Disclaimer: see chapter I
A/N: Thanks for the reviews!! They make my day!!
Grey
Chapter V
He sat quietly in the shadowed corner of the room, waiting not so patiently for the girl to show up. Four nights he had sat there almost all evening, but she hadn't shown up. Her obvious disobedience had made him quite... vexed with the girl. After some polite small talk and crafty inquiring with the nurse he had found out that she now only visited in the afternoons. Though the girl did try to avoid and evade him, she hadn't given up on his son. Good, he was very pleased with her continuing care towards his son.
So, he had decided to visit his son in the afternoon. Soon, her last class of the day would finish and she would be here.
He hadn't thought he had given the girl such a fright that afternoon in Hogsmeade. Maybe he had been a bit too... forceful. But she would soon discover she couldn't run away from him. He needed her; she was such a valuable device in what he had in mind.
He leaned back and regarded his son, which still hadn't given any sign of waking up. The sight of him laying there motionless, silent, still wearing bruises from some of the curses, made him want to break some things. Made him want to kill someone. Preferably the people who had hurt him. And he would.
Soft footsteps were coming in his direction, and soon the door opened and the girl walked in, closing the door quietly behind her. She sat down on the chair and started digging in her bag, presumably for her homework.
"Hello, Miss Granger." She froze and he couldn't feel anything but cruel enjoyment at her stricken expression.
"You didn't think I would have just forgotten about our appointment? I always keep my promises. Really, avoiding me doesn't help."
"Mr. M-Malfoy," she nodded in greeting as she slipped half of her chair, ready to bolt.
"Stay. Silly, little Mudblood." He drawled. "I won't hurt you. Not as long as you are of use to me."
"I don't want to be 'of use' to you, Mr. Malfoy," she whispered back. She lifted her head and tilted her chin back, showing her backbone.
"That's the spirit! Don't let me intimidate you to incoherence. You're better than that. You went up against Bellatrix Lestrange." He observed as she, though she put up a brave front, clenched her shaking fists in her lap.
"Mr. Malfoy... I don't know what kind of game you are playing. I don't want to know. I want to help your son, but... But I won't let you make fun of me or something like that."
"I'm not playing games. Not this time," his smirk made her flinch. "No, Miss Granger, this is serious. Revenge is a very serious business."
"I want nothing to do with your... revenge!? I just said that I won't play along with you, nor do anything for you! I won't let you use me like that!" She said, her voice strong.
"Mmm, but you do let your friends use you. And your Headmaster and his Order. Don't you?"
She looked at him, confused. "I don't know what you're trying to say, but-"
"Good afternoon, Malfoy, Miss Granger," Lucius watched amused as the girl stood up, startled, at the entrance of Dumbledore.
"G-Good afternoon, Headmaster." She settled back in the chair, watching him and the Headmaster with eyes full of confusion and questions. Her eyes widened as the Headmaster cast a kind of Silencing Spell, the most advanced there was.
"I understood you would like to have a meeting with me, Lucius, but is the presence of Miss Granger absolutely necessary?" The Headmaster inquired, his knowing eyes fixed on the smirking man, who wasn't impressed in the least.
"It is, Dumbledore."
"Though what we are about to discuss could be very sensitive information and could put Miss Granger into danger?"
"As long as she keeps her mouth, and I have no doubt she will, she doesn't have anything to fear." Yet, he thought maliciously, as he watched the bewildered girl, her eyes darting between him and the old wizard.
"Still, I see no use to Miss Granger being here."
"Trust me, you will."
Dumbledore's eyes lost their twinkle and he gestured at Lucius. "Proceed, then."
"I have an offer to make you," Lucius started, his voice held the same drawl as earlier. "I can deliver Voldemort to you."
Hermione let out a small gasp, but it was not so much at the name being uttered as at what she heard. What Malfoy was offering.
"That's quite a brass statement." Dumbledore said slowly.
"Oh, but don't doubt that I can deliver him to you; a battle at your terms, when you and your boy wonder are ready."
Dumbledore studied the man, seeing the calculation and determination on his face. "What caused this change in your... allegiance?"
Hermione's eyes flew to the Headmaster's, disbelief clearly written in them. "Headmaster, do you actually listening to this man?! How could you even consider a word he says as a truth?!"
The Headmaster gave the girl a reassuring smile. "He is being completely serious and sincere. For once."
Lucius watched, amused, as the girl looked at Dumbledore like he had lost his mind. "You have seen this coming, didn't you, Dumbledore?" He drawled, and gave the confused girl a taunting smile.
"I did see this as a possibility. For you, this is the most complete revenge you could possibly hope to get."
"Indeed. A benefit for you as we now have the same goal."
"Sorry for being rude, but what is the purpose of me being here, if I can't follow you?" Finally, her curiosity and irritation made themselves known.
"I shall explain it. Voldemort," he noticed with satisfaction she did not flinch at the name, "is the sole reason my son is lying there, comatose. Yes, someone else might have carried out his order, but in the end, it was his command."
He saw the doubt and confusion in her eyes. "Miss Granger, do you know the reasons behind my pardon? You do know how I got out of Azkaban, I presume?"
Her eyes flickered with sudden anger. "Yes, I do. You claimed," the word was soaked in sarcasm, "that they, meaning Voldemort and his crew, used your family as a threat to make you assist them, as you have influence in many places, which could be of service to Voldemort. On the day of the attack on the Department of Mysteries you said to be under the Imperius curse, forcing you to lead the Death Eaters into the Ministry and attacking us." She spat out the words. "And of course your money and aforementioned influence made everyone at the Ministry believe your tales. Yes, you even got Auror protection for your family in case of a retaliation." Now she fell silent, suddenly deep in thought. "I wondered, when I was reading the story, how you managed to actually produce evidence for you being under the Imperius curse."
Lucius chuckled. "Yes, wouldn't you like to know... Now, Voldemort thought to give this story some extra... credibility. Why don't make this whole story even more believable by attacking the man's son? Which wasn't such a sacrifice," Lucius continued in a hard, cold voice, his anger now smouldering in his eyes, "as said son had refused coming into Voldemort's 'service'. This attack would give a clear message to all the Death Eaters' children to follow into their parents' footsteps, or else..."
Hermione's mouth had dropped open and even Dumbledore seemed slightly curious.
"Draco said no?!"
"Let's say that the three weeks I spent in Azkaban showed him what kind of... risks were involved in serving Voldemort."
"Did you... Did you object against Draco's choice?" Asked Hermione hesitantly, fidgeting with her hands. She was clearly uncomfortable asking that question.
"After some consideration... No. Voldemort is falling apart. His sanity, or what was left of it, is slowly disintegrating. He's taking hasty decisions and puts his followers in severe danger. And he has no qualms in sacrificing whoever and whatever it takes to get one of his plans done. He is no real leader anymore." Lucius finished grimly.
"Insanity... It can be a weakness." Dumbledore mused.
"But it can also make him very unpredictable and dangerous, more so than ever. However, he went too far. He tried to kill my son. A Malfoy. He should have been satisfied with my services. I would have served him to whatever end... But he has betrayed my trust and loyalty. He dishonoured my Pledge. I don't give them easily and take a betrayal to them not very lightly."
"What about your dislike for Muggle-borns, and Half-bloods and-"
"Right now, that doesn't matter. Though," he gave her that same greedy look, "sometimes, one have to adapt to survive." That statement left her uneasy and she fell silent again.
"So, Malfoy, what do you have in mind, and how does Miss Granger fit into it?" Dumbledore's voice was stern and demanding. Lucius however sat lazily back and gave the uncomfortable girl a dangerous smirk.
"Apparently our dear Miss Granger has left quite the impression on Bellatrix Lestrange. And that has in turn awoken the curiosity of Voldemort. Now that the Mudblood friend of Potter," Hermione flinched at the name and the Headmaster frowned disapprovingly at him, "my apologies. Now that the Muggle-born friend of Potter is able to fend off an attack of a very capable and dangerous Deatheater it's quite hard for him to ignore her. He wants her dead of course. She's the living, breathing exception to the rule he's been preaching forever; Muggle-borns are flukes and very poor at working Magic."
"Poor at magic; I think the same can be said for many Purebloods." Hermione said daringly.
Dumbledore actually perked up at the girl's impudence and gave her an amused smile. Lucius managed to surprise them both as he nodded and said solemnly: "That seems to be the case. But, we're digressing." He looked at the face of the pale boy as he continued, unconsciously rubbing the cold skin of his son's hand.
"Bellatrix Lestrange is determined to be the one who'll capture Miss Granger. She has been deeply insulted by being kept off her kill by you, Miss Granger. With your permission, we could use you to lure Bellatrix Lestrange out. She has useful information about Voldemort's vulnerabilities but it will be the capture of Mrs Lestrange herself that will most disturb Voldemort. I would go as far as to say he will be at a loss...; She's one of his favourites, nearly unsurpassed in her lust for blood and torture. He confides in her and depends on her for many things."
"You want to use me as bait? How, when?" Hermione looked pale but on her face he could read both apprehension and curiosity.
"Maybe a short leave could be arranged for you... For example, a visit to Hogsmeade... Or Muggle London. Somewhere though where it won't be crowded, yet are people around." Was Lucius' calm suggestion, baffling Hermione.
"Before we give this notion any thought, what kind of advantage will the capture of Mrs. Lestrange have for us, other than a way for you to get your revenge?"
"With Lestrange out of the picture, he will be depending on me for carrying out his every order. He will be more open to my calculated moves as opposite to Bellatrix's more... lively ones. I could eventually move him into a battle where most of the Death Eaters are diverted and divided, giving you a clear shot at Voldemort."
"Would he really put that much faith in you?" Hermione clearly doubted Lucius' statement.
"Of course. I've been in his service for a very long time and have been of invaluable help to him too many times to count." Hermione wondered how he could be so arrogant and callous about such things. "After the attack on my son, I expressed my displeasure for the fact I wasn't informed about it and my extreme annoyance the brat was still alive, forcing me into the role of caring, worried father, forced to frequently spend time with at his son's bed, as I have to keep up appearances towards the Ministry. And, of course, now I have to see to the task of getting another heir." Lucius said calmly, his face showing no emotions at all.
"You...?!" Hermione really was in doubt now in what to think of this dangerous man. What was the truth? Him actually caring for his son and wanting retaliation on his behalf, or the Deatheater who saw his son as a failure and couldn't care less if he lived or died.
"You were always very good at Occlumency, Malfoy," Dumbledore's voice held a clear warning. Lucius eyes turned cold and hard, his voice chillingly soft. He made eye contact with Dumbledore and kept it as he started to speak:
"Do not doubt my true intentions. I am the only one who has to right to discipline my son, if there is a need to. I don't take insults or attacks on my family lightly, not even from Voldemort. Especially not from him; he should have known better. I thought he would keep himself to certain codes. But apparently I was mistaken."
"But... why exactly didn't Voldemort informed you on the assault on your son? Didn't you discuss Draco's decision with Voldemort?"
"The demand on him to join the ranks of Deatheaters was done when I was in Azkaban. I only came to know about his refusal a few days later. At that moment, I feared for his life... But nothing happened. After I came out of Azkaban I tried to discuss the matter with Voldemort. I assured him I would take appropriate measures and Voldemort did agree with me they were necessary; I just never could have imagined that he would take them himself. I presumed I could deal with this family matter myself, on my own terms. It is my right. It's my honour." The statement was made very vehemently.
The Headmaster leaned back into his chair and thoughtfully played with his glasses. Then as he came to a decision, he put them back on and sent Lucius a solemn look.
"You are absolutely certain of the fact neither Voldemort nor any of his followers have any doubts about where your loyalty lies?"
"Yes. They don't, and won't, suspect anything. I will make certain of it. It won't be hard; they all reason that I'm just like the rest of the Death Eaters, blindly obedient and embarrassingly dependent on whatever Voldemort does and commands... Yes, I have made a pledge to him, but he isn't the leader anymore he used to be. He dismissed my honour and so I will not keep myself any longer to this pledge.
His followers aren't any longer his supporters or fellow combatants," Lucius continued," now he considers them his inferiors and slaves. Voldemort has become rigid, both in his mind and actions, therefore becoming predictable. He doesn't seem to understand anymore that to survive and to triumph, other paths and other measures sometimes have to be taken. Sometimes, one has to look at unusual means to succeed in whatever he wants to accomplish." A rather calculating gaze settled on Hermione and she bristled. He just assumed she would dive headlong into his schemes.
"There is no longer any dignity in being Voldemort's follower." (Hermione grimaced. Like there ever was!) "I will not follow a madman who will lead me to a certain doom. He has forgotten about one thing, which he should have remembered; my loyalty lies first and foremost with my family and for some time, Voldemort seemed to be the best course to take. He fitted in with my family's best interests and ideals."
Hermione inwardly shivered at the calculation and ruthlessness in the man; he wasn't remotely remorseful about his deeds; She believed him when he told her his family came first... How long would he go along with Dumbledore? When would he decide a different allegiance would be better?
"I trust your intentions. It is even more a surprise to me that other Death Eaters and Voldemort himself haven't picked up on your... dissatisfaction yet. Though you hid it well, I'm certain. Is it safe for me to assume the attack on Draco was the last push you needed in our direction...? The direction of survival." Dumbledore nodded pensively. "And now you promise us a chance to solve this war in what could be one, decisive battle..." The Headmaster seemed a bit wistful as he continued: "It will probably save countless lives... No massive destruction and no long reign of terror... I believe it could work; your cunning could set it up."
Dumbledore raised his eyebrows and asked coolly: "What is it you want in return?"
Lucius smirked at the Headmaster. "I must compliment Snape on his excellent observation of me. He always saw more than others. A true Slytherin, he."
Dumbledore nodded. "He is very keen, though I believe you've been giving him some cryptic hints. Though we're not discussing my Potions Master. Tell me what kind of favours you want in return." His voice held a hard edge.
"Not a single charge or persecution against me or my family, now or in the future. I'll get to keep all the positions in the various boards and administrations I occupy now. All in all, I don't want anything to happen that could endanger the position me and my family hold in this society. Nothing that could harm my family."
"It won't clear your name, nor will it stop people talking," Hermione couldn't help but point out the fact.
"It won't. Let them fear me."
"Fear is not the same as respect," she quipped.
"No... Most of the times it is far more effective." He drawled back.
Hermione snorted and looked away from the mocking in his eyes and on his face.
"You fear me too, girl, and that makes it so much easier to manipulate you," Lucius chuckled at her enraged expression but didn't miss the slight amount of uncertainty.
"Please refrain from intimidating Miss Granger, Malfoy," Dumbledore calmly reprimanded the wizard, who didn't seem impressed at all, but nodded and gave Hermione a smile that wasn't apologetic or remorseful at all.
"As you two are going to work together more often, if you agree of course, Miss Granger, it would seem to be that a more... balanced working relationship would be more effective," Dumbledore finished, giving Lucius a meaningful glance.
"Working relationship?! I thought I would only serve as bait for Bellatrix Lestrange! What more could I possibly do to help?" She asked, confused and a bit hesitant as well.
"You have a sound, practical mind. But for most of the time, I would like you to serve as some kind of go-between for me and Mr Malfoy. He has to keep up appearances, as he so cleverly put it to Voldemort, so it gives him a perfect excuse for visiting his son often. In the castle he will only be seen, and you must believe me if I tell you some people will try to keep track of him while he's here, on his way to and from the infirmary and back.
It appears to be a wise choice of you to keep quiet about your endeavour to help young Mr Malfoy. Though if people do find out about your time spend in the infirmary, you can tell them all about your extra credit project with Madam Pomfrey... I do believe you have been thinking about becoming a Mediwitch, Miss Granger?"
"Yes, indeed, sir." Hermione nodded.
"Wonderful! You can keep visiting both Mr. Malfoys and also help Madam Pomfrey out. She could certainly use some help. Now I'm asking you, Miss Granger; would you like to help us? I don't think I'll have to tell you about the dangers and risks it involves. I have to ask you also to keep this entire matter silent. You can't say a word about it. Not to anyone, not even to your closest friends. You don't have to answer right now. Think it over."
"I-I don't think that's necessary, sir... I... I would like to help you, and I don't have to think it over. I am aware of what this all means and what could happen to me... But I really want to help you. If Mr Malfoy really can give you and Harry such an opportunity...," the slight disbelief in her voice told both the wizard she didn't trust nor believe Lucius, "than I would like to try and help."
Dumbledore regarded Hermione with a mixture of pride and sadness. "I did wish I didn't have to include you in this... I have tried over the years to keep you children out of this. I know I've failed." At that moment, sorrow and regret could be read on his face, making him look so much older than Hermione had ever seen him. "I can't express though, how grateful and how relieved I am that you are willing to help us. I want this chance; I want a quick end to this..."
"I will try... I will do my best." Hermione promised, still a bit shaken by the sudden frailness of the man she had come to think of as invincible.
"It's all we can ask of you. Now, Malfoy, I think for we've had enough for tonight. We will gather here tomorrow night and try to make our plans a bit more definite. Good afternoon." He winked at her, gave a curt nod to Lucius and walked out of the room with the bells topping off his hat tinkling softly.
Lucius regarded the petite girl as she picked up her bag from the ground.
"I must say I am very pleased you are co-operating. Yes, it seems that once more I'll have to thank you. Without you this whole matter could take a lot longer... It would be harder too, to get it accomplished." He watched the girl flush before she straightened herself and slung the bag over her shoulder.
"You don't have to thank me, Mr Malfoy. I'm just doing what I think are the right things to do." Her voice was curt.
He watched her with unhidden interest. "Your need to do good could change more things than you might think. The quality is quite fetching and indeed, very addictive, the more I see of it."
Hermione looked at him with undisguised unease. "Addictive?! Trying to do right isn't as special or as rare as you make of it. Lots of people would do the same as me."
Lucius let out a somewhat mocking laugh and the girl watched him warily. "I don't see anyone else doing this... Where are Draco's friends? Your friends? I bet they don't care if my son lives or dies. They don't care if his assailant will be caught or not and if justice will be done. You think everyone is pure at heart? You have lived a very sheltered life."
"No," she looked him straight into his eyes. "I've know for some time now that not everyone is pure at heart. Far from it." The message was clear and Lucius smiled, amused at her show of bravery.
"It's good to realise it. It does give you somewhat of a fair chance."
"A fair chance?! At what? Survival? Look, Mr Malfoy, I don't have the time to play word games with you, nor do I want to. Maybe tomorrow," she snapped at him. He had again managed to rile the girl up, fire spitting out of her eyes.
"Good day to you, sir," she said, teeth clenched. She walked away proudly, not willing to budge under his intrusive, heavy stare.
"And a good day to you, Miss," he drawled after her departing figure.
Review Responses!!
Kellalor: To be honest I don't really write much fluff. I usually go for the dark, angsty type of fic... Though I like happy endings. Strange, isn't it? Maybe my kind of 'happy endings' isn't what other will consider happy... Anyway, I'm happy you like the characters!
Dracodolenz: I love your offer and as soon as I find the time (yes, school has reared it's ugly head), I would love to join your community!
Artemis Moonclaw: You didn't embarrassed me! I embarrassed myself !! Even after reading it over for the umpteenth time, I still miss it. Stupid, huh?!
Crystal Koneko: You think so? I hope you'll continue to like it as the story progresses!
Harry Hippie: Well, that's kind of a honour for me to introduce you to the very unlikely but very interesting ship of Lucius Malfoy & Hermione Granger! I'll do my very best to make you just as addicted to it as I am!
Red: Thanks!! Intriguing, huh? Good! That's what I'm aiming for!
The Mad Madam: I pledge to thee, I won't make him nice. Who likes a nice Lucius Malfoy anyway?!
Belladonnaessence: Thank you! I hope I can write up to your expectations! And I do agree; there are just too few LM/HG fics!
Donroth: Thank you very much; I dislike the fics where Hermione suddenly has a big fight with Harry and Ron without no apparent reasons. But a slow alienation does and can happen, don't you agree? I try to be a bit more subtle. And, did I get your hint?
Anni: I think this chapter and the following will answer your question!
SlytherinDragoon: Dragoon as in the Green Dragoons? Tavington? Really, that's another character that just makes me want to write, write and... You get the point. And I agree; no better target than Hermione!!