Hey everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I hope you enjoy this next installment of Fresh Start. Sorry it has took me so long to update, Christmas with two kids and also a whole dose of sickness.

Anyway, as always please Review and let me know what you think. Rated M and than you to everyone who has been following along and who has been giving my other stories a chance.

Chapter Four

It only took Kingsley an hour to get me a Portkey and Narcissa even less time to call Harry and Draco. They arrived in a flurry before coming over and hugging me close to them.

"Are you going to be OK travelling alone Hermione. Do you want me to take some time off and come with you?" I just shook my head at Draco and his kind offer but I don't think him missing work is the right thing.

"Well why doesn't Narcissa go with you?" Both of our eyes must have startled Harry because he stepped back a bit in fear.

"Well it means you're not on your own Hermione and Narcissa can escape the throngs of Press." Draco nodded to us both and I looked at Narcissa out of the corner of my eye.

"That is not a bad idea actually. I would feel better knowing you both had someone looking out for you." I just turned to Narcissa who was glaring at her son.

"I am sure Hermione would prefer someone with her during this time who isn't a stranger. This is going to be hard enough Dragon." I shook my head and touched her arm gently.

"I don't mind the company. I promise I just didn't think you would be comfortable with it." Draco smiled and threw his mother's passport at her which had been reinstated by the DMLE.

"There see, why don't you go pack mum and we will see you in a bit." She looked back at me almost to make sure it was OK and I nodded my head at her. Once she was out of the room I punched Harry lightly on the arm.

"What the fuck Harry! She is dealing with enough on her own without worrying about me." He glared at me and rubbed his arm before smiling as it dawned on him, no one knew me better than him and he had figured it out.

"No fucking way! Hermione!" Draco was lost at this point and continued to look between us as we had our silent conversations.

"Stop it, you both are creepy when you do that. Does someone want to tell me what's going on?" I really didn't want to be the one to tell Draco I had the hots for his mum but it seems Harry wanted that pleasure.

"It seems Hermioen has developed a little crush or maybe something more." I shook my head at Harry and turned sheepishly at Draco who was morphing between disgust and horror.

"Please don't tell me you have the hots for my mother Hermione." I just kept silent for a second before he literally stomped his foot like a petulant child.

"Oh catch a grip Draco I have enough on my mind at the moment. You can give me grief when I get back but I am literally going to Bury my parents. Grow up, your mum is hot and technically there is only six years between us in age now so piss off and get used to someone seeing your mother as a sexy woman." I trailed off as her footsteps got closer and she crossed the threshold wearing a pair of black dress trousers, green silk blouse with a black robe on over the top. My mouth dropped open as she got closer and Harry felt the need to put histwocents in as well.

"Lady Malfoy makes an appearance." Her hair was expertly put up and her make up doen to perfection. She was literally a goddess.

"Technically it's Black again. Thank you for that foresight Dragon." He shook his head and explained that it was Kingsley who did it for her. I couldn't stop looking at her, I mean all those years ago I knew she looked like that but I had gotten used to Narcissa in comfortable clothes or jeans. This version looked like she would cut you down quicker that you could stand and I loved it.

"Granger please stop looking at my mother like she is Steak." I flushed bright red just as Narcissas eyes met mine in a smile.

"Dragon stop embarrassing Hermione. Are you ready?" I nodded as we both stepped up to the old hairbrush and a quick goodbye to the boys and a promise to feed Vera we were whisked away. Once we landed at the Australian Ministry I remembered how queasy long distance made me. Looking at Narcissa it seems she was also feeling the effects by how pale she was.

"Oh Merlin, I forgot how horrible that is." A man in robes greeted us as he checked our passports and took the used Port key before ushering and us on our way to the hotel in Perth. The Floo wasn't just as bad but considering the muggle believe us to be travelling by plane we had a full day before meeting with the Social Services about Holly.

"Welcome to the Grand Phoenix Hotel. What is the name of your party? Narcissa had organised everything whilst I was packing so when she stepped forward I let her. I still felt incredibly numb and didn't particularly want to interact with too many people.

"Reservation under the name of Granger I contacted you an hour ago." She nodded at us and keyed our wands to our room door.

"OK so you are both in the Penthouse suite Ms Black as requested. I will have someone show you to your room." She glanced back at me and must have been able to read me better than I thought because I really and truly didn't want to talk to anyone.

"That is fine, we can find our own way. Is the Penthouse elevator private?" The younger woman's nod and smile at Narcissa was entirely too flirty. I shouldn't care too much but if ruffled me to see the girl drooling all over Narcissa.

"Come on darling let's get settled." She placed her hand on the bottom of my back and guided me toward the lift, as I glanced back I could see the receptionist glaring at me. Bitch is not getting a tip. Getting onto our Private Elevator Narcissa pressed the PH button and soon we were on our way. It really was a beautiful hotel but all I wanted to do was sleep.

Even though it was only 1pm when we left Britain it was late here almost half 8 and I just wanted food and sleep. She seemed to sense my distress as she didn't let go of my back. The doors opened and the view was amazing, you could see so far all over the City.

"Do you want some food Hermione? We could order in?" I set my small bag down on the table before shaking my head at her and walking to the large windows that slid open to a balcony.

"I think I just want to sleep." She nodded and told me to take whatever room she wanted. Just as she went to leave a small POP broke our staring.

"Welcome, my name is Dizzy, can I be getting your any refreshments?" Narcissa thanked the Little elf and asked for something light to eat and a drink of some sort. I just made my way down the small hallways to one room. It was light, open and had a view of the water, I felt exhausted but as soo as I lay down I realised how difficult it was going to be to sleep.

My parents are dead, my sister who barely knows me is an orphan. What would happen to her? I know my parents had some friends here in Australia but since I only visited once a year I didn't know them all that well. What will happen to her?

I have lived with the choice I made to erase my parents memories, it kept them safe but kept me apart from them in a way that aches in my chest. When I joined the department of Mysteries I had a colleague from the Mind Department help me adjust their memories. Restoring them was too risky but adding memories and adapting them was easy enough.

I was a niece to them and not a daughter, they had four years with Holly as her parents and now that poor little girl is going to have to grow up without them. I don't know how long I was musing over my thoughts for but I must have fell asleep at some point.

I woke at five am and realised I had a responsibility now, I had to ensure my sister was going to be in a safe and loving environment. There is no way I can let her grow up like Harry, let's just hope there is someone who fit into that Criteria.

Making my way into the lounge area of our hotel room I was surprised to see Narcissa with her nose buried on a book wide awake on the couch. She must have heard me get up because she was entirely engrossed sipping on her coffee.

"I swear you are nocturnal. Don't you sleep?" She smiled up at me and shook her head before patting the couch beside her.

"Not really no, I have suffered with insomnia since I was young. Luckily I developed a taste for caffeine early in my Hogwarts career." She smiled as I sat down beside her and handed me her nearly full cup of coffee to take a sip out of.

"Did you manage to get some rest?" I nodded at her and honestly I think I just exhausted myself out with the news of everything and the worrying. She didn't push anymore than that and just picked up her heavy tome and continued reading. We each took turns taking sips of her coffee before she announced I should get ready.

"Aren't you coming with me?" She looked surprised before coming closer to me and placed a hand in my arm.

"I wasn't sure you would want me there. It's a very private thing Hermione and realistically you don't know me." I shook my head and realistically I was glad for her company, I don't think I could do it alone. I know if I had Harry he would hover awkwardly and constantly pestering me to see if I was alright. I loved him and he meant well but he is probably the worst person to have with me in this kind of crisis.

Draco would be a mother hen, bringing me tea, food, books or anything and everything to try and keep me occupied. The fact that Narcissa just let me go to bed with my own thoughts and was giving me space was exactly what I needed. She had a calming presence about her.

"I don't want to do this alone, I would be very grateful if you could come with me." She nodded her head and took one last sip of the coffee before standing up and announcing she was heading for a shower.

I too decided go get ready for the day and got dressed. It was Spring in Australia and the weather was amazing. I dressed in a pair of white linen trousers and a light cotton button up shirt along with a pair of tan flip flops.

It a solicitor I was meeting along with a lady from Social Services, they had coming to talk about Holly. I would be lying if I said I wasn't nervous. I hadn't seen her in a year, from the emails my parents had sent she was growing so fast. I spiralled for a good ten minutes before soft footsteps echoed behind me and she was a vision.

A gorgeous blue dress made of soft material, her long hair was cascading down her back with it clipped at the back of her head. She had a pair of black sandals and I smiled at her.

"How do you always look so good? Ravenclaw Colours too." A soft smile overcame her features and I felt privileged to be able to see that side of her. Her ice queen mask was pretty much stuck on her face when we were checking in last night but here and now, seeing her be so open with me filled me with a feeling I couldn't distinguish.

"Well Miss Granger I was a Ravenclaw Hatstall. I really wanted to be in Slytherin though, my parents would have been very disappointed if their youngest child disgraced the family by daring to be sorted anywhere else. Once Sirius started the year after me and was sorted into Gryffindor I realised I made the right decision. My aunt and Uncle were brutal towards Siri." I nodded as she came closer to me, there was a sadness in her eyes, almost down to her soul.

It made me think of Lunas observations about Remus, they were haunted from everything he had to endure in his life. Seeing Narcissa now she had that same haunted look in her face. Everyone has there demons in life but it seems Narcissa Malfoy was the Queen of Hiding them away.

"Are you ready?" She placed a soft hand on my arm and realistically I didn't know how to answer her. All I could do was shake my head to her and she did something which shocked me, she pulled me close to her body and hugged me with what seemed like everything she had.

"You are not alone Hermione. I will be right there with you...ok?"I nodded as she stepped away and took my arm in her own before we made our way downstairs. The hotel doesn't allow apparation into the rooms directly but there was different designated spots to do so.

"OK, let's get this over with." We got into the lift to take us to the groundfloor, people were milling about and for the most part we blended in, it wasn't until a small girl by the age of around ten or so spotted me.

"Mummy look, it's Hermione Granger." I just kept my head down at the little British shout and I could see the mother eyeing me up before noticing Narcissa Malfoy. God this is going to be all over the press and she is going to be bombarded with random reporters stalking the hotel.

The little girl ran over all excited to stand in front of me, her mother ran after her to try and contain the bouncing she was currently doing.

"Allison don't run away like that." I just smiled at the woman and shook my head, I didn't mind. The bright green eyes of the little girl made me think of myself all those years ago.

"But Mummy it's Hermione, and you're...oh my goodness you're Narcissa Malfoy. I have read stories about you and how brave you were. The newspapers said you died." Narcissa smiled and knelt down to the little girl and shook her head.

"Everyone thought I did, but a bad man was keeping me captive. I have just been saved by Hermione. She saved my life." The girls eyes got impossibly bigger whereas her mother looked shocked.

"It only came out in the Media yesterday. I am here on a private family matter and was hoping you could refrain from informing everyone back home that we are here?" The older woman smiled softly before ushering the little girl away from us but it seems she wanted to keep talking.

" I start Hogwarts in September, I really want to be a Gryffindor." It took everything in me not to cry, god this girl is so like me it's not even funny.

"Well you know with the brave way you came up to us, you could just be a Gryffindor. Enjoy it Little Witch and have fun. If you'll excuse us we have an appointment." The mother nodded as Narcissa guided me away from them and towards the Apparition point. No more words were said between us as we apparated away from the Hotel and landed in an alley behind a dumpster.

"It should just be round the corner." We, walked side by side until we came upon a large glass building. She held onto my arm and stopped me abruptly, a sort of discomfort flitted around her that I was unaccustomed too.

"Hermione, are you sure you don't want to do this on your own?" I shook my head and I could feel my own worry start up. My parents were dead, and now apparently I as their supposed niece was here and I couldn't say goodbye. I needed a lifeline, I needed her.

"I can say this without much thought Narcissa, I need you there. You will be my anchor if that not too much to ask of you. I know you are going through your own things right now but I could do the moral support of my friend." She nodded and kicked her lips before squaring her shoulders.

" OK then let's go." She held out her hand for me to take and I grasped it without asecondthought. We made our way in and up to the fifthfloor. The lift was cramped with people but she stood behind me with my body pressed tightly against her own.

Making our way out of the lift we were greeted by a receptionist who told us to take a seat whilst she got Mr Harris to come and get us. The large glass windows had a view of the ocean and it gave me a sense of calm.

A balding man walked towards us with a somber smile and dire Ted both of us to an office which had an equally impressive view and a short redhead who had a file infrotn of her along with a woman I bilieved to be my parents neighbour.

"Alison." She smiled and stood to give me a hug, I noticed she had a cane and stroked my cheek.

"God to see you love." She was a lovely lady and had became one of my mothers only friends while they were her.

"Welcome, I am sorry it is under these circumstances. So I am Mr Harris, this is Karen Hammond our representative from Social Services and is seems you already know Alison Walker." I nodded to everyone as we sat and got settled.

"I am Hermione this is my friend Narcissa Black." The solicitor opened the file and turned to face me, I suddenly felt like a child in The Headmasters office.

"So, firstly I want to say thank you for making your way over Hermione, this is the reading of the Will for Wendall and Monica Wilkins. So the practice has in fact been up for sale at the Wilkins were planning on retiring to raise their daughter Holly. It has been bought and the funds are to be placed in an account for young Holly to get access to at 18. There is a partial amount to be placed in a small trust to aid in the upbringing of the child." All of us nodded and he seemed to not want us to speak as he continued.

"Now as for custody of the girl, Alison here has been awarded custody for now but unfortunately she will be unable to keep Holly long term." I turned questioningly to Alison who just lifted her cane at me.

"I have ALS Hermione, my muscles will atrophy and die, I already have weakness in my legs and arms. She is staying with me for now and as much as I would love to raise her, I will not be fit for much longer." I nodded slowly before holding her hand across the table.

"I'm sorry Alison." She shook her head and touched my cheek before a soft tear fell from her face.

"Don't feel bad for me Hermione. I have had a good life but Holly needs someone young. She needs you." I looked at the Solicitor to try and get some more information.

"Was that something they wanted? Me to care for her?" He slowly nodded his head and handed me a letter with my name on it.

"Your Aunt was aware of Alison condition and wrote this letter to you." With shaky hands I took it from his outstretched hands, I was aware of Narcissa hand on my other arm. It filled me with the confidence needed to open it.

'Hermione,

I know as you've grown we don't see each other as much. Since the loss of your parents we have felt responsible for you. You're visits these past years have been amazing. It is a joy to see you and we are so proud of the woman you have became. If you're reading this then something has happened to us, something beyond our control or your own. Your relationship with Holly is wondrous to behold and I can only hope that you will look after her. I suspect she is different, like you. We have known who you are Hermione because Holly is like you, she is special. Take her home to England and raise her to become extraordinary, like yourself. We love you Maya, we love you like our daughter so please look after your sister.

Love Auntie and Uncle

I noticed the tears but couldn't bring myself to wipe them away and I knew without a doubt Holly is coming home with me. I will be her parent and try and instill in her as many values as I can, that my parents gave to me. I must have been screaming inside my head because I felt Narcissa place a hand on my knee.

"So what happens now? I mean am I allowed to take her out of the country or do I need to anything specific?" The solicitor handed me some forms to sign and it was all over pretty quickly.

"Hermione. Why don't you come over for a spot of lunch and we can talk to her OK?" I nodded my head as we stood to leave the office, instantly Narcissa took my hand in her own and it really was more comforting than I thought it would be. We made our way out with Alison towards her car, without a hesitation Narcissa jumped into the back seat as I was invited to the front.

The loss of her hand also meant the loss of my courage at that point, the journey itself didn't take very long but the conversation or lack thereof made it seem longer. In all of the years I have visited Australa, Alison has always been an amazing woman. She raised her daughter all alone after her husband passed away, my mum and her were instant friends and I know she too is struggling with my mums death and her own illness.

Holly was a wild card, I know without a doubt she would have loved to raise that little girl and I can only hope I do as good of a job as Alison did.

"So I figured we can explain to Holly as best we can what is going to happen. I know the funeral is tomorrow and so I was wondering if she could stay with me one more night? She is a very perceptive four year old, she knows I am sick and she knows you are coming." I could just about muster a smile for Alison as we zoomed into a less populated area. Honestly the nerves coursing through my body were unlike anything I had experienced before, that is including the war.

Casual conversation between Narcissa and Alison made the car journey pass as quickly as possible, I hadn't seen Holly for nearly a year now, I was due to visit in a coue of months. I skyped all the time with them so knew she was getting big and got to hear all about her day and what she was into.

Pulling up to Alison house I couldn't stop my gaze from drifting across the street. The house looked almost desolate, no movement at all, I suppose there wouldn't be considering the owners had gone. I felt Narcissa presence behind me and as she pressed a soft hand to my back it gave me everything I needed to walk up to the door.

"Jen, I'm home." I knew Jen was Allison's daughter and she gsve me a polite smile as well as introduced herself to Narcissa who so far had exceeded my expectations of civility.

"She is having a nap on the sofa, nearly worn a hole in the carpet waiting for you." I thanked her as she ushered me into the living room leaving me alone with thefouryear old in dreamland. I vaguely heard a cup of coffee offered to which Narcissa accepted.

Her blonde hair was so long now and she looked bigger but the sofa looked like it was swallowing her. My feet carried me to the floor. in front of her and as I knelt down I couldn't stop my fingers from running through her hair. She shifted slightly before she slowly blinked open her eyes.

It took a fewsecondsbut once she realised it was me, her face lit up and she grappled from the couch to throw her arms around my neck. This girl, my sister was clinging to me like I was her lifeline, and it felt amazing. It was exactly what I needed from her.

"Maya! You're here! I have been waiting for ages!" The last word of the sentence was elongated for a reason, I pulled back and smiled at her gorgeous blue eyes.

"I have missed you Holls!" A soft kiss on her forehead had her pulling me up to sit on the sofa beside her, she just hugged me tightly to her and I think she needed it just as much as I did.

"I missed you too... Hermione, my mummy and daddy are in heaven. It makes me sad, but you're here and it makes me happy." I sadly smiled at her and hugged the small little body close to me and in that moment I wish I could take away her pain and allow her to only feel the goodness of the world.

" I know baby, it makes me sad too. I need to ask you something it's important. OK, can you put on your listening ears for me?" She nodded and pretended to click her ears in place with a grin.

"Your mummy and daddy has left a letter telling us who is going to look after you. They asked me to do it, Miss Alison is sick so she can't look after you. Do you think you want to come home with me? To England? Would that be OK?" Her face lit up and she started nodding her head like a doggy on the dash board.

" Really! I get to come live with you, all the time?" At my nod she laughed and hugged me tighter go her and the enthusiasm was infectious as I couldn't stop the smile from my face either.

"Will I still be able to talk to Miss Alison the way I have with you on the computer?" I nodded my head at her and held her close again.

"Anytime you want sweetie. So tonight you're going to stay with Alison and then tomorrow we're gonna go to the house and pack up all your things OK? Your mummy and daddy's things to and then we are gonna leave. Is that OK?" Upon another nod of her head she looked nervous for asecond.

"Can I bring Sparkles?" Knowing she too had a little cat I nodded at her which perked her up a little bit we talked for another few minutes before heading into the kitchen for a snack.

Upon walking in Narcissa gave me a small smile and as soon as Holly spotted her she looked at me and I took her by the hand to introduce them.

"Holly this is my friend Narcissa." She waved and climbed up onto a chair beside her as Jen made her snack. We talked the rest of the day and when Holly got out her notepad she stsrted drawing.

"Can you draw with me Issa?" Narcissa nodded and got a sheet of paper to draw with the girl while Alison told me she had all of the details for the funeral the following day. It got to six in the evening when we left to allow Alison her tien with her.

She offered to drive and I told her we could grab a cab and not to worry. A huge hug from me and Narcissa who was her new idol after drawing her a beautiful picture of a Unicorn with rainbow mane. Shd truly was a gifted artist and realised there was probably a lot about the woman I didn't know about.

As soon as the front door closed we wandered away to find a place to apparate. I saw some tension leave Narcissas shoulders and it seems she was mirroring myself for I instantly felt like a load was off my shoulders.

A small alcove at the end of the road sheltered us from sight and we held onto each other before turning on the spot and apparating away. Landing in the hotel I felt a bit numb if I was being honest. My feet were moving but I felt like I wasn't controlling them.

I was never so grateful for the door in our Suite to close, flopping down onto the couch I felt most of the tension that had melted away in Holly's presence return tenfold. Narcissa came to sit beside me albeit a little bit more gracefully.

"Are you OK?" I turned to face her and she looked perfect, not a haif out of place and her make up sitting to perfection. I just nodded and closed my eyes with my head resting on the couch.

"She is amazing isn't she?Fourand a half years old and she is so inquisitive and intelligent. I think she is a witch, my parents said something in their letter about her being different, like me. It made me wonder did they know about me?" Narcissa turned her head as I looked at her and smiled at me.

"She is incredible but then again how could she not be? She is your sister after all. I know it's been a day for you Hermione but I think we need something tonight." My heart hammered in my chest at the prospect of what she was wanting to do.

"We are going out, you are going to put on something slinky and hot. We are going for dinner to line your stomach and then drinking and dancing." I shook my head at her but as soon as she placed her hand on my knee all of the air was sucked out of me as well as protests.

"You are about to become a parent Hermione. You are about to become a parent and you haven't had the luxury of nine months of preparation. So tonight you are going to have a blow out and we are going to have fun. Everything we have both been through this past week Hermione it's a lot. Ergo drinks." She was, serious, I knew I wouldn't win so I just nodded my head and stood to go shower.

" I don't think I have packed anything slinky and hot." She smirked and told me she would leave something for me on the bed. Walking away I felt the butterflies reappear when I am, around the woman and I tried my best to squash them down but realistically it's becoming harder and harder to do. Hopefully ai can get a handle on it soon.

That's us folks...just a little flirting and friendship to start off with. I hope you enjoyed it and let me know in a comment your thoughts. See you soon.