Disclaimer: I don't anything in Harry Potter. J.K owns all the characters and places.

Author's Note: This will be an AU story and the characters are OOC. Some of the dates in the story have also been changed to fit in with the story itself.

Author's Note 2: I know it's been forever, I apologise for the looooong wait. I was away at first and then life happened second. I have recently gotten a new job, so have been learning all that I can :) – I've also been affected by Covid and it's been a really long journey of finding my groove again in order to get more chapters out.

It might be a while again before I get to post Chapter 11 but fear not, I will as I'm already a quarter of the way through Chapter 12, so it's just a matter of finding my feet again after not writing for the last few weeks/months.

Anywho enough of that, I hope you've all been well and safe!

Summary: Hermione takes a break from the wizarding world, five years later she returns with her four-year-old daughter. Lucius Malfoy bumps into Hermione and her daughter whilst in Diagon Alley… A few weeks later and they're going on their first date. Post-Hogwarts & Second War. Will be AU & OOC. Some dates have been changed to fit the story.


Chapter 10

Fourteen December 2004,

Hermione stood alongside Lucius, Luciana standing before them as she awaited Roberto's arrival. Lucius was the very picture of his past persona, soft platinum blonde hair tied back by means of a black velvet ribbon, his snake headed cane securely held in his right hand. He wore a full three-piece suit of black, the colour being that of his white dress shirt, his left hand was firmly placed atop Luciana's shoulder to keep her close. Hermione on the other hand was standing with her right hand in the crook of Lucius' left elbow, her body clothed in trousers and an emerald green blouse, a black coat wrapped around her shoulders to ward off the cold. Her neck held a matching emerald green scarf, not only keeping the cold from biting at her skin but there to keep eyes from seeing a particularly prominent bite mark from the man that stood to her left. "How much longer will it be darling?" Hermione tore her eyes away from the terminal, finding Lucius' silver eyes boring into her. "He said he'd be arriving at noon." Lucius nodded, shifting slightly to stand taller than his already imposing form.

"Hermione!" The unmistakable Italian accent travelled across the terminal making Hermione spin around to see Roberto grinning broadly. "Robby!" She hurriedly made her way over to him, throwing her arms around his neck in a tight hug. "Fiore dolce, it's so good to see you." Lucius had made his way over to the two happy people with Luciana excitedly bouncing on the balls of her feet. "Uncle Robby!" Jumping into his open arms, she happily accepted his warm embrace. "La mia stella, how I've missed you." He released Luciana after a moment, turning to face the imposing figure of a man he'd never met but had heard of. "You must be Lucius." A swift nod was given before a gloved hand was reaching forward, Roberto clasped the other man's hand in a firm handshake, "It is a pleasure to meet you Roberto, I've heard many things of you." Roberto smiled proudly, "As I have with you. Hermione has not shut up about you." Sending a suddenly bright red Hermione a wink and a smirk, Roberto found the other man glancing at her with a small smirk of his own, one that showed how proud he was to hear of such things. "Is that so?" Hermione nodded, her blush covered cheeks turning a shade darker. "It's good to finally meet you Lucius." Lucius turned to Roberto, giving him yet another nod in acknowledgement. "Right then, shall we?" Hermione said after she'd managed to calm her blushing cheeks.

Roberto watched as Lucius offered Hermione his arm before leading her out of the airport, Luciana's hand in Hermione's other hand. They exuded confidence and grace as they walked ahead of him, 'Such a beautiful family' he thought to himself, a small smile on his face. By the time they'd reached the hotel and enjoyed dinner together, Roberto was ready to fall into his bed as was Luciana. "Hermione, I must apologise that we could not enjoy more time together but I am tired and with you and Lucius leaving tomorrow, I must be refreshed enough to oversee the refurbishment." Hermione gave him a small smile before wrapping her arms around him in a hug. "I understand completely, we will see each other again my friend." He kissed Luciana's forehead after giving her a tight hug. Turning to Lucius, he offered him his hand, "Lucius, again I must say how happy I am to have finally met you. Take care of her and my goddaughter." Giving Lucius a hard squeeze to his hand before releasing the other man's hand, Roberto watched as Lucius nodded stiffly, "I will Roberto, they're far too precious to me to do anything other than love them both unconditionally." Roberto clapped him on the back and smiled, "I'm glad to hear that." After saying their farewells, the small trio departed from the hotel.


Fifteen December 2004,

After having had a fast paced evening and last morning in Russia with Roberto, Hermione, Lucius and Luciana had returned to England. The three had gone straight to Hermione's residence with Lucius stating that he'd like to freshen up before returning for dinner. Hermione now stood in front of the stove preparing their dinner, a simple pasta meal for them. She was lost in thought, happily thinking about Lucius and how far they had come since bumping into each other. Luciana loved being with him and he with her and Hermione fell in love with him more and more everyday. Turning back to her saucepan, Hermione smiled softly as her mind wandered back to Lucius, he was her every waking thought and she couldn't be happier. Finally finishing off her pasta sauce, she put it to the side under a stasis charm and began with the pasta. She'd left Luciana to her own devices so didn't feel the need to check on her just yet, instead she quickly cleaned up the kitchen.

With the dishes and the countertops cleaned, Hermione felt she could breathe easy and check in with Luciana to see if she was still watching the telly. Walking down the short passage between the kitchen and the living room, Hermione came to a stop in the doorway, a smile threatening to break free upon her lips. There sitting with Luciana was Lucius, his feet resting on the ottoman and his hair hanging over the back of the couch with Luciana curled up against his side. Taking a closer look, she found that both of them had their eyes closed and were sleeping. Without a second thought she summoned the camera from her room and snapped a few pictures of them. After she'd sent the camera back to her room, she slowly crept toward the couch where she very gently placed a kiss upon Lucius' forehead. His eyes fluttered open, finding his witch standing in front of him with a naughty smile. "Good afternoon sleeping beauty." He wiped his hand over his eyes and face before extricating himself from Luciana's slumbering form so he could follow Hermione to the kitchen.

"Sorry my darling, I saw you were busy with dinner and didn't want to disturb you." He wrapped his arms around her waist and brought their lips together in greeting. Pulling away a moment later, Hermione smiled up at him. "It's alright, I was far too focused and lost in thought." He lifted his brow and smirked. "Lost in thought?" Her cheeks warmed with a slight blush, "Yes, thoughts about us and how happy I am… And of how much I love you." He hummed, his smirk remaining upon his lips. "I too am happy." He leaned down to kiss her again but she pulled away with her brows raised, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "But not of how much you love me." He looked up pretending to be in thought before he smiled and pulled her face closer to his, moving his lips to her ear, tracing his tongue along its shell before whispering. "My darling, I love you more than anything, never doubt that." Shuddering, Hermione turned her face just enough to be able to kiss his jawline. "I never doubted it for a second my love." He chuckled, tightening his hold of her and kissed the top of her head. "Cheeky witch."

Hermione stepped out of his embrace and headed for the pot that held their pasta, moving it to the sink to rinse it before placing it back on the stove top. Lucius moved to the wine cabinet and selected a Pinot Noir for their meal. "Oh Lucius, won't you please take the napkins with you, I forgot to refill the holder before we left." Nodding he moved to the cupboard next to the fridge and took the napkins out. Hermione began filling the pasta bowls with their dinner, taking Lucius and Luciana's to the table before returning for her own. After dinner, Hermione watched as Luciana rubbed at her tired eyes, not even bothering to stifle her yawn as she pushed her bowl away and turned her sleep filled eyes to her mother. "Mama? I'm tired." Lucius stood up from his seat, gathering their dishes and headed for the kitchen as Hermione gathered Luciana into her arms, feeling as her daughter tucked her head into her shoulder.

With Luciana now asleep in her bed, Hermione headed back downstairs to help Lucius with the cleaning up, only to find everything already washed and packed away. Turning the corner to the living room, Hermione found herself wrapped up in a pair of strong arms. "Hello darling." Lucius smiled down at her, gently placing a soft kiss to her forehead. "Hello to you too." Wrapping her own arms around his waist she felt him begin to sway them side to side. They started dancing around the living room, Hermione had her ear pressed against his broad chest, listening to the steady rhythm of his heart beating. She could feel a warmth begin to spread out from her chest, lifting her head away from his chest, she sought his eyes. Lucius turned his gaze to her own, finding her eyes shining with some emotion he wasn't sure even had a name but he knew he felt the same. "I love you." Her whisper filled his ears and his heart causing him to smile warmly, "I love you too my darling." They stopped swaying around the living room, getting lost in each other's eyes momentarily.

Neither knew who began it, but soon enough they were both kissing each other deeply, Hermione's hands tangled in his platinum locks as his own slowly slid up from her hips to glide beneath her pert breasts. Her breathing hitched when his thumbs flicked over her now painfully erect nipples. "Someone's excited." His breath fanned across her neck causing goosebumps to appear upon her neck, "Who wouldn't be when a sexy wizard pays them attention." She winked as she extricated herself from his arms, turning to head for her bedroom. Lucius followed her, shedding his outer robe as he stepped onto the first stair, his eyes trained on her round bottom. He lifted his hand and slapped her right cheek earning himself a squeak, she hurried up the remaining stairs and nearly ran for her room. Lucius caught her and twisted their bodies as they collapsed onto the bed in a heap, his lips captured her own, teeth nipping at her bottom lip before soothing it with his tongue.


Day of Wedding, Twenty December 2004,

Hermione stood in front of her floor length mirror, checking that she was dressed correctly and looked good. Her hair was secured against her head, a few stray curls framing her face, all she needed to do now was apply her makeup. Lucius was already downstairs, helping Luciana with the ribbon that would be placed in her hair. Her giggles floating upstairs to where Hermione sat put a smile on her face, "Poppet, if you keep running around we won't get this ribbon right." Lucius' own chuckles followed Luciana's giggling laughter as she ran around the living room to get away from him. Hermione joined them downstairs a few moments later, looking at the two of them with adoration clear in her eyes. "Are you ready my darling?" Lucius looked over his shoulder, his eyes taking her in from head to toe and back again. "You look stunning, navy suits you." A blush blossomed on her cheeks. "Thank you my love, you look rather handsome in that suit as well." Throwing him a cheeky wink, she moved toward Luciana. "Come Luciana, we must finish or we will be late."

Quickly fixing Luciana's hair and securing it after placing the ribbon, Hermione turned to face Lucius. "Are you ready?" He nodded, a gentle smile on his face as he took hold of Luciana's hand. The three disappeared with a soft pop, reappearing just on the outskirts of the Burrow, Luciana grabbed Lucius' leg as nausea washed over her. "I don't like that." She murmured against him, he handed her a small potion bottle, having brought it with him knowing that children always suffered the ill effects of apparition. When she felt better, the party of three walked down the gravel path that was lined with lilies. They passed through the wards and immediately the sounds of people and music filled their ears, "Hermione?" Molly Weasley stood in the doorway of her home, a broad grin nearly splitting her face in two, "Oh goodness, look at you!" The Weasley matriarch enveloped Hermione in a warm embrace. "It is so good to see you." Turning her hazel eyes on Lucius and Luciana next, she smiled warmly. "Lucius, it's good to see you as well and who is this?" Luciana hid behind Lucius, her shyness overtaking. "Molly, I would like you to meet my daughter, Luciana." … "Luciana, this is Ron's mum, Mrs Weasley."

Molly looked at Luciana and then to Lucius, Hermione could see her mind whirling and decided to say something before she came to the wrong conclusion. "Luciana is not Lucius' daughter." Molly gave her a confused look before shaking her head and smiling once more. "It's nice to meet you, Luciana." Luciana smiled shyly before hiding behind Lucius again. Molly smiled fondly at the child before turning her gaze to Lucius and Hermione. "Come in, you can say hello to everyone before the ceremony." Hermione trailed in behind Molly who was animatedly explaining what she had been doing in the time that they'd not seen each other. Everything from annoying Ronald about Lavender and their baby to knitting more than enough clothes for birthdays and Christmas. Hermione smiled throughout, finding herself immersed in the family once more, almost forgetting about Lucius who stood just behind her with a smile of his own. Luciana had been enamored with Arthur, who'd come through moments prior talking about his latest muggle collection, she'd followed him back out of the house giggling.

By the time Hermione and Lucius had made their way outside, they'd spoken to more than half the guests and had met Harry's son, James and Ron's daughter, Rose. "Fatherhood suits both your friends my love, it seems to have calmed Mr Weasley quite a lot from my last meeting with him." Hermione nodded in agreement to Lucius' words, she too had noticed how Ron's famous temper seemed to have dulled since his daughter's birth. Of course, she'd also noticed his slight jealousy toward Lucius which had her giggle quietly to herself. "It's a shame really that he still feels jealous, he's with Lavender and he should understand that his loss was my gain." Hermione turned around in Lucius' arms and smiled at him. "Yes well, he was never really my type, I've always held a fondness for older wizard's." He chuckled before giving her a kiss. Wrapping an arm around her waist, Lucius led them past many of the guests until they were standing nearer to the tall grass that had once been burned at the hands of Bellatrix and Fenrir. "Hermione, Mr Malfoy, lovely to see you both." Turning their heads, they found Luna standing in a deep orange dress, a large smile upon her face.

Hermione embraced the other woman, holding onto her for a moment longer before letting her go. "It's so good to see you, how have you been?" Lucius excused himself, leaving both witches to speak privately. "I have been well, thank you. I am the new Ancient Runes professor at Hogwarts." Hermione smiled. "That's wonderful and Neville? Are you two together still?" Luna shook her head, "No, we broke it off a few years ago, I'm actually married to Rolf Scamander." Hermione's eyebrows lifted and she fought to keep her mouth from dropping open in shock. "Married?" Luna smiled, "Yes, we were married by the Ministry of Magic, nothing major." Hermione got over her momentary shock and began to smile. "A belated congratulations to you both." Luna looked over Hermione's shoulder causing the other woman to turn as well, her face lighting up when her gaze found Lucius, he stood talking with Arthur. "So you and Mr Malfoy?" Hermione nodded, turning to look at Luna once more. "Yes, we've been seeing each other for a while now." Luna's eyes found Hermione's. "And you're happy? He's treating you well?" Hermione smiled at both questions, "I am beyond happy, Luna, he's a wonderful man and he's amazing with my daughter as well."

Luciana chose that moment to shout for Hermione, her position atop George's shoulders. Hermione waved at her daughter, chuckling when George spun around and ran off, Luciana giggling the whole time. "She's beautiful, I can see the Malfoy genes but she's definitely your child." Luna was smiling, she herself couldn't wait to have her own children. "Yes, Luciana is of the Malfoy blood, but she's not Lucius'." Luna cocked her head to the side in a silent question. "A long story but Lucius recently found out that he had a brother who was disowned, needless to say said brother had a son of his own whom I happened to sleep with and nine months later Luciana was born." Luna placed her hand on Hermione's arm. "She's a beautiful little girl and I'm sure you and Lucius will have one of your own one day." Luna squeezed Hermione's arm just as Lucius returned. "My love they're wanting to begin, shall we?" Hermione nodded. "Miss Lovegood." He bowed his head before turning away. Together they walked back toward the Burrow, following the path that led them to the large gazebo. They took their seats amongst the other guests and waited for the ceremony to begin. Hermione gave Harry a smile and a wink which he returned, his face alight with pure joy.


Harry and Ginny were officially married, both were sporting matching grins as they were congratulated by each of their guests. Lucius and Hermione stood before the two, Lucius shook Harry's hand and congratulated him. "Thank you Mr Malfoy, I would like to speak with you for a moment if you don't mind me pulling you away from Hermione?" Lucius motioned for Harry to lead the way. "I'll be right back my love." Hermione nodded, watching as the two wizards moved away. Harry stopped just out of sight of everyone, turning he faced Lucius head on. "I know I'm not her father or blood related brother, but Hermione is my sister and I love her." Lucius nodded, "Mr Malfoy, I understand that you and her are together and have been for a while, I just want to make it clear to you that I will not hold back if you hurt her in any way or form." Lucius accepted Harry's outstretched hand. "Mr Potter, first I want you to know that I would never purposely hurt Hermione, she means too much to me. Second, I have every intention of making her my wife, I love her dearly and losing her would most assuredly send me to St. Mungos." Harry looked into Lucius' eyes, seeing nothing but sincerity to his words, there was no trace of deceit anywhere. "I will hold you to those words Mr Malfoy."

The two men arrived at their ladies sides, both happily receiving kisses to their cheeks. Hermione wrapped her arm around Lucius' waist, a content smile on her face. "Mama." Luciana came to a stop in front of her mother. "I made a friend, she's going to Hogwarts with me." Lucius bent down to pick her up. "Who is this friend, poppet?" Harry watched the exchange with a gentle smile. "Roxanne Weasley." Luciana wrapped her arms around Lucius' neck, resting her head on his shoulder as she looked at Harry and Ginny. "That's wonderful, are you happy that you've made a friend? I know Mama said you'll make lots of friends when you go to Muggle school but it's also nice to have magic friends right?" Hermione smiled at her daughter and Lucius. "Yeah, I get to go next year but I can play with Roxanne now." Lucius nodded, kissing her forehead. "We can set up playdates for you and Roxanne." Hermione said already knowing that her daughter would nag her for them. "Really?" Lucius looked at Hermione, his eyes twinkling. "Of course sweetheart." Luciana tightened her hold on Lucius. "Thank you."

The trio said their goodbyes to everyone with promises to see each other again soon. Hermione gave Ginny an extra tight hug before she along with Lucius and Luciana disapparated from the Burrow. They arrived at Malfoy Manor seconds later, Luciana ran off toward the living room leaving Hermione and Lucius to themselves. "It was a lovely ceremony, thank you for taking me with you." He placed a kiss to her forehead, letting her wrap her arms around his waist. He felt her rest her head against his chest, folding his own arms around her shoulders Lucius held onto her. "I love you." Smiling to herself, Hermione lifted her head, "I love you too." He pulled her toward the living room to join Luciana on the couch. The two adults lay together, Lucius held onto his beautiful witch as they spooned. Luciana was already comfortable on the large chair, a movie playing in the background. "We should've changed our clothes." Hermione whispered. "Mmm, we should have." He peppered her neck and shoulders with kisses, her eyes closed of their own accord and soon after she was asleep. Lucius lay watching the telly for a while before he too fell asleep, his arms wrapped around Hermione.