Chapter Text
Lucius Malfoy did not want to be at this event. His despondency was not due to the poor hors d'oeuvre choices or the fact that muggles surrounded him. No, he owed his mood to the fact that he had to abandon Richard in his hour of need to attend this drivel.
His dear Cissa did not understand. Richard was the pride of his Malfoy muster- the resplendent group of albino peacocks that Lucius had dedicated his time and attention to. Poor Richard was molting, clearly suffering some unknown ailment. Yet, Cissa had forced him to come to Buckingham Palace for the Royal Garden Party, leaving Richard wiltng and alone.
The Malfoy family was both noble and ancient. Gifted their lands and titles by William the Conqueror, they had done what was necessary to retain power in both the wizarding and muggle worlds. While their muggle earldom was largely ignored, they did try to keep up appearances a few times a year.
Hence, Cissa's refusal to budge for Lucius's prized peacock. However, she did make a good argument about it being the perfect opportunity to discuss muggle investments, something that Lucius had been contemplating for some time. As he slipped his champagne, he glanced around; I'm glad we left Draco behind, he thought, he hasn't mastered control of his expressions quite yet. Lucius loved his son; no one who knew him could doubt that, but his son was still quite impetuous and wouldn't be able to keep his thoughts to himself. And that would be disastrous for the family's current agenda. Maybe next year.
These thoughts were interrupted by a couple who stopped to chat with him and his wife. "Good afternoon, I'm Lord Daniel Granger, and this is my wife Helen. We haven't met. You must be the Malfoys. The Family wanted to thank you for your generous donation that you made during the last fundraiser you attended."
Sigh. "No need to thank us. It was a worthy cause, and we had the funds to support." Please go away... hmm, Granger. Isn't that the name of the mudblood who took the top spot academically? Draco ranted about her in all his letters. I wonder if there is a relation?
As Lady Helen Granger struck up a conversation with Narcissa, he looked over the man. Right away, he did not like what he saw. The man was obviously well into his cups, and swayed as he stood there. He wasn't drinking champagne like the other guests, but some type of whiskey. He could smell it rolling from Lord Granger's breath. He watched as the man proceeded to scan the crowd the crowd with a frown on his face. All of a sudden, Lord Granger shouted, "Hermione! Get over here!"
Lucius and Narcissa instantly stilled and looked at each other. They knew that name quite well after a year's worth of ranting from their beloved son. As they f allowed the man's gaze, they saw a beautiful girl make her way toward them with a strained smile on her face. It truly was her.
Hermione Granger did not want to be at this event. The Garden Party was being hosted by her uncle, Prince Edward, the queen's brother. While she usually loved spending time with the extended family, her parents were there as well. That was a never a good thing. Especially since she was pretty sure she had cracked a rib or two since her father's last drunken beating. And any event meant her father would definitely be getting drunk. She wasn't sure she had another altercation in her so soon.
Suddenly, she hears "Hermione! Get over here!" Great, she thought, barely an hour and a half in, and he's already tossed. I have to figure out a way to get him inside and up to the rooms. Maybe Niles? That butler has always been the most helpful at curtailing my father's more embarrassing moments.
As she looked around and spotted her parents, she had to force a smile on her face. Not just because she knew what they were likely to ask of her, but of who they were standing with. I just can NOT catch a break. Malfoys! Gods, I hope Draco isn't here. As she made her way toward them, she could tell they were just as surprised to see her as she was to see them. This is going to be fun. NOT!
"Hello, Father, Mother, Lord and Lady Malfoy. I hope you have enjoyed the party so far." The words were automatic, practiced, and something she had several times so far today. Why are they here? What do they want? How can I get them to leave without making my parents mad or insulting guests?!
"Miss Granger, I was not expecting to see you here tonight," Narcissa replied.
"You know our daughter?" Lady Granger asked.
"Yes, Mother, I go to boarding school with their son. He's in my year." Please don't ask anything, please don't ask anything, PLEASE! Hermione was screaming inside. Her parents hated magic and everything adjacent to it. She was terrified that finding out this couple was wixen would cause her father to erupt. I'm in for a hell of a beating tonight, if he doesn't pass out first.
She could see her father's eyes narrow, and his fist clench around his glass. Her mother saw it too, and she was sober enough to know that now wasn't the time to get into it. The Family would never forgive them. "Well then! Since you're already acquainted, we will leave you to entertain them, and go greet other guests!"
Hermione watched as her mother practically dragged her father away. She turned back to the Malfoys and dipped her head. "Apologies for the abrupt departure of my parents. They aren't comfortable with where I go to school"
"That's alright, Miss Granger, most parents who didn't go to Hogwarts are." This time it was Lucius who spoke. He had also seen the reaction of her parents and how the child had subtly flinched at the mention of the school. He could tell just from glancing at Narcissa that she was looking over the girl. Not to judge her fashion or etiquette, but for injuries. And he could tell the instant she saw something was amiss.
Hermione eyed the couple standing before here suspiciously. She knew that circumstances dictated they be polite, but was expecting at least a little condenscension by now. Oh well, whatever their reasoning, the quicker I find out what they want, the faster I can help, the quicker they leave. "Lord and Lady Malfoy. To what do we owe the pleasure of your company? I wasn't aware you attended these events."
Lucius smirked at the young girl. He subtly waved his hand and cast a silencing ward around the three of them to keep other guests from hearing. "I cast a spell, Miss Granger. No one can hear what we say. You are safe to speak."
Hermione lifted her eyebrow as she glanced back and forth between the pair. "Alright. What are you doing attending a muggle event? I thought you were too good to dirty yourselves with their kind?"
Narcissa laughed. "We have to attend a certain number of these events and have certain duties to perform if we are to retain our titles in this world. While most of the Sacred 28 have given them up, we like the advantages it brings to our family. I am also trying to convince Lucius to start some investing in the muggles world."
"Yes, yes, yes. You want me to invest. We had to make an appearance. Meanwhile, my beloved Richard is sick at home and needs me!" Lucius retorted to his meddling wife. He knew what she was up to.
"Richard?" Hermione questioned, feeling quite confident up until now that Draco was an only child.
"His favorite peacock, dear." Narcissa explained, sipping her champagne t cover her amusement at Hermione's incredulous look.
"Of course, I should have known."
Lucius scowled, not appreciating the direction that this conversation had taken at all.
"Have you had much luck on the investment side of your attendance tonight?"
"I'm afraid not," Lucius replied, not wanted to admit that he simply didn't know enough about the muggle world to properly settle on what was best to invest in.
"Would you have any ideas?" Narcissa's question caught Hermione off guard, not expecting the Malfoys to ask a muggleborn for advice. Hermione visibly perked up, excited for the chance to help.
"A few actually!" She then led the Malfoys around the gardens, introducing them to the right people. Technology was always a safe investment, with computers and phones evolving exponentially. She also ensured that she steered them towards the Lords, who had stakes in pharmaceuticals and biotech, a sector that was performing relatively well.
Lucius came out of the business conversations suitably impressed with Miss Granger's recommendations. He had all the necessary information to invest and now just needed Gringotts to follow through with the money transfers. "Thank you so much, Miss Granger. I wasn't sure what to expect when we started talking, but today was quite successful."
"You're welcome. It's kinda my job to make sure people make the right connections and any problems are solved at these things." She replied.
Narcissa frowned. "You are responsible for that? You are twelve years old. Shouldn't that be the job of an adult? Your parents even?"
Hermione grimaced. "My parents have their own responsibilities, Lady Malfoy. Besides, I'm quite good at this."
Lucius glanced at Narcissa, as he thought to himself, I bet the problems she is talking about are with her parents. She's a child! She shouldn't be responsible for a drunk.
"Well! I need to use the restroom before we continue making rounds. Would you be able to show us the way? Lucius? Please escort me?"
Lucius knew this was his wife's way to get him alone and away from the others to talk. Also, it would get Hermione away from the other guests.
"Of course, my love. Miss Granger? If you would be so kind?" Lucius smiled genuinely at the girl.
"Please follow me, then."
Narcissa did not want to be at this event. At least it started that way. Now, the afternoon was a tremendous success, and Lucius had stopped complaining about his damned peacock! And all thanks to one very clever muggleborn. An abused muggleborn, if she had to guess. As she followed behind Hermione, she watched the way she moved. Despite the grace with which she held herself, she was very stiff and wouldn't twist her torso at all. I bet her ribs or back are hurt. I saw the way she eyed that brute's hands. Her father did that to her. She knew she needed to take a moment to calm down. She couldn't hex the man to oblivion at a muggle garden party.
Poor Theodore suffered much the same way from his own father, but they were able to find excuses to keep him at the manor with Draco to avoid Tiberius. She wondered if there was some way to get Hermione away from her father as well.
Narcissa's thoughts were interrupted as they stopped in front of the restrooms. A crash sounded from back towards the party, catching the grimace that crossed young Hermione's face.
“Please excuse me, it was wonderful to see you both.” Dropping a polite curtsy, the girl hurried away, clearly in a rush to solve whatever chaos was ensuing.
Narcissa looked at Lucius, cast notice-me-not spells on them both, then followed just behind her. Whatever was happening, she wanted to make sure Hermione was okay.
“You freak! If you hadn’t been born, then everything would be fine! Your mother and I would be able to do what we wanted, but we had you! The Royal family constantly keeps eyeing us like we are wrong for not wanting you!”
Narcissa and Lucius turn the corner just in time to see Daniel Granger backhand Hermione. To see Hermione crash to the floor and get kicked in the stomach. Before they can react, two servants grab the angry man. Belligerent and drunk, he tries fighting them, but they are able to haul him bodily up the back staircase so no guests see him. Still unnoticed, they watched as the sweet girl picked herself up and turned to a butler.
“Giles? Please make sure he is locked in for the rest of the party. I wouldn’t be able to explain away his behavior. Where is my mother?” She asks.
“She has left, Miss Granger. She said to tell you she would see you tomorrow. I believe she went to visit a friend.”
“Thank you. Please bring me an ice pack and some bandages immediately. I’ll need to tape my ribs and try to diminish the swelling so I can make my excuses.”
“Right away, ma’am.” They watch as the older man slowly approaches her. He hugs her lightly and kisses the top of her head. “It’ll be alright, my dear. Just a few more years and you’ll be free. I’ll notify all the residents where you might stay that Lord Granger is drinking more, so they can keep an eye out for you. I’m sorry I can’t do more for you.”
Hermione wipes a tear from her face as she steps back, “It’s alright. You must prioritize looking after your family and yourself first. Only Royal intervention could stop this, and you know they won’t.” Narcissa watches as Giles walks away to carry out her orders.
As soon as the butler is out of sight, Hermione slumps, dropping her bravado and crumbling back into the abused girl she is.
They dropped their disillusionments, Narcissa not wasting a moment to get to Hermione’s side. Reaching out with trembling hands, Narcissa tilts the girl's head, assessing the severity of the bruise left across her face.
“Go ahead, say it.”
The Malfoys exchange a confused look at her words.
“Go ahead and gloat about how pathetic I am. Your son was right all along.”
Narcissa’s eyes softened, her heart aching for this poor girl.
“Miss Granger, do you have someplace that we could take you away from prying eyes? It would not do to break the statute in front of the Queen.”
Hermione’s eyes widened, nodding quickly before straightening her posture once more.
“This way.”
Lucius and Narcissa followed her closely, barely registering the opulent decor, too focused on worrying about Hermione.
Reaching a room far away from the Garden Party, Hermione ushered them into the private parlor. Narcissa steered her to the nearest chaise, pulling out her wand to begin the necessary healing spells. Hermione let out a sigh as she felt the pain dull from Narcissa’s spell. Hermione gestured to her broken ribs, and Narcissa immediately set about repairing them as well.
Lucius spoke up from his spot near the door, “Miss Granger, I do not wish to pry. But cannot something be done for your situation? You are, after all, a part of the royal family.”
“Am I? I had no idea.”
Lucius raised a single eyebrow at her sarcastic response, silently demanding an honest answer. He became quickly uncomfortable as her eyes filled with tears instead.
“There is nothing to be done. They need someone to handle my father, and I am the only one with the patience to do it. The abuse cannot get out; the scandal it would cause would be enormous. The royal family cannot afford that kind of backlash. They offer kind words, but that’s all. I just have to grin and bear it, as is expected of noble blood.”
Lucius felt his heart squeeze with grief for the sobbing child sitting before him. Nobody deserved to be treated like this, but especially not a woman, and definitely not a child. He watched as his wife engulfed the girl in her arms, rocking her gently while murmuring soothing words of comfort.
“When I discovered I was a witch, I felt like I had finally gotten a chance to escape. Hogwarts was meant to be my sanctuary! But then it became more of the same- harsh words and isolation. I am so tired. I just want someone to love me. Why can’t anybody love me?”
The force of her cries was wracking her petite frame, and Narcissa felt her heart break. She met Lucius’s eyes over Hermione’s shoulder. They had to do something to help this girl. Someone had to help her.
“Honey. Let us help. We can do something to mitigate their presence in your life.”
“How? No one cares, and no one can help. And my ‘friends?’ They aren’t real friends.”
Lucius approaches the ladies. “What do you mean? I know your relationship with our son isn’t good, but he wrote how close you are with the younger Weasley and Potter boy. You are a bright and caring girl. I can’t imagine that others in your house don’t see that and love you for it?”
Both adults are startled at the bitter laugh that comes from the child. No child should be able to make such a heartbreaking sound.
“No. Harry and Ron are best friends with each other. I’m the tag along. They only care about me so long as I’m helping them with homework or keeping them from getting themselves killed from their ‘great ideas.’”
Lucius and Narcissa sit on either side of Hermione, holding her, as she spills everything about her first year. From their son’s words, to the isolation she felt during her birthday alone with no friends, the troll, doing the homework for the boys, and finally, the events of what happened with Quirrell.
“The other girls are obsessed with their looks. The boys want adventure. I want to learn. To be free of my Muggle life. If I can graduate with as many O’s as possible, I can go anywhere in the world. I hate this place. I don’t like Britain anymore. I want to go somewhere I can be safe, and no one will hurt me. As soon as I graduate, I’m gone. And I don’t plan on coming back to England if I can help it.”
Lucius and Narcissa stared at each other. This might be worse than Theo’s situation. Narcissa thought to herself. At least then she knew how to help. And could. They had far less pull in the Muggle world.
“What about staying with us over breaks? We can create some type of apprenticeship that would allow you to be away from your parents. Since it is in the Wizarding World, it’ll put distance between you, and then they can do their thing. You can stay at school for Yule or come to our home.” Lucius suggested to Hermione.
“What about Draco? He hates me! And why would you do that for me? I’m a muggleborn. I know purebloods don’t like us very much.”
Narcissa cuts in. “Let us handle Draco. And while I can’t say I care for muggles, my problem with muggleborns is their lack of respect for tradition. They don’t know wixen ways, nor do they care to. They don’t want to celebrate Yule, the solstices, none of it. And Dumbledore has appeased them by wiping out our history. Let us teach you. Protect you. And you can teach us in return! Teach us about the Muggle world so we know what’s useful and what is a threat. Say yes.”
“But what if my parents say no? While they don’t like me around, the Family didn’t want me going off to school in the first place. They might not let me spend my whole summer with you and leave my parents to their own devices. Between my father’s drinking and mother’s affairs, it’s hard to hold them together long enough not to cause an international disaster as is.”
“You let us handle it. We will ensure that you spend most, if not all, of your time off school with us. And, for the times you do have to spend time with your parents… here.” Lucius hands her a ring. It has the Malfoy crest on it.
“What is the ring for?” She asks. Lucius just smiles and bends his head over the ring as he closes it between both hands. After watching him cast several spells, he asks for her hand.
“This is so that whenever he hurts you or you need help, you can call us. If you press the gem once, we will be notified that you need assistance and can send an elf to get you. If you’re in real danger. Press it three times. That will let us know to drop everything and apparate to you immediately. Put it on and test it.”
Hermione slowly gives Lucius her hand while Narcissa looks on. He places the ring on the ring finger of her right hand. She presses the stone and watches as Lucius’s wand vibrates. She presses it three times, and both Lucius’s and Narcissa’s wands go off. A vibrating sound and an actual siren sound are heard. She looks up at Lucius and smiles, more tears falling from her eyes. Narcissa watches the very alarmed face of her husband before Hermione hugs him. She can hear the occasional word and knows the girl is thanking them.
“Now. Let’s clean you up and get you back out there. We will stay for the entire thing to make sure nothing else happens. When we get home, we will inform Draco and Theo of the changes that will be happening and start the paperwork for your apprenticeship. Wait for word from us. Summer has just started, so if we do it right, we can have you at our home within a couple of weeks. Don’t say anything to your parents. Okay?” Narcissa brushes the hair back from Hermione’s face as she speaks.
“Yes, Lady Malfoy.”
“Enough with the Lady. Call me Narcissa.”
“And call me Lucius.”
Hermione smiles, a genuine, happy smile. For the first time in years, she feels a sense of hope. She feels like she has someone who actually cares about her and is willing and capable of standing up for her. She couldn’t wait to see their home.