3/3 for today and THE Confrontation with Lucy!

Sunday, July 26, 1998

Sunday was family dinner, and Narcissa was adamant that all three of them attended. Hermione was able to walk for short distances, but her muscles tired out quickly. Sitting around the table with Andromeda, Remus, Teddy, Harry,, and Narcissa felt more than a little like being with her extended family, if she'd ever really known them. The laughter was abundant and all of them fawned over Teddy.

After they'd eaten, Hermione looked at the group. "I'd like to confront him," she said softly.

"What was that, dear?" Narcissa asked absentmindedly as she wiped Teddy's mouth.

"I want to confront Lucius. I want him to see that he cannot break us, no matter what. I want to show him that he failed," she added firmly.

Everyone around the table sat in awkward silence for a few moments. "I'm not sure if that's the best idea, Hermione," Remus said quietly.

"Why?" Hermione asked, crossing her arms. "He thinks he's won, and I will not have that. I'm smarter and more resilient than him. I won't even let him say anything. He just needs to see that he failed."

Theo and Draco looked like they were going to argue with her, so she turned to them with a frown. "Don't even pretend that you're not itching to take him down. Because we're all Order Members, we can't do anything to him as criminal punishment, but as Malfoy Matriarch and Patriarch there is a lot we can do…"

She watched Draco gulp and adjust himself in the chair. Theo smirked at her and bit his lip. "Wouldn't dream of questioning you, love," Theo said smoothly. Draco just nodded and stared at her with starry eyes.

Shortly after all of the dinner attendees, with the exception of Teddy, were standing outside of Lucius' room staring through the Charmed two way mirror. Hermione had allowed Theo to carry her there to preserve her strength, and he'd run his nose up her neck, making her shiver. Draco was trailing behind them, still looking a bit star struck.

She pulled Draco in so she could discuss with them. "Alright," she said primly, still nestled in Theo's arms. "We'll walk in there, Draco first, then Theo, then me. Whatever I say, you have to back me up, and Draco you need to wipe that look off your face, act like the bloody Patriarch. I'll make sure you get your rocks off to my bossiness when we're home."

Draco nodded and smirked. She watched as he put up his Occlumency shields and became Patriarch Malfoy. He stood straighter and his mouth curved downwards in disappointment. The three of them moved to the doorway, and Theo set her down.

"I'm ready," she whispered past the bubble of excitement in her chest.

Draco opened the door and strode in, Theo quickly behind him. They stood in front of the doorway, blocking her entrance. She cleared her throat and they stepped to the sides. Hermione took so much pleasure at how his face went from bored indifference to surprise then quickly blanked.

"Good evening, Lucius," Hermione purred. "I'm so glad you're sitting for this. You seemed to be under some misinformation about the nature of Muggleborns and Malfoys for that matter."

"You see, Lucius," Draco said, sternly, "you've decided to mess with the wrong Triad. Did you really think you knew better?"

Theo laughed, "We're a Soul-bonded Triad. I know you've heard the stories about what happens when one of the Triad dies before their time…"

Lucius' eyes darted between them. "In fact," Hermione continued, "you've decided to make an enemy of House Malfoy, House Nott, House Potter, House Prewitt, House Crouch, House Weasley, and House Black."

"As Malfoy Patriarch, I strike you from the Family. You are no longer a Malfoy. You will no longer be recognized by Society," Draco said formally.

"As Matriarch, I advise you to come up with a clever backstory as Lucius Malfoy is no more," Hermione watched as the Malfoy Magic drained out of him. It was like watching him fold in on himself. He was still there and he was still magical, but he was no longer a Malfoy. "I'd recommend that you keep your deal with the Order, as we've kept ours. You will receive no further Order Discipline, except for House Arrest."

"You might want to look into finding a house though," Theo said, looking down his nose at Lucius. "The Market here in Britain has surely skyrocketed in the past few years, especially for someone with not a single knut to their name."

"You'll regret this," Lucius grit out.

"I'd be very careful what you say to your betters," Draco sneered, "now if you'll excuse us, we don't associate with nameless wizards."

They turned and Draco put his arm on the base of Hermione's spine and ushered her out, followed by Theo who shut the door firmly behind them. Before she could even say anything, Draco had her pushed against the door and was kissing her ravenously.

"Fuck," he muttered against her lips, "that was so fucking hot, did you feel the flare of Magic?"

Hermione groaned as he began sucking at her pulse point. Theo took the opportunity to pull her in for a kiss, while Draco ground against her. They heard a small cough behind them.

"I know that you have to celebrate," Remus said, not making eye contact, "but er- the rest of the group would like to congratulate you in the living room.

Draco groaned and set Hermione down gently. "Fucking cockblocks," he muttered and grabbed her hand.

"We'll stay for an hour, tops," Theo said with a smirk.

Don't worry, that won't be the end of his suffering! Muahahahaha!

Thanks for reading! Let me know what you think or if you have any thoughts about what might happen next!