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It had been a wonderfully pleasant morning. Hermione had no work to take home and so she could relax and enjoy her day off. At least, that was the plan, anyway. Draco had startled her when he stepped through the floo, unannounced with the claim that he had something important to ask her. Hermione decided to make some tea, give Draco a moment to calm himself before he worked himself further into a snit.

That had been twenty minutes ago and Draco had  yet  to get to the point of his visit. He looked agitated, seated on her sofa with his hands in a death grip on his knees.

“Malfoy, you might actually tell me what this is about?” Hermione asked, tired of his silence. Draco looked stricken before he finally began to speak.

“I need you to date me.”

Hermione blinked, shocked, startled, surprised, concerned. She started laughing because it had to be a joke, right? Draco and she had become friends at some point but they both knew they had absolutely zero interest in each other.

“I thought you wanted to be with—”

“I do.”

“Then why?”

Draco ran a hand through his hair, a decidedly Harry-like gesture that proved Draco spent entirely too much time with her best friend. “I’m afraid to confess to him, afraid that he’ll reject me and I’ll lose him. If you date me, perhaps I could get an idea of whether or not he likes me based on how he reacts to us together.”

“Merlin, you realize how horrible of an idea this is, yes? He does like you, I know he does. Just ask him out. Besides, I’m the worst person to do this with. If Harry thinks I’m happy with you, he’ll back off. He won’t make a scene and he’ll bottle up his feelings”

“You’re the only person this would be believable with.”

“Please, this isn’t going to be a public event, if it’s just for Harry, why not ask Pansy or Astoria?”

“Because you're his friend, it’ll have more of an effect. You’ve also been spending a lot of time with my mother, which helps it be more authentic.”

Hermione shook her head, nothing about this was ‘authentic’. And to think that she thought Draco was smarter than this. She acknowledged that Draco probably won’t believe Harry likes him unless it comes from the man himself and even then it was likely Draco would need time to truly believe it. 

“Please, Granger. Please.”

Hermione shifted her jaw and narrowed her eyes at him. Was he begging her to do this? If anyone had told Hermione at any point that Draco Malfoy would be begging her to date him she would have admitted them into the Janus Thickey Ward immediately. And yet, here he was, doing just that.

“Draco…”

“Hermione, I’ve never asked you for anything, please, do this for me.”

Hermione was almost surprised Draco wasn’t down on his knees yet but she had a feeling it might get to that point the more she resisted. She sighed, running a hand down her face. She needed to think this through. 

Quick, pros and cons. Pro, Harry and Draco would finally stop dancing around each other as they have been for at least two years. Con, Harry might believe they are happily together and back off. Con, this might hurt Harry. Pro, it’s an excuse to spend more time with Narcissa. Con, Narcissa would likely find out that Hermione is dating Draco. Con, Narcissa would actually believe it. Cons were winning out in this case.

“I’m sorry, Draco, I just don’t see how this could—”

“If you do this, I’ll accept the fact that you have a thing for my mother.” The words escaped Draco before Hermione had time to process them. “I might even help you with her.”

Gut punch. Bastard. Narcissa was so far out of Hermione’s league that she could become the Minister of Magic tomorrow and still be undeserving of the Malfoy Matriarch—Black Matriarch? Regardless, Hermione still wouldn’t be even close to being worth the woman. If Draco  could  actually help her…

No, she shouldn’t. Hermione had been doing so well in ignoring her attraction to the woman she had been able to call a friend after several months of distant acquaintanceship. All of that work was gone the moment Draco mentioned helping her. Of course, even Draco’s help wouldn’t do much if Narcissa wasn’t receptive to her attention. Maybe this whole fake dating thing would help her see if there was even something to pursue. 

Fuck, she couldn’t actually be considering this? This was a horrible idea. It could end wrong in so many ways and Draco and Hermione could lose a lot more than they thought. Hermione  hated  making quick decisions without being able to think everything through but—

“Well?” Draco looked so hopeful as he tapped his fingers impatiently against the arm of the sofa. 

“There is a lot to consider…” Hermione murmured, running both hands through her mess of curls. 

“I know but we don’t have the luxury of consideration right now.”

“What do you mean?”

Draco looked a little queasy, nervous too. He checked the little muggle watch around his wrist—a gift from Harry which meant Draco probably hadn’t removed it since he put it on upon being given it. “You have ten minutes to make a decision.”

Hermione narrowed her eyes. “Why?”

“We’re due for lunch with Harry… and my mother.”

Hermione pinched the bridge of her nose with a heavy sigh. “And if I say no?”

Draco looked horrified as if the thought had never truly occurred to him. As if he had expected her to say yes because he said please and begged her. As if leveraging her feelings for his mother would have instantly swayed her. Which, to be fair, it did. 

This could go sideways immediately. As in, the moment they all sat down for lunch. Hermione wasn’t exactly the best liar and she was even worse around Harry, because he knew her, and Narcissa, because the woman intimidated her. This had the potential to ruin friendships.

But it had the potential to do good. What if this ended the way she hoped it did? With Harry happier than he’s been in a while. Perhaps the happiest he might have been, ever. Hermione wanted that for him, she wanted that for him so badly. He deserved happiness. She just regretted that he might have to be even sadder first.

With a defeated sigh, she nodded at Draco. “But, if this goes badly, I want to be the one that gets to tell everyone it was your idea. I know neither of us would like this to end up in the Prophet but luckily, most of the time the charade will only be around Harry… or your mother.”

Draco agreed to her terms, pleased that she finally agreed. 

“Where are we going for lunch?”

“My mother asked Harry to pick a muggle restaurant he likes. Since she started talking to Aunt Andromeda again, she’s been far more open about learning about and spending time amongst muggles. I’m sure you know that though.”

Hermione nodded. She did know that. They often spent afternoons talking about it or Hermione was showing her things.

“I think this is going to fall apart immediately, just so you know. We might be able to fool Harry, he’ll be a little emotional but your mother won’t be fooled. I swear Narcissa has a built-in lie detector.”

“If we stick as close to the truth as possible, what could go wrong?”

Everything. Everything could go wrong and probably will.

The restaurant Harry had picked out clearly didn’t see a lot of foot traffic. It wasn’t very busy for lunch which was probably for the better. Less of an audience to watch whatever train wreck was about to go down. When they arrived, Hermione didn’t know whether to be relieved or not to see that they had arrived before Harry and Narcissa. Relieved because she had a moment to prepare or not, because… something. 

Hermione draped her coat over the back of her chair, sitting down with a heavy sigh. Draco took the seat next to her and she quietly lamented the loss of Narcissa sitting next to her. Again, probably for the best as well. Hermione’s fingers absently began to tug and tear at a napkin that had found its way into her hands. 

“Granger, stop fidgeting.”

Hermione’s hand paused as she scoffed. “Well,  excuse me , your highness. Forgive me for being so anxious that I can’t sit still. Also, consider  not  calling me Granger in front of them if you actually want to go through with this hare-brained plan.”

“Please give me a little credit and maybe a little trust too, Hermione. You’re not the only person this might affect if things go south.”

“I’m sorry, you’re right, I just—I have this feeling that this entire thing is going to blow up. Spectacularly.”

Draco reached over, grabbing Hermione’s hand and squeezing it tightly. Hermione sighed, twisting her hand in the hold so that they were properly holding hands. His hands were a little too big, his fingers not exactly fitting right between her own. She wondered if Narcissa’s would fit. She had a feeling they would. Draco smiled at her when she lifted her gaze to meet his eyes. He tilted his head in the same way she had seen Narcissa do in the past. It wasn’t nearly as cute on him. 

“We’ll get through this together. At least we have each other if this ends in tragedy.” 

Hermione rolled her eyes but gave his hand a short squeeze. “At least I’ll have someone.”

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed movement and turned her head. Harry approached the table, slow and cautious. He looked confused as his eyes flickered between them and their clasped hands. Hermione tried to pull her hand away but Draco held on. This didn’t go unnoticed by Harry who’s brow furrowed deeper. He did offer a smile as he sat down in front of Draco but it didn’t quite reach his eyes.

“I didn’t know you were joining us, Mione.” There was a little waver to his voice and it hit her right in the heart. Draco seemed to catch it too, finally letting her remove her hand from his.

“Draco invited me about twenty minutes ago. We were talking and he decided to invite me along.” Draco shot her a relieved look as if he had been too struck to speak up. Hermione bit her tongue and resisted rolling her eyes. This was his idea and he couldn’t even say anything? Well… Harry did look like a kicked puppy. That was probably why.

When it felt like the atmosphere in the building had changed completely, Hermione knew Narcissa had arrived. There was always this magnetism to the woman and Hermione often wondered if it was the heaviness of her magic. She was a very powerful witch. Hermione turned in her chair to watch Narcissa step over the threshold and suddenly all she could hear was blood rushing in her ears. Despite spending so much time with Narcissa, her presence never failed to affect Hermione. Narcissa’s eyes made contact with her own and they lit up with surprise and delight. Hermione nearly melted. What a woman. Narcissa smiled at her and Hermione reflexively smiled back. She swooned inwardly at the sight of Narcissa’s single dimple, which offset her symmetry just a bit but was no less gorgeous or endearing.

Hermione’s eyes darted down to bask in Narcisa’s full glory but the moment her brain processed the visage before her, her mouth dried out. Hermione felt like she might have a heart attack at the sight she was met with. Her brain refused to do much thinking as she stared. Hermione could have been drooling for all she knew but she wouldn’t have noticed.

Not when Narcissa Black was wearing jeans. Light blue denim skinny jeans. Hermione couldn’t even imagine Narcissa waltzing into a muggle clothing store to buy those but there they were, wrapped so beautifully tight around her long legs. When Hermione finally took a breath to suck in much-needed oxygen, she lost it again when her eyes trailed upwards. Narcissa was wearing a flowing blouse that wrapped around her arms, leaving her shoulders and neck bare. Since her hair was done in its usual elegant updo, there was nothing to cover the wide expanse of pale skin. Skin that looked so  soft  and made Hermione want to—

Hermione swallowed, still dazed at the incredible sight that when Narcissa sat down in front of her, Hermione’s gaze was still glued to the woman’s collarbone. In her defense, she was sure that the rest of the restaurant was looking, they had to be. There was no way that the rest of the building didn’t notice how sinfully attractive Narcissa was. No possible way they didn’t. If Hermione had been more aware of her surroundings she might have heard the crash of something coming from the waiters’ station but she wasn’t. Instead, she was trying to commit the expanse of skin to memory. 

When her eyes shifted upwards again, she noticed that Narcissa’s lips were moving. What was she saying? Hermione had no clue, she was too busy staring at Narcissa’s lips which were painted a lovely, deep shade of red. Oh, what she wouldn’t give to be painted in that color too, with Narcissa’s lips as the brush to the canvas of her skin. The older woman was still smiling at her, a hint of smugness gracing her features. Still insanely attractive.

Hermione distantly felt Draco’s arm slither across the back of her chair as he leaned in to whisper, “Stop drooling over my mother,” in her ear, causing her to jump out of her skin. Her skin flushed red as she opened her mouth to stutter out a greeting. Her words stuck to her throat when she noticed Narcissa’s smile falter and dim before shifting into something that looked more like a concealed grimace. Hermione ripped her eyes away from Narcissa to look at Draco who was settled in his new spot, her personal space.

Hermione took a deep breath, leaning against Draco. She had to sell the act more now that she was blatantly ogling his mother. A waiter stopped by the table, setting down the menus and utensils now that the entire table was present and seated. They all ordered their drinks and Harry ordered an appetizer he liked the last time he had visited this place. Hermione followed up with an appetizer of her own because it sounded good. Not that Hermione had an appetite for anything but Narcissa.

The moment the waiter was gone, the focus of the table snapped back to the ‘happy couple’ and their nearness to each other. 

“When did this happen?” Narcissa’s voice was no-nonsense, her eyebrow arched in question. Trust the older woman to be blunt and cut right to the point. Yet another lovely thing about her that had Hermione tripping over herself. 

“T-this afternoon?” Hermione cringed at the weakness that it came out as. Her mouth felt like it was full of cotton and she wished she would swallow her tongue the moment Narcissa’s sharp gaze met her again. Whereas it had once been full of delight and warm from the moment she had walked in, it was now sharp and calculating. Hermione liked to believe that she could read Narcissa well. If she was right, there was panic in her eyes, melancholy too. She could see it in the rigid posture, the down-turned lips, the way her arms were tensed that told Hermione that Narcissa’s hands were balled in her lap. She wanted to ask, to express her concern with Narcissa’s reaction but her mouth wouldn’t move.

“How long have you had feelings for my son?”

Hermione's ears buzzed and she itched to get up and bolt right out of the building. She wasn’t surprised that Draco’s grip tightened around her shoulders. When she looked to him for a little help, he seemed lost, staring at his mother in blatant confusion. Hermione’s eyes shifted over to Harry for just a moment, the poor boy was staring down at the menu in front of him, quiet and clearly melancholic too.

“Are you planning to answer my question?”

Hermione’s attention snapped back to Narcissa who was clearly unhappy, angry even. Hermione was so confused, she could have sworn Narcissa and she were on good terms but now? Now she wasn’t so sure that Narcissa had ever really been her friend. Hermione lowered her head, suitably chastised as she mumbled, “I’m not sure how long… it just… happened.”

The answer wasn’t satisfactory to anyone, apparently, but before that could be known, the waiter stopped by the table again, dropping off the drinks. Then, disappeared again with the promise of checking back to see if they’ve figured out what they’d like to order. 

Hermione mirrored Harry now, sad and prodding at the menu as if she would rather be anywhere else than here. Perhaps Narcissa’s arms but that wasn’t exactly a viable place at the moment. She tried to shrug Draco’s arm off but he held firm, whispering, “Please don’t back out now. Please," into her ear.

Bastard. 

Hermione wanted to shoot him a glare but she dropped her shoulders, acquiescing. 

Their dinner companions weren’t faring much better. Both of them looked on at the two, heartbroken and distraught in their own right. Harry pulled off his glasses, wiping the lenses as he tried to avoid staring at them. He couldn’t believe this. Had he missed all the signs? He didn’t even know they spent time together. How could they if Draco spent all his time with Harry? Harry placed his glasses back on the bridge of his nose before he pushed a hand through his hair. He had thought maybe Draco might have… clearly not if he was interested in Hermione. 

Harry wondered if perhaps, had he told Hermione about his crush on Draco then she wouldn’t have… but she seemed so… Well, not exactly happy. He mostly saw Hermione happier when she was talking to Narcissa who, from where Harry was sitting, wasn’t happy with this development either. Harry was now a little concerned over this relationship but he couldn’t put his finger on why. However, if it made Hermione happy, he’d deal. It broke his heart, but he’d deal.

Meanwhile, Narcissa was resisting the urge to cry, scream, any number of rather explosive emotional displays. She felt so incredibly foolish to have hoped that Hermione was interested in her in the same way she was with the young woman. Especially after the way Hermione’s eyes were devouring her when she walked in. There was so much heat and desire in the young woman’s gaze that her entire body lit up in hope. Hope that maybe… but now it was replaced with a cold fury. Her eyes shifted between them, almost willing the scene in front of her to be a horrible hallucination, a figment born out of developing insanity. Her son, her precious child, wrapped around the young woman she had hoped to begin courting. Narcissa suddenly felt very old and silly—she hated feeling old and silly. What had she done to deserve this?

Hermione had forgiven her for the drawing room early on, despite Narcissa’s insistence that she shouldn’t. So what else must she be paying penance for? Because surely her own wrongdoings must be the reason her son would steal the one thing she wanted for herself. Not that Hermione was a thing. She nearly smiled to herself at the thought of how Hermione would rant against being objectified. Except Narcissa didn’t feel much like smiling at the moment.

Had it all been nothing but a ruse? Had Hermione merely spent time getting closer to her to make the news less painful? She couldn’t imagine Hermione being so blatantly deceitful in her intentions and she had made no mention of Draco beyond pleasantries when they spent time together. Could Draco really steal that which wasn’t hers? Oh, but Narcissa wished Hermione was hers. She tasted something bitter in her mouth at the thought of Draco giving Hermione everything Narcissa wished to give her.

She did not think she would survive her son dating Hermione. Not at all. 

The tense silence that had settled over the table was interrupted by the waiter who placed the appetizers down on the table before smiling and asking if they were ready to order. Each of them quickly picked a thing off the menu and set the waiter on their way. No one really moved a muscle, no longer hungry anymore. This had, in fact, turned out to be the worst idea in the history of all ideas. But, stubborn as the two were, they were determined to see it through.

Draco finally pulled away from Hermione, shifting uncomfortably in his chair under the saddened gaze of Harry and the bitter look from his mother. 

Hermione slowly reached out for some of the food placed before them, wishing to rid the table of tension but not knowing out. She didn’t trust her voice much, especially not when Narcissa’s gaze returned to Hermione, almost pleading. What, did the older woman want for her to tell her this was all some joke? Hermione wished she could. Hermione offered a consoling smile which only seemed to sadden the woman more. 

Lunch went by with stilted conversations, longing stares, and a great deal of tension. The mood barely lightened but at least no one stormed out or cried. A really horrible scale to measure how bad it went. Perhaps they should have waited to ‘come out’ with this. 

Hermione breathed a sigh of relief when Narcissa and Harry each excused themselves from lunch and left. She knew Draco was relieved too, she saw it in the way his posture broke immediately. She looked at him before sighing.

“We definitely need to talk.”

Hermione let out a loud exhale as she threw herself into her favorite chair. She watched as Draco flopped onto her sofa, just as thrilled at the outcome as she was.

“I thought that would work, why didn’t that work? Also, why was my mother upset? She was absolutely apoplectic.”

Hermione sighed because she knew he was right. Something was really wrong. “Why do you think I would know? She was perfectly happy at tea a couple days ago. In fact, we were discussing this fascinating study that was recently released about this—”

“Hermione? Not important at this moment. Also, I don’t care.”

Hermione snapped her mouth shut, grumbling. How anyone could believe they wanted anything to do with each other romantically was beyond her. “She looked plenty happy before she noticed our artificial closeness. She looked offended. Harry didn’t take it well either though I guess the end goal was to upset him?”

“It was supposed to make him give me a hint on whether or not he might… receptive to my feelings.”

Hermione blinked. Okay, this might be harder than she thought it would be. Mostly because… “Draco, he was devastated! Doesn’t that tell you anything?”

“Well… it could be because he wants you…”

Hermione was seconds away from strangling Draco but, she thought, if she hurt Narcissa’s precious son, Narcissa definitely wouldn't want anything to do with her. That was enough for her to keep her hands to herself. 

“Draco, I don’t know what to tell you. Harry isn’t prone to intense reaction in the presence of company. You understand, yes?”

“Well, yes, but I—”

“No. No buts. We should have talked about this more before even considering going through with it and lording it in front of him. I’m sure we could have found a better way to do this. Honestly though? Harry does return your feelings.”

“Hermione, please, I’m really trying here.”

Hermione sighed, dropping her head back against the back of her chair. More pleading? “I know it’s scary when you don’t know for certain and have seen it yourself but why would I lie to you?”

“Because you want to get out of this so you can date my mother?”

Hermione spluttered, choking on her own spit as she sat up, looking at Draco with wide eyes. Draco seemed smug now that he had turned the tables and Hermione vaguely recognized it as a defence against vulnerability. Or something like that.

“Well sure I would love to date Narcissa, that’s kind of a two-way street and she has to want to date me too. I don’t know if you noticed but she looked at me like I was the dirt beneath her heels.”

Draco rolled his eyes. “I wouldn’t help you with her if I didn’t think you had a chance, Granger.”

Hermione bit her lip, looking away. There was a little bit of hope that sparked within her but the fury in Narcissa’s eyes at lunch quickly extinguished it. It did give her an idea though.

“Look, I know we can’t overdo it with Harry. We need to gently prompt him into telling you how he feels but he won’t do it if he thinks we’re genuinely happy together. So…” Hermione took a breath, looking at Draco with a rueful smile. “We need to make it look like we aren’t happy together but are instead settling for each other. Since it’s obvious I can’t keep my eyes off Narcissa, it’ll be easy to make it look like I’m settling for you when I can’t have her.”

Draco was nodding along, seeing the logic in this. Until…

“You need to start visibly pining over Harry.”

This time it was Draco’s turn to kickstart a coughing fit, clearly not having expected that directive. Once he finally got himself back together, Hermione continued.

“I’m serious. He needs hope of his own and if it doesn’t work out, which it will, then you hadn’t put yourself so obviously on the line. In the meantime, I get to moon over Narcissa.” Hermione grinned, relaxing back into her chair. 

Draco stared at her for a long moment, unblinking before sighing and running his hand through his hair. “So we act like we’re in a relationship with each other while very visibly longing for our respective… love interests.”

“Exactly! However, let’s consider the personalities of both Narcissa and Harry. Since I’m doing this, I might as well take advantage of it. Narcissa is very blasé outwardly, but inwardly she’s very passionate and holds opinions on everything. Which is why she’s so lovely, we never run out of things to talk about and debate and she’s just so well-read and knowledgeable and still willing to learn and change her opinions even if she refuses to admit she was wrong when she knows I’m right.”

“Get on with it.”

“Right, so I think we play up our relationship. Except you look completely uninterested in me while I’m all over you.”

“What would that accomplish?”

Hermione pursed her lips. Did Draco not understand how important his happiness was to Narcissa? “If she thinks you aren’t happy with me and would rather be with Harry, she might do something about it. I won’t begin to believe she has feelings for me but maybe if Harry sees that she disapproves of the relationship that we aren’t happy. In front of Harry, we both have to look totally unhappy and uninterested.”

“That’s all well and great, Granger, but what if my mother becomes concerned about your hot and cold behavior towards me?”

Hermione groaned, leaning forward to drop her head in her hands. She forgot about that bit. “I don’t know. I can’t come up with everything. I’m sure you know your mother better than I do.”

“Flirt with her then.”

“Excuse me?”

“Flirt. With. My. Mother.” Draco covered his eyes with her hand as if that was a hardship to say, which it probably was. “I’ll want to obliviate myself greatly but if it helps. I did say I would help.”

“So you’re willing to watch me make passes at your mother?”

Draco grimaced. “Let’s stop talking about it, I don’t want to think about it.”

“Too late, you’ve just told me you want to see me flirt with your mother, live with it.”

“Stop it! It’s my mother we’re talking about! I don’t want to have to keep thinking of her like— this is all your fault!”

“Yes, because I came to you to beg for you to date me so I could entice your mother into bed with me.” Hermione laughed as Draco covered his ears, scrunching up his face. 

After they settled down, Draco asked in a low voice, “What if your appearing to string me along self-destructs your friendship with her?”

Hermione sighed, pulling her legs up onto the chair and wrapping her arms around them. “I don’t know. I’d hope she’d let me explain, to show her I was doing this for you and that my feelings for her are genuine. Worst case scenario? She tells me in no uncertain terms that my attentions are unwanted or inappropriate and we go our separate ways. Best case scenario?”

Hermione tilted her head, an evil smile growing across her face. “In the best-case scenario, you get a second mother.”

Draco shot her a glare, scoffing like it was still an unbelievable idea that it was possible his mother would even consider Hermione as an option. He decided to keep that to himself though, not wishing to hurt Hermione when she was trying to help him.

“We should put a time limit on this,” Hermione said deciding the change in topic would be a good idea lest she permanently scar the poor man.

“A time limit? And what do you suppose we do if we reach the time limit?”

“Confess, I guess.”

Draco narrowed his eyes. “Confess what?”

“Don’t play dumb. We break this off and you come clean to Harry, explain the plan and confess your undying love to him. Which, really, we should just save ourselves from future embarrassment by having you confess to him immediately.” Honestly, that was the most appealing plan she’d had all day but she knew Draco wouldn’t do it. He was ambitious, sure, but he was also cautious and wouldn’t risk putting himself on the line without the promise of a reward.

“I’ll do it if you do.”

“What?”

“I’ll confess to Harry if you confess to my mother.”

Hermione huffed, crossing her arms. “Well that’s just unfair and you know it.” At least Draco had a real shot with Harry. Hermione was actually risking herself if she told Narcissa how she felt.

“How is that unfair?”

“You know why that’s unfair. You and Harry both already want each other so it’s going to work out. There is zero guarantee that your mother wants anything more to do with me.”

“So you won’t tell her how you feel?”

“No.”

“Then we keep moving with this plan.”

Hermione sighed, rubbing her temples where a dull ache had begun to form. She was supposed to be the smart one. How did she get roped into this, let alone agree to keep it going? She did know how though. That ‘how’ had blonde hair and beautiful blue eyes and was currently very, very upset with them.

“Cissy… why are you pacing my living room? You never pace, it’s unbecoming,” Andromeda observed from where she sat on her sofa, watching Narcissa walk back and forth in front of her fireplace.

“She’s dating Draco, Andy. Draco.” Narcissa hissed, pausing in her pacing. Andromeda was right, this was unbecoming of a woman of her standing. She gracefully took a seat beside her sister, still restless and upset.

“Who is?”

Narcissa swallowed, looking down at her hands which were folded in her lap. “Hermione.”

“Hermione is dating Draco?” Andromeda echoed and Narcissa shot her a look. The repetition of it didn’t make it any less horrible. Andromeda sighed, summoning a pot of tea, deciding this was going to be one of those long-winded and introspective conversations. Narcissa accepted the tea, sipping it. The heat of the tea matched her anger.

Andromeda stared at her sister, watching her stew in her upset before a laugh escaped her. Disbelief and amusement coloring the abrupt noise. Narcissa scoffed in return, it made her feel silly again. Silly little Cissy. Why was Andy laughing at her? She didn’t do anything.

“Cissy, why does it matter? I thought you liked Hermione?”

The blonde bristled at the question. The problem was that she more than liked Hermione. She didn’t know if she should be honest with Andromeda or lie through her teeth. Ultimately she knew that Andy would sniff out a lie and decided it was best to just be out with it. “I wanted to court her…” she whispered sullenly before sipping her tea.

Andromeda gasped, a hand slapped over her heart in a very dramatic fashion. “Why Cissy! Our dearest Hermione is a muggleborn woman half your age!”

“Merlin, Andy, I might be foolish but I’m not brain dead. I know what she is but you have met her, haven’t you? How could anyone resist such an intelligent and beautiful woman? We could sit and talk and debate for hours and she never seems to run out of things to say or ways to challenge me. There is never a dull moment with her. Andy, she forgave me. She talked to me, listened to my excuses and apologies and despite everything, she forgave me. I truly don’t deserve her in any way but I want her. I want her so badly, Andy.” Narcissa gripped the teacup in her hands for dear life as if admitting this to someone was the hardest thing she had ever had to do.

“Somehow my precious son managed to court her first and I— Salazar, I wanted to forbid them from ever speaking to one another again. I wanted to demand he keep his hands to himself and not touch her ever again. I truly thought Hermione was receptive to the idea of being with me, I thought she felt the same as me. You should have seen the way her eyes raked up my body when I met them for lunch. It’s as if I can still feel her gaze lingering on—”

“Oookay, Cissy, as much as I’d love to hear about how Hermione was undressing and eating you alive with her eyes, let’s backtrack to the part where you admitted to being jealous of your own son.”

Narcissa pouted, turning away from Andromeda, sipping her tea pitifully. “I don’t want to talk about it anymore.”

“Yes, yes, you came over to see me just because you wanted to wax poetic about how in love you are with Hermione and how desperately you wish for your son’s new girlfriend to warm your bed.”

Narcissa felt a blush coloring her neck and cheeks. “Well I didn’t come here for you to make fun of me, that’s for sure.”

“Cissy, why are you here?”

Narcissa finally turned back to Andromeda and inhaled a shaky breath. She trembled for a moment, her gaze clouding with tears as she set her teacup down. Andromeda softened, doing the same with her own tea cup before she moved closer to Narcissa, opening her arms. They were filled in seconds and she held her younger sister while she cried.

“I’m so tired of sharing, Andy.” Narcissa whispered against her sister’s shoulder, tears soaking into Andromeda’s shirt. “I just wanted this one thing for myself. For all of her attention to be on me, for her to care about me, want me and only me. But now I have to share her with Draco and he gets what I wanted most. I don’t want to share. I hate everything about this and I hate feeling so foolish and immature over someone who wasn’t even mine to begin with.”

Andromeda couldn’t remember the last time Narcissa had thrown a tantrum but she was sure it was way back when they were teenagers. However, despite its small scale, it was still large in its importance. Honestly, she had been under the same impression that Narcissa was. She thought Hermione was similarly head over heels for her little sister but to hear that she was dating Draco? It was a little concerning. She didn’t intend to say something, at least not now, it would only confuse Narcissa further.

“I know, Cissy. It hurts and that isn’t going to just go away. That’s the way it goes. You want Draco to be happy though, don’t you?”

Narcissa pulled away, affronted. “Of course I want my Dragon to be happy! Of course I do. I want Hermione to be happy too but… I wish she was happy with me because I don’t feel like I can be happy without her.”

Andromeda barely stopped herself from rolling her eyes. Narcissa was always so dramatic. For once, though, Andromeda understood. She wanted to help. Somehow.

“At least she isn’t going to vanish from your life forever, right? She’s a permanent fixture now. Besides, even if this thing with Draco doesn’t work out, she’s still your friend, isn’t she?

Narcissa sheepishly shifted further away from Andromeda. “Perhaps. She might be under the impression that I hate her, currently. Which I could never.”

“What did you do?” Andromeda asked, eyes narrowed.

“Well, I didn’t… I didn’t exactly take the news well. Lunch was horrible and awkward. Harry was deadly quiet while Draco attempted to carry the conversation. I wasn’t really in the mood to talk and every time Hermione looked at me, she acted like I’d turned her to stone. I'm sure my bitterness over their relationship was the main source of that.”

“Harry was there?” Andromeda frowned. Another thing she seemed to have gotten wrong. She genuinely thought Harry and Draco were already in a relationship, what with the amount of time they spent together and how often Harry talked about Draco like the sun shone right out of her nephew’s ass. It really didn’t make any sense for Hermione and Draco to suddenly be dating each other. Unless…

“Well, yes. I asked after a muggle establishment and he was kind enough to allow me to accompany him and Draco’s weekly luncheon in order to take me there. I would have asked Hermione but I… I was afraid she’d decline if she thought it was an official outing…”

“Uh-huh… so you joined Draco and Harry’s lunch date and then Draco suddenly brought Hermione along. So then you terrified the poor girl. Cissy, I really don’t think that’d scare her off, especially after everything.” 

“Woman. Young woman. Not girl.” Narcissa tilted her head, considering her sister’s words. She was right though. They had been through much worse and came out of it as friends. They could get through this and all would be well. They’d be okay. Not that it fixes the actual crux of the issue but it’s better than having scared her off for good.

“Right, sorry, young woman since you’re in love with her.”

Narcissa spluttered and her blush returned full force in embarrassment at the candid reminder of her feelings for Hermione.

“So,” Andromeda said after a brief silence. “What are you going to do?”

“There isn’t anything I can do about it, Andy. If… if they’re happy together— if being her friend is all I can be— then it’ll have to be enough for me.”

“Do you think you can handle it though? Seeing them all over each other?”

“No. I know I can’t. But I must if I want to remain in her life. It’s going to hurt but I can do it.” Narcissa wasn’t as confident as her words but there was nothing she was better at than denying herself the things she so desperately wanted.

She was right, this was a special kind of torture, catered just for her. Narcissa was sure if she held her wine glass any tighter it might just shatter in her hands.

Andromeda had made the ‘genius’ decision to invite everyone over for dinner. Everyone, meaning Harry, Draco, Hermione, and her. Her cited reasoning was simply, ‘I want to see it for myself’. Why Andromeda felt the need to torture her, Narcissa would never understand. Besides, asking further questions wasn’t advisable when it came to Andy. She will just expertly avoid answering.

Regardless, dinner would have been just as stilted and awkward as their luncheon had been, if not for little Teddy who filled the quiet with questions and conversations about the muggle school he was currently enrolled in. Interacting with him broke the ice and the conversation wasn’t as painful as it could have been.

There was one thing though. Hermione had been staring at her nearly the entire dinner. They were seated across from each other so Hermione was in the perfect position to do so. Hermione would only avert her gaze if someone addressed her or Narcissa looked at her. Narcissa didn’t understand but she couldn’t help but preen under the attention she was receiving since it didn’t look like Hermione had any interest in Draco over her.

It wasn’t enough.

After everything from dinner was cleared away, they moved to Andy’s living room for drinks and ‘pleasant’ conversation. Whatever that meant. Especially since Andromeda had asked Harry to join her outside for a talk about… something. Narcissa wasn’t listening to what, not when she had the misfortune of watching Hermione sit in Draco’s lap. As if there weren’t other seating options in the cozy room. Namely the one beside Narcissa on the loveseat which remained woefully empty of Hermione’s lovely presence.

Narcissa took a deep breath, summoning her wine glass back to her hand, clutching the stem like a lifeline as she was forced to watch Hermione and Draco bask in each other’s presence. She quickly downed what was left of the wine but before she could refill it, Teddy climbed up next to her. 

“Auntie Cissa!” He grinned, settling beside her. She set the wine glass down, welcoming the little boy’s attention as a distraction from the soul-rending view she was witness to. It also helped her completely ignore the rampant urge she had to disown her son—citing something like indecent behavior. Ignoring the fact that Narcissa would be perfectly content for Hermione to take up residence in her own lap.

However, the moment Narcissa’s gaze wasn’t boring a hole through the ‘happy’ couple, Hermione's eyes were glued to Narcissa in return.

Narcissa looked beautiful, even when she was angry. Then again, the woman was always beautiful, every minute of every hour of every day. Hermione was certain Narcissa would look good in anything and even nothing at all. Her mouth watered at the thought.

Initially, she wanted to sit next to Narcissa but when Draco and she had talked out the plan, they decided that if they were going to act completely uninterested in each other, physical distance would be the only way to denote they were in a relationship. Hence her being perched in his lap. Hermione had avoided looking at Narcissa until now because the other woman had been radiating murder vibes.

With Teddy’s arrival at her side though, Narcissa seemed back to being in a decent mood so Hermione wasn’t worried about admiring her. She sighed, curling into Draco’s side as she watched Narcissa and Teddy in a passionate back and forth about animals. Something about a prior outing to a zoo. Hermione couldn’t help but smile every time Narcissa did. She loved watching the way the woman’s lips pulled upward and loved watching Narcissa's cheek dimple. Hermione missed that smile and didn’t realize just how much until that moment. Draco had his father’s smile so she couldn’t see it when she looked at him. Not that Draco smiled all that often anyway.

“Having fun?” Draco whispered, raising an eyebrow at Hermione, an expression that did make him look like his mother. 

Hermione sighed and smiled dopily, relaxing in his lap, gaze unwavering. “Absolutely. I haven’t seen her since lunch the other day, I need to get my fill of her.”

“Don’t say it like that, Granger, that’s my mother.”

“I know,” Hermione grinned.

Draco rolled his eyes at her but he was becoming rather fond of Hermione. “You’re just friends with me for my mother, aren’t you?”

“I thought that was obvious, Draco. I’m certainly not friends with you because of your lovely personality,” Hermione laughed. At Draco’s dramatically mock-offended laugh she leaned away from him. Unfortunately, she leaned a little too far away, offsetting their balance causing her to tumble out of his lap. She landed on the wood floors with enough force to knock her breathless but luckily she didn’t hit her head.

“Hermione!” 

Both Draco and Hermione’s heads snapped up to see Narcissa coming to kneel beside her, hands immediately helping her sit up. “Are you okay, darling?”

“Y-yeah… yes, I’m okay,” Hermione whispered, staring at Narcissa with wide eyes. She was happy that Narcissa had immediately rushed to check on her. Happy that Narcissa’s murder vibes didn’t seem to override the care they had built for each other. Hermione’s shocked expression melted into a content one, reaching out to grab Narcissa’s hand. Let it be known that she hadn’t even thought of reaching out for her supposed boyfriend, only said boyfriend’s mother. 

Not that Draco was falling over himself to help her. He just sat in the chair, watching the scene before him. He was starting to think that maybe Hermione had a chance after all. Which made him nervous about why his mother might actually be upset about them being together.

Teddy had jumped up off the couch to check on Hermione too. He was sitting next to where Narcissa was kneeling, his hands patting Hermione’s leg in comfort.

At that moment, Andromeda and Harry walked back into the room after their ‘talk’ outside. They both paused to take in the scene, three out of four people on the floor, Hermione and Narcissa holding hands, Teddy babbling about how ‘Mione will be okay, Auntie Cissa can just kiss her and make her better’, and Draco looking on, dually concerned and amused from where he sat unmoving. 

Hermione and Narcissa looked at Teddy, startled by his words. Narcissa had enough control to not react but Hermione could feel the blush taking over her skin and crawling up her neck. “I-I’m fine, Teddy. N-no kisses required.” Hermione thought she might have imagined the brief flicker of disappointment in Narcissa’s eyes when their gazes met again.

Andromeda squinted, looking between her sister and the young witch. This was more in line with how she thought they interacted with each other. Bashful and nervous. She looked at Draco. She figured if something happened to Hermione, Draco would have also moved to action, especially considering their relationship status. Something wasn’t adding up and Andromeda felt like she was finally putting the pieces together. Further bolstered by her enlightening talk with Harry.

“Mione, are you okay?” Harry asked, extending his hand to help Hermione up off the floor, a move that apparently no one else saw necessary. Hermione blinked, breaking eye contact with Narcissa as she looked up at Harry.

“What? Oh. Yes, I’m okay, really. I just fell out of Draco’s lap. During our bantering, I leaned too far away from him and slipped right off,” Hermione mumbled through the explanation awkwardly. She felt nearly bereft when she had to reluctantly let go of Narcissa’s hand to grab Harry’s. He hoisted her up off the floor, holding onto her until she found her balance.

The room fell silent as everyone shuffled to take a seat. Narcissa returned to the loveseat but Teddy didn’t join her, instead sitting between Andy and Harry. Teddy seemed a little confused as to the tension and silence, looking between everyone.

Since Harry was in the room now, Hermione didn’t return to Draco’s lap, choosing instead to sit beside Narcissa, glancing across the room to Draco who was watching her nervously. She gave him a slight nod of encouragement as she sat beside Narcissa, close enough to feel the heat of her presence. Draco turned to look at Harry, relaxing into the couch as he stared.

Narcissa wouldn’t admit it but she was immensely pleased that Hermione chose to sit beside her now. As if their interaction bridged a bit of the gap, drawing Hermione back into her orbit. She resisted sending her son a look of triumph just barely but did chance a look at him. Only to find him staring at Harry. Longingly. Odd. She made a mental note to talk to him about it. Later, of course. Hermione was right next to her, after all. She’d take what she could get.

When ‘later’ came about, a week or so after the time she had initially hoped for, Narcissa paid Draco a visit. Narcissa stepped through her son’s fireplace, brushing off ashes from her person. She heard voices and recognized them both. Hermione and Draco. As much as Narcissa loved the young woman, could she be apart from Draco for a moment long enough for her to talk to him?

She peeked around a corner, rolling her eyes at herself for being paranoid she might see something she can’t unsee. She listened for the voices again, walking down the hall. She stopped outside the kitchen door. She knew she shouldn’t but she couldn’t help herself from listening for a moment.

“Don’t talk about Crooks like that, he didn’t do anything to you.”

“Granger, my clothes are covered in that beast’s fur. We can just meet here for the foreseeable future, end of story.”

“Use a spell for Merlin’s sake! Or a lint roller! Either way, my cat is no reason for you not to visit. I’m doing you a service here at the risk of—”

“Yes yes, so you’ve said many times already. Are you just going to hold that over me forever? You could have said no.”

“You were practically on your knees for me, Malfoy. Plus you offered to return the favor.”

Narcissa felt flush and embarrassed, she stumbled backward like the door had burned her. What in Salazar’s name were they talking about? Narcissa’s mind ran a mile a minute attempting to sort out what situation they could possibly be discussing and every one was worse than the last. She backed into a sideboard in the hall, rattling a vase.

The voices stopped, the house falling silent before the sound of chairs moving rang out and the kitchen door opened.

“Mother?”

“Narcissa?”

Draco and Hermione glanced at each other, pale and nervous.

“Mother, what are you doing here? What did you hear?”

Narcissa quickly composed herself, clearing her throat. They both looked normal, put together in a way that an… encounter wouldn’t allow for. She swallowed, straightening out her blouse. “I came to see you, Dragon. I wanted to talk to you about something but I didn’t realize you had… company. Fret not, I didn’t hear anything… incriminating.” She watched as Draco and Hermione had matching expressions of relief. Anger boiled in her stomach.

“Well, Hermione was just leaving.” Draco shot Hermione a look. The young woman sighed, running a hand through her hair. 

“Fine, we will pick this conversation back up later. Stop by whenever you have a free moment sometime this week?” She looked at Draco. Draco’s face scrunched up in distaste and Hermione rolled her eyes. “A little cat fur won’t kill you, Draco.”

“It could.”

“It won’t, drama queen.” Hermione turned to Narcissa, her face brightening into a smile. “We’re still having tea on Sunday, right?”

“Of course,” Narcissa nodded, glancing between them. They acted like an old, unhappy married couple. Narcissa couldn’t tell if that was a good thing or a bad thing. It was dependent on who was looking at it, really. 

Once the sound of the floo went off, Draco invited Narcissa into the kitchen. She noted two glasses on the small table, wondering if she could get away with using Hermione’s glass without Draco being concerned about it.  Stop it. Stop being weird. Narcissa chastised herself. She was a grown woman, she didn’t need to be reaching for crumbs, remnants of the woman she loves. Regardless, she sat down, across from where Draco sat, picking up the glass in front of her. He looked like he might say something but decided against it.

“What did you wish to talk to me about, mother?”

“Hermione. Specifically, this peculiar relationship you’ve cultivated with my best friend.” Narcissa tried to keep the bite out of voice but couldn’t take the edge from her words. This was her son, she shouldn’t be resentful. She tried to reel it in. “I hadn’t… I hadn’t realized that you held any romantic feelings towards her. How could I have been so blind?”

Draco looked a little uncomfortable but he leaned forward, reaching for his mother’s hand to comfort her. “It was rather sudden, mother. You wouldn’t have seen it. Like we mentioned at lunch a few weeks ago, it was a new development.”

Narcissa wasn’t satisfied with that answer. She bit her lip to prevent the pout her face nearly drew into. “Hermione didn’t tell me that she was interested in you.” 

Draco had never seen his mom look like a kicked puppy before. Dejected and sad. It wasn’t obvious to the casual observer but Draco knew his mom better than anyone. Well, perhaps not Hermione and Andromeda but he was good at reading her anyway. He squeezed her hand, trying to come up with a way to comfort his mother without giving Hermione away. 

He trusted her not to run to Harry about his feelings so he’d give her the same courtesy. “Hermione cares a lot about you, mother. She cares greatly for how you view her. If she was worried you might think she was getting close to you with an ulterior motive, she would keep everything to herself.” There, vague enough that it was doubly telling and at the same time, not.

The knowledge both soothed and upset Narcissa. Soothed because Hermione had shared how much she cared with Draco enough that Draco could relay it with confidence. Upset because how could Hermione ever think Narcissa would doubt her? Also, how could Hermione hide things from her. Especially concerning her child. Narcissa thought they were closer than that. 

Narcissa raised the glass to her lips to take a sip, tamping down the telltale feeling of warmth and giddiness that flooded her stomach as she lined her lips up with the faint imprint of whatever Hermione wore on her lips left on the rim. Draco eyed his mother wearily, a little more than uncomfortable now. They sat in silence before Narcissa came back to reality. 

“Why didn’t you tell me you liked her?” 

Draco shifted in his seat, quickly taking a drink from his own glass. He cleared his throat. “Well… I didn’t… I didn’t know that my interest in her was skewed in… its current direction.” 

Narcissa narrowed her eyes at how vague her child was being. She raised him to be eloquent in speech so why he wasn’t being specific was suspicious. “What aren’t you telling me?”

“What?”

“Draco. I’m your mother and I’m far from stupid. What aren’t you telling me?”

Draco opened and closed his mouth a couple times, unsure how to respond to that. He couldn’t just come out and explain to his mother this stupid convoluted situation he had put them in. He would rather avoid the look of disappointment in her eyes. 

The kitchen door opened and Draco felt an immense flood of relief at the interruption. “Draco? Oh, Miss Black, hello.” 

“Hello, Mister Potter.” Narcissa ground her jaw, upset that she wasn’t going to get an answer from her son now. She did observe the way Draco reacted to Harry’s presence though. The way he lit up, smiling, turning his entire being in his direction. If Narcissa didn’t know better she would think that perhaps it was Harry that Draco was interested in, not Hermione.

Narcissa froze, staring down at the glass in her hand. Was… was Draco stringing Hermione along? Was he using her? But for what? Was Draco afraid to tell her that he was interested in men? Narcissa’s hand tightened, a horrible sinking feeling settling beside horror and anger. She resented that she taught her child that manipulating others to get what you want was an appropriate ‘survival’ tactic. No wonder this weird relationship was a whirlwind! A moment’s decision that Hermione fell victim to.

Her sweet, darling Hermione. Narcissa wondered if maybe Hermione was too polite to turn Draco down or if she held actual feelings for the young man. Goodness, she hoped not! Or else Hermione would be crushed when Draco broke things off. Not that Narcissa wouldn’t be there to pick up the pieces of her broken heart. Of course, Narcissa would rather it never get to that point. The only way to succeed in such a thing would be to break them up through other means.

Narcissa resolved to seduce the young woman away using her beauty and charms. Hopefully the young woman’s receptiveness was still intact regardless of her relationship status.

If Hermione had any preconceived notion of what tea with Narcissa would be like, she would have been dead fucking wrong. From the moment Narcissa answered the door Hermione felt like she had stepped into the Twilight Zone. She had gone in expecting afternoon tea to be stilted and awkward as their last couple meetings had unfortunately been. Instead, she was greeted by Narcissa in muggle clothing again. Yoga pants and a large sweater with her hair tied into a braid. 

And Hermione had to be alone with her! There was no buffer to allow her time to drool over the woman in peace. This was so unfair. Tea was already set out on the low table, the steam rising letting Hermione know that it was prepared right before she arrived. Narcissa held out her hand, an eyebrow raised. Hermione stared at the extended hand for a long moment before reaching out and grabbing it. Narcissa’s resulting smile was breathtaking. She led Hermione to the sofa, sitting close enough that there was barely any space between them. Hermione tried not to inhale deeply because with every breath she was assaulted by Narcissa’s perfume, a delicious and spicy blend that only enhanced her natural scent.

“It’s so lovely to see you, darling. It’s been far too long since we’ve had the opportunity to be alone together,” Narcissa hummed sweetly, pouring their tea manually because it forced her to lean over Hermione’s legs, the softness of her sweater brushing against Hermione’s skin.

Hermione was overheating and was certain Narcissa could feel the heat from how close she had chosen to sit. Hermione couldn’t even touch her tea, too much heat. She should have taken off her jacket when she came in. She tugged at her sleeves, tugging the suffocating fabric from her body. When her eyes met Narcissa’s, she shivered, confused by the intensity that Narcissa was staring at her with.

The room fell into heavy silence as Hermione threw her jacket over the arm of the sofa. Narcissa seemed content to just enjoy Hermione’s presence, sitting as close as possible without plastering herself to Hermione‘s side.

Hermione sucked in a breath and began to try for a conversation, “Narcissa, about Draco and I—“

“Shh, I don’t want to talk about my son, darling, not today. Today is just for us,” Narcissa all but purred into Hermione’s ear. Narcissa grabbed her hand, squeezing it lightly with a sweet sigh at the contact.

Hermione swallowed at the tone of which the woman’s words were uttered. First the clothes and now this? Hermione was absolutely just going to keel over. What possessed Narcissa to dress and act like this? Didn’t she know that Hermione was basically dating her son? Oh who was she kidding, Hermione was relishing the attention. Except… she didn’t understand what the difference was. Why was Narcissa doing this  now?  Why couldn’t she have expressed interest prior to Draco asking for her help?

Hermione felt a cold shiver of dread crawl up her spine. Why did this feel connected to Draco in a bad way? What did the two events have to do with each other? It was too much for Hermione to hope that Narcissa realized her own feelings and that she could potentially lose Hermione. It was more likely that Narcissa knew her son’s heart and was trying to break them up so Draco could pursue Harry.

This was all convoluted and fucked up. That’s what this was. Hermione couldn’t hope that this was real. In fact, she was certain Narcissa was simply using the knowledge that Hermione was attracted to her to her benefit. Hermione couldn’t put that beneath Narcissa as much as she wanted to believe this was genuine. 

She couldn’t, in good conscience, enjoy Narcissa’s flirting when it wasn’t real. Perhaps she’d start that tomorrow, today she didn’t know that she couldn’t enjoy the proximity and purr of the woman’s voice. Hermione settled back against the sofa, turning to smile at Narcissa.

Narcissa seemed a little surprised that Hermione relaxed into her presence so quickly but that was a good sign, wasn’t it? It meant there was a chance. A chance. Yes, perfect. Narcissa hummed, shifting closer, closing the already minuscule space between them. She relished the warmth exuding from the young woman.

“So, dearest, tell me how work has been for you recently.”

“Well, you know that case that I was on with the angry pack of Centaurs who had their lands trampled on and disrespected?” Narcissa sighed happily, nodding her head. She could listen to Hermione talk forever and never get tired of hearing her.

“Darling, there is this lovely restaurant that just opened. Would you let me take you?” Hermione hadn’t thought it strange when the question was posed and agreed. Any chance to spend more time with Narcissa was a good thing . Except when the ‘new restaurant’ that just opened required a portkey to a different country and was a muggle restaurant. Not to mention the atmosphere alone felt romantic. That’s without even bringing up the fact that there was a wedding proposal in the middle of dinner service. Not that Hermione thought Narcissa had planned that because the woman wasn’t  that  crazy.

It was flattering to have Narcissa’s attention on her in its entirety. Even more so when a man approached Narcissa and she tore into him, letting him know he was intruding on their evening with more scathing words than Hermione had ever heard from the older woman. It was then that Hermione thought to herself, why were they out to dinner on a random weekday in the first place? Sure they were friends but their outings had never been so… date-like before. This wasn’t a date… right? Why would Narcissa ever take her on a date? Especially when Hermione was ‘dating’ her son.

“I was thinking we could spend this Sunday out today? I heard that the museum you brought me to a couple months ago has a new exhibit.” Hermione had been thrilled Narcissa had enjoyed the trip to the museum enough to keep up with new exhibit releases. Hermione had heard about it but she didn’t have time to visit. Now she could visit and be with Narcissa and that was just perfect. There was nothing better. Narcissa had held her hand the entire time they had moved through the exhibit, chatting quietly with her.

“I need a new dress for an upcoming social function. Come out shopping with me?” She should have thought something was up when Narcissa showed up right before she left work asking for her to accompany her on a shopping trip. Hermione had never been on a shopping trip with Narcissa, ever. She figured it was because the older woman usually had her clothes tailored for her. But when they ended up on New Bond Street, Hermione knew it was about to be a long affair. She was right about Narcissa having expensive taste when it came to muggle brands though. 

She had been waiting for Narcissa to try on a dress she had taken a liking to in Burberry when the woman called her into the room, demanding she help her fasten the back of it. Despite knowing for a fact that she could have just used magic, Hermione couldn’t help but help, shivering at the feeling of Narcissa’s smooth and soft skin against her knuckles. She had fled the room like she was on fire afterward. This time it was her fault for initiating contact. She couldn’t sort out why Narcissa had even asked for help but she didn’t want to think it over too hard.

“This made me think of you, darling. I knew I just had to get it for you.” The gift in question was a pen. A fountain pen. Narcissa mentioned that she had charmed it with refilling ink. Because Hermione went through quills like crazy. Hermione didn’t even know how Narcissa had come across a Montblanc fountain pen naturally or why the hell she had bought it. Upon further research, she learned the pen was 24,000 pounds. An absolutely insane amount of money to spend on a pen. A limited edition Van Gogh pen. What the fuck?

Hermione felt like she was being bribed and she couldn’t explain why. She could make all sorts of excuses for the outings but an expensive pen was too much. Now she was certain that Narcissa had some ulterior motive. But what was it? And what did it have to do with Hermione?

“My family has a lovely home on the French coast. I’d love to bring you to see it.” Hermione didn’t say it, of course, but she felt like Narcissa was trying to steal her away to kill her without any witnesses. If her last theory had any credibility, perhaps Narcissa was trying to give Harry and Draco time alone together without the pesky ‘girlfriend’ being in the way. She couldn’t exactly say  no  to being alone with Narcissa, away from the troubles of the world. But she was still a little spooked about the idea of being thrown into the ocean and left for dead. 

Not that she believed Narcissa would actually do that… right. Narcissa would never. She hoped.

Still, the past several weeks of what felt like intense courtship left Hermione confused and suspicious of what Narcissa was trying to prove. She wasn’t going to stop the older woman but she wished that she knew what the angle was. Was there something real here or was Hermione just going to get her heart broken?

Why wasn’t it working? 

Narcissa stared at herself in the mirror of her vanity. She had been trying to seduce Hermione for a month now. Candle-lit dinners, outings to Hermione’s favorite places, constant physical contact, really anything she could think of. She even went as far as to give her little gifts.

For Salazar’s sake, Narcissa had even floated the suggestion of a short vacation to one of her family’s homes in France! Alone! Together!

She didn’t know how much longer she could take this. Maybe Hermione wasn’t actually interested in her like she thought. That alone broke her heart. Maybe it was all physical for the young witch, not something that had a future. Narcissa knew she was attractive but she thought that maybe Hermione wasn’t so shallow as to…

No, she knew Hermione wasn’t shallow. Maybe she doubted Narcissa’s feelings? Or maybe… maybe she didn’t really reciprocate and was being polite? Hermione would definitely be polite to her if she was truly invested in Draco. She wouldn’t want to offend his mother, after all.

Narcissa suddenly felt very sick. Sick and predatory for a young witch that wasn’t hers. But how could she stop? Being close to Hermione, taking her on dates, and lavishing her with gifts, it was a dream to be allowed to treat Hermione like they were lovers when they weren’t. 

She turned away from her mirror, clutching at the fabric of her nightclothes. She knew she should pull away, and let Hermione and Draco be happy. But she couldn’t. She hadn’t been lying to Andy when she told her that she wanted Hermione to be happy. But she wanted to be the one to make Hermione happy. 

Where had it all gone wrong?

From that stupid luncheon when she found out? No. The day before that. The day that Narcissa didn’t tell Hermione that she was in love with her before her son stole her away. Really any day before then. If she had just kissed Hermione one of the many times she had craved the woman’s lips, if she had told her whenever those beautiful feelings overwhelmed her… maybe then Hermione would be here with her now. 

Maybe then Hermione would actually be hers. 

Until then… she would treat the lovely young woman as the most precious thing in the world. Because she was, because she deserved it, because Narcissa wanted to. Perhaps she could not ever steal Hermione away but…

No. That wasn’t good enough. It wasn’t  enough.  Narcissa shook her head. It was too late in the night to be wondering over the next steps of her plan. She needed rest. 

She lay down in her oversized bed, reaching her hand into the empty space beside her. She hoped that one day, Hermione would fill it.

The next morning saw her in Andromeda’s living room early. Early enough for her sister to clearly be concerned as to why she was there. 

“Cissy, to what do I owe the insanely early visit?”

“I need more advice. Perhaps. Because I feel as if I’m going just a little crazy here.” Narcissa was standing awkwardly in front of the fireplace, a little frazzled because she had barely gotten any sleep. Not when she saw Hermione every time she closed her eyes.

“A Black? Going crazy? What a surprise,” Andromeda said, unimpressed as she flopped onto her sofa, watching her sister.

“Andy, be nice,” Narcissa chastised her, putting her hands on her hips. 

Andromeda rolled her eyes. “It’s about six in the morning and even Teddy isn’t awake, I don’t have to be anything.” They maintained eye contact, staring for a long moment before Andy sighed, relenting. “Fine, what is it about this time?”

“I’ve been worried that Draco—”

“Cissy. Sweet little Cissy. Please, for the love of Merlin, tell me that you are not still hung up over Draco dating Hermione.”

Narcissa looked away, a little ashamed that  yes   she was still hung up on this and would never  stop  being hung up on this. “I… I will not tell you that. I’ve been attempting to seduce Hermione—”

“Narcissa!” Andromeda gasped, jumping up off the sofa.

“Stop interrupting me! You know I hate when you do that. I’m only doing it because I believe that Draco is using her as a tool to entice Harry to ask him out.”

“And because you’re in love with her.” Andromeda crossed her arms, taking a seat again. Narcissa followed, taking a seat beside Andy, finally. 

“Yes… and because I’m in love with her.

Andromeda reached out, rubbing Narcissa’s back soothingly. “If you’re so worried about Draco using Hermione, why don’t you… I don’t know, talk to your son instead of keeping up with this stupid plan to seduce the poor woman? 

“Well, I— I don’t know why I didn’t…”

“Perhaps because you’re enjoying yourself a little too much. Just think, maybe if you get Draco to break this off, Hermione might be receptive to your advances.” Andromeda leaned forward, catching her sister’s eyes, raising an eyebrow in emphasis.

“You think?” Narcissa looked a little hopeful at the thought that maybe there was a chance.

Andromeda knew so but she wasn’t going to tell her sister that, lest she jump a couple steps because of it. Not that Andy thought Narcissa would believe her. She gave her shoulder a small pat. “Are we done here? Because if we are I’m going back to sleep before Teddy gets—”

“Nana?” Andromeda groaned, turning to see little Teddy rubbing his eyes as he shuffled out of the hall. “What’s going on?”

“Nothing, Teddy. Auntie Cissa just came over to ask something. Are you still tired? It’s early, you can go back to sleep. Auntie Cissa is about to leave.”

“No! Don’t leave yet, Auntie! Stay and have breakfast!” Who was Narcissa to deny the little boy who looked at her, pleading as he took on an appearance that was reminiscent of Draco as a boy. Narcissa scooped him up into her arms. 

“Okay, breakfast. But then I have to go, okay?”

Teddy beamed, snuggling up against her, clearly pleased to have gotten his way. Andromeda sighed and got up, getting ready to make breakfast for three.

Bolstered by Andromeda’s idea and after being waylaid by children and work, Narcissa decided to pay her dear son a visit. Since seducing Hermione away from Draco wasn’t working she was going to convince him to break off the relationship. Hopefully he was receptive to the idea or this might get a little heated. Besides, it wasn’t as if he was making any effort to spend time with Hermione, not when Narcissa was monopolizing the young woman’s time.

She let herself into Draco’s home, closing the door behind her. She went to call out for him but stopped when she heard voices. She cringed. Please don’t be Hermione, please don’t be Hermione, please don’t be Hermione. Narcissa turned the corner, glancing into the living area, and gasped. Loud enough to break the two apart.

“M-Mother!” Draco stuttered, stumbling back away from Harry who was flushed red, quickly shoving his glasses up onto his face, and turning away from Narcissa. 

The woman opened and closed her mouth a couple times, unable to articulate the rage she felt at her son. She had an inkling but to be proven right? That her own son took after his miserable excuse for a father with an inclination towards affairs?! Narcissa’s heart hurt, broken for Hermione, and angry beyond belief at her son.

“Please let me explain, I—”

Narcissa cut Draco off with a wave of her hand, a dark look crossing her face. “No. I require no explanation from you. I thought I raised you to be better. Clearly, I failed.” She decided not to mention there was no way she was keeping this from Hermione now that she had seen it with her own eyes. With a flick of her wand, Narcissa apparated away.

She landed directly in Hermione’s living area, ignoring the rolling nausea that hit her as she looked around the room. The young woman was sitting on her sofa, curled up with Crookshanks, a book in her hand and a mug of something beside her.

“Cissa? Is everything okay?” Hermione’s brows furrowed at the angry and flushed look that Narcissa sported. Crookshanks let out a raspy mew of concern as he hopped out of Hermione’s lap to rub up against Narcissa. She tried not to laugh at the fact that her cat shared her preference for the older woman over Draco. 

“No. It is very much not okay.” Narcissa picked Crooks up into her arms before sitting down beside Hermione, reaching for her hand.

“Okay…” Hermione set her book down on her coffee table, turning her body towards Narcissa’s. She scratched behind Crooks’s ears slowly, his purring at the attention soothing her suddenly jumpy nerves. “What’s wrong?”

“My despicable son. I’m afraid I have some horrible news to deliver to you. I want you to know that I am here for you despite the knowledge I am loath to share,” Narcissa said softly, squeezing Hermione’s hand before she continued. “I went to visit Draco because it had been too long since I had last seen him. As usual, I let myself in and found him and… Mister Potter kissing in his sitting room. I’m so sorry, Hermione.”

There was a long bout of silence in which Hermione opened and closed her mouth, warring between soothing the troubled look on Narcissa’s face and laughing because fucking finally. Eventually, the relief of no longer having to hold up the fake relationship won out and Hermione laughed in relief, sinking into the couch. Free at last. 

“Hermione? What…” Narcissa looked at her, bewildered and confused. Was Hermione relieved to finally be able to tell Narcissa everything that was going on but…

What if all of her doubts about her came true? What if Narcissa had only been taking her on dates, touching her, and giving her gifts, in order to help Harry and Draco? What if it was about to stop? What if Narcissa hated her for lying to her? 

Surely the woman would understand Hermione did it to help too… right? Except the way that Narcissa came in, truly angry that Draco was kissing Harry… well what if she had gotten it all wrong? What if it was real but now that she has to come clean about the plot, Narcissa hates her? 

Hermione’s good mood burned up instantly. She knew she couldn’t keep lying to Narcissa because Draco was liable to tell his mother the truth the moment he was given a chance. She reached out, grabbing Narcissa’s hand with both of hers. She couldn’t bear to look at Narcissa while she spoke, quietly. 

“I’m sorry it’s just… that was the goal. Draco and I were never actually together. Draco came to me one day, begging me for help, and I… I agreed. In return, he would help me with… my own problem.” Hermione wasn’t explaining this well. She shrank nervously, feeling Narcissa’s gaze boring into her. “I just wanted to help him.” 

There was a long and pregnant silence that only served to stress her out even further. Narcissa wasn’t responding and Hermione couldn’t look at her face to read her emotions.

“What was the problem he offered to help you with?” Narcissa’s voice was low and cold. She felt played. As if she were an unwilling participant of a stage play and her role was the fool. Hermione shivered, dropping Narcissa’s hand immediately. Crookshanks didn’t like her tone of voice much either because he wiggled out of her arms to go sit with Hermione instead, curled up at her side. Her hands instantly buried into his fur, soothed by his presence at her side.

“He offered to help me with the…” Hermione's voice shook. This could either end up with Narcissa being disgusted in her and leaving—past actions say she wouldn’t do that but Hermione couldn’t be sure—or Narcissa genuinely returning her feelings—based on the last month, Hermione was holding out hope on this outcome. “I wanted the woman I was interested in to notice me. He offered his help in ensuring that happened.”

Narcissa felt her face twitch. Great. Just fucking lovely! There was yet another person standing in her way. Perhaps she would do well to give up on this asinine chase. She shifted further away from Hermione, glancing towards the floo. She wished that she could simply turn back time, go back to when it was all easier and Hermione looked at only her with such an intensity.

“Narcissa…”

Narcissa ground her jaw, taking a moment to compose herself before turning back to Hermione who finally decided to look at her. “Yes?”

“The woman is you.”

Narcissa felt like the ground beneath her was tilting, her eyes widened in disbelief. If Hermione truly did want her then… then why had it never worked when she was attempting to seduce her? Why did Hermione seem to pull away from her at an increasingly concerning amount? She opened her mouth to speak but nothing came out as she stared Hermione down. This didn’t feel very real. But Narcissa was determined not to lose this chance.

“Hermione, I’ve been trying for more than a month to show you that I was interested in you!” 

“No, that was you attempting to woo someone else. I thought you knew me better than that! I didn’t need fancy outings or expensive gifts. I just… want something simple. I wanted Sunday evening tea and talking about books we’ve read and maybe I wanted more. Lunch breaks from work, reading those books together, cooking together instead of going out.” Hermione sighed, running her hands through her hair. “It didn’t feel like you were interested in me. Just the idea of me.”

Narcissa paled, staring down her hands. She hadn’t intended to make Hermione feel like that. She had wanted Hermione to feel important and loved. 

“I wanted to steal you away from him. I was jealous that he had somehow managed to ask for your hand before I had built up the courage to do so. Then I saw him with Mister Potter and I was so certain that he was using you. I didn’t know it was fake so I… I tried to show you that you would be better with me. I was so focused on showing you that I was better, that you should be with me instead that I… I guess I lost sight of what made this so wonderful in the first place.” Narcissa brought one of Hermione’s hands up to her lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles.

“Please, forgive me, dearest. I only want to make you happy.”

Hermione stared at Narcissa for a long moment, relieved and thrilled beyond belief. She could tell how genuine the older woman was being now. She could see it in her eyes, in the gentleness of her touch, in the softness of her voice. Hermione pulled her hand away from Narcissa’s reaching up to cup her face, stroking her thumb against her high cheekbones.

“You do make me happy, Cissa. Just you, no one else,” Hermione whispered, pleased when Narcissa shifted closer to her, sharing the warmth of her body. She didn’t believe that this could really be happening right now. 

“Good. I endeavor to keep it that way. I wish to be the only recipient of your love and attention in this manner.” Narcissa leaned closer and Hermione felt her breath catch. She nodded her head numbly, agreeing wholeheartedly. She didn’t think she would ever be capable of loving anyone but Narcissa anyway. 

Narcissa raised her own hand to Hermione’s face, brushing her knuckles alongside Hermione’s jaw and down her neck, stopping at the worn collar of her jumper. Cold fingertips dipped beneath the fabric for just a moment before sliding up the back of Hermione’s neck, threading her fingers through Hermione’s hair before tugging her towards her into a kiss. 

Hermione melted into Narcissa the moment their lips met, responding in kind to the needy press of the older woman’s impossibly soft lips. She felt Narcissa’s nails scratch against the base of her scalp and she shivered, tilting her head to deepen what was possibly the best kiss she had ever had. Hermione shifted, sliding her arms around Narcissa to pull them closer together, their positioning was just a little uncomfortable with how they were sitting on the couch but it didn’t matter. Not when she was finally kissing Narcissa. And it felt like a glimpse of heaven.

Eventually, they had to break apart to take in more air than they could get. Hermione pressed her forehead against Narcissa’s squeezing the woman’s sides in joy. She couldn’t have held back the smile on her face if she wanted to. She nearly lost all of her breath when she looked at Narcissa to see her sporting a similar bright smile.

Unable to resist, Hermione pressed a kiss to Narcissa’s dimple before tugging her into a hug. 

“I didn’t know I could be so happy,” Hermione whispered into Narcissa’s ear, delighting in the way that Narcissa shivered at the feel of her warm breath. Narcissa buried her face into Hermione’s hair.

“I need you to know that only you have ever made me so happy, Hermione. I need you to know this because I cannot be without you, ever again. Do you understand? I won’t allow anyone to take you from me again.” Narcissa tightened her arms around Hermione, willing her to understand what she meant, how intense her emotions were, and how important Hermione was to her and her happiness.

“Cissa, I don’t want to be with anyone else. I’m not going anyway. I want to be with you, I want you. I love you.” Hermione breathed and Narcissa melted in relief, slouching in an undignified way that she would likely only ever show to Hermione.

“I love you too, dearest, Hermione. I love you more than you could ever imagine.” Narcissa pulled away to kiss Hermione again, thrilled that now she could do it whenever she wanted and retained the sole rights to do so. No one would ever take her away again.

Hermione reclined in her seat, watching out the window beside her. As always, she was the first to arrive. She knew no one would be upset if her lunch break took a little longer than everyone else’s. She had made no effort to hide who she was going to lunch with nor had she made any effort to hide her shiny new relationship with Narcissa.

She heard the scrape of a chair and turned her head to see Draco pulling out Harry’s chair for him before sitting beside him.

“Good afternoon, you two,” Hermione smiled, sitting up straight as she greeted her two friends— yes, she officially considered Draco a friend. Hard not to when you’re dating someone’s mother. At least they had a good relationship otherwise it wouldn’t have gone well. She couldn’t imagine Narcissa dumping her though. Draco was an adult and he would just need to deal with it.

“Hey, Mione,” Harry grinned happily. She was so happy that ultimately everything turned out alright in the end. In a really horrible and roundabout way, Draco’s plan worked. They were both happy with the people they wanted to be with instead of miserable together. 

“Yes, hello, Hermione,” Draco said, unfolding his napkin. Hermione rolled her eyes with a smile. They looked happy. Harry set his hand over Draco’s on the table, and Hermione couldn’t help but think back to the cursed lunch where it was her holding Draco’s hand. Or rather her hand that Draco was holding. She had been too busy trying not to gape at how hot his mother was. Not that she wasn’t still hot. Narcissa would probably be hot forever.

Speaking of…

Hermione turned to look at the doors when the room held its breath. She knew that meant her beloved had entered the building. Narcissa, who despite enjoying muggle clothes, had stopped dressing in an attempt to impress Hermione.

The older woman had confessed it one night. “I wear and do muggle things because I hoped that it would impress you, it would make you see that I’m trying and I wanted to make you happy.” to which Hermione had promptly told her that she didn’t have to do that. She knew who Narcissa was and the use of muggle clothes and objects wouldn’t change that. So Narcissa had reverted back to her usual style just a little more tame and mundane enough to fit into a muggle setting.

Narcissa’s ‘usual’ style was just as mouth-watering as her wearing muggle clothes was. A long tight black skirt with a slit up one side. Stockings hide the soft skin of Narcissa’s legs because Hermione now knows how soft they are. And how toned they are because of her usual heels which adorn her feet now. Narcissa was wearing a tight low-cut blouse that showed off her collarbones again, beautiful skin. She had a coat draped over her shoulders and gloves on her hands. Her hair was tied up and she donned sunglasses which she had removed when she stepped into the building. 

She looked rich and powerful. Which was appropriate because she was rich and powerful. The entire restaurant seemed to lean towards her, trying to bask in her presence but Narcissa only had eyes for one person. She bypassed the hostess stand, removing her gloves as she approached their table. Eyes were still watching Narcissa from every corner as she set her gloves down on the table and removed her coat, draping it across her chair.

“Hello, my darling,” Narcissa said softly, tilting Hermione’s head up to give her a greeting kiss. She stroked her jaw before she took her seat. Hermione just grinned dopily at her. Narcissa was dating her. Narcissa was dating her.

“Hi, Cissa,” Hermione beamed. The entire restaurant resumed the noise, some gazes still lingered, jealous. Draco rolled his eyes, used to Hermione’s uselessness around his mother. Harry seemed so relieved that Hermione had found someone. How was it all so perfect and lovely? The waiter came by to retrieve the drinks orders and drop off the menus.

“How was your weekend vacation, by the way? I meant to ask when you got back but I haven’t had a free moment since,” Harry asked, sitting back in his chair, his menu propped up on the table. Hermione and Narcissa shared a look.

“It was wonderful, Harry. The coast is gorgeous,” Hermione said before casting her eyes down to her menu to pick out what to eat for lunch. Narcissa slipped a possessive hand onto Hermione’s knee, giving it a gentle squeeze. Hermione placed her hand over the top of Narcissa’s interlacing their fingers beneath the table.

“Yes, it is one of our more lovely properties. Draco, you should consider taking Harry there at some point. A delightful and secluded little getaway for you and your new lover.” Narcissa raised her eyes to give her son a pointed look and took delight in the way he blushed slightly. 

“Mother!”

“Don’t be a prude, Draco. You’re an adult, of course you have a sex life—”

“Mother, please!” Draco had his hands over his ears. Narcissa delighted in teasing her child. A little punishment for being the mastermind behind the whole debacle they had to struggle through. It wasn’t a true punishment as she was pleased with the outcome but still.

The table quieted down as everyone looked at their menus to decide what they wanted to eat. The silence was soothing, comfortable. A far cry from the first time they all had lunch together. But now everyone was where they wanted to be and with who they wanted to be with and there was nothing more perfect than that.