LUCKY

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters in this tale, and receive no proceeds from it. All borrowed courtesy of Ms. J.K. Rowling.

CHAPTER TWO

Lucius was in his office when he received notification from the Ministry of Magic that his betrothal had been accepted and filed. Satisfaction filled him at the knowledge there was once less hurdle to clear. Pushing away from his desk, the blonde wizard moved to stand at his magically enhanced window. Before him lay a stunning view of a riverbank and a surrounding park. This often was a soothing exercise for Lucius. The scene changed in a myriad of ways, and he was often engrossed in trying to find the break in the view’s normal patterns.

Hermione’s acceptance of the betrothal, meant that the nearly ostracized pureblood would have another chance to regain the status he once enjoyed. There was only so much that intimidation could accomplish, even with all his millions backing his threats. Lucius was also painfully aware of certain deals and other opportunities that had slipped his grasp because of his notoriety as a former Death Eater. It was unsupportable that the Malfoys had sunk this level. The idea of marrying the mudblooded witch drew a shudder from him. His ancestors would have hexed him from the grave if possible.

The knock at his door pulled him from his reverie. Turning he called for the person to enter. The well coifed head of his attractive secretary appeared right before she stepped into the room.

“Mr. Malfoy, Mr. Kinsdale is here for your 4:00 meeting.” She turned on her heel to exit, “I’ll bring the tea in a moment.”

“Thank you Dianthe.” Lucius had barely finished his sentence before Mr. Kinsdale entered the office.

Smiling at the beefy dark haired wizard, Lucius extended his hand in greeting. Soon he felt himself enveloped in a bear hug. He’d forgotten how affectionate Brutus was.

“Lucius, old friend, how good you look.” Brutus stepped back and looked the startled wizard up and down. “Still as stiff as a board, eh? Nothing a good shag wouldn’t cure.” This statement was followed by Brutus flinging himself into the nearest chair.

Recovering his composure, Lucius’ thin lips stretched into a near grin. Brutus hadn’t changed a bit. The Americanised Scot was the same incorrigible arse. Brutus delighted in shocking Lucius while they were in Hogwarts together, and had never stopped his torment of the more reserved wizard.

“Quite well, Brutus. You’re looking fit yourself,” Lucius returned.

Brustus winked one wickedly gleaming eye,“Of course, I’m a handsome devil. The ladies of America can attest to that. Haven’t slept a night alone since moving there. You really should visit.”

Brutus’ unrepentant lust was rather well known in the wizarding world. As the possessor of an ancient estate, and healthy fortune, he was a sought after widower. His wife had died some ten years ago, and Brutus took this as a sign that he was meant to be alone.

Shaking his head, Lucius replied, “Thank you, but I am quite able to find my own paramours, Brutus.”

“How about Dianthe? She’s still here by your side. I wouldn’t mind a bit of that if you’ve no desire for her yourself.” Brutus smirked at this thought.

“If you wouldn’t mind losing your family jewels, Brutus, then have at it. However, I have it on good authority that her husband has her under a Fidelity charm. I’d have more care if I were you.” Lucius hadn’t attempted to breach that particular fortress himself, but if Goyle accounts were anything to go by, it was impenetrable.

Again a brief knock sounded. Knowing it was Dianthe, Lucius moved to open the door to allow the tea trolley entrance. Watching his slim secretary, he silently acknowledged that she certainly was good-looking. Nevertheless, one never engaged in private affairs in a public forum. He couldn’t afford the gossip or censure that would surely follow for what would certainly be only a momentary satisfaction.

“Mr. Kinsdale, you certainly are looking well. How are Lorna and Douglas? Engaged at last I hope?” chattered Dianthe as she dispensed the tea.

“Ah, I hoped my daughter would have a bairn or two by now. But alas, Douglas seems to be in no hurry to settle down. I may have to have a word with him.” Brutus accepted his cup and set it on his broad knee.

Dianthe tsked and smiled sympathetically, “I understand. My daughter Ariadne finally was proposed to by her young man last month. Took him long enough. Though my son, Nicholas wasted no time himself. Next year this time, I should be a grandmother. Oh well, I’ll see you later. I have some letters to send out right now.”

After the door closed Brutus laughed, “Didn’t know Dianthe had children and potential grandchildren. Did you Lucius?”

“Grandchildren...” Lucius seemed to lose his voice, “I don’t bloody remember her even being pregnant!”

Brutus began to really laugh. “How could you not know. She’s only been your secretary for more than twenty years!” Putting the endangered teacup on Lucius beautiful oak desk, Brutus continued until only an occasional chuckle erupted.

“I’ve been preoccupied. There have been more interesting things on my mind than the state of my secretary’s fertility.” Lucius scowled at Brutus’ new eruption of mirth. “Stop that at once! You’re not here for a social call, Brutus.”

At Lucius’ sharp tone, Brutus suddenly sobered, “You’re right. I’d almost forgotten. I’ve begun the preliminary documents to purchase rights to the Weasley brothers’ newest invention. If the initial stages of testing are correct, we have something quite profitable that the Ministry would kill to have in their hands.”

The two wizards talked for almost two hours before coming to an agreement of how they would continue. There was much to do before their plan would succeed. And these two Slytherins were very good at ensuring that their joint plans came to fruition.


Hermione sat in her assigned cubicle completely dazed. She couldn't quite believe that she was being blackmailed by Lucius Malfoy. Why on earth would he want her for his fiancee? The witch had no illusions about her appearance. She was average. Pretty, but not anything spectacular. Men like Malfoy could easily have the most beautiful witches on their arms. Why her? Why not someone like Luna. She had been instrumental in the Final Battle, as well as being a pureblood.

It was now around seven, and Hermione had taken forever to calm herself enough to complete all her paperwork. Just owling Lucius had been nervewracking enough. The sight of his name in her handwriting had been sobering. Well it was done already, and the she was sure that Lucius had already owled the Ministry and duly filed their betrothal. Gathering her things, she stood and stretched out the kinks.

What she needed was to see Ron and talk to him. Oh God, Ron would never speak to her again if he knew she had slept with Ginny. Hello, he would never talk to her again once he found out she was engaged to Lucius Malfoy. She could only imagine Harry’s reaction. Fuck! That exactly what she was...fucked!

Apparating to her flat, Hermione decided that inaction was worse. She would see Ron and Harry tonight. But there was no way she could let Ginny down. Hermione just couldn’t see Harry being able to overlook what was a fleeting period for both girls. However, it didn’t mean she couldn’t find a way to make this less painful. After she handled them, Hermione would focus her efforts in straightening out a certain pureblooded cretin.

Hermione grimaced at the thought of having Lucius parade her around town as his fiancee. How humiliating it would be. She would have to make sure Lucius understood that this would be a betrothal only in name. If he ever touched her sexually, she vowed it would be the last thing he did voluntarily.

Flooing to Harry and Ginny’s place took very little time. After catching up a bit with the couple, Hermione decided to take the plunge.

“Harry, Ginny. I actually came to talk to you about something that you’ll probably hear soon.” Taking a deep breath Hermione continued, “As you know I’m beginning to do really well with my career. I recently had to meet with Lucius Malfoy to interview for the position as Jr. Charms Mistress and...”

Harry sat forward his eyes narrowing, “And what?”

Hermione released a shallow breath, “And we sort of hit it off. Nothing romantic, mind you. But we’ve agreed to do something that can help us mutually.”

“Exactly what have you agreed to Hermione?” Harry’s soft voice suddenly sounded a bit threatening.

“Well, we’re engaged. No, no, hear me out Harry. We are not a couple in the normal sense of the word. Malfoy is looking to regain some of his social status, and I am looking to level the playing field in the Ministry. You know how they treat muggleborn witches and wizards Harry! Talk about a glass ceiling. Can you name one highly placed muggleborn witch or wizard?”

“Are you out of your mind Hermione? Malfoy must have you under the Imperius curse. I can’t believe you would even consider this! What about Ron? Do you think Ron is going to wait for you to end your engagement to that arsehole! What about Ron, Hermione. Do you even fucking care!!!” Ginny’s shrill rejoinder pierced Hermione’s heart.

“Ginny, I don’t want Ron to wait. I’m going over to talk to him right now. I’ve waited so long for Ron to notice me. It’s not something that I’m doing to hurt him. We just were never meant to be. Please Ginny, just accept that.” Hermione pleaded, her golden-brown eyes brimming with tears.

“You bitch! You lying bitch!” Ginny rose to reach for her wand, but Harry snatched it from her.

“Hermione, just leave. I think it’s best if you stayed away for now. I’ll contact you when we’re ready to talk to you.” Harry hurried to the door and opened it, indicating that their floo would no longer welcome Hermione.

Dejected, but knowing that it was inevitable, she left without a word.

Her visit to Ron went just as well. The worst part was that Ron didn’t even raise his voice. His cool, “I wish you well.” was worse than anything. It broke her heart, because secretly she had hoped that they would eventually find each other. Ron’s quidditch career had gone quite well. Hermione had felt once he had gained confidence in himself and had his fill of groupies that Ron would come back to her. There had never been anyone else really. Even that dream was lost.

The brunette sat on her bed, a hot toddy nearby. She’d showered and needed to sleep. A bit of Dreamless Sleep potion would be wonderful, but Hermione had always worried that it could be addictive. Snorting at the irony, she wondered if the alcohol laced drink were any less so. Later as Hermione drifted off, she thought that perhaps being Minister of Magic was possible after all, as long as she didn’t have to sleep with Lucius.