Amorem Consentit

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I hope that this chapter brings you pleasure.

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Lucius' heart was beating wildly. He didn't know why it was that way, but when he looked into her amber eyes he was captivated.

Hermione glanced over at the outdoor patio of Fortesque's where young witches and wizards were happily snacking. She bit her lip, and she wiped her brow before undoing her cloak. It was far too hot outside to be wearing it. A brick wind had been blowing about the Manor, and they had flown through a light shower to get here.

“Can we go and have an ice cream?” she asked childishly.

Lucius smiled down at her as she tugged his arm a little.

“If you so wish,” he answered, wondering why the witch wasn't asking for something more. She had passed jewelry worth millions of Galleons in the vault as if it was nothing. Most other witches would've been wanting to have all of it.

Hermione laced her fingers through one of his hands and bit his lip as he escorted her toward the parlor.

She would've never imagined that a man as posh as Lucius Malfoy would go to a simple ice cream parlor. What she didn't know was that Lucius loved all kinds of sweets. Especially ice cream.

Hermione smiled at the children outside. She was sure she would be the mother of gorgeous offspring as Draco was extremely handsome.

"Leave me alone!" a little girl with a chocolate ice cream cone said, pushing at a chubby little boy.

Hermione frowned at the mean little wizard when he pushed the little girl.

Lucius scowled when he saw the children. He would've wanted to have some more of his own, but if he had had a little girl and that was done to her. He would let the little boy have it.

"It's my ice cream," the little boy said, shoving the little girl till she fell over.

Large tears welled up in her eyes as she sat at Lucius' feet. The little boy eagerly taking huge bites of the cone and smearing ice cream from ear to ear.

Lucius stooped down releasing Hermione's hand. Lucius touched the little girl's back.

"Would you like an ice cream to replace the one he took?" Lucius asked.

The little girl looked up at Lucius with wide yellow-green eyes.

"Don't cry," Lucius said. "One day that little boy will be paying for it."

She put her thumb in her mouth as Lucius picked her up.

"What are you doing to my daughter?" a woman asked, snatching the little girl away from Lucius.

“He was just trying to be nice,” Hermione stepped up to stand next to Lucius. The woman looked at the war heroine and her angry expression softened.

The little girl reached for Lucius.

"Mama, the mean boy took my cone, and he's getting me a new one," the little girl said tugging on her mother's robes.

"Hush Olivia," her mother said, threading her fingers through the bright blonde curls.

Hermione looked at the cute little girl and imagined that her daughter would look similar. Draco was such a handsome man that her children were bound to be beautiful.

Lucius touched the little girl's hand.

The mother glared at Lucius suspiciously.

“Maybe we should go and get our ice creams?” Hermione suggested as she saw Lucius expression.

His eyes held a sadness, something like he's lost something.

Hermione took his hand, and tugged him away from the little girl and up to the counter.

"Mama," the little girl sobbed. She had tears in her eyes and running down her sticky face as she was carried from the shop. She waved to Lucius.

Lucius expression seemed collected, but there was sadness in his heart.

"What's wrong?" Hermione asked as Lucius paid for their cones and they walked outside.

“The little girl made me remember my sister. They looked so similar...even the same name. The only difference is that my sister died.”

"How did she die?" Hermione put a hand on the man's thigh. Hermione pecked Lucius cheek. The poor man had more hurt in his life than anyone would've imagined.

“I don't need to be pitied. I just think it adds to my being worthless. Why did I live whilst my beautiful sister had to die?”

"You didn't put a wand to her head and kill her, Mr. Malfoy. Sometimes bad things happen to good people."

“But she died at the age of six. She didn't have the chance to live her life. She was so sweet, always following me and saying that she loved me so much...” Lucius sighed and tried to stop tears coming.

"Little girls are angels aren't they?"

'I'm sorry for your loss, Lucius.'

"I always wanted more children."

Lucius smiled as a dark haired little girl raced down the alley with her mother chasing her.

“Why didn't you have more then?” Hermione asked, squeezing his hand gently.

"Narcissa hated being pregnant, and hated babies. She didn't agree to even see Draco until he was potty trained."

“That's terrible! I love children, I just think they're a big responsibility.”

"It's alright," Lucius said. "I've adjusted to my reality."

“I'm sure you'll be a great-grandfather!” Hermione said hugging him.

Lucius blushed but felt better. Hermione was such an understanding angel.

Hermione wrapped her arms around his neck. "But no buying the entire Slytherin team brooms for them to get on the team."

“I promise I'll do anonymously then,” Lucius laughed, “though Draco got on the team thanks to his talent. I just bought the brooms to make the rest of the players look better, too.”

"Only if you also buy brooms for Gryffindor!" Hermione said, pinching his arm before resting her cheek on it.

"I don't buy brooms for people who don't wear green and silver Quidditch robes that have a snake on them."

“Now, we'll decide about the Quiddicth teams later. Would you like to have a look around Flourish and Blotts?” Lucius asked, trying to distract her attention so that she would let go of him.

"I would love to look," she said, "as long as it is only looking."

“I’m sure there'll be some things you'd like,” Lucius teased as they began to walk to the bookstore.

"You have done too much for me already today. You don't have to spend more money on me. I would have been just as happy with a less expensive dress."

“You are a very special witch. That is something one cannot measure in galleons.”

“Lucius!” Hermione exclaimed. He was just too generous.

"You don't need to buy me things for me to spend time with you. All you have to do is ask."

“I like spending time with you, Hermione. And if I can buy you something you need it makes me happy.”

"I don't want you wasting money on me. I don't need books. I am sure that you have a lovely collection at home.”

"At home?" Lucius asked, as she took his hand,

“Yes, it is my new home. With my new family. I am an adult and not a child who will throw a hissy fit.”

Lucius refrained from biting his lip. He wished to draw her into his arms. Why was she accepting him so easily?

"Do you mind if we just go for a walk in the flower park instead?"

“Aren't you worried people will hate you for not crying blue murder for being engaged to Draco?”

“Whatever you wish. But you'd be glad to know that we actually own the Flourish and Blotts bookstore chain, so any book you want from there you can have for free.”

"I'm not too worried about it. It is the law. Crying about it isn't going to make it change. And to tell you the truth. I'm really rather happy about it," Hermione said.

“But you know that you will have to change your last name to Malfoy, do you?” Lucius asked, worried that she would not want to do that.

"I always assumed that I would be taking my husband's last name," Hermione said, holding onto Lucius' arm as they walked through the park.

“And you are not ashamed of our past?”

"Everyone has a past," Hermione said. "We all have done things we are not proud of. Besides, I believe that it was decided that you were under the imperious."

“I was, but people don't believe me still. Everyone will assume we are torturing you,” Lucius said sulkily.

"Well, I hope that we will be able to correct that assumption as time goes by. You both are well-mannered, gorgeous and generous men. I felt welcome and safe in your home from the first moment I arrived.”

"You need not say that I am handsome. I know better. My own mother refused to look at me."

“Your mother was bad to you. You are gorgeous. Such lovely hair, gorgeous eyes, fit body. As I said before, if I didn't know your age, I'd say you're no older than thirty.”

A tiny bluebird hopped across their path. Hermione gasped at the tiny bird.

“Draco loves you. He just doesn't express it right.” Hermione kissed Lucius' cheek gently.

"I believe he said that he hated me this morning."

"He doesn't. At school, it was always my father this and my father that. One wondered how he functioned without having you there."

“Maybe he was just trying to scare other children with me. He was very angry at me this morning.”

“He was just hot headed,” Hermione tried to reason, “We were making out a lot before you came.” she blushed deeply.

"You were," Lucius agreed. "It was quite abominable. You need to behave, which is why I shall be chaperoning you two."

Hermione buried her face in his shoulder.

SNAP! SNAP! SNAP!

"Mr. Malfoy, are the rumors true? Is War-Heroine Hermione Granger really to be married to your son? If so, why are you two looking so cuddly? The public wants to know."

Hermione leapt back from Lucius as more lights flashed in her eyes.

"Tell us Mr. Malfoy, how much did this set your back account back? When is the wedding to be held?" Rita Skeeter stood there madly scribbling with an acid green quill.

“There will be an official announcement,” Lucius said in a bored tone.

"So how close are you and your lovely soon to be daughter-in-law?" Rita asked. "You looked awful cozy a moment ago."

"If I hadn't the Ministry documents, I would have guessed you to be her fiancé."

“We are family members, thus we can be as close as we wish. No further comment.”

“You both look like lovebirds, though,” Skeeter continued to go on.

Lucius snapped his fingers, and instantly the carriage pulled by four Palomino winged horses came galloping up. The door sprang open.

Before Skeeter got to ask any more questions, they were seated in the carriage.

The doors snapped shut, and they were soon air-born.

"Merlin. Merlin. Merlin." Hermione muttered over and over.

“I thought you were used to that obnoxious reporter?” Lucius asked.

"What will Draco think of that image?" Hermione asked, and she wiped her tears on the edge of her cloak. Hermione shoved her fingers through her hair. "He already thinks you are after me, and he won't listen to reason. I don't want my husband to hate me."

“He won't hate you. He is just jealous that you don't dislike me. He will have to come to terms with that,” Lucius soothed the crying witch.

"He will hate me. He is so jealous and so possessive."

“I will not permit him to hurt you. He is just hot headed.”

"I never believed that he would physically hurt me," Hermione said, shifting closer and crying on Lucius' shoulder.

“I didn't mean physically. If his behavior turns to be unacceptable, I will use my power as head of the family and change the marriage notice.”

"What?" Hermione asked, and she looked up at him.

“I could marry you instead,” Lucius said calmly.

The carriage came to a gentle stop just in time for the door to almost be ripped off.

"WHAT THE HELL ARE YOU DOING?" Draco bellowed when he saw his fiancée snuggled against his father's side.

“She was upset after we encountered the Skeeter woman. I could not let her cry alone.”

"What is this?" Draco demanded thrusting the paper into his father's hand as he reached in and lifted Hermione out. "SHE IS MINE!"

“She has me for that,” Draco said angrily, trying to pry away the shaking witch from his father.

"You watch your tongue, Boy," Lucius said, kicking his son back. "And don't be so grabby."

“Lucius, please don't make him more angry,” Hermione begged. “He has a right to be angry.”

Lucius' eyes softened as Hermione looked at him.

"Draco," she said, turning to her fiancé. "I want to talk with you privately."

“Lucius, please don't make him more angry,” Hermione begged.

Lucius' eyes softened as Hermione looked at him.

"Draco," she said, turning to her fiancé. "I want to talk with you privately."

“You should not treat your father so bad,” Hermione chastised him.

She pulled Draco down so she could whisper in his ear. "And if you ever treat me this way again, I'm going to make you wish you were dead."

Draco paled. He hadn't expected that.

Hermione smiled pleasantly at him.

"I'm believe I'm a little hungry," Hermione said.

Draco stood there rooted to the spot. He was so ashamed of himself.

"I think I shall take a private meal in my quarters," Hermione said. "I'm feeling the strain of today wearying me. Would you escort me, Mr. Malfoy?"

“Of course, dearest. The elves shall prepare a nice meal for you.”

"I have no doubt," Hermione said, taking Lucius' arm as they walked up the staircase.

“I don't understand Draco's temper,” Hermione murmured as she and Lucius were on the way to her rooms.

"He gets his impulsive tongue from his mother," Lucius said as he stopped outside her door. "I bid you good evening, my dear. If there is anything that you require, don't hesitate to call upon me."

“Stay for the meal?” Hermione asked wide-eyed. She didn't want to be alone.

"No, dearest," Lucius said, and he drew her hand to his lips for a kiss.

“Why not? It's perfectly innocent!” she huffed.

"Because Draco will need to solicit a private audience with you to make his apologies," Lucius said. "Best we not make my son apologize for more than he already has to make amends for. He has his pride after all."

“I don't want to talk to him! He was so rude to us!”

"Draco is Draco."

“He was terribly rude. And I don't want to be the recipient of his horrible temper,” Hermione said and stomped her foot. “If he has no respect for his father, he might not have any for his wife, either.”

"My Dear, I know my son. He loves you with a passion one might call violent. He has always had to learn the difficult way how to play nicely with his things. He has been indulged by me far too long."

“But I am not a thing! I am a person!”

"But he sees you as his possession. He has never had to deal with a girl not approving of his vigilant watch over her. It is my fault for not teaching him better."

“I don't need to be watched. I am not some floozy.”

Hermione was angry at Draco, very much so. He had no right to reprimand her about Lucius.

Draco was standing on the stairwell and listening to his bride's conversation with his father. It hurt him a lot. Tears were streaming down his pale cheeks. He wanted her to be his only.

"Draco never had to share before. He doesn't really know how. He doesn't like sharing your company and your sweet smiles." Lucius cupped her chin before leaning forward and kissing her forehead.

Draco's heart ached terribly. She found him horrible. Everything had been good this morning, but he had lost his temper about the set back on the wedding date.

"I'll see you for breakfast. Is there anything you would like to request?"

“I don't have any requests, Lucius. You have been wonderful to me,” she answered and kissed his cheek.

Draco ran to the Manor gardens. He needed to clear his head for a moment. He couldn't let his bride think he was like a mad veela in heat. When he passed a greenhouse with the finest red roses, an idea struck him.

Hermione wasn't lost to him. She would love him.

Finding a table with neatly organized florist supplies left by the elves, he took a pair of gardening shears and began to cut the most beautiful stems.

It was a difficult task as he'd never done it before and the thorns were cutting into his palms painfully, but he wouldn't give up.

When he had trimmed a full dozen roses, he walked inside as quickly as he could to Hermione's room.

His heart was beating madly when he knocked on her door.

"Who is it?”

As no answer came, Hermione put her fork down and went to the door. It sure wasn't a house elf, as those had the habit of popping in unannounced.

As she opened the door for a little, a big bunch of roses with an awkwardly tied red bow obscured her view.

"Mr. Malfoy?" Hermione asked.

"Yes," Draco answered.

However, when the door opened more, she saw Draco.

She had expected Lucius though, so she was a tiny bit disappointed.

"For you," Draco said, holding out the roses.

"Draco, your hands," Hermione cried when she saw blood on them.

"I'm fine," Draco said. "I want to apologize first. I was horrible today. I should've acted as a mature man, but seeing how my father was looking at you was making me terribly jealous.”

Hermione stepped to the side and motioned for Draco to enter.

She took the flowers with a smile. the stems were unevenly cut and the bow was close to getting loose, but it was obvious that he had done it himself.

Draco smiled as Hermione took the flowers and put them in the vase that had appeared on her night table.

"Please sit down, Draco," Hermione said, and she tied the ribbon around the edge of the vase.

“Now, let me heal your hands, you silly man,” she said with a smile.

Draco winced as she tapped her wand to his hands. The skin tightened as it was pulled together.

“I am very sorry, Love,” he said with a sad smile.

"For what?" Hermione asked. "Please be specific."

“For making you feel bad. For being a jealous prat. For letting my anger out on my father.”

"I accept your apology, Draco," Hermione said, and she walked to a plush leather armchair.

“You don't want to sit with me?” he said in a sulky tone.

"We are going to respect your father's wishes," Hermione said smiling calmly at him.

“But what he doesn't know,” Draco offered, “wouldn't make him mad.”

"He is right next door," Hermione said. "Tea?"

“Yes, please, I'd like some tea,” Draco said. “We could put a silencing and confundus charm on the door though.”

"It has nothing to do with how we could conceal our actions. It has to do with respecting your father, which you should do as you love him."

“I love you more,” Draco whined.

“And just a little kiss…for me?” he begged most innocently.

Hermione looked at him; she was completely taken by his wide eyes, pouty lips, and sweet smile.

How could she not kiss him?

She stood up and handed him his tea.

She leaned over and kissed his cheek.

“Not fair. That wasn't a proper kiss!” he protested.

“If I kiss you more we will not be able to stop. There's still three weeks till the wedding.”

"But you will snuggle all over on my father."

“Lucius is not my fiancé. I can snuggle him all I want.”

"But I am your betrothed! You should snuggle me!"

“You will just use it to make it into hot debauchery. You know that too well.”

"You were the one who was started it!"

“I started it because you are just too hot! I couldn't resist you!” she exclaimed, then turned away from him.

“I won't be able to help myself to not push you to the bed and have my wicked way with you.”

"We'll just kiss. I promise. It won't go further," Draco said silently cursing the fact that it couldn't go further.

“I can't promise I won't try to go further with you. You can't imagine how gorgeous you are.”

"I promise not to go further."

"I think that it is time we said goodnight," Hermione said.

“Please don't send me away? We could just cuddle in bed?” he offered hopefully.

"Draco, we are now reversed in our roles. I begged you last night, and you refused me on moral grounds. It is my time to return the favor."

“Fuck the morals!” Draco exclaimed. “Who cares? We like each other. We need each other.”

"I think that it is time for you to go, Draco," Hermione said. "We are going to respect your father. I care for him and will honor his request for no more debauchery."

She looked past him and out the open door.

“But I am sure you want me more than you can imagine,” Draco murmured as he stood behind her.

"I do want you, Draco. But it is only three weeks to wait. Not so very long."

“It is like ages for me, Love,” he said and kissed her neck. “I've waited years for you.'

Lucius walked into the room.

"I am certain that I said no more debauchery."

“This isn't debauchery,” Draco argued, not letting Hermione go. “It's just a moment of tenderness between lovers.”

"You aren't lovers," Lucius said. "You have not sworn your undying love to her before hundreds of people."

“I know you, Draco, you will make her give in to you, and it will turn into more than just a kiss,” Lucius said glaring at his son.

"It can't be more than a kiss!" Draco said, snuggling his nose in Hermione's neck.

“And I love her and she knows it!” Draco added, playing with her wild hair.

"Draco, it is time for us to go to bed."

"You in yours, and she in hers," Lucius said, pointing down the hallway.

“I could stay and make sure she is sleeping well,” Draco said arrogantly. “A cuddle in bed always helps.”

"Completely inappropriate! And that is my final word! GO TO BED!"

Hermione disentangled herself from Draco's embrace and pretended that she was busy sorting the flowers in the vase.

Draco sulked as he walked out of the room.

“But I have a right to spend time with my fiancée,” Draco pouted. “You had all day with her.”

"She has had a tiring day. She needs rest. Tomorrow the three of us will go on a picnic, weather permitting."

“I want to go alone with her!” Draco sulked.

"You need supervision," Lucius said, taking the boy by his ear and throwing him from the room. He shut the doors in the boy's face.

“Lucius, you shouldn't be too harsh on him. He apologized to me.”

“He was a horny sod again,” Lucius said with disdain.

"I am sure you were just as eager for sex when you were his age."

Lucius blushed, but was glad that she didn't see. He hadn't had much sex when he was Draco's age. Once a year didn't count too much.

"It's time for bed," he said gently.

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I hope you all liked it. Please leave a review to treat the plot bunny.

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