[twenty two]

The lunch table was quiet and awkward to say the least.

Hermione bit her lip anxiously as she and the rest of their friends waited for the food that Narcissa Malfoy had ordered. The Malfoy matriarch insisted on eating out for lunch before they all went to the Ministry for Lucius' trial. 

Blaise, on the other hand, was one awkward exchange of words away from bursting into laughter. The scene in front of him wasn't anything he'd ever thought he'd see for himself in real life. Narcissa was seated, prim and proper as usual, at the head of their table that was strategically located in one of the secluded rooms of the restaurant. To her right was Draco, who was next to a very nervous-looking Hermione trying to avoid Blaise's smirks in front of her. 

Theo cleared his throat, giving Hermione an encouraging smile before speaking "Auntie Cissa, I'm sure Draco has told you about our upcoming Quidditch game in a few weeks. Are you coming to watch?"

Narcissa smiled kindly at Theodore, a boy she's seen as one of her own for the longest time "I'll be there cheering for my boys as always, Theodore. I'm surprised you even have to ask."

Blaise winked at Hermione before turning to face Narcissa "You should sit next to Hermione, Auntie Cissy. I'm sure you two will waste no vocal chords cheering for your boys." 

Hermione almost choked on her water

"That's a brilliant idea, Blaise." Narcissa smiled coolly, but raised a brow at Hermione "Though, I'm not sure she'll be cheering for Slytherin."

Pansy bit her lip to keep her from laughing, earning her a little nudge from Celine "Oh! No, of course I'll be cheering for Slytherin." Hermione almost choked out "I'll wear Draco's number and all."

"I wonder what Potter has to say about ." Draco smirked, but Hermione merely slapped his leg under the table in warning 

"I'm surprised you aren't playing this year, Pansy dear." Narcissa commented

"I thought I'd give all the boys a chance to end their Hogwarts years with their ego in tact." Pansy chuckled "I'm happy to be watching from the sidelines this year."

"Pansy's being humble." Goyle rolled his eyes a Pansy who stuck her tongue out at him like a child "She didn't want Draco to get into trouble. Our housemates might think that Draco's playing favorites if he ends up picking all of us to be a part of the team."

"That's very thoughtful of you, sweetheart." Narcissa smiled at Pansy kindly 

"Oh you know, just being my normal thoughtful self." Pansy laughed and sipped from her water graciously 

Hermione thought to herself. Suddenly, her insecurities were back. She looked at the faces of her friends in front of her, all smiling and seemingly at ease, and she couldn't help but feel like an outsider looking in. Was this what they felt whenever they were with Hermione's friends? She sighed and peered up at Draco, who only returned her look with a curious expression

"Celine, how is Hogwarts treating you?" Narcissa asked, getting everybody's attention once again "Are they taking care of you well?" she gestured to everyone on the table. Just then, the food began to arrive, and Hermione found herself more interested in her Truffle pasta than she was in the current conversation. Has Draco noticed?

Celine smiled beautifully "Hogwarts has been great, Aunt Cissa." she nodded "These goons didn't waste time welcoming me to the house and showing me around. The only downside is this new law. I mean, if I had stayed back in Beauxbatons I wouldn't have had to participate in it." 

Narcissa was surprised "I suppose you haven't found your partner yet?" she raised a questioning brow at Theodore, who returned to cutting through his fillet mignon obliviously. It seems like everybody in the room had already expected Celine and Theo to end up with each other. It was as if their ending has been a given ever since they met as children. Did that thought extend to Draco and another pureblood childhood best friend? Hermione struggled to maintain the smile she plastered on her face. 

"Oh, I'm already talking it out with someone." Celine smiled "I'm just sad I've suddenly been thrown into making a decision, you know what I mean?" 

"I understand, of course." Narcissa nodded, unsure if she should ask Hermione about the law. She chose against it. "Well, I'm sure whoever you choose will be very lucky. What are your parents saying about it?"

"They respect whatever decision I intend on making." Celine said, meeting Hermione's eyes as she did so "They only want what makes me happy." Hermione knew this was Celine's way of encouraging her to stay confident in her and Draco's decision, but it also seemed like a warning. Hermione watched as Theo played with the food on his plate.

"Of course, if there's anything we, parents, want for our children," Narcissa squeezed Draco's hand "it's happiness."

"Well, you'll be glad to know then, mother, that I've never been happier my entire life." Draco smiled down at Hermione, lovingly and encouragingly

He noticed. Hermione's heart swelled in her chest. Draco had been paying attention to her and knew that she was unsure of the situation. 

"I know you are, my love." Narcissa smiled tenderly "You haven't failed to mention it in the past dozen letters we've exchanged these last weeks." 

"Merlin, Draco, sappy much?" Blaise teased, causing Goyle to bark a laugh 

Suddenly, Hermione felt herself smiling slowly. There might be hope for her situation yet. 

They finished lunch with a much less awkward atmosphere than when they started it. Hermione excused herself to the powder room before they finally left for the Ministry. "I can't help but notice how afraid she was the entire meal, Draco dear." Narcissa said wistfully as she watched Hermione walk away 

"She's been anxious for days." Draco sighed "I'm not sure how to tell her you're okay with her without telling her, you know?"

"Let me worry about that, sweetheart." Narcissa shook her head "I should be the one responsible for how she sees me, not you."

"You can't really do anything else to ease her into this, Draco." Pansy shrugged "She just has to learn slowly that we're not as bad as we..."

"She responds well to smiles, Aunt Cissy." Theodore interjected

"" Celine muttered under her breath, earning her an amused look from Goyle

"I'll work on that." Narcissa laughed lightly "Now, Draco, have you informed McGonagall of my request?"

Draco frowned "I'm not sure I want to leave Hermione by herself." 

"Leave me for what?" Hermione asked brightly, coming from behind them 

"Hermione, dear," Narcissa smiled at her kindly "would you mind if Draco stayed with me for the remainder of the weekend? We have matters to discuss regarding the estate, now that my husband will be.."

Hermione's eyes widened "! I wouldn't mind at all, Mrs. Malfoy." she glanced up at Draco as if in accusation 

"Brilliant." Narcissa smiled