This story was written for the Strictly Lumione's Back to Hogwarts fest. Thank you to LolitaWeasley for being an awesome beta. All mistakes are my own.
Eighth year started much more somber than past years had for me. There were a total of seven Eighth Years who returned; two Hufflepuff, two Ravenclaws, two Slytherins, and me. No other Gryffindors returned, but I was there just to finish my degree, not make friends. But that plan went out the door the first week after being paired with Draco Malfoy and Daphne Greengrass on a project. What I learned was they had a wicked sense of humor, and without house rivalries, they were the peers I had longed for since I started school. And Draco apologized for his years of picking on me, stating that was what was expected of him as a Malfoy.
As September turned to October, Headmistress McGonagall announced there would be a Halloween Ball this year that would also be a gala to raise funds to finish the repairs needed at Hogwarts. The wizarding elite would be welcomed to Hogwarts as well as Ministry Members. I knew this would be a great chance to meet some of the Department Heads and see about job opportunities for when I graduated. The Headmistress also announced the Hogwarts Governors would be staying in the Castle for the week before the Halloween Ball to help with decorations and to see all the repairs that still needed to be done. They would also appear in a few classes. As the only place with room in the Castle, the Governors who chose to stay at Hogwarts would be in the Eighth Year Dorm, which was opened special this year. The Headmistress didn't know how many Governors of the thirteen would be staying, but the Eighth Years were to be accommodating for those who did choose to stay.
The rest of the day went by quickly. That night, Daphne asked me if I would like to go dress shopping with her during the next Hogsmeade visit. Plans were made over our Arithmancy homework. The following morning at breakfast, Draco received a letter. As he read it, he grew redder and grimaced.
"It seems like someone let Lucius back on the Board of Governors, and he will be staying at Hogwarts for the week. Just when I thought I could live my own life," Draco complains as he hangs his head.
I had heard Lucius had been working with the Ministry to capture the remaining Death Eaters and had just been sentenced to house arrest for a few months, but I had not heard he was one of the Governors again. Although, I was not sure who was a Hogwarts Governor and who wasn't.
"Won't your mother be mad he will be away from the Manor so long? Travel is so easy for witches and wizards, so I can't imagine many are staying," I ask.
"It's not public knowledge, but since you're my friend and I know you won't spread this around, my parents finalized their divorce just before we returned to Hogwarts. Mother moved to be closer to her sister, Andromeda, while Father remains in Wiltshire. I suspect he's bored and this is why he will be here for the week rather than return home each night," Draco explains as Daphne takes his hand.
"I'm sorry, that must be hard for you, Draco. We can try to help keep you busy while your Father is here if you want," Daphne offered.
"Thank you. Maybe he'll be too busy tormenting McGonagall while he's here to pay too much attention to me," Draco said as he rose from the table.
Three weeks went by quickly and on Sunday, October 25, Headmistress McGonagall had everyone in their full school uniform at our house tables as the Eighth Year table was being converted to a table for the Governors for the night. As there were also Ministry officials coming as well, the extra room was needed. Seven men and six women sat around the table while the Minister and several other heads sat at the head table. The Great Hall felt full for the first time since the Battle of Hogwarts.
And for the first time since First Year, I felt out of place. I had grown accustomed to sitting next to Draco and Daphne and hearing their tales of the day. If it was any other day, I would join them as school rules had been relaxed and students could sit with who they wanted other than special occasions like this. And other than Ginny, I was not familiar with many of the younger years. But Ginny, as a Prefect, was needed near the First and Second Years to ensure they followed the rules.
The meal drug on. The Headmistress gave a speech about how far the school's come while Minister Kingsley spoke of unity within Wizarding Britain. And how well the Aurors were doing rounding up the remaining supporters of Tom Riddle. Praise was given to Harry and Ron for their dedication to the Ministry and Hermione couldn't help but feel a bit snubbed.
If it wasn't for me, those two wouldn't be where they are now, I thought.
I tuned out the rest of the remarks and played with my food. I had been raised not to do this, but tonight I would rather be anywhere but here. And no one was paying attention to me. I had done well with secluding myself this year. Or so I thought.
"Really, Miss Granger? Playing with your food is bad manners," a deep voice drawled and a shiver went down my spine. The last time I heard that voice was before Bellatrix Lestrange tortured me.
"It may be bad manners, Mr. Malfoy, but that person was very dull and I needed to do something to stay awake," I shot back.
"He is done now and we have all been released for the evening. Would you be so kind as to accompany me back to your Hall? I'm afraid the directions I received were a bit vague," Mr. Malfoy asked.
"You could ask Draco as well, Mr. Malfoy."
"He seems to want as much space from me as possible and has already left. Please?"
"Did that hurt asking a Mudblood for help?"
"Don't use that word. And it is never an imposition to get help from a beautiful woman."
"That was not the tune you were singing when we last met."
"Pardon me. What does that mean?"
"Nevermind. Follow me."
Rather than following me, Mr. Malfoy takes my arm closest to him and loops it through his elbow. Baffled, we walked like this back to the dorms without saying a word. But we got many stares and glares as we went.
"I see. You wanted me to come with you so you wouldn't be attacked in the halls. Please know it was implemented that wands won't work in the halls this year as Headmistress McGonagall thought tensions were still running a bit high," I said once we reached the portrait.
"Really, Miss Granger. Why is it so hard to see I wanted to walk with you?" Mr. Malfoy asked.
"Maybe because until this point, you have sneered at me and thought me beneath you. Unity," I say to open the portrait. "I do hope you know which room is yours."
I walked away and left Mr. Malfoy alone. My only hope was he would leave me alone for the rest of the week while he was here. Something about our interaction bothered me, but I couldn't figure out what bothered me so. Was I wrong?
The following morning Mr. Malfoy was already seated at the Eighth Year table with a full breakfast and a cup of what looked like tea, sitting in the corner I usually take. To be defiant, I chose the other corner. I was not in the mood to make small talk this morning. But again, fate was not on my side.
"Good morning, Miss Granger. Will you please join me?" Mr. Malfoy asked.
"Good morning, Mr. Malfoy. Thank you but I need to re-read my Transfiguration homework before my first class," I use as an excuse.
I did have to re-read my essay, but I knew it was already to my usual standard. Picking at my fruit bowl, I looked through what we would be covering in my first class. As more people came in, the louder the hall became. Fifteen minutes before Transfiguration, I got up to leave just to find I had a tail. Turning around, I saw Mr. Malfoy behind me.
"Can I help you, Mr. Malfoy?"
"If I may, Miss Granger, I would like to follow you to classes today to see how they are conducted. I understand you have a new Transfiguration teacher this year as well as Defense Against the Dark Arts," Mr. Malfoy stated.
"Correct. And you are welcome to sit in on any classes while you are here. I would think you would want to follow Draco to his classes," I say.
"I got the impression last night he would prefer to spend as little time with me as possible while I am here," Mr. Malfoy said, sounding a bit sad.
"I have taken to sitting in the rear of the class as the Eighth Years have joined Seventh Years for classes and I don't know many people. This should give you a good view of the room and how the Professors teach," I concede.
We made it through the day without many interruptions. I was sad to not sit with Draco and Daphne in DADA and Mr. Malfoy seemed bored while we were in Herbology. During lunch, he questioned me about the new professors and how I thought they compared to previous years teachers. He also included bits he had learned over the years about Dark Arts and how today's Defense lesson would help. I could see where Draco gets his intelligence from.
I excused myself after dinner to work on my homework in the library. Most people know to leave me alone while I am in the Library. However, Mr. Malfoy had never gone to school with me and an hour after I left dinner I found a companion at my table when I returned from getting a book from the stacks.
"Mr. Malfoy, what can I help you with?"
"I was wondering if I could offer any assistance with your assignments. I have extensive knowledge of Defense Against the Dark Arts," Mr. Malfoy offered.
"Thank you, but I am currently working on my Arithmancy assignment for Thursday," I say hoping he will get the hint and leave.
"I am quite proficient with Arithmancy as well. Can I offer you any assistance?"
"I… alright. I have this one equation that is not getting the results I thought it would. Would you look at it to see what may not be agreeing?"
Two hours later and I was much further along on my assignments and had had a few debates with Mr. Malfoy about different theories that went into my assignments. He gave me some great ideas to think of while completing my work. This was the first time I hadn't minded someone there while I worked.
Tuesday I only saw Mr. Malfoy during breakfast, and when he invited me to join him, I did. He was proving to be quite the conversationalist and I enjoyed sparring with him this way. I found I missed his presence while in class, although it was nice to work with Draco and Daphne again. And Draco apologized profusely for his father following me about.
After dinner, I indulge in a perk that Eighth Years had, which was a bath as large as the prefect's bath. I had found most Eighth Years did not care for the bath, choosing to shower instead, but once a week I enjoyed a long soak. I must have had other things on my mind when I entered, as about five minutes into my bath the door opened. I quickly pulled bubbles over myself as I called out.
"Sorry, occupied."
"I apologize, Miss Granger. Minerva told me about this bath and after the work I did today, a soak sounded lovely. I will leave and let you enjoy your bath," Mr. Malfoy said.
It was then that I looked up to see him. He was standing there in a robe that was partly open on the top showing his defined, smooth pectoral muscles. The robe went to his knees and showcased his toned calves. A quick thought crossed my mind to see what the rest of him looked like.
"Wait, Mr. Malfoy. The bath would be large enough for both of us. I can turn away while you get in," I offered. What was I thinking?!
"Really, Miss Granger? Are you sure you would be comfortable with that?" Mr. Malfoy asked, sounding sincere.
"Yes, that is fine. I have chosen the bubbles that don't pop until the tub is drained, so we should be fully covered the entire time."
I turned away so he could disrobe, but I was sorely tempted to turn around and watch. Once I heard the water splash and settle, I returned to my seated position.
"What had you worked on today, Mr. Malfoy?"
"Lucius, please. And I was helping clear the rubble that remained on the east end of the castle. It is quite a shame to have lost the use of the classrooms this year," Lucius explained.
"Most of those classes have other rooms they use, though. So it's not like we are missing them much," I reply.
"But it is still a shame that the castle is damaged at all, wouldn't you agree Miss Granger?"
"Hermione. And yes. Maybe you should have told your acquaintances to not harm the building," I smirk, looking Lucius straight in the eyes.
"If only we could turn back time. I would make sure to tell them as we gathered," Lucius smirked back.
I risked the easy banter we had developed with my next question. "Would you change the past if you could?"
"That question is quite complicated. I do believe that Purebloods have an advantage over Muggleborns. Maybe not superior like Riddle wanted us to believe, but there is an advantage. Many Muggleborns that join our world try to change things that don't need to be changed. However, they do bring some ideas that have helped Wizarding Britain. I am very fond of trousers, for instance, where my father preferred full robes rather than just outer robes as I wear."
"There are ways to bring Muggleborns up to standards Purebloods have. There could be a primary school where students who are in Hogwarts' book get invitations to as five-year-olds rather than starting without much knowledge at age eleven," I counter.
"Are you planning on going into education, Hermione?"
"Not at this time. I plan to get into the Department of Control and Regulation of Magical Creatures."
"To finish your work with House-elf freedom? Did you know there was a proposal that has come to the Wizengamot recently about this?" Lucius asked.
"That hasn't been reported in the Daily Prophet. Have you seen the proposal?"
"I have, and I have some proposed changes as well. There is no part in the proposal about what to do about education for both house-elves and their owners. I could use some help there too," Lucius admitted.
"I can't believe you just admitted that," I said, trying to hide my giggle.
"Really, Miss Granger. I can admit when I'm wrong."
I continued to giggle and saw Lucius was trying hard not to chuckle as well.
"I apologize. It's not that funny. I'm just reminded of our first meeting at Flourish and Blotts. And how certain you seemed of everything. It is quite a contrast to you admitting you need assistance," I say when my composure came back.
"I do agree with you. I am working on changing some of my habits and I am aware there is still much for me to learn," Lucius says.
"It takes a strong person to admit that," I say with a hint of admiration in my tone.
We talk about nothing deep for the rest of our soak. After about an hour, Lucius moves to get out of the tub. Without warning, I had a great view of his backside. A tight arse held up by strong legs greeted me. And from my angle, I could see just the tip of his cock. At this, I closed my eyes to give him a bit of privacy as he dried off.
"Thank you for letting me join you, Hermione. Until tomorrow," Lucius called before he walked out.
I waited a few minutes before I followed out of the room. I was happy to see the hall was empty and no one saw Lucius had left just before me. I had a restless night thinking about how the rest of Lucius would look. Wait, why am I thinking about a man twice my age naked? Nothing can happen. I finally fell asleep in the early hours and managed a few hours of sleep before my long day.
Wednesday was another quiet day. Eighth Years were required to patrol one night a week every other week and tonight was my night. I was happy to have all my homework for Thursday done on Monday so I wouldn't have to come back and finish it after rounds. I had not seen Lucius since the night before and I wondered how he was today. I should be worried about how concerned I am about a man who would never be interested in me; however, he was a fine man to look at and challenged me as well.
As I rounded the corner in the dungeon, I ran into Peeves.
"Frizzy Missy Grangy. There's trouble ahead. Stay away," Peeves taunted.
"Peeves, if you have another student stuck in a broom closet the Headmistress is going to banish you from Hogwarts," I call back as he floats down the hall and vanishes just outside a known empty broom cupboard.
"PEEVES!"
But he doesn't reappear. A jiggle of the handle lets me know it's not locked from the outside, but some cupboards lock from the inside to catch couples who sneak away to snog. I opened the door and just as it is fully open, I feel a push on my backside. And I hear Peeves laughing. The door slams shut as I fall onto a lump on the floor.
"Really, Miss Granger?" The lump drawls.
"Oh, Lucius, I'm sorry. Peeves made it seem like he locked another student in the broom cupboard. Let me try the door," I explain.
"No need, I already have. It's locked and thanks to the no magic in the corridors, we are now stuck," Lucius says.
"Oh, well, the Professors check all the cupboards before they finish their rounds so we will be found eventually," I say as I cuddle into him.
I realize what I am doing and freeze, "I'm sorry. I'm not here to molest you."
"You are doing no such thing, Hermione. Any man would be happy to have a beautiful woman on his lap."
I am glad it is dark in here so he cannot see the blush that creeps up my neck and cheeks. "I'm hardly beautiful, Lucius. At least, no one has ever called me that before."
"Then they are fools. You are quite beautiful."
"Ron says I talk too much and my hair is too big to be considered beautiful. And no one else will ever want to put up with me so he'll marry me once he's done dating whoever he wants," I whisper, not sure why I'm admitting this to Lucius.
"And you believe him? My dear, he doesn't realize what a gem he had. I hope you aren't waiting for him," Lucius states.
"No one else is interested in boring me. I like books too much and I have been told I'm too smart. Molly told me wizards don't like women smarter than them or those who work."
"Those Weasley's have filled your head with nonsense, Hermione. Yes, you are intelligent, but that just means you can converse with a variety of people. Tell me, who are you going to the Halloween Ball with."
"No one asked me. I'm making an appearance, and will probably leave after an hour," I mumble.
"That won't do. We will have a great evening, this I promise you," Lucius proclaimed as he tilted my head up to see him.
Our faces move closer and I'm not sure who moved the last bit as our lips meet. Just like the rest of him, Lucius's lips are firm but smooth. I squeak a bit as his tongue enters my mouth. He confidently pulls me to straddle him and as our cores meet, I feel a bulge under me. I let Lucius take the lead, as I have no idea what I'm doing. Outside of the kiss Ron and I shared in May, I have had no experience. Well, Victor kissed my hand, but that doesn't count.
This kiss, though, should be experienced by everyone. Well maybe not everyone, and maybe not by Lucius, but this was a kiss to get lost in. Lucius's hands start to roam along my arms as he starts to nip and kiss along my neck. They boldly slip under my blouse and rise up my sides to just under my breast. Due to support charms, I had not worn a bra today and I now desperately want Lucius to touch me. Can I just ask? Would this be too forward of me? Do those in the Wizarding world have sex outside of marriage? They are quite backward in some of their thoughts and sex has never been mentioned at Hogwarts before.
As if he was reading my mind, Lucius cupped my boobs in his hands and gently tugged at my nipples.
"May I see you, Hermione?" Lucius asked in a raspy voice.
My voice is gone, so I just nod.
"I need to hear you verbally agree, Hermione," Lucius responds.
"Yes," I squeak out.
As soon as the word tumbled out of my mouth Lucius was lifting my vest and blouse over my head. His head immediately dipped and sucked on my breast. He went back and forth between them before his hand began to drift south. I flinched.
"Hermione, are you untouched?" Lucius asked with a confused look on his face.
"Yes," I mumbled again, hanging my head in shame.
"My dear, there is nothing to be ashamed of. But, I will not have your first time be in a broom cupboard. That would be a travesty. You deserve the best for your first time," Lucius said as he brought my shirt back up to put on.
"Does that me you don't want me any longer?"
"Really, Miss Granger? Please excuse how rude this is," he said as he took my hand and placed it on his bulge. "I want you desperately. But you deserve better than these accommodations."
"And where would be better?" I ask, timidly.
"A bedroom for starters. Maybe with a fire going. And a time when we won't be rushed," Lucius proudly proclaimed.
I had just set my shirt right but was still straddling Lucius when the door opened to see Professor Sprout looking in on us.
"Well, not who I was expecting to find. Come along; it's curfew," Professor Sprout said with a smile.
"Peeves tricked us into this cupboard. That poltergeist is a menace," Lucius proclaimed.
Professor Sprout nodded good-heartedly but didn't seem to believe him. At least she didn't take points from Gryffindor for me being in a locked cupboard. When we made it back to the Eighth Year portrait, Lucius called out the password for us to enter. The room was empty once again and he walked me to my room.
"Good night, Hermione," he said as he gently kissed my lips.
"Good night, Lucius."
Lucius followed me to classes again on Thursday. After each lesson, he would make observations about the instruction and point out where more information could be found about the subjects. He once again followed me to the Library after dinner and sat beside me this time rather than across from me. I should have suspected he had nefarious plans.
I had just sat back at the table after getting a book on the potions ingredient I wanted more information on when a hand landed on my knee. It slowly moved up and under my skirt.
"Lucius, anyone could walk by and see us," I exclaim.
"Really, Miss Granger? You don't think I thought of that? I cast a notice-me-not spell around this area shortly after we arrived. I would never want to harm your reputation," Lucius said as his hand reached my knickers. "Let me show you how well I can multitask."
"You'll see how well I can't," I retort.
"Sure you can. You, my dear, just haven't had a chance to try it yet. Let me show you how well you can," Lucius smirked.
His hand rested outside my knickers for quite some time before his fingers began to draw circles around my mound slowly. And as wound up as I was, it didn't take long to lose concentration. I reread the same sentence a few times before I gave up and looked at Lucius, who was reading my Charms essay and looked collected. Like he wasn't torturing me.
"Please, Lucius. You need to stop," I begged.
"And why is that?"
"Because it's torture. I need something more. Or nothing at all so I can focus."
"All you had to do was ask, dear Hermione. I can give you more," Lucius said as he turned toward me, his hand dipping beneath my knickers.
His slim fingers found a wet entrance, which allowed them to explore easier. As his finger dipped into my channel, his thumb found my nub and started slowly rotating. Needing more friction, I began to move my hips around. This only made Lucius move faster. He must have sensed something inside of me as well, as just as I was about to come, he kissed me, taking any moan I would have with him.
He slowly pulled his hand back and brought his fingers to his mouth, where he proceeded to lick them clean.
"Delicious. I can't wait to taste you directly rather than just off my fingers," he claimed, his eyes a deeper blue than I've ever seen them.
Was he turned on as well? I thought as I glanced down at his crotch. His bulge was visible but Lucius looked like he would not be doing anything about it.
"Would you like some help with that problem?" I ask as I gesture to his cock.
"Not that I wouldn't love a hand, but I have taken up too much of your time tonight as it is. We should return to your studies," Lucius sighed.
I knew he was right, but at this moment, I no longer wanted to work on my assignments. I wanted to explore him. But, like the good student I was, I got back to work and just as curfew was about to begin, I finished my work for early next week. We walked together back to the common room holding hands and left with a brief kiss once again.
I did not see Lucius at all on Friday. He wasn't at breakfast or dinner and I didn't want to raise any more suspicion about what was happening between us by asking Draco where his father was. I could see Draco was watching me closely, but he never said anything to me. I wonder if he had told Lucius off and warned him away.
Feeling down, I went back to my room, only to find there was another person inside already.
"Lucius, how did you get in here?"
"I overheard your password two nights ago. I knew it was late last night and I really didn't want to frighten you, but I wanted to be alone with you," he said.
"And what would you do with me while you have me alone?" I ask looking deep into his eyes.
"I would like to taste you. And, if you are willing, I would love to see you."
This scared me a bit and I wondered what he wanted from this liaison. Was I just a way to pass his time while he was at Hogwarts and he didn't care about me? Maybe he just thought Muggleborns were only there to use and leave.
"Lucius, what is this between us?" I ask, hesitantly.
"I thought we were enjoying each other's company. What more do you think this is?"
"Are you just here to see how far you can go, knowing I'm a virgin?" I question, looking at the ground.
"...No."
"I think you should leave. Thank you for making this clear to me," I say as clearly as I can, knowing I'm about to cry.
"Hermione…."
"Mr. Malfoy, please leave."
I turned around not to watch him. After a few moments, I heard my door open, then close again. I glanced behind me to ensure he left before falling to my bed and crying. Of course, he wouldn't be interested in me. I'm just a Muggleborn and a child yet and as I've been told, not that pretty either.
Sometime later, there was a knock on my door. Wiping my eyes, I got up and answered my door, only to be confronted by Draco.
"Go away, Draco."
"I don't think so. Come with me. I want to talk without prying ears," Draco countered.
"I would like to be left alone," I try.
"Fine, be stubborn," he said as he came in and shut the door behind him.
Pulling out the chair at my desk, he sat down and waited for me to do the same. I sat on my bed and waited for him to begin.
"I saw my Father leave her a bit ago. Thinking he hurt you, I went after him," Draco began. "I was surprised to see he looks similar to you. Do you want to tell me your side before I tell you why you're crazy?"
"I'm not crazy. Your father all but said I was just a way to pass the time. I was foolish to fall for it," I say, trying not to cry again.
Draco moved from the chair to the bed, put his arm around me, and I dropped my head to his shoulder.
"My Father is known for being an arse. But he always has respected women. When I first saw him paying attention to you, I warned him off. He explained to me how well Monday went for the two of you and he could see how brilliant you are. I suspect he wasn't able to articulate what he was thinking," Draco explained.
"So he finds me brilliant. I'm nothing special to look at and I can't see how any man would find me attractive."
"There is so much wrong with that statement. And what have you and Father been up to?" Draco exclaimed.
"Do you really want to know? I snogged him on Wednesday," I teased, not wanting to share more.
"And I suspect more, but I don't need to hear about it. Father doesn't show affection easily. But if he has made any advances, he is sincere," said Draco.
"But I'm a Muggleborn. I've heard rumors we're only good for one thing; one thing that you wouldn't do with a proper Pureblood lady," I say quietly.
"Where did you hear that?" Draco asked, confused.
"Molly Weasley."
"I wish you would have found better friends sooner. That was maybe the case in the 1950s, but today, even Pureblood witches have sex before marriage. And although my Father is quite old-fashioned, if he was pursuing you romantically, he means it," Draco offers.
"So, if I attempted to have more with your Father than just this week, would you be okay with that? I have come to enjoy your friendship. And I feel if you abandon me, so will Daphne," I question.
"I think you would be good for him. I know he is changing and you will challenge him. Although, if things get serious, don't expect me to call you mum," Draco jokes.
Draco gives me a side hug before he gets up to leave. Before opening the door, he turns and says, "I don't know who damaged your self-esteem, but when you aren't lecturing, you are a very beautiful woman. It's only when you would harp on after your point is made that you lose your attractiveness."
"That doesn't help, Draco."
"You are very beautiful. And any man who can't see that isn't worth your time. Remember that," Draco offers before leaving.
Now what to do with this information? I may have just ruined a relationship before it really started. I had enjoyed the time I had spent with Lucius this week. He made me think about things differently but never made me feel like I didn't know something. And he did make me feel beautiful. I hadn't felt that way since Fourth Year and the Yule Ball.
An idea began to form in my head. With Daphne's help, I would be able to accomplish this. I could only hope it wouldn't be too late. With a plan in place, I went to bed, not knowing how late the following night would be.