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What If.....?	By : valkyrie136 Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Lucius/Hermione Views: 4465 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I Do not own the rights to Pillow Book or to Harry Potter or anything in that universe nor do I not make any profits from it. J.K. Rowling does. Please support the author by reading her books.

Chapter List
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The Tournament.
Hermione slipped out to have drinks with Charlie and Prince Fura, the latter of whom was grief stricken after the loss of his favorite pet cat. She returned and the next morning learned that the barrier had been repaired by Lucius who seemed to be spending his time watching her intensely as she trained. It was unnerving.
Out of the blue, she heard his voice from behind: “Why must you have that Saha
fruit?” Frustrated, because she was finding training especially difficult today, she didn’t care to turn around and replied him perfunctorily, “Since I never had it before, I just wanted to try it, I guess.”
He became silent for a while, then asked another perplexing question, ‘Will you give it to Charles Martel?’
She was confused. “Charlie” There might have been a time when Charlie mentioned wanting the fruit to help him be more desirable to Madeline Fournier. She confusedly looked into Lucius’s fathomless eyes and continued to vaguely answer him: “He might want it.’ She then mumbled to “He's so difficult to please.” Out of the blue, a gust of cold wind blew by, turning the pages of the book Lucius had just laid down on the marble table. He frowned as he placed his hand on it. She didn't know whether he was satisfied with her answer or not, but he did not say more afterwards.

The next several days, Lucius seemed more and more unusual. He looked as though there was something on his mind. Hermione didn't understand the cause at first, then she finally figured it out after days of pondering. She had forgotten Lucius traded places with Charlie and moved to her compound so he could use her to provoke Madeline. But Madeline didn't become upset as he had wanted, so he had been lingering around longer. Not only that, she counted the days on her fingers and it had been four or five days since he last saw the pureblood maiden. Lucius must miss her. Nonetheless, this was all caused by his careless planning to begin with. By using a force field to seal the compound, he made it impossible for Maddy who hadn’t the skill to break the barrier to him. But if he were to lift the force field now, he would lose his pride. This was likely what was giving Lucius distress.
This was why he had been losing his mind these past few days. On the night Hermione figured everything out and went to persuade Lucius to lift the force field, she considered the possibility that Lucius wouldn't want the world to know his feelings and would prefer to keep his relationship with Maddy a secret. Thus she cleverly said to him, “My Lord, let's get rid of this force field so our friends can come visit us sometimes. It will ease our worry as well as our friends’. A perfect plan, don't you think?” Lucius heeded her suggestion and in that very same night drew another force field over the old one. Hermione was now enclosed in an even tighter case. Not only Charlie, even ten Charlie’s would have a difficult time making a dent in this shield.
Thereafter, Lucius became even more taciturn. Why a cold war all of a sudden, She couldn't really understand.
Today was snowless with a clear blue sky and floating clouds – it was a mild weathered day. The contestants had all paired up. Per the tournament's rules, winners of the first round would duel in the next round. When three people remained, they would compete for first, second, and third prize.
Hermione’s first-round opponent was a dandy fellow who did not know magic very well. She didn't mind him at all.
Eventually Lucius arrived, a few hours after the start of the tournament, and serenely mount the terrace, heading straight to the highest seat. She glanced in his direction, and she saw that he was also casually gazing at her, a slight pause, then just as casually turned away. In a strange turn twist of events, this was the first time that he seemed so far away from her, and not just literally but metaphorically. Sadly, this realization only came to her now.
Had she realized this earlier when she was young, she would've quit chasing after him. There wouldn't have been so much pain to endure. She was quite brave in those days to think of it.
She raised her gaze to Madelline, who sat beside him.
Drums pounded thunderously. Chosen by the Queen to reside over the tournament, her teacher impressively came onto the tall podium set next to the dueling arena. On behalf of the Queen, he read a commencement speech, went over the regulations, and afterward began the timer with the help of two attendants. The competition then officially began.
Another deafening burst of drum resounded. Competitors stood in two rows with their swords as they entered the arena under the urging drum roll. When the signal sounded, spells and incantations began to be tossed back and forth, producing blinding flashes of light. At once, hapless individuals started to fall from the stakes onto the snowy forest. With only two moves, Hermione was able to force her opponent to tumble off the stake. From then on, she could only sit on the side to watch the rest of the match. Although her teacher had screened out many applicants, there was still a multitude of competitors left. In the first round, many perfectly alive contenders were forced to fall to an unfortunate defeat.
After one round, only a third remained in the arena, twenty-six as her teacher counted, to be specific. There was no intermission. Drums pounded again and the second round began. Because Hermione had sat on the side to watch from half a round ago, her legs were slightly numb when she stood up. But with a fully rested mind, in three moves her opponent was knocked off once again. Because there were less people crowding the stakes, the spell casting was more precise coming from everyone this round. It was also a good thing for spectators in the stands. Little by little, they were able to see more clearly, and cheers occasionally rang forth in the arena.
But at the end of the final round, the entire stadium watched in surprise when twenty five people already lay sprawled out on the snowy ground below the stakes. Atop the stake
formation pointing to the sky, only one stood tall.
It was Hermione.
Inside and out, the arena became shrouded in silence. Then cheering roars erupted. Throughout the years, it was very rare to witness such one-sided result. Hermione sighed in relief. She'd won. The fruit was hers. Those ten days of torture from Lucius was worth it after all. She carefully climbed down from the snow stakes and saluted her sprawling classmates, thanking them for going easy on her. She took time to glance to the terrace where Lucius was leaning back against his chair as he casually looked down on the chaotic battleground below, his thoughts indecipherable. He had helped her to victory but he wasn't giving her even one tiny supportive look.Hermione was secretly disappointed, but the elation of gaining the fruit quickly took over her disappointment.
She heard her teacher as announced the results on the stage. Through her teacher's booming voice, Hermione heard her name, heard her prize was a basket of peaches personally picked by the Queen, second prize and third prize were a magical necklace and a crystal bottle with some sort of special use respectively. She did not hear her teacher mention anything about a golden apple.
In the frigid wind, Hermione collected her price, and thenwoodenly moved her lips: “Right.” She looked up to the stage - everyone had left. She was alone.
Charlie came to congratulate her and exclaimed that the peaches she received were extremely delicious and not easy to come by. She forced a smile: “I'm not interested in these peaches, I'll give you my share.” Then she turned and left.
After two steps, she carelessly ran into a snow stake. As though she was reminded of something, she glanced up at the stands, but they too emptied, and Lucius was nowhere to be seen. She couldn’t help but feel betrayed. When would she finally learn her lesson and stop trusting him? Was this all a plan to deceive her yet again? Well he won and she fell for it. Ha ha.
Hermione took a deep breath, cold air seeping into the depth of her organs. The sadness didn't go away once you sobered up, but at least for a short while you could forget it all. As she was heading toward the city, while searching in her sleeves she discovered she had forgotten to bring drink money in her haste this morning. Hermione stood dazed in the middle of the fork, she could not think of where else to go besides the Red Terrace to drown her misery. Glum, she fell to her knees in the snow.
Lucius had replaced the golden apple with a basket of peaches. He should know how much she wanted the fruit, he should also see the effort she had put in for it. But on the entire way back, she could not come up with why he had wanted to switch the prize. Perhaps she should go ask him herself. If he wasn't in great need of this fruit, maybe she could plead with him to reward it back to her. Feeling bitter at this point, she lifted her heel to head for home when she heard a melodic voice calling out to her from behind:
“Ms. Granger, please wait!”
Hermione turned her head. The person striding toward her was indeed Madeline. She seemed to remember Madeline looking sad and downcast these days, but today was different. On the contrary, she seemed cheerful and spirited today, and there was a slight resemblance to the young woman who she served two years ago.
She lightly smiled: “Lord Malfoy isn't here. I came to look for you without his knowing. Because I feel guilty to have unavoidably taken what you wanted, I came to say sorry.”
Upon catching Hermione’s confused expression, she continued: “To be honest, I also wanted to have this year's golden apple, so last night I came to ask Lord Malfoy for it. He switched it for me with the peach basket. When I saw Charles Martel a moment ago, he told me you only participated in the tournament for this fruit. No matter how I think about this, I have wronged you this time...”
Hermione now understood. So this was what happened, it all made sense now. But why did Madeline especially come to tell her this...
Hermione quietly watched the other woman. Even though Hermione didn't like her that much, in her memory Madeline wasn't a bad person. But did she really come here to apologize out of guilt or did she merely wait for an opportune time to deliberately throw this all in her face?
Nonetheless, what important use did she have for the fruit, was it as urgent as herself? If Madeline didn't need it too urgently, and if she genuinely felt sorry, then... she lifted her eyes and said, “Can you let me have half of this fruit? I can trade anything you want for it.”
Madddy was stunned momentarily, as though she couldn't believe Hermione stood there for so long only to propose such a thing. Her lips curved slightly: “Ms. Granger, the reason I came to apologize to you was because I cannot share that fruit with you, not even half.”
Madeline had always been refined in her manners. Each of her words and actions was befitting of her status. She remembered Madeline always spoke cordial gentle words, she never heard her say unkind things. So this was how she looked when she uttered unkindness.
She hadn't come to apologize afterall.
Madeline approached closer, her melodic voice sank low, and with great
calmness, her eyes softly danced: “Additionally, there is a presumptuous request I'd like to ask of you: from now on, please stay away from my lover.”
Hermione now comprehended the situation. This was probably the real reason Madeline came to see her for. The apology was only an excuse to keep her here. Recently, she stopped paying attention to what other people say. She had also just left the arena after undergoing some emotional shocks. Feeling weary, she took a step backward away from her and said, “I'm afraid I don't know why you're hurting me by saying this. If you won't share the fruit, there's not much more we can say.”
Madeline ceased to smile; her voice was without humor now: “I knew such words would surely displease you, but I say them for Yyour own good. Lord Malfoy’s gaze toward you has changed these days. Your heart must be moved?” She gave Hermione another glance and continued: “I don't know how long he known you. He is often bored in loneliness. He loves seeking new things. You're smart and pretty, so it's only natural you should feel he is attracted to you. But he merely sees you as a new playmate. Going any further will only bring you pain.” Without letting Hermione have a chance to react, she lowered her head and added, “You probably think I'm saying this because I myself love him.”
Madeline paused. “I'll be honest, I was once engaged to him. But because of problems bigger than us, that engagement was delayed. His special attention to you indeed pains me greatly. That was why I asked him for the fruit, to test my importance in his heart. I, too, have been afraid whether we would be able to continue our fate which had been broken in the past, but he didn't think twice before giving it to me.” After a moment of reflection, Madeline finished: “I want us to be everlasting. Ms. Granger, please don't get in between the two of us.”
A long time after the other woman had left, Hermione was still rooted to the same spot. Wind grew more fiercely on the outskirt of town, blasting away even the sunlight. The sky was becoming opaque. What did she say when Madeline left? She might have politely said something along the line of “I wish you and Lord Malfoy an everlasting ending.” While Madeline was expressing her grief with heartfelt words, Hermione’s face was utterly cold, she didn't even pay attention to how Maddy had replied to her afterwards.
It was possible Madeline had hid the light in her eyes as she also politely said she had always known Hermione to be a wise person. She had been a very wise person indeed. In order to have the golden apple, she spent so much effort and endured so many bitterness to ultimately lose against a few of Madeline’s ordinary words to Lucius. She felt betrayed, and completely used. After all, was she not anything more than a toy? But what could she do. Deep down, she understood that Madeline was the one he loved. Recently, they were having conflicts which they had not been able to resolve. Using the fruit, he had hoped he could soothe the heart of his lover and thereby resolve their conflicts. His action wasn't excessive at all. Still having consideration for her, he went to the Queen and asked for a basket of peaches. At least he was thinking about Hermione to some extent.
When Charlie said Lucius paid attention to her because he wanted to be her friend, he had overrated her. Maddy was right--he only wanted a new playmate in his momentary loneliness. The other woman was candid and direct, and she was being truthful. Feeling a stab at her pride, Hermione had wanted to refute but didn't know what to say. All this seemed to have verified the idea that Lucius was using her to provoke his lover. If he could hear Maddy’s words to her just now, he would be overjoyed. It meant she had brought them together, so she had been quite useful. Madeline said she wanted an eternity with him, was that not also his wish? If they reconciled, he should have no need for her anymore?
Naturally, he would move out of Hermione’s little home and go back to his mansion, probably finalize his divorce to Narcissa if he hadn’t a;ready, and move on. Naturally, he didn't need her anymore. Naturally, he also wouldn't need to drag her out for practice on the snow stakes anymore. Then, this was actually a good thing. She didn't know why, but she felt even more saddened upon her understanding.
Cold wind picked up, she squinted her eyes and raised her sleeves to rub them. When she opened her eyes again, the endless snowfield became even more nebulous. Hermione sat forlornly on the side of the road for a while. When her heart calmed down, she thought once more of the fruit. She felt she should still return to home again. She had put in too much effort for it.
Madeline didn't want to share the fruit with her, but it might work if she asked Lucius. If crying and begging didn't work, she would grab hold of his sleeve and sob wretchedly. Then again, it was also very likely he may not care for her tears. Apart from the few people he cared about, the rest didn't mean anything to him. Like when he freely gave the fruit to another, he undoubtedly didn't care about her sincerity and efforts. She knew this side of him too well.
Some time later, Hermione wiped her eyes and stood up to head back home. Standing outside, she stared down into the clear stream and fixed her garments. When she saw her reddened eyes, she picked up some snow by the bank and pressed onto them. Then she closed her eyes and sat on the ground for a while. When she stared back into the water and saw no more redness, she made sure everything was presentable one last time before turning into the courtyard. The yard was exceptionally quiet; on the pond surface remained a few withering
Flower petals. She could not find him.
She found someone else instead. Charlie frowned and told her with a scratchy voice, “You're just seconds late. Ice Face just left the forest to return to Wilshire. His face was now full of sorrow. “Madeline went to see him off. I didn’t go along because I didn't want to see him. I waited here for you so I can bring you out for drinks. I think Ice Face might not even come back. Is there anything pressing you want from him?” He then remarked in newfound recognition, “Now that Ice Face had finished everything here... perhaps he won't come back?” He rambled on and on for such a long time, Hermione didn't catch on to everything. She only heard part of what he said. “So he won’t be back?’
This wasn’t good at all. How could she persuade him? The golden apple was guarded by four pythons under the stone pillars. Before she could pick the fruit, the Queen would have to use the blood from her fingertip to drop into the pythons' bellies. After they went to sleep, she would be able to near the tree. For this reason, she learned that on the night the competition ended, the Queen would drop her blood into the bellies of the serpents then wait until thesecond hour of the night before she could come to take the fruit.
Tomorrow night, or at most the day after tomorrow, the Saha fruit would be sent to Madeline’s hands.
It seems asking for Lucius’s help was impossible now.
She might as well try her luck sneaking into the Blood Spring before the fruit was picked. When this idea flashed in her head, she suddenly realized: when there was nowhere else to go, this, in fact, was a clear path, and right now she had nowhere else to go.
More than anyone, she knew how dangerous it was to sneak into the Blood Spring. If there was a choice, she wouldn't want to risk her life either; she owed it to the friend who was lost her life because of Hermione’s own selfish carelessness. She constantly bore this guilt on her shoulders. Incidentally, she fell into the Whispering Whitewood and came upon a miraculous opportunity to save her. She didn't want to let this chance go. It wasn't that she hadn't considered safer methods to obtain the fruit, it wasn't as if she didn't try.
When Charlie saw her go right past him into the arching doorway, he questioningly asked, “You're not going to the Red Terrace for drinks with me?” She undecidedly asked to do it another day, but in her mind, she thought it would still depend on her luck tonight. If her luck was poor, she wasn't sure when 'another day' would be. Charlie sighed that she had no sincerity and, in a few steps, reached the exit of the courtyard. As he was about to leave, she called for him to stop.
Charlie happily turned around and said, “I knew you'd be a good friend and want to accompany me.” Hermione observed him from head to toe and told him, “Another day. I just felt that since we have been friends for so long, I wanted to take a better look at you.” He scratched his head confusedly. “You seem to have something important to do, that's fine then. Right, I heard the Red Terrace got a new chef recently. Should I bring some signature dishes back for you?” She nodded. “Alright, but I eat bland these days. Tell them not to make it too spicy.”
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