Adult-FanFiction.org : Harry Potter

The Kill Shot	By : Lizski Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female > Lucius/Hermione Views: 12741 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I don’t own the world of Harry Potter, or the characters – I just borrow them on occasion. I’m most definitely not making any money off this.

Chapter List
- 7
- 8
- 9
Chapter Seven

Hermione woke the next morning feeling rested and relaxed. She reflected on the evening before and found herself smiling. Lucius Malfoy. Intelligent. Well-read. Genteel. Sophisticated. Funny. Funny. Amazing. I can honestly say I would never have expected to find an engagingly dry wit under that hard aristocratic exterior. In truth, I’m not sure what I expected to find. For years he came across as a horse’s ass at the best of times and a sadistic brute most of the time. Maybe that was all an act? Or maybe last night was an act. It sure didn’t seem that way, though. If anything, I think maybe I saw a glimpse of the “real” Lucius Malfoy. I wonder how many other people have had that opportunity. And if that was the real Lucius last night, it is a Lucius I could like.

She dressed quickly for her morning run; it was going to have to be a short run, as there would be a lot to do to get Lucius ready to go to St. Mungo’s. She left the Manor, using the door that opened on to the pool area, and was surprised to find someone – Lucius, obviously, as they were the only two human inhabitants of the Manor – swimming. He knifed through the water with smooth, powerful strokes. He executed a perfect flip-turn at the far end of the pool and swam back toward her. She watched for a few moments, mesmerized by the movement of his strong, lean body. But as he neared her end of the pool she walked swiftly past the pool, toward the garden and the gate in the hedge, finally reaching the trails beyond. She didn’t want Lucius to know she had been watching him.

***

The day was cool and cloudy, but the rain held off and for once Hermione was able to enjoy a dry run. For all of the wonders that comprised Malfoy Manor, it seemed to have been constructed on one of the rainiest plots of land in England. Of course, it being October doesn’t help. It’s probably raining everywhere. Maybe the weather is idyllic in spring.

After showering and eating a quick breakfast in her dressing room she headed up to the library. Not surprisingly, Lucius was sitting in his wing chair perusing the Daily Prophet, reading glasses perched on his nose. Not for the first time, she wondered how old he was. Another question to be saved for some other time. Not that it really mattered. She was a sucker for an intelligent, well-built, attractive man. Heh. Who wouldn’t be? Of course, this particular man had the flaw of his past, as well as the equally distasteful Malfoy name, and for most that would be more than enough to make him an outcast. I’m sure everyone I know would tell me in no uncertain terms that I should feel the same way about him. Except I don’t. There is much more to Lucius Malfoy than meets the eye, of that I am certain.

“A Knut for your thoughts,” Lucius said pleasantly, crossing his right leg over his left knee and dropping the newspaper in his lap.

“Er –” Hermione realized she had been staring and felt herself flush. “Woolgathering,” she replied lamely. Lucius, to his credit, said nothing.

Hermione sat down at the desk and saw a pile of wrapped presents and a letter for her. She made a mental note to thank Dobby for wrapping the gifts for Draco, and picked up the letter. She scanned it, then penned a quick reply and left it for an owl to pick up.

“Snape – ah, Severus, that is – will be here for dinner tomorrow,” she said blandly.

“Indeed,” Lucius replied noncommittally.

“Since you seem to be rather adept at managing formal social functions, would you be, ah, willing to handle the arrangements for the dinner?” Hermione asked.

Lucius chuckled. “All the arrangements?” His voice took on an interested note. “You’ll let me dress you?”

It was Hermione’s chance to chuckle, glad she couldn’t see Lucius’ face. “I’ll let Maisey dress me, but if you would like to put your Galleons and your excellent taste in feminine fashion to work, I wouldn’t object.”

Lucius got out of his chair and walked to the desk to face her. “I’ll put my Galleons and my superior aestheticism at your disposal only if you will allow me to accessorize you.”

“Accessorize me?” Hermione couldn’t hide her disbelief.

“Yes,” Lucius drawled. “I tried to suggest that last night, but perhaps I was too subtle.” He paused, thinking about what he was going to say next. “You realize, do you not, that you are in possession of some rather breathtaking jewels?” Hermione looked at him, puzzled. “When you bought the Manor, you bought the contents as well, if I understand things correctly.” She nodded. “In the Manor are a number of spectacular jewels. Many are stored in a vault accessible from your dressing room,” he added, noting her perplexed gaze. “If you would permit me to select items that would be appropriate for you, I would enjoy it.”

“Uh. Erm. Sure,” she finally managed to say, and Lucius smiled benignly.

“Leave everything to me. I will ensure that everything runs smoothly and pleasantly,” Lucius assured her, and then he grinned. “I have discovered that I like selecting clothes for you. I think I have a talent for it. And don’t worry,” he added, “you can trust me.”

Can I? Probably as far as dinner goes, I guess I can risk it. “Thank you.” She worried her lip; it was time to talk to Lucius about seeing Draco. Hermione took a breath and let it out slowly.

“Now, about today. We’ll go to St. Mungo’s about one o’clock. But there are some things you need to know about Draco before you see him.” She raised her hand so Lucius wouldn’t interrupt. “You may think you’re ready for this, but it’s not going to be easy. It wasn’t easy for me the first time I saw him, and we – that is, I knew him only through school. We weren’t exactly close.” She paused, looking at Lucius’ pale face. This already wasn’t easy for him.

“It’s extremely unlikely that he will recognize you. Certainly, if he did, that would be huge. A big breakthrough for him. But don’t expect him to. Don’t even hope he will. I’d hate to see you disappointed.” More than you’re going to be, that is. Merlin’s robes, this was hard; Lucius looked as though the life was being sucked out of him as she spoke. “Over time, he’ll recognize you. In fact, if you don’t mind I’d like to take a picture of you to hang on his wall. He’s got a few of them – all of the medi-witches who take care of him and one of me. Each of our names is on our picture, and it makes it easier for him to recognize us. The medi-witches tell me he knows them all by name without having to refer to the pictures. At least very often.”

“A picture.” Lucius sounded lost.

She pulled a small digital camera out of the center desk drawer. “Draco doesn’t like wizarding pictures because he doesn’t like it when the people leave the picture. So I was able to get a digital camera – it’s something Muggles use,” she added, seeing Lucius’ blank look. “And if I take your picture now, I can send the camera by owl to a printing shop I know and we can have a picture of you back here before we leave for St. Mungo’s.”

Mutely, Lucius nodded his assent.

“If you stand in front of the curtains, I’ll have a plain backdrop. The picture will come out better that way,” she explained. He nodded again and moved to stand in front of the heavy curtains. “Smile,” she said encouragingly, as she took several pictures. The final result wasn’t exactly a smile, but it wasn’t a face of grim apprehension, either.

Hermione placed the camera in a small leather bag, buckled it tightly, and within a few seconds an eagle owl appeared in the library, landing neatly on the desk. “Take this to the printer, and wait for her to give you this back with an envelope.” The owl blinked its understanding and Hermione fed it a few nuts from a dish on the desk before it took off with its parcel.

“The, ah, the owl knows where to go?” Lucius asked, mystified.

“Owl magic,” she replied. “Even your owls are able to find Muggle destinations,” she added wryly, trying to lighten the atmosphere, but Lucius only gave a faint smile in return.

“Anyway, like I was saying, don’t expect him to recognize you on this visit. The best thing I can tell you is to be glad he’s healthy and he’s happy. He may be a little nervous at first – even though everyone is a stranger to him at first, he does better when he can see the person’s picture on the wall. It’ll make it much easier for him to recognize you next time.”

Lucius inhaled deeply and exhaled slowly. Hermione realized he was apprehensive. She fought the urge to give him a hug and assure him that while the first visit might be hard, it would get easier over time. However, she doubted Lucius would welcome a hug; he seemed lost in his own thoughts.

“He’ll enjoy the books,” she said, indicating the stack of gaudily wrapped presents on the desk. “I think we should say they’re from you. He likes presents, and if he associates you with presents it’ll be easier for him to remember you.”

Lucius gave a wan smile. “Draco always liked presents.” Lucius’ eyes were focused on something far beyond the scope of the room. “We weren’t the most affectionate family, not physically or even verbally. I think Draco liked presents because it was the only way he knew I loved him,” he said flatly.

Hermione felt a lump in her throat. That’s terrible. How could you not tell your own child you love him? “It doesn’t have to still be that way, you know. There’s no law saying you can’t tell him now that you love him.”

The blond wizard’s focused returned to Hermione and he looked at her appreciatively, but said nothing for several moments. Finally he spoke confidently. “You’re right. You’re absolutely right. This is a fresh start. I’ve got the chance to do all the things I didn’t do before.” He nodded in satisfaction, and Hermione noticed his face looked slightly less drawn. “Thank you for that.”

She gave him a small smile. “It’ll be okay.”

The blond nodded slowly.

“There are just a couple of other things you need to know. I’ve told him his father has been out of the country on business but you’d see him as soon as you got back in the country.” Lucius nodded. “I had to tell him something because he asked. Besides, I figured if you just showed up one day, out of the blue, he’d wonder why you hadn’t gone to see him before.”

“He remembers me?” Lucius asked with cautious hope.

“No, but he knows in he’s got to have a father, and since your picture isn’t on the wall it means he hasn’t seen you since, er, he was hospitalized. The business trip story seemed like an adequate explanation, and Draco accepted it, certain he’d see you when you were able to visit him. And now that we’ve got a picture of you, he’ll remember you in the future.”

“He’s, ah, he’s not going to be mad that I haven’t come to see him?” Lucius asked tentatively.

“Nope. Frankly, I doubt he’ll remember he asked about you, and I’m going to remind him of your business trip before he thinks to ask why he hasn’t seen you before. And if you find yourself in an awkward position at any point, change the subject. Ask him if he wants to read a book or play a game. He’s easily distracted.”

Lucius nodded pensively, tension evident in his face.

“Trust me. It will be okay. Just follow my lead. It’ll be fine.” The wizard nodded again, still saying nothing.

***

Hermione took the bag with the presents and slung it over one shoulder and turned to Lucius. “The Ministry requires that we use Side-Along Apparition. You, ah –”

Lucius cut her off abruptly but not unkindly. “I understand. The Ministry won’t allow me to travel alone because they consider me to be a malefactor.” He gave a tiny shrug. “I certainly wouldn’t want to do anything that would cause the Ministry to question my trustworthiness.” He extended his hand. “Shall we?” He pressed his lips together, his face looking even more drawn than it had earlier.

Hermione clasped his hand firmly and tucked the tote bag more securely under her other arm. “Don’t worry,” she smiled reassuringly.

“Concentrate,” he whispered hoarsely. “I don’t want this to be my first experience with splinching.”

Hermione smiled again. “At least we’d be at St. Mungo’s. Or parts of us would be,” she added with a smirk.

“That’s not funny. Can we please go?”

Not wanting to increase his anxiety, Hermione closed her eyes and moments later they were standing in a damp London side street near the entrance to St. Mungo’s. She gave Lucius’ hand a reassuring squeeze. “We’ll just head straight up to the 4^th floor. They know we’re coming, so we don’t have to check in.”

Lucius glanced down at their clasped hands and suddenly didn’t want to let go. He held her hand tightly for a moment longer and then reluctantly let go. He doubted Hermione wanted to walk into St. Mungo’s holding his hand like they were infatuated teenagers, and she certainly didn’t need any reassurance. He inclined his head to indicate he was ready. Hermione nodded and approached the mannequin in the window. “Hermione Granger and Lucius Malfoy to see Draco Malfoy,” she said clearly and then walked through the front window of Purge and Dowse, Ltd., Lucius following behind her.

In the reception area Hermione smiled at the Welcome Witch, whose eyes widened at the sight of the infamous Death Eater in Hermione’s company, but said nothing to Hermione or Lucius. They made their way to the 4^th floor, and Hermione was conscious of the whispers and exclamations following in their wake. Lucius walked next to her, their shoulders almost touching. His agitation was almost palpable. Hermione glanced at Lucius; his face was a stiff mask of anxiety. Without thinking, she reached over and touched his arm. He tensed at the unexpected touch, but she just gave him a comforting smile.

Lucius didn’t respond outwardly but was glad for Hermione’s encouragement. Do these people think I can’t hear them? Or am I supposed to hear them and go hide in a hole for the rest of my life? Thor’s balls on a stick. On impulse, he reached for Hermione’s hand and was very pleased when she didn’t pull away. He immediately felt better.

Hermione glanced at Lucius out of the corner of her eye as he took her hand. Poor guy. This can’t be easy for him. If he wants to hold my hand, well, why not? He needs all the moral support he can get. She could hear people talking about Lucius’ presence in the hospital and wondered on what page of theDaily Prophet he’d end up tomorrow. Or on what page we’ll end up; I’m sure the hand-holding isn’t going unnoticed. Hermione nodded at a few of the medi-witches she knew and wasn’t surprised when she received scrutinizing looks in response. She was actually more surprised no one had said anything to either of them directly.

They reached the door to Draco’s room and stopped. The door was open, indicating Draco was expecting visitors. Hermione dropped Lucius’ hand and was preparing to knock on the door when she paused. She looked at Lucius. “Are you okay?” She lowered her voice a bit. “It’ll be okay. Just relax.”

Lucius nodded and set his jaw but was unable to hide the hint of trepidation that crept into his grey eyes.

“Just breathe. And remember – when in doubt, ask him if he wants to read a book or play a game.” She smiled at him and touched him lightly on his shoulder.

The blond wizard nodded and took a deep breath, releasing it slowly.

Hermione knocked on the door and heard Draco’s enthusiastic cry. “Come in!”

Taking a breath herself, Hermione pushed the door open and entered a large, well-lit room. Against the left wall was Draco’s bed and a door she knew opened onto his private bathroom. The opposite wall was taken up with a magically-enhanced window with curtains drawn back to allow in sun and a fresh breeze from Tuscany. Two comfortable chairs were angled toward each other by the window, and a bookshelf was tucked into a small alcove by the window. Against the back wall was a sturdy table with three wooden chairs, and a mirror hung on the wall behind the table. She knew from experience a couch was located against the wall behind the door. Just inside the door were pictures of the people who came to visit Draco: Hermione and his regular medi-witches. Even though she had been to his room several times before, she always marveled at how the Ministry was able to provide him with what was essentially a studio apartment, minus the kitchen. Many Muggles would be thrilled to have accommodations like this in London. Apparently 100,000 Galleons invested by Goblins resulted in excellent long-term care accommodations.

Draco was standing right inside the door, beaming at her as she came in. Lucius followed closely behind Hermione, saying nothing as he took in the furnishings of the room.

“Hello, Her-Hermione,” Draco said, clearly pleased that he remembered her name without having to look at the photos on the wall.

“Hi, Draco. How are you doing this afternoon?”

“I’m good,” the young man replied off-handedly, his interest focused on Lucius. “Who’s that? Is he your boyfriend?” He tried to hide a giggle behind his hand.

Hermione felt herself blush and and could sense Lucius tensing behind her. “No, he’s not –” she started, willing her voice to remain neutral.

“He should be. He’s pretty,” Draco responded directly, studying Lucius intently.

Lucius tried to stifle a strangled cough, and it was Hermione’s turn to try not to giggle. I can’t imagine what it’s got to be like to have your adult son calling you “pretty”. Even if Draco’s got the mind of a two-year-old, Lucius must be seeing his son as he last remembered him.

“Draco, remember how I told you how your father was out of the country on business but he’d see you as soon as he came back?” She spoke encouragingly, smiling at him.

The young blond looked slightly discouraged, but it was apparent he didn’t want to disappoint the woman who had become his friend. “Um. Kind of,” he began slowly.

“It’s okay. I told you about him a while ago; I didn’t expect you to remember. Anyway, he’s done with his business and he’s back in the country. He just got back last night, and the first thing he wanted to do was come see you.” Draco was still looking at her blankly. “Draco, this is your father.” She stepped aside so Lucius could move forward, and she could shut the door behind them. There was no need to let any of this conversation carry to the hallway behind them.

Draco stared at him for a moment, a complete lack of recognition on his face. Lucius stepped forward and extended his hand. Draco had been schooled on how to greet people, and reached for his father’s hand, shaking it. “Hello, Father.” The only emotion in his voice was curiosity.

Lucius found himself momentarily speechless. Draco? Draco! Circe’s wand. What’s happened to you? My son. My only son. And you don’t even recognize me. “Hello, Draco.” His voice was hoarse, so he stopped and started again. “Son. It’s good to see you.”

Hermione could tell Lucius’ voice was about to break and she wanted to save him the embarrassment as well save Draco the confusion that would invariably follow. “Draco, your father has brought you some presents.” She forced enthusiasm into her voice and was glad for her former classmate’s short attention span.

“Presents?” The young man’s eyes lit up and Hermione heard Lucius breathe a soft sigh of relief. After she removed the envelope with Lucius’ picture, she handed him the tote bag she had been carrying. She stood back, watching as Lucius seated himself at the table next to Draco and began to pull wrapped packages out of the bag. Draco giggled with glee as Lucius pulled package after package out of the bag, creating a stack. “Thank you, Father,” Draco said politely, trying to contain his excitement.

Lucius smiled back at Draco, although Hermione thought she detected a hint of sadness in his eyes. “You’re welcome. Although thank Hermione, too. She helped me pick them out.” The younger blond looked over at Hermione, who was still standing in the middle of the room.

“Thanks, Hermione! Are you going to watch me open them?” Despite having the body of an adult, Draco’s voice had regained a child-like quality that Hermione found endearing, if a little bit disturbing, knowing the person he had been.

“Of course.” She took the third seat at the table while Draco opened his presents. Rather than ripping off the paper, he searched for the tape and carefully removed it, keeping the paper intact. Hermione had seen Draco do this many times before and assumed it was an old habit until she saw Lucius watching him, an unreadable expression on his face. Maybe it wasn’t an old habit after all. Draco exclaimed with glee with each new book and sounded out the title of each one before he moved on to the next. He didn’t always get the words right, but he was correct more often than not, and Hermione was pleased to see his reading ability was improving. When he was stymied by one title (Kronos the Kneazle) he looked to Hermione for help.

“I, ah, I can’t see it from here. Maybe your father can read it.”

Lucius was certain Hermione could see the title as well as he could, but he appreciated her gesture and gave her a wink over the top of Draco’s head as he helped his son decipher the title. Hermione felt herself blush.

When Draco was done unwrapping his presents he stacked the gifts (six books and a wizarding version of Chutes and Ladders) on one side of him and folded the wrapping paper neatly into another pile that he placed on the other side of him. He picked the first book off the stack and looked at Lucius. “Father, would you read with me?”

Merlin’s balls. The last time I saw Draco we argued. Almost came to blows, actually. He wanted to stay with me – stay with Voldemort, more likely – and I wanted him to go. I wanted him to get as far away from the whole mess as he could. I wanted him to be able to carry on the family name. He only left the Death Eaters because I threatened to tell Voldemort he was a spy if he stayed. Draco left shouting obscenities at me, telling me he never wanted to see me again. I just wanted him to be safe, and he ended up like this. What would have happened if he’d stayed? Would I have been able to do what I did if he’d been there?

Hermione could see Lucius’ thoughts had drifted away from the present and was about to say something when Draco spoke again, his voice eerily child-like. “Would you read to me, Daddy, would you?” Suddenly the young blond froze, his eyes wide open.

“Daddy”?Hermione wondered. Where did that come from? She looked over at Lucius, who looked as if he had been punched in the stomach. Hard.

“Uh, er, of course, Draco. W-would you mind if we moved to the couch?” Lucius’ voice was hoarse, and Hermione was certain something significant had happened. She just had no idea what it was.

Draco’s face softened into a shy smile and he looked very much like a young child. “Sure. Can Hermione join us?”

“Of course, son.” Draco scrambled off his chair and hugged the book to his chest as he headed to the couch.

Hermione glanced at Lucius, who still looked dazed. He didn’t meet her eyes, and she was left feeling she had missed something.

“Father, you sit there,” Draco pointed to one side of the couch, “and Hermione, you sit there.” He pointed to the other side of the couch. “And I’ll sit in the middle,” he said happily. He sat down and opened the book on his lap. Hermione sat down and Draco immediately urged them both to sit closer to him so they could both see the book. Only when they were all settled did he turn to Lucius. “Would you read to me?”

The older blond cleared his throat and leaned in even a bit closer. He cleared his throat and began to read the story of a young Kneazle who left home after an argument with his mother about his curfew. He traveled throughout the world, certain he could find a family who would love him more than his original family. He stayed with Giants and Dragons and Elves and even wizards, but in the end he discovered it was his own family who loved him best. “And when Kronos curled up next to his mother and father that night, he knew for certain there was no love better than the love of his own family.” Lucius finished the story with a catch in his voice, and Hermione wanted to reach over and give his hand a squeeze; she knew how badly he wanted a second chance with Draco, and the story seemed to encapsulate his desire.

“Can we read another one?” Draco asked enthusiastically. He was off the couch before either Lucius or Hermione could reply. While Draco was at the table picking another book, Hermione took the opportunity to touch Lucius lightly on the shoulder, and he responded with a small smile. Draco came back and plopped down between them, another book in his hands. He opened it and asked Hermione to read this time. The book was a light-hearted tale about the life of dust bunnies, and by the end of the story Draco was laughing and wanted to play a game.

Hermione, Draco, and Lucius spent the rest of the afternoon playing board games. Draco was greatly amused every time the pieces moved by themselves, and Lucius began to relax in the company of his son, although Hermione noticed his smile rarely reached his eyes. The wizard’s gaze lingered on Draco as if he still couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Draco was blissfully unaware of his father’s anguish, and for that Hermione was thankful; if Draco had known of his father’s distress, it would have only hurt Lucius more.

Three hours after they had arrived Hermione recognized the first signs of fatigue in Draco, and she suggested they leave before the young blond began to get cranky. After she helped him put the books and games back on his bookshelf, she made a point of writing “Father” at the bottom of Lucius’ picture and hanging it by the door with the other pictures. “This way you won’t miss him when he’s not here.”

“But you’ll be back soon, right?” Draco addressed his question to both of them.

Lucius deferred to Hermione, and she answered both of them. “Of course we will. We’ll be back later this week. I’ll make sure the medi-witches let you know when we’re coming. But it won’t be long before we’re back.”

Draco nodded solemnly and Hermione gave him a hug. She stepped back and Lucius faced his son awkwardly. He finally extended his hand, and Draco took it and they shook hands. “Take care of yourself, son. We’ll be back soon.” He paused, and Draco was silent. “I’ve missed you. It’s good to see you. I won’t be gone so long ever again.”

“Okay,” Draco smiled. “’Bye.” He followed them to the door and shut the door after them.

Lucius and Hermione made their way down to the reception area, drawing stares and whispers as they went but saying nothing to each other. Lucius was clearly lost in his own thoughts and Hermione didn’t want to intrude. Once outside on the street, Hermione took Lucius’ hand and they Apparated back to the entrance hall of Malfoy Manor.

“Do you want me to leave you alone for a while?” Hermione asked gently, her hand still clasped in his.

Lucius looked directly at her. “No. I don’t want to be alone. I want you with me.” He paused. “If you don’t mind, that is,” he added hopefully.

“Of course I don’t mind. Today couldn’t have been easy for you; I’m here for you. If you’ll just give me a few minutes to get changed,” she gestured to her travelling cloak, “I’ll meet you. In the library?”

“Er, yes. Thank you, Hermione.” His voice was low and he gave her hand a gentle squeeze.

~~~

A/N: First, as always, my undying thanks to the most wonderful Mamacita-san, without whom these chapter would be much tougher to read; she takes what I have, and makes it readable. She is a goddess, and I sacrifice words to her on a regular basis! ;-) Second, I am still working away on this story, Real Life just seems to like to remind me there is more to life than just living in a fantasy world with a blond-haired demon... *sigh* But, I'm plugging away. I've got another chapter that will be up in short order (it was originally part of this chapter but it would have made this The Longest Chapter Ever), and then there will be a break while I keep writing. But I haven't abandoned this, and when I do get the time, it's a nice break from the Real World. As always, if you like it please review, and thanks for reading!
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The Kill Shot