~Friday

Hermione had slept late again due to reading late into the morning.

'Miss you have a spa day scheduled, Master has ladies coming to do massage, hair and nails for tonight's ball. He is deeply sorry ...' Tinky was cut off.

'Has to work.' Hermione groaned.

'I is sorry miss, today will be our last day together for a week as you will be staying at another house for the week and I might be helping Master Snape's lady next week. As I was told to get a room ready just in case he gets a date. Do you want breakfast on the balcony?'

'Yes please Tinky.' with sorrow as this would be her last day with Tinky for the week. The day went by in a blur. It was 6:30 and time to leave. Hermione was leaving her hallway to run into Severus.

'Oh my, I am so sorry, Wow you look gorgeous, I hope you have a good evening,' he wanted to be the one to take her out tonight.

'Oh thank you Sev, I'm sorry Severus.'

'Um, Sev will work it sounds nice coming from your lips.' damn he better leave before he kisses those lips. 'Good evening Miss Granger.' as he turned and went back down his hallway.

'Are you ready?' Lucius asked up the stairs.

'Oh yes just need to adjust my shoe strap.' trying to calm down after that encounter with Severus. She stood and went down the stairs to the waiting Lucius.

'Oh you look beautiful.' giving Hermione a kiss on the cheek. 'Are you ready?' offering his arm.

Hermione thought she saw Severus out of the corner of here eye as they apparated out. He was watching hoping that his name would be pulled and it was to be her date.

They arrived at the ministry to lots of people milling around. Hermione did spot Ginny and Harry. Lucius must have noticed because he headed in their direction.

'Mr. Potter, Miss. Weasley, a fine evening,' He spoke with a smile. He did have the most beautiful woman on his arm. The music started.

'A dance Hermione?' he asked, offering his hand.

'Yes, Please. See you guys in a little bit.' as she was herded out to the dance floor. Two dances later Lucius was the social butterfly escorting Hermione around introducing her to all of his friends. Ginny had noticed the look of boredom and sent Harry to go save her by asking for a dance.

'Thank you, keeping a smile and trying to look interested is tiring. Can we get a drink after this please?'

'Anything for my Mione.'

'Oh Thank you Ginny for sending him to save me.' handing Ginny a drink.

'Anytime he is handsome but looks like he could be….'

'Yea, a workaholic, never stops, went to Paris yesterday. He had to go into the office there, spent 4 hours sitting around waiting for him to finish up. If I had known I would have used the portkey to come home early. Hey Harry do you know who my second date is?'

'Nope can't tell you, sorry I just hope he is better than this.' he snarled as Lucius came up. True to form Lucius spent most of the night talking about work and not spending much time with Hermione. Luckily the ball was over at 10 so everybody could go home and get a fairly good night's sleep before the New Date Brunch in the morning.

'Lucius, why did you pick me? You have spent the whole week working. I want a loving marriage not an offer of protection.'

'Well as I said, for your protection. As for loving you I see it growing but as my sex preferences would not be to your likening, I would allow for you to take a mister to keep you happy in bed.' he said calmly.

'Oh that is nice of you to allow me to take another man to bed me, what more could a wife want? I'm sorry you had a contract marriage and she was happy having her extra on the side but that will not be my life.'

'Well missy, don't dismiss my idea so fast you might not like your second option. Goodnight, Hermione, I will miss your presents in this house.' Lucius gave her cheek a kiss and turned to his office

When Hermione got upstairs to her room, her bag had been packed and waiting for the morning.

'Miss, Tinky will take your bags to the new house tomorrow morning. I will be listening, you just have to say his name and I will take your bags, ok?'

'Thank you, Tinky you have been a wonderful help this week and look forward to seeing you next week.' Hermione held back a tear. 'Goodnight Tinky.'