Disclaimer: I own nothing. Thank you J.K. Rowling for creating this magical world for us to play in.

a/n: First off, I want to thank every single one of you for all the amazing support you have given me. I have another four or five chapters typed up, but have not even started editing them. Hopefully life won't get in the way and I can get those posted pretty quickly. This chapter is more of a teaser than anything.

This chapter takes place just before the end of the last chapter. I hope you all enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed writing it.

Chapter 28
"Normal speech"
thoughts
'mental conversations'

Diagon Alley-

It was a beautiful summer evening, even the rain was holding off, as Narcissa apparated Emma to an empty alley that was next to a mysterious restaurant. Narcissa waited for Emma's stomach to settle before she pulled her to face her and said, "You outfit seems to be missing something my dear." She took out the jewelry box and stared deeply into Emma's eyes as she handed the box over. Emma took it and gingerly began to open it, and gasped. Seeing that Emma was about to protest, Narcissa quickly went on to say, "A beautiful woman deserves jewels to match. I know you have lost so much and thought I could help start your new collections."

"This is too much Cissa. I don't even know what to say." Emma softly replied while tracing the bracelet lightly with her finger.

Narcissa took the box back and helped put the bracelet on first and then while putting the necklace on said, "You may simply say thank you." She stepped back and added, "Those can't even hold a candle to your beauty."

Emma closed the distance between the two and let Narcissa cup the side of her face. She closed her eyes for a moment as she felt the warmth travel through her right to her heart, causing it to skip a beat and her breath to hitch. When she opened her eyes, she saw Narcissa gazing back, eyes filled with… Love. Emma gave her the exact same look as she leaned in and softly kissed Narcissa. It was as if time itself stood still when Emma gave Narcissa the sweetest kiss Narcissa had ever experienced. Feeling time slowly falling back into place, they both pulled back and smiled at each other. Narcissa tucked a stray hair behind Emma's ear and said, "We should get inside before we lose our reservations."

Narcissa tucked Emma's arm around hers and led her out of the alley. A sudden flash blinded the two as they stepped up to the cobblestone street. Narcissa's infamous icy exterior quickly came out full force as she gripped Emma's arm, displaying the very expensive piece of jewelry on her wrist, and guided her towards the entrance of Solem. Thankfully once the doors closed, the press was left outside, leaving them to their special evening. Emma watched as Narcissa took charge of the situation as she went to the matradee and said, "Reservations for Two, Black. And the next time Dowager Dagworth or myself are assaulted while attempting to enjoy an evening at your establishment, you may find a sudden decrease in your revenue. Do I make myself clear?"

The man gulped as he nervously nodded his head. "If you would please follow me… your table is ready."

Narcissa turned slightly and offered her arm to Emma and said, "Shall we?" Emma smiled as she gratefully took the offered arm, ready to spend a wonderful evening with the beautiful and elegant woman in front of her. After what happened in the alley, Emma decided to put all the other issues and worries on the back burner, and simply enjoy living in the moment.

They walked under a beautiful stone archway into a world of its own. In the center of the room was a large water fall, that was gently flowing from a mountain and surrounded by various trees and plants. As they walked towards it, Emma saw little blinking lights. Seeing Emma looking at them, Narcissa leaned over and said, "Those are fairies. It is said to be good luck for a couple when they act like this." Emma smiled up at Narcissa as she gave her arm a squeeze. The closer they got to their seats, the more it looked as if they were walking further into the forest. Before they knew it, they were suddenly on a dirt path that had small lanterns marking the edge of the small trail on both sides as well as lighting the way. Emma marveled at the beauty. Their table was centered under an open gazebo that had a lantern floating in the center of the ceiling and line of fairy lights coming out of the lantern and going to each corner.

Narcissa helped Emma into her chair before moving to sit across from her. Emma's attention was everywhere. She has never seen anything so amazing. She was brought back from her thoughts when Narcisa said, "I hope you are enjoying your surprise. I wanted to make sure this evening was perfect for you. That you had a magical moment to yourself."

Emma gave her a warm smile as she replied, "Thank you. This evening may have just started, but everything has been absolutely amazing. Are there any other surprises I need to look forward too?"

Narcissa gave a light, flirty laugh in reply, but before she could say anything, the waiter came by to take their drink order. "We would like to start with the finest bottle of red wine." The waiter gave a bow of his head before turning to leave. Once he was gone she went on to say, "I was planning on ordering for both of us, but is there anything you see that peaks your interest?"

Emma closely scrutinized the menu and said, "It all looks so amazing."

The waiter returned a few minutes later with their bottle and as he began to pour asked, "Are you ready to order or do you need a few more minutes?"

"I believe we are ready. Emma darling, would you care to start?" Narcissa said. She was truly enjoying treating Emma to all of this.

"Alright dear. I would like to start with the seared curry Orkney scallops, followed by the roasted loin of fallow deer." Emma said as she placed down the menu and looked to Narcissa.

Narcissa smiled at Emma and said, "I would like to start with the roasted veal sweetbread and will follow with the Isle of Gigha halibut and Gillardeau oysters. We would also like all of our dishes to be paired with the appropriate wine."

"Would you care for dessert?" the waiter asked.

"We both will have the raspberry mille-feuille with a glass of Dom Perignon- the 1969 vintage." Narcissa replied, ignoring the gasp that came from the direction where Emma was sitting. The waiter quickly scribbled their order down before bowing and leaving to put in their tickets. They watched the waiter leave, and Narcissa turned back to give Emma her undying attention. "I hope you don't mind me ordering desserts for the both us. It's just that the raspberries pair so well with the champagne and thought it would be a wonderful ending to a spectacular meal."

"This is all too much Cissa dear." Replied Emma who was truly in awe at the moment. Seeing that Narcissa was slightly crestfallen at the thought that she somehow displeased the one who held the key to her heart, Emma quickly added, "This is turning into a spectacular evening, truly unforgettable." Emma reached across the table and took Narcissa's hand in her own and gently caressed her thumb across her knuckles.

Narcissa smiled at the contact and said, "You deserve this and so much more. Tell me, have you been back to France at all? How has the rest of your family been?"

"Daniel and I use to go once a year with Hermione. Every time we did go, I would constantly scan the crowds in hope of catching a glimpse of you." Emma took a sip of her wine before continuing, "My parents passed a few years back within a few months of each other. I'm sure you remember that I didn't really have any other family. What do you do with your time? Even when you were younger, you always have been interest in helping those in need." Seeing the hesitant look in Narcissa's eyes, she said, "Don't give me that look, even back then I knew what was truly in your heart, despite trying to hide your true self from the world around you."

"I could never get a thing past you. Your just like Andy when it comes down to it. I sit on a few boards for some of the local charities. I was never really permitted to do anything of worth and was expected to be a proper Pure Blood wife." Replied Narcissa, who watched as the waiter was coming closer with their meals.

Emma waited for the waiter to leave to ask, "What interests you? Now that the opportunity has presented itself, what would you like to do?"

Emma watched closely as Narcissa began to elegantly tuck into the first course and saw that she was thinking how to answer. Finishing her bite Narcissa said, "You really should try this. It is absolutely divine." Narcissa put a small amount on her fork and reached over to feed it to Emma who instantly closed her eyes the moment it hit her tongue. Narcissa moved slightly forward in her chair, as if she was a moth drawn to the flame. "As for what I want to do with my life, I don't really have an answer. All I know is that as long as I have you by my side, that is all that I need."

The rest of the evening was as spectacular as the beginning. Their conversation flowed pleasantly and with wonderful ease. Their meal was coming to a close and Emma was laughing as the two were reminiscing about one of their few adventures while in France all those years ago. Narcissa took a large sip of champagne, attempting to thrum up the courage to tell Emma her feelings. Deciding it was now or never she said, "Emma darling, I have something to tell you." She saw Emma stiffen and put a warm comforting hand on Emma's to show that she wasn't going anywhere. "I know we both have told each other that we were beginning to fall in love with each other. I need to tell you the truth. I am in love with you, and have been for a very long time." Emma had tears beginning to form in her eyes as she clutched Narcissa's hand with all her strength. "But there is more to it that that darling. I believe we are soul mates…"

Narcissa never got the chance to finish her statement as Emma gasped and clearly looked panicked. "We need to head back to the manor. Something has happened to Hermione." Narcissa motioned for the bill and watched as Emma drained her glass.

Narcissa quickly paid and went to help a shaking Emma up from her chair. Throwing caution to the wind, Narcissa pulled Emma in for a kiss that was meant to not only distract her, but also to convey that she wasn't going anywhere. When she pulled back, she cupped both sides of Emma's face and said, "Take a deep breath for me darling. I need you to keep it together for just a little longer. The reporters may still be outside waiting for us. Can you do that for me?" Emma squared her shoulders and gave a small nod. Narcissa gave her a warm smile and said, "I am terrible sorry our evening is ending on this note. But I am not sorry for what we spoke of and meant every word. I love you Emma, I have never stopped." Seeing that Emma was not fully in the moment, she moved to escort her out of their secluded table.

Emma pulled on Narcissa's arm to stop her from moving and essentially begged her to turn around. When Narcissa complied, Emma said, "I know there is more for us to talk about, but I need to tell you something." Emma paused to ensure she held Narcissa's full attention. While gazing deeply into those stormy eyes she said, "I love you too." They both leaned in and sealed their declarations with a kiss and felt a magical shock run straight to their cores.

Longbottom Manor-

Eilidh flashed a grateful Emma and an amused Narcissa to the front entrance way. Emma playfully slapped at Narcissa's arm at the chuckle and said, "You may be use to apparition, but it will take some time for me, not to mention the fact that I have another tiny human sucking away at my life force."

Hearing voices coming from the hall, Neville and Draco decided to take a look, but when they got there, the hallway was empty. Draco turned to Neville and said, "I could have sworn I just heard my mother." They both shrugged their shoulders and turned to head back into the library.

As Emma reached the room Hermione was staying in, she heard Harry say, "I am well aware of that already. Tell me, what would have really happened if Emma knew what Hermione was really going through."

Emma pushed the door open and in a voice made of steel said, "Why don't you tell me exactly what my daughter was going through."

Edited: 7/13/17