Sorry for the delay, I went back and edited a lot of this

I hope it was worth it, I've got a lot of plans for this story and I hope you will enjoy it

-ooo-

Days had passed without a word from Lucius. The events that transpired on Christmas day left the two feeling discomfort. The next days were met with almost complete silence, it seemed neither of them wanted to remember what had happened.

Because of this Ditzy had been given the roll of delivering messages to Hermione. The house elf was the only living creature she had talked to for a long time. He was good company to have but he couldn't make up for the real human interaction she lacked. She wanted to go back to her normal life, to have real friends again. Having Lucius ignore her was just a reminder that she wouldn't.

She'd imagine what she might say to her friends at school once she got out. She'd pay to see the looks on their faces when she tells them about the peril she had been in. How she was hidden away in a world of magic under the mercy of a sadistic powerful madman. And how she had outsmarted her captor and escaped back home. Well not yet anyways but that was the plan. It would be quiet a story to tell the world if she ever escaped she'd someday like to write about it.

But for now she found herself mopping the same floor for the fourth day in a row. The black stone tiles had become so clean she swore she could see her reflection in them. How she tired of cleaning things that already shined. She'd soon rather stick her hand deep into a pit of cobwebs than re-polish another cup or spoon. Hermione had cleaned so much she swore she perspired soap.

If only she could talk to Lucius and let her work in the garden or in the kitchen, like her being here had actual purpose. But he wouldn't speak to her, let alone make eye contact. She was more afraid of him now that she was before. Not knowing what Lucius would do next was the most frightening.

If she stayed in silence any longer she would lose her mind, she wanted answers. The bottled up anger in Lucius was bound to explode if she didn't try to stop it. Hermione thought it was best to act on her instinct and look for him. It had to be better than just waiting around all day.

But where could he possibly be? The girl searched through the entire manor, except for the locked rooms such as the library, Draco's old room, and the Gardens, to name a few. All which had been locked off exclusively so she could not enter them. It seemed as if Malfoy was nowhere to be found, there was no evidence he had been in the house at all that day. For a moment she thought about just turning around and going back to work but no, this had to be done. She couldn't tell why she felt so set on finding him now but she did.

The last place he could possibly be was his bedroom. She didn't think it was likely for aristocrat as himself to sleep all day. It was already lunch time and she would have least seem come out by now.

Hermione examined the door before knocking. She thought his doors were unnecessarily large and bulky for just a bedroom. Both the entirety of the cherry wood doors was carved to depict some sort of Arcadia. Almost all of it had been fixed to create large trees both near and far. She thought it was beautiful but ultimately ironic, how could a man as selfishly cruel try to pass off his home as a place of peace.

Timidly, Hermione knocked gently on the door. She waited but no one answered.

Again she knocked even louder. No answer.

She tried this several more times but to no avail Lucius never came.

She shook the handles of his room doors hard. It rattled slightly under her force but would not budge. The doors seemed to be locked shut or even warded with a protection spell to avoid her snooping. It was likely that eventually she would do this and Lucius was well prepared. Still, she jerked the on the silver ring handles.

"Come on…. Open you blasted door," Granger whispered to herself. She tried tugging them again this time harder. "Come on…"

….

"What are you doing?" a deep voice boomed.

Her heart climbed up to her throat and suddenly she felt the room spin. She looked back to see Lucius looking less than amused.

"I….I've been l-looking for you," she managed to get out of herself.

He cocked up an eyebrow, "Have you now, Muggle?"

"Stop talking stop talking stop talking." She chanted in her head. But she didn't listen.

"There was something I had to talk to you about…"

"And what might that be?" Lucius tapped a finger on the head of his cane waiting impatiently for what she might say. He looked as if he was in no mood for games.

Hermione stopped for a second; she wasn't really sure now what to say. The plan was to demand he communicate with her instead of ignoring her, but he was already talking right now. It was too late to turn back.

"I was wondering if maybe I could have other things to do or clean. I mean they are already clean anyways. I just don't think I need to clean them that… often."

"You thought telling me this was so important that you believed trying to break into my bedroom was a wonderful idea?" His tone made her realize how irrational she was acting.

She started feeling ashamed that he was right; her face felt warm. Before she could get anymore words out he continued.

"And how do you expect they stay clean? Hmmm? Who are you to make demands when I so kindly give you work. Do you want to rot in that cellar?"

She stayed silent for a minute or two, trying her best not to cry. "No, that's not what I meant."

"Then say what you mean."

He was excited to see what stupid thing she had to tell him.

"…I just can't live like this anymore. You say you don't want to kill me yet but can't you see you already are? You've been making me clean the same floors for days on end and you won't even speak to me."

"Watch your tongue."

"No! You've got me cooped up in this prison and left me with nothing. Now you won't even speak to me like I'm the one who's done wrong."

"Muggle, I am giving you the chance to stop this nonsense."

"Stop that! I know you know my name. Speak to me like a human!"

She could see him reach for the wand that was still concealed within his walking stick. Hermione tried lunging for it but missed. Lucius was quicker than that.

"Stupfy!"

Her body slammed against the door hard and she rolled onto the carpet with a thud. All the wind was knocked out of her body, making her gasp loudly. He walked up to her and bent down.

"Why is it you want me to speak to you so badly? Could it be you enjoyed being touched? I regret thinking you were so much more than a whore. But it seems you've proved me wrong."

She wasn't done yet, she wouldn't go down without putting up a fight. Hermione grabbed for his wand again but was stopped instantly with Lucius' tight gloved grip.

"Give it up Muggle."

Lucius pulled Hermione up by the wrist and slammed her into the door again. The girl cried out in pain but was ignored. She managed to keep herself propped against the door. Keeping his wand well in hand he pinned her up against the door. The handles drove deep into her back.

"Comply."

She was ready to kick and flail but stopped herself. Maybe if she complied he'd stop hurting her.

"You..."

"I what, Muggle?"

"…You will pay for this." she murmured softly.

Lucius could not help but smirk.

Having to gaze into those stone cold eyes yet again sent a deep chill down her spine. If Draco wasn't lying to her than she knew what he was truly capable of. That at any moment he could easily kill her without struggling and think nothing of it. She was certain she would die in this manor, in his hands.

But before anything else could happen Ditzy appeared behind them.

The sound from the apparition made him drop her like a rock. Lucius spun on his heels in embarrassed anger.

"What Ditzy? What is it?!"

The little house elf shield himself with his weak little hands, "It's Narissa! She has come to speak to you, Master." His big wet eyes peaked over to see a shaken up Hermione balled up against the door. "..Oh dear."

With a flick of his wand, Lucius adjusted himself. His long hair gathered in a pristine ponytail that tied itself nicely with a bow. Even the slightest wrinkles in his clothes were ironed away.

"Ditzy, take the Muggle back her chamber. Without being seen."

"Yes sir," squeaked Ditzy.

Lucius walked away leaving the house elf and the girl alone upstairs. He had other greater things to attend to than a shriveling little girl.

After he was out of sight Ditzy ran up to Hermione, "Oh miss, oh miss... Are you alright?"

She coughed out dry air and nodded to him. Hermione pushed herself back up using the door's handles as leverage. All she could do now was shake and look down at the sympathetic looking creature.

"Ditzy is sorry for Masters cruel behavior… Ditzy knows your pain."

Hermione knew he wasn't lying but felt like there was no way Ditzy could know how she felt. How could he know what it's like to come from being loved to being treated worthless overnight? No words of comfort could sooth her aching heart now.

"We must go now, Miss."

She couldn't bear to go on any longer, she just wanted today to end. Maybe tomorrow would be better.

-ooo-

Trying to shake off the feeling of sickness, Hermione decided a nice warm bath was earned. It was freezing cold anyhow; some warmth would do her good.

She soaked in the water for a long time, letting herself melt away into nothingness. Being able to clear her thoughts was a challenge in itself. She couldn't stop thinking about her friends and family, how desperately she wanted to come back to them. What Hermione wouldn't give just to be back in the comfort of her own room wrapped up in one of her favorite books.

Maybe when she got out she'd take Ditzy with her, show him the wonders of freedom in the non-magical world. Wouldn't it be lovely to see him enjoy himself for once? He'd also be proof that this wasn't all a lie she had made up. That would be another obstacle to climb, she'd seem mad if she just came back one day spewing nonsense about magic wands and elves. This was of course if she could make it out alive.

"Please god let Draco help me," she spoke softly.

-ooo-

Things seemed to return to normal after a few more days of silence. Lucius' bold remarks showed proof of that. But he still hadn't taken her demand into account and kept her to the same chores she had always been doing.

When she rebelled against him all she was met with was hard smack against the cheek. She felt like she was running around in circles hopelessly. Soon she could not tell one day from the last. Shortly after she stopped asking about switching chores, she'd just carry out the ones she was given lifelessly. There was no point in putting up a fight anymore.

Lucius payed no mind to the lack of life in her eyes, he had been too busy with Narcissa's consistent visits to notice. She'd visit once a week on Friday afternoons and leave just before dusk. When she arrived he'd make Hermione drop what she was doing and send her back to her room. She didn't complain being taken away from her work, she just despised the cold.

….

"Muggle?" Lucius spoke, snapping Hermione out from her thoughts as she finished scrubbing away at the dishes.

"Yes sir?"

"Come with me." He started walking before she could process anything at all.

This was a change of pace for her, he hadn't asked her to do anything besides her chores before. Where could he possibly be leading her now?

Hesitantly Hermione trailed behind him, staying so quiet that Lucius stopped once along to way to make sure she was still there. Four long painful minutes of anticipation passed before they stopped in front of two very large doors. They reminded her of the ones Lucius almost snapped her spine against. "Not another pair of doors…" she dreaded in her mind.

….

"This, Muggle, is the Library. I'm sure you are no stranger to books… That is of course assuming that you can read." She could punch the smug demeanor off of his face. "Since you wanted something new to do than I shall have you rearrange every book in the library. Not by author but by Alphabetical of course."

He pushed open the doors.

"It should only take you a month or two."

The library was extensive; it was almost as grand as the London Library. It seemed to stretch on forever with four shelves per bookcase. All which were jam packed with books both big and small. There were even volumes of books that came in dozens.

Hermione had to refrain from running ahead and plucking out a book to read. It had been so long since she was able to enjoy the luxury of a good book. She wondered what kind of stories had been invited in this world. Once Lucius had left her alone she would certainly find out.

"It's very beautiful sir."

He didn't say anything but looked prideful at his own collection. Not that he wanted to impress her, but seeing the wonder plastered onto her face couldn't help but make him feel that way.

"Go on now," he nudged Hermione into the room and shut the door behind her.

It was just her and the thousands of glorious new books that were just begging to be read now. She knew she must start working soon but she couldn't help herself at peeking through a few books. They all seemed to call out to her. Where should she start?

Hermione strolled down the long isles of shelves trying to pick out one that called out to her the most. Most had odd names like The Enclopedia of Bat Eyes or The Dark Forces: A Guide to Self-Protection. Others seemed more subtle like Goshawk's Guide to Herbology and Gilderoy Lockhart's Guide to Household Pests. As these were all very interesting titles she wanted something she might understand.

Still as she pass she'd occasionally pluck out a book and skim through it, confused about all the illustrations and recipes. It was very clever to create potions that allowed people to sleep without dreams or make one invisible. But what good were they to her if she didn't understand a word of it. It wasn't like she had access to mandrakes or dragon scales. All she wanted was to read what the Wizarding world's stories had to offer.

But then she saw one, placed firmly between two large leather books. It was a rather small pinkish book that had been so worn down she could not see the title any longer. Thankfully the pages were fully intact so she could read it the inside.

"A Little Princess by Frances Hodgson Burnett"

Hermione hadn't read this book since she was a little girl and was delighted to see a familiar book among the strange. But did Lucius know this book was in his library or did he carelessly add it to his collection? It was Muggle literature, not that he didn't read but he was much too snobbish to appreciate non-magic authors.

She flipped through the pages quickly but something caught her eye on a back page leave. In faded crayon was written:

Laura R. ~1971

1971? This book was so very old, she was shocked it was still intact at all. The fact that this was child's writing sent a chill down her spine. He must have stolen it from the poor girl, how petty…

But she would have to make time to read it after she got some work done, last thing she needed was to get back on Lucius' bad side. So Hermione slid the book behind her and started with the ones in front of her. There were so many places to start, how would she know what to do?

She supposed starting from the very first shelf was best, and finding all the books that began with the letter "A".

-ooo-

Hermione was there for hours picking out all the "A" books, so determined to sort them that she almost forgot it was a chore. She did too good of a job pretending she was in a real library with a real job. Whatever the case was, sorting books was much more entertaining than scarping thick gunk off of old pots and pans.

It was now time for just a sort break, she was sure it wouldn't make any difference if she just sat down for a moment. Hermione plopped onto a big arm chair in the middle of the room. She kept the pink book tucked under her arm and opened up another book she had found: "Muggles and Muggle-Borns : Fact from Fiction."

It seemed to be a beginner's guide to the Muggle world, giving a brief history on how wizards branched off from the non-magical. The book also gave "facts" about Muggles which made Hermione amused at how wild they were.

"Many Muggles make their children start schooling as early as three months."

"Muggles often react poorly to injuries, resulting in frequent casualties."

"Elder Muggles are left to fend for their selves in what they like to call "Old Folk's Home". A place for senior citizen Muggles."

"Muggles have many children's stories possibly inspired by the Wizarding World such as: Ciderbella, The Wizard of Ooze, and Sleeping Princess."

The last "fact" made her chortle. Maybe this was a sign that not all Wizards were bad after all. They seemed to find her kind just as fascinating as she found there's. If somehow she couldn't return to her own world she might be accepted into theirs. She could even teach them how to spell "Cinderella" properly. The innocence of it all made her smile to herself.

"Having fun now, are we?"

Oh god.

As she slammed the guide shut she slyly let the pink book slide between the cushions of the couch where she'd return for it later.

"I'm sorry I was only taking a break."

He grimaced at her, "You may not take breaks until instructed. Do you understand, Muggle?" Lucius plucked the book from her fingers.

"Muggles and Muggle-Borns : Fact from Fiction," he mocked. "Hmmmmm. It figures you'd pick something as boring as book about Muggles. Can't you think about anything else besides yourself? Although I don't approve of you reading through my books you could have chosen something more interesting than that."

He swished his wand up in the air and moments later from the back of the room came another book. It was covered in black leather and bound together with thick stitching. Lucius cleared his throat, "Ah yes, Secrets of the Darkest Art. A book with actual useful information." Lucius turned to look at her, "I'm sure you are familiar with the Cruciatus Curse? Or as you might better know it Crucio."

Hermione rolled over in her seat in fear but nothing came.

"You weren't really expecting me to waste perfectly good magic on you just now. But of course I could always demonstrate if you've forgotten."

"No…I remember…."

"It's filled with such wonderful spells, If you keep trying to rebel I'm sure you will get to see them being used properly."

As he looked at her try to remain calm, something caught his eye. A little pink book spine sticking out from beneath the cushions.

"Trying to hide something from me?" The book pulled itself out from the chair and floated into his hands. He turned it over and studied the ratty little thing.

"What did you find this?"

"On one of the shelves... Have you read it before? It's called "A little princess" it was one of my favorites growing up."

Hermione could tell he seemed slightly interested in it, he probably didn't even remember he owned it. "It's a story about a little girl named Sarah Crewe whose father sends her to a boarding school while he off at war. Sarah being very rich and very kind, spreads her wealth with her friends and even enemies. But then here father dies… because of this the school sees it isn't fit to send her out on the streets in risk of ruining their reputation."

Lucius listened in; somewhat curious of the odd little Muggle book she was fawning over.

"So they keep her locked away in the attic where she becomes a maid…." Her words became softer as a wave of realization came crushing down on her. Hermione Granger might not be so different from poor little Sarah Crewe.

She snapped her head up, "Please may I keep it?"

"No, you may not," Lucius snapped as he tossed the book across the room. The little pink book slid across the floor and out of sight. She knew it wouldn't be easy, it never was.

He paced across the room with his head held high, "As if I should ever allow you the privilege-"

Click click clack.

It was the unmistakable sound of high heels hitting the floor in the distance. Not just any high heels, but Narcissa's. Lucius knew that sound well and froze.

Lucius turned to Hermione quickly. It was too late to call Ditzy to come get her or for him to take her himself. He quickly pointed towards the other isles of books across the room. She popped up and ran to hide behind a bookcase, keeping very silent. She peered out slightly in case something happened or she was given a chance to run for it.

Far across the room to doors opened gently and in entered the graceful slender woman she knew from the portraits. Her very presences brought a sense of tension into the air. Narcissa had always seemed so frightening but the way she presented herself was very respectable. She had maturity Hermione could only dream of and a body she could only hope to have when she was older.

The two stood face to face eyeing each other.

"Narcissa my darling, you didn't have to walk all this way."

"I wanted to surprise you my dear." She spoke coolly as her ruby red lips spread into a smile. Narcissa placed her hands on his chest and leaded in closer. Lucius stood unmoving but met his wife's gaze.

Weren't they just fighting a few weeks ago? The complexities of adult relationships always confused Hermione. How could she run into his arms like that? Did she even know earlier he called her "filth?" Certainly no respectable woman would stoop that low for someone like him.

Lucius grabbed onto her upper arms and rubbed her smooth alabaster skin.

"You really didn't need to go through all the trouble of walking here."

"But I wanted to my dear." She came in closer kissing Lucius gently on the lips, then again harder.

"Bleh!" Hermione almost said aloud. She didn't want to watch but she couldn't look away.

"Narcissa…"

The woman slid her hands under Lucius' robes and wrapped his hands around his body. Then he did something that caught Hermione off guard. He kissed Narcissa.

His kisses were so passionate they were something out of a romance movie. They were the kind of kisses every woman longed for, and the kind Hermione hope she'd live to see. She was disgusted with herself for feeling jealous of Narcissa. But the way he kissed her made her feel like it was her instead.

It felt like an eternity watching them passionately kiss each other, over flowing with pure sexual tension. But Lucius was finally the one to pull away.

"Shall we take this elsewhere?"

"Why not here? It's only healthy to be spontaneous. I'm dying for something new Lucius..."

"Oh god, Mrs. Malfoy please don't…" Hermione thought as she tried to hold back imaginary vomit. Last thing she wanted was to watch the Malfoy's get it on in the middle of the library floor. Narcissa seemed so determined to get some "action", nothing would stop her. Hermione could see now why she visited so often…

"Please be rational my darling, it is not sanitary in here."

Everyone looked around the library; it was very dusty and looked like no one really touched it for a year or two. Narcissa sighed and pursed her lips together. She could Lucius was trying to stall or something had other things on her mind. As long as she got what she came for, nothing bothered her.

Together they both exited the library, with the door shutting softly behind them.

"Thank god" Hermione whispered. She rolled over against the shelf and let out a deep breath, she thought they'd never leave. What felt like centuries was only but six minutes at most. Now she didn't have to watch them kiss anymore…

-ooo-

She stayed in the Library for the entire night too afraid to venture back to the cellar alone, she didn't know what was going on there. They could be making love on her bed right now for all she knew, if they were she didn't want to be in charge of cleaning up any bodily fluids.

Before falling asleep she had managed to read through a few books, not understanding most of it but still feeling fascinated. Who knew owls were so good at delivering letters, or that trolls existed. Who knew wizards and witches could be born from non-magical humans. There was so much left for her to learn but she was too tired.

She let sleep take her away and she drifted off silently, clutching "A Little Princess" lightly under her hands. Maybe she could find likeness with the young Miss Sarah Crewe, if she could find her happy ending than so could Hermione.

Her sleep was so peaceful she didn't even hear Lucius walk right up to her. She didn't feel the book being put on her chest, or the feeling of his hands slipping under neither her to lift her up bridal style. She was so blissfully unaware that unconsciously she cuddled right up to him, burring her face into his shoulder.

How she got back to her room that night she would never know.