The Beauty Found Within the Beast

I am so sorry for taking so long to update! Life can be so crazy at times. Anyway, here is a new chapter. I think it is advancing nicely.
To all of my reviewers!!! All of you are soo wonderful!

kbluesmom- I\'m getting attached to this Lucius too!
Dragon-Malfoy- The story can only be as wonderful as the wonderful people that read it, and review it! It is you guys that inspire me to write more!
Sorceress Black-Don\'t worry... Yes, Lucius is finding himself feeling emotions for her. But I only meant those words in the last chappie to be a kindness.. not the affection... I am taking this slow.. Perhaps agonizingly slow..
Kathleen_Trinity- Yes... Lucius Malfoy, and Beauty and the Beast is a hot combination. That is why I thought it would work so well! Glad you are enjoying it!
Dragon34- I aim to please! I hope this next chapter meets with your approval!
BrianDarkSoul-I have to admit, your suggestions did make me consider a few things. Although this is a romance between Hermione, and Lucius, Ron and Harry both will be making an appearance later.. but you must be patient... This story is slow going.
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Dinner and Dreams


Lucius led Hermione into a beautiful dining room. On the far side, a roaring fire warmed the space. Above the mantel there was a tapestry that appeared to be some sort of family crest. It was intricate, with colors of green, silver blue, and red woven within it.

The dining room table was huge. There were candles placed strategically along it’s length. One would expect the place settings to be found on either end of the table. But instead, there were two plates across from each other directly at the center.

Hermione found herself smiling. It was a welcome surprise to know that instead of having to dine virtually alone with his person being so far away, she had only to look up, and he would bee seated within reach of her.

Almost as if he heard her thoughts, he said, “I actually hate this table. I never have enough company to really use it anymore.” He shrugged, “I hope you do not mind that we are set so close to each other.”

Smiling, Hermione shook her head. “No, I don’t mind. Actually, I am relieved. This room is so vast, there is no way for a proper conversation if we sat at opposite ends of this table.”

Nodding, Lucius led Hermione to her seat and pulled the chair out for her. Then he made his way around the table to his place and sat.

With a flick of his hand, the spell cast on the food to keep it warm was lifted. Immediately, the smell of meats, and mulled wines invaded her senses. She smiled at the aroma. There was so much food set before her that she didn’t know where to start.

Speechless, she looked up to meet his gaze. “I was not sure what you liked, so I requested that a wide variety be made.” He smiled, “Eat only what appeals to you.”

Wide-eyed, Hermione looked from him to the feast laid out before her. There was so much food here, she had no idea where to start. There was the classic serving of roast beef and roasted lamb. There was also a heathy option of shepherds pie and hotpot. There was also more vegetables than she had seen even at Hogwarts. Sauteed mushrooms were in a bowl to one side.

After a moment of indecision, she helped herself to a portion of the roasted lamb, then some of the mushrooms. As she reached for a dinner roll, she caught sight of Lucius watching her closely. Stopping, her eyes met, and held his.

He smiled and turned to filling his own plate. Hermione noticed he chose almost the exact same portions that she had.

Despite being sat so closely together, dinner progressed in silence. Neither seemed to find anything to say. When she finished her meal, she used the edge of her napkin to wipe her mouth before looking to him. “Thank you for the dinner, Mr Malfoy. It was very good.”

When she started to rise, he questioned, “You have no room left for dessert?” He had risen across from her and his eyes seemed to almost plead for the evening to not be over yet.

For a moment they simply stared at each other, before she answered. “I regret I haven’t the room for more. I don’t know how I can eat another thing. The dinner was fantastic. I just...” she faltered when he offered her a gentle smile. :I don’t think I have any room for dessert.”

Lucius nodded before asking, “Then perhaps I could convince you to tour my garden with me. I realize it is nighttime, but several of my roses only bloom in the evenings.” he moved around the table to stand beside her. “There is enough magical light out there for you to be able to enjoy such a stroll. I promise.

Even with half of his face hidden behind the veil of his hair, the man was breathtaking. Unable to find her voice, she simply nodded, and accepted the hand he offered her.

She let him lead her in silence out of the room and towards the opening into the garden. She felt the absence of his warmth when he released her to find his key to open the gate that seemed almost hidden beside all the tall hedges that hid the rose garden from her view.

When he opened the gate, he stood back to allow her entrance. When she first moved into the garden, she felt a moment of panic as the only light she could see was that of the moon. Lucius spoke softly from behind her. “Lumos.”

Suddenly, the garden seemed to fill with a soft, but strong light that laid everything within the garden to her view. Her breath caught at the sight before her. Roses of every color were in bloom around her. Dropping her jaw, she stared around her in wonder.

“I had meant to come look at it today,” she said softly, “But I got busy doing research. “This is amazing!”

Lucius felt himself smiling at the awe in her voice. It felt nice to have a reason to smile again. “I only created this garden a few years ago.” He turned away from her. “After Narcissa and Draco...”

Hermione heard the betrayal of emotion in his voice. Moving to stand behind him, she spoke softly. “It hurts, Lucius. I understand that. No one could ever replace your family.”

He chuckled mirthlessly, “Not that anyone would care to, either. I have nothing to offer anyone, save the contents of my library.”

Hermione found herself gripping his shoulder and forcing him to turn and face her. “You are not a man that has ever accepted pity!” Her voice rose with the level of her own confusing emotions. “Your family has always had a certain amount of pride that had nothing to do with any loyalties given to that prat of a Dark Lord!”

Lucius met her furious gaze for a moment before once again looking away. “Pitiful, aren’t I?” he asked, shrugging his shoulders. “I bring no honor, or pride to that family now.” Turning he made his way out of the garden. Over his shoulder, he called, “lock up when you leave, if you don’t mind.”

The young witch stood watching after him for a lingering moment. Infuriated, she watched until he was out of sight, before expelling a frustrated sigh. “Oh, Lucius Malfoy!” she cursed. “Where has all your spirit gone?”

Every time she thought she was being allowed to see a glimpse of the proud man he used to be, he would shrink back into his miserable, self-loathing shell. “Well, Mr. Malfoy.” she whispered angrily. “Enjoy your safe little pity party while it lasts, because it is almost over!”

When she left the garden, she failed to notice the spirit in the far corner. She didn’t see the approval in his translucent grey eyes, or the smile on his luminous face. She didn’t know that he supported her decision to try to help Lucius find himself again.

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The next morning, Hermione awoke to the sound of thunder. Raising up in the bed, she rubbed the sleep from her eyes, and turned towards the sound. The long drapes flowed in ghostly flourishes from the open doors of the balcony.

She had left them open the night before because the night had been so peaceful and beautiful. Standing, she pulled on her robe and tied it loosely at the waist as she moved to the open doorway, and pulled the sheer drape back to look out into the morning.

It was hard to tell exactly what time of day it was with the dark clouds that loomed above. It was, however, still early in the day. She sighed and let the drape fall, before realizing that there had been an owl watching her expectantly from the railing of the balcony.

Moving out onto the balcony, Hermione looked at Hedwig. “Why didn’t you come in?” she asked softly, stroking the birds chest feathers lightly, before taking the missive from Harry.

Once open, she had her answer. Shaking her head, she rolled her eyes before reading on;

Dear Hermione,

I hope this letter finds you safe and well. I refused to let hedwig enter the house, so I hope she can find you to give you this. Ron and I are worried for what tortures you may be forced to endure, just in the name of research. I cannot, for the life of me, understand why you have let yourself be forced to do such things. As if working with the greasy, untrustworthy bat wasn’t enough.
I know that you feel it is a necessary evil. But neither of us like you taking such risks. The portkey found below is in case of emergency. It shall carry you in all due haste back to us.
Forgive me my worries, but you have always been as a sister to me. The idea of losing any one else is just not acceptable to me.

With Love,
Harry

P.S. Ron asked me to let you know your chess game is still waiting to be finished.

Hermione looked from the letter back to Hedwig. “Well, I suppose I cannot convince you to come in while I write my response?” In silent refusal the bird ruffled its feathers, and grilled the railing that much tighter. “Very well then, You can just wait out here in this drizzle.”

Going back inside, Hermione sat at the desk at the far side of the room. Taking up her quill, she pinned an answer;

Dear Harry and Ron,

Your letter found me easily enough. Although I must reproach you for making Hedwig sit outside in the rain when my room was nice, warm and dry.
I am in the midst of a very lovely household. With a very polite and considerate host. He has been nothing but a gentleman to me this entire time.
If the two of you could see him, you would understand what Snape means when he says he is a much changed man. His house-elf, Serenity and her chosen mate are free. They wear clothes and are treated as if they are family.
I thank you both for your concern, but I assure you it is not needed. I am safer here than you are there. I made the agreement to stay here throughout the month to do this research, and I plan on doing just that.
I do hope you two are also safe and well. Tell Ron to just consider his next move on that game very carefully. I’m drawing very close to a check-mate on it.

Affectionately,
Hermione


After she signed the letter, she grabbed a few morsels of dried meat out of her satchel for just this purpose and returned to the balcony. Once she had given the owl the treat, she secured the missive to the birds leg and stroked her once across the back before it took to the air.

Hermione watched until Hedwig was out of sight before turning, and going back inside. For a moment, she contemplated going back to bed, before deciding against it. Turning, she made her way to the bathroom.

She undressed as the water was filling the tub. Leaning back against the wall, she thought for a moment. A wicked smile spread across her lips as she moved to the cabinet where she had placed the soap and shampoo that had been gifted to her when she had first arrived.

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Lucius’ eyes were drawn to the wall he had charmed to act as a viewing screen whenever Hermione chose to take a bath. A moment of conscience came over him, before he noticed that she was washing herself with the soap he had given her.

Laying back in his bed, he watched, mesmerized as she rubbed the soap over herself. He heard her moan as the soap went to work over her body. The silk of his sheets made his sensitive nipples tighten even harder as he viewed her rubbing the juncture between her thighs, working up a lather.

When her hands mover to her breasts, Lucius found his own hand moving to his hardened cock. Slowly, he stroked its length as he watched her. As her moans became cries and orgasm was upon her, he stroked himself faster and let a strangled moan fall past his own lips before he heard her cry out his name.

“Oh! Lucius!” Damn, but I want you!” her cries softened as she lay back in the tub. “Forgive me, but I do.”

His hand had stilled and he turned wide eyes back to her image on his wall. She wanted him? But why? His erection still pulsed in his hand, but he simply stared at her face. Tears glistened on her cheeks. She panted as her body began to relax.

Kicking the sheet away, he gripped himself tighter and stroked faster, letting the flames build within himself until his own release found him. Once his orgasm had subsided, he continued to watch her. She lay in the tub, a look of pain across her features.

As he watched, her eyes closed, her features softened and her breathing became normal. Too normal. Sitting up in his bed, he gaped at her image as it slid deeper into the water. “Good Merlin, she’s asleep!”He leapt from the bed and started from the room.

As his hand gripped the door, he realized his nudity. Turning, he spat, “Accio pants!” Instantly, his pajama pants, which were a satin material that was deep blue clad his lower features. Not caring about the rest of himself, he ran from the room to the passage that would take him to her the fastest.

In what was merely a matter of moments, he was beside her, lifting her from the tub. She had just nearly sunk under before he reached her.

She came awake with a start, and looked up at him, dazed. His hair was loose, but pulled back from his face, giving her full view of his scar. Her arms went around his neck as she realized he had just saved her. She could feel the strong muscles, naked beneath her own skin. His chest was smooth and hard. His scent of musk and spice assailed her senses.

As he sat her on the bed, her eyes searched his. He reached around her and wrapped the cover of the bed around her, before stepping back.”Forgive my intrusion, but it is not safe to fall asleep in such a large tub.” His eyes lowered so he was no longer looking at her, but the floor in front of them.

Hermione stood, with the coverlet still wrapped around her and moved closer to him. “How did you know?” As she advanced, he stepped further back and away from her touch before it could come.

“The manor is charmed to alert me when one of my guests is in danger.” He turned to meet her gaze. “Voldemort can still find ways into my home, even if I no longer serve him.”

Turning, he fairly fled the room. He did not look back. He only knew he had to put some distance between himself and the first woman he had wanted since the loss of his wife. He was terrified. He could barely contain his shaking. He wasn’t scared because of the desire he felt for her. What scared him was that he now knew she wanted him too.