The following morning, I caught Daphne after breakfast to see if she would help me get ready. As Daphne was also meeting her sister to get ready, I was welcome to come along. It was an afternoon of buffing, polishing, and learning some new cosmetic charms that would easily work into a daily routine if I wanted. My hair had been tamed ever so slightly, but still fell down my back.

About half-an-hour before the doors were set to open, I went to my room to get dressed. As a last-minute decision, I chose to change the color of my dress from a cerulean to a silver-blue color. Almost an exact match to Lucius's eyes. And Draco's, but he should know it's not for him.

I waited until the doors should open before leaving my room. Draco and Daphne were waiting in the common room to walk with me.

"Granger, you know I'm with Daphne. Although, that dress is gorgeous. If Father doesn't fall all over you, you are welcome to join us," Draco said with a wink.

"Draco!," Daphne exclaimed. "Hermione, you look lovely and I love what you did with the dress. The blue it was before was beautiful on you but this is a great statement."

"Thank you. I hope Lucius will still be willing to talk with me. If not, I'm crashing your date," I joke, knowing I'll be leaving early if Lucius doesn't want anything to do with me.

We walk down to the Great Hall together and see the decorations for the first time. The long house tables have been replaced by round tables that seat eight. We find an empty table to sit at, knowing dinner will be served first.

Shortly after sitting, I got my first surprise of the evening. Harry, with Ginny on his arm, and Ron, with an unknown blonde on his arm, joined our table with Ron sitting to my right. I had not heard from either of them since September First when I left for Hogwarts. The last seat at the table was not filled until right before dinner was served when Lucius joined the table, sitting to my left.

"Oi, Death Eater's aren't welcome here," Ron called out.

"Ronald! You know Lucius has been pardoned and is helping the Ministry," I chided.

"The Ministry didn't know what they were doing here. I bet he bought his way out," Ron shot back.

"Lucius, come with me, we'll find another table," I state as I stand.

"Really, Miss Granger, I can handle this boy's prejudice. Those who know the truth know how wrong he is," Lucius said in an even tone as he grabs my hand.

Dinner ends up being a stilted affair. Not much conversation is exchanged and Ron and Harry both shoot glares at Lucius. As the main course is served, I feel Lucius's hand land on my thigh. Knowing he's there and still willing to sit by me and touch me is heartwarming.

As dessert is being served, Minister Kingsley gets up to give a speech. I tune out the bits about the changes to Hogwarts that have been made and what needs to be done still. I started listening again when Kingsley said he had a special part in the evening as well. He called Ron, Harry, and myself to the head table.

"It is my great honor to bestow a great honor on these three today. The work they did over the past year made it so we could be here in peace today. I am happy to award them each with an Order of Merlin, First Class. And, as of Tuesday's Wizengamot session, I can announce these awards come with seats in the Wizengamot and a monetary award as well," Kingsley stated.

As he was speaking, Headmistress McGonagall came along and pinned the medals to the boy's lapels and the top of my dress. The room broke out into applause as soon as Kingsley was done speaking. The three of us made it back to the table where they were still standing and clapping.

"Congratulations, Miss Granger," Lucius said as he bowed to me. "Mr. Potter, Mr. Weasley, congratulations as well."

"Thank you, Lucius," I say with a blush. Ron and Harry act like they didn't hear him at all.

A string quartet began playing in a corner and several high-up Ministry Officials began the dancing. Other couples started filling in as well.

"Miss Granger, would you join me for a dance?" Lucius asked, sounding a bit uncertain.

"I would be happy to join you, Lucius," I say reaching out for his hand.

"Mione, you can't dance with him. He'll hurt you," Ron called out.

"Ronald Weasley! You are not my keeper. I may dance with whomever I want to," I bite out.

"You are my fiance. And I say you can't dance with him," Ron argues. His date doesn't seem happy to hear this.

"This is news to me. Last I heard, you needed 'time to find yourself.' This meant we are not together," I argue, taking Lucius's hand and walking away.

Lucius takes me into his arms like we had done this many times before. It felt right to be here with him.

"I was a bit worried you wouldn't want to see me at all after how I acted last night," I admit as we start another song together.

"A part of me thought you wouldn't care to be around me. Draco had a bit of a chat with me this morning again after last night's misunderstanding," Lucius said.

"Oh no! Please tell me he hasn't embarrassed me," I cry out.

"No, nothing of the sort. He did explain how we haven't quite talked through what is between us. I do apologize for not being able to tell you how I feel."

"Oh, Lucius. I wasn't clear either. I have been told I can be stubborn at times."

"Stubborn I can handle. I worry you'll run one day and I'll lose any chance at seeing what there is between us," Lucius said looking in my eyes.

"I'd like to see where this goes as well," I say, smiling back at him.

We dance to another song before we take a break to get something to drink. While I wait at the table. While I wait, I sense someone coming up behind me.

"Hermione, dear. How could you do this to my Ronald? And to be talking with the likes of him. You know his past and what he has done to my family," a sharp voice spoke.

I turned around and saw Molly Weasley standing there with Lucius coming behind her. He raised his eyebrow to see if he should intervene. I shake my head briefly.

"Hello, Mrs. Weasley. I am not sure what you are talking about with Ronald. As for Mr. Malfoy, I find that if you would try to get to know him now, you would see he's a different person than he was even several months ago," I state, calmly.

"You and Ron are meant for each other. He told us he plans to marry you and you agreed," Molly cries hysterically. "As for Lucius Malfoy, he is only using you."

"I have never agreed to anything Mrs. Weasley. And how could a nineteen-year-old girl be of any use to a man of Mr. Malfoy's statue?"

"I've told you how men like him see girls like you. They only want one thing. And it's not proper for a woman to give that away until she's married," Molly said indignantly.

"Mrs. Weasley, you may want to have that same conversation with Ginny. It seems like she is giving it away, as you say, to Harry," I shoot back.

"They are almost engaged as well. That is not an issue. And mark my words, he still thinks of you as that dirty word and is only with you to not sully the reputation of a Pureblood," Molly said with a huff.

"Mrs. Weasley, if I didn't know any better, I would think you are jealous of me. Did Lucius not pay any attention to you at school and now you can't stand that he is paying attention to someone else," I question.

I see Lucius nod behind her as her face turned red.

"How dare you! And that is none of your business. Stay away from him. And know that once you are through at Hogwarts, you shall be married to Ronald and become a proper housewife," Molly almost shouts and she turns to leave, almost knocking into Lucius.

"I dare say you are wrong again, Molly Weasley. If I hear as much as a peep that you are bothering Miss Granger, I will see that you pay for what you did all those years ago," Lucius proclaims in a harsh tone.

Molly ashens as she moves away from the table quickly. It was quite comical to see.

"Please tell me you don't believe a word that woman says," Lucius questions.

"I may have, had I not spoken with Draco last evening. He told me a bit of your past and to never expect him to call me mum," I say with a smirk.

This causes Lucius to laugh. I dance with Draco and Neville, who had come with his Grandmother, before finding Lucius again. At this point, I was ready to leave for the night.

"Lucius, may we leave? I would like to be alone with you," I whisper in his ear.

"Really, Miss Granger? Whatever will people say?" Lucius says with a smirk.

"That I am a lucky witch," I say with a wink as I stand.

Lucius takes my hand and I lead him out of the Great Hall. I have a specific place in mind and I can only hope I can think when we get there. He seemed confused when we passed the third floor which would have led to the Eighth Year rooms. We continued on to the seventh floor where I let go of Lucius's hand and went to the canvas of Barnabas the Barmy and pace back and forth three times. I was very hopeful I had gotten this right. When the door appeared, I took Lucius's hand and we walked it. It was exactly how I had remembered the room in Paris I had stayed in with my parents before the start of Sixth Year, which was also their twentieth anniversary. They had spent a bit more for a suite type room and I remembered loving how the master bedroom looked.

"What is this room? I don't recall Hogwarts having a room like this," Lucius said in awe.

He shed his robe and placed it over the chair as he began to explore the room.

"This is the Room of Requirement or the Come and Go Room. It can be anything you want as long as you can picture what you want," I respond, as I watch him walk around the room.

"So you thought of this room and then it appeared. What else have you had this room become?"

"Lucius, is this really what you want to talk about right now?" I ask with a raised eyebrow.

"Do you have another idea of what we could be doing?" he countered.

After my outburst last night, I figured I would have to be very clear about what I wanted. And right now, I really wanted Lucius. Preferably naked and over me. I slowly pushed him back to the bed. When his legs met the edge, I pushed a bit more to get him to sit. Hiking up my dress, I straddled him.

"Really, Miss Granger. This is a bit forward, don't you think?"

"I was foolish last night. I should have heard you out rather than kicking you out. I want you Lucius; in every way possible."

Lucius's eye went a deep blue color as he moved in to take my lips. Gripping me ever so slightly, he rolled us onto the bed. Although we were both still fully dressed, there was a hint of what to come.

His hand slowly moved up my bare leg before skimming over the top of my knickers. A light chuckle escaped Lucius.

"My dear, what are you wearing?"

"It's called a thong. Do proper witches not wear these?" I ask coyly.

"I can't say I've had the pleasure to see this type of knicker before. May I see them?" Lucius asked as he came in for another kiss.

I pushed him back a bit to stand and pull at the side zipper. Letting the dress fall, I showed him the lingerie I had chosen to go under this dress, both had the color changed to match the dress. The lace demi-cup bra did little to hide my erect nipples and the gusset of my thong was already soaked.

"You are absolutely stunning, Hermione," he says as his eyes travel over my body. "And every witch should own a pair of knickers like these."

"I'm feeling a bit underdressed at the moment. Will you take off your shirt and trousers?" I ask shyly.

With a smirk, Lucius stands and slowly removes his cuff links before he starts to unbutton his shirt. Each one reveals more of his smooth chest to me. As he reaches his pants, he takes the time to undo his belt and pull it through the loops before undoing the button and zipper. He returned to his shirt and undid the remaining buttons. There was a sparse covering of hair leading from his navel to under the tops of his pants. He shrugs out of his shirt before he eases his pants over his hips and lets them fall to the ground. Clearly shown through his tight boxer-briefs was the outline of his large cock with a spot that looked just a bit darker than the rest.

"You are quite the specimen as well, Lucius," I say as I lick my lips.

This brings a smirk to his face as he comes to cup mine to snog me once more. Our bodies press together closely as my arms wrap around him. He guides me back to the bed without breaking our kiss and is once again laying over me. Now that we are not having to support ourselves, our hands begin to roam. His back is smooth and his arse is just as firm as it looked. But grabbing his arse caused him to buck into me a bit and we both moaned.

His hands didn't stay on my cheeks either. They cupped my breasts, tickled my sides, and grasped my backside as well. Frantic to feel like I had on Thursday, I swivel my hips against Lucius.

"If you keep doing that, this will be over before we start," Lucius warns.

"I need more, Lucius. Please."

"May I remove your knickers?"

"Yes. Please," I beg.

I feel a loss as Lucius removes his body from mine, but his fingers loop under the band and slowly pull my knickers down my legs. With my leg near his mouth, he started kissing up my leg. It tickled when he got to my knee and made my breath hitch when he got to my upper thigh.

"Can I taste you?" Lucius asks in a deeper voice.

"Please don't stop, Lucius."

Lucius starts slowly by kissing the rest of the way to my center. A light tongue licked around my outside lips before he delved in. This felt like heaven and I never wanted Lucius to stop. He alternated between licking me and nibbling on my clit. The sensation brought me a new feeling, a tight building in my lower abdomen. I had been able to create this alone once or twice before, but have never been able to turn off my brain to fully complete myself. But Lucius was doing a great job of that.

"Oh, Lucius, right there."

I heard a faint chuckle as he continued to feast on me. He brought me to the high I have achieved before but never crested but the way he made me feel kept thoughts of homework and offing evil wizards out of my mind and on the sensations happening. The build got stronger and tighter and snapped. What a feeling. And I wanted it again and soon.

"Lucius, oh, Lucius! That was amazing," I huff out, trying to catch my breath.

He looked up at me while licking his fingers clean, "There is more where that came from. And you are absolutely delicious. I could feast on you all day."

He came up and laid next to me. Turning my head slightly, he kissed me deeply and I could taste myself on his lips. I wasn't sure if I cared for that flavor, but I loved snogging Lucius, so I could deal with it. His hands roamed my sides and skimmed the back of my bra. Confused, he broke the kiss.

"How do you work this contraption? There should be a clasp back here."

I giggled and reached between us to open my bra for him. Lucius's eyes went straight to my chest.

"You are gorgeous. Am I allowed to touch you?" Lucius asked in a husky voice.

"Yes, Lucius. You can touch me everywhere and anywhere."

"You may come to regret that when I try to cup that lovely arse in the middle of Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade," he said with a smirk.

"You are too much of a gentleman to do that in an openly public space," I tease.

"We shall see. You are a delight and I want to keep you on your toes," he said, still smirking. "How are you feeling so far?"

"I feel happy and lazy all at the same time. You know how to make a girl feel good."

"Are you in a hurry to get back to your dorm room? How would you feel about trying more?" Lucius asked hesitantly.

"No rush. What do you have in mind?"

"Can I make love to you?"

"You want to make love to me?"

"Really, Miss Granger. I am besotted with you and would like nothing more than to make love to you. But I understand if you want to wait," Lucius said looking deep into my eyes.

I could hear the truth in his words. I had no reason for still being a virgin other than a lack of opportunity and the want to be with someone like that.

Running my fingers up his abdomen, I looked him in the eyes and said, "Yes, Lucius. Make love to me."

This was all Lucius needed. He waved his hand over my lower abdomen twice. This caught my curiosity.

"Lucius, what was that?"

"A mild pain relief spell so I don't hurt you too much and a contraceptive spell. It would be bad manners to get you pregnant outside of a formal commitment," he says with a wink.

Lucius stood for a moment and pulled down his boxer-briefs and I saw him fully naked for the first time. How was he going to fit into me? Having had a peak earlier in the week, I knew he was thick but to see him fully erect was a different thing altogether. But I trusted him, so I knew I was going to have a good experience.

Lucius took a single finger to wipe along my lower lips again to ensure I was still wet and ready for him. He smirked with what he felt and moved in to kiss me again. His hand came up to my hip and tipped the side up to line up with him. Slowly, he pushed into me. A sharp pain cut through me and I cried out.

"So sorry, darling. It will only pinch the once and it should subside momentarily," Lucius said frozen over me.

He was correct, the pain subsided very quickly. "Lucius, I need you to move," I beg.

Looking into my eyes to see if I was being truthful. He slowly began to move in and out of me. Over time, he started to speed up. A thin layer of sweat gathered on my brow and our bodies seemed to slip around a bit. I felt the bubble of excitement snap again and felt Lucius even more in my channel as I clenched around him. He slowed slightly to let me ride out my orgasm before gathering speed again.

"Can you come one more time for me, dear," Lucius said a bit breathless.

"I...I don't know. I've never tried to come more than once."

"I believe you can. Let's try," he says with a smile.

And try he does. His speed picks up once again and he takes my legs to hook around his hips, driving him deeper within me and while he snogged me, he rubbed against my clit. This was such a heavenly feeling and I could feel another orgasm building.

"Lucius, I'm close," I cry out.

He sped up once again and snaked a hand down to rub my clit as well. I bubbled over again and cried out. Just as I finished, I felt a hot spurt enter me. Lucius slowed and collapsed down next to me, smiling at me. He pulled me over to him to rest under his chin and cuddle to his side.

After a few minutes of silence and getting our breath back, I said, "That was better than I could ever imagine it would be. Is it always like that?"

"I'm glad you enjoyed yourself, my dear. And no, I have never had it feel that good either."

"But you were married for so long!"

"Can I tell you a secret? Narcissa never came back to my bed after Draco was born. And while she took a lover, it has been me and my hand for far too many years," Lucius said with a sad smile.

"But you looked like the perfect family unit when out in public."

"All a show. Narcissa couldn't stand me and did everything she could to make me miserable. That included having her lover traipse through the Manor while Draco was here. I spent too much time in my office to avoid them."

"Draco attempted to explain, but why didn't you take a lover as well?"

"Malfoy marriage vows include a fidelity charm for the husband. A many times great-grandmother saw how her intended's father acted and wanted nothing of it. The vows have been there ever since. And even if they weren't, it's not fair to lead someone on when it would be just as easy to end the relationship so there is no infidelity. When my father was alive, he was against divorce. When the Dark Lord returned, it was easier to remain together for Draco than separate. Although, she was the one who offered Draco to him. Had I been there I never would have allowed it," Lucius said with much disgust.

"Does that mean you would be faithful to me if we pursued something?" I ask meekly.

"Most ardently. You captured my attention your fifth year in the Department of Mysteries but the bravery you showed this past spring is what made me lose faith in everything I was taught and I wanted to know you better. Even if friendship was all I could have, I wanted it and to learn to be better. See what the rest of the world outside of magical cities has to offer. And my hope, after this week, was you would be by my side and we could take on the world together," Lucius admitted.

"Really, Mr. Malfoy?" I question with a raised eyebrow.

"I do believe that is my line. Yes, I want you as long as you'll have me. I found you are everything I could ever want in a partner; intelligent, articulate, and not afraid to tell me off. Your beauty is just the crown on top. Together, we can do anything."

"Anything?" I ask.

"What did you have in mind?"

"I would really like to have sex with you again. I found this book in my parent's house while I was cleaning it and some of the positions in it looked like fun," I said as innocently as I could.

"Give me another ten minutes and I'm all yours. You will have to remember, I'm not a teen boy any longer."

"No, you're much better," I say with a smile as I lean up to kiss him.

Less than ten minutes later Lucius is entering me again and we continue this pattern of cuddling and having sex well into the early morning. Surprisingly, we find fresh clothes for us laid out in the seating area when we finally wake. Teasing touches and lingering kisses hold us in the room so long we miss breakfast but are in time for lunch. Hand in hand, we walk into the Great Hall and take a seat at the Eighth Year table next to Draco and Daphne.

"Granger, I don't know if our friendship can withstand this," Draco teased.

"Oh hush, Draco. It's not like I'm going to tell you all the fun details," I say with a smirk.

"I'll take them," Daphne adds in.

Lucius just laughs. "Draco, I understand this may be odd for you, but please be nice. Hermione could use some friends who won't drag her down and I feel you and Miss Greengrass will be perfect. Intellectually, speaking."

"I have been perfectly nice to Granger since the first week back," Draco huffed. "But I agree, she needs smarter friends. Daphne and I would be happy to continue to work on homework together. I even have an idea for what to do to the Weasel."

"Really?" "Really, Draco." Lucius and I say at the same time.

"Draco, I think you are much too old to be name calling," Lucius interjects.

"No, the name fits Ronald perfectly. What did you have in mind?" I asked, excited.

Lucius chuckles softly and shakes his head but lets Draco spell out how he plans to have Ronald get caught cheating as Draco saw at the Ball. Lunch goes by too quickly and it is time for Lucius to return home. I walked with him to the Headmistress's office where he will floo home from. His hand grasped in mine.

"We have a Hogsmeade weekend in two weeks' time, if you want to have lunch together," I offer, not sure how we will continue with me still in school.

"And what if I want to see you before then?" He asks.

"Then I think that will be up to the Headmistress if she allows you back in the school or for me to leave the grounds."

"Lucius, you haven't told the poor girl yet?" Headmistress McGonagall's voice cuts in.

"Professor McGonagall," I cry out attempting to step away from Lucius. He didn't let me go.

"Miss Granger, I have known all week what was going on between the two of you. You are an adult and will be treated as such. We only request the Eighth Years follow the rules for the younger students," she stated. "As for you Lucius, we would be happy if you are willing to take the job. Horace has been wanting to retire since Albus died but knew he was safer at Hogwarts than out there. But no playing favorites with Draco and Hermione. If I have to grade their work myself, I will."

I turned to Lucius, "You're staying?"

"I am. I am great with potions and see there could be improvements to the current teaching. Horace lacks the skills he had when I was a student. But this will be my only year as it gives Minerva a chance to find a replacement but still have the students taught."

"But what will the others say? We can't be together if you're my professor," I say, horrified.

"Miss Granger, no one has a problem with this. Pomona told us all at the staff meeting on Friday when we also decided to hire Lucius. And it's not like he will be the one proctoring your N.E.W.T exam so there will be a partial judge as to how well you do. I just request that if you are staying in his room, please be there before the curfew starts and not sneak out in the middle of the night," Professor McGonagall states.

I blush at this and look at Lucius. An amused smirk brightens his face.

"Oh no. I still have to pass my N.E.W.T.s. I will not be moving in with you," I said as sternly as I can.

"Maybe just the weekends then? But you do know how well we get your assignments done," Lucius jokes.

Headmistress McGonagall shakes her head and walks back up to her office, leaving Lucius and me to wander to his new quarters. It looks like Professor Slughorn had been residing elsewhere in the castle as the room was bare.

"Are you disappointed, Hermione? Should I have told you last night?" Lucius asks, sounding unsure of himself.

"No, Lucius. I am happy we get this time now to get to know each other better. But I do mean it, I will not be spending the night here every night."

"That doesn't sound like you won't be here, though. I can live with that," he says with a smirk.

"Does Draco know you're staying?"

"I told him yesterday morning while you were preparing for the ball. He's happy there will be a competent instructor once again as he wants to do well on his N.E.W.T.s as well."

"I'm happy you're staying. But what are you hoping to get out of being here?" I ask.

"I want to be productive. I want to be away from the awful mausoleum of a house. And most importantly, I want a chance to get to know you better and see where we could go as a couple," Lucius offered with a smirk.

"Really, Mr. Malfoy. Is that all?"

"I may also want to have some fun playing Professor and Student with you. And now I have a classroom in which to do that. Say you'll be mine?"

I pretend to think about it for a moment. "I suppose that would be acceptable."

It was going to be an interesting rest of the year.