"Don't worry those are just Hermione's guards."Hermione heard Nymphadora's voice say as she exited the fireplace into the cozy living room of Andromeda's home.For this trip Hermione had 10 guards instead of her usual 6.She hadn't asked why but figured it had to do with securing the outside of the house.Following behind five of her guards Hermione waited as the other five exited behind her.Once all the guards came through four broke off to search through the house while two stayed with Hermione and two left through the front door and two went to what Hermione figured was the back door.Walking further in to the room she noticed Nymphadora and a blond haired woman with a black streak in the front looking at her in confusion.
"I apologize and it is nothing against you but they need to secure the house both inside and outside.It was one of the conditions of me being able to come here."Hermione explained.
"It's ok.We understand."Nymphadora knew that Hermione had to take her security very seriously and wasn't offended with the extreme measures that were being taken."Let me introduce you to my aunt.This is Narcissa Malfoy."
"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me."Narcissa stood from her seat and held out her hand.
"It's no problem."Hermione replied shaking the hand.
"All clear."One of the guards said as the group from inside the house came back to the living room.
"You four go outside and meet up with the others."The head guard then turned her attention to Hermione."We will stay in the room with you."
"Of course."Hermione knew that she wasn't in danger but Narcissa was a new person and asking her guards to leave them alone wasn't going to happen.
"Have a seat.Can I get you something to drink or anything to eat?"Nymphadora asked.
Hermione took a seat in one of the armchairs across from the couch both Narcissa and Nymphadora sat on."No thank you."
"Before we begin I would first like to thank you for arranging for me to stay with my sister.We were separated for silly reasons and I can't even begin to express how happy I am now that I have not only the opportunity to have a relationship with her but the chance to live with her again."Narcissa had expected that she and Andromeda would have a hard time connecting but as soon as she saw her they hugged and cried.After the emotional breakdowns were over they fell back into the relationship they had when they were young.
"I can't take the credit it was Andromeda who wanted to reunite with you."Hermione waved away the thanks.
"Still you didn't force me to move into a house with Lucius.Not that he will be able to live anywhere other than Azkaban for the next decade and a half."Narcissa had been more than pleased when she learned that not only was it proven her husband was no longer head of house for the Malfoys in front of Wizngotts but that it was her sister who got him the maximum sentence.It was sweet retribution.
"I plan on removing him from the tapestry and disinheriting him completely."Hermione hadn't planed on doing it originally but now that the man was in prison it gave her the chance to distance the house from him.
"Wait what?"Nymphadora wasn't sure if she heard right.
"Lucius is a known Death Eater.I'm trying to make my four houses more respectable. Initially I was going to move him into a smaller house and give him a very small monthly allowance.That would have continued if he didn't cause any problems.Him being sent to Azkaban gives me the opportunity to remove him from the house without gaining bad press."Hermione explained.
Narcissa was surprised and impressed with Hermione's thinking.She wasn't sure what to expect from the prodigy raised at Hogwarts but so far she was more than pleased with the girl."That actually coincides with the topic of my request."
"What is it you wish from me?"Hermione asked.
"As you are the head of both the Malfoy house and the house of Black I want you to grant me a divorce from Lucius.We were married in accordance of pureblood tradition and only the head of household has the power to dissolve the marriage."When Hermione shook her head Narcissa's heart dropped.
"I am so sorry."Hermione began only to be cut off by Narcissa.
"I understand that you don't want to get involved."Narcissa said.
"No you misunderstand.I had thought it was a given that I would grant you a divorce.I now realize I should told you in my letter."Hermione was kicking herself for not telling Narcissa her plans.
Narcissa felt her body sag in relief."You would do this for me?"
"Of course.My parents broke the tradition in my family by marrying for love and not because it was arranged.Although I was only with them for a short time they instilled the belief that everyone should chose their own futures and not do what others want them to do."Hermione told them.
"That's admirable.I heard that pureblood squib communities are very controlled."Narcissa said.
Hermione chuckled."That's a very polite way of saying that they have no free will and you would be right.Although my parents married out of love they were both from pureblood families.That was non negotiable and they were lucky they found each other under those circumstances."
"What happened to your parents?"Nymphadora asked.
"They were killed in a car accident when I was 5 yrs old.I was in the car as well but used magic to protect myself.The ministry was alerted to the underage magic and placed me with Albus.From then on I stayed at Hogwarts."Hermione hadn't really spoken of her parents to many people but after telling Fleur about them she had started to realize it was nice to be able to share with others what good people they were.
"I'm sorry to hear that."Narcissa wasn't close to her own parents but could tell that Hermione felt the loss deeply.
"It's alright.I've had a very good life."Hermione couldn't complain with how things turned out.
"It's good you had people to rely on like Snape."Nymphadora had seen the love Snape had for Hermione.It was obvious in the way his eyes softened every time he looked at her and the way he defended her and protected her from others.
"Minerva as well."Hermione would never leave out the older woman.She was a large part of Hermione's life and deserved the credit.
"She is a very good human being."Narcissa had fond memories of Prof McGonagall.Thinking of Hogwarts reminded her of something else she wanted to speak to Hermione about."Have you given any thought to what you are going to do about Draco?"
"I believe you when you said that he was a victim of circumstance so I am willing to ignore his past indiscretions.I am more than happy to support him in the future on the condition that he is trying to better himself and he puts in the effort."Hermione wasn't just going to give Draco money or a position in any business she had he was going to have to earn it.
Narcissa sighed."I want to say that he will rise to the occasion but I fear that it will take a lot of effort to get him in the mindset that he will actually have to work once he's done with school.Lucius has poisoned his mind and has Draco believing that as a pureblood he will be given anything he wants.He is of the belief if aren't given it then you need to take it."
"What are his plans when he finishes school?"Hermione asked.
"He was going to work at the ministry with his father."Narcissa said.
"What does he think about not being the heir anymore?"Nymphadora didn't know much about her cousin other than he was a spoiled brat.
"He is in denial.Lucius sent him a letter about the person being a Hogwarts student and demanding he find who it was.Lucius was in prison when the reply came.I read it and as what was written isn't polite to repeat in public I will not tell you exactly what he said.He did offer to kill the new head of household if they were ever revealed."Narcissa wasn't proud of the way her son had so carelessly volunteered to murder another person but she wasn't that surprised.
"I know he won't succeed but I will leave it up to you how you deal with him.He's first and foremost your son so it's your call on how you want him to be raised.I know that Lucius did a lot of damage so I won't expect changes over night but if I see he is at least trying then I won't disregard him."Hermione told her.
"Thank you."Narcissa knew she had a lot of work to do with her son but truly believed she could change the way he thought.
"Now that I am granting you a divorce what is it you want to do with your life?"Hermione asked.
"What do you mean?"No one had ever asked Narcissa what she wanted to do.It was always planned out for her.
"Well now that you are no longer under Lucius' thumb you are free to do whatever you want.So what is it you want to do?"Hermione could see that Narcissa never really thought that far ahead.
"I honestly don't know."Narcissa said.
"How do you feel about politics?"Hermione asked.
"I think the wizarding world is in a dismal state and the ministry is doing nothing to change that."Narcissa told her.
"If you had a chance would you want to be a part of changing things?"Hermione wanted to know what Narcissa's opinion on things was before she made her offer.
Narcissa nodded."I hate to admit it but I'm somewhat jealous of Andromeda taking one of the seats."
"Then would you like to take the Malfoy seat?"Hermione could easily see the look of surprise on Narcissa's face.
"Are you really offering me the seat?"Narcissa wanted to be sure before she got her hopes up.
"Yes I am.You have been forced to follow strict rules your entire life.It's only natural that you should be the one to implement a change to those rules."Hermione wasn't sure if Narcissa would accept but was hopeful.
"I don't know."Narcissa wanted to do it but wasn't sure she was right person.
Noticing that her aunt was on the fence Nymphadora spoke."You wouldn't be alone auntie.Mom is there and so is Pandora Lovegood.Think about what the three of you could do with Hermione backing you.I mean the two of them got Lucius sentenced to the max when those old codgers wanted to let him off easy.With you there as well you could basically run the ministry."
"If you are worried about not being respected we can change your last name to the new house name.No more Malfoy.Lucius and his family will just fade away."Hermione told her.
"It would be nice to not be a Malfoy anymore."Narcissa mused."Would Draco be able to take the name as well?"
"Of course.He can use it as long as he keeps himself out of trouble."Hermione was trying to get more respect for her house she didn't need a teenage boy ruining her efforts.
Narcissa thought through the situation.Hermione was giving her a big boon.She would be free from the shackles that held her to her old life and have a way to pave her own path."I accept."
"Good.First we will deal with the divorce.I'm not that familiar with the way it works as I have never been involved with one."Hermione said.
"It's a blood ritual that you have to preform with yours, mine and Lucius' blood.I have a vial already in preparation of this day coming."Narcissa took the blood in hope that someday she could divorce the man.
"Can we do it today?"Hermione had a busy week ahead and didn't want Narcissa to have to wait.
"You would do it today?"Narcissa figured she would have to wait a least a couple weeks before Hermione would be able to help her.
Hermione nodded."I want you to have your freedom as soon as possible."
"Then yes we can do it today."Narcissa didn't know if she should try her luck bringing up the next topic but things had been going so well she decided to take the chance."Speaking of freedom, I was wondering if you would be willing to discuss my sister Bellatrix's charges?"
"Bellatrix was put in Azkaban correct?"Hermione wasn't sure what the woman was charged with.
"That's correct, however she was never given a trial."Narcissa told her.
"That's illegal isn't it?"Nymphadora thought by law everyone was granted a trail.
"Yes it is but that is only part of the problem."Narcissa said.
"What else could be wrong?"Hermione asked.
"My sister was blamed for the Dark Lord's reign of terror.She was claimed by many of being his right hand man however that is not true."Narcissa tried to get a read on what Hermione was thinking but when she tried to get into the girl's mind she was meet with a block so strong she wondered how it even existed."Bellatrix was used as a scape goat.When the Dark Lord fell the remaining Death Eaters either fled or tried to plead innocent. Needing someone to blame they picked Bella."
"Why did they choose her?"Hermione wondered why they would choose a woman to take credit.
"Because she was the only one who had no power or allies to help her.Like myself she was forced to marry a man by our parents.Bella was even more unlucky then I was because her husband wasn't just abusive he was sadistic.She never told me what he did to her but I had seen some of the scars."Narcissa shivered thinking about some of the markings she had seen.
"How did it come about that she worked for the Dark Lord?"Hermione asked.
"She didn't."Narcissa told her."I was there with her as Lucius was just as involved as the LaStrange brothers.The Dark Lord is very sexist and would never allow a woman to be a part of his cause the way the men were.Bellatrix was never even given the dark mark.The most she was involved with was accompanying her husband to official events."
"No wonder she was sentenced without a trail."Hermione figured that the ministry wanted to sweep all of this under the rug.
"Yes, and as most of those loyal to the Dark Lord come from pureblood families they have a lot of sway in the government."Narcissa said.
"And it wouldn't be unheard of for those families to call in a few favors to push the blame onto someone else."Nymphadora was thinking that she should take her mother up on the offer to work with her in the ministry.It seemed like a lot things needed to change and even though she wasn't sure who would inherit her mother's seat Nymphadora figured if she could prove herself worthy then Hermione might pick her.
"Exactly.I wasn't able to help her before because of my circumstance and I know that you probably don't want get involved.."Narcissa opened her mouth to continue but was cut off.
"I'm getting involved."Hermione wasn't going to let one of her family members take the fall for something they didn't do.
"Really?"When Hermione nodded Narcissa smiled.Maybe her sister would finally get the freedom she always deserved.
"I think the first thing we need to do is get you into that seat.That way you are there to help her case."Hermione was already making plans.
"I can go in tomorrow."Narcissa said.
"Here's what we are going to do.First we take care of the divorce, then we go to Gringotts to set you up with your new last name and give you access to the Malfoy vault.I will take care of disinheriting Lucius while I'm there so he will have no power over anything."Hermione knew that Lucius would be appealing his sentence so by legally removing him from the family he would lose a lot of friends.
"That's a good idea.You should announce it when you take your seat because we all know everyone is going to ask you about him."Nymphadora knew that Narcissa was going to be badgered by the other officials and was thankful she would have at least two allies.
"You're giving me access to the vault?"Narcissa hadn't expected that.
"Of course.You more than anyone deserve to benefit from the Malfoy money."For having to be married to the man Hermione could think of no one better to spend the gold.
"We need to take you shopping for some robes."Nymphadora told her.
"I can't imagine actually shopping without being told what I can spend."Narcissa wasn't sure she was comfortable with the privilege.
"I honestly don't care if you empty the vault.The money is yours.Just like Andromeda is entitled to the Black family vault."Hermione didn't care what they did with the money and valuables.
"It is your money though."Narcissa said.
"I have my own money and still have the Carrow and Rosier vaults.I'll be perfectly fine."Hermione assured her.
"Thank you then."Narcissa still wasn't a hundred percent comfortable but knew that Hermione was being truthful when she said she didn't care about what she did with the gold.
"Once we get that all taken care of I'll reach out to a friend of mine who is lawyer.If it's alright with you could I have them contact you as you are the one who has the information she will need?"Hermione asked Narcissa.
"Of course."Narcissa felt a little lightheaded.She had expected to have to plead with Hermione to get the divorce but not only did Hermione easily agree she was also making it so Narcissa could afford to live on her own and was helping her sister. Narcissa was good at holding in her emotions but knew as soon as she was alone she was going to break down out of shear relief and happiness.
"Good then let's get started on the divorce.I assume you have a book on the ritual."Hermione figured Narcissa would have all the information needed on hand.
"I know the ritual by heart."Narcissa had memorized it as soon as she found out a divorce was possible.
"We can set it up in the backyard."Nymphadora was excited to see the ritual in person.She didn't know much about blood magic and was always told it was evil by others.Her mother however told her that it wasn't inherently evil it was just sometimes used for evil purposes.
"Thank you for this."Narcissa said as she stood from the couch and followed Hermione and Nymphadora to the back yard.Getting a soft smile from Hermione in reply Narcissa spent the quiet time in reflection.When she had found out about the change in head of household she could have never imagined that not only would Lucius be put in Azkaban but she would be able to get divorce.Adding on the fact that she was reunited with one sister and helping another get her freedom Narcissa had to pinch herself to make sure she wasn't dreaming.She was already planning when the day was over and she was officially a Black-Malfoy-Rosier-Carrow to celebrate with her sister and her family.She also wanted to talk to Andromeda about what to expect when taking the Malfoy seat.Narcissa wanted to be prepared for anything because there was no way she was going to embarrass not only herself but Hermione as well.The girl had given her a life she never would of dreamed of and Narcissa was going to prove to Hermione that she put her faith in the right person.