A Mother's Love

1 H A R R Y

There she was.

The person that saved my life.

Narcissa Malfoy.

I'd been meaning to talk to her for a long time, to thank her for what she did to me that day three years ago, but I haven't been able to find her.  And even if I had, I wouldn't know what to say or how to say it.  But now that she's here in Diagon Alley, not fifty feet away from me, I have to talk to her.  Tell her anything and everything.

But I have to do it alone.

"Hey, er, you go on to your brothers' shop alone.  I'll catch up in a few, okay?"  I said to Ron.

"What?  Where are you going, mate?"

"I have to use the loo and don't exactly trust the one in their shop.  Could be jinxed, you know?"

"Oh.  Makes sense.  See you there."

As I walked towards where Narcissa had been standing, I found that she was heading in the opposite direction from me.  Towards Florish and Blotts.

Hurrying through the crowd of people, I make my way cautiously towards her with no idea of what I'm going to say or how I'm going to say it.  But I keep moving because I know I need to.

I catch up to her, standing maybe four feet behind her.  I gather up the last of my courage and gently say her name.

"Narcissa?"

"If you're hear to ask me questions about my husband or son, just know I won't be answering any-" she stopped in mid-sentence when she saw that it was the one and only Harry Potter standing in front of her.

"I'm really sorry to interrupt your day, but... well... I just wanted to thank you.  For- for saving my life that day in the forest.  You could've revealed that I was still alive, especially since you knew Malf- Draco was alive.  But you didn't.  You risked it all out of honor and who knows why else, but I owe my life to you and am so deeply grateful for you.  So, thank you."  Harry stood there for a moment, wondering where those words had come from, when he realized that she wouldn't respond.  So he nodded his head once and turned to walk away when she grabbed his wrist.

Harry turned to face Narcissa and felt himself being pulled into an awkward but genuine hug.  He hugged her back and when they pulled apart, he saw a tear slip down her face.

"I would like to thank you too.  For years, you and my son were mortal enemies.  Draco just talked and talked about how much you two hated each other, but he told me how that day, in the Room of Requirement, you saved him.  When you could have left him to burn, you saved him.  What I did for you that day was out of a mother's love, and I'm so grateful for you, too.  So, thank you, Harry Potter."

He didn't know what to say.  But in that moment, he felt such love radiating off of her for her son, that he knew he didn't have to say anything.  So he just smiled.

"I know this might seem strange, but I really have been trying to change.  I know I was never good during the war or before then, but I always felt a terrible pang of guilt and sadness watching everything that my family did in serving the Dark Lord.  So, if you ever need anything, please don't hesitate to ask.  I have connections to places if you ever need help.  Think about it, okay?

"I must get on with my day, but I feel such relief in talking to you and thanking  you.  Goodbye Harry."

"I feel much better now, too.  Good day to you.  And, for the record, I do believe you're trying to change." Harry said kindly.

"Thank you."  And with that, Narcissa walked away.

Harry went to catch up with Ron, a smile on his face and a weight lifted off his shoulders.

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A few weeks later, at the Ministry of Magic, I was headed to class where I'd study to become a Hogwarts Defense Against the Dark Arts professor. I'd been studying all night for my end of semester exam, and after this I'd be home for Christmas.

I was humming to myself when I bumped into someone.

"Oh I'm sorry! I wasn't looking where I was going." Then I saw who I bumped into and smiled. "Narcissa! Good to see you!"

"It's wonderful to see you, too, Harry. Where are you off to?" She asked politely.

"Off to class to become a DADA professor.  I'm taking my end of term test today."

"Ahh. I thought maybe you'd become an Auror, as you've got the talent."

"Well, after seven years of fighting Voldemort, I was kind of done catching criminals," I said jokingly.

"Makes sense. If you make it, do let me know. I'd love to hear about your career as I had once considered becoming a transfiguration professor myself!"

"Will do! I've got to get to my class, but I'll owl you sometime," I said, beginning to walk off.

"Alright!" Narcissa said, waving and walking in the opposite direction.

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I passed! I passed my exam and am now qualified to speak with the Headmistress of Hogwarts! Since it's Headmistress McGonagall, I'm sure it will go well.

I walked into my apartment with a bounce in my step, tossing my keys into a bowl. I was greeted by my Shi Tzu, Mocha. Reaching down to pet him, I noticed an owl on the windowsill. I didn't recognize the owl so I grabbed some treats off the bowl on the counter and headed over.

The moment I opened the window, the owl swooped in, did a lap around my apartment, and came back and landed on my outstretched arm.

"Guess you're friendly, huh?" I muttered as I handed her a treat and untied the note attached.

Dear Harry,

I'd love to have you over to my house for tea and to catch up on your career progress.

I understand if you can't make it, but if you can, tomorrow at noon would work. My address is disclosed.

Sincerely,
Narcissa Black-Malfoy

I immediately responded that of course I would be there. Suddenly, I noticed her name change and made a mental note to ask her about it tomorrow over tea.

I was slightly apprehensive about going to the Malfoy Manor, but the address that she sent didn't belong to the Manor, so I was excited about seeing her new residency.

After making dinner and feeding Mocha and my owl, Ella, I slept nicely knowing that tomorrow would be wonderful.