DISCLAIMER: NOT MY CHRACTERS. PLOT IS MINE.
Five
The students walked into class, chattering about the latest couple, or a crush or homework, or whatever teen agers talked about. At least, in Lucius's opinion that's what he thought. Majority of the Slytherins piled up in the back, pushing and joking around. Even though the war was over, most people didn't mingle together. Some did, mostly they were the ones from different houses who were dating. Except Lucius Malfoy had eyes for one group in particular. The golden trio, accompanied by the red head and Lavender. It was quite sad to watch Miss Granger tag along with the happy couples, one of the happy couple being her ex-boyfriend.
To be frank, Lucius had never liked the red headed idiot anyway. He had guts, and maybe he was a tad bit smart, but he was unsuitable for Hermione. Lucius wasn't the only one to think that either. He had heard several comments about how happy the wizarding world was when they heard about the break up. Secretly, Lucius had been delighted too, ignoring the reason why. When she had saved him from going to jail, he wanted to be put back in jail, just for the hell of it. But he was thankful that she had saved him. If it had been Potter or Weasely, he would be rotting in prison right now. They don't know that you were on their side, so even if they wanted to throw him away, Granger would never let them, a sly voice in his head said. Lucius smiled to himself at that. He had made many mistakes in his life, but he knew that joining the Oder of Phoenix was the best thing he had ever done.
As soon as she stepped foot in the class, Lucius's eyes went to Hermione. It was as though some presence was pulling him to her. Hermione came in through the door, and felt a jolt of electricity race up her veins. She looked up to find Lucius looking at her, his steel gray eyes boring into her. They seemed to see straight though her; through all of her fears and her emotions. She felt exposed, and scared. This man was making her want to sit and cry, release all her stress and worries and hold on to him and never let him go.
Hermione looked away, breaking eye contact. Her heart was beating so loud, she knew that every one next to her could hear it. Just don't think about that man, she told herself, trying to be calm. He might not be dangerous to the population anymore, but Hermione was scared of how well those eyes could read her. No boy, no one ever had made her feel like that. She felt like she could be free, and openly cry, instead of being strong. Even though she had to kill the death eaters, their death weighed upon her like a stone, taking her life out of her. The destruction of Voldemort was an imprint on her mind, and the faces of the dead children she had seen caused her to go cold. She may have saved Hogwarts, but she had failed other people who also needed her help.
"Miss Granger, are you alright? I suggest you take a seat," a cold voice called up to her. People turned to look at her, snickering loudly. Blushing, Hermione briskly walked to the front, sitting in an empty desk by herself.
"Right. Now, I want to break down the rules of this class. I am not like your previous teachers. I assign work, and I expect it to be completed on time. I don't care what house you belong to, but all of you will be getting the same treatment. Any questions?" he asked. Nodding he turned to the board, his black robes billowing out behind him.
Once again the color and texture of the robes caught Hermione's attention. They were so black, and soft looking. A sudden thought hit her. The robes were like Lucius in a way. His past had been so black, that maybe he could never again see the light. But he had, a voice said. He came to our side, risking his son, his wife and his own life. His past was black, blacker than night itself. However, maybe choosing the right side had made him realize that he had been wrong. His principles had been wrong too. Seeing death of the innocents had probably softened him. This explained the softness of the robes.
"Honestly, Miss Granger, what are you thinking? I said page four hundred and ninety four! Lucius barked. Hermione's head jerked up, meeting his eyes. See, this is what you get for over analyzing everything! a voice scolded her.
"Yes sir," she said sourly.
Lucius retreated to his desk, observing the students. His interest was on Hermione only. When she had come in the class, she looked at him with those big brown eyes, and he had seen something he would never have imagined. Fear, sorrow, and pain. He had also seen anger but he was sure it was directed at him. The brave girl who he had heard countless of stories about was actually scared. If someone else had told Lucius that he would send them to the mental hospital. No matter how much he hated to admit it, he admired Granger.
She had stayed with those boys, always putting her life on the line for others. When he had seen her at the book store in her second year, she had looked at him with hatred, and anger, and a mixed emotion of pain and something else. She had been a feisty young lady, always besting Draco, and sticking to the truth. When she had been thrown into the Malfoy manor, he didn't want to let Bellatrix torture her. Her screams still haunted his very sleep, and he knew now that he was a monster. At that time, the idea of purifying the world had seemed so appealing to him, but after he had joined the Order, those principles had vanished. These people didn't want to kill of Slytherins, or any one. They wanted to keep the world safe.
During his stay, he had come during late hours with news and information and Hermione would always be awake, providing him with something to eat or a blanket. She didn't seem to mind cleaning his cuts, or keeping him calm when he was badly injured. She had treated him with such tenderness; Lucius had felt like an ass hole. He would do anything to take away the pain he had caused her, but he knew now, Hermione had been hardened by the war.