The Dinner
It was the night he waited for. The night he'd bless a muggleborn girl with a chance to marry into his family.
Lucius paced around the fireplace, thinking of who was on her way thanks to a carriage she is to meet in a location, with the coordinates he placed in his response to her agreeing to come.
It was odd, in his mind, that he was excited. This girl is too young for him, and of a different background, yet he felt as excited as he did as a youth.
She's coming... she's coming... she's mine. Hermione Granger will be mine. He thought with a smile on his face.
As much as he didn't want to admit it, he found her attractive the more he thought of making her his wife. He had to overlook her blood status thanks to the law she ironically supported, thus making it almost punishment for both. Still, her looks, brains and will would do well for a Malfoy.
As he paced, he took notice of a painting of his deceased wife on the wall and felt himself go cold.
He momentarily felt awful, realizing he was excited at the idea of replacing her before shaking his head. He reminded himself this was to ensure the future of his family. Besides, the children she gives him could marry into pureblood families, thus weakening the dirtiness of their mother's blood.
"This is all so the family can live... I assure you..." He said to the painting before he took a deep breath and turned away. "Besides, as much as I would love to... I cannot use the Time Turner."
He had a Time Turner, an object that can rewind time, in his collection. However, he never used it, not even when he served Voldemort. He knew the risks of time travel, going further than what was allowed. The Time-Turner he owned was more powerful than others, one he intended to someday save his master until Voldemort began to mistreat him.
As he took solace in that, he began to recall something else.
He went to his desk and pulled the drawers. There, he saw something that was sent to him from the corpse of the man who killed his wife and son.
A broken piece of some kind of pendant, one that looked remarkably familiar.
Where have I seen it before? He thought.
His thoughts were cut off when he heard the sound of horse hooves from afar. He looked up and smiled.
"Well, it seems she made it to the designated spot I instructed." He said.
He gave Hermione coordinates for where a carriage would pick her up, as he can't trust her with the means to come to the manor so quickly on her own. And now she's arrived for their dinner.
As the sun set, the grand manor house was now with a carriage pulling up the driveway.
Lucius Malfoy, a wealthy and powerful wizard, has been eagerly waiting for someone special to arrive. He has an important proposition to make to her. Lucius wants Hermione to marry him, as a replacement for his deceased wife, and to have a child or two, to grant him an heir in place of his deceased son.
Outside the manor
The carriage stops and a young woman steps out. It is Hermione Granger, dressed in muggle attire - jeans, tennis shoes, and a long-sleeved top. She looks hesitant as she looks at the grand manor in front of her.
She had met at the designated spot the carriage would meet her to take her to the manor, as she figured Lucius wanted her to come alone and he assured her no harm would befall her or anyone else if she did as ordered.
Hermione Granger, one of the brightest minds of her generation, has accepted an invitation by Lucius Malfoy to his manor. I'm such a genius. She thought in sarcasm.
That's when the doors opened. Out came the man who has every intent to be her husband. Lucius walks towards Hermione, a smile on his face. There he was, in elegant wizarding robes befitting a Malfoy. Even in the privacy of his home, he dressed like an elitist to flaunt his so-called superiority.
"Hermione, my dear, it's so good to see you." He said before realizing what she's wearing. Lucius' expression falls, clearly disappointed by her attire.
Hermione remains quiet and looks at him with a stern expression.
Lucius' smile falters, he's aware this girl still hates him for his deeds, both past and present, though he couldn't blame her. Still, as a Malfoy, he wants the absolute best and she is the absolute best muggleborn he could hope for.
"Please, come in. I have been waiting for this day to arrive." He said, offering his hand.
Hermione eyed it suspiciously and with disapproval. She did not want to hold hands with him, much less kiss him or to be made love to by him.
"Mr. Malf-"
"Lucius." He interrupted her. "We are going to be husband and wife no matter what, I believe first names are in order."
Hermione's lips pressed inward, making her mouth look almost like a slit. She did not want to be on first name basis with him, but knew she had to get on his good side if he were to agree to her terms.
"Okay... Lucius." She said, feeling unsure on using his first name. "Anyway, I do not th-"
"You are to be the lady of this house, but for now, you are my guest... and a guest should at least take their host's hand when offered." Lucius said to her, smiling despite sounding like an order.
Hermione did not like that tone, yet knew his point. Upon taking his hand, Hermione follows him into the manor, still looking hesitant.
At least it's gloved. She thought.
"Good girl." He said to her, making her cross that he was comparing her to a dog.
Together, they entered.
Inside Malfoy Manor
Hermione walked with Lucius, seeing for herself the inside of the manor.
Memories of the last time she was here filled her mind. Thoughts of fear, pain and misery filled her as she closed her eyes, trying to shut them out.
"Are you alright?" Lucius asks when he stops.
Hermione opens them, seeing her look at her with what she assumed was concern. It looked more like he was asking if she were mildly uncomfortable than having flashbacks to such a terrifying experience.
"No." She said seriously.
Lucius didn't seem to have any emotion reaction before he nodded.
"Understandable. There would be something wrong if you were, given what happened the last time you were here..." He said in a matter-of-fact tone as he continued.
As that went on, Hermione paid attention to the area, noticing how clean and well built the area was.
"How soon did repairs come to the house after... the incident?" She asks, knowing what she meant by the incident.
"They finished roughly days before I came to see you." Lucius said flatly.
"I see..." Hermione said, keeping her eyes down to the floor.
Lucius looked over his shoulder, seeing how she seemed to not want to be there. Part of him couldn't blame her. The other part wanted her to be more comfortable, as she was the one he selected to bring his ministry required mixed heirs into the world as he had no time or patience for paperwork to find a pureblood who would overlook his past allegiances.
"I... hope you'll like it here." He said, getting her attention. "The manor will be your home once we wed."
"I figured as much..." Hermione said in a low voice, knowing she's going to live her should she be his wife.
"I suspect you have some... questions about this manor you wish to ask. But for now, let us eat." Lucius said before looking back ahead, almost as if he wants to avoid hearing what she has to say so soon.
"Of course..." Hermione said with a slight glare.
They enter a grand dining room, with a beautifully set table in the center.
"Please, have a seat." He instructed as he let her hand go.
"Fine." Hermione said.
Hermione sits at one end of the table, while Lucius sits at the other.
Hermione remained being 10 ft away from Lucius as a house elf arrives. He whispers his order as the elf nodded and walked away.
Once it was just them again, Lucius decided to voice his thoughts on what she wore.
"I must say, I had expected you to wear something more... appropriate for this occasion." He said, making it somewhat clear he did not like seeing her wear something so casual or muggle.
Hermione looks at him with a hint of annoyance.
"I wanted to remind you who you are trying to manipulate into marriage, Mr. Malfoy. Oh, I'm sorry, Lucius." Hermione went, the "I'm sorry" was said with sarcasm.
Lucius looks taken aback but quickly recovers.
"Of course, my dear. I apologize for my comment." He said with a nod.
"Oh, but forgive me for not noticing earlier. Lucius, I see you're dressed to impress." Hermione said sarcastically, gesturing to his own clothes. "Enough to distract me from how you're threatening to put my family out of business." Her sarcasm almost venomous.
Lucius' smile falters, realizing that Hermione is not here to be seduced.
It's not like I expected her to marry me and sleep in my bed right away... He thought.
Lucius quietly regained his composure. He shouldn't lose his temper, given this girl was his best change at saving his family despite what she was.
"I thought we could have a nice dinner together, get to know each other a little better." He said.
Hermione was smirking, but it was clearly not a sincere one.
"Oh, I think I know you well enough, Lucius." She said, having become too comfortable in using his name already.
"What do you mean?" Lucius asks while taken aback.
"Let's not pretend that you're asking me to marry you out of love." Hermione said with a serious tone. "You need someone to bear you an heir, and I just happen to be the most suitable candidate."
Lucius stared at her, anger filled him alongside a hint of interest. She had a ferocity in her, taking advantage of his promise no harm would befall her, yet part of him admired that. He didn't want a girl who would cave, he needed someone brave and smart and she was already proving herself worthy despite clearly not wanting to be.
A bell rang, indicating it was.
"Dinner." The elf who served him said as the other house elves arrive with dishes.
As they begin their dinner, it is clear that there is tension between them. Hermione remains distant and unapproachable. She barely said a word since their food was served for the first course of this three course dinner. There was a noticeable distance between them, something Lucius needed to have closed if they were to have any progress.
"Please, join me here. We shouldn't be this distant on our first date." Lucius said, motioning to the seat next to his. Hermione stays put in her seat. "Please?"
"Let's not forget that this is not a real date. This is a business proposition, albeit one that involves rings, letting you put other human beings inside me and throwing away my life." Hermione stated flatly.
There was that Gryffindor pride of hers. Even after going back to school and graduating, she still had it. Lucius tried to hide his displeasure with a smile.
"You don't have to be so distant, Hermione. We could already be family." He said softly.
Hermione chuckled with sarcasm.
"This is still our first date as you put it, Lucius. Let's not get too intimate yet." She said with a hint of rejection behind her smile.
Lucius is clearly annoyed by Hermione's attitude, but then he comes up with an idea.
"So, how is your work going? I've heard you've made quite an impact at the Ministry." He said.
Hermione's expression softens, surprised to hear that he held interest in her career choice.
"You really want to know?" She asks.
"Well, as your future husband, I must be... aware of your goals. It was the same with Narcissa." Lucius said.
"That so?" Hermione asks.
"Well, I did say being muggleborn was the only thing that kept you from being the ideal Malfoy bride..." Lucius said before seeing the crossed look on her face from the casual insult. "Oh... umm... no offense." He went with an awkward look on his face.
"Some taken..." Hermione said before huffing. "Well... Well, I am currently working on a research paper on the history of magical plants. I have made some significant progress. I was researching the kinds of ways they can be used to cure various illnesses, including some modern muggle science can't cure even with magic we have now."
"That so? Lucius asks.
As she starts to talk about her research and achievements, she found herself actually opening up to him.
The second course came as they continue to talk, the tension between them starts to lessen.
Hermione talked about her goals of making things easier for muggleborns such as herself, wanting a position in power. Lucius, despite the bigotry he did his best not to let enter the conversation, admired her desire for a higher status. It also went into her studies from Hogwarts, explaining her love for learning was something she had even before she found out she's a witch.
She brought up the possibility she may be descended from a squib, though she believes that might just be a theory. Lucius admitted there is some possibility, mostly to make the idea of marrying her easier to swallow, as it could mean she's had magical ancestry that woke in her, like ancestral genes. The only Granger they knew of in the magical community was the late Hector Dagworth-Granger, but he had no known children, much less squib children. But even then, a hypothetical squib is unlikely as his name would imply he could've been a halfblood and the Granger half was a muggle.
As the third course finished, Hermione realizes she had been conversing greatly with a man she hated that she had to marry, and that she wasn't hating it. Intrigued, Hermione started to open up and ask questions about Lucius' life. Lucius himself seemed reluctant until Hermione, wanting to learn more, got up and sat closer, halfway at the table. It wasn't as close as Lucius hoped, but it sufficed.
He explained that he was the son of Abraxas Malfoy and that he met Narcissa during his own time in Hogwarts. His father died long before Draco was born due to Dragon Pox, knowing he would not approve of Hermione being here, much less what they were to do together. He brought up the rumor Abraxas might have cause the first muggleborn to serve in office to retire prematurely, but nothing was proven of this. However, to Hermione's own surprise, he did not know his mother, believing she died or left after his birth as he had no siblings, furthering his need to father new children.
Despite learning this, Hermione hung on to every word, learning more about this man she must wed with some intrigue.
"I can't believe I'm actually enjoying talking to you, Lucius." She said in surprise.
"Perhaps we're not so different after all." Lucius said while smiling.
Hermione pulled back, realizing she's getting too comfortable being around him. Clearing his throat, she saw her food back at her end and returned to it. Lucius's smile falters, realizing a small part of her enjoying his company wasn't enough to win her over.
She decided to change the subject to what was going on in the present.
"This food is amazing. You have the best house-elves as chefs in the wizarding world." She said.
Lucius laughs at her attempt to lighten things.
"Thank you, Hermione. I'm glad you're enjoying it. And I see you've given up freeing them from your... uh... SPIT movement." Lucius said with an amused tone.
Hermione glared at him, recognizing he's making fun of her movement.
"It's SPEW, and it's not so much that I gave up as I realized I went about it the wrong way. I can't make them want freedom... but that doesn't mean I gave up giving them better treatment... even from you." Hermione said with some snide in her voice.
Lucius took in some air, knowing he's going to have an uphill battle with his new wife.
As silence came between them, Hermione took notice that the meal was over. However, she knew the night was far from over.
"I... apologize for my mockery." He said.
"I understand." Hermione said, not fully believing him.
"I understand your hesitation and reluctance, Hermione. But I must admit, I am truly curious about your work and your progress. As my wife, I want to make sure you are successful since you'll be marrying into the Malfoy family." Lucius said.
Hermione chose not to speak of that part as she looked around inside the dining room she was in and the house it's built in.
"I must say, this place is quite an impressive dining room. I never saw it before. The last time I was here, it was as a prisoner of war." She said.
Lucius' expression softens as he remembers that time.
"Yes, I remember. I am sorry for everything that happened." He said.
"Are you?" Hermione asks with eyebrow raised.
Lucius breathed out his nose.
"I will admit... I am still very much a pureblood supremacist. I cannot deny that you are the kind of person I look down on, but for the fate of my family, and I don't have any patience to go through the paperwork for a woman who will turn me down for my... actions. But, you are not only smart, you are well respected. As such, I am willing to overlook your... background... for the sake of my heirs." Lucius said with a serious look on his face.
Hermione took in a breath as she looked up at the ceiling before deciding to speak up.
"If I am to spend the rest of my life here, or at least until I provide you with an heir, I might as well get to know the place." She said suddenly.
Lucius raised an eyebrow.
"That so?" Lucius asks.
Although wishing to just get it over with, she decided to appeal to him further.
Could you give me a proper tour of the manor? The last time I was here, I was a prisoner of war. And if I'm going to spend the rest of my life here, I might as well get to know the place." Hermione went with a smile.
Lucius' face lights up with a genuine smile as he got up.
"I would be delighted to have the elves show you around, Hermione." He said as he was about to call for an elf to do the deed.
"Actually..." Hermione went, getting his attention. "As you are to be my..." She took in a breath for what she was about to say. "... husband, I feel like that should be your duty. You've lived here your whole life, so I feel like you are best qualified to tell me how wonderful this manor is." She said.
Hearing that caused Lucius to nod.
"Of course, my dear. I would be more than happy to give you a proper tour of the manor." He said as he walked around and offered his hand.
Hermione looked at it a moment before knowing it was time. She took his hand.
In the halls of Malfoy Manor
Hermione felt herself cold, not from temperature.
She hadn't stepped foot in the luxurious mansion since the war had ended, and even then, she had been a prisoner of the Malfoy family. But now, she was here as a potential bride.
Her family's dental business was on the brink of destruction because this man and the only way to save it was for Hermione to accept a marriage proposal from none other than Lucius Malfoy. It was a bitter pill to swallow, but she knew she had to do it for her family's sake and to use his money to help others, like the Weasleys.
The Weasleys, a family she genuinely wanted to marry into. She has to push that thought out during her tour as she learned more about its history.
As she followed Lucius through the winding halls of the manor, she couldn't help but notice the beautiful architecture and the intricate details of the decorations. It was clear that this was a place full of history and tradition. But as much as she admired the manor, she couldn't shake off the fact that she was about to marry a man who had been her enemy for so long.
As they walked, Lucius spoke fondly of his time in the manor, how it had been passed down through generations of the Malfoy family. Hermione couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness as she thought about her own family's struggles. She knew if she said no, they'd lose their business and then their house. THat got her thinking.
"May I ask something, Lucius?" She asks.
"Yes?" He asks.
"Have you ever thought what would you do if... you were to lose the manor?" Hermione asks.
Lucius stops, much to her surprise. In a moment, he turned around and looked to her seriously.
"I am forced to compromise to have my pure blood tainted with dirty blood, even if the carrier of that blood is as pretty as you. My house, however, is not to be lost. This is one tradition I shall not give up." He said in a determined voice.
"You'll do anything to save the home you grew up in?" Hermione asks.
"Yes." Lucius said.
"So would I." Hermione said seriously.
Lucius looked at her with an eyebrow raised before nodding and moving on with the tour.
He then led her to his private study, where she was amazed by what she saw.
"Welcome to my abode, Miss Granger. I hope you enjoy your tour." Lucius said proudly.
There, she saw a huge room where the walls from left to right had a vast collection of books.
"Are...are they all magic?" Hermione asks in awe.
Lucius smiled in interest. He knew about her love for learning even before he decided to make her his bride, and figured this would get her interest.
"Even dark magic. Information that Hogwarts wouldn't allow." Lucius explained to her.
"I have to say, I'm quite impressed with your collection." Hermione said with a big smile, genuinely intrigued with what they have.
"Ah, but you haven't seen everything yet." Lucius said as he motioned for her to follow.
Hermione and Lucius were walking through the house, coming towards a different room. Once the door was opened, they led to the manor's own library. A library that was almost as big as Hogwarts' and more than likely with books they wouldn't allow. Suddenly, Hermione's eyes widened as she was admiring the many books on magic.
"Amazing... the things I could learn about..." She said in awe.
"The dark arts have always intrigued you, haven't they?" Lucius asks, having noticed her interest.
Hearing him say that, Hermione was hesitant to speak up.
"I mean, I've always been interested in studying all forms of magic, but I do have my reservations about the dark arts."
Hearing that caused Lucius to start smiling.
"Once you become my wife, you can read whatever you want. I have no secrets from you." He said.
Hermione's expression changes to one of concern, but Lucius doesn't seem to notice.
I can't believe he's trying to bribe me with books. But I know I couldn't let myself be swayed by his attempts. She thought.
"You would let someone like me read knowledge about the Death Eaters?" She asks.
Lucius let his breath out, knowing she's not ignoring that.
"I will have no choice. Once I have you as my wife, you would be allowed to know." He said.
Hermione took in a breath. She did not like how he said that.
"So, Lucius, how did you end up as a Death Eater and come to hate people of my background?" She asks.
"It's not that important. But it's all in the past now." He dismissed quickly.
"Is it?" Hermione asks as she raised an eyebrow. "Because you have a Dark Mark on your arm and a history of supporting Voldemort. How can I trust you?"
"Right... I still have that." Lucius said, clutching the arm with the mark and looking rather upset to be reminded of it. "Marrying me means marrying a man who has murdered many of your kind..."
His voice had a dark tone to it, almost regretful.
"And... you are proud of it? Or have you seen the light?" Hermione questioned, her features showing anger.
"Make no mistake, I am still at heart a pureblood supremacist... it's just that I have come to see serving Voldemort was the wrong way. I do not intend to kill any muggleborns anymore... but I only seek marriage to continue my bloodline, it's just that I'm finding things that help me overlook our blood." Lucius stated with a flat tone.
Hermione's glare intensified upon hearing that.
"Is that so? That helps you feel better about having halfblood children with me?" Hermione asks.
"Half a Malfoy is better than none..." Lucius stated.
"I beg to differ!" Hermione shouted, fists balled up in anger. "Considering I am reminded of past biases and prejudice, why exactly should I even consider marrying you and being the one to bring you your halfblood offspring?!" She questioned angrily.
To her surprise, Lucius smirked at her. It seems riling her up made her more alluring to him.
"Oh, I think you will. You see, I have something that you desire." He said in a easing tone, if that was even possible for him.
"And what is that?" Hermione questioned.
"That same thing you feel that I feel... physical and mental attraction." Lucius whispered.
Hermione shuddered.
"I do not have any sort of attracting to you!" Hermione shouted.
"We both know that is a lie... I've seen the look on your face all night." Lucius said as he got closer and held her by her shoulders.
"I'm here to save my family and use your money for good reasons." Hermione said.
"I see... well... I think it's time we discussed our future together. I need you, Hermione, to give me heirs and continue my family's legacy." Lucius said, inching closer as if to kiss her.
Hermione pulled out of his hands, holding her arms up as a small defense.
"I'm sorry for your loss, but I cannot forget who you are or what you've done, much less what you're doing to my parents." She stated with a glare.
"Of course, Hermione. But I need you. And I am willing to give you anything you desire in return." Lucius said.
"I desire to not marry you, but I know I have no choice in that matter..." Hermione said with a disdain glare in her eyes.
Lucius takes a deep breath as he stepped back.
"I have made it clear that I will have you as my wife, but I want you to say it, Hermione. I want you to say that you will give in willingly." He said.
Hermione pauses, knowing she has to remind herself of what to say.
"Can I at least have a moment to myself to think?" She asks.
Lucius began smirking, seeing she was giving in.
"Of course, my dear. I will meet you in the living room, the one our children will play in." He said before nodding and walking away.
Once he was gone, Hermione took a breath.
"Okay... now... let's remind ourselves what I practiced... what I have to say." She said to herself as she mentally prepared herself.
10 minutes later
A lavish fireplace crackles near the center of the room, barely illuminating the grand décor of the wealthy living room. Lucius sits on an imposing chair with his long elegant robes flowing down his body. He looks away from the fire and to Hermione, who stands before him in a pair of muggle jeans and a long-sleeved shirt. There was no better way to contrast these two outside and show what worlds and lives they come from and lead. He looks out Hermione without leaving a hint of emotion.
"Have you made up your mind?" He asks, expecting her to say yes right away.
Hermione stares at him angrily, her voice full of contempt.
"You know I will always despise you." She said with a low voice.
"Perhaps? But as you said, love is not part of this." Lucius said dismissively with shrug.
"You know, I will never forgive you." Hermione reminded him.
"Perhaps... perhaps not. As you said, this is a business decision in many ways, not a union of love. Now, what is it you want so that we can speed this up?" Lucius asks with no patience.
"Very well. Here are my terms." Hermione said before taking a breath. "This is the first thing I want to establish if I am to be used as a bloody glorified incubator for you. You will never call me a mudblood and will drop the word entirely. I don't want our children to learn it, especially from the man I reluctantly call their father." She responded, knowing that her children should not inherit any of his worst qualities.
Lucius takes a deep breath, knowing he's already compromised much.
"Is that really important?" He asks, thinking it wasn't a big deal.
"No more using that word, a word my children will never use or hear in this house. From either of us." Hermione insisted.
Lucius nodded before he then reveals his condition.
"Agreed, on one condition: You will have my children." He said, almost like an order.
"Well, that is the main reason you're willing to bed me, isn't it?" Hermione asks sarcastically.
"Well, I am willing to drop a term that's been in my vocabulary for you, yes?" Lucius asks.
"Yes. I don't want our children to learn it." Hermione said.
"Then promise me children." Lucius said, once again like an order.
"You could word that more nicely before I continue..." Hermione responded with an intense anger in her eyes.
Lucius inhaled air through his nose.
"Very well, it's a considerable compromise. Fine, I shall cease a word you so despise from being spoken in this house for the sake of our children, just as you shall bear me children." He said before gesturing towards her. "Is that better?"
"Good enough." Hermione answered.
"Your next condition?" Lucius asks impatiently.
"To be clear, once we are wed, half of the money is mine to use?" Hermione asks, for the sake of clarification.
"Indeed." Lucius said with an all-knowing scoff. "I knew you'd ask, like any young woman... once you have access to money, you want use it for material possessions. Though in your case, it's books over jewels." He added with a somewhat approving smile.
"It's not for me." Hermione said, feeling quite insulted.
"Ah, your parents?" Lucius guessed. "Well... once we are wed, I will honor my agreement and lower their bill so that they can pay their original price. I won't go any lower, as I do need to make a profit. I will not go against you giving them money as gifts, but within reason." He added.
"How decent of you to let them have money but not too much, what with taking their precious daughter away from them." Hermione snarked bitterly.
"I do what I can..." Lucius quipped with an air of smugness.
"I also want you to use your money to help everyone your late allies have hurt." Hermione stated.
"How so?" Lucius asks.
"Hospitals, places of healing to help those hurt physically and emotionally. Improving orphanages, a home for every child whose families you, your friends and your master have murdered. Monitary compensation for those I know whose lives have been ruined thanks to Voldemort." Hermione stated.
"I see..." Lucius said with an eye roll. "I knew I'd wed a young woman with such a degree of compassion for others. Oh well... I have more than enough to-"
"...including the Weasleys." Hermione finished.
Lucius' smile, regardless of reasoning, disappeared.
"No." He said flatly.
"Yes. I said those I know whose lives were ruined. That means them to." Hermione stated.
"Absolutely not." Lucius stated quickly.
"They were kinder to me than you and your now dead son have ever been." Hermione reminded him.
Lucius held a finger up, almost as a warning.
"And why should I allow any of my money to be given to that shack they call a house?" Lucius questioned.
"Because they lost a son in the Battle of Hogwarts! A battle that mostly happened thanks to you and your son helping Voldemort, so don't think your lack of involvement would save you! Not to mention that you stole the woman their youngest son loves!" Hermione reminds him with a shout before taking a deep breath. "They were kinder to me than you and Draco ever were. A little monetary compensation is the least you can do..."
Lucius took a deep breath in exasperation. He knows she is right and wants to keep her in his control. With a reluctant nod, he answered.
"Fine, but I don't want you speaking with them unless in my presence." Her responds.
"That's not too much of a problem, considering Molly Weasley has told me that both I and the children I am to give you are welcomed in their home, but you are not." Hermione said.
"As if I'd ever willingly enter that weasel cave." Lucius scoffed.
"First of all, weasels nest in tree roots, hollow logs and burrows, not caves." Hermione corrected. "Second, that's another thing. The Weasleys are friends of mine and you are not to insult them in the presence of my children."
Lucius immediately wanted to reject this, but knew that marrying the friend of that family came with not getting to talk down to them.
"Fine... Anything else?" Lucius questioned with a bit of sarcasm as he raised one eyebrow.
"Yes, you won't get in the way of whatever I study or chose to do with my life. And you won't stop me from my desired career in the Ministry of Magic." Hermione stated.
"I have no issue with that, Hermione." He responded.
"You don't?" She asks, surprised to hear this.
"I do not have a counter to that. So long as you perform your duties satisfactorily, I agree." Lucius said.
"You have no issue, even if I were to be Minister of Magic?" Hermione asks.
"No. If anything, it'd justify my decision to claim you as a muggleborn wife even greater. This proves only further vindication that your blood is the only think keeping you from being perfect to be my wife. A woman of great power in the government would do well to be a Malfoy." Lucius said with arms crossed and looking rather pleased.
Hermione snorted angrily at him before taking a deep breath.
"That is all..." She said, knowing she had nothing else to say at the moment.
With a smile, Lucius clasped his hands together and a smirk appeared on his face.
"Very well. I accept the terms so long as you are not derelict in your duties." He said before motioning her to get closer.
"Is this so?" Hermione asks as she took a step forward.
"Yes. As long as you perform your duties to me, I accept your terms." Lucius said, looking up at her with almost lustful intent. "So, anything else you'd like to say?" He asks with a look of control, evident by his smile.
"Yes. I will never forgive you." Hermione responded, scowling at him.
"I can live with that." Lucius said, not caring for her thoughts on him.
"Of course you can." Hermione said in a low, angry voice.
"So, in summation: no usage of a term I grew up with because the new era of Malfoys must be halfblood, and I shall honor that so long as you grant me children. I will allow money for you righteous crusades of helping those the Death Eaters have harmed, including the Weasleys, but on the condition that once you are my wife, you to never speak with them again without my presence. And I have no desire to intrude on your plans to be in government. Is that it?" Lucius asks.
"That's correct." Hermione responded.
"And that's all?" He asks, his smile growing as this turned out easier than he thought.
Hermione took a deep breath, hoping there was something she forgot but knew there wasn't.
"That is all." Hermione said.
"You realize it'd be too late to add anything else... unless you gave me reason to change my mind about something new later?" He asks, aware she knew what he meant.
"Yes." Hermione said with a defeated breath.
She knew it was time. Lucius stood up and walked towards her.
For a moment, the two locked eyes. Lucius looked down at her with a triumphant smile as his eyes were filled with control, dominance and a hint of both desire and interest. Hermione looked up at his with fear, anger, hate and some degree of fascination of the man she got to know better today.
Lucius gets on his knee with that same triumphant smile and pulls out an ornate ring. He looks up at Hermione. Hermione scowls, knowing what is coming.
"Then I pose a question to you, a question very rarely asked by the same man twice in my family. Hermione Granger, will you do me the honor... of accepting the offer no other muggleborn has ever been offered? Will you do me, and yourself, the honor of being the first muggleborn to be accepted into the Malfoy family? Will you marry me?" Lucius asks with the most gentle smile he was capable of.
Hermione stares at Lucius in disbelief, anger and sadness in her eyes. A slight tear comes to Hermione's eye, even though she is angry that Lucius has managed to make it more about him than her. She looks at him with a mix of hate and despair for her hate in her eyes. She pauses for a few moments before she closed her eyes. After Hermione hoped something were to happen in the next 5 seconds to change everything, she put her anger and sadness away before she takes a solid breath, letting her tears fall from her eyes before finally answering.
"Yes." She said in a low voice. "Yes, Lucius Malfoy. I will marry you. I will be your wife. I will give you children. I will do you well in being the first muggleborn to be married into your family..." Her said, knowing those words would make him happy.
Lucius's wide smile returns as he places the ring on Hermione's finger.
She glanced at the emerald ring she wore, silver in metal and a snake engraved into it. It was beautiful, but it looked very wrong, very Slythering, very Death Eater. She knew this was an engagement ring, the real one would be at the wedding, but she already hated it.
She was snapped out of her thoughts as Lucius rose up and quickly kisses Hermione on the lips. Surprised at first, Hermione tries to pull away, but eventually, she gives in. Lucius held her tightly, his tongue making its way into her mouth. Hermione did her best to try an ignore this, but found she could not. She had to kiss him back as it was clear this was a test.
So, she did. She kissed back the man she had to marry, the man she hated.
Lucius pulls and looks down at the girl in his arms with a victorious smile
"I'm afraid it is late, I must bid you adieu." He said.
"Oh? And I was getting so comfortable." Hermione said in a deadpan voice.
"Well, don't you worry about missing me, because I shall arrange for the wedding in a month." Lucius said.
"What?!" She called out, pulling away. "You're joking?!"
"No, I will be the one to arrange it. I know it's the bride's job bu-"
"Not that! We can't have it in a month!" Hermione said with much irritation in her voice.
"Too long a wait?" Lucius asks with playful sarcasm.
"No! It can't happen then! Not so soon!" Hermione shouted again.
"I'm not patient." Lucius said, clearly not bothered by her thoughts.
"No! Don't do this so soon!" Hermione said.
"I can and I will. I need heirs as soon as possible and I am not the kind of man who would bed a woman not my wife." Lucius stated.
Hermione let out a breath in indignation. Not only is she marrying this hateful man, he's making sure it will happen sooner than expected.
"Anything else you'd like for me to know about?!" Hermione questioned, clearly upset to be informed so soon.
"I would love for you to visit me every few days, and I myself shall pay you a visit on other days." Lucius said as she pulled out something else. "Consider this your first gift as Mrs. Malfoy, this bracelet." He said as he put it on her right wrist. "This will bring you to the Manor when you press the main jewel here." He said, touching the green jewel on the silver bracelet. "And in case it's stolen, know that it's fixed that only you can use it so long as you wear your ring." He further explained.
"I see... I suppose that's a good way to make sure it's useless if taken." Hermione said.
"So... I'll be seeing you tomorrow." Lucius suddenly said.
"So soon?!" Hermione asked, shocked to hear she is to meet with him so soon.
Lucius was only smiling at her.
"I'm never patient. You will learn this very well once we are married." Lucius said as he offered his arm to her. "Come... let me take you to the door as it is getting quite late."
Hermione was taken outside, where her carriage awaits.
"Where are we going tomorrow?" Hermione asks.
"You'll see." Lucius said.
"That's not an answer." Hermione pointed out hurriedly and impatiently.
Her groom-to-be only laughed at her attitude, ignoring her concerns.
"Goodnight, my bride." He said with a victorious smile as he bid her goodbye, going back to the manor and closing the door.
Hermione stood there, staring at the door in a mixture of anger and shock. Not only has she agreed to marry Lucius Malfoy, he's making sure it happens sooner and making her spend time with him until then.
She entered the carriage, still in shock over what happened.
Even after it took her close to where she lived and returned to her apartment, she sat on her bed, still looking at the ring. Even when she was walking home, she ignored common sense and paid no attention to anything but what was on her hand.
It took her attention, not for its beauty but for who gave it to her. She looks down at the ring weighing her arm down. Her face is emotionally drained and she begins to cry silently. She quietly ponders her actions.
"What have I done?" She asks herself, alone and filled with dread for her fate now.