The Right by Parks and Fiction, Chapter 36 Blaze stepped out
onto the patio and held out a cup.
Pansy eyed it. Did you spike it?
The corner of his mouth rose. Just coffee, I swear.
She wrinkled her nose. His murk spread with two sugars.
She took a tentative sip. Your boyfriend keeps trying to
turn me into an alcoholic. He settled into the chair next
to her with his own coffee. Well, you are officially a
member of his family now. He said.
I'm not sure he knows how to be related to someone who isn't.
She'd been living with them for the past week.
While Pansy had always had a room at Blaise's house from the
day he bought it. Something felt painfully
permanent about moving in. Daphne had gone to Neville's
cottage and collected all of Pansy's things.
She didn't ask her if she'd seen Neville, and Daphne didn't
OfferUp any information. After taking a week off when she
was in Saint Mungo's and then unexpectedly needing last Friday
off as well, her schedule was packed.
She increased her hours and worked every minute she could,
only breaking when Theo forced her to eat meals.
Today was the first time she'd intentionally sat down for
breakfast, not that she'd been able to eat much, but still.
Progress. Thursday, Blaise said yes,
finally going to have to face her.
She hadn't meant to avoid Hermione, it's just she was a
reminder of how Pansy had never been anything more than a
placeholder. Not that there had been much of
an opportunity to see Hermione. Theo made certain of that.
Hermione and Draco had apparated to Blaiser's house barely an
hour after Theo and Pansy arrived.
Potter clearly hadn't wasted any time telling Hermione what
happened during the meeting. She must have immediately left
the Ministry to tell Draco Theo had gone downstairs immediately.
The way he'd shouted at Draco for assisting in forcing Pansy
to form an unbreakable soul bond, even if it wasn't as vile
as the Parkinson Wright, instead of considering literally any
other option, had echoed through the entire house.
What, if anything, Draco had to say in response to Theo's rage
had gone too quiet for her to hear.
To her knowledge, neither Draco or Hermione had been by since
she watched a tiny red and black bird flit around her nest in the
tree of Theo's courtyard. Blaze sipped his cup.
You know it isn't her fault. Of course she did.
It was entirely Pansy's issue, and she knew she was being
unfair to Hermione. Still, she knew Hermione would
medal, and she couldn't keep taking the same rejection over
and over again. She's a fixer, she said.
She can't fix this, but she's going to want to try.
I think you're misjudging her, he said.
I think she misses you. Pansy glanced at him.
You've spoken to her. He snorted.
Dean repeatedly lectured about both of you and Theo, as if she
knows the two of you better than I do.
The corner of her mouth rose. Swat, she needed to get it all
out. He said I can take it, thank
you, she's my friend too. A small grin played on his lips.
Despite how much she loathed me at first.
Her face spread into a false smirk.
Well, after what you did to that poor how self, who could blame
her? Beppa is very happy, I'll have
you know. Sounds like brainwashing to me.
He grinned. Why didn't you or Theo tell me
you were working with Belle? It had been killing her for
days, but every time she tried to ask Theo, she remembered
those moments in the Ministry office and her throat went dry.
I don't want anything from you. I never wanted anything from
you. Pansy took a larger than
necessary gulp of her coffee. The hot liquid scalded its way
down her throat. You talked to me on Tuesday and
we didn't hear from Belle until Wednesday, he said.
Trying to get everything organised with the solicitors,
planning with Potter. When we'd made the connection
with Smith and Theo's side project to find a way to adopt,
you barely left any time for sleep, let alone find time to
meet with you. And meet with you and explain.
You can say his name, she said. I'm not going to break.
It's a stupid name. The corner of her mouth lifted
as she stared down into her coffee.
Yeah, it really is. Plus, I knew you had my
contract, so you knew you were getting out of the Bustard's
control no matter what. She left out any mention of the
blood oath, All right. When she'd asked for his help.
He found out within the day, obviously, but with as little as
she'd given him, he hadn't hesitated to help.
Thank you for that. Blaise looked over at her, his
dark brown Topaz eyes filled with sincerity.
I would have just given you the money, you know.
Something twisted inside her chest.
The bruised and battered muscle inside swelled just a bit at his
words. That's not very nouveau riche of
you. The corner of his mouth rose in
a hint of a smirk. No, but you can't say it's old
money behaviour either. She sipped her drink.
What do you call it then? Aren't I sort of your stepfather
now? Pansy glared at him.
He finished his coffee. Friend, Pansy, he said.
It's what you do for a friend. He set the cup down.
By his posture, she knew he still had something more to say.
She sipped her drink, waiting for him to be ready.
I know what it's like. She stared down into the brown
liquid, willing herself not to cry.
Not again. Obviously it all worked out for
me, but I know how you feel right now.
She bit the inside of her cheek. I wouldn't wish it on my worst
enemy. If this was turning Blaise
sentimental, she must really be pathetic.
He rose, kissing the top of her head.
Please don't be late, it'll only make her more anxious.
He was right, he usually was. Tapping her mug with her wand,
she transfigured it into a take away cup and disarrated directly
from the balcony. After that exchange, she was
certain he wanted the conversation to end as quickly
as she did. Daphne was already downstairs in
the shop, preparing for the day. She looked over Pansy with an
assessing gaze. I can do the fitting.
Completely unnecessary. She was sick of her friends
treating her like she was made of glass.
If she brings him up, I'll silence her.
Don't attack clients. Daphne pouted.
She glanced at the clock. She's late.
Her appointment isn't for six more minutes.
Exactly, she said. When is she ever not early?
Pansy pulled out her planner and began running through the
appointments. Anything to avoid a surprise.
At exactly 7:00, a crack sounded outside the store.
Hermione Granger stood on the stoop, shifting her weight from
foot to foot in a nervous stance.
Gryffindor courage, my arse. Daphne muttered under her
breath. Pansy flicked the door open with
her wand. Hermione walked in, looking
small and uncertain. Something in Pansy broke at
seeing her like that. I, I'm sorry, Hermione said as
she stepped inside. Theo was right, I should have
spoken to you instead of just jumping in without the full
knowledge of the story. I helped them find that right?
And I didn't even ask or try to find another choice.
As if Pansy had ever considered another option either.
Even if Hermione had talked to her, she would have said only
the Malfoy right would save her. And I understand if you're mad
at me because I should have worked harder to find a
different solution. I'm not mad at you, she said.
I'm just heartbroken, devastated, fooled yet again.
Hermione's expression looked agonised.
I pick you, Pansy, if that's a question, She said.
I mean, I think I could still be friends with you both, but if
it's all or nothing? Pansy walked over and stopped
directly in front of her as Hermione stared up at her with
those big, stupid brown eyes, looking like a puppy who'd just
been kicked. Pansy felt like the lowest of
lows. Instead of words, she opened up
her arms and hugged her. Granger stiffened for a moment
and then flung herself at her, squeezing as tight as she could.
I love you, Pansy. She patted her back.
Yes, yes, I'm suddenly feeling rather nauseated and need to
take a sick day. Daphne called out.
Hermione let Pansy go, wiping off her wet tears.
Oh, piss off green grass, you can be friends with whoever you
want. Pansy said quietly.
She stared up at her. OK, she said.
I'd pick you though. Yes, well, we all know you'd
make a lousy Hufflepuff. Her face fell as if it was an
insult. God, I know it was never a good
sign. When Granger slipped into muggle
speech. The witch was more distressed
than she thought. Before Pansy could come up with
something to try to cheer her, Granger straightened.
Draco and I want to invite you over for tea on Sunday.
She had that wide eyed kicked puppy dog look back on her face.
Oh, I umm, opened up my schedule after lunch.
No one had tried to stop her yet, so she was still seeing
Alice. Tea with the Longbottoms was out
of the question though. No one has taken the spot and
the appointment after is still open as well.
Daphne said. Granger's face brightened.
Well, she was committed now. She forced to smile at Daphne,
who had a hint of malicious gleam in her eyes as she smirked
at Pansy. Bloody annoying witch had been
trying to get her to take more time off.
Knowing Daphne's duplicity when it came to Pansy's schedule, she
wouldn't be surprised if she'd held those spots open anyway.
Regardless, it was a lost cause. In that case, go ahead and block
my schedule again. Mary frowned at her.
Not staying for tea again? Pansy offered her an apologetic
smile as she fluffed Alice's hair.
I know. I'm still trying to get caught
up from my weak hair. Her frown deepened.
If I ever get my hands on that scrawny coward.
She bit back her grin, A real one this time.
There was no doubt of the Healer's ferociousness, she
said. Mary said she misses you, join
T, wants her all family together.
Pansy cleared her throat, trying to shake the lump that was
there. She didn't owe Mary any
explanations, but she walked around to face Alice.
I'm sorry I can't stay today, she said.
I'll be back tomorrow and we can go to the courtyard together,
OK? Alice patted the armrest of her
chair. It had become their thing.
Pansy took her hand and then Alice laid her opposite hand on
top. Pansy completed the stack,
rubbing the top of her hand with her thumb.
Tomorrow, sweet, she said. I promise.
Alice got down from her seat and walked over to her night stand.
When she handed her the wrapper, Pansy slipped it into her
pocket, not knowing how many more she would get.
Made them all the more dear. Pansy offered Mary a small
smile. I'll see you next weekend,
Forte. Mary said with a pointed look.
She offered her no promises, certainly not one she knew she
could never keep. As she strode towards the door,
a lone figure in the doorway of the ward made her freeze for
just a moment. Fuck, and she just lied to
Alice. Surely he'd let her come back
one last time. After everything she'd done for
Alice, she deserved the chance to take a bye, right?
Straightening, she strode towards the doorway, like the
sudden appearance of her ex-husband didn't mean a thing
to her. It was a risk coming here,
especially on Sundays, but she hadn't been able to bring
herself to change Alice's routine, not after what happened
the last time Pansy hadn't shown when she was supposed to be
there. Alice tolerated Tory when Pansy
had been unconscious, but the healers made it clear she wasn't
happy about it. The closer she got to him, the
stronger the bond between them felt.
It was hardly more of a whisper of pressure on the small of her
back, but it made her long for the feel of his hands against
her skin. Although she probably would have
longed for that even without the sole bond.
She forced yet another smile on her face.
Fucking Merlin, why did these always hurt so much more than a
real grin? Neville.
The look on his face was impossible to read.
I didn't know you were still coming to see her.
Her stomach clenched. Do I need to stop?
Something in his expression fell.
No, of course not. I.
He cleared his throat. I've been worried.
Oh, she had Handel not. You mean a lot to her, so thank
you. Pansy nodded once.
The man who'd never wanted anything from her could at least
admit his mother did. His eyes darted over her face as
if searching it for clues. Oh yeah, stay in, I have an
appointment. It wasn't a lie for Tea.
Not a client at her shop, but still an appointment, one she
was all the more fucking grateful for than ever.
He nodded once. Next weekend you should.
You should stay for Tea. He certainly didn't want her
staying around for anything else.
Ma, I think Mum would like it. Right, Alice?
If there's a cancellation that can't be filled, I will.
She'd force Wieselt into a Sunday afternoon fitting if she
had to. Merlin knew that ginger which
owed her. Neville nodded.
OK. The silence between them
stretched. She could feel her resolve
starting to crack, but he was taking up the only exit.
She nodded to the door. Can I write?
Sorry. He shuffled out of the way.
Just don't want to be late. She said.
Right. He said again.
See you around, Pansy. She flashed him a brief smile
before walking down the hallway. As quickly as she could still
make appear casual, Pansy managed to make it to the flu
without incident. Granger and Draco both greased
at her in the parlour. For the first time that day, her
fake smile failed her. What's wrong?
Granger asked. You look like you've seen her.
Her face fell. Oh no, he showed up early for
tea with his mum and dad. Her head tilted.
You're still visiting Alice? Pansy exhaled slowly.
Yes. She opened up her mouth, but
Draco cut her off. D Pansy, thankful for proper
pure blood manners. Hopefully he could find a way to
distract his irritatingly nosy fiance for the rest of the tea.
Before they got halfway to the door, there was a crack and an
elf appeared. Merlin, what was her name again?
She beamed at the three of them. Mistress is coming.
Hermione frowned. I'm coming where?
Draco's head snapped to Hermione.
Pansy didn't bother to hold in her gasp.
You refer to yourself as her mistress now She turned 10
shades of red. No, I, she calls me Mistress,
you know I don't. Her protestations were cut off
as the flu burst into life. Stepping through the grate,
delicately removing any traces of ash from her person with her
wand was Narcissa Malfoy. Pansy's head snapped over to her
two friends. Draco looked paler than the day
Potter nearly killed him in six year, and Grainger could have
been petrified again for all she knew.
Draco, darling, it's good to see you looking so well, Nosis.
A smile was pained and her eyes were filled with a look of
desperate longing. Pansy supposed if she'd cut her
son off and hadn't seen him for 14 months, she might be a bit
desperate as well. Narcissa's smile turned a bit
more familiar as she saw Pansy. Good to see you too, dear.
She said. Congratulations on your
marriage. Her stomach immediately soured,
but she smiled. Thank you.
Her entire life, Narcissa Malfoy had been like a mother to her,
always kind and loving and doubting the person Pansy had
one day hoped would be her mother-in-law.
But as she looked at Narcissa. All Pansy could feel was rage at
the pain Narcissa had caused Draco for months trying to
convince him to break up with Hermione.
At the fact that she had let him walk away rather than believe he
was happy in love with a muggle born.
That she had ever forced Draco and Hermione into the position
where he had to pick between Hermione and his family rather
than welcoming Hermione with open arms.
But if Pansy was honest with herself, she was the most
furious with Narsissa for selfish reasons.
If Narsissa hadn't forced Draco's hand, he would never
have disinherited or destroyed his rings.
Pansy would have told Draco at the pub that night about Ivan
and her blood oath and that she needed him to marry her.
Granger and Theo would have had the whole issue solved within a
week and dealt with Ivan and Lawrence in their own vicious
way. If Narcisa had stood against
Lucius and fought for her son the way she stood up against
fucking Voldemort, Pansy wouldn't be forever so bonded to
a man who would never love her back.
But as much as Pansy wanted to hate her for that, if Narcisa
hadn't let Draco destroy his rings or walk away to be with
Hermione, then Pansy would have never got him to know.
Neville never learned how sweet and kind and caring and funny he
was, let alone how deliciously depraved he could be.
And Blaise was right. Loving someone who would never
love her back was a pain she would not wish on her worst
enemy. But so was the pain she felt
when she thought of never knowing him at all.
So if Nasis and Malfoy was the cause of Pansy's deepest, most
gut wrenching agony, then she was also the cause of every
good, perfect moment with Neville as well.
It was impossible to say if she wanted to hex her or fall into
her arms sobbing. She supposed that's all depended
on what Narcissa had come to say.
Narcissa turned to Hermione at last.
Miss Granger, I do apologise for presuming upon your hospitality
unannounced. Hermione's gaze flicked to
Draco, who was no longer pale and instead starting to turn
pink. Ah, this would be a tantrum
then. Hermione turned to Narcissa.
What can we do for you, Missus Malfoy?
For starters, I would like you to call me Narcissa.
Although I do understand if you are not ready to ask me the
same. You don't get to ask her
anything. Draco spat, finally finding his
voice. Hermione's gaze darted between
the two male voice, looking like she wanted to intervene but
didn't know how. Narcissa turned fully to face
her son. You have the nerve to show up
here after 14 months with only our elf?
His head snapped to Moppy and then back to his mother.
Why is our elf still calling you Mistress?
Narcissa looked over at Moppy with a fond smile on her face.
She held out a hand and Moppy scampered over, practically
melting under the witch's warm gaze.
You sent Muppy to spy on us? Draco spat.
That's her head snapped up. No, not to spy, she said.
When you left, I wanted to know you were taken care of.
She was heartbroken, and it did not make sense for both of us to
be miserable. Muppy twisted her silk blouse.
Moppy was missing her Master Draco and Mistress Granger and
is only wanting to take care. Of them, she said.
Mistress is only asking Moppy if Master Draco is happy.
All Moppy is telling her is that Mister Draco is happy and
Mistress Granger is making him happy.
Draco's gaze snapped up to his mother.
Don't blame her, Draco, I know exactly who to blame.
He spat. NASA drew in a deep breath.
I know you are angry with me, she said.
I know you feel betrayed and abandoned.
You have no fucking idea how I feel.
Her face fell. I came to apologise, she said.
For all the ways I have wronged you and Miss Granger and to
begin to make amends, he scoffed.
After 14 months, Delmy mother, what brought about such a great
change of heart? She stepped forward and placed a
copy of a familiar magazine article on the table.
This in an endless loop. Draco smiled down at Hermione,
looking at her like she'd hung the moon and stars as she
laughed and cosied up to him. You look at her the way your
father once looked at me. Draco's eyes snapped back up to
his mother. Your father never spoke of it to
you, but he went through a rebellion, as his father called
it. Before our engagement.
She said, dated a woman his family found wholly unsuitable
for him, and claimed he would make her the next Lady Malfoy.
Draco crossed his arms. Don't tell me he's a mud fucker
too. Narcissa winced.
Her gaze darted over to Hermione, whose face was
carefully blank. She was 1/2 blood, but, and we
all know how much Father loves letting half bloods lead him
around by his Dick. If Pansy had been in the
presence of anyone other than Narcissa Malfoy, she would have
gasped. Hermione let out the tiniest of
squeaks, pressing her hand to her mouth, though it was hard to
say if it was in humour or horror.
Frankly, any mention on Draco's part of the Dark Lord inspired a
bit of both. A hint of pink coloured
Narcissus's cheeks. Like her son, it was one of her
very few tells of anger. She inhaled slowly.
I was betrothed before your father.
She said when your aunt left. Which Aunt?
Draco interrupted. I do have to, in case you forgot
the completely deranged one that used to torture me for my
failure to take to the Dark Arts like she wanted, or the one who
had the audacity to marry the man she fell in love with.
Narcissa's face fell for once any lack of pretence was gone
from her completely. I know that I failed you, Draco.
A tear slid down her cheek time and time again.
I am your mother and it was my job to protect you, and I
failed. Draco stiffened at the sight of
the tear. She flicked it away and Pansy
wondered if Narcissa was trying to hold herself together.
Not for herself, but so she wouldn't guilt Draco.
The man had always been putty in her hands.
The only reason he stood against her this long was for Hermione.
When Andromeda eloped and was disowned.
Did you stand there while your father called her a mud fucker
to her face or am I the only one of your relatives who had that
privilege? Something in Narcissus snapped.
Draco, Lucius, that is enough of that word.
She said, her tone sharp. You are either trying to shock
or shame me, and I assure you I cannot be more ashamed of myself
than I already AM, so there is no such need to continue to
subject the lovely woman you have decided to marry to such
language. Oh, so you suddenly care what
type of language Hermione is subjected to, Drago.
Hermione murmured. It was a bit hypocritical of the
prat. No, my dear, he is correct.
Narcissa said, turning back to fully faced Hermione.
I treated you abysmally in each of our previous interactions.
The language I used was inexcusable and nothing compared
to the physical harm I allowed to befall you in my own home.
Her mind's hand flinched for a moment, as if she started to
reach for her left arm before she dropped it.
I do not know how to even begin going about making amends or
seeking your forgiveness for that tonight.
Narcissa said. Of all my actions during the
war, that is the one I most regret of all.
And if there was anything I could do to change how I acted
that night, I would. A lesser witch would have
crumpled under Hermione's hard stir, but Narcissa Malfoy stood
tall, holding her gaze with the same apologetic expression.
Perhaps we could sit? Hermione said finally.
Muppy, did you make tea? The elf snapped her fingers and
an elaborate spread appeared on the low table.
It was horribly gauche to take tea in the flu parlour, but
Nasysa only gave Hermione a grateful smile.
That, more than anything, told Pansy she was trying.
Thank you, dear. Nasysa took one of the winged
back chairs closest to the flu. Pansy sat next to Hermione on
the couch. Draco remained standing, arms
crossed, as Hermione poured tea for everyone.
An awkward silence filled the room.
Never want to leave a story unfinished.
Hermione cleared her throat. You were saying you were
previously betrothed before your engagement to Lucius.
Narcissa nodded. As soon as Andromeda's elopement
hit the papers, it was dissolved.
She said. In the eyes of the not family,
you were betrothed to Theo's dad.
Draco demanded, anger suddenly forgotten at his shock.
Narcissa inclined her head. Andromeda was disowned.
Why would that affect you? Hermione asked.
Narcissa's gaze landed on Pansy. The expectations on pure blood
witches are quite high. Pansy looked down at her teacup.
Fat fucking mesh she was currently in was the proof of
that. Any hint of scandal of the women
in one family is enough to taint all of them in the eyes of
society. She said.
I was groomed to be a society wife and mother, and our broken
betrothal was enough to doom me to a life of solitude.
She looked up at Draco. Until your father.
A flicker of something crossed his face.
We fell in love, she said, and on the arm of a Malfoy, I was
untouchable. He saved me.
Draco loved me. When everyone else told me I was
tainted even through my infertility and struggled to
conceive, he stuck by my sight and said he would let his line
die before leaving me. Pansy's head snapped up at that.
Lucia's fucking Malfoy had been OK with his line ending because
he loved his wife that much. Masasa caught her gaze and
offered her a sad, knowing smile before she looked at her son.
I was not naive to his actions. His role in the first war.
She said It was the exact same role my father and uncles and
cousin chose. Hermione set her tea cup down.
You had two cousins and both stood against Voldemort before
their deaths. Narcissa dropped her head.
Yes, and I suppose that gives little credence to my excuse
that I never questioned what I was raised to believe about
blood supremacy. Her family motto was too sure.
Pure, for fuck's sake, I was raised to believe that it was my
duty to stand by my husband's side no matter what.
Her gaze flicked back to Draco. But more than that, he loved me
and saved me and gave me you, and I will always be indebted to
him for that. And that's why you let me be
branded as a teenager to a deranged psychopath.
He spat. I never wanted that for you, she
said. I would have given my life to
prevent it from happening, but it was that all your death and
being told to kill Albus Dumbledore wasn't a fucking
death sentence. It's why I went to Severus and
made him vow to help you and keep you safe and do the ACT
himself, she said. I did everything I could to keep
you alive. I lied to the Dark Lord's face
that Harry Potter was dead to get back into the castle to get
you out. I.
Both of their faces were flushed now, years of anger and pain and
resentment and desperation rolling off them both.
In the seven years since the battle, how had they never once
had this conversation? What was it worth, Mother?
Draco asked, his voice soft. All that for me just to kick me
out the moment I finally found happiness after the clusterfuck
of 10 years of my life. Tears flooded her eyes.
Happiness was all I ever wanted for you, Draco.
And yet that's the moment you disowned me.
I didn't disown you, you demanded that yourself.
Narcissa said. Your father believed your
relationship with Miss Granger was a way to get back at him for
the war and was similar to his rebellion in his youth.
And I believed him when I should have believed you instead.
Draco's eyes narrowed. NASA gesture to the magazine
photo again. When I saw this, I realised how
wrong I'd been. And I will do whatever it takes
to make it up to you so I can be a part of your life again.
Her gaze flicked over to Hermione.
Both of your lives. Do you have any idea what that
means? Draco asked.
Hermione's parents are Muggles. They are an important part of
our lives. Our children, should Hermione
decide she's willing to have any, will be half bloods.
And the Black and Malfoy lineage dies with me either way, Mother.
Her eyes narrowed. On the contrary, if you and Miss
Granger do have children, both lineages will not only live on,
but be improved. Draco inhaled sharply through
his nose. There is much of the Black and
Malfoy histories that bring shame, particularly in recent
years, she said. But there is also so much to be
proud of as well. And I will not have you forget
that. Narcissa looked away from him to
Hermione. I would be honoured to meet your
parents, she said. They must be quite remarkable
themselves to have raised such an incredible woman.
Hermione blushed. I would consider it nothing more
than the greatest honour of my life to be in a relationship
with any grandchildren. The two of you would bless me
with a half blooded grandchildren.
Narcissa turned back to her son. Would it make you feel better to
have me formally renounce my prior views on blood supremacy
to recant everything I was raised to believe about muggles?
I have given up every one of those beliefs.
He scoffed. Only because you finally
realised it's the only way to get back into my life.
Does the catalyst negate the result?
She asked. Was it not Miss Granger who made
you rethink the way your father and I ignorantly and wrongly
raised you? His gaze narrowed.
I was wrong, Draco. I know I was wrong.
She said. What I was raised to believe was
wrong. Our world would be a much darker
and sadder place without Miss Granger and others like her in
it, and it would be a terrible thing to keep her from this
world but she is a part of regardless of her parentage.
Pansy had never seen Draco look so torn.
He was desperate to believe his mother, desperate for the words
he'd wanted to hear from her for years to be true, but unwilling
to trust it yet. Nasisa nodded at once.
I know I have much to make up for, and I will continue to mend
what I have broken. She reached into her bag and
pulled out a book wrapped in brown paper.
A token of my goodwill, Miss Grainger.
Hermione's eyes narrowed. You can't buy her forgiveness,
Mother. Draco snapped.
Neither forgiveness nor affection is so cheaply bought.
Narcissa said. But I too hope that with time
and continued goodwill, they can both be earned.
She turned back to Hermione. In the meantime, please accept
this as a thank you for allowing me to presume upon your
hospitality unannounced. Thank you Mrs. Malfoy for your
visit and your kind words. Hermione said.
If you are unable to bring yourself to call me Narcissa
yet, Miss Black will do for now. The smallest hint of a smirk
touched her lips at the three expressions shot her way.
She looked at her son. I have left your father for
good. It took several heartbeats for
Pansy to realise her mouth was hanging open and snapped it
shut. Draco looked like he'd been hit
with a stunner. He managed to violate quite a
number of provisions in our marriage contract, so
negotiations have gone my way rather easily, Narcissa said as
if she was conversing about the weather, not the dissolution of
one of the most powerful Sacred 28 unions in recent history.
As he is unable to leave the Manor, most of the properties
have been granted to me, she continued.
Knowing how fond he is of them, I did allow him the Spanish
villa and the French vineyards in exchange for the entire
contents of the Malfoy family library.
Trico's eyes narrowed at his mother and it took everything in
Pansy not to burst out laughing. I have purchased my own home in
Derbyshire. Narcissa continued.
Astoria and her charming new husband did the renovations for
me, as a matter of fact, every step she took was an effort to
show her new stance. Even Hermione couldn't miss the
efforts. There's still a bit of work to
do, but the library is finished and all the books will be
arriving tomorrow. Narcissa continued.
Miss Granger, I would be honoured if you would join me
someday for tea. You would, of course, be more
than welcome to peruse the titles at your will.
Hermione opened her mouth, then looked at Draco and promptly
shut it again. Pansy, I would love to have you
join as well. Narcissa said, an olive branch
to Hermione while circumventing Draco so the next interaction
wouldn't turn into another pissing match between mother and
son. Part of Pansy still wanted to
blame Narcissa for her own circumstances, but it wasn't
about her, it was about her friends.
The decision to let Narcissa back into their lives was
theirs, and she knew how desperate both of them had been
for a moment like this. Hermione and I shall have to
consult our schedules. They could talk after she was
gone. Nurses inclined her head.
She glanced at Draco and then back at Hermione.
I will, of course, understand if you are unwilling to accept the
gift, but please do be careful with it.
She said. It is priceless.
Hermione glanced up. Narcissa smiled.
A first edition of Hogwarts, a history annotated by the editor.
Her mouth dropped open. She leaned forward and then
apparently caught Draco's eye and sat on her hands, pressing
her lips together. Pansy bit her cheek to stop from
laughing. I thought I recalled Draco
saying it was one of your favourites.
The witch was too fucking smug for her own good.
We have plans with Pansy for the rest of the day, Mother.
Draco snapped. Masasa inclined her head and
rose. Yes, thank you for seeing me
despite how I dropped by unannounced.
She said. Pansy dear, I hope you don't
mind, but I did send Daphne an owl.
I will have some press coming up and would like to have you
design some new outfits for me. The witch was incapable of doing
anything by half. A bold statement to the
wizarding world where her loyalties lied to her son and
his muggle born fiance. That at least was an opportunity
she refused to allow to pass. I'll let her know and make sure
we get you fit in as soon as possible.
Thank you, dear. She smiled at her son.
Draco. Always good to see you my love.
Miss Granger, thank you again for your hospitality.
I look forward to RTI will out you my new address so we can set
a time. With a wish of her skirts, she
disappeared into the green flames and was gone.
The three of them sat in stunned silence.
Well stunned silence from Pansy and Draco.
Hermione was particularly trembling with need as she
stared at the book on the table. Pansy couldn't help her small
chuckle. Drago put her out of her misery.
Hermione's head snapped up. I'll give it back, Draco, I
don't need it. He picked up the package and
handed it to her. I need a minute.
He walked straight out of the room.
Hermione turned to Pansy. Sorry, this wasn't quite how I
wanted T to go. She burst out laughing.
Are you joking? This is the best thing to happen
to me all week. She glared at her.
Granger, there's nothing better to take my mind off my own
shitty situation than to be involved in someone else's
drama. Hermione sighed.
I have to go after him, don't I? The longer you let him sulk, the
longer it's going to take to pull him out of it.
She ran her hands over the brown paper, wrapping the book without
opening it. Do you?
Do you think she meant it, or was she just lying to get back
into Draco's good graces? No matter what Pansy felt about
Marcissa, she knew the answer to that.
She apologised. Renounced blood supremacy when
her family motto growing up was too sure.
Pure left her husband and negotiated to take his entire
library in the divorce, for, I assume, your sake entirely.
Hermione let out a long breath. But that wasn't the biggest
part. She lifted an eyebrow.
She let you serve her tea in the flu parlour?
Hermione looked around. Oh God, I didn't even think she
said. Was that horribly rude?
A grave insult, she said. And yet she was grateful to be
here. Fanzi squeezed her hand.
You're her way back to Draco. Her head dropped.
He misses her, she said. She's the one thing from his old
life he wishes he didn't leave behind.
Her mind. His own parental estrangement
and reconciliation after the war was doubtless only fuelling that
guilt. I'll be here for you.
Pansy said. Whatever you decide, whatever
you need. Hermione squeezed her hand back.
Thank you. She nodded and smirked as
Hermione glanced over her shoulder where Drogo had
disappeared. Good luck with your sulking
fiance. 1st edition, edited by the editor.
Well, they can't even open it yet.
She muttered as she stomped up after him.
Daphne and Theo both looked like they'd been stunned when she
relayed the story to each of them.
Blaise, however, insisted he'd always known Narcissa would come
around. Draco's anger with his mother
hardly abated over the next few days.
Pansy stepped in as mediator between Narcissa and Hermione,
assisting them in making plans to go to Narcissa's for tea
exactly one week after her surprise visit.
Pansy had known the witch her entire life and had been raised
to the same as her. As much as she doubted there was
anything underhanded going on, she'd be able to spot the
smallest insult in a heartbeat and was prepared to whisk
Hermione away if needed. No matter his torn feelings
about his mother and Hermione together, she knew Draco was
happy Pansy would be there for her.
Terrible of a person, it made her.
Pansy was grateful for the drama, partially because it
meant eventually Draco would have his mother back and
Hermione would feel less guilt about his disinheritance, and
partly because Lucius deserved to rot alone in his manner for
what he'd done to his family, but mostly because it kept her
mind off her own fucked up life. There was the day she met with
the previous owners of her Hogsmeade location to sign the
purchase agreement and walked to Neville's cottage after the
meeting was over before she remembered she didn't live there
anymore. Each night before bed when she
went to take off the long bottom necklace and remembered she'd
given it back, reaching across the bed for the warm body that
used to be there, only to feel cold sheets.
Reminders of him were everywhere, only adding to the
constant dull ache inside her chest that never seemed to go
away. She had to believe it would go
away, that it would get easier with time.
This sad, miserable, pining existence was pathetic and
beneath her, and she would have to do something drastic if it
didn't get better soon. Saturday afternoon she went to
the storage room for a few minutes.
After a nearly three hour session with a bride and all her
attendants. The witch was so fucking happy,
so fucking in love, and clearly adored by her fiance and
friends, the latter of whom were all the more grateful.
She wasn't the sort of jealous bride who wanted to make her
friends look frumpy and hideous to make herself look better.
Not that Pansy would allow such a thing from her shop, but it
saved several arguments. At least she was done with the
day and could close the shop and go home and craft her designs
until she was too exhausted to keep her eyes open.
Or maybe today was the day she'd finally give in to Theo's peer
pressure and drink herself into oblivion.
It was sounding better and better each day.
The chime of the bell at the door pulled her from her pity
party. Daphne was there, of course, but
it was her shop. Straightening herself, she
exited the room and stopped in her tracks.
Neville, ignoring the wand pointed at him from an irate
Daphne, gave her a small smile that didn't reach the guarded
expression in his eyes. Here, Pansy.
He glanced at Daphne and then back at her.
Can we talk?