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CHAPTER 13

"I have friends," Hermione announced randomly a week after our first night together. It was Saturday night and we were in her flat. She'd cooked an incredible Moroccan chicken dish with vegetable couscous, surprising me yet again with another hidden talent.

"Yes, I believe I've met them."

"You met two of them." She pointed her fork at me. "Briefly."

"Ah, yes. But they definitely left a lasting impression."

"Those two usually do. But I do have other friends, and they want to meet you," she said, then added quickly, "Only if you want to. You don't have to. They can wait until you're ready."

"That sounds like a reasonable request," I said. "And — this might come as a surprise to you — but I also have friends, and they would like to meet you."

"You have friends?" She pressed her hand to her chest in a mocking gesture of shock.

"I do. And these friends are like a pack of wolves. Well, their wives are anyway."

"Should I be concerned?"

"No, they'll love you," I assured her. "I just meant they've been on me to find someone since my divorce. And they've been relentless."

"They sound like Pansy and Ginny," she said with a grin.

"Yes, the similarities are numerous."

"So, when do we want to do this?" she asked. "And should we meet with your friends or mine first?"

"Whatever suits your schedule. And since you brought it up, we can meet with your friends first."

"Lucius, you don't have to be so amenable. You can, in fact, make decisions here."

I frowned at her. "I thought that was what I did."

"No," she said with a shake of her head. "You once more allowed my schedule to dictate what we do."

"Hermione, your schedule is quite set, and it's easier for me to adjust to that. I'm not concerned about shifting my life a bit to suit yours. In fact, I'm happy to do it."

"Really? Why?"

"As Draco pointed out to me, I was stuck in a rut, so a shift in my daily nothingness was exactly what I needed," I explained. "And adjusting to your routine isn't a hardship, Hermione, since I do enjoy being with you. Is it such a shock that I would do that for you?"

She shrugged. "It's not expected, that's all. I can be flexible."

"Yes you can be," I said with a smirk and she rolled her eyes.

"And here I was thinking you're all elegant and refined, but you're really just a Neanderthal."

"You'll find most men are when you use terms like flexible," I laughed and began clearing away the plates. "No matter how old we are."

"Maybe I should reassess my opinion of you."

She stood beside me, dish towel in hand, while I filled the sink and the domesticity of the situation hit me again. We'd so long been in a set routine, but the ease with which we'd fallen into this new pattern had been a smooth transition from friends to lovers. Nothing had really changed — with the exception of seeing her naked — and I was glad of it. Aside from our first meeting, nothing had truly been awkward between us, and I wasn't sure how I would have coped if we'd lost the natural ease our friendship had held from the start.

"You don't think I can be immature?"

"Pfft, no. By your own admittance you're a gentleman and old fashioned. Immature is definitely not you."

I flicked some bubbles towards her, making her laugh.

"I know you too well, Lucius Malfoy. You keep flicking bubbles at me and in a minute you'll panic and clean up the mess." she said, shooting me a look that dared me to disagree.

"You're probably correct." I glanced at her chest where the bubbles were slowly vanishing and brushed the rest away with my fingers. She bit her bottom lip as I lowered the zipper on her hoodie. "Just being thorough with my clean up."

Laughing, she slapped my hand away. "Maybe the gentleman thing is just an act and you really are an immature teenager."

"Let me express my most humble apologies, Ms Granger. I meant no disrespect. I shall no longer permit my baser needs to allow me to act in such an ungentlemanly manner."

"Nice recovery." She swatted me with the dish towel. "Maybe I'll keep you around a bit longer."

"I would very much appreciate it."

I returned to my task, ruminating over the fact she did know me so well. I may have grown up with a house full of staff to do every mundane task each day brought with it, but I had discovered over the years I rather enjoyed taking care of myself. I liked my life to be in order, I liked to be neat and tidy, and to have everything in its place. And after spending time in her flat, I knew she was the same. Perhaps it was the reason we were so at ease with each other.

"I think we should meet with your friends first," she said.

"Why is that?"

"You've already met two of my friends, so I think it's only fair that I meet some of yours."

I paused for a second, trying to determine if she was simply attempting to sway me from my earlier sentiments of being happy to adjust to her schedule, but her logic did make sense. Yes, she'd met Draco and Katie, but it was possible she'd considered meeting them to be a different situation since they were family. Meeting friends may have been a more difficult prospect in her mind, and meeting mine first could simply be a case of getting it out of the way.

"If you're sure, Hermione."

"I am," she answered, then lowered her gaze. "And you don't have to change your life for me. I don't expect that."

"And as I said, my life is easy to change." I dipped my head to meet her eyes, curious as to why she was so insistent I not make allowances for her busy life. I hesitated before asking carefully, "Why does it make you so uncomfortable that I want to?"

She shook her head, still not looking at me, "It doesn't. But I can change my schedule as well."

"Not as easily. My work is inside my head, I can take it anywhere with me. You can't." I held my hand up when she began to argue. "Hermione, this isn't worth an argument. We can both be adaptable but it is easier for me, so I'm only too happy to oblige."

She twisted her mouth thoughtfully as she studied my face. My reassurances didn't seem to have convinced her.

"What about this? We can meet my friends when it suits me, and your friends when it suits you," I suggested. "Is that a fair compromise?"

"Yeah," she agreed, slowly nodding her head. "That seems fair."

"Good." I turned to drain the sink and dry my hands.

I was baffled as to why she was so reluctant to allow me to adjust to her schedule. It made more sense for me to do so, and — despite her denial — my offer definitely made her uncomfortable. I had learned quickly that she liked routine, so I would have assumed not breaking that would have delighted her. And while I did like my own routines, I felt zero anxiety in altering any of them to fit with hers. I didn't understand why this was such an issue for her.

Had her arrangement with Charlie been a simple case of routine and therefore no compromises had been required? Ballet was possibly the same; strict with very little room for compromise. Was her reluctance simply a habit? Had she become so accustomed to her life being dictated she assumed she would be the one to have to adjust?

I hoped not.

"So, when can I meet them?" Hermione asked.

"Are you that eager?"

"I actually am. I'm intrigued to know your people. Are they all stiff and proper like you pretend to be, or are they a bit mad?" She looked at me with a mischievous smile. "Plus, I want to know all the stories about you."

"Antonin and Corban are quite charming and polite — rather like me." She poked my ribs, causing me to laugh as I headed for the sofa. "But I'm sure they'll give me up in a second. And their wives, Regina and Lana… well, imagine Pansy and Ginny in twenty years."

"That's a terrifying thought."

I sat on the sofa and she surprised me by climbing over me and straddling my lap.

"There's a whole sofa here," I pointed out, patting the cushion beside me.

"I know," she said, wrapping her hands around the back of my neck. "Why do I always want to be naked when I'm around you?"

I glanced down to where I'd lowered the zipper on her hoodie under the pretence of clearing away the bubbles, "You're not naked right now."

"Yeah, but I want to be." She slipped her fingers into my hair and gently tugged my head back. "And I want you to be naked as well."

"Interesting," I hummed and rubbed my palms along her thighs. "I thought we were discussing dinner with my friends."

"That can wait." She leaned into me, running her nose along my throat. "You smell so good."

And I was done for.

All thoughts of compromise left me, replaced with the single thought of wanting to be inside her.

Groaning, I shifted down the sofa then gripped her hips to pull her closer so she was pressed snugly against me. Her mouth met mine, kissing me soundly, her fingers tugging at my hair as her hips began to roll slowly over me.

"Hermione." I groaned again, slipping my hands beneath her arse and moving to lift her. But she stopped me.

"Stay right there, mister."

"We can't. Not out here."

"Yes we can," she corrected and leaned over to pull the drawer open on the side table.

"Pansy or Ginny?" I asked when she held up the small, square packet.

"Pansy," she answered. "I think every drawer in my flat has a few thrown into it. Just in case, were her words."

"That was very thoughtful of her."

She tucked it into the front pocket of my shirt and went to work on my belt, flipping it open then tugging my zip down. Her fingers teased me through my boxers and she grinned cheekily at me.

"Yes, it was very thoughtful indeed."

"I have something for you," I said as we paused at the top of the hallway stairs. We'd spent another lazy Sunday morning together and now she was headed out for lunch with Pansy and Ginny.

"Ooh," she gasped and patted her hands together. "I like somethings."

I held up the brass key ring I had found in the antique shop, the key to my flat was now hanging from it.

"Now that I know you're not a creepy stalker…"

"Lucius, really?"

I nodded. "You're welcome in my home, Hermione, at any time."

"Lucius, I honestly don't know what to say. I was only joking about you giving me a key."

"Perhaps. But now you have it." I touched her hand, still holding the key. "And I want you to use it."

"This is really sweet. Thank you." She took the key from me and ran her thumb over the books. "I promise to only use it when you're home."

"I honestly would not be concerned if I came home and found you on my sofa."

"You say that now, but I don't imagine you're quite ready for me to be permanently in your space unsupervised."

"You're there often enough, and I've seen your place so I trust you completely in mine."

She looked at the key and then back up at me. "Thank you."

I leaned in, whispering you're welcome against her lips. Her hand went to the back of my neck and held me in place, and the kiss I had meant to be simple and sweet heated and became more in just a few moments.

"Pansy and Ginny will be waiting for you," I murmured as I traced my lips across her cheek.

"I know," she said with no small amount of reluctance. "But I feel like I should thank you properly for this."

I laughed and lifted my head. "You've thanked me enough already. Go meet the girls, I'll be right here when you get back."

"Fine," she huffed and dropped the key into her bag. "I'm not sure how long I'll be. They both know something more has happened between us, so it'll be like the Spanish Inquisition."

"Be sure to paint me in a good light."

"I'll have nothing but the highest of praise for you." She shrugged. "It'll make them both jealous."

"I'm so pleased I can be of such convenient use to your exaggerations."

She wrapped her arms around me, dropping her hands to my arse and squeezing. "I assure you, Lucius Malfoy, there will be no exaggeration needed."

"My ego thanks you." I puffed out my chest comically and she laughed.

"What will you do while I'm off bragging about you?"

"I have a few words rattling around in my head, so I'll write those down," I told her. "And, depending on how long the bragging takes you, I might make some tea and sit out in the garden and read a bit."

"You live quite the life, you know?"

"I have air in my lungs, clothes on my back, and a gorgeous woman who does all manner of things to me. I need little else."

"Hmm, this woman sounds perfect," she smiled teasingly at me.

"Oh, she really is."

Hermione laughed again then kissed me quickly. "I really need to go."

"You do," I agreed and stepped out of her embrace. "Say hello to the girls for me."

"I will," she assured me. "I'm sure they'll be unbearable. Well, more so than usual."

I kissed her again and watched as she bounced down the stairs, shaking my head and laughing at the delight of her.

"Gah-pa!" Scorpius greeted me when I opened the door. "Where Nee?"

"That crown has slipped." Draco snorted a laugh and slapped me on the shoulder. "Nee is all he talks about."

Katie followed them inside and kissed my cheek. "He still loves you though."

"Yeah, yeah," I muttered, knowing my favourite person crown was definitely lost. But I also took great pleasure in knowing my ex-wife would be horrified at the fact her grandson was besotted with the new woman in my life.

"Nee no here?" Scorpius held his little hands up.

"No," I told him. "But she'll be here very soon."

He toddled over to the window and stood on his toes to peer out. "See?"

Draco lifted him to stand on the wide window ledge and asked, "Can you see her?"

Scorpius pressed his face against the glass then shook his head. "No Nee."

"Grandpa said she'll be here soon," Draco explained. "Maybe we could get the trains out and Nee can play with you when she gets here."

"Yay!" Scorpius exclaimed and clapped his hands. "Trains!"

The two of them upended the basket and began assembling the tracks while I helped Katie make coffee.

"Things have moved along then?" she asked. "With Hermione?"

"Yes. Things have definitely moved along."

She smiled brightly at me. "I'm so happy for you, Lucius. You deserve someone special."

"I'm not sure deserve is the correct word, but she definitely is someone special."

"Lucius, you do deserve her. You deserve to be happy and I can see she's done that for you."

"Also," Draco called. "The new look is interesting. Did you do that to please her?"

I touched my hair, which I'd left in a knot on my crown. Since Hermione had mentioned she liked my hair this way, I'd been experimenting and had discovered that I didn't spend half the day flicking it out of my face when I wore it in this manner.

"She may have been responsible for this new look."

"Well, I like it," Katie said. "Not many men can get away with this, but you can. And I'm sure if you added your glasses…"

"Are you hitting on him?" Draco sat up and raised an eyebrow at Katie, who slipped her arm around my back and grinned at her husband.

"Get yourself some glasses and maybe I'll leave him alone."

I hugged my daughter-in-law and smirked at my son. He had no reason to be jealous, but I was rather enjoying the expression on his face.

"You encouraged this, Draco. You told me to get out of the rut I'd fallen into."

"Yeah, but I didn't mean for you to turn into some gigolo and turn my own wife against me."

Katie laughed and returned my hug. "I think you're safe, babe. His heart is already taken."

She picked up one coffee mug and Scorpius' sippy cup and made her way to the sofa. I followed, handing Draco his coffee then sat in the armchair.

"Yes, I will quite happily admit my heart is well and truly taken."

"This is a good thing, Father. Katie is right, you deserve to be happy."

"It's quite interesting," I admitted. "Feeling this way about someone else. I honestly didn't think it was possible."

"So, you're happy you took that leap then?" Katie asked.

"Absolutely. And it wasn't nearly as terrifying as I thought. Hermione has been incredibly patient and thoughtful, and while we come from two completely different worlds, everything just seems to click."

"Nee?" Scorpius asked at the mention of her name.

I glanced at the clock; it was almost 4pm. I had expected her lunch to be longer than usual, but the interrogation from her friends must have been more in depth than she'd assumed.

"She won't be much longer," I told him, hoping that it was true or we'd have a very disappointed two-and-a-half-year-old.

But fortunately my grandson didn't have to wait. The key I'd given her earlier sounded in the lock and she called out, "Honey, I'm home! I hope you're naked!"

She didn't have time to be embarrassed; Scorpius' excited squeal startled her as she came into the living room. He raced towards her, crashing into her legs and squealing again when she lifted him from the floor.

"Hello, my little friend," she greeted as he flung his little arms around her neck and hugged her tightly.

"Nee here!"

"Nee is here," she said. "And Nee would like to apologise for the naked comment."

"No need to apologise," Draco said with a flippant wave of his hand. "I'm pleased that my father is now a participant rather than a spectator to the vocals."

"And now I feel I should apologise for my son." I shot Draco a stern look.

"I guess I shouldn't be embarrassed," Hermione said as she lowered Scorpius to the floor and leaned down to kiss me. "I mean, Lord knows what you told them before you became a participant."

"Gah-pa kiss Nee?" Scorpius was frowning at us.

"Oh!" Hermione exclaimed and squatted down beside him. "Can Gah-pa kiss me?"

He looked between us and I almost laughed at the serious expression on his little face.

"Scor kiss Nee?"

"Of course you can, baby," Hermione said and leaned her cheek towards him, allowing him to kiss her, then he scrambled onto my lap and kissed my cheek.

"Scor kiss Gah-pa too."

I ruffled his hair and set him back on the floor to play with his trains.

"How was lunch?"

Hermione flopped into the other armchair and rolled her eyes. "The Spanish Inquisition had nothing on those two." She turned her attention to Draco and Katie. "Apparently my two best friends are younger versions of…" she trailed off and looked at me.

"Regina and Lana," I finished for her and Draco and Katie both laughed.

"I'm surprised you're back so soon then," Katie said. "You haven't met Regina and Lana yet?"

"No, we're working on the logistics of that now," Hermione told them but didn't look at me.

"Logistics?" Draco asked. "Why is that a problem? Father has no life. He can meet with them whenever it suits you."

I didn't want to gloat, but my son had proven my point.

"Yes, we discussed that already," Hermione said. "But my friends want to meet him as well, so I believe in being fair to each other's schedules."

"What schedule?" Draco laughed. "He makes up shit for a living. There's no schedule for that."

Hermione reached for my coffee and took a sip of the black brew, wincing at the bitter taste.

"Did you put them up to this?" she asked with a tinge of anger.

"No, I did not," I replied with the same terseness.

"Did we cause a problem?" Katie asked, wincing at the small exchange between us.

"It's fine," Hermione said. "We're both just being stubborn."

"I'm glad my father has met someone who is just like him," Draco chuckled. "But if you want my advice, walk all over him every time you get the chance."

"That's not how I am, Draco," Hermione said. "My schedule shouldn't dictate our entire relationship. I should accommodate Lucius as much as he does me."

He held his hand up in surrender. "I'm not taking sides here."

"You'll figure it out, I'm sure," Katie interjected. "And whenever you meet them, Lucius' friends will love you."

"I'm just not sure your friends will like him," Draco joked.

"He's already met two of them and definitely has their approval," Hermione told them, then smiled. "You two should meet my friends as well. If you wanted to, that is."

"We'd love to. We don't get to go out much with a two-year-old," Katie answered enthusiastically. "If that's okay with you, Lucius."

"Of course," I said, actually liking the idea. I knew Hermione would be perfectly fine with my friends, but I was nervous about meeting hers since they were all much younger than I was. "Maybe next weekend, if your parents are available to watch Scorpius and Hermione's friends are all free."

"I'm sure it will be fine." She patted her hands together. "I'm a little excited about this."

Draco leaned over and kissed her cheek. "I love how excited you get over the little things."

"Next weekend?" Hermione whispered while Katie and Draco were distracted.

I nodded. "If it suits. We can meet with mine on Tuesday. I was going to ask later, but since it came up…"

She smiled and handed me back my now half-drunk coffee. "I like that you made plans without checking with me. That's what I wanted you to do."

"And you need to do the same."

She reached for my hand, still smiling as she linked our fingers. I winked at her and lifted our joined hands to my lips.

"No!" Scorpius cried, tossing his train aside and stomping over to me, wrenching our hands apart. "Scor kiss Nee!"

I lifted my grandson to my lap and pointed my finger at him. "You might be adorable but I'm telling you mister, I'm not sharing her with you."