Chapter Four: When Friends of the Family Call
Disclaimer: Look to Chapter One
Stepping into the large dinning room, well banquet hall would have been
more appropriate, Hermione blinked to let her eyes adjust. The room was
completely deserted. She glanced at Draco suspiciously, as he led her to the
head of the mahogany table, and motioned for her to sit down on the left of the
head chair. "The others will be joining us shortly." Draco said as he pushed
her high-backed chair in closer to the table. "Can I get you a drink?" He
walked over to the buffet table.
"Sure," She replied looking down the table, and seeing it was set for five.
Wondering whom Lucius would have invited to dinner, Hermione leaned back in her
chair, taking in the room. Above the buffet table where Draco was standing,
there was a large gold-framed mirror, which reflected a renaissance fight scene
tapestry on the opposite wall. The table setting consisted of silver plates
with imprinted snakes curling into the Malfoy "M". The cutlery was also pure
silver.
"What would you like?" Draco asked, causing Hermione to jump as his voice
echoed through the high ceiling of the room.
"Oh…umm…" Hermione stuttered, "What ever you're having."
Draco chuckled, "Alright," he drawled, as he turned his back on her. Hermione
glared at him, as she noticed the firm muscles in his back contracted while he
moved to pour two drinks.
"What, exactly, do you hope to gain by being here?" Again Draco's voice echoed
in the hall, although this time it was barley more then a whisper.
"As I told Lucius, I want recognition for what I contribute. I'm tired of
living in Potter's shadow."
"Really," Draco replied, setting Hermione's drink down in front of her.
"Yes, really," Hermione answered sarcastically. "Thank you," she gestured
towards the drink, "What is it?"
"You tell me." Draco smiled sweetly, "Back in the day you claimed to know
everything."
"Ha," this time it was Hermione's voice that rang out in the room. "I've
changed Draco."
"That much, my dear-" 'you asshole,' Hermione thought as Draco mimicked
his father, "-is obvious." Again Draco smiled at her as he walked around the
table to take his seat directly across from her. Hermione took a sip of her
drink. Allowing it to roll slowly over her tongue she locked eyes with Draco.
"Scotch blend, Ballantines, 30 years old," Hermione remarked triumphantly.
Draco's lips twitched upward, "I'm surprised Draco, I didn't think you would
spend that much on me." Hermione commented, her voice slightly mocking.
Watching his eyes, Hermione realized they had taken on that pure unbridled hate
he had so often shown her at Hogwarts.
Debating whether or not to look away, she was saved from the difficult choice
as the large doors open and Hermione turned to see them admit Lucius followed by
two people that Hermione did not recognize.
"Hello," Lucius drawled across the dinning room at them, "I trust everything is
going well." It was phrased as a command, more then a question.
"Of course father," Draco replied, standing up; Hermione remained seated.
"Hello auntie," Draco turned to the woman Lucius had walked in with. She was a
tall and slender woman in her mid-forties with long red hair that was tied back
in a high ponytail. She had on an elegant strapless white dress, which fell to
the floor around her feet. The colour made Hermione want to laugh.
Draco walked up to the woman and gave her a quick hug. "Draco dear," She said,
and Hermione immediately realized that she was Narcissa's sister. "How are
you?" She continued.
"Well." Draco replied stepping away, and shaking the gentlemen's hand,
"McClure," he said curtly, the other man nodded at Draco, and turned to Lucius
who moved up the table towards Hermione. McClure was a well-built man, who
reminded Hermione of an older Oliver Wood.
"I would like to introduce you all to a...special friend of mine," Lucius said,
indicating Hermione, who chose to ignore the introduction. "Hermione Granger,
this is my former sister-in-law, Celina Cypress, and her escort, Tommy
McClure."
"Good evening," Hermione replied, deciding to stand and shake hands, "How are
you?" She asked stretching her hand out to McClure. As he took it, Hermione
forced back a smirk, as he looked her up and down suggestively.
"Good," he said releasing his vice grip, and stepping back from her. Hermione
continued to smile politely as she turned towards the bored looking woman.
"I love your dress," Hermione said, as she embraced the woman, noticing Lucius'
chuckle.
"Yes well," She said, critically looking over Hermione, "We can't all wear
designer fabrics."
Hermione smiled sweetly at Celina, silently debating whether or not to hex her,
"I know," she replied instead in an exaggerated voice, rolling her eyes. "Which
reminds me," Hermione was proud of how flighty she had made her voice sound, "I
forgot to thank you for the dress…Lucius." Hermione emphasized the last comment
to make sure that Celina understood exactly what had just been said. She was
pleased to see Celina back away slightly, and force out an innocent smile.
"La-dies," Lucius said mockingly, drawing out the word, "Tut, tut." Then
turning to McClure, "I suppose I will have to separate them, if we plan to
enjoy their company for the whole evening. Why don't you sit beside Miss
Granger, and Celina you can sit beside your nephew." Celina, again, smiled
sweetly at Lucius, and walked around the table to where Draco had pulled out
her chair, much as he had done for Hermione. McClure took the seat to
Hermione's right, as instructed, and Hermione decided that he looked a little
too happy. Trying her best to ignore it, she move to sit back down, as Lucius
pushed in her chair, and leaning down slightly, whispered in her ear, "I wish
it was you I was having for dinner." Hermione chuckled softly, trying not to
shiver as his breath blow over a particularity sensitive spot on the back of
her neck. Righting himself, Lucius took his own place at the head of the table.
"So how do you know Lucius, Mr McClure?" Hermione asked the man on her right.
"Please call me Tommy," He requested patting her arm in a friendly manner.
"Lucius and I are old Hogwarts buddies, and we still run in the same circles."
Hermione nodded politely as she let a small smile touch her lips, "That would
have been an interesting seven years."
"Meaning?" Lucius asked looking at Hermione, his tone harsh.
"You two, plus Snape, Potter, Lupin, Black, Pettigrew…Merlin, it's a small
wonder that no one ended up dead."
"Some came very close," McClure replied with a smile matching Hermione's.
"So how long do you plan to impose on Lucius generous hospitality, Miss
Granger?" Celina asked from across the table, the contempt in her voice
evident.
Hermione's laughter filled the room, as she turned to face the Celina.
"Generous is not a word I would use for Lucius, and please call me Hermione."
Celina glared at her, and out of the corner of her eye, Hermione could see
Lucius watching her carefully. She sombered up quickly. "I'll be here for a
while, I'm sure. We-" She indicated Lucius with her hand, "- haven't really
talked about it." Hermione looked defiantly at the older woman, and held eye
contact with her for several seconds, only looking away as Lucius clapped his
hands, and the soup appeared in front of her. Hermione delicately picked up her
spoon, and began sipping from it, grateful for the distraction.
"Lucius," Celina said, her shrill voice causing Hermione to almost chock on her
food, "This soup is just wonderful."
Lucius smiled pleasantly, "Thank you, occasionally the House Elves put on a
good show."
"Some of the best work under you," Celina agreed.
Draco, too let out a cynical laugh, "That's certainly one way to put it."
Lucius looked between him and Hermione quickly, but decided to ignore the
comment. Instead he turned back to Hermione and in his most condescending voice
said to her, "Miss Granger here feels that House Elves should be liberated.
Don't you my dear?"
Hermione looked at him for several seconds, and then allowed her face to focus
into a large grin.
"What can I say?" She replied looking away from Lucius, and down the table at
the rest of the group. "I sure we've all done miss guided things in our youth."
'There,' she thought, 'you wanna play that game Mr Malfoy, we'll see
who comes out on top.'
McClure chuckled at this, "How true," he said, "How true."
"Well," Lucius remarked, "Some of us are stupider then others." The comment was
thrown out for the entire table, yet Hermione had the distinct impression that
it was directed at her.
The table remained silent for a few moments, as the dinner guest finished up their
soup. Hermione kept trying to come up with something witty to say to Lucius'
statement, but everything eluded her, and eventually the moment passed. "Wait a
minute," McClure said, causing Hermione to jump, "Hermione Granger, as in
Hermione Granger that was best friends with Harry Potter?"
Hermione looked down at her bowl, in an effort to seem embarrassed, "Yes," she
replied hesitantly, "I'm the one."
"Another one of those 'foolish mistakes' I'm sure." Lucius chided.
"Ha, I'm sure your just dying to get close to Potter," Hermione said. "In fact,
I'm willing to wager that you would give anything to be in the position I was."
"And why is that Miss Granger?" Lucius drawled, "Why would anyone want to be in
your position?"
"Gee," It was Hermione's turn to be condescending, "I would have though it
would be obvious to you. I mean really, Voldemort's second in command, and you
can't figure out why being close to Potter could work to your advantage?" She
paused for a second, wanting to give the impression that she was thinking, when
in reality she had been waiting for an opportunity like this to present itself
all night. "I'm beginning to think that I may have chosen the wrong side."
Saying this, Hermione was pleased to note that Draco was having trouble controlling
his jaw, and Lucius was looking at her seriously for the first time since she
had walked in the door.
"I beg you pardon?" Celina asked, she too was gapping at Hermione. McClure
seemed unaffected by the conversation.
"Well, obviously your little group needs to work on its strategy if they ever
hope to bet Dumbledore. I'm sorry to say it but Voldemort-"
"Enough," Lucius' voice rang though the hall with such force that as it echoed
back the unused forks clanked against one another. "I will not have some Muggle
born, little girl talk about my Lord. You are not in any position to give
military advice."
"I thought we established that I wasn't a little girl," Hermione replied
quickly, and absently noted that McClure looked up at the comment. "And it's a pity
that you won't take advice from some Muggle born, it must make your Death Eater
meetings with Voldemort quite trying." Hermione smiled smugly to herself as she
saw Lucius' eyes darken in understanding.
"What?" Draco said as he glanced between his father and Hermione, his brow
knotting in confusions.
"Don't you know?" Hermione turned to face Draco with her most innocent
expression.
"Know what?" The impatience in Draco's voice was evident; however, Hermione
liked the idea of playing with it a little bit.
"Oh, perhaps I shouldn't be the one to tell you," Hermione turned her
expression into one of remorse.
"I – Father what's going on?"
"Yes, I wish someone would tell us what is going on, I'm afraid I am terrible
confused." Celina commented, as she too was looking between Hermione and
Lucius. Again, McClure seemed to be the only one uninterested.
"I though everyone knew," said Hermione sounding shocked, and realized that her
performance would have made even Snape proud.
"Would somebody please tell me what the hell is going on," this time Draco's
voice was more angry then anything.
Realizing that the game was up, Hermione looked again at Lucius to see if he
was going to make a move to stop her. However, he appeared to be lost in
another world, and so Hermione turned back to the people across from her.
"Lord Voldemort's Muggle born." Hermione watched as Draco's eyes widen, and his
face convert to complete shock, Hermione was vaguely aware that this was the
only real emotion she had ever seen Draco express, asides from hate.
"I don't believe you." He snapped, his expression semi-recovered.
"Tom Riddle was a Muggle, and he was Tom Marvolo Riddle's father." Hermione
said calmly. "I Am Lord Voldemort is an anagram for Tom Marvolo Riddle." Both
Draco and Celina just stared at her. Hermione could almost see the wheels in
their heads turning, (well the wheels in Draco's head anyway) processing this
new information. "Although you don't have to take my word for it, just ask him
next time you have the pleasure of his company." Hermione's inner self was
jumping for joy, even if they didn't believe her, she had still planted a very
convincing seed.
Deciding that she had done enough damage for the evening, Hermione stood.
"Well, I think its time I retire. I have an early appointment tomorrow."
Hermione turned and headed to the door, "Good night everyone."
"My dear," Lucius called as Hermione opened the large oak door, "I'll walk you
to your room." Lucius stood up.
"Oh, no need for that. I'm sure I can find my way their on my own." Hermione
declined politely not really wanting to be in an angry Lucius' presence.
"Oh, no, I insist."
"Alright," Hermione leaned up against the door, as she realized that there was
no arguing with his tone. As Lucius walked to the door, he clapped his hands,
causing the forgotten soup bowls to disappear, and delicious looking green
salads to appear in their place.
"Start with out me," Lucius said to the table as he took Hermione's arm, "I
shouldn't be too long." He then opened the second dinning room door, and him
and Hermione walked out into the hall, with the heavy doors closing loudly
behind them.
"Are you trying to fuck me?" Lucius asked Hermione as they approached the
stairs. They had walked in a heavy silence for several minutes. Hermione smiled
at Lucius seductively.
"The thought had crossed my mind."
"Ha," He turned to glare at her, "This is not the time for your little games."
He stopped abruptly causing Hermione to stumble as he pulled her around to face
him. "Do not," He roared bringing his hand up to slap her face, "Ever defy me
like that again."
Hermione glared back at him, "That was not defiance," she replied stroking her
cheek, "That was informing people about something that they have the right to
know."
"While you are a guest in my home, you will refrain from assuming that you have
the right to 'inform' people of anything."
"But Lucius," Hermione protested, "I though Voldemort was all about knowledge,
whether it be good or bad." She tilted her hand in confusion, "I was under the
impression that information, and knowledge, and…and…everything worth learning
was open to me if I joined his ranks." Hermione turned her face away from
Lucius, and looked down at the floor. "I thought that, although the Death Eater
do some…disturbing things, that deep down they believed that knowledge was
power. Perhaps I have chosen the wrong side."
"Foolish girl," Lucius said, although his tone was a lot less harsh, "You are
right of course," Hermione's head shot up in surprise, "Voldemort is after
knowledge, and the power that comes with it. I apologize for getting so angry,
it just that Voldemort wanted to tell his other followers about his parentage
on his terms. I fear he will be displeased with you."
"Oh, well, please offer him my sincerest apologizes. I wish I had known that it
was a special surprise…" Hermione bit her lip, "Oh I feel so terrible."
"Don't worry about it," Lucius said, placing his hand underneath her chin, and
lifting her head up to face him. "We've all made mistake, as you so delicately
pointed out. Our Lord can be very forgiving at times."
Hermione smiled at Lucius, but not for his comforting words, 'This is going
better then I thought, he's got to know that he's playing right into my hand.'
Hermione's smiled faltered, but only for a second before she recovered. "Thank
you Lucius," she said, kissing the hand that still held her chin, "I appreciate
the support."
Lucius' lips curled up into a crude smile, "Don't kid yourself, I will not take
the blame for you, nor will I protect you from Voldemort, you will have to
answer for yourself."
Hermione nodded her acceptance of this, and then turned around to walk away.
"Where are you going?" Lucius grabbed her arm to stop her.
"To bed," Hermione said, and turned her head to elaborate, "I can't possible
face everyone after how stupid I've been. Please," she pleaded, "Let me go to
bed."
Lucius smiled at her, "Alright," he agreed, "I will see you tomorrow. Now
what's this about your appointment?"
"I have to go to the Ministry, I do work there you know."
"Yes, of course. What time will you be home?"
"Home hey," Hermione smiled at him, "Around five thirty."
"Fine, I will see you then." Hermione smiled at him, and, again, turned to walk
up the stairs.
"Good night Lucius," she called over her shoulder.
"Good night my dear," he drawled back, "Oh, and Hermione, nice dress."
Author's Notes: A special thanks to my Beta's Stephani and Alex who took
time out of their all to busy schedules to edit this for me.
