Lights of Questionable Faith
folder
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Lucius/Hermione
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
25
Views:
21,801
Reviews:
225
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Category:
Harry Potter › Het - Male/Female › Lucius/Hermione
Rating:
Adult +
Chapters:
25
Views:
21,801
Reviews:
225
Recommended:
0
Currently Reading:
1
Disclaimer:
I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.
Chapter XV
Lovely Reviewers:
sinbad - Yes. Lucius is good. I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Don't hate me. Well, she tortured him only slightly longer than the first time when he upset her. So, yes, it was mean. It has been shown to be in her character prior to do something of this nature.
vamp_grl23 - I get to hug him first! A virtual spanking would have done him more good! I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll.
andarte I'm English and Irish myself...I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Please don't hate me.
blufalcon - You have to start somewhere. Thank you. I am not sure of my talent. Read the following, and you'll see why.
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Hope you don't hate me.
salazarslytherin14 - You get your wish very soon. But to let you know. While you were reviewing the most recent chapter...I was editing many of the others along with that one. It boils down to: I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Hope you don't hate me.
Hilda Malfoy - Well, Flyff seems to need carrot flavored prozac. Poor fellow. He needs hugs too. I didn't get an email. I was sad. :( Just to let you know...I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll.
HermioneMalfoyFan - You are fine. With no internet at home, it's difficult.
Your comments bred a lot of changes in chapter 4 - 14. I hope that you are happy. It's all your fault. You will need to tell me what you think! I would check them out. It might not inspire sympathy, but I am hoping for some more understanding of him at any rate. I feel so horrible for what I've done that I'm posting the next chapter much earlier than I had planned.
I'm glad that you love both.
Well, how good are you at magic?
Who wants all the Malfoys to themself now? I thought I was bad! Draco is cuddly-wuddly.
Voracious reader - They haven't checked for MS. MS is usually one of the last diseases that doctors will check for because it is so bad. They are going to tell me that I have high anxiety on Monday. I can hear them now. I'm psychic. Anyway...I'll deal with it. I hate those damn happy pills though.
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Hope you don't hate me for this.
Heidi191976 - Chapter and chapter. Here is a new one. I'm really bad. I hope you don't hate me for this.
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll.
Citten - Severus is my personal hero. I (big heart) him! I'm not sure how I am doing. I will have to wait to hear the doctor's opinions. They will tell me that I have anxiety...I'll be very irritated. I hope you don't hate me for this. I had to do some editing because someone said something that made me wonder how clear distinctions were. I also want people to understand Lucius' little mind a bit better.
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll.
Lauriurix - By being the sweetheart we know he can be.
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Hope you don't hate me. I'm a bad writer. *hangs head in shame*
trippingEYES - He needs hugs and ice cream. You make me so happy when you say you will review the other story.
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Hope you don't hate me. I'm a bad writer. *hangs head in shame*
maddie50 - She is being cruel. She will be nice soon.
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Hope you don't hate me. I'm a bad writer. *hangs head in shame*
~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Hope you don't hate me. I'm a bad writer. *hangs head in shame*
I hope y'all can forgive me in time for this. It's not my fault. Someone said something that got me to thinking way too much. I had to figure out how to fix the problem.
This chapter is pretty long, comparatively.
~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~
Lucius brushed at his robes.
His angel was allowing him in her presence. He would sit next to her.
He patted his shaven face.
If his angel let him kiss her, she didn’t want to feel his facial hair. She would want nice smooth skin.
He tied his hair back.
His angel would not be hidden by his hair constantly falling in his face. She would be the focus of his attention.
Lucius sighed, and he bit his lip. He looked good for angel. He shut the door and walked quickly for His Love’s chambers.
Both of the doors were flung open when he arrived.
Hermione was sitting in a black leather chair. She wore a long simple dress made of light blue silk with silver trim.
Lucius stared at her where she sat not paying attention to him.
She should look at him.
Hermione took a sip of tea.
“You’re beautiful, my Love,” Lucius whispered.
“Thank you,” Hermione responded, staring at a point above and to the right of Lucius’ shoulder. “Come in.”
"You should snatch her up and force her to come with you," Mr. Malfoy snarled in Lucius' head.
"No, she is sweet. I need to be nice to her. Then she'll like us."
Mr. Malfoy rolled his eyes.
Lucius stepped over the threshold and walked calmly toward her ignoring the orders to run and gather her up and drag her from the room before she had a chance to object.
Hermione plucked at the folds of her dress as a fresh tea tray appeared.
“Hermione, will you look at me?” Lucius asked as he stopped in front of the loveseat.
“Do sit down, Lucius,” Hermione said, reaching forward and pouring two cups of tea. “I recall you liked your tea with cream and a tiny bit of sugar.
Lucius sat down on the sofa stiffly. His lips quivered as he looked at his love. She should sit with him.
“Your memory is impeccable, Love,” Lucius said, watching her as she fixed his tea perfectly.
Hermione passed him the cup looking at him right in the eyes.
Lucius stared into her eyes. She should sit with him. It wasn’t asking much.
“We have much to discuss,” Hermione said, sitting back in her chair with her own tea, black.
“Will you sit with me?” Lucius asked, looking at her with big sad eyes.
“We are sitting in the same room. Baby steps, Lucius,” Hermione said, taking a sip of tea.
Lucius stuck his bottom lip out. He'd been unkind to her. She was still punishing him.
“Please,” Lucius pouted, frowning heavily.
“Maybe later. First, we have several things that we need to discuss.”
“Yes. Yes, discuss,” Lucius said, shifting up to sit on the edge of the seat. She would sit with him later. She wanted to talk not be distracted by him being so close.
“Why did you bond with me?”
“Because you belong to me.”
“Lucius, I am a woman, not a hippogriff. You don’t own a person.”
“I own you in the eyes of the Ministry,” Lucius said, smiling proudly. “A stroke of luck on my part finding that obscure law still in effect.”
“Why did you want me?”
“Because,” Lucius said, setting the empty teacup and saucer down. “I’m Lucius Malfoy. I always get what I want.” Lucius stomped his foot. “Besides, you love me.”
Hermione looked him over before speaking, “Lucius, you need to answer the question. What is attractive about me that would cause you to go to all the trouble of forcing this upon me?”
“It wasn’t forced,” Lucius said, standing up and shaking a little. “The Bonding Ceremony hinges on the willingness of both parties. You wanted me! You had to. The bridge was so intricate. They don’t come like that every day, you know. That is why I chose quartz for our binding crystal. It only works if you care enough for me in return.”
“What are you talking about?” Hermione asked, shaking her head.
“You wanted to be bound to me; some part of you liked the idea. It wouldn’t work if you hated me,” Lucius said, pulling his wand out.
“Expelliarmus,” Hermione shouted.
Lucius yelped as his wand flipped out of his hand and into hers.
"She is wicked to cast spells against you. Let me teach her a lesson," Mr. Malfoy snarled in Lucius' head.
"No, I will discuss! We talk."
“What was that for?” Lucius asked, glaring at her, hurt. “I was going to summon a book from the library, a book about the Bonding Ceremony.”
“Do you forgive me, Lucius?” Hermione asked, feeling a twinge in her gut at how she’d thought he would put a spell on her to make her come with him. Lucius had never put a spell on her. And, she believed she was talking to Lucius right now.
Lucius nodded and approached her with his hand held out. He brushed his hand against hers for a longer period than was necessary for the transfer of the wand back to him.
Lucius smiled at her as her hand shook a little.
She liked him.
“I love you, Hermione,” Lucius said, cocking his head and smiling at her.
“Thank you,” Hermione responded.
Lucius pouted a little but settled on a sad smile.
Lucius flicked his wand in the air and moments later two thin books came soaring through the open door.
Lucius handed the books to her.
Hermione looked down at the two thin books: Everything You Wanted to Know about Bonding Ceremonies and The Guidebook of the Proper Pureblood Wife.
“What is this guidebook?” Hermione asked.
“It will help you know your new duties,” Lucius said, smiling brightly before sipping from his teacup, “as my wife.”
Hermione looked at him as she placed the books on her lap.
“Read,” Lucius said, and his eyes were bright as he looked into her eyes. “Read. Read.”
Hermione nodded at his enthusiasm and opened the book on top, Everything You Wanted to Know about Bonding Ceremonies. She began to read occasionally sipping her tea. It was interesting. It was startling. She frowned as she read that if no part of the lady desired the bond then it could never take. She set the book aside after skimming it. It would need closer inspection, and she was curious about the other book, The Guidebook of the Proper Pureblood Wife. Immediately, she spotted a problem. The book was published in 1467.
“Lucius, do you know how old this book is?” Hermione asked, cocking her head and looking into his hopefully shining eyes.
“All wives should be this way. The book says so. Read.”
“Lucius, I will read the book. But it is more than five-hundred years old,” Hermione said.
“It says.”
“Lucius,” Hermione said, standing up.
Lucius rose when she stood.
Hermione smiled at him softly, and she walked over and sat on the loveseat.
Lucius quaked a little. His angel was willing to sit next to him. Lucius sat down and stared at her.
“Look at the book with me, Lucius,” Hermione said, placing a hand on his knee.
Lucius looked down at her. His angel was touching him. Slowly he draped an arm around the back of the sofa and leaned close to her.
“Do you see Lucius? This book is old. No marriage is like this today.”
“But the book…”
“Lucius, listen to me. The book speaks of what a wife should be five-hundred years ago,” Hermione said, pointing out the date to him. “Today, marriages are different.”
Lucius frowned sadly at Hermione. Maybe that was why Narcissa had bullied him and told him he was crazy when he enforced these stipulations on her. She’d been mean to him. That was why Mr. Malfoy had struck her at times. She started it. She hated him. She was a hardhearted creature. She didn’t try to understand or help him.
“What is a marriage like then?” Lucius asked, and his eyes widened with stress.
“Well, Lucius. My parents had a partnership, and from what I’ve seen of the Weasleys, it seems a little like the witch rules the roost. Though, I dare say that Arthur enjoys it. As to what a marriage is like, I can’t say I know. I suppose the best way for us to know what our marriage should be is to sit down and talk about what we both want in this union.”
"She should obey you!"
"Shut up. She is touching me!"
Hermione gently squeezed his knee.
Lucius stared down at it as giddiness filled his heart. He inched a hand toward hers. She was touching him.
“What will our marriage be like then?” Lucius asked, taking her hand in his.
He was holding her hand. He shook his head as the darker voice tried to bully his way forward.
“Take her. Take her from this room and teach her the place she has. She should be beneath you in every sense.”
“No,” Lucius responded in his head. “She is kind and good. She let me in. She will talk with me. She will help me. She is sweet and gentle.”
“She is a woman; she needs to be tied in your bed until she knows her place is a docile house-witch at your side.”
“No! She will be treated well. She will not be forced.”
Hermione gently cupped his cheek as she saw him begin to look more stressed.
He instantly fell into her lap. He clung to the folds of her dress and choked back sobs.
“It’s alright,” Hermione said, running her hand through his hair.
Lucius was not well. He needed caring for, needed love.
“We will work it out,” Hermione said. “Please don’t be sad.”
“I’m sorry, Hermione. It wasn’t me who did those mean things. It wasn’t me. I swear it wasn’t me.”
“I know,” Hermione said, and she slipped her arms around him and lifted. “It’s alright; don’t be upset.”
Lucius struggled as he was lifted.
“It’s okay, Lucius.”
Hermione gently wrapped her arms around him and slipped into his lap to hold him. She snuggled close to him and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“I love you, Hermione. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“I don’t want to hurt you either,” Hermione said, stroking his hair as he cuddled closer.
“Don’t leave me! Don’t run away from me again!” he sobbed, pressing his cheek over her heart.
“I’m here to stay, Lucius. Don’t make me run.”
Lucius squeezed her more tightly.
“Let me stay with you,” he pleaded, tilting his head up to look into her eyes.
“Yes,” Hermione said, stroking his hair. “Come with me.”
~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~
Well, I hope y'all liked it, and I hope y'all aren't too put out about skimming through and reading the changes if you did read them. I think that they are relevant. Drop me a review. I look forward to them so much.
~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~
sinbad - Yes. Lucius is good. I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Don't hate me. Well, she tortured him only slightly longer than the first time when he upset her. So, yes, it was mean. It has been shown to be in her character prior to do something of this nature.
vamp_grl23 - I get to hug him first! A virtual spanking would have done him more good! I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll.
andarte I'm English and Irish myself...I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Please don't hate me.
blufalcon - You have to start somewhere. Thank you. I am not sure of my talent. Read the following, and you'll see why.
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Hope you don't hate me.
salazarslytherin14 - You get your wish very soon. But to let you know. While you were reviewing the most recent chapter...I was editing many of the others along with that one. It boils down to: I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Hope you don't hate me.
Hilda Malfoy - Well, Flyff seems to need carrot flavored prozac. Poor fellow. He needs hugs too. I didn't get an email. I was sad. :( Just to let you know...I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll.
HermioneMalfoyFan - You are fine. With no internet at home, it's difficult.
Your comments bred a lot of changes in chapter 4 - 14. I hope that you are happy. It's all your fault. You will need to tell me what you think! I would check them out. It might not inspire sympathy, but I am hoping for some more understanding of him at any rate. I feel so horrible for what I've done that I'm posting the next chapter much earlier than I had planned.
I'm glad that you love both.
Well, how good are you at magic?
Who wants all the Malfoys to themself now? I thought I was bad! Draco is cuddly-wuddly.
Voracious reader - They haven't checked for MS. MS is usually one of the last diseases that doctors will check for because it is so bad. They are going to tell me that I have high anxiety on Monday. I can hear them now. I'm psychic. Anyway...I'll deal with it. I hate those damn happy pills though.
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Hope you don't hate me for this.
Heidi191976 - Chapter and chapter. Here is a new one. I'm really bad. I hope you don't hate me for this.
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll.
Citten - Severus is my personal hero. I (big heart) him! I'm not sure how I am doing. I will have to wait to hear the doctor's opinions. They will tell me that I have anxiety...I'll be very irritated. I hope you don't hate me for this. I had to do some editing because someone said something that made me wonder how clear distinctions were. I also want people to understand Lucius' little mind a bit better.
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll.
Lauriurix - By being the sweetheart we know he can be.
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Hope you don't hate me. I'm a bad writer. *hangs head in shame*
trippingEYES - He needs hugs and ice cream. You make me so happy when you say you will review the other story.
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Hope you don't hate me. I'm a bad writer. *hangs head in shame*
maddie50 - She is being cruel. She will be nice soon.
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Hope you don't hate me. I'm a bad writer. *hangs head in shame*
~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~
I recommend going back and checking through Chapters 4-14. Many apologies...I had to do some major adding and editing. Well, I consider it major. I added quite a few segments to help better understand our dear blonde doll. Hope you don't hate me. I'm a bad writer. *hangs head in shame*
I hope y'all can forgive me in time for this. It's not my fault. Someone said something that got me to thinking way too much. I had to figure out how to fix the problem.
This chapter is pretty long, comparatively.
~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~
Lucius brushed at his robes.
His angel was allowing him in her presence. He would sit next to her.
He patted his shaven face.
If his angel let him kiss her, she didn’t want to feel his facial hair. She would want nice smooth skin.
He tied his hair back.
His angel would not be hidden by his hair constantly falling in his face. She would be the focus of his attention.
Lucius sighed, and he bit his lip. He looked good for angel. He shut the door and walked quickly for His Love’s chambers.
Both of the doors were flung open when he arrived.
Hermione was sitting in a black leather chair. She wore a long simple dress made of light blue silk with silver trim.
Lucius stared at her where she sat not paying attention to him.
She should look at him.
Hermione took a sip of tea.
“You’re beautiful, my Love,” Lucius whispered.
“Thank you,” Hermione responded, staring at a point above and to the right of Lucius’ shoulder. “Come in.”
"You should snatch her up and force her to come with you," Mr. Malfoy snarled in Lucius' head.
"No, she is sweet. I need to be nice to her. Then she'll like us."
Mr. Malfoy rolled his eyes.
Lucius stepped over the threshold and walked calmly toward her ignoring the orders to run and gather her up and drag her from the room before she had a chance to object.
Hermione plucked at the folds of her dress as a fresh tea tray appeared.
“Hermione, will you look at me?” Lucius asked as he stopped in front of the loveseat.
“Do sit down, Lucius,” Hermione said, reaching forward and pouring two cups of tea. “I recall you liked your tea with cream and a tiny bit of sugar.
Lucius sat down on the sofa stiffly. His lips quivered as he looked at his love. She should sit with him.
“Your memory is impeccable, Love,” Lucius said, watching her as she fixed his tea perfectly.
Hermione passed him the cup looking at him right in the eyes.
Lucius stared into her eyes. She should sit with him. It wasn’t asking much.
“We have much to discuss,” Hermione said, sitting back in her chair with her own tea, black.
“Will you sit with me?” Lucius asked, looking at her with big sad eyes.
“We are sitting in the same room. Baby steps, Lucius,” Hermione said, taking a sip of tea.
Lucius stuck his bottom lip out. He'd been unkind to her. She was still punishing him.
“Please,” Lucius pouted, frowning heavily.
“Maybe later. First, we have several things that we need to discuss.”
“Yes. Yes, discuss,” Lucius said, shifting up to sit on the edge of the seat. She would sit with him later. She wanted to talk not be distracted by him being so close.
“Why did you bond with me?”
“Because you belong to me.”
“Lucius, I am a woman, not a hippogriff. You don’t own a person.”
“I own you in the eyes of the Ministry,” Lucius said, smiling proudly. “A stroke of luck on my part finding that obscure law still in effect.”
“Why did you want me?”
“Because,” Lucius said, setting the empty teacup and saucer down. “I’m Lucius Malfoy. I always get what I want.” Lucius stomped his foot. “Besides, you love me.”
Hermione looked him over before speaking, “Lucius, you need to answer the question. What is attractive about me that would cause you to go to all the trouble of forcing this upon me?”
“It wasn’t forced,” Lucius said, standing up and shaking a little. “The Bonding Ceremony hinges on the willingness of both parties. You wanted me! You had to. The bridge was so intricate. They don’t come like that every day, you know. That is why I chose quartz for our binding crystal. It only works if you care enough for me in return.”
“What are you talking about?” Hermione asked, shaking her head.
“You wanted to be bound to me; some part of you liked the idea. It wouldn’t work if you hated me,” Lucius said, pulling his wand out.
“Expelliarmus,” Hermione shouted.
Lucius yelped as his wand flipped out of his hand and into hers.
"She is wicked to cast spells against you. Let me teach her a lesson," Mr. Malfoy snarled in Lucius' head.
"No, I will discuss! We talk."
“What was that for?” Lucius asked, glaring at her, hurt. “I was going to summon a book from the library, a book about the Bonding Ceremony.”
“Do you forgive me, Lucius?” Hermione asked, feeling a twinge in her gut at how she’d thought he would put a spell on her to make her come with him. Lucius had never put a spell on her. And, she believed she was talking to Lucius right now.
Lucius nodded and approached her with his hand held out. He brushed his hand against hers for a longer period than was necessary for the transfer of the wand back to him.
Lucius smiled at her as her hand shook a little.
She liked him.
“I love you, Hermione,” Lucius said, cocking his head and smiling at her.
“Thank you,” Hermione responded.
Lucius pouted a little but settled on a sad smile.
Lucius flicked his wand in the air and moments later two thin books came soaring through the open door.
Lucius handed the books to her.
Hermione looked down at the two thin books: Everything You Wanted to Know about Bonding Ceremonies and The Guidebook of the Proper Pureblood Wife.
“What is this guidebook?” Hermione asked.
“It will help you know your new duties,” Lucius said, smiling brightly before sipping from his teacup, “as my wife.”
Hermione looked at him as she placed the books on her lap.
“Read,” Lucius said, and his eyes were bright as he looked into her eyes. “Read. Read.”
Hermione nodded at his enthusiasm and opened the book on top, Everything You Wanted to Know about Bonding Ceremonies. She began to read occasionally sipping her tea. It was interesting. It was startling. She frowned as she read that if no part of the lady desired the bond then it could never take. She set the book aside after skimming it. It would need closer inspection, and she was curious about the other book, The Guidebook of the Proper Pureblood Wife. Immediately, she spotted a problem. The book was published in 1467.
“Lucius, do you know how old this book is?” Hermione asked, cocking her head and looking into his hopefully shining eyes.
“All wives should be this way. The book says so. Read.”
“Lucius, I will read the book. But it is more than five-hundred years old,” Hermione said.
“It says.”
“Lucius,” Hermione said, standing up.
Lucius rose when she stood.
Hermione smiled at him softly, and she walked over and sat on the loveseat.
Lucius quaked a little. His angel was willing to sit next to him. Lucius sat down and stared at her.
“Look at the book with me, Lucius,” Hermione said, placing a hand on his knee.
Lucius looked down at her. His angel was touching him. Slowly he draped an arm around the back of the sofa and leaned close to her.
“Do you see Lucius? This book is old. No marriage is like this today.”
“But the book…”
“Lucius, listen to me. The book speaks of what a wife should be five-hundred years ago,” Hermione said, pointing out the date to him. “Today, marriages are different.”
Lucius frowned sadly at Hermione. Maybe that was why Narcissa had bullied him and told him he was crazy when he enforced these stipulations on her. She’d been mean to him. That was why Mr. Malfoy had struck her at times. She started it. She hated him. She was a hardhearted creature. She didn’t try to understand or help him.
“What is a marriage like then?” Lucius asked, and his eyes widened with stress.
“Well, Lucius. My parents had a partnership, and from what I’ve seen of the Weasleys, it seems a little like the witch rules the roost. Though, I dare say that Arthur enjoys it. As to what a marriage is like, I can’t say I know. I suppose the best way for us to know what our marriage should be is to sit down and talk about what we both want in this union.”
"She should obey you!"
"Shut up. She is touching me!"
Hermione gently squeezed his knee.
Lucius stared down at it as giddiness filled his heart. He inched a hand toward hers. She was touching him.
“What will our marriage be like then?” Lucius asked, taking her hand in his.
He was holding her hand. He shook his head as the darker voice tried to bully his way forward.
“Take her. Take her from this room and teach her the place she has. She should be beneath you in every sense.”
“No,” Lucius responded in his head. “She is kind and good. She let me in. She will talk with me. She will help me. She is sweet and gentle.”
“She is a woman; she needs to be tied in your bed until she knows her place is a docile house-witch at your side.”
“No! She will be treated well. She will not be forced.”
Hermione gently cupped his cheek as she saw him begin to look more stressed.
He instantly fell into her lap. He clung to the folds of her dress and choked back sobs.
“It’s alright,” Hermione said, running her hand through his hair.
Lucius was not well. He needed caring for, needed love.
“We will work it out,” Hermione said. “Please don’t be sad.”
“I’m sorry, Hermione. It wasn’t me who did those mean things. It wasn’t me. I swear it wasn’t me.”
“I know,” Hermione said, and she slipped her arms around him and lifted. “It’s alright; don’t be upset.”
Lucius struggled as he was lifted.
“It’s okay, Lucius.”
Hermione gently wrapped her arms around him and slipped into his lap to hold him. She snuggled close to him and wrapped his arms around her waist.
“I love you, Hermione. I don’t want to hurt you.”
“I don’t want to hurt you either,” Hermione said, stroking his hair as he cuddled closer.
“Don’t leave me! Don’t run away from me again!” he sobbed, pressing his cheek over her heart.
“I’m here to stay, Lucius. Don’t make me run.”
Lucius squeezed her more tightly.
“Let me stay with you,” he pleaded, tilting his head up to look into her eyes.
“Yes,” Hermione said, stroking his hair. “Come with me.”
~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~
Well, I hope y'all liked it, and I hope y'all aren't too put out about skimming through and reading the changes if you did read them. I think that they are relevant. Drop me a review. I look forward to them so much.
~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~-~-~*~