Relative Minor

Relative Minor

Who hears music feels his solitude peopled at once

Robert Browning

The implications of her accomplishment did not hit Hermione until a few days later when a Prophet-carrying owl knocked its beak on the kitchen window. She put the paper on the table, fed the owl a treat, and prepared her breakfast before finally sitting down to peruse the news.

She grinned at the front page headline. Gilderoy Lockhart miraculously healed! A frown shadowed her face as she read the subheading. Department of Mysteries called to St Mungo's. Her breakfast remained untouched as she read on.

Unspeakables were called into St Mungo's following the most miraculous healing of Gilderoy Lockhart, a once successful author whose books continue to show up in the bestseller lists of the Prophet to this day, then professor of Defence Against the Dark Arts during the days of the position being cursed by He-Who-Must-Not-Be-Named. Lockhart appeared to have suffered from the cursed job worse than most, aside from Quirrell and Professor Snape, who both died; Lockhart's memory was botched to such an extent that all he seemed to remember was to groom his appearance continually and sign photographs which the many fans he imagined asked for. Everything was as usual when he was served his lunch this past Sunday. When a Healer (name withheld) checked on him in the evening, he was fast asleep. Monday morning, however, found him in a most lucid and humble state. He emphasised the need to serve humanity, and not once did he mention either his looks, locks, or his fame, which was a first since he had been admitted to St Mungo's in 1993. When several Healers checked and questioned him carefully, they agreed that he was perfectly stable and furthermore appeared to have left his selfish ways behind. Not only that but he also appeared to remember who he was beyond someone famous and expressed sorrow for having wasted so many years focussing on his ego. The Department of Mysteries was called in to investigate, as Healers arrived at the conclusion that a new occurrence...the first in several hundred years...of a witch summoning the music of the spheres has happened.

Hermione's breath shortened. What if they find out it's me? What are they going to do? Then she straightened, her rational thinking taking over. It's not like that ET movie where they try and abduct someone. She focused her attention back on the article and read on.

The last two wars left many casualties, and if, indeed, the music has been summoned, it would be an economic relief on the wizarding world, not to mention a major boost to the health factor. We will report any news on this particular subject as we receive them. Stay tuned!

The music piped up, and she knew instinctively it was for her and her only. Strings, woodwinds, brass, and even timpani were connecting like content children in paradise's playground. Her arms rested on the table, and she rested her head on them, absorbing every single tone like a lifeline.

"Do I look all right?" Narcissa turned to her husband.

Lucius regarded her and smirked. "You look like a Royal family member trying for the casual look, love. In one word, fabulous!"

Narcissa was unable to suppress a smile. "Thank you, darling. I'll be off then. Not sure what time I'll be back, but I shan't be late."

She Apparated near the corner of Carnaby and Beak Street in Central London and found Hermione already waiting. "Hello, dear! I hope you haven't been waiting long."

Hermione shook her head. "Only just got here myself." She eyed the smoothie place with interest. "I'd totally go in there, but if I have one of those smoothies, I won't feel hungry for days," she said, gazing through the window.

Narcissa followed Hermione's eyes. There was fresh fruit in the display, and the staff inside seemed to be enthusiastic over liquidising the various fruits and adding honey, lemon juice, and powders. It was rather intriguing; she'd never tasted half the fruits on display. "Maybe we could share one? They look interesting."

Hermione beamed at her. "What an excellent idea!" The two witches walked inside the shop and perused the menu. "Gods, so many choices!"

"Hm, I'd love to go for the mango, orange, and lime one, maybe with some vitamins added for good measure," said Narcissa, and Hermione readily agreed and ordered two half-cups of the concoction.

The two witches walked along Regent Street, sipping the smoothie contentedly and looking occasionally at window displays of clothes stores.

Narcissa started to laugh. "You know, I never thought I'd actually enjoy perusing Muggle London like this! But I'm really having a ball. Look at this!" She stopped in front of a children's clothes store displaying suits, and even tuxedos, for small children. "I think Draco would have invented the Killing Curse if I'd ever dressed him that way!"

Hermione laughed. "I'm sure only the nouveau riche type Muggles would make their children wear this kind of clothing."

"Yes. Frankly, I cannot imagine anyone with such atrocious taste, but then again, look at this!" Narcissa pointed at the large windows they were now approaching. It was Hamley's, Europe's flagship toy store. "It's ostentatious, don't you think? And how can any parent want to drown a child's creativity with all these mindless electronic toys?" She shook her head.

"I think most Muggles don't even realise. They just want their children to be happy and keep up with their peers," Hermione said as they strolled past the window.

"Peer pressure," Narcissa sneered, "is as bad as amongst purebloods?"

"Hell, yes," Hermione muttered. "My parents were probably more anti-society than any others I knew when I was a child, but even I was gifted with Barbie dolls." Age-old, renewed embarrassment washed over her at the memory.

A few more fashion displays earned the women's disdain until Narcissa stopped in front of a shoe shop. Her eyes glinting, she admired the contents of the display. "These boots look marvellous, I think. Mind if we go in?"

Hermione grinned. "I've not bought shoes in about a year! I must remedy that instantly. One needs fantabulous shoes even in the Scottish wilderness, I think!"

Narcissa snickered. "A lady of my own heart."

Hermione had never particularly enjoyed shopping, but with Narcissa, it was decidedly entertaining and enjoyable.

"You do know that all the electronic equipment interferes with magic, don't you," Narcissa challenged when Hermione cast a questioning glance at the wand resting discreetly in her hand. "And, really, I have no wish to wait until I get home to make these boots fit perfectly." Narcissa sat down to try on an elegant black pair of knee-high boots with high heels. She looked around carefully before magically adjusting the height of the heels to a more comfortable level. Then she stood and walked to the mirror. "Ah, yes. I knew they'd be perfect."

They do look beautiful on you!" Hermione agreed, admiring her friend's taste. From the corner of her eye, another boot drew her attention, and she headed to the shelf for a closer look.

"Oh, these are pretty!" Narcissa exclaimed. "Totally you, dear!"

Hermione hesitantly tried the not-quite knee-high, flat-heeled, suede grey boots. "They're a bit small," she grumbled.

Narcissa looked at her incredulously. "Are you a witch or what?" she asked, her tone matching her expression.

Hermione blushed. "Professor Flitwick never taught us fashion-related charms."

"Of course not. Forgive me, I keep forgetting," Narcissa said. "It's something most children learn before they're even old enough to attend Hogwarts." Her snort was delicate, though it was a definite snort. "There you have it. Even after years of Dumbledorian Muggle-born championing, they still forget that Muggle-borns can't learn these basic spells at home. Here..." Wand surreptitiously held in her hand, she cast a silent spell. "Better?"

The relief was instant, and Hermione smiled. "Excellent. Thank you! What do you think?" She stood and admired the boots in the mirror.

"Perfect! Understated, elegant, simply beautiful." Narcissa nodded approvingly.

A quickly cast Finite Incantatem brought the electronics equipment back to life, and by the time the two witches had changed back to their old shoes and were ready to pay for their purchases, the cash register was running smoothly once more.

"I'm getting hungry," Narcissa remarked as they headed back to the street. Dusk had arrived, and with it, masses of Muggles hurrying towards the various tube stations in the vicinity in an effort to leave the working day behind.

"I wouldn't mind a bite to eat," Hermione admitted. Now that Narcissa had mentioned food, she realised she was hungry. "I have no idea where, though. It's been a while since I knew London eateries even remotely..."

They had reached Leicester Square, which was teeming with people heading in every conceivable direction.

"Well, do you know The Neal Street Restaurant?" Narcissa asked. When Hermione shook her head, she added. "It's a mushroom lover's paradise."

"Oh, that sounds interesting. It's close enough, and new ideas for preparing mushrooms can only benefit one's culinary skills." Hermione grinned.

The food was perfect, the atmosphere as well as the ambience of quiet and subtle elegance, and the company enjoyable.

Hermione felt a sting of sadness when, at the end of the most excellent meal, Narcissa fidgeted, seemingly uncomfortable. "Are you all right?"

Narcissa cast a wistful smile at her. "I'm fine. Every time I eat here, I'm reminded of a dear friend, who unfortunately..." she swallowed visibly, "... is not with us these days." She stared at the empty plate in front of her.

"I'm so sorry," Hermione said, images of the lifeless bodies of Colin and Fred forming in her mind. "Living in solitude over the past few months has made me forget all the losses we've suffered."

"I can imagine. We rarely leave the manor these days so as not to be confronted with an unpleasant and painful past." Narcissa sighed and then straightened. "I didn't mean to spoil the mood. I had a most wonderful afternoon, and I hope you'll agree to meeting up again soon."

"You didn't spoil the mood," Hermione assured her. "And I'd love to see you again." She met the elder witch's smile.

Narcissa insisted on paying the entire bill, ignoring Hermione's objections, and then the two walked out onto Neal Street and headed to a deserted side road.

"I'll have to check with Luce if he has any plans next week, but I'll owl you," Narcissa said.

"Sounds good. And thank you for a lovely afternoon and a wonderful dinner," Hermione added and, with a last wave, Disapparated.

Narcissa felt guilty for abruptly ending an enjoyable day, but the foreboding that had threatened to overwhelm her towards the end of the meal had not loosened in the least. She Apparated to the manor, and renewed dread washed over her as she arrived outside her home.

Sprinting from the front door to Severus's room, she stopped abruptly in the door. "Luce?" It took her a minute to get her breath back.

"Cissy!" Lucius sounded relieved. "Thank Merlin you're back!" He pointed to the unconscious wizard. "He was unchanged when Lyra came by around five, but then, quite suddenly, he broke out in a sweat, and now he appears to be getting colder...too cold." He held his palm against the man's forehead.

As if on cue, Severus started to shiver. Narcissa was by his side in an instant. "Severus," she said, her voice filled with urgency and desperation. "Sev, please don't leave now. We are so close to finding a way to heal you."

Shivers were now racking his body. "Please don't die now!" Narcissa pleaded, tears running down her face unnoticed, and turned to Lucius. "Please do something. There has to be something we can do!"

His breathing even shallower than usual, Severus seemed to reach the end of his lifetime. Narcissa sobbed. "Lucius, he's dying." She threw herself against her husband who hushed her, patted her shoulder, and headed for the fireplace. "I'm Floo-calling Lyra."

The hag's words came to Narcissa's mind. Do not lose that belief, no matter how hard it is, do you understand? Belief was lacking, but she fervently held on to that one glimmer of hope, for it was all she had at this moment.