AN: Hello all my wonderful readers. Thank you for the reviews, I loved reading them all, as usual. Here we find out how Lucius' plan to keep her. Or as least, the start of his plan to keep her.

Special Thanks: To TabiPrewett, my brilliant Beta. Who not only quickly fixes all of my errors and grammar, but always has some funny comment that gets me giggling as I read over the corrected text.

Chapter 19

After her nap, Hermione had woken to find herself alone, Lucius had left so she could sleep without him disturbing her. Where he'd lain was cold to the touch, so he had been gone for a while before she woke up.

After a shower to refresh her, she dressed and went down to dinner. Finding Lucius already seated and a warm smile ready for her when she looked at him. He stood, of course, upon her entering, and helped her with her chair. Draco hadn't joined them that night, instead he had gone out with a few friends.

Hermione had enjoyed the meal with Lucius. They had talked about different things, when suddenly he had turned to her and asked of her plans with leaving Grimmauld Place. She had shrugged and told him that she would stay there until she found a flat that she liked. Otherwise, she hadn't made any plans yet.

Lucius had nodded, taking a sip of his wine. She had frowned, wondering why he was asking when he spoke, saying he had thought she might like to stay there with him in his home until she found a place that satisfied her. She was more than welcome to stay as long as she liked or needed to. Both he and Draco liked her company, so it would be of no imposition to either of them.

Hermione had been silent for many minutes afterward, pondering the idea. She wasn't sure it would be a good idea, since it would increase the rumors that were undoubtedly already circulating about them being a couple when they weren't.

Plus, she didn't know how Harry or Ginny would react to her moving into Malfoy Manor. They were accepting of Lucius' and Draco's rehabilitation, and the couple had commented on Lucius trying to help those that lost family or their homes during the war when it hit the papers. That didn't mean they would be pleased to find her living with the blond family.

On top of all of that, it would mean that whatever was going on with her and Lucius might increase. She wasn't sure how she felt about that either, hadn't really had time to fully consider it. Her attraction to him would also be hard to hide from Draco and she doubted Draco would appreciate her shagging his father. Or even just snogging him for that matter like she had been.

She had finally looked back at Lucius, finding him studying her quietly. "Let me think about it."

He had only smiled. "Of course, my dear. Take all the time you need."

That was all that was said about it before they resumed eating.

After dinner, Lucius had said he needed to take care of a few things in his office, saying she was welcome to join him and read if she liked. She had politely declined, she wasn't sure she was ready to go back into that room yet. With a smile of understanding, he had nodded before leaving.

Instead, she had gone into his library, again, staring in wonder at all the books she could choose from, before slowly making her way towards them to find something that would hold her interest. She'd already finished the book he'd loaned her. It might have been longer and more detailed, but she'd finished it quickly while waiting for it to be time to finish dressing for the Valentine's Day party.

Seeing all the books that were written by muggles resting on the shelves, caused a small smirk on her lips as she had moved on, glad to know that Lucius had been able to see the value in muggle literature. Hermione pulled a ladder on a rail close to her so she could look at the titles she couldn't reach. Searching through the many books, she again marveled at such a collection. Finding a book several steps up on the ladder, she had pulled it out and gotten comfortable on one of the leather sofas. Before long, Lulu had popped in asking is she could get Miss anything.

With a smile, Hermione had shaken her head no, saying she was fine. Though, Lulu asked again, even if only a cup of tea or glass of wine to go with her book. Hermione insisted she would call Lulu if she needed anything.

The elf had nodded before disappearing. Hermione didn't know how long she sat in there reading, but eventually she went and put the book back up. A small spell that acted like a bookmark holding where she left off in place. If anyone else picked up the book it would start at the beginning, but if she picked it up, it would open to where she'd left off. It was something she'd discovered years ago and was glad to have found it, so she didn't have to lose her place because a bookmark fell out, or risk damaging book by dog-earing a page.

Now she was lying in bed, but she couldn't sleep. Tired, even after her nap, only her brain wouldn't shut down now, as she pondered what Lucius had offered. It would be lovely to stay in some ways, though Hermione wasn't sure she could live with not do any cooking or cleaning whatsoever, it would be weird to her. She was worried that Malfoy Manor would simply have more luxury than she could really stand.

Already, the elves were straightening up her room and washing her clothes. Hermione wouldn't even be awake long, barely coming out of the loo and already Lulu would have made her bed. Her dirty clothes would be gone, sent to be dealt with by the other elves.

Could she really live like that? No one really enjoyed doing laundry, but...she had always done it. If she did stay, letting the elves do things for her, would she able to go back to having to do it all herself after she got her own place? She didn't want to become spoiled or reliant on the tiny creatures.

Throwing back the covers, Hermione made her way to the darkened balcony. Sliding it open and stepping out while wearing her pajamas, these in creamy pale blue that she had brought from her second trip home. She stood letting the fresh air surround her as she looked at the night sky.

Taking a deep breath, smelling a familiar scent, she felt her lips curve. Still looking up at the stars, she spoke. "How long have you been out here?"

Lucius chuckled softly, moving closer to her. "A while. I saw your lights out and thought you were sleeping."

"No, since I couldn't sleep, I was just lying there thinking." She said.

"What were you thinking about?" He asked, leaning his elbows on the railing next to hers. Standing so close that she could feel the heat from his body radiating off him.

She turned her head to look his way. "Your offer this evening."

He raised an eyebrow. "Care to share your thoughts?"

She smiled. "I think I'll keep those to myself for now."

"Why?" He asked, curious.

"Because, no matter what I say, you'll simply try to convince me otherwise." She said still smiling while she looked at him.

Lucius chuckled again. "That isn't quite true, my dear."

Hermione turned, her body facing him. "No?"

"No, if your thoughts matched mine, I'd leave them be." He said with a smirk.

Hermione laughed softly. "Well, I stand corrected. However, this is one thing that I'll work out for myself."

Lucius inclined his head. "As you wish, so why can't you sleep?"

Hermione shrugged. "My brain won't shut down with all of my thoughts, and part of me is curious on what tomorrow will bring."

Lucius shifted to face her better. "In what way?"

Hermione looked at her hands. "Well, after the party Saturday, I'm sure I'll be getting many inquisitive glances. Some wondering about the spectacle Lavender made before you so gallantly arrived to rescue me. Others wondering about the rumors I'm positive are flying about with what all you said and how we stayed close the rest of the night."

Lucius frowned slightly. "Is that a problem? My name being attached to yours in that way?"

Hermione smiled again. "No, I'm merely curious is all. I really don't care what anyone says about it. We know the truth about it, and that's all that matters."

Lucius raised his eyebrow again. "And what's the truth that we know, my dear?"

Hermione shrugged. "That we've become friends recently."

"Friends?" He asked.

"Sure." She replied. "Don't you consider us friends?"

Lucius could have reminded her that friends didn't kiss like they had, but he decided against it. If he tried to push her for more right now, she might decline moving in. Though, he wanted to reach for her and show her that he wasn't her friend, or at least, that he was more than just her friend. He wanted to kiss her and take her into his room so he could make love to her.

However, he didn't do any of those things, mostly for the same reason he didn't remind her of them kissing. He didn't want it to affect her decision and her decline his offer.

Instead he smiled. "Yes, my dear, I do." His words caused her smile to return, only bigger this time.

They stayed watching the night from the balcony in silence. After a while, she bid him goodnight and went to her room. Crawling into bed and falling asleep easily.

The next morning, Lulu came into her room, opening her curtains and letting the early morning light in. Waking Hermione gently with a softly spoken "Miss, it's time to get's up."

Hermione slowly woke. "What time is it?" She slurred as she stretched.

Lulu smiled. "It's just after's six, Miss."

Hermione paused mid-stretch. "But I don't have to be in until eight. I don't normally get up for another hour." Still blurry from sleep.

Lulu's smile faded. "Lulu thought's Miss would like's breakfast. I's is sorry, Miss. Lulu is bad elf for's waking Miss, when Miss not's ask her's too" Her ears drooping.

Hermione sat up quickly, making Lulu jump back in fright. "Oh...no, it's alright. That was very thoughtful Lulu, thank you."

Lulu's ears started to rise again. "Miss, is pleased?"

Hermione smiled. "Yes, I'm very pleased. I normally eat at work, but it might be nice to eat here before I go."

Lulu beamed. "I's already got's out Miss's clothes and they's is perfect with no's wrinkles at all's. Miss's shower is ready's too."

Hermione paused as she went to stretch again. "You prepared my shower for me?"

Lulu smiled. "Yes, Miss and the water's is nice and hot's for's you."

Hermione smiled again. "Thank you Lulu, you didn't have to do that. I don't expect you to start the shower for me."

When Lulu's smile started to fade, Hermione quickly amended her statement. "But I appreciate it. You're such a very good and helpful elf." Hoping that fixed the elf from thinking she had done wrong.

Which it did, since Lulu smiled again. "Lulu don't mind, Miss. Lulu like's Miss and want's to's help Miss."

Hermione smiled as she stood. "Thank you, Lulu."

Hermione went into the loo and after brushing her teeth, she stepped into the perfect temperature shower. A sigh escaping her as she let the heat from the water renew her and fully wake her up.

She gave herself a few minutes to just enjoy the hot spray before actually washing up. When she was done, Lulu had a heated towel waiting on her. Again, Hermione thought that she might just get spoiled if this was how she lived every day. Even if only temporarily.

When Hermione was dressed in her pretty blue suit, minus her matching jacket, Lulu motioned for her to sit at the vanity, and with a small smile, Hermione did as the elf asked. Watching as Lulu used her magic to arrange Hermione's hair beautifully, adding in makeup charms.

Hermione looked at her reflection and chuckled softly. Her hair in an elegant up do, her makeup bold and sexy. "Er...this is a bit much for work, Lulu. You did an excellent job, but can you do something simple instead, if you don't mind?"

Lulu smiled and nodded. "Yes, Miss."

With a wave of the elf's hand, Hermione's hair was down, her face washed clean again. A little while later, Hermione's makeup was light and simple, while still pretty, and her hair pulled back in a French braid.

It was still more than Hermione normally did, but she liked it. "Thank you, Lulu, it's perfect."

Lulu was happy again and hopped down from the stool she'd had appear to reach Hermione's head and grabbed the witch's sensible black heels. Coming back and placing them on the floor so Hermione only had to slip her feet in them.

Shaking her head slightly at the enthusiastic elf, she smiled and thanked her again. Lulu, seeing Hermione was finished and ready to go, picked up her matching jacket, saying she'd put it and her briefcase by the door, then took her hand and led her downstairs.

Hermione was positive that she could find her way at this point, but knew the elf liked doing it. She was smiling as Lulu opened the door to the dining room. Walking in, she found both Draco and Lucius already seated.

Though, Hermione was surprised that Lucius was up so early. She knew he was an early riser, but she didn't know he got up this early. She couldn't help but notice that he looked handsome in his pale gray dress shirt and charcoal colored vest, noticing the shirt matched the color of his eyes perfectly.

"Good morning." Hermione said, still smiling with her amusement at the adorable elf. Both men stood, as usual when they saw her.

Draco, still looking like he need a bit more coffee to be fully awake, mumbled good morning. The sleeves of his white dress shirt rolled up already.

Lucius helped her with her chair, giving her a smile after he sat again. "Good morning, my dear. You're in a cheerful mood this morning, and looking as lovely as ever, I might add."

Hermione laughed softly. "Thank you, Lucius. Lulu is very helpful, I barely had to do anything at all to get ready this morning. I'm not used to anyone setting out my clothes or getting my shower ready. Plus, her happy smiles are infectious it seems."

Lucius chucked softly as an elf appeared to set Hermione's coffee and breakfast in front of her. "I'm glad you're pleased with her. She is young and eager to help."

Hermione said her thank you's to the elf before looking back at Lucius. "Eager is right, she is very adorable too."

She sipped her coffee before tucking into her breakfast. The croissants were fluffy and buttery, the fruit was fresh and juicy, and the clotted cream for the fruit was divine.

Lucius, seeing she was done and simply enjoying her coffee, spoke. "Have you thought any more about my offer, Hermione?"

Draco, after drinking a few more cups of coffee and looking more like he was ready to face his day, looked up. "What offer?"

Lucius glanced at his son. "I offered Hermione the option of staying here until she has found a suitable place to live."

Draco nodded to his father. "I had plans of talking to her about that myself, after discussing it with you, of course, Father. I didn't think it would be wise for her to stay at Grimmauld Place any longer than necessary."

Lucius smiled. "I quite agree with you, Son."

Hermione smirked at both of them, she wondered if they were going to gang up on her until she agreed to live there. Probably. She decided. "I'm still thinking on it."

Draco rolled his eyes. "What is there to think about, Hermione? Weasley's a git, and Lavender's obviously a menace, so you'd be much better off here than staying there. Besides, you've enjoyed your time here this weekend, haven't you?"

Hermione bit her lip to hide a smile, thinking about all she had enjoyed while here the last few days. "Yes, I have, very much. However, have you ever known me to rush any decision without thinking it over?"

Draco smirked. "You mean over thinking it, don't you?"

Lucius coughed to cover his chuckle. "Draco, she is an adult who knows her own mind, let her be. She'll do whatever she feels is best, when she's ready."

Hermione gave him a smile. "Thank you, Lucius."

Lucius waited until she picked up her cup. "Even if it is to finally see that we're right and that she should move in here."

Hermione shook her head, smiling still, as Draco snickered. Yep, they're going to gang up on me. She thought, taking a sip of her coffee.

It wasn't long before Draco stood. "Alright, I'm off to get our coffee. I'll see you at work, don't forget the pastries."

Hermione paused as she reached for her cup again. "But...you just ate." Then a thought hit her. "Do you always eat breakfast here and eat the pastries I bring in?"

Draco grinned. "Of course, who would refuse fresh baked pastries?"

She laughed softly and shook her head at him as he left the room. She heard the soft crack of his apparation a few minutes later.

She set her empty cup down. "I should be going as well. Can't forget his pastries, now can I?" A soft chuckle escaping her.

Lucius stood, pulling out her chair. "I'll walk with you to get your things. I have to go deal with a few things in my office anyway."

Moving into the foyer, Lucius held out her matching blue jacket, so she could slip it on. "I changed the wards to allow you to apparate without me having to do it each time. Though like the last time, it will only allow you to go this far inside when you arrive here. There isn't much I can do to change that. Only family members can apparate farther inside the Manor."

She smiled. "Thank you, Lucius. I'll let you know what I've decided about your offer soon."

Hermione bent to pick up her briefcase, and as she fully stood back up, his arm came around her, pulling her close to him so he could kiss her. Her free arm rested on his arm above his elbow while his tongue glided smoothly with hers for only a moment before he broke the kiss.

Even with how short the kiss was, it left her a bit breathless. He took in her slightly dazed expression and smirked, as he stroked her cheek softly with the back of his hand. "Have a lovely day, my dear." Allowing her to step back from him.

"You too." She said softly before pulling out her wand. Hoping she didn't splinch herself with the fuzziness in her brain from his cologne and his kiss distracting her.

Lucius was still smirking after she left, and then he went to his office to get some work done. He looked forward to her moving in, something he was positive she'd do. It wasn't like she took any of her things with her to take back home anyway, if the small briefcase in her hand was anything to go by.

Hermione got to work early, handing Draco the bag of pastries she'd picked up and not looking at him as much as possible. He frowned at her, but he gave her the coffee he normally brought.

"You alright, Hermione?" Draco asked her, after sitting down.

Hermione forced her gaze to meet his. "Yes, I'm fine. Just thinking about the large stack of files almost blocking my view already." Thinking about the fact that I kissed your father again this morning, too. Well, technically he kissed me, but I doubt you'd be happy about it either way.

Draco used his wand to move some of them. "There, now you can see."

She smirked. "Thank you ever so much, Draco. I would never have thought to do that myself." Her sarcasm blatant.

Draco gave her a cocky smile. "Good thing I was here then, huh?"

Hermione rolled her eyes and started digging into the large stack, and he watched her for several minutes. Watched as she scanned what was written, making notes as she filled out whatever paperwork was needed to deal with the request or problem.

Finally, she realized he was just sitting there. "What?"

"You know, Granger, I really do think you should take Father up on his offer of you staying at the Manor. There are a lot of amenities there that you don't have at Grimmauld Place." He said.

Hermione rolled her eyes. "I said I'd think about it. Now, why don't you get to work before you get in trouble for sitting on your arse in my office, when you should be sitting on your arse in your own office."

Draco laughed before getting up and leaving. She sighed and shook her head before getting back to work.

Throughout the rest of the day Draco continued to stop by, dropping various reasons that she would enjoy staying at Malfoy Manor, instead of Grimmauld Place. There is a pool, both indoors, and out. She'd never have to do a lick of laundry the entire time she was there. Tennis was a healthy way to stay in shape, he'd teach her if she didn't already know how to play. The elves where excellent cooks, like she didn't already know that one. The gardens were lovely and a good place to relax.

That last one had her reminding him it was February and freezing outside. This only had him pointing out next that there was an atrium inside full of flowers. Even going so far as to go into extensive details on how much she'd enjoy the Malfoy library. He must have popped by three times just to talk more about the different books. Reminding her each time of her love of books, like she wasn't already aware of how much she loved reading.

Hermione was getting more and more annoyed each time he dropped by with another tidbit of information on why moving into the Manor was such a perfect solution. Can't he just let me think about this on my own? She wondered briefly. She had no idea how he was getting any work done if he was constantly in her office instead of being in his. She knew he was slowing her own work down with having to listen and respond to each visit.

She was finally making some headway with the files, but another stack was dropped on her desk just before lunch. Making it to where she could only see the top part of her door as she sat.

Hermione sighed a short while later, rubbing her forehead. "This is what I get for taking a day off. Bloody Severus and his damn stupid party that he didn't even show up for."

She heard a chuckle as she was reaching for yet another file and immediately saw the top of a blond head in her doorway. Hermione gritted her teeth at another interruption. "Draco, I swear, if you don't stop popping in here and telling me crap about pools and tennis courts, and Lord knows what else you've come up with now, I'm going to hex the utter hell out of you."

"Well, I'm glad to hear my son is trying to help convince you to stay." Lucius said, making her have to stand to be able to see him over the pile of files.

She sighed. "Here I thought his goal for the day was to simply annoy me. Hello, Lucius." Giving him a smile.

Lucius smiled in return. "Hello, my dear. I happen to be at the Ministry doing some business and thought I'd see how your day was fairing."

She glanced at her overly crowded desk. "Busy, I'm afraid, but not too bad otherwise. Yours?"

Lucius glanced at her desk as well. "Not nearly as busy as yours from the looks of things. Though I do have a meeting I must get to soon, otherwise I'd give you a break from your office and take you to lunch."

Hermione smiled. "Over which, you'd try to pick up where Draco left off in trying to convince me to take your offer."

"Absolutely not." He said.

At her raised eyebrow, Lucius smirked. "I'd do a much better job of it and not annoy you so much in the process."

Hermione laughed softly. "You probably would do a better job too. Now, I must get back to work and you have a meeting to go to. Hopefully I can make a decent dent in all of this before I leave for the day."

Lucius wanted to ask where the end of her day would find her, at her home or his, but thought better of it. She had been harassed enough over it by his son, from the sounds of it.

He took his leave, bidding her a good afternoon with a lingering kiss to the top of her hand. She watched him go and smiled. In a much better frame of mind as she went back to dealing with the mess on her desk.

A/N: I know, if he makes her day better just by talking to her for a few minutes, then she should realize how great her days would be if she spent her mornings and evenings in his home. And in his bed. I know it would certainly improve my days to wake up that way. lol. More coming soon, take care.