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A World Not Fit To Live In	By : snowblind12 & Lissa Category: Harry Potter > Threesomes/Moresomes Views: 78134 -:- 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
- 20
- 21
- 22
Chapter Twenty-One
Huge BETA love to Raynephoenix2!
Tuesday, July 8
Hermione knew she should eat.
She knew she should bathe.
She knew she should get out of bed.
But it was hard.
It was hard to do any of those things when you simply didn't care.
Why bother with living when the monster who is going to eat you is merely hovering?
Waiting.
For what, she didn't know.
There were a few things she did know, however. She knew her life was expendable and would be short, she knew her mother was locked in a cell that Hermione wasn't allowed to visit, and she knew the man with her right now - the one wizard who cared about her - could or would do nothing when it came down to it. He had been there. He had laid witness to the abuse of herself and her parents and had done absolutely nothing. He hadn't even tried. It's not that she was surprised. Just because he had feelings for her didn't mean he cared enough to risk his own neck. Or his son's.
She knew it was her heart talking. Her heart wanted her father back and blamed Lucius for his inaction even though her head knew it was not his fault. There was nothing he could have done. And he did take risks for her. She couldn't deny it. Substituting his sphere for hers to protect her was a huge and dangerous gamble. That was just one of the things he had done to protect her since she had come to be a possession of the House of Malfoy. Most recently, he had kept Draco away from her. He had overruled his son's orders and demands on her under the guise of sending him on errands for ME and the Manor that needed to be done after Draco's long absence. Because of this, Draco had not touched her since that awful night.
And now, after protecting her for so long, he was worried about her. He didn't come right out and say it, but his constant pacing about the room accompanied by the concern in his voice gave him away. The voice that offered to take her for a walk, suggested a journey to the library, or even a horseback ride. That had been day one, however, and his suggestions had become much less ambitious with each passing sunrise. Currently, his encouragements were more about eating and bathing and coming out from under the pile of pillows that had become her refuge, her escape.
This morning was the start of the third day since her father had been killed and her mother had been raped. Much to Lucius' frustration, Hermione had not been for a walk or picked up a book and had certainly not laid eyes on a horse. Other than necessary trips to the loo, she had spent the past two days shutting herself away from the world; reprimanding herself.
What had she been thinking?
She had dared to hope.
She had allowed herself to believe.
In Lucius.
In herself.
After all, she had magic! Strong magic. Magic that was possibly as strong as Voldemort himself. But even that had been taken away from her. The collar around her neck felt heavy, but not from weight or mass. It was heavy with its cruelty. It's thievery.
"Hermione. You need to get out of bed."
If I'm quiet, he might go away.
"I know you can hear me. Please. You need to eat. You need to bathe. You need fresh air. "
She flipped to her right side; away from the nagging man's words.
She heard him let out a heavy sigh. His voice was just above a whisper. It sounded exhausted, resigned. "It's…it's been three days, Hermione. I can…I can resist a while longer, but Draco…he…"
Her internal dialogue drowned out the unwelcome words. Fuck. Of course! The bond! It would need to be renewed, soon. Draco would come for her.
"Well, I guess he'll just have to touch a Mudblood who truly is filthy then, won't he?!" Her voice was hoarse from lack of use.
The bed dipped as he sat next to her and the pillows over her head were pulled away one by one. Her hands flew to her eyes, in a last-ditch effort to deny the sunlight. "He'll just do what I have resisted. He will simply command you to bathe. Wouldn't you prefer to do it of your own accord before he has the chance to belittle you for your hygiene?"
She had to concede the point, but what did it really matter? He would belittle her for something, regardless. "I don't care." She rolled back towards him, her brandy eyes glistening. "I can't Lucius. I just… I can't."
His words were firm, but his tone was kind. "Yes, you can, princess. You can do it and you will do it. Because you are Hermione Granger and Hermione Granger does not let Draco win!"
"Win what?" She tossed the last pillow aside angrily as she sat up. "Please tell me! Because I really want to know. What exactly am I supposed to be fighting for?"
"Yourself, Hermione. As long as you live and breathe you have something to fight for. Including your mother."
Hermione's chocolate eyes softened from anger to pain. Heartbreak infused resignation permeated her tremulous voice. "My mother. My mother whom I can't even visit!"
Lucius took another look around the room, confirming there was no sign of Abraxas or Ediva or any of the other family portrait spies for Voldemort. "Tonight, Hermione. You will see her tonight. Draco has plans. He leaves this afternoon with friends for a short holiday. With him gone, I can bring your mother into the main part of the house. You can spend time with her. You can…grieve. Together." He took her hand in his, looking at her neck. "Tonight, we'll remove that collar. Severus has visited twice the past two days. He's coming again tomorrow. Don't you want to practice your wandless magic? Is that not something to get out of bed for?"
"My father is dead because of your son, Lucius. Draco didn't cast the curse, but he was just as responsible as that snake-faced abomination you call master. He found my parents. – whom I Obliviated and hid away in another country to protect! He brought them here to die! How am I supposed to face him today? Face what he is going to do to me? I just… I don't know how much more I can take." She growled when a tear escaped her lower lashes followed by another. She wiped them away roughly. She was tired of crying. She had cried more in the last few weeks than in her entire life combined. Tears did nothing. They accomplished nothing.
"One day at a time, Hermione. One day at a time. Why don't you get up and take a shower? Wash your hair? Clean your teeth? I promise you'll feel better. Then we'll take the next step." He looked at her sternly. "That will help you far more than hiding under a fort of pillows and blankets."
Hermione didn't respond. She knew he was right.
Lucius seemed to sense her contemplative acquiescence. "Hermione, you have to do this,; you have to face the day and you have to face him. Just…" His index finger stroked her top lip to her bottom one, "don't fight him with this." He lifted her hand and curled it into a fist. "Or with this." His liquid grey eyes met hers, "Fight him with this," his hands cradled her head before his right trailed down her face to her chest and over her heart, "and with this."
They stared at each other for a moment. "You can't win with words or with your fists. Your heart and your will are strong. Your mind is brilliant. Use them. Let them be your weapons. Your common sense and the love you have for your mother. Don't provoke him. Just get through today. I'll be close by. Tinny will be watching and will retrieve me if anything gets out of hand." His hand draped over one of hers. "Can you do that? Can you just get through today and then tonight you will see your mother? You can have dinner with her? Share a suite with her, if you like?"
Hermione wanted to see her mum more than anything. "Yes, Lucius, for her. For her I can endure anything."
He smiled at her warmly. "That's my girl"
Hermione was nibbling on her croissant when Draco came for her. She had done as Lucius asked. She had bathed and had allowed Tinny to fix her hair and dress her in a simple but pretty, pale-green gown. She couldn't say she felt any better, however. Her heart was still broken, and her father was still dead. But at least her cleanliness would not be a bone of contention for Draco.
She cringed at the sound of his voice. "Ahh, Father. I see you are feeding the Mudblood in your suite this morning?"
Lucius was a master at appearing bored. "I'm afraid I wore her out a bit, son." He gave Draco a conspiratorial grin. "I was contemplating another round with her before you steal her away for the day."
"No, Father. Not for the day, just a little fun this morning. Did you forget I'm going to Spain with Theo and Blaise for a couple of days? We leave in a few hours."
A look of sudden remembrance on Lucius' face matched his words. "That's right. It had slipped my mind. Will you be taking the girls along on this trip?"
"No, they have their own thing going on. Shopping or something or other."
Lucius picked up his paper. "Well, enjoy yourself."
"Oh, I intend to." Draco's gaze shot to Hermione. "Come along, Mudblood."
Hermione stood obediently, without saying anything. Lucius appeared to be absorbed in his paper and said nothing as Draco led her out of the Master suite. She kept her eyes downcast as she followed the blond devil incarnate through the labyrinth of hallways, down a set of windy stairs she had never seen before, and out a side entrance into the cool morning air. He cut her a glance. "I'm sure you are wondering where I'm taking you this morning."
Hermione didn't answer. She wasn't wondering. She really didn't care.
"Oh, I see. You're giving me the silent treatment." He chuckled. "That's okay. It won't last. It never does." His eyes scanned her neck. "How's your new necklace working out?"
He didn't order her to answer, so she didn't. Her silence caused his malicious grin to grow wider.
It became obvious where they were going as they passed one of the gardens. Morning mist sporadically dotted the pastures where the white Arabian horses were frolicking and grazing, leaving the barn quiet and empty. He directed her inside and into a large room full of saddles, horse tackle, and grooming supplies. She closed her eyes and breathed deep. The smell of hay and leather was soothing somehow.
She paused her movement when she reached the middle of the room and realized he was no longer following. "Turn around and undress," he commanded lightly as he leaned against the door frame. She could feel his eyes on her skin as she kept her focus submissively on the ground before her.
As she was unzipping her gown, Jupiter came bounding over to Draco with the same excitement he had greeted Lucius. When the massive dog was close, he sat at Draco's feet expectantly with a furiously wagging taile. His bright eyes were focused unwaveringly, clearly waiting for a signal from Draco or hoping for some attention. Draco was ignoring the dog completely, however.
Jupiter clearly couldn't take it anymore and he pawed Draco's grey trousers, leaving a trail of mud and white fur on the fine fabric. Draco's response was instant.; Hhe backhanded the poor creature across the head, causing the animal to topple over and let out a yelp. "What the fuck is wrong with you, dog? Get away from me!" Jupiter scurried away quickly, his ears back and his tail between his legs. Hermione simply couldn't bring herself to care about the dog's plight. Serves him right for wanting anything to do with the sadistic blond.
Draco's focus was back on Hermione, and, even though she wasn't looking at him directly, she could feel the malevolence radiating off him. She could tell by the sound of his voice he thought himself very clever. "Even though you didn't ask, I'm going to tell you. The reason I brought you to the barn is because when I discovered you here with Father, it occurred to me that the stables are actually quite fitting for you. You know, hanging with the animals - animals who are ridden and harnessed and controlled.? That's what you are as well, right? An animal to be ridden? Maybe even saddled up? Harnessed to pull a cart?"
He paused for effect. "We could move you out here. Maybe even get you your own stall?" He grinned nefariously. "Or you could share."
His words had no impact. She slipped off her bra and watched his feet as he stalked towards her. "Do you like that idea?" His right hand reached forward and gingerly stroked her left nipple, causing it to harden and peak in the cool morning air. "I think you do. Look how your tits perked up at the suggestion." Both of his warm hands were now on her breasts, fondling and plucking her nipples.
Hermione was freezing. She could feel the goosebumps forming all over her body but simply kept her eyes on the ground. She ignored his touch and his words. It was just white noise in her mind. Nothing she needed to focus on. She knew her body would comply to any command without her conscious acknowledgment of it. She had learned that about the bond. Her body would simply obey. She shut him out of her mind.
As she felt his hands on her, her mind drifted to memories of her father. Memories of him taking her to school as a little girl. She loved to learn but she hated school. She hated not having friends. She was the little know -it -all who no one wanted to spend time with. She loathed crossing the playground and seeing the other girls in their little cliques and groups. All of them ignoring her as she made her way into the building. Her father did his best to distract her. Every day he would tell her a joke as she exited the car so that she would enter the school grounds with a smile instead of a frown. Each day when he picked her up, he did his best to boost her confidence. He explained that one day she would be accomplished and successful and those same school mates who shunned her would seek her company and her genius. He also told her she would eventually find friends and when she did, they would be life-long.
He had been right about that. Harry and Ron had been worth the wait.
But he had been wrong about the rest of it, though. She was still an outsider. Only now she was likely going to die because of it. Just as he had.
Hermione was so absorbed in her thoughts she was not aware of her body being bent over and taken from behind. She did not feel her hair being pulled, or, if she did, she didn't care. She could vaguely hear the hateful words du jour spilling from the ferret's mouth; words like pathetic, ugly, and worthless. The insults buzzed in the periphery of her consciousness but held no interest to her.
She was, however, jolted out her mind's wanderings when she heard him rant, "What the fuck is wrong with you today? It's like you're not even here!"
She didn't answer. She just kept her eyes on the floor and her body bent over the bench as he had positioned her. But he was no longer inside of her and, judging by the drippings down her inner thighs, she realized he must have finished.
He moved close as he fastened his trousers. "You don't get to be absent from this, Mudblood! I know you are in there. Where are your tears? Where is that temper?"
However, Hermione couldn't be bothered. Not even when he charmed a horse's leather halter to fit and placed it over her head and then slipped an accompanying bit into her mouth. She could hear his guffaws and see he was doubled over with mirth at the sight of her, however she simply didn't care.
Her thoughts werent back to her Dad. When she was little, he had insisted to be the one to take her to and from school every day. He claimed that Hermione and Jane already had a lot of one -on -one time together and he wanted to have his own traditions with her. He arranged for his office staff to adjust his schedule, giving him the hour he needed for his daily jaunt. Looking back on it, Hermione loved her father even more. He had put up with her tears, her impatience, and her misery as he masterfully coaxed her through her frustrations and emotions until she felt okay again. He had done this every day for years and she had never realized at the time how lucky she was to have such an attentive and loving father.
Hermione barely felt the first slap of the riding crop on her bum. She had finally managed to achieve what she had wished for all along. She was mentally removing herself from what was happening to her. Only, she was so absorbed in the thoughts of her father, she didn't even realize she was doing it.
Snape would later explain to her how rare her gift really was. She was not only able to Occlude her thoughts from others, but she had the very rare ability to Occlude her emotions, as well as some physical pain, from herself as well. It was like closing the blinds to what was going on around her. Very few could accomplish it and even Snape would admit to struggling with the skill and only being able to do it in small doses. In her case, Snape would tell her he felt it was because she had been obsessing, or heavily focuseding on, her memories, that her mind shut Draco out. It was like a daydream on steroids. The death of her beloved Dad proved to be quite an adequate catalyst for the manifestation.
Snape told her that, with time and practice, she would learn to have more control of the skill and would be able to force her mind to wander as needed. When she became really proficient, she would even be able to be aware of every touch and every word around her and still feel removed from it. She would doubt him at first. How could she do any of that? She was collared! However, she would be relieved to learn that while her collar prevented any kinetic force or manifestation to her environment or those around her, the collarit could not prevent what was going on in her head. While magic could not leave her body, her mind magic was unimpeded.
Of course, she knew none of that now. At the moment, she was simply lost in her memories, recalling the first time her parents had taken her to the Tower of London.
She was pulled back to the present by the sound of a new voice.
"I think you've broken your toy, Draco. You're beating her senseless and she doesn't even care. Honestly, I don't think she even knows you are doing it." Expensive Italian leather shoes were suddenly in her line of site. A hand waved in front of her nose before long, graceful fingers tilted her chin up. Brown eyes scrutinized her own. Blaise Zabini.
Blaise dropped his hand from her face dismissively. "This is boring, Drake. She's finally cracked. Fuck her if you haven't already and let's get out of here."
Draco tossed the riding crop to the ground and stomped towards her, bending. He bent over and whisperinged in her ear., "I'm letting you off the hook this time because I have to go, but you won't get away with this again! Mark my words."
Get away with what? What was he talking about? Then, she felt it. Her bum was on fire and the room was freezing. She began to shiver but didn't dare move. It was coming to her now. She could vaguely remember what he had done to her; Forcing her to bend over the bench and fingering her roughly before spitting on his hand, coating his cock and then ramming into her dry channel. The horse bit left the sides of her mouth raw, and the taste of metal on her tongue made her want to gag.
"Theo, are you coming?" Hermione heard Draco ask.
"Uh, yeah. I brought those rabbit treats you said Jupiter loves. You want to give them to him?"
"Fuck that. That beast is a menace. I'd AK the stupid dog if it wasn't Father's. Come on, let's go."
"I'll be there in a minute. I happen to like Jupiter and want to give these to him."
"Whatever. Don't touch my Mudblood, Theo." The sound of retreating footsteps told Hermione that Draco and Blaise were heading back to the manor.
"As if I would want to, Drake,"!" Theo yelled to their backs.
Hermione's focus was now completely on her surroundings. She was very aware she was naked and bent over a bench with a horse halter on her head and a bit in her mouth. She swallowed awkwardly. She wanted to right herself but didn't know if she could, much less if she should. She didn't know Theo Nott, but she had no way to protect herself if he decided to touch her. Her back was killing her, her bum was on fire, and her legs were stiff. Just as she started to right herself, a blanket was draped over her back and around her shoulders.
His voice was soft,. "Here. Let me help you." Hermione froze as Theo's softgentle fingers focused on the clasps of the halter as he gently undid them. He slid the leather straps off her head and pulled the bit delicately from her tender mouth. "That had to feel awful," he whispered before casting a warming charm over her. He stepped back and watched her with a resigned and somewhat frustrated look on his face. "It's wrong. It's wrong what is happening to the Muggleborns and supposed blood traitors. It makes me sick."
Hermione was now standingstood up straight and pulled the blanket around to cover herself completely. Sensing a trick or a trap, she didn't say anything. She just watched as Theo fished in his pocket and pulled out a couple of wrapped sweets. He held them out to her. "Here. To help get the taste out of your mouth."
She didn't take them. She just stared at him.
"Ah. They aren't poisoned if that's what you are thinking. Pick one. Pick one and I'll eat it."
Hermione looked at his hand and pointed at the yellow one. He smiled. "I was hoping you'd choose that one. Lemon cream truffle. So good." He unwrapped it and popped it into his mouth. "Here, this one is mint cream and chocolate. I already ate about four of those today."
Hermione hesitantly took the treat from him and unwrapped it before tentatively putting it in her mouth. It tasted divine. She hadn't had candy in a very long time.
He smiled at her. "Good, huh?"
She nodded but still didn't say anything. Hermione had never paid Theo much notice at Hogwarts. He was always around Draco and his cronies but never really said much. He was thin and tall, at least six feet. He had, with wavy, dark-brown hair that was cut above his ears and his deep blue eyes that were framed with long lashes. He ran his hands through his hair as he looked around. "Where is Jupiter, anyway? He and Draco are usually inseparable."
Hermione wanted to put her dress on, but she wasn't about to drop the blanket in order to do so. Instead she watched as Theo started to look in the stalls. His voice was nurturing and soothing when he found him. "There you are. Hey buddy. Why are you hiding in here?"
She could hear the paper being torn off the dog treats and quickly bent to pick up her dress. She stepped into a stall and shut the gate to dress with some privacy. When she came back out it was to find Theo looking uncomfortable and Jupiter looking up at him adoringly. Theo was stroking the dog's head affectionately.
"Draco hit him. That's why he was hiding," Hermione explained, her voice barely above a whisper.
Theo's brow crinkled. "I don't understand Drake these days. He's completely changed. The only thing he loved more than Quidditch was this dog. Now he couldn't care less about either." He looked towards the manor and back at her. "I need to go, but I thought you might like to know that Lavender is alive. She was in a bad way. Greyback's bite didn't kill her, but it almost did." He shuffled his feet and tucked the candy wrappers into his pocket. "She was gifted to meDad and Dadme, but he's the only one who is bonded to her. I never…I don't … well, Dad…he loves her." His eyes darted up to hers as though looking for a reaction. "I told her you were here, and she's been asking about you constantly. She said to tell you that she's thinking about you and praying for you." He shrugged. "She's a really sweet girl, actually."
Hermione's hand flew to her mouth as a sob escaped her lips. She had seen Lavender get attacked! How had the girl survived? How was that even possible? This time it was tears of happiness that filled her eyes. She and Lavender had never been the best of friends, but they had shared a dorm for six years and Hermione cared about the girl. Judging by her gut reaction, right now she downright loved her old room-mate.
Hermione swallowed and then replied in a slightly choked voice. "Please, tell her I'm praying for her as well and that I'm so happy to hear she is okalright. Does she know Ginny is alive?"
Theo nodded. "Yeah, she knows." He looked towards the house again. "I really do need to go., but I want you to know that I'm not the only one. There are others who feel the way that I do. There are others who are merely going through the motions to stay alive and in favor. The problem is, no one knows who they can trust." He let out a breath. His blue eyes were determined with their sincerity. "I'm sorry about your dad, Granger. I wasn't there but I heard about it. I just want you to know you aren't alone. There are others. Others who are thinking of making a stand."
She absently watched as he stroked the dog's head one last time before offering her a small wave and starting towards the manor. She was too stunned to say or do anything as he left. Her mind was whirling with what he had just said.
Her hands cupped her mouth as she felt hope swell in her chest once again. Lavender was alive! Others were thinking of making a stand.! Unable to help it, her brain immediately fired into planning mode. What could she do? Professor Snape! She would have to find a way to let him know that Theo was one of the good guys and that there were others. Did he know? Was he already planning something?
She sat on the bench, trying to remain calm. She held her hand out to Jupiter who padded over and licked her fingers. "Jupiter, I can't let myself give up. There is hope. I have to be strong and I have to do what I can - for myself, for my mom, for Ginny, for Lavender and for who knows who else."
Hermione could swear the dog understood her when he let out a small bark of encouragement and then licked her cheek.
Hermione shouldn't have been surprised when she called for Tinny and the elf simply stepped out from one of the stalls further down stallsthe row. Lucius had told her Tinny would be watching to make sure Draco didn't get carried away again.
The elf Apparated her back to the Mistress Suite and quickly began assembling and organizing clothes and toiletries. "Good witch needs shower and clean dress. She's must looks pretty and healthy for…"
Hermione rolled her eyes. "Yes, yes. I must look pretty for the Master."
Hermione actually felt a pang of fear when the little elf shot her a reproving glare. "Nots for the Master. No! For the Muggle mother. The kind Muggle who worries and asks Tinny abouts the good witch, asks if she's is eating and if she's be hurting."
Hermione's eyes softened affectionately at her little friend. "Oh, Tinny! Tell me…Is my mother okay? Is she warm? dDoes she have enough to eat?"
Tinny drew herself up proudly. "Tinnys be taking good cares of the good witch's Muggle mother. She's have warm clothes and soft bed and good foods to eat. Tinny tells her she must eat and bes strong for the good witch."
Hermione smiled at her elf friend. "Thank you. Thank you for taking care of her and for taking care of me. I know I don't always make it easy."
Tinny looked up at her briefly before setting back to her task of laying out Hermione's bath things. "Good witch be Mistress of Malfoy Manor one day. She not only good witch but loved witch by Master. Bilby tells Tinny things. We's knows."
"What? Lucius? Love me?" Hermione said through a laugh. "No, he likes me. He cares about me …but it's not love, Tinny. He is merely…" –"
The knock on her door was followed by Lucius' swift entry. He walked over to her quickly and scanned his eyes up and down her form. "Are you hurt? Did he harm you?"
Hermione could swear Tinny smirked.
It was the perfect spot; under a huge willow tree, not far from one of the gardens. The sweet smell of roses permeated the summer night air when a slight breeze blew. The branches overhead rustled, and Hermione looked up. Stars and a bright moon peeked through the leaves and stems. It was a beautiful night for a solemn occasion.
Jane Granger stood to Hermione's leftside, a handkerchief in her left hand and Hermione's hand in her right. Her tearful eyes were focused on the fresh soil before them. The soil that covered David Granger. Firefly lanterns were scattered around them, offering soft illumination. Lucius had suggested they wait until tomorrow to go to the burial, but when he had told them that David's body was being respectfully tended to, the women wanted to see. They just couldn't wait another minute.
Hermione's eyes were on the wizard standing to her right. The sweet and kind wizard who arranged this. Arranged a proper burial for a Muggle man he didn't even know. On Malfoy grounds, to boot.
Lucius sensed her staring and gave her an apologetic smile.
Hermione shook her head internally. As though any of this were his fault. No. It wasn't his fault and her heart realized it as much as her head. It had just taken a little while.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Lucius cleared his throat. "It's…nothing."
Hermione's red and tear swollen eyes moved back to the grave before her. Another round of tears avalanched her pink, puffy cheeks when a wail escaped her mother's lips. Hermione felt the release of her mother's hand when Jane Granger fell to her knees, sobbing.
Hermione collapsed to her mother's side and rubbed her back as her own tears continued to fall. She didn't even realize she was cold until she felt the warming charm Lucius cast over them. Within a moment or two, when her mother's cries subsided, and her self-control returned, Hermione assisted her to stand.
Lucius' voice was soft. "I am sorry I do not have a…priest? Is that what you call them? To preside over and conduct a proper service."
"We don't need a priest. This is…"
Lucius was suddenly looking back over his shoulder. "The wards. We have company."
Hermione grabbed her mother's hand as a swell of panic began to overcome her.
Lucius recognized Hermione's fear and quickly clarified. "No, it's okalright. It's Severus. He and Ginny wanted to come."
Hermione watched towards the manor as the two distant figures slowly grew clearer and closer. Ginny was rushed to her side as soon as their eyes met.
Lucius stepped away to give the three women privacy and entered into a whispered conversation with Severus.
"This was… kind.", Severus said.
Lucius had notified Severus via owl that he was providing a burial and suggested Severus bring Ginny. His note implied that the burial and Ginny's invite were to further ingratiate himself to Hermione and therefore gain more trust of his captive to whatever end the Dark Lord desired. But the note was only worded in such a way in case it was read by another. Lucius knew that Severus understood his true regard for Hermione. It was tremendous relief that he and his friend had finally admitted to the feelings they held for their charges.
Lucius watched as Jane hugged Ginny after Hermione reacquainted the two women. He shrugged lightly at his friend's words and responded, "It was the very least I could do."
Lucius stared at the ceiling. His bed felt empty. He was allowing Hermione to share the Mistress Suite with her mother while Draco was away. Jane would be relinquished back to her cell upon Draco's return, but for now the two could reunite and mourn.
Only now that he was in his bed and he was alone, he found he didn't like this arrangement.
He missed her smell.
He missed the way she migrated towards him until she was snuggled into his side.
He missed her hair and its vicious attack, leaving him finding strands in the oddest of places.
He missed her soft snore which she refused to acknowledge.
Most of all, he missed her warm eyes peeking secret glances at him as he read before sleep each night. He didn't know what she was looking for, but her irises were becoming a cognac for his soul. Aand tonight, he missed his drink.
He heard a small whimper to his right and peeked over the side of the bed to find Jupiter looking up at him, an entirely different set of brown eyes. Much brighter and jubilant than to what he was accustomed. "Go to sleep, Jupiter. Why don't you lay by the fire?"
The dog let out a resigned sigh and collapsed on the rug next to Lucius' side of the bed, preferring to be close to his master than across the room in front of the mantle.
Lucius couldn't help but smile. Narcissa wouldn't have heard of letting Jupiter into the house. In fact, Lucius would sneak the dog in despite her protestations when it was particularly cold outside, but in the interest of peace, that was all. Tonight, however, as they were walking back from the burial, Jupiter had greeted them and accompanied their stroll back to the manor. When he had shut the door behind them, leaving Jupiter outside, his brilliant little Muggleborn had turned to him and asked why. Why did he not allow Jupiter inside? Lucius had simply stared at her, his mouth gaping in astonished realization, before promptly opening the door and whistling. The dog was ecstatic. If Lucius had had a tail it would have been wagging as much as Jupiter's. Fortunately, he was able to contain his own excitement to an appropriate level until he and his best friend were in the privacy of the Master suite.
Lucius let out a sigh as he peeked over the side of the bed one more time to find pleading eyes on his. "Fine, come on - but just tonight."
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A World Not Fit To Live In