Rita Skeeter Strikes Again
Hermione slowly opened her eyes, the first thing she noticed was the comfortable feeling of being held by someone. She shifted ever so slightly, her sleepy mind barely registering the couch beneath her before it hit her like a bolt of lightning — Narcissa was holding her! Her heart was racing, as she tried to recall the events of the evening. Her last clear memory was of watching a movie with Narcissa. Hermione's mind raced as she realized the woman she had fallen asleep with was her soulmate and the rush of emotion that followed threatened to overwhelm her completely.
Taking a moment to survey her surroundings, Hermione felt the memories of the previous evening come flooding back with a clarity that made her smile. She remembered the easy conversation she had shared with Narcissa, the two of them bonding over a shared love of Star Trek and swapping stories about their lives. Narcissa's razor-sharp wit had kept Hermione entertained and engaged, and she found herself hanging onto every word that fell from the blonde's lips. Later in the evening as they settled down to watch Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves, they had found themselves utterly tickled by the resemblance of the Sheriff of Nottingham to none other than Snape himself, and their laughter had echoed through the room. The next thing she knew, she had dozed off, lulled into a peaceful slumber by the warmth of Narcissa by her side.
As Hermione lost herself in her musings, she was abruptly jolted back to reality when Narcissa shifted next to her. Uncertain of how to proceed, she found herself frozen, contemplating her next move. Whilst she debated with herself about what to do, Narcissa's eyes slowly opened, and Hermione was met with the most enchanting smile she had ever seen.
"Good morning," Narcissa said, her voice still slightly raspy from sleep.
Hermione felt her heart flutter at the sound of Narcissa's voice. "Good morning," she replied, feeling her cheeks grow warm.
They both sat up and stretched, and Hermione nervously suggested they make breakfast. Narcissa agreed, and they headed to the kitchen.
As they worked together, Hermione couldn't help but steal glances at Narcissa. She still couldn't believe this woman was her soulmate, but the more she thought about it, the more it made sense to her.
"I'm sorry I fell asleep on you last night," Hermione said, breaking the silence.
Narcissa chuckled softly. "Don't apologize. It was nice to have someone to cuddle with. It's been a long time since I've had that."
Hermione's heart broke a little at the thought of Narcissa being alone for so long. "Well, I'm happy to oblige anytime," she said, internally startled by her own forwardness.
Narcissa returned her smile, and Hermione felt her heart soar. Before Hermione could say anything more, the sound of the Daily Prophet's delivery owl interrupted the moment.
Hermione let out an exasperated sigh as she picked up the paper. "What could they possibly be reporting on now?" she grumbled.
Narcissa chuckled at the younger woman's frustration. "I'm almost afraid to ask," she said with a smile.
As Hermione started to read, her face grew increasingly horrified. "No, this can't be right," she muttered to herself.
"What's going on?" Narcissa inquired, as she sipped her tea.
Hermione simply handed her the paper, not trusting her voice to remain steady. Narcissa's eyes widened as she read the headline, and then narrowed as she continued reading the article.
Exclusive Interview with Ron Weasley: The Truth About His Breakup with Hermione Granger
By Rita Skeeter
It's been the talk of the wizarding world — the shocking split of the golden couple of the wizarding world, Ronald Weasley and Hermione Granger. After much speculation, the Daily Prophet has finally been able to secure an exclusive interview with Mr. Weasley to get to the bottom of the split and put all the rumors to rest.
According to Mr. Weasley, the split was a long time coming. "It wasn't a sudden thing. Hermione and I have been having issues for quite some time," he revealed in the interview. "She was always too focused on her studies, her work, her ambitions, and didn't give me the attention and support I needed in our relationship."
But it was what Mr. Weasley said next that shocked us all. He claims that Hermione falsely accused him of abuse, resulting in his suspension from work. "It was a complete lie," he said. "Hermione twisted things to make me look like a monster. I would never lay a hand on her or anyone else. She just wants people to feel sympathy for her and make me out to be the bad guy. The real reason we split is she cheated on me."
Mr. Weasley went on to reveal that Ms. Granger cheated on him with none other than Narcissa Malfoy. That's right, the same Narcissa Malfoy whose family were staunch supporters of You-Know-Who during the both Wizarding Wars. "I couldn't believe it when I found out. She was seeing Narcissa behind my back," He said, looking visibly hurt.
But it doesn't end there. Our sources have also reported seeing Hermione and Narcissa getting cozy at the recent Weasley's Halloween Bash at the Three Broomsticks. The two witches were spotted inappropriately close, and the rumor mill is abuzz with speculation about the nature of their relationship.
Lavender Brown, who attended the recent Weasley Halloween, also had something to say about the situation.
"It was disgusting," she said. "They were practically all over each other. Ron is better without her. It's clear that Hermione has moved on from him and is now preying on vulnerable older women like Narcissa Malfoy. Hermione has already been through famous men like Ron, Harry Potter, and Victor Krum, why not move on to women. I roomed with her in school. She has always cared more about results than about people."
It seems as though the brightest witch of her age has a taste for the finer things in life and is willing to do whatever it takes to get them, even if it means breaking a few hearts along the way. In the meantime, we hope that Ron can heal from the emotional trauma he has experienced and move on to find someone who truly appreciates him. Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story.
Narcissa rolled her eyes. "I should have squashed that bug back when we were at school when I found out she was an animagus." She put the paper back onto the table.
Hermione was taken aback by Narcissa's nonchalant reaction. "You're not upset about this?" she asked, waving the paper in front of her.
Narcissa scoffed. "Please, my dear. Do you really think I care what that woman writes about me? She can't even get my last name correct, and it's been back to Black since the war ended. The quality of her journalism is seriously lacking."
Hermione couldn't help but smile at Narcissa's unwavering confidence.
Narcissa leaned forward, her eyes glittering with mischief. "You know, if Ron wants people to think we're together, maybe we should give them a reason to," she said, her lips curling into a sly smile.
Hermione's heart skipped a beat at the suggestion. "You mean…" she trailed off, unable to finish the thought.
"A date, yes," Narcissa said, nodding. "Unless you're not interested, of course. What do you say?"
Hermione shook her head eagerly. "No, I'm interested. I'm just… nervous."
Narcissa gave her a reassuring smile. "Don't be. It's just a date. And who knows, maybe we'll have some fun."
Hermione felt a rush of excitement at the thought of going on a date with Narcissa. "Okay," she said, taking a deep breath. "I'll do it."
"Good," Narcissa said, rising from her seat. "I'll pick you up at seven tonight."
Hermione watched as Narcissa left, her mind racing with anticipation for the evening ahead. She couldn't believe it was actually happening — a date with Narcissa Black.
However, within moments, Hermione's anticipation turned to panic. She had never been on a date with a woman before, let alone with her soulmate. She needed reinforcements. Hermione quickly penned two notes to Harry and Ginny, begging them to come after work to help her get ready for the evening.
###
Hermione sat cross-legged on the living room floor, her hair tied back in a messy bun as she turned the pages of an old, leather-bound book "The Art of Enchantment and Manipulation: A Historical Study of Covert Control in Magic." She had been scouring through it for hours, hoping to find something that could help with the Bellatrix investigation.
Suddenly, there was a loud whooshing sound, and Ginny emerged from the fireplace. Her red hair flew behind her as she flung herself onto the couch. "Okay, spill it," she demanded, her eyes bright with curiosity.
Hermione looked up, surprised to see her friend earlier than expected. "Spill what?" she asked, feeling a bit confused as her mind was still focused on the book she had been reading.
Ginny rolled her eyes. "Don't play dumb, Hermione. The date. The date you sent a panicked note to me about demanding my presence this evening."
Hermione groaned. She had completely forgotten about the note she sent to Ginny earlier that morning. "Right, sorry. I'm just a little nervous, I guess."
But Ginny's eyes narrowed suspiciously. "Who is this date with exactly?"
Hermione's cheeks flushed as she hesitated, unsure of how to explain what was happening between her and Narcissa.
"Well?" Ginny prompted.
"It's with Narcissa." Hermione quietly answered.
Ginny's eyes widened in surprise. "Narcissa? As in Malfoy? How did that happen? I didn't even know you were into women."
"Black not Malfoy." Hermione clarified. She then bit her lip nervously and continued. "And it's complicated. It's like something just clicked between us. We've been flirting more, we spent the whole day together yesterday talking and laughing. This morning I woke up on the couch, cuddled in her arms. When the Prophet arrived and we read that stupid Rita Skeeter article and what Ron was saying, she suggested we might as well give Ron what he wants and suggested we go on a date."
Ginny grinned. "Oh, that is going to definitely hit him where it hurts. His ego." Ginny paused thinking for a second before continuing "I have to say I am impressed. She is definitely an attractive woman."
Hermione shot her a glare. "Ginny!"
Ginny smirked "What? I'm just saying. Anyway, what time is the date?"
"Seven o'clock. And I have no idea what to wear or where we're going or anything." Hermione said, her panic started to rise.
"Don't worry, I've got you covered." Ginny said confidently.
Just then, Harry appeared through the fireplace as well. "What's going on? Your note said you needed help, Hermione," he said, looking concerned.
Ginny turned to Harry with a grin, unable to hold back the news any longer. "Hermione has a hot date tonight."
Harry's eyebrows shot up. "Really? With who?"
Hermione blushed. "It's nothing, really. Just a date with Narcissa."
A huge grin lit up Harry's face. "So, you asked your otter out?" he teased.
Hermione rolled her eyes, still not used to Harry's frequent use of the nickname for her soulmate. "Can we please not call her that? And no she asked me." she replied, heading towards her bedroom with her friends following.
Ginny looked confused for a moment before her eyes widened in realization. "Wait, Narcissa is your soulmate?" she exclaimed.
Hermione nodded as she began rifling through her clothes, trying to find something suitable for the evening, while Harry and Ginny sat on the bed.
"So, how did you find out about Narcissa being her soulmate?" Ginny asked Harry.
"I saw her patronus after the Halloween Bash," Harry replied. "It was an otter that looked just like Hermione's."
Ginny nodded in understanding. "That's so awesome! Unexpected. Definitely unexpected but awesome."
Hermione let out a sigh. "Tell me about it."
Ginny jumped off the bed and started going through Hermione's closet. "Let's find you the perfect outfit for your date!"
As Ginny pulled out different outfits for Hermione to potentially try on, Hermione turned to Harry. "How am I supposed to go out with my soulmate?" Hermione asked with a worried expression on her face "Do I tell Narcissa?"
"I think you should," Harry said finally. "It's better to be honest and upfront about these things."
Ginny stopped her search for a moment and nodded in agreement. "As for how to act, just treat it like a normal date and see where it goes?" she added, offering Hermione a reassuring smile. "Well, maybe how you've read or seen in movies how normal dates go, I can't imagine any date with my arse of a brother would be considered normal."
"True. I sincerely doubt Narcissa is going to take me to a Chudley Cannons game, spill butterbeer on me, and then ignore me the whole time as a first date." Hermione chuckled. "Anyway, you're right. I'll just see how it goes."
Finally, after stepping into her en-suite and trying on multiple outfits, Hermione settled on a black dress that hugged her curves in all the right places. Ginny even did her makeup and styled her hair.
"You look amazing, Hermione," Harry said with a smile.
Hermione blushed at the compliment. "Thanks, Harry. And thank you, Ginny, for all your help."
Ginny hugged her. "Anytime, Hermione. Now go have a great date with your soulmate!"
###
Narcissa checked her reflection one last time before she apparated to Hermione's apartment. She wore a stunning red dress and a matching pair of heels. Narcissa wanted to make sure she looked perfect for their date tonight. She couldn't help but feel a little nervous, even though she had planned this date. She had always been confident, but this felt different somehow. She wanted everything to be perfect for Hermione.
As she entered the living room, Narcissa took in the younger woman's appearance and felt a rush of excitement. Hermione looked stunning in her fitted black dress, her hair styled in loose waves.
"Wow, you look amazing," Narcissa said, taking Hermione's hand and kissing it gently.
Hermione blushed and smiled in response. "You look pretty amazing yourself."
"Thank you, my dear," Narcissa replied. "Shall we go?"
They apparated to a French restaurant in Diagon Alley, a rather exclusive and expensive restaurant that Narcissa had been wanting to try for quite some time.
As they walked in, Narcissa could see Hermione taking in her surroundings with awe. The ambiance was romantic with dim lighting, candles on each table, and soft music playing in the background. The hostess greeted them and led them to a private table in the corner of the restaurant.
The pair settled into their seats, and Narcissa ordered a bottle of wine. After ordering their meals, the conversation flowed easily between the two women. Over dinner, Narcissa regaled Hermione with tales of her travels throughout Europe and Asia, while Hermione shared stories of her time at Hogwarts and her various adventures with Harry and Ron. Narcissa couldn't help but marvel at how amazing Hermione was. She was intelligent, witty, and beautiful. Narcissa felt a warmth in her heart that she hadn't felt in years.
As they waited for dessert, Hermione started fidgeting, and Narcissa could tell that something was bothering her. "What's going on?" she asked, reaching across the table to take Hermione's hand.
Hermione hesitated for a moment before finally speaking. "I just… I don't know how to say this" she said, her voice shaking slightly.
Before Hermione could continue, there was a commotion at the front door. Narcissa frowned, wondering what could be happening and turned her head to look.
That is when she noticed a red-headed figure pushing past the hostess and marching towards their table. She immediately recognised him as Ron Weasley. She felt Hermione's hand tighten in hers. She could tell from the look on Ron's face that this wasn't going to be a pleasant conversation.
"Excuse me, but what the hell do you think you're doing here?" Ron growled, looking at both of them with disgust.
"We're on a date." Narcissa said with a raised eyebrow, not letting his aggression intimidate her.
"With my girlfriend," he spat, his eyes narrowing in anger.
"I think you're mistaken, Ron," Hermione spoke up, her voice steady. "We broke up, remember?"
Ron's face turned even redder, his fists clenched at his sides. "That's not the point," he said through gritted teeth. "You're mine, Hermione. You always have been and will always be mine!"
Narcissa rolled her eyes at his possessiveness. "You seem to be forgetting that Hermione is her own person and can make her own decisions."
Ron sneered at Narcissa. "And who the hell are you to her? You think you're so much better than us, don't you? All high and mighty in your fancy dress and your expensive restaurant. You're just some rich, spoiled bitch who wants to play with her. An ice queen with no heart incapable of feeling anything for anyone else."
Narcissa felt her anger rise at his accusations. "You have no idea what I feel for Hermione," she said, her voice low and dangerous.
Hermione interjected, "Ron, please calm down."
But Ron wasn't having any of it. He continued to hurl insults at them until Hermione finally had enough. Narcissa noticed Hermione muttered a spell under her breath, and a small otter appeared. Narcissa couldn't believe what she saw — it was Hermione's Patronus, and it was the same as hers. She felt a warm glow inside, knowing what this likely meant.
Narcissa focused back on the situation, but couldn't help but smile inwardly not only at this revelation but at Hermione's cleverness. She knew the otter meant that Hermione was sending a message to someone, most likely Harry. She kept Ron distracted by responding to his accusations and taunts, while Hermione discreetly sent the message.
A moment later, Harry burst into the restaurant with another auror in tow and headed towards their table. "What's going on here?" he demanded.
Ron glared at him. "This is none of your business."
Harry didn't back down. "Actually, as an auror, it is my business, you should remember that. I suggest you leave before you get yourself into more trouble."
Ron sneered at Harry. "You always choose her side, don't you?" He then turned his glare towards Hermione. "A group of traitors, the lot of you. You will regret this." Before anyone could react, Ron had already apparated away..
"Are you two alright?" Harry asked, his expression one of concern.
Hermione nodded. "Thank you for coming, Harry. We're alright now."
"Although I do think we'll need to find a new restaurant for our next date." Narcissa added.
As Harry and the other auror left the restaurant. Narcissa took a deep breath and straightened her back, determined not to let Ron's intrusion ruin the rest of their evening. "Shall we go back to your place?" she asked Hermione, offering her arm.
As they apparated into the living room, Narcissa turned to Hermione with a concerned expression. "Are you alright, my dear?" she asked softly.
Hermione took a deep breath, trying to steady herself. "I will be," she replied, managing a small smile.
Narcissa studied her for a moment before asking, "What was it you were trying to tell me earlier, before Ron arrived?"
Hermione felt her cheeks heat up. "It's nothing, really," she stammered, looking down at her feet.
Narcissa stepped closer, lifting Hermione's chin with a gentle finger. "Please, Hermione. You can tell me anything."
Hermione took a deep breath and began, "It's just… I think we're… I mean, I think we might be—"
But before Hermione could finish, Narcissa surged forward and pressed her lips to Hermione's. The electricity between them was almost palpable and Narcissa wrapped her arms tightly around Hermione, deepening the kiss.
It was like nothing she had ever felt before. Every inch of her body was on fire, and she felt like she was floating on air. For a moment, nothing else mattered except the two of them and the intense connection they shared.
As they broke apart, Narcissa looked deeply into Hermione's eyes. "Soulmates. That was what you were going to say, correct?," she whispered, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. She couldn't help but hope that this was the beginning of something special.
