AN: BACK AGAIN LADS n LASSES. I'm always a bit paranoid that people I know will read this story but also with the number of impressions and all that jazz I really *shouldn't be*. I'm a lesbian and all but I am not out as a fanfiction reader (and sometimes writer) but yeah, the folx who are brave enough to have their friends involved in the creative process for ? Y'all are braver than any U.S. Marine. Anyways, happy weekending gang : )

Chapter 13:

Narcissa

Narcissa Malfoy read over the letter, pleased that Hermione was feeling close with Draco. While neither of the children had siblings, her and Bella had planned to raise the cousins together. Stop getting ahead of yourself, Cissa. We don't know for sure this is her.

Her striking blue eyes came to rest at the formal greetings and sign off from the little witch, making Narcissa pause. Was Hermione uncomfortable? Surely she didn't find Narcissa unapproachable after all the exchanges they've had?

The stately witch chuckled to herself. It was quite odd, trying to get someone to like her after having spent more than a decade putting up a wall between herself and those who would perceive her kindness as weakness. She also knew though that muggles were often taught to respect their elders and made a note to explicitly give the girl permission to use her nicknames, both in person and in writing. The only one left in the family that regularly calls me "Narcissa" are the portraits left of Mother. And we keep those covered.

The chimney let out a warning chime, rousing her from her seat on the chaise lounge. Guests were arriving and it would not be wise to seem unprepared for company. In the next minute, Lucius and Severus were standing in her polished living room.

Lucius strode over to his wife, kissing her softly before confiding in her quietly.

"Severus has a plan, my sweet. Soon we will know for certain whether Hermione is, well, Hermione."

Narcissa smiled at this news, approaching her old friend with open arms. Hugging the stiff man, the blonde grimaced as he smelled her hair. They had long been friends, but after his misguided infatuation with Lily followed by the witch's untimely death he had seemed to shift his sights onto her. Lucius was a good man and trusted his wife and friend, though he knew Narcissa was uncomfortable with the way Severus's eyes clung to her figure. Nevertheless, she kept her expression inviting as she looked to Severus, hoping he would expound on her husband's proclamation.

"It would be quite simple, really. I can easily request a blood sample from each student. Claim it is for some potion or record of some sort. The first years most likely won't expect this to be any different than other years, so hopefully they won't speak to the older students about it. At night I can ferry you her blood and we can test it against the Black wards. Unfortunately, we can't magic her blood to you as that could leave residue on the sample and contaminate the magic in her blood, be it of Black descent or other."

Narcissa had to admit the plan was good, though the way Severus carried on was so monotone and bland that she had to stifle a yawn. His poor students.

Seeing her inability to focus, Lucius stepped in and thanked Severus for his craftiness and expressed gratitude on behalf of Bellatrix and his wife for the assistance the potions master was providing the two women and their family.

A little flattery goes a long way. Narcissa kept her thoughts to herself as she guided Severus by the elbow to the floo with a promise to dine together soon. As the greasy man vanished into the chimney Narcissa sighed. Hugging her husband tightly she whispered into his robes,

"Thank you, Luc. She is my family's heir and my sister's joy. I knew I married you for a reason other than your beautiful hair."

The witch couldn't help but tease her husband as they settled in to wait for dinner, catching up on the others' days and calling for an elf to bring them some wine.

Draco's POV

I know exactly what Hermione should give Mum as a gift, the tricky part is getting the right material...

The eleven-year-old rushed out of double potions, leaving Hermione alone. The quicker he checked in his ceremonies book the sooner he could, hopefully, give Hermione the good news that her problem was solved. And also solve a problem for his Auntie Bella.

In his room, Draco pulled his trunk out from under his bed, tossing books from it left and right until he found it.

"Are You a Wizard or Not? A Young Warlock's Guide to Mastering Pureblood Etiquettes and Rituals" by Carol Claradora.

Draco wiped his palm on the front of the manual, cringing at the noticeable layer of dust clearing off the thin leather cover. I need to write Mother and have her send one of our cleaning elves. The dungeons are a lot dustier than the manor.

Draco thumbed through the pages, searching for the chapter on blood magic.

"TRANSPORTING MAGICAL BLOOD:

Rule 1: All transported magical blood must be given willingly, if the donor is alive. Blood of dead wizards is considered free use. If one takes blood from a magical being against their will, the victim has the right to legal actions and must be compensated fairly for whatever act was committed with their blood.

Rule 2: The blood must be carried in a potions-grade or higher vial, vat, cauldron, etc. Magical blood can burn through non-potions-grade material.

Rule 3: One must never send another's magical blood via magic. This can either contaminate the blood for spell use or the blood can react with the magic and cause reactions just as shock, fire, or earth shaking.

The safest way to transport magical blood and to ensure it isn't used by the wrong person(s) for unseemly reasons is to deliver blood by hand.

TRANSPORTING MAGICAL CREATURE BLOOD:

Rule 1: Follow the aforementioned rule regarding potions-grade material

Rule 2: If looking to transport internationally, check local ordinances for which animals and animal products are considered "illegal" to ship/use/possess."

Draco quickly abandons the book on his desk, skimming the page, diving back into his chest to find the potions' kit his dad had packed away from him.

"Sweet. Hermione, we are one step closer to proving your blood. Now to get it in a safe container."

Draco's POV:

"Hermione! Guess what I've discovered in the dungeons! It's a werewolf hunting kit; check this out-"

Draco ran up to the brunette girl, waving the letter opener he had filched from Snape's desk. He needed to do this carefully- he didn't want to hurt his friend (and maybe cousin). He felt bad as Hermione flinched away from him, but he stuck to his target. He ran the knife across her exposed wrist, catching the blood in the disillusioned vial. After snapping the vial shut and sliding it into his pocket, he immediately began to apologize.

"Hermione! I'm so sorry. Are you okay? Let's clean that up-"

To Draco's horror, the wound was beginning to ooze out a green, glowing liquid with a foul odor. Hermione quickly slumped down over the table in the common area, unconscious from either the fear, pain, or whatever magic was in the letter opener.

"Help! Someone get Professor Snape. Hermione is hurt!"

Draco began to panic, his shouts pushed Crabbe and Goyle to find the surly professor.

"No no no. Hermione, I am so sorry. I shouldn't have surprised you."

Severus Snape was lounging in his office. It was a Tuesday night and tomorrow he was planning on pulling blood samples from all the first years for the "school records." He needed to be careful and phrase this in a way that wouldn't cause suspicion, though if any of the brats told their older classmates the jig would be up.

"Help! Professor, Hermione is hurt!"

He is interrupted from his "lesson plan" when the half-brained duo came yelling up to his office.

"Crabbe. Goyle. What can I help you boys with this evening?"

"It's Hermione, Professor. Draco said she is hurt."

Severus quickly got up. While he didn't care for the girl, if she died under his watch in his house there would be hell to pay on all sides.

"Lead the way."

Upon entering the dormitory, Snape did a quick assessment of his "nephew" crouching over the pale body of the girl.

"If you are not Draco, leave this instant!"

The crowd of Slytherin students disbursed, not wanting to be on the wrong side of their Head of House.

Snape pressed his wand against the girl's cut, mumbling through healing spells and counter curses.

"Draco what wounded her?"

The blond boy sheepishly provided his uncle with the bone knife he had taken from his desk the day before.

"I accidentally cut her with this, Professor. I was playing it was a werewolf hunting kit and surprised Mione, and then she got hurt."

Snape cursed loudly, before chanting the now known counter curse to his favorite (aka most dangerous) dagger.

"Draco what were you thinking! The knife you stole from me is imbued with dark magic. Have you forgotten who I am? Who your family is? You are lucky I could repair the damage to Miss Granger and we didn't have to get Pompfrey involved. Do not take something from my office again."

Draco stared at Hermione, still lying on the floor, watching as her color improved.

"Yes, Uncle. I am sorry, it won't happen again."

"I trust it won't. You will explain what you want to Miss Granger and I will be taking this back."

Snape picked up the knife before exiting the dungeons, the slam of the door causing Hermione to sit up.

"Draco? What am I doing on the ground? Did you say something about hunting werewolves? I think we shouldn't do that- aren't they people?"

Draco laughed quietly, thankful she was alright and that she didn't remember him cutting her.

"Sorry, Mione, you must've bumped your head or something. Any chance you can help me with that parchment due tomorrow in Herbology? I am a little confused on the difference in harvesting Asphodel and Dittany for potion use."

"Sure, Drake. Let me go grab my paper and we can go over what's messing you up."

The girl hopped up, prancing across the common area to her's and Pansy's room, none the wiser to the near fatality she had experienced or the small vial of blood in Draco's robe pocket.