Redemption

31

A thousand questions erupted from within the cacophony of voices. Guests at separate tables were turned towards us, trying to see what the ruckus was all about. Harry reached out, holding onto my hand tightly. He had been there. He had seen what I saw. He knew what I had tried to do, and consequently succeeded in doing. I gripped onto Harry's hand, though my eyes never the man's face. His arms were tight around me, holding me to his chest.

Only one voice reached me among the chatter. A woman's. "What's all the hullabaloo?" Severus' face relaxed. He had heard the woman too, meeting her icy eyes. She had the Malfoy eyes.

The people at our table immediately quieted, turning their attention to the older witch. "Mother." Came Lucius' statement, he looked away, embarrassed.

She smiled softly, looking toward my partner, her gaze falling on me. "Severus, lovely to see you again."

He stood, bowing slightly. "Lady Malfoy. Pardon our disruption of your son's birthday supper."

She shrugged, a small laugh escaping her. "Oh, you know I don't care for that. What's all the fuss about? I haven't seen people so worked up since the start of the war."

He took my hand, gesturing that I stand. A great majority of the guests were now looking at us, awed that the wealthiest and most politically powerful witch of the Wizarding World was talking to the outcast of society and his Muggleborn. To be perfectly frank, I think I was just as confused and surprised. I stood quickly, curtsying before her. "This is Hermione Granger." He introduced. "Love, this is Lady Aphrodite Malfoy."

No wonder the woman's name was Aphrodite, she was beautiful. Her long, pale hair was streaked with white, and her eyes were adorned with crow's feet, proof that she'd lived a good life. Her smile was radiant and she gave off an aura of kindness. She waved over who I assumed to be her husband, Lucius' father. They looked identical, save the older man's large blonde mustache. "Abraxas, look, it's Severus and his little witch. Aren't they charming? Oh, Severus, we've missed you."

Lord Malfoy stuck out his hand to shake the dark wizard's and dipped his head in my direction. "Good evening, young man. I see you've recovered quite well."

The men exchanged a few words, as the woman circled me. "My, my, he's certainly picked a pretty one." I blushed slightly. Would I ever get a handle on that? "When my boy befriended Severus in school, they were inseparable. After his mother died, he and his sister stayed with us during the summer break. The Prince family had always been a close ally, it was the least we could do. He was a lovely boy, though he seemed to have lost his way when his friend past on. Tragic story, that was." She sighed airily. "Now my only grandson is marrying that girl's only son. Funny how life works, isn't it?"

I nodded. I had just been thinking that. How queer... She took my hand, tucking it into the crook of her elbow, leading me around the dining room, introducing me to several dignitaries and old family friends. "Draco tells us you're an apprentice in potion brewing, if you ever need a job, the apothecary always needs a Master or two."

I swallowed nervously. "I'm only studying to be a teacher, I wasn't planning on being qualified as a Master in the art."

She eyed me. "Why not? You seem to be very bright, you could easily be the next in line."

I shook my head. "I don't know, I suppose I've never really thought of it."

The aging witch nodded encouragingly. "You already study under Europe's finest Master. He could easily get you qualified. Certainly helps that you've got him wrapped around your finger." She winked saucily, eyeing my dress.

I laughed nervously, holding my lip between my teeth. Why was this woman being so kind to me? Hadn't the Malfoys had a nasty reputation for centuries? Did she not know who I was?