Magical Lineage

The air in the manor seemed different. It seemed charged with magic and something that Hermione couldn’t put her finger on. The morning after their return Narcissa was sitting in the library, when Hermione entered the older woman smiled sweetly. “Come Dear, join me for a cup of tea.” She began pouring a cup as the younger witch sat across from her. “Did you and the boys have a nice reunion?”

A slight blush heated Hermione’s face. “Yes we did.” Then added, “Thank you for having Mopsy bring us food.”

Narcissa waived her hand, “Pish. Think nothing of it.” Then sipping her tea. “I thought you would all need some replenishing after the manor rippled from ‘your reunion’.”

Before she could comment or be embarrassed by the other woman’s observations. Theo entered. “Hello Ladies. How are you this beautiful day?” He came over and kissed Narcissa’s cheek and then without hesitation, leaned down and kissed Hermione gently on the lips. “Hello Love.” Straightening up, “What are you two up to today?”

Draco’s smirk gracing her lips, Narcissa answered, “Well I was just mentioning how the manor rippled last evening with your reunion and I was about to comment on the magical charge in the house today.” Without asking if he wanted any she poured him a cup of tea and handed it to him.

Theo took a sip and sat on the arm of Hermione’s chair. He nodded his head and smiled, “Hmmm that is curious.”

Draco entered the parlor, “Here you all are.”

Narcissa smiled at her son, “Come have a cup of tea with us.”

“No thank you. I was just looking for Theo…”

Narcissa poured a cup and held it out to Draco, “Nonsense. You’re here and I’ve already poured it.”

Not wanting to refuse his mother he took it and sat on the other arm of Hermione’s chair and sipped. Before he could say another word, Narcissa called out, “Mopsy.”

The little elf popped in. “Yes Mistress.”

Without looking at the three of them, “What do you see?”

The little elf turned and looked at the three of them. After a few seconds she smiled and jumped up and down, “Mistress. Mistress. It is beautiful. So very beautiful.”

“What do you see Mopsy?” The witch asked again.

Draco began to speak, “Mother wha…”

Narcissa put up her hand to silence him. “Mopsy?”

The little elf smiled, “The connection is, Pink. Green. Yellow. Blue. And Red… so so so much RED.” The little elf jumped up and down. “Mistress it is a ribbon, not a string, a ribbon. So beautiful.”

Narcissa smiled at the little elf. “Thank you Mopsy.” The elf popped out.

Draco spoke up, “Mother what is going on? What was Mopsy talking about?”

Narcissa smiled. “Well after the ‘rippling’ of the manor and grounds last night I had a hunch. Let me ask you three something.” She paused as if to think about something, “Your answer will just be confirmation of what Mopsy just revealed. Upon our return and your ‘reunion’ were there any new declarations made?”

Hermione felt her heart skip a beat.

Theo looked up to the ceiling.

Draco cleared his throat and took another sip of his tea.

After a few more seconds of silence, Hermione spoke, “What would make you ask that?” She waited for the other woman to answer but when it was obvious that she wasn’t going to she pushed on. “Yes. There were things said and feelings professed.”

Draco spoke up, “Mother, what is going on? And what was Mopsy talking about?”

Narcissa smiled, “Last night your ‘reunion’ is what caused the manor to ripple. But it was your declarations that caused the whole manor, and surrounding grounds to vibrate and quake.”

Theo stood, “We didn’t feel any quake. And again what does that have to do with Mopsy talking about colors.”

“You all just drank tea with an aura enhancing potion. Mopsy can see aura’s and bonds but the tea helps the colors to be more vibrant and easier to identify.

“All three of them put their tea cups down as if they were exploding blood worms.

Shaking her head. “Sit Dear.” Narcissa clasped her hands in her lap. “Last night, as has been the case, many nights, days and mornings, you three have caused this manor to shudder. The triad bond being stroked and nurtured. But last night was different, the whole of our property quaked. You three would not have felt it, because you were the center and the cause.”

Hermione looked curious, “Why?”

Narcissa smiled, “The second you declared your love for each other the triad bond snapped into place. Locking your hearts and magic together.”

Hermione again spoke, “And Mopsy?”

Narcissa nodded, “Mospy is an elf. Elf magic is different. She can see, sense and feel things our magic cannot. The colors she saw, is the bond connecting you three. Not just a thin magical cord, but because you are all so powerful in your own right and even more powerful when together the triad bond is a ribbon.”

Draco now looked interested, “The colors?”

“Your ribbon consists of Pink which is pleasure and playfulness. Green represents balance and harmony. Yellow shows joy and positivity. Blue embraces trust and peace.” Pausing and smiling, “Red. Well red shows your love, passion and desire.”

As if just realizing something, Hermione jumped up, “Bond. Our Triad Bond snapped into place. Does that mean we are married?”

Narcissa smiled, “No. No. Not a full bond, you would need to seal the bond with a ceremony declaring your intention of uniting your lives and magic. But right now your magic has locked to each other. You will draw strength from each other. Be more aware of each other. Sense what the others feel. You may even feel what the others feel.”

Theo asked, “Is that how all magical bonds feel?”

“No Darling. Some bonds will fully meld magic together. Others will bond life forces. But only true triads fully bond life, magic, emotions, feelings, everything. That is why magical triads are so very rare. And so very powerful.” Noting the concerned look on their faces, she smiled. “Darlings, this is nothing to worry about. It is a reason for celebration. You found each other. Your magic sings to each other. You love each other. It is a reason for celebration.”

Out of no where, Hermione felt a wave of calm come over her. She realized it was Draco and Theo, they were calm and by extension were calming her.

Theo stood, “Mum, the reason I initially came in was to tell you we will be having a guest for dinner tonight. I need to go over something with you. Our guest will be here to help me explain and answer any questions you may have.”

“What is it that we will be discussing that I will have questions about?” she inquired.

“I would really rather wait until our guest is here.” He responded.

“Very well Dear. Am I allowed to at least know who our guest is.” She stood to take her leave.

“I think you went to school with him, Damocles Belby”

Theo didn’t get to elaborate. Narcissa spun around and in a very un-ladylike, un heir to the House of Black way, stated, “Bloody Hell.” Then turning on them, “Shit. He is coming here? Shit. Tonight? Why? Tonight? Are you sure? Why?”

Draco and Theo froze. Neither of them had every heard their mum use that particular language. Hermione, not knowing language etiquette but pretty sure Narcissa Malfoy Black had never used that particular language before. At least not out loud. Asked, “Are you okay?”

A high pitched tone to her voice, “No. My Dear. I am not okay. I don’t think I can bloody breath. Why is Damocles Belby coming to the manor?”

Theo, finally regaining his composure. “Mum I told you, what we have to discuss will be clear once Dam is here. He will help clarify and answer any questions you may have.”

The older woman was muttering under her breath. Draco took her hand, “Mum are you okay? Your not going to have any episode are you? Take a seat. I’ll get you calming draught.”

The witch pulled her hand from her son’s grip, “Draco Darling, I don’t need a calming draught. I don’t need to take a bloody seat. I need to…I need to…”

Hermione smiled. “You need to go get ready for dinner. I’ll send Mopsy up.”

Biting her lip and smiling at the younger witch. “Yes Dear. Yes. I need to go to my rooms and get ready for our dinner guest. Thank you.” She walked over to Hermione and kissed her cheek. “It is so lovely having a witch in the house.”

Hermione held her hands. “Go. I will send Mopsy up and then I will stop in to see if you need anything.”

Theo and Draco watched as their mother floated out of the room smiling and muttering something. When she was gone they turned to Hermione speaking over each other.

“What the hell was that?”

“Have you ever heard her use that language?”

“Should we cancel tonight?”

Hermione finally spoke up. “Wizards are so oblivious. No DO NOT cancel tonight. Narcissa is looking forward to it.”

Theo cupped her face, “Um Kitten. That was not a woman that is looking forward to dinner tonight. That was a woman who was most definitely NOT looking forward to dinner.”

Draco stated in a very concerned voice, “My mum said curse words. I don’t think I have ever heard her curse. EVER.”

Hermione headed to the door. “Bloody dense boys.”

************

Theo went looking for Hermione. She wasn’t in their room, her room, the library so he went to Draco’s study. He stopped in the doorway watching the blonde sign some parchment and rolling it up. Grey eyes looked up. “Hey. How long have you been standing their?”

Theo smiled and walked into the room. “Not long. What are you doing?”

Just finishing up the monthly estate reports. I talked to the elves, they won’t take a raise. I’ll have to sneak it into their accounts. Hermione will hex my bullocks off if I don’t make sure they are ‘fairly compensated’. Last week she was trying to talk Jack and Hippy into taking a paid vacation. The looked at her like she was barmy.”

Theo laughed and shook his head. “She is definitely a fighter when it comes to equal rights for all. Speaking of the witch do you know where she is?”

Draco crossed the room and kissed the wizard hard on the lips, “No. I haven’t seen her since our very weird discussion with mum earlier. Why?”

Theo grabbed Draco’s hand and rubbed it against the placket of his slacks. “I was hoping to bury myself somewhere in the witch before dinner.” Rubbing Draco’s hand harder against himself. “Unless you would like to give a wizard a hand, or mouth or lovely ass.”

Just then they heard said witch yelling his name, “DRACO. DRACO. Where are you?” Before either of them could respond she appeared in the doorway. Theo took a step back, and they both turned to face her.

“I’m right here Sweetheart.” He smiled at her. “Is something wrong?”

She had a paper clutched in her hand and she was literally vibrating. “Draco Lucious Malfoy.”

He started at the use of his full name. Theo wasn’t sure if he was scared for the wizard or turned on, the witch sounded like an angry librarian. Something had her all worked up. The ends of her hair were sparking and she was crossing the room as if to hex him. So he did the only thing he could for the man he loved, he stepped back. So the woman he loved could have unfettered access to her target.

Again, she said, “Draco Lucious Malfoy…” Throwing her arms around his neck and climbing up his body, wrapping her legs around him. She began peppering his face, neck and lips with kisses. “I love you. I love you. I love you.”

Draco was worried when he heard her yell his name. Then when she stood in the doorway, hair sparking, intense look on her face and his full given name falling from her beautiful lips. He was passing worried and heading to righteously concerned. When she marched across the room and proceeded to climb him like a possessed monkey and kiss him while declaring her love he was just very, very confused. So he just held onto her and let her attack him.

Hermione couldn’t stop kissing him. “You are the most wonderful.” Kiss “Kindest wizard.” Kiss “Thoughtful” Kiss “I love you.”

Finally, when he was able to speak, “Not that I’m not enjoying your declarations of love and observations of my greatness. But may I ask what has brought this on.”

She began waving the paper in her hand around. “This. This is why I am thanking you. This is the best news possible.”

Draco scooped one hand under her bottom holding her to him and took the paper from her with his other. She continued. “I got an owl from Anna. My dad is doing much better. The magical healer you sent to ‘consult’ on him gave him an ‘experimental medication’ and now he is weeks ahead of his original healing schedule. Thank you. Thank you so much. You didn’t have to do that, but I am so very grateful.” Tears were streaming down her face.

“Hermione. Sweetheart. Please don’t cry. I told you I was going to send a magical healer. Of course I would do all I can to help your father. I love you and will do anything to make sure you are happy. Your father’s health is your concern therefore it is my concern. I’m very glad to hear he is responding positively to the healer.”

Theo, who had been watching finally cleared his throat and asked, “What did Anna say?”

Indicating that she wanted to get down, Draco gently loosened his grip and lowered her to the floor. Turning, her smile blinding Theo, in such contrast to the tear streaks on her cheeks, he couldn’t help but reach over and gently brush them away.

“The healer told my parents that there was an experimental medicine that he qualified to try. An oral liquid and a salve. The liquid was a repair potion, which was given to him in several small doses, so the internal healing would be accelerated by muggle standards but magically slower than ‘normal’. Then there was the salve, which was a pain relief and tissue regeneration cream, again applied in lighter, smaller doses to draw out the healing.”

He embraced the tiny witch. “That is wonderful news. I’m so happy for you and your parents.”

“I just wish I could see him. Them. I know I said that they are happy and living their lives.” She looked down and tried to swallow the lump in her throat. “I am so glad they were safe during the war.” Closing her eyes, a sad look coming over her features, “They didn’t understand me or this world I belong to and love so much. But…” After a moment of thought she shook her head. “Never mind. I am just happy they are safe, healthy and happy.”

Draco grabbed her chin between his thumb and forefinger, “Sweetheart, we can take a trip and see them. They don’t have to know who you are, and we don’t even have to talk to them. We’ll just be tourists.”

Smiling up at him. “Thank you for offering, but it’s actually better if I don’t see them. It is so much harder when I leave. Harder to know that if they see me, I’m just some stranger on the street, or maybe a familiar face from a previous visit to Greece.” Silent tears fell”

Theo scooped her into his arms and sat on the settee’, holding her close. Draco joined them, pulling her legs over his lap. Finally she spoke again, “It’s just with the program, I wish they knew I was happy and planning a future with children and a family.” Theo looked so sad for her, she kissed his lips softly. “It really is okay. I get a little melancholy sometimes, but I really have accepted they aren’t part of my life. I have a new family, and a world that I fought for. A future I can’t wait to build with two amazing men.”

They stayed like that for a few moments, then they heard Mopsy, “Sorry Masters, Mistress is looking for Miss. She needs her to help her choose robes for tonight’s dinner.”

Hermione wiped her tears and sniffled. As she made to rise from their embrace, their grip tightened. Seeing the concern in their eyes. “I’m fine. I really am. I just wanted to thank you so much for all that you did to help my dad.”

Draco and Theo watched the witch leave. She was holding the elf’s hand and they were talking in hushed voices. Theo looked at him and shrugged, “Women. I don’t understand any of them, Witch, muggle, elf, goblin, human, animal. None of them make any sense to me.”

Draco laughed, I don’t think there is a man alive that fully understands the inner workings of female emotions.” He grabbed Theo’s face and kissed him. “What do you suppose those women are up to?”

Theo shrugged again. “I have no idea but, I’m fairly certain we men should all be on guard tonight. I thought inviting Dam over to help explain the potion and the protocol would help mum to fully understand the significance of this treatment and its effects in regards to her condition. But now I’m not sure, with the women acting so strange, I’m a little worried for all of our safety.”

Draco shook his head. “It should be an interesting evening.”

***************

Hermione and Mopsy entered Narcissa’s dressing room. There were robes, gowns, skirts, and shoes strewn all around the room. Narcissa was sitting in the middle of a round cushioned settee’ in a dressing robe and nothing else. Looking very much like a teenage girl getting ready for the Yule Ball. Hermione walked slowly up to the woman. “Narcissa? Is everything okay? I’m here to help you get ready.”

The woman looked up as if she had never seen the witch before. “Why is he coming here? What should I wear? Should I dress the part of the widow? I’m not sad nor in mourning, but etiquette dictates I wear black. Should I wear green? We were both in Slytherin. I think royal blue and silver look good on me. What do you think?”

Before the woman could throw another color into the suggestions, Hermione sat and held her hand. “If you really want my opinion, you look beautiful in all of those colors. You shouldn’t wear black because of your marital status, but because it looks exquisite with your coloring. Green is very regal and befitting the Slytherin royalty you are. Royal blue with accents of silver will definitely catch everyone’s eye.”

The woman looked into Hermione’s eyes, “You are so very kind. I don’t know why I’m getting all worked up. I’m being so foolish. You would think I never entertained a dinner guest before.” Shaking her head, “I just haven’t seen Mr. Belby since school. Lucious didn’t like him. He didn’t think he was a true Slytherin.”

Hermione smiled, “I have known Dam for almost four years now and have often wondered that myself.”

Looking at the mirror across the room, he and I were ‘friends’ in school. Before my parents agreed to my marriage to Lucious, I had so many friends. Mr. Belby was one of them. He and I would lunch together, take walks around the lake together, study together. He would help me study for potions and I helped him with ruins.” She laughed softly, remembering, “That wizard could never tell the subtle differences in the angle of the markings.” Sighing, “Then I was betrothed to Lucious. It was a powerful match, joining our houses. I didn’t argue the arrangement. I knew I had to do my duty. He wasn’t old, or ugly. He wasn’t mean or demanding. But he was powerful and arrogant. Many of my male friends distanced themselves. My days of ‘experimenting’ ended and I just waited to become a wife and mother.”

Both witches were quiet for a few moments then Narcissa spoke so softly, “Hermione, I look so different. I…I’m not the girl that glided through Hogwarts, proud and sure of her own presence. I’m broken. I allowed myself to be broken and I don’t think I can be fixed.”

Hermione held both of the other woman’s hands, so frail, in both of hers. “I will not hear any of this. You are Narcissa Black. Heir to the ancient noble House of Black. You are mother to the Heir of the House of Malfoy. And godmother to the heir of the House of Nott. You are strong, intelligent, loyal, fierce, beautiful, talented and one of the most powerful witches in all of Britain.” The woman looked at her and Hermione felt the witch’s grip tighten. “You survived a ruthless magical maniac taking over your home. You survived a power crazed husband, a psychotic sister and countless, soulless followers occupying your home and torturing you. You saved your sons from certain death by sacrificing yourself. You chose to fight for the light even though it meant your death if caught.” Looking Narcissa right in the eyes. “We are both going to get dressed and go down to enjoy a nice dinner and some interesting conversation. After which maybe, just maybe, if Damocles Belby is lucky, Narcissa Black will allow him to kiss her hand as she bids him goodnight.”

Narcissa smiled, and shook her head, “Draco’s right, you really were sorted into the wrong house.”

Mopsy snorted and laughed out loud.

******************

Damocles Belby stepped out of the floo in the manor’s main hall. After a quick cleaning charm of his robes, he shook both Theo and Draco’s hands. The men went to the game room for a before dinner drink.

Theo chuckled, “Whoa, Dam. After only seeing you in the lab or at the pub, you clean up nice.”

Laughing, “Yes well, people tend to forget that I come from a pure blood aristocratic family.”

“I knew you were in Slytherin and pure blood. I sometimes forget because you don’t act like, as Hermione says, a ‘pompous ass’.”

The older man laughed. “Yes she has used that particular description several times.”

Just then they heard laughter coming from the hall. As Hermione and Narcissa entered the game room, all three wizards stood. After seeing the two beautiful women glide into the room, all three wizards were struck silent. Hermione was wearing a beautiful rose colored dress under teal and rose robes. Narcissa had on a beautiful emerald green gown under black and silver robes.

The men made their way to them, Draco kissed his mother’s cheek, “Good evening mother, you look beautiful tonight. He moved to Hermione, “Good evening gorgeous, you look ravishing.

Theo kissed Narcissa’s cheek, “You look beautiful as usual mum.” He then turned to Damocles, “I know you two went to school together but I wasn’t sure if you knew each other, Damocles Belby, Narcissa Malfoy Black.”

Dam slightly bowed his head and reached for her small hand, not kissing but gently shaking it. “Mrs. Malfoy Black. I’m sure you don’t remember me, but I remember you from school.”

Narcissa smiled, dipping her head in acknowledgement. “Mr. Belby, it’s a pleasure to see you again. As for remembrance, I do remember you from school. You would be a hard man to forget.” She pulled her hand back and added, “Please call me Narcissa.”

“Then you must call me Damocles or Dam” he smiled brightly at her.

Theo had made his way to Hermione and kissed her jaw, “You look beautiful my love.” Since everyone was otherwise engaged in introductions of their own, he whispered in her ear. “Fucking delicious. When I get you alone I am going to feast.” He then watched as the witch squirmed. No doubt clenching her pussy tight in anticipation.

Theo and Dam lead the ladies to the chairs near the windows. Draco poured each of them a glass of wine. Narcissa and Hermione sat while the men stood.

After a bit of small talk, at which Dam confessed, “I don’t think I would have passed fourth, fifth or sixth year ruins without your mother’s help.” Laughing he added, “I never did understand the ruins angle placement.”

Narcissa shook her head, “I think that was why Professor Snipwhit put you next to me. He knew I would help his favorite student.”

Dam shook his head, “Narcissa, come now, he put me next to his favorite brightest student, sure that I would desperately copy your work. He wanted to make sure he had a one hundred percent pass rate.”

Shock in her voice, “I don’t think he would do that?”

Nodding his head, “Yes he would. He and Professor Rumory had an annual bet. Whoever had the highest pass percentage got out of the next years Hogsmeade chaperone duties.”

Hermione asked, “You didn’t copy from Narcissa did you?”

Dam lowered his head, and a red blush creeped up his neck and his cheeks. “I’m embarrassed to say that I did. Only because I know I would have failed, had I not.”

Theo asked, “How did you pass your end of term tests, O.W.L.s and N.E.W.T.s?”

Still looking shamed, “I’m the reason there is a ‘magical void’ put over the testing hall. Professor Dumbledore could never prove how I did it, but he suspected I was cheating. I poured a mind sync potion into a certain witch’s pumpkin juice every morning before tests.”

Hermione gasped. “Dam. How could you cheat?”

Draco and Theo laughed. Draco stating “That’s bloody brilliant.”

Then all eyes turned to Narcissa. She was quiet and looked very thoughtful. She smiled and slowly blinked. She took a sip of her wine and stated, “Hmmmm. I really only drank pumpkin juice on test day.”

Every eye turned to her, as she stood and straightened her robes. “Damocles, would you like to escort me to dinner.”

Draco and Theo were speechless. Hermione was perturbed but impressed. Damocles took her hand smiling. “Slytherin Princess.” Shaking his head, “You knew I was slipping the potion into your pumpkin juice?”

A slight nod of her head, “I really hated the taste. I wish you would have noticed I drank beet juice in the mornings.” With that they headed to dinner.

After Tipsy served their roasted vegetable soup Theo addressed the reason for the dinner. “Mum Damocles and I have come up with a potion that will help with severe nerve damage, due to prolonged exposure to the cruciatus curse.”

Narcissa stiffened. Then locking eyes with Hermione and drawing strength from the younger witch. She could practically hear her say, ‘Remember you are Narcissa Black’. Blinking slowly she looked at Theo. “That is wonderful news. I knew you and Damocles were working on a potion treatment together.” Turning to Damocles, “I take it you are aware of my condition?”

He was very professional, “Yes. Hermione came to me with a request to develop a potion to help people with varying degrees of nerve damage. She was not specific as to who may benefit from it or the degree of damage.”

She nodded her head in understanding. Theo jumped in. “When we got close to a solution, I revealed who the patient was and the severity of damage we were looking to treat.”

Always the noble lady, “I am very grateful to both of you using your talents to help me. Please tell me what you have created and what protocol I need to follow.”

Both men went back and forth, each taking turns explaining the ingredients, the strength and the protocol for consumption. Finally, getting to the point of figuring out how much potion she should take each day, Dam asked, “How often do you have episodes, and how severe are they?”

Narcissa, squared her shoulder, “In the past, when I have had an episode, it was usually pretty sever. Full hand and arm tremors. Vision and speech affected. Nausea, so bad that eating and keeping food in is impossible. Finally, my memory would be completely affected. I would drift from the present to the past. Usually focusing on the situations that caused my condition.”

Dam knew without being told that those ‘situations’ were her torture. Severe and brutal torture. He felt his jaw tick, biting down so hard he thought his teeth may crack. His voice a low menacing growl, “No one helped you? Your husband didn’t protect you?”

The two wizards and witch watching the exchange stayed quiet. Confused as to why Damocles Belby was asking such a personal question. Draco, seeming to try to answer, but Hermione touched his shoulder to still him. Narcissa swallowed. “It would seem my husband chose his Lord over his family. My sons and I live with the scars and consequences of his choices and lack of character.”

Damocles saw the pain in the beautiful witch’s eyes and understood he needed to stay on track. “Well with all of the information we have gathered this potion should control your medical condition.”

“I have a few questions,” Narcissa said.

Theo cleared his throat, “Go ahead mum.”

“Theo darling, have you noticed any of my symptoms over the past few months?”

“No.”

“Draco, have you?”

“No.”
Before she asked, Hermione spoke up, “I haven’t either. Well nothing of great note. When we were on holiday, I did note small hand tremors. But… Mopsy said you didn’t have any night terrors. I witnessed for myself you had a great appetite.”

Narcissa turned to Damocles, “I have been in pretty good health since my sons and Hermione have gotten together.” She watched as confusion crossed Dam’s face, and understanding settled on the triads.

Draco jumped up, “Mum do you think our bond healed you?”

Shaking her head, “I don’t think it healed me. I think that it helps me. Your triad bond, when combined with the new potion, may have a more successful outcome.”

Dam turned to the three younger diners, “You have a triad bond?”

All three responded together, “Yes.”

Damocles was quiet for a long time. Finally he said. “Well this will change the dosage and we will have to reassess the strength.” He smiled at Narcissa. “This is amazing news.”

The conversation continued throughout the rest of the dinner. When the dishes were cleared and compliments were given to Tipsy. Draco stated, “Let’s have dessert on the terrace.”

Narcissa dabbed her mouth with her napkin. “Hermione and I will join you men shortly we need to powder our noses.”

The little witch stood and the two women excused themselves. When they were in the privacy of the kitchen and a silencing charm was in place, Narcissa clapped her hands together. “Holy Hufflepuff! The news was fabulous. The dinner was delicious. But the company. The company was sublime. He hasn’t changed. He is still one of the most handsome wizards I have ever laid eyes on.”

Hermione just smiled and shook her head.

When they joined the wizards on the terrace Tipsy had delivered, the tea service, along with peach cobbler in heavy cream. Narcissa declined dessert but accepted a cup of tea. Hermione took a few bites of Theo’s dessert, explaining that she was beyond full. The men each had two helpings of dessert and then firewhisky.

As t the evening began to winding down Hermione grabbed Theo and Draco, without preamble stated, “Dam thank you for coming and for the wonderful news regarding the potion. Theo and you can talk tomorrow about when to start the new protocol.”

Theo tried to interrupt, but she cut him off. “Narcissa I’m exhausted and these to are going to retire with me. You don’t mind us leaving you with Dam do you?”

Draco started to talk, “We don’t have to…”

She turned to him, “You’re exhausted. You need to retire with me.” Before Theo could speak up. “You are also very tired. We will all be retiring.” Whatever they saw in her eyes had them both snapping their jaws closed.

The older witch smiled, “Good night my Dears. I will see to our guest.” Her grateful knowing look lingering on Hermione.

The wizards each gave her a kiss goodnight and left with their witch. Not saying a word until they were in their room. “What just happened?” Draco asked.

Theo added, “I wanted to try and work with Dam to figure out the new potion dosage.”

Hermione smiled and started removing her clothes. “I thought it would be nice to give Narcissa some time to reminisce with Dam alone.” The whole time she was talking she was removing her robes, then her dress. Both wizards just stared, not saying anything. She turned wearing heels, stockings with a garter belt, black lacy knickers and a black lace bra. “But if you would rather go and talk to Dam. I will just have to entertain myself.” On those words she reached up and cupped her full breasts and squeezed. “Hmmm.”

Draco turned to Theo, “I don’t know about you but I’m good with Mum seeing our guest out.”

Theo smiled, “Guest? What guest?”

Hermione removed her bra and let it fall to the floor. Then cupping one breast in her hand pinched her pert nipple between here fingers. She pulled her other breast up and leaned her head down so her mouth hovered over the dusty rose skin. She stuck her tongue out and licked the tip of her nipple.

Both wizards groaned, “FUUUUUCK.”

*****************

On the terrace Dam and Narcissa were quiet. Both looking out over the grounds. The wizard broke the silence first. “I’m sorry.” He said. His voice tight.

She looked at him. “Whatever for?”

He looked at her, His eyes darkening. “I didn’t know. I didn’t know you were being…” His voice cracked. “I didn’t know he was allowing you to be hurt. I didn’t know he was hurting you.”

In a soft voice, “Dam, it wasn’t your place to know. I wasn’t yours to protect. I was his wife. I had my children to protect. I would go through it all again, to protect them.”

“Cissy” He finally used his old nickname for her. It sat on the tip of his tongue all night. But wasn’t sure she wanted her family to know the depth of their familiarity. “Cissy, if I had known, maybe I could have…”

“Dam you couldn’t have done anything. He had my magic bound to him. He had my son. Draco is a pure blood heir, I would never have left without him.” She looked at him then touched his hand. “He would have had the MLE on his side. I was his property. Mother and Father bound us completely in our marriage contract. Death really was the only way we severed that bond.”

He growled, voice low and deep. “I hated your fucking parents. Using you like chattel, negotiating your life and magic to grow their fucking fortunes and blood line.” Then he lowered his head, shamed, “I’m sorry I treated you so badly after the announcement of your betrothal to him.”

“Dam please let’s not talk about the past. You protected yourself. I did my duty. Let’s leave it at that.” Pulling her hand back and picking up her tea. “I’m very grateful to you for working with Theo to help me. I know your potion will help many others. I always knew you were destined to do great things and use your gifts to help people.” She stood and walked to the railing.

He watched her and stood, as if drawn to the tiny witch. He stood behind her wanting to lay his hands on her shoulders. He wanted to pull her into a hug. Fuck he wanted to kiss her sweet lips and make her forget the past twenty three years.

Narcissa felt the wizard behind her. She held her breath. Waiting. Hoping. The tension was there as it had always been between them. She wasn’t the sixteen year old girl she once was. He wouldn’t want her the same way. Just as the thought entered her mind, she felt his hands close over her shoulders. His breath on the side of her neck. His words whispered in her ear. “You are still the most beautiful witch in all the world. I am still drawn to you. My magic still sparks in your presence and my heart skips beats when I look at you.”

Narcissa couldn’t stop herself, she turned in his embrace and felt his mouth close over hers. Allowing herself to be lost in the kiss for a few moments then stepping back, she smiled up into green eyes, “Thank you for joining us tonight and the wonderful news regarding the potion you and Theo created. I had a lovely evening reminiscing and would love to do this again.

Dam looked into her grey eyes, and cleared his throat, “It’s getting late, I really should be taking my leave and allow you to retire. I had a wonderful time and would very much like to see you again.”

Narcissa nodded. “I will walk you to the floo.” When they reached the floo Dam bent and quickly brushed his lips over hers. “Good night Cissy.” He tossed the powder, announcing his residence, turned and stepped through the green flames.

Narcissa glided up the stairs and to her rooms. She readied herself for bed and fell into a sound peaceful sleep. A certain wizard with green eyes appeared in her dreams.