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The Senior Project	By : Lizski Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Lucius/Hermione Views: 37490 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

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Chapter 11

'You son of a bitch! You set him up to this, didn't you?' Lucius was livid, his polished demeanor lost to alcohol and anger. 'Some fucking friend you are! How dare you interfere with my business!'

'Not at all, Lucius,' Severus replied calmly. 'Apparently Draco and Hermione have struck up a, ah, friendship. This friendship resulted in a pregnancy. These things do happen. Of course, you probably already know about those sorts of things,' the dark-haired man smiled smugly. 'However, it is a credit to you that Draco is willing to his accept his responsibilities ' as a man of his station should.' Severus drained his glass and stood up. 'If you'll excuse me, Lucius. I would like to counsel my godson on the details of a betrothal agreement.' He deposited the empty glass on the hearth and stepped into the fire place.

The blonde stared into the fireplace for some time after Severus' departure. Draco. Marrying Hermione. Damn it. Somehow this must have been Severus' doing. No doubt he felt the need to punish him for not immediately accepting responsibility for Hermione. Fucking moralistic prick. Couldn't Severus have just let him handle things in his own way? Damn it. And now he was going to have to figure out a way to ensure that Draco didn't marry Hermione.

He closed his eyes, his head pounding from the brandy and from the news.

Lucius opened his eyes again gingerly, having discovered that he had fallen asleep ' or passed out ' in his chair by the fire. His head was throbbing, and he felt as though he had spent the last 20 hours at a Ministry of Magic meeting on the acceptable weights of wands. Luckily, the house elves had left a bottle of Hangover Relief for him, and had removed his boots. He swallowed the nasty-tasting potion, and waited as the potion took effect, de-fogging his mind, removing the cotton from his mouth, and leaving him ready to face breakfast. Or lunch, depending on what time it was.

He stood up and suddenly Severus' words from the night before came back to him. Thor's hammer! He had to get in contact with Hermione and explain to her that there was no need for her to marry Draco. He'd take care of her, in one fashion or another.

Over at his desk, he penned a short note:

Dear Hermione,

I must see you as soon as possible. Let me know when I can send you a portkey to bring you here to talk.

Lucius

That would work. And bringing her here would be ideal ' she might be able to stay for a few hours. He smiled, thinking of the possible activities they could get up to with a few free hours together. He summoned a house elf to owl the note to her, and headed off to take a shower, his thoughts filled with a naked Hermione.

Lunch was being served when he received a response. Eagerly, he opened the letter from Hermione.

Dear Lucius,

It will be a cold day in Hades before I meet with you anywhere. I hope you rot in hell.

Sincerely, Hermione Granger, M.S.

(Mudblood Slut)

Lucius stared at the letter in disbelief for a moment before he began to laugh. The woman was a vixen! And while the 'mudblood slut' comment had been a little under-handed for him, he had to give her credit for turning that back on him. She was becoming more interesting with each subsequent encounter. He had to see her again. In fact, he'd have to have her again. She still hadn't stopped haunting his dreams, and he was beginning to see why.

He'd have to figure out another way to approach her. Something that wouldn't allow for an easy negative response. He'd have to put some thought into this.

****

Hermione chuckled as she wrote back to Lucius. Did the bastard really think that he could insult her, ignore her, deny any responsibility for their child, and then expect her to come running when he snapped his fingers? Clearly he knew nothing about women, particularly women scorned.

Bastard.

'Hey, Hermione. Lavender and a couple of the girls were going to come by for a little while tonight. Want to join us?' Ginny's voice caught her attention. 'It'll end before curfew. I promise!'

Hermione grinned indulgently. Circe's best robes! She really had other things that she wanted to get done this evening. And yet this would be the perfect opportunity to begin to mention Draco ' especially since her friends would take over and begin to think that it was their idea. She forced to fill her voice with enthusiasm, 'Sure. I'd love to.'

Ginny giggled. 'Great. See you around 8:30.' Hermione watched the younger woman head up the stairs when a thought struck her; if she played things right, she could encourage their thoughts about both Draco and Severus.

Before she could do that, though, she had to head to the library. She and Draco had to talk about the betrothal agreement. Betrothal. This was all still so foreign feeling. Three months ago she had been a demure ' virginal, she reminded herself wryly- Head Girl, a little too engrossed in her books, and a little too unaware of the world. Now, here she was getting ready to work through a betrothal agreement with Draco Malfoy, while she was carrying Draco's father's child. A child that Lucius had openly denied. She let her neck muscles relax and slowly rolled her head from side to side in an attempt to relieve some tension. At some point she would wake up, and this would all seem like one of those dreams where she had a Charms exam, and she hadn't studied any of the topics on the test.

Or not. She giggled inanely. If only it were that simple. A child. She'd be responsible for this life for 18 years ' longer than that even, from an emotional, if not financial, perspective. Wow. Another life. From her body. In a weird way, it was really amazing. A little freaky ' okay, a lot freaky ' but still it was astonishing. A new soul created from the lustful joining of two human beings. She shook her head minutely. Lucius' child. And her child. Her hand rested protectively on her abdomen, as a wave of shock rolling through her. This was real. This was her child. Her. Child.

Merlin's red-satin-lined robe! Intellectually, she understood the concept of a child; chromosomes joining and cells dividing, until a recognizable human being was formed. But emotionally, she still had a hard time wrapping her mind around the idea that she was creating a new human being inside her ' something that wasn't just cells and chromosomes, and flesh and bones, but a feeling, thinking individual. A child with its own personality, its own desires, goals, strengths and weaknesses. How much of this child would be her, and how much would it be Lucius? And if Draco were to raise the child, how much would it be Draco, too? And where would its soul come from? Lucius? Herself? Draco? Or someplace else altogether?

She had never been a religious person. True, she had accepted the Christianity that her parents espoused, because they had expected her to, and she had accepted the polytheism that was prevalent in the wizarding world because it made sense to her. And yet now, she was finally beginning to believe in something beyond science. Science could explain a lot of things, but it couldn't satisfactorily explain how dividing cells acquired a personality, and a soul.

****

'It's pretty straight-forward. A standard contract. Either one of us can opt out of the betrothal if we want to ' at any time. You don't have any family estates,' Hermione rolled her eyes, briefly wondering if her parents' flat in Essex counted as an estate, in some sense of the word, and Draco smiled at her reaction before continuing, 'so we don't have to worry about this section about assets.' Draco looked apologetically at her. 'Look, I know it's supposed to be easy to understand, so we don't have to worry about the whole lawyer thing, but Severus suggested that we include all this stuff, just so that it doesn't get contested later.'

Hermione smiled. 'I know. This is- can be even more complicated. You really don't have to do this, if you don't want to. I mean, don't get me wrong - I appreciate this more than you can possibly imagine ' you have no idea how my parents would be without a betrothal or promise or something ' but I don't want you to feel that you have to do this. It's got to be sort of weird for you'' Hermione trailed off, uncertain as to Draco's reaction.

'You mean weird agreeing to support my father's child? Not really, actually.' He paused, a superior smirk coming to his face. 'Let me tell you a little bit about 'aristocratic' families around here. They've all got more skeletons in their closets than you can imagine. I mean, my great-great-grandfather and great-great-grandmother were brother and sister. Being the step-father to my half-brother is normal compared to that.' Draco raised his eyebrows exaggeratedly, and Hermione wasn't sure if he was serious or not.

'C'mon, Granger. Someone's got to step up to take care of the kid. It's not a big deal for me to do it. I'm happy to help you out.'

She eyed him dubiously. 'Why are you so willing to help me out? I mean, after our years of mutual dislike-' Draco smiled, not even attempting to feign innocence, 'Why now? I mean I know what you said, but'' Her words petered out into silence.

'Bottom line? Why am I really doing it? Beats the hell out of me. I mean, it goes against everything my father has ever taught me ' don't embroil yourself in anything that you can avoid,' he added, knowing that she would ask, 'But I've been trying damn hard to go against everything my father taught me.' Draco smiled at something only he could see. 'Not that he's a complete monster. Well,' he smiled, 'He is a bit of a bastard ' as I'm sure you can testify to ' but, well, I don't know. Honestly. It just seemed really awful of him to do that to you ' I mean, not even let you just end the pregnancy. I don't know why he was like that with you ' he's never done that before. He's always been happy to avoid sticky situations at any cost. Anyway, when I overheard you and Sev, and I thought back to how my father was with you the other day, something just told me that if he wasn't going to help you out, someone had to.' Draco smiled uncomfortably. 'Besides, if I have to pick a wife, I might as well pick the one person I know who's smarter than I am.'

It was Hermione's turn to feel uneasy. She looked at Draco uncertainly, and he grinned. 'Admit it, Granger-'

'Call me Hermione. Granger makes me think that you're talking about my father or something.'

Draco nodded. 'As long as you call me Draco ' at least when we're alone. Same reasons, you know,' he smiled slyly. 'Admit it, though, Hermione, we aren't a bad pair. I mean, I wouldn't have to come home and listen to prattle about dinner parties or window treatments. And I wouldn't attempt to bore you with meaningless gossip from the Ministry. There's a lot to be said for intelligent conversation, you know. I mean, you can only spend so many hours each day having sex,' he grinned lewdly, and Hermione giggled.

'That's true. You probably wear out quickly.' It was Hermione's time to smirk, and Draco shook his head.

'I can why Sev is saying that I'd be nuts to put up with you,' the blonde retaliated.

'He said that? The nerve of that hook-nosed git!' Hermione tried to maintain a stern voice, but ended up giggling half-way through, although a part of her couldn't help but wonder if the Potion's Master had his own agenda.

'Just watch it. That's my godfather, and distant uncle, you know. He'll be your family, too,' Draco giggled wickedly, and Hermione rolled her eyes.

****

'Ginny. Uh. Could I talk to you about something ' I mean, before we get together with everyone else?' Hermione tried to make herself sound tentative ' an unnatural feeling for her.

The red-head looked at her, a hint of surprise in her eyes. 'Sure. What's up?'

Hermione looked around the room, trying to convey her insecurity. 'Look. I've been thinking about what you guys said-'

'They were just teasing. They didn't mean anything by it, ' Ginny jumped in defensively.

'No, no. I didn't mean that. I've been thinking about what they said ' what you said, too, actually. And I think you are right. I mean. Here I am, all this education, and yet I don't know anything about, well, you know.' She smiled uncomfortably, and Ginny nodded knowingly.

'Got it. You've finally decided that reading about it isn't enough ' you want to, uh, get a little hands-on knowledge!' Ginny gave her a broad grin. 'I think that's excellent! We can help you ' you know, with your hair, and makeup and things. As well as a few tips, for, uh, those more intimate moments.'

Hermione fought to not roll her eyes. She knew it was important, but that still didn't prevent her from briefly wondering whether this was the best way to hint to the girls of Gryffindor that she was interested in Draco.

'And,' Ginny added with a sly look, 'We can decide who might be best for you to, ah, start out with.'

'Well, that's sort of it,' Hermione tried to look evasive. 'I was, er, thinking about what you said the other day.'

'Snape?' Ginny giggled. 'I think he's perfect! Although we might have to convince everyone else ' Lavender's pretty stuck on the idea of you with Draco. And, it might not be a good idea to mention this to Harry or Ron''

Hermione looked down at her feet. 'Well, I hadn't totally ruled Draco out, actually. I mean, I've been spending more time with him this year ' with rounds, and other stuff that we have to do together, and he's not as bad as I always thought he was.'

The red-head looked at her friend suspiciously. 'You're serious, aren't you? Draco?' Ginny swallowed.

Hermione nodded slowly. She added with a smile, 'But I haven't completely ruled out Snape, either.'

Ginny finally smiled. 'You're not going to make this easy, are you? I mean, it would have been really easy if you'd fallen for Ron or Harry, or even Neville.' She looked directly at Hermione, 'But I guess that underneath that sterling exterior of yours, you have to have some twisted kinks. I was beginning to wonder if you were really human under there.' Ginny smirked.

Hermione smiled wryly in response. 'Why does everyone say that to me?'

****

'Well, which one are you interested in?' Parvati asked the question the others had been hoping Hermione would answer first. When they had gathered in Ginny's room, the red-head had immediately stated that the Head Girl had finally come to her senses and was interested in something other than just the contents of the library.

'I'm not sure. That's the problem. I mean, I've been spending all this time with Draco, and, well, he's not so bad,' Hermione's voice was drowned out by catcalls. 'But,' she added, raising her voice, 'Snape's not so bad, either,' this was met with loud groans.

Ginny quieted the group. 'Shhh. The point is that we've got to help Hermione. She's turned to us as friends,' she added pointedly. Under the younger girl's direction, Hermione found herself the recipient of trial hairstyles, and experimental cosmetic applications, as well as sexual tips of dubious reliability. Indeed, the more suggestions she listened to, the more she wondered about the reality of the numerous boasts the girls had made.

As curfew drew closer, Hermione was forced to bring a close to the endless advice with profuse, albeit insincere, thanks to her friends and acquaintances. Ginny smiled, convinced that the evening had been a success, and that Hermione was well on her way to becoming a successful seductress. Hermione left her friend's room, well aware of the fact that she had already been more than successful as a seductress. She just hoped she could be as successful an actress.

****

Hermione headed down to the Potions classroom; she had scheduled an appointment with Severus yesterday ' despite all the other complications in her life, she still wanted to complete the project in a professional manner. The door was open, and she saw Severus sitting at his desk, bent over a stack of papers, the red-inked quill slashing furiously over parchments. She studied him for a few moments before she entered the room. The striking intensity that had attracted her in the first place was still very evident, but it wouldn't be fair to Draco, would it?

'Professor,' the dark-haired man looked up at the sound of her voice, 'We had an appointment scheduled.'

The black eyes surveyed her, and she couldn't help but remember that his offer was merely to take care of her. 'Yes, Miss Granger. I have been looking through your revised plans, and I think that you have made acceptable revisions.' Hermione remained stony. 'Acceptable.' The bastard couldn't even say anything positive. 'Given your limited resources,' the dour voice continued.

'I'm sorry, Professor? I don't understand.' What the hell was he talking about? She had used the best sources in the library.

As if he had read her mind, he continued. 'The library, while containing a great many things, does not contain everything. Your proposal has ignored some of the more important works in crystallization theory.' Hermione's heart sunk. 'However, I have editions of some of those works ' enough to give you sufficient background, I believe.'

Hermione's brow wrinkled in confusion, uncertain where he was going with this.

'They are, ah, in my study, if you'd like to join me.' Severus' voice was commanding, although Hermione thought she heard the slightest note of a question in his voice, as well. She considered briefly. Perhaps his only motive was to lend her some books ' a surprising act in and of itself. Or perhaps he had something else in mind. If she was going to consider his offer, perhaps she'd better see what, exactly, he did have in mind.

'Of course, sir.' Hermione noticed the smirk on Severus' face, and wondered if she had made the right decision.

Picking up the papers he had been marking, Severus stood up and spoke tersely. 'Follow me.' With that he exited the classroom, leaving Hermione scrambling to catch up with him.

Employing a half-run, Hermione finally reached the wizard, who had taken out his wand and had tapped the stone wall softly. She watched as the stone revealed an entrance. Severus turned to Hermione and gestured for her to enter. She walked into a large room lined with heavy bookcases, a large desk, a leather desk chair, and another solitary leather chair placed in front of the fire. Despite the dark wood and stone walls, the room was surprisingly well-lit. Catching the title of one of the books, Hermione approached a bookshelf and began perusing the collection. For a few moments, she forgot that she was in Severus Snape's private study as she trailed her fingers of the spines of several of the books.

'Have you found something that interests you, Miss Granger?' Hermione jumped, startled back into reality by the silky voice of her Potions Master. She turned to face him, noticing that the entrance had disappeared.

'I-I'm sorry, Professor. I, uh, sort of forgot where I was. You have a marvelous collection.' Damn him, and those piercing black eyes of his.

'This is my retreat from the,' he waved his hand in the air, 'rest of the world. I come here to work, to read, and to relax.' He paused ever so briefly, 'Please, take your time to look around.' Mutely, Hermione turned back to the shelves, very aware of the wizard's gaze on her.

She selected a book and opened it, glancing at the table of contents. She immediately sensed Severus' presence behind her. He was close enough that she could feel the heat of his breath on her neck. 'Hermione,' she shivered slightly, and instantly wondered if this was Lucius. It couldn't be. It had better not be. There was pause, before the soft whisper continued, 'We could be very good together. And you need so much more than Draco can offer you.'

She felt him rest one hand on her shoulder, his thumb gently stroking the soft flesh of her skin, and she shivered again. His fingertips glanced over her skin, and Hermione felt her body quiver, heat pooling within her. Gods. 'You are an attractive woman. And I am a skilled man. Just think about it. And come to me at any time.' Hermione nodded slowly, the slow tendrils of heat curling through her veins.

Severus stepped from behind her, his fingers lingers on her shoulder and arm as he turned to her. Hermione saw something new in his eyes that she could not identify as the wizard continued to speak. 'I have other things to attend to presently. Let yourself out when you are done. If you borrow something, please leave me a note. Tap your wand against the red book on the 3rd shelf above the desk. And,' he paused, his eyes searching her face, 'Think about what I have said.' Hermione nodded slowly, her body still reeling as she watched Severus open the doorway again, and leave the room.

Returning to the open book in her hands, she sat down in the leather chair by the fire and began to read.

****

Several hours later, Severus Snape was back in his study, swallowing his scotch. On his desk was the short note Hermione had left him, listing the two books she had borrowed, as well as an anticipated return date. Inwardly, he almost smiled. The girl was perfect. And he could tell by the goose-flesh that had risen on her arms that she wasn't completely unaffected by him. He would just proceed slowly; they had plenty of time ahead of them.

He closed his eyes, envisioning bending her over the desk, her skirt flipped up above her waist, her legs open, her cleft glistening with her desire'

A solid thud brought him out of his reverie, his eyes popping open. 'Lucius? What the hell are you doing here? And please don't tell me that you are lonely.' Damn him. Just as he was thinking about driving himself deep into her.

The blonde smirked. 'Just protecting my interests, dear friend. I need you to help me see that Hermione does not marry Draco.'

The dark-haired man returned the smirk. 'Of course, Lucius. I can see how that would be,' he paused meaningfully, 'upsetting to you. I will do whatever is in my powers to ensure that the girl does not marry your son,' Severus added, visualizing Hermione's limbs intertwined with his own, his body thrusting into hers.

~~~~

A/N: Yeah, it's taken a while to update here. That whole Thanksgiving thing happened, and while I had great intentions (you know ' the things with which the road to Hell is paved), I spent way too much time skiing and hitting the gym to be even remotely productive. However, I am back at it, and have some time now, and so it's back to torturing the Men of Slytherin. Heehee.

Ahem.

Again, thanks to everyone who has been reading this. I've been having a ball with it, and the Muses appreciate the sustenance!
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The Senior Project