Chapter 21

Chapter 21

Lucius returned home utterly frustrated. Walking into his study, he surveyed the sideboard before pouring himself some Scotch. He was completely smitten, but the current situation prevented him from acting on his feelings. Once again, he had almost lost control. He had known that she needed to relax, to release her tension, but rubbing her shoulders had been perhaps too intimate. When she had moaned, it had been music to his ears, and he had once again found his lips dangerously close to hers. The worst part was that he knew that he could not avoid her. She needed his friendship more than ever right now.

He was impressed, though. She seemed to be holding up well, but he knew that appearances could be deceptive. As he had seen before, the strongest people had the farthest to fall when they finally broke, and her divorce was bound to stretch her to her limits. He had to do what he could to prevent that from happening.

He was thankful that she had agreed to use Reg as her solicitor. There was no one else he would trust with this level of damage control. That morning's article in the paper had looked bad, very bad, but Reg was very good. It was going to be a very ugly week. He wished that Hermione would take the week off from work, but she had been correct that doing so would hand her husband a minor victory.

It would be a long hard fight, and while what was said in the papers should not make a difference to the Wizengamot, it would make a difference in how she was perceived by the wizarding world.

While he was beyond caring what the wizarding world thought about him, he knew that it would be difficult on her if she were labeled a dissenter and pariah. Every resource at his disposal would be used to save her from the same pain his sister had gone through.

Lucius was enjoying his breakfast on Saturday morning when a house-elf arrived with the paper. Eager to see what was being reported, he opened the paper.

As he read the rebuttal article front and center on the front page, he smirked victoriously. The new article perfectly countered everything that had been presented the day before. He wished that he could see the look on Weasley's face as the young man opened the paper and saw that his attempt to vilify Hermione had been completely turned around, and now he appeared to be the tyrant.

Later in the morning, he would deliver the paper to Hermione so that she could see she had made the right choice in agreeing to have Reg as her solicitor. He knew that this was just the beginning of the battle, but Weasley was now placed on the defensive.

Hopefully early in the week, the divorce papers would be finalized. Once that happened, it could get on the docket for the Wizengamot. While he could use his ties to move her case up on the docket, he knew that was one form of aid that she would not appreciate. Not to mention it might be difficult to explain his interest in her petition.

Of course, the worst part would be the waiting period of the Wizengamot decree before the divorce would be final. He knew those would be the longest six weeks of his life, because he did not want to do anything to jeopardize her situation. Then he'd be able to court her. Of course, it would have to seem as if he'd just taken interest in her, and in all appearances, he would have to follow all the normal protocols, behaving with perfect decorum publically. Privately...

Pushing that from his mind, he finished his breakfast and prepared to present the good news to Hermione.

When Lucius arrived at the cottage, he found Hermione in the drawing room curled up on the sofa before the fire reading a book. He smiled warmly at her. "I thought you might have been outside enjoying the day."

She closed her book and returned his smile. "I like to start my Saturdays off reading in the morning."

"Well then, I have something you might be interested in." He sat beside her on the sofa and handed her the paper.

Her eyes widened as she read the article. "In one evening Mr. Forsythe was able to accomplish all this?"

He chuckled softly. "I told you that Reg is very good at what he does. This should start to sway the tide of public opinion back in your favor or at least return it to a neutral state."

"But this won't be the last of it, will it?" she asked, pointing at the paper.

Shaking his head sadly, Lucius replied, "I expect not, but your rationale is quite compelling and quite hard to ignore."

"If I had listened to you in the beginning and agreed to use Mr. Forsythe this all could have been avoided," she said sadly as she slumped back into her seat.

He placed a reassuring hand on her knee. "I doubt it. You would not have wanted to take your case to the press first, and Mr. Weasley would have still done this to try to discredit you. He, and his family, is trying to salvage their reputation." By association with Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, the Weasleys had moved to a level of prominence that had long been absent from their family.

"Well if he had just signed the ruddy paperwork and agreed to do this quietly, it wouldn't have been an issue, would it?" Hermione said, not hiding her frustration.

"Perhaps not a public one, but it still would have been whispered about. Especially once one of you was seen in public with someone else."

There was a long silence. "So what now?" she finally asked.

"I'm sure that Reg offered you some advice," Lucius replied. He wanted to be careful to not be seen as too overbearing.

"He did, but I'm interested in your advice. After all, you saw how this all unfolded with your sister."

"That was different. She had no one on her side," he replied evasively.

She turned sideways on the sofa so she could look directly at him. "Please?"

He took a deep breath and considered his words carefully. "For the next few days, I would not recommend going out into any of the wizarding enclaves. Give everyone time to see how it plays out in the press. You've already made clear your intention to return to work. I would keep your usual routine at work. I have no doubt that everyone will be quite professional, and you will not be harassed at work." If any of his employees said anything to defame Hermione, they would quickly find themselves out of a job. "Once you have seen where the public sentiment lies, you can make your decision about where you spend your time when you are off work." He longed to keep her hidden away here, protected from prying eyes, under his watchful care, but he knew that if she retreated entirely from the wizarding world, that would invite speculation of a sort she did not need.

"Well, it's not like I have much of a social life," she joked. "But I will steer clear of Flourish and Blotts for the time being." She fussed with her fingers a little. "But do you think that my life will return to some semblance of normal?"

He tilted her chin up with his fingers so that she had to look at him. "I do. Reg has the knowhow and connections necessary to preserve your reputation." He wanted to add that he would protect her, but he knew that he could not yet say that aloud. "Now I'm afraid that I won't be able to keep you company the whole day, but I can stay through lunch."

"I understand. I still cannot thank you enough for everything you are doing. Will you be able to stop by tomorrow?"

"Perhaps for a little while in the morning, but I have business to attend to in the afternoon." He didn't really, he just didn't want to her know how important she was to him, not yet. Besides, he didn't know that he trusted himself to maintain control if he spent the entire day alone with her. He longed to pull her into her arms, to reassure her that everything would work out for the best in the end, but that could only lead to one conclusion: to kiss her rosy lips. Something he truly longed to do, yet was currently forbidden.

She tried to hide her disappointment. "Of course. I'm sure I can occupy myself here."

Her words pulled him back into the moment. "Well, if you run out of books that are to your liking, you can always have Katta ask me to retrieve something for you from the manor," he offered.

"Thank you. I saw a number of interesting books in the library, but I'll keep that offer in mind. And while we're talking about this cottage, it is rather grandiose."

He had known that she would eventually ask him about the cottage and was surprised it had taken this long. "It was the second Malfoy home in England. The first was the castle that Draco has converted to an inn. As life became more peaceful, my ancestors wanted something more elegant than a fortress and this house was commissioned in the early 1500s. By the mid 1600s the family fortune had increased considerably, and the Wiltshire manor was commissioned. This property then passed to the younger son. After a couple of generations that line died out, and it reverted to my line. Since then it has been where the older son has resided upon marriage, at least until Draco chose the family castle. During times when it was unoccupied by a permanent resident, it has been used as a hunting lodge and retreat from the manor."

"And the house-elves maintain it?" she asked curiously.

"They rotate from the manor so that none of them are left alone here. If Draco had chosen this as his residence, he would have received several house-elves as his personal servants, and they would've permanently moved here."

She considered his words for a few moments. "It's amazing to have that sort of family history. I'm lucky we know the names of my great-great grandparents on my mother's side, but we have little else beyond my great-grandparents. Genealogy has just never been a family interest. I presume that somewhere there was someone magical, but we just don't know much about anyone from before about 1900 and you sit here and calmly talk about your family history from the 1500s. Earlier than that because of the castle."

There was an uncomfortable silence, and he looked away for moment since Lucius didn't want to seem as if he was bragging about being a pureblood. All wizarding families kept meticulous records of their genealogy, and his was no exception. The Greengrass, Elphick and Radluff families could trace their heritage back to the 1100's, and the Barkwith, Keedle and Wentlock familes to the eleventh century. The Woods even claimed to go back further, claiming to be descended from Hogsmeade's founder, Hegist of Woodcroft; not to mention the Smiths who claimed to be descended from Helga Hufflepuff.

Hermione looked down at her hands and finally broke the silence. "I'm sorry. I know how that sounded."

"It's quite understandable. I did spend a number of years underestimating the value of those with Muggles in their family lines."

"The gardens are absolutely lovely. I don't know that I've seen a finer English garden," she said.

Lucius welcomed this change in conversation and they chatted pleasantly until lunch, changing subjects at will.

As the meal wore on, Hermione grew more withdrawn, her mind apparently drifting elsewhere.

Lucius reached his hand across the table and placed it on hers. "It will get better, and you won't have to sequester yourself away for long."

"I know. I just keep thinking about how difficult this whole ordeal is turning out to be; how if I had thought this through, I wouldn't have rushed into marriage; how if Ron had just seen reason and signed the papers this could all be over with. I can't get my mind to slow down."

"Perhaps a relaxing bath this evening would allow you to get some rest? For now there is little that you can do. Reg is handling the legal and press issues. Until you plead your case before the Wizengamot, there is not much for you to do. The best thing that you can do is relax and go about your life as normally as possible." He did what he could to boost her confidence, but he feared that it might not be enough. "I do wish I could stay longer, but unfortunately I am expected elsewhere."

"I appreciate you taking the time to spend the morning with me – that means a lot. I'll be fine. I'll take a walk, spend some time outside and clear my head." After looking into his eyes a few moments, she added, "Really, I'll be fine. I just need some time to organize my mind."

He nodded his head and reluctantly rose to his feet. "Then I shall see you tomorrow morning. Perhaps I can interest you in a game of chess?"

"I'd like that, although I'm really only a fair player – Ron was the one who excelled that the game. But maybe you could teach me to be a better player," she added hopefully, apparently not wanting to discourage the suggestion.

"We'll see. I'll try to curb my competitive nature at conquest," he stated then wished he hadn't. He really didn't want to show any inclination of his feelings for her. "I'll see you tomorrow."

She smiled warmly at him again, saying, "Tomorrow; I look forward to it," before he departed.

When Lucius returned to his manor, he went to the wine cellar first, selected a wine he knew Hermione enjoyed and summoned a house-elf to deliver it to the cottage. He then went to his study to go through the neglected stack of post. None of it was urgent, just the usual assortment of charity solicitations and invitations to various social events, but he knew he shouldn't put off responding them any longer.

After he had finished with the post, he swiveled his chair around to look out the window. The truth was he had nothing scheduled for the afternoon – he just didn't trust himself to spend all day with Hermione. His feelings for the woman were strong, and growing so with every moment he spent in her presence.

He needed a diversion.

Perhaps he would drop in and see what Connor was up to that afternoon.

He sent a message to his friend by Floo and walked purposefully out into the foyer to Apparate. When he arrived at the Greengrasses, Felicia informed him that Connor had just left for the stables to chase down a sounder of wild boars that had recently begun knocking down fences and tearing up their vegetable patch. Lucius decided this could be the diversion he needed and went to the stable to join Connor on the hunt.

Connor was already mounted and saw Lucius approaching from the main house. "Ah, Lucius! Come to join the fun?" he asked once Lucius was close enough to hear.

"How could I miss out on something like this?" Lucius replied jovially. With a quick flick of his wand, he transfigured his low cut boots into riding boots and watched as the stable hand expertly saddled a horse for him. Lucius saw the huntsman trying to maintain control of four feisty Rhodesian Ridgebacks who were clearly eager for the hunt.

"Good, good. Having another wand will definitely help. Ruddy boars are digging up all the root vegetables. Not sure how much we'll salvage from what they haven't eaten, but I might as well get something out of it. Nothing like a good roast boar, is there?"

Lucius grinned. "Definitely not. Shall we?"

The two men spent the afternoon trying to track down the reclusive boars. After nearly two hours, they had success. Unfortunately they were only able to bring down two of them before the sounder scattered into the dense underbrush.

Connor dismounted to check his kill. "Immature boar. Looked like they had a large litter this year. What did you get, Lucius?"

"You're in luck, my friend. I've bagged you a breeding sow," Lucius said proudly.

"Ah, now that is good news," Connor said as he came over to stand beside Lucius. "Two is better than none. Care to join me again tomorrow morning?"

"Normally I would say yes, but tomorrow is quite a busy day for me. I'm having dinner with Draco and Astoria."

"That sounds wonderful. Perhaps I'll organize a hunt for next Saturday, see if I can get rid of these vermin. Though if it takes that long, we won't have any veg left at all. Hmmmm... I'll talk to Felicia, but sounds like a good time to have dinner party on Friday, roasting up one of these beauties to put people in the spirits for the hunt on Saturday," Connor said as though thinking aloud.

Lucius knew that a hunt would be an all-day affair, and he did not want to completely abandon Hermione. "Dinner I am amenable to, as long as Felicia understands that she does not need to try to fix me up with anyone, but unfortunately my Saturday is already booked up."

Connor eyed Lucius suspiciously. "It's Fiendfyre, my friend," he cautioned, clearly assuming Lucius' plans involved his mystery witch.

Lucius dismissed Connor's concern. "Do you honestly think I would be so indiscreet? I merely have business to attend to."

"For someone who owns the company, you sure do work long hours." Connor said before calling for one of his house elves to see to the dead boars.

Lucius and Connor mounted their horses for the ride back to the stables, leaving the huntsman to take control of the dogs. "And now you know why we Malfoys have been as successful as we have." Lucius then spurred his horse, issuing a challenge to Connor that they should race back. Lucius knew that he would need the head start as Connor had the better mount, however the forested terrain would work in his advantage as he was the better horseman. Both men raced through the trees, Lucius keeping well ahead of Connor, but he knew that he would need to be ahead a fair bit by the time they reached the main grounds otherwise Connor would overtake him on the flat.

Nevertheless, Connor ended up beating Lucius back to the stable by a length. Both mounts were breathing heavily from the exertion and a pair of stable-hands appeared to remove the tack and release the horses to the paddock where they could properly recover. Lucius and Connor were also breathing heavily and laughing.

"Are you trying to kill me? Racing out of the woods like that," Connor said.

"I thought you could use something to liven the afternoon. Good show," Lucius replied as he held his hand out in a congratulatory handshake. He then saw Felicia approaching.

She stopped before the two of them, her hands on her hips, glaring from one to the other in disapproval. "Look at the two of you: racing across the grounds like a couple of teenagers. You're lucky neither of you were seriously injured at the speed you were going."

"Just a little bit of a lark," Lucius replied, laughing off her concern as he pulled off his riding gloves.

"Honestly, Felicia, don't you think the two of us know how to ride by now?" Connor said, trying to reassure her it was nothing dangerous.

"If it were just on the grounds, I wouldn't say anything, but I saw the two you burst out of the woods," she said, pointing her finger from one to the other and back again. "Despite the fact the two of you are idiots, I do think that Scorpius would like to know his grandfathers." She arched her eyebrow menacingly.

"Bah! You worry too much." Connor gave her a kiss on the cheek as he walked by her. "I could use something cold to drink. How about you?" he called back to Lucius.

"And a bath," Felicia retorted.

Connor stopped to blow her a kiss. "Oh, I thought we might have a dinner party Friday to share the boar, with perhaps another hunt on Saturday."

Lucius fell in step with Connor after giving Felicia a small bow. "Well, that was unexpected. Good thing you weren't with anyone important," Lucius quipped about Felicia's outburst.

"You're family, Lucius. That means she doesn't hold anything back. Here's to hoping your mystery witch is not a fiery redhead."

Rather than head indoors, the two men enjoyed cold drinks in the back garden. Mostly because they did not want to hear Felicia complain about how they were stinking up the house with the smell of horse.

As he had no other plans, Lucius was coaxed into staying for dinner, provided he cleaned himself up. Lucius tarried up to one of the guest room to freshen up, unsurprised to see a fresh set of robes had been laid out on the bed. Smiling at Felicia's thoughtfulness, he showered quickly and dressed for dinner.

As per usual when he dined with the Greengrasses, dinner was an enjoyable affair; Lucius and Connor recounted their afternoon of boar hunting, much to Felicia's chagrin, followed by Lucius telling them about his visit with his sister. He figured this would get Felicia's mind off his paramour. All in all, it had been a very enjoyable evening.

Sunday morning, Lucius returned to the cottage to see Hermione and bring her the latest Daily Prophet. There had been a small interior article regarding the divorce filing, another article reviewing the 'facts' and reasons for the two 'war heroes' to divorce, and a mention of the last notable divorce in England, which annoyed him since that divorce was his sister's. Lucius would have Reg put a stop to any further mention of his sister's history. There was a lengthy article about Hermione's and Mr. Weasley's 'protection' of Potter after the Dark Lord took over the Ministry and a recounting of their part in the final battle, but there had been nothing new reported by Ron's camp. Apparently they had dished all their dirt in the first article.

Lucius sat sipping on a fine Earl Grey tea while Hermione read the paper. "My life is an open book," Hermione exclaimed with a sigh, turning the pages. "Is nothing private to these people?"

"Very little," Lucius said as he set down his cup, watching her for a moment as her eyes scanned the pages. When it appeared that she was nearly done perusing the paper, he opened the lid of his golden rosewood chess box to let the pieces out.

"Did you have chess pieces of your own?" Lucius asked as his chess pieces walked to their proper places on the chess board. His set had been a gift from his grandfather on his eighth birthday – exquisitely carved onyx. He had brought a second set of intricately crafted green jadeite in case she did not have any.

"What? Oh..." Hermione paused in thought. "I think I grabbed them. Let me check." She headed upstairs to her room. After a few minutes, she returned. "No, I don't seem to have grabbed them," she replied, sounding somewhat uncomfortable.

Lucius looked at her curiously. "Hermione?"

"Okay, I didn't forget them. I just... they were a gift from... I'd rather not use them," she finally admitted as she took the seat opposite Lucius.

Lucius understood perfectly. Clearly her husband had given them to her, and she did not want that reminder of him. "Perfectly understandable. You may use these," he said as he presented her with an intricately carved alabaster box.

She gently took the box from his hands and opened it. Inside was a finely carved, feminine set of chess pieces. "They're gorgeous," she said as she reverently examined one of the pawns. "I've never seen a set where the pieces were mostly women."

"I had it specially commissioned," he replied simply. He had given this set to Narcissa for their first wedding anniversary after she had expressed an interest in learning to play.

Hermione clearly understood what he left unsaid. "Well, I hope my game is a match for their beauty."

Over chess, Lucius found that he was able to get Hermione's mind almost completely off her personal life. It helped that he also engaged her in their continued debate about Filmore Stevens. It was a hard fought match, but after close to two hours, he was forced to reluctantly concede. "You play an excellent game."

"Thanks. It's been a while since I've played. You didn't make it easy." She paused. "So, this upcoming week?"

"Is there something specific about this week you wish to know?" he asked carefully, not wanting to sound eager.

"I feel like I'm imposing, but it's been really nice having someone to talk to, someone who doesn't hold recent events against me. And..." her voice trailed off. She was clearly uncomfortable asking for more of his time.

"As my schedule allows, I would be happy to join you in the evenings. I do have a dinner party on Friday, and I have a standing dinner on Tuesday, but I see nothing that should prevent me from joining you the other evenings if you would like some company."

She perked up and smiled broadly. "I would be honored to share your company."

He carefully packed his chess pieces back in their box, and Hermione did the same for hers. "Now I do regret having to leave, but Draco is expecting me for Sunday dinner."

"I understand. Maybe I'll drop by and see my folks. I haven't told them about the separation, and I know they'll have questions... I suppose I've put it off long enough, and I suppose it's better to tell them sooner rather than later, isn't it?" she said the last with a chuffed laugh.

Lucius answered seriously. "Indeed it would be."

She looked out the window. "I suppose I've been putting it off because I don't want to disappoint them."

"I'm sure you'll know when the time is right, and I'm sure they will understand. I'll leave the pieces here for a rematch." He rose to his feet and gently kissed the back of her hand before departing.

The following week would be quite busy for Lucius. He knew that Hermione needed his friendship, and despite his near loss of control, he intended to share dinner with her and provide her the emotional support she needed. In his professional life, he had several important business deals in the works which required a good deal of his attention, including several meetings with Elsa to help her finalize the new management for the Kesselwerks. Finally, he had his promise to Delilah to fulfill and had invited Draco to come over on Monday afternoon. This was news he wanted to share when he had Draco's undivided attention rather than at Sunday dinner. He knew that he was not getting enough sleep, but there was nothing to be done about it until each event was resolved.

The war of words was continuing in the press, but at least it had moved out of headline position. Much of that had to do with the fact that Weasley's defense was very one-dimensional. His entire defense hinged on the fact that she was rejecting the traditional role of a married witch as mother first.

With Hermione's side of the story that Weasley was trying to force her to have children before she was ready, and that he was trying to subvert her to his will and rob her of her independence, sentiment had shifted to her side as she proved that she was not rejecting motherhood, merely wishing to postpone it for a few years, to wait until she felt better equipped to be a mother.

He knew that Hermione had not set out to start a social revolution, but she just might be doing that by proving that a young woman could enjoy a career before starting a family.

She seemed to be holding up well, but he could tell that she missed her extended family. He wished there was a way for her to contact them, but until the divorce decree was made, she needed to refrain from contacting them lest she accidently let something slip that would make its way back to Weasley and be used against her.

Monday afternoon, Lucius left the office later than he had intended. When he returned home, Draco was lounging the drawing room, listening to the Wireless. "Good to see you, Draco," he said. "I'd offer you something to drink, but I see you've helped yourself," he replied as he moved to the sideboard to pour himself some brandy.

"Well, you did ask me to meet you here twenty minutes ago. I thought I'd make myself at home." Draco sat on the edge of his seat as his father chose a nearby chair. "So, you have me curious as to why you asked to speak to me alone. Normally you love it when Scorpius and Astoria come along. Or you could have told me yesterday at dinner."

"Normally yes, but what I wanted to discuss with you does not yet concern them." Lucius took a sip of his drink. "I've reached out to Aunt Delilah."

Draco's eyes widened in shock. "You're kidding!"

He had expected this reaction since he had given no indication he was even thinking of his sister. "I assure you, I am not. We've been writing for the last few weeks, catching up with each other, and I visited her last week. I would have told you sooner, but I wasn't sure if she would be amenable to restoring our relationship."

"How is she?"

"She's doing very well." Lucius spent the next fifteen minutes telling Draco about her family and answering some of his questions.

"So will she be visiting here?" Draco asked.

"Perhaps in time. She says she's not ready yet, even for a private visit. And she has not yet revealed her entire past to her family. She lives a modest life now, and I daresay her family will be quite shocked when they learn more about us. If you can arrange some time away from the inn, she was open to having all of us visit her there."

Draco leaned back in his chair. "I think I'd like that. I'll see what I can arrange with my general manager, Warren Trent. And I assume you have no problem with me writing to her."

Lucius shook his head. "Definitely not. She was excited at the prospect of hearing from you and learning more about Scorpius and Astoria."

Draco eyed his father curiously. "Why now?"

Lucius decided a partial truth was better than an outright lie. "I was wandering the halls a few weeks back and stumbled upon a family portrait from shortly after she graduated Hogwarts. I caught a flash of her yellow dress at the edge of the frame. It made me remember how much I missed her and how stubborn I have been over the years. I reached out to her that very evening."

Draco was momentarily stunned silent at his father's sentimental admission. "I'm glad you did." He looked at the mantle as the clock chimed five. "I should get going to help Astoria; she has a wedding happening this weekend at the inn, and I should go oversee dinner and new arrivals. I'll let you know when would be a good time to visit Aunt Delilah. If you're free on Sunday afternoon, you could come over for lunch. Astoria's mother had something come up, and I know Scorpius would love to see his favorite grandfather."

"How can I resist when my favorite grandson wants to see me?" Lucius replied with a smile.

"Considering he's your only grandson..." Draco quipped.

Lucius walked with Draco to the foyer. "Perhaps that will change someday." He looked sadly at Draco. "I only wish we had been able to give you a brother or sister."

"Don't get all sentimental on me, Father. And we'll see about expanding our family. Right now, we have our hands full with just Scorpius. See you Sunday," Draco said before Disapparating.

Lucius took a deep breath to clear his mind. He had been getting quite sentimental, which was not normally like him. Recent events really were stretching him too thin. Once he had composed himself, he left to join Hermione for dinner.