Chapter 15
LUCIUS POV
"What the bloody hell were you thinking!"
Lucius stopped the urges to cover his ears while listening to his father loud and angry voice. He's been listening to him for almost two hours but it seems that his father is not done yet.
"What happened to being discreet Lucius!" Even the Senior's face is full of anger while looking at his son who is just silently watching him.
"They deserved it Father." He said in a very passive voice. Yes, they are fighting about what happened at the Great hall yesterday. He was suspended for one week and when his father heard about the news he immediately came to get him.
"Do you think what you did will solved everything!"
Lucius did his best to control his anger. Yes nothing will change but at least the Marauder will feel his revenge.
"You are dismiss boy, leave before I do something that I will regret after!"
His father didn't need to say that twice he leaveimmediately.
Lucius released a huge sigh after he left his father and close the door. He knows that he lost his control and let emotions ruled him but he will not regret his actions because compared to what those foolish lions did to Hermione, what he did to them was nothing and if Merlin will give him another chance he will made sure they will suffer more.
Lucius start to walk but immediately stopped when he saw Hermione silently leaning at the wall while looking at him intently. He smiles and walks faster towards her.
Dumbledore allowed Hermione to stay at their Manor to fully recover.
"Hermione." He gently took her hand and softly kissed it but immediately frowned when he noticed her expressionless face. "What's wrong?"
"You don't need to do that you know." She said in a low tone.
His frowned deepened. Of course she already heard about what happened. Honestly he doesn't care about everyone's opinion except hers . "They deserves it." He said stubbornly.
"Yes they did." She said.
"Yes they did!...They did?" He expected her to tell him how foolish he is and how stupid he is or any line that others told him but he never expected her to agree to him.
"What they did was very unGryffindor and I really want to despise them for that….and honestly I don't know if I can forgive them or even face them like before, but please don't let your hand get dirty because of me."
"You are my daughter . It is my job to protect you against those that will try to hurt you.I will do everything for you"He said fiercely and he swear that in his blood line.
"Time will come that the world will hurt me and you cannot do anything with that but watch."
The way she said those made his stomach coil. It was as if she was very sure about that. He already heard it from her before but it made him feels sick just the same. That's why he will never allow it to happen."I will never allow it."
"Hermione smiled softly and look at the window. "I'm not as fragile as you think Lucius."
"You are my daughter." He said as if it will explain everything.
Hermione sighed…"You are so stubborn."
And he answered her with a smile. "And you will know how stubborn I am." Before
she can runaway or say anything he quickly grabbed her hand and lead her towards the fireplace.
HERMIONE POV
She blinked…and blinked…and blinked… "We are at-" She muttered not knowing what to say.
"Welcome to Hogsmeade Village Hermione." Lucius said while wrapping his arms securely around her shoulder as if preventing her from escaping.
Of course she knows this place…she knows it by heart… From where they are standing now she can see still looks the same village in her future.
"Why are we here?" She asked while trying to hide against the prying eyes of Hogwart's students that can see them together.
"We are here to enjoy the student's weekend trip."
Hermione want to sigh in Lucius calm demeanor and the way he talk as if it was very obvious answer. "You are suspended." She said pointedly.
"Yup I know that…. They banned me to go to Hogwarts but they never said that I cannot go to Hogmeade"
Hermione shakes her head. "That's very cunning of you Malfoy." And he only answered her with a laugh.
"Then shall we paint the town red?" He asked mischievously.
Hermione cannot help but smiles when he used that muggle's saying. She looks around and sighed silently again. Why not! After all it's just Hogsmeade, a short visit will never hurt..Right?
"Dominic's Maestro?" She asked while looking at Malfoy pointedly. She doesn't think that she fancy seeing anything related to music after what happened at the ball.
But of course he grabbed her hand again and led her inside and of course he didn't bother to answer her that is why all she can do is follows him silently.
But she frowns when he led her to a huge black piano. "Malfoy!" She hissed lowly.
"Can you do me a favor?" He said rather loudly with a very serious expression and totally ignoring the people inside that they already caught attention.
By now Hermione was very sure that Lucius already knew the whole story at the Muggle studies and she cannot understand why he is doing this though she is very sure that his purpose is not to humiliate her. He will never do that.
"If it's not for that ball I will not discover your talent in music." He looks so sincere and he is looking at her as if she is the only person he is seeing right swear that almost all people inside watches them now.
"Lucius…" She hesitantly said she doesn't understand what he is trying to do or what he wants her to do.
He smiled softly and led her to stands besides the piano and before she can say anything he already sat down at the pianist's chair.
"Ms. Hermione Granger please allow me to play something for you." He smiles with a very winning smile.
And that did it…she finally realized his plan. He is changing every negative opinion that they believed in her by putting a show in front of many people from Hogwarts. He wants them to know that she never seduced him using music. He wants them to know that whatever Sirius implied about her were all lies.
"Indeed very clever." She whispered with a smile on her lips that only makes him smiles wider when he heard it.
When he started to play everybody stop doing whatever they are doing to listen to him…all of them , not only the girls who are looking at him with so much adoration but also the boys and even the older wizards.
Red Jumpsuit Apparatus - Your Guardian Angel Lyrics | MetroLyrics
When I see your smile
Tears run down my face
I can't replace
And now that I'm stronger I've figured out
How this world turns cold
And breaks through my soul
And I know, I'll find deep inside me
I can be the one
His voice was so soft and serene. She never knew until now that he is a great singer. She always thought that she got her talent from her mother but guess she is wrong afterall this time. While listening to him everything fades. There are no one around besides the two of them.
I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to Heaven
It's okay, it's okay, it's okay
Seasons are changing and waves are crashing
And stars are falling all for us
Days grow longer and nights grow shorter
I can show you, I'll be the one
I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to Heaven
While listening it was as if he is making an oath with her… that he is promising something to her that will never be broken even by a very powerful spell.
'Cause you're my, you're my, my-y-y-y
My true love, my whole heart
Please don't throw that away
'Cause I'm here for you
Please don't walk away
And please tell me, you'll stay, stay
Use me as you will
Pull my strings just for a thrill
And I know, I'll be okay
Though my skies are turning gray
I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to Heaven
She listened with her heart while looking at him intently and softly…She was a fool for thinking that she was alone…she is not alone…and she will never be alone again because Lucius will never leave her… she know that he will never do that to her.
I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to Heaven
I will never let you fall
I'll stand up with you forever
I'll be there for you through it all
Even if saving you sends me to Heaven
"Bloody hell! Am I that bad?" He asked worriedly.
"W-What?" She asked not really understanding him.
"You're crying Hermione."
"H-ha?" She only realized that when she touched her face and found it with tears. She moved her hand to wipe her tears but Lucius already did it for her.
"You have a very good voice Lucius."She said sincerely.
"But I made you cry." He said softly.
She shakes her head repeatedly. "Because I finally realized that I have you."
Lucius hugs her tightly but not enough to hurt her. "And you will always have me, no matter what."
And for the first time Hermione found herself believing to someone again…Yes she is not alone and will never be alone again.
Madam Puddifoot's Tea Shop
Hermione can't help but grin while looking at Lucius's uncomfortable expression. He looks like someone who is controlling himself from running away as fast as he can.
"Don't frown Lucius…" She can't help to tease him.
"I hate pink…"
Hermione giggle. "I know." She said mischievously. Of course she knows that after all she was there when the twins turned his hair into a bright color pink…she never saw and heard him squeal and run as fast as possible.
"What do you mean?" Lucius frowned deeper. "Please don't tell me that somebody turned my hair into pink."
Hermione giggle again. Lucius expression was so funny he looks so scared while holding his long hair as if he is protecting it from something very dangerous.
"Why are you not answering?" He asked worries written in his face.
"You told me not to say it." She answered with a very sweet smile that turned into a laugh when Lucius face turned very pale if it is even possible in his already pale skin.
Zonko's Joke Shop
Its not the first time that she enter the shop but it was probably the first time that she really look around. It was like looking at the Weasley store all over again and that made her miss them.
"Hey."
Hermione smiled soft at Lucius when she saw his worried expression. "Don't worry Lucius I just remember someone."
"They must be special."
She smiled softly while holding a sugar quills. "They loved to pranks and sometimes they can be very stubborn that's why we are always arguing." She frowned upon realizing something. "But they never pranked me I don't know why? They even hexed anyone who insulted me."
"Then they are a very good friend."
Hermione smiled sadly. "Yes they were."
"Were?" Lucius is not sure if he wants to hear her answer.
"Fred died during the final stand…and George….he died p-protecting me." She said barely audibly.
Lucius don't know what to say so he just held her hand while caressing it gently. He don't know them but he is very thankful because even he was not there for her it seems that she found a very good friends that helped her.
"It's almost lunch do you want to eat?"
Hermione answered with a smile and let him hold her hand and guide her out the Zonkos
The Three Broomsticks
Hermione can't help but smiles when they enter Madam Rosmerta's inn. It's crowded but still have its welcoming atmosphere.
"Been here before?" Lucius whispered while leading her at some secluded area.
She nodded. "It's one of the reasons why I love weekend trip."
Lucius can't stop smiling while looking at Hermione''s smile. Whenever she smile her eyes shines. But his smile immediately vanished upon seeing who is sitting besides the table that they will occupy.
Hermione frowned when Lucius stopped. And when she saw the reason she immediately school her face into a very stoic one and gently guide Lucius to their table. She was done avoiding them…she was done acting like a pathetic Lion…She is a Gryffindor and she will act as one.
"We can transfer if you like."
Hermione gently shakes her head. "I'll be fine don't worry."
He wants to believe her…he really do but seeing her expressionless face brought uneasiness in his stomach.
"What do you like? I'll get it for you."
"Firewhiskey?" She asked hopefully but Lucius just laugh at her.
"Soda with ice is fine then."
Hermione frowned that made Lucius laugh harder. "You are still underage." He gently reminded her making her roll her eyes.
"You are so old school." She complained but he just pinched her cheeks making her frowned again.
When he stand to get their order. Hermione can feel the tension but she ignored it and just looks at the glass window where she can see students playing outside.
James POV
There she is and of course she is with Malfoy. She is so near yet he felt as if he can never reach her.
"Prongs?"
He looks at his friends worried expression and gave them a force smile.
"Why don't you go and talk to her?" Remus asked kindly.
He shake his head and solemnly look at them. "She is smiling."
When they just look at him blankly he glance at Hermione again who by now is looking at the window. "If I go near her, I might hurt her again and her smile will vanish and will be replaced by pain. I think I already done enough."
"Are you giving up?" Sirius asked.
"Giving up? Never! I'm just giving her time and when she's ready to talk I'll prove to her that I can be a better man that she can be proud of."
The Marauders smiles. It seems that their dear friend is finally maturing.
Hermione POV
She is watching the window when she feels it. It was strong, powerful and very dark magic making her magic shivers.
"Hermione?" Lucius asked while holding their foods.
It was getting nearer. She can feel her magic reacting to it. Her magic is demanding for release.
Lucius put down the tray and stand besides Hermione with unreadable expression. "What's wrong?"
But before she can answer they heard loud noises coming from outside then follows by screams of horrors from the students who are running from every direction.
"What the!" Lucius run towards the windows along with the other students to see what's happening.
"Death Eaters!"
` The whole place was engulfed with fears upon hearing that. Every body begun to panic. Some are screaming with fears especially when dark clocks begun to arrives.
The adult wizards immediately set a strong ward to protect the Inn but it never lessen the panic and fears of those inside especially when they can clearly see the other students outside screaming for help.
"Lucius"
Lucius immediately look at Hermione questioningly but his heart freeze with he read determination in her eyes….NO!NO! He wants to shout but when she smiled softly at him he know the she her decision is final.
"Hermione." He tried to hold her but she just shook her head.
"I'm sorry."
Lucius panicked rendering him from thinking anything logically. All he want is to stop his daughter from this madness so he did what came to his mind he raised his wand towards her. He know that he will forever regret this but he need to do this.
"If you take another step I will curse you." He said seriously but silently praying that for once she will listen.
By now almost all people inside are looking at them with confusion written in their faces especially those that know Malfoy's extreme infatuation to the transfer student.
"Malfoy have you gone mad!" James tried to step towards Malfoy but the desperation in the Slytherin's eyes made him stopped. "What the bloody hell is happening!"
When Hermione look at him he wished she just glared at him and cursed him but instead she smiled softly at him leaving him immobile and before he knew it he found himself already lowering his wand.
"You are so like him." Hermione said with a soft smile in her lips while looking at him fondly.
He doesn't know who is she referring but he no longer care all he wants is for her to stay inside the Inn. "Don't do this….please." He begs shocking everyone that hears him. A Malfoy never beg.
"You know that I need to do this."
Lucius shook his head stubbornly. "Stay and I promise I'll protect you…I told you in the the name of Malfoy's clan I will never let anything or anyone harm you."
She smiled and it almost break his heart. "I told you before, someday the whole world will hurt me and you cannot do anything about it but watch."
He hates hearing those words from her…he hates it!
Hermione walk towards him and hug him tightly, which he returned immediately but before he can stop her he found his body unable to move….
He tried to shout her name but the spell that she used stops him. All he can do is watch her walk away towards the door. His heart is beating so fast that it might explode anytime.
"What are you doing girl!"
Hermione look at Madam Rosmerta who looks much younger now than in her time…now she can see why Ron fancy her. She didn't say anything instead she raised her wand to break the barrier.
`"It's a strong barrier only a very powerful witch and wizard can br-"
Madam Rosmerta eyes widen when the barrier break when the girl casted a non verbal spell.
"Who are you?" She gasped but the girl just look at her after recasting the barrier but the girl next words almost made her jaw drop…
"Call them…they are needed…"
With that the mysterious girl raised her wand towards the death eaters.
TBC…