A/N : Sorry for the long gap between chapters, I hope that my writing benefits from a more careful and measured approach, I've been lucky that when I rushed in the past the quality didn't suffer too much.

Honourable mentions to all those who have reviewed and been in touch, I love hearing from you, special mention to mercersburgrachel, who I swear has access to my brain, she knows what I'm on about, and ncpfan, who made a few suggestions some chapters ago, so there is a little bit of fan service in the new chapter that I hope he will appreciate and maybe it'll raise a smile.

To the rest of you, thanks for your continuing support, it enhances this whole experience, it's a niche pairing from what I hear, I know I'm playing to a small audience, but you really are the best, I really feel like you deserve credit, I hope it's not too cheesy a sentiment.

I hope to bring this tale to a suitable close fairly soon, and there is another fic I've started, waiting in the wings, I hope some of you will follow me down that path. Enough babbling from me, enjoy the next chapter. (this chapter has been updated)

Chapter Seventeen

Narcissa hadn't been feeling well for several days, she was exhausted, and silently cursed the fluctuating British weather for bringing on a bout of flu. Choosing to self medicate, she brewed up a few remedies just to keep herself functioning, there was still so much to do and it had to be just right, Hermione had noticed her condition and was concerned that she was overdoing it, the young witch was brilliant and constantly offered up her free time to help, in some cases she did much more than her fair share. She had really begun to enjoy the young witch's company and her knowledge of weddings was astounding. With ever reddening cheeks, she had told Narcissa how most muggle girls dreamed about and planned their weddings from a young age, inspired by tales of princesses and handsome princes.

Harry was also beginning to worry about her, but she was eating well and sleeping well, and she had no complaints when it came to the more athletic aspects of their relationship, but there was no escaping the dark rings around her eyes, she had taken to covering them up with magic and make up. He was eager to help and lighten the load but failed miserably, he ended up being shooed away by an irate Hermione, he apologised and mumbled something about wanting to help, he didn't like feeling useless and Narcissa's heart went out to him, later that night as they lay together, she assured him that it was all in hand, all he needed to do was wait for her at the altar, pick a best man, and make sure Teddy didn't lose the rings.

A little bit of panic was beginning to creep in, they hadn't heard back from Minerva, Harry had owled Hermione, but she couldn't shed any light on it. A few days later they had the answer, McGonagall had eventually agreed to perform the bonding, they had waited an age for her response, they hadn't another choice should the headmistress decline their offer, her acceptance had a lot to do with Hermione, upon receiving the request from Harry and Narcissa, she had almost dismissed it as some kind of bad joke. In the interest of being thorough she had gone to talk to Hermione and after several glasses of Fire Whiskey, having listened to the whole tale from the young witch, she reluctantly agreed, more for Harry than anything, she couldn't help being sceptical, she had taught most of the Black family and didn't think there was any good in them at all, Andromeda and Sirius being the exceptions.

The wedding was to be held at the castle, it was neutral and they both loved the place, to Harry it was home and to Narcissa it was an escape from home, taking a rare break from planning the wedding, they had gone to visit Hermione, the school year was winding down, the pupils had switched into the holiday mood, very few people were at the school, the weather playing a large part, Hogsmeade would be bursting with life, many students spending the last of their cash on butterbeer, sweets and other things.

They walked hand in hand around the Black Lake, she felt elated, it brought back so many memories, she and her sisters would sit in their special place at the far side of the lake, far from prying eyes, this time it was a far more romantic assignation, she enjoyed stealing kisses every now and then. Having almost completed a full circuit of the vast body of water, they stood at the fringe of the Forbidden forest, Harry's arm snug around her waist, they stood awhile in thought. Thinking about his first trip into the forest and the last, he kissed her cheek and they moved on.

Eventually they returned to the castle and had dinner with Hermione in her quarters, afterwards, full of food and a few glasses of elf wine, they settled down to a game of Scrabble, Harry waved the white flag immediately, claiming to be far too fuzzy headed to play, as the tiles were shuffled they talked about the wedding, she looked round as Harry's rhythmic stroking of her back stopped, he had fallen asleep, the women just smiled and carried on with their game, the clock had not long chimed nine o'clock, Narcissa felt a wave of nausea wash over her, she raised her hand to her mouth and stifled a belch, she felt the colour drain from her face and Hermione looked concerned.

"Are you OK, would you like me to call Poppy?"

"No! It's fine, I'm just tired, perhaps I have been over doing it lately, I'll just wake Harry and he can take me home"

The young witch failed to hide the look which quite clearly said 'I told you not to over do it.' Harry woke up with a start, claiming he'd just been resting his eyes, she smiled weakly at him and took some slow, deep breaths to fight off another rush of nausea, clearly worried, he bade Hermione a quick farewell and helped Narcissa up and into the fireplace. Back in Grimmauld Place, Harry offered to contact St. Mungo's.

"I'm fine, honestly" he looked far from convinced "Hermione was right, I've been over doing things, I just want to go to bed and sleep it off, it's probably just a stupid cold"

He reluctantly agreed and they made their way to bed, she was asleep mere moments after laying down and getting comfy, still anxious, Harry lay awake listening to her breathing, in the end, with his eyes burning from tiredness, he draped an arm gently around her and settled in behind her and fell asleep.

She woke up early and felt even worse than she had the night before, carefully she disentangled herself from Harry, certain that he could sleep through anything, she hurried to the bathroom and gathering up her long, blonde tresses in one hand, she used the other to steady herself as she parted company with the contents of her stomach, not the flu then, some kind of stomach bug, she called for Kreacher and tasked him with getting a few potions from the manor for her, the elf was only too happy to oblige, he returned after only a few moments, she uncorked the bottle with shaking hands and drank, feeling slightly stronger she pulled the chain and walked to the sink, the tap was run and she splashed some water on her face, glad of the coolness, her skin prickled with heat but didn't feel feverish, after brushing her teeth thoroughly, she left the bathroom and slid back under the duvet.

When she woke up hours later she didn't open her eyes straight away, surreptitiously her hand moved out to Harry's side of the bed, it was cold and her heart sank, a slight creak of a floor board made her aware of someone in the room, she felt herself shift a tiny bit, someone was sitting on the bed.

"I know you are awake Cissy, no point pretending, it's not like you to be lazy"

"Andi? What are you doing here? Where's Harry?"

She sat upright and regarded her sister with tired eyes before flopping back onto her pillows and pulling the covers back up to her neck

"I much prefer it when he wakes me up" her grumbling was muffled by bed clothes

"I don't want to know, but to answer your question, Harry was called into work, he said you had been out of sorts and asked if I could come over"

"I don't need a babysitter, I'm fine, just tired, and I have had a good sleep"

"Well you look like shit and Harry was worried, now get up and put your face on"

In a childish and futile display, Narcissa launched a pillow at her sister as she exited the room, it bounced harmlessly off the door frame, Andromeda chuckled and pulled the door closed, she didn't like being spoken to in such a way, and had little time for uncouth language, she felt a bit guilty for making Harry worry, she sat on the edge of their bed and hugged herself, she loved him for caring, smiling to herself, she crossed the room and set about making herself presentable.

Andromeda had made herself at home, breakfast was cooking, Narcissa's stomach lurched uncomfortably and rearranged itself into hunger pains, she fixed herself a drink and patiently waited for her sister to serve, feeling hungry like never before she ate second helpings.

Her sister sat down opposite and looked at her with dark brown eyes, the light in the room cast shadows on her face and the resemblance to their eldest sister was more pronounced, her sister's eyes rested on her and her face was unreadable, Narcissa began to feel uncomfortable, and as the minutes passed it turned to annoyance.

"What?"

"Oh, nothing, it's just that I can see the change in you, I would never have thought it possible, you hung on father's every word, you were easily his greatest triumph, of course you had mother's cold heartedness, the perfect pure-blood daughter, years wasted as a slave to tradition, at least you and Lucius loved each other at first, I suppose you were lucky in that respect"

"What's your point?" her tone was icy

"You and Bella clung to those ideals for the most part, I don't think Bella was ever the dutiful wife, can you imagine? Lucius and Rodolphus never deserved to be married to my sisters, you were the dutiful wife, always in Lucius' shadow, and now you are free, I guess I'm trying to say that I'm glad to have you back Narcissa"

"I didn't hate you despite the things I said, I was afraid, I didn't have the strength to leave like you did and I didn't want to lose my humanity like Bella, I did the best I could with what I had"

The two women looked at each other and Narcissa reached for her sister's hand

"I'm sorry Andi, sorry for all the wasted years, and I missed you"

She sniffed and wiped a tear from each eye with her forefinger, her sister just smiled and nodded, the tender moment was diminished somewhat by Harry's arrival, the kitchen door slammed open and he staggered in carrying several boxes, the two women watched his unsteady progress as he crossed the room and carefully unloaded them onto the work top.

He turned to face the inquisitive stares and offered a lop sided grin, he tried and failed to tame an unruly bit of hair dangling over his right eye, he ran his fingers through his hair several times and gave up.

"Welcome home, everything OK at work?"

"Yes, Draco is even more irritating now he's been promoted, I swear he's trying to drive me mad, but his work is top drawer" he smiled at the expression on Narcissa's face

"Be nice to my dragon, he's being very civil about all of this"

"He is, thanks to you and Astoria, he wouldn't dare say anything, but I'll make a mental note of your pet name for him just in case" he winked at her and she rolled her eyes

"What are all the boxes?"

"Wedding stuff from Hermione, I'm not allowed to open them 'or else' for your eyes only, I must thank her for having them all delivered to my office, the trip home took three times as long"

Harry fixed himself a drink as the sisters chatted, there was something wonderful about the first cup of tea at the day, he couldn't stand the pitiful excuse for tea available at the Ministry, some of the biggest names in magic all under one roof, so much magic, and the best they could manage was a sweet cup of tepid, brown water, he shuddered at the thought. He walked over to the table and stood behind Narcissa, he set his cup down and placed his hands gently on her shoulders, stooping to kiss the top of her head, he massaged her neck and she let her head rest against his stomach, Andromeda was talking.

"Cissy? Are you listening to a word I'm saying?" she made no effort to hide the amusement in her voice.

"Sorry Andi, he knows I like that and he does it on purpose because he thinks it's funny" she slapped his hands away with no real conviction

"It's not my fault she can't stay focused, I wasn't aware I was doing it"

"The grin on your face says different, Harry"

"Two against one, no fair, I can't believe you'd tell on me, it's all good, I've been meaning to take Teddy to Diagon Alley, I know this great joke shop, he can have some spending money and no restrictions"

"You wouldn't dare! I'd watch who you are threatening Mr. Potter"

"OK, OK, I'm not completely reckless, enough joking, I'm taking my lady out to eat, care to join us?"

"I'd love to but I can't, I promised I'd be back, Teddy is fine with my neighbour, but he'd never forgive me if I went out with Harry and Cissy and excluded him, you are all he talks about, I think I'll just drop him off here one day, I could use a break"

They said their farewells to Andromeda, she promised to give Teddy an extra hug from them both, and then she was gone, Narcissa wanted to go and change but Harry insisted that she was fine as she was, he commented that she looked a lot better, she felt a slight pang of guilt as she reiterated the point about her tiredness, and telling him that she had slept most of the morning and it had done her the world of good.

His plan was to apparate into the centre of London and see what took their fancy, he was in the mood for something muggle, and it helped keep things low key, that choice pleased the blonde witch, in her current state, the last thing she wanted was an unwelcome audience, she hadn't given it much thought because she had eaten a lot at breakfast, but she was famished, hopefully the stomach bug was long gone, one of those twenty four hour things, she certainly felt like her usual self.

They appeared in a secluded back street and walked a short distance to Oxford street, at that time of day the streets were teeming with people, the sky was cloudless, a pleasing wind kept the temperature down, he took her hand and linked their fingers, she liked this very much, they strolled along at a leisurely pace, like rocks in a stream the crowds flowed around them.

Narcissa stopped suddenly, a business man walked into the back of Harry, cursing at the young man's stupidity and lack of care for those around him, followed by a few angry mutters and looks from those inconvenienced by the stationary couple.

"What is that smell?"

"It smells like burgers"

"That's what I want, let's eat there"

Wearing a slightly bemused look, he allowed himself to be led inside, the place was packed, cutlery chinked off plates, a sound almost lost under the constant chatter of the patrons. A hot and bothered looking Greeter smiled at them as they approached, she let Harry request a table and tried to hide her puzzlement as the woman handed him a small, black rectangular piece of plastic, he took Narcissa's hand and walked over to the bar.

"What is that thing she gave you?"

"It's a pager, when our table is ready it will buzz to let us know"

"Oh, the things muggles come up with when they don't have magic"

"Shhhh, not so loud, you sound just like Arthur Weasley, he's fascinated by muggle devices"

Harry ordered her a cocktail containing some of her favourite things, it arrived in an explosion of colour and paper umbrellas, she viewed it with an air of suspicion and took a small sip, it was a bit too sweet but otherwise very nice, he ordered a glass of something Irish, it looked jet black with a thick creamy head on it, she couldn't help giggling at the foam moustache left behind from his first sip.

The device buzzed and rattled loudly on the top of the bar, it startled Narcissa and she sloshed some of the cocktail over the rim of the glass and onto her hand, she slowly licked the beverage from her fingers in a suggestive way, Harry's eyebrows disappeared into his fringe, he shook his head, took her arm and after a short walk, they were seated.

He passed her a menu and she disappeared behind it, the selection was massive, she couldn't quite put her finger on what all the fuss was about, it was essentially a meat sandwich packed with other elements that were meals in their own right. She settled on a creation called 'The Towering Inferno', a bacon double cheeseburger with home made chilli, side salad and seasoned curly fries, Harry opted for a BBQ chicken burger, a waiter came and took their order, alone again and warm hands took hold of hers, she liked his hesitant public displays of affection, the way her skin prickled with goosebumps at his touch, his hot breath and the feel of his stubble as he gently kissed her hand, the effect he had on her took her by surprise each time.

An internal struggle arose at this point, a battle between lunch and lust, lunch won, but only just, she couldn't understand why she was so hungry, she appeased her baser feelings by playing a game of her own, she quietly slipped off her shoe and ran her bare foot up his calf and along his thigh, he sat up sharply and rocked the table, the lighting in the restaurant masked his reddening features, his green eyes met her blue ones, she bit her bottom lip, just like she knew she did during certain activities, she rested her heel on his chair wishing for once that she was taller, but still able to rub enough inner thigh to make her man squirm.

Not to be outdone, he surreptitiously manoeuvred his hand below the table, warm fingers tickled across the top of her foot and up her shin, he shifted slightly, squeezing her knee, and then food arrived. She withdrew her foot, slipped her shoe back on and sat up in the chair, they shared knowing smiles across the table top.

She could hardly believe her eyes at the mountain of food in front of her, even Harry's burger, which had sounded quite modest was spilling out in every direction, she watched, fascinated as he picked it up and took a bite, sauce leaking all over the place, after a few bites it became slightly more manageable, he picked up a chip and dipped it in the fallen BBQ sauce before eating it, he treated his salad in much the same way.

Narcissa unwrapped her knife and fork from the paper napkin, and speared a coiled chip, she dipped it in the chilli, which was cascading down the side of her burger like edible lava, it was good, the chilli had the perfect kick, and the seasoning on the potato product was mouth watering, she carried on in this fashion, the curly fries diminished, the salad gone, and the tower still largely intact.

"Are you going to stop playing with your food and eat it?"

"It's so full, I don't even know where to start"

"Just squash it down, get a good grip on the top and bottom and take a bite"

She looked mortified at the idea, Harry smirked at her from across the table

"That sounds very messy, it'll go everywhere"

"I can't believe that you would shred your dress and duel in your bare feet but you won't eat using your fingers"

She pursed her lips as a sign of her annoyance, she didn't like being made fun of. he looked on in amusement as she tried to find an angle of attack, putting down the cutlery and pulling her chair in closer, she was painfully aware of being watched like a hawk and he wasn't hiding how funny he found it.

Unable to back down from any kind of challenge, she did as he suggested, the first bite caused chilli to haemorrhage out the back and sides, all over her hands, it was like nothing she'd ever eaten, the meat was succulent, the bacon was crisp, the cheese oozed and mixed with the chilli, she devoured it with amazing speed, Harry was impressed.

She looked at the aftermath, her hands had chilli sauce all over them, she knew there must be a fair bit on her face, the plate looked like the scene of a massacre, albeit a very tasty one, in an attempt to remove the look of amusement tinged with admiration from off her lovers face, she sucked her fingers clean before picking up the napkin and tending to her face, she rose from her chair and headed towards the ladies room.

Harry settled the bill, gathered up their things and waited for Narcissa in a little alcove near the toilets. Inside she looked at herself in the mirror and after the water ran hot, cleaned the remains of the meal from her skin, she shook the excess water from her hands, stopped briefly at the dryer and couldn't figure out how the stupid thing worked, with the absence of company, she pulled out her wand and dried herself.

She spotted Harry leaning against the wall, staring out across the crowded room, she felt the familiar feeling of desire, like a predator stalking prey, she moved silkily over to him, everyone was wrapped up in their own little worlds and not paying them any attention, she savoured the look on his face as he noticed her, his eyes widened as she stepped into his personal space, his back against the wall, nowhere to go, pinned between the painted bricks and her heaving chest.

"Don't think I've forgotten what you started Potter" she practically purred the words into his ear, she felt his breath hitch "I want to go home now"

He just nodded numbly, slack jawed, she caught his mouth with her own and just as he regained some measure of control, she broke away. With his arm around her waist they walked back out onto the street, the sudden brightness made them shield their eyes as they adjusted to it, she smiled to herself as she was led quickly along, his arm still around her waist but his hand rested firmly on her backside.

They ducked down a side street and from there into an alley behind one of the many businesses lining the busy London street, appearing outside Grimmauld place, she walked slowly backwards and beckoned to Harry with one finger, she waited by the front door for him to close the gap, she didn't mind being pushed back against the ancient door as his want for her overrode reason, he fumbled to get the door open and when the latch released they half fell and half staggered into the entrance hall, she stifled a scream as they regained their footing, almost losing it immediately as he latched his mouth onto her neck, nipping gently at her pulse point.

They walked as calmly as they could past the portrait of Walburga Black, voices strained to appear normal as they exchanged formal greetings, once out of sight but not necessarily out of ear shot they carried on from where they left off, she had untucked his shirt and pulled it over his head, she ran her nails down his chest as he grabbed her arse with one hand and palmed a breast with the other, there was no way they'd make it to the bedroom and headed for the living room.

A shriek as they entered the room had the same effect as a bucket of ice cold water, she and Harry span round, wands drawn, Hermione peered out from behind her hands looking embarrassed and apologetic, Harry dashed from the room and came back in moments later, he hastily pulled his shirt over his head and tidied himself up.

"I'm so sorry, I had no idea, I didn't want to call for you, so I just waited, sorry"

"No need to be sorry, got a little carried away" Narcissa smiled at the young witch

"Is everything OK Hermione? We weren't expecting to see you today"

"I can tell" she winked at Harry "I'm afraid it's not great news, you might want to sit down"

The colour had drained from their faces now, Harry had a very unpleasant feeling in his stomach, Narcissa's mouth formed a thin line, all eyes were on the brunette in front of them, she shifted a little and reached for her beaded bag, after a few moments of rummaging, she emerged with a copy of the Daily Prophet, he couldn't see the whole thing but he recognised his face from the 'Undesirable No1' Ministry posters, the other one was unmistakeably Narcissa, an awful mugshot from before she was pardoned and released.

The paper was unfolded and held up for them both to see, as well as the less than flattering pictures was a large headline.

BLACK MAGIC

Their dirty secret is out! Writes Rita Skeeter, special correspondent

Harry crossed the room and took the paper, groaning as he read.

I can exclusively tell my rabid readers, that the once great Harry Potter has fallen under the 'spell' of none other than, Narcissa Black, As we know Mr. Potter played a large part in securing Ms. Black's release and pardon from the Minister for Magic, and now we know why, Harry Potter and Narcissa Black have apparently fallen in love and plan to marry in just a few weeks. (full details can be found on page 5)

Using his job at the Ministry, Mr. Potter hid his divorce from renowned Quidditch player and Magical Gaming Sports correspondent, Ginevra Weasley. Now, my beloved readers, the details are still unclear at this point, mostly due to Potter's Ministry protection and the fierce loyalty of his friends, we can only speculate as to how this has come about, Amortentia, the Imperious curse, or perhaps the Boy-Who-Lived-Again has willingly gone over to the dark side.

As you know from my extensive coverage of the Tri-Wizard Tournament, Mr. Potter's mental state was called into question several times, it pains me to tell you that my search for the truth has been hindered at every turn, but I will tell you everything I have learned from my source, who has come to me, so that you may know the awful truth...

story continues on pages 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8, also included, the life and times of Harry Potter, entitled, what we know so far.

Narcissa closed her eyes and held a hand over her chest, Harry just sighed heavily.

"What do you know about it Hermione?"

"It was Ron" seeing the looks of horror on their faces, she continued quickly "Let me explain, he left the wedding invite on his desk at the joke shop, and Ginny went to visit, she saw it and blabbed to the Skeeter woman, the protection Kingsley put in place doesn't work if one of the parties involved willingly offers up the information, Ron wanted to come himself, but he is busy, so he messaged me, we wanted to warn you, I'm so glad I got here first"

"We can't change the wedding date" Narcissa spoke quietly and looked solemn

"We aren't going to change it, so what if it's all out in the open now, we are getting married, and if people can't handle it, then they aren't worth my time"

The atmosphere in the room was heavy, it was inevitable that it wouldn't be a secret for long, but knowing the Skeeter bitch and the way she twisted everything, Harry would rather have shouted it from the Ministry rooftops, he turned to face Narcissa and gave her a reassuring smile, she still looked pale, paler than usual, she was swaying slightly and Harry's brow creased with concern, unable to make his legs move and sensing something was wrong, he could only watch as her beautiful blue eyes rolled back into her head and without warning, she collapsed onto the floor, Hermione was already up and calling for help, Harry forced his legs to move and in no time was knelt by her side calling her name.

Narcissa heard the commotion as if filtered through water, she felt Harry near her, then everything faded into darkness.