Upon arriving at the scene, Narcissa paused for a moment and took in the space. The shock of what she had done to the surrounding area was astronomical. She knew that she had done some damage, but not to this extent.

Several buildings had been leveled, along with some that were partially destroyed. It was a wonder that there were buildings still standing at all. Draco came up behind her and gently placed a calming hand on her shoulder. "The Ministry is telling people that the creature did this. There is no point in saying otherwise. I know this is hard, but we need to keep going for just a little longer," he said with an exhausted sigh.

"I was so blind with rage that I wasn't even aware of what was happening around me. I have no memory of doing any of this. Only what others have told me. Sweet Nimue, I can't believe this. It's a wonder that this doesn't happen more often with other omegas," she said as they walked closer to the staff.

"Honestly, I don't believe there are many other omegas that could do this kind of damage. You're one of the strongest omegas I've ever met. Especially with your ability to not be swayed by lesser alphas. It's been rather comical over the years to watch you turn down all of the proposals, regardless of their attempt at forcing you to do what they wanted. Not to mention, how you handled the treatment that arse of a man bestowed on you for so many years. You took all of the criticism, lies, and abuse for so long. I hated the way he treated you even though you stood by him through everything that happened. I was so happy when you finally got that dissolvement and were free of him for good. You're the most amazing person I know, mother," he said with a soft chuckle.

"Yes, that marriage was a sham. But at the time, a necessary evil. That was how pureblood society was back then. An alpha of good breeding and wealth married an omega that was deemed worthy of him, regardless of how either felt. If I had my way, I wouldn't have married at all unless I truly loved the person, and they were my equal on multiple levels," she said as she smiled at him.

"Like Hermione?"

"I suppose, yes."

"Come on mother, admit it, you really care for her. From what I've seen, she can match you in most of the areas that mean something to you. She doesn't mistreat you, from what I can tell. In my opinion, I don't think you'll find a better mate than her. Besides, you've already claimed one another. I know better than anyone that you still have her claim mark, which is a big deal for you, especially since you never could keep father's for very long. You would glamor one on so that no one would question things," he smirked knowingly at her.

Narcissa looked at him in confusion. "How do you know about that? I never told anyone the glamor, not even Lucius."

"I was young, and caught you by accident one day without it. Only to see you have it later that same day," he laughed.

"Yes, I did. Mostly because his delicate ego wouldn't have been able to handle the truth. Regardless of that, you're right. I have had her claim mark for much longer than that dreadful man's. I do care about Hermione a great deal. I won't deny that fact." She said with a sigh.

"Then why aren't you trying harder to fight for her? I don't understand why you aren't leading the charge into getting the one you love back. If I loved someone as much as you clearly love Hermione, I would be jumping at every chance to get them back. No matter what. So, why are you hesitating?"

"I'm curious to know how you're so confident in my feelings toward Hermione when I'm not even sure about them myself, Draco. Yes, I will admit that I feel something very strongly for her."

"Oh, come on, mother. You can fool everyone else, but you cannot fool me. I know you better than anyone. I know that I've never seen you more happy than when you're with Hermione. I think you won't admit it to yourself that you want to be with her for the rest of your lives. You just don't want to be hurt again. She's the best thing that has ever happened to you, so just admit it!" He exclaimed in frustration.

"Alright! I love her! Is that what you want to hear? I am in love with Hermione Granger! Just admitting it means nothing because she is not here for me to tell her, so what exactly was the point of this little exercise, Draco?" She huffed loudly in annoyance.

"The point is that if you can admit your feelings to me then it should be easy to admit them to her when we get her back. I don't want you to lose out on someone who complements you so perfectly. Now that we have that out of the way, let's go save your mate," he said with a smirk.

Narcissa sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Yes, let's go on what seems like a never-ending quest to save my girlfriend."

They arrived at the middle of the battle field and retrieved the staff, where Narcissa noticed the ring of knowledge was wrapped in the vine of the staff. She chuckled softly with fond amusement. "That brilliant Gryffindor."

They quickly disapparated back to the manor to begin the search for answers.