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Chapter 11

Draco Malfoy greeted the first guests who came by floo with a forced smile plastered on his face. He would rather be sitting on a sofa, with a drink in his hand, chatting to some intelligent person. His mother suddenly called him quietly and gestured him over to where she was sat at one of the tables.

"Yes, mother?"

"The Minister is about to arrive!" Her eyes glittered in the low light with excitement. "I'll take over from here."

Relief washing through him, Draco took his mother's place and grabbed a champagne glass from the centre of the table. He watched her walk over gracefully, and wait patiently for the Minister to come through the floo. He had to say, his mother looked simply stunning in her blood red dress. A bit different from the usual colours she wore of silver, green and blue, but it still complimented her figure extremely well. He noticed a small wizard from another table eyeing her hungrily and Draco searched the ballroom for his father's imposing figure. Where was he? Ah yes, Draco remembered, he never came down until it was fifteen minutes into the party. Strange, but that's what his father had always done. His thoughts were interrupted by his mother's beautiful laugh. He turned his head to see the Minister, Kingsley Shacklebolt, kiss his mother's hand. It was strange to see the man do that. After all, he had been in the Order of the Phoenix, helped lock away his father and defeat Voldemort. They had been on two completely different sides. Draco shrugged. He was probably only keeping up appearances. He checked the silver watch on his wrist. It was two minutes past seven. Where were Potter, Granger and Pansy? Frowning, he stood up and smoothed down his jet black dress robes.

"Draco, Draco, come and meet the Minister." Narcissa called gently. He obeyed and stood beside his mother, whilst shaking the man's hand.

"I believe we have met. Briefly." Kingsley said in his deep voice. They all knew what he meant, but his mother decided to reply as she noticed a couple of people listening in on their conversation. It was the Minister, of all people.

"Yes, you would have seen him at previous parties we have hosted." Narcissa said rather loudly, and then changed the subject. "How is everything at the Ministry?"

"Well, thank you. Everything is running smoothly. And your son, he is an exceptional Auror, I must say." He nodded towards Draco who bowed his head in thanks. He was about to reply when the fireplace burst into flames and out stepped two gorgeous women. The first he realised was Pansy, and the second…was it Granger? Draco thought she looked beautiful. He heard his mother gasp quietly beside him and the Minister hum deeply in approval. Pansy glided over to them, Hermione standing behind her slightly, avoiding his eyes.

"Narcissa," Pansy curtsied and Narcissa smiled in return.

"Mrs Malfoy," Hermione said quietly and copied Pansy. His mother beamed at her.

"I thank you for coming tonight. I know how hard it must be." She said truthfully. "But where's the famous Harry Potter?"

"He should be here soon," Hermione frowned and bit her lip. "I don't know where he's got to."

"Never mind. He comes when he comes. Minister, would you like a drink? We have a large selection of elf-brewed wines." Kingsley agreed to Narcissa's request and he followed her to a table, leaving Hermione, Pansy and Draco to make conversation.

Pansy cleared her throat, "Well, I see my friend over there so I'll see you later." She quickly made her way to a table where she sat down and began to talk to a blond haired witch.

"So," Draco began hesitantly. He had no idea what to say. He was still transfixed by Hermione's appearance; her dress was beautiful, her hair was gorgeous, everything about her was stunning. "You look, er, nice."

Hermione laughed. "Why thank you, Malfoy. You look merely passable."

Draco relaxed slightly and chuckled. He noticed a few wizards watch Hermione, interest written on their faces. Something hot stirred in his stomach and he suddenly felt quite protective of her. "Would you like a drink?"

She thought for a moment, biting her lip again. "I think I will, later, if that's okay?"

"Yeah, fine." The pair still stood next to the fireplace, which came to life every other second. The next time Draco checked his watch, it was ten past seven and nearly everyone had arrived. Except Potter.

"Where is Potty?" Malfoy muttered. "My father's coming down in a minute! It'll be the height of rudeness if he doesn't turn up without explaining himself."

"I'm sure he'll be here in a minute, Malfoy." Hermione placed her hand on Draco's arm before she realised what she was doing. She hastily pulled it away and blushed.
"Would you mind…if you called me Draco instead of my last name?" He asked hesitantly. "I think it would be more appropriate around here?"

"Of course, if you will call me Hermione." She said with a dazzling smile.

He nodded and then cursed as the next person to come out of the floo wasn't Harry. "Where is he?"

"Shall I go and find him?" Hermione started back towards the fireplace.

"No, I'll go. He needs to know how rude he's being." He scowled and sauntered past Hermione to grab some powder.

"Well, how about we both go?" Hermione suggested.

Draco shrugged. "Alright, after you." He let Hermione go first, and once she disappeared, he followed suit.

Making careful notice to see if any soot was on in his dress robes, Draco stepped into the Potter's living room after Hermione.

"Harry?" She called. "Ginny?"

"I'm coming, I'm coming!" They both heard Harry's voice call from upstairs. Footsteps thundered over their heads and they both heard Ginny yelling at Harry to hurry up. A minute later, a flushed, panting Harry appeared in the living room. "Sorry about that. I worked late in the Ministry before I realised what the time was."

"We have to go, Potter. My father will be arriving any moment." Draco sneered, his eyes flashing angrily.

"Of course, I'm sorry." Harry hastily flooed to the Manor. Hermione worriedly glanced at Draco before following Harry. Draco sighed. These events were always so stressful. He grabbed some floo powder and disappeared in the dancing green flames.

He spotted Hermione talking to Harry quietly, pointing at several people and obviously explaining who they were. Just as Draco stepped onto the polished, wood flooring, the ballroom doors opened and his father stepped in with his air of superiority. Draco released a breath he never realised he was holding; they were just in time. He watched as his father commanded the whole of the attention in the room. Everyone fell silent and he opened his mouth to speak, as he did at the beginning of every party hosted by their family.

"We thank you all for coming tonight; we greatly appreciate this." There he nodded towards his son and wife. "I trust you will all enjoy yourselves tonight. The ball shall end at one o'clock, but you may stay longer if you wish; our house elves will tend to your needs. That is all." His father then headed towards the Minister for Magic where Harry and Hermione were talking earnestly to him. Feeling that Lucius may say something out of line unless he was there, Draco hurriedly made his way over to the threesome.

"Hello," He murmured quietly to make his presence known just as his father exchanged pleasantries first with the Minister, then Harry Potter and then, stiffly, Hermione.

"I'm glad you both could come," Lucius smiled but it didn't reach his eyes. "It is good to have you here."

"Thank you, Mr Malfoy. It has been a pleasure to be finally accepted into your society." Hermione curtsied and Harry and the Minister both tried to hide a smile. Even Draco fought to keep the rising laughter. Hermione was rather cheeky.

Lucius, however, did not smile, but only tried to stare Hermione down. Hermione only raised her head high, and stared firmly back, until Draco decided to interrupt.

"So, father, when will the dancing begin?"

Slowly tearing his gaze away from Hermione, he replied, "At half past. If you will excuse us," he walked away, asking the Minister to follow, who obliged.

As soon as his father was out of earshot, Harry burst into laughter. "Hermione! You never cease to amaze me."

She gave a shy grin and she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, feeling awkward in front of Draco. After all, she'd just mocked his family. Draco merely smiled and then said he needed a drink. He sat down at one of the tables on the opposite side of the room from the duo and watched as many witches and wizards hastily made their way towards them, eager to get a share of the famous two. Sitting there, sipping his drink lazily, it also gave him time to admire Hermione. She looked truly beautiful, he had to admit. The dress…the dress was amazing on her. If he had just met her, he would have asked her to dance, there and then. Then why don't you? A small voice asked in his head. Draco scowled. For a start, he bullied her for six years at Hogwarts, then he fought against her, Potter and Weasel and even though for the past four or five months they'd struck up a sort of friendship, it didn't change anything. Move on, said the voice. How could he? He couldn't just ask everyone to forget what had happened; even it was six years ago. Besides, what would everyone here think if he started to dance with her? No doubt a sneaky photographer from Witch Weekly had managed to creep in, so if he danced with Granger…he didn't even want to think about all the stick he'd get from his parents, not to mention the rest of the wizarding society.

Several witches attempted to start conversation with him in the next fifteen minutes, but Draco continually replied with short, one word answers and they soon gave up and left him alone after they realised he wasn't interested and was staring at Hermione Granger. Music began to play, from where he didn't know, and soon couples moved to the middle of the room and began to dance slowly. He saw Harry offer his arm to Hermione, but she shook her head. Smiling, he watched as Harry shrugged and grabbed a glass from the table. His smile disappeared, however, when about five more wizards asked her to dance. But with pleasure, he watched as she declined.

--

Hermione was breathless. She had had so many wizards come and ask her to dance, including Harry! Didn't the Pure-bloods realise she was the Muggle-born Hermione Granger? I suppose that doesn't matter anymore,she mused. But still, she was shocked that so many people wanted to take her onto the dance floor. She spotted Draco watching her from the other side of the room, and she blushed, turning away. At that moment, Pansy glided over to her, grinning.

"Oh my gosh, Hermione! Did you see Draco's face when you arrived? His jaw literally hit the floor!" Pansy gushed, watching Hermione turn a deeper shade of red.

"Oh," She said meekly.

"Yeah, and he's watching you right now! You should so dance with someone and make him jealous." Pansy beamed.

"Why would I want to do that?" Hermione asked, frowning slightly.

"Duh! Because then he'll dance with you! Hermione, he likes you, it's so obvious." Pansy placed a hand on her hip, and cocked her head to one side.

"No, he doesn't. He wouldn't." Hermione shook her head, refusing to believe what Pansy had just told her.

"Hermione! Go and dance with Harry! Now!" Pansy ordered, but then hugged Hermione tightly. "It'll be fine."

She sighed but then went over to Harry and took up his earlier offer of dancing. Harry then took Hermione by the hand, and she felt incredibly nervous as they began to dance. She placed one hand on his shoulder, and the other in his hand. She prayed that Ginny wouldn't hate her for doing this when she found out. As Harry twisted her around, Hermione caught a glimpse of Draco's face. He was still watching her, but a dark expression had taken over his handsome features. Was it jealousy? A small smile tugged at her lips. Maybe Pansy was right! But why would she care? It's not like she fancied Draco Malfoy. Something told her she was lying to herself, but Hermione ignored the feeling and continued to dance with Harry and receive jealous glares from other wizards.

The song ended, and she and Harry broke apart. She caught Pansy's eye and she gave Hermione the thumbs up when another wizard she had never met before, asked her to dance. Half-heartedly agreeing to the tall, brown-haired man, she was twisted and turned in the next song. The man was an excellent dancer and he offered her a drink, which she politely declined, after the dance had ended.

She endured three more men to dance with, the last of which attempted to squeeze her backside and breast. She pushed him away, and angrily went to get her first drink of the evening. She didn't realise that the table she headed towards to was the one where Draco Malfoy was sat, until she sat down exhausted, next to him.

"Oh, hello." She greeted him, surprised.

"Hello," He murmured quietly. "Enjoy dancing?"

She turned to him, an eyebrow raised. "What do you think?"

"No?" His eyes were twinkling.

"Fifty points to Draco Malfoy." Hermione took a gulp of some wine. "The last guy…" She shuddered.

"Ah yes, Bertrum Horn. He does tend to get a little carried away with himself." Draco said, fairly amused. "If you had let him touch you, the next thing he would have done would be to kiss your cleavage." He added nonchalantly.

Hermione blanched.

"You did the right thing, I assure you." Draco laughed at her expression. "How are you getting on with the people here?"

"I haven't spoken to that many," She admitted. "But, for those who I have met, they seem fairly nice."

Draco laughed again. "They all do that at first. But these are my father's friends, you must remember. And that comment you said earlier…"

"Oh no, I didn't offend you did I?" She asked, suddenly worried.

"No, of course not. I almost laughed. His expression was priceless."

Hermione sighed a breath of relief. "Thank goodness. It just slipped out really."

Draco gazed at Hermione as she took another, small sip, from her drink. It couldn't sink in how beautiful she looked that night. He so badly wanted to dance with her, but he couldn't bring himself to ask. He quickly checked his watch – it was almost nine o'clock.

Hermione felt nature call, and she quietly asked Draco where the bathroom was. He told her the directions and she quickly slipped out of the ballroom. She entered into a beautiful hallway; marble flooring and a huge grand staircase dominated the end of the corridor. Remembering Draco's instructions, she turned left and headed towards a door near the stairs. She passed a half open door and she suddenly felt she had been there before. Checking no one was near, she opened the heavy door a bit more and then staggered backwards as she realised what room she had just stumbled upon. Memories of screams, pain and cruel laughter filled her and she gasped as she hit the wall.

"You are lying, filthy Mudblood, and I know it! You have been inside my vault at Gringotts! Tell the truth, tell the truth!"

"What else did you take, what else? ANSWER ME! CRUCIO!"

Hermione shook her head and willed herself to continue walking, but she tripped and would have broken her ankle. However, once again a strong arm kept her from falling to the ground. She sobbed, and clung on the arm as it lifted her up to standing height.

"Shit, Hermione, I'm so sorry. I realised that you would come across this room from my directions. I didn't think, I'm so sorry." Draco whispered in her ear, apologising over and over again.

Hermione still held on to Draco and he wrapped another arm around her body to bring her into a hug. Her hands clutched at his robes so hard, her knuckles were turning white. "I-I…I need to go,"

"No!" Draco pulled back and looked at her in concern. To his surprise, she was smiling weakly.

"To the toilet." She gave a hearty sniff and then turned towards the direction of the bathroom, determined to not look to the right where the dining room lay as a bad memory. It wasn't like she hadn't ever had nightmares of that night, she thought as she walked slowly to the bathroom, Draco following just to make sure she was okay. For the first year after the War, her dreams were plagued by Bellatrix. Sighing, she pushed the bathroom door open gently, and stepped into a large spacious room. She smiled at Draco before closing the door, and her heels clacked noisily as she walked across the tiled floor.

Draco was still standing outside once Hermione was finished. "Are you ready? Do you want to go a different way?"

Hermione almost agreed, but she told herself to stop being so pathetic and to be brave as she walked past the door. To be on the safe side, she took hold of Draco's outstretched arm, and walked on the inside of the opposite wall to the dining room. She took a breath and smiled at Draco just before they entered back into the ballroom. "Thank you, by the way." She gave him a dazzling smile and Draco suddenly felt nervous. He never felt nervous around a woman.

He pushed open the door and a few heads turned in their direction, their eyes widening when they saw who followed him. Ignoring the stares, Hermione followed Draco over to Pansy who raised an eyebrow. "Where have you two been?"

"We haven't done anything like that, Pansy, if you're wondering. Which you most likely are." Draco added dryly.

"I'll talk about it later," Hermione muttered quietly to her friend when she saw Harry come over. It wasn't like she didn't trust him. She just didn't want Harry to worry about her. He would most probably overreact and demand she go home and rest, and Hermione didn't want to do that; apart from the incident five minutes ago, Hermione was actually enjoying herself. And they still had, what, three and-a-bit hours left?

"Where did you go, Hermione? I was wondering if you wanted another dance."

"Toilet," Hermione she whispered into Harry's ear and he looked embarrassed. His mouth made on 'o' shape and she laughed. "Don't worry about it, and I shall take you up on your offer."

Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Draco scowl slightly as Harry took her back onto the dance floor. She smiled to herself, quite pleased she was making him jealous. She actually found Harry a fairly good dancer – he did step on her feet a few times, but other than that, he did well. As the song ended, she saw Draco move to get up from his seat, so she quickly asked Harry if he wanted to dance for the next one. She knew she was pushing it a little, but it was gratifying to see Draco get jealous over her. Harry agreed, surprised that she offered to dance.

"I didn't think you enjoy it,"

"Well…it has its benefits." She smiled slyly.

"Really?" He asked, intrigued. "Like what?" They began to dance to a slow moving song and Harry held Hermione closer.

"Don't get too close; some people may think you're cheating on Ginny." She deliberately didn't answer his question.

"You're right, sorry." Harry blushed. He gently pulled away from her slightly before anyone could notice.

"It's fine." She beamed up at her best friend who smiled in return.

"So, Hermione, got your eye on anyone in particular here?" Harry asked with a wink as they swayed from side to side.

Blushing, Hermione replied with a quick, "No,"

"Don't lie to Harry Potter, Hermione." He chuckled. "Go on, tell me."

"There's no one, Harry!" She protested and had to fight from laughing. She tried to push him away but he held onto her fast. "Let go," she said sulkily.

"But we haven't finished the dance, yet!" He said innocently. "And you still haven't answered my question."

"Well, what if I told you, hypothetically speaking, that it was a Slytherin?" Hermione tested.

"I wouldn't mind…that much." Harry pulled a face. "Why? Do you like Malfoy?" He suddenly asked, frowning.

"Harry, I said it was hypothetical." She rolled her eyes.

"Okay." He seemed pleased with her answer and then grinned.

"So what if it was Dra-Malfoy?" She pressed.

Not noticing the slip, Harry paused before answering, "I think I would trust you enough to make the right decision, and if that was to be with Malfoy, I'd accept that."

"Thank you, Harry." She hugged him tightly before releasing her hold as the song ended. Before Draco could get up, she joined him instead on a table.

"Hello,"

"Hi, did you have fun dancing? Potter looked like he was raping you." Malfoy turned slightly in his chair to face her.

"You're hilarious." She said her expression completely blank.

"I know," He smirked. "Don't you just love it?"

"No, not really," She retorted. "Has anyone asked you to dance?"

"Yes, but I said no to all of them." Draco averted his gaze from Hermione's.

"Why?" She asked. Wouldn't he be dying to dance with all the blond-haired, pretty witches here?

"Because I didn't want to dance with them," He replied simply. Draco suddenly felt reckless. "Miss Granger, would you do me the pleasure of accompanying me to the dance floor?"

Stunned, Hermione stuttered slightly as she replied, "Er, y-yes, okay." She definitely didn't expect this. Before Hermione realised what was going on, Draco gently took her hand in his. His skin was warm and soft and she immediately liked the way it felt in hers. He held her hand firmly, but not too tight and Hermione tried to ignore people's shocked expressions as Draco placed one hand on her tiny waist, and the other still in her hand. Hesitantly, she placed a hand gently on his shoulder.

"This is awkward," She murmured, as the next song was another slow one. Draco twisted Hermione around slowly and they carried on swaying back and forth to the calming music. "But nice."

She looked up at Draco and saw he was smiling down at her, his beautiful grey-blue eyes twinkling in the low light. "I wonder what everyone will say." He mused.

"I don't care," breathed Hermione. She felt completely at ease; exactly the opposite of how she would have thought she would feel. It felt right, just dancing here with him. They weren't uncomfortably close, nor were they so far apart. They danced for what seemed like an age to Hermione, each song flowing into the next, until Lucius appeared next to Draco, a thunderous scowl on his aristocratic features.

"I think you have danced enough, Draco, leave the poor girl alone," His lip curled as he gazed at Hermione. Seriously, what was his problem?

Draco glanced at Hermione before releasing his hold on her body. His hand lingered in hers for a moment before he bought it gently to his lips, and then he followed his livid father out of the ballroom, without a backward glance.

Hermione heard rushed footsteps come up behind her as she watched Draco leave the room with his father.

"Hermione!" Pansy turned Hermione around to face her. "Hermione!" She just repeated again, but with a huge smile on her face. Next to her, Harry stood with a puzzled expression.

"What?" She asked, still in a daze of Draco's kiss.

"Hermione…I don't understand. Are you with Malfoy?" Harry asked, scratching the back of his head.

"No. Why do you ask that?" Hermione felt weird. She was extremely confused. "I need to sit down; will you excuse me, Harry?" She stumbled over to a table where she placed a hand over her eyes. She heard a woman sit next to her and she assumed it was Pansy.

"Pans', did Draco just kiss me? On the hand?" She asked, still not looking up.

"He did," But the voice which answered wasn't Pansy's. Instead it was the voice of the hostess of the ball in which she was currently attending; Narcissa Malfoy.

"Oh!" Hermione sat up straight and faced the intimidating woman. "I'm so sorry, Mrs Malfoy, I really shouldn't have danced-"

"I thought I told you to call me Narcissa?" The woman stared at Hermione seriously for a moment, before a beautiful smile graced the still-young features of her face. "I am not sorry that you danced with my son, Miss Granger, or may I call you Hermione?"

Hermione nodded, dumb-founded.

"Yes, Hermione, you see, it has been very hard for Draco to find someone. Lucius has always been very…particular in what he wants for Draco in a wife. You may think to just find a Pure-blood, pretty witch, no? But Lucius wants the woman to be smart, funny, strong-minded and capable of carrying on the Malfoy line."

"But what about what Draco wants?" Hermione asked quietly.

"Exactly," Sighed Narcissa. "That is what I have been trying to tell Lucius ever since Draco was born. But he just won't listen. When he has an idea, he will most likely never change it. He is as stubborn as a Hippogriff.

"Why did he stop us from dancing?" Hermione couldn't help but pout.

Narcissa gave a sad chuckle. "Because he's afraid of the effect you're having on Draco."

"What?" Hermione exclaimed. "He's afraid of me?"

"In a way, yes. Hermione, the change in Draco is so obvious it's painful. After he went for dinner with you at Miss Parkinson's, and then to that Muggle theme park, he was so happy and jubilant afterwards. At first I thought it was because you went to the theme park and Draco loves rides. But when he spent that lunch in the Three Broomsticks, I know all about that, I knew there was something…a spark between you two. It was his idea to invite you to the ball and I readily agreed, suggesting Mr Potter as to make it less suspicious. I thought it was an idea to use this opportunity to see if there really was something between you, and that dance has just confirmed my theory." Narcissa finished with a big smile, still on her face.

"So…" Hermione was confused. Again. "What are you trying to say, exactly?"

"And they call you the brightest witch of our age." Narcissa closed her eyes as if she were in pain. "Hermione, you and Draco have something special between you and this is what Lucius is afraid of. Frankly, I believe that you fit into Lucius' idea of a wife – apart from your blood status but that means nothing, now – but he will never see this."

"You want me to be Draco's wife?" Hermione asked incredulously.

"Yes," Narcissa beamed. "You're perfect for him. He likes you, he really does. And I know you do too."

"Wait a minute…" Hermione was thinking back over the last few weeks. "Pansy! Pansy and Ginny! They're trying to set me up!" She hissed.

Narcissa burst into peals of beautiful laughter. "Really? That is simply wonderful! I must go and congratulate Pansy! Before I excuse myself, I must say: Do not worry about it all, Hermione. Lucius will come round, eventually, I know he will. And please don't forget that Lucius does love Draco, he truly does." And with that, Narcissa got up from her chair and gracefully made her way over to Pansy.

Hermione groaned. She didn't want Lucius to come round! She didn't want to get married to Draco Malfoy! 'Hermione Malfoy,' she suddenly thought, 'it did have a certain ring to it.' Ugh! What was she thinking? No, it could never happen. Could it?

--

Draco followed his father as he marched up the stairs, apprehension rising in his stomach. Did he really have to kiss Hermione's hand? Was that really necessary? Yes, he thought it was. It felt good. He should do it again sometime. He smiled to himself at this new found recklessness; Hermione's Gryffindor bravery was rubbing off on him.

Draco was ordered to sit in the chair in his father's study, behind the desk. Exactly where he was earlier in the day.

"What the hell was that all about, Draco?" His father roared, spit flying from his mouth. "What possessed you to kiss her hand?"

"Why not?" He asked coolly.

"Why not?" Lucius spluttered. "Because she…You're acting as if you're in love with her!"

Draco smirked as his father was unable to answer his question. "And if I was?"

"You are?" hissed Lucius.

"No, but if I was, what would you do? Disown me? Then you would have no one to carry on the Malfoy line. What would you do, father?" Draco jeered, folding his arms. He was done with his father's games. He was not going to be controlled over who he could marry and who he could not.

"She is not good enough for you!" Lucius snarled, pacing around the study.

"Then who is, Lucius, who is?" Draco lost his cool and slammed his fist down on the desk. "You have been looking for years for the perfect wife for me. Have you ever taken into consideration as to what I want? Plenty of witches have come and gone and for all you know, the perfect one could have been one of them. How do you know that she even exists? You demand perfection which doesn't exist in humans; you of all people should realise that."

Lucius stopped pacing and stared at his son, with anger and an emotion Draco couldn't place. Was it guilt? Shame? "How dare you speak to me like that?"

"I can speak to you how I bloody want! I am a twenty four year old adult and I know what I want in my life!" Draco yelled, marching up to his father to stand eye to eye. "You've been looking for wives for me since I was sixteen and you still are, but do you know what? I think I've already found her." Draco finished calmly and then stormed out of the room, seeing Lucius shake with anger. What he didn't see next, was his father fall into his chair and collapse into bitter tears.

Yeah, I know it's shorter than a few other chapters, and it's a bit depressing towards the end, but you gotta feel for Lucius, right? ;)

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