Disclaimer: I got nothin'.
While Lucius was learning a new respect for small children and marbles, Cissa had taken the opportunity to spend some time with Hermione while the two cleared the table. It was obvious that the elder Mrs. Malfoy was new to the practice, but Hermione appreciated Narcissa's willingness to try.
Once the dishes had been brought into the kitchen, the hostess took pity on her guest, and washed the dishes using magic. She could always demonstrate the Muggle way to handle things at a future date. Narcissa balanced elegantly on a stool in the corner, watching her daughter in law in a surprisingly comfortable silence. Eventually she decided that she needed to share what was on her mind.
"Thank you, Hermione." The Malfoy matriarch's expression was soft and heartfelt.
"For what, dinner? You're most welcome."
"That too, but I meant thank you for taking such good care of Draco over the past eight years, and for making him so happy. Your skill at being both a wife and mother is obvious. Your husband and your son adore you."
Hermione blushed with pleasure at the compliment. "I appreciate your saying that. More than you know."
The Malfoy wives smiled at each other for a moment before Narcissa spoke again. "Would you mind terribly telling me how you came to be with Draco? Given the unfortunate way things were handled, I've never heard the story. Given what I remember of your shared past, your relationship came as quite a shock. When and how did you begin?"
"It's funny you should ask that. I say that we began at University, but Draco counts back to our sixth year at Hogwarts. We'd been in a Defense Against the Dark Arts lesson, and the professor asked Draco what was the most powerful force in the world. He thought for a split-second, and answered 'wealth.' His reasoning was that with enough money, one could buy all of the power or respect required. It wasn't the answer the professor was looking for, so I raised my hand, and said, 'love.'
As luck would have it, 'love' was right, and several of my classmates began mocking Draco for his incorrect response. Two of the worst about it were my best friends, Harry Potter and Ronald Weasley. I became angry at them for their lack of compassion, and I was chastising them as we left the classroom. I didn't notice that Draco was behind us as we exited. At the time, I was too busy telling Harry and Ron not to ridicule him; that it was likely he'd only grown up with wealth. How was he supposed to be able to think of love that way if no one ever showed it to him?
Draco didn't let on that he heard our exchange until we were in our second year at University. We had a couple of classes together, and I guess he decided he would rather sit near a familiar face, even if that face didn't belong to a friend. Away from past influences on both sides, we were free to get to know each other. One day he brought up the incident from sixth year, and that led to an ongoing discussion about the power and nature of love. He told me much later that when he overheard what I said to Ron and Harry, the fact that I was trying to be understanding of him caught his attention. This was followed by a certain level of interest, even if he could admit it to no one at the time.
He said that when he first heard it in DADA class, he couldn't understand the answer. Your son told me he didn't get it until he heard how you lied to Voldemort to get a chance to search for him, and again when he saw Lucius choose to protect the two of you, rather than fight.
Friendship turned into more a few months after our first debate, but Draco said he believed that you still wouldn't approve, so we agreed to keep our relationship secret until we were done with school. He knew there was no way he could afford the tuition if you disowned him at that time. In our final year, he got on one knee and told me that he finally understood about love, though he wanted me to stay around for the next couple of centuries to make sure he didn't get confused again. I was happy to accept."
Her mother-in-law looked troubled. "He expected to be disowned?"
"I think he considered it a possibility, though he didn't believe it would really happen. He was devastated when it did."
"I could apologize from now until Scorpius is grown, and I don't think it would be enough."
"So don't bother apologizing anymore."
Narcissa looked confused.
"Draco and I both believe that action speaks volumes more than pretty words. If you're truly sorry about what happened, be there for us now. We both know you regret your actions, so it doesn't need repeating. Just be willing to be a loving mother to Draco, and grandmother to Scorpius."
"And to you? What may I be to you?" Hermione noticed that Cissa looked anxious, but hopeful.
"How about being my friend, for starters? We can work our way up from there." The younger Malfoy wife was surprised but gratified as the Draco's mother laid a hand against her cheek, feather-light.
"That would be lovely."
"I think so, too. You know, I'm almost done here. Why don't you go into the parlor and see how Lucius is doing? I'm pretty sure that Scorpius roped him into playing Aggravation, and that never ends well. I'll be there in just a moment."
"Of course, dear. If Lucius is aggravated, that's fine entertainment. Don't take too long." With an elegant wave, Narcissa made her way into the parlor.
Hermione turned toward the kitchen door, and let out a breath. "All right, you over-protective numpty, you can drop the Cloak for a moment." She was thoroughly unsurprised to see Harry Potter's disembodied head in her kitchen.
"Would you like to explain what you're doing here?"
"How did you even know? I was extra-careful. I slipped in while you were all at the table."
"We've been friends for how many years now, Harry? I can recognize your cologne, you know."
Potter flushed at the fact that he made such a simple error. "You didn't answer your D.A. coin, and I got worried."
"Oh for Merlin's sake! I forgot it upstairs in my jewel box. You snuck over here because of that?"
"Well, I figured it was probably unnecessary, but you know...constant vigilance?" The Saviour of the Wizarding World winced just slightly, anticipating his old friend's reaction.
"I love you, you idiot. It's safe for you to go home now. Thank you."
Harry hugged her. "Certainly seems so. I'm really glad it's working out for you guys. Scorpius looks to be having a grand time."
"It's a draw between him and my father as to who's having more fun." Harry and Hermione both jumped at Draco's comment from the doorway. He smirked at his old rival lightly. "Thank you for dropping in, Potter. We're okay."
"So I gather. I'll see you on Monday, Malfoy. Night, 'Mione." And he disappeared.
"You know, love, I'm almost certain I'll always think Potter's a wanker, but I have to admit...he has his moments." Draco took his wife in his arms, and kissed her forehead.
"Well, Draco, having decent moments seems to be enough. I kept you on pretty much the same basis."
"Into the parlor with you, wench!"