Chapter 15

Hermione tentatively took Lucius' hand, and without warning he Apparated them to a sumptuous lobby. When they arrived, he steadied her with his other arm as she recovered from the surprise of an unplanned Apparition. He should have warned her, but it would have ruined the surprise.

"Where are we?" she asked once she recovered her bearings.

"My private club. I sometimes bring clients here because of its confidentiality. The members are very mindful of each other's privacy, and no one will gossip about the two of us being here. I assumed you didn't want anyone to see the two of us talking," he replied simply. He hoped this would put her at ease. It was public, yet private at the same time.

"Are you sure about this?" she asked uncomfortably.

He patted her hand reassuringly before releasing it. It was quite charming how she was suddenly so concerned about appearances – though in this case he was not sure if it was because she was his employee or that he was a very eligible bachelor. "Quite sure. Come." He placed his hand on the small of her back and guided her to a table where he ordered a bottle of one of the wines they'd shared on vacation, one she had particularly enjoyed. "Now, what's on your mind?"

"Well, right now it's why are you being so kind to me? After all, I'm just a low-level employee," she asked cautiously.

He casually took a sip of his wine. It appeared to be the former that was bothering her. "You are more than 'just a low-level employee'. I have come to consider you a friend, and you are in need. Since you are uncomfortable discussing your dilemma with your other friends, I had hoped you might feel comfortable confiding in me." He knew that little good could come from keeping negative emotions bottled inside. Besides, if she voiced her misgivings out loud, it might assist her in coming to the logical conclusion.

After she took a long drink of her wine, she leaned forward against the table. "Well, you correctly assumed that it has something to do with Ron." She paused, collecting her thoughts. "And I suppose it has something to do with me. I don't know that I realized how truly different the Muggle and wizarding worlds are socially. It's not something that Hogwarts prepared me for," she replied, sounding almost guilty.

He said nothing, nodding slowly to let her know that he was willing to listen. Now that she was speaking, he wanted her to finish so that he could offer the best advice possible.

"The short story is that I think I have a lot to offer the wizarding world, and I don't want to put everything I learned and everything I have to offer to waste. The whole time I was at Hogwarts, I was praised for my intellect, but since the War... Well no one seems to really care about that. I get strange looks because I want to work instead of stay home and start a family."

"Ah, yes, the wizarding dilemma. You do know that I value your intellect?" he said reassuringly. He could understand one of her intellect and talent feeling trapped by the male-centric behaviors of the wizarding world.

"I do," she said quickly before adding, "I mean I presume that's why you hired me in the first place. But you are one of the few. I want to be more than a baby receptacle, and the stress of that is just getting to me. At first it was just Molly since her other children are giving her grandchildren. But lately the pressure has gotten worse, and Ron has become utterly relentless and the more time I spend with his family, the more I start to feel like I'm abnormal." She sighed, as though a great weight had been lifted.

He reached across and put his hand on hers, giving it a firm squeeze of reassurance. "I assure you that you are not abnormal. You are a young, ambitious witch, and no one should fault you for having goals that do not involve immediately having children."

Hermione smiled wanly. "I try not to, but when everyone around you treats you like that, it's hard not to start to believe it. Ron hates that I'm working." She paused as if there was more to that statement than she wanted to admit aloud.

Lucius thought he could guess, considering they were speaking of the Weasleys. "And your husband is not particularly keen on your working for me?"

She lowered her eyes. "Yes, well, there is that." He finally released her hand, and she took a long sip of her wine. When she set it down, he refilled her glass.

"And I presume that is why you are avoiding your husband?" he prompted. He could hardly believe what he was hearing. He knew there was trouble, but he had not thought it this serious.

"It is. I thought we were reaching an understanding that I wanted to wait a few more years before having kids, but well... We had a big row while on holiday, and I just couldn't take it anymore." After several long seconds of silence she leaned forward and, despite his assurances that their conversation was private, asked quietly, "Is there such a thing as divorce in the wizarding world?"

His wine glass froze on the way to his mouth, and he was thankful that he had not been drinking or he might have choked. Once he regained control, he set it down. Realizing the sensitive nature of her question, he replied quietly, "It is rare, but not unheard of. Is this something you are seriously considering?" He hoped he did not sound too eager.

She looked down at her hands as she twisted her napkin. "I don't know. I just know that neither of us is happy, and the one thing that would make him happy, I'm not ready to give him right now because I don't know that it would make me happy."

"I see," he replied, contemplating her words. This is what he had secretly longed to hear, but he knew that if he seemed to be pushing her too hard, that she would grow suspicious and he might lose her.

"Is there any sort of stigma associate with it? I mean I know how the wizarding world feels about unwed mothers and such. And the fact that I can't say I've heard of anyone doing it..." her voice trailed off as she watched him expectantly.

"There can be. It depends on the circumstances. As I said, it is quite uncommon and not generally brought up in polite conversation. Though there was a high-profile divorce before you went to Hogwarts. It was all anybody was talking about, and I daresay that yours would be equally as high profile since you are both heroes of the war," he cautioned.

She slumped back in her chair and took a big gulp of her wine. "That's what I was afraid of. And because of why I would want the divorce... Well, it's not going to look good, is it?"

"It can be made to look bad," he admitted. "Though handled properly, it can be done without ruining your reputation." He knew just the man to handle this situation properly. If only he could convince her it was the right thing to do.

"What about his? Just because I don't think we should be married doesn't mean that I wish any ill will on him." She looked miserable.

"Or his. But that would depend on his behavior. I can suggest a solicitor if you wish to learn more," he offered. He was surprised that she would be so concerned about Weasley's feelings after he had shown such callous disregard for hers, but he also knew the two of them had been friends for many years, and it was hard to throw away a friendship.

"So you think I should give up on my marriage?" she asked, a little startled.

He had not thought his words would cause her to jump to that conclusion, though it was what he truly thought. He shook his head. "It's not my place to make that decision. I know that you like to make informed decisions, and speaking with an expert in wizarding law would be more beneficial to you than trying to wade through it yourself. Besides, it might draw the wrong sort of attention if someone saw you spending days researching wizarding law," he pointed out.

She had to admit that he had a point. "I guess it wouldn't hurt to learn more." She swirled her wine as she considered everything she had just said and heard. "But what do you honestly think? And don't sugar-coat it."

He once again reached out to touch her hand. "I see an unhappy young woman seated across from me. I think that you need to try to solve that unhappiness before it destroys you. Whether that is finding a way to work things out with your husband or starting your life over is up to you. That sort of decision can only be made by the person who will be affected the most," he said wisely.

After hearing his non-answer, she sighed. "I know that, and I think that's what makes it so hard."

"Ending a serious relationship should never be easy." Yes, he seemed to be steering her in the right direction without her realizing it. Be supportive, non-judgmental, he mentally urged himself.

She sighed morosely. "Thank you for listening, and now I think you know why I couldn't bring this up with Harry or Ginny."

"Indeed. I doubt that is the sort of secret either of them would have been able to keep, though I imagine Potter would know as little about the subject as you." He swallowed the last of his wine. "I'll have the information delivered to you at work tomorrow." He wanted her to act quickly before doubt began to set in and she reconsidered her actions and chose a path that would not make her happy.

She smiled warmly. "Thank you. I feel much better already, so thank you again. You can't know how much this has meant to me." She set her glass down, ready to leave and start thinking about what was to come next.

"You are quite welcome. If you need a sympathetic ear, please do not hesitate to let me know." He needed to nurture the trust she had in him, spend time around her and continue to show her that what she had with Weasley was not what she deserved.

She returned his genial grin. "I will. Now, I think I should go." She rose to her feet and was surprised when he did the same. His manners were always so refined and even in this simple conversation, he had made her feel like the most important person in the world.

"Of course. Allow me to see you out. Once you are in the lobby, you will be able to Disapparate." Once again he placed his hand on the small of her back. When they reached the lobby, he said, "Good night, Hermione," and gave the back of her hand a kiss before returning to the club interior.

He chuckled victoriously as he returned to his table. Everything was working out perfectly. He had correctly deduced the source of her unhappiness, and he was most definitely in a position to help her overcome that obstacle.

He called one of the house-elves over, ordered dinner, and penned a message. He was reasonably sure that by the time he had finished his dinner, he could begin setting his plans in motion.

Lucius was enjoying an after dinner brandy when a short, stocky, conservatively dressed wizard in glasses joined him at the table.

"A little late in the evening to be seeking legal counsel, isn't it, Mr. Malfoy?" he asked.

"Ah, Reg, wonderful to see you," Lucius replied jovially. "As much as I would love for this to be a social call, I do have a bit of a legal dilemma that only you can handle properly."

Reg looked very curious. "And what might that be?"

"I have a dear friend who is in an unhappy marriage." He knew there was no reason to mince words and it was better to get to the point. "She is interested in learning about her options and getting your opinion – well the opinion of an expert – on divorce."

Reg's eyes widened momentarily. "I see."

Lucius knew that Reg would never ask for details. "I'll send her to you tomorrow at noon, if that's all right with you." He knew what Reg's answer would be.

"Of course. I shall make sure I clear my schedule."

"Wonderful." Lucius could not help the smug smile that crossed his face.

"Am I to assume that she will be my client or is this merely for advice?" Reg was trying to find out what his duties would be.

"For now, it will just be advice, though I do hope that she will make use of your talents. I need you to put her at ease. She may be a bit apprehensive not only about the divorce – I of course told her how it is generally viewed in the wizarding world – but about having someone of your caliber at her disposal."

"So, she's Muggle-born?" Reg asked probingly having caught the undertones in Lucius' comments.

"She is. And I think that has contributed to some of her... difficulties. If you could take in mind her ignorance of some of the nuances of wizarding society, I believe it would help in your discussion with her. It is Mrs. Hermione Weasley," he added, realizing he had not told Reg who he was to meet with.

"You know that I am someone who reserves judgment. I will do what I can to make her feel comfortable, and I'll gladly keep all communication with the young lady under the strictest confidentiality." After a moment's pause, Reg asked, "Is there anything else I need to know?"

Lucius considered the question for a few moments as he watched his brandy swirl in the glass. "She was married soon after the war, ostensibly of her own volition, so this was not an arranged marriage. I don't believe there is a marriage contract."

"That will simplify matters," Reg resonded. "Anything else?"

"No. I think that will be sufficient for now," Lucius replied.

"Then I bid you a good evening, Mr. Malfoy," Reg said as he rose, bowing his head slightly.

Lucius replied, "And to you." He knew that Reg was the best there was, but then he would not hire anyone other than the best. He could only hope that Hermione could be convinced to avail herself of his services if she decided to go through with the divorce. Lucius could think of no one else who could get her through this with her reputation intact.

He was smiling smugly and enjoying his drink when he was interrupted.

"Well, if it isn't the kneazle who ate the canary. What has you so happy?" Connor asked as he slid into the recently vacated seat across from Lucius.

"Connor? What are you doing here?" Lucius asked, surprised to have his reverie interrupted.

"Business dinner that just finished. I was on my way home when I saw that look in your eyes." Connor considered him a moment. "This wouldn't have anything to do with your mystery witch, would it?"

Lucius knew better than to try to lie. Depending on how things progressed, the identity of his mystery witch would not remain a mystery much longer, at least to Connor. "It does, though I would prefer not to go into details right now as nothing has been decided."

"Yet you clearly believe the winds are shifting in your favor," Connor offered.

"Perhaps," Lucius replied, draining his brandy and ordering another. "Only time will tell, but the more I learn, the more hopeful I become."

"Just be careful that you don't overstep your bounds," Connor cautioned.

Lucius knew that his friend did not approve of his interest in a married witch, but Lucius knew how to be careful about appearances. He would never do anything to let anyone think that he had anything to do with the breakup of a marriage. Of course, this was a marriage that was sorely in need of breaking up as far as he was concerned. He would prefer that he be the one whom Hermione chose, but almost anyone would be better than Weasley. "Oh, you know me. I know all the rules of society and have you ever known me not to abide by them?" he replied smugly as he drunk from his freshly refilled grass.

"Normally, yes, but you have not seen a witch socially in the last three years. That is most definitely not normal as far as the rules of society are concerned," Connor pointed out.

Lucius looked slightly uncomfortable. "Well, that may be, but you have seen the quality of witches who have shown their interest in me. Can you blame me for playing the grieving widower card for as long as I have?"

Connor chuckled. "No, I can't say that I can. But that still doesn't mean you should be careless with this new witch. You're playing with Fiendfyre," he warned.

Lucius sighed. "I am well aware of that fact. I had never intended for it to turn out this way. However, if she was truly happy in her relationship, it would not have turned out this way." He contemplated the swirl of his drink for several long seconds. "There are times when I think I should walk away, but then I know the way I feel, and I see the way she reacts when she's around me... I know it sounds trite, but we complete each other. I only hope that she will one day admit to herself how she feels."

Connor stared at him. "I do hope that you are considering your future should it not involve her. While I know you are quite confident, it could be possible your own feelings are getting in the way of interpreting hers. While you are usually right, you do make mistakes from time to time. And I have found that emotions can cloud good judgment."

Lucius knew that Connor had his best interests at heart, but Lucius also knew that he had no intention of losing to Weasley. It might not happen in the near future, but he intended to have Hermione. "I have the utmost patience with respect to this situation. While I may not care about appearances as much as I once did, I do understand what sort of effect handling this situation poorly could have." He paused a moment. "I do appreciate your concern, but you need not worry that I will do something foolish."

No, he would not do anything foolish, but he would continue to be her friend. He knew that she would need one now more than ever since her closest friends were also Weasley's relations. For him the biggest problem would be walking the fine line between providing support and courting her. No one could ever suspect that he had feelings for her, least of all her. Though he suspected that a part of her realized how he felt about her, that part that flirted back to him.

He would be the perfect gentleman, platonic friend. He would be there if she needed a shoulder to cry on or just someone to confide in. And hopefully by spending time with her, she would come to realize where she belonged.

Lucius returned home to his cavernous, empty manor and found his previous good mood ebbing away. He sighed as he mounted the stairs to put away his outer robes, barely noticing the ornate carvings on the newels that Narcissa had chosen during the renovation. It was always the same. The huge manor held so many memories, so many horrors. They had removed all physical traces of those horrors, but nothing would ever stifle the memories.

As he walked down the upstairs hall to his bedroom, he was still struck by the newness. Yes, some of the family's antiques had survived the occupation and searches by the Aurors, such as the serpent curtain hooks his twice great-grandmother had commissioned for the family wing, but much of it was new. He let his hand brush the heavy velvet drapes as he walked by.

Once in his bedroom, he dumped his outer robe on a chair, stripped to his shirt sleeves and let his hair hang loose before he proceeded to his study to go through the day's correspondence – the same routine as any other day. This small room had always been his sanctuary, one the Dark Lord and his minions had mercifully ignored.

It had been five years since the occupation had ended, and although the manor had been renovated and redecorated as soon as Lucius had access to the funds to do so, there were times late at night when he could still hear the echoes of the Dark Lord's voice.

He pushed those thoughts out of his mind and tried to remember the happier times, the times when the Malfoys would throw magnificent balls for all the major holidays. There would be dancing, laughing, happiness. Narcissa had rejoiced in getting to plan one of her balls. No detail was too insignificant for her. Even though they were always extravagant and expensive affairs, he had never been bothered with the cost. The happiness it brought Narcissa was worth every knut.

He sighed as he saw the stack of correspondence. There were three invitations to minor social events that he put off to the side. He would have his assistant send regrets tomorrow. There was a letter from a charity soliciting funds to save the Crumple-Horned Snorkack. He had no idea what that was and binned the letter. Some trivial letters from acquaintances that he found he just wasn't in the mood to deal with presently.

Rising to his feet he went to the sideboard and poured himself an ample measure of Scotch and decided to wander the halls. When he reached the end of the main hall, instead of turning right toward the ballroom and dining room, he turned left towards the storerooms and kitchen. As he walked down the smaller hall, he caught a glimpse of a portrait on the wall he had paid little attention to in recent years. It was the movement at the edge of the portrait that had caught his attention. His mother was serenely seated in a chair, with his father standing behind her, his hand possessively on her shoulder. He, as a young man of twenty, stood proudly to his father's right. On the right side of the portrait, he could occasionally see a glimpse of yellow – Delilah.

He remembered that day. It had been a lovely late spring day, shortly after Delilah had graduated from Hogwarts. It had been their last family portrait. It has also been the last time he remembered her being truly happy. Two days later, Abraxas had announced her betrothal to a much older wizard.

For ten years she had suffered in her marriage, trying to make it work, trying not to bring shame on the family. Finally she had decided she could take it no longer and had filed for divorce. Their father had gone into a rage. He had forbidden her from pursuing the divorce due to the shame it would bring upon the family. She had insisted on seeing it through, and Abraxas had launched a media assault against her and disowned her from the family. At that point, all of her images had been banished from the household and this portrait had been moved to a secluded spot. Mentioning her name was forbidden.

But now... Now Lucius had come to realize that Delilah had done what was right for her, just as he hoped Hermione would do. While divorce was frowned upon, he had seen first-hand how miserable someone could be in a loveless marriage. How could he hope that Hermione would take the same path as his sister and allow Delilah to remain isolated from her family?

Lucius placed his hand on the right edge of the portrait. "I think it's time for you to come home, Delilah," he said softly to the bit of yellow skirt peeking at the edge of the frame. For a fleeting moment, he thought he caught a glimpse of her blonde hair.

Leaving his half-empty glass on a nearby table, he returned to his study, finally ready to reach out to his sister.

He sat at his desk and stared at the blank parchment for some time, tapping the quill against the side of his head as he thought about what to write.

Dearest Delilah,

Lucius

He thought about writing a longer letter, longed to tell her everything that had happened, but he did not want to overwhelm her before he knew that she would even be interested in having him back in her life.

He would wait and if she wrote back to him, he could start filling her in bit by bit and even invite her to come for a visit, though he was sure it would not be in the immediate future, that she would want time get to know him again. He hoped that after all these years, this was one wrong that he could right.

A/N: As always, many thanks to the wonderful beaweasley2 for her magnificent assistance as my beta. I hope that you, dear readers, are enjoying this story as it unfolds. I know it has been a long journey that has taken far too much time due to a RL hiatus, but we are rolling towards the end and the journey is about half over now. Many thanks to those who have taken the time to leave reviews. Nothing warms an author's heart more than knowing people enjoy what they have written.