Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

A World Not Fit To Live In	By : snowblind12 & Lissa Category: Harry Potter > Threesomes/Moresomes Views: 78124 -:- Recommendations : 1 -:- Currently Reading : 6
Disclaimer: These characters and the Harry Potter world belong to J K Rowling and her publishers. I make nothing from this story and I own none of it. It is based off the work of JK Rowling.

Chapter List
- 14
- 15
- 16
Same disclaimer as always. These characters and the magical world they live in belong to JKR and her publishers.

Huge thanks and love to our awesome beta, Raynephoenix2.
Hermione shifted in her chair uneasily. She anticipated another visit from Draco at any time and to say she was on edge was a gross understatement. It had been six days since he had so ruthlessly taken her in the presence of Snape and Ginny at dinner the prior Wednesday. Then he had showed up again Saturday afternoon, but unlike other times, he had barely spoken a word to her. He simply stormed into the library and pulled her out of the window seat she was nestled in before flipping her around and lifting her skirt. He was finished and out the door in minutes. Compared to how he had brutalized and humiliated her all the other times, this time had been almost pleasant. It completely surprised her and left her confused. Better the devil you know than the devil you don't.
If there was one thing predictable about the young bastard it was that he was always sadistic, brutal, and hateful. While she had been relieved and thankful after he left her, now she was left wondering when he would show up and if he would be particularly nasty since he had been so easy on her on Saturday.
"What's the matter, Hermione?" Lucius asked as he peered over the corner of the morning paper. "You've barely touched your breakfast. Aren't you hungry?"
Hermione met his gaze and simply shrugged. "I imagine Draco will be arriving today. It has me nervous."
Lucius tossed the paper down while he watched her contemplatively. "I've been thinking about that. I'm going to have the wards alert you whenever he enters the grounds or the house. This way you at least have some warning."
Hermione was surprised. "You can do that? I don't have a wand."
Lucius sipped his tea and put down his cup. "It's not complicated and you don't need a wand. I already have the wards set to notify me when he arrives, or anyone else for that matter."
Hermione pushed her eggs around her plate. "Could you…I mean… would you mind setting the wards to let me know when you arrive as well?" Her voice was quiet and almost shy. She didn't sound like herself. She chanced a glance at him and found his expression one of surprise. Not wanting there to be any misunderstanding, she clarified. "It's…it's because I feel safer when you're around. I just like knowing you are here."
Hermione didn't notice his heavy swallow and she had no way of knowing the impact of her words on her older captor. Guilt, frustration, and no small sprinkling of pleasure washed over him as he leaned back in his chair watching her.
Guilt for being her keeper, guilt for what he was required to do to her on a regular basis, and huge guilt for enjoying it.
Frustration that there was truly nothing he could do without putting himself or Draco in danger.
Pleasure that, despite everything, she wanted him around. How was that even possible? Sure, he didn't beat her and brutalize her and, yes, they had enjoyed some pleasurable moments…in and out of bed…but regardless, she should hate him. She certainly shouldn't like knowing he was around.
He watched as her caramel eyes darted quick peeks in his direction. Her bottom lip was sucked into the caresses of her sweet mouth. He noticed a slight flush creep deliciously up her neck and over her face, leaving her cheeks with a rosy glow. Almost like she was embarrassed. Could she be growing to care for me? No, it was ridiculous. He was old enough to be her father. She was merely doing as she had said; she was making the best of her situation and not fighting what she couldn't change. That included him.
He cleared his throat gently, finally answering the lingering request. "Yes, I can arrange that for you as well."
Her lip was promptly relieved from its confinement as she quickly turned to him and smiled – and it was genuine. He knew it was. Sure, he had seen her smile and even laugh a few times, but it was a rare thing. Many times, it didn't reach her eyes. This time, however, was one of those disarming smiles… it caused his breath to hitch. When it started to fade as her attention moved back to her plate and she picked up her fork, another idea came to him.
After a quick glance about the room, he said lightly, "I will promise you this as well. If I'm away from the manor when he arrives, I'll come back promptly and check to be sure you are alright. Run interference if he gets too – "
She looked back at him, her relief and surprise rendering her unable to stop herself from interrupting him, "You will?"
He let out a heavy sigh before leaning back with a nod. His words were contemplative. "I regret he does not listen to me as he used to, and my words seem to have little to no impact on him lately." He swallowed. "You see, there is a hereditary…" He stopped himself. No, he wouldn't tell her. She might say something to Draco and nothing good could come of that. "Never mind."
Before she could stop herself, she reached out and took his hand which was resting on the table. "Thank you, Lucius."
The touch of affection startled him, and his eyes shot to her small and delicate hand.
Realizing her touch had been impertinent and probably not wanted, Hermione quickly pulled her fingers away and grabbed her juice for a distraction and to hide her small flash of embarrassment. Desperate to get past the awkward moment, she asked a question which had been puzzling her. "Lucius, why was Draco not in school these past weeks? It's July first today, right? Shouldn't he have just graduated?"
Still reeling from her touch and despite its brevity, and pondering the loss, Lucius sipped his coffee to reground himself. After a brief pause, he answered, "The Dark Lord instructed Severus to allow Draco to skip school. He has barely attended since the battle in May. Instead, he took his NEWTs early and has been focusing on tasks for the Dark Lord." Hermione didn't miss the disappointment in his voice.
"Oh," she whispered, unable to contain her overwhelming frustration and jealousy. Draco was allowed to take his NEWTs, whereas she had spent her seventh year on the run. Now she was a bonded slave and would likely never graduate from school, much less take her exams. She felt ridiculous for caring at this point, but she did.
Lucius could see it on her face. He didn't need to be in her mind to know exactly what she was thinking. He hated to add insult to injury, but it was best her told her now. "Actually, there will be a graduation party here at the manor in a couple weeks. It will also be the next Death Eater induction ceremony. Several of Draco's friends will be here and will be sworn into the Dark Lord's service."
Her chocolate eyes flew to his grey. "Please tell me I won't have to attend! I couldn't bear it. Watching Draco and his friends strut around, feeling oh so important and self-righteous in their ridiculous servitude. Not to mention, freshy graduated and with their entire happy lives before them." Hermione cringed at the spite and jealousy of her words. She should have kept that to herself.
She looked down at her lap and took a deep breath before adding, barely above a whisper, "Sorry, that was…petty." After a second she peeked up at him again before looking back down at her napkin, mindlessly picking at a loose thread as she clarified, "It's just…nothing, save my friends and family, meant more to me than my education. I worked so hard to stay at the top of my year. To know that…to know that someone like Pansy Parkinson, who merely scraped by in her classes, will be a graduate and I won't." She made a disgusted sound. "It's just so unfair."
Lucius watched her thoughtfully as she took an angry sip from her juice after her outburst. His words were slow and cautious. "Perhaps…perhaps there is a way. I will have to talk to Severus…and the Dark Lord, of course." He took a quick look around, finding only his mother present amongst the portraits this morning. He kept his voice low, all the same. "Perhaps Severus could tutor you on what you missed your final year."
Hermione had perked up instantly with his words and where he was obviously headed with his thought process. She interrupted excitedly. "I've actually read all the seventh-year course material. I think…if I could merely have a little time to review…"
He held his hand up, causing her to stop talking. "I don't wish to give you false hope, Hermione, but perhaps if I went to the Dark Lord and told him you were becoming more…compliant and suggestable and that you had finally understood that it was best to accept the new ways of the world rather than fight it… Perhaps if I told him that what would push you over the edge to compliance would be permission to take your NEWTs… Well, he might allow it."
He added quickly, "However, we will have to work on your acting skills. He needs to believe you are coming around…and I shall have to start your Occlumency training."
She was practically bouncing in her seat. "Oh, Lucius! Would you? Oh, Merlin. Do you think it's possible?"
He could see the wheels of her mind spinning and had to resist the chortle that was threatening to erupt.
Her eyes were alight with a new sparkle he had not witnessed before when with complete earnest she added, "I'll work really hard on Occlumency – starting today. I'm sure your library has books on it. I'll start studying…after breakfast."
He smiled indulgently at her. "Yes, that would be a very good way to spend your time." He thought he heard what sounded like a disappointed sigh from behind him but, when he turned, all he saw was his mother's portrait. He shook it off. His mother hadn't spoken in over ten years, surely it hadn't been her. He looked around once again, confirming their conversation hadn't been overheard by anyone faithful to the Dark Lord.
"Oh, I can't wait! I can't eat anymore. May I be excused to start my research?"
This time he did laugh. "Of course. You know where you are going?"
"Yes, thank you. Thank you, Lucius!" He was stunned stiff when she leapt out of her chair and flung her arms around him, giving him a quick peck on the cheek. Before he could snap out of it and react, she was flouncing out of the dining room with a huge smile on her face.
Lucius shifted uncomfortably as he made his way into Lestrange Villa, nodding his greetings to two lower-ranking Death Eaters who were guarding the entrance. It had been over a month since Voldemort had called a meeting of his inner circle – which he only belonged to because of his monetary value at this point. It had surprised Lucius when his Mark burned just as he had arrived at Malfoy Enterprises, a Tuesday afternoon summons was very much an oddity.
He entered the vast dining room and couldn't stop from glancing up at the cobwebbed chandeliers lit with stubby candles. The Villa hadn't been used in over two decades as Bellatrix had preferred their London Townhouse or Malfoy Manor to meet her comforts. Now that Narcissa was gone, and Lucius out of favor with the Dark Lord, Bellatrix had voiced her unwillingness to stay at Malfoy Manor (much to Lucius' delight) and had offered her husband's ancestral home to the tyrant. It appeared that it was taking longer than she had thought for the house elves to get the place in order. He wondered off-handedly if there were any house elves in the house who did not have scarred ears from frequent ironing.
Letting his gaze drift away from the dust and debris, Lucius took in the people who were sitting at the ancient, dark wood table. Voldemort was not yet present, but Snape, Bellatrix, and both Lestrange brothers took the four seats immediately to the left and right of the head of the table. Snape being on their Master's left and Bella on his right. Both were places of high honor and Lucius had sat there once upon a time. It was a title he had claimed with pride – now he found himself almost grateful to be just less than halfway down the table. He garnered much less attention in his new seat.
"Malfoy," Snape greeted upon seeing him and Lucius nodded politely in return. He took his place between Shafiq senior and Nott junior, acknowledging MacNair and Rowle across from him with a slight tip of his head.
Lucius couldn't help the growing curiosity of his son's mission when the seat next to him remained vacant past the allotted time of arrival. So deep in thought was he, that he didn't pay attention to or join any of the murmured conversations around him. He was startled out of his musings when his brothers and sisters stood at Voldemort's entrance, automatically standing himself.
Once the Dark Lord took his seat, Lucius followed suit with the rest of his brethren. He listened with half an ear as Voldemort discussed the puppets at the Ministry with the Death Eaters responsible for its control. Unwillingly, he found his thoughts turning towards a certain curly-haired brunette who was continuing to turn his world upside down.
An undetermined amount of time later, Lucius was startled when Dolohov was called to the head of the table.
"As you all know, my loyal subjects, is that Antonin is a fine spell creator. After the war was won and that insolent Potter boy put down, I set him to a task. This task was to create a spell to measure the magical ability of a witch or wizard. He has successfully completed his assignment. His job now will be to test all Muggle-born captives and blood traitors. Only those who score high enough on the Magical Potency Scale will be allowed life. Those who score below the average witch or wizard will be terminated. Those who score above the average witch or wizard will have a much more…meaningful…life task to serve me."
Here the man paused, and Lucius had to suppress a shudder as his red gaze slid over those in his service. "Antonin, you may briefly explain."
Dolohov took a sure step forward and raised a small glass sphere. "This is a crystalized Elvin sphere. When the charm I created is aimed at it, the magical qualities of the Elvin glass collects and compresses the magic which then leaves a Potency Signature. It is a color scale, ranging from purple to pure white. My Lord has decided to call it the Magical Potency Scale, or MPS." The Russian man immediately took a step back, bowing to Voldemort.
"I will demonstrate," Voldemort purred, a wicked gleam in his eye. Dolohov nodded curtly and placed the sphere in his hand before his Lord on the table. Lucius watched with narrowed eyes as Voldemort made a double figure eight with his wand before hissing the incantation, "Magica Potentia!"
Many people at the table jumped, startled as a blast of crackly blue light shattered the room when the Charm hit the Elvin glass. The blaze dissipated quickly and left in the sphere was a rolling wave of dirtiest white with red at the edges. "Explain the scale," Voldemort demanded, his expression gleeful.
Dolohov quickly explained the MPS, which was a rainbow scale that started at cool colors and ended with brightest white. The darker the color, the more potent the witch or wizard on that aspect of the color scale. The most potent person tested thus far was the Dark Lord, himself, blazing red around a dirty white. Lucius' face darted over those of his brother's and sister's. Snape looked exceptionally intrigued and Lucius knew that Snape, like himself, would likely test his own Magical Potency at his soonest convenience just out of pure curiosity. It was a remarkable Charm.
"Antonin will begin testing all captives soon, as our holding cells are full to bursting and we need to clear the riff-raff that has no usefulness in our society," Voldemort said with a lazy wave of dismissiveness over the poor conditions of the Muggleborns. "Those of you who have captives that are still functioning will take a sphere and a copy of the Scale in order to test your captives. Make sure they use their own wand, which you should have in your possession unless they were damaged beyond repair. If this is the case, let Antonin know. A compatible wand is imperative to test true magical ability. You will label the sphere with their name and send it to Antonin here at Lestrange Villa."
There was a murmur of understanding. "Luciusss," he hissed unexpectedly. Lucius was able to keep his face smooth, even as his heartrate accelerated.
"Yes, My Lord," he answered with a regal tip to his head.
"You will stay."
"Yes, My Lord."
"Severusss, you will also stay."
"My Lord." The dark-haired man's agreement was clear in his statement.
"The rest are dismissed." Voldemort once again flippantly waved his hand with an air of boredom.
It took longer than normal for the room to clear as many had to stop with Antonin at the sideboard to be given a sphere and a piece of parchment. Lucius joined the queue with Snape to collect the supplies he would need to test Hermione. Once everyone had left, Snape returned to his chair and Voldemort motioned for Lucius to take the now vacant seat to his right.
"How is Potter's Mudblood?"
"She is … as well as can be expected, My Lord," Lucius stated carefully. He briefly made eye contact with Snape and found that, as always, his friend's face was stoic and devoid of all emotion.
"Explain your meaning," Voldemort demanded.
"She seems to be … opening … to me. I have allowed her use of the library and a few of the recreational rooms. She has not made another attempt to take her own life, although that could be because I used the bond to force her compliance."
For the first time ever, Lucius saw Snape lose his composure in front of Voldemort. "Granger attempted suicide?" It was a flat statement, but the surprise…and perhaps a bit of panic?... was evident in his black eyes very briefly before his mask of indifference slipped back into place.
Voldemort had been watching Lucius while Lucius had been watching Snape and he had missed the slight emotional slip from the younger of the two men. Lucius was legitimately curious. "That surprises you, Severus? A girl – a virgin girl, nonetheless – has been raped repeatedly and tortured by two of the men she has most reviled. Don't you think she would prefer to die?"
Severus let a nonchalant shrug roll off his shoulders. "She never did seem the type before – I would have pegged her as stronger."
"Interesting…" Voldemort trailed off momentarily before turning his scrutiny back to Lucius. "Why do you think she did it? Severus knows the girl fairly well. He's had ample time to learn her character. Her attempt to take her own life was…obviously…out of said character."
Lucius took a brief moment to collect his thoughts before answering carefully. "I believe the loss of everyone she cares about is at the core of her depression, Master. However, it is my son's treatment of her that torments her so. Perhaps, my Lord, if you suggested Draco be…for lack of a better word…kinder to her…" He trailed off at the look of incredulity on Voldemort's face and hastened to explain himself. "My roses are working better then Draco's … numerous … thorns. However, the boy is strong willed and unwilling to treat her with any modicum of … kindness. Honestly, even complete indifference would be better then what he does to the Mudblood."
He paused to swallow his uncertainty as Voldemort continued to look at him with thinly veiled disgust at his suggestion. What were you thinking? Stupid, stupid man. "My Lord," he quickly attempted to finish his explanation. "You did say 'roses or thorns, it matters not'. I am finding the roses are much more to her liking. The thorns cause her anger – and wandless magic outbreaks – and increased depression and thoughts of self-harm. My treatment has allowed me to gain a bit of her trust." Just to be sure his ruse was believed, he offered a small and malicious smile as he added, "I might have given the chit reason to suspect I actually care for her well-being. She in turn has latched onto me like Devils Snare."
Across the table, Snape narrowed his eyes appraisingly at him, but Voldemort's expression had smoothed by the end of his clarification. The next words had Lucius shoulders relaxing marginally with relief.
"Allow Draco his fun, Lucius," Voldemort said somewhat dismissively. "He's been providing hours of stimulation for the recruits, you know. He is quite the performer." Lucius saw a muscle near one of Snape's eye twitch at the mention of "the recruits" being entertained and he knew Voldemort's words must be true. Snape was called to their Master's side much more frequently than he was – he was bound to know what was going on at Headquarters.
Lucius felt sick pooling in his throat. Hermione would be horrified to know that Draco's memories of her rape, torture, degradation, and humiliation were being used in such a fashion. He resigned himself to not telling her – it would be better for her state of mind. He pushed the thought away and moved to his next delicate topic.
"I have come across a way to, perhaps, gain more of her confidence, My Lord," Lucius started cautiously. Voldemort nodded for him to continue. "She recently mentioned how…sad," here he smirked, pretending he didn't care the least about her feelings, "she is not to have been able to take her NEWT examinations this spring. Perhaps this is something we could arrange? A show of good faith for her cooperation?"
Lucius half expected Voldemort to torture him on the spot for even suggesting letting a Mudblood earn Wizarding credentials, but the man just gave him another of his terrible smiles. "You are getting ahead of my plans, my dear Lucius. Tell the girl I will think on it. Now tell me…has Potter's Mudblood displayed anymore wandless magic since the last?"
At this, Snape's eyebrows rose in intrigue and he interjected. "You were serious about the wandless magic then, Lucius?" he drawled in his deep baritone. "How…interesting. I wouldn't have thought she would have it in her."
Voldemort turned another terrible smile on his favorite Death Eater. "Nor would I, Severus. However, it seems she is quite the anomaly. Lucius – your answer?"
"No, My Lord," Lucius answered. "She is under strict orders not to use it."
"That will change very soon." Lucius was hard pressed to suppress a shudder of revulsion at the excited gleam in the despot's red eyes.
"My Lord?" He didn't understand the implications.
"Did you know that Severus is very well versed in wandless magic?" Voldemort had extracted his own bone-white wand, twirling it in his fingers menacingly.
"I was aware, My Lord." Lucius tried his best to keep his stare off the weapon and at a point just to the left of Voldemort's face. He exchanged another quick glance with Snape.
"You will train the Mudblood, Severus," he commanded. "Lure her. Seduce her to the dark arts and all the powers and delights it can bestow. Her thirst for knowledge and desire to prove herself can be used to our advantage."
"Yes, My Lord," Snape responded automatically.
Lucius was not about to argue, even though he didn't understand why Voldemort would want someone on the opposite side of the war trained with such a weapon – for any reason. The girl would never be turned, of that he had no doubt. Even though he had her agreement on acting the part for the time being, she would never – ever – belong to Voldemort. She would die first, he was sure of it.
"That is all. Leave me," Voldemort dismissed him abruptly and both Severus and Lucius stood, both pocketing his sphere and parchment.
"Good day, My Lord." Lucius bowed low, and Snape mimicked him, but Voldemort did not acknowledge either of them any further. They escaped the room quickly.
Hermione was in the library, nose deep in 'Mindful Magic', when she felt the warm flush start from her toes and brush all the way to the top of her head. It was an odd feeling, one that Lucius told her she would get used to. The wards had just notified her Lucius was home and there was no denying the relief she felt. Hopefully, Draco would stay away another evening. She looked at the antique Grandfather clock to check the time. It felt like she had just started reading, yet it was just after five-o'clock. Where had the time gone? Looking to her left, she spotted the books she still had not opened. There simply weren't enough hours in the day.
"I thought I'd find you in here," Lucius said with a small smirk as he walked towards the table where she had all her books spread out before her. "Have you found anything of use?"
Hermione offered him a small smile in return. "Nothing so far. Lots of books about famous Legilimens and Occlumense, as well discussions about morality. I found out about a possession spell that works much like Polyjuice. I'd never heard of it. It's certainly not mentioned in any of the Hogwarts books."
Lucius looked around the room. "This library is not confined only to books suitable for children, Hermione. Hogwarts has a wonderful library, but it's very limited in what it provides."
Hermione scoffed. "The only thing not suitable for young minds is Dark Magic. Imagine what a better world we would live in if Dark Magic didn't exist."
"That, my dear, is a discussion for another day." He looked her up and down. "Did you eat lunch today?"
Hermione shrugged. "I wasn't hungry."
Lucius looked down his aristocratic nose and said simply, "You will eat everything on your plate tonight."
Hermione immediately coiled to react with the words to remind him of his promise to not order her around on the tips of her lips before he added, "You will need your strength for a test you will perform after dinner."
She froze. "A test?"
He sighed. "A test to determine how magically powerful you are."
Hermione stared at him. "There is no such test."
Lucius started to walk away. "There is now."
Hermione stared dumbfounded at the retreating wizard's back as he left the library. How could he drop something like that on her lap and just walk away! A test? A TEST?! her inner mind shrieked. She fell back into her chair. "Well, fuck."
After a moment to regain her senses, Hermione placed the books she was finished with on the table Lucius had told her would magically re-shelve everything. The rest of the books she set aside for her later perusal. Right now, she needed to find that insufferable man and have him explain.
Lucius left the library quickly and made his way to his study before slamming and warding the door. He knew she had questions, the problem was he just didn't have the answers. He didn't know what to think. He wanted her to test well, well enough to be deemed worthy to live, certainly, but what would it mean for everyone if she tested better than that? What did the Dark Lord have planned? Would she be taken away from him?
He immediately walked to his side bar and poured a whisky. He downed it quickly and poured another. He couldn't tell her that her very life could depend on the result of one test. Did the test even work? Dolohov was very creative at spell and curse development, but this was…this was unheard of!
He sat behind his desk, the beginnings of a massive headache taking hold. Common sense would dictate the test would not only be limited to captives. How long until the Death Eaters were tested? The general population? His stomach clenched with anxiety. Draco. How would Draco test? The madness… Lucius was certain the boy was going mad. How would that impact his magic?
His musings were interrupted by a light tap on his door. He looked up, determined to ignore her.
Hermione stared at the door to his study. She knocked a second time. Oh, you awful man! Why won't you answer? She cleared her throat. "Lucius? Please open the door! I know you are in there! Bilby told me!"
She pressed her ear to the door, listening for movement.
Silence.
She felt herself begin to panic. "Lucius, please."
Lucius' eyes shot up to the door at that last plea. She sounded on the verge of tears. Fuck. Swallowing down the rest of his whisky, he waved his wand at the door, causing it to open.
Their eyes met; his from behind his desk, hers from just outside the door. He sighed heavily. "Come in, Hermione, and I'll tell you what I know."
Hermione entered guardedly. She could tell by Lucius' behavior the man was concerned. Question was, was he concerned on her behalf? His own? Or was his trepidation not related to what he had told her?
Lucius stood and moved around his desk, gesturing towards one of the wingback chairs before the hearth. Hermione sat and watched him as he walked to the side bar and poured something from one of the decanters into a port glass. He then approached her, handing her the glass. "It's elven berry wine. It's delicious."
When he sat across from her in the matching wingback chair, she took a swallow and quickly glanced at the glass in surprise. "Wow, that really is good," she mumbled, more to herself than to Lucius.
When she looked back up at him, he decided the best way was to just tell her the facts. "I met with the Dark Lord today and he has determined that all captives will have their magical ability tested utilizing a spell to be cast upon a charmed item." Before she could interrupt him, he spoke louder, heading her off at the pass. "It is a new Charm, we learned of it only today. It was developed by one of his more…creative…Death Eaters. I believe you're familiar with Antonin Dolohov?"
Hermione immediately reached up to her chest as she gave a curt nod. The scar that wizard had cursed her with was almost completely gone now. If it had not been for a special healer Madam Pomfrey had consulted from Russia, it would still be red and irritated. Madam Pomfrey. Was she still alive?
She was pulled back from the errant thought when Lucius continued talking. He went on to tell her everything the despot had said. About the magical test as well as Severus teaching her how to make use of her wandless magic.
She was stunned. "He wants me to strengthen and learn to use my wandless magic?" Lucius didn't answer her, he simply stared. "Why?"
Lucius stood and headed back to the side bar to pour himself another whisky. He made it a small one. After swallowing it down, he turned back to her. "I don't know. I can only…guess."
"Guess, then"
Lucius glanced about the room and, after determining neither his father or any other untrustworthy subjects were present in their portraits, he continued. "I told him I was making headway with you. That my roses were getting through to you better than Draco's thorns."
Hermione cringed. Is that what Lucius was doing? Simply being kind to her to sway her? No. She didn't believe that.
"I also told him that if you were allowed to take your NEWTs you would likely be even more agreeable."
Hermione swallowed heavily. "What did he say?"
"He said I was getting ahead of what he had planned. I can only assume he is not opposed to the idea." After a brief pause, the blond continued, "I don't know why he trusts you with such an ability, Hermione. He wouldn't allow it if he didn't think he could control you. I have a feeling that how you test tonight will likely play into everything."
"Give me the worst-case scenario."
"You test abysmally, and he determines you aren't worth the air you the breath. You'll likely be locked up with Penelope Clearwater in the Hogwarts dungeons where you will stay until the start of term." Hermione winced at his flat tone and Lucius swallowed heavily. He had not meant for that to come out quite so harshly.
His hand moved to his face and his index finger stroked his bottom lip. He held another concern – it was a long shot, but a concern all the same. What if she tested off the charts? What if she tested so high that Voldemort feared he and Draco couldn't control her once she was trained? Where would he send her? Whom would he bond her to? She had asked for the worst-case scenario and Lucius cringed inwardly as it came unbidden to his thoughts. He had to swallow the bile as it crept up his throat. No, surely not! he thought, but the visual of the Dark Lord pistoning between her thighs wouldn't be erased from his mind.
That was a possibility he would not share with her.
"Can I practice?"
"No. It's a one and done test." He could see the panic washing over her. "Hermione, it is exceedingly unlikely you will test poorly. You and I both know you are a strong witch."
"But what if I mess up? What if something goes wrong? What if I fail miserably?"
"Then we'll cross that bridge when it happens."
Hermione stilled. That was a reasonable answer. She needed to get herself under control and not panic.
Lucius stood and held his hand out to her to assist her to her feet as well. "Come. Let's eat in my suite tonight."
Lucius had told Hermione to dress comfortably for dinner and that she could wear whatever would make her feel the most like herself. Ignoring the formal midnight blue dress Tinny had laid out for her earlier, she pulled jeans out of the dresser and dug around for a light sweater. It was July, but the Manor was rather drafty and cool, especially at night. She found a Weird Sisters t-shirt and slipped it on before grabbing a simple, black, cable knit cardigan out of her closet. Shuffling through what must have been fifty pairs of shoes and boots, she found some trainers and put them on.
She looked in the mirror and was happy that see her old self looking back. See? You're still you, despite everything.
She walked with a touch of trepidation towards the secret entrance that separated her suite from the Master. She couldn't help the fear that whatever Voldemort had planned for her was directly tied to how she performed on this damned test. It had to mean something. Why else would they bother with testing her? Was tonight the beginning of a new hell? Adding to her concern was the fact that Draco hadn't made an appearance yet. It would be soon, probably tonight.
As she approached the hidden entrance, it once again opened automatically for her. Lucius stepped inside from his balcony when she arrived. "I'm glad you wore a sweater. It's so beautiful tonight, I thought we could eat on my balcony."
Hermione nodded her ascent and followed him back outside. She was stunned still at the vision before her. It was just getting dark and the sky was a sapphire blue, the table was set for two but formally. There were candles and a white table cloth. An arrangement of freshly bloomed assorted roses from the one of the Malfoy gardens adorned as a centerpiece. It was awfully… romantic. She felt herself stiffen slightly. A flush of confusion washed over her. She knew she should be repulsed, he was her captor – her rapist – not her lover. But he was also…her friend? Her protector? And he had kissed her! In fact, they had shared many kisses over the last handful of days. Oh, what does this mean?
The sound of Lucius clearing his throat pulled her focus from the table setting and her befuddlement to the wizard standing next to her. "The elves, they are setting the table the way Narcissa had instructed them whenever we dined out here. I haven't dined out here since she..."
"Ahh," Hermione replied, understanding completely. "It's lovely." Why do I feel.. disappointed? No. That can't be.
Lucius held her chair out for her. "I enjoy summer evenings. It's nice to be outside when the weather permits. We can cast a warming charm if it becomes too cool."
Hermione offered him a small smile as a way of response, noticing he was once again wearing jeans as well. As he pulled out her chair and she peeked up at him to offer thanks, she noticed his navy pullover sweater caused his normally hard, steel grey eyes to change to a smoldering gunmetal blue. After they were seated, she almost couldn't look away when the moon peeked out from behind a cloud and those same orbs changed to an arctic icy blue. He really was a beautiful man. She swallowed and quickly flicked her gaze to over his shoulder when his eyes danced to hers, clearly sensing her obvious staring.
Tinny and Bilby appeared with their covered plates as well as a decanter of wine and warm bread with butter. When everything was on the table, Lucius softly commanded, "Bilby, you may leave. Tinny, please stay for a moment."
Bilby left with a quick pop of Apparition, leaving Tinny behind. "Yes, Master Lucius, sir?" Tinny bowed reverently but even Hermione could sense the tingle of concern in the elf's voice.
"Tinny, the reason I asked you to stay is because I wish to inform you that you are no longer restricted in regard to conversation with Miss Granger. You are allowed to be her friend if that is what you would like. Furthermore, Draco was very wrong in how he treated you. You are an exceptional house elf, Tinny. You do your job impeccably well and are an asset to the House of Malfoy. If Draco ever, in any way, attempts to physically punish you or harm you, I demand you Apparate away immediately and find me. If you ever feel that Miss Granger is in serious danger from either Draco or any other force or being, come to me straight away. These orders supersede any that you receive from anyone else. Lastly, I wish to apologize for what happened that day at Draco's hand. What he did to you was unconscionable and will not be tolerated." He paused and then added, "Do you have any questions?"
Tinny's eyes were wide and her ears were twitching. "No sirs, Master sir. Tinny is proud and honored to serve. Tinny will watch over good witch and comes get Master if Miss is in dangers of being hurts."
"Thank you, Tinny, that will be all for now."
After Tinny Apparated away with her signature pop, Lucius spread his napkin across his lap as he peeked at Hermione. There it was again. That smile. That smile that left him breathless. How easy it was to make this witch happy. Education, books...allowing conversation with a house elf. So simple. No diamonds, no grand trips or new wardrobes from the finest fashion houses in Paris and Milan. No. Just books and friendship.
Her voice trembled slightly. "Thank you, Lucius."
The lids to their platters disappeared when Bilby popped back in and lit the candles. It was now dark. The skies were clear, the stars were bright, and Hermione felt a moment of peace. When she looked down and saw a plate full of perfectly seared scallops over a bed of asparagus drizzled with a lemon creme sauce, she couldn't hold back. In a flash she was out of her chair, and for the second time that day, threw her arms around the Malfoy patriarch, kissing his cheek and whispering words of thanks.
Hermione looked at the parchment Lucius had handed her with her heart thumping nervously in her chest. The incantation and wand movement were very simple, almost basic. Part of her felt like – What's the catch? The other part of her realized that it needed to be simple if it were going to test the magical potency of everyone: old, young, experienced, inexperienced, masters, scholars, students, etc.
She found the scoring fascinating, if a little hard to fully decipher. She would have preferred a number scale. Numbers were no-nonsense. Instead she reread the color scale.
Magical Potency Scale
Purple – Very Poor Potency (VPP)
Blue – Poor Potency (PP)
Green – Low Potency (LP)
Yellow – Average Potency (AP)
Orange – Above Average Potency (AAP)
Red – High Potency (HP)
White – Fierce Potency (FP)
*Shades on each level range from pastel to jewel tones.
*Witches and wizards who exceed one level, but do not fully fall into the next will have a ring of the jewel tone of the lower level around a pastel of the next level.
*Wand movements – double figure eight.
*Incantation – "Magica Potentia"
Lucius had told her that Voldemort's rating had been the deepest of reds around a greyish center. Making his scoring between HP and FP. She sighed before turning to watch Lucius. He was standing at the balcony with his arms crossed behind his back as he stared at the horizon. The sun was just visible over the Earth, in minutes it would be gone.
"What did you score?" she asked. She knew her voice had been loud enough, even though he didn't react. It was a few seconds before he answered.
"I haven't been tested yet."
"Why not?" She tilted her head with her question, still staring at the parchment while absentmindedly practicing the wand movement with a butter knife.
"We weren't told to." He turned to face her with his simple answer and she found the light smirk on his face very pleasant.
"Aren't you curious?" It didn't matter how apprehensive she was, she was still insanely excited to see where she fell on the scale. Lucius had said that Dolohov had explained to those picking up the crystals that most wizards and witches who had been tested fell into the bright yellow to bright orange categories – or the average potency levels.
"Very curious," he answered seriously. "But, alas. There is only one crystal, and you are to be tested tonight."
"Duplicate it," she suggested and was amused when he froze in surprise at the prompt.
"I don't know if it will work," he stated finally.
"Won't hurt anything to try," she replied with a shrug. Then she paused before asking hesitantly, "Will I be using your wand?" Truthfully, this made her more nervous than anything. She didn't know how she could test to her full potential without a compatible wand. Merlin only knew where her vine wand had disappeared to.
"No." The word was said flatly, and she flinched slightly at the implication she was not good enough to be trusted with his wand. Whether or not he had meant it that way, she did not ask, and she turn her eyes from his cool features to the parchment once again.
"You will be using this wand." She looked up and gasped when he drew her intricately carved wand out of his sleeve and handed it out to her. Her wand…hers. The one that had chosen her at Ollivanders. It took a substantial amount of energy not to burst into tears at the sight of it. As it was, she held out one trembling hand. A deep-seated feeling of disappointment washed over her when he moved it back out of her reach. She looked up to him, eyes full of questions and guarded longing.
"I know we have come to an agreement, Hermione," he said gently. "I want you to know that I trust you – I trust you to honor the verbal promise we made to each other." His own expression was wary, and she realized that Lucius Malfoy found her a worthy adversary and was nervous about returning her wand…weapon…to her.
"I understand what you are saying, Lucius," she answered calmly. "I thank you for your trust, it is not misplaced."
She could see he was at war with himself. Would he trust her? Give her the wand with no commands? Or would he command her to complete the test and hand it back to him instantly? What did she want him to do? Did she mean it when she said she would honor their agreement? Or would she take the wand from him and try to escape?
Even as he hesitantly handed the little wooden stick over to her, Hermione did not have an answer to any of her questions. However, the moment she enclosed her fingers over the handle of her wand, she knew she would not flee. For to flee would be to see him hurt – tortured – maybe even killed. She knew she would never forgive herself if this mercurial and contrary man ended up dead because of her.
The warmth of magic that spread through her fingers and up her arm made her lids flutter shut with elation. For the first time in over two months, she felt whole. When she opened her eyes again, Lucius was staring at her with his own eyes full of understanding. She remembered that he, too, had been without a wand for many months at the end of the war. He must know exactly how she was feeling.
"May I please practice a few spells before I complete this…test?" she requested formally. He nodded, his gaze flicking between her own and the pretty stick of wood in her hand.
Lucius watched her conjure water to wet the few plants that sat on his balcony before she flicked her wrist to transfigure the pots from grey to red. Another swish of her wand and birds exploded from the end of it. They twittered happily around her head before flying off into the now deep indigo sky. Hermione looked utterly elated to be holding her wand again – and he didn't blame her.
Slowly, he watched her walk back to the table where the small, crystal sphere sat looking at normal as any paperweight. "Shall we duplicate it, so you can do this, too?"
Lucius thought for a moment before giving a nod. "Try it," he agreed. A couple small wand movements later and an identical sphere sat next to the original.
"You go first?" she whispered, and he could hear her nervousness laced through the three simple words.
"I will," he agreed. He took the duplicated sphere and moved it to the other end of the table, wanting to make sure the spell would not hit the crystal that they absolutely needed for her. He wasn't a hundred percent sure that all the charms of the Elvin glass would transfer with a duplication spell. He didn't hesitate, he moved his wand quickly in the two figure eight motions and growled the incantation. "Magica Potentia!"
He heard her startled squeak as the sphere collected his power, the white light and blue crackling lightening exploded on the balcony, causing them both to shield their eyes. When it dissipated, they were both left staring at a deep, blood red ball. Pride surged through him fiercely, and he couldn't help the smug grin as their eyes clashed. His glowing with smugness and hers wide with wonder.
"Now you, princess." The endearment slipped out without his permission, and he had to hold back a smirk as it caused a pretty blush to flush her cheeks.
"Right," she answered, giving a determined little nod. This time when the spell was cast, Lucius shut his eyes immediately, not wanting to be blinded by the white light again. When he opened them a few short moments later, he had to hold back a curse of surprise.
Hermione's eyes were wide, as if she didn't believe what the sphere was telling her. After a split second more, Lucius couldn't help the slow grin that crossed his face. He wasn't sure why he had been surprised. He already knew she was more powerful than him – she could do wandless magic while he could not.
He stepped around the table and picked up the Elvin glass, turning it this way and that to admire the deepest red color – darker than his; as dark as Voldemort's – surrounding a marble sized ball of pure white light.
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A World Not Fit To Live In