Disclaimer: See chapter I
A/N: thanks for the reviews! This is the beta-ed version! Thank you Donroth!!
Grey
Chapter IX
"Are you sure you're all right, Hermione?" Dumbledore asked as he poured her a cup of tea.
"I'm fine, Headmaster. Really."
In truth she wasn't. And though Hermione knew she had schooled her face carefully into a calm expression, her shuddering gave her away. She wondered why she lied to Dumbledore; she knew he could read her very well and probably knew the truth anyway.
"Malfoy has arrived with his... charge safely at the place where we decided to keep her..." Dumbledore thoughtfully watched her face for any reactions at the mention of that name. Hermione however didn't react at either the name or at the news itself in any of the ways he thought she might. Instead, she gave him a tentative smile.
"I really thought there would be some epic duel between Mr Malfoy and Bellatrix Lestrange." Her voice sounded a bit detached and numb. Something happened in the Ministry that had given her quite a scare and Dumbledore almost knew for certain that Malfoy was involved.
"Disappointed?" he tried to tease her but failed at his attempt as she regarded her teacup with a solemn look.
"No. But it was almost anticlimactic seeing that woman go down so easily... Mr Malfoy was smarter and quicker than her and all it took was one good Petrificus Totalus and she was down. He sure made good use of the element of surprise that he had."
"We're hoping she starts talking soon. I have no doubt Malfoy has already started his own interrogation on her."
Now Hermione shuddered and Dumbledore frowned. "Something the matter?"
"Do you trust him to be alone with her? The way he acted in the Ministry... He really wants to hurt her, to have her dead, at his hand!" Hermione exclaimed. She looked at her Headmaster with eyes full of questions.
"I don't think he will be so rash. He wants answers, like I do.'
"But... what happens when she has nothing left to tell you? Are you going to let him kill h-" She didn't finish her sentence.
Dumbledore heaved a sigh. "No, I will not let him kill her in some cold-blooded fashion. If, no, when this war is over she will have a fair trial."
Hermione let out a breath of relief. "Good. If you don't mind, sir, I would like to go to my dormitory... I feel exhausted!"
"Are you sure everything is all right? Nothing happened that harmed you?" Dumbledore couldn't help but prod further for information. Her report of what happened in the Ministry had been very short. It was obvious she had left out some pieces. His old friend Maximus Cenex had been in his office during the attack, as they had agreed. Maximus had come out just after Malfoy had left with his captive, finding Hermione on the ground, sitting against the wall, clutching her wand like it was her lifeline. She had been shaking, shuddering and trembling. But after a couple of seconds, when he himself had barged into the room, she had pulled herself together and changed into the practical, bossy student he knew so well... Though behind her mask there was fear and shock. Maximus hadn't succeeded in getting much out of Hermione and neither had the investigating Aurors. She had given them only the most necessary information and had effortlessly diverted their attempts to press for further details. Now he was prodding her for further information. He knew that Hermione kept silent about something. Something that happened between her and Malfoy...
He was impressed with her calm, quick thinking after having experienced something that had given her a quite more than bad scare. But all Dumbledore wanted to know was what had given her that scare. He, somehow, felt like he had let her down somehow. Though what could he do? Malfoy had kept his word; she was safe.
"Really, Professor. It was quite... intense even if everything went smoothly." He noticed her grimace but decided to leave the girl alone. "If I want to talk about it, I will come to you, sir, I mean... I think I can handle it. It wasn't like anything that happened to Draco, sir. All I want is a hot shower and my bed."
"Yes, tomorrow will be quite the busy day for you. The Ministry will want to have an in-depth interview with you and I think the whole story will be in the Daily Prophet. You'll have to answer your friends' owls, because I'm certain they would want to know how you're doing."
Hermione pulled a face. "Don't remind me about that interview; they hardly let me go today and only because I pretended to be in some sort of shock did they release me to 'recover from my ordeal'."
Pretend? Dumbledore wondered but didn't say anything, merely smiled at her. "Will we see you at in the Great Hall tonight or shall I ask Dobby to serve your supper up in your room?"
"Thank you for the offer, but I think I will join you for supper. No use being cooped up in my room for the rest of the day," she answered.
"Splendid! I'll see you at supper, then!" Yes, he was quite proud of the Gryffindor. Though, as she left the office, he wondered if the girl could handle a serpent like Malfoy. Dumbledore was determined to find out what he had done to Miss Granger, as there was no doubt in his mind that Lucius Malfoy was responsible for the poorly hidden anguish he saw in her eyes.
Dear Gin,
Don't worry about me, everything is fine! Really! I mean it! And please, convince your mother too! Of course, I had a big scare but neither I nor Mr Cenex, the clerk in charge, were hurt in the attack. It was that crazy Lestrange woman again. I must have really gotten on her nerves when I managed to get Malfoy out of her clutches. But I managed to defend myself, thanks to the D.A.- and Mr Cenex helped too. He's a very friendly old man and though he no longer is that quick on his feet, he can still hex someone quite well.
I'm a bit worried now, though. I had my parents' house connected to the Floo Network but after this attack I'm not so sure if it's such a wise idea. Though Mr Cenex has ensured me that the highest possible security measures are being taken with my connection. It was very nice of him and I think Professor Dumbledore put in a good word for me.
But the next time I'm going to visit anywhere, I'll be demanding an escort of at least six Aurors or so. I don't know how that woman found that I was going to visit the Ministry but if she could get in there, again, it doesn't bode well for me. Professor Dumbledore has gone over to my parents' house and placed some heavy wards and charms. He and the whole staf, have been very nice to me. McGonagall has even given me another extra-credit project!
I hope you're doing fine though, all alone in that house with those boys! I know you can manage them but still... It must be a bit boring at times, isn't it? I hope you have a Happy Christmas. And please do say hello to the boys and your parents and wish them all a Happy Christmas! I hope you'll like your present! No peeking before Christmas day, though!!
Hermione
Hermione felt pretty bad for lying to her friends like that. She just couldn't tell them everything. She knew she couldn't confide in Ginny about what had happened recently... She felt sad and above all alone.
She patted the owl as she attached her letter to its claw. "It's for Ginny Weasley, please." The owl hooted softly and flew off.
Hermione stood and closed the window behind the animal. The temperature in her room had dropped greatly as her window had been open for some time. It probably wasn't healthy with her hair still wet from the tenth shower she had taken since yesterday. She still felt dirty and her skin seemed to crawl.
Today had been hectic and exhausting. The investigating Aurors had questioned her for a good three hours. After that had come the press. And when she finally had been left alone there were the owls from her friends to attend to. It had taken her a fair amount of time to answer them, but knowing that they cared had warmed her.
She didn't want to think about it anymore. Never again. She just wanted to forget about yesterday's events.
But she couldn't. She shouldn't. For her own peace of mind, she knew she had to come to terms with it.
It was really simple, wasn't it? Malfoy had pretended to assault her and by doing so he had distracted Bellatrix Lestrange. But couldn't he just have put a wand to her throat and then wait for the woman to show up?
Bitterly, she had to admit it was a brilliant move on Malfoy's part; she truly had been terrified and shocked, effectively convincing the woman that she was being attacked. The whole scene must have lulled Bellatrix Lestrange into some sense of control. After all, the horrible woman probably had been in similar situations many times before.
But still, she couldn't seem to deal with his ruthless abuse of her, nor could she forget about his 'method'. And she would tell him exactly what she thought about it. It would help her, she knew, if she would only get to rage over her fright and humiliation. Hermione resolved to vent her anger on the one who had hurt her so vindictively.
"Mreow." Only a muffled groan was his answer.
"M-reow!!" He snorted at the flailing arm, trying to knock him off. He easily evaded it, of course and delicately pawed her. It was time she finally woke up. He had waited long enough!!
"Crooks..." Came the exasperated moan.
"Meow?"
"Don't play innocent with me, mister!" With a groan she pushed her mountain of blankets aside. She suddenly grabbed him (because he let her, of course) and gave him a firm hug, making the large half-kneazle purr and he almost forgot about his purpose.
"Happy Christmas, Crookshanks!" She scratched his belly and behind his ears, making him almost swoon in delight
She let him go with a sneaky grin. "So, you liked your Christmas present?"
He regarded her with an expression that clearly said: "If you're trying to kid me, I'm not amused." followed by a snort.
"All right, all right! Here," and she somehow managed to conjure three presents! Well, she was a witch, wasn't she?
Presents were fun. Presents were a challenge! With gusto he attacked the wrappings, enjoying the tearing of the paper.
Presents! Paper! Presents! Paper! Presents! Paper! Paper! Paperpaperpaper!
"Calm down, Crooks. Are you trying to make confetti? Try to leave your presents whole, all right?"
Ah, the voice of reason. Crookshanks nodded in agreement. Well, he wanted to know what she had gotten him.
Salmon! Ohhh... Salmon! Salmonsalmonslamonslamonsalmon-
"You're salivating on my bed, Crooks."
He glared at the grinning face of his Mistress. He was absolutely not salivating. The nerve! Though he was glad to see her smile again. He didn't really know what had happened two days ago, as she hadn't told him yet. But whatever it was, it had really disturbed her. She was sad too. He was happy to make her smile again.
"I know you like salmon, Crooks, but try to take a look at the other things I have for you."
Oh, all right. Ah, look! Cattish Candy for Caring Catkins from Bertie Bott! She had remembered how much he liked them.
"Mreowww!!!"
"You like those, huh? Before I let you on a feeding frenzy, I think you'll like your last gift."
He purred indulgently as he toyed with the paper that was still wrapped around his last gift. His Mistress was practically bouncing on the bed. "Come on, open it! Go on! It's really wicked!"
He huffed in mock indignation then painstakingly proceeded to carefully remove the wrapping.
"Crooks!" She whined. "Hurry up; I made it myself!"
His jaw dropped as he saw what was in the packet. It was a rat. A rat with a missing leg. A very miserable one, and he was getting bald too! Aha!
"Eep!" It cried as it watched the big feline with a horrified expression.
"Do you recognise him? You do, don't you! Now you can chase him all you want. And gnaw on him too! It won't break, and is completely scratch-proof! And it makes the most pitiful little sounds!"
"Iep! Eek! Eee!" Crookshanks grinned, quite nastily; the rat sounded exactly the same; cowardly and pathetic.
"I've transfigured a button, so don't worry about it. No living thing has been abused or disfigured. I figured, since I couldn't give you the real thing, this would be a nice substitute." The half-kneazle nodded. In approval. Such a smart witch his mistress was!
"It can't leave this room, Crooks. No use upsetting other people by your display of superior hunting techniques, all right? Now, how do you like your new toy?"
"Rrrrr," purred Crookshanks. Hermione giggled at the pleased expression on the large half-kneazle's face.
"Glad you like them. Now, let's see what St. Nicholas got me." Hermione looked with both anticipation and apprehension at her small pile of gifts. Who knows what Hagrid had cooked up this time...
Ignoring the excited meowing of her half-kneazle and the terrified squeaking of the rat, she grabbed her first present.
It was a nice, cream-coloured Weasley sweater. She smiled at Mrs Weasley's gift; her sweaters always kept Hermione warm on long studying nights.
Next was a box of chocolate frogs from Ron. The third present was a bag of Bertie Bott's Every Flavour Beans from Harry.
Ginny had bought her some really nice quills and parchment. She already knew what she was going to use it for; her extra-credit project for Professor McGonagall.
Her parents had sent her a set of small golden earrings, a pair of very elegant leather gloves and a large bottle of her favourite, but fairly expensive, perfume. She was quite pleased with that last item.
She received more candy from her housemates till she came up the last present, a large round item.
She red the tag and saw it was from Parvati and Lavender. She was quite surprised they had gone further than the usual candy they bought for each other. Curiously she unwrapped the gift and came face to face with ... a mirror?
Yes, it was a mirror. A rather plain one too, with a very old and crocked frame. She frowned as she regarded her gift. Was it another subtle hint to spend some more time on her appearance?
Suddenly, the surface shimmered and a rather pretty face appeared in it, regarding her with an almost hostile disdain.
Hermione nearly groaned aloud. They had given her an enchanted mirror.
"And I suppose you are my new Mistress," came the cold voice. The face scrunched up her nose and sneered. "How lucky I am." The sarcasm dripped of the words.
"Eh, hello..."
"Why, quite articulate, aren't you! Oh, yes, aren't I always looking forward to some stimulating conversation with a..." The mirror let its eyes travel down over Hermione's hair, face and sleeping shirt, "well-dressed young lady."
Ouch. Hermione looked at the mirror in disbelief. Was this some kind of joke?
"I-I didn't know what... but...-"
The mirror gave her another condescending glare. "You received me as a gift... I'm yours now. I'm your mirror."
"But.. eh, why?"
The mirror gave a rather nasty laugh at her confusion. "Apparently, you're in dire need of some assistance," the word was almost hissed at her, "with your appearance. And apparently, as the young Miss Brown decided she was tiring of her old mirror and bought herself a new one, she and her friend thought her old mirror as an option for the position as your assistant."
"Oh... Well then," Hermione felt very uncomfortable with the whole situation. What was she going to do with an enchanted mirror? She hated such things.
"Shall we start over again, then? My name's Hermione Granger," she tried to smile but more than a faint grin she couldn't manage.
"Granger... Granger..." the mirror muttered thoughtfully then the face turned sour. "A muggleborn, aren't you? I don't know any respected family with the name Granger." The mirror let out a deep, tired sigh. "Oh, what did I do to deserve this?"
Hermione's mouth fell open. Then, she got angry. It was Christmas and she had apparently been the victim of another 'joke'. Well, she didn't have to put up with this nonsense, now did she?
"What, with that mouth? I would have smashed you in a long time ago," Hermione snapped and grabbed the mirror who threw her a very angry look.
"Excuse me?!" The mirror yelled in outrage. It had quite a volume.
"You heard me. Now, where to put you? Ah. Here." She opened up her closet and hung the mirror on the inside of the closet door. "I already have a nice, quiet mirror hanging in my bathroom, so you'll have to do with this. I hope you aren't afraid of the dark." With that said, she slammed the door closed, ignoring the livid screaming coming from within her cabinet.
Hermione felt suddenly a bit better. She started humming a Christmas tune while she quickly took a shower and dressed herself.
"Are you coming to breakfast, Crooks?" She asked the purring half-kneazle. He looked for a moment at his new toy then jumped off her bed and started to walk next to her as they exited the Gryffindor tower.
"I'll bet there are many delicious things at breakfast," Hermione mused.
The half-kneazle gave a snort. Did she think he would have come along otherwise?!
"Ah! Miss Granger!" Hermione froze and refused to turn around; instead, after overcoming the brief flare of panic, she picked up her pace.
"Miss Granger!!" Was the barked command.
She whirled around. "What?!" She snapped.
"Watch your tongue, Miss Granger," came the dangerously soft reply. Lucius Malfoy advanced on her, making her involuntarily step back, as he carefully watched her retreat.
His mouth curled into the familiar malicious smirk as he quickly closed the distance between them.
"So good to see you again, Miss Granger," he drawled silkily, his tone derisive.
"Hello, sir," she curtly replied, while she watched him warily.
"And a happy Christmas of course. Did you receive anything... worthwhile?" While his voice remained somewhat conversational, he blatantly used his imposing stature to back her into a corner.
"I received many nice presents," she gritted out. The way he stalked toward her was bringing back too many awful memories of the events two days past. Did he wanted to remind her, make her feel small and defenceless again? Trying to insult her or deal another blow to her self-esteem? She knew he enjoyed her fear.
"Really? Would you like one more? Something really... interesting?" He suddenly held up a square package, wrapped in paper and tied with a silver ribbon. She eyed him in suspiciously and fear, taking another step back.
"No thank you. I don't want anything from you!" She bit out.
His jaw clenched and his eyes began to gleam with suppressed anger. "It isn't very nice or polite to refuse a gift."
"Depends on the person who's giving it," she spat back. "Now, if you excuse me, lunch is being served. I would hate to miss it."
"I won't excuse you, girl!" He snarled, tightly gripping her arm before she could react.
Her appetite disappeared as she was once more reminded of what he was capable of. She started to feel light-headed. Even so, her anger manifested itself.
"Let go!" She twisted her arm in his grip but he was relentless and gave her an amused sneer. "Don't you dare to ever touch me again!" She said, trying to sound firm, but to her dismay and his pleasure her voice broke.
"You are not in a position to make demands, silly girl." He jerked at her arm, bringing her closer to him. Panicking, she brought up her other hand and managed to surprise him.
She slapped him.
For a moment, they both fell silent. She wondered what had gotten into her. He stared at her with barely controlled fury, his eyes cold and hard, glaring into hers.
He caught her other arm and just held her for a moment, to watch her squirm- before pushing her violently up against the wall.
Hermione suddenly felt faint as she no longer saw his face but the dreaded silver mask instead.
"Don't. Ever. Do that again," he growled at her. "Know who you are dealing with." He gripped her arms so tightly that she whimpered at the pain. She was dizzy with panic and fear once more.
"Does this seem familiar to you, Miss Granger? Scared again?" He smirked ruthlessly at her. "You were indeed a great source of help in the Ministry, my precious girl... Really, I hadn't thought that fear would look so well on you. Now, do you see how easy it is for people like me to break you? One just have to know how to go about it."
All of a sudden, he let her arms go, though he didn't step away from her.
She took deep breaths, trying to find a bit of rational thought amidst the clouding fear. "I w-would very m-much ap-appreciate it if you would keep your distance, s-sir." Despite her wavering voice, she raised her head and managed to hold his stare, her courage slowly returning to her. "It doesn't matter what you say or what 'excuse' you give me... I think what you did was despicable and certainly not necessary to.. to delude Bellatrix Lestrange. As I said, I don't want you to ever come near me again. Don't you ever try something like that again!!" Now it was her turn to look with condescension at the tall man before her.
"Don't flatter yourself, Miss Granger. If I can help it, I won't touch filth like you again." But his statement was crudely belied as he softly dragged his leather-encased finger over her lower lip, before she could slap his hand away.
"Don't!" She managed to bring out. "Or I will go to Dumbledore! Why shouldn't I, actually? I think I have helped you enough! I think we can end our..." Hermione frowned as she couldn't really find a name for it. "We can end our... agreement here and now. Go and find yourself someone else to torture! I think you're pathetic!"
He gave her no room to get away from him. "Hiding behind Dumbledore? My little Gryffindor, where has that courage gone?"
Hermione ignored him, while she tried to push the man away from her, her anger finally settling in wholeheartedly; she felt a bit more herself again.
However, the man wouldn't budge. She wasn't deterred however. "I don't think I could work with you anymore, Mr Malfoy. Though you think it's all a joke, I don't like being treated in such a way... One could actually call it an a-assault! And I'm starting to think you're getting some sick pleasure out of humiliating me."
Malfoy chuckled softly as he pushed a stray lock behind her ear, making her wince and flinch back. "You think, Miss Granger?"
"Stay away from me."
"I can't do that. You see, my little Gryffindor, you are quite... Yes, you are something else. And you still have so much to offer a wizard like me. I would be a fool to deny myself of your... assistance. And... I do enjoy your company. You're very amusing." His hand started to play with the loose locks of her untameable hair, winding a particular strand slowly around his finger till she winced when he pulled at it.
Her expression made him smile in malice; it was filled with useless anger and pure helplessness. His smile widened as he slowly pulled her forwards, back into his embrace. She tilted her head back, refusing to let his face out of her sight. If she did look away, he mused, she would indeed have no clue to whatever he was up to.
"Do you get it, Hermione?" he breathed her name like a caress, making her shudder. He felt the delicate shivers under his hand that was splayed out on her lower back. "As long as I do not tire of you, you have no other choice to bend to my will..."
"You-! You do not... own me or anything! You're not my parent or teacher or any other person that can make a demands or expect my loyalty!" She was feisty once she forgot about her fear. Unfortunately for her, his grip on her hair left her quite restricted in her movements. She gave him a furious glare while she tried to disentangle his finger from her hair. "I have agreed to help you in the understanding, no, with the knowledge I wasn't about to be reduced to... to chattel! Or a weapon. Or a tool or a means to an end... And I won't let you treat me like it!! I'm better than just a toy to you! You have no right- Damn it! Just. Let. Me. Go!!" She yanked at his arm while he chuckled at her fiery speech.
"Don't delude yourself. You are just what I want you to be, Miss Granger and that is-"
"A very worthy, helpful companion in our plans. Isn't she, Malfoy?" Hermione closed her eyes briefly in relief as the calm voice of her Headmaster washed over her.
Lucius Malfoy tensed slightly, Hermione felt the muscles in his arm jump. Then, he gave her a mocking sneer as he slowly, leisurely untangled his finger from her hair. He turned around to face the older wizard, who was watching them with cool, guarded eyes.
He didn't let up on his position though, still trapping Hermione with his body. She would have to rudely push him aside to clear her way. She felt like just doing that.
"Of course." Lucius said smoothly, silkily. "I was merely trying to convince Miss Granger that she is needed in our plans. She seems to be a bit shaken by the events that took place in the Floo Office..." The mocking and disdain in those words hurt her but ignited her temper even further. Though she didn't say a word. Let the Headmaster handle this.
"So I thought. Miss Granger wasn't too talkative about it." Dumbledore looked at her, a pensive look on his face. His suspicion was confirmed. Malfoy had done something to harm her. Not physically, but sometimes the blows to one's spirit were much harder to overcome.
"Maybe some bad memories about earlier events troubled her in some way... Leaving her with some unprocessed trauma that was only made worse by what happened two days ago." He was clearly referring to Hermione's interference in the attack on his son.
"That is not true," Hermione managed to get past her clenched jaws. She wanted to hit him for reducing her to some whimpering little girl! She wanted nothing more than to hex the man.
"If you say so, Miss Granger," was his condescending answer. He didn't even turn to address her! Who was being rude now?
"Miss Granger is much stronger than you give her credit for." Lucius didn't respond to that statement with any thing more than a smirk and Dumbledore continued, fixing him with a warning look.
"But I thought you had some business to do with me? If I had known that Miss Granger was included, I would have invited her too."
"There's no need. I just wanted to give her a token of my appreciation. A Christmas present. She deserves it."
"That's very kind of you, Malfoy."
Hermione almost snarled when Malfoy turned around with a triumphant look on his face. Again, his eyes were mocking as he presented her the gift and she couldn't do anything else but accept.
"Enjoy it, Miss Granger."
"Thank you, sir." She managed to spit out. She watched the two wizards walk away, heading towards the Headmaster's office. She turned around and rushed to her room. How dared he say and do those things to her?!
And why didn't the Headmaster do anything more than speak a few very vague phrases?! All right, maybe she should have told Dumbledore immediately what had happened, but she hadn't wanted him to know of her weakness and failure...
Maybe it was indeed her own fault. She did know better than trust Lucius Malfoy.
A/N: the end of chapter IX. Please leave a review! And some good news; I've finished chapters X and IX! The chapters have to be beta-read, but I hoping to update soon!
Review responses!!
Wretched Beauty: Glad you liked the way Lucius' caputure went; I could have made it a more spectacular duel, but I'm not really good at writing action and fighting scenes. So I was a bit worried that it would seem a bit dull…
Kellalor: Thanks a lot for the picture, I really likes it… It kind of gives you ideas, doesn't it?!
BbyChick: No, this is certainly not a Draco/Hermione fanfic!! This is a Lucius/Hermione fic!! Sorry to disappoint you, but I'm not going to change it into a D/H fic.
Athena Linborn: Thanks! I'm happy I managed to surprise a few people there; after all, that was my intention!! (Yes, finally something that works!!). Where's Narcissa? I think she's going to make an appearance in… chapter X or XI, if I'm not mistaken… By the way, I loved the new chapter; after thinking about it for some time, I'm now mostly curious as to how Draco is going to react about being married and his bride having disappeared…
Saiyachick: It's coming, I'm working on it!!
Donroth: Pats beta on the back So far I haven't heard anyone about those errors, so let's keep this silent . And about Hermione having hidden sexual feelings for Lucius I agree with you. She'll have to get to know him better before she will start to feel anything for him. I think that she needs more than a hansom face to start feeling for someone.
Jaelle: Thank you!! Here's another chapter, enjoy!
SlytherinDragoon: Will he get to finish what he started… Now that would be telling! I can promise you smut in later chapter, but not anytime soon; it will progress slowly but surely.
Read300300: Good! Thank you!
Helena: Thanks for the big compliment; I'll do my best to keep it up.
BlueJay: I promise I won't turn this into a D/H story! I really like them too, but I just have to write a L/H story, hoping that the muse behind it will finally leave me alone! What Draco's reaction will be? Will he wake up? You'll see… And abut Narcissa: look for chapter X (or XI). I hope to put it up soon! And what to say about Lucius; I think he isn't in the least worried about what Hermione thinks about him. He's quite the arrogant bastard in that, isn't he?
Funky Nassau: There aren't many posistive things about the man, though I think he has some… a few… redeeming qualities!
Artemis Moonclaw: Something like that, indeed. The same question is running through Hermione's head.
Lily: happy to hear you're enjoying it!
Wackoramaco87: Don't worry, you're not insulting me. And about Lucius doing something against Hermione's will; don't worry, he's not going that far. Though he's awfully persuasive and a manipulating bastard. If Hermione isn't careful she'll find herself in situations she rather won't find herself in.
DarkRoseBlood: Glad to see someone likes very evil Lucius. Though don't give him a cookie; he might get ideas!
Tamlane: Another review that has me drooling for more! Where to begin? First of all, thank you! I really am happy with the fact that you took the time to really process the chapters and saw the hints I've been leaving. It doesn't happen often to me that the things I have in my head are coming out right on paper, but this time I managed to write a decent plot and viola; here's the result! I actually managed to write a bit of suspense!
I agree with you on the fact that Lucius has not made himself a very nice, trustworthy person in Hermione's eyes. She definitely detest him now and he definitely has some plans for her… I wonder who's going to win?
And last but not least, thanks for the shout-out in your own story. I don't care about improper fanfic etiquette! I'm flattered!!
Rachel: Ah, another one fooled! My work is done !
Anni: The next strike against V is in the making but takes some time!
The Mad Madame: Right on the spot!! I think you've got me figured out! But who will win? That I'm not going to say! And about Draco… I won't write him out of the script!
Atlas452: I think Lucius thinks it was a nice touch to his plan. And he has a reputation to keep up, of course .
Belladonnaessence: You're getting warm! Of course he uses an excuse for doing that, but if that's all… I don't think so!
Peggywoo: Yep, evil Lucius here. You've come to the right story for that!
Jay: You too, huh? I think we all feel sorry for Hermione. I don't think she realizes what she's into.
Shabopo: Thank you!! I feel the same way! Thank you!!
IchigoNoMiko: Yes, it certainly is a shame there aren't more LM/HG fics out there. But I still hope more people will try to write a fic with this pairing.
Mrs Malfoy: Dutch too, huh. Das mooi. Ik heb hoofdstuk 10, 11 af en 12 bijna… Blijf lezen, ok? (That's great. I have chapter 10 and 11 finished and 12 almost. Keep reading, ok?)
Maeve: Another Dutch person! Daarvan kom je er niet veel van tegen op deze site… Niet veel Nederlanders kennen het begrip fanfiction, laat staan wat het inhoudt. Heb je ook ergens een account? Laat het me weten zodat ik jouw werk ook kan lezen! ( I don't encounter many Dutch people on this site... Not many Dutch have ever heard about the term fanfiction, let alone know what it means. Do you have an account somewhere? Let me know so I can check out your work.)
Belladonna: You liked that part? Great, because I have given that part quite some thought before I was satisfied with it.
Hermie4sev: And (finally) here it is! The next chapter! A bit late, I know.
Fan: Thank you and enjoy the update!