A/N : Once again, I own nothing, etc

A late mention for magitech, who influenced my characterisation of the Weasleys, hopefully for the better.

This chapter is shameless filler, but the next chapter will hopefully be a really good one.

Much thanks to Salce, for being my beta, (He is sorely missed, I hope he's ok)

Reviews, ideas and thoughts about anything are more than welcome, I hope you enjoy this chapter, it gave me an excuse to write a bit more about the early stages of this blossoming relationship.

On the subject of jumping back in time, I apologise if I don't make the shift back and forth obvious, that's my fault, the random quotes in bold type are the places changes happen, sorry for the confusion. Further apologies if my explanation actually made it worse xD

Chapter Eight

They stood there just staring at each other, Hermione's eyes were wide with shock, Harry looked like a rabbit caught in the headlights. His mind raced, searching for some plausible way of explaining away what had just come tumbling from his mouth, before he could mount a reasonable defence, the young brunette found her voice.

"If I heard you correctly, Narcissa Malfoy comes round to your house, socially?"

"It's Narcissa Black now, and yes she does, sometimes, she even stays the night"

"You mean, you, her, her and you" her incoherence would've been amusing at any other time

"Yes"

"Harry, you cheated on Ginny with that woman?"

"I'm sorry Hermione, but it's really no one's business"

The slap echoed around the empty room, she swore quietly under her breath and rubbed her sore hand. Harry barely reacted, he could feel a hand shaped welt riding on his face, but the shame hurt more and he just hung his head.

She sat down heavily and huffed in indignation but Harry was in no mood to defend his every move, he didn't want to lose her as a friend, but he was master of his own life now, she didn't have to like his choices, but he hoped she could respect the fact that they were his choices to make. He wasn't sure why he was so protective of the details of what transpired in the Forbidden forest, but he already regretted telling Ginny that Narcissa had saved him. He started to walk towards the door, it was probably a good idea to leave the angry young woman and give her time to process, he hadn't got far when he felt a hand on his shoulder, he turned to look at her.

Whatever the witch was about to say died on her tongue, he could see her digesting the information and trying to find the words for a response. Harry could sympathise with her internal struggle, her loyalty and love for him, and a vested interest in his happiness and well being, but finding that happiness with a woman who stood by and let her deranged sister torture her, maybe that would be a step too far.

"Putting aside the fact that she stood by and did nothing while her sister chatted to me, girl to girl, how on earth did it happen? I just can't picture a scenario where you two meet and become romantically involved" her voice was bordering on the hysterical.

"At the time I thought Narcissa, Lucius and Draco just looked scared witless, apart from that and some pure blooded snobbery, she hadn't really done anything, and she's not like that, it's mostly an act"

"So how did it happen, I want details, not those details" she added hastily

"I'm not going to talk about it right now, I know it slipped out but you are the only person who knows, in a way I'm pleased, I trust you and when I feel ready to talk about it, I will come and tell you, please just let me have this, I'm happy, that's good right?"

She nodded, he gave her a hug, the hug was returned and they said their goodbyes, Harry promised to keep up the offer of getting together for food, drinks and catching up, grabbing a handful of floo powder he stood in the flames and headed home.

He stepped out into the kitchen, Kreacher was nowhere to be seen, he fixed himself a drink, the stress of the last few hours all but melted away, he placed his cup on the side and set off up the stairs, he exchanged a few pleasantries with the formidable Walburga Black, before heading up to the first floor and proceeding to the next staircase, as his foot touched the first step he changed his mind and walked down the hall, into his tapestry room. Ever since Narcissa had given him this astounding gift, he would come in here, taking it all in, learning the names and faces, he had been surprised when the link between himself and Ginny had begun to fade, it was subtle at first, becoming more pronounced, what struck Harry as strange, was that it had started happening long before he'd decided to split from Ginny.

Looking at it now, the link was completely gone, but there seemed to be another change taking place, he ran his fingers over the material, it was like the softest silk. Kreacher appeared and bowed low.

"Evening Kreacher, is everything ok?"

"Kreacher didn't mean to intrude"

"That's fine"

"Mistress asked Kreacher to give you this"

A long fingered hand held out a neatly folded piece of parchment, He took it, thanked the elf and carefully set about unfolding it.

Harry,

I hope your day went well, I won't lie, I was disappointed when I woke up alone, I so wanted to be there this evening but Draco is visiting, I know you'll understand.

Send Kreacher for me when you're next free, you can tell me all about your day.

Narcissa

P.S. I have grown used to sleeping with you, I will miss you tonight.

Slipping the note into his pocket he left the room and continued up to his bedroom, he removed the note from his pocket and placed it on his bedside table along with his glasses, he took off his clothes and dropped them into the laundry basket, remembering to grab a towel this time, he crossed the hall to have a shower.

He washed at a leisurely pace, taking the time to shave and wash his hair, feeling clean and relaxed, he quickly dried himself and went back to his room.

He put on some loose fitting pyjama trousers and slid beneath the covers, he shuffled over to the other side of the bed, it still smelled of her, yet the bed looked freshly made, if she wanted to get under his skin, she was succeeding.

When he woke up alone he shared Narcissa's disappointment, he quickly dressed and went down to the kitchen, he was grateful for Kreacher's breakfast, and ate like a starving man. Feeling full but not uncomfortably so, he was about to send for Narcissa when he felt the unmistakeable call to work, he cursed under his breath for ever showing Kingsley how Dumbledore's Army used to communicate, the coins were now standard issue throughout the Ministry.

He grabbed a handful of powder and threw it angrily into the flames, appearing in the atrium of the Ministry of Magic moments later, he got into the nearest elevator and travelled down to the lower levels. He stepped out into a black tiled hall, torch lights flickered, distorted reflections off the tiles played tricks on his eyes, he walked to the door at the end, his footsteps echoed loudly in the quiet corridor.

Tapping the door at the end with his wand caused it to dissolve into a smoke like substance, he passed through, he tapped a wall of this octagonal room and it started to spin, the blue torchlight blurred into a harsh line across his retinas. He remembered his induction as an Unspeakable, he had first been led into the brain room, he remembered how they wrestled one of them off of Ron. No matter how skilled an Occlumens a witch or wizard may be, this was the ultimate insurance, all Unspeakables were linked to a brain in that room, upon leaving the Department of Mysteries, all sensitive memories would be stored in the linked brain and transferred back upon their return. It was a flawless system, but he still shuddered as he recalled linking with 'his brain' but the process was nothing like the time his friend had touched one.

He left the once spinning room, and stepped into his office, if he was expecting the reason for his summons to be here, he was very much mistaken.

Feeling annoyed that his time was being wasted, he opened a hidden panel at the back of his office, a reminder of the dark times, a macabre trophy cabinet containing Tom Riddle's Diary, Marvolo Gaunt's ring, Slytherin's Locket and Helga Hufflepuff's cup, all destroyed but identifiable, and the jewel in the crown, Voldemort's wand. He was never told how the Ministry acquired it, but it was entrusted to his department, along with the charred remains of the Horcruxes. A polite cough from behind and he turned to see the impressive figure of Kingsley Shacklebolt entering the room

"I like to remind myself of the price we paid beating Voldemort" he said as way of explanation

"We would do well never to forget" Kingsley's deep voice filled the room "sorry I wasn't here to meet you, I was held up"

"You don't have to apologise to me Minister, I did wonder why I'd been called in"

"I spoke to Arthur earlier this week, about a personal matter, he thought you'd appreciate discretion"

The Minister recognised Harry's confused expression and prompted

"Your divorce, Harry"

He held out several sheets of paper, Harry took them and started reading.

"Just sign on the bottom of the last page" he handed Harry a quill

"Thank you Minister"

"I'm sorry it didn't work out Harry, I'll make sure these documents are processed and sealed, we wouldn't want that awful Skeeter woman getting wind of your this, although I dare say she will find out in time, the Ministry is no longer sick and corrupt, so I can say with hand on heart that we look after our own"

They shook hands, Harry handed him the signed the papers and the Minister left the office. Turning back to the alcove, he looked over the items one last time and sealed it up again. As he readied himself to leave there was a sharp knock on his door, a groan escaped him

"Come in" he called in a resigned voice, a familiar face entered, pale, pointed features with slicked back blonde hair "Hi, Draco"

"Potter, I saw the Minister leaving and figured you were in, here's the reports from my trip"

"Thanks, I'll look them over"

"Thank you for calling me back early, I love the work, but it's good being home" the two men exchanged small smiles.

With nothing further to add, Draco took his leave, their working relationship was pretty good, Harry conceded, there didn't seem to be any animosity, the slight air of tension, he had always just attributed it to their early years of school. It had taken a few years before he was able to bring up the incident in the bathroom, Draco believed him when he said he had no idea what 'Sectumsempra' did, the act of saving him from Fiendfyre had gone a long way towards making them even, it was good to know, Harry had carried the guilt of that event with him for years.

He had no idea how he would tell him about the growing relationship with his mother, hoping that a situation would present itself and that it would all just click into place, he chuckled at the idea of such optimism.

He headed back up to the atrium and took the floo network back home, he barely had time to brush himself down before Kreacher appeared to tell him that Narcissa wanted him to go to Malfoy manor, he stepped back into the flames and out into a library, that on closer inspection was severely lacking in books. A familiar figure was curled up on a chaise lounge, Harry couldn't help but admire the sleeping woman, she was effortlessly beautiful, her long blonde hair cascaded down in gentle waves almost covering her face.

He quietly crossed the room and knelt down in front of her, he carefully moved her hair out of her face and placed a chaste kiss on her slightly parted lips, her eyelids fluttered open, ice blue irises focused on the face in front of her.

"That's how I want to be woken up every time I fall asleep" she sighed

"I saw Draco at work earlier, he was pleased that I called him back earlier than he'd expected"

"He said as much to me when we spent the day together, he was missing Astoria"

"Kingsley came and finalised my divorce"

"You're all mine now" the smile growing on his face was stopped abruptly by Narcissa's lips.

"I've been yours for a long time now"

Narcissa uncurled herself to make room for Harry, he sat himself down, she made herself comfortable against him and rested her head against his chest, she was eager to hear about his previous day's activities, he considered leaving out his visit to Andromeda, but she took it well, maybe he could help the sister's build some bridges.

She was a captive audience to his tale and even more surprised about the acceptance of Harry's news by the Weasleys, than Harry had been. Then he reached the part of the tale with Hermione, he wasn't sure how Narcissa would feel about him letting slip their secret.

"Hermione knows about us, it sort of slipped out"

"I see, how did that go?"

"I'm not sure, better than expected, she slapped me pretty hard, what are you smirking at?"

"You of course, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't pleased that you couldn't help thinking about me, which cheek did she hit?"

He pointed and she grabbed his chin between her thumb and forefinger and planted a kiss on his cheek, before kissing him many times in quick succession.

"What did she have to say, will she tell anyone?"

"She was pretty shocked, a bit angry, she brought up the fact that you stood there and watched your sister torture her" a pained look crossed the woman's face "She won't tell anyone"

"Bella only did what she did to protect me, in her own twisted way, I'm still not certain what she was so worried about, all I know is that I trusted her to keep Draco and I safe, she suffered for your escape and took all the blame, the Dark Lord left her for dead, I'm not trying to justify her actions, or try to make you feel guilty" Narcissa let out a heavy sigh "she never used to be like that, she was the best big sister you could have asked for, Andi and I adored her and she protected us"

Despite his hatred for Bellatrix, seeing the sadness in those blue eyes and the pain on her face, all Harry could do was hold her tight, softly kissing the top of her head. Narcissa let out a sigh, lifting her head she flicked her hair out of the way and laid her head back on his lap, she took his left hand and placed it over her heart, she idly ran her fingertips over his knuckles up to his wrist and back down again. With his right hand he massaged her head and played with her hair, had Narcissa been a cat she'd have been purring.

The Trade of Kings

Several months after Narcissa had given Harry the magical tapestry, he found himself on the lookout for a suitable gift for her, he found himself getting advice from her Aunt, and that was where the idea for the flowers had come from, as much as he wanted to, he couldn't take the credit for that, besides, it was more of an apology for not being at the house to save her from Ginny, now he was determined to find something himself.

With absolutely no idea what to buy an incredibly wealthy pure blooded witch, he had taken to wandering idly up and down Diagon Alley during his free time, but to no avail, after a few weeks of this he was still no closer to finding anything. Having successfully put it off thus far, but unable to put it off any longer he headed to Gringotts, he took a deep breath and pushed open the large double doors, his footsteps loud on the bright marble floor.

He slowly approached the head goblin. He could feel the eyes of many goblins watching his every move.

"Ah, Mr Potter, Always a pleasure, what can I do for you today?"

"I'd like to go to my vault please"

"Your vault?" the goblin raised his eyebrows, fixing him with beady, black eyes

"Yes, just my vault"

Harry hoped that was some kind of goblin humour, he had apologised to the heads of the goblin community, he had explained in detail why the Golden Trio had broken in, and despite the unpleasantness with Griphook, he had corroborated their story.

He followed an unfamiliar goblin to the mine cart, and after several stomach churning minutes he was standing inside his family vault, after sorting himself out a modest amount of walking around money, he had a proper look around, there wasn't anything that jumped out at him, aside from the cold, hard currency, there were jewels and jewellery, ancient books and parchment, and there on a low shelf, something was wrapped in a black cloth, it was almost invisible in the dim light of the vault.

He reached out to touch it, the cloth was soft and the item wrapped up in it was hard, he picked it up, it had a fair bit of weight to it, carefully removing the cloth revealed a beautifully crafted box with silver inlay, decorative hinges and a simple clasp. He sat on a carved stone bench and rested the box on his knees and opened it, inside was a shallow stone bowl, runes were carved all around its edge, Harry recognised it as a Pensieve, an idea popped into his head, instead of giving her a material gift, he could give her memories.

When he was fed up of the goblin making impatient noises just outside the door, he packed the Pensieve away and stepped out of his vault and into the cart. Outside the bank, he leant against a marble column, basking in the warmth, drinking in lungfuls of fresh air.

He returned to the Leaky Cauldron to floo back home, first he took the Pensieve to the living room and placed it on a small table for later, then he returned to the kitchen, limited mostly by ability, or lack thereof, he called on Kreacher to help prepare food for his dinner date with Narcissa, Harry thoroughly enjoyed her company, they usually talked and played card games.

The table was set when Narcissa entered, Harry was uncorking a bottle of wine, the welcome was warmer and friendlier, this had become a regular occurrence and they both looked forward to it above all else, not that it was actually given a voice, it took a great deal of effort for Harry to keep his excitement in check, he had a feeling she was in the same situation.

She sat herself at the table and took the offered glass of wine, he sits down opposite and they chat about the minutiae of the day. Dinner was consumed in companionable silence, Harry found himself stealing glances at the woman opposite, he couldn't deny that she was beautiful, over the time since their unconventional friendship began, he had also noticed subtle changes and he enjoyed those the most, she was relaxed, and acted naturally, the pure blooded haughtiness appeared less often, she retained the intensity of her Black lineage, and revealed a side of herself so far removed from her usual icy demeanour.

As was customary, they retired to the living room for a few more drinks, but tonight there would be no card games, she made herself comfy in her favoured chair, he provided the drinks and placed the table holding the Pensieve between them, curiosity burnt in her blue eyes.

"I wanted to do something for you, after you gave me the tapestry, I was compelled, of course, I couldn't think of anything, and then I found this in my vault at Gringotts" he gestured to the stone basin

"There's no need Harry, I hadn't expected anything in return"

"I know, but I wanted to, I'm not sure how good an idea this is, but I thought I would share some of my memories with you"

"I am quite proficient at Legilimency"

"No thanks, I had a very bad experience with that at the hands of Snape, and with the Pensieve we can view the memories together, it seems like the better choice"

"How can I argue with that" she flashed a smile at him causing his heart to skip.

He hadn't actually given this a lot of thought, but he had selected a memory that he hoped would be of interest to Narcissa, he touched his wand to his temple and as he drew it away a luminescent silvery thread was attached to the tip, he placed it in the bowl. Ladies first, and then Harry followed, they stood together in Dumbledore's office, the Headmaster sat at his desk while an irate Severus Snape paced back and forth.

The conversation between the two wizards didn't last long and soon the spectators were back in Grimmauld Place.

"Dumbledore knew about the Dark Lord's plans for Draco, he trusted Snape without question, I always thought Bella's mistrust of Severus was jealousy, I went to his house with Bella and we made an unbreakable vow so I could protect my son, I was shocked when he agreed"

"Severus Snape was a remarkable man, I know what to show you next"

Harry removed several strands of memories and placed them in the bowl, he was equal parts scared and excited, this was one of his biggest secrets.

The pair were standing in a park, two girls were playing on the swings, the girls were arguing until startled by the appearance of an oddly dressed, black haired young boy, the scene changed, they were laying by a lake and the boy was talking animatedly, next they were boarding the scarlet steam engine for their first term at Hogwarts, the friendship remained intact despite the boy being a Slytherin and the girl a Gryffindor.

As much as he loved seeing his mother and father, he knew what was coming and a knot formed tight in his stomach, the succession of memories showed his mother pleading with Severus not to join the death eaters, his father, Sirius and Lupin humiliating him, with Lily coming to his defence. That was the memory in which he called her a mudblood, their friendship was no more.

Back in the living room, Harry's face felt hot, it was much more emotional than he had anticipated, Narcissa looked stunned, she leant across and tenderly cupped his face with her hand, her skin was cool and soft, he let his eyes drift shut.

"Severus grew up with your mother, and loved her his whole life?" She whispered the question

"Yes, he risked everything to try and save her"

"No one knew he was a half blood?"

"I don't think so"

"Thank you for showing me" he nodded and managed a weak smile

"For a Slytherin, he had an awful lot of Gryffindor courage"

"Bella was right about him all along, she never kept quiet about it, but the Dark Lord wouldn't hear a word against him"

"Voldemort is a half blood too, his father was a muggle, from a rich muggle family, his mother's family lived in the village, she fell in love with him but her feelings were not returned so she ensnared him using Amortentia"

Narcissa's eyes widened in surprise, eager to find out more, they spent the rest of the evening watching Harry's memories.