A/N: Hey people. Thanks for the reviews, they are really helpful. So here's another chapter. Enjoy or not or somewhat.
Humbled on the mountain of her presence
~Lauryn Hill~
Narcissa walked alongside the large pond almost on the outskirts of Malfoy manor. She had a lot of time to think since the war. On the surface she was her usual herself. But inside she had broken. Draco had not returned home from after he went back to complete his last year at Hogwarts. And frankly Narcissa didn't blame him. And for a while she hoped he will come back to her.
Those hopes were shattered when Lucius cut Draco out of the Malfoy inheritance. Her and Lucius would argue constantly about their son. She wanted Draco to find happiness, after the upbringing he had, he deserved it. Lucius expected Draco to still follow the obligation he had as a pureblood. And in the end they both lost their son.
Narcissa stopped for a moment and wrapped her thin arms around herself. It was an autumn afternoon, the sun shone brightly but the breeze had a bite to it.
She took in her surroundings and sighed.
Her life was a beautiful lie. Behind the gates of the manor she lived in were only memories that haunted her. Underneath her composed exterior was a woman who longed for more than a pretty dress and countless jewels. There was nothing but lies behind her sham of a marriage.
For years Narcissa knew Lucius was never faithful to her. And she reminded herself that she was his wife, he would always be hers. The other women did not matter.
"One in particular does matter." She whispered bitterly. "He would not be in skiving all over Europe if he did not care for her."
But after the war it did matter to Narcissa. She wanted a divorce. She wanted the freedom Draco had. She wanted to make her own decision as to what happened in her life.
And she was finally doing something about it.
She had thought about leaving once too many times over the years. But questions would overcast her desire. Where will she go to? How will she survive after a divorce?
But now that she found that book in Lucius's study it had given her the push she needed to move out. And she was going to use to make sure Lucius will never show his face in public again.
As she took closer steps to the pond she could imagine his rage at her once it became public. She did not care. She would even laugh at him and tell him that the Malfoy secret was made public by a muggle born.
She smiled as she thought of Hermione. There was something about the young Gryffindor that captivated her. Over the three weeks that Hermione would come to inspect the relics she was handing over to the ministry, they had grown accustomed to each other. Narcissa did not know exactly what she felt for Hermione. The muggleborn was attractive yet oblivious to her unique looks. She was definitely smart but not arrogant about it. She was also infuriating and alluring at the same time.
And Narcissa was sure Hermione would only do that to make her snap at the bookworm. Just like she was sure that the young witch wanted her. Her suspicions were confirmed when Hermione touched her hand, slowly caressing her hand with her fingers. It was the most simplistic of touches but Narcissa felt it through her entire body.
She longed for that touch. Every time Hermione left she would fight herself in wanting to ask the Gryffindor to stay. Somehow Hermione made Narcissa feel alive. When the young witch was with her she did not feel empty anymore.
A loud rumble of thunder snapped Narcissa out of her thoughts. She looked up only in time to see rain falling from concrete coloured sky's. She closed her eyes as the tiny raindrops fell on her face. Taking away any hesitation she had about the decision she was ready to make.
Three weeks. Three long weeks Hermione spent at Malfoy manor looking through the various relics Narcissa Malfoy was willingly giving to the ministry. It was not that she was bored with what the pureblood was handing over. It was the pureblood herself that was getting under Hermione's skin. Everything Narcissa Malfoy done nearly drove Hermione crazy with want for the blonde.
The way those berry lips moved around words. How her blue eyes would light up when she would explain an object to Hermione. The way she'd smirk when she corrected Hermione. The way her hair fell when she looked down. How her thin frame held her when she stood. Even the way she frowned was nearly enough for Hermione to touch her.
Hermione had never felt like this about someone. Raw pure hunger that's what it was. She did not love her. If Hermione was honest she had never even loved Ron and that was the only significant relationship she had ever had. There was no precedent Hermione could base her feelings on.
She wanted Narcissa Malfoy. And that was it.
Was it really all she wanted from Narcissa? Hermione thought to herself.
Whether she was going to do anything about it was entirely a different matter.
She paced her office wondering if the blonde had made any small signals to her.
Often Hermione would catch Narcissa looking at her. They would hold gazes for a moment before either would clear their throat and look away. There was also the time Hermione touched Narcissa's hand. She quickly realised what she was doing and proceeded to move away. Before Narcissa covered her hand with her own. Hermione even thought that Narcissa would deliberately stand too close to her.
Shaking her head she stopped in the middle of her office to give herself a stern lecture.
'I can't go there she's a witch.' Hermione said to herself.
'She's a very beautiful witch.' A voice said so far away in her mind she barely heard it.
'She's Narcissa Malfoy. A woman who is old enough to be my mother.' She tried to put herself off the blonde. 'Not to mention her son is Malfoy.'
'That wouldn't stop you if she came after you.' The voice reappeared.
Hermione silently admitted to herself that if Narcissa did go after her the excuses she was coming up with would no longer matter.
However Hermione wouldn't pursue the blonde. She quickly decided that she would go to Malfoy one last time to collect the relics. She would be polite. And then she will leave.
And hopefully she would forget about it.
A knock at her door made her jump in a fright.
"Sorry." Kingsley said as Hermione turned around.
"It's ok." Hermione smiled at the minister. "How can I help you?"
"I have not heard from you in weeks." Kingsley said concerned. "What have you been doing?"
Hermione gestured the middle aged man to enter.
"I had an interesting visitor three weeks ago.' She said making her way around her desk.
"Oh who?"
"Narcissa Malfoy." Hermione said as she sat down.
Kingsley frowned as Hermione explained what she had been doing at Malfoy Manor.
"She came to you to get because she no longer wanted any of the relics in Malfoy Manor?" Kingsley asked in disbelief at what Hermione had just told him.
"Yes." Hermione nodded before frowning. "There has been no sign of Lucius though."
"No he's been in France with his mistress." Kingsley replied.
"Oh." Was all Hermione could say.
That's most likely the reason why Narcissa is giving all of the Malfoy family heirlooms to the ministry. Hermione thought. She would have never thought that Lucius would ever do that to Narcissa.
"Yes." Kingsley said "He has been watch very closely after the war. And will be until the day he dies."
"I don't think he'll be a threat after you see what I have to show you." Hermione said seriously.
Kingsley cocked his head to the side.
"Narcissa has a book of one of the Malfoy's ancestors." Hermione answered the silent question. "And they descend from a half blood."
Kingsley raised his eyebrow at the revelation.
"Even though the halfblood ancestor dates back to ancient Egypt I am certain it still would be enough to embarrass Lucius Malfoy." Hermione carried on.
"Hmmm" Kingsley said before standing to leave. "What I find more interesting is that Narcissa is willingly handing those objects over."
"She is acting like a woman who is only just unleashing twenty years of simmering anger." Hermione said from behind him.
Before he got to the door he turned to the young witch.
"I am going to say what I always say while you are on a mission. Though I think it would be more prominent now than ever before." Kingsley murmured. "Be careful and remember not to let your heart cloud your rational judgement."
"My heart cloud my rational judgement." Hermione repeated while frowning. "You've never said that to me before."
Kingsley just looked at her knowingly for a moment.
Hermione shifted uncomfortable with the sudden scrutiny. Had he picked up her enthusiasm for Narcissa? She wondered.
"Just remember this Hermione." Kingsley said softly. "Don't let the heart be baptized into complete submission, no matter how far the body wonders."
Kingsley left Hermione staring into thin air, mulling over what he had said to her.
Later that night Narcissa was intrigued that Hermione did not come earlier that day. The young witch had not sent an owl explaining her absence or to say that she was not coming. That was not like Hermione at all, usually if she got caught up at her office, she would at least contact Narcissa out of courtesy. But she had not.
While she waited for Hermione she refrained herself from sending a note to inquire about the young witch's absence. Narcissa did not chase after anyone. They came to her.
Perhaps it Hermione was sent on another mission and hurriedly had to leave? The blonde wondered.
They had spoken about the young witch's job one day as Hermione examined a glass prism. The object was simple for it bore no gems or inscriptions. Though its main function projected colours similar to a rainbow when light shone through it at various angles. The magic in it was similar to a pensive only it did not hold memories but a series of written texts. Once the correct spell was used, the room would flood in a rainbow of colours, several names and dates appeared highlighted throughout the rainbow.
"What is this?" Hermione asked when Narcissa lifted the ward of the prism.
"They are the names of the illegitimate children born to the Malfoy heirs." Narcissa stepped forward and pointed to one in particular. "He is Lucius's half-brother."
Hermione didn't ask why it was kept hidden. Knowledge such as that was again dangerous to the family's pure reputation. The rainbow was littered with names and dates. And it ranged from the 9th century right up to.
Hermione looked at Narcissa.
Narcissa shrugged elegantly as if she no longer cared and broached the subject of the young witch's job.
"Enlighten me, why would the brains of the golden trio take the profession of a relic hunter?" Narcissa asked after the awkward moment passed. "Surely the travel would get tiring."
Hermione was quiet before she said. "Although I get tired of travelling I also welcome it at the same time. Being Harry Potter's best friend has its advantages such as walking into the Leaky cauldron and not having to pay for drinks. But there are also disadvantages for instance, I may not have to pay for as many glasses of fire whiskey I can drink in the Leaky Cauldron, but I do have to face people that want to talk about the war."
"Interesting…that you would rather avoid the attention." Narcissa murmured realising that Hermione had not graced the Dailey Prophet with her name or picture as much as her friends.
Hermione put the prism down on the table.
"I've always wanted a quiet life." Hermione shrugged. "And after the war I made sure I was going to get it."
"I can understand." Narcissa said quietly. "Though I live in an empty house."
"Does Mal-Draco not live here?" Hermione asked.
"No…He has not lived here since the war." Narcissa whispered.
After a few silent moments Hermione picked up another necklace. She asked why Narcissa would keep a chunk of silver attached to a thick leather choker.
"It belonged to Lucius's Great Grandmother." Narcissa answered.
"What is it meant to do?"
"It's a Lithuanian Love knot." Narcissa said from behind Hermione.
Hermione raised her eyebrows and turned to face Narcissa. She had read of such a necklace. It was created to control the wife of a wizard. Once the witch had put the chocker on it was stuck on her until she died.
"I did not realise that the Malfoy hunger for power and control even entered the bedroom." Hermione said.
"The Malfoy ancestors were more ambitious in other ways compared to Lucius." Narcissa murmured.
"Yes that's been rather obvious of late." Hermione said quietly. "He cared more about his own glory then you or Draco."
Narcissa sighed and reached for her glass of wine.
The pureblood stayed in the library until the early hours of the morning thinking about the young witch that never seized to invade her thoughts.
"So I heard you received a promotion." Ginny Potter said casually to Hermione.
The wife of the most famous wizard in the world and his best friend sat together in the brunette's flat drinking firewhiskey. Ginny found it odd for the brunette to send an owl midweek requesting a 'catch up'. It was not like Hermione to do that. She usually waited for the weekend. So Ginny concluded that it had to be two things that were bothering Hermione. And it was either her job that was frustrating her and she wanted to rant. Or it was her love life that was confusing her and she was seeking advice. Ginny had a hunch that it was the latter for Hermione to request only her presence.
"Yes" Hermione said taking a sip of her drink.
"And how are you finding it?" Ginny asked.
Both women were seated on the sofa in Hermione's living room. The fire was roaring is warmth throughout the household. It was relaxing.
"It's good. At first I was a little hesitant because I did not want the other agents thinking that I only got the job because I was Harry Potter's best friend." Hermione admitted. "I wanted it to be because of my own merit. Kingsley told me that I was chosen for my own efforts and not out of favour."
Ginny nodded silently ticking the possibility of the new job bothering Hermione off the list. She baited Hermione along asking random questions about the department.
"The responsibility must be scary for someone so young." The red head said.
Hermione made a face before saying. "I have stressed the importance of research and safety to everyone. And they have seemed to listen so far, we are collecting more relics than ever before. We are recruiting more agents in Eastern Europe, North and South America, Africa, The middle east and the pacific. So the agents of the ministry are only tending to cases within Western Europe for now."
Ginny smiled at her friend's enthusiasm.
"To make it even better no one has given me a hard time." Hermione carried on. "There seems to be no jealousy with me taking the role."
"That's great Mione." Ginny beamed truly happy for the brunette.
"Yeah it is Ginny." Hermione grinned. "I've been home for five solid weeks and I'm getting back into a routine."
Hermione stood and walked into the kitchen.
"The Minister's Ball is coming up." Ginny called from the living room. "Are you taking anyone?"
"No." Hermione said walking back in with a bottle of firewhiskey.
So there was no hidden relationship Ginny thought.
"Surely there is someone tickling your interest." Ginny urged.
Hermione looked at Ginny for a moment before pouring herself another glass.
"There is someone." Hermione said slowly. She offered the bottle and the red head accepted it.
"Really?" Ginny's interest perked up as she filled her glass. "So what's the deal?"
"Nothing." Hermione said sharply. "It's complicated."
Ginny frowned placing the bottle on the coffee table. "Is it casual?"
Hermione looked at her friend. "No.'
"Well what is it?"
"Lust." Hermione said quickly.
"So you two are sleeping together?"
"No."
"Mione what's going on?" Ginny asked. "You are confusing me."
Hermione sighed and ran her fingers through her hair.
"Have you ever wanted someone you can't have?" Hermione whispered. "Someone that could probably ruin you and yet be the only thing you are prepared to fight for?"
Ginny put her glass next to the bottle of firewhiskey on the coffee table.
"You can't seriously be talking about my brother." She deadpanned.
"No." Hermione shook her head.
"Ok" Ginny said leaning back on the sofa. "But to answer your question. No I have never felt that way about another.'
A small sad smile crossed Hermione's face.
"And you are going to have to give me more information if you want my help.'
Hermione took another gulp of her drink for courage.
"Ginny I've never told anyone who is close to me this before.' She said nervously. "But I'm bisexual."
Ginny gaped.
"I have been for three years." Hermione rushed.
Ginny's eyebrows rose.
"So this person is a woman?" She asked.
Hermione nodded.
Ginny reached forward retrieving her glass and draining it.
"Well Mione that's not what I was expecting." Ginny said as the whiskey burnt away her astonishment. "So if you are after a woman why is it complicated? I mean our world is not accustomed to gay and lesbian relationships but being who you are I don't think it would take long for anyone to get over it."
"She's older."
"So." Ginny thought for a moment before balking. "It's not Minerva is it?"
"What!' Hermione shrieked. "No. And when I said older I meant twenty years not fifty.'
Ginny reached forward for the bottle. "Oh I'm glad. You had me worried for a moment."
Ginny refilled her glass and put the bottle back. "So we have established that her age isn't really what's complicating. So what else is there that's stopping you?"
"She's married. But she seems hell bent on ruining her husband."
Ginny nodded. "So she might as well be as single as you if that's the case."
"I have a feeling she will be soon."
"So she has baggage, everyone does." Ginny said. "But that's not a good enough reason to stop you if you know that her marriage is breaking down. And if the feeling is mutual why not go there. She does return the same feelings right?"
"I am certain that she does." Hermione said.
"Well out with it Mione." Ginny teased.
"I am scared." Hermione said quietly.
Ginny frowned.
'I have never felt this way before." Hermione whispered. "The more I find out about her the more I want her. Not just for a one night stand or a casual fling. She deserves more than that. Every time I am with her I find it hard to leave. I want to see her all the time. I can't even think properly whenever she is near me."
Ginny bit her lip as her friend carried on.
"I can see past her age and her sham of a marriage." Hermione continued. "But what really scares me is that my feelings have never been this strong before."
Ginny looked at her friend who seem to have the worried face of a Hufflepuff. And she smiled. In all the times Ginny had watched Hermione help Harry and Ronald with their homework and practically everything else. She had never seen the so called 'know-it-all' but Ginny would rather call her friend 'very knowledgeable' so confused about the most simplest thing.
"You are going to fall for her Hermione." Ginny smiled.
Hermione gasped.
"But I have only gotten to know her in three weeks!" Hermione shrieked. "It can't be possible."
"It can and you will fall for her." Ginny reassured her friend. "Eventually."
"No I can't" Hermione said forcefully. "It's not that simple. I've even been warned not to fall for her."
"Oh by who?"
"Kingsley."
"Do you fancy one of your agents?" Ginny asked.
"No." Hermione said. "I've been working alongside her. But that's not the point. He said that I should not let my heart be baptized into complete submission no matter how far my body wonders."
Ginny took another sip of her drink.
"Who is she Mione?" Ginny asked quietly. "To be warned by the minister about her must mean she's dangerous."
"She's not dangerous." Hermione snapped. "It's who she is that probably scared the shit out of Kingsley. I mean we had only spoken about her and he saw straight through me."
"Who is she Mione."
"I…can't..tell..you.." Hermione stuttered.
"Well you wanted my advice." Ginny said hurt that her friend did not trust her that far. "Go ahead and date her. Though, I can't understand why it's so complicated given that you have answered every single excuse you could conjure up into not dating her. But in saying that Hermione. It's up to you. Don't follow what those around you are telling you to do."
"I'm sorry Ginny." Hermione said. "I will tell you. But not at the moment because it's not fair on her."
Ginny nodded begrudgingly knowing that the right time would come for Hermione to admitt who is likes. But then it had to be someone that they all know Ginny wondered.
"So how is married life?" Hermione changed the subject.
"Oh where do I start." Ginny rolled her eyes. "You'd think after having all my brothers I be use to picking up after males but I'm not. Your green eyed friend drives me nuts."
Hermione smiled.
Narcissa read the neatly folded parchment she received only moments ago. Hermione had written to apologize about her absence the previous day and had asked if she could come and collect the relics later in the day.
Narcissa smirked after the owl disappeared into the sky's.
Hermione and Narcissa stood by the table in the library talking quietly to each other. It had been a tense moment when the brunette arrived. Neither witch not knowing what to say. Hermione apologized again. Narcissa nodded leading her into the library. Hermione then asked if Narcissa was sure about giving over the Lithuanian Love knot and that's where their conversation started.
"I am sure." Narcissa murmured. "It is of little use for the Malfoy family if it no longer has an heir."
Hermione nodded slowly and put the necklace into a bag she used an extendable charm with. She then proceeded to put everything else in carefully. She stopped when she reached the untitled black book.
"This?" Hermione asked.
Narcissa nodded.
"He must have really hurt you for you to do this." Hermione said without thinking.
Narcissa took a deep breath and turned away from Hermione and walked across the room to stare out the window. Her navy blue robes gathered around her as she wrapped her arms around herself.
"I am glad he did." She said quietly.
Hermione placed the book in the bag and closed it.
"There is still time for you to take these relics back." Hermione said. "Once I explain what they are to the curators it would spread like wild fire throughout the ministry and be plastered on the front page on the Dailey Prophet in the morning."
Narcissa turned to face her.
"Take them Hermione." She said.
They stared into each other's eyes for a moment.
Hermione could tell by the look on Narcissa's face that the blonde had made her mind up. She was reluctant in taking the items only out of concern for her. She could only imagine what Lucius's reaction would be once the news hit him.
"If there's anything you need don't hesitate to get in contact with me." Hermione said quietly.
Narcissa smiled inwardly.
"I am sure I will be fine." She said softly.
With the bag in hand Hermione walked toward Narcissa.
"Thank you for your help." Hermione said moving her hand forward.
Narcissa nodded and shook Hermione's hand.
"If you ever need anything don't hesitate to send an owl." Hermione said while she looked into those blue eyes.
Narcissa for her part remained silent as their hands still shook.
"Just be safe when Lucius returns." Hermione murmured not wanting to let Narcissa go.
"He is of little harm." Narcissa said quietly. "I will be fine."
Their fingers were now entwined. Hermione slowly moving the pad of her thumb over a pale finger. They just stood there. Without saying a word to each other. Their actions were enough to confirm what they were trying to project.
"I should go." Hermione whispered.
Narcissa sighed.
"Yes." Narcissa whispered back.
I don't want to leave you Hermione screamed inwardly.
Narcissa must have sensed the young witch's hesitation for she looked into those brown eyes and pleaded silently. She just wanted Hermione to stay. She didn't want the Gryffindor to leave.
Hermione felt herself beginning to weaken under those amazing blue eyes. They could be as rough as the sea at times. They could be as cold as a winter's day. But at that moment they were as tempting as a clear blue sky on a hot summer's day.
Hermione slowly pulled Narcissa forward until they stood inches away from one another. She closed her eyes and took in the blonde's intoxicating scent.
She opened her eyes to see Narcissa's gaze on her lips.
"I shouldn't be doing this." Hermione whispered.
She slowly kissed those soft lips.
Hermione was somewhat surprised when Narcissa kissed her back immediately. She moaned and wrapped her arm around the blonde's waist.
The bag of relics dropped to the floor.