A/N: This is for Imperfectionisunderrated. You will soon see what I was talking about…Anyway, Thank you for challenging me.
Despite feeling anxious from the letter she received from Camilla, Hermione felt..Hopeful. She checked again making sure everything was set in place and took a step back admiring her surroundings.
I hope Narcissa likes it.
Earlier she had sent a note home informing the blonde that she would be running a little late behind schedule but the plans for their date were still in place. She received a swift reply from the blonde saying that it was fine and also asking if she still should wear the brunette's clothes. Hermione remembered the smirk she made when her reply was a simple yes. Though she was still very busy at work that was not the reason why she would be returning home late. Plans for their date had been plaguing her all day while she went through the countless case files Douglass had touched. All sorts of ideas had run through her mind. Should I take her out to dinner? Should we do something more muggle, like go and watch a movie? In the end all those ideas were scrapped when she remembered telling the blonde that she was not ready to share her with the rest of the world yet.
Somewhere in between working and thinking an idea slowly formed and Hermione decided that it would be the perfect first date. She then put to work the mechanics of her plans. She wrote out a shopping list of food and materials she needed. She also wrote out a 'to do list' and then sent her note to Narcissa.
In between the time she left work and set up what they were going to do for their date, she practically ran around like a girl under a hyper jinx. Her wand proved to be very handy as she accomplished every little job she had on her list. She could not remember if she had ever gone through such an effort for a date before. She concluded that she probably never had. Usually it was the standard dinner, or meeting up for a drink. But never like this, never on this scale.
Night was beginning to fall Hermione checked one last time before apparating home.
(~)
Narcissa waited patiently for the brunette. She had spent some time looking through Hermione's draws and wardrobe for clothes to wear. She grimaced at how many clothes of the brunette's she had tried on and then taken off. At first she thought she would try black sweats and black hoodie, she checked herself in the mirror and rolled her eyes thinking, I don't suit this look, it's more her. She then tried one of the only two grey pencil skirts Hermione owned and a white frilly blouse. Looking at her reflection in the mirror and her wand in her hand, Narcissa flicked her wrist and her hair instantly went into a French roll. She surveyed her appearance, her head tilting to the side. She did say it was not anything formal but I suppose I could wear this one day, to tease her. At the end of nearly two hours of trying clothes on she opted for a grey fleeced cardigan, a plain white long sleeved top and washed down jeans. Before she put the denim on she inspected the garment nearly thinking twice about putting the faded Wrangler on. She bit her lip and just pulled the jeans on thinking, I don't think we are going anywhere in public.
She settled in the living room and did not have to wait long before the brunette walked through the door. Narcissa looked up at Hermione and smiled.
"Hi." The blonde said easily as she stood.
Hermione just stood at the living room door and stared. Her wonder was very obvious. Luckily for her, her mouth was not a gaped.
"You know, that usually when one is greeted a reply is required." Narcissa teased as she approached Hermione.
"Uh…Hi.." Hermione uttered out. She eyed the blonde from the black mid-calf leather boots to the blonde's hair, tied in a ponytail, again, as she made her way over to her. The brunette's voice reduced to a whisper when she said, "My jeans?"
"Yes." Narcissa murmured and kissed Hermione on the mouth. It was only meant to be a peck but then the blonde found herself pushed up against the door frame. Hermione began kissing her wildly, sucking on her lips and tongue, the brunette's hands in the back pockets of her jeans, gently squeezing her rear. The brunette seemed to be lost in Narcissa's moans as she ran hot, wet open mouth kisses along her jaw and then down the side of her neck.
Hermione moaned when she reached Narcissa's shoulder, she gently bit down. The blonde was reduced to sounding very primal. If Hermione didn't stop, they would not be going on their date. Slowly she pulled away. Both witches' were gasping for air as they stared each other down. Their eyes said it all, the longing and the pure unadulterated hunger for each other.
"I guess that was a worthwhile greeting." Hermione gulped in between breaths. She kissed Narcissa softly on the mouth, then her nose and then her forehead, she pulled her lips away before she done something more. She met Narcissa's wonderful blue eyes and smiled.
"A greeting only for me." Blue eyes sparkled.
Hermione groaned, her hands still in those pockets, she pulled Narcissa even closer. Their eyes met in another longing stare. Ownership was something Hermione was not familiar with, especially in relationships. But she'd be damned if Narcissa ever walked away from her. She'd die. "Yes"
Narcissa gave the brunette a satisfied smirk and kissed Hermione quickly.
"Give me five minutes to get changed and then we can go." Hermione whispered.
(~)
Narcissa blinked and took in her surroundings. They had apparated and were now standing in someone's backyard. It was dark but they were supplied with ample lighting. Chinese lanterns floated around the grounds. Fairy lights magically sashayed under a branch of an old oak tree. She noticed a child's place house in the tree, looking old in faded pink paint and unused. A blue and white pin stripped blanket was spread out under the tree. The grass was lush and looked freshly cut. The property was sectioned with a six foot high dark green fence. She reached for Hermione's hand but there was nothing meeting her but cool air. She spun around and saw Hermione, rather sheepishly, approaching her from the house carrying a basket and floating behind her many other trays of foods and a bottle of wine.
Compared with sized to Malfoy Manor, this house was nothing. But compare it as being a home, this house would win, hands down. The house was a two storey white bungalow; she could see a kitchen behind a solid timber pergola. Its simplicity took Narcissa's breath away and she had not even seen inside.
As Hermione got closer to Narcissa, her feet treading on a limestone pathway, she said; "Come with me."
Narcissa followed the young witch quietly to the oak tree. Hermione set the basket down and soon after the other array of foods and the wine of wine did as well. Awkwardly the blonde stood next to Hermione, not knowing what to do.
As if she sensed it Hermione said casually, "You can sit down if you want to."
"On the blanket?" Narcissa asked warily.
Hermione sat down next to the food. Her legs stretching out, she leaned back on the palms of her hands. When the blonde did not move, Hermione asked; "Have you never been on a picnic before?"
Narcissa shook her head.
"Come, sit." Hermione gestured to the blanket. Narcissa complied and when she settled next to her Hermione started laughing.
"What is so amusing?" Narcissa asked
Hermione shook her head.
"No what is funny?"
Her laughter soon faded, and then her smile turned into a frown. "I thought you were just trying to be cute."
"I don't do cute." Narcissa replied dryly.
"I beg to differ; you haven't seen yourself, asleep early hours in the morning."
"Have you?" Narcissa's head tilted to the side. "Have you been watching me sleep?"
"Yes, this morning actually." Hermione admitted. She had spent a good hour just watching the blonde sleep peacefully before the sun rose. She marvelled at how peacefully the blonde breathed, at how her chest would slowly rise before calmly descending. She smiled tenderly at the soft noises the older witch was making. Who would have thought, that Narcissa black snored. Hermione found it cute. She didn't believe that the blonde would so she chose not to bring it up.
"Oh, well then you must stop." Narcissa muttered.
"No I won't." The brunette said simply. She reached over a caressed Narcissa's check with the tips of her hands. The innocent touch sent all sorts of thoughts through Hermione's brain. Naughty and scandalous thoughts clouded her mind but they were overcast by something more serious. Had Narcissa never experienced other things than being trapped in that Manor? "Have you never been on a picnic before?"
"No I haven't" Narcissa shook her head.
"Then let's enjoy it." Hermione smiled. She was going to make sure that Narcissa would experience everything. Everything good thing the older witch deserved. "Would you like some wine?"
"Thank you." Narcissa smiled as Hermione retrieved the bottle of wine and two wine glasses out of the basket. Her smile faltered when the young witch handed a half filled wine glass to her. When she reached out for it she asked; "Where are we?"
"This," Hermione gesture to the house and the property surrounding them. "Is my childhood home."
Narcissa raised her eyebrows.
"I know, probably not ideal for a first date." Hermione carried on. She took a quick sip of the dry Pinot Gris. There were a lot of things that they had done that weren't appropriate. But propriety was no real concern for them anymore. They both knew what their challenges were, just this time, they would be facing them together. Never again would Hermione let Narcissa go through anything on her own. Never. That was a promise she made to herself, earlier that morning as she watched the blonde sleep.
"Since I had never been on a date before, I wouldn't have clue." Narcissa replied. She let her gaze wonder around the backyard again. She could see Hermione running around as a bushy haired child on the grass. The property suited Hermione. There was a simplicity that had many layers of depth within it and it correlated well with the young witch.
"A picnic is not a three course meal, but I do have food." Hermione spoke nervously as she reached for a white ceramic tray. She turned to Narcissa and asked; "Would you like a piece of bruschetta with tomatoes and basil?"
"Thank you." The blonde murmured taking a slice off the tray. She paused for a moment as Hermione reached into the basket, rummaging around. The brunette turned and handed her a plate. Hermione then removed foil from several other trays and set the food in front of them. Narcissa's eyes widened at the array of food in front of her. Stuffed chive and thyme mushrooms. Wholemeal rock salted crackers sprawled on another tray with a selection of what she noticed as salmon pate, a collection of cheeses, a Danish camembert, an English blue stilton and a French edam. Another tray was littered with prosciutto wrapped around asparagus and creamed cheese rolled into toasted multigrain bread. The last tray Hermione set down was cubed honey dew melon, strawberries and rock melon and dark chocolate sauce.
"There is enough here to feed Hogwarts." Narcissa whispered.
Hermione giggled. "Sorry, I got a bit carried away."
"You made all this?" Narcissa turned to the younger woman.
Hermione nodded. "Yeah, the muggle way too."
"So you weren't all that busy at work after all?" Narcissa accused lightly.
"I was busy at work. But I needed time to prepare all this." Hermione defended herself in a lightly manner. "I hope you don't mind."
Narcissa set her plate down on the blanket. She whispered almost in awe; "All for me?"
"Of course." Hermione assured the blonde. She lent in and pecked the blonde's cheek. "Come on, let's eat."
(~)
"So where did you learn how to cook?" Narcissa asked as she dipped a cracker into the Salmon Pate.
"My parents believed that cooking was something we should do as a family." Hermione took a bite of the asparagus roll. She chewed for a few moments and then said; "We would do it every night I was home from Hogwarts."
"Well, they certainly taught you well." Narcissa murmured. "I can barely make tea."
Hermione laughed and then took a sip of her wine. She looked up at the sky, the stars shining brightly. Then something came to mind. She turned to the blonde who was watching her intently. "I never ask you."
"Never asked me what?"
"How your day was today?" Hermione inquired.
Narcissa paled at the possibility of ruining the moment. She decided it would be better to say something then to keep quiet about it. "It was good. I had lunch with Ginny."
Hermione frowned. At first she didn't even know what to make of it, the blonde seemed hesitant of her reaction. Hermione wasn't angry or upset, just shocked. How close had Narcissa and Ginny gotten? She kept asking herself. She couldn't answer that and she knew it. But all sorts of logic had roamed her head as Narcissa waited for her reaction, such as, the blonde did need someone else to converse with. Narcissa was well and old enough to choose for herself with whom she acquainted. And the final thing that convinced Hermione was that her problem was with Harry, not Ginny. And it would seem very childish of her to want the blonde not to talk to the wife of the man she was angry with, just because they were no longer friends.
"How is she?" Hermione finally asked. She saw Narcissa's relief.
"Still the same." Narcissa shrugged as casually as she could.
"Still a smart arse?"
Narcissa giggled; "Very much so."
"You must like her to tolerate having lunch with her." Hermione smiled across at the still giggling blonde.
"Oh, yes. She is very….Refreshing." Narcissa said in between giggles.
"Let's play a game." Hermione suggested. When she saw Narcissa's reactions she rolled her eyes. "Not a childish game, one that many adults play if they want to get to know another especially if one is a potential partner."
"Oh, very well then." Narcissa brightened. "What is it called?"
"It's called twenty one questions. I ask, you answer." She smiled when two blonde eyebrows rose. "That's it really."
"Ok. Let's start." Narcissa took a small sip of her wine.
Hermione thought for a moment before she asked, "What was your childhood like?"
"It was more than average, I suppose." Narcissa started, she licked her lips before she continued. "Our Mother was never particular fond of any of us. We were raised more by the servants than by her. Our Father was different, he was very hard but then he could be as soft as a daisy. We grew up wealthy so we were accustomed to getting everything we needed and wanted."
Hermione nodded. Somehow she had expected that the blonde had an upbringing like that and then she asked her next question, "What were your sisters like to you?"
"Andy was always calm and placid. Me being the youngest I would go to her because she would baby me. If I was upset she would comfort me by reading to me or by telling me some far-fetched story that I always seemed to believe. She was always the more free spirited out of all of us. But Bella on the other hand- Narcissa paused memories of what her sister had done to Hermione in the Manor instantly flooded her mind.
"Carry on," Hermione urged. She didn't seem bothered, just more intrigued. "She may have tortured me but she is your sister. I can handle you talking about her because I want to know more of you."
Narcissa blushed before she continued. "Bella was always different. As a child she always fought for the best dolls. As a teenager she bullied those who were weak. She loved fiercely and she hated with a passion. She was always protective of Andy and I, most especially when we all got to Hogwarts and then when I became betrothed to Lucius, she hated him. She thought he was a lousy excuse for our Father to marry me off to and she had no problem voicing it. Then she began to follow the Dark Lord. I guess the rest you know."
"Hmmm." Was all Hermione said
I bet Bellatrix and I would have had a race to see who could kill Lucius first after what he done to Narcissa. At least we would have been on the same side on that.
Hermione voiced her next question, steering their conversation away from the Black family, "Did you ever have any dreams of a career before marrying?"
"Yes, most certainly." Narcissa nodded. "I wanted to study more on ancient runes and go into some sort of career within that field. But then I got married soon after Hogwarts and that changed everything I ever wanted."
"You could still try and work towards something like that." Hermione said encouragingly.
"I have never really had the opportunity to consider it seriously, until now." Narcissa admitted
They both fell silent taking slow long sips of their wine. Hermione filled their glasses again and asked her next question as she set the bottle down, "Did you ever have a boyfriend at Hogwarts?"
"Honestly?"
"Yes."
"I did." The blonde smirked when she saw Hermione's lips reduce to a thin line. "I hated the idea of being betrothed to Lucius, so when Joseph Knightly from Hufflepuff asked I would be his girlfriend in the sixth year, I immediately said yes."
I should not have asked that, Hermione thought wryly. Just the idea of another person that had touched the blonde sent a shiver of jealousy through the young witch.
"It did not last long." Narcissa murmured as if sensing the brunette's unease. "Apparently, I was too cold to his advances."
"Good."
Narcissa rolled her eyes and laughed before saying dryly, "Next question."
Hermione leaned back on one hand while the other held her wine glass. She looked over at the blonde who had mirrored her movements. Hermione silently acknowledged that Narcissa was right after all, they didn't really know each other before they rushed into bed. Was it too lust driven of her that she could only look at Narcissa not only for her beauty, intelligence, coldness but also the stigma that lingered around her of being the trophy wife? She didn't know the history behind the blonde before Lucius. That's about to change; "Ok, have you spoken to Andy since the war?"
"No' Narcissa said quietly. She bit her lip. "When she ran off and married we had to forget about her. At first it was extremely difficult, no matter whom she married she was, is, still my blood. I thought about her endlessly. I wondered how she was in her marriage, if she would ever have any children, what she would be like as a mother and how happy she could be at the sacrifice of being disowned by her own family. Then as time went on, Bella married her idiot and I married mine and I just forgot about the only one of us, that actually married for love and not the security within our society."
Hermione quickly drained her wine and set the empty glass on the blanket. She reached over and caressed the blonde's cheek. She didn't really know what to say so she chose no words, but let her actions speak for herself.
"It's been so long since I've spoken to her, I wouldn't know what to say." Narcissa carried on quietly. She leaned further into the young witch's caress. "She might not even want to know me. And I don't blame her."
"Come here." Hermione whispered.
Narcissa held the brunette's gaze as Hermione spread her legs and gestured for the blonde to sit in between them with her free hand. Quietly Narcissa complied, she slowly leaned back into the young witch, moulding their bodies together. Hermione raised her knees continually caressing the blonde's face with the tips of her fingers.
"You must realise that the only way you will get an answer, is if you make an attempt to contact her." Hermione murmured softly into the blonde's hair. "You have already spent more than half of your life holding back on some of the things that you've always wanted to do. And as I said last night, you are free, Cissa. Take the liberation by the reins and race."
Narcissa's heart started to melt. Could Hermione get any more desirable? She was a far more encouraging partner than what Narcissa would have bet a month ago. She found herself starting to grin like a silly school girl giddy with love again. She decided to speak before she turned around and mauled the young witch in her parent's backyard, "You are too good, my darling."
"Only because I was put under a spell by a mysterious blonde witch." Hermione smirked into the crook of Narcissa neck. Her hands were now wrapped around the blonde's flat belly. She watched the lanterns float around the backyard. She winced when Narcissa playfully slapped her knee.
"I better be the only witch whose spell you are under." Narcissa grounded out possessively not knowing the effect her words would have on the brunette's resolve.