A/N: Lucius will probably be very OOC in this chapter but I'll just have to see how it plays out.
By the time Lucius arrived back at Hogwarts, it was well past curfew and the halls were silent with the exception of a few ghosts and the whispers from the paintings. Dumbledore had made exceptions to the wards, giving Lucius access to the school without having to come through the Headmasters' floo each time – he was grateful for that.
He made his way through the halls, heading towards her dorm. He was hoping that she was still awake as he wanted to talk about their child. He needed to tell her that no Malfoy was ever born out of wedlock and he didn't plan on their child being the first. Lucius knew she would not just agree to marry him, that would be too easy and he knew he had to play the entire thing carefully.
Finally making it to the dorm, he said the password and stepped inside only to find Draco and Severus sitting in the commons with Hermione lying on the couch, feet on the arm and head on Dracos' lap.
"She's sleeping so be quiet." Severus warned in a harsh whisper.
Lucius nodded and walked closer to the three, "Why is she not in her rooms sleeping?"
"Said she didn't feel safe being in there alone. After you left, she received another letter." Draco answered
"Rockwood must have sent it before he went to the manor" Lucius thought to himself
"What did it say to upset he so much?" Lucius asked
Severus rose from the chair and handed him the slightly crumpled envelope, "We had to pry it away from her. She was shaking so badly after she read it, I had to give her a calming potion."
Lucius nodded and pulled the letter from the envelope. He scanned it, noting Rockwoods change of tactics before crumbling it up and throwing it in the fire. The letters she had been receiving were always threatening her and later the child as well, but this time Rockwood had threatened to kill Lucius and Draco if she continued to be friendly towards them.
"Did she say anything after she read the letter?" He asked
"Not at first but the longer you were gone, the more she started to panic thinking something had happened to you." Draco answered in a soft voice so he wouldn't wake her up.
Dracos' comment made Lucius' stomach turn. It wasn't an unpleasant turn but it made him aware that the witch did care for him and as sappy as that was, he was pleased to know she was worried enough about him to need a calming potion.
On the other hand, He felt bad adding any stress to her in the state she was in. He was now, more the ever before, sure that he would never let anything happen to her or their child. He was also certain that he would never give her reason to worry about him.
"I was … delayed, but I don't plan on leaving again unless it is completely necessary." Lucius replied.
"As touching as this is, I will be retiring to my chambers now that you have arrived." Severus stated.
"I told you I could protect her and you didn't need to stay." Draco replied
Severus gave him a scowl, "Compared to this psychotic man, Draco, You are mear target practice for him."
Draco went to make a remark but a whimper from Hermione stopped him in his tracks. Lucius walked over the couch and bent over, picking her up into his arms.
"I'll be taking her to our room now, You children can continue your sparing once she is behind closed doors."
"That wont be necessary, I'm in need of sleep and honestly don't feel like arguing with a Malfoy." Severus stated as he walked over to the door. He gave the two Malfoys a final nod and disappeared into the halls, the door closing quickly behind him.
Draco then turned to his father, "We need to find this guy before he actually acts on his threats."
Lucius sighed, he knew Draco would keep the secret, "I already have, Draco. I was delayed because the man was waiting for me in the manor."
Draco's eyes widened, "Who?"
"Rockwood, The Unspeakable that was siding with Voldemort."
"What did you do to him?"
"Let's just say he is no longer a threat but your silence is absolutely required. I would not do well to land in Azkaban over him, leaving Hermione alone."
Draco nodded in understanding, "Did he go after you first?"
Lucius nodded in response, "He actually killed himself as I did not use my wand on him."
Draco knew of the wards at the manor so no further explanation was needed, "It's safe with me." Is all he said in reply before heading to his room for the night.
Oooooooooo
Once Lucius had made it to her room, he placed her down gently on the bed and changed her clothes with a flick of his wand. He then stripped down to his boxers and slid in behind her, placing his arm protectively around her waist, falling to sleep instantly, despite the day's activities.
He had been asleep for about three hours when he felt her shift and turn to face him. He didn't open his eyes and kept his breathing as if was while he slept. He froze briefly when he felt her hand run over his face and through his hair but relaxed again before she noticed. She continued to caress him softly, looking deeply at his features.
"Thank Merlin you're safe" She whispered as she leaned up and placed a soft kiss on his lips. She lingered for a few seconds before sinking back down and moving into him as close as she could, wrapping her arm around his waist and placing her head on his chest.
Lucius truly felt like he was wanted for the first time that he could remember. He wanted to say something to her but knew if he did, he would probably turn sappy in an instant – he couldn't deal with that tonight. Instead he wrapped his arm around her tighter, holding her closer before dozing back off.
Oooooooooooooo
The next morning, Hermione woke up feeling rested and ready to take on the day. Lucius was already awake and watching her closely.
"Sleep well?" he asked
"I did actually." She replied, "but I was worried about you… What took you so long?"
"I had something come up, nothing to concern yourself with."
Hermione furrowed her brow, "But I was –"
Lucius cut her off before she could finish her sentence, "it wont happen again. I don't plan on leaving the grounds again unless it's unavoidable."
She wanted to finish but decided against it. She was just glad he was okay after the stupid letter from the day before.
"Alright" She said reluctantly.
"Good girl." He smirked, "Now, I believe we were supposed to have a conversation about our child?"
She nodded but didn't have a clue what there was to talk about. It seemed simple to her, she got pregnant and it was done, no going back."
"I'm not going to beat around the bush on this." He started, "I have discovered that I have… feelings towards you and not just because you are carrying a Malfoy."
He stopped for a minute to scratch his sleep tussled hair, this was harder then he thought, men were just not meant to share feelings.
"What I am trying to say is this is all new to me. I was in a marriage where we had no feeling towards each other, other then a mutual respect. Narcissa and I didn't match on any levels, especially on the whole l-love thing."
He paused again and took a breath, "I want to know if you will marry me, not because of the child, not because of anything else. I learned about the letter and your reaction and that sealed it for me. I want you to be my wife."
Hermione froze, this wasn't what she expected at all. She was confused because he had never even said he loved her, or had she. She was happy because despite her doing her best to not have feelings for him, she did but more then anything she was surprised that he was willing to take the next step with her, muggle born and everything.
"Well? Will you marry me?" He asked again
She swallowed thickly and nodded a 'yes'; there was nothing else she could do as her mouth refused to open.
"Speechless I see." He smirked and pulled a ring from the night table drawer, "This is the Malfoy ring. It is not the wedding band, but the promise ring of sorts and with it, everyone will know you are going to be a Malfoy."
Hermione still could only nod as he picked up her hand and slid the small ring with the Malfoy crest on her finger. She glanced down and smiled before throwing herself on him and kissing the daylights out of him.