Laying the Blame

Disclaimer: Obviously, not mine.

A/N: Just some editing. This will be a few more chapters. Thanks for all the reviews! I did not realize how many Hermione/Lucius fans there were. Some of the characters are a bit OC but hopefully not too much and only to help the story along.

Happy New Year!


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Laying the Blame

Chapter 2


Hermione watched the older witch as she sorted through various parchments. They were seated in the parlor, quite alone. This was not an unusual circumstance. Hermione found it ironic that she spent more time with her mother-in-law than either Draco or Lucius. The men were often called away by Ministry business. Draco had followed in his father’s footsteps and worked for the Ministry for several years.

Hermione was surprised by Narcissa. She was not sure what she had expected from the stately witch but it wasn’t this intelligent, gentle woman she saw before her. Although she had originally found Narcissa to be cool and aloof, it was not long before they were chatting easily about everything from books to the current happenings in the Wizarding society.

Narcissa was involved in many charity organizations. Hermione suspected one of the reasons for this was to counteract the bad image the Malfoy family had sustained during the rise of Lord Voldemort. Now that the dark lord was defeated, the Malfoy’s were back in society’s good graces. Lucius had been released from Azkaban with an apology from the Minister of Magic for their mistake. Hermione knew the family’s money and power had probably gone a long way to modify the memory of not only high ranking individuals but also the Wizarding world in general. Hence, Draco’s new career decision to join the Ministry. She also wondered, not for the first time, if their marriage was also part of this renovation process.

Hermione was surprised to find that she actually liked Narcissa. Although usually getting along with your mother-in-law was a bonus, in this instance Hermione found it to be very distressing; she felt extremely guilty for her impure thoughts toward her frightening but alluring father-in-law.

Narcissa chatted easily about an upcoming charity event she was hosting. Hermione smiled and nodded in response but her traitorous mind drifted toward the imposing wizard who constantly invaded her thoughts.

“I am so glad you are agreeable, Hermione. I must admit I sent Lucius on an errand in anticipation of your acceptance. I hope you do not mind.”

Hermione continued to smile at her mother-in-law but inside her mind was racing. What had she agreed to? What in the world was Narcissa talking about and what did it have to do with Lucius?

She would have to pay better attention. Hermione decided to tactfully probe for information but before she could say anything Lucius swept into the room.

He strode over and pecked his wife on the cheek, while handing her a package.

“As you requested, my dear.” He then looked over and smiled at Hermione.

Still trying to sort out what was happening, Hermione was unprepared for the impact of his smile. It was not exactly a nice smile, nor was it malicious. Instead it was charming, magnetic, and slightly predatory. She did not know what to make of it. Suffice it to say, she felt special, as if it was meant for her alone. She knew it had to be a result of her overactive imagination but she responded to it just the same.

Narcissa’s voice drifted through the haze in Hermione’s head that was created by Lucius smile.

“These have been passed down to all the Malfoy brides. Tomorrow night’s event will be the perfect opportunity to show off our lovely new daughter-in-law.”

Hermione gave Narcissa a bewildered look. She wasn’t sure what she was talking about but she knew it couldn’t bode well. She didn’t relish the idea of being on display.

“Lucius?” Narcissa was obviously able to convey her wishes just by saying his name because the handsome wizard took the box out of her hand and answered her silent request.

“Of course, my dear.”

He strode over to Hermione, who was looking from one to the other. She wasn’t sure what was going on but she didn’t like being in the dark.

The blonde wizard smirked at her confusion.

“Please, turn around Hermione.” His voice was soft and seductive. Not that he was trying to seduce her or anything. Hermione always felt his voice was seductive even when he was angry and growling. Or maybe it was especially when he was angry and growling.

Hermione turned around, unable to refuse his request. He was close to her. She could feel the heat from his body and she felt unnerved. She had never really been this close to him before. She was afraid she would give herself away. She would be so humiliated if he knew how she felt; how she wanted him.

She had to be strong.

His hand grazed the back of her neck as he moved her hair off of her neck. She closed her eyes, concentrating on controlling her emotions and her body. Suddenly she felt something cool against her flushed skin. She looked down to see a beautiful diamond and ruby necklace resting against her collarbone. The blouse she was wearing had a scooped neck so the necklace was framed beautifully against her smooth skin. There were four small rubies surrounded by diamonds, dangling off of the delicate chain with one large ruby in the center. The jewels moved with the rise and fall of her chest and Hermione noticed some of the jewels were turned around on the chain. Once Lucius fastened the clasp on the necklace, he pulled her hair out and then moved to straighten out the delicate chain and jewels. As his fingers moved across her chest to spread the necklace out a heat began to burn through Hermione.

Oh dear Merlin!

Hermione found she couldn’t think. It was if she were drowning in sensations. She could feel the warmth of his even breath on the back of her neck. All she could think about was his wonderful hands. As his fingers grazed the neckline of her blouse, she had an overwhelming need for his hand to move lower. She could feel her nipples harden at the thought. Would he notice? Would she care? Her breast ached for his touch. Her desire had become a tangible thing and before she could even realize what she was doing, her hand reached for his. At that moment he moved his hands to her shoulders and Hermione was left touching the beautiful necklace, instead. The young witch drew a quick breath, realizing what she had almost done. And in front of her mother-in-law!

“Did you say something, my dear?” he whispered close to her ear.

“No, I…” She had turned toward him and found herself within inches of his face. She lost her voice. She could see every pore on his skin as she admired his strong jaw. The scent of him was intoxicating, the closeness thrilling. She could so easily touch him with her lips; explore his skin with her tongue.

“What’s going on here?” The voice of her husband broke through Hermione’s haze and caused her to start.

“Draco,” Narcissa purred. “You are just in time. Hermione was just about to show us how she looks.”

Lucius obligingly moved as Hermione turned around. The loss of contact with him left Hermione feeling empty. She plastered a smile on her face as she looked at Draco. She noticed at once that he seemed distracted.

“You look lovely.” He walked over to her and kissed her cheek. Hermione noted wryly that the kiss was remarkably similar to the quick one Lucius had given his wife.

“Radiant,” Lucius agreed looking down at the necklace. That brief glance heated her more than anything Draco’s had attempted.

“Very nice, indeed,” Narcissa threw in her opinion as she surveyed the young witch.

They discussed the upcoming charity event for several minutes. Actually Narcissa talked while the others pretended to listen. Finally Draco interrupted his mother.

“I am exhausted. I am going to bed.”

“Don’t you want something to eat? I can get the house elves to …”

“No, mum.” He kissed her lightly on the cheek. He stood up and started toward the staircase, then turned once again.

“Are you coming, Hermione?”

Surprised, Hermione said her goodnights and followed her husband up the stairs. As she walked besides Draco, her thoughts strayed to the man below. Why was he able to stir her with just a touch? She remembered the feel of his hands on her skin, his scent, and the warmth from his body as he stood close to her. She had wanted him to kiss her. The feeling had been overpowering.

Hermione walked through the door of their room in a daze. She really shouldn’t be thinking about Lucius kissing her…

Suddenly, Hermione felt herself being pulled into an embrace. Strong arms held her as firm lips pressed against her own. It was a very passionate kiss and for a wild minute Hermione thought it was Lucius. The slam of the door behind her brought her back to reality.

Draco.

Her husband. He of course, was the one kissing her, holding her, caressing her. Hermione opened her mouth in surprise and Draco swiftly slipped his tongue in her mouth.

He eagerly kissed her as his hand stroked her back. Hermione was in shock. This couldn’t be Draco. He was always so gentle and sweet, never passionate, never so hungry.

His lips trailed kisses down her neck.

Oh, God, that was nice, she thought. She moaned as his hand moved to her waist. She willed him to move it higher. She needed to be touched. She grabbed his hand and moved it to her breast. He slipped his hand under her shirt, massaging her sensitive skin. He stroked her already hardened nipple. Hermione groaned in response. She could no longer help herself. She imagined Lucius’ hand touching her, his lips kissing her. Although this fantasy was not new, the response of her partner was. Hermione found herself more aroused that she could ever remember.

He reached around her and grabbed her bottom with both hands pulling her closer. Hermione could feel his arousal and she ground her hips against him. He bit her neck as he whispered hoarsely in her ear, “I want to be inside you.”

Hermione pulled him with her to the bed. She undressed him quickly, wanting to feel the warmth of his skin. It was not long before they were both undressed and lying on the large bed. He smirked as he turned her over onto her stomach. He trailed kisses down her back until he reached her bottom. He concentrated his efforts there, nipping at the soft skin of her bum. He reached down further still stroking between her legs at her most sensitive spot. Hermione suddenly realized he meant to enter her from this position. She turned over quickly. She needed to see his face, to remember who she was with.

He didn’t seem to mind as he drew her legs around him, pushing his erection into her. His long blonde hair fell across his handsome face. It was long and silky and Hermione ran her hand through it as she felt herself getting close. It was so much like Lucius’. Her imagination took over and it was his eyes she saw, his smile as he thrust into her. She could tell he was close and she screamed as the waves shook over her.

The shock of what happened next overwhelmed Hermione and she knew nothing would ever be the same. As they descended from their excitement they both stared at each other, unable to believe the words that had been uttered in passion.

Words that included a name that hung in the air between them.

“Oh God, Harry!”