A/N Hello my lovely fellow fanfictioners, this chapter gives us a bit of insight into why our precious Lucius has moved so suddenly, pls enjoy!

Also I think that this timeframe between updates will be regular. It'll be about a week in between each, now that I've gotten the hang of things :)

Disclaimer: Everything that has to do with Harry Potter and/or characters belong to the fabulous J.K. Rowling, all I own is the plot

2: Objectives

"Hermione!" Harry exclaimed from his seat at the table outside the cafe. "Good, to see you, but what was the hold up?"

Hermione walked towards him with a frazzled look about her, her curly hair askew and a slightly glazed look in her eyes.

"Oh nothing of much importance really," she said with as much composure as she could at the moment.

After Hogwarts, both Harry and Ron had gotten jobs as aurors, while Hermione decided to pursue S.P.E.W. and create a new sub-department at the Ministry of Magic, the Promotion of Elvish Wellfare, which dealt with, not freeing elves, but passing laws and regulations about the treatment of them from their households and lords. Although there was still a great deal of work to be done for the subject, she thought that they'd done quite well so far, and it could only get better from here.

"So how's life treating you, 'Mione? Everything going well at the new place?"

At this, Hermione tensed and said in quite a squeaky voice, "Oh yes, things are wonderful. Nothing weird going one, just moving in and there's lots of boxes. Yes, lots of boxes," she ended lamely and sipped at her tea. She didn't quite know how to approach the subject of Malfoy becoming her neighbor, so she decided that it would be best to just skip over that part for the time being. I mean, it's not that important, she weakly thought to herself.

"How's the engagement so far? Got things planned?" She asked, attempting to change the subject. Just 5 months ago, Ginny and him had gotten engaged, but it wasn't a huge surprise. Everyone knew it would happen one day, but for some it was sooner than expected.

She recalled Mrs. Weaseley spluttering at the news of their nearing marriage. She wasn't exactly mad, it was just that Harry was 18 while Ginny was only 17, and she was continuing her last year at Hogwarts. She'd be done soon though, because it was already May, and graduation was in June. Also, she'd secured herself a place as seeker on the Hollyhead Harpies national Quidditch team.

"It's been….hard, but it'll be rewarding, I know it will," Harry sighed and ran his fingers through his hair, leaning back in his seat. "I just don't know if we rushed into it too quickly. Everything's kind of been a blur these past months."

Hermione nodded. She could absolutely relate to that; there were times that she forgot that Voldemort was already banished, and she woke up in a sweat, frantically reaching for her wand on her bedside table in the middle of the night. She was recommended a therapist once it got really bad, but she declined the offer. It usually just worked to take a dose of Dreamless Sleep and then she'd be fine.

There was a long moment of silence between them, but it wasn't at all awkward. They were like siblings, and had been for almost a decade now; the quietness was often comforting to both of them. It just meant that although they didn't have much to talk about, but they were there for each other, and that's what mattered.

The moment soon passed and the conversation got rolling: they talked about work, new friends, old friends, friends who weren't around anymore, and everything in between. They talked of Luna and Neville who had started dating only a short couple of weeks after the war, but Hermione was expecting it to happen much sooner than that. They were quite perfect for each other.

"So how are the Weasleys?" Hermione said tentatively. It would soon be Christmas and she spent it at the Burrow every year—well, maybe not this year.

"Um they're really good. Charlie's taken over the company in Romania and they've been talking about visiting him soon to celebrate." He paused and seemed to think for a moment.

"You know Hermione, it's not like you're banished from the house; Molly's been asking about you since…."

He stopped tentatively and looked up from his tea at her, but she gave a pointed stare at him.

"You know Harry, it's not like I'm going to implode every time someone mentions it," she said, exasperated. Everyone regarded her as though she were a ticking time bomb, whenever the subject of her and Ron's breakup came up, and it was quite maddening. It was like they thought she was going to break down and cry at any minute.

"Look, it's fine. I'm just not ready to be back with everyone at the moment," she said, cutting the momentary silence. Harry nodded and said no more about it.

"So tell me, how's work with the house elves?" He said, promptly changing the subject.

"Well, it's slow work, but we've successfully passed over 10 laws concerning their treatment, so it's definitely a start!"

She said, and her face lit up when talking about them. Harry chuckled.

"What? Can't I be excited about my work?" She said with a pouting look.

"Oh yes, yes, it's just the level of excitement that exudes from you whenever you talk about anything related to getting stuff done. It's quite adorable," he said teasingly.

Rolling her eyes, Hermione sighed and shook her head, but smiled all the same.

When it came time for them to return to their responsibilities, Harry gave her a kiss on the cheek, paid the check, and apparated back to the Ministry, but not before exasperatedly heaving a great sigh. Apparently being an auror, he and Ron didn't have weekends off.

It was a bright Sunday and Hermione was thankful that her job didn't require her to be at work seven days a week.

She took the last sip of tea and got up from her comfy seat. It had been good to return to normal life, if just for an hour, but she still had a certain blonde haired snake to take care of at her place, and find out why he suddenly had the great urge to move into a tiny apartment. Just as she was getting up to do just that, the post came in, and an owl swooped into the cafe, landing on the counter in front of the owner.

He took up the paper, Witch Weekly, and apparently decided it wasn't worth his time, promptly put it down again, but it slipped down and fell onto the floor. From where she was standing, Hermione could just make out the picture on the front page, and it was of someone very familiar. Her eyes widening, she quickly walked over to the paper on the ground and picked it up. Putting a hand up to her mouth, she silently gasped and stifled a small laugh. So that's why he had moved into the apartment.

Witch Weekly

The Next Most Eligible Bachelor? Narcissa splits from husband Lucius Malfoy!

The recently made single Malfoy lord has reportedly been left by wife Narcissa and is currently residing

in an unknown location. The former Death Eater refused to comment on the situation only to say that

his move is temporary and he plans to move back to Malfoy Manor as soon as possible….(continued on pg. 4-5)

Hermione opened and closed her mouth several times before she realized she was still in public. Quickly sitting down again, she ran a hand through her hair. This was a most peculiar situation….in the wizarding world, there is no 'divorce' per say, but Narcissa split from Lucius? But why? She thought, pondering their love life. Combined, her and Lucius had money, fame, influence….and she's ridiculously hot. A twinge of jealousy went through her. What man in his right mind would let their marriage to a woman like that go to hell?

Narcissa was like a Norwegian goddess, with long flowing blonde hair and piercing blue eyes that could actually turn see into your soul. Besides, they were just aesthetically perfect for each other. I mean, the man's practically a god himself.

The war had it's toll on him, but a little bit of the rugged look suited him. And of course that's not to say he wasn't still ever the aristocrat, because Godric knows he was the aristocrat of all aristocrats.

Hermione couldn't believe that the press had actually published this article. One would think that they'd still be afraid that he'd come and kill them if they did, but apparently not. Although he was a complete and utter prick, Hermione still felt for the man.

She wondered what had happened, but on second thought, why did she even care? This was his personal business, she shouldn't get into it.

That's right Hermione, keep your nose out of his business she thought icily. Her innate curiosity had served her well in her schooling years, but she certainly didn't want to become that next door neighbor. There was still a part of her that was very curious as to why the power couple had suddenly broken apart after so many years, but she supposed that even the richest of people still had marriage problems. And it was also just plain weird to think of Lucius and Narcissa Malfoy (or she assumed now Black) as actual people with actual personal lives and actual problems just as the rest of the world had. They were quite untouchable one could say. Or maybe not, based of this recent tidbit of information. As she gathered her purse and set down the gossip magazine, she stood up and made to apparate back to her flat.

No wonder he looks so haggard she thought, but with no venom or malice to go along with her thoughts. In fact, she felt slightly for the man. She could only imagine what he must be going through.

She arrived outside of the apartment building on the sidewalk and marched right in, eager to find out more about the situation.

But no….she slowed her walking. She wound her hands together and furrowed her brow.

What am I doing? The man is probably already broken up as it is, she reprimanded herself, and here I am, wanting to question him about it. Godric, you selfish woman!

"Miss Granger, just the person I was looking for," came a voice from behind the key counter.

"Hm?" Hermione said, looking up from her intertwined hands. She saw the woman who had given her the apartment keys this morning smiling at her.

"Oh I was simply wondering if you were close enough to our new tenant Mr. Malfoy to give him these," she held up a pair of green robes that she assumed had been forgotten in the moving process.

"Of course, not a problem. Not a problem at all," Hermione replied with a little more enthusiasm than necessary. It just gives me an excuse to poke him about the new situation, nothing more than that. Reprimanding herself and keeping her thoughts in check, she ascended the stairs to her room level. As she was approaching, she heard the shutting of a door and the clicking of a lock. She turned the corner and there he was in all his glory. Dressed just as impeccably as always, in green robes, Lucius was outside his door and looking as though he were going out.

Hermione quickened her pace to catch up to him before he left.

"Mister Malfoy, I have something for you it was left…"

Hermione started but then stopped just as quickly when she saw his face as he turned.

Merlin's beard he looks….terrible.

Of course not terrible in the sense of ugly, but the look on his face was thoroughly disheartening.

Yep, it's the end of the world. Pigs can probably fly, and the most imposing and possibly fear inspiring man I have ever met, looks sad. Truly, undeniably, sad.

Hermione never thought she'd see this day, but here it was. It was quite heart-wrenching to see the face of someone who was previously one of the most successful men she'd ever met, look completely exhausted, assumingely over his failed marriage.

His expression was gone in second when he realized that a body belonged to the voice, and he was once again composed and calculated, but the deed was done, and Hermione had seen it in action.

"Mister Malfoy…"

She started again, much more quietly, but it held pity in that simple phrase.

"Don't you have somewhere to be, Miss Granger? Possibly a bookstore per chance?" He asked, defensive malice lining his words. And that was what did it. As soon as he said it, Hermione's look of pity revised itself into one of hurt and annoyance. Even if his wife did leave him, he's still a bastard.

"Actually Mister Malfoy," she started indignantly, "I had come up to give these to you," she said as she tossed the robes at him. At a few feet away, it was quite the amusing sight to see the man fumble and put his clothes over an arm, but it didn't dissuade Hermione from being utterly vexed with the man who should be grateful, but instead was pissy towards her. And to think, it's not even 12 o'clock yet. How could someone be so bloody cross before noon? She let out an exasperated sigh and let her head hang down and closed her eyes for just a second. She reorganized her thoughts and composed herself before raising her head again.

"Mr. Malfoy," she started once again, and hopefully the last time, "it has come to my attention that you are here," at this she motioned to the surrounding flat, "because of the unfortunate case of your….divorce."

She had to be careful about this, and make sure not to tread on any toes, not wanting an angry Malfoy a few feet from her.

"How very acute of you Miss Granger….so you are able to read. Yes, the papers did get some right information for once."

Lucius replied mockingly and with faux appraisal, clapping his hands. Slowly. Very slowly.

Bristling, Hermione's curly hair crackled with magic just waiting to be released into a hex onto the wizard, but she kept her cool, and didn't rise to the bait. In fact, maybe that should be my new tactic while having to deal with this rude behavior. What was that saying? Oh yes, 'ignorance is bliss.' Perhaps I should take that to heart and simply practice ignoring his comments.

"So, you're saying that your appearance at my door this morning, and you choosing to live here, has nothing to do with me?" Hermione asked hopefully and pretended to not hear his jab at her. She saw a look of clear confusion come over the man's face.

"You are correct in your assumption. Why would my living situation have anything to do with you?" He replied, though not accusingly.

It was a relief to Hermione that he didn't have a master plan brewing; maybe one to wreak havoc on her almost peaceful life, but a small, embarrassed part of Hermione secretly admitted to herself that a teeny tiny bit of hope was strewn into the notion that he did indeed move here because of her. Ugh how illogical and childish, Hermione, she chided herself. That wouldn't even make sense, but she felt hotness creeping up her neck for the second time today.

"No reason, really. Just wondering," she said, far too quickly and looked down to her hands. She twiddled her fingers together as she felt Lucius staring her down with one of those stares, his eyes traveling from the freckles on her nose down to her neck, to her cleavage, barely concealed by the low-cut of her neckline. She swore she could actually feel him smirk.

"So that redness that is so alluringly adorning your bosom has nothing to do with our conversation at the moment, hm?"

Stating this quite bluntly, Lucius raised his eyes to her level and raised a manicured eyebrow.

"I—just what—no! It doesn't, you're very mistaken if you think that any part of you or this conversation would make me blush!" She said, trying but failing to not splutter out the words. She raised her hands to her chest though and tried to cool them down.

"Besides, it's my face and neck anyway, not anywhere else," she said, squinting her eyes at him.

"Oh I really have to be contrary and point out that at least where I'm standing, it does down much farther than that, my dear," he said, with an extremely lascivious look in his eyes the whole time. Hermione opened her mouth and closed it several times before she could get a word out, and even then it was only a few.

"I'm going now," was all she could say as she started to turn and walk back towards her own flat. This was completely unforeseen. And frankly quite odd. Hermione had come to give Malfoy his robes (and analyze him and his situation) but she left feeling as though she was the one having been analyzed. Damn. Well at least I've got the reason he's staying here. But pausing in her thought process, she rethought the conversation over. Or have I? I know what happened, or at least some of it, but why isn't he still at Malfoy Manor?

Cursing him for distracting her from her focus, she whipped around and took no time to address the issue at hand.

"Why aren't you at your manor? Why are you here instead of the there? After all, you weren't the one who left," she said, not thinking, and a moment later regretted it. Lucius' expression had again contorted into one of disgust and distaste.

"I will tell you, but only so that you don't go away uncultured and oblivious to refinement, something that you might have want to use in the future," he said, words detailed with boredom, as though she were nothing but a buzzing fly, wasting his oh so precious time. "Although you may think me vile and corrupt as I can assure you, many do, I am decent enough to let a woman take her time in moving her items out of my house."

"Oh," was all that Hermione could say about the matter. To be honest, she'd thought that there would be a reason a bit more interesting than that to give her. Something dramatic, or at least more dramatic than moving.

"Yes, I know, not a reason quite plump enough to sink your teeth into, is it?" He said with smug smile pulling at the corner of his lips.

"Oh that was what I was just—wait, no, stop how dare you read my thoughts!" Hermione practically squeaked out at him.

"Now, now, don't go acting out like a child, Miss Granger. It's quite unbecoming of you," he chided her. "And just so you do know, I wasn't using occlumency: I didn't need to. Your face says absolutely everything you're thinking, Miss Granger. Everything," he said, not menacingly, but with just enough amusement to make her wonder what else her expressions had told him.

"Hm well I very much need to—er—finish some….tasks, so if you'd excuse me, I'll just be on my way," just like that, she scuttled backwards to her door and disappeared behind it, without as much as a goodbye or a 'see you later'.

At this she snickered with distaste. That would be the day. When Lucius Malfoy says 'See you later!' to a mudblood.

She leaned against the closed door and slowly slithered herself down to the ground, too lazy to walk to the couch. Accioing herself some crackers and cheese, she simply sat and contemplated this strange interaction between herself and the man who had once not raised a hand to help her when she was cruelly tortured. In his house. By his sister-in-law.

And she also had a feeling that it definitely wouldn't be the last conversation that they would have. Oh yes, there would be many more to come.