profusely. Although all three adults would begin their pact to destroy the Dementors beginning with getting rid of them from Hogwarts.
It was after lunch and a calming draft that the group decided that with a girl holding each of his hands, Neville was alright to be introduced to Andromeda. He'd still looked weary but he'd begun to relax as she asked him about each of the plants he'd grown in the drawing room even smiling weakly when she suggest that perhaps he'd like to show her what he was working on in the greenhouses. His two newly gained shadows flanked him as he walked, chattering about plants the whole way, and Andromeda discussing new potions she was working on for her healing.
"This one has my favourites!" He beamed at the girls pushing open the door, he'd wanted to show Harry one in particular so he was glad for the excuse when he led them over to where a strangely glowing plant was spread across several sections, he stopped at one which glowed a curious green, "I bred this one specially," He grinned reaching out the tip of his finger touching the bud, magic flared across the plant as against his finger the bud opened out. The glow was bright enough to force all of them to close their eyes but when they opened them…resting against the tip of his finger was a vibrant red lily, it glowed red but Harry gasped when she noticed that the centre of the flower glowed the same green as her mum's eyes. "It's a Fire Lily. I'd been working on this to honour Lily Potter." Neville finished looking down bashfully.
"It's beautiful!" Harry was astonished, the flower was incredible and the skill with which it must have taken to craft… "Neville. You're a genius."
The boy flushed and rubbed the back of his head, "Plants just speak to me." He shrugged, sure he knew not everyone could do what he could with plants but still he'd never thought it was such a big deal as what Harry was insinuating.
Draco gently clipped him around the head, "Stop it." The blonde had muttered, scowling at his confused look, "Neville…stop putting yourself down. Harry isn't wrong and she isn't lying. It's incredible." Draco smiled gently seeing their words were finally getting through to the boy. Andromeda softly added her own assurances to the girls and the words got through to the boy who suddenly grinned widely at them.
"Perhaps we should try those dancing lessons?" He grinned at the three stood there, a bounce in his step as he led his way back to the ball room. "We're going to dance!" He called to Augusta and Narcissa as he passed the drawing room.
Draco pulled Neville into the middle and with Andromeda calling instructions to them began to dance, Neville stepped on Draco's feet a few times but with the elder girl talking him through his steps and knowing the male parts of the steps well enough to be able to dodge most of Neville's miss-steps. They were already beginning to gain more elegance and fluidity as they moved but still it wasn't far from it.
Andromeda clapped her hands in delight, "You're getting there children! If Draco and would please Harry switch places."
Harry swallowed and looking as though she was walking to the gallows took Draco's place, she blinked furiously memories blurring in her mind as her brain recalled Draco's dancing lessons, she stumbled a few times her feet getting in a muddle. Draco chuckled, and took a blushing Neville's place, leading her stumbling sister through her paces.
"Well…Harry you need a fair amount of work but you are the only one who has never had lessons before." Andromeda spoke softly encouraging her gently.
It was late evening after Andromeda had headed home for the night when the children were sent up to bed so that the adults could talk. The girls were about to go into their own rooms when they noticed Neville was beginning to look drawn and wan. The pair exchanged a look, "Sleep over!" They yelled, grabbing Neville's arm and dragging him into his room.
"I'll read to you, we can remember Narcissa reading to us," Harry continued beaming at him. As Draco ran to her room to grab her copy of Tales of Beadle the Bard, Harry arranged Neville's pillows "Oi! Drakey! Bring us some more pillows will you!" She'd yelled out of the door.
Draco rolled her eyes but grabbed her pillows on the way, before bouncing back to Neville's room. She prodded her sister to get her to budge over, "Oi, get your arse over a bit. My arse is hanging off the edge here." Harry laughed but sidled over a bit, Neville looked more than a bit uncomfortable yet the girls ignored his expression. "A long time ago, in a far-off land, there lived a foolish king who decide that he alone should have the power of magic…" Draco started.
Narcissa and Augusta had just sat down with a hot cup of tea when they heard the kids yelling to each other, Augusta was about to go up but Narcissa shook her head.
"They've all had quite the shock today. They probably need one and other more than we can help them." And she fully explained what the girls had told her about Lily's death, and that they even remembered James telling her to take Harry and run.
Augusta's hand trembled as she sipped her molten drink. "We need to do something about the Dementors. They can't stay there. Not with what the children remember." The old witch had been rather shook up when Andromeda's face had revealed that Neville remembered the night that Alice and Frank had been attacked and she wondered just how much her precious grandson recalled. "We can get Albus to go with us." She added, "He was very much against them being there in the first place."
Narcissa nodded thoughtfully, "I'm sure if we explain what they're doing to Harry and Neville while pointing out that they're not the only kids to have lived through the first war he'll see the light." She paused thinking, "That said I'm sure Amelia will back us and if Fudge insists on having some form of protection on the school that she won't mind lending them some of her Aurors." The decision made for the time being the conversation drifted to more inconsequential things, like what they'd have for breakfast the next morning and how exactly they would horrify some of the stauncher Purebloods at the New Years Ball.