Chapter 40: Family Tea

It was early on Friday afternoon. The usual Fridays rarely had Hermione return to the Grotto from the Ministry trip quite so early. The usual Fridays saw her running errands, catching up with friends in Wizarding Britain, or enjoying anonymity of Muggle London, be it at a museum, a movie, or a coffeeshop with a good book. However, the previous day's events weren't usual. Hermione couldn't help but worry, about Bellatrix's state of mind, and about Andromeda's potential actions, and about Narcissa's possible reactions.

She could only imagine the headlines if Lestrange managed to die or get seriously hurt on her watch. Some people already wondered about the dark witch's well-being.

Logically, Hermione knew she couldn't keep an eye on Grotto all day every day. So she resolved to stay close to home for at least that one weekend, Friday afternoon included.

The day so far progressed peacefully, if a bit strange.

Hermione woke up with a strain in her neck, an ache in her back, and numbness in her leg. Her head, on the other hand, felt well-rested in a way that hinted at a rather late waking hour. The lump of pillows and covers next to her appeared undisturbed and silent. One hand, the same hand that kept the light contact with Hermione's leg through the night, was now resting heavily over Hermione's leg and gripping lightly, clearly unconsciously, the muscle under it.

The first attempt to move the sleeping hand and slide out of bed resulted in a death grip of said hand on Hermione's thigh.

The second attempt ended with the whole arm wrapped around Hermione's leg as if that was a Teddy Bear. The arm then tried to pull its captive into the pile of pillows and covers.

After a few more tries, the errant arm was eased off Hermione's leg. Hermione tiptoed almost out of the room when something hit her in the back of her shoulder. Hermione whirled around quickly with a startled yelp.

Her wand rested on the floor at her feet.

The lump on the bed was as still as before, but she could have sworn she heard a hum of Muggle witch from under it.

The Ministry meeting with Commissioner Tonks was quite anticlimactic compared to what her imagination came up with on her fairly quick trip from the island to the Ministry.

..everything is fine, Miss Granger…

Andromeda intoned in a Bellatrix-like fashion.

..you didn't interrupt…we were done… I am done…

The older witch thanked her for allowing the meeting, and stated that the topic was closed. Hermione didn't pry unwilling to give away that she had heard and seen much more than just the last few moments of interaction.

They moved to Hogwarts items right after.

Apparently, Hermione proved to be competent and assertive enough to reduce the level of oversight to meeting every other week rather than every week. The Death Eater estate auctions were scheduled to start soon, and Commissioner's time was required there. Lestrange properties were first on the list. The older witch looked quite pleased as she shared that tidbit of information.

If anything, what happened moments before the meeting was more interesting.

As Hermione rushed towards the Reconstruction Offices, Theo Nott was gleefully trashing some colorful magazine. He called her over but she really didn't have time. So she just suggested coffee, next week, and then waved hello to Harry. Theo looked amused. Harry looked flustered. Only later, on her way back to the island, Hermione realized that Harry was walking out of the same place Theo was heading into.

The Marriage Initiative Commission's offices…

Hermione paused at the bottom of the Grotto House staircase and listened. The house was quiet. Nothing seemed amiss.

The weather on the island was grey and drizzly, and just unpleasant enough to discourage strolling outside. Homework was piling up quickly now that the sixth year reviews and intros seventh year were over with, and the new material was discussed. Hermione resolved to stay in and get ahead of the schedule if at all possible.

Several hours later the sound of raised voices attracted Hermione's attention.

'I cannot believe you didn't tell me!'

Narcissa's uncharacteristic snap sounded unexpectedly close. Hermione quickly changed from PJ shorts into jeans, then stuffed her wand into the jean's back pocket. It was disappointing. She really didn't expect the middle Black to run to her younger sister the very next day.

'Told you now!'

A low hum of voices followed.

Hermione finally realized the noise was coming from her partially open window. She walked to it and peeked outside. No one was visible. For the sound to carry so well, the witches had to be deeper on the porch or inside the adjoining sunroom with the doors open.

'I'm fine! Did you know I killed…'

Bellatrix's voice rose up and faded into indistinguishable mutter once again. It followed by Narcissa's deeper tones.

'…seen Nymphadora's body… after the battle… how she died…'

'You didn't tell me.'

'What was the point, Bellatrix?!' Hermione paused on her way to the doors. Narcissa didn't sound angry but rather worried and possibly a bit exasperated. 'I certainly didn't realize you were so foolish as to see her . Without recovering fully! Without telling me!'

There was no sounds aside from the low thumps of pacing for some time after that.

'I didn't mean to-'

'I know'

'I wouldn't have-'

'I know.'

'...not for me to kill... …tainted… she was of Black blood.'

'I know Bella… and Andromeda must… even if she never forgives… Andy must know… you wouldn't be alive otherwise…'

The was another long silence.

'Have you told me everything that transpired?'

'Yes.'

'Hm...'

Uh oh

Hermione quickly headed towards the sunroom.

The hallways were free of arguments and errant spellcasting.

'That's enough, Narcissa, I'm fine, all is fine. Let go.'

'Great! If you're so fine, the apple!'

What?

There was a long pause.

Hermione looked into the room.

Narcissa stood with arms folded. The pointy toe of her boot tapped impatiently. Everything about her posture said Bellatrix was trying her patience. Bellatrix in the meantime sat in the armchair, elbow on the armrest, the head propped on her fist. Hermione couldn't see her feet, but suspected the toe of the dark witch's boot was tapping just as impatiently.

'Ugh! Blue!'

What?!

'Sky blue?'

'Navy blue!'

Hermione took a step closer to the open sunroom doors. The doors to the porch were indeed open. A number of weirdly colored fruits and vegetables floated in the fresh air.

Neither sister noticed her arrival.

'Carrot?'

'White… no… pale yellow?'

'You see-'

'Yes yes I can see yellow, an accomplished witch that I am!'

'Indeed. Strawberries?'

'Narcissa! Fine! Blue… sky blue! Happy?!'

'Hardly. Grapes?'

'Orange.'

'Really?...'

'They are the only ones in the odd shade of gray. As it has been for decades! I told you I'm fine!'

'We'll see. Pineapple?'

'Ugh! Red! Blood-red.'

Bellatrix grinned at her own morbid clarification. Narcissa sighed and Bellatrix's grin dimmed somewhat.

'Banana?'

'Purple… a very poor choice too, Cissy.'

'Bella-' Blonde head shook dismissing the first retort, a deep calming breath later, 'Why's that?'

'Because Granger is going to combust… or faint… if she blushes any harder.'

'What?..'

Narcissa turned to the room entrance.

Hermione would have sworn she wasn't blushing or fainting or anything else until Bellatrix pointed out her presence.

Bellatrix propped her head on the back of the armchair and smirked at Hermione.

'Miss Granger.' greeted Narcissa.

'Mrs. Malfoy.' Hermione fought the urge to rub her heated cheeks.

Rubbish spy , mouthed Bellatrix and smirked once more.

'I was just ah... passing by. I'll leave-'

'Why don't you join us for tea, Miss Granger?' the cool voice stopped Hermione's retreat.

'Ah-'

'Narcissa-'

The blond had already vanished the oddly colored fruits and vegetables and was in the process of rearranging the furniture.

'If we are family enough to ask for a favor, I'm sure we are family enough to socialize, won't you agree, Hermione?' Narcissa smiled serenely at Hermione.

'A favor?..' Bellatrix looked curiously at the other two.

'Nott Manor' Narcissa said flatly and the dark witch let out an amused hum. The topic seemingly wasn't entirely new for her.

Hermione narrowed her eyes at the dark witch, still peeved with her Population Replenishment Interest Form stint and complete lack of remorse about it.

'Miss Granger, in the future I'd appreciate it if you inform me when you put the life of my sister in danger.'

Hermione was relieved that aside from that one sharp statement Narcissa didn't feel the need to expand on the Andromeda situation further.

And just like that, Hermione found herself with a standing invitation-expectation to weekly teas with Narcissa and Bellatrix. On Sundays, if workdays proved too hectic to make...

End of Chapter 40