The Replenishment Decree

“We’ll be back here on the third of October to meet with the caterers. Anything else we need to do?”

Samuel chuckled, “Yes, Narcissa. Everything else. You need an Officiant, a wedding party, invitations, robes, music, flowers, a guest list, a registry, rings, a photographer, hair and makeup, a honeymoon, and a cake.”

Hermione squeezed the hand in hers as her face blanched.

Narcissa squeezed back and took a deep breath. “Oh. My. I’ve never done this before and was, perhaps, a bit unprepared for all of that. Uh, are you able to help with any of those, um, requirements?”

Amalia smiled kindly, knowing Narcissa’s first wedding had been vastly different for her. “Yes, mo phàiste, we can. We can book a band or a dj for you, just tell us which you prefer. We can hire a florist if you tell us your flower preferences and color choices. We can hire a photographer easily and book a hairstylist and makeup artist to be here that day and to meet you a few weeks prior for practice round. We can also book a few bakers to come in on the third with cake samples for you to choose from if you’d like. I’m afraid you’re on your own with the rest of it but I can give you recommendations for where to go for them all.”

Narcissa stepped forward to hug Amalia, thanking the woman graciously.

“We would absolutely appreciate it if you could hire all the people you’ve just mentioned. I’m not quite sure yet if we’d prefer a band or dj nor have we decided our colors but we can owl that information to you soon?”

Hermione nodded in agreement.

“That would be fine, owl us whenever you decide. They’re not likely to be booked on a Monday night.”

“We do have someone printing our invitations already,” Hermione spoke up, “Le Stylo est Plu Puissant in Paris? She’s agreed to print for us.”

“Fancy,” Amalia teased, grinning.

“And we don’t really need a registry,” Narcissa said. “We aren’t exactly both just starting out in the world. It would feel disingenuous for me to ask people to give us gifts from a registry. Perhaps we should ask for a donation to something in lieu of gifts?”

Samuel hummed happily, “Always a good idea. Very respectable.”

“Excuse me,” Harry spoke up, “I’m sorry to interrupt but it’s closing in on two o’clock, we really should be going.”

“Oh, drat,” Amalia said, “I’ll be right back. I’m just going to pop into the office for a list for you. Ten seconds and then you’re off!” She popped out of sight and was back in less than ten seconds holding a piece of paper she quickly handed off to Narcissa. “It’s a wedding checklist. I think this is the one we usually give to muggle brides but it’s nearly the same, just a few different words. Now off you go to your two o’clock and we’ll see you in a few weeks!”

Handshakes and hugs for everyone and the trio made their way back to the hidden spot they’d entered nearly an hour earlier.

“I’ve no problem Apparating, just tell me where we’re going again?”

“Have you ever been to Ottery St. Catchpole?” Hermione asked.

“Not that I can recall. Are there any other magical families who live nearby with whom I might’ve visited?”

“Uh, the Lovegoods, the Diggorys, and the Fawcetts?”

“Oh, yes, yes, yes, I know the Fawcetts. Their daughter Selah was at Hogwarts with Draco, in Ravenclaw I believe. Okay, let’s go.”

Moments later, the three appeared on a path in front of a lovely stone house with blue shutters.

“The Burrow is just through that copse of trees,” Harry pointed and began walking.

They remained silent until the Weasley’s back garden came into view and Hermione spoke up, “Narcissa?”

“Hmm?”

“I’m very nervous,” she said in a small voice.

Harry felt so guilty that he hadn’t found a way to protect Hermione from Ron and his family, he didn’t know what to say so he just listened to the women behind him speak.

“Let’s talk through it before we get there, Hermione. What, specifically, are you nervous about?”

“I’m uncomfortable seeing Ron. He’s been treating me increasingly poorly and the last time I was honestly frightened.”

Narcissa had to clamp down on her instant anger with the young Mister Weasley to answer Hermione in a calm tone of voice, “I understand that discomfort. You’ll have Harry and me with you the whole time. I don’t think Ronald will be willing to attack you in front of his mother and I daresay, if you bring it up, she might also be appalled at his actions.” Though Narcissa wasn’t entirely sure Molly Weasley had the emotional fortitude to hold her child accountable for himself, she knew Hermione needed to hear it and it was true that Narcissa and Harry would protect her.

“I’m nervous about having to argue with Mrs. Weasley,” Hermione continued after Narcissa had finished.

“Okay, and stop.” Narcissa stopped moving and, because she was holding Hermione’s hand, so did Hermione. “We do not have to argue with anyone. Hermione, we are two consenting adults who have decided to marry one another. We do not have to defend that decision to anyone, least of all Molly bloody Weasley just because she says so.”

“Please don’t be cross with me, Narcissa, I’m already so nervous.”

“Hermione, really,” Narcissa was frustrated. “I’m not cross with you but I want you to think about what you’re saying. I didn’t realize we came here to argue with anyone. I...I just want to calmly explain that we’re good for each other. It shouldn’t be an argument. That doesn’t benefit anyone. Listen, whatever happens. Whatever Molly says, you keep your cool. We both will. We have no need to defend ourselves because we haven’t done anything wrong.”

“I’m sor-”

“No. Not sorry. Don’t say you’re sorry. Say...say thank you for a different perspective. Save apologies for when you need them and they mean something.”

Hermione closed her eyes and just leaned into Narcissa. “She sent me a Howler. She demanded that I show up here at two o’clock today. She insists that I’m marrying Ron and that our Engagement Announcement is rubbish. Narcissa,” Hermione said firmly, standing tall and holding the other woman’s forearms, “I’m angry. This is going to be an argument because she’s treating me like a child. I’m not arguing to prove our relationship has value, we know it does, regardless of what anyone else thinks. The argument is that her demands on me have no value because I am my own person, an adult capable of determining my own life. Thank you for the perspective. And the clarity. But I’m not going to be able to stay calm if she insists on speaking to me the way she did in that letter today. And you can be damn sure I’m going to tell her that.”

Narcissa smiled mischievously, “That’s my Hermione. Let’s go.” She kissed her fiancée quickly but passionately and they turned and walked together, hand in hand, as usual.

“Got that cleared up, did you?” Harry teased.

“We did. I’m ready now,” Hermione said, setting her jaw as they knocked on the kitchen door.

“Harry!” George cried out as he opened the door. “I’ve missed you! How’ve you been, mate?”

“George! I’m good, thanks. Glad to see you. How’s the shop?”

“Oh, it’s fine, fine. Not exactly what I planned but, it’s fine,” he said looking past Harry. “Hermione, hey! Come and give us a hug woah. You brought her? Mum’s gonna go mad.”

“Yes, well, we’re engaged. And your mother hasn’t been very kind to me, why on earth would I want to come here without Narcissa?”

“As a peace offering?” They heard from inside. “You’ve really done a number on Ron this week, Hermione. Which was pretty cruel especially after the way you’ve been leading him on for years.”

“Oh, shove it, Perce. She wasn’t leading him on. They kissed once. It’s not Hermione’s fault Ron took that to mean they were Romeo and Juliet.”

“Thank you, George,” Hermione said kindly, stepping forward to hug the surviving twin. “I’m glad to see you and hear that the shop’s doing well. We’ll have to stop in soon.”

“Absolutely,” Narcissa agreed, “Draco says your products are amazing, he’s been very impressed with your magic.”

“Oy, thanks Lady Malfoy,” George smiled.

Narcissa winced.

Harry spoke, “It’s actually Mistress Black now, her marriage with that arse was dissolved back in May.”

“Good on you,” George laughed, “but listen, I’m getting out of here before Mum sees you and all hell breaks loose. She’ll be on the warpath when she realizes Hermione’s brought you. Sorry, miss.” He shrugged.

George shook hands with Harry, squeezed Hermione’s shoulder, and tipped his head to Narcissa before quietly tossing some Floo powder into the fireplace and heading out.

“Who’s that I hear talking?” Mrs. Weasley shouted from another room. They were still standing at the doorway having not been actually invited to enter and sit down by anyone and the three of them listened to Molly getting closer. “Oh, Harry, dear, you’ve made it.” She said sweetly as she glanced into the kitchen. Then, “Hermione, finally,” not quite so friendly, “I’d better tell Ronald you’re here. He has some words for you I’m sure, oh! Mrs. Malfoy! What in Merlin’s name are you doing in my house? You were not invited!”

Narcissa merely held her head higher and bit her tongue.

“Mrs. Weasley, that was quite rude,” Hermione pointed out.

Molly’s mouth opened and closed again without a sound coming out.

Harry spoke, “I have to agree with Hermione on that one. Mrs. Weasley, they’re engaged to be married in just a few months and, unfortunately, you haven’t been very nice to Hermione so, of course, she’d want her fiancée to join her here.”

“Harry! Ron is her fiancée. The Ministry assigned Hermione and Ron to marry one another. Why wouldn’t you want your best friends getting married? They’d be so good together. Ronald could settle down, start a family, be happy.”

Before Harry could answer, Hermione placed her hand on his shoulder. “You’re right, Mrs. Weasley, the Ministry did assign us to one another initially. But that very morning I told Ron there was no way I would be marrying him. I know this is going to upset you but you need to know, even though Ron and I have been friends for a long time, he hasn’t always treated me very well. I will not be marrying Ron.”

“The Ministry assigned you,” Molly folded her arms across her chest, adamant in her statement.

“You’re right, Mrs. Weasley,” Hermione said, sounding tired, “the Ministry did assign us to one another INITIALLY but Narcissa and I went to the Ministry the next day to request to wed one another and they immediately agreed.”

“I don’t understand. They just changed their list? On a whim?”

“Not a whim,” Narcissa replied, “a request. From two consenting adults in a committed relationship. There was no reason to deny our request other than their previous, arbitrary assignments which were easy enough for them to change.”

“Don’t you dare speak to me,” Molly spat, “I’ve already killed one Black sister…” she didn’t finish her sentence but the rest of it was implied strongly enough… “I could make it two.”

“If you ever threaten her again, Mrs. Weasley, there will be hell to pay.” Hermione said, pointing her wand directly at the Weasley matriarch. “She saved my life. She saved Harry’s life. She saved the war. She’s one of my best friends and I’m going to marry her.”

“Don’t worry, darling. She’s trying to provoke me into a duel because she’s trying to prove to you that I’m a dark witch. It’s not going to work. I’m not here to fight you. I thought, incorrectly I guess, that you cared for Hermione parentally and I appreciated that. I came here to meet with you and show you that I truly have no ulterior motives. I just want to marry her. She’s wonderfully and wholly perfect for me. I had hoped that seeing us together would change your mind. I thought you might be inclined to come to our wedding. I see I was mistaken. You don’t care for Hermione and, while that’s sad for my darling, it’s worse for you. You don’t even know what you’re missing. And you never will. We can go whenever you’re ready, ‘Mione and send those owls we need to take care of today,” Narcissa placed a gentle kiss on Hermione’s temple.

“This isn’t going at all how I thought it would,” Harry admitted, rubbing his hands over his eyes. “Mrs. Weasley, please. Think about it this way; if Hermione so clearly does not want to marry Ron, why would you want to force it to happen? It wouldn’t be a happy marriage if she doesn’t want to be in it. And I know it’s not just that the Ministry assigned them because you’re perfectly happy with me ignoring my Ministry assignment to wait and marry Ginny next year.”

Molly’s cheeks tinged pink with embarrassment and she glanced out the window. Narcissa, never taking her eyes off of Molly, whispered to Hermione to keep her hand on Harry’s shoulder. She cast a silent shield charm just before whomever Molly glanced at in the garden tried to hex them.

Harry, having learned from his previous mistakes, did not attempt to disarm anyone and, instead, hit Mrs. Weasley, Percy, and Ron in the garden with a stunning spell.

While the three Weasleys were frozen, Harry asked Narcissa what she thought about the distance from Ottery St. Catchpole to Seven Sisters Station London and how long it might take a stunner to wear off.

“Hmm, a few hours probably. Give or take.”

“Well, let’s go then. No one will starve in a few hours and, after that attack, I’m not inclined to release them with us still here and vulnerable.”

As they turned toward the garden to leave, they saw Bill, Fleur, and Arthur Weasley standing and staring in shock at what had just occurred. Harry and Hermione kept their wands up and ready, not trusting any of the Weasleys.

“Oh, no, ‘arry,” Fleur said moving quickly forward, “I see George was right to send us quickly. What has happened here? Why is Ron hiding in the garden?” She hugged him and then Hermione.

“Hi, Fleur,” Harry said, blushing just a bit. “Mrs. Weasley was bang out of order and said some pretty terrible things to Hermione and Narcissa. Sorry, Mr. Weasley but it’s true. She even threatened Narcissa.”

“I can’t believe it,” Arthur said, shaking his head, eyes glued to the ground. “She’s been really struggling since the end of the war. With George moving out and Percy home full time she’s been getting an earful of all kinds of pro-Ministry propaganda. I’m sorry, Hermione, Miss Black. I didn’t think she’d go this far.”

“She sent Hermione a Howler today demanding a visit at two o’clock this afternoon. We all came hoping to have a conversation with her about it but she was very unhappy that I joined Hermione and Harry on their visit.”

Arthur stepped forward, toward Narcissa, hand held out, “I’m sorry for not having said it sooner, Miss Black, Narcissa, but thank you. For saving Harry that night in the forest. What you did was so brave and, if you hadn’t, I would surely have lost this boy who’s like another son to me.” His eyes filled with tears as he thought about what could have been lost had Narcissa told Voldemort the truth, that Harry’s heart still beat beneath her palm.

“I couldn’t,” she whispered back, her hand enveloped between both of his, “I couldn’t watch him die. He was just a boy. He had already lost and sacrificed and survived so very much. I couldn’t bear to watch him die. When he appeared there, in the Forbidden Forest, my heart just broke. I knew he wasn’t meant to make it out of there alive. It all happened so fast and I didn’t know what to do. I didn’t even have a wand. I didn’t know how to help him. All I could do was lie.”

“To the most powerful Legilimens in the world,” Hermione said.

“You saved him,” Arthur reminded her, hugging Narcissa. “Thank you.”

They separated a few moments later and Narcissa turned to Hermione who was smiling at her in support. “Shall we go?”

“No, no, no. Come back inside,” Arthur said. “We’ll sort this out. Let’s all sit down together like adults.”

“Um, Mr. Weasley,” Harry interrupted, “Ron just tried to secretly hex us while Mrs. Weasley threatened to kill Narcissa. I’m not sure there’s anything to sort.”

“Then just come in and tell us your wedding plans, Hermione and Narcissa,” Fleur said from next to her husband, Bill. “I saw you had your Announcement printed at Le Stylo est Plu Puissant, how did that happen?” She hooked arms with Narcissa and started walking back toward the house.

Arthur threw his arm around Harry’s shoulders and walked with him behind Narcissa and Fleur, leaving Bill and Hermione to take up the rear.

“I’m not at all sure about this,” Hermione said quietly.

“It’ll be okay, Hermione. It’s six on three now and we’ll all stand together. Mum seems tough but she just needs a chance to see the reason and she’ll come round. Percy’s a knob, he’s going to join whichever side looks like it’s coming out on top. Ron’s a kid, he’s got a lot of growing up left to do and the war didn’t help.”

The group re-entered the Burrow, Percy and Molly still stunned in the kitchen.

“Now, everyone have a seat, I’ll put on some tea. Bill, can you get some biscuits from the pantry?”

Narcissa sat between Hermione and Fleur who were framed by Bill and Harry. Hermione turned to look at Narcissa. “I’ll be okay, darling. We can go whenever we wish,” Narcissa whispered, lacing their hands together, a united front.

“Now that we’re all settled, would whoever used the stunner please release them and we can all have a chat?”

Harry muttered a release and Mrs. Weasley and Percy sprang back to life. Percy glared at Narcissa, assuming she was the one who had done it.

“In my own house! You dare!” Molly shouted.

“Well, Mrs. Weasley, I didn’t really have a choice. You were allowing Ron to hex one of us from the garden where we couldn’t see him,” Harry answered quietly.

Ron came in a moment later, red faced and shaking. “Who did that? Who’s the coward who stunned me?”

“Ronald,” Arthur said loudly, “I don’t think you should be calling anyone a coward right now when you were trying to hex people who couldn’t even see you.”

“What-well-she-I was just trying to help Hermione. That witch was all over her, she even kissed her!” Ron shouted back.

“‘That witch’, you little cretin, is my fiancée, as you well know, and I’ll not have you speak about her in that manner,” Hermione said clearly.

“Let’s all settle down,” Arthur said calmly. “Molly, please, have a seat. I’ll put out the tea. Pass some biscuits. Ron, down by Percy please.”

“We can’t have a reasonable discussion with Narcissa Malfoy at the table,” Molly sneered.

Hermione wanted to spell the look right off the woman’s face, she was itching to use a well-placed bat-bogey hex but knew it wouldn’t actually help. She took a deep breath, counted to ten and turned to her extremely uncomfortable fiancée to ask, “Narcissa, I know the details of your marriage have been kept very private. May I please have permission to share some of them right now?”

Narcissa couldn’t help but feel treasured by the way Hermione sought her consent and nodded, only a little hesitation evident.

“I’m going to say a few things and if, when I’m done, you continue along the same vein, Narcissa and I will leave. We won’t come back.” Hermione said clearly, staring at Mrs. Weasley across the table. “You insist on her surname being Malfoy and it is the height of not only disrespect but also casual cruelty. Everything else aside, this one issue will be resolved first. You are well aware that Narcissa dissolved her former union in May. I will give you the benefit of the doubt that you do not know all of the details of that unfortunate union but here are a few: Narcissa’s marriage to that man was arranged when she was fourteen and he was twenty-two, she had absolutely no control over the engagement, the wedding, or the marriage, she wasn’t allowed to finish school before their wedding, she was a prisoner in the home in which she lived for nearly eighteen years, some of that time by her spouse and some of it a prisoner of the Dark Lord himself, Narcissa - at great personal peril - saved both my life and Harry’s on separate occasions. You shouldn’t need to know the gritty details of what life in Malfoy Manor looked like to offer this woman the solace of her own last name. I know you’re using Malfoy to be hurtful. Shame on you.”

Silence descended and hung about the air for a long minute. Everyone waited for Hermione, Narcissa, or Molly to make a move.

Molly folded first, “I…” she closed her mouth, jaw clenched and looked out the window, “I won’t do that again. I didn’t know what you’d gone through with him and I will be more careful to use your maiden name. Not that I think it’s any better.” She glared.

“Exactly,” Ron chimed in. “Hermione, how can you defend her? Don’t you remember? She called you scum! Right in Madam Malkins!”

Hermione closed her eyes as Narcissa leaned forward and gently grasped her leg. “It’s okay, Cissa,” she whispered first before answering Ron. “I do remember that, Ron, but it wasn’t actually Narcissa. I know we saw her there. She was awful, I remember, but listen. How did we get into Gringotts in May?”

“Griphook, Harry’s cloak, a disguise for me, and Polyjuice potion so you looked like Bellatrix,” he answered immediately.

“Right. Well, we weren’t the only people with Polyjuice and they had a Potions Master on their side who could brew them anything perfectly. Narcissa took veritaserum in May and told Kingsley Shacklebolt and a whole crew of Ministry employees everything she possibly could. Some of the information they wanted, it turns out, Narcissa wasn’t privy to because she was literally locked away in a room in Malfoy Manor.”

“For very long periods of time, actually,” Narcissa added, in an unusually quiet voice.

“She’s telling the truth,” Percy chimed in conversationally, “I saw that paperwork. They, what’s the word? Oh, they, uh, debriefed her for something like fifteen straight days. That’s why she was able to get her divorce done so quickly, they had fairly irrefutable evidence against Lucius Malfoy as an abusive husband who basically kept her prisoner in her own home.”

“Perce, listen to yourself,” Bill said, aghast, “I mean, you’re talking about a woman who’s sitting here at the table and you sound like you’re discussing the latest novel you’ve read.”

Narcissa’s eyes darted about the room, never settling on anyone, her hands were wringing themselves in her lap, and she sat perched upon the edge of her seat.

After an awkward moment in which everyone avoided eye contact, Arthur spoke up, “Tea! Tea, let’s have some tea.” He set about pouring and passing around teacups for all nine of them.

While everyone else was focussed on passing cups and sugar and milk and biscuits, Hermione rested her hand on Narcissa’s back and made gentle circles. “Are you going to be okay? Do you want to leave?”

“No, I just feel rather exposed right now,” she answered, her blue eyes wide and looking suspiciously watery.

“I’m so sorry. I didn’t want to upset you, I just wanted to stop her. And maybe make her feel a little badly,” Hermione smirked a little, trying to get something positive from Narcissa.

“I know you didn’t, cub. I’ll be completely fine,” Narcissa reached up and ran the backs of her fingers down Hermione’s cheek.

The younger woman smiled and asked, “You’ll be completely fine in three months, two weeks, and one day, right?”

“Exactly,” Narcissa smiled back. The two simply looked into one another’s eyes for a moment until they realized the room around them had gone quiet.

Hermione blushed a little, cleared her throat, and picked up her tea as though no one was staring; Narcissa followed suit.

“And that, Mrs. Weasley, is why I don’t think Hermione is ever going to marry anyone other than Narcissa Black.”

Looking as though she had just sucked on a lemon, Molly answered, “I must admit, you do seem rather smitten with one another.”

“We are,” they answered in unison.

“Mrs. Weasley, I know you’ve never cared for me the way you have for Harry. We came from such different circumstances, I understand. But Ginny is one of my dearest friends and Ron and Harry were like brothers to me for seven years, okay, maybe six and half,” she teased, drawing a small chuckle from Harry, “I just don’t want our relationship to end like this. I’m not marrying Ron, we’re not right for one another. He needs someone far kinder than I, with more patience, and humility. Ron you know that’s true. Even if my life weren’t turning into this fairytale where I found the perfect partner, I would still not marry you. I’m not trying to be cruel, it’s just the truth. We’ve been friends, best friends, for years, Ron. Then, suddenly you came back from abandoning us and discovered feelings for me but, honestly, I think it was just relief that we were all still friends and you wouldn’t be the third wheel. I do love you, Ron, as if you were my brother. And if you really think about it, you love me the same way you love Ginny. And I think what I’ve taken as disrespect in the past isn’t meant that way at all,” Hermione said thoughtfully, her voice slowing down and then growing stronger as the realization of what she was saying solidified for her, “I think it’s just...familiarity. I think you just...assume we’ll always be the Golden Trio and so you say and do things that perhaps you wouldn’t with other people because you trust that I’ll always just be there.”

“And you will, Hermione,” Harry said, “as will I. We will always be the Golden Trio, regardless of who we each marry. Right, Ron?”

Ron took a minute to think about it; eyes downcast, chewing on his lip, he was slow to answer. They didn’t rush him. Hermione knew she needed to find patience for Ron in the moment, she hadn’t shown him any in months. “I think,” he said haltingly, “I think that’s right. You’re like… family to me already. So, it made sense to me when the Ministry assigned us to get married and then Harry would marry Ginny and we’d all really be family, officially. I hadn’t considered that maybe you’re like family to me because you’re like a sister but I think that’s right, ‘Mione. And even if we don’t get married, we’ll always be family. I love you both, too.”

“And this is more mushy rubbish than I can take on a Sunday afternoon,” Bill laughed. “If we’re no longer needed, we’re heading home. See you all next weekend at Shell Cottage for family dinner!” Bill and Fleur left, smiling together.

Everyone smiled at the couple as they left but the atmosphere around the table was still decidedly uncomfortable.

“Well, thank you for the tea but Narcissa and I really do have some things to take care of today so we’re going to be off now,” Hermione said awkwardly.

“Yes, thank you,” Narcissa agreed, looking at Arthur.

“See you later, Hermione,” Harry said, patting the hand she rested on his shoulder on her way by.

The couple made it to the door but just as Hermione pulled it open, her name was shouted from behind her. She turned to look at Mrs. Weasley, who was also standing, “Hermione, don’t. Just. Come with me, please.”

The expression on Molly’s face tugged at Hermione’s heart and she reluctantly acquiesced.

“I’ll be right back, Narcissa and we can go. Harry’s here and Mr. Weasley is really kind. Okay?”

Narcissa nodded, “I’ll be right here when you’re done.”

Hermione started to follow Molly but quickly turned back and threw her arms around Narcissa’s neck, “I...really am grateful for you,” she whispered, appreciating the feel of Narcissa’s arms around her waist.

“And I for you, my lion,” Narcissa replied before kissing Hermione’s cheek and releasing the other woman.

Hermione then headed toward Mrs. Weasley who was waiting in the doorway to the living room. When Hermione was near, she again asked, “come with me, please,” and Hermione agreed. Mrs. Weasley led her upstairs and eventually into a bedroom.

“Mrs. Weasley, this is Ginny’s room.”

“Yes, but look here,” she said, her voice wobbling as she pulled open a drawer in Ginny’s dresser.

Hermione, confused, stepped over to her and looked. “But, that’s my shirt. And those are my pants!”

“These are all your clothes, Hermione, in these two drawers. Clean and ready for the next time you came over. I’m sorry I didn’t treat you exactly the same way I treated Harry. I didn’t think that’s what you needed. Please don’t think for a moment that I love you any less than I love him. You are both unexpected blessings in our family. I didn’t know anything about Narcissa’s history and, you’re right, I was being cruel to her. Because she’s both a Malfoy and a Black and those families have long been known to be cruel themselves. But that doesn’t mean I have to be. And I should never have been so demanding of your time. I am so sorry. I don’t know what came over me. I’m ashamed of the way I’ve treated you. Ron never said anything about you two discussing the situation.”

Hermione sank heavily onto the edge of Ginny’s bed, overcome with emotion. Mrs. Weasley sat next to her and put her arm around Hermione’s shoulder.

“I know what happened with your parents, Hermione. I’m sorry they can’t be here right now. I’m not going to try to force you to trust me again but, sweetheart, if I can be of any help I promise to be supportive.”

The two just sat together and cried for a moment.

“Now, now, dear, let’s get ourselves put back together before your very own white knight comes charging up these stairs for you,” Molly teased.

“Mrs. Weasley,” Hermione said quietly, still trying to get her breathing under control, “thank you for understanding. Please don’t believe anything Rita Skeeter writes about me.”

“That woman’s full of vinegar. I’ll never believe Skeeter again.” She pulled up the bottom edge of her apron to wipe away the tear tracks from Hermione’s face. “Let’s go back down, you said you have some things to take care of today?”

“Yes,” Hermione beamed, “we have to send our location information to the printer in Paris.”

“I do hope we’ll be invited,” Molly said quietly as she followed Hermione down the hallway.

“You will. I’m hoping Ron and Ginny will be standing with me alongside Harry. Though it’ll depend on the end of term at Hogwarts.”

“When’s the date?”

“Oh, um, the Winter Solstice? December the twenty-first, it’s a Monday night. And we’ve just booked Achnagairn in Scotland.”

Mrs. Weasley gasped, “Achnagairn? That’s gorgeous, and so private. What a brilliant place for a Solstice wedding.”

Hermione agreed.

The kitchen was silent as the witches entered.

“Oh, you’ve been crying,” Narcissa said, quickly making her way to Hermione, “are you okay? Why’ve you been crying?” She glared at Molly, who had the good grace to look chagrined.

“No, no, it’s okay, I promise,” Hermione said, hugging Narcissa’s waist and resting her forehead on the shoulder in front of her. “I’ll tell you when we get to the Manor, but I promise I’m okay.”

“If you’re sure,” Narcissa said, questioningly.

Hermione hummed an affirmative.

“Okay. Then. We’ll be off now,” Narcissa, however, made no move to release the woman in her arms, instead she pressed a kiss onto Hermione’s head.

Molly reached out and patted Hermione’s back, a motherly smile upon her face. “Perhaps we can meet for lunch soon, the three of us? I can talk you through some wedding planning? I’ve just helped Fleur last year when she and Bill got married.”

Narcissa blinked rapidly, clearly confused by the abrupt shift in opinion. Hermione, however, released one arm and turned so she and Narcissa were standing side by side and agreed that lunch would be wonderful.

They said their goodbyes - much friendlier than before - and as they were about to walk out the door this time, it was Hermione who spoke.

“Mr. Weasley?”

“Yes?”

“Have you ever been around Amortentia?”

“The Love Potion?” He laughed and nodded.

“What did it smell like to you?”

He closed his eyes for a moment to remember and got a dreamy, happy look on his face, “I smelled fresh bread and firewood and...something else…” he sniffed delicately and glanced at his wife.

“Ginger perhaps?” Hermione offered.

“Yes, ginger. How did you know?”

“Because when I hugged Mrs. Weasley upstairs, she smelled exactly like a ginger snap.”

Hermione gently closed the door behind them as she and Narcissa left.

Collapsing side by side onto the overstuffed, oversized lounger in the Black Manor library, Narcissa finally spoke for the first time since they left the Burrow.

“What you just did was exceptionally sweet. Why?”

“They needed it,” Hermione said simply. “They did lose a child in the war. Not just a child but a twin. And then they had to send their only daughter right back to the place where the biggest battle happened, where that child was killed. And they’re dealing with Ron who is, honestly, very immature. Regardless of how much I may love him like a brother. Life is just not easy for them.”

“What on earth did she say to you upstairs?”

Hermione turned onto her side and snuggled into Narcissa’s embrace. “She took me to Ginny’s room and showed me two dresser drawers that have been sitting there filled with my own clothing for the next time I visited. She said she's sorry for treating me differently than Harry and that it never meant she loved me any less. She apologized for a great many things. She’s struggling, just like the rest of us.”

“So, you forgive her?”

“For the things she did to me and said about me, yes. Not for the way she treated you. She needs to apologize to you for that, then I’ll consider forgiving her for it.”

Narcissa just quietly held Hermione, contemplating the deep compassion the younger woman was capable of showing.

“Yet you still did her a great kindness.”

“I didn’t do anyone a great kindness. I merely reminded her and her husband that they love each other. I’m sorry if I hurt you by showing kindness to someone who had just been so cruel to you.”

“Thank you for apologizing but there’s no need. You didn’t hurt me. You set a great example for compassion and humanity. I’m rather proud of you, actually, and I hope to live up to that example myself.”

Hermione leaned back so she could see Narcissa’s face and when ice blue eyes finally met her own, she asked for a kiss.

She was, of course, not denied.