Ch. 47

The girls quietly followed Narcissa to the back of the manor, where she led them outside. The gardens were surprisingly warm, considering that it was late December. There were large hedges towering over them that were almost as tall as the first floor, with bushes of different flowers edging them. Narcissa led them to the center of the gardens where there was a small gazebo with a little table.

"It's so warm out," Ginny commented finally, looking around.

Narcissa smiled. "There's a permanent charm on the gardens to ensure it's warm year-round. I very much enjoy spending time out here every day."

"It's beautiful," Hermione said as she looked around. "You do a wonderful job."

"Yes," She said sadly. "Unfortunately this past year was the first time I was able to return to them and bring the gardens back to their former glory. I had always loved gardening; it was my place to get away from everything. But with everything that had happened..."

She trailed off and Hermione shot Ginny a worried look. But then Narcissa shook her head and smiled again. "But that's all in the past. Now, would you two like some tea?"

The girls nodded and Narcissa called out behind her, "Flora!"

A small pop was heard and in front of them stood a house-elf wearing a lacy white dress. The lace reminded Hermione of a doily and she couldn't help but smile.

"Flora, would you please bring us a pot of tea?" Narcissa asked kindly.

The house-elf curtsied and said in a squeaky voice, "Yes, mistress!"

Then she disappeared with another pop and Narcissa turned back to the girls with a smile. "So, while we wait, why don't we discuss future plans?"

"Future plans?" Ginny asked while Hermione gave a look of uncertainty.

"Why, yes!" Narcissa said. "First, Ginny, I hope you understand that Mrs. Zabini is very protective of her only son. I'm aware that your first meeting with her wasn't exactly...pleasant."

"I wouldn't say so, no," Ginny said with a nod while she tried to suppress a grimace.

Narcissa nodded in return. "I've been trying to reason with the woman but she is very stubborn. But I don't want you to give up on her. She can be very dramatic at times, but she is just stuck in her ways. It's been harder for her to shake the old prejudices."

"That would explain why Blaise can be so dramatic," Ginny muttered to Hermione.

Narcissa grinned. A sudden loud popping noise made the girls jump again, but they relaxed when they saw it was Flora carrying a tray. Flora held the tray up to Narcissa, who gently lifted the teapot and three cups onto the table.

"Thank you, Flora," Narcissa smiled. "I'll let you know if we need anything else."

The house-elf curtsied before disappearing, and Narcissa poured tea into the three cups, handing Hermione and Ginny theirs. The girls gave a quick 'thank you', and Narcissa turned her attention back to the other two.

"As I was saying," She started, "I realize that with the two of you being mates to Draco and Blaise, we are inevitably going to need to plan your weddings."

Ginny and Hermione stared at her with wide eyes. Narcissa chuckled and with a wave of hand said, "Nothing needs to be planned out right now. Unless of course, you would like to."

She smiled at them as she took a sip of her tea. Hermione set her cup down and said in a shaky voice, "I think it might be a bit early to start planning weddings, Narcissa. We've only been officially with the boys for a few months."

"Understandable," Narcissa replied with a nod of her head. "But I must say, I'm very excited to plan out both of the weddings with your mothers."

Hermione shifted uncomfortably in her chair and Ginny gave her a sympathetic look, neither of which went unnoticed by Narcissa.

"Did I say something?" She asked, looking at the girls with a worried expression.

"Hermione's parents are..." Ginny trailed off and looked at Hermione again.

Hermione took a deep breath and went on to tell Narcissa about her parents. Narcissa listened, a sad expression on her face. When Hermione was finished speaking, Narcissa set her cup down on the table and said, "I'm so sorry, dear. When are you planning on going back to Australia next to find them?"

"Next summer, after we have graduated," Hermione answered. Then she nodded to Ginny and said, "Ginny's said that she'll be going with me, and Draco has even offered to help. And I'm sure with Ginny going, Blaise will be tagging along as well."

Ginny grinned. "I doubt he would want to miss out on that."

Narcissa smiled at the two of them. "Well if there is anything Lucius and I can do to help, please let us know. We have a few contacts at the Ministry who might be able to assist."

"I really appreciate that," Hermione said, returning the smile.

Narcissa took another sip of her tea and then her smile disappeared, being replaced with a worried look. "I do hope the two of you are comfortable right now. I realize this place doesn't exactly hold happy memories, especially for you, Hermione."

Hermione chewed on the inside of her cheek before answering. "I'll admit, I was nervous coming here. Even though Draco had told me about your visit to the Hospital Wing and what all was said, I was worried that once we actually arrived, it wouldn't be as...welcoming. But so far everything has been wonderful!"

Ginny nodded in agreement. "We both see the effort you and your husband have put into changing and becoming better people, and we wanted to give you a fair chance."

Narcissa smiled at the two girls. "I promise we won't waste this chance you've so graciously given us."

The rest of the morning went by smoothly. Hermione and Ginny were growing more comfortable by the minute and were more convinced of Narcissa's changed nature. After they had finished their pot of tea, the three women went back inside of the manor to find their significant others.

"I bet they're in Lucius's study," Narcissa said. "Lucius has been wanting to talk to them about the business venture they are planning."

"Blaise seemed pretty excited about it when he was telling me about the basics of it," Ginny said. 

"Draco's only mentioned it a couple of times," Hermione added. "I'm rather interested in it."

"Unfortunately, I don't know as much as I would like," Narcissa sighed. "You would have to get the boys to tell you more about it."

Almost on cue, the three men's voices could be heard growing closer to the sitting room that the women were in. Blaise and Draco entered first while Lucius followed. Draco and Blaise immediately went to the girls, sitting down next to them. Draco gave Hermione a kiss on the forehead while Blaise took Ginny's hand a pressed a kiss to the back of it.

"How was tea?" Draco asked.

"It was wonderful," Hermione answered with a smile. "The gardens are beautiful."

Draco smiled in return and someone cleared their throat. Everyone looked up at Lucius, who was still standing in the doorway.

"Hermione," He started, "Could I speak to you in private, please? Only for a few moments."