Chapter Text
A throat clearing. “Um…Ms Granger?”
Hermione looks up from her desk. Hmm? Oh.
Jonathon smiling at her awkwardly from his desk. And an owl right in front of her. With a parcel.
Hermione smiles back across at Jonathon gratefully. She’d been completely absorbed in reading the feedback from the AGM last week. Mostly positive, thank goodness. A real success. All parties had been very pleased when she wrote to them asking for their input. A collaborative approach. In the end, she mostly sat back. An intermediary rather than a leader.
She begins untying the parcel. “Thanks, Jonathon. And you really can call me Hermione. It’s been…”
A book. Hmm. She wonders who could possibly have sent her a book?
She laughs softly to herself. Opens the front cover expectantly.
Screaming, darling
“I’m not,” she whispers to herself. “I was never screaming. You’ve just turned up my volume.”
Wait.
Book.
Uh oh.
Anniversary? Two months since the first book?
She hastily stands up and throws her coat on. Shit. They have too many anniversaries. It’s confusing. It’s— what day— what’s the time?
Quarter to two. Okay. Perfect. Still time.
“Come in.”
Hermione sighs. Lowers her fist from where it was about to knock on Narcissa’s office door. Turns the handle.
Narcissa looks up from her desk and smiles at her. “Hermione. What a lovely surprise.”
Hermione walks in with a laugh, shutting the door. “You’re not surprised at all. I know you were listening. You did it again. Spoke too soon.”
Narcissa stills. “Oh. No knock.”
Shakes her head at herself. Stands up and walks around her desk. “Well, I suppose I…you brought coffee?”
Hermione puts the flask of coffee on the desk with a grin. Yes! So she had managed to shield her mind. Or at least bury the memory. Finally she’s getting the hang of it. An actual surprise coffee date.
Yes, your progress has been acceptable. Exceeded my expectations, even Narcissa smirks.
Still in her head. Show off. I can’t help that you’re the best legilimens in…the whole of Britain. Maybe even the whole world or— I can keep Andy out!
Narcissa’s smirk turns into a full out smile. “Teddy could keep Andromeda out.”
Hermione frowns. Teddy knows occlumency?
Narcissa laughs. “No. But he will. I’ll make sure of it. There are certain things I’m sure he won’t want his grandmother nosing in on as he gets older. Andromeda has no sense of privacy.”
Hermione scoffs. “And you didn’t look in Draco’s head? When he was a teenager?”
Narcissa’s fingers tap on the desk. No comment
Hermione laughs. “Speaking of comments, did you see the Prophet?”
Narcissa leans against the desk and conjures two teacups. Begins pouring them coffee. “Quit Bugging Us: the outright lies of Rita Skeeter. Yes. Not the title I would have chosen, but effective, nonetheless. I have had people…apologise to me today.”
Apologise?
Narcissa nods softly, looking away. Uncomfortable. “For their opinion of me. People have been…smiling at me. Strangers. Thinking good thoughts. Positive things. It’s…”
Hermione takes the coffee from her hands and steps closer, pulling Narcissa by the chin to face her. “I know. But you’ll get used to it. You deserve it. You’re a good person. And people can finally see it.”
Narcissa sighs through a smile. You know me too well
Hermione smiles back. Inside and out. Happy two-month anniversary
Narcissa laughs. “Anniversary of what? Because if I recall, two months ago I was busy shouting you out of my office.”
Hermione grins. Presses closer. “Exactly. I finally brought that coffee. My turn to be the house-elf.”
Narcissa hums. Hmm. I see. Does that make me your mistress?
Hermione groans. Pulls away, very reluctantly. “Don’t. Not— it’s two o’clock on a Wednesday, Narcissa. Don’t put those thoughts—”
“— such wonderful thoughts—”
“— in my head.” Hermione laughs again. Smiles at Narcissa.
Narcissa beams back. Another laugh. So beautiful
No. No, Narcissa is the one that is way too beautiful. Cheeky and far too manipulative. Gah, how can Hermione be sensible and go back to her boring paperwork when— when—
She strides back towards Narcissa and pulls their lips together. Strokes a thumb over her pulse. I love you
Narcissa hums, wrapping her arms around her. Not yet
Hermione groans. Half in frustration, and half because Narcissa’s fingers and beginning to wander, as usual, despite being in her office. It’s been months. How much longer— I love you. I do love you. I love you every—
Not as much as me Narcissa sighs. Kisses her firmly and then pulls away.
Pushes her back and pats her hair down. “But you are right that perhaps I am being rather unprofessional. And our coffee has gone cold. I…do have some patients to tend to.”
Hermione takes a few steadying breaths. Right. Yes. Not professional. Can’t have people walking in on this. They don’t need a real scandal on their hands.
Narcissa walks back around her desk, smooths down her robes, and picks up her quill. “I’ll see you this evening? In the garden?”
Oh. Hermione had forgotten about that. “Yes. I’ll have to find something green to wear.”
Narcissa looks up with a sly smirk. Burning eyes. “Slytherin colours? You’d betray your own house for me?”
Hermione turns with an exaggerated sigh and heads for the door. Anything for you, darling. Should I spike the drinks?
Narcissa laughs from behind her. “You believe cheating is necessary?”
Hermione pauses at the door. Hand on the handle. Looks behind her and grins. “No. No, not really. You’ll win. How could you not? You have a plan, don’t you? A strategy?”
Narcissa nods.
Hermione shrugs. Then you’ve already won. No-one could outsmart you
And walks out of the office, closing the door behind her. With that look in Narcissa’s eye? She’d better leave whilst she still can.
Yes, get out of here, Miss Granger. One mile should do it Narcissa murmurs into her head.
Hermione smiles. Walks faster.
Hermione hastily leaves her bag on a cloak stand by the backdoor and jogs out across the manor grounds. Spots eight figures on broomsticks, four red, four green, and hurries over to a bench where Andy is sat with a very excited Teddy.
“Am I late? Did I—”
“Just about to start,” Andromeda grins. “Nice shirt. Very…green.”
Hermione shrugs. “Winning colours.”
Andy snorts. “Well I’m not arguing. Now I see why you couldn’t be ref.”
Hermione laughs. Watches the figures fly closer. “Who did they get for referee in the end? Oh. And is that Bill and Fleur with Narcissa and Draco? I’ve never seen Fleur fly. Is she good?”
Teddy jumps to his feet. “She’s quite good. Not as good as…well, any of the others. But sometimes Ron and Ginny go a bit funny around her and forget what they’re doing, so she just takes the quaffle from them. She’s a chaser.”
Hermione shares a look with Andy. Veela charms. Isn’t that cheating?
Cheating? Who said cheating? More like using her skills to her advantage Andromeda says into her head.
And then Teddy pulls out a whistle and walks further out into the grounds.
He’s referee?
The players fly to hover above him, except Bill and Ron who are guarding a hoop each. Hermione can’t believe there are hoops in the garden now. Although she’s surprised there isn’t a whole quidditch pitch with how excited Narcissa and Draco were about it. And Harry. And…wow, she really does have a lot of sporty friends.
“Alright, everyone!” Teddy shouts squeakily. “I’m expecting a nice, clean game. No cheating. No grabbing. We only have two keepers, four chasers and two beaters. No snitch, sorry Uncle Harry, but there aren’t enough players.”
Harry laughs. “That’s okay, Tedster. I’m looking forward to trying out this bat.”
And he throws the beater’s bat in the air, spinning and catching it. Harry’s beater? Not George?
Teddy wags his finger. “Only on the ball. No hitting people with the bat. That’s a foul.”
Hermione covers her mouth to hide her smile. He really has been listening to Narcissa. Channelling her. That finger wag and glare.
And he is a very good, fair referee, is he not? Perfectly aware of the rules and possible misdemeanours
Hermione searches out Narcissa’s eye. Ah. So she got to be beater like she wanted.
Narcissa nods. Which leaves Draco and Ms Delacour as chasers against Ginevra and George
Yeah, why is that? I thought George would be beater and Harry would be chaser
Narcissa laughs into her head. They’re trying to throw off my strategy. But why they think Harry will be confident enough aiming bludgers at Draco, or anyone for that matter, I do not know. He is far too kind-hearted
You’re kind-hearted, and you’re a beater Hermione reminds her.
Narcissa ducks her head. Well, no. Well, yes. But—
Teddy clears his throat. “Hello?! Lovebirds? Auntie Cissa, are you paying attention? A bludger is a very dangerous item, not a toy.”
Narcissa’s head darts up, and everyone stifles laughter as she’s scolded by an eight year old.
She clears her throat. “Apologies, referee Tonks.”
Teddy nods. “Right then.”
And he opens a chest on the grass at his feet, talking quietly to himself.
Safety procedures Narcissa explains. He is correct. Bludgers are dangerous
And yet they’re still using them for a friendly match. No-one could resist.
Teddy leans his head back out of the way, and releases the bludgers.
Then jumps to his feet, quaffle in hand. “On my whistle!”
And he throws the quaffle as high as he can, and quickly fumbles to blow the whistle. It is quite a difficult job, actually.
And then Andy is dragging him back towards the bench as he just stands there watching everyone take to the skies.
“On the sidelines. Come on. You brought your binoculars,” Andy says firmly but gently.
Teddy huffs but moves further back. Stands up on the bench to watch. His balance has definitely improved.
And Hermione’s eyes are back on the match.
Fast. It’s very fast. Who has the— George has the quaffle. And now Ginny. George. Gin—
George fumbles the catch, distracted by the bludger Narcissa sent towards Ginny. He must have forgotten he wasn’t beater, moving to block the shot and getting in the way of Harry.
Draco swoops down and catches the quaffle, no opposition now as he speeds towards the hoop, other team close tog—
Harry sends a bludger at Draco. It’s going to—
Narcissa blocks it. “Delacour! Duck and move!” she roars. “Plan C!”
And the bludger heads towards Fleur and George, sending them darting and diving out of the—
Draco has taken a shot, but Ron saves it, hanging off the broom with one hand. “Gin! Pond-side!”
He feigns left but throws right, Ginny swooping in to catch—
Fleur intercepts. “We all know the Burrow, Cherie. Draco!”
She throws it high in the air, but Draco is being blocked by George and—
Draco drops instead. Turns in completely the opposite direction—
George shoots upwards. Up after the quaffle.
Straight into the path of Narcissa’s bludger. Oh! That was close! It only narrowly missed his shoulder. If he hadn’t turned—
The quaffle falls straight back down to Fleur, who hasn’t even moved. And probably wasn’t seen as a threat as Ginny has headed off after Draco.
Fleur catches it and speeds towards the hoop—
Harry sends a bludger—
Narcissa hits it straight back at him with a resounding crack.
“Are you trying to kill him?!” Draco yells as Harry ducks out of the way, wide-eyed.
“Oh grow some balls, Draco!” Narcissa shouts back. What the—
Teddy blows loudly on his whistle, arms in the air. “One nil to the greens!”
What? Oh! Fleur managed to send the quaffle past Ron into the hoop whilst everyone was distracted. Yes!
Hermione jumps to her feet. “Yes, Fleur! Woo!”
“One nil!” Andy shouts triumphantly.
“Morgana’s t— right!” Ginny growls. “Ref Tonks! Can we pause the match for a rebrief?”
“Umm…no. Unless you want to make a substitution?” Teddy calls back.
Ginny nods. “Harry and George. They’re swapping. And—”
She takes the bat from Harry, gives it to George, and begins whispering furiously.
Narcissa laughs from the other side of the pitch. “Whispering won’t stop me!” she sing-songs.
Ginny growls again. “Change of plan! I’m beater! I’m gonna bloody—”
“Language, Auntie Ginny!”
“—blooming whack her right in the mouth if—”
“No threatening the other team, Weasley, or I’m sending you off!” Teddy shouts, folding his arms.
Ginny bites her tongue.
Fleur sticks her tongue out at her, throwing and catching the quaffle. “Do you want this from the hoop, or the centre?”
Ginny huffs. “Centre. Please.”
Teddy walks forwards so that Fleur can pass the quaffle to him, and Harry laughs. “Cheer up, Gin. We have a long way to go yet. We’ll get them.”
Hmm. With the way Ginny’s hefting that bat, Hermione is pretty sure someone’s going to get got.
Don’t worry, darling. She won’t. And I have skelegrow to hand if—
“Narcissa, if you dare do something reckless—” Hermione snaps.
“On my whistle!” Teddy yells.
And the quaffle is back in the air, whistle blowing shrilly, and a bludger already flying at Narcissa.
She casually falls to the side and rolls upside down. “Bill, go left!” she shouts.
And Harry curses as Bill easily saves his goal, already passing the quaffle to Draco—
Who drops the quaffle as a bludger hits into his broom, spinning him wildly. “Weasel!” Draco shouts. “These brooms are too bloody expensive—”
“Language, Cousin Draco!” Teddy laughs as Draco spins, a blur of green and blond.
And George catches the quaffle. Passes to Harry. Who—
Ginny smacks a bludger at Narcissa for no reason. Hermione jolts to her feet. “Ginny! She’s not doing—”
Narcissa sends the bludger at Harry, who dives low to the ground, Draco on his heels.
“Now this takes me back!” Harry laughs to him as they duck and dodge. “Hope Lockhart doesn’t show up!””
Draco laughs back. “And I hope I don’t fall on my arse!”
Narcissa huffs. “Stop talking, Draco, and listen!”
Listen?
Is Narcissa…coaching her team in their heads?
“I knew it!” Ron yells. “They’ve got— Get out of my head!”
“Why? Are you worried about that dream you had last night?” Narcissa calls, smirking.
And then swings her bat behind her without looking, stopping Ginny’s bludger and sending it towards Harry and Draco.
Harry shouts and rolls. “Gin! Defence as well as attack! Come on!”
And he passes to George, needing both hands for the broom—
Draco intercepts. Aims for the hoop— scores!
The whistle blows. “Two nil greens!”
Narcissa and Fleur both fly over to congratulate Draco, Narcissa almost pulling him off the broom as she hugs him.
Hermione smiles. Watches. Narcissa is so happy. Her happy place brought to life. Draco grinning back at her. Getting to use her amazing brain to outsmart everyone.
The match restarts. Hermione is distantly aware of the whistle blowing.
Just watches Narcissa.
Andy chuckles from next to her. “Well look at that. Hermione Granger all gooey eyed for the quidditch player.”
Oh.
Hermione scoffs embarrassedly. “For my girlfriend. It’s not the quidditch—”
“— it’s a little bit the quidditch—”
“— it’s the strategy,” Hermione finishes firmly.
Andy laughs even louder. “Oh the strategy! Right, I see. Now that makes more sense. Always knew Cissy would find a fellow swot to…read encyclopaedias with or something.”
Hermione rolls her eyes. “We don’t read encyclopaedias together. That’s completely—”
“What do you read together, then?”
“Nothing!” Hermione shouts. “We just sometimes discuss certain articles or papers when—”
The whistle blows loudly. “Two – one to the green team!”
What?!
Hermione looks up. Harry scored? Already? The red team—
Screaming, Miss Granger Narcissa sighs.
Oh. Oops. She distracted Narcissa.
Andy winks at her. “Someone had to challenge Cissy. Can’t make it too easy for her. You know, I’ve read my fair share of articles myself. Did you see the latest discussion on ghosts and the question of citizenship rights?”
And Hermione sits down with Andy to listen. Ghosts? No. But that sounds fascinating. Ghosts take localisation very seriously as part of their self-identity. Look at Moaning Myrtle.
Hmm. She wonders…
And begins debating with Andy. Can’t resist. Sorry, Narcissa.
Hermione checks her hair in the mirror, nods at herself, and then walks out of the en-suite bathroom.
Stops to watch Narcissa, who is finishing applying her lipstick in the full-length bedroom mirror, changed out of her quidditch robes. Wearing a dress.
Her dress is undone at the back.
Hermione walks over to zip it up. Can’t resist letting a finger trail up her spine.
Narcissa shivers. “You’re certain you wish to dine out tonight?”
Hermione meets her eye in the mirror. Nods. “We have a lot to celebrate. Two months since you shouted me out of your office. And a victory for the green team in the first match of the season.”
Narcissa laughs. “An anniversary of nothing, and a friendly game of quidditch between friends? No. I don’t believe you. Why are we really going out?”
Hermione laughs back. “Umm…because I want to take you to dinner?”
Narcissa leans back against her. “And you want to help me get used to being seen in public again. Now that people see me in this…new light.”
Hermione sighs. Wraps her arms around her. We can finally relax. Let our guards down. But I know that’s difficult for you. We don’t have to. If you’d rather stay home, then—
Narcissa turns and kisses her cheek. Then wipes the lipstick mark away. A challenge for me, you’re right. I do find myself slipping occasionally. But I’m sure with you there…Yes. Let’s celebrate. A match won. Rita Skeeter on the run
Hermione laughs and picks up her bag, heading out of the room. “You make it sound like she’s a wanted criminal. She hasn’t been charged—”
“She is a social pariah. Has practically been banished. Out into the wilderness with you, Ms Skeeter.”
Hermione snorts at Narcissa’s obvious glee. “I hope she’s literally holed up outside somewhere. Hiding under a rock. Although I feel sorry for the other bugs with her around.”
Narcissa laughs from behind her as they go down the stairs. “With the amount of people that spoke against her in this morning’s exposé, she may have to live amongst the animals for quite some time. Unless she has been unwittingly stepped on. I haven’t heard even a whisper from her since the…river.”
Hermione stops at the floo and turns to raise an eyebrow at Narcissa. Who rightfully looks away at the mention of the most stupid idea she ever—
“I know,” Narcissa groans. “Can we please just forget that I ever—”
“No,” Hermione says. “I’m going to keep reminding you of it until it gets into your head that your safety should be the first factor in all of your plans. For the next hundred years if I have to.”
Narcissa looks up, startled. Hundred?
Hermione grins. She did it again. Surprised her. She loves surprising Narcissa.
And quickly takes her arm. “We’d better get going. Don’t want to be late and miss our booking. I’ll side-apparate us just outside. Well, around the corner.”
Narcissa looks even more confused. “We’re not taking the floo?”
Yes! Two surprises. She believed the red herring. “No floo,” Hermione whispers.
And apparates them away.
One table? Are all muggle establishments like this? Narcissa whispers cautiously.
Hermione squeezes her hand and then lets go so she can climb onto a stool at the long restaurant table, her and Narcissa filling the last two spaces. No, restaurants are the same for muggles and wizards. This one is just trying something. A way for people to connect in cities. Eating with strangers
She glances at Narcissa. Checks her expression. It’s closing up a bit, as she thought. You don’t have to talk. You can just listen. And we can go somewhere else if it’s too hard, but I thought we should both try to make some more muggle friends. We don’t have any!
Narcissa swallows. Nods.
Taps the man beside her on the shoulder. “I’m terribly sorry to bother you, but could you pass the water?”
He turns. He looks like he’s in his…twenties or thirties. Dressed casually but fashionably.
“Oh, yeah, sure. Where…Hannah, this lady wants the water. Can you pass— here.”
He takes the jug from ‘Hannah’, the girl next to him, and then pours some water into Narcissa’s glass with a smile. “There we are. Can I pour some for…your friend?”
Narcissa offers up Hermione’s glass. “Girlfriend, actually.”
He fumbles the jug slightly, but continues. “Oh shit. Sorry. I didn’t mean— girlfriend, cool. This is my girlfriend, Hannah. I’m Mark, by the way.”
Narcissa smiles tightly back. “I’m Narcissa, and this is Hermione. Quite unusual names, I know. Don’t worry if you struggle with them.”
Hannah laughs. “I know a Hermione, actually. One of my friends from back home. It’s from Shakespeare, right?”
Hermione leans past Narcissa to smile at her. “Yes! You’re the first person to notice that. From The Winter’s Tale. My parents thought it was an interesting name. Which didn’t really help growing up as a bit of a nerd.”
Mark laughs. “I was a nerd too! They called me Bookmark. High five, nerd gang!”
Hermione reaches to high-five him, getting a very confused look from Narcissa.
“High-five?” Narcissa asks quietly.
Hannah rolls her eyes. “Yeah, hate to break it to you, babe, but I think you’re still a nerd.”
He laughs. “Hey! Would a nerd have just bought a MySpace mobile?”
And he pulls out a mobile phone, turning to Narcissa. “Check this out. Have you heard of MySpace?”
“I cannot say that I have,” Narcissa says slowly.
Hermione bites her lip against laughter.
Mark just nods. “Yeah, it’s still pretty new. A lot of older— uhh I mean— well it’s mostly just teenagers that use it. Younger than me. But it’s the next big thing, I’m telling you. We have a page. Mostly for Hannah’s music. See, this is the page. On a mobile!”
He holds up the phone for Narcissa to see, clearly pleased with himself.
What…the hell is he talking about? Myspace?
Hermione really does need some muggle friends.
Narcissa hums. “So you can communicate through the…website…on this…mobile phone. Ah. I see. A global communications system. So it’s for entertainment? Or is this business?”
He shrugs. “Bit of both.”
“Hopefully business once I get going,” Hannah adds. “Lots of musicians get their big break on there. Or just a bit of a boost. Arctic Monkeys, Lily Allen. They’re all over the radio now.”
Narcissa nods. “Then I’ll be sure to…recommend your…page.”
Hannah smiles brightly at her. Wow, Narcissa’s doing really well at this. Hermione can’t quite believe it.
All in their heads. Although quite the…rabbit hole of information. That’s another muggle saying
Hermione laughs quietly into her glass. I know. Alice in Wonderland
Narcissa turns to her with a frown. Another musician? Alice? Where’s…why are you thinking about mushrooms?
Hermione laughs some more and squeezes her hand. “Not a musician. Never mind.”
“Excuse me, dears?”
They both look up. An old lady across the table smiles at them. “Would you mind taking our photo? Me and Dennis, here.”
She hands a camera to Narcissa, nudging the old man beside her. “Dennis. Dennis, this lovely young lady is going to take our picture.”
More confounded technology! Narcissa huffs. Where is the— how do I see—
This is the ‘on’ button Hermione explains, pressing it. And then to take the picture, press that one
Ah, I see. Thank you
And she kisses Hermione’s cheek. Then freezes. Oh. I hadn’t meant to—
Hermione cautiously looks across the table at the older couple. Please don’t be weird about this. Please be—
The old lady just smiles. “Ready when you are, dears. I’m glad someone can figure out all this new-fangled technology. Got that one from our grandson. Such a sweet boy. From him and his partner, actually. Michael.”
Hermione breathes a sigh of relief.
Narcissa clears her throat. “A very thoughtful gift. You must be…proud of him.”
The old lady laughs. “Oh, he’s a bit of a flake, to be honest. Always running off with some new idea, starting a new scheme. Think…outfits for dogs is his latest. Still. We love him to pieces, all the same. Can’t live their lives for them, can you? It’ll just make them miserable or send them running. That’s what I tell our Julie.”
Narcissa barks out a surprised laugh and quickly covers her mouth. “Apologies. I did not mean to— yes. Yes, you are certainly right. Oh.”
She looks towards the back of the restaurant. “I…believe the food will be arriving shortly.”
Hermione turns. And sure enough, the kitchen doors open, waiters and dishes emerging.
“Oh, that was fast. Yes, take a quick snap before Dennis drops something down his shirt. He always does. Dennis?” the old lady says a bit more loudly to get her husband’s attention.
Narcissa raises the camera. “Smile. Oh, let me try again with the…flash. Hermione, where is…”
“It’s that setting there,” Mark points out, leaning closer. “See, what you want to do is—”
“Oh, leave her alone, Mark,” Hannah laughs. “He’s always doing that. Taking over. I’m sure she knows how to take a photo.”
Narcissa shakes her head. “I am not the best photographer, so the advice is appreciated. But I should probably just take a few before Dennis falls asleep in his dinner.”
Dennis’ head jerks up, and he smiles good-humouredly, his wife looking at him fondly.
Narcissa snaps the picture. Perfect
Wha— How does Narcissa always manage to manipulate people like that?! Like it was nothing!
Narcissa hands the camera back. Years of practice, and two sisters who needed to be managed very carefully
Oh. Ha. Makes sense. Juggling Bellatrix and Andy must have been a nightmare.
The food is placed down in front of them. Various dishes, all to be shared.
Narcissa serves some potatoes onto both her and Hermione’s plate, and then passes it along to Mark.
Turns back to Hermione, grinning. “Once, Bella borrowed Andromeda’s hairbrush, and it got stuck. Completely knotted in her hair. I had to cut it off.”
Hmm. Hermione would laugh, but….
Narcissa gasps. “That happened to you too?! What on Earth were you doing to—”
“You don’t understand! You don’t have curly hair. Of course your hair is always just silky and shiny and perfect. I’m kind of with Bellatrix on this one. Sorry,” she jokes. Always good to joke about Bellatrix.
And Narcissa does laugh. “But I’m guessing you didn’t throw the hairbrush out the window afterwards?”
Hermione serves them some vegetables, shaking her head with a chuckle. “No. But I can picture her doing that. Was Andy annoyed?”
Narcissa hums. “Very. Especially because the hairbrush hit Father in the head, and she got blamed for it.”
Oh no!
Narcissa nods. Sighs. “And then Andromeda got revenge, of course. Back and forth, the revenge went. An amusing but rather fraught summer. I was quite relieved when they returned to Hogwarts and left me in peace.”
The sadness is creeping in. Hermione reaches under the counter and squeezes Narcissa’s knee.
Narcissa jumps, table rattling and everyone looking. You’re touching me? Here? People might— Warn me before—
Hermione bursts out laughing. “See! Ha! Your turn to know what it’s like!” she hisses in Narcissa’s ear.
And Narcissa’s face falls completely blank. Calm.
She serves them some chicken and begins eating.
Hermione cautiously begins eating too. What’s…
Did she say something wrong?
Narcissa chuckles into her head. No. I am merely demonstrating how to keep your composure at the dinner table. It is not that difficult
Wha— that’s—
Narcissa remains blank faced. Icy.
Hmm. Ice Queen. So…
Hermione picks up her fork and begins eating too.
But removes her left hand from Narcissa’s knee. Finds her hand instead. Just takes her hand. Casually.
And then remembers. Thinks back, and remembers the first time she saw Narcissa at St Mungo’s. Thinks about them bickering as they hurried down the corridor with Ginny. About how flustered they both were when Podsley told her to get Narcissa into bed.
Smiles to herself. She knew it right then. Knew Narcissa was embarrassed. And then— To think Narcissa sent her that book. Came to see her the next day in Ginny’s hospital room. And probably heard Ginny and Harry teasing her about it. About their academic flirting and coffee date.
Hermione glances sideways at Narcissa. Thinks there might possibly be a twitch to her lip. The start of a smile.
Hermione grins. Remembers the bookshop. The tiger. How Narcissa was so tired afterwards that she swooned in Hermione’s arms.
I did not swoon. I was severely sleep deprived and—
Hermione laughs softly. Remembers how she ordered Narcissa into bed. How Narcissa told her to come to bed. How torturous and awkward it had been to lie so close to each other with all her thoughts running wild.
Now Narcissa’s façade does break slightly. She glances sideways at Hermione as she takes a mouthful of food. You should have seen my thoughts. Especially when you were imagining my legs
Hermione nudges her. And then we fell asleep. I woke up with you on top of me. As usual
Narcissa breaks completely. Smiles at her. I cannot help it if you’re always warm and I’m always cold
Hermione smiles back. “That’s why?” she whispers. “You’re like a cat? And I’m warmest thing?”
Narcissa leans to whisper in her ear. “Warm…and very nice to feel beneath me.”
Hermione feels her cheeks heat up. Narcissa! Public place!
Narcissa chuckles. Doesn’t move away. Puts a hand on her knee. Hmm. Yes. And your decision that brought us here. I thought by now you knew what you were getting into with me. I can never resist you for long. Especially when you deliberately tease me with our love story
Hermione pulls back triumphantly. “Love story! You said it! Love!”
Everyone turns to look. Hermione doesn’t care. Just beams at Narcissa.
Narcissa opens her mouth as if to protest. Then closes it. Stares into Hermione’s eyes. So intently. Searches.
Those eyes. Hermione still shivers sometimes at the intensity of those eyes.
“Perhaps…you do,” Narcissa murmurs. She seems…confused. “You love me.”
Hermione sighs. “Of course I do. Did you really think I didn’t? I’ve been telling you for months. It must have been screaming from my mind. I love you.”
Narcissa puts down her cutlery. Shakes her head dazedly.
Mark clears his throat. “Uhh…sorry for earwigging, but you two are definitely in love. Both of you.”
Narcissa turns to glare at him. “I’m not sure it is for you to decide if—”
“No, it’s not, but he’s right, Narcissa.” Hannah smiles, leaning past him. “I mean, have you seen the way your girl’s been looking at you since you sat down? I’m kind of jealous. I thought those looks only existed in the movies.”
“She’s a keeper,” Dennis says out of nowhere, his warm voice surprising Hermione. He spoke. Has looked up at them, eyes now focused and sparkling.
There are more murmurs of agreement from the rest of the table. Oh. Has everyone been watching them?
And Narcissa bursts out laughing. Her hands cover her mouth in shock, eyes darting to person after person. Head turning. Looking around the whole restaurant.
They all think…all of them think…
Hermione laughs with her. Just watches her fondly.
Narcissa sighs shakily. Brings her hands down. No-one has ever loved me as much as I love them. Not without them being taken away
Hermione instantly reaches for her hand. I’m not going anywhere
Narcissa takes another sharp breath. Shakes her head. I can’t— want to run. There are too many— it’s too much— I’m sorry, I—
Hermione just continues smiling and climbs off the stool. “Then let’s run. I paid in advance. We’re not trapped here. If you want to run, run.”
And then Hermione is being dragged out of the restaurant. She manages to turn and wave goodbye to the others at the table, and then they’re out under the cold night air.
And they keep running. Hermione has no idea where they’re going. Where Narcissa is taking them. If she even has a direction in mind. But she lets herself be pulled along through the city streets.
“How are you running in heels?” she eventually has to pant out.
“Charms,” Narcissa pants back. “Do you really think— that my whole life— I haven’t found a solution to— to impractical footwear?”
Hermione laughs breathlessly as she’s pulled around a corner and through a gate. “You could just wear different shoes.”
You like my shoes. You like my legs
Well, Hermione isn’t denying that.
And she can’t focus on the conversation anymore. She can’t breathe. The path is inclining up a hill, streets left behind them, grass on either side.
Narcissa keeps pulling at her now sweaty hand. “Don’t stop. I need to— keep running. Just a bit longer.”
Hermione nods resignedly. Pushes through the burning pain in her legs.
Narcissa laughs into her head. Ridiculous. I’m sorry, darling. Nearly there
Nearly where? The top of the highest fucking hill in— she didn’t even know there was a hill—
They reach the top. The grassy top of the hill. There’s a bench.
Hermione collapses onto it. No more running. Sit
Narcissa sits next to her, both of them leaning on their knees to catch their breaths.
Hermione really needs do more exercise. Sat at a desk. All day. No muscles left. If running is going to become a part of her life, then she needs to get in better shape before Narcissa gives her a heart attack.
Narcissa takes her hand again. Sits up straight.
Then tilts her head skyward, breathing out a sigh. The highest point in the city. The furthest we could run. Run off the Earth and into the stars
Hermione takes one last calming breath.
Looks up.
The sky doesn’t feel close. It feels very far away. An overwhelming distance. They’re small, down here. Two witches clinging to each other’s hands on a hill.
Narcissa glances sideways at her. When everything feels so big…it’s nice to feel small
Hermione nods. Rubs her thumb over Narcissa’s hand. “Small together,” she whispers softly.
Narcissa smiles. A shy smile. Sorry
Hermione shakes her head. “Don’t be.”
Narcissa squeezes her hand.
Then let’s go. Reaches for Hermione’s bag, which is miraculously still hanging on her shoulder.
Narcissa opens it. Reaches inside. All the way to the elbow.
It’s an expanded bag.
And pulls out a tin. Opens it. Smiles more cheekily at Hermione. “Secret cake?”
Hermione laughs in surprise. Looks down at the now slightly squashed and smeared cupcakes in the tin. “How did— when did you— in my bag?”
Narcissa hands her one. “Very simply. You are easily distracted. And in love with a slytherin.”
Hermione slowly takes the offering. Brushes her fingers over Narcissa’s. Holds eye contact. “Yes. I am.”
Narcissa just shrugs. Pulls away and reaches for one herself. “I know. You’ve been in love with me for months. Perhaps longer. Now, I hope these are alright. I of course did not have time to make them. Teddy is responsible, supervised by Draco—”
Wha—
Narcissa knew this whole time that Hermione was in love with her?! “Narcissa! So this whole time you’ve just been teasing me and— gah!”
And she smears the frosted cupcake over Narcissa’s infuriating smirk. Cheek to cheek right over her mouth.
Narcissa freezes. Stares at her. Wipes a finger down her cheek, collecting a bit of frosting, and staring at it in appalled horror.
Then looks back to Hermione. Grips the tin in her hand more firmly.
Uh oh.
Hermione stands up and backs away. “Narcissa…”
Narcissa smiles. A terrifying smile which freezes Hermione in her tracks. Oh no…
Shit.
Narcissa chuckles. “Are you going to try to run? Because there isn’t much point. You know I always win.”
Hermione sighs. Closes her eyes. Just do it
She hears the tin being put down on the bench. Hears Narcissa’s dress move as she walks closer. Waits.
Smells Narcissa’s perfume. And then the sweetness of frosting.
And the cake is slowly dragged from one side of Hermione’s lips to the other.
And then bops her on the nose. Hey!
Hermione’s eyes snap open.
Narcissa smiles at her softly. Apologies. Couldn’t resist
Hermione smiles back. Smiles at Narcissa Black, stood with her on a hill, in the dark. Dressed to the nines.
Still red-cheeked from running and with frosting covering her face.
A glint to her eyes. Listening to Hermione’s thoughts.
Hermione sighs resignedly once more.
Yep. Narcissa has definitely won. Has seduced her.
Is killing her.
Killing her softly.