AN: Hi everyone, I hope you're all good, I appreciate the messages as well, I will at one point go over any spelling mistakes I may have missed, sorry again!

Disclaimer. I do not own Harry Potter, J.K Rowling is the true genius behind the lifelong phenomenon.

Chapter 4:

Narcissa waited for Hermione to peel herself away from the book she hung on to, she quickly learnt that once her head was deep in any book, the world became blank and the only clear thing was those words being soaked in. She looked so peaceful when she was reading, the worry lines on her forehead vanished, she became much younger for her years, and a slight sparkle twinkled in her eyes. If only she knew how sorry I am for what she went through.

"Oh, I'm sorry, what did you say" her head snapped from the book, momentarily forgetting where she was.

"it was nothing of any importance my dear, how are you today, have you thought much of our conversation last week?" enquired Narcissa. She was aware that the subject marked 'coming back into the world' was a sensitive one none the less, but still needed a more one-sided response of 'no I've not thought about it'.

Hermione began to close the book the book and took a deep breath, preparing for her answer. "I have, and I think its time to show my face, but I'm not going to let you take the hit for it. I'm going to tell them the truth and say its my idea, I'm not going to let you take this one, I'm certain of that"

"my dear, please think of that a little bit, I welcomed you in my home because I believed you were right at the time, but more thought was needed, please allow me to –"

"no, I'm sorry but let me do this, I've hidden away for long enough"

Narcissa knew her well enough now to know that the determination in her voice was final, so with a heavy sigh nodded. It started 2 weeks and 3 days ago, before her trial. She was visited by Hermione and only knew her from the screams and pain given to her my Bellatrix. It was suggested then to plan, which at the time seemed completely mad, but once listened to and mulled over it, was something worth working on. Hermione told Narcissa that both her and Harry will take the stand that day on her trial, and organise her release, allowing her to go back to the manor with all charges dropped and continue to live the rest of her life. What was not common knowledge however, was that Hermione Granger suggested the union between herself and Draco. Much like Draco response, she gave a short laugh but realised how serious she was. Hermione explained 'that if we are to move forward, and allow all those who were feared and tricked by Voldemort and show that we can make peace, this is the most logical move'

Hermione convince Narcissa to make the suggestion, allowing the community to show that times have changed, and the pureblood society needs to take a step forward and show unity in the Wizarding world. What they were not prepared for, was the utter disappointment with Harry and Ron, she wasn't prepared for there reaction, so she panicked and turned up at the Manor that very evening. After that, Shacklebolt agreed with Hermione, that he would be the one who made the suggestion.

"are you positive about this Hermione, we can call the thing off, no one has to know. A marriage is for life, please don't feel that you need to do this for the Wizarding world, they owe you enough, you owe them nothing, do you hear me. You're a fabulous Witch, I'd rather see you be happy"

"I do respect Draco, and I can see it change to more than that, I really do. He challenges me in way I never knew possible." Hermione looked down to the floor, not wanting to make eye contact at the minute. She knew it would sound crazy when she said it out loud, but now she had to convince other people of her thought process, which wouldn't be easy. She needed time to prepare, and she felt she could only get that if she stayed hiding. Where else but to hide at the Manor, no one would even think about looking there. Hermione felt a warm hand on her shoulders, and looked up to see Narcissa crouching in front of her, with sea blue eye's staring back to her.

"Miss Hermione Granger, you are full of wonders. If you want to do this than I will not stop you. I've spoken to you often about Draco, but there are 3 things I must tell you. First, he loves chocolate and will not stop eating it until he feels sick. Second, I will always be here to help you, like you have helped me get my family back. And third, a lady like yourself, if you're going to be stepping into this role, never sits on the floor and reads" and with a quick wink, gets back on her feet and moves to the couch.

"that sounds about right" Ginny stood in the doorway, arms folded and taking in the picture before her.

"my goodness Ginny you will give me a heart attack" declared Narcissa, holding her hand over her heart. "and I thought we spoke about declaring oneself before entering.

"oneself likes your reaction" mockingly mimicking Malfoy mother.

"how much of the conversation did you hear?" asked Hermione.

"enough to know that blondie here is correct, if you want to go ahead with it then fine, but still let it come from Shacklebolt, we can keep a secret.

"and when are they going to let Malfoy out?"

"tomorrow, they're brining her trial to tomorrow"

"well ladies, it looks like we need to have a drink to celebrate, let me go and get the whisky" Narcissa left the room, leaving only the two young witches.

"I missed you Ginny, I'm really sorry"

"don't say sorry, I understand, I think you two will make a better couple than you and Ron. You'd end up killing Ron. Anyway, I hear Draco is well endowed in that department if you get my meaning" with a wiggle of the eyebrows and a cheeky giggle from Hermione, Narcissa felt a little ill when she caught the last part of the conversation, but chose to ignore it when entering the room again.

AN: I like to think of it as girl power. Hope you enjoyed it!