Chapter 17: Another Secretary and a Budding Friendship

"There are some things you can't share

without ending up liking each other,

and knocking out a twelve-foot mountain troll is one of them."

~ J.K Rowling

"Mr. Malfoy is not here, Ms. Black," said Raven, Lucius' secretary, a dark haired vixen with expressionless, ebony eyes.

"When will he be back?" Narcissa asked.

Raven shrugged. Her dark eyes were being evasive; they were moving about."Mr. Malfoy has not informed me," she said.

"Where is he?"

"He hasn't informed me," she repeated. The secretary was still trying to keep her gaze away from her. Lucius had most likely ordered her to do so in her presence. What's more, her office had many windows, so there were witches and wizards working in the office booths outside that could peer in. As such, she couldn't make the girl gaze back with… some force and intimidation, as those outside the office would notice.

Exasperated by her predicament, Narcissa furrowed her brows, and nibbled on her lower lip. She brushed her long fingers through her hair, while trying to think of another route to her objective: finding what Lucius was up to. "There is always a way, Cissy," Bella had told her once. Say something that can divulge information while seeming entirely innocent, she then thought to herself. "Very well. Let him know that he cannot miss our appointment at Gringotts. It is next week. If he is not present, his protest on the amount I am arguing for will not be upheld; and so, I will automatically acquire the sum I seek," she lied, while smirking devilishly.

Incredulous, the secretary let out a small chuckle. "Why would you wish to tell me that? Isn't it in your interest to earn the money?"

She has a point, but there is always a way, Cissy. "…Yes, it is in my interest. However, I wish to make the playing field equal. You see, we have been together for two decades, and I can't help but respect him … despite our differences." What a lie. "So, don't believe what I've said, but then Lucius will fire you for being incompetent… if what I have to say is true." Narcissa smiled, a facade. "So, darling, isn't it it in your interest to tell me when he'll be back… to avoid being placed in such a circumstance?"

The girl appeared to look worried. She had pressed her lips into a thin line, and was listening to her very attentively. There was no appointment and nor would there ever be; she had not cared to wage war against Lucius in the hopes of acquiring money from him; Narcissa was not desperate, as she had inherited from her forefathers a handsome sum that could rival how much Lucius held in his vault. "So, if you have any sense in you, you will inform me of when he is to return. That way, I can change the date of the appointment… and you shall be able to keep your job," she said before waiting impatiently for a response, hoping the girl would divulge when Lucius would be back…

A moment transpired. Raven was sitting quietly, and was most likely thinking of the best course of action to take. She then parted her lips, having arrived at a decision. "... He won't be back so soon," she whispered.

Good girl. Narcissa nodded, while trying her best to hide a smirk.

"Can you change the appointment to some time in early February?" the secretary asked.

February? What sort of affairs could require his absence from London for so long? He had never previously left for more than a few weeks; miserly, he had feared his business ventures in London would suffer from his absence. But, for some reason, he had now decided to leave for two months…

What could he possibly be doing?

Perplexed, she crumpled her pale brows before smiling at the girl."I thought you didn't know when he was coming back."

Raven's face blanched.

Silver, devious eyes twinkled. Narcissa had begun to chuckle heartily. So, his secretary was on it too… whatever this was. For why was she otherwise protecting him? Perhaps, love… yes love… money… or a bit of both.

Secretaries… "Thank you," she said to the girl in her cool voice; it had been laced with derision. "Farewell, dear." She turned around from her and walked towards the door.

Meanwhile, the secretary, who was most likely a Slytherin, did not respond. Instead, she looked back with a face riddled with fear, certainly concerned about what the cunning witch had now come to understand.

When Narcissa returned home, which was Andromeda's house for the time-being, she noted a young man with unruly, jet-black hair sitting in the living room. "She's been out all day. I'm terribly worried - I've heard rumours about there being anti-pureblood sentiment in London presently…" said Andromeda anxiously. She was mid-way in conversation with the man, but they quickly stopped speaking, having noticed her arrival.

The young man turned around to face the visitor, and Andromeda followed suit. It was Harry Potter. Caught be surprise, his green eyes expanded, but then they softened. Andromeda's expression turned from concern and worry to relief. "There you are!" she cried, while Harry smiled warmly and rose from his seat.

When he had neared her, he grabbed her hand, and laid a chivalrous kiss upon it. "I'm glad I can finally see you, Ms. Black… " He straightened himself, letting go of her hand with a gentle squeeze. "... but I wish I had seen you at a better time… I don't think I can be myself right now." He frowned.

Narcissa nodded. "I understand… "

While still smiling, he answered, "Call me Harry. After all, you saved my life."

She grimaced; her pale eyes were sad. During the past few weeks, they were either plunged in melancholia or fury. She shook her head softly. "I'm afraid I'm not that kind. You know very well I thought I was saving my son's life…"

Harry continued to smile. "I know, but that's all right… I think I still owe you a life-debt."

Narcissa's frown turned into a smile. She felt calm around him. For some reason, he reminded her of Hermione; Harry was the closest link she had to her. He felt... familiar. She supposed he was also quite a bit like her departed son, Draco: intelligent, wise and kind. "Very well," she replied. "Call me Narcissa, then," she said. "Let us sit down, Harry?"

He nodded. Teddy was playing on the floor of the living room with cars, Muggle contraptions Narcissa was of course acquainted with; the streets of London were full of them. According to Andromeda, Arthur Weasley, infatuated with Muggle things, had gifted them to him. The boy hadn't noticed her yet; he was too engrossed in his toys. In his little hand, he held a car and was moving it around in the air, as if it were a broom. Harry chuckled as he sat down on a sofa. "It moves on the floor, Teddy. It's not a broom. It can't fly…" He suddenly remembered the time he and Ron had flown in a car to Hogwarts, so he added, "... unless you use magic."

The boy didn't seem to care for what Harry had said. He was still soaring the car around with his hand in the air. "Vroom… Vrooooooom," he squealed.

Narcissa had removed her fur jacket, and was presently sitting down on the sofa opposite to Harry and Andromeda, and directly behind her nephew. She decided to startle the toddler. Slowly, so as to avoid his notice, she placed her long nails on his neck and lightly scratched the skin there with them. Irked by the tickling sensation, the boy ruffled his brows and swatted the back of his neck with his small, dimpled hand. Still, he did not notice her. Andromeda and Harry were about to chortle, but Narcissa placed the index finger of her free hand on her lips. She did it again. The boy swatted his neck once more; suddenly, Narcissa couldn't help but laugh herself. Andromeda and Harry joined in. Teddy quickly gazed back, wondering what all the fuss was about. Shortly, he smirked, knowing he had been fooled. He rose from the ground and stormed towards Narcissa with his hands held in the air.

"CISSY!" he screamed, as if he hadn't seen his aunt for ages (when just this morning, she had fed him his cereal; but a whole day was quite a long time in a toddler's life).

She pulled him up, and was shortly ambushed by his embrace. He wrapped his arms very tightly around her neck, nearly choking her, while peppering her with sloppy kisses. She wrinkled her nose. "Oh gods. Teddy. You're rather … strong." His small limbs were sturdier than she had expected. She petted his back to calm him down, and kissed his forehead. The cheerful toddler then made himself cozy in her lap.

Teddy then pointed at Harry. "Hawwy!" he said, introducing his godfather to Narcissa.

"Yes, love. It's Harry. I know."

The toddler gawked at Narcissa, confused over how she could know Harry when he had never seen them together before. Terribly young, he thought the entire world revolved around him, and consisted only of what he could perceive. So, he thought introductions were still in order: he pointed his finger at Narcissa, deciding to present his aunt to Harry. "Cissy!" he said with a lisp.

Harry nodded and looked at Narcissa with his gentle, twinkling eyes. "It's nice to meet you, Cissy." He had said her name with a lisp.

Narcissa chuckled. "Likewise... Hawwy."

He smiled, amused by this side of the seemingly intimidating witch; Harry was grateful that she had decided to trust him, and remove her shields. He had been expecting more hostility and reserve, but had received nothing but warmth and sincerity. He then eyed the growing bump on her abdomen. Narcissa noted where his eyes had travelled. "Ginny was her most comfortable in her second trimester. But, the last few months and the first few were terrible," he said.

Narcissa nodded. "Yes. That was the case with Draco… And with her," she placed a hand on the side of her bulge (as the other side was covered by Teddy's head), "I had not been able to keep anything down the first few months." She smirked. "Perhaps, she was concerned about my figure." She then insinuated at the expanding swell under her hand, "She doesn't seem to be anymore, however."

Harry chuckled. "But, do enjoy these months… and start planning now when you can move."

She nodded again. "Yes, I suppose I should start thinking about the nursery…" But, she didn't want to, not without Hermione; and she had much preferred the first few months despite how ill her health had been. Her stupid, moronic witch had not been shackled behind bars then; panic… and love had not crippled her.

Harry caught sight of the sorrow in her silver eyes, while Andromeda rose to bring tea. "I'd hate to be around you Cissy in your last trimester," the dark haired sister whispered, as she walked towards the kitchen. "I imagine you'll be terribly angsty."

Narcissa furrowed her brows. "Well, I imagine anyone with an abdomen the size of an astronomically large watermelon would be."

Harry chuckled. "She has a point, 'Meda," he screamed after Andromeda. When he turned to face Narcissa again, he smiled. "So, how are you doing?" he asked. "If you need anything, please let me know… I'll always be at your service."

She nodded. "Thank you. And not too well, I fear… " Now that the opportunity presented itself, there was a thing or two that she wanted him to do. Narcissa took in a deep breath. Explanations, however, would have to come first. "I have to tell you something about your friend, Hermione."

He nodded. "Go on."

"I think Lucius is behind it."

Harry's emerald eyes darkened. His veins enlarged. "That prat!" He suddenly spat. Then, realizing he wasn't being very gentlemanly, apologized: "Sorry," he said.

"No, he is most certainly a prat," Narcissa replied. "I realized from a conversation with his secretary that he is outside of London, perhaps England. He will be gone for two months. Merlin knows where he is… and what vile tricks he has up his sleeve." She shook her head, exasperated by how little she knew. "And your friend, Ron, I'm sorry to say… has been imperiused," she added after a moment.

Harry wrinkled his brows. Narcissa noted the expression on his face. He was not doubtful, but he was certainly alarmed and shocked.

"Secretaries," she elucidated. "And some legilimency."

"Oh," he replied. An auror, he was quick to understand the tools Narcissa had used to unearth the said information. He sighed, while sitting pensively. They both sat in silence for some time. "So, Lucius put Hermione in prison and Ron has been imperiused… " He summarized what she had said after a moment. "Ron's the minister of defence now. I thought he was just filling in for Hermione… hoping she'd come back."

Narcissa sighed. "No, I don't believe that is the case"

"Of course," added Harry. "And Ron will be able to hide Lucius' footprints as a minister. He can destroy evidence of anything that might catch Lucius red-handed."

"Yes," replied Narcissa. "That was precisely my hypothesis… "

Harry rubbed his forehead with his hand, wondering how he could help Ron, and if there was a way to undo the effects of the imperius curse without killing Lucius. He could not kill Lucius, even if he wanted to. Only the Wizengamot could decide what to do with Lucius; if found guilty, they would probably force him to break the curse, and he would then reside in a prison for his entire life. But, the matter could not be brought to the Wizengamot unless evidence was put forth. And the evidence right now only consisted of Narcissa using legilimency and intimidating secretaries; it would land the witch in prison. Harry understood the predicament they were in.

Narcissa frowned. "I worry that some in the Wizengamot may have been bribed as well. Lucius would have surely done that."

Harry nodded. "Wouldn't be surprised."

"Do you believe that… Shacklebolt is bought? I do not know him well enough to know."

He shrugged, while sighing. "I don't know. But I've seen power change good people… into awful ones." He had learnt that while working at the ministry.

And she had too from her life experiences. "Yes, power is intoxicating." She grimaced. "Can you do a favour for me?" she then asked.

Harry nodded. "Of course."

"Two, actually," said Narcissa. "I would like to see Hermione… " she began; presently, Hermione was confined in Azkaban, which was under a strict no visitation rule. "... if that's possible," she whispered.

Harry gazed intently at her with his perceptive, emerald eyes. Narcissa did not care to hide anything from him. She expressed to him with her gaze how much his friend, Hermione meant to her; her eyes changed colour; now, they were terribly blue, and moistened from despair. "Please," she whispered. "I must see her. I-" she paused, gnawing on her underlip. "I must," she repeated, unable to further explain.

He understood what Hermione meant to Narcissa; the witch before him cared for her not only because she was her child's other parent. Her eyes were sparkling; tears were being held at bay. Harry had never seen the aristocrat in such a dishevelled manner before. "Of course," he answered. "I'll see if I can do anything." He did not have to further gauge to know for certain if she and Hermione were madly in love with each other. Her wet eyes and her plea had told him the entire story.

And he could see why Hermione had been drawn to this woman; who wouldn't fall madly in love with such a beautiful witch? Narcissa appeared to have been painted with a great amount of consideration by the gods. Her appearance was phantasmagorical… it caused all to look at her twice. She was also quite charming once she decided to open herself to you (a privilege given to only a special few, Harry supposed), and she appeared to be quite clever. Hermione could not have helped but been a moth to this flame; furthermore, his most cherished friend had likely found solace in finding another mind as keen as hers, and more importantly, one that could understand her wholly.

No one could understand Hermione's mind. Despite knowing her for this long, he couldn't either at times. Hermione was more than human; she was beyond his comprehension. Anyone's comprehension. But, he was certain Narcissa was able to decode her. Perhaps, she was the only person in all of Wizarding England who could see Hermione's inner workings. For, she too appeared more than mortal.

It made sense. The two of them together. They were a perfect fit... or the closest thing to it. It was almost as if fate had brought them together; the growing protuberance on the platinum haired witch's belly was a testament. So, he could not hold Hermione's regard for Narcissa against her. And besides, he had always been startled by Hermione and Ron's relationship; they had been terribly different, but to rationalize their attraction, he had made himself believe that opposites attracted…

But, perhaps they had been far too different. Perhaps, fate had other ideas, a more suitable other half for Hermione.

"Thank you," whispered Hermione's other half. He was drawn out of his thoughts.

"Don't thank me yet," said Harry. "You still have to ask me for another favour."

She nodded. "Yes, that. I'd like to see Shacklebolt. I wish to use Legilimency on him…"

"I can do that too," answered Harry.

"Is there anything you can't do?" she said teasingly.

He chuckled. "I killed the darkest wizard in history. So, I suppose I can do everything."

"Yes, I trust you can," she replied. "So, I hope you don't become a dark wizard."

"I think I might," he joked. He then noted that Teddy had fallen asleep on Narcissa's bulge. Harry smiled. "Teddy has made himself quite comfortable," he whispered.

The witch peered down to see her nephew; she too smiled. Her abdomen was large enough to use as a pillow now. How had that happened? It took her by surprise. Two weeks ago, it was much smaller; she was alarmed by how much it had swelled in that time. Now, it was visibly there, and visibly round. Her body was rapidly changing every few weeks; she was about five months along now.

Five months…

Soon, gentle flutters would turn into painful kicks. Then, her little girl would have to come. While overwhelmed by the dreadful and harrowing pangs of their daughter's delivery, would Hermione be there, holding her hand? Would Hermione be able to hold their wriggling, pink newborn in her arms? And, would Hermione be able to see their little girl blossom into a beautiful woman?

Would she be able to do it all without her?

Once, she thought she could. But now, now...

Her breath quivered. Narcissa's thoughts had travelled to darker places. She squeezed her eyes shut, wishing such thoughts could leave her alone for now (but even if they did, they would come back to haunt her later). Fortunately, just then, Andromeda came with a platter that held tea and biscuits. She chuckled at the toddler's position in her sister's lap, finding it absolutely adorable. However, when her gaze fell on Harry, she noticed that his face was pale. For a moment, she wondered if her complicated sister had made him uncomfortable; she was about to give Narcissa a sharp stare and was planning to chide her later on, until he spoke: "Lucius has put Hermione behind bars. And Ron has been imperiused."

The platter fell from her hand; the chinaware fell against the ground, cracking into pieces, making Teddy awake with a start. Quickly, Narcissa hushed him by rubbing his back and telling him everything was fine. "Shh… It's all right, Teddy," she murmured. "Everything is fine, little one." The boy looked at her worriedly, at her wet eyes, but could not help but be soothed by her lovely, calm voice. Still in the clutch of sleep, his head fell back on her marginally inflated belly. She wrapped her arms around him and kissed the curly hair on his head, which had morphed from black to blonde in her arms. Then, she closed her eyes, because she felt tears wishing to escape, but she did not want to cry; no, letting those tears escape would sap her strength, and Narcissa wished to be strong for Hermione, and for the little girl growing within her.

Nevertheless, she feared she would shatter at any moment like the tea cups that had fallen; fearing she would break into a million pieces, she could not help but long for someone to hold her as tightly as she was holding her nephew in her arms…

But, she knew only Hermione's arms could ever calm her utterly.

Would she ever be in her arms again?

Lost in thought, she buried her head in Teddy's hair, soothed somewhat by the special, sweet scent found only in very small children. Then, she was whirled out of her reverie when a hand squeezed her arm. She peered up; it was Harry. He had seated himself next to her, and was smiling genuinely. Andromeda was sitting behind him with her head perched on his shoulder. The two were quite familiar with each other; she hadn't thought they were so close. But, she was not startled; Harry was like Teddy's father, and had a special place in Andromeda's home. "Don't be so glum over my tea cups - they can be replaced," said Andromeda with a smirk. Her warm brown eyes twinkled mischievously.

Narcissa shook her head. "Oh, but I adored them." It was a private joke; she had mentioned to Andromeda many weeks ago how she thought her chinaware was rather unattractive. "They're terribly yellow… An awful, greenish yellow." Their colouring had reminded her of bile, and since bile had become a despised, familiar sight, she abhorred her sister's chinaware with every ounce of her being. "Oh gods, Andromeda. My eyes are pained," she had complained.

"Yes, that's why I like them," her sister had responded, ever the eccentric. "Because of their effect on your eyes," she had teased.

Narcissa's brows had crumpled; she had glowered. "Oh. You're fiendish. Do you know how often I must see that horrid colour?"

Andromeda chuckled. "I know you adored them. But don't worry. I shall buy new ones."

"Please don't," answered Narcissa. "I still have an intense dislike for that particular colour." She then gazed at the boy in her arms.

"Very well," said Andromeda. "I'll be kind. I won't."

"Thank you," replied Narcissa. She was still gazing at the boy in her arms. "I think it's time for him to sleep in his bed." And her too; her eyes felt heavy. She was tired. Fatigued, her body, taxed with providing for another, would not allow her to be awake for much longer. Her wish had been granted: her thoughts had slowed even though so much had occurred today; she would not be allowed to think for much longer. She would sleep immediately if she could, right there on the sofa, but she knew her maddening sister would only allow her to sleep in a bed.

Narcissa yawned softly. "I think I have to sleep too…" she whispered.

Harry rose to pick Teddy from her arms. She gingerly loosened him from her hold, so as to not awaken him, and handed him over to Harry.

"One day," whispered Harry, "I won't be able to hold him like this anymore…" His eyes sparkled. "But, by then, I'll have a niece to hold…"

She smiled at him. Butterflies were fluttering in her womb. She rubbed her belly gently. "She wishes to tell you something. I cannot translate, however."

Harry Potter smiled widely, absolutely elated. "I'm sure she's trying to tell me how she's so glad that you like me."

"Yes," replied Narcissa, while rising from the sofa (that would become a difficult task soon, she thought woefully). "I'm positive that's the case." She looked at him and then Andromeda. "Good-night, Harry. I fear I cannot stay awake for much longer." She then crumpled her pale brows and put her arms around her bosom. "As for you," she said to Andromeda, "I shan't be wishing you a goodnight, owing to your earlier comment."

Andromeda chuckled, while Harry smiled warmly, awfully grateful and relieved that Narcissa had trusted him with her true self; Hermione would surely be surprised at how well they got along.

He then thought of his troublesome childhood, of all the times Hermione had stood by his side, of all the times she had put her life in peril for him without refrain. He would have never survived without her. And so, Harry Potter promised to himself that he would never fail his treasured friend, as he strode with Teddy in his arms towards the staircase. He was willing to die for her if he had to.

A somnolent Narcissa followed him, and when they reached the top floor, she looked at him with her tired, pale eyes; she was dead tired from today's exertions, and of course, from dread and despair. "Goodnight," she murmured. "I think we'll be great friends… " She smiled. "... Harry," she added after a pause, as if to notify him that she only called those she held dear by their first names.

"Goodnight," he whispered back. "And I think so too." He returned a genuine smile. "And thank you…" he added. "Really, Narcissa - thank you for trusting me."

She stood still for a moment, watching his peculiar emerald eyes. Meanwhile, Harry wondered if she was using legilimency. "I believe I always have," she then said. "Maybe I did save your life... not just for my son. You have so much… soul," she then murmured, "... like Hermione." Then, she turned around. Harry watched the retreating form of the complex witch; she was unworldy, he thought to himself. As he beheld her, he also promised that he would defend with all his might his cherished friend's family: her unborn daughter, and the woman she loved.

Because, Hermione wasn't simply a dear friend; she was more than that. To Harry Potter, she was like a sister. And he knew Hermione felt the same way about him. Unlike Ron, they were both alone in this world; they were only-children: one orphaned, while the other born to parents belonging to a world she would never truly belong to. Hermione had never been able to lean on her parents, as they had not been able to guide her in a world incomprehensible to them. So, like him, Hermione had also fended for herself for much of her life, whilst putting faith in the sincerity and kindness of strangers. In a way, she too was like an orphan.

Through their lonesomeness, they had become each other's siblings. Harry Potter suddenly realized Hermione was not simply like a sister; she was his sister. And so, that mysterious witch she had fallen in love with, and the child she carried were his family too.

Author's Note:

So... I somehow got intoxicated when I should have been studying. Peer pressure sucks. I ended up leaving my drunk friends, and I wrote this instead of socializing. I'm such a party pooper!

Hope you enjoyed it. An extra long chapter. Perhaps, I should drink more often :P. I seem to write more quickly when I'm inebriated. I probably won't be updating until the end of December. But who know? Maybe I'll get tipsy again and I'll be writing once more instead of studying like I should.