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Hermione had received an owl with a letter bearing the Malfoy Crest over lunch that Friday, and she was anxious to read it, so she had said a quick goodbye to Harry and Ron, who were too used to her sneaking off to study at odd hours to pay much attention. When Hermione peeked in to the Hogwarts Library, leaning slightly to one side from the weight of her leather bookbag, she sighed in dismay. The Seventh Years had been loaded with homework their first weekend back, and the Library was thick with grim-faced students checking out heavy stacks of books. Not an ounce of privacy was to be had there. Now she had to climb all the way up to her Head Girl's room, read the letter, and-hopefully-send a reply in less than half an hour. Well, if Hermione was late, she might be able to use her tardiness to her advantage. On the other hand, if Hermione managed to be on time, that was all the better.

Muffling a groan, Hermione raced up the winding staircases, automatically jumping the trick steps, and flew into her room. She hurriedly dropped her bag and books before snatching the letter, still panting from her mad dash. Then she slowly sank to her desk, and forced herself to calmly detach the seal and unroll the parchment.

The writing was slightly slanted and gracefully looped, as though Lucius Malfoy had begun practicing calligraphy at a young age. Which, Hermione reminded herself, was probably the case among Pureblood wizards and witches. The letter read:


Lord Lucius A. Malfoy, Order of Salazar, Keeper of the Nine Keys, to Hermione J. Granger, Hogwarts Student:

Indeed, Miss Granger, your letter came as a great surprise to me; as that is quite a rare condition to find me, Lucius Malfoy in, congratulations are in order.

Despite my confusion-and, I must add, suspicion-I am cautiously pleased that your considerable intelligence has led you to the correct path. I myself have long despaired of the hypocrisy of Light wizards, and their stubborn, constant refusal to accept Dark Magic as a valid and true force. Because of your apparent willingness to put aside former frictions, I shall gladly endeavor for the sake of this alliance to overlook various differences in other beliefs we each may share.

The advantages you could bring to the Dark Lord's cause seem quite clear. I share your eagerness to arrange a meeting, as we have much to discuss. Why not come by my Manor for tea this Satuday? I can have Draco bring you along.

I will await your reply shortly.

Lucius A. Malfoy

oOo

Hermione let out a long slow breath. While the impeccable politeness of Lucius Malfoy's letter and his obvious willingness to consider her proposal gave Hermione an iota of hope, she was leery of meeting the man in his own home. Suppose Lucius decided that taking her prisoner would be more advantageous to his cause than an alliance? No...it wouldn't do. Hermione would need to take some precautions while taking care not to alert Lucius.

She wound a curl of hair about one finger as she penned a reply.

To Lucius Malfoy:

I accept your proposed meeting time and place, and add my gratitude for your swift reply. However, there are some finer details that require attention.

Firstly, Harry and Ron, for quite obvious reasons, must not be allowed to suspect that anything is amiss. We planned a Hogsmeade trip this weekend; this may in fact work to our advantage, as it would be a simple enough matter to slip away and Apparate with Draco to your Manor. Afterwords, I could return to Hogsmeade and find the two boys without any fuss.

As to the second matter, in my great hope that this alliance will succeed, I believe there should be some record of this relationship agreed on by both parties, that we are each certain of our expected roles. I have already placed your letter in a secure place, along with some additional notes. If you be pleased, I shall bring with me this Saturday materials to preserve the accuracy of our memory for these next months.

I look forward to our meeting tomorrow.

Hermione J. Granger

oOo

Satisfied, Hermione folded the parchment, tipped some nice neutrally-colored plum wax onto the letter, and pressed in her seal. If Lucius Malfoy wanted this deal to go through, he wouldn't risk keeping her too long, knowing that Harry and Ron were expecting her. Furthermore, if something did happen, Lucius Malfoy would be aware that Hermione had documents implicating him; the risk for now would be too great.

Grabbing her bag and books, Hermione left her room. She checked her pocketwatch. Hermione was late. Plan B then, she thought.

Hermione ran through the castle, taking the course that led her past Filches office. She paid no attention to Mrs. Norris, who had followed her with accusing yellow eyes and then turned tail to find her master, but when Filtch appeared, Hermione skidded to a normal pace, looking guilty.

'Aha!' Cried Filtch, eyes bulging. 'Improper decorum! Running through the hallways! I'll have you for this one.' Smirking nastily, Filtch mock-bowed Hermione to the direction of his office. 'Let's decide on your punishment, shall we?'

Hermione ducked her head as she walked into the gloomy office, the perfect picture of a contrite student. Inside, she was smiling. Now all she had to do was play her cards right...

'So,' said Filtch loudly, dipping his quill. 'Crime: running through the castle halls, racing another, unknown student, no doubt...left skid marks on the floor, that's another half-hour of cleaning for me...Punishment, hmm. Well, Miss...?'

'Granger, sir,' Hermione said quietly.

'Miss Granger. What do you think your punishment could be?'

'Uh, I could...I could help Professor McGonagall with something?' Hermione suggested brightly. 'Or even Professor Sprout, or Flitwick...' She trailed off. A very pleased, sly smile was slowly spreading over Filtch's bulbous features.

'You would enjoy that, wouldn't you,' he said, narrowing his eyes.

'Sir?'

'Detention tonight. With Professor Snape, perhaps? '

She blanched. 'Sir, please, I think I could help McGonagall much more, and-'

'Snape it is then.' Eyes glittering beadily, Filtch scribbled it on the paper, then thrust it at Hermione. 'Now get out. Enjoy.'

Hermione left quickly. Now she had an excuse to confer with her professor.

She made a quick explanation to Professor Vector for being late; the witch accepted it without question, then handed her a scroll of formulas and calculations the rest of the class was puzzling through. Hermione rummaged in her bag for paper, quill, and ink, and then let her mind be swept away into the confusing, oftentimes nigh impossible to comprehend, world of Arithmancy.

oOo

Harry and Ron commiserated fiercely with her over detention with Snape that supper. 'Your second one this week, Hermione, and you haven't really done anything wrong!' Cried Harry.

'I know,' Hermione sighed. 'But I was running through the halls-'

'Because you were late 'cause you were studying!' Interrupted Ron, shoving an entire drumstick in his mouth. 'Seriously, they're giving you a hard time. Must be out to get you.'

'Yeah, got to be more like us, harder to catch,' winked Harry.

The boys were obviously trying to cheer her up. Hermione forced a smile, and pushed away her half-eaten plate of chicken and rice. 'Thanks, you guys. I should go, I don't want to be late, then I'll get another detention...'

She bid Harry and Ron good night, then headed to the dungeons, fingering the letter from Lucius Malfoy in her pocket.

Snape answer the door almost immediately when she knocked, and Hermione guessed he had been waiting for her.

'Come on,' he said, handing her a black cloak. 'We're going out to gather some Potions ingredients.'

Hermione nodded silently. It made sense-they would have some privacy, and Snape would also be able to replenish his stock. She followed him out to the gate and into the Forbidden Forest.

When he was certain they were alone, Snape turned. In the moonlight, he suddenly looked unnaturally tall, his dark hair fading against the trees. 'You ought to be more careful who you enter the Forest with, Miss Granger.'

'Professor?' Hermione asked.

In answer, Snape made a movement towards her, raising the silver dagger he had brought to cut herbs, except he started when he realized the silver blade was now made of beeswax. He turned his eyes to Hermione.

She chuckled. 'It's okay, Professor. I knew it was you before I followed you.' She waved her wand surreptitiously, watching the blade gleam with sudden silver. 'Did you think I never took the fake Moody's advice? Constant Vigilance!'

Snape hmphed. 'Well. I'm glad you're taking this seriously. How did you know it was me, anyway?'

'How you move your hands, the pitch of your voice.' Hermione glanced at him sideways. 'And I recognized your mind.'

Snape was aghast. 'You used Legilimency on me? I didn't even feel anything.' He glared at her. 'I never gave you permission,' he accused.

'And if I had?' Hermione reminded him lightly. 'Then you would have had time to project thoughts of being Snape into your mind. Not that it would have worked anyway.'

Her professor seemed shocked and angry in equal parts. But he reigned in his temper admirably. 'You must be a naturally gifted Occlumens. Not that I'm surprised with the Know-It-All Granger.'

Hermione held her tongue.

'But we should come up with a different means of recognizing each other. Any ideas?' He began walking slowly, sharp eyes searching for herbs.

'Legilimency seems to work fine,' Hermione shrugged. 'We can discuss it later if you want. Now, I need to inform you that Lucius and I are meeting for tea tomorrow to discuss a partnership.' She raised her hand to examine some willow bark, before slipping it under her cloak.

'Good. Where?'

'His Manor,' Hermione replied.

She could see a muscle working in his jaw. 'I trust you've taken the necessary safety precautions? Need I remind-'

'I know the risk, Professor,' Hermione answered quietly. 'And I've worked some details out. I'll be fine.'

He took a breath. 'Very well. Can I help with anything?"

'I have it under control, thank you. I expect this will be a short visit, anyway.'

Snape bent to cut wintergreen. 'I'm still not pleased with you taking this on, Miss Granger. But,' he added, seeing her mouth open. 'You've demonstrated clear thinking and decent analytical skills. I'm here to help you bear this burden. Now, help me find some Snorfflegrass...'

oOo

Lucius Malfoy read Hermione's reply letter with great interest. She was very...diplomatic, an ability which he prized very highly. He remembered her from the Ministry. She was calculating, quick and dangerous. He had counted himself lucky to get away more or less unscathed from the young witch. And now...Now I will guide her on the true path, he mused. She has real power, I can show her how to use it.

His only regret was her blood status...if she had been pure, or even half-blooded, he wonder how much greater her power would be. Still, she was a valuable asset. The Dark Lord would be immensely pleased with him, if things worked out as he hoped.

The next morning saw Lucius awake before dawn, saddling his horse, Bucephalus. He was a highly skilled rider, though few knew it, and he rode often to clear his head. There was a slight chill in the air; Lucius had chosen a dark green cloak to wear over his riding clothes. He fastened it one-handed as he rode, letting his hair blow free.

The Manor was built at the foot of a mountain range. There were many paths winding all through the foothills in the forests, but Lucius Malfoy's favorite led to a quite lake and grove. It wasn't a steep climb, but it took some time to reach the spot, so he had opted instead for a relatively short route that made one gigantic circle around the Manor.

The sun was high in the sky when Lucius slowed to a trot beside a stream. He dismounted, and let Bucephalus have a drink and breather. Thinking to clean the dust from his cheeks, Lucius bent to cup the water. Just as his hands touched the stream, a face appeared in the slow-moving depths. He jumped back, and thought he heard laughter.

'Hello there, Man,' the face said.

Looking closer, Lucius could make out slim limbs and webbed hands. Was it a naiad then?

'Good Afternoon,' he replied, pitching his voice low. A Malfoy trick to sound calm.

There was more laughter. 'Mareska, come see! I think it's him! It's him!'

Before Lucius could ask what she was talking about, another face appeared, peering at him from beneath the water. She was older than the first, dark hair flowing gently around sharp features.

'Hmm...' she sighed. 'I suppose he could be...well, you know. Him.' Mareska had a breathy, wandering voice, clear as the water that rippled around her.

'Excuse me,' said an irate Lucius. 'I consider it very discourteous indeed, to discuss someone who is standing right before you. Who is this person you think I am?'

But the naiads, with one last look at him, disappeared under the water, leaving behind only a trace of laughter.

'Wait,' called Lucius. 'I just-' but they were gone. Frustrated, he lingered on the bank for a few moments longer, hoping they'd return. When they didn't, he shrugged, muttered something dark about water nymphs and their mischief, and remounted Bucephalus.

The journey back home seemed to fly by, preoccupied as he was regarding his meeting with Hermione Granger. He handed the reins absently to a groom when he returned, and went to his chambers, to bathe and prepare for tea.

At precisely 4 o'clock, he and Narcissa were waiting in the parlor. Just as the last chime sounded from the Watchtower, the door opened, revealing his son Draco. A young woman followed, unfastening a soft cloak of deep sea blue. She gave a small smile when she saw Lucius and Narcissa, and nodded a greeting. He was pleased to see she handed her cloak and gloves to a house elf without complaint; oh yes, his son had told him all about SPEW.

Following Pureblood courtesy, Hermione Granger dipped a curtsy to his wife, and offered her hand to Lucius to kiss. Her hand was warm and smelled faintly of vanilla and some fugitive blossom from the forest.

'Pleased to make your acquaintance Mr. Malfoy, Mrs. Malfoy. Thank you for having me.'

'It is our pleasure, Miss Granger. Lucius told me you wished to join the cause. Quite admirable, for one of your...background.'

The young woman didn't bat an eyelash. 'Why, thank you, Mrs. Malfoy.' She glanced from Lucius to Narcissa. 'You are both very kind to offer me a chance to join the cause.'

'Yes, they are,' said Draco from behind Hermione. 'Now can we sit down? I'm exhausted.'

Lucius said sharply, 'You can go study in the Library, Draco. We have much to discuss.' He nodded to his wife, who made a graceful exit, and gestured to the seats in the parlor.

He kept his eyes on the girl. Lucius was something surprised at her composure; she was perfectly courteous, though stood her ground.

'I trust your journey was uneventful?'

Hermione caressed him with a smile. 'Draco was very welcoming. He told me much history of you Manor.'

'Ah, good,' said Lucius, pleased. 'It is one of the oldest in Britain, you know.'

'Draco said as much,' she said, allowing laughter to creep into her voice.

Lucius, as though his lips were connected by a string, smiled back. 'He ought to be proud; the Malfoys are an old, respected family.'

'A goodly heritage,' Hermione quoted.

'Ah, a beautiful psalm, don't you think?'

'You've read the bible?' asked Hermione, surprised.

'I enjoy classics,' Lucius answered. 'I heard from Draco that you are something of a bookworm?'

Lucius was delighted to see a blush creeping on her cheeks. 'I've always believed knowledge to be the most important endeavor; books are the easiest way to gain it.'

'You are quite right, my dear. I am something of a book lover myself,' he confided. 'It's a marvelous escape from the outside world.'

'Since we're on the subject, would you recommend any books on Dark Magic? I confess my disappointment at the collection in Hogwarts.'

Lucius was just getting started on what seemed to be a promising conversation when the tea arrived. He waved the elf off, and poured some tea for them both, offering Miss Granger some nutbread. Hermione accepted, and Lucius felt a shiver course through him when her fingers brushed his. An interesting alliance indeed.


Thanks for reading! Leave a review, maybe I'll continue...

:) Vanya