Good afternoon! I want to post this quickly, this has been a very busy week IRL and I haven't re-read this for editing, so I apologize for any grammatical niggles in advance.

I LOVED the reviews to the last chapter! I am so glad you all liked it! It was a long time coming but I am glad so many of you found it worth the wait.

randomfan, so glad you are enjoying my portrayal of these characters!

Alesia G, yes, Lucius finally took the chance of being honest with his wife, and Hermione was honest enough to work through her feelings about his mixed past and behavior with him. What a payoff for both of them! Yay!

anerisa, thank you for the compliment on my different take on a Marriage Law fic. More to come about the 'bait' aspect-there are many layers there, and who is bait for whom? Keep reading!

RainynDawn, glad you found this story and are enjoying it!

Coven Mistress, Lucius Malfoy is deliciously fun to write. He is a pureblood snob, but everything that has happened has changed him in significant ways. It is fun to think about how he would demonstrate that but still be Lucius.

HarryPGinnyW4Eva, thanks for finding time to review again. Glad you enjoyed it!

zeeksmom, you got your payoff! At last! Hehe.

angstar54, what did you think of Chap. 31? It is important to see how Lucius cares for Hermione.

As an aside, I did get one anonymous review suggesting that I was "supporting misogyny" in the last chapter. First of all, misogyny is a loaded word that gets bandied about frequently, but I suspect many don't actually know what it means. Bearing in mind that I was aware of the loaded connotations of the term when I used it in the chapter, I suggest that this anonymous reviewer go back and re-read the chapter. Furthermore, I also suggest to this reader that I was writing LUCIUS MALFOY, the biggest pureblood snob/racist in the series, as he was talking about how he was taught about marriage by his father and grandfather. Hmmm, I wonder what ideas THEY put forward? Contrast that to Lucius' actions, and you see a man who is still colored by his upbringing, but who is changed and still changing. Of course, I would have happily put that in a private message had you not chosen to leave an anonymous review, but since you didn't, here you go-if you are even still reading.

Which reminds me, I don't mind negative reviews-but people saying I, the author, am defending something or supporting something by writing in character is something I will not tolerate in reviews. Therefore, I exercised the right to delete it, for the first time ever. Say you don't like the characterization, or you think Lucius is an old-fashioned sexist, what have you, but don't project the characters' behavior back onto me as an author. I have chosen to write a "what if" about a very detested, 'evil' character from the HP series (God bless JKR for writing it, btw), and I'm not going to sugarcoat him or turn him into something he wasn't in canon. I am tweaking and asking, 'what if' several years after the events of the books-and I don't think it's realistic to say he would be 100% different.

Well, glad I got that off my chest. I apologize to you, that turned into a bit of a rant, LOL. Okay, without further ado, here's the next chapter. Lots of action in the chapter to come-oh boy, the roller coaster is about to dip again! Do let me know what you think is coming! Thank you for reading!


When they stepped out of the Floo in the entrance hall, Hermione was surprised to see Kingsley Shacklebolt waiting, along with Draco and Harry. Kingsley looked irritated and Harry looked nervous, while Draco was definitely annoyed.

Lucius, however, took it in stride. "Oh look. Company."

The sharp syllables left no doubt as to his opinion of the visitors' presence, which caused Kingsley's eyes to harden briefly. If Lucius noticed, he paid it no mind. He snapped his fingers and removed Hermione's cloak in one seamless move, letting go of it with the expectation that Twigs would be there to take it, which he was. Lucius then removed his own cloak and took Hermione's hand again firmly in his own as he turned to address their guests. "While I am all agog to find out why you are waiting so eagerly for our return, you'll pardon us while we change our attire. A Scourgify only goes so far when spending the night away from home unexpectedly, wouldn't you agree?"

"Hermione—" Harry began, but Hermione walked by him without a word, heading up the stairs with Lucius.

"Draco, perhaps you could find Astoria and get her to show our guests to the parlor?" Lucius said, stopping and turning briefly on the stairs. Draco bowed curtly, aware that this was his opportunity to tell Lucius what the devil was going on. They could hear him instructing Twigs—"Show them to the parlor, Twigs. Myself or Astoria will be right in."

When they entered their bedroom, Hermione was struck by the scent of chocolate, and immediately perceived the crystal vase full of silver roses and chocolate vine on her nightstand. Lucius looked at her, a supercilious expression on his face, and Hermione walked over to the roses to find a note tucked therein. On it were two simple words: Home today.

"Oh," Hermione said, instantly feeling terrible.

"You were meant to receive them mid-morning," Lucius drawled as he drew up behind her, then took pity on her and drew her back into him, pressing a kiss on her temple. "I do miss those sleep shorts of yours."

"I'm sorry, Lucius," Hermione said, turning around to look at him.

"So you've said," Lucius replied drolly.

"You make me feel worse by being so magnanimous about it," Hermione muttered, and he chuckled and kissed the tip of her nose.

"I know." He walked away, serious about wanting to change clothes.

"Would it be too much to ask to come home to a peaceful, quiet house?" Hermione said with a sigh, stripping off her robes. At the moment all she wanted was to be comfortable, so she picked out a stretchy, long sleeved jersey top. She thought about a set of robes, but decided it was her home and she didn't give a crap what Lucius or anyone else thought of her Muggle attire.

"Anything I need to know before we find out why the Minister of Magic himself is waiting in our parlor?" Lucius asked as he swiftly withdrew his cravat and shucked off his pants, selecting a dark blue pair of trousers that were almost black.

Hermione was seeking her most comfortable pair of maternity lounge pants so her answer was half-muffled. "Um, it might have something to do with the fact that I asked Harry to bring Dr. Hayes' Muggle partner here? Or it could have something to do with the fertility potion, although that's rather unlikely…"

Lucius half growled as he pulled his head out of his closet. "I wish you had told me that before we came home, wife."

Before Hermione could reply, Draco knocked at the door. "May I come in?"

"I'll change in the bathroom," Hermione said, sweeping out as Lucius doffed his shirt and waved a hand irritably at the wards on the door, which swung open silently to allow Draco to enter.

"Shacklebolt is ready to strangle Granger, Harry is after the potion you wanted him to have, and Astoria is attempting to distract Scorpius, who wrangled out of Firkin that you were home." Draco leaned against the closet door as Lucius finished buttoning up his white shirt, then turned the long cuffs down so they hung just so.

"I will deal with Shacklebolt. Hermione may give Harry the potion from the lab, if that is agreeable to her." Lucius missed Draco's stunned expression as he Summoned the dark green and navy waistcoat he had chosen, buttoning it before turning his attention to his fresh cravat.

"You've set the wards to allow her to enter the potions room? What about the experimental potions? They could contain dangerous ingredients for a pregnant woman."

Lucius gave Draco a condescending look. "Do you honestly think I would have left those about if there were a chance I would send Hermione in that room to retrieve something?"

Draco hated it when his father made him feel twelve again. "What about Shacklebolt? He's been pretty tight-lipped, but the gossip running is he is going to suspend her permanently."

"What?" Hermione shrieked as she came out of the bathroom, and Lucius muttered, "Merlin's beard, son, you could have said that first," then turned his attention to Hermione. "Sweet, we will handle it. Kingsley is running scared because I have not given him an update, and the public is riled after that character assassination in the paper. When I explain the current state of affairs, I'm sure he will make the correct decision."

"Your hairbrush," Hermione said, handing it to Lucius along with a new ribbon for his hair. Lucius walked away to the bathroom to complete his toilette while Hermione asked, "Who is the source of these rumors, Draco? There are way too many gossip streams in the Ministry, and some are better than others."

"Well I heard it from Yasmin, but apparently Jessamine Misselle is quite convinced that you're on the way out. I hear she's angling for a promotion." Draco was fascinated by the interplay between his father and Hermione, following her back into their bathroom and dressing area as they traded off at the counter. Lucius handed Hermione a clasp for her hair and Hermione passed him a pair of cufflinks, then caught Draco's eye in the mirror.

"Why would a girl of no account, not even from this country, think she should be in line for a promotion?" Hermione asked slowly, glancing over at Lucius.

"Because she thinks that flashing her tits at every department head every chance she gets will get her somewhere," Lucius replied, flicking his gaze to Draco again in the mirror. "Go inform our guests that we will be right down. And do tell me you haven't gotten into any scrapes in my absence."

"Nothing outside of my professional capacity," Draco said with a wink at Hermione. Internally she groaned—Harry must have asked him about the fertility potion, curse his hide! Lucius took it all in and drew her arm through his own, patting it.

"Don't worry, dear, I can brew a far better fertility potion for the Muggle than Draco. He's a bit too impatient with his flames."

Hermione laughed at this double entendre, a poke at Draco's fast and furious dating habits in school.

"If you're quite finished slagging me, Father, perhaps you should see to the Minister of Magic, before he finds something Dark lurking in the parlor," Draco replied, looking bored with the conversation.

"Right behind you. Perhaps you'd like to rescue Astoria before we arrive?"

It was a clear hint to leave him and Hermione alone, and Draco disapparated directly down.

"He is actually quite like you in some ways," Hermione said, referring to Draco.

"Is that actually a compliment for my son? Will wonders never cease?" Lucius quipped, pulling her to a stop before they went downstairs. "Now, in all seriousness, we have not had a chance to discuss your career aspirations when all of this is finished. Suffice it to say, you are not thinking like a woman with unlimited Galleons at her disposal. Whatever Shacklebolt has to say to you, remember that."

"That is your money, Lucius. I am not going to use it to buy myself out of trouble," Hermione replied, and Lucius brushed a curl back from her shoulder, then kissed her near her ear.

"You are my wife. All I have is yours; and no one has the right to chastise you for your overenthusiastic sense of duty…except me, of course."

"Lucius," Hermione said, then kissed him soundly. "Stop dragging your feet. Let's get this over with."

When they entered the parlor, Kingsley Shacklebolt looked politely bored and Harry still looked as if he had sat on a cactus.

"Lucius, Hermione," Kingsley said, getting to his feet to greet them. "I trust we're all aware why I am here."

Draco and Astoria excused themselves swiftly, having no desire to be in the middle of a bollocking from the Minister of Magic, even if Draco was undeniably curious about the proceedings.

"You know, I may just take a look in that Weasley shop one of these days…I'm sure they have something appropriate for eavesdropping in the family home," Draco commented to Astoria as they went off to discover which of Scorpius' favorite play spots were occupied by their mischievous son.

"Other than a burning desire to hear about my trip, no, frankly I cannot fathom why you would grace us with your presence," Lucius said. "Coffee?"

"Why are you here, Harry?" Hermione asked, sitting down in an armchair while Lucius chose to remain standing beside her.

"Hermione, you created an international mess with Dr. Hayes, and while you were on suspension, no less! And you had the ill grace to drag Harry into one of your schemes—what on earth has gotten into you?" Kingsley said, addressing her directly.

"Perhaps I got tired of being bait for the 'Watchers'," Hermione shot back, and Kingsley exchanged a glance with Lucius, who raised an eyebrow as if to say, 'She's not stupid.'

"You weren't being used as bait, Hermione," Harry said. "I wouldn't agree to that kind of plan."

"You were and remain the target of the group, Hermione," Kingsley said. "We're all aware of that. However, their reasons for targeting you were unclear. At first it seemed that they were seeking revenge for the consequences of your work, but given the recent attacks on Muggle researchers, we now think they are attempting to kidnap you. However, the aim of whatever research they want you to do remains a mystery."

"We think they are attempting to create a Muggle breeding database," Lucius said, pulling up a chair so he could sit next to his wife.

"It seems the most likely scenario," Kingsley said, clearly displeased that Lucius had said that in front of Hermione, who picked up on it.

"Kingsley Shacklebolt, I don't give a damn if you are the Minister of Magic, if you don't stop treating me like a teenager and tell me what is swirling around me I will hex you, Auror training or not!"

They could all feel her magic crackling dangerously, and Kingsley held up his hands to placate her. "Hermione, it's not possible for you to manage everything. You've had more than enough to do trying to get to the bottom of the genetics. It's not your job to manage threats and mitigate them."

Hermione was still greatly tempted to hex him, and Lucius gently took her hand in his and caressed her palm with his thumb. She took a deep breath and they could feel the air calming. Harry was dumbfounded but Kingsley took it all in stride.

"Never learned that little trick with Mrs. Potter, Harry?" Lucius asked superciliously. "Pity."

"Now, Lucius, please tell me that you've made progress in France. I need this to be settled once and for all, and soon." Kingsley's voice was somber and Hermione didn't miss the tired expression on Harry's face.

"What has happened?" Hermione said, addressing Harry.

"The Muggle Forensic Science Service has had their entire genetic database stolen—copied. We've weaseled that much out of Rowle. He won't give up any information about their plans, possibly because he was kept in the dark. Dolohov is not known for being a sharing individual." Harry set his jaw. "I wish I could capture that bastard."

"Forget capture. Kill him," Lucius said coldly.

"That's not exactly how we do things, Malfoy," Harry retorted, and Lucius sneered at him.

"You have enough evidence already to sentence him to the Kiss. Oh wait, we don't 'do that' any more. Instead we sit them in Azkaban to rot, and act surprised when someone manages to break them out." Lucius' disapproval was clear enough for all to read. "It would be better to go back to Dueling Standards at this rate. Cut him down and be done with it."

Hermione was not surprised by Lucius' opinion, but what did surprise her was her own mixed feelings on the subject. She couldn't look Harry in the eye as a consequence, and was grateful when Kingsley began to speak, the warmth of Lucius' strong hand holding hers a pleasant tonic for her muddled thoughts.

"Security measures are under review at Azkaban," Kingsley said, cutting into the argument. "I've received word this morning of several Muggle disappearances. Ordinary Muggles, apparently not connected to each other in any way."

"They are culling them," Hermione said, looking at Lucius. "You said this would happen."

"I made a logical supposition based on the mindset common to purebloods," Lucius corrected. "If Muggles are commodities, it makes sense to acquire the best ones for the benefit of your family interests."

"Not all purebloods," Kingsley said. "Now, assuming that is correct, we have a very limited time to contain the damage and stop all out war from breaking out between Muggles and wizards. My options are growing very limited, Lucius."

"Perhaps now you have a bit of appreciation for what I and others have lived with for the past several years," Lucius said, making a not-so-thinly veiled reference to the Unbreakable vow under which he operated at large in the wizarding world.

"The difference, Lucius, is that yours is a result of your own poor choices, whereas this constraint is being imposed on me by others' poor choices," Kingsley replied with an edge in his voice.

"Either they are trustworthy or they are not," Hermione said. "There is hardly middle ground on the subject of trustworthiness."

"Touché," Lucius said sardonically to Kingsley, then patted Hermione's knee. "He's simply doing his job, dear, and I shall do mine. Now, about my trip—my cousin is involved, but not the one we suspected."

"Explain," Kingsley asked, and Lucius went over what he had discovered with Bertrand while he was in France, Harry and Kingsley piping up with questions occasionally while Hermione listened. Most of what he said she had already guessed, but one part stuck out to her.

"Lucius, you said there is no sign of the Ministry mole from that side of the Channel. There must be a go-between, and it's not Cornelia Dextrose. She has been in hiding, and still information is being passed back and forth. If you shut down Bedell and manage to capture Dolohov, how will you determine who that is? They could simply lie low and start up again later, when everyone's guard is down."

"That is something which I need to discuss with you, Kingsley. Bertrand has an idea, which has the support of the French Ministry. I need your approval to make commitments on behalf of the British Ministry. It will require the Aurors to look the other way, when the time comes."

"What is the idea?" Harry asked. "Kingsley, I'll tell you now that no one pays any attention to Underwood, and Thicknesse is more of a caretaker. I doubt anyone will go along with this if it's coming from Lucius—no offense."

"Why bother being offended? I would expect nothing less from your jellybrained colleagues. No offense," Lucius replied in a condescending manner.

"Enough! Lucius, what is the plan?" Hermione could tell that Kingsley was getting annoyed, his hand fidgeting toward his wand. Given how patient Kingsley Shacklebolt was under most circumstances, that was very telling.

"In short, I am going to bait Bedell into showing himself—and we are deliberately going to let Dolohov get away."

"What?" Hermione cried, now getting irritated herself. "Absolutely unacceptable! I am not going to let you use yourself as bait when you've been protesting loud and long about me doing the same thing for the past few months!"

"Things are coming to a very nasty pinnacle, and it requires a risky move to bring it to a satisfactory ending," Lucius said, the set of his jaw displaying the strength of his feelings on the subject.

"Absolutely not," Hermione said, her magic swelling dangerously again as Harry said, "I think it might work," with a glance at Kingsley, who nodded.

"Ah—" Lucius began, but it was too late to stop her. He managed to block the stinging jinx, but Kingsley and Harry were not so lucky, and red splotches blossomed quickly on Harry's cheek and Kingsley's neck.

"This, gentlemen, is why you don't upset a seven months' pregnant witch," Lucius said. "Excuse us for a moment."

Hermione was furious with Harry for agreeing with Lucius' idea. Of course Kingsley would agree, he simply wanted the mess cleaned before it spilled even further into the Muggle world. She led the way to Lucius' study, whirling to face him as he closed the door. "What in the name of Godric Gryffindor do you think will make me agree with this asinine plan to bait your sneaky, manipulative, lying cousin with yourself, while letting Antonin Dolohov do God knows what and then swan off?"

Lucius batted away a stunner and then a jellylegs jinx, finally drawing his wand to block a Furnunculus. "That's enough, Hermione!" he said sharply, eyeing her with his wand at the ready. "I can appreciate that you are upset, but attempting to hex me with boils is hardly the way you treat the man you love."

"You're lucky that you waited until now to tell me this, or I would have tried to hex something else off last night!" Hermione retorted, and Lucius grinned, arrogant devil that he was.

"Believe me, I know that full well, wife," he said in what could be construed as an only slightly gloating manner.

"You!" Hermione began, but Lucius cast quickly, a calming spell that hit Hermione so fast she felt dizzy. Lucius helped her sit down in his desk chair, then propped one hip on the desk in front of her, his arms still on hers.

"Love, Bertrand and the French Ministry will be involved. There will be little danger, other than from death by astonishment from Bedell's sheer audacity."

Hermione forced herself to calm down, the baby's vigorous kicks reminding her that she was not exactly light on her feet, as tempting as a good duel with Lucius may have seemed at the moment. "I still don't like it, Lucius. How do you know that Bedell won't double-cross any meeting you arrange, be it accidental or otherwise? He's been impersonating Bertrand, and you have no idea what kind of contacts he's cultivated in the French Ministry as well! There are too many unknowns to make it a safe proposition."

"That is why I said it was risky, Hermione. But it is a risk that is worth taking, if it brings all of this to a conclusion. We both agreed that things cannot continue as they are. Let's be brave enough to push for the end."

Lucius had taken her hand again, and now he pressed his own wand into it. "Hex me if you wish, but this is what I believe is best—and by every trick or stratagem, I will seek to achieve it. I would prefer, however, to have your support."

"How dare you give me an ultimatum like that?" Hermione said, feeling her magic surge again. However, the feel of Lucius' magic meshing with her own through his wand gave her pause. "You are so manipulative," she hissed, already knowing she would acquiesce, as had he the second he'd pressed his wand into her hand.

"Slytherin, love," Lucius said, drawing his other hand down her cheek and caressing her bottom lip with his thumb. "Go ahead, give me the conditions under which you will accept this 'travesty' of a plan—which you are going to do, because you cannot think of a better one."

"All right," Hermione said, but caught his hand on her cheek. "But I will never forgive you if something happens to you, Lucius."

"Duly noted," Lucius said dryly.

"One, you will take my wand instead of your own. I can amend my invisibility spell on it, so you can keep it invisible at all times. It will give you a minute advantage if you need it. Second, you contact me every day. Third, if I don't hear from you, I'm coming after you. Do we understand one another?"

"Yes, pet. Too well, I fear." The snark was overridden by the admiring gleam in his eye, and Hermione pulled him down for a quick kiss.

"Now, let's get rid of our company, please. If you're going back to France I want some time for us, alone."

"Naturally."

In three minutes they were bidding a satisfied Kingsley goodbye, although he kept casting wary glances in Hermione's direction. Harry remained after Lucius said, "Now, Potter, about that potion you needed for Rowle—" and took Harry off to the potions lab.

Hermione had just called Smidgeon to ask for some digestive biscuits and tea when Scorpius came tearing into the room.

"Where's Poppa?"

"He's in his potions room and not to be disturbed," Hermione said, then added when she saw his crestfallen face, "But he wants to see you when he's done with business."

"I can't wait to see him!" Scorpius said, then hid behind Hermione's chair when Astoria walked into the room.

"Scorpius Hyperion Malfoy! It is bad manners to barge into a room uninvited!"

"I just want to see Poppa," Scorpius wheedled, and Astoria folded her arms across her chest.

"That is not the way to go about it, young man."

"What is all this?" Lucius asked as he returned, having seen off Potter through the Floo.

Scorpius dashed out from the chair and hugged Lucius' legs.

"Did you bring me a present?" Scorpius asked.

"No, pet." Lucius said, ignoring the boy's frown for now.

"What happened?" Astoria asked Lucius while keeping an eye on Scorpius, who was sneaking toward Lucius' crystal decanter of firewhiskey since he was annoyed to be ignored. The boy was far too entranced by the flames, but she sent a very mild stunning spell at him before he could pull the container down. "I told you no," she said firmly as Scorpius' lip protruded and his eyes filled with fat tears.

"Twigs!" Lucius snapped, and the house elf popped into view. "Get Firkin to take Scorpius out to the greenhouses. He can play exploding snap."

"Yes, master," the elf bowed and held his arms out for the toddler, who realized fun was to be had and let the elf take him, pulling on his long ears as Twigs disapparated them both.

"I'll be returning to France tomorrow," Lucius said as Draco entered the room. "I'll fill you in later," he said to Draco. "There are a few family concerns that you particularly ought to be aware of."

"Oh joy," Draco said drolly.

"Just be thankful Thérèse isn't coming over here," Lucius said, then turned his attention to Hermione, who was thanking Smidgen for her tea tray. "What a nice idea. What say you to brunch in bed?"

"Delighted," Hermione said, and Lucius smirked at his son and daughter-in-law before disapparating himself and his wife to their bedroom.

"At least they will stop that once the baby arrives," Draco scowled.

"Hmmmm," Astoria said. "Perhaps you're just jealous."

"Perhaps I am!" Draco retorted. "My father is twice my age and getting twice as much sex, apparently!"

"Well you could always imitate his tricks, you know," Astoria snarked.

"I believe I will!" Draco said, pulling her to him with a shriek and disapparating them as well.

It is a fortunate thing that young Scorpius was so fond of exploding Snap, else he would have gotten into quite a bit of hot water if he had disturbed his parents in the next hour.