Chapter 27

Wednesday morning, Lucius was enjoying breakfast and reading the Daily Prophet. He was quite pleased to see that while the article covering Hermione's divorce was on the first page, it was squeezed into a small column at the bottom. There really wasn't much to report as it had been a closed hearing and apparently Weasley had not felt like sharing details with the press. Of course, it probably hadn't hurt that Lucius had run into Josephus Addams, the Prophet's editor, at his club a few days back and had lamented how it pained him to see one of his employees, because they always seemed to mention where she worked, featured so prominently in the news when there were clearly more important items that should be the headline news.

The headline of the day regarded new legislation covering the import of goods by British owned companies, legislation he had quietly been lobbying for since he had begun his international expansion. Above the fold was also the announcement about his acquisition of Belle Déesse and how ladies could rejoice that they would once again be able to purchase their favorite beauty products without traveling to France.

The only other article above the fold reported on a drunken brawl in a Muggle village that had required the intervention of Obliviators, who had thankfully arrived before the Muggle news. There was a strong reminder that more and more Muggles had recording devices which could be used to record evidence of the presence of the wizarding world.

He was quite pleased by the professional tone of the article covering the divorce and that there was nothing written by Rita Skeeter. He was sure that would turn up in Witch Weekly or The Looking Glass, but those were not serious news publications, and he paid little attention to what they published. Tomorrow's paper would surely have letters to the editor, but Josephus Addams did a good job ensuring that both sides were equally represented, so there would be little fall out for Hermione.

Setting the paper down, he pondered what was next. The end of this week Hermione would move out of the cottage, which would mean that he would see her less, much less. She would be living in Camden in North London, in a Jinney Alley flat, the magical community that one enters through the original cottage of Mother Red Cap and her famous black cat familiar next to The World's End pub, which would most definitely rule out him visiting her. He would just have to bide his time for a few weeks and settle for sending her letters along with casually running into her at work.

For now, he had business to attend to which would take his mind off his personal life. While the contract had been signed for the acquisition of Belle Déesse, there were quite a few details that had to be taken care of before they could begin selling the products in stores. Mr. Dupré had insisted that his niece, Joséphine, oversee the return to British stores. Lucius would be meeting with her tomorrow to begin making arrangements. He knew there would be no shortage of stores wanting to carry Belle Déesse products, but he intended to be quite selective to ensure the brand was not diluted.

As the day progressed, Lucius lost complete track of time due to the steady stream of parchment crossing his desk. There were times when he thought he should delegate more, but he also knew the company's success was in large part due to the fact that he kept abreast of all major decisions.

The door to his office opened and Connor entered before he could be announced. "Working late?" Connor asked as he made a beeline for the sideboard bar.

Lucius looked at the clock on the mantle. "It's only 5:30, I would hardly call that late." He rose from his desk and accepted the drink Connor handed him before both men sat on opposite sides of the leather sofa.

"I just thought you would have left for the day already. You know..." Connor hinted.

Lucius arched his eyebrow. "I already informed you that I intend to be respectful of the waiting period. As you have already pointed out, there will be a certain amount of scandal involved with my choice to court her, why do something to invite more?"

"You're really going to be proper about this?" Connor asked skeptically before taking a sip of his drink.

"As much as it pains me to admit, yes. I presume you can hold off any further match-making attempts from Felicia?"

"I'll do my best. She was actually considering inviting Elsa to dinner."

Lucius choked on his drink at this pronouncement.

"Don't worry. I got her to hold off. I told her you weren't ready to go public yet. Though I don't know how long she will wait. You know how she is with regards to you – it's her personal mission to see you matched up with the perfect witch."

"Something I feel Narcissa might have had a hand in." Lucius knew that Narcissa had never wanted him to spend his life alone. She had told him as much as her condition worsened. "I think it probably best for me to inform Felicia that it wasn't working out between Elsa and me. That will let her down gently and should buy me a few weeks of peace as she lets me 'get over' my failed relationship."

Connor considered this plan a few seconds. "That should do it. You want me to break the news to her?"

Lucius considered this idea. He knew that Felicia was likely to overreact about the end of this fictitious relationship. "That might be for the best. I don't need her fussing over me."

Connor asked cautiously, "And you're sure that Granger is the witch for you? Given what she's been through, who her family is, it'll invite controversy."

"I'm beyond caring about that. Look at what I did in the past – that was far worse than courting a divorcée. Besides, you've read the news. Reputation wise, I would say he was the one who came off on the losing end of that," Lucius replied confidently. Even if she had come out on the worse end of the deal, it would not have changed his mind.

"So I noticed. And I suppose you had nothing to do with that?" he asked slyly.

"All I did was recommend a solicitor to her. I have had nothing to do with the case. Of course I would recommend the best to her," he replied evasively.

"Of course," Connor replied.

Lucius could tell that Connor wanted to say more. "Well? You suspect that I drove them apart, don't you?"

"Lucius, I know you, and I believe what you have told me, but... perceptions..." Connor paused, as though unsure of how to continue.

Lucius asked pointedly, "And how would those perceptions get started? She and I, and now you, are the only ones who know of the advice I provided her." Even Connor would never know that she had stayed at his country cottage during the divorce proceedings. "As I have told you, I did nothing to convince her to end her doomed marriage. If there was any sort of proof that I had influenced her in any way, it surely would have come out in the hearing."

"You know I will take this secret to my grave. On my honor, I will not whisper a word of it to Felicia. Perhaps it's for the best she thought you were interested in Elsa."

"Indeed," Lucius replied with a raise of his glass.

"Well, once this is all public, I can assure you that Felicia will want to have the two of you over for dinner, though I daresay she will be somewhat disappointed it's not Elsa." Connor still did not look as though he entirely approved of what Lucius was doing.

"We will be more than happy to attend." He finished his Scotch. "So, this was your reason for visiting? To hound me about my choice?"

"I'm still trying to get over the shock that this is your mystery witch. I hope that she makes you happy and that you aren't reading too much into any of this."

"In a few weeks, we'll know for sure." He wasn't ready to admit to Connor that he had already revealed his feelings to Hermione, and she had admitted she reciprocated those same sentiments. While he valued Connor's opinions, there were certain aspects of their relationship he knew were best not to tell his friend.

Lucius decided to return to the manor before departing for dinner with Hermione. He wandered aimlessly as he considered his recent conversations with Connor. He had of course considered all the social ramifications of choosing to pursue a relationship with Hermione. There would be the first wave of outrage from his social circle over her blood status and the fact that she was divorced. Eventually, because of who he was, that outrage would subside. After all, wizarding Britain needed his money, and his business interests were diverse enough that it would be difficult for any moderate sized company or larger to thrive without conducting business with a Malfoy company.

From outside the old pureblood families, there would be those who would think it was an act to continue to restore his reputation, though in all honesty that was no longer needed. He had already paid for his allegiance with the Dark Lord and unlike last time, his actions proved he was a changed wizard. He was constantly on the prowl for the most highly talented witches and wizards in Britain. If he still harbored any ill-will to Muggle-borns, he would not have hired any let alone placed several in senior leadership positions. He no longer had to prove to anyone that he consider all magical folk to be equal – unlike some of his peers, who only paid lip service to that idea.

He stood at the window and stared out at the garden, contemplating his future – for the first time since Narcissa's passing. Over the last three years, he had merely been existing – going about his life, doing the same routines he had done over the previous twenty years, but it hadn't really been living.

Now he once again felt a zeal for life and all it had to offer.

He knew that it was premature to begin planning anything, but given the connection he felt to Hermione, he could not help himself. They were destined to be together – he just knew it to be true. He chuckled at that thought. He had never been one to believe in Divination or any of the other fortune telling mumbo-jumbo, but just this once he would believe in destiny.

And once he could take his relationship with Hermione public, he hoped that it would finally cause Elsa to realize she had no chance, that his refusal had been final. He had no idea what was being reported in the German press, but the British press was clearly rooting for him to go public with a relationship with Elsa. And now thanks to his work acquiring Belle Déesse, they were trying to associate him with Joséphine Dupré, make him out to be some sort of libertine. Which would surely increase in frequency as he worked with Joséphine on the product launch since he would be seen with her out in public.

While he would have much rather been able to spend his evenings with Hermione, he knew that he had other obligations. Not to mention she was moving at the end of the week. Besides, the less time he spent around her, the less likely he was to do something that could ruin their relationship, or worse that would reveal his feelings to the public. If anyone were to suspect that he played any hand in her divorce, he was not sure that even his wealth could help his reputation at that point.

He walked down to his study and opened the safe. Reaching in the back, he pulled out a small, dusty box. After blowing off the dust, he opened it to reveal a stunning diamond and sapphire ring. It had been his mother's, and he intended to some day present it to Hermione. He knew his mother would approve. She had been so happy when Lucius and Narcissa had wed since her marriage had been loveless.

Gently he closed the box and placed it back in the safe. Soon enough the time would be right.

When Lucius arrived at the cottage for dinner with Hermione, he took hold of her hand in both of his. "You look much more relaxed this evening." He could tell that the nature of their relationship had changed. She was definitely disappointed in his platonic greeting, but he knew that was how it had to be. It would be far too easy for the two of them to let their emotions take control, especially in such a private setting.

They walked to the drawing room and sat on the sofa while they waited for Kappa to inform them dinner was served.

"I am. A great weight has been lifted. It's finally over and it didn't end in as big a fuss as I had anticipated."

"While the divorce hearing is over, this will not be the end of it. There will be controversy surrounding you for some time, especially when you resume social activities," he said gently. He knew that a scandal such as this would not disappear overnight.

"And that doesn't bother you?" she asked cautiously.

"My dear, look at what I have survived in the past. I'm sure that many people, you included, would not have expected me to become a model citizen. I find I no longer care as much what others think about me as I once did."

"I never really cared that much, but I do wish that I wouldn't be the center of attention anymore. I don't like the whispers, but I guess I should be happy that they are just whispers."

He longed to pull her into his arms and reassure her that he would protect her as much as he was able. "In time it will subside, though as I'm sure you can imagine when our relationship goes public, it will be quite the sensation."

She chuckled morbidly. "I have no doubt. What a couple we will make: the reformed Death Eater and the heroine of the war."

He tried not to flinch at her use of Death Eater. Yes, it was who he had been, but he had long ago left that behind him. "I was thinking more in terms of an eligible pure-blood bachelor from one of the oldest families in Britain choosing a Muggle-born."

Hermione blushed. "There's that, too." After a few moments she asked, "Will it really be that sensational?"

"Andromeda Tonks was completely disowned from her family when she chose to marry Ted and was snubbed by everyone of means, even those who had been her dearest friends."

"And you don't worry about that?"

He gave her reassuring smile. "I am the head of my family so there is no one to disown me. While others may express disapproval in private and small gatherings, no one will dare say anything to either of us. I have far too much influence for that to happen."

"I suppose that you do," she replied, her voice trailing off.

He could tell that something was bothering her. "Hermione?" he prodded.

"I'm sorry, it's just... When it's just the two of us, I tend to forget who you are. And when I remember it can be a bit intimidating. And now I started thinking about how others are going to see us," she rambled.

He slid closer to her and picked up her hand in his. "And this bothers you?" he asked gently.

"Well, I do wonder how my friends will see us. Harry wasn't happy that I would be working for your company. This... well, he's one of the few friends I know I'll still have after the divorce." She looked down at her lap.

Lucius had not contemplated how her friendships might affect their relationship. "I imagine our relationship will be met with some skepticism, but hopefully in time they will come to see what you have, that I am not the same wizard I once was."

She looked up and smiled at him. "I'm sure I can help them see that."

Looking into her eyes, he knew that she would work tirelessly to convince her friends that he was worthy of her attention. "I'm sure that you will."

Kappa informed them that dinner was ready and over their dinner of roast chicken and vegetables, she asked him about his acquisition of Belle Déesse. He was more than happy to tell her about the company and his plans for bringing the products to market. She listened intently, though he had a suspicion that she was not fully paying attention to what he was saying.

When dinner was over, he knew that it was best to say good night. "As lovely an evening as it has been, I think it best if I go."

"Do you have to?" she asked morosely.

He placed his hand on her cheek, which was flushed from the wine they had shared over dinner. "I'm afraid so." He longed to lean towards her and place a gentle kiss on her lips, but he knew that had to wait. "I'll write you."

Hermione forced a smile. "I look forward to it."

The following afternoon, Lucius met Joséphine Dupré at his office. When she entered his office, he said, "Bonjour, Mademoiselle Dupré."

"Good afternoon, Mr. Malfoy," she replied in lightly accented English. "Since we will be conducting business in your country, it would be proper to use English."

"Of course," he replied with a slight incline of his head. "I thought you might like to see what is being reported about the acquisition." He turned to his desk and picked up the last several days' worth of the Daily Prophet. "The latest issues of the ladies' magazines won't be out until next Wednesday. We unfortunately missed the deadline, though this may work out for the best since I hope that by next week we will be able to report which shops will be carrying Belle Déesse."

"That may be for the best. If you don't mind, I would prefer to see the shops under consideration before viewing the proposed advertising."

"Of course." He knew that she would want to see what sort of shops would be carrying the product before viewing the advertising to make sure the aesthetic worked. He had not yet seen any of the proposals, wanting to give the advertising team as much time as possible to work on several different options. Of course, it was not as though Belle Déesse needed sophisticated advertising as it already had name recognition and a reputation. Though there was a change in demographics following the war with an emerging group of entrepreneurs from Muggle-born families who were likely unfamiliar with Belle Déesse. "If you will permit me, I can Apparate us both, of if you prefer, we can travel by Floo."

She looped her arm in his. "I have never enjoyed travel by Floo."

He Apparated them both to the wizarding enclave in Edinburgh. "While Marmoor Alley in Edinburgh is not as trafficked as Diagon Alley, it is growing in prominence with more upscale shops opening here. I have narrowed the choices here to Indulgence and True Beauty. While they are both new since the war, Belle Déesse would fit perfectly with their product lines." He led her towards True Beauty since it was closer.

He held the door open for Joséphine and walked slightly behind her as she perused the products on the shelves and took in the decor.

After a few moments, they were greeted by the clerk. "May I help you?"

Lucius looked to Joséphine, deferring to her.

"No, thank you. I'm just browsing."

"If there is anything I can help you with, please don't hesitate to ask."

Lucius watched as she browsed. He knew this store, like the others he was considering, sold mostly British products with a few imports. It was still somewhat difficult to import products, the Ministry having wanted to bolster the rebuilding of British industry and prevent shops from being flooded with cheaper imports.

After about ten minutes they left the shop.

He placed his hand on her back to guide her down the street. "Indulgence is this way."

When they entered the shop, he was met with a boisterous, "Lucius, how wonderful to see you again." A middle aged witch approached and kissed him on both cheeks.

"Drusilla, wonderful to see you again." He gestured to his right. "This is Joséphine Dupré."

"Miss Dupré, a pleasure to meet you. I'm Drusilla Dempsey, proprietor. If there is anything at all I can help you with, please let me know. I'm quite knowledgeable on all the products I carry and I'm willing to recommend a few personal favorites if you'd like." She flashed a knowing grin to Lucius and gave him a little wink.

Lucius tried to smile pleasantly. He could definitely feel a headache developing. Drusilla was one of the biggest gossips in the old wizarding families. He was sure it would be no time at all before everyone assumed he was dating Joséphine.

"I'll be sure to ask if I have questions. For now I'd just like to look around."

As Joséphine was browsing, Lucius could hear Drusilla thinking aloud. "Dupré? That reminds me of Belle Déesse. Do you remember that, Lucius?"

"How could I not? Narcissa was a loyal customer."

"What I wouldn't give to carry that," Drusilla said wistfully.

Lucius was sure that her comment was meant to be overheard. He wondered if she knew that Joséphine was part of the company or if she was merely commenting on the name and the fact that it had just been in the Daily Prophet. He chose to ignore Drusilla's comment.

The rest of the afternoon was much less dramatic as none of the other shop clerks made a fuss over his arrival. They stopped in Godric's Hollow, Hogsmeade, Diagon Alley, Dublin and Cardiff.

When they arrived back at Lucius' London office, Joséphine said. "Thank you for taking me to the shops. I have an idea of which ones I think would be appropriate, but I would like to think on it this evening."

He nodded his head. "Of course. If you had no other plans for dinner this evening, I would be pleased to recommend a restaurant and perhaps join you, as business associates," he added, almost as an afterthought to make sure that she did not harbor the sort of ideas that Elsa had.

"I would be honored for you to join me for dinner. Dining alone is not something I prefer. I find good company is as important as good cuisine."

"Excellent. I will let the advertising team know that we have returned and after a short respite, you can see what they have proposed." Again, he knew that technically the company was his, but he also knew that the Dupré family was doing a decent enough job running the company and he had no intention of alienating any of them. In order to maintain brand integrity, he would value any input the Duprés had.

"Thank you."

Lucius called his secretary into his office. "Caroline will assist you and show you to the conference room when you are ready."

By the time Lucius returned to the manor after dinner, he was feeling drained. It had been a long and busy day. He dropped his outer robes on the sofa in his study and walked to his desk to look through the post. He smiled as he saw a letter from Delilah. Nothing else in the post required his immediate attention, and he set it aside. With a wave of his wand he summoned the Scotch decanter and a glass. With a flick of his wrist, he magically poured two fingers of Scotch as he settled at his desk to read Delilah's letter.

As Lucius read the letter, he began to think that he could definitely use his sister's advice on his relationship with Hermione. While he could ask Connor, he knew that his friend did not have all the information. He could tell Delilah things that he would not even trust Connor to know.

After finishing reading her letter, he put quill to parchment and wrote a reply, letting her know that he would like to join her and Vittorio for dinner on Friday. He knew that it was short notice, but he also knew that the two of them enjoyed evenings at home. In addition to asking her for advice, he would use this trip to try to convince her was time for a visit to the manor. Besides, despite the long distance to Italy, it would be a welcome respite and relaxing. It would be a good start to a weekend during which he would not be seeing Hermione.

Lucius spent the rest of the week wrapping up the domestic details and appointing the proper people to oversee the final steps of the marketing agreement for Belle Déesse's re-launch into the British marketplace. Already the media blitz had started to build excitement. Lucius had no doubt that this would be a complete success. He had even overheard his secretary talking about it.

For now he was looking forward to visiting his sister and getting away from all the fuss. He picked up the small gift bag of Belle Déesse products and Disapparated.

When he arrived, he was warmly welcomed by Delilah and Vittorio, who assured him that he was always welcome.

Dinner was hearty and exactly what Lucius needed. His Italian was improving to the point that they barely used English during the meal. He could definitely understand why Delilah was happy with her life. Vittorio told him all about the harvest and how well it was going. It had been a very good year for their farm, and Vittorio was looking at expanding. The owner of the neighboring property was getting on in years and his children had no interest in the farm or vineyard. Vittorio had spent some time watching the grape harvest and crush and thought he was ready to try his hand at viticulture. Signor Russo was willing to stay on as Vintner for a few years.

Delilah looked as though she still wasn't entirely sold on Vittorio's latest plans. "The good news is that the vineyard is on the far side of the property from us so it would be easy enough to sell should winemaking not suit Vittorio."

Vittorio smiled proudly. "You should trust me. Have I made a bad decision yet?"

"No, but growing vegetables, olives and nuts and making wine are two entirely different things."

"And that's why Signor Russo will be staying on for a few years. I'm sure he has no desire to see me run his winery into ruin."

Lucius offered, "I am good friends with Monsieur Toussaint of Chateau Rouge. I could ask him to offer a consultation. While the varietals grown are different, he could provide advice on the wine making side."

This seemed to make Delilah feel much better. "I think that would be a wonderful idea. It couldn't hurt to have another vintner look things over."

Vittorio looked as though he were about to refuse.

"Vittorio, it will hurt nothing for him to visit. And he would merely be offering advice. And I'm sure he would be quite pleased to enjoy one of Delilah's dinners once I tell him how wonderful a cook she is," Lucius said. He knew that he normally tried not to flaunt his wealth and influence, but this was one favor he wanted to do for them.

"I will consider it and let you know." He rose from the table. "Now, it's late and the cows get up early." He bent down and gave Delilah a kiss. "I'll see you in the morning." He turned to Lucius, who had risen to his feet, and gave his brother-in-law a hug. "Buona notte."

"Buona notte and sleep well," Lucius replied. "Thank you again for your hospitality.

Once they were alone, Delilah focused her gaze on her brother. "I can tell that something's bothering you, and I presume you are here because you wanted to talk about it."

He smiled wanly at how transparent he was to Delilah, even after all these years. "I never could keep secrets from you, could I?" He paused a moment before continuing. After taking a deep breath, he said, "It's about the young witch I'm interested in. Events forced me to reveal my feelings to her even though her divorce is not final." He snorted. "They forced me to reveal them even before her hearing. While I am quite pleased that the attraction is mutual, the timing is most inopportune. Her closest friends were also his family, and I feel as though I am abandoning her in her greatest moment of need. To be around her... It was tolerable before when I could only fantasize that she felt the same way about me, but now... It's all I can do to maintain control knowing that if I were to kiss her, it would not stop there."

"Why did you have to reveal it now? Surely you could have waited a few more weeks?" Delilah asked curiously.

Lucius shook his head. "There is a coworker of hers that she has been spending a great deal to time with. From what I have observed, and this was through happenstance, not me trying to find out what she was doing, he seems to have some sort of romantic interest in her. While I could not say whether she returns that interest, she was quite flattered by his flirtatious behavior, and I would not risk losing her."

"So are you looking for advice or merely wanting to tell someone what was on your mind?"

He took a sip of his drink. "I don't know. There isn't really any advice to be given. She has taken a flat in Jinney Alley, someplace rather visible where my presence would be noticed. Inviting her to the manor..." He recalled her reaction when he had suggested she join him gardening. "Due to circumstances I don't wish to get into, is out of the question. She had been staying at the cottage, but even inviting her there is too much. I want nothing more than to be with her, but I know that it cannot be for the present." He leaned back in his chair before upending his glass and refilling it. "I dislike not being in control."

"No one has complete control of their life, Lucius. And this will sort itself out in time."

"I realize that, but what of her? Yes, I have told her that I care for her, and she understands that us spending time together is courting disaster, but what if it's not enough?"

"You're still concerned about this other wizard?"

"Of course I am. He will be a near daily presence in her life, well positioned to deepen their relationship." He took another deep draught of his drink. "He is younger, near her age – she is quite a bit younger than me – rather handsome, and they seem to have much in common."

"Even though she said she feels something for you? Lucius, I believe you are needlessly worrying."

"Am I? It is one thing to have a crush on someone..."

Delilah interrupted. "From what you have said, the two of you have developed a good friendship. I would say that is something more than a crush."

"But she also has a good friendship with this other fellow. What if there are also romantic feelings there? What if she comes to think I am too old for her? She spent the last few years of her marriage starved for attention, and now she will be getting it from this other fellow."

"Why don't you write her letters since you won't be able to spend time with her? Let her know how important she is to you and how much you can't wait until you can be together."

"I had already planned on that, but it doesn't seem as though it's enough."

"But it's really all you have."

He slumped in his chair. "It is. I suppose I should go."

"Why don't you stay here the weekend?" Delilah asked. "Unless you have other plans."

Lucius sighed. "No. No plans." It was unlikely he would have weekend plans until Hermione's divorce was final.

"I think you will find the farm therapeutic," she replied.

"Feeding chickens and milking cows is therapeutic?" he asked skeptically.

"You would be surprised. Come, I'll get you settled in the guest room. You can always change your mind in the morning."

"I'll have to return the favor of hosting you at my house," he replied. "I know that Draco and his family would like to see you again, and it's hard for him to find the time to get away."

"We'll see after the harvest is over. This is a very busy time with the extra farmhands to feed," she replied evasively.

Once settled in the guest room, Lucius drifted off to sleep almost immediately, overcome by exhaustion and drink.

A/N: As always, huge thanks to beaweasley2 for her assistance. I would also like to apologize for the delay between chapters. Real life is attacking both me and my beta right now.

The Looking Glass is a reference to the UK tabloid The Daily Mirror. Since it was originally known as The Mirror and so as not to have confusion with the Daily Prophet, there is no 'daily' in the title.

For those paying close attention, I went back and edited Ch 26 so that there is no clear location given for Hermione's flat. Many thanks to beaweasley2 for suggesting Jinney Alley. More information on where Jinney Alley got its name, look up The World's End Pub in Camden. They have a history section which outlines the legend behind Jinney Bingham or Mother Red Cap. http://www.theworldsend.co.uk/index.php/history

Marmoor Alley is a play on marmoreally which means 'relating to or suggestive of marble or a marble statue'. I thought it sounded sufficiently Scottish as well.