Lala

Chapter 3 - Time

Hermione and Lucius, Ginny and Remus, Harry and Draco
Rating: PG-13 to NC-17
Disclaimer: JKR owns them all except the chef! Sara McLaughlin owns Angel.
Summary: Chit chats with shocking results.
Thanks to my beta JenKM1216, you rock!!!

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“Honestly Remus, is that the best answer you can give me?” Hermione smiled at her close friend before turning back to the stove.

“Well, yes. It isn’t safe for Ginny during full moon. You know that.”

“Remus, that’s utter bullshit. I know Severus still brews the Wolfsbane Potion for you. I also know for a fact that you’re an amazing fuck right before full moon. So don’t bother trying to give me that excuse.”

Remus sighed, “Its not that Hermione. I feel useless during full moon. The least I can do is get out of her way.”

“She wants you to be in her way. Ginny loves you Remus. She wants to be there every step of the way.”

“Oh.”

“Yes, Oh.”

“Tell me about how you and Lucius got together again? I mean, you hated him and now you’re living with him. It’s still pretty strange to some of us. Ginny seems to be the only one who understands what is going between you two,” said Remus.

Hermione pulled the cooked chicken off the stove and added it to the pasta she had already set on the table. Remus helped her get everything set up and they sat down for dinner.

“Sure, I’ll tell you again. I really wish everyone would just accept it and move on. I mean for fuck’s sake Remus, we’ve been together for three years and yet it seems that Ginny is the only one who was like ‘Great!’ Even Draco has begun to accept it and seems happy for us. Yet everyone else is stuck in a giant rut. I don’t like Ron that way and everyone needs to see that.”

Remus nodded while chewing his dinner. He knew that the rant would come out the moment he brought up the issue of the strangeness of the relationship. Now he knew it was just best to shut up and listen.

“He switched sides. After all those mudblood comments and pushing for their demise he came to our side. He tried to apologize like crazy to me almost every day. I befriended him when no one else would. We were just friends for eight years. I was there for him when Narcissa killed herself. She was a wonderful lady. Did you know that? She treated me like I was the best thing since sliced bread, befriending them and trusting Ferret Boy. I of all people accepted them first Remus. I wanted to see the good in them, even though I hated him for most of the war. I was just as heartbroken when ‘Cissa killed herself as the rest of the family. I had become a close family friend in that year before the war. I screamed all night when I found out she was dead. Severus found me curled up in a ball by the lake. I had apparently run out there cursing the skies and cried myself to sleep. She was my best friend Remus. I could tell her anything and she just listened and helped. I mean, Ginny is my best friend and all too, but ‘Cissa was there for me in a way Ginny couldn’t be. She understood the frustration of not loving someone the way they loved you, when I told her about Ron and I. She had a similar problem during school as well. I was the rock for Lucius and Draco, I had to be. Ferret Boy was as good a friend as Harry. After the war Lucius got his job at the Ministry. It’s far beyond me as to why because he has the money to do anything and not lift a finger. I think in all he just wanted to prove that he was normal, or as close to normal as you could get. I was dating you then Remus. Fucking you like two rabbits who think they’re gonna die.”

Hermione smiled and started eating. Remus took this as his cue to start talking for awhile so she could eat some of her meal before it went cold.

“I know you were close to the Malfoys. No one expected you to be. We thought you’d be cynical and nasty towards them. Everyone reacts differently to situations Hermione. You know that. After the war you were still close friends with the Malfoys and I thought nothing of it. True, I was sleeping with you at the time, but never in a million years would I have looked into the future and said ‘Hermione and Lucius are going to be together in five years and stay together for quite sometime after that.’ You know we care about you. Now, tell me, how did it happen?”

With her eyes half closed Hermione thought back dreamily to the first time she realized she wanted to be with Lucius.

“Well, I remember going to the Manor for dinner one night with Lucius and Draco and I remember how amazing it was. It was just absolutely perfect. The food was delicious and we enjoyed ourselves. Almost like we were a family, Remus, just the three of us. There was no mother, father and son feeling just a togetherness that no one could break up. Draco went to visit someone after dinner and Lucius and I retired to the den to talk and drink. We talked about silly things like the weather and the ministry’s latest messes until rather late in the evening. I tried to excuse myself as I always did because dinner at the manor was quite regular, but this evening he stopped me. I saw a strange glint in his eyes as he pulled me to him and whispered that he needed me. It’s all a blur from there but I know I wanted him as badly as he wanted me. Dinner became more frequent and Draco gave his blessing to the idea of our relationship. So for three years he courted me formally and then two years ago, just like you know, I moved in. Fuck formalities, it was easier that way and we were all happy. So that’s it Remus. Do you need to know anymore?”

She smiled and went back to eating her food.

“What about getting married? Surely you want to marry him as much as I want to marry Ginny?”

“Oh Remus, of course I want to marry him. However, I realize this won’t ever happen, so I’ll just leave it at that and be thankful that I live with my darling Lucius. You, however, need to get yourself a ring and a speech and go propose to that girl before she runs off with someone else!”

Remus nodded and chuckled as his hands started to shake just a little. Hermione placed a hand on Remus’s shaking ones. She tried to soothe his fears and ended up just hugging him.

“Don’t be afraid of Ginny. You’ve been with her as long as I’ve been with Lucius. You know her inside and out, I’m quite sure of that. Just take that final leap and she’s yours for eternity. I love you Remus, do the right thing,” Hermione said clearing up the dirty dishes.

“I’m not afraid of Ginny, but what makes you so sure she actually wants me? I mean, I’m old, a werewolf and awful. She could have anyone, why me?” He looked at Hermione with sad and guilty eyes.

“Because you halfwit, she loves you. You’re her shining star and she wants nothing more then to be with you. Deal with it. You obviously want her. So, shoo! I’ll clean up and lock up before I leave. You go get yourself prepared to change her life.”

Hermione finished up the dishes as Remus collected up things to go get a ring for Ginny. They both left Remus’ flat around the same time and she gave him a hug for good luck. She apparated back to the manor and let herself in the front door. She heard Ginny’s giggles as she hung up her cloak. Looking at the clock realized her best friend had just arrived for dinner with Lucius. Quietly she crept up the stairs, locked herself in her room and warded it with silencing charms. She curled up in her huge arm chair with a book and started a small fire to keep her warm. Within minutes she was sound asleep.

~~~~~

Downstairs Lucius was enjoying a wonderful meal with Ginny. The small talk was unbearable at times but after loosening her up with a good bit of wine she became quite frank with him.

“Lucius, do you love her? If you do marry her. Well, do you want to marry her if you love her? I mean well she loves you and...”

Lucius cut her off with a finger to her lips, “Shhhh. I love her Ginny, with all my heart. She wouldn’t want to marry someone like me.”

“What? No no no no no, Lucius. Work with me here ok? She definitely wants to be with you. Now what is stopping you in that thick pureblood skull of yours?”

Lucius looked at Ginny wide-eyed while taking in what she said before falling into fits of laughter.

“That’s calling the kettle black miss pot. Draco is what is stopping me if you must know. How will he take it? She’s his age and then it spirals from there.”

“Well, talk to Draco about it. He’s changed loads since I first met the ferret. What else is there? There’s something bothering you. I can see it in your eyes,” Ginny said as she stopped eating and stared into Lucius’s eyes.

“Something indeed,” he growled.

His demeanor changed and the lighthearted man she had gotten to know vanished.

“If you must know, I’m afraid. I fail to see why choosing me is such a grand idea. I am also nervous about the next level of commitment. Am I good enough for her?”

Ginny smiled warmly and placed a hand on Lucius’ cheek lovingly.

“Silly man, you are what she wants. I promise. Now there is that slight matter of children...”

She giggled as he swatted her hand away.

“Children? Draco will have my head for that. Although I’d love to have a little girl.”

“Well then it’s settled,” Ginny stated with a grin.

“What’s settled? I don’t know if Hermione will have me or if she wants children and I must seek approval on the matter from Draco.”

“Talk to them. And...Oh my, hello Remus.”

“Remus?!”

Lucius turned around to see Remus’ head in the fireplace.

“Terribly sorry to be interrupting a nice little dinner and chat but it is quite important that I speak to Ginny right now. Do you mind if I pop in?”

“Not at all Remus, I want to go see if Hermione is home. I thought I heard her earlier.”

Lucius excused himself from the room and headed up the stairs. Her door was locked. It was the sure sign that she was home and something was, quite possibly, bothering her. He knocked softly but got no answer.

“Hermione, darling, we have company. If you’re awake enough to come down and entertain with me that would be lovely.”

No response from the room within.

“Well, sleep well. I guess you’re not sleeping with me tonight?” he spoke softly at the door. Then he whispered, “I love you.”

Downstairs Lucius found Remus on his knee holding a box and Ginny had tears streaming down her face.

“Yes, Remus. Oh God yes! I love you too,” she said with a smile and kissed him after he slipped a small yet gorgeous sapphire ring on her finger.

“Let me be the first to congratulate you both,” Lucius said re-entering the room.

“Thank you, Lucius. Did you find Hermione?” Ginny smiled and hugged him.

“Her room is locked so she’s home. I don’t know if she’ll be down or not though. Did I do something Ginny? I’m worried now.”

“I’m sure she was just tired is all. Don’t worry,” Ginny said as she pulled on her cloak.

“Leaving so soon? Ah, well I guess there’s no better time then the present for a good romp,” he said with a grin on his face.

Remus laughed heartily and shook Lucius’ hand.

“Terribly sorry to pop in and out, perhaps we can do tea sometime?”

“I do not see why that could not be arranged. I’ll owl you tomorrow with a date and time. Enjoy yourselves tonight.”

“We will,” They chimed together.

“Oh and Lucius, she loves you,” Remus said as they walked out the door.

After the door shut Lucius became aware that someone was behind him.

“Who loves you?”

“You. Or at least I hope you do.”

“What did I miss? They left so hurriedly.”

“They got engaged. I assume they went home to celebrate in private.”

“Oh! How wonderful! I am so jealous of her.”
“Why darling? Do you have a secret lover you want to marry?” Lucius drawled with a grin.

“No of course not. I just get jealous of people getting married at times.”

Lucius pulled her into an embrace.

“I love you Hermione. Tell me, what do you want ‘us’ to become? I’m all ears.”

“Lucius, we’ve tried this talk. I want you. Only you. Forever. Five years Lucius. We’ve been together for five years and I live with you. I don’t know what to think and I want to just be with you.”

Lucius kissed her soundly and as he did he tasted Absinthe.

“Well, that would answer that question,” he thought.

“I want to know right now Lucius. What happens now? Where do ‘we’ go from here?”

“I have to talk to Draco, but I want to take that next step.”

“Oh for fuck’s sake, Lucius. Draco could care less. Why must it always be about what he thinks? Think for yourself.”

Hermione was crying as she stormed from the room. She ran to her bedroom and hastily threw a few things into a bag and apparated to the one place she knew she could find solace before making the decision to leave Britain or go back to Lucius and beg forgiveness for her harsh words.

~~~~~~

Draco was surprised to see Hermione standing in front of him while he brooded over a glass of Ogden’s.

“‘Mione, what a surprise. Oh, darling, why are you crying? What has my bastard father done now?” he pulled her close as he asked her, hugging her tightly.

“We had a spat, or rather I ranted about him never thinking for himself about us and always having to ask your permission. I just want to be with him Draco and now I’ve ruined it.”

Draco led her to the couch and let her cry in his lap as he stroked her hair trying to soothe her.

“Now, darling, you haven’t ruined a thing. Mother used to be quite awful with him at times. He can take it like a man. I’ll floo him later to make sure he’s ok. He wants to marry you doesn’t he?”

“I don’t know. I didn’t let him talk really. I just flew off the handle. I had too much to drink after I woke up and heard Remus and Ginny in the den. I just grabbed my secret stash of Absinthe and drank away. Then I yelled at your father and destroyed my chance at happiness.”

“Hermione, listen to me, you didn’t ruin anything. I know my father, he’ll go brood over whiskey and hope you come home.”

“I’m not going home. I’m going to let him find someone better. I’m worthless. I should have been content to just live with him. I know I’ve fucked up Draco.”

Hermione felt so hopeless that she just cried. Sobs wracked her body and all Draco could do was try to soothe her.

Spend all your time waiting
For that second chance
For a break that would make it okay
There\'s always one reason
To feel not good enough
And it\'s hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction
Oh beautiful release
Memory seeps from my veins
Let me be empty
And weightless and maybe
I\'ll find some peace tonight

Soon the sobs subsided and Draco realized that she was sound asleep in his lap.

“Hermione, you won’t leave him. I won’t let you,” he whispered in her ear.

In the arms of an angel
Fly away from here
From this dark cold hotel room
And the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage
Of your silent reverie
You\'re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort there
You\'re in the arms of the angel
May you find some comfort here

He picked her up gently and took her to the guest bedroom and tucked her in bed. He warded her room so she couldn’t leave if she tried.

Draco sighed and went back to brooding over his whiskey. The front door slammed shut as he stared into the fire.

“It’s about damn time you got home, Potter,” he growled.

“I missed you too, Ferret,” came the response from the other room.

“Get over here and kiss me. Then you must help me fix whatever the hell happened between Hermione and my father.”

Harry walked into the room and leaned in to Draco capturing his lips in a searing kiss.

“I missed you Draco. Today was just too long. Now, tell me about the problem.”

Draco sighed, poured himself another glass of whiskey and a glass for Harry.

“It’s going to take a while, I should probably floo my father first.”

Harry nodded and nursed his drink while Draco checked to make sure his father wasn’t doing something rash. Lucius was doing what Draco had been doing until interrupted by Hermione, brooding over a glass of Ogden’s.

“Fuck off.”

“Make me father. What the hell did you do now?”

“I didn’t think.”

“Well that’s quite obvious isn’t it? You better be thinking of a way to propose and fast. I’ll try to convince her to come home tomorrow. Don’t even think of coming near my flat, understand?”

Lucius nodded with his head down before trying to smile at Draco through the tears.

“I fucked up didn’t I, Draco? I lost her didn’t I?”

“Almost. She’ll be back though. It’s your last chance old man. Don’t fuck up again. I love you. Good night.”

“Goodnight. Tell her I love her and I love you too.”

Draco settled down from the fireplace and began to tell Harry about the problems at hand.

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A/N: To FictionalBadGuyLover: I hope this clears up some problems for you. To everyone else: Thank you for your encouragement!! Jen, you\'re the best beta ever! I\'ll try to write chapter four a little fast but I can\'t promise too much!! - Willow