9
Upon meeting up with Narcissa Malfoy, Hermione remembered just how out of place she felt surrounded by the rose garden at the Malfoy Estate. Narcissa was in her element, poised and graceful, Hermione managed to hit her toe on the nearest planter box as soon as she entered.
“Greetings Miss Granger.” the older witch glanced at her, the look of something foul beneath her nose still was very much there even if she made the attempt to look casual and welcoming.
“Ouch-Good afternoon Mrs Malfoy” she replied while rubbing the pain out of her foot. The perfectly arched eyebrow that rose on Narcissa’s face showed her disapproval of Hermione’s behaviour but she didn’t say anything.
“So what brings you to me today Miss Granger? Is this about Draco? Is everything alright with the court case?” She was wearing elegant gardening gloves and was in the middle of pruning some of the rose bushes.
“Malf-Draco is fine, and the court case is fine, but it's about you that I am here for.” She said, shuffling her foot on some dirt.
“Me?” The older witch paused her pruning, “Well how can I be of service then?” She said calmly.
“No, no you misunderstand, I’m here to make sure you are safe. Mal-Draco received an anonymous letter saying that you would be in danger if I continued visiting him for the court case.” She said, trying to sound unbothered. “So he asked me to make sure no one has come around recently to bother you..in any way.” She looked at the older witch awkwardly.
Narcissa continued her pruning and said, “No, you can tell him that I am fine, no one has so much as visited me in recent weeks, apart from your Miss Granger, and while you are at it perhaps he could reply to some of the letters I’ve sent him? Would be much appreciated.” She put on a facade that nothing was wrong, but Hermione felt a pang of pain when she mentioned letters.
“He hasn’t written back to you?” She inquired.
“No, he has not, though apparently he is much more ready to speak with you instead of his own mother.” She huffed in agitation.
“I’m sorry to hear that, I’ll try to ask him about it, but I highly doubt it’ll be of much use…well I’m sure you know we’ve never gotten along back in Hogwarts..” she trailed off, but Narcissa’s face softened in response.
“There was not a day where he hadn’t mentioned you at least once, ever since he started school. Sure Mr. Potter was also talked about a lot, but I suspect he had a special spot for you.” She responded matter-of-factly.
At this Hermione stared at Narcissa in disbelief, she wanted to laugh in her face but thought better of it.
“Oh I’m sure it was because I was a bit of a know-it-all.”
Narcissa raised both her eyebrows, “ A know-it-all, a girl with the bushiest of hair, a girl with buck teeth, a muggle-born who gets too many good grades, oh it’s been everything and anything. And in fourth year? After the Yule Ball? We didn’t hear the end of it for days.” she rolled her eyes.
Somehow this conversation started making Hermione feel that Narcissa was in fact just a regular mother and not a woman who had to host Voldemort in her house for almost a year.
“Mrs. Malfoy, trust me I’m pretty sure he just really …disliked me.” she wanted to say hated, but felt it would have sounded too harsh considering their conversation has been so light.
“Miss. Granger, then I really dislike my husband in just the same way.” She levelled with Hermione. Hermione felt herself blush and decided to change the topic.
“Ahem, well I’ll let him know, but I’ve got to say, these roses are quite exquisite.” She side eyed Narcissa, hoping it worked.
The older witch had a knowing smirk on her face but followed Hermione’s cue, “ These are Damask Roses, one of oldest varieties of Roses, when they first bloom they sure give the most fragrant aroma, and those over there are Gallica Roses-.” she went on for several minutes explaining each of the difference species that were growing in the garden’s greenhouses.
“Fascinating.” said Hermione after several minutes of the rose tour completely entranced by the new information.
“Miss Granger, do not take me for a fool, I am well aware why you changed the subject, that being said I must take leave for I have tea with Mrs. Parkinson. As for what we discussed earlier, do not hesitate to write to me if my son decides to pass along anything with you. Thank you for your visit.” and with that they bid each other farewell and Hermione headed out of the greenhouses across the Manor grounds and out.