With Good Intentions

Legal manipulation and a ton of galleons kept Lucius in appeals and out of Azkaban, much to the anger of M.A.D.E. — Molly Weasley’s “war victims” group.

When she hadn’t turned a page in an hour, Lucius interrupted Hermione’s lack of progress and began his own rescue plan.

“You can’t possibly retain another nugget of information. Get some rest. You have a week until exams and six months before my next appeal.”

“I’m not tired, Lucius.”

“Tell me — without looking — what precedent the page your reviewing covers.”

She had no idea.

“Come join me for a brandy then off to bed with you.”

“Trying to get me drunk then seduce me?”

Appreciative eyes followed her stretch and eventual re-situating on the sofa in the cozy living area.

“If you fear the effectiveness of my enticements, floo home by all means.”

“If I feared your ‘enticements’ I wouldn’t study here at all.”

The proffered goblet changed hands with a “Thank you” and a smirk.

“Any reason for all those contraceptive potions?”

“Yes. I have no intentions of living like one of your muggle monks for much longer. It goes against my beliefs.”

“Care to explain that belief system?” 

She lifted her legs to the cushions and stretched out on the sofa. Unaware of her allure, she’d worn shorts to uni today with a sleeveless cotton t-shirt. Neither covered much of her, to Lucius’ gratitude and frustration.

“That it is unhealthy for a man used to several sexual encounters per day to continue more than three years of celibacy. Neither should a widower mourn forever. Cissy wouldn’t approve.”

“You’re certain of her wishes for you?”

“As her portrait hangs upstairs in the other guest room, I have no doubt. And what about you? You’ve just escaped adolescence and yet you’ve done nothing but study and defend me against the righteous ‘Light’-wielders since Voldemort fell. When will you let go these crusades that have consumed your youth?”

“When I win.”

“I can understand that a young lady of your accomplishments and intelligence might prefer to avoid childbearing, but surely you don’t intend to spend your life alone? That would be a waste.”

“It won’t be much longer. I’ll take my licensing exams this summer after graduation then we’ll bury this system under its own corruption. Starting with me taking over your defense from Tutela.”

With understated grace, Lucius joined her on the sofa, lifting her legs and placing her feet in his lap.

“There’s more to life than the climb, Hermione,” he chided her affectionately, “Don’t forget to take in the view. It’s difficult to enjoy revenge when you’re exhausted, bitter and alone.”

Hands that hadn’t performed manual labor (even in Azkaban) tantalized her feet and toes, introducing her to the sexual power of touch by an experienced seducer. Lucius picked up the scent of her arousal as she gave herself over to the sensations.

“Like you? Is this a caution?”

“Consider it hard-won experience. And I’m not alone, at least not for the foreseeable future. You’re here. Enjoying the massage?”

“Mm-hmm.”

A moan, a sigh and a lazy smile told him all he needed to know.

“It’s late. Off to bed with you. I won’t be accused of distracting you from saving my aristocratic arse from the Dementors.”

Biting lightly on her lower lip, she rose and bestowed gratitude on her client.

“Thank you. Maybe we can plan something for graduation.”

“I would say so. You’ve done more in four years of hell-raising than most do in a lifetime.”