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."

Chapter Last Updated: 03/02/03


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.