Black's House for Little Witches

19

A/N: I feel like it was relatively obvious where this chapter was going based on the previous one, so I'll just say it now: There is some blatant Weasley bashing in this chapter. More specifically it's Molly and Ron bashing. There is also some derogatory language used towards main characters.

This probably isn't necessary but I'm giving a reminder that in this universe, Caregivers and Littles are a totally normal and expected thing within the magical community (this relates to the Molly and Ron bashing).

More notes at the end. I'll let you get to the story.

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Narcissa carefully led Hermione through the busy streets of Diagon Alley. She'd sent the girl to have lunch while she went to help Bellatrix coax Andromeda into going to St. Mungo's. In the end, after tracking the youngest sister down to one of the lesser used studies and ten minutes of negotiations, they'd agreed to see if someone could come to the manor. Fortunately, Cassandra Greengrass had been available and more than willing to make a house call. She was one of very few healers Andromeda wasn't terrified by. That fact was why Narcissa was not in any rush to demand Andy make a decision on whether she wanted to apply for an internship at the hospital. Andromeda's choice would come in due time. Narcissa would be supportive if her sister chose to apply for an internship, but she also knew the chances were high that Andromeda might not ever be ready for that kind of responsibility.

But that was a matter for another day. This particular day was for Hermione. Bellatrix had assured that Narcissa could take Hermione on their outing while the oldest waited for the healer's arrival. Narcissa was reluctant, but Andromeda had been sitting with Bella in the parlor, curled up in her blanket in Bella's lap with both her beloved panda and her new elephant, when the two left.

Narcissa navigated the streets, guiding Hermione to Madam Malkin's. She personally preferred doing clothes shopping at one of the higher end boutiques, but Madam Malkin's was within Hermione's comfort zone. Hermione knew her way around the store, and the fashion was familiar to her. Not to mention the price tags were within reason based on Hermione's experience, and she would be more willing to choose clothes. They would walk away with double, maybe triple the clothing from Madam Malkin's than they would elsewhere. That was truly more important in the end.

"Hermione, do you only want pajamas, or would you like some other clothing?" Narcissa asked as they entered the shop.

Hermione turned to look at her. "I don't need other clothes."

Narcissa shook her head. "That wasn't what I asked, ma chérie," she said softly. "Do you want other clothes than just pajamas?"

"But why would I need them when I already have clothing?"

Narcissa sighed inwardly. From what she understood, Hermione came from a relatively well off family. Evidently, her parents did not spend much on anything beyond the basic requirements, other than perhaps books. And there was absolutely without a doubt no chance that the Weasley family would have bought the girl anything.

Narcissa and Bellatrix both suspected that Molly Weasley agreed to take in muggleborns and halfbloods as an easy way to collect an extra paycheck. Somehow, she'd managed to keep up appearances until Hermione and Harry.

Hermione was still looking at her expectantly. She shook her head and replied, "Sometimes, it's easier to let yourself drop into your headspace if you have special clothes for it. You've noticed Andromeda wears a lot of soft shorts and T-shirts when we're not out or doing lessons, yes?"

Hermione nodded. "I thought she just liked them."

"She does, yes. But they also allow her to run around and play more easily than her jeans and flannels."