Weaving the spine together, the thread pushed through the pages, cinching them tight. The book glued itself together, and closed with a soft snap.

The platinum thread tapped against the front cover, weaving a title into the leather: Afternoon Tea.

She felt the thread unwind, slipping backwards, pulling away from her shelves, sliding through her eyes and returning to a pale blue gaze.

Hermione blinked, her lungs dragging in air. Narcissa Malfoy studied her, then brought her teacup to her lips, relaxing against the cushion.

Her eyes roved around the room. The walls were pink, the sun setting. The clock indicated that it had been three hours since Narcissa entered her room.

She turned back to her, mouth open. "You're a Legilimens."

Narcissa settled her teacup silently on its saucer. "It runs in the family. The Black-Rosiers are very strong with it."

A well of emotions bubbled in her chest. "Are you… Do you use it often?"

"No. Very rarely, in fact," she said with a smile. "I try to afford people their privacy." She paused halfway to her next sip. "I hope you don't mind my assistance with… several of your more private memories."

Hermione's ears burned red-hot. Narcissa had seen her and Draco together… and… well…

She looked down at the carpets. "No, I understand why those memories should be sewed in. That was… very helpful."

There was a thick silence before Narcissa spoke again. "It will remain between us, Hermione. I don't think any differently of you."

A pause as Hermione tried to shove aside her burning embarrassment and say something in an intelligent language—

"If you think there is a need, the elves can stock your cabinets with Contraceptive Potions."

Hermione's eyes snapped up. "No! No, no. No. Um…" She swallowed as Narcissa looked at her innocently from behind her teacup. "I mean to say, yes that would be necessary if we were… But we're not and…because I don't want to"—she gestured awkwardly to her stomach—"to become… Of course."

Narcissa's mouth twitched, and Hermione caught a glint in her eye before she nodded. "Of course."

"Yes."

"If the need should ever arise, please don't hesitate to ask. Mippy will be happy to assist you."

Hermione tried to wave her off, but all she managed was a croak.

"Well, I didn't mean to fluster you, dear. Please forgive any assumptions." Hermione flushed even brighter as Narcissa stood and looked at the clock. Her brow furrowed. "We leave in two hours. You should have some time alone to meditate."

The reminder made her stomach drop. Narcissa gently touched her shoulder before slipping from the room. Hermione breathed deep, filing away her mortification.

She took a bath and stared at the water, clearing her mind. She focused on the book Afternoon Tea, letting everything else fade to the back of her shelves. Whenever a memory inside shuddered her, she concentrated on the platinum thread woven through, holding her thoughts together, keeping them safe.

At ten till seven, she descended the stairs in a small, simple shift dress with flat shoes. She was to be a slave tonight and nothing more.