The Green Girl

Fifth Year Part 3

Narcissa met Hermione at the door when she arrived at the Malfoy's home the day after Christmas. The woman took her hands and looked her over with a fond, almost proprietary glance. "We're so happy to have you," she said, leaning forward to brush her lips over each of Hermione's cheeks.

"I'm happy to see you too," Hermione said, letting the elf that had appeared at her side take her bags. As Narcissa led her into the Manor Hermione said, "Would it be possible for me to impose on you to borrow your owl to send some gifts out? I didn't get a chance to do it using the school owls and haven't been to Diagon Alley to use the public post."

"Of course," Narcissa said. "Our home is yours, child, and it's no imposition at all. I don't suppose you'll indulge my curiosity and tell me what you're getting your friends?"

Hermione smiled. "I got Greg and Vincent homework planners; if they're going to make me drag them through Potions they get planners."

Narcissa laughed. "And the rest?"

"Candy for the rest of the boys; Daphne, Pansy and Millie all still love the Muggle makeup, though I'm not sure why." She paused and bit her lip and then blurted out in a rush, "Could I ask you something?"

Narcissa hid her smile. She had a fairly good idea what Hermione was about to ask, but she just said, "Of course, sweet girl. I hope you think of me as a... well, a mother might be presumptuous of me but..."

"What do I get Draco?" Hermione was twisting the bracelet on her wrist with obvious nerves and Narcissa had to work harder to suppress her smile. "I don't know what's appropriate and I don't want to... and... there needs to be a class!" she finally wailed. "If I get him something to... will he think I don't... but what if I push too hard." She gave Narcissa a baleful look. "I think it's easier for Muggles. There aren't nearly as many rules."

At that Narcissa laughed. "I assure you, child, there are just as many rules for courting in every culture. You're just confused because you're not used to them being quite so codified or happening at such a young age. I understand Muggles tend to marry later."

"Yeah." Hermione scuffed her foot against the floor, the poise that came and went was now totally gone in the face of her elegant hostess.

Narcissa put her finger under the girl's chin and tipped her face up. "You handled the dance last year brilliantly. But maybe this year you should give the poor boy something a bit more formal. If you'll let me be a tad forward I have a selection of cuff links I've had set aside and perhaps you'd like to pick out one of them to give him?"

"I... thank you," Hermione stumbled over the words. "You're so good to me, Mrs. Malfoy. I... thank you."

"Well," Narcissa said, "if I hadn't liked you before, the day you threatened to kill Moody for hurting Draco you would have won me over."

Hermione gave a quick jerk and looked at Narcissa who had a bland smile on her face. Slowly, Hermione smiled back but all she said was, "Promised."

"I beg your pardon?"

"I didn't threaten. I promised." Hermione frowned for a moment, her expression a bit of a sulky pout. "But the Ministry got him first."

Narcissa laughed at that, a full, delighted laugh that summoned Draco from wherever he'd been hiding. "You are the most darling child I have ever met," Narcissa said before her son tugged his girlfriend away to some place more private. "I suspect you'll have a chance to indulge in your delightfully murderous streak eventually, but for now you'll have to settle for our company and more peaceful pursuits."

Draco was pulling on her hand even as he smiled at his mother with strained patience.

"A moment, son," Narcissa said. "We can meet later, Hermione, to go over that thing we were talking about. And we'll be having a guest for dinner who's interested in meeting you so, Draco, dress for dinner, please. All of you."