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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 13

Damn him! How dare Severus try to seduce Hermione? The bastard was supposed to be keeping Draco away from her, not trying to take her for himself. That rutting bastard! Damn it. He was going to have to figure out a way to get a hold of Hermione. And soon. Severus could not take Hermione away from him. He absolutely could not. That black-haired son-of-a-bitch would not steal Hermione and his child away from him.

He didn't blame Hermione. He had left her adrift. He knew that. He just thought he might have some more time to make arrangements. But he should have realized that she was a sensual person, and he hadn't been fair with her. It was only understandable that she would turn to someone else. But damn it! He would kill Severus Absolutely kill him. He'd trusted the bastard. Severus had been his friend for over twenty years. And now the slimy whoreson was trying to seduce the woman he wanted. In frustration, he dashed his glass against the hearth.

The shattering glass brought him back to his senses, the rage leaving his body as quickly as it had arrived. Getting upset about it wouldn't change things. He needed a plan. Calmly, he poured himself another brandy in a new glass. Swallowing, he decided that he needed to see her, to talk to her, to let her know that he hadn't abandoned her. He'd have to see her in person. A note wasn't going to do it. Gifts. He'd have to bring some gifts, as well.

Except that Hermione didn't seem like the type of woman that would be easily influenced by baubles. It wouldn't hurt to bring something, but he'd have to come up with something that would appeal to her. Taking another sip of brandy, he began to contemplate his next move.

****

Hermione tried to concentrate on the text in front of her, but the words kept swimming in front of her eyes. Severus' foot massage had rattled her. She had been aroused, and while she wasn't certain that Severus had also been excited, it had seemed like it. Gods. Why couldn't this have happened a few months ago ' long before Lucius had ever come in to the picture? Things could have been perfect. She would have been happy with Severus ' more than happy, knowing how he gave foot massages, she admitted, smiling ruefully ' and yet now she couldn't get Lucius out of her mind.

Maybe it was because of the child. Was it some atavistic drive that made her think about the child's father, even though he was an absolute bastard? That would explain a lot of things. Or maybe there was just the underlying fear that Severus would resent Lucius' child.

Circe's robe in tatters. Of course Severus would probably resent the child. Despite the outward appearances of friendship between the two men, it was obvious to her that there was no love lost between them. Long before she had ever been involved with either one of them, it had been apparent that during Lucius' visits to the school, Severus and the blonde barely tolerated one another. And the child would most certainly exacerbate things.

So what was Severus' interest in all of this? Did he genuinely like her? Was he interested in her as a woman? Or was he merely looking for a way to one-up Lucius? For that matter, was Severus simply taking advantage of her? Was he just taking what he now knew had been freely offered?

Gods. What a mess. Could she run away? Some place far away, like Bosnia or even the Ukraine? No. Not without money. Of course, if she just jumped into the lake with the Giant Squid, she wouldn't have to worry about any of that. No. She couldn't do that. No way. Suicide was not the answer to this. Didn't Dumbledore say that any wizarding child was a blessing? Would he be willing to help her out? Maybe let her get her degree a little early, or something? She giggled hysterically; maybe he had a special fund for Unwed Head Girls.

Shit. Why did this lust that had been dormant for so many years suddenly have to rear its ugly head all of a sudden this year? Damn. She probably would have been much happier if she had never felt that burning need to join with another human being.

Frowning, she slammed the book shut, attracting the attention of the only other occupant of the library, Draco. Looking over at her, he picked up his books and sat down at the table next to her. 'How's it going? Everything okay?' Hermione was continually amazed at how sincere her former rival could sound.

'Yeah, thanks. I'm just tired. This is just all such a, erm, change for me,' she hesitated, wondering what she was referring to as she spoke.

Draco nodded. 'I bet. I can't even imagine what it's got to be like for you.' He paused before tentatively reaching for her hand. 'Would you like to go in to Hogsmeade with me tomorrow?' He smiled wickedly. 'You know. Let's see if we can stir up some inter-House excitement. Who knows. Maybe Pansy'll discover that she's got a secret thing for Harry.'

Hermione giggled in spite of herself. 'Maybe,' she added dubiously. 'Yeah. Thanks. I'd like that. That would be a nice change.'

Draco smiled shyly. 'Great. I'll see you in the Great Hall about 9 or so?'

Hermione nodded. 'Yeah. That'll be good. And thanks, Draco.'

She watched the young blonde pick up his books and leave the library. Gods. What was wrong with her? Any female in school would be jumping at the chance to go out with Draco. He was surprisingly nice. And maybe that was the problem. He just didn't get her pulse racing.

Had Lucius ruined her for anyone nice? Was she now stuck only being attracted to complete bastards? And where did Severus fit in the bastard-to-nice continuum? Damn him and his damn foot massage. He had always been a standoffish snob. So why couldn't he have just stayed standoffish and snobby?

She couldn't go down to his study tonight, even though he had invited her. She just couldn't. She didn't know how she'd react if she did, or what he would expect from her. Finding a scrap of parchment, she penned a short note and asked one of the house elves to deliver it. It was a cop-out, but she just wasn't up to dealing with anything else. She debated how to address the note, before deciding not to address it at all.

Thanks for the invitation to stop by this evening. I'm afraid that I'm feeling a bit run-down tonight, and will have to pass up your offer.

Hermione

She looked it over. Gods. It sounded pretty pathetic, even to her. But she needed some time alone. Didn't any of these guys realize that she wasn't used to being pursued?!?

She had reached the Gryffindor common room before it dawned on her that Harry and Ron would be outraged if they saw her meeting with Draco. She giggled inanely. Of course, that would be mild compared to how they would react if they knew she was pregnant by Draco's father. Or that their hated Potions Master was trying to seduce her.

Still, it wouldn't do to cause any unnecessary anguish among her old friends. She'd just have to figure out a way make sure that they didn't find out. Well, at least not until after the fact, when she could show them that Draco hadn't hexed her into oblivion.

Ginny. Of course. She'd help in the little deception. If she went to Ginny and asked her to run interference for her tomorrow morning, and explained that she and Draco wanted to take off to Hogsmeade without any hassles from Harry or Ron, she'd probably help. Especially if she played up how she and Draco wanted some time alone. Ginny'd be more than happy to help, she guessed.

Heading over to the red-head sitting by the fire, she felt a brief pang of guilt. Ginny would probably be unwelcoming if she found out that she hadn't been completely honest with her. And yet, she couldn't bring herself to confide in Ginny. As good a friend as she could be, the girl was also one of the biggest gossips in the school. And the truth was not something she wanted spread around Hogwarts.

'Ginny,' Hermione looked around the common room furtively. 'Can I talk to you? In private? Please?'

Ginny looked at her old friend, a smile forming on her lips. 'Sure, Herm. C'mon ' let's go up to you room ' we can talk there without being bothered.' Hermione smiled as she followed Ginny up to her own room.

Ginny hopped on Hermione's bed, and tried to coax Crookshanks into her lap. 'So what's up?' She smiled evilly. 'Or maybe I should ask 'Who's up'?'

Hermione rolled her eyes but smiled as she sat on the other end of the bed. 'Draco's asked me to go to Hogsmeade, and I didn't-'

'You don't want Ron and Harry to find out,' Ginny broke in with a smile. 'I understand. Ron is such a Puritan. He freaks out every time he learns that I'm dating someone else. I swear, it's times like that you can tell that he's related to Percy,' she added conspiratorially. 'Look, I totally understand. You like Draco, and you want to spend some time with him without those two getting in the way.'

Hermione nodded. 'Yeah. Basically. Can you help me out?'

'Sure. I can do that. But I'm surprised, Herm. I always thought you would've been attracted to, well, older guys. I mean, neither Harry nor Ron ever seemed to do it for you, and I always assumed that you'd like someone older. Not that Draco is bad or anything,' she added hastily.

Hermione smiled, 'Someone like Snape?'

It was Ginny's turn to grin. 'Yeah. But if you like Draco, I'm happy for you. Surprised, just because I never really imagined you and Draco, but if it works for you guys, that's great.'

The older witch's smile turned enigmatic. 'If it's any consolation, I figure that Draco will look like his father in a few years.'

Ginny's face froze. 'Don't even joke about that!' The younger woman shook her head in frustration. 'The only reason I'm helping you with Draco is because I can tell that he's not like his father, and you'd be good for him. You might be able to help him.' Ginny paused to catch her breath before she continued vehemently. 'Don't ever joke about Lucius Malfoy. He's vile and evil. He's tried to discredit my father directly and indirectly at every opportunity for years. I don't ever want to hear his name, even in jest.'

Hermione swallowed hard, a wave a nausea passing through her. At least she had definite answers about a few things: she obviously couldn't tell Ginny about the child, and she certainly couldn't tell her the truth about the baby's father. Gods. She suddenly noticed that Ginny was expecting an answer from her.

'Alright Ginny. I won't joke. I promise.' Surprisingly, that seemed to satisfy the younger woman, and they turned back to the issue of how to divert Harry and Ron's attention the next morning.

****

The Great Hall was almost deserted when Hermione got down there; most of the students took advantage of the fact that weekend breakfasts were not required, and slept in. Ginny had ensured that Harry and Ron wouldn't be there by inviting them to an after-hours party with some of the Gryffindor girls. Not seeing Draco yet, she sat down at the empty Gryffindor table and began to munch on a muffin, thanking the gods that she hadn't had any serious bouts of nausea.

Moments later, the blonde entered the Great Hall with a Malfoy's usual air of casual arrogance. Slightly more casual, and definitely less arrogant that Lucius, she decided. She couldn't help but stare at him as he approached her. He had changed ' they all had ' from their first years together in school, but the changes in Draco had been as much internal as external. He walked with a confidence that she couldn't remember seeing before this year, and he carried his shoulders in a way that suggested that he was comfortable with the body he had grown into.

As always, his clothes were striking; a heavy charcoal grey cloak covered a black jacket, and Hermione thought she saw hints of a crimson vest peaking out under the jacket. The black leather gloves, while ostensibly for warmth, also added a further subtle touch of sophistication. Instantly, she was glad that Ginny had insisted that she wear her long forest-green wool dress. It had a full skirt and a tapered waist, and even she had had to admit that it was a flattering cut and color for her.

Apparently, Draco felt the same way as he gazed appreciatively at her. 'Ready?' Hermione nodded and she stood up. Draco helped her with her own cloak, and she put on her gloves, before he offered her his arm. She smiled, hoping to hide her surprise, and Draco winked. Feeling less high-strung, she giggled and took his arm.

They walked slowly down to Hogsmeade, the conversation drifting around the weather (grey and cold), the upcoming Christmas holidays (only a few weeks away), and school (Potions homework was still the worst of the lot, while everything else seemed to be a little better this year). Her hand remained tucked in his arm, and Hermione found herself relaxing against him.

The wandered slowly down the High Street, Draco mentioning that he wanted to stop in at Scrivenshaft's, while Hermione said that she had wanted to stop in at Flourish & Blott's ' she had ordered a few books from their store in London, and she had received notice that they had been delivered to the local store. They headed to Scrivenshaft's first, and Hermione lingered over some of the desk sets while Draco searched for the right quill.

As they left the store, Draco casually took her hand in his. They walked past Quality Quidditch Supplies, and Hermione couldn't help but giggle as Draco gave only a sideways glance to the latest model racing broom in the window.

'We can stop and look, if you want to,' she commented, mentally crossing her fingers in hopes that her companion wouldn't want to spend the rest of the day discussing the subtle changes between this year's Firebolt and last year's.

Her thoughts must have shown on her face, because Draco grinned. 'Naw. I'm not one of those guys,' Hermione smiled, knowing exactly to whom he was referring, 'who can think about nothing but brooms.' His smirk broadened. 'Besides, I got mine a few weeks ago ' I don't need to look at them in the store window.'

Hermione giggled. 'Thank the gods for that!'

They continued down the street slowly, looking in the windows of the various shops until the weather drove them inside, the skies had turned lead-grey, and the wind was beginning to increase.

Hermione sighed with pleasure as they entered Flourish & Blott's; the smoky warmth of the fire mingled with the smell of parchment, and she was convinced that it was the best smell in the world. Draco smiled understandingly. 'I know what you mean. I think if I wasn't destined to manage the family holdings, I could have very happily been a bookstore owner.' He squeezed her hand briefly, before letting go. The dark-haired witch smiled in return.

Hermione began to peruse some of the out-of-publication books, while her companion offered to hang up their cloaks. Again, Hermione smiled; she couldn't have ever imagined Harry or Ron wanting to stay long enough that they would actually consider removing their outerwear. Draco joined her moments later, one or the other commenting on interesting titles, occasionally pulling a book off the shelf for closer inspection.

She was so engrossed in the contents of the bookshelves that when she rounded the corner, she almost ran directly in to Severus Snape. Her heart leapt into her throat, pounding madly. 'S-Pr-Professor! Hello.'

'Miss Granger,' the dark head gave a half-nod in greeting. 'I trust that you are feeling better?' One eyebrow raised, and Hermione nodded nervously.

'Yes, sir. Uh, thank you.' As she uttered the words, Draco came around the corner and stood protectively by Hermione.

Severus' eyes narrowed at his godson. 'Mr. Malfoy. How very good to see you. I am glad to see that you got the betrothal agreement to the Headmaster.' He paused, a hint of a smirk on his lips. 'Have you heard from your father lately? I am sure that he will be, ah, interested in your news.'

Hermione glowered at Severus. What the hell was he trying to do? Draco's calm and almost immediate response took her by surprise.

'Yes, 'Uncle'. I owled him last night, with a copy of the agreement to be placed in the family vaults. I haven't heard back from him, though. No doubt too busy with other obligations.' She couldn't help but smile at the measured defiance in Draco's voice. Clearly, there was more to this conversation than she could understand, Hermione decided.

'Good. And Miss Granger? I trust that you are feeling well enough to keep our appointment this evening for additional work on your Senior Project?' The flash of fire in his eyes was enough to convince Hermione that her project might not be the only thing on his mind.

'Uh, actually, Professor, I was wondering if I might push it back to tomorrow night? I've been following up on the new literature, but I didn't get a chance to complete the review. I am sure that I would be able to have it done by tomorrow evening. If that's okay,' she looked at him, trying to read his underlying expression.

Severus glanced from Hermione to Draco and back to the dark-haired witch. 'Very well, Miss Granger. But I expect to see you in my study at 7pm tomorrow evening, no excuses.' His tone allowed for no defiance, but there was a hint of a smile in his eyes.

'Yes, sir. Thank you, professor.' She released the breath she didn't realize she had been holding, and watched Snape disappear down the aisle of books.

Draco looked at her questioningly, but didn't say anything, and they turned back to the bookshelves. They spent another two hours in the bookstore before noticing that snow was beginning to fall, and if they wanted to make it back to Hogwarts without stumbling through a blizzard, they'd better begin to head back. Draco and Hermione both took their purchases to the counter, where the blonde briefly considered paying for her books as well as his own. He discarded the idea almost immediately, though. Hermione knew that he came from money; there was no need to throw the fact in her face.

A thought occurred to him as the cashier began to wrap up their purchases. 'Hermione. Would you mind waiting for these. I just remembered something else I have to get before we go back to school.' Mystified, and feeling a little tired, Hermione nodded. Without another word, Draco grabbed his cloak and dashed out of the building.

She had just collected their packages and put on her cloak when Draco returned, a secretive smile on his face. Relieving her of their purchases, they left the bookstore. They had gone a few paces before he stopped, and set the wrapped books down on the sidewalk.

The blonde reached for her gloved hand, and smiled shyly. 'I've had a really great time, today, Hermione. I mean, it just feels so comfortable being with you.' He paused, and Hermione started to talk, but he shook his head gently. 'I know that you probably didn't think that you'd ever be signing a betrothal agreement with me, and I don't know what will happen when we're done with school ' whether you'll want to go through with it, or whatever. But I just wanted to let you know that no matter what happens between us, I want to always look back on this day with pleasure. And if in the future you ever need anything from me ' regardless of what happens between us ' just remind me of this day, and I'll be happy to do whatever you need.'

He paused, and Hermione swallowed, blinking back tears. 'Draco-'

'Shhh. Maybe on our twentieth anniversary, we'll look back on this day as the day we fell in love, or maybe in twenty years we'll look back on this day as the day we became life-long friends ' it doesn't matter. I just want to remember this as the first day that I've been out with someone just because I wanted to be with them, and not because of some ancient family ties. And I want to remember it because it was the first time that I've had a great time just being able to be myself.' He looked into her eyes, and Hermione could feel the warmth of his words. He smiled, reaching in to his cloak to pull out a white tulip. 'Thank you, Hermione.' He handed the flower to her, kissing the knuckle of the hand he still held.

Hermione thought her heart would burst. In a few words, Draco had absolved her of any obligation, and yet had also promised his undying friendship. Impulsively, she hugged him tightly, her cheek resting against his chin. After a few moments, she looked up at him, and he kissed her chastely on the lips. He pulled back a half-step and smiled at Hermione, brushing a few stray snow flakes out of her hair. 'We'd better go.'

Tucking the flower into her cloak, Hermione took Draco's free hand, and they began to walk back to Hogwarts.

****

The gods be damned! He sat down brusquely. How many priceless crystal glasses had he broken in the last hour? Not that it mattered ' there were plenty more of them, and the sound of shattering glass was becoming more soothing each time he hurled one against the fireplace.

The blonde wizard looked around his study in wild amazement. Chaos was an understatement. It looked like he had been housing a herd of Norwegian Ridgebacks in the room for the last month. But that's what house elves were for. They'd clean the mess up, and leave him to his frustrations.

In his mind's eye he could clearly see Draco handing Hermione a flower, followed by the intense look of gratitude that washed over her. She'd hugged him, and even kissed him. Damn it! He had been close enough to see the whole thing, and now he couldn't get the images out of his head.

This was ridiculous. He couldn't sit by any longer, watching while Severus and his own son both pursued Hermione. His Hermione. Damn them both to the darkest depths of hell.

He'd have to go to her. He'd have to get her alone. He'd have to explain to her that he still wanted her. And the child. And that he wanted her with him. He wanted to spend his days with her in his library, and his nights with her in his bed. He'd tell her that her directness was so boldly refreshing ' and exciting. That she'd been in his mind from the very first time he'd been with her.

Turning away from the mess in the study, he began to formulate his plan. He'd have to see her tonight. He couldn't let those two wolves continue to chase after her. As a member of the board of governors, he'd be able to apparate into the school grounds, so that wouldn't be a problem. He'd just have to figure out how to approach her. And he'd have to get out the things that he'd been planning on giving her.

Hours later, he sat in his newly restored study looking over the small collection of presents that he had for Hermione. Nothing too ostentatious; a 200 year-old copy of an obscure alchemy text, a tasteful 3-carat emerald pendant in a plain platinum setting, and a key to a Gringott's vault in her name. She wouldn't realize it, of course, but the Gringott's vault had been the most difficult to secure. It had been necessary to obtain it surreptitiously, as it wouldn't do for the Dark Lord to hear that he was supporting a Muggle-born witch.

He pulled on his heavy traveling cloak and put the presents into his pocket. Time to engage in a little seduction of his own.

****

Hermione slept comfortably; her room was warm, despite the window that she left open for Crookshanks, so he could come and go as he pleased. Besides, she liked feeling pleasantly warm under the covers while cool air caressed her face. Waking briefly, she rolled on to her stomach and settled back to sleep.

Lucius stood in the corner of the room watching her sleep, still hidden in the shadows. When her breathing became more regular, he stepped silently over to her bed. Her hair was loose, partially covering her features. Flicking her hair back with his wand, the blonde wizard's breath caught as he was struck with the realization that there were really three of them in the room; himself, Hermione and their child.

His fingers trailed down her cheek, and a small smile curved on the lips of the sleeping witch in response. Lightly pulling back the heavy comforter, he saw that she was sleeping in a thin white cotton nightdress. His fingers glanced over her shoulders, and traced a light pattern down her back, his cock unexpectedly twitching. Gods. Had he really been thinking about her that much? He smirked at himself. Of course he had. In fact, he reminded himself, he should be more amazed at his current restraint than his arousal.

His fingers continue to lightly explore her as she slept, his fingertips brushing the soft curve of her buttocks, his eyes still fixed on her sleeping face.

Still asleep, Hermione suddenly rolled over, and Lucius jumped back, half-afraid that he had awoken the sleeping woman. Her steady breathing moments later suggested that he hadn't, so he returned to his investigation of her sleeping form. Now on her back, the points of her nipples were visible through the thin material, and her breasts were rising and falling regularly with her breathing. Unable to stop himself, he took off his cloak and knelt on the ground, moving his head closer to her body. His fingers rested lightly on her belly as he savored the thought of their child. Slowly, he began to caress her flesh through the cotton, his hand subtly moving lower.

Hermione groaned in her sleep, and Lucius smiled, his body becoming harder at her sleeping response. He lowered his mouth to one breast, while his hand began to gently stroke the warm cleft between her legs. The witch moaned again as his mouth began to delicately work the hard nub through the cotton of her nightdress. Her hips began to move slowly in response to his hand, and he wondered briefly if he might be able to join her in bed.

Deciding against it for the moment, he slowly worked the material up her legs, giving him access to her bare flesh, his mouth still laboriously teasing the hard flesh of her nipples. His fingers found her slippery flesh and he began to explore her body again.

Hermione moved her hips against his hand, the familiar tight heat suddenly spreading through her body. 'Lucius,' she gasped, waking herself up at the sound of her own voice. She sat up suddenly, opening her eyes. The long-haired wizard looked up at her from his kneeling position.

'Hermione. I've missed you.'

~~~~

A/N: Heehee! Sorry! I'm having fun with this, even though I have these fears that this is becoming a soap opera in disguise. I can't help it, though. It's just way too much fun! Anyway, I figured that it was about time that Lucius stopped destroying his glassware and actually started to do something. Especially since it's obvious that his son didn't miss out on the Malfoy Charm. As for Severus' motive? Yeah. Well. Uh. *grin.

Heehee!

Anyway, the writing is still going slowly, especially since I got a new pair of skis mounted, and there is more snow in the forecast. (I really have a one-track mind ' I just try to hide it in the summer.) Again, don't worry. I'm not giving up on the writing, I'm just not writing as much in the evenings, since I'm usually so tired that I'm ready for bed by 9:30. (Really. It's pathetic!)

Thanks again for all the wonderful reviews, and I am happy that you are still enjoying this!
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The Senior Project