It's been too long guys! I'm so sorry for making you wait for over 5 months I think, but school has been HECTIC to say the least. But finally another chapter is written and added to this story! Thank you so much for the reviews, they do motivate me to write more (despite my muse being on a down low until recently) so here goes nothing! Like I've said- constructive feedback is always welcome
The news about Victor and Ginny's engagement was plastered on every British Wizarding newspaper. Hermione was hounded relentlessly by the Daily Prophet, more specifically Rita Skeeter, about her thoughts on the engagement. Her stress levels were near breaking point, and Hermione had started to keep Luciana at the Potter estate until the press died down. She didn't want her to be exposed to the public like that. However despite all the drama in her love life, her work at the ministry continued to improve. She had been able to push through three new proposals about courses that were provided at Hogwarts. Such as having several classes for children who were still too young to attend the Wizarding School. Hermione believed that if children who were close to the age of eleven were to have taster lessons, they would have some background knowledge on simple spells. Today was a big day for her, as the Deputy HOD for Magical Education, she was to look over the content being taught in each subject at Hogwarts. She was also to have a meeting with one of the Governors of the school, this was so they could go over what Hermione had seen and taking note of, and also to set new budgets if needed.
Hermione looked her-self over in the mirror, her curly hair was tied up in a tight bun with curls still managing to fall out and frame her face. She wore a nice set of formal robes in the colour of blue, she wore minimal make-up. Simple diamond studs graced her ears as well as a simple golden chain around her neck. All in all, she was pleased with the way she looked. Formal but not too extravagant. Luciana was waiting for her in the living room, reading the same book Lucius had read to her months before in the book shop. "Come now darling, I'll drop you off to Uncle Harry and Uncle Draco now." Luciana took her mother's hand and stepped into the floo with Hermione. The minute they arrived, Luciana kissed her mother on the cheek and ran off into the room Harry had done up just for her. With a large play area filled to the brim with toys, bean bags and even a small library- Luciana was in heaven- she was spoilt rotten by the two men. Draco ushered Hermione into the reading room where Harry was sitting on one of the leather couches reading the Daily Prophet. The faces of Ginny and Victor stared right at her, smiling and waving at the cameras. You couldn't help but notice the huge ring on Ginny's finger, glinting away as she waved. Hermione sat and accepted a cup of tea from one of the House elves (Harry and Draco ensured they were well cared for).
"How have you been holding up love?" Harry asked as he set down the paper, he gave Draco a kiss good morning before drinking his own tea. Harry knew his best friend was used to the public discriminating her, Hermione had gone through a lot just because of her friendship with Harry alone. Hermione smiled tiredly and rubber her eyes; "I'm fine Harry, I'm more worried about Luciana getting dragged into this somehow. You know how Skeeter is, always digging for dirt- that woman infuriates me." Draco sniffed in disdain at the mention of Skeeter's name.
"I remember when she tried to get with my Father after Mother passed, I felt like hexing her arse." Harry snorted at Draco's disgusted look, Hermione couldn't help but laugh at that.
"That would have made Lucius thunderous I'm sure"
"Oh it did, I had to put up with his moods for a good three months before Skeeter got the message and left him alone." They talked for a few more minutes before Hermione bid them good-bye, got a kiss from her daughter who appeared in the door-way and stepped into the Floo. Hermione stepped out into the Headmistress' office, Minerva stood and walked around the desk she had been seated at before. The two women embraced; "It's lovely to see you again Hermione", Minerva said warmly. She was proud with the way Hermione had turned out, her star pupil had made a good name for her-self, getting a good job at the Ministry. It was a shame to hear about her divorce with Lucius, despite Minerva's misgivings, Hermione had been happy. Now she looked somewhat strained despite of the bright smile on her face, the new scrutiny she was under was obviously getting to her. "How have you been child?" Hermione sighed and slumped slightly in her seat; "I've been better I guess, but I'll be alright" Minerva nodded, not quite believing her.
"Well remember I'm always here to help in any capacity"
"Thank you Minerva, that means a lot to me"
Hermione straightened up as the fireplace flashed green, and a man stepped into the room. She sucked in a breath as she realized who it was. Long blonde hair swept off his face, tied back by a piece of dark green ribbon. Wearing immaculate black robes, with the Slytherin crest engraved in the buttons. Highly polished boots and a snake-headed cane clasped in gloved hands.
Lucius Malfoy had entered the room, and obviously hadn't noticed Hermione yet.
"Good morning Headmistress, I'm here for the meeting with the Magical Education representative." Minerva looked at him in shock before quickly shaking his hand,
"Yes of course Mr Malfoy, Miss Granger is here as representative"
Lucius snapped his head around and spotted Hermione sitting rigidly in the seat opposite the desk, her hands clenched in her lap. She looks so beautiful he thought, before extending his gloved hand. Cautiously Hermione shook hands with the aristocrat, and couldn't help but feel the warmth of his hand seep from under the gloves he wore. As Minerva instructed Lucius to sit, Hermione caught a whiff of the cologne he was wearing and almost groaned at the smell. It was spicy but fresh at the same time, he smelled wonderful as always. Minerva went over the subjects and roughly the amount of students in each class, she handed both Hermione and Lucius the course outlines as she talked. Hermione sneaked glances at the blonde from under her lashes, his face was set in his normal blank expression, other than the slight purse of his lips, and she couldn't help but wonder what he was thinking. It had been so long since she had been this close to him since the time she ran into in in Flourish and Blotts. The dreams she had of the man rushed back into her head, and Hermione could feel her face heat up at the thought of them.
As if he could sense what she was thinking, Lucius looked up from his paperwork, his lips curved in a smirk. He looked so good in that one moment that she couldn't help but stare. Hermione didn't even bother listening to Minerva until; "Hermione! What do you propose to change with the Muggle Studies course for Sixth and Seventh Year students?" She tore her gaze away from Lucius and flushed, damn him for making me lose concentration! Too good looking for his own good. Hermione answered Minerva's questions and pointed out the faults she believed the current teaching content held, and gave suggestions as to how they could improve it. Lucius was impressed with her ideas, she was well suited to this sort of job, he thought.
"Well it's almost time for lunch, would you like to eat in the Great Hall Mr Malfoy? Miss Granger?" Lucius straightened his work and stood;
"It would be a pleasure Headmistress"
"Hermione?"
Hermione stood herself, shrinking the paper work she held and stored it in her pocket; "That would be wonderful thank you Minerva"
As the three walked down the familiar corridors of Hogwarts, Hermione and Lucius were thinking about the other meetings they would have to have alone, without Minerva being present. Hermione couldn't help feeling excited about this, maybe they could become friends again after all this time. Despite the hints Draco was making about Lucius still loving her, Hermione found that hard to believe. Even so it would be a good opportunity to introduce him to Luciana. Lucius however was forming a plan to get Hermione back as being his wife, and to try and get Hermione to tell Luciana the truth about her Father. Lucius wanted them both in his life, after being alone for so long, surely the Gods would look kindly on him for once.
And there it is! Please please please leave a review! They help me out a lot
DeathBringer159