Willing change: revised edition

5

Hogwarts

Winter break started today and students were busy packing their things, happy to spend the holidays with their families. The corridors were crowded and filled with the sounds of friends wishing each other a merry Christmas. The happy atmosphere was dulled by Hermione's thoughts.

Hermione slowly packed, trying to take as much time as possible. She had been informed by Draco that his mother had a room ready for her. She was not aware that she would be staying the entire break when she agreed to meet with Narcissa. Nonetheless she had professor McGonagall contact her parents to let them know she would be with a friend and she herself told Harry and Ron that she wouldn't be joining them at grimmauld place.

She feared her friends were getting suspicious. With her not going to meetings and talking to Draco, how could they not be. She sighed as she placed the last thing in her suitcase and latched it. She had given Narcissa her word and she would not go back on it now.

With a flick of her wand she shrunk her suitcase down and slipped it into her pocket before making her way out to the corridor where Draco was waiting. She looked at him and smiled.

"Are you ready Draco, we can use the fireplace in here."

Hermione stepped back into the gryffindor common room, holding the door open as Draco came in, his eyes scanning the room.

"Alot of red, eh Granger?"

He looked at Hermione to see her shifting on her feet, her eyes fixed on the fireplace. He could feel just how nervous she was. 

"Hermione, she won't be there, at least not today. It will just be you, me, and my Mother."

He put his hand on her shoulder, earning him a small smile as Hermione stood straight, trying to shake her nerves off. He held out a pouch of floo powder and Hermione took what she needed. She walked to the fireplace, looking back at him for reassurance. He nodded and smiled a bit making Hermione feel a bit better.

"Malfoy Manor."

Hermione's eyes took in an elegant and very tidy study, sitting on the sofa was Narcissa. She had her hands folded in her lap as she sat tall but Hermione could see her fidgeting a bit. She was nervous too.

"Hello, Mrs. Malfoy."

"Hello, Ms. Granger."

As they finished their greetings the fire behind Hermione Flared up in an emerald light and Draco stepped toward his mother. She rose, embracing her son in a warm hug.

After they greeted each other Narcissa looked at Hermione and gestured  for her to come to the sofa, which she did. She sat down still feeling a bit awkward. Narcissa  sat beside her and opened her mouth to speak, hesitant as if searching for the right words. Finally she found them.

"Ms. Granger, I'm sorry. I can only imagine  how you must feel...you and Bella. I am not here to force anything on you or her. I-I just. I have seen what she goes through while trying to fight this and I can't imagine that it's any better for you."

"It's quite painful actually, Mrs. Malfoy."

"Please, call me Narcissa."

Hermione looked at her surprised. 

"Yes.. Narcissa."

"Hermione, my sister wasn't always how she is now. She has had her happiness ripped from her at a young age. Every choice was made for her. Honestly I'm under the impression that she doesn't think she deserves to be happy.

"I see, I'm sorry. That can't feel good to see your sister like that."

Narcissa sighed and looked down at her fidgeting fingers.