Housekeeping as always, many thanks for favs, follows and reviews. You are so generous with your time and words. Apologies of course for any errors grammatical or otherwise, and I am sure the hawkeyes out there will point them out to me (thank you).

So Hermione has met with Kingsley Shacklebolt, she has his approval for her plan, but how will Lucius react...enjoy...

After his peculiar and rather surprising encounter with Hermione Granger early on Saturday morning, Lucius Malfoy had had a very restless weekend. He had wavered from angry, slipping into hurt and then falling headlong into total confusion. The more he tried to make sense of what had happened, the more, angry, hurt and confused he became.

After the strange nightmare, come dream that he had suffered somewhere between Friday night and Saturday morning, the dark wizard had avoided any more Firewhiskey, however with everything that was going on around him and in his head was unable to totally abstain, so he had uncorked a rather fine bottle of wine from the well-stocked cellar. The Nuits Saint Georges, was a much better vintage than the one he had ordered from the list at the Aurelia Imperial, none the less he found the heady, fruity flavours reminding him of that evening, of Hermione and it had a strangely cathartic effect on him.

Draco had avoided him; which gave rise to his anger once more and to his suspicions that there was more to Hermione's visit than just business. Although as Saturday had slowly moved into Sunday, Lucius began to realise that his anger was based solely on the fact, that something was going on, he just didn't know what it was, nothing annoyed Lucius Malfoy more than being kept in the dark. It also became very clear to the dark wizard that the weird sense of hurt that rushed through his veins was because, Hermione Granger had been in his house, but not as his guest. Thus the confusion started all over again, coming full circle.

Draco appeared for breakfast on Monday morning, a little later than usual, quite possibly hoping that his father had long since finished and left. Father and son shared polite, if rather strained conversation. Hermione's name did not come up, not even when an owl arrived from the Ministry.

The large bird, carried a neatly addressed envelope which bore the distinctive Ministry logo on the front. Both men watched and waited, anxious to see who the letter was for. It was Lucius who removed the cream parchment from its beak, noticing his name clearly embossed beneath the glittering M. His heart beat a little rapidly, his palm just a little sweaty as he noticed the equally familiar seal on the reverse, as that of the Minister himself. It was most unlike Kingsley Shacklebolt to message him in such an urgent fashion, wondering if this could be some belated consequence from the incident last week with the Weasley boy, or worse still something to do with Hermione. Not wishing to appear concerned in any way in front of Draco, Lucius summoned his house elf for more coffee. Tea was his usual beverage of choice, especially at breakfast, but with his lack of alcohol over the last couple of days, he needed something with a bit of a kick. The strong, specially imported coffee he had at the manor was just what he needed, even more so now. Taking a sip from the steaming, delicate cup, Lucius sliced open the envelope with the small, but very sharp butter knife.

His look of concern turning to one of intrigue as he read the contents, once, twice then again just for good measure, the contents taking a while to sink in.

Draco could tell from the look on his father's face, that the owl was of decided interest to him, and clearly nothing derogatory. He had, as Hermione, had suggested when he had escorted her to the apparition point on Saturday morning, given his father some space. Or as Draco thought of it, kept well out of his way. He didn't fully understand his father's anger, but then he didn't really fully understand his father, he would like to say at the moment, but alone with his father for the last few months, Draco had come to realise that there was a lot he didn't know about his father, let alone understand. Hermione had assured the young wizard that as always with Lucius it was a supremacy thing, not knowing Draco had a guest, and especially that it was her, it undermined his control. Draco had bowed to her far superior knowledge, assuring the young witch, he would be giving his father plenty of space for a while.

Even in the same house, they could not see each other for hours on end, quite possibly days if they were clever. Draco had indeed taken full advantage of that, hoping that by breakfast on Monday, he would be in an improved frame of mind, or better still, left for a meeting somewhere. Finding him still seated at the polished, elegantly set table was a little disconcerting, but Draco also remembered another piece of advice that Hermione had given him, well two actually. The first was carry on as you would do normally, as if nothing had happened, the second was do not provoke anything contentious. The first was a little difficult, Draco was still on edge after what had happened, the second was easy, he was all for keeping the peace. No way did he want to antagonise his father. It was in the spirit of the former, that Draco took a deep breath, and with hard won ease, addressed his father.

"Good news father? You look pleased."

Draco smiled, all be it a little nervously at Lucius, relief flooding his veins as the older wizard nodded, a small smile lifting his own lips.

"Well I am not sure you would call it news exactly, but Kingsley wants to meet for a late lunch, says he would like my valuable input with some important Ministry work."

Draco took a sip of his own coffee, knowing full well this had to be Hermione's doing, part of that plan she had mentioned, he kept his face impassive but smiled indulgently at his clearly delighted father.

"Sounds very interesting father, and for Kingsley himself to ask and invite you to lunch. When?"

Lucius was once more reading the note in his hand, exceedingly happy that, it would seem he was being invited back into the inner circle of the Ministry, but also feeling a little sheepish, that perhaps this was in some way connected to Hermione's visit, and that her meeting with his son was actually business related. He pushed that aside, a silly notion, he chastised himself silently. Why on earth would the Minister of Magic share such confidences with someone like…...Hermione Granger. Her name itself answered that question.

He looked at his curious son, clearly he had asked him a question, but Lucius had been lost in his own thoughts, and not heard.

"Did you say something Draco?"

"Yes I was saying it sounded interesting and asked when the invitation was for?"

"This afternoon, he says, if I don't have any other prior engagements."

Lucius rose elegantly from the head of the table; picking up his cane which rested against the arm of the carver chair.

"I think I will be able to make it." He said sarcastically, his day was hardly full.

Lucius looked at his son, he had once again returned to his coffee, his blue eyes were shinning over the top of the white china. He couldn't help notice he looked a little; a little something he couldn't quite put his finger on. Not uncomfortable exactly, not really devious, but something. Lucius was more convinced than ever this had something to do with Hermione and her visit. That in turn made him feel uncomfortable, that he had doubted them. Maybe he really was just being a little paranoid and it was all a coincidence. To be honest he wasn't sure he cared what it was, to be invited to lunch at the Ministry was enough, to be asked by the Minister, for his valuable input, really was his way back, he would certainly assist Kingsley Shacklebolt and the Ministry of Magic in any way that he could.

The Minster had arranged their late lunch in his private dining room adjacent to his office, and the two had enjoyed a leisurely and quite extensive meal especially for lunch. Kingsley Shacklebolt was a master of small talk, in addition to being well versed in all manner of current affairs, and they discussed a varying range of topics, from the Quidditch results at the weekend, to the Wizard Finance Conference taking place later that month in Switzerland.

Although he was more than happy to chat with the Minister on any subject he wanted, Lucius was getting a little impatient, whilst a keen follower of stocks and shares, and the Financial world, he doubted this was hardly what the Minister deemed valuable input.

"I must apologise Lucius, it is good to talk about such things with a man such as yourself, and I could do so for hours, but I should really get on to the reason why I asked you here."

Thank Salazar for that, thought Lucius, but nodded his head politely at Shacklebolt. "I must confess your owl certainly intrigued me, and of course I am flattered that you would request my assistance."

"Well, to be honest Lucius, and I hope that this doesn't sound offensive. There are very few people who have your first-hand knowledge or are in such a position to help."

"Off course Kingsley, if there is anything I can do, as I have said you know you only have to ask."

"I and the Ministry appreciate that Lucius, and will of course show our appreciation accordingly."

A little ripple of pleasure coursed through Lucius, wondering just how appreciative the Ministry would be at his help. Monetary reward was irrelevant, Lucius Malfoy wanted the credence that went with once more being on good terms with the Ministry of Magic.

"I have to confess however, this might be a little difficult for you and we sincerely understand that."

Lucius noticed the use of the word we, knowing instinctively he wasn't referring to the Ministry.

Kingsley Shacklebolt was playing his cards very close to his chest, he didn't want to tell Lucius Malfoy too much, he would leave that to Hermione, but he wanted to make sure that he was in no position to say no, or put up any resistance when the young witch joined them.

"Lucius, I like to think of myself as a very forward thinking Minister of Magic, encompassing new ideas, but in doing so, I know that they will, in the long run help out world survive and move forward."

Lucius couldn't help but think Shacklebolt sounded like he was campaigning for office, giving a political address, to an assembled rally. He none the less listened intently and with continued fascination.

"To be able to do all of that, I feel we must study the mistakes we have made in the past, understand them and learn from them."

Lucius rubbed a long finger across his chin, contemplating the Minister's words, whilst understanding what he meant, the dark wizard was not entirely sure where he came into this.

"I am a firm believer, that we can only achieve true understanding from experience, first-hand knowledge as it were."

"I agree Kingsley, I am all for experience, there is no substitute for it."

"Good, good. This is where your valuable input comes in."

Lucius was still confused. His valuable input he understood, but in relation to what, he still had no idea; Kingsley Shacklebolt was being most mysterious. A knock on the door halted their conversation, the Minister called for the person on the other side to come in.

"Hermione, excellent, punctual as ever. Come in, come in. Do join us, help yourself to anything, there are a few rather nice little things left to nibble."

With the Minster's remark, Hermione found her eyes fall on the noble figure of Lucius Malfoy, her face instantly flushing. She quickly brought her mind back the task at hand, knowing exactly how nice it was to nibble on him, was not a distraction she needed right now, the meeting hadn't even begun.

"I am fine thank you Kingsley. Mister Malfoy, a pleasure to see you again."

In the professional environs of the Minister of Magic's office, Hermione reverted to formality with Lucius.

"You too Miss Granger." He rose chivalrously as she sat, matching her form of address.

"Lucius, I hope you do not mind, but I have asked Hermione to join us, for various reasons but first and foremost, as Head of Wizard Welfare and Rehabilitation, this is very much her field."

The Minister of Magic watched the dark wizard's responses carefully, any sign that there might be any issues and he would seriously reconsider, Hermione's request. He saw his silver gaze fall upon the young witch, but other than a slightly raised brow, he showed little or no reaction. Kingsley continued with his briefing, still carefully scrutinising Lucius Malfoy, for any adverse reactions.

"This is a new department, as such we have to ensure that it is as readily filled with the same amount information and records as all of the other well established areas. That we glean as much evidence as possible from as many sources as we can."

Lucius was well aware that the Minister of Magic was studying him closely, after the incident with the Weasley boy last week, he couldn't afford any more losses of temper or indications that he might not be in control. He had to confess the arrival of Hermione had caught him off guard in more ways than one. Not least looking decidedly attractive and very professional in her prim work robes. It was lucky that Kingsley Shacklebolt was only concerned with his facial responses, his body already more than well aware of her, that distinctive fragrance of her stirring more than just his sense of smell. He shifted slightly in his seat.

"Hermione, perhaps you would like to explain a little more to Lucius. My knowledge is not as extensive as yours and, I am clearly waffling and making hard work of this."

Hermione caught the Minster's eye, twinkling knowingly but laced with serious intent, he was totally aware of what he was doing, purposely waffling a little more than he would normally to allow Hermione into the conversation.

Hermione recited her little mantra to herself once more. Determined that she would remain both exceedingly polite and utterly professional.

"Thank you Kingsley." She took a deep breath, Lucius' ever unsettling silver gaze unrelenting as she began to speak.

"I think you might be aware Mister Malfoy, since I took up my position here, I have been dividing my time between St Mungo's and Azkaban." Hermione knew what she had told Lucius, but she didn't know what else he knew, she chose her words with care.

"I have been talking to the patients and to the inmates, trying to get a better understanding of them, of their feelings and of course how we go forward from there."

She paused briefly, like Kingsley looking for even the slightest reaction from the dark wizard, his hand's rested in his lap, his back was straight, and his face totally impassive. All the while he never took his eyes off her.

"I have spoken with Kingsley at length about this, and I feel that, because they are precisely that, current patients and inmates, I am not getting a clear picture. It would help me, and the Ministry if we could talk to someone, who had been through the experience, come out the other side. Help us make things better and of course make them better."

Finally, Lucius understood what they were asking of him, his blood ran cold, whilst his palms sweated, that awful feeling of nausea rose in his stomach, threatening to reject his lunch.

Hermione saw the change in Lucius, she had seen it before, all those little micro mannerisms that he fought so hard to control. She knew how hard this was going to be for him, this was going to help her with her work of course it would, but she was really doing this to help him, she just couldn't tell him that.

"Mister Malfoy." Her tone was soft and gentle as she spoke. She was addressing Lucius, the man she had spent the night with, not Mister Malfoy the former Death Eater.

"I do realise that this is a lot to ask of you and how difficult it might be, if you do agree to help me, to help the Ministry then we can take it at your own pace, I have no constraints on my time. From a personal perspective I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you even considering it."

Lucius Malfoy's eyes went that strange shade of grey blue, her personal appeal clearly striking a chord, battering their way through that wall he had once more erected around himself. Hermione glanced at Kingsley, there was no way he was going to push the man any further, feeling certain it might only antagonise him. His words therefore came as a surprise to Hermione.

"Lucius, I am sure this is not what you expected when I invited you here for lunch. I must confess when Hermione and I were discussing how we, how she might gather more information, move forward, if there was anyone in a position to help us. I was more than a little reticent, dare I say uneasy at her suggestion. But well I believe she has a point and I know you are keen to do all you can to help the Ministry these days."

Kingsley Shacklebolt was a man after her own heart, he knew how to flatter and he knew how to work a situation.

"And Lucius, in my honest opinion, you really are the only person that could give us this valuable insight. Perhaps you would like more time to think about…..."

Lucius' head was spinning almost as much as his stomach was lurching, his mouth had gone so dry he could hardly speak, the words slipping quietly from his lips.

"No….I do not need any more time to think." His clipped aristocratic tones, cut through Kingsley deep baritone.

Hermione's heart dropped like a stone, a No from Lucius meant no, there was no way she or even the Minister of Magic could force the issue. She would simply have to find another way or talking to him.

Lucius' cold grey blue eyes drifted from Kingsley Shacklebolt to Hermione Granger, condescension etched on his face. He felt a little cornered, trapped even, but neither clouded his judgement. They both seemed genuine in their words and surprisingly, in their concern for his well-being. He did not need their pity; he did not want their sympathy, what Lucius Malfoy did want more than anything, was to get back into the good graces of the Ministry, he might not wield the influence or the power he once did, but who knew, in time even that might come. He wanted to secure a position for his son. If this was what he had to do, if this was the price, then so be it, it was a small sacrifice and he had a lot to make up for.

He would have to talk about the darkest time in his life, the most shameful things that had happened to him, he of course could choose just how much he shared, as little or as much as he wanted, depending on the payoff. He had managed it, all be it briefly with her before, ridiculously over lunch, he could do it again, only this time he would be in control, he would be on his guard, making sure he only revelled what he wanted. Lucius had promised himself he would not lie to Hermione, she was the one person he could be himself with, and he liked how that made him feel. Lucius Malfoy was a man always true his word, he would ensure that remained the case.

The difference being, this time he got to do it for his own gains. He was now just work to Hermione, part of her job, but he knew she would treat him with the reverence that came with it. In reality it seemed a small penance for his sins of the past.

"I don't need more time to think about it, I will do it."