Disclaimer: Many thanks to JK Rowling for her wonderful works. They are hers and hers alone. I have only borrowed her characters for a while and built my own little fantasy around them. There is no pay involved for me in doing it.

Chapter 28

"And, don't forget, I put everything you need on the top shelf of the refrigerator. I know you are a fully capable person, but please don't try the stove or anything until I get back, okay?"

Narcissa nodded at Hermione, "Dear, you really shouldn't worry so much. I will be fine. Now, go, before you are late to work."

"I'm sorry. Okay, I'm going. You remember how to use the phone like I showed you? And, I put the numbers right beside it. Promise you'll call if you need anything, okay?"

"Yes," Narcissa laughed. "But, you do remember that I am a witch? Even without a house elf, I can conjure up anything I need. Now go."

Hermione blushed because in her worry, she had forgotten that little bit of reality, "Okay. Sorry. Again. I'm leaving. Bye. See you at four."

Narcissa smiled and waved goodbye as Hermione apparated away.

With a laugh to herself she conjured a cup of tea and reached for the remote, "Now, how do I find that talk show? I so wonder which young man was indeed the child's father."

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

"Has she called you?"

Draco laughed at the worry in her voice and shifted the phone to his other ear, "No, Mi. I'm sure she's fine."

"I can't even concentrate," she sighed. Then she laughed at herself, "I just keep having all these horrible visions of getting home to a burnt down or blown up apartment building."

With a grunt he said, "Well, that actually makes two of us. I actually arrested a guy today and instead of listening to his story, I started telling him about Mother being all alone in our place."

"Oh, Draco," she laughed softly.

"Yeah, it was quite embarrassing," he admitted. "Especially when my partner interrupted to say we weren't there for a therapy session."

"Ouch."

"Yeah," he sighed. "So, you want me to call her?"

She nodded even though he couldn't see her on the phone, "Would you? I'd feel better just knowing she's not getting into anything."

Draco laughed and she asked, "What's so funny?"

"I was just imagining the look on her face if she snooped and saw what was in the top drawer of your bedside table," he chuckled.

"Oohhhh," she groaned. "She wouldn't would she?"

"Relax, love, your toys are safe. Mother's not one to look into other people's private things."

She grinned at the word toys and teased, "My toys? Who was the one reminding me we needed to recharge some batteries the other night?"

He laughed and then said, "Okay, let me give her a call to check on things. I'll let you know."

"Thank you. Love you," she answered.

"Love you," he said back.

Nothing bad had happened as Narcissa had spent the entire day engrossed in the television. When Hermione got home she got to hear about almost every second of the shows Narcissa had watched. She was highly amused to hear Narcissa go on and on about how strange it was to have a show called All My Children that seemed to have nothing to do with children. By the time Draco was due home from work, the two were gabbing like old friends as Hermione filled Narcissa in on the life and times of the people of the fictional town of Pine Valley.

"But, how did you manage to keep up with it all?" Narcissa asked. "With school, The Fall, University, and well, everything, how did you keep track?"

"Well, there are magazines and such and there's a recording device called a VCR that lets you record shows and watch them later."

A short while later, Narcissa was so engrossed in trying to figure out how to get Lucius to accept a television and VCR in their home, that she barely greeted Draco when he apparated home. He smiled at her when she simply kissed his cheek and mumbled, "Must remember to get that eleclickty installed somehow. Maybe he won't notice."

Draco then listened to the two of them for about ten minutes before he shook his head and went to change.

Dinner was uneventful, but the show was a slightly different matter. Draco and Hermione had both spent time explaining muggle theater to Narcissa and then given her a brief synopsis of the show, so she would know what to expect. Things had been fine until the intermission. Hermione and Narcissa went to the washroom to freshen up and Narcissa had shocked several women into silence with her little speech.

Initially, their conversation had been quiet, but then Narcissa had blurted out quite loudly, "I just don't understand why muggles think we're like that. I mean, honestly, green?! How trite! No witch worth her salt would go around looking like that!"

Hermione had glanced around to see several people staring at them and tried to remind Narcissa to be quiet, "Narcissa, maybe we should…"

"And, what's with those wires and such? All they had to do was get a real witch, for goodness sake. It wasn't even realistic. That poor girl doesn't even know how to properly sit a broom!"

Hermione's face was flaming as she took Narcissa's arm and led her quickly past the gawking women.

Draco saw her and asked, "What happened?"

Narcissa seemed to finally realize her mistake and laughed a little in embarrassment, "Well, I might have spoken a little more loudly than I intended in there."

Hermione finally relaxed enough to laugh with her, "Your mother just told a room full of women that Elphaba can't sit a broom properly."

Draco looked shocked at first, but then laughed with them. "Good thing most muggles don't believe in magic."

The next two days passed in much the same way, except with different activities in the evening. On the night Draco took them to have dinner and play games at Dave and Buster's, Narcissa was more thrilled to get to put on her first ever pair of jeans and look around, than play any games. But, they eventually got her to join in the fun.

On Friday morning as she left for work, Hermione couldn't shake the feeling that Narcissa was up to something. It wasn't anything she said or did, but more the look in her eye. It reminded her of Draco's look when he was trying to surprise her. But, as she couldn't think of anything to make her worry, she left and bid the older woman a good day.

As she walked back into her classroom after lunch, she found out what Narcissa had been up to that morning. Hermione stood in the doorway and blinking rapidly in hopes that she was having a vision.

Narcissa stood by the windows talking animatedly to the school principle and the teacher Hermione worked under. She gasped when she heard her boss speak.

"Well, Mrs. Malfoy, you do us an honor just being here. Your generous offer of a donation that large is simply amazing. I can't thank you enough."

Narcissa smiled benignly at the short, balding man, "It is the least Lucius and I can do, with our dear Hermione working here."

Hermione's jaw dropped, but before she could announce her presence, Narcissa continued haughtily, "We understand she is still doing her training, but I am sure by the time the new school year starts, she will have a classroom of her own."

"Of course, of course," he answered while nodding rapidly. "We love her work here with the children. She is a blessing to have. And, our school has never seen such a high number of requests for admittance."

Hermione could take no more and stepped into the room. She tried to keep her voice polite as she said, "Hello, Mark, Mr. Hadley. Narcissa, I didn't know you were coming by today."

Narcissa smiled a little and said, "I thought I would surprise you, my dear. I remembered Hadley here from back when we were in school together and thought since I was here, we could catch up. We just had a lovely lunch. Then he brought me here to see the facilities."

"Oh, well," Hermione's mind raced with all the things she wanted to say, but she smiled politely and answered, "That's nice."

Mr. Hadley smiled at both of them and gestured to the door, "Shall we, Mrs. Malfoy? It's time for the children to get back to their lessons and I want to show you the rest of our facility."

Narcissa nodded regally at him and then turned to Hermione, "I will see you at your apartment later then. Have a lovely day, my dear."

Hermione held her smile and nodded back to Narcissa and Mr. Hadley as they left the room. She then turned to see her immediate boss staring at her.

"What, Mark?" she asked uneasily.

He looked at her for a moment before he shook his head, "You never mentioned that you had friends with that kind of influence, Hermione. You always seemed to want to earn your place here."

"It's not like that. I didn't know she was coming here. I would never do something like that, buy my way in!" She glanced at the door Narcissa had left through and added softly, "I just don't think the Malfoys know any other way to do things."

Mark nodded and accepted her answer, "She must be one powerful woman. She had Hadley eating out of her hands."

Hermione groaned, "How long was she here?"

"No idea," he shrugged. "I got here just before you did and only heard her suggesting, strongly, that you succeed quickly here."

"Great! Now, I need to find another position," she sighed unhappily.

"What? No you don't!" he said to her.

"Mark, no matter what I do from here on out, everyone will believe any successes I have were paid for."

Mark smiled at her, "Hermione, no one who has ever met you would doubt you worked for and deserved anything you've gotten. Hell, woman, you helped save our world!"

"You almost did," she reminded him.

He had the grace to flush a little, "Well, it was a bit of a shock with her standing there being all demanding and regal and beautiful all at the same time, was all. I know you would never be that kind of person. And, so does every person who works here."

She still looked doubtful, but she nodded.

"Okay, so let's get back to class, shall we?"

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

"But, Narcissa, that's just not the way things are done here!" Hermione tried to explain for the third time.

"Fine. I apologize for upsetting you," Narcissa finally conceded. "But, I honestly don't think there was any damage done, Hermione. Hadley already respected your work, as he should, and he knows what a boon having you work there is to his school. So, I don't really see the harm in making sure he gives you everything you deserve."

Hermione was at a loss. There was no way to make Narcissa understand that money and threats were not the way to go. She had spent too much of her life living and believing a certain way and just couldn't understand Hermione's distress. Hermione decided to let it drop. She wasn't upset any longer really, as no one at work had acted differently around her. And, truth be told, a tiny part of her was secretly pleased that Narcissa would go to bat for her, even if she had done it the wrong way.

As it was her last night with them, Hermione helped her pack all the things she had bought throughout the week, and personally charmed and shrunk the new television and VCR for easy flooing. She still wasn't sure how Narcissa planned to explain them to Lucius. And, how did she plan to get new tapes?

When Draco got home they shared a light dinner and went to the movies. Narcissa seemed to enjoy herself immensely and giggled like a school girl every time she reached into the popcorn box, ate a few pieces and then licked her fingers, before cleaning them neatly with a napkin.

Later that night, as they lay in bed, Hermione filled Draco in on the events of her day and he promised to have a talk with his mother. He then proceeded to put a silencing charm on the room and smirk at her.

"It's been forever, I need you, Mi," he said, his head buried in her chest, his tongue seeking her nipple.

She laughed softly, her hand burrowing into his soft hair, "That's what you said last night."

"Forever," he moaned against her fevered skin.

Neither had another coherent thought for a while after that.

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

It was very early the next morning when Draco stood in front of the fireplace, pulled Hermione close, and gave her a slow, thorough kiss. She stood in her bathrobe and slid her hands up his chest and into his hair, to hold him close. This was the day she had dreaded, the day she would spend alone with Narcissa. They were to bake cookies for Narcissa to take home with her that evening. Meanwhile, Draco would spend the day with his father, handling family business and getting some errands done. They planned to meet at Harry and Ginny's for dinner and then they would stay the night there before going to see her parents Sunday. Last, they had to pick some things up at Diagon Alley before they returned home.

Hermione felt like she was giving up her lifeline with him going and leaving her alone and held on tight during the kiss.

He broke if off and smiled gently down at her, "Stop worrying."

"I know," she whispered back. "We'll be fine."

As it was only four in the morning, neither expected, nor noticed Narcissa step out of her room to join them.

Hermione's eyes flickered back to his still wet lips and then back up to his eyes. They darkened slightly as he lowered his head back to hers. Both got lost in the kiss and Hermione felt a familiar thrill slide down her spine when his hands slid from her waist to cup her bottom and pull her up against him.

Narcissa didn't want to see much more, so she coughed quietly to alert them to her presence. She laughed softly when her son shot her a look, and Hermione reddened and let her head drop to Draco's chest.

"Sorry to interrupt, but I didn't want to miss saying goodbye," she chirped brightly as she crossed the room to them.

Hermione stepped back to let her have her goodbye with her son.

"Thank you for allowing me to stay the week," Narcissa said as she looked up into her son's face. "I truly enjoyed spending time with you two."

Draco looked down at his mother and saw in her eyes the love he'd always known from her. "I'm glad you came, Mother. It was…fun."

"Fun. What a word for such excitement, but appropriate, I guess," she laughed. Then she looked to Hermione and back at him before adding thoughtfully, "I needed some fun in my life, as did you. And, I am glad you have finally found some. You grew up much too fast, my son."

Draco didn't want his goodbye to his mother to be a sad one, so he strove to lighten the moment, "What's done is done. You must let it go, Mother. We have. Now, you need to concentrate on only three things today."

Narcissa nodded and smiled up at him, "And, what pray-tell are they?"

Draco laughed, "First, not burning down the building as you learn to make those cookies of yours. Second, relaxing and having fun with Hermione, and last, figuring out how to explain the TV and VCR to Father."

When Hermione laughed behind her, Narcissa turned and reached out a hand to her, pulling her into their tight circle.

"Now, now children, I know how to handle my husband. I just need to get Hermione here to show me that charm she used to make it play Quidditch matches."

Hermione smiled at her, "Consider it done."

Draco leaned forward and hugged his mother, "I should get going. Father expects me at 9:30 London time. I will see you in a few weeks, Mother."

"Tell your father I will see him tonight," she hugged him back. "And, don't tell him about the other things."

"I won't," he promised. Then he tugged Hermione's hand until she fell against him, "Love you. See you tonight at Potter's."

"I love you, too. Have fun," she smirked up at him.

He leaned down to kiss her one last time and winked, "You, too."

Both women stepped back as he smiled at them and flooed away.

Hermione stifled a yawn and looked over at Narcissa's expectant face. She stopped her sigh as realized she wouldn't be going back to bed.

"How about some coffee or tea before we get started?"

Narcissa smiled and nodded, "That sounds lovely. May I heat the water?"

Hermione laughed at her enthusiasm and gestured toward the kitchen, "By all means. Have at it."

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

Draco stepped out of the fireplace and quickly cleaned the dust off of his body. He left his overnight bag near the fireplace and then went in search of his father. Knowing his father as he did, he went up the stairs to his father's private study.

As he neared the door, he heard his father's voice snap from inside, "Took you long enough. Are you going to stand there all day or come in?"

Draco rolled his eyes once before he straightened his face and his shoulders and pushed the door open to step into the darkened room.

"I apologize for being a bit late," he said in way of a greeting.

His father didn't look up from The Daily Prophet, but waved a hand at the small table of tea and biscuits, "No matter. Have a cup. We have a few minutes still."

Draco moved to the tea and made his cup. Then he sat down in the chair across the desk from his father and looked around.

He just can't let go of it all, can he? Who on earth would keep all of these awful books after all that's happened?! And, why in his study for all to see? The Ministry could come at any time and…No, they wouldn't. That time has passed. It's just him and his friends, I guess. They can't leave it and move on. It's his history, I know, but must he display it as if he's proud of it? I hope he doesn't still study them. Man, am I glad Hermione never saw this room. How did I live like this for so long?

He shuddered at the thought of her reaction and glanced back at his father. He blinked to see his father watching him intently.

"Allowing our emotions to show now are we?" his father asked with a slight sneer. "Must be the company you keep."

Draco automatically and habitually cleared his face and his mind before he answered, "Mother said to tell you she would see you tonight and would bring cookies."

He had the pleasure of seeing his father's face contort in disgust for a moment before his impassive look once again slid across his features.

Now, who's showing emotion? ha ha ha

"She's serious about this laboring in the kitchens then?"

Draco nodded and allowed a smirk to form, "Serious as an Imperious. I would dare say excited even. You, Father, have lots of sweets to look forward to in the future."

Lucius shook his head slightly, but then glanced at his watch. He stood and beckoned Draco to follow him.

"May I ask what exactly you have planned for the day, Father?" he asked as he stood and put down his tea cup.

Lucius continued from the room and said over his shoulder, "We have several meetings scheduled. And, we are going to be late if you continue with these tedious questions. So, to expedite things, we are headed to Gringotts, then to Barrister Simmons, followed by lunch with the Parkinsons. Afterward, I promised your mother I would take you to buy new formal robes as yours, according to her, are out of season."

He stopped his long strides to pin his son with a glare, "Any more questions?"

Draco had plenty of questions, chief amongst them, why lunch with the Parkinsons, but the look on his father's face stalled them. "No, sir."

"Good. Now, we must get to the apparition point. We are due at Gringotts at ten."

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

"And, when it says t s p, I use the little spoons and when it says t b s p, I use the big ones." Narcissa answered.

Hermione smiled at her and nodded, "Exactly! I think that's it. Are you ready?"

"I am," Narcissa nodded.

Hermione stood to wash her hands and heard Narcissa move to follow her. When both had cleaned their hands, they got to work on the first two batches of what Hermione assumed would be several batches of cookies. It was several hours later when Hermione realized the day had passed with ease.

This has been fun. There's that word again. Tee hee hee Narcissa is a very interesting woman. Who knew? I sure as hell wouldn't have guessed it. I mean, all week, well except for that stunt yesterday, she's been fine. I certainly understand more about how Draco ended up the way he did. She's bright, reserved, but warm, and when she lets her guard down, quite amusing. I don't think we'll ever be as close as she wants, but today has been a leap toward me calling her at least an acquaintance. If only she didn't have to go back to that awful, horrid man. Wait! No. Then she would stay here. NOT! Ha ha I just don't get what they see in each other. I mean, how different can he be when they're alone that she would stay with him, hell love him, after everything he's put his family through. What am I saying, Draco's the same way. He still loves his father after everything. But, Narcissa could sure do a lot better than that freakish git! Well, maybe the sex is good…UGH! I DID NOT just think that about him! Ewwwww Oh crap, is she talking to me?

"I'm sorry, what did you say?"

Narcissa laughed, "I asked what was going on in that head of yours. You were very deep in thought and your expressions were changing so quickly you made me curious."

"Oh, well, uh, I was just thinking about how much fun this week has been with you," Hermione said truthfully.

But, she felt her cheeks flame when Narcissa smiled, but said, "Not near the end you weren't."

Hermione glanced around the kitchen for something to do to ignore the question. They had finished the last of the cookie dough, cleaned up already, and the last batch of cookies were in the oven. In the end she found her eyes resting once again on her someday, possible, mother-in-law, the other woman's expression open and questioning, and couldn't hold back her question.

Her eyes dropped away and her hands twisted together in her lap as she asked softly, "Why did you stay with him?"

Narcissa looked at her for a moment before she decided the question was asked without malice. She saw the girl's nervousness at having asked the question, but admired her inquisitive nature and directness. For this one person, the question deserved an answer. But before that she had some of her own.

"Let me ask you this first. Why did you forgive Draco? After all he did to you, all our family put you through. You still let him into your life and forgave him. Why?"

Hermione shrugged and looked at Narcissa, "I honestly don't know. I mean I know why I finally forgave him, but why I even gave him a chance I'll never know. If anyone had asked me the day Draco and I met again if the two of us could ever happen, I probably would have hexed them into oblivion once I was done laughing. But, that night, there was something about him. He was different, more open. It was in his eyes. And, he apologized. Over and over again. Before I knew it I loved him. The forgiveness came first, but the rest fell into place so quickly after that, it's hard to tell when it wasn't there."

Narcissa prompted, "So, you forgave him for love?"

"I guess, kind of," Hermione nodded. "I never really hated him. I didn't like him all that much, that's for sure, but there was never any real hate on my part. And, I remember wanting to talk to him after everything that day in the Great Hall. I don't know why, but I did. I saw the three of you and I almost approached you. You looked so sad and scared, Narcissa, and Draco so lost and confused. Even after all he'd done to me, to my friends, it made me hurt for him to see him so broken."

"I wish you had approached us that day," Narcissa sniffed, a tear escaping in memory. "What stopped you?"

Hermione's eyes flashed, "Malfoy!" Then she remembered to whom she was talking, "Sorry. But, as much as I felt badly for the two of you, the look of pure, unadulterated hatred in his eyes stopped me cold. I guess that's why I keep wondering why. You and Draco are so different from him. Yet, you both stay with him. I just don't understand it."

Narcissa reached across the table and took Hermione's hand.

"I know your past with Lucius, with us is…tumultuous. And, I understand that a relationship between the two of you will always be difficult, but you will do it, for the same reason I stay. The same reason Draco comes home now and then. The same reason you forgave a person who didn't really deserve forgiveness. Love."

Hermione's gaze met Narcissa's as she said, "I love him. He can be hard, sometimes cruel, often a bit…let's just say snappish to the world, but not to me. Never to me. That's not the man I know, live with and love. That's his shell, but not who he is. I know you and your side lost many after The Fall, but the man I married, and raised a child with, lost everything, his entire identity. Every belief he had was destroyed, every pride smashed, even his own son turned on him. You will never know the meaning of broken until you have seen a once too proud man, crumble at your feet in despair and loss. I know you don't believe it, I can see it in your eyes, but trust me, Lucius has feelings. He hurts and bleeds like any other wizard. He just doesn't let others see it. Ever. Just me. And, sometimes, Draco. He can't let anyone else in. That would be the final thing to break him. For someone to see how truly broken he still is. They would pity him and that is something he refuses to accept from anyone, even me. He lost his pride, a vault or two of his family money, his stature, and in many ways his self worth. But, as long as he acts like nothing is changed, then to him, everything is okay. The man you know is not who you think he is, Hermione. And, that man is the one I love. Very much. The one I chose and choose to stand by until we die."

Hermione looked away uncomfortably, but nodded her understanding. "Thank you for telling me."

Narcissa smiled at her and said, "Thank you for listening to me. There's never been anyone else I felt I could trust enough to tell." When Hermione looked over at her, she added softly, "I do so like you."

Hermione smiled, "I like you too, Narcissa."

"And, just so you are prepared for it, I should add, one day, should you give Draco a child, you may be added to Lucius' list of people who get to see him with a little less control. He is quite feverish for a Malfoy heir, you know."

She laughed out loud at the look of shock mixed with fear on Hermione's face. But, before either woman could comment further, the stove's timer interrupted them and both women jumped a bit at the sound. Hermione forced herself to relax again and turned the conversation back to baking. Narcissa allowed the change and they shared more laughter as they finished the baking and wrapped the cookies for Narcissa to take with her.

' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' ' '

Author's Notes –

Every read is a treasure, every review a gift. And, I thank each and every one of you!

And, a warm welcome to the story and additional thank you to the following for adding my story, or me, as a Favorite, or setting an alert for it: Snowdove30, DanRadcliffe5666, dracoshott28, DodgerMcClure, hugsnkissz, AustereBlackCat, DevilsAngelNeko, and Bitter-Sweet-Love62.