The Senior Project

A/N: First, let me apologize to my long-suffering beta. I haven’t really written in about a year, so I didn’t want to approach her out of the blue and demand that she read this, so, this hasn’t been beta’ed.

Second, let me apologize to everyone who has been reading this. I really had great intentions to get this finished, oh, sometime last year. But, well, let’s just say there are a few more paving stones on the road to hell. My life has been crazy, and I have had so many other things that have interfered with my writing time, and with my creativity. And life is still crazy. I can’t promise when I’m going to update this. I’ve been tweaking the outline a bit (okay, a lot), and I still intend on finishing it. I just can’t promise when that is going to be, especially as I am still toying with a couple of plot twists…. Sorry!

Also, I’m not sure whatever happened to the formatting here, and I have a feeling that it may just be easier for me to repost the thing, than try to go through and pick up the formatting errors. I may actually get around to that this week!

Anyway, thanks for all your patience, and for all your wonderful comments!

Liz
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Chapter 20

“Hermione, as Head Girl, I am sure that you are aware of the necessity of making sure that all guests housed in the guest quarters are attended to. While these halls have not been part of your regular rounds, I think it is important that you include them now.” Albus nodded at Hermione, and subsequently smiled at her blush. For her sometimes apparent deficit of years, Hermione was a capable and knowing woman.

“Thank you sir. I will be certain to make sure that our guest is comfortable.”

“Hermione. Before you see Lucius, I need to tell you something. He was summoned by Voldemort last night. He was told to produce you and Draco in 72 hours. And to give him some motivation, Lucius was subjected to the Cruciatus.” Hermione gasped, her feelings of uncertainty from last night explained.

“How did he survive?”

“He survived only because Voldemort wants you to use you and Draco as pawns. Lucius endured a great deal of pain, although I suspect that he had made his choice before his meeting with the Death Eaters.” The old wizard paused. “Hermione. I believe that Lucius is here now because of his feelings for you, and for your child. I told you before that any wizard child was a blessing, and that this child could be even more of a blessing. I know now that your child is more than just a blessing. Your child may have brought about a major power shift. Lucius is a powerful man, and while the events of the past several months have been quite unexpected, I believe that they may be the beginning of a new era. If I haven’t said so before, Hermione, let me express my joy at your union. I hope that you and Lucius and your child will have many happy years together.”

Blinking back tears, Hermione nodded. “Thank you, sir,” she gasped in a strangled tone.

Albus nodded. “I’ve called a meeting of the Order for this evening. We have a great deal to discuss, as I’m sure you can understand. We will likely need to bring both you and Draco in.”

“Yes sir. I will be available whenever you need me.”

“Thank you, Hermione. I anticipate an eventful evening.” And almost an afterthought, he added another statement, “Don’t worry, my dear. We will all find our way through this.” Albus smiled wanly as he watched Hermione leave his office. He didn’t have any doubt about Lucius’ interest in Hermione, and he certainly didn’t have any doubt about the Head Girl’s feelings. He just hoped that they would all live through the events that were about to come.

&&&&

After her meeting with the Headmaster, Hermione wasn’t sure that she would be able to sit through her afternoon class. Of course, it had to be Potions. It couldn’t be something like Charms, or even Arithmancy, that she could excuse herself from. No. The gods were clearly determined to force her to face Severus while still trying to comprehend the knowledge that Lucius had been tortured, and the Dark Lord had his sights on her and Draco. Taking a deep breath, she entered the dungeon classroom.

Not surprisingly, Harry avoided looking at her; even if he couldn’t repeat to others the knowledge that he had of her pregnancy, he certainly wouldn’t have missed the fact that she and Lucius had been sitting next to each other at the Head Table at lunch. Yes, the fact that he glowered at his Potions’ book definitely confirmed that. Quickly taking her seat before Snape entered the room, she glanced around the room. Draco wasn’t here – probably receiving the same news about Lucius and Voldemort that she had. A shiver ran through her. The mere thought brought her heart into her throat – Lucius was tortured because of her. Merlin’s balls! But her thoughts went no further as Severus Snape stormed into the classroom, his face darkened with anger.

Severus took in his classroom with a quick, practiced eye. Potter and Hermione were studiously avoiding each other, as they had been for days. No, actually, Potter seemed to be pointedly ignoring Hermione, but the young witch just seemed preoccupied. Damn Lucius to the deepest, darkest depths of Hell! How in Hades could that bastard have landed on his feet yet again? Not even 24 hours ago the cur had been writhing on the ground like an animal. And here he was now, chatting with Albus like they were old friends, and sitting next to Hermione, no doubt whispering endearing phrases to her under the unsuspecting gaze of the Headmaster.

Suddenly, he realized that his students were waiting expectantly for something. Well, when in doubt, give them a quiz. “Describe in detail the steps involved in the brewing of the Veritas Serum. Include all ingredients. Do not assume that there is an apothecary nearby. Identify the natural form of each ingredient as well as the necessary preliminary preparation of all ingredients.” Hearing the suppressed sighs of frustration from his class made Severus feel immediately better. And it gave him time to consider the problem of Lucius while walking among his terrified students. Except for Hermione. She wasn’t terrified. She took to the quiz immediately, her quill scratching across the parchment almost automatically.

Hermione gave an inward smile when Severus announced the quiz. She could answer it in her sleep – and it gave her an excuse to avoid looking at her professor. Especially when he seemed so angry – no doubt because of Lucius. Why? He would have been there. He knew about the Cruciatus – he had seen it happen – and he knew about Voldemort’s demands. It didn’t really make sense, then. Why was he so upset? This was the opportunity to destroy Voldemort that the Order had been waiting for – a major defection of someone like Lucius was a major coup. And Dumbledore seemed to think so, but Severus didn’t seem to share those sentiments. Maybe he wasn’t really as loyal a member of the Order as he seemed. No. That wasn’t even possible to think – Severus had risked himself on many occasions for the Order. Of course, Severus and Lucius had never really liked each other. That was clear. So maybe that was it.

Mab’s knickers! What all seemed like such a simple plan when she was lying naked in Lucius’ arms suddenly seemed so much more complicated than anything she had ever imagined. Gods. She needed to talk to Lucius. She needed to see him. She needed to know that he was all right. It would give her the reassurance that she needed. Things were suddenly moving in fast forward, and it was unsettling.

Damn it, Severus cursed silently. With Lucius here, it suddenly put pressure on him. He couldn’t just be Hermione’s ‘friend’. Not with Lucius here. He was going to have to take some action. Unless there was a way to discredit the blonde wizard. Yes, perhaps that would work. Albus was a bit soft-hearted when it came to people wanting to atone all of a sudden. But if the Headmaster was reminded of the problems that Lucius had caused over the years, maybe he would rethink his position regarding the senior Malfoy. Particularly since it was clear that Lucius had come to Hogwarts only as a final attempt to save his own skin.

And if Lucius were to find himself in a less favorable position at Hogwarts, then just maybe he would be able to place himself at the forefront. Both with Albus and Hermione. So maybe he should deal with Albus first, before taking any direct action with Hermione. Nodding to himself, he relaxed and allowed himself to enjoy the frantic scratching of his students.

&&&&

“Fancy seeing you here, Father. What brings you here? Or do I even need to ask?”

Lucius sighed. He knew that talking with Draco was going to be difficult; he and his son had never been on friendly communicating terms, and Draco’s resentment was obvious. He was going to have to approach this delicately. And yet he hadn’t really had time to think this all through.

“Draco. I know that we’ve never had a relationship that, well – we’ve never really had a relationship at all.”

“And so now you’ve decided that it’s time to be a ‘Good Father’. What? Practicing up so that you’ve got a chance of getting it right the next time?”

Lucius looked around the hallway, filling with students getting ready for their afternoon classes and lowered his voice a bit. “What I need to say to you goes a bit beyond discussing my abilities as a parent.” He stopped in the hallway, his hand gently catching his son’s arm and turning his son to him. He had to make the young man understand that now was not the time for recriminations. “For your safety, for Hermione’s safety, and for the safety of our family name, we must talk. Now. We need to go somewhere where we can speak frankly.”

Draco hid his surprise. His typically slippery father’s directness caught him off-guard. “I guess we can go to my rooms. We won’t get interrupted there.”

Lucius nodded. The dungeons of Slytherin were as good as any place. Unlike some, revisiting his boyhood haunts didn’t bring back feelings of nostalgia. Instead, he felt of a relief that he didn’t have to live in the company of so many others. If only he could keep it that way. He was on the brink of losing everything – his bride-to-be, his children, his ancestral home, even his life. His felt briefly nauseous as his mind flashed on the effects of the Cruciatus. Consciously willing his body to focus, he followed his son down to the dungeons of Slytherin, ignoring the curious stares of the milling students.

Lucius looked around his son’s front room briefly, wondering how any child of his could ever live in such shabby surroundings. While everything was clean, the curtains showed signs of having hung in the room for many years, and the couch and chairs in the boy’s front room had certainly seen better days. Books were scattered over his desk, stacks of parchment teetered in precarious piles, the fire that burned in his fireplace was feeble, leaving the room feeling slightly damp. He couldn’t help but briefly compare this with Hermione’s room; she didn’t have a full suite, but it was definitely more comfortable and light than this.

Sitting down in one of the wing chairs, Lucius rested his cane against the arm of the chair, and glanced absently at the scuff on the toe of his right boot before looking at Draco.

“What is so important that you are willing to come here, to talk to me?” Lucius didn’t miss the slight note of scorn in the boy’s voice, and had to remind himself that he and Draco had other issues that had to be addressed at some later date.

“Lord Voldemort summoned the Death Eaters last night.” Gods. Was it only last night? It seemed much, much longer. “He has learned of your betrothal to Hermione. He believes that your betrothal, as well as my failure to deliver you to him to take the Dark Mark is an indication of treason on my part.” Draco started to open his mouth, but his father continued. “I was commanded to bring you and Hermione to him in 72 hours – from last night, that is.” He decided to omit the information about the Cruciatus – it wouldn’t serve any purpose. “I am here because I refuse to do that.”

“I gather he hasn’t learned about Hermione’s pregnancy. Or your impending fatherhood.”

Lucius couldn’t help but smirk a bit. There was something to be said for subtle snarkiness – his son was clearly learning something. “No. The Dark Lord has not learned about Hermione’s pregnancy, and he certainly doesn’t know anything about my involvement. I am here to ensure your protection, as well as the protection of Hermione and our child.” He saw his son’s eyes darken slightly at the use of the phrase ‘our child’, and knew that the issue of Hermione would have to be discussed at some point. But there were more important things on the line at this point.

Taking a breath, the senior Malfoy began again. “This is not easy for me to say. And this must not go any further than this room, until things have been settled with Albus. Because what I’m about to say is treason.” He wanted to smile at his son’s immediate and obvious jump in interest, but he was afraid that the younger man would mis-interpret the reaction. “But I have been wrong. My following Lord Voldemort, particularly after his return was the wrong decision. I recognize that now. I thought that I would be able to bring more power to the Malfoy name, and instead I have brought our family to the brink of destruction. And I cannot allow that to happen. That is why I am here. I believe that with my assistance, Dumbledore will be able to help protect you, Hermione, and hopefully me.”

He gave a wry smile. It was a risk talking to Draco this way; there was always the potential that somehow his son was collaborating with the Dark Lord. And if that was the case, his life would have a swift but painful conclusion. But he doubted that his son could be so duplicitous. It was not a trait that he had inherited. And, if he had any understanding of his son at all, the boy would reject anything that his father had adopted, just out of principle.

“Father. I, er, ah. I- I have to admit. This comes as a bit of a surprise. I don’t quite know what to say.” A frisson of fear shot through Lucius. Maybe his son was an agent of the Dark Lord. But it just couldn’t be possible. “I guess I should say something like ‘It’s better late than never’ or something to that effect, but that seems sort of trite. Uh.” Draco paused, obviously still trying to take in all that his father had just said. “Ah. I’ve got to ask. What brought this about? Why this change? Do you really think Lord Voldemort is wrong, or have you just decided that you don’t want to be on the losing side?”

Lucius’ lips twisted into a wry smile. Of course he didn’t want to be on the losing side. But there was much more to it than just despising the idea of losing. Much more. “Hermione. I cannot marry Hermione under the Dark Lord. Her life would be forfeit, as would be the life of our child. And I cannot let that happen. Without her, my life is meaningless.” Lucius stared evenly at his son. Speaking so directly was actually becoming refreshing, if for no other reason than the reaction it elicited from his listener.

“Really.” Draco could not have put more astonishment into one word if he had tried.

“Really. Do I believe that Voldemort could be successful? No. His paranoia is destroying his own organization from the inside out. But that could take months or years before it would bring things to the end. I cannot wait that long, nor do I wish to. Had he trusted his supporters, I think he could have easily dominated the wizarding world, but as it stands now, I do not think that Lord Voldemort can succeed.”

“I cannot risk the Malfoy name any more without the potential for serious repercussions. Certainly, the family would recover in time, but I would not live to see it, and I do not want my children to live in shame because of my, ah, poor decisions.” Still seeing the disbelief on the younger wizard’s face, he continued. “And that is why I am here. To protect the family name, to protect you, and to protect Hermione. It is the only way.”

“You’re serious, aren’t you? About all of this. Hermione. Lord Voldemort. Everything.”

Thor be damned! Was the boy really this daft? Of course not. He was a Malfoy. Daftness was not a family trait; it had been culled from the line very early on. “I understand that this must come as a shock to you.” Briefly dropping any pretense of formality, he chuckled, and then spoke, almost as if to himself. “Hell. It came as a shock to me. 20 years ago I had my life planned out, from my wife, to my offspring, to my role in the world, including,” he glanced at his son, “how to use the Dark forces to gain as much power and prestige as I could.” Draco’s open-mouthed gaze made him feel as though he had to explain further.

“But instead, I’ve lost all that, and I’ve put the entire family at risk. For what? A madman who doesn’t even have the sense of how to run a proper revolution.” Lost in his own thoughts, he continued. “Of course, if it hadn’t been for the mission that brought me to Hogwarts that night, and to Hermione, maybe I wouldn’t have even realized how foolish I’ve been until it was too late. And then I would have lost everything.” Suddenly, he felt very tired. He needed to rest. He needed to see Hermione. He needed to have Draco as an ally. As they should have always been. Looking back at his son, he concluded. “Yes. I am serious. More serious than I have ever been. I just hope that you can accept that. “ He paused again. “And accept me.”

Draco remained speechless for a few moments before realizing that his father was looking for a response. “Uh, er, of course. I, ah, er, Hermione trusts you, so I guess I should, too.”

Lucius nodded slowly. “Son. Forgive me.” For everything. But it seemed too soon to say that. “I am exhausted, and must get some rest; I have to meet with Albus and the others in a while to discuss how we are going to approach the Dark Lord’s demands.” The grey eyes were locked on each other. “I will not risk you or Hermione. Rest assured of that.” Lucius stood up slowly, relying more on his cane than he would have liked.

“Father.” The young man hesitated, trying to find the words. “Thank you for being here.”

“No. It is I who should be thanking you. For listening to me. We will have plenty of time to talk, to know each other, as we should.”

Draco tilted his head in agreement, a subconscious mimicking of his father. But as his father turned to leave, he felt tears pricking at the corners of his eyes. Would they really have plenty of time? Watching the older man struggle not to limp, he couldn’t help but worry about his father. But Hermione was right; he was a changed man. Well, he was, sort of. He was still a wily bastard. But he was the sort of wily bastard that would somehow find his way through all of this. And that gave him an oddly comforting feeling.


&&&&

“Albus. You cannot mean to allow Lucius to stay at Hogwarts. It puts the entire school at risk. You cannot risk the school, the students, and the faculty for someone of such questionable character.”

“I do not question Lucius’ character. While he has proven to be, ah, difficult in the past, I believe that his motives for being here are forthright. And I am surprised that after the events of the last 24 hours that you would question his motives.” The Headmaster of Hogwarts paused, giving his Potions’ Master time to process his words as well as his undertones. “Severus. I understand that you and Lucius have never been the best of friends. But I believe that Lucius has come to us in his time of crisis. Voldemort has threatened all that Lucius holds dear. In doing do, Voldemort has delivered us a powerful ally. For all his faults, Lucius is a powerful wizard. And one that can help us in the downfall of Voldemort. We cannot afford to lose this opportunity.”

“You can’t mean to tell me that you actually trust him.” Severus strode back and forth agitatedly in the Headmaster’s office, brushing his hair out of his eyes with each turn that he made. “He has never done anything that has ever led us to trust him. He’s attempted to thwart your every move, he’s bad-mouthed you to the Ministry at every opportunity, and he’s had you removed as Headmaster. He is an active and loyal Death Eater, no matter what happened last night. And I’m sure that I don’t need to remind you that he was in Azkaban. Headmaster, I must state unequivocally that Lucius Malfoy cannot be trusted. At any level.”

Albus Dumbledore watched his Potions Master rant; Severus and Lucius had had a contentious relationship ever since they were boys, and even if Voldemort had not returned, each of them would have been attempting to discount the other at every turn. “Severus. I agree that Lucius Malfoy has always acted out of personal motives. But I think that he has a new motive.”

“And what is that motive? Fear of the Cruciatus? I can understand that. All too well.” Albus nodded sympathetically. “But I don’t think that makes him trustworthy.”

“Perhaps, Severus, he is motivated by the desire to see the next generation in his lineage

“Her-Miss Granger? Surely you can’t think that he is going to protect Miss Granger at his own expense. Voldemort has made it very clear that Lucius will be punished severely – killed, likely – if he does not produce Miss Granger and his son. I doubt that Lucius will risk himself to even protect his son. Perhaps he will attempt some subterfuge to ensure that his son remains out of the clutches of Voldemort – although of that I am not even sure – but I cannot see him placing himself in danger to protect Miss Granger.”

“I believe differently, Severus.”

Severus Snape threw up his hands in frustration. “How can you believe that? Lucius has always twisted situations to fit his own needs. Miss Granger is not a pure-blood witch. He has denied and involvement in Miss Granger’s pregnancy. He has condemned his son’s betrothal. He is only now taking advantage of the pregnancy because he has found himself out of favor with Voldemort. I can assure you that if last night’s event had not occurred, he would not be here now, seeking sanctuary.”

Poor Severus. He always saw the world in black and white. He had done so since he was a child, and yet if he hung onto this view, the Order could find itself without a very competent Lieutenant. Still, the dark-haired wizard had to be handled gingerly – there was clearly behind his outburst than just a simple hatred of Lucius. “Severus. You were once a devout follower of Voldemort, as well. And yet you were able to see the error of your ways, and join us. Why do you doubt Lucius now?”

“Because Lucius has never acted out of anything other than personal interest. Personal interest, Headmaster. Lucius is interested in one thing and one thing only - Lucius. His interest in Her-Miss Granger is just an excuse to take advantage of the Order.” Severus’ nostrils flared as he spoke, and Albus decided to change tactics.

“How would you propose that we protect Miss Granger and young Mister Malfoy?”

“Keep them here. Voldemort won’t attack the school directly, and even if he does, we can assemble the members of the Order here, where we can keep the school best protected.”

Albus nodded slowly. The thought had occurred to him. But only as a last resort. Lucius had presented the Order with an opportunity to strike at Voldemort, and not acting on it was irresponsible, as best. “And what about Lucius?”

Severus didn’t hesitate to respond, although his voice was calmer and more controlled. “An unfortunate casualty, sir. Or, perhaps, if you feel that he is so trust-worthy, he can be used in some capacity to lure out Voldemort, where we can strike.”

Albus nodded again. Unfortunately, it wouldn’t really be Lucius that Voldemort was after, although certainly the Dark Wizard would be more than happy to display the torture and eventual execution of the senior Malfoy as a warning to other Death Eaters who were considering straying from the path. No. Voldemort had demanded that Hermione and Draco be brought to him, and he wouldn’t rest until they were – if for nothing other than the loss of face he would suffer. A loss of face that he couldn’t afford at this point.

But obviously, Severus wouldn’t be distraught at the death of Lucius. And for good reason. It was time to press the real issue at hand. “And what of Hermione’s child? How can we continuously protect the child, as still let it grow up with a normal childhood?”

“The child can be raised here. I’m sure that with a little work, we can make arrangements for a child at Hogwarts. I’m sure Hermione will find that there are any number of people that would be will to support her.”

“But what of Hermione’s feelings?”

Severus swallowed hard, his eyes glancing around the headmaster’s office before he responded. “I believe she might be amenable to the idea, particularly if she knew Lucius as well as I do. Or if Lucius were, ah, no longer with us.”

Ah yes. Severus’ interest in Hermione was clear. And had been clear for some time. Perhaps if Severus had recognized Hermione’s interest before Lucius interfered, Hermione and Severus could have been happy together. Except for the looming presence of Voldemort. And the fact that Hermione was Severus’ student. Still, he felt a brief pang of guilt – perhaps if he hadn’t allowed Lucius into Hogwarts disguised as Severus, Hermione and Severus would have found each other. Or perhaps not. Severus wouldn’t have acted, no matter how blatant Hermione had been, and Hermione wouldn’t have acted in an unsuitable manner if she hadn’t found Severus, actually, Lucius, to be responsive. He sighed mentally. While he knew all that happened in the school, he didn’t have control over all of it – the gods clearly had their own hand in things. And maybe Hermione and Lucius were really destined. Eh. It was a metaphysical question, best discussed with Fawkes and Minerva over a glass or two of Firewhisky. There were more current issues.

“Severus. I understand your interest in Hermione.” The old wizard raised his hand before his potions’ master could respond. “But the Fates have intervened, and I am don’t feel that I can speak on Hermione’s behalf. Therefore, I don’t think we should condemn Lucius to his fate while also falling back on a defensive position. I think that we should consider more aggressive approaches to dealing with Voldemort. I believe the time has come for the Order to respond. Consider your options, Severus. I have requested an emergency meeting of the Order this evening, and I would like your input. After all Severus, other than Lucius, you are the one with the most intimate knowledge of Voldemort. And I would hate for us to lose that input.” Albus smiled benignly. “And Severus, if you feel a desire to speak to me before the meeting, my door is always open.”

Recognizing a dismissal, Severus nodded and left the office. Albus stared at the empty doorway after the dark-haired wizard had left; poor Severus. He could have lived a happy life, if he hadn’t continually set landmines for himself.