[Harry]

They appeared in front of an elegant two-story household, much like Draco's, though it was more of a manor-style rather than a mansion. Also, her garden wasn't deserted.

"Harry, relax. Really. I'm here for you," he heard Draco said soothingly. He placed his hands on his shoulders and rubbed gently.

"Thanks, love," he whispered. He had no doubt that his face was already drained of any color.

The warm April afternoon sun shone lazily over their heads. It, however, did not bring any hint of life to Harry's cheeks.

Draco knocked.

The door opened quietly. Narcissa Malfoy stood before them, smiling warmly. "Hello, Draco, darling," she said, hugging Draco.

"Hello, Mother."

She extended an arm and Harry shook it, forcing himself to relax through the grip. "Hello, Harry."

"Hello, Mrs. Malfoy."

She withdrew her hand and laughed, tucking a stray strand of blonde behind her ears. "Don't be ridiculous, dear, call me Narcissa."

Harry mustered a smile before the blonde woman led them inside.

He could definitely see where Draco's interior design taste came from. He had a similar style to hers- lavish but subtle, though Narcissa preferred a more classical taste in furniture. The artistic coffee table and armchairs all looked like valuable antiques.

She moved gracefully, in a Malfoy manner. "Nitty!" she called out.

A house-elf dressed in a clean floral pillowcase dress appeared with a crack.

"Yes, Mistress Narcissa?" she squeaked.

"I'd like you to bring out the tea trays and pastry dishes, Nitty. Are they prepared?"

"Yes, Mistress Narcissa! Nitty has prepared all the dishes the way Mistress Narcissa and Master Draco like, Nitty will get them now!"

"Thank you, Nitty. That will be all."

Nitty bowed and disappeared with another crack.

Hermione would definitely be pleased when Harry tells her that Narcissa's house-elf was dressed decently and wasn't intimidated by politeness.

Narcissa sat on one of the armchairs and Draco motioned Harry to sit down beside him on the couch. Another crack and Nitty appeared, bearing two afternoon tea trays and a kettle of tea.

"Thank you, Nitty."

The elf bowed and disapparated.

"So, Draco," Narcissa said, pouring herself a cup of tea, "What have you been up to lately?"

"Nothing much, Mother," he replied. He put an arm around Harry. "Harry's training for Auror, I study with him."

Draco kissed him on the cheek and Harry felt his cheeks burn like a beacon. Narcissa, however, did not seem to be affected by the sudden show of affection.

"That's splendid, darling. Harry, dear, how's the preparation going?" She buttered a scone with slim fingers and sipped her tea. Harry still didn't have the appetite.

"It's a little tiring, but I'm doing fine, thanks to Draco." He felt Draco smile beside him.

Narcissa gave him a smile and a slightly searching look. "Have a mini-sandwich, Harry," she said, pushing an elegant plate toward him. "Draco, darling? Would you mind leaving the room for a moment? I'd like to speak to your boyfriend alone."

"Of course, Mother." He got up easily and failed to turn back to see Harry's pleading look. He was now alone with Narcissa Malfoy.

"So. Harry, dear, I would like to apologize for any inconveniences our family has ever brought you. Draco told me about your acts during our trial, and I can't say I didn't suspect it myself."

Harry blinked several times. "Oh- no, it's perfectly fine, Mrs. Malfoy-"

"Narcissa, dear."

"Sorry- er, Narcissa. I'm sorry, too, for the things I'd said... it was really immature of me."

Narcissa gave him a fleeting smile. "Don't you worry, my dear." She took a long sip of her tea and peered at Harry. "Do try the sandwich, Nitty's quite good at those."

Harry hurriedly nodded and took a bite. It really was good. He made a mental note to ask Nitty for the recipe.

"Mrs.- sorry, I mean Narcissa- would Draco's father approve of our relationship?"

Narcissa only chuckled. "Harry, dear, his father's locked up in Azkaban, and there's no place better in the world to hold a man like him. Don't you worry about Lucius, Harry. I am absolutely thrilled that Draco has finally found you."

"You are?" Harry blurted out before he could stop himself.

She didn't say anything for a moment, buttering a second scone. Harry had never realized how similar Draco was to his mother.

"Harry." Her eyes landed onto his, gazing directly through his skull. "Have you ever wondered, on that day, why I knew for certain that you had any idea of where Draco was?"

Harry swallowed. "Yes," he replied truthfully.

Her gaze softened for a fraction. "I knew he would be looking for you. I knew he would be startled by the Dark Lord's message, requiring Harry Potter. He would find you, and try to stop you."

She refilled her cup. "And Lord knows, what you were up to would be more than dangerous. When you said yes, I knew. He found you and you saved him from whatever danger you encountered. That's why, Harry."

Harry was speechless. Narcissa smiled once again. "I knew about his feelings all along. He never told me, at least never for sure. He was confused, he was afraid. His father, being the man he is, never saw through the childish complaints of him. I did. I saw the look on his face whenever he tried to feign what he felt by ill-talking about you."

She poured Harry a cup and gestured for him to drink. He drank hastily, burning his tongue. "You were his one, dear."

Harry watched Narcissa bite into a mini-croissant. "I promise I will take good care of Draco, Narcissa."

"I know you will, dear. Have another sandwich. I know you also find them quite good."