With Love, || N.B.

𝑭𝒊𝒇𝒕𝒚-𝒇𝒊𝒗𝒆

"Okay, this is the first birthday Narcissa's had entirely away from Lucius."

In the kitchen, Nora sat with Sirius, Remus, and Andromeda. A notepad was in front of her as she jotted down ideas for Narcissa's birthday-which was only two days away. The four of them took the opportunity to plan the last minute birthday party as Narcissa, Ted, and Nymphadora sat in the drawing room playing a game of cards.

"How big should we make it?" Sirius asked. "When we were kids, our family would go all out, but I think it was just so the girls could find suitors."

"Her last birthday was just the two of us, so I'd like to throw her a proper birthday," Nora explained. "I just don't know who we'd invite."

"Maybe we could invite the Weasleys?" Sirius suggested. "Harry too. He's spending his holiday with them so it should be easy to get him here too."

Remus sighed and sat back in his chair, "We could try. Arthur is more forgiving than Molly. Harry would come because you're here, Sirius, and if Harry comes, Ron will come, and so would Hermione. Again, I'm not sure how Molly would feel."

"Let me go over there," Andromeda said. "Arthur and Ted are good friends from work so I know them personally. They might take my word that Narcissa's changed."

Nora placed her hand on Andromeda's arm and smiled, "Thank you, so much."

The four of them were startled when Narcissa's voice rang out suddenly. "What are you four conspiring?"

"Nothing!" Nora blurted, hiding the notepad.

Narcissa looked at her suspiciously, "Right...I'm just getting some tea for Ted and I, would any of you like some?"

"I'm alright, darling, thank you," Andromeda smiled. "Oh, how are you three getting on?"

As Narcissa began setting up the tea tray and Sirius, Remus, and Nora tried to act normal, Narcissa chuckled, "Quite well. Dora's quite the character. I'd love for her and Draco to meet. I think they'd get along."

"Wouldn't that be just fantastic?" Andromeda beamed, giving the other three a suggestive look.

When Narcissa left the room, the four of them began planning her birthday once again.

"Lucius is out of town for Christmas and New Years, so Draco's staying at Hogwarts over the holiday," Nora whispered. "Cissa sent him some gifts for Christmas."

"Are you saying we should smuggle him out of the school?" Sirius asked, suddenly very excited for this plan.

"You're not going to, love," Remus chuckled. "You're still wanted for murder."

___________

The plan was quite simple. After Molly-reluctantly-agreed to let the family attend the very last minute party, Nora wrote to Draco saying that Remus would be arriving at Hogwarts on the third and that he had no choice in the matter-not that Draco was opposed in any way. After Nora and Narcissa left for their outing that day, Remus and Sirius would begin setting up for the surprise party.

When the third rolled around, Nora had taken Narcissa out to London where she spoiled her endlessly: expensive lingerie, new shoes to match with her new dresses, anything Narcissa showed interest in, she received.

"Really, sweetheart," Narcissa said, letting out an exasperated sigh before taking a bite of her lunch, "you don't have to keep buying me things."

"Narcissa, it's your birthday. I'd be a terrible partner if I didn't do this."

She happily accepted the kiss to her hand, but narrowed her eyes. "What's your angle?"

"I have no angle!" Nora gasped, acting offended at the question. "I simply want to spend this entire day with you."