Mind of a Machiavellian

“Mr. Malfoy?” The woman inquired gently, trying to lure Lucius from the deep contemplation he had sunk into following her announcement.

“Mr. Malfoy,” she said more firmly, and Lucius blinked, coming back to himself.

“You must be mistaken,” he said. His voice was not as confident as it had been moments before.

“I assure you I am not, Mr. Malfoy,” the witch said, pleased that the conversation was moving again.

“I’m sure you may find it hard to understand, Miss…” here he paused, realizing that he actually had no idea what the mudblood’s name was.

“Granger.” She supplied helpfully.

“Miss Granger.” He agreed. “As I was saying, you may find it hard to understand the way wizarding marriages work, but we do not participate in such distasteful muggle acts as divorce.”

“That was at one time true, Mr. Malfoy, but I think you’ll find things have changed in the time you’ve been gone.”

He scoffed loudly. “No, our legal system simply doesn’t allow it. It’s been that way since the beginning of the Ministry…”

“Well not anymore. I can assure you with the utmost certainty that it is now possible to dissolve a wizarding marriage. I was a part of the amendment.”

Lucius couldn’t believe it… a mudblood had managed to get involved in politics. While the general populace had come to accept mudbloods as equal wizarding citizens, the laws involving them had never actually changed. Mudbloods were frequently denied positions of authority. Nothing overt, but subtle lay offs and funding problems could always be blamed for lack of promotion. Purebloods had a monopoly on Ministry positions, after all, and they’d made sure to keep things that way. That was one of the main reasons Voldemort’s infiltration of the Ministry had been so successful.

“You’ll be the first couple in the history of wizarding England to successfully separate, if that’s of any consolation.” Miss Granger attempted.

“Why would that be of any consolation?” Lucius asked incredulously, still somewhat paralyzed by the situation.

“I don’t know, weren’t Malfoys known for doing everything first in your old circles?”

He wanted to strangle the girl, he quite simply wanted to grab that soft throat of hers and squeeze for all he was worth.

When he didn’t respond she pushed some papers across the table to him.

“You will find that everything is in order and awaiting your signature. I’ve taken care of all the paperwork ahead of time…”

“No.”

Her eyes widened but her expression remained blank besides that.

“Beg pardon?”

“I said no.”

“Mr. Malfoy, be reasonable…” she began coercively.

“No. No Malfoy has ever divorced before, it’s unheard of, and I would gain nothing through such action.” His reply was firm, and his tone invited no argument.

“Your wife would gain her freedom. She would finally be able to leave your shadow, find love elsewhere…”

“Why is that any concern of mine? My funds are hers to command, she should be grateful the Ministry didn’t seize them. It’s ridiculous she’d even attempt this, she should know better, though I suppose she was never very good at cerebral activities. To be honest I was amazed she could even manage throwing together those little parties she was so fond of, let alone this legal action.”

Granger’s brows had furrowed as she heard his low opinion of his wife, and her next words were spoken in a dark tone he hadn’t thought her capable of.

“You’d do well to speak of Narcissa with more respect.”

“Why would you care?” he sniffed indolently.

“Because Narcissa happens to be a very good friend of mine. She is a strong woman whom I admire greatly. She’s working very hard to free herself from all manner of prejudicial influence, despite what she’s been taught her whole life.”

Hermione’s defense of Narcissa fell on deaf ears, however, as Lucius was still struggling to get past her first statement.

“You’re friends? How could you be friends? When did this happen?”

“Well, not that it’s any of your business-”

“Of course it’s my business you uppity mudblood!” He interrupted angrily. “She’s a Malfoy! Her actions influence public perception of MY house!”

Hermione’s cool glare was again exhibiting the hidden fire she’d been so known for as a student.

“I will ignore the slur, as no one cares anymore for the tired beliefs of your kind and you are in effect powerless, but I will address your previous question. She and I met at a Ministry function and got to talking. We found each other’s company stimulating, and over time she confided in me her position. I offered her my services and I’ve been working towards the absolution of that goal ever since. I’ve already removed the very law that bound her, Malfoy. You’re a relatively small obstacle in comparison.”

“Why would you find my wife’s company stimulating?”

She was obviously becoming frustrated with his ability to continually miss her point. His complete lack of regard for Narcissa was also grating on the young witch's nerves, and she was becoming more and more upset with him, though she valiantly tried to keep her professional tone.

“Malfoy, I doubt you’d have been struck by her admirable qualities if they had hit you over the head.”

Well, she tried.

It had always been in her nature to defend her friends loyally, apparently Narcissa was now included those ranks.

As though to dissuade further argument, she removed a quill from her bag and placed it next to the contract she’d given him.

“Look, you won’t really even be losing anything. You obviously don’t love her, and since you're incarcerated it won’t affect your life. Do this, please. Prove that you’re not the completely selfish monster everyone thinks you are. Do it for her, the mother of your child… give her back her freedom.”

Her tone was sincere and her eyes pleaded to him beyond her words.

“Miss Granger, I am a selfish monster, and I have no desire to prove otherwise.”

Hermione sighed. She’d tried to appeal to his emotional side, hoping that deep within that black heart he had some shred of empathy. He quite obviously didn’t, which was a pity.

But she’d have been a fool if she didn’t have a plan B when dealing with Lucius Malfoy.

“I thought you might be that way, so I brought you another motivation, besides your wife’s happiness.” The witch pulled yet another parchment from her bag.

“And what could you possibly offer me, Miss Granger?” he asked, eyeing the new bit of paperwork indifferently.

“Your freedom.”

------------------
Not very long, I know.

Lucius is indeed going through some hardships, though he’s obviously not changing for the better. The first wizarding divorce would cause quite a stir, I agree. Especially when dealing with the infamous Malfoys, and when it’s accompanied by Lucius’ release.

Draco and Narcissa will be introduced later on, as well as Snape, and I’m rather anxious for their entrances.

But first I’ve got to get Lucius out of prison.

Thanks LaBib, for your corrections. Please review!