Disclaimer: I don't own Harry Potter & co. - just write what could have been. Reviews - thoughts, comments, etc., are always welcomed! Please review - they really do bring a smile to my face :)

AN: I am terribly sorry about the wait! I started graduate school & that's been keeping me busy. I still plan to continue, at least 2x a month, if not more. Please continue to read & review, you all are the best!

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Chapter Twenty-Five

Narcissa was a Black before she was a Malfoy. She was accustomed to pretty things, polite conversation, and social gatherings so alliances could be formed, outcasts turned away, and politics discussed. She had known from the ripe age of four that she was valued by two things: her beauty and her partner. Narcissa was born a Black, a member of the Sacred Twenty-Eight, and all she truly needed to do was to work on was her social life. She only had to keep up with her studies but didn't need to be bright; social connections were more important than her education. She had grown up to be seen, not heard, a beautiful girl, arm candy to whoever was blessed to become her husband. However, Narcissa knew beauty wasn't everything and while any Pureblood man wouldn't mind having beauty over brains, Narcissa wanted it all. She wanted to show the world she was a force to be reckoned with all by herself; her sisters were labeled as lovely in their own ways but not as beautiful as the only blonde, Black sister; they had their own frightening skills that overpassed their physical aspects. Bellatrix was quick, bright, and didn't hesitate to kill for her family and then her Lord. She had all the Black features, curls as wild as her mind, dark gray eyes, and a staunch blood supremacist; when the dark arts and her stint in Azkaban slowly turned Bellatrix from the brilliant sister to an unreliable, but powerful one, Narcissa was glad for once she wasn't her. Bellatrix Lestrange nee Black's state of madness was one she couldn't come back from. Then there was stern but kind, equally brilliant, but strangely less hostile Andromeda – Andy as once upon a time, Narcissa and Bellatrix used to call her. Andromeda had the Blacks' dark gray eyes, her curls were browner in shade than black, but she and Bellatrix could easily pass off as sisters more so than Narcissa could. Andromeda wasn't as cruel as Bellatrix was, but she was razor sharp in protecting those she valued – her family, her friends. Narcissa always admired how her sisters came to her aide when she was trouble, but simultaneously disliked it – she could handle herself.

"How is your ministry career going, Miss Granger?"

Narcissa asked the eerily familiar witch in front of her, placing one hand on her lap and the other on the table before them. When Andromeda was disowned, that was the only time Narcissa had seen her elder sister shed tears. The next day, they all had to pretend nothing was amiss, the Black family only had two daughters – Cissy, Andy, and Bella were no more. The carefully curated Malfoy-Black marriage contract was to pass to the next eligible Black daughter – Narcissa. While Bellatrix joined and acted on more nefarious actions with her husband and the Dark Lord, Narcissa had to change. Overnight, she went from flowering, Hogwarts student with multiple suitors to rising socialite and an engaged Malfoy bride. It was an easy task, but it wasn't one Narcissa had expected, and she hated surprises. Although, when Lucius was pleasantly surprised that she wasn't as passive and airy as she appeared to others, she in turn was pleasantly surprise how easily she got along with him. This was a marriage of convenience; love didn't always follow. Narcissa was a Black; she understood she wasn't to associate with Muggleborns, rarely with Half-Bloods depending on their socioeconomical status, and her circle consisted of Purebloods worthy of her time. She knew this, engraved the knowledge since she was six years old, but her sister's departure rattled her more than she let on. How could a Black daughter, meticulously molded from a young age, leave her family behind for a Muggleborn? Narcissa's thoughts of Andromeda constantly plagued her, encroached on her reasons for being a stickler of blood purity, but she stuffed all those emotions to the most hidden corner of her mind. She continued to follow her husband's and her family's way of life for fear of being ostracized or worst. Certain misfortunes were sure to come for her and her family if she ever slipped. This was just another mask she would continue to wear.

"It's keeping me busy – protecting magical being welfare and rights and all that."

Hermione Granger's voice interrupted her thoughts, answering her previous question. Narcissa watched as the young witch before her kept steady eye contact. Narcissa hummed in reply taking a moment before continuing to probe why this particular witch was here. She didn't really care about her position in the Magical Creatures department in the ministry but nonetheless, Narcissa asked.

"How's Mr. Potter doing? And young Mr. Weasley?"

Narcissa asked next, keeping her tone light and trying to keep the quizzical squint out of her eyes. She noticed how Hermione tensed when she asked about the youngest male Weasley, but Narcissa wasn't surprised. She had seen on the gossip columns of the Prophet that they had split up.

"Harry is busy with auror training and with Teddy. Ron's busy with the same and helping George with the joke shop."

The curly-headed witch answered, dropping her gaze when she spoke about her ex-boyfriend, and taking a sip of water. Her reaction was interesting enough, but Narcissa dropped the subject. Even if her son was friendly with Harry Potter and co., he still wasn't taking the initiative of being seen with them out and about so that was moot topic. Narcissa was a Black before a Malfoy; toujours pur was a way of life, not just words. But the more unhinged Bellatrix became, the more Lucius seem to fade away, and the more Draco seemed to waver under the Dark Lord and his orders, Narcissa's contradicting thoughts threaten to surface, cracks starting to appear in her façade of a blood supremacist; she realized blood meant nothing to the cause. Lord Voldemort was a power hungry, vile, Half-Blood that had used Purebloods' traditions against them and Narcissa was in deep. It only came as a relief that she had a chance to save Harry Potter – keeping herself out of prison to negotiate Draco's own safety. Her husband was too far gone. Narcissa was overlooked as a meek, Pureblood wife who loved her family, but couldn't offer more than her home and her polite hosting persona. The latter was true, but not the former. While Narcissa's occlumency was decent at best, Narcissa's legilimency was stronger than anyone she knew besides the Dark Lord and Albus Dumbledore. She knew her poisons and venoms better than Severus and she knew how to play the long game. Now, with the Dark Lord and his followers gone, Narcissa distanced herself from the families who still believed the Dark Lord's dogma; she tried her best to donate to all charities, and little by little, she was learning about muggles. No one had knowledge about Narcissa's own research on non-magical beings and she preferred to keep it that way until she knew enough to form her own opinion. She was no longer the young, impressionable, young Black daughter that soaked in whatever nonsense her father, her mother, and sister sprouted. She know longer thought Muggleborns or Half-Bloods were beneath her, the War had changed her, her sister's decision before then. Narcissa knew that Muggleborns and Half-Bloods were different in their upbringings and culture, but were witches and wizards like her. Muggles were different because they didn't have magic; Narcissa wanted to know how different they were and if they were just like her sans magic.

"I am curious, Miss Granger, how you became friendly with Draco and his friends. They can be very specific."

Narcissa asked, returning to the conversation as she leaned back against her chair, letting her hands rest on the armrests instead of the table and her lap; she focused all her attention on how Hermione responded. It was surprising. Hermione chuckled softly, letting her hands rest on the table before her as she focused gaze elsewhere. Narcissa was trying and if there was one thing she wasn't, she wasn't daft. She knew her son to pick his friends carefully so when Hermione Granger appeared for the second time in her home, she knew something was arising. The popular witch accompanied by her son's closes friends and as Draco's only female friend's dinner replacement, she knew the Muggleborn witch was being incorporated into their particular group. The only thing Narcissa hadn't quite figured out was the reason. Hermione Granger had a good reputation amongst the wizarding population to help the Malfoy name, but Draco didn't seem to be utilizing that. Her son still loathed the media and paparazzi; there was no recent articles showing their budding acquaintance. It wouldn't be out of the question if her son decided to date Hermione, just uncharacteristically so. She rarely heard her son speak about the witch in question and the only one he seemed to have any relationship with was with Pansy. Draco knew he had little room to date and stringing along a famous witch wouldn't look good or do good for anyone. But Narcissa was sure she would have known if her son was serious about any witch. Perhaps Miss Granger was helping him and Blaise with their business ventures, Narcissa quietly speculated. But from Narcissa knew, Hermione wasn't involved in any nor showed interests in business circles. What does she bring to the table? Narcissa asked herself as she studied the younger witch before her, ignoring Astoria's own looks.

"They just sort of creeped up on me. They all come as a package and before I knew it, I was scheduling lunches and dinners with them and trying to fit them in like…"

Hermione finally spoke, a small smile on her face that Narcissa recognized as fondness. Narcissa straightened up as Hermione seemed to remember where she was and who she was talking to. She cleared her throat and shifted in her seat.

"They've changed and we seem to get along well."

Hermione finished, taking another sip of water as Narcissa watched her. She wasn't accustomed to the blatantness that were Gryffindors, but Hermione's reaction warmed her. She likes them, she thought to herself and let herself relax just a smidge. Nothing that could be placed, but she let her nerves relax instead of straining. Narcissa glanced at the forgotten witch besides her, seeing the astonishment on the witch's face before it was replaced by one of indifference. While Astoria was a perfect Pureblood witch for Draco, Narcissa couldn't help to look over at Hermione – appraising her. She was lovely in her own way and chosen by her son for at least friendly acquaintances; she was strong, incredibly smart, and resourceful – features Narcissa couldn't overlook. Even if they were just friends, Narcissa tried to hold back her own assumptions about a union between Hermione Granger and her son. While a union between them wasn't one Lucius would approve of, Narcissa only wanted her son to be happy. He had chosen to befriend the muggleborn witch, knowing who she was and who he was. Before she could speak farther, Theo came walking back towards them. He didn't sport his usual playful smile and seemed restless. Interesting, Narcissa thought to herself.

"Sorry for the absence."

Theo apologized and took his seat besides Hermione. Hermione turned to him and he gave her a look that suggest for her to hold her questions for later. Narcissa watched their minor interaction. Shortly after, Blaise came strolling in, taking his seat next to Hermione as well. While Blaise was harder to read than Theo, she could smell the tell-tale sign of his muggle habit and assumed, like Theo, he was stressed. Narcissa didn't have to ask, something had happened that made the boys short-tempered. Their usual easy air had changed drastically. Draco soon came walking in, freezing for a second at the new seating arrangement, before schooling his scowl into one of boredom, and taking the only empty seat next to his mother.

"Let's eat."

Narcissa said, not wasting time and trying to placate her son's growing sullenness. Even if he showed no romantic interest in either witches before him, Narcissa couldn't have his attitude ruin their dinner.

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Pansy restrained a frustrated sigh that threaten to slip from her lips at Patil's smug look. She wasn't going down without a fight and Pansy was weighing her options about using the Imperius on her. As soon as she left Granger's office, Pansy made a beeline direction to Parvati Patil's own office. The Prophet had its own section in the MoM, stationed in level three; Pansy wasted no time turning into the room with a large, magically decorated name plate labeled "Parvati Patil". The name plate wasn't golden like Granger's, but a blush colored with gold letters that glittered every so often. Pansy turned into the office and brushed off her disdain at the realization Patil had a bigger office than her. It wouldn't suit her to be upset at a minor detail. Patil glanced up from her seat behind the large L-shaped desk, the large, white egg chair encircling the witch; there was two smaller, pink tulip chairs facing the desk. Patil looked surprised to see Pansy but didn't say anything, letting her hands fall on top of her notes as she waited. There was a large board with random photos – magical and muggle – and different notes hovering around them. The board itself was a dark pink and Pansy wanted to gag at all the rosy shades. There was a wooden filing cabinet besides the board and on top was a ridiculous bouquet of roses and tulips. A quick glance at Patil's papers over her desk, ignoring all the other mess of papers and notes floating around, and Pansy practically preened with the formulated plan she concocted. Pansy easily saw "Bachelor" and put two and two together.

"You're doing the spread over the most eligible wizards, right?"

Pansy finally asked, already knowing the answer. The twin's curious look disappeared at the mention of the spread and eyed Pansy suspiciously.

"Yes. Why?"

She asked in return. Pansy took her time replying, feigning interest in her nails and cuticles before looking back at the brown skinned witch.

"I can get you an interview with all three."

Pansy answered, looking back up at her co-worker. Patil's eyebrows rose but the suspicion didn't ebb away. They both knew what all three Pansy was referring to; the most eligible bachelors in wizarding U.K were none other than Pansy's childhood friends. While Blaise entertained the media, Theo couldn't be bothered when it came to frivolities such as his bachelorhood, and Draco would drop dead before he ever did any type of interview. If Patil wanted a successful spread with the most accurate bachelor's, she needed Theo and Draco to appear.

"I can get those myself."

Parvati lied. Pansy smirked at the witch before her. She was trying to play a game she was already losing and Pansy couldn't help but to enjoy it. Gryffindors, Pansy scoffed internally. Pansy placed one hand on her hip before tilting her head slightly to the left.

"Perhaps. Perhaps Blaise already said agreed, but Theo has yet to respond."

Pansy paused to watch the witch bristle at her words. Check. Pansy smirk grew wider. She hadn't known if she was right, but judging by Patil's reaction, she was right. Pansy loved being right – one of the reasons why she and Granger clashed in the beginning. Not only was Gryffindor's Golden Girl smarter than mostly everyone, but she was also a muggleborn, and Hogwarts Pansy could not deal. Like Draco, she resorted to bullying and harassing the witch at any chance possible. Now, Pansy was trying to figure out how to begin a civil conversation with Hermione without apologizing.

"And you couldn't get an owl to Draco."

She finished. Parvati wisely didn't say a word as Pansy's smirk was predatorial, letting her hand fall from her body and straightening her head.

"I can get Theo and Draco to agree to an interview."

Pansy said, eyebrows shrugging up.

"In exchange for the picture and any copies you have of Draco and Granger."

She finished. This was Pansy's victory and Patil knew it, shoulders loosening and a sigh escaping her. The Gryffindor nodded tightly once.

"Get me a binding contract and it's a done deal."

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Harry rocked tiny Teddy in his arms, humming softly as he tried to make the restless toddler fall asleep. Cho's eyes lingered on him before looking at the lists before her. They were in Harry's study in Grimmauld Place; while he usually used the room for his work, once Cho and Teddy came to drag him out, they all stayed in the bright green room. The room was one of the many Narcissa and interior designer restored; it was a medium-sized room, bright green walls, and light wooden panels beneath them. There was a semi-large, wooden desk at the far end of the wall where Harry was previously at, a rolling chair enabling him to roll from the desk to the matching filing cabinet besides it. Besides that, there was a still life of Hogwarts on one wall, covering most of the upper left wall, and the wall across had a smaller, brick fireplace. The last and most personal decoration in the Harry Potter's study was a snoozing, barely of age Sirius Black portrait behind him. The magical portrait had come as a shock to Harry when he officially moved in after the war. Narcissa had found the portrait covered in a dusty, white sheet, hidden in Sirius' old room; portrait Sirius started complaining about being kept in the dark for decades once Narcissa removed the sheet, and he demanded to know who Narcissa was, dressed in his old Gryffindor robes. Narcissa was surprised and had presented to a an equally astonished Harry. It has been a joyous, but bittersweet reunion for the two that Narcissa had quickly stepped out of. Besides the paintings and the minimal furniture, Harry hadn't had time to personalize the room more, but he didn't think he needed to yet. Cho disagreed as she summoned a plush chair for a visitor and some of Teddy's toys when the toddler lost interest in the pair.

"Are you sure you want to invite Ginny?"

Cho asked softly, looking at the small guest list. She and Harry were planning Harry's belated birthday party and they were down to who to invite. With the help of Cho, they had established the place, the time, the date, the food, the beverages, and the only thing left was the guests. Harry's eyes soften as he walked-bounced towards her. She let a laugh out, softly to not disrupt Teddy as he leaned towards her, placing a kiss on her forehead and she leaned into him.

"I want you to feel comfortable, Cho, but me and Ginny broke up on good terms. I don't want her to feel out of place in my life."

Harry tentatively said. His striking green eyes watched Cho, trying to figure out if she understood, if she was truly uncomfortable with the fact that Ginny was invited to his birthday celebration. Harry had meant what he said. While he and Ginny were no longer an item, he still cared deeply for the youngest Weasley. If Ginny ever needed anything, Harry wouldn't hesitate to help. Harry desperately wanted his friendship with Ginny and his relationship with Cho to work out smoothly; not only did he still consider Ginny his mate, but he was still close with her family. Both witches were important in his life. Cho didn't show any apprehension, just a nod as she gave him a quick smile. Relief coursed through the Boy Who Lived.

"That's understandable. I just didn't want to be present if this was the first time telling her we were together."

Cho said. Harry straightened up before freezing. Teddy curled into the larger, warm body, finally sound asleep. Cho made a point and one that Harry hadn't thought about it until now.

"Bugger, you're right."

He half-whispered, bringing a hand to place on top of his head while the other held his godson close. Cho watched as Harry's face scrunched in thought, rubbing his free hand over his hair and face as if sorting through complicated runes. She stood up and gingerly took Teddy from his arms; the small boy made no noise besides a small sigh. He nestled into the Ravenclaw's chest, holding onto her shirt as he tried to get comfortable.

"Call her, I'll start on dinner while Teddy sleeps."

She offered, a small smile framing her pink lips. Harry let his hand fall from his face and stood staring at her for a brief moment before reaching over to cup her face, pulling her towards him. Careful to not disturb the sleeping child between them, the couple placed soft, tender kisses to one another.

"You're brilliant."

He whispered against her lips. He kissed her once more before she smiled against him.

"I know."

She whispered back, planting a harder kiss on his before turning to leave him to his task. Harry watched her leave, appreciating the view her tight, pixie trousers gave her bum. Harry inhaled deeply before pulling his silver mobile from his trouser pockets. Ginny rarely used her own mobile unless it was an emergency from him or Hermione. Unlike Ron, Ginny learned how to use the muggle technology in its most basic form when Hermione and himself obtained their own. Clearing his throat, he put the cellphone to his left ear after selecting "Ginny", nervously waiting as the dial tone rung. Almost six rings in, Harry was going to hang up, but Ginny's voice came through the speaker.

"Harry? Is everything okay?"

He heard her ask. She sounded breathless and Harry wondered if she had just gotten out of quidditch practice.

"Erm, yes, sorry for calling randomly."

Harry awkwardly said.

"Oh, okay."

She answered. Harry began rubbing the back of his neck and turned to look at the piercing gray eyes of his godfather. Harry glared back as Sirius gave him a small smirk. I thought he was asleep, nosy prat, Harry though. After a few silenced seconds, Ginny cleared her throat forcing Harry to concede to the staring contest.

"I wanted to invite you first to my birthday party before you got an owl."

Harry said, turning away from the portrait. He heard Ginny laugh.

"Alright."

She said. Harry turned back to Sirius; he knew he wouldn't speak right now, he always waited for Harry to ask him for advice. More seconds passed, Sirius' smirk grew wider, and Harry became more anxious. Harry once more turned away, beginning to pace back and forth.

"Is that all?"

Ginny's question brought him back to the present.

"And, erm, I wanted to tell you too, before you came, that…"

He inhaled through his nose before finishing, his words rushed,

"ImdatingChoChangandwantedtoletyouknowbeforeyousaw."

There was a silence, silence that dragged which made Harry even more anxious. Before he could ask, Ginny finally spoke.

"You're dating Chang?"

She asked. Harry exhaled softly, moving his free hand to the back of his hairy head as he avoided his godfather's stare. He could see the devil leaning close to him to eavesdrop even further.

"Yes. I wanted to let you know so it wouldn't catch you by surprise."

Harry explained. Harry swore it felt as if years had passed before Ginny's laughter erupted from the other end of the line.

"Thanks for letting me know, Harry. You didn't have to, but I appreciate it."

She answered and the weight Harry felt since realizing he hadn't told Ginny about his now girlfriend, disappeared. A grin appeared on his face as his hand fell.

"Does that mean I can bring someone?"

Ginny asked, suddenly hesitant. Harry blanched before returning a chuckle of his own. He hadn't thought of Ginny bringing someone else to his party, but he didn't mind – it made things between them and their significant others easier.

"As long as you tell your brothers first and Hermione."

Ginny clicked her tongue in respond before laughing. Harry joined in, laughing with her, feeling better than he had prior to talking to Ginny Weasley.