A/N: Hello all my wonderful readers, I wanted to update again this week to help make up for the long in-betweens with the last two updates. Thank you so much for the reviews, I so love reading them after each chapter. It really makes my day when I see them. If some of you got PMs for your reply instead of a normal reply, sorry, but FF. net was acting wonky again. Anyway, here is her stay with Lucius and Draco at the Manor. Enjoy!
Special Thanks: To TabiPrewett, my beta, you always have the best comments in my drafts that you check. The best ones pop up out of nowhere and always make me laugh too. Thank you for all your hard work.
Chapter 12
Lucius showed her to her room several minutes later, after Toddle came back to let his master know the room was ready. Hermione didn't say anything, she didn't really look at him either, and for whatever reason, Lucius didn't push her on it. Something she greatly appreciated.
Coming to a stop outside of a beautifully polished door, Lucius turned to her. "This will be your room for the duration of your stay. There is a fireplace and I've altered the wards to let you use the fireplace as a floo, should you need to get anything from your home."
Hermione nodded. "Thank you." She said softly, finally meeting his pale gray eyes for just a minute, before with a slight blush she looked away again.
Lucius opened the door for her and allowed her inside, not moving past the doorway. He didn't want to make her any more nervous than she seemed, by him walking further into the room.
"You have your own private bath and a shared balcony. If you need or desire anything, you only have to ask." Lucius said, fighting a smirk when her gaze jerked to his at the word desire.
Lucius waited, but she didn't say anything, she only nodded. Biting back another sigh, he spoke again. "Lulu."
A tiny young female elf popped into the room wearing an equally tiny, pink dress. "Yes, Master's?"
Lucius smiled at the little elf. "Lulu, would you please see to anything Miss Granger might need or request while she's here?"
The tiny elf nodded enthusiastically, her bat like ears flopping about as she gave a smile, that was a bit scary with all the sharp teeth in her mouth. "Yes, sir's. Lulu, take very good care of's Miss."
The elf turned to Hermione. "Lulu, is a good elf, Miss."
Hermione smiled, her eyes warming as she gazed upon the seemingly very happy elf. "Thank you, Lulu."
The elf smiled again. "You's welcome, Miss."
Lulu looked to Lucius. "Is there's any more master's wishes of Lulu?"
Lucius shook his head slightly. "No, thank you, that will be all Lulu. You may go."
The elf smiled again and was gone with a small pop.
Lucius looked again to Hermione, who was gazing around the room. "If there is nothing else you require, I'll leave you. Dinner will be served in an hour. You're welcome to freshen up or do as you please until then. Lulu will show you to the dining room when you're ready."
Hermione forced her eyes to meet his and tried to force the blush threatening to rise again in her cheeks to stay away. "Thank you."
Lucius seemed to want to say something more, but he seemed to change his mind. With a small nod and a short bow, he turned and left. Closing the door softly behind him.
Hermione sighed, the nerves she had been fighting hitting her now that he was gone. She rubbed her hands over her face and walked into the loo. Looking in the mirror and seeing all signs of her earlier tears were gone. How did that happen? She wondered, deciding Lucius must have done it.
Maybe I shouldn't have asked Draco to help me. Maybe I should have asked where he was before just walking blindly through the floo. Hermione thought as she started to wash her face, since she had nothing else to do to occupy her.
Maybe I shouldn't have kissed Lucius Malfoy. Hermione added in, grimacing again. How will I face him at dinner and not bloody blush or stutter about? I couldn't even get more than two words out to the man a few moments ago.
She paused in her task of running a cold cloth over her face. He tasted so good though. I don't remember anyone ever kissing me like that before. If he can kiss that wonderfully what else can he....she stopped that line of thinking instantly.
No, I won't be thinking about that. It won't happen anyway. I will not sleep with Draco's father. I don't want to anyhow. She decided with a decisive nod. I don't want to sleep with him, nor kiss him again.
Liar. Replied a voice in her head, a voice that she feared might be her conscience. A voice she chose to ignore as she went back to washing her face. She did what she could to straighten up her hair and clothes, though not much was needed. Not wanting to arrive at dinner looking like some hag off the streets.
When the same inner voice asked why she cared so much about how she looked to her dinner companions, she again ignored it. There is nothing wrong with wanting to look nice or presentable. She thought.
Hermione debated going to Grimmauld Place to get what she'd need to sleep over before or after dinner. Deciding to wait until after. Otherwise, Ron might expect her to make his damn dinner or simply ruin her appetite. She wasn't up to dealing with either option. When it was almost time to go downstairs, she called to Lulu. The happy elf appeared, a pretty, though slightly unnerving smile on her face. "Yes, Miss?"
Hermione smiled, liking the cheerful little elf. "Lulu, can you show me where the dining room is, please?"
Lulu nodded. "Yes, Miss. Lulu know's the way's. Follow Lulu."
The tiny elf quickly moved to take Hermione's hand to guide her but stopped, a horrified look on her face. "I's sorry, Miss. Lulu never's been asked's to help guests before's. Lulu knows not's all guests like's to be's touched by elves. Lulu should's have asked's Miss first. Lulu a bad elf."
The tiny elf grabbed her floppy ears and started to tug on them hard. "Lulu must be's punished."
Hermione quickly kneeled and grabbed the tiny elf's hands to stop her. "Lulu isn't a bad elf. Don't punish yourself, please."
Lulu looked up at Hermione, small tears in her eyes. "But's Lulu not's supposed to touch guests without's asking's first. Master's might be's angry for's making guests mad."
Hermione smiled. "Lulu, I don't mind. I like when elves hold my hand. Would Lucius be angry if I'm happy that you held my hand?" Hermione didn't dislike holding the elf's hand. In fact, she wasn't sure if she'd ever held an elf's hand before. However, she wasn't going to say that to the tiny little elf that seemed very sweet.
Lulu paused in thought. "No's. Master's like's for's elves to make's guests happy."
Hermione smiled still while holding the small elf's hands. "Then, your master won't be angry. He wouldn't want you to punish yourself for making me happy." At least, she hoped he wouldn't.
Lulu smiled. "Thank you's, Miss. Lulu like's making's Miss happy."
Hermione slowly let the elf's hands go, ready to stop the elf again if it tried to hurt itself again. When she didn't, Hermione stood again, holding out her hand to the elf. "Well, if you'll show me the way down, Lulu, I'd be very pleased."
Lulu nodded, happy once again. "Yes, Miss."
The little house elf took Hermione's hand in her tiny wrinkled one and started to lead the way down the long winding hallways. Hermione was curious about something, so she looked down at the small elf.
"Lulu, does Lucius demand you punish yourself?" She asked. If so, the elder Malfoy was in for one hell of lecture. The brunette didn't care if the elves belonged to him or not. That was no way to treat the small creatures.
Lulu shook her head. "No's, Miss. Master's does not's like's us to punish ourselves anymore. So we's don't do it's when he's near. Nor when Young Master's is around."
Hermione sighed. She knew if she told the small creature not to do it no matter what, Lulu would ignore her. Lulu obviously ignored her master too.
Lulu led her down the stairs and up to a set of double doors. She let go of Hermione's hand and opened them for her. "Here's you's go, Miss."
Hermione smiled. "Thank you, Lulu."
Hermione looked up and saw both men stand from their seats at the table. Lucius already moving to pull out a chair for her. It was still unnerving to have such polite gestures, but she was starting to really like them.
Draco smiled as she took her seat across from him at his father's side. She gave Lucius a tentative smile and said thank you once again. "Hermione, how do you like your room?" Draco asked.
Hermione looked at the young man and gave him a smile as well. "It's lovely Draco, thank you for asking. Bigger than I'm used to, but very beautiful. I don't know how I'll sleep on such a big bed though. I might get lost in it."
Lucius chuckled softly, glad to see that she finally gave him a smile, even if it was small. "I'm sure you'll manage. That used to be my mother's room. She liked the large bed. She used to toss and turn a lot at night, so she needed the large bed to keep from hitting the floor."
Hermione smiled. "I'm not restless when I sleep, accept..." She trailed off, seeing Lucius' eyes darken a bit when he realized what she was going to say about her nightmares. Quickly moving on and changing how she almost finished the sentence.
"...accept on the few occasions that I just can't sleep. If I'm thinking about a problem at work and just can't seem to get my brain to shut down. I usually pull out a book to read on those nights." She said, watching as the color changed back to a pale gray with her words.
Draco smirked. "Well, we have a huge library if you need something to read. I can show it to you after dinner, if you'd like."
Hermione nodded. "Possibly. I do need to floo to Grimmauld Place to grab a few things. I had thought to do it after dinner."
Lucius frowned slightly. "Is it wise to do so on your own with Weasley and his new...paramour there and no one else?"
Hermione went to answer, but several elves popped in to bring their dinner. She waited until everything was served, their wine glasses filled with the golden liquid at the table. Saying a polite thank you before the elves left, then speaking again. "I'll be fine. Ronald isn't dumb enough to do anything. He's knows I'm much better with my wand than he is. Besides, he would never hurt me."
Draco snorted. "Maybe not physically."
Hermione made to comment, but Lucius interrupted. "I'm sure she knows what she's doing, Draco. If she is sure she'll be fine, then I'm sure she will be."
Hermione smiled, glad to know that Lucius had faith that she could take care of herself. They moved on to idle chit chat. Things that were considered proper dinner conversation while eating.
She joined in, adding her own thoughts to what was said and relaxing more and more as they ate. It wasn't as bad as she feared. She had wondered if it would be simply stuffy and boring to eat with them, but it was fun for her. The conversation was stimulating and made her realize just how much intelligent conversation she'd not been able to have lately with her friends.
Both Lucius and Draco able to fully keep up with her without her having to stop and explain herself. Something she rather enjoyed.
When her wine glass was low, Lucius reached for the bottle and refilled it for. Not even pausing in what he was saying as he did so. His movements smooth and graceful. Though she did notice how his shirt stretched across his shoulders, showing the muscles underneath as he did so.
When he set the bottle down again, she gave him a small smile in thanks, one he returned before going on with his conversation. She happened to glance at the bottle of white wine and paused with the glass almost to her lips.
Draco noticed. "What is it, Hermione?"
She smiled. "Nothing, that wine just looks like one I gave to Severus for Christmas. I was curious if it was any good and if it is the same kind or even a similar one to it, then I have to say that it is very good."
Draco looked to his father, and Lucius simply smiled before speaking. "If that is a bottle like the one you gave him, I'm sure he is enjoying it. You have excellent taste in wine, my dear."
Hermione blushed softly at Lucius' praise. "I can't take credit for picking it. The shopkeeper I purchased it from was the one to recommend it."
Draco smirked, knowing full well it was the exact same bottle. Severus had given the basket to Lucius, since he was the one to give Hermione the necklace. Though Severus had taken a bottle of red wine with him to drink later, at Lucius' suggestion of course.
Lucius inclined is head. "Either way, you were smart enough to take good advice from someone who knows their wines."
Hermione smiled again and resumed eating.
When dinner was over, Lucius helped her from her chair and asked again if she'd like to see the library. Hermione very much wanted to, her bibliophile heart calling out to see the vast rows of books she knew were there.
However, Hermione declined, saying she needed to go get what she needed for the night. Asking if maybe she could see it later instead.
Lucius nodded, saying she was more than welcome to see his library whenever she was ready. She smiled and said she'd use the floo in her room. Not wanting to step foot back in his office if she didn't have to.
Lucius watched her go and Draco waited until she was out of range before speaking. "I cannot believe you chose that wine for dinner. Are you trying to make her ask questions concerning who really sent her the necklace?" Though he still wasn't sure why his father sent it to begin with.
Lucius smirked. "No. I just thought she might enjoy sampling what she bought. Who says it's the same bottle? It could have been a coincidence and been played off as one."
Draco shook his head and walked off. Leaving Lucius still smirking and looking towards the direction the witch left. He felt the shifting in his wards, signaling her leaving and going home via the floo in her room.
Lucius went back to the library to finish reading the book he started before her arriving in his office. Happy to see the elves had already cleaned up the mess from him dropping his drink in his haste.
Hermione collected what she needed without incident, well, without much of one. Ron had demanded to know where she had been all evening. Lavender had sat glaring at Hermione the whole time for interrupting her time alone with Ron.
Hermione had told Ron it was none of his business. She didn't have to answer to him anymore, not that she ever really did. He had sputtered in outrage, but she had ignored him and gone up to her room.
Grabbing up a small bag and stuffing her nightclothes and fresh clothes for tomorrow inside. Including her brush and whatever toiletries she thought she might need. Even grabbing the current book, she was reading in case she couldn't sleep.
After it was all shrunk down and inside the small pocket of her skirt, not wanting Ron to ask why she had an overnight bag, she went back downstairs. She wished the fireplace in her room was connected to the floo so she didn't have to see the couple again before leaving, but sadly it wasn't. She'd never thought to see if Harry would mind her connecting it before now.
Spotting her coming downstairs, Ron demanded again to know where she had been. Hermione had rolled her eyes and told him to stuff it. Huffing in anger, Ron had stormed off into the kitchen. Grumbling about how Hermione wasn't even considerate enough to make sure dinner was cooked before running off earlier. Lavender had been forced to cook and she was rubbish at it. Hermione had been smirking, thinking of the wonderful meal she'd eaten earlier, and went back into the living room. Glad to see it was empty before flooing back to the Manor.
She had proceeded to take a long, hot bath. Sinking into the huge tub that reminded her of the prefect's bathroom with the many different colored bubbles floating around her. The scent of orange blossoms floating around her from the soap, making her smile since it smelled of the soap she used at home. Not even pausing to wonder how that was possible since she hadn't thought to the grab her soaps from home.
When she was done, she pulled on her silky burgundy pajama set that Ginny had given her. Hermione sighed as she climbed into the bed and the soft mattress enveloped her. The downy softness made her think that this was what sleeping on a cloud must feel like. She tried to read, but she didn't even get past two pages before the exhaustion from her earlier nightmare, along with the softness of the bed, made her slip into sleep. The book resting on her chest.
Lucius had been sitting in the library still when he again felt his wards shift. Hermione was back, it seemed. He waited, wondering if she might come down to the library after all. Only she never showed up.
A few hours passed, and Lucius wondered what she was doing. Getting up, he extinguished all the lamps and made his way upstairs. He paused outside her door, but he didn't hear anything. After a soft tap, he waited, but again didn't hear anything. He slowly opened her door to find a small lamp on and her sound asleep in bed.
He moved towards Hermione, the plush carpet masking his footsteps and he gazed down at her in her sleep. Her hair fanned out on her pillow, her dark lashes resting on her cheek. He thought she was absolutely lovely to look at.
Lucius picked up her book that was lying on her chest, her hands resting softly on the stiff cover. Scanning the title, The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, he smiled at seeing the classic muggle literature, before setting it gently on the table beside her. He rather liked that book himself and had read it many times over the years. Though his copy wasn't a cheap paperback, likes her was. He wondered if he dared mention the first edition that he had in his library that he was sure had more of the original written story than the copies sold these days in bookstores. She might enjoy the added text that her book probably didn't hold.
Hermione shifted slightly in her slumber, drawing his attention away from her book, as the sheet moved down to her hip, her bare arms and shoulders already exposed in the dark silky tank she wore. He noticed that the burgundy shirt she wore had risen slightly to show a hint of her smooth belly, and Lucius reached out to pull the covers back over her sleeping form.
Brushing a soft curl away from her cheek so it didn't tickle her face and disturb her, Lucius paused as he once again saw his gift around her neck. Glad to see her wearing it and enjoying it. The blond man extinguished that light as well, before moving away and leaving her to rest in peace. He knew she had to be tired after her ordeal earlier in his office.
Hermione woke the next morning feeling more refreshed than she remembered feeling before. She didn't think she stirred all night since she woke up in the same position as when she fell asleep. She did see her book on the table, and since she knew she fell asleep reading, she figured Lulu had set it aside for her. A small smile on her lips at thinking how sweet and helpful the elf was.
Getting up, she brushed her teeth and did her morning ritual. Doing her best not to squeak in surprise when she came out and found Lulu had already opened her curtains to let in the soft early morning light and was making up her bed.
"Good morning's, Miss. Did you's sleep well?" The small elf asked as she smoothed out the satiny comforter.
Hermione smiled. "Good morning, Lulu. I slept beautifully, thank you."
The little elf nodded. "Would's Miss like's a tray brought up, or does Miss want's to have's breakfast in the dining room?"
Hermione looked down at her pajamas. She didn't bring a robe or anything with her, so she would need to change first. She didn't think it would be acceptable to go down in just her pajamas.
Sensing Hermione's dilemma, the little elf spoke. "Lulu can get's Miss a dressing gown if you's like? Master's and Young Master's always wear's one to breakfast if not's working."
Hermione smiled. "That would be wonderful, Lulu. Thank you."
The tiny elf popped out and came back moments later with a silk pillowcase. The sight made Hermione frown slightly until it was transfigured into a pretty dressing robe in the same color as her pajamas.
"Here's you are, Miss." The elf held out the robe, careful to not let it drag on the floor.
Hermione took it gently, thanking the elf. Slipping it on and biting back a sigh at how soft it felt against her skin. Her pajamas might be silk, but it was nothing compared to the quality of the richer fabric of the robe and how it felt against her skin. Clearly, the quality of silk that her pajamas was made of didn't compare to the quality the Malfoys bought for their pillowcases.
Hermione wondered briefly if they'd miss the pillowcase, if she kept it to use as a robe from here on out. A smirk to her lips, knowing she'd never steal anything, not even a pillowcase that would never be missed, she shrugged the errant thought off as she tied the sash at her waist.
When she was finished, Lulu held out her hand, ready to guide Hermione, an unsure look in the elf's face if Hermione would want to touch her again. With a small giggle at how cute the elf looked, Hermione took the elf's hand once again. Though, she was sure she could find her way this time.
Lulu was smiling as she led Hermione down the winding hall again. Pausing once again to open the doors and allow Hermione inside. "Here's you's go, Miss. Lulu's is a good elf."
Lucius was already seated at the table wearing a deep blue brocade dressing gown of his own. He stood when Hermione entered, pulling out the same chair she sat in last night for her. "Good morning, Hermione. Did you sleep well?"
Hermione smiled, a soft blush on her cheeks at noticing how good he looked in blue. Taking her seat and feeling his fingers brush over her shoulder as he pushed her chair in for her. "Good morning." She said. "I did actually, I slept very well. That bed is so soft that I don't think I got but a few pages into my book before I fell asleep. Lulu was nice enough to set my book aside for me and turn out my lights."
Lucius smiled. "That was very kind of her." Not about to admit that it had been him and not the elf. She might not appreciate him going into her room last night, even if his intentions had been innocent. He really had only wanted to check on her. "What book are you reading?"
Before she could answer, a small elf brought her coffee and a plate filled with fresh scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, and fruit. Asking if she needed anything else. When she shook her head and thanked the wrinkled elf, it looked to Lucius to see if he needed anything. When it was apparent that all was taken care of, the elf disappeared with a gentle pop.
Hermione was nervous to be sitting with him alone. Last night hadn't been that bad with Draco present, but it seemed different now. Somehow more intimate with them both in their robes and sharing a meal. Remembering his question, she swallowed before answering. "I'm reading The Strange case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. I've read it a few times over the years, but I rather enjoy it."
Lucius nodded, taking a sip of his coffee. "Ah, you found the one in the library. It's a very good book, I've read it several times myself." Having already decided how to broach that topic without giving himself away.
Hermione blinked at him as she picked up of her fork. "Er…no, I…I brought my copy from home."
He already knew that. "Is it an exact copy of the original text?" He doubted it, her copy wasn't thick enough to contain all of the original text.
Hermione picked at a piece of fruit, frowning. "I…I'm not sure. I wasn't aware there was a difference." Though, she knew she probably should have. She knew many books sold were abridged versions of the original stories. It made them much cheaper to reproduce.
Lucius reached for the Daily Prophet, he usually read while he ate, and seeing her obvious nervousness, he hoped by doing so it would give her a chance to regain her balance. "Oh yes, the original story was much more detailed, my dear. I'll have Lulu bring it to you, and you can see for yourself."
Hermione said a quiet thank you, and slowly ate her breakfast as Lucius scanned the morning paper. Still aware of the stiff set of her shoulders and hoping that by letting her have time, that she'd start to relax again.
Hermione wasn't sure how he knew, since he didn't seem to be looking at her, but when her coffee cup was almost empty, he refilled it for her. Going back to his paper afterward, before she'd even had a chance to thank him, though she still did softly.
Hermione was halfway finished with her meal, when she couldn't take the silence anymore. Figuring it best to clear the air while they were alone. "About last night...er...I'm…I'm sorry."
Lucius looked over at her. Taking in her flushed features, he set his paper down and picked his coffee before speaking. "There is nothing to apologize for. It's understandable that you would be bombarded with memories. Especially since you hadn't been in that room or even here at the Manor since it happened."
Hermione frowned slightly. "No...well...there is that too, I suppose. I...I actually meant about the...kiss." Flushing even more.
Lucius took a sip, thinking about his reply. "Again, there is no need for an apology. I enjoyed it, as I'm sure you well know."
Hermione willed her cheeks to stop burning. "Mr. Malfoy..."
"Lucius." He said calmly, not about to let her go back to being formal with him. Not after he had tasted her incredible lips.
Hermione swallowed. "Lucius,...I...I think what happened in your office is best forgotten. With the stress of...everything...I think that's what...caused the lack in judgment...on both our parts. So...we should just...forget it ever happened."
Lucius raised an eyebrow at her, but he didn't speak. When he stayed silent, she flushed even more and rose from her seat. "I should...get dressed. Excuse me."
Lucius stood as well, and she figured it something ingrained in his raising that made him do it. She was halfway to the door when she felt his hand on her arm, gently turning her back to him.
She swallowed again nervously as she tilted her head up to look up at him. His words stopped her from speaking. "My dear, whatever the reason for the kiss, I sincerely doubt either of us will be forgetting it anytime soon. Whether it was a lack of judgment, as you say, or not, it happened, and as I said, I enjoyed it. I know you did as well."
Hermione frowned. "I wouldn't have kissed you like that had I not been distressed still."
Lucius's brow rose again. "Really?"
She nodded firmly. "Really."
Before she could even blink, his hand was at her waist, pulling her up against him and his mouth had found hers again. A soft nip to her lips made her open to him, without her really meaning to, and as his tongue met hers, she moaned again at the taste of him. Only now mixed with the bitter tang of his coffee. He still tasted delicious to her.
She didn't realize her hands crept up to slide around his neck. Her fingers diving into his hair once again to pull him closer as he devoured her.
His hands slipped down to cup her rear and pull her as flush against him as possible, marveling at how her bottom fit nicely in his hands. His tongue glided with hers as he again wondered how this witch could stir him this much with only a kiss.
One of her hands slid down his chest, pulling a soft groan from him, before she reached up to cup his cheek. Changing the angle of the kiss and standing on her toes to reach him better. She felt fuzzy as, once again, his unique scent filled her senses. Making her ache for more than just a kiss.
One of his hands moved from her bottom to slide up her back and into her hair, and his hand fisted in the curling mass to tilt her head back as he broke the kiss. He wanted to taste her neck again, the skin sweet as he kissed it and ran his tongue over the sensitive flesh.
Her fingers digging into his shoulders, she moaned as he lightly bit the skin just below her ear, the action sending tingles down her spine as goose pimples broke out on her arms. This man definitely knew what he was doing to her.
Knowing they could be interrupted at any moment by Draco, and having proven his point rather well, he pulled his mouth away from her skin. Seeing her eyes closed as her breathing came out a bit faster than normal, he thought she looked absolutely beautiful.
Unable to help himself, he gave her a final soft kiss on her lips before slowly stepping back. Letting her find her balance before he let her go completely.
It took her a moment before her head was clear, but when it was, she realized she had kissed him again. Had been kissed in return quiet thoroughly and didn't have a single excuse for it this time. She wasn't distressed right now, and she had all but melted against him.
Eyes wide as she looked up at, she saw him smile slightly at her before he spoke. "You wouldn't have kiss me? Hmm…for some reason, I find that quite hard to believe."
Before she could respond, her brain was rather slow at the moment with still being a bit fuzzy, he raised her hand and with a quick kiss on top of it, he left her standing there still slightly dazed.
She moved back to her seat, her legs feeling a bit wobbly, and sat back down. Staring at her coffee. What the hell just happened? She thought.
You just kissed Lucius, silly. Do you really need that explained? The voice in her head answered back.
But…I didn't want to. How the hell did I end up kissing him again? She wondered again.
You are a terrible liar. You did want to, you challenged him to do so, and you liked it. Her brain said, in a strangely smug voice.
Shut up. Hermione thought, closing her eyes and resting her face on her raised hands. This is insane. I'm arguing with myself.
And losing. Her brain said.
She ignored her brain's comment and rubbed her face before raising her head. Before anymore thoughts could enter her mind, Draco came walking in, his dark green brocade dressing robe barely cinched while he still looked half asleep.
"Morning, Granger." Draco mumbled, taking his seat from last night.
Hermione did her best to keep from flushing. Oh, god. I snogged his dad. Again. She thought as she said a soft good morning.
You still liked it. A lot. Her brain said smugly again. The answer made her quickly excuse herself, saying she needed to dress for the day.
Hermione knew she was hiding in her room, or rather on her balcony, after she was dressed in her faded blue jeans and soft sage colored shirt. She had a pair of sneakers on her feet, her hair pulled back into a braid and a touch of make up on. She had stalled as much as she could. She'd even written out a note to her boss saying she wouldn't be making it to work, that she was taking a personal day, and asked Lulu to send it for her.
Draco was probably wondering what was taking her so long, but she wasn't ready to face Lucius just yet. It made her wonder where her infamous Gryffindor courage was. A soft breeze blew the few stray hairs that had escaped, but her gaze was fixed on the pretty garden below her window as she leaned against the iron railing. The soft scent of jasmine floating up to her. She breathed it in, her eyes closed, and it helped to calm her a bit.
Not the least bit concerned that it was February and should be cold outside on the balcony. Or that she shouldn't smell jasmine right now. Meaning, the balcony had some kind of wards in place to keep it warm and smelling pretty.
It was time to go downstairs. Time to meet Draco and Hermione prayed she didn't bump into Lucius along the way. She was afraid that she'd pass out with all of her blood racing to her face and there wouldn't be enough to sustain the rest of her body.
With a final deep breath to fortify herself, Hermione left her balcony to go downstairs. Not realizing that Lucius had been watching her the entire time from his room that was next to hers. Her balcony was shared with him. He had watched her, as he contemplated his own thoughts.
A/N: I'm sorry if the elf speech is driving anyone crazy. I, again, wasn't sure how they spoke, so I went with extra S's. I think dinner was a lovely evening, and a good experience for Hermione. She has spent so much time in the company of other Gryffindors, who not exactly known for their intellect, that I think having a night spent discussing more mature topics is right up her alley. Also, another hot kiss at breakfast, so woohoo. More coming soon, take care.