Chapter Text
April 2006
The soft chime of the bell on the door greeted Hermione as she entered the cafe. The shop, tucked away in muggle London, was charming and cozy. She stood in the doorway for a moment, taking in the gentle hum of conversation over soft jazz playing in the background as the warm aroma of freshly brewed coffee enveloped her senses. Despite the comforting setting, Hermione's nervousness was palpable; having been invited here by none other than Narcissa Malfoy. She took a deep breath and crossed the threshold.
As she scanned over the faces of the patrons inside, her mind wandered through the labyrinth of her past decisions and the unpredictable twists that had led her to this point in life. She couldn't help but replay the moments that placed her at the crossroad she was currently facing.
At 26 years old she had found herself unemployed and, for the second time in her life, on the verge of being homeless. Third, if she counted the year she spent on the run with the boys. Her dreams of success once again became just that- dreams.
Here she was again. Desperate for employment. So much so, that she couldn’t afford to turn away any potential opportunity. Even if it was with the Malfoys.
Three years ago, one mistake at the Ministry had cost her everything; deeming her “unworthy of employment”. Her career, livelihood, and respectability, gone with a blink of an eye. Although the mistake had not been a fault of her own, she found herself still paying the consequences to this day.
Now faced with limited options, Hermione decided she would take any job she could find. She applied to job after job with no success. She had been labeled either overqualified or underqualified for each position. Each rejection felt personal and Hermione had grown discouraged as she watched her finances drain. She was struggling to barely stay afloat.
After a year of job searching, she ended up finding employment as a governess for the Macmillan family. For the past two years, Hermione had been teaching Melania Macmillan- the younger cousin to Ernie who had been in her year while at Hogwarts. However, Melania had just turned 11 and would soon be attending Hogwarts in September. In just a few short months, Hermione would find herself once again without a job and without a home.
When Hermione received a letter from Mrs. Malfoy regarding employment as a governess for her grandson, she had certainly been surprised. The letter was brief, stating that she had heard good things from the Macmillans and would like to interview her for the position. With little other options, Hermione reluctantly wrote back and agreed to meet.
She was even more surprised when she received a prompt response asking to meet at a muggle coffee shop in two weeks’ time. Try as she might, Hermione couldn’t picture the formidable pureblood Lady Malfoy, anywhere in muggle London.
Hermione’s eyes soon fell upon the distinguished matriarch seated at a corner table. Even in a place like this, the woman still exuded elegance and an air of confidence. Hermione’s breath caught in her throat as memories flooded back to her. Memories that she had hoped to forget.
Noticing her arrival, Narcissa Malfoy offered a gentle wave, beckoning her over. Summoning her strength, Hermione slowly made her way to the corner table.
"Please, have a seat Ms. Granger," A delicate hand gestured to the empty chair opposite of her. Hermione gracefully took her seat and gave a small smile. “Thank you for agreeing to meet with me.”
"It's my pleasure, Mrs. Malfoy. However I must confess, I was rather taken aback when I received your letter.”
Mrs. Malfoy nodded her head in understanding, her eyes thoughtful. “Please call me Narcissa.”
"Narcissa," Hermione replied, her voice tinged with a touch of hesitation. "Thank you for giving me the opportunity to speak with you."
“I have heard wonderful things about you from the Macmillan family. You did such a lovely job with Melania. She had grown into quite the distinguished young witch.”
“Thank you Narcissa.” She took a sip of coffee Narcissa had already provided. Hermione was surprised Narcissa knew to serve her coffee instead of tea. She had always preferred to have tea in the afternoons and coffee in the mornings.
“She is very special. It saddens me that I only had two years with her.”
“I was surprised when I found out you took the position of her governess. I thought you were destined to be the youngest Minister of Magic.” Narcissa’s eyebrows raised and Hermione could feel her gaze staring straight through her
Hermione flushed as she contemplated how to respond. “Unfortunately- things in life…change.” She shrugged her shoulders, not wanting to elaborate further.
Narcissa made a small humming sound and took a sip of what Hermione assumed was tea. “Well, whatever the reason, I’m fortunate you would consider employment with us.”
Hermione inclined her head in acknowledgement before taking another sip from her own cup. She was surprised by how pleasant the woman was being towards her. Despite the pleasantries, Hermione still refused to let her guard down.
“It’s my understanding you’re fluent in French and taught young Melania all subjects aside from etiquette and dancing?”
“Yes, Melania had separate tutors for those subjects.”
“You also play the piano.”
“I do. My parents put me through lessons since I was four.”
“Very good. Your employment is up in- June I believe? The Macmillan’s will be traveling before Melania leaves in September?”
“That is correct.” Hermione was surprised by how much Narcissa seemed to know. To her knowledge, the Malfoys weren't close to the Macmillans.
“June is a little earlier than I had intended but since governesses live with their employers, I know you will need a place to live.”
“Excuse me for being forward, but why do you want me of all people to work for you? I’m not…”
“Pureblood?” Narcissa offered.
“Yes. And with our history-” Hermione couldn’t finish the sentence. The same feeling from earlier bubbled up in her throat as she quickly suppressed images of the last time she was at Malfoy Manor.
“Since you’re being candid with me, I’ll grant the same courtesy to you. When the war ended eight years ago my family was left in shambles. Slowly over the years, I have been working alongside my son to rebuild our family name in the wizarding community. We have changed, Ms. Granger. My grandson is in desperate need of a governess and when I heard you were soon to be in need of new employment, I jumped at the opportunity. Our history might not be the best- but I’m hoping that with time, we can all move forward and leave the past behind us.”
Shocked by Narcissa’s words, Hermione was at a loss on how to respond. Her history with the Malfoy family was shady at best. Narcissa and her husband had been on the wrong side of the war. Voldemort commandeered their family home; her own son forced to take the mark. She had been tortured by Bellatrix, Narcissa’s sister, on the floor of their manor. Which was something she would never be able to forget.
Yet as she sat there in silence, she contemplated the admission. Narcissa had saved Harry’s during the final battle. She had lied to Voldemort by declaring Harry dead when she knew he was very much alive. If she hadn’t done so, who knows what their world would be like now.
The fact that Narcissa Malfoy now sat across from her, in muggle London no less, was something she had never thought she would get to see. Yet the woman looked perfectly at ease in the cafe.
“Does your son know you’re seeking my employment?” Hermione asked nervously. A part of her never thought she would see Malfoy again let alone work for him. Her stomach churned as she contemplated working for her childhood bully. Was that something she was capable of doing?
Narcissa gave Hermione another smile. “Draco and Astoria are aware I’m setting up Scorpius’s governess. I have withheld your name from him until I receive your answer. I can assure you though, Draco no longer cares for blood status and will have to problem having a muggle-born teach his son. Especially someone of your caliber. I will divulge that information to him only should you accept the position.”
With a brief nod and after taking a controlled breath, she pulled out a stack of papers from her beaded bag and handed them to Narcissa.
“These are my credentials, list of references, and a detailed lesson plan. It’s my understanding Scorpius is almost five. The lesson plans are designed to be age appropriate and to inspire curiosity and growth. I feel that it’s my duty to inform you- I incorporate both wizarding and muggle teachings in my lessons to give a more well-rounded education. If that is going to be a problem…”
“I expected as much.” Narcissa said in a firm tone. “There is no problem with my grandson being taught the muggle way.” She flipped through the papers as she spoke, skimming over the notes and details. “You are very well-organized, Ms. Granger. These lesson plans are quite extensive and span out for the next three years.”
“I prefer to be thorough. I find it’s better when people know what they’re getting into when hiring me.”
“I can see that. Your mind is extraordinary Ms. Granger. I believe you will do very well with my grandson.” Narcissa placed the paperwork neatly on the table in front of her. “I’m prepared to offer you the position. Your starting wage will be 10,000 galleons a year and we will discuss wage increases in a year’s time.”
She choked on her coffee. “I’m sorry, did you say 10,000 galleons a year?”
“Is that not enough?”
Floored, Hermione stared at her with wide eyes. “That- that is too much… over double what I made with Macmillans.”
Narcissa, who looked unperturbed, shook her head. “10,000 is the starting wage. This job will require more than your work with the Macmillans. Scorpius is five and will require more care after hours and on weekends. You will have every Sunday off but will be required to work most Saturdays. It’s my understanding you only taught Melania five days a week. The extra galleons should make up for that.”
10,000 galleons was an obscene amount of money. It was more that Harry made as an Auror. In fact, that was more than most professors at Hogwarts made.
Hermione sat back in her chair, sure that her face held a shocked expression. She shook her head to clear her thoughts. She still couldn’t fathom why Narcissa Malfoy was being so nice to her or why she was willing to pay her so much money. Something about this interview felt too easy. She had fully expected the woman to put her through a more grilling interview.
“I would be a fool not to accept.” she finally replied.
“Excellent!” Narcissa clasped her hands in front of her. “I will have the contract drawn up and sent to you for review. Once you sign, I will set up the monthly direct deposit to your Gringotts account. When is your last day with the Macmillans?”
“June 18th”
“Perfect. I will have the contract start date for the 19th. Be at the manor at 9am sharp. I will send along instructions.”
Narcissa smoothed her robes as she stood and reached her hand out. Still in shock, she held out her own, not quite believing what she had just gotten herself into. Offering a timid smile, her stomach dropped slightly.