The Visit
The crisp autumn air swept through Hogsmeade as students bustled about, their laughter and chatter filling the cobbled streets. The Three Broomsticks was alive with activity, and at a quiet corner table sat Draco Malfoy and Hermione Granger, their usual banter subdued by the knowledge of an impending meeting. Across from them, Harry and Ginny were seated, while Ron and Pansy occupied the remaining chairs, Pansy looking curiously smug as she swirled her butterbeer.
“They’re late,” Draco muttered, his grey eyes fixed on the door.
Hermione nudged him. “It’s only been five minutes. Be patient.”
“Easy for you to say. You don’t have Lucius Malfoy for a father,” he quipped.
Pansy smirked. “Oh, Draco, you act like this isn’t a regular Saturday dinner at the Manor.”
Draco shot her a glare but straightened his posture the moment the door to the pub swung open, revealing Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy. Dressed impeccably, the pair exuded wealth and refinement as they stepped inside. Narcissa’s gaze immediately sought Draco, her face lighting up with a rare smile as her eyes landed on him.
Draco rose from his chair, his voice steady but tinged with warmth. “Mother. Father.”
Lucius nodded curtly while Narcissa approached, pulling Draco into a brief embrace. “Darling, you look well. Hogwarts is treating you better this year, I hope?”
“Yes, Mother,” Draco said before gesturing to the table. “I’d like you to meet everyone officially.”
Hermione stood, smoothing her robes. “Mr. Malfoy, Mrs. Malfoy, it’s nice to meet you again under… better circumstances.”
Harry, Ginny, Ron, and Pansy echoed the sentiment, though Ron’s tone was strained.
Narcissa’s smile softened. “Indeed. It is a relief to see all of you in much happier times.” She paused, her gaze flickering to Harry and Hermione. “I must apologize for what occurred during the war. You were all put through so much, particularly at the Manor.”
Lucius inclined his head stiffly. “Yes, I second my wife’s sentiments. It was… regrettable.”
Hermione’s face remained neutral, though her eyes betrayed a flicker of surprise. “Thank you, Mrs. Malfoy. And Mr. Malfoy. I suppose we can all appreciate that those days are behind us now.”
Harry nodded. “Agreed. And thank you for what you did in the end, Mrs. Malfoy.”
Narcissa looked momentarily taken aback, then inclined her head. “A mother does what she must to protect her son. But I am glad it led to Voldemort’s downfall.”
The tension eased slightly, though Lucius’s sharp gaze still flickered over Hermione with clear curiosity. He gestured to the table. “Shall we sit? I imagine there’s much to discuss.”
They settled into their seats, the table suddenly feeling smaller under the weight of the conversation to come.
As butterbeers were poured and light conversation passed around, Narcissa’s curiosity eventually turned to Hermione. “So, Miss Granger, Draco has written to me about you. It seems you’ve had quite an impact.”
Hermione’s cheeks flushed faintly. “I imagine I have, though I suspect Draco didn’t paint it in the most flattering light.”
Narcissa chuckled. “On the contrary. He speaks of you with a certain… respect. It’s not something I hear often.”
Draco coughed into his glass, avoiding eye contact, while Lucius raised an eyebrow. “Respect? For a Muggle-born? Times truly have changed.”
Hermione met his gaze evenly. “They have, Mr. Malfoy. And it’s taken quite a lot of effort from people like me to make that happen.”
Lucius’s lips quirked upward. “Touché, Miss Granger. I see you’re as formidable as Draco suggested.”
Draco groaned softly. “Can we not make this into an interrogation?”
But Narcissa pressed on, her tone curious rather than harsh. “And this soulmate bond? I admit I’ve never heard of such a thing before now.”
Draco glanced at Hermione before speaking. “We learned about it from Professor Snape. He’s the one who explained what it means and why it’s significant.”
Narcissa froze, her glass halfway to her lips. “Severus? Professor Snape?”
Lucius’s hand tightened on the table. “Surely you don’t mean Severus Snape? He’s dead.”
Draco smirked. “Not anymore.”
The silence was palpable as Narcissa and Lucius stared at their son in disbelief. Finally, Narcissa spoke, her voice incredulous. “You’re saying Severus Snape is alive? And teaching you about soulmate bonds?”
“Not teaching, exactly,” Draco clarified. “He’s… our White Lighter.”
Lucius blinked. “I beg your pardon?”
“He’s sort of like a magical guardian,” Hermione explained. “He’s been guiding us as we learn about… everything.”
“And by ‘everything,’ you mean this soulmate bond and the fact that you and your friends are apparently part of some Charmed destiny?” Lucius asked, his tone heavy with skepticism.
Hermione nodded, her voice firm. “Exactly. And before you ask, yes, it’s real. Professor Snape confirmed it.”
Narcissa’s hand trembled slightly as she set her glass down. “To think Severus is alive… I would have thought he’d contact us.”
“He had his reasons, Mother,” Draco said gently. “And honestly, I think he’s enjoying his new role more than he lets on. He’s as snarky as ever.”
Lucius scoffed. “I can imagine. But how does this connect to you three being… Charmed Ones?”
Hermione launched into a brief explanation, describing their powers, the Book of Shadows, and their connection to the ancient power. Narcissa listened intently, her expression one of fascination and concern, while Lucius seemed to weigh every word.
“This is no small destiny,” Narcissa murmured. “And you’ve all accepted it?”
Hermione glanced at Ginny and Pansy before nodding. “We have. But we’re still figuring out what it all means.”
Lucius leaned back, his gaze on Hermione. “And you’re certain this bond… this destiny… is what you want? My son’s future is tied to yours, Miss Granger.”
Hermione’s chin lifted. “I didn’t choose this, Mr. Malfoy. None of us did. But we’ll rise to the occasion, for our own sakes and for those we care about.”
Draco’s lips twitched into a faint smile. “That’s why she’s perfect for it.”
Lucius studied her for a long moment before nodding. “Very well. I’ll reserve judgment—for now.”
As the conversation wound down, Narcissa turned to Harry and Ginny. “We’d like to invite you all to the Manor for the holidays. I think it would do us all good to spend some time together.”
Ginny hesitated before smiling. “We’d love to, Mrs. Malfoy.”
“And you, Mr. Weasley?” Narcissa asked Ron.
Ron shrugged, glancing at Pansy. “Yeah, sure. As long as there’s plenty of food.”
Draco groaned. “You’re hopeless.”
Narcissa chuckled. “We’ll make sure the kitchens are well-stocked.”
Lucius glanced at Hermione. “Miss Granger, I trust you’ll keep Draco in line until then?”
Hermione smirked. “I’ll do my best, Mr. Malfoy. Though it’s not an easy task.”
Draco muttered under his breath, “You’re impossible.”
Narcissa’s soft laughter filled the air. “I think we’ll get along just fine.”