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The Senior Project	By : Lizski Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Lucius/Hermione Views: 37492 -:- 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.

Chapter List
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Chapter 23
The silence that fell over the room was punctuated only by two sounds: a startled choking sound that came from Severus, and a poorly disguised cough that was attempted to cover a chuckle. The only possible suspect was Albus Dumbledore.
Lucius bit back a wry smile. Hermione had, well, she had balls. He couldn�t think of another way to describe it, delicate or not. If she had been a man � Hades, even as a woman, he couldn�t think of any other person � male or female � that he�d rather have his back in fight. Between how she took on Severus earlier, and how she took on Molly Weasley � not to mention the way she had met him head-on in the past � he was impressed. Hermione was a witch to be reckoned with. And he was damn lucky that she had chosen to stay with him. Damn lucky.
As quickly as the silence had descended upon the room, the noise of the commotion filled the space. Not surprisingly, Molly Weasley�s voice cut through the pandemonium. �Lucius? You? And Lucius? Pregnant? How did this happen?� She glared at Dumbledore, her bright red face indignant.
Ignoring the object of her questioning, Hermione replied in low tones. �It happened in the usual fashion. I�m certain that you are aware of the process.�
�Unless you are not. Which would explain a great deal.� Lucius� sotto voce comment brought Hermione to giggles.
�I believe,� Severus� sanctimonious voice calmed the uproar, �that it might be useful to explain the circumstances under which this event occurred.�
�Unless the happy couple wants to give us graphic details,� Tonks grinned at Hermione, a flash of understanding in her eye, �I think a more useful discussion would focus on how this changes things.�

�I think we�ve got much more basic issues to address,� Arthur Weasley replied, turning to Lucius. �How did you trick young Hermione, and, ah, put her in this condition? How can we possibly trust you, knowing that you have seduced � and impregnated � the Head Girl of Hogwarts?!�
Lucius was about to respond when Hermione jumped into the fray again. Draco caught his father�s eye and smiled; the witch was a being unto her own. �Lucius did not seduce me.� The murmuring fell off to silence. �I seduced him.� There was another muffled cough from Severus, and Hermione quickly debated whether to tell the full story of attempting to seduce her Potions master, and then finding Lucius instead. At some point that story was going to have to be told, but it might be easier to just give the bare minimum of information first.
She looked around the room, aware of Lucius� increased pressure on her hand, a clear sign of support. �I seduced Lucius,� she repeated. �In my search for a worthy man, I only found one. And he is it. I have chosen him to be the father of my children, and I didn�t see the point in waiting until graduation before starting. I can take my NEWTs in plenty of time to prepare for the birth of my first child.� Her glare silenced the people present before they could speak. The headmaster didn�t bother to hide his smile. �Now that we have discussed my lovelife and my current physical condition � the baby is developing normally, thanks for asking, let�s get on to more pressing business. I believe you have questions about Lucius� sincerity concerning Voldemort. Perhaps this new information gives you a little more understanding of his underlying motivations. I want my children to have their father present when they graduate from Hogwarts.�
Lucius looked around the room, his arms resting heavily on the table. �I told you that I was concerned about my family. All of my family. I will not see my wife � and I already consider her to be so, although we have not gone through the formal ceremony yet � turned over to Lord Voldemort. I will not see Draco turned over to Voldemort. I want my family name to survive for generations for to come. If you question my motivation, look no further than the two individuals next to me.� Hermione smiled at the father of her child. As if anyone could question their compatibility.
�Headmaster,� Severus began cautiously, already aware of the changing emotions in the room, �I am not sure that we can overlook that improprieties that occurred.� Severus smirked.
�Severus. We are talking about a child. A wizarding child. A blessing. And Hermione is legally of age. As is Lucius, I believe. And I think both Lucius and Hermione are correct � we must focus on how to defeat Lord Voldemort.� Albus shot his potions master a hard look.
Lucius sneered indiscreetly at Severus. One point to the Malfoys; Snape: 0, Malfoys: 1.
The Potions master took another tact. �I have reason to believe that Lucius is not being as forthright as he could be. He is notoriously known to be Lord Voldemort�s second-in-command. Why would he ever give up that position of power? Because his Dark Lord won�t accept his wife? Doubtful. As you have so sagely pointed out, a wizarding child is a wonderful thing. Voldemort could only see the continuation of the Malfoy line as a good thing.�
�No,� the dark-haired wizard continued, �I think that we need to explore Lucius� motivations a little more before we accept his word. Perhaps, as indelicate as it might be, we need to start with how Lucius and Miss Granger, ah, came together.� Severus smirked at Lucius. Snape:1, Malfoys:1, but losing ground quickly.
�Lucius was at Hogwarts, disguised as me, on a mission to determine my loyalty to Lord Voldemort,� he continued. �In the guise of me, he seduced Miss Granger. Multiple times, I believe.�
�Perhaps, Professor,� Hermione infused the word with as much venom as she could muster, �If you want to tell the whole story, we should mention that I thought that he was you. And that I thought that the great Potions master of Hogwarts had finally succumed to my feminine wiles.�
Severus turned a pale shade of green but held his ground. �I would never take liberties with a student. Whereas clearly members of the Board of Governors do not have such scruples.�
�Your memory is clearly spotty then, Professor,� the young witch stated clearly, reflecting on a particular foot massage, as well as he repeated offers. �And if it�s a question of scruples, Professor, let me reiterate the fact that I seduced Lucius. Not the other way around. And he was actually quite considerate.� Snape: 1, Malfoys: 2, and improving. Her final words brought a strangled cough from Molly Weasley, while Arthur�s face turned an even deeper shade of crimson. Tonks, however, appeared to be enjoying herself, and even Minerva had a crooked half-smile on her lips.
Remus Lupin cleared his throat. �Perhaps we should get back on track here. As much as this is all interesting information, it doesn�t get us to any solutions. We need some proof that Lucius is sincere.�
Lucius started to open his mouth, but Hermione was faster. �You want proof? In truth, when I first approached Lucius about the pregnancy, I didn�t believe his promises of protection, and I certainly didn�t believe it when he told me that he wanted to marry me. Me being Muggle-born, and all. I needed some sort of proof that he was serious. And I got it. Remember the Death Eater raid in Tarporley? Lucius gave me information about that raid before it happened � and I passed it on to Professor Dumbledore. The Hollingsfords, and the, ah, Fieldings, I think. The families were alerted, and they got out safely."
The murmurings of the Order became louder. �Ah yes,� Albus nodded. �Dedalus, you were involved in that, weren�t you. And you, too, Arthur. Didn�t you help find them temporary lodging?�
�You? You?� Severus sputtered. �You were responsible for that? That night running around in the mud?� His face was a mix of emotions, and Hermione found herself questioning Severus� own allegiances, not for the first time.
Lucius sneered. �When I choose my loyalties, I choose them and stick with them. I knew that I had to prove my loyalty to Hermione in an unequivocal way, and I did so.�
Arthur ignored the play between the two men with Dark Marks on their arms. �Lucius responsible for providing that information? I can see why Voldemort would question his loyalty if he knew of that. That information gave us an opportunity to save two families.� The red haired patriach looked directly at his old nemesis. �Thank you for that.�
The blonde nodded in acceptance.
Draco, who had remained silent through the proceedings, stepped in. �Look. I know my father has not been the most likeable guy,� there was a great deal of muffled snorting and snickering, �and up until a few months ago, his goals were clear � help Voldemort rule the world. But he�s changed. You don�t know my father like I do. For all of my life, his eyes have been hard, and dead. Getting a reaction out of him was almost impossible. As a kid, it was terrible having a father who was much more interested in his political ambitions than in his own family. But I�ve seen him lately. And I�ve talked with him a lot. This is not the same man in whose house I have lived my entire life. I attribute it all to Hermione. My father is deadly serious about protecting her. And their child. My half-brother or sister. And,� the young blonde paused shyly, �he�s positively smitten by her.�
�Why are you supporting the man who has stolen your betrothed? The man who has made your entire life miserable?� Severus� voice was cutting, and Hermione again wondered about him. She understood why he wanted to see Lucius discredited. That had been clear earlier in the day. But why did he appear so unwilling to help the Order? And was he so unaware of how he was playing into Lucius� hands?
Draco glanced briefly at his godfather, but addressed the Order as a group. �I am supporting my father. And I am supporting Hermione. Had it not been for both of them, I would have never had the opportunity to get to know Hermione as well as I have, and I would have never been able to get to know my father. Hermione agreed to the mock betrothal because it helped both of us � it helped her with her pregnancy and the school, and it helped me. I knew Hermione didn�t love me � not in the way she loves my father. And I didn�t really think that we would get married. But I knew she needed a friend, and I knew she couldn�t come out about my father � not at the time.�
The young blonde looked at his father and his best friend, their hands clasped tightly. �I trust my father implicitly. If you won�t help him, then Hermione and I will help him defeat Voldemort by ourselves. I know my father, and I do not question his motives. I know you all have had reasons to dislike him, distrust him, and hate him.�
He looked at the Weasleys with a sympathetic glance. �But this is not the arrogant, spiteful, vicious bastard that you�ve known. I know it�s a bit of a clich�, but the love of a good woman has saved him. She�s a modern-day Gretchen, and he�s a modern Faust. She pulled him out from the dark pit he was descending into. She saved him. She changed him. So, uncle,� he turned back to Severus, �I consider myself the luckiest man in the world; I finally have a father. And a great friend. Not to mention a brother � or sister � on the way. I don�t want to see all that end in two days.�
Hermione turned to Draco and released her hand from Lucius� to give him a hug. �Thanks, Drac. Thank you, so much.�
Minerva studied the Malfoy clan, blinking back tears. It wasn�t what she had ever expected. And yet it seemed so perfect. Hogwarts had done its job; Draco had turned into a human being, Hermione was managing to save the world while keeping up her studies, and even the Slytherins were not all bad. Well, at least some of them weren�t. Severus� reluctance to support Lucius was not unexpected, but it was still a little unnerving. Lucius seemed to be willing to come clean. Severus, on the other hand, seemed more reluctant. She would have to talk to Albus about him later, privately.
�Hermione, I must say. This is not what I would have ever anticipated.� She smiled wryly. �But you have done me proud. In true Gryffindor fashion, you have adapted situations � and people � to create the desired outcome. And Draco. You�ve become more than I ever expected. You have become a man that is a credit to our school.� The assistant headmaster allowed herself a small smile. �As have you, Lucius. Finally.� Hermione couldn�t help but wonder if that was an actual hint of a blush on her future husband�s face. �You have my support. We must defeat Lord Voldemort. And I find no reason to doubt your motives, Lucius.�
The senior Malfoy nodded. �Thank you, Professor McGonagall. I appreciate your support. And your support of my wife. I know that your concern for your Head Girl is paramount, and let me assure you that I will do everything in my power to ensure that no harm befalls her.� His voice lowered a tone. �I could not bear it if anything happened to her.� He reached for Hermione�s hand again.
The blonde wizard looked across the table at the red haired couple. If the circumstances called for making nice with as many people in the room as possible, so be it. There were certainly worse fates than apologizing. �Arthur. Molly. I know that I have harmed your family directly. And for that, I am eternally sorry. You have taken care of Hermione for years, and for that I am grateful. I can�t expect forgiveness for what I have done � our histories have been too long, and too intertwined for a simple �I�m sorry�.� He paused, fully aware of Molly�s baleful stare.
�Give me the chance to redeem myself. Help me destroy Voldemort. Let me provide for Hermione. Then maybe you can accept my apologies.� It was much less of a strain to speak to the Weasleys this way than he had imagined. And he was rapidly realizing that he�d do whatever was necessary to protect his wife and children.
Molly said nothing, although she was nodding, almost to herself. �You were the one who gave the information about the Hollingsfords?� Arthur spoke as if he had missed the last few minutes of conversation. �You helped us with that? That was a good thing. They�ve been very helpful.� He looked as though he was afraid of saying too much, and then decided to anyway. �They�ve been a key link with some of the shadier parts of the wizarding world � old family contacts and all. Thank you, Lucius. I can�t speak for my wife-� there was a faint coughing from a few members of the Order, �But I�m with Minerva. We need to defeat Voldemort. If you are willing to help us, I�m all for it. Especially if Hermione will vouch for you.�
The dark-haired witch smiled. �Of course, Mr.Weasley. I promise that he�ll be on his best behavior. And I�ll hex him into last Tuesday if he isn�t.� She smiled at her lover as she patted his arm. His humble smirk suggested that he would willingly obey his soon-to-be wife. Knowing Hermione, she�d definitely enforce her threats, too.
�Other comments that might be helpful in this discussion?� The headmaster looked around the room, questioning each member of the Order in turn. �If not, then I suggest we determine our course of action. The time is growing late. Any one opposed, please speak now.�
�Albus. Lucius has presented a great front. But I, for one, am not convinced.�
�And you, Severus, appear to be the only one. If you wish to remove yourself from any futher actions of this group, feel free to do so. Without repercussions.� The headmaster stared evenly at his sullen Potions master.
�If you want me to leave, very well then. I�ll leave. But don�t come running to me when you discover that this blonde bastard has hoodwinked you. Of course, it may not even matter to you people. You don�t seem to give a damn that the man snuck into the school, was spying on me, and impregnated a student in the process. All he has to do, it seems, is show up limping, whine about a little Cruciatus, profess his undying love of his girlfriend, and son, apologize for acts that he feels no guilt for, and you lot are all falling over yourselves to welcome him in to the fold.� Severus� glare was focused on Hermione and Lucius, so conveniently cuddled up to one another, but his vitriol was directed at the entire room.
�Mark my words. This slimly son-of-a-bitch is going to turn on you. And you will be enslaved, as he sits at the right hand of the Dark Lord. But go on. Continue this lovefest. And you, Miss Granger. You should have taken advantage of the opportunity when you had your chance. I withdraw my offer.� Not waiting for a response, the dark-haired man stormed out of the room, leaving a stunned silence in his wake.
The headmaster was the first to speak. �I�ll, ah, I�ll speak with him.�
Lucius felt increasingly weary. Of course Severus was going to respond this way. That was no great surprise. It just seemed like a horrible waste of time to fight with him, when there were other matters at hand. Unless. The thought struck him hard. Unless Severus decided to go to the Dark Lord with all of this information. Gods. He was going to have to talk to Albus. He sighed heavily. �As many of you know, Severus and I have been at odds for many years. I believe that his outburst has much more to do with me, than with his desire to see Lord Voldemort removed.� I hope, he added silently. �Rest assured that my resolve is solid; I am absolutely committed to ending the reign of the Dark Lord.�
Albus nodded thoughtfully. �I think that we should reconvene tomorrow.� With that, the stunned group began the stand up and pilfer a few more comestibles off the trays before leaving the room.
Much to Hermione�s surprise, Arthur approached her and Lucius. The shorter wizard extended his hand. �Lucius. Thank you for your help. With you on our side, we can�t lose. And Hermione � my congratulations to both of you.� Arthur shook the blonde�s hand, and then gave Hermione a quick hug. As he left to chase after his wife, Draco stood up next to them. �I don�t know what Sev�s problem is-�
�I do,� Hermione and Lucius answered in perfect unison, their tones matching in both wryness and distaste. Draco�s eyebrows raised in the classic Malfoy manner.
The yong blonde smiled shyly. �Yeah. Okay. I do too.� He looked at Hermione with a half smile. �Let me talk to him. I know Dumbledore will, too, but if he�s got any compassion in his body,� Lucius� lips pursed quickly, �He�s got to care about his godson. And even if he doesn�t, I�ll lay the guilt on him pretty heavy.�
Lucius nodded briefly. �He�ll come to see things our way, or he won�t. We don�t need him. If it comes to that, that is.� His arm slid around Hermione�s shoulders. �Would you help me find my way back to my rooms?� The leer was unmistakable, and the young witch melted; it was SO good to have Lucius here.
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The Senior Project