A/N; I am so sorry. There is no excuse for the delay in this chapter other than the fact that I couldn't find anything to write about. Now that I have I hope to satins sweaty ball sack that this isn't shit and while I'm at it I may as well apologize for any mistakes. Enjoy or not..probably.

I'm not lost,

I just want you to find me

~Six60~

Narcissa wasn't at all sure what actually woke her the next morning. She really didn't even know that she had fallen asleep. After Hermione had stormed out of her own flat, the older witch paced the length of the living room regretting her decisions. And somehow in between fighting her inner dialogue and pacing she ended up laying in the bedroom with Hermione's blue robe wrapped around her. It brought little comfort knowing that there was a huge possibility that her relationship with Hermione was over.

"Mother?"

Draco? That's who woke her up.

She rushed out of the bed and quickly muttered a few charms to make herself look presentable and headed for the door. She held her breath as she entered the kitchen to find her son waiting patiently at the table.

"Good morning Mother." Draco said quietly as his mother approached him. He took note of her appearance, elegant as ever and he also noticed her.

"Good morning son." Narcissa replied. "Tea?"

Draco shook his head.

"Mead?"

"No thank you mother. Please join me." He gestured at one of the chairs. When Narcissa complied so easily Draco was definitely surprised. "Where is Hermione?"

"I have no idea." Narcissa replied quietly

"Have you tried looking for her?" He queried

"No. I am the last person she would want to see."

"I am not so sure mother." Draco shook his head. "Sure she's angry that you didn't tell her and she could be angry for a while but you are not planning on giving up are you?"

"I had planned on leaving today if she had not returned." Narcissa said honestly. And saying it out aloud was more dreadful for her than having to deal with what Lucius had done to her.

"You don't get it do you?" Draco threw his hands up in the air. His mother could be just so blind sometimes it was almost infuriating to be around her when the subject of Hermione came up. First not telling the brunette of the kidnap and the rape and now wanting to leave just because Hermione was angry. Draco shook his head.

"Get what?" Narcissa asked sharply.

"Get that she's just angry." Draco exasperated. "Did she tell you that it was over between you too?"

"No."

"Did she say that she regrets ever being with you?"

Narcissa shook her head.

"What did she say?"

"That she couldn't believe that I couldn't trust her."

"Then that's what you need to do." Draco encouraged her. He leaned forward over the table and gently touched his mother's hands. "Mother, I know with the age difference and being in a long marriage prior to this relationship you would have taken some traits from that, but you need to let it all go."

"You should not be giving me advice, Draco." Narcissa said in a motherly tone.

"Face it mother, you need it" Draco retorted removing his hands. "Or you are going to lose her."

When Narcissa didn't say anything, Draco knew that was his mother's way of admitting defeat.

"Well, what do I do?" Narcissa asked after a long period of silence.

After another night of nothing but drinking her father's alcohol and lost in the bitterness of her thoughts, Hermione decided on Monday morning that she needed to see Kingsley. Whatever her fate was to be, Hermione decided that she would face it full on. She showered and transfigured one of her mother's dresses into long black robes and rehearsed silently how she was going to tell her boss that she was a murderer.

And that's where she found herself, nervously waiting outside the Minister's office. When she was told to enter she took the breath of her life.

"Ahhh, I've been waiting for you." The dark man said. His head was low as he read something on a piece of parchment. "Please have a seat Hermione."

"Thank you, Minister." She quietly walked forward and sat down opposite her boss.

Hermione waited a few moments before Kingsley's head snapped up sharply.

"You requested this meeting, Hermione." He began. "So what is of concern?"

"I should have listened to you." Hermione admitted. She looked directly into Kingsley's dark eyes and sighed. "But I didn't and I have some consequences I have to face."

Kingsley sat back in his chair and tilted his head to the side. "Do continue."

"By now I am sure you have been made aware that Lucius Malfoy is now dead." Hermione said carefully. But before she could continue she was interrupted.

"Yes, a rather gruesome death I was told." Kingsley said dismissively.

"He deserved it." Hermione said quietly.

"Of course he did." Kingsley agreed.

Hermione's head snapped up. "What?"

"He deserved it." Kingsley said again. "Because of the way he died I am finding it difficult to find the person who done it, because no wands were involved in the execution."

"There is no need for that. Minister, I was the one who killed him." Hermione admitted quickly. "That's why I'm here."

Kingsley let the information sink in before he spoke next. Hermione had changed so drastically since meeting Narcissa Black. Of course he was against it, mostly because of the fear that the brunette would no longer want her role within the Ministry and partly because he was concerned that the young witch would get involved in the drama surrounding Narcissa and Lucius. And how right had he been. His protégé had plummeted from the grace and stature she used to hold because of the ever so beautiful Narcissa Black.

"I did warn you and no you didn't listen." Kingsley said softly. He earned a clam nod from the young witch. "But now it's too late, you are too much in love with her."

"No I'm not." Hermione argued.

Kingsley smiled and then shrugged. "Never the less, you have relieved me of having to keep Lucius Malfoy under surveillance."

Hermione frowned.

"I have just found out that your temporary replacement, Douglass Delanour tried to take the vile you had only just given me." Kingsley shook his head. "I thought, he was a man that could eventually be promoted within your department. He could have gone quite far in his career. How wrong was I?"

"With all due respect Minister, I don't care what Douglass got caught doing." Hermione frowned again and was beginning to get frustrated. "I want to know when I go to Azkaban."

"You should care what Douglass done." Kingsley retorted. "And you should let me finish before interrupting me."

"I apologize."

"Apology accepted." The dark man continued. "Now, when you were sent to Guatemala I told you that we were not the only one's after the vial."

Hermione nodded as she remembered vaguely. It seemed it was almost a lifetime ago when she sat in his office while he gave her the brief for the vial. The only thing she clearly remembered about that day, was being rightly pissed off about having to leave Narcissa.

"I never told you who was actually after it, because of your involvement with Narcissa." Kingsley said carefully. "I didn't know how far developed your relationship was with her and I couldn't trust you enough if I told you that it was Lucius who was also after the vial, without telling Narcissa. Now I know you could argue that Narcissa would not have told him but you could not have guaranteed that she would have used the information to shame him, after their very messy public divorce. And I didn't want that information getting out."

For her part Hermione remained quiet.

"His connection in Guatemala was Julio Estevez that was already known because of the alliance they formed during the first war. I just needed to find out if he had someone working for him within the ministry itself." Kingsley saw the interest peak in the young witch. "And it was confirmed on Friday night when Douglass was caught trying the steal the vials right from my own office."

"He did say that he was about to gain power." Hermione whispered.

"And it would have been that if Douglass got his hands on the prize." Kingsley said with relief. "We would have had another war and only Merlin knows how many people would have died under the hand of that man. I could imagine his ex-wife would have been one of the first.'

Hermione threw him a sharp look. Just at the mention of Narcissa being subject to potential harm started a slow burning rage through her. She couldn't control her next words that slipped out of her mouth. "Not if I ever had my way."

"The point is, or in your case rather your fate, is to carry on with your life. Punishment enough for you is having to live with what you have done. Though, I would not usually tolerate it, I will make an exception." Kingsley said sternly. "Firstly because of the position and responsibility you have within the ministry. Secondly, because killing him, may have just potentially saved many other lives if his plan worked. And Lastly, because you knew that he got away with raping Narcissa. So you will not be going to Azkaban, you will be going back to your office and you will be doing some damage control in your department because of Douglass."

Hermione couldn't believe what she had just heard. She just sat there blankly. She had just gone from feeling very nervous to feeling absolutely nothing. She was shell shocked and it showed.

"You have work to do Hermione, I suggest you go and do it." Kingsley pointed to the door. "And I have another important meeting due."

"Yes, thank you Minister." Hermione said after a few moments and quickly stood. "Are you sure you want me still working for you? After what I done I deserve to be in Azkaban."

"Just get back to your office, Hermione." Kingsley said sternly.

"Yes Minister." Hermione quickly nodded and rushed out.

As she walked back to her office many things were racing through her mind. How could Kingsley just let it go? She murdered someone. She took a life. She should be punished for it. She should have felt ashamed of what she had done. But none of that was going to happen. She wasn't going to spend the rest of her life in Azkaban. Though it would never be publicized that it were she who murdered Lucius Malfoy, she would never be ashamed of what she had done. And as she approached her department she came to the startling realisation that she, Hermione Jean Granger got away with murder and was still able to keep her job. This was something she would never be proud of.

Still in a daze she passed through the many desks of her workers in the bull pen absolutely oblivious to everything that was happening around her. She didn't even hear her assistant Amelda calling her when she reached her office and walked through the door.

Almost instantly Hermione was snapped out of the daze when she saw a very tired looking Narcissa standing in her office waiting for her. Hermione just stood frozen on the spot and before either witch could say anything Amelda was behind Hermione speaking very rapidly.

"I'm sorry Hermione, I was trying to get your attention to tell you that you had a visitor waiting in your office." Amelda rushed. "And with everything in the bull pen going crazy it seemed appropriate to let her wait for you here."

"That's fine Amelda." Hermione said with her eyes still glued to the most beautiful witch in the world. She then turned her head. "I have been informed of Douglass. Send a memo out to all our in house staff that there is to be a meeting at two o'clock. I also want you to get in touch with all of the agents that are out in the field at the moment and summon them back and tell them that I don't care how important their assignments are, they are to be here by the end of the week."

"Yes."

Hermione finally ripped her eyes away from Narcissa and turned to face Amelda. "And I also want every case file that Douglass has ever touched on my desk by tomorrow morning."

"Yes, Miss Granger." Amelda rushed. "Was there anything else?"

Hermione thought for a moment. "Yes, I don't want any interruptions while our visitor is here."

"Noted."

With that Hermione and Narcissa were left alone. The blonde still hadn't moved when the younger witch watched her assistant leave. She just stood by Hermione's desk with the most inappropriate thoughts racing through her mind as her young lover sounded so erotically commanding while she delegated. She inwardly scolded herself as it was not the appropriate time to be thinking about that. And in the middle of a silent telling off she watched Hermione turned back and face her.

The young witch looked pale, tired and drained. Narcissa started to speak, "Hermione, I-"

"Sit!" Hermione commanded pointing at the chair as she walked around her desk.

Narcissa complied and waited nervously. For a long while they stared at each other. It felt awkward. It felt horrible. So Hermione broke the silence.

"I have just come out of a meeting with the Minister." Hermione said neutrally. "He knows of Lucius being dead. Don't worry about any implications. You, Draco, Harry and Ginny will be fine."

Narcissa frowned. "You told him that you done it?"

"Yes"

"What is to happen with you?" Narcissa asked quickly. She had not seen this coming. She did not think Hermione would go right to the Minister himself and hand herself in. She was too concerned over their relationship that she forgot about Lucius being dead and Hermione's pending fate.

"Nothing, I am to get back to work." Hermione said simply.

Narcissa nodded processing the information. After a few moments she asked; "There are no consequences?"

"None other than I have to live with what I have done." Hermione shifted in her seat. "Why are you here?"

"I'm here because we need to talk and this was the only place I thought I could find you." Narcissa uncharacteristically shrugged. She tried to search for something other than blankness in Hermione's eyes.

"Now you think we need to talk." Hermione muttered sarcastically.

"I know that I should have told you earlier and I'm sorry." Narcissa apologised.

Hermione sighed and pinched the bridge of her nose.

"I have come to the realisation that I have turned you into a person that you would have never wanted to be." Narcissa said quietly. She looked over at Hermione, her brown orbs were closed. "Things could have been different, had I not gone after you that night of the Ball."

That snapped Hermione out of her blankness. She glared over at the blonde and said demandingly; "What? So you are saying that you regret being with me?"

"No" Narcissa shook her head. She was about to continue more when Hermione quite rudely interrupted her. "I-

"You didn't turn me into someone that I never wanted to be, for Christ sakes." Hermione ranted. "You didn't tell me to kill Lucius, I done it on my own accord and I'm not even ashamed of it, the fucking prick deserved it. Hell, you couldn't even tell me that he raped you. I'm responsible for my own actions and just because I'm around the same age as your son doesn't mean you have to shelter me from every bad fucking thing that goes down."

And just how quickly Hermione snapped out of her blankness, Narcissa's calm broke. She rose quickly out of her chair, her red robes swaying around her.

"I may not have told you to kill him but I do feel there is a responsibility on my part because you killed him over me." Narcissa glowered down at the brunette.

Hermione slowly stood and laid her palms flat on her desk and leaned closer to the blonde.

"Well, that would be a first." Hermione hissed through clenched teeth. "The ice queen admitting responsibility."

Narcissa's eyes narrowed almost like a cat.

"I should take a picture, or maybe write it down. This has to be a monumental moment." Hermione continued sarcastically.

"Perhaps you should." Narcissa murmured quietly. Slowly she backed away for the young witch. She suddenly did not feel upset. As she took steps backward it dawned on her that coming to the brunette's office was not her best idea. She stared at Hermione, her brown eyes hard and unnerving. And it hurt. "I won't waste anymore of your time."

With that the blonde left.

"FUCK!" Hermione hollered as both her fists slammed down on to her desk. For a few minutes she stood there panting in an attempt to evaporate her anger. She really didn't know why she was angry. Of course she was still upset that Narcissa never told her about the rape and at the blonde's efforts to keep it hidden from her. But she was more hurt than angry.

No that wasn't it at all and deep down Hermione knew it.

It was the way Narcissa left. The hurt look in her eyes, the defeated way she spoke. That's why Hermione was angry, she was angry at herself. She quickly walked out of her office and went straight to Amelda who looked rushed off her feet.

"Miss Granger is there anything I can do?"

"I'll be out of the office for a while." Hermione said quickly. "If I'm not back by one o'clock then send another memo out rescheduling the meeting for this afternoon to first thing tomorrow morning."

"Noted." Amelda looked puzzled it looked like she wanted to know why but she had a feeling that it had do with the abrupt way Ms Black had just left.

"Good." With that Hermione left.

Hermione stalked her flat for Narcissa and found the blonde packing a trunk in the bedroom. She immediately did not like what she was seeing and snapped yet again. "Where the hell are you going?"

Narcissa jumped a little and turned to find Hermione standing by the door, looking angry, again. "There is little point in me staying here seeing as though it's your flat."

Hermione grunted.

"I will be going to stay with Draco, until I find somewhere permanent to reside in." Narcissa said softly. She eyed Hermione hesitantly waiting for the young witch to say something. And when she didn't the blonde turned back and resumed packing her trunk. The sooner she got out of there the better. The tension was beginning to be too much and the silence was making her feel even worse.

"I remember telling you once that if I ever find out that my name is not the only name you screamed when you come, I wouldn't hesitate to ruin whoever the other person was." Hermione said darkly.

That got Narcissa's attention and the blonde quickly spun around to Hermione stalking toward her. She remembered those words, that morning, the intense love making after Hermione had first said that. Her heart beat quickened as the brunette got closer.

"So what makes you think I'm going to let you go?" Hermione fired as she came to a stand still. She was mere inches away from Narcissa. And the blonde's smell was intoxicating.

"You… I..thought.." Narcissa mumbled. She felt confused and it showed. Hermione being too close was fogging her thought process. She took a few steps back and found herself backed up against the wall.

"Sorry, I didn't quite understand that." Hermione followed the blonde. She closed in on the older witch, she placed each palm flat against the wall near Narcissa's head, caging her in. "Hmmm?"

"I thought you didn't want to be with me anymore." Narcissa whispered quietly as she looked into those brown eyes.

"You need to stop assuming things and just ask." Hermione said harshly.

"You need to stop snapping at me at every chance you get, so I can ask." Narcissa fired back

Hermione's jaw clenched. "You need to stop treating me like a child."

"Well, perhaps you should stop acting like one!"

"Oh, really?" Hermione leaned in closer. In a very tantalizing manner she thrust her pelvis forward and almost smirked when Narcissa bit her lip. "I don't think a child would act like that."

"N…No..its not." Narcissa said breathlessly.

"Good, cause let me make one thing clear." Hermione whispered as she pushed her pelvis into Narcissa again. "I don't want you to leave, I've never wanted you to leave. You are not going to stay with Draco. You are not going to find somewhere else other than here to reside in permanently. You are damn well staying here."

Narcissa bit her lip again. She couldn't think clearly. Hermione was almost too overwhelming. And if the young witch did not back away something would happen.

And it did. Hermione lips betrayed the harsh words that had been falling out of her mouth when she kissed the blonde softly. She moaned when Narcissa wrapped her arms around her neck pulling the young witch even closer. They kissed softly, tentatively almost hesitantly. For Hermione it never felt more…right. She licked Narcissa's lips seeking entrance. And when the blonde complied Hermione knew in that moment that something in her had changed.

Their kiss took a ferocious turn. Their tongues tangled in a battle that should have been fought with words. Hermione's hands flew off the wall and she ran her fingers through Narcissa's fine blonde hair. Their hips kept a rhythm in a meeting thrust. Both witch's moans were muffled as their kissing became more urgent, almost more feral.

And before things got out of control Hermione achingly broke the kiss. Her hands still in Narcissa's hair and the blonde's eyes closed she kissed her pale forehead.

Narcissa opened her eyes meeting those heated brown orbs.

"We must talk Mione." Narcissa whispered.

"I know." Hermione caressed Narcissa's cheek. She really did not know who she was anymore. "There is a lot we need to discuss. But first there was something that happened in Guatemala that you need to know about."

Once again I will apologize for the mistakes..