How the Mighty have Fallen

Author’s note: I’m very sorry for the late update. A plot bunny licked me in an inappropriate place and Betrayal, L/Hr, and a continuing D/Hr story Redemption appeared. As always, thanks so much for the reviews. Special thanks to: Voracious Reader and margaritama for at least two reviews each!


Margaritama: Hopefully this will clear things up. Originally the smutty plot for Betrayal popped in my head and I decided to write it as a L/Hr one-shot… but I had ideas for a continuation of the story if Draco found out what had occurred. I posted them separately because if one was a pure L/Hr fan it would be a smutty, slightly devious, and amusing one-shot known as Betrayal. But for those who like D/Hr or like both pairings, I decided to use the material for the first chapter of my story Redemption.


Voracious Reader: Your comment in Betrayal was exactly how I pictured Lucius assessing the situation.



“Mr. Malfoy, could you please escort Miss Dagworth to her room? I think the spare room would be best,” Professor Dumbledore stated thoughtfully in response to Hermione’s second stifled yawn.


“It would be my pleasure Professor,” he responded clearly pleased; if the small smile was anything to go by.


“Miss Dagworth,” Lucius said; standing up, once again offering her his arm.


Using Lucius proffered arm Hermione stood up and allowed him to lead her out. ‘Here’s to seven or so flights of silence and tension’ she thought resigned; feeling unduly cross due to exhaustion.


Lucius was quiet while they descended the spiral staircase. Once they had exited the Headmaster’s office he spoke.


“What time is agreeable?” he questioned softly; turning his head to look at her with piercing gray eyes.


“Oh, don’t bother. I really don’t need a tutor,” she replied dismissively; punctuating the absolute absurdity of the offer with an airy wave of her free hand.


“Nonsense,” Lucius countered easily; as if that was argument enough. “Do you really want to disobey the Headmaster?” he asked; concern clearly drenched in sarcasm.


At her rather incredulous look he continued to playfully chastise her. “As Head Boy I could never allow such blatant rule breaking to go unpunished,” sounding falsely scandalized.


Hermione laughed outright at the comment unable to believe how much he had reminded her of Percy at his most pompous.


Pleased that his humor amused her he continued in the same vein, “I’m at your service,” he began with a small bow, “when would be convenient?” he queried again.


“Really, Mr. Malfoy I appreciate the gesture, but it is unnecessary,” Hermione said politely though firm.


“I won’t take no for an answer,” he retorted seriously. “And, since we will be spending quite a bit of time together, I must insist that you call me Lucius, Miss Dagworth” he told her good-naturedly.


“Why would you address me as Miss Dagworth if you would like me to call you Lucius?” she questioned; genuinely curious.


“You haven’t asked me to address you by your given name,” he answered simply; as if it was rather obvious, stopping to look at her contemplatively; as formal etiquette was customary amongst purebloods.


‘No wonder Draco had such archaic beliefs…’ her mind mused. Then an idea occurred to her and she thought ‘I’m allowed a bit of fun’. Desperately fighting a smile Hermione said playfully, “Lucius call me… Miss Dagworth.” Though teasing she was partially serious and a smile appeared on her lips in response to his amused reaction.


“So, Miss Dagworth,” he began stressing her surname, “do you have a favorite subject?” he questioned as they descended the first staircase.


“Yes,” she replied teasingly; chancing a glance in his direction, noticing a grin on his face.


“Are you purposely avoiding answering my question?” he asked with the barest hint of annoyance.


“Actually, you didn’t ask me what my favorite subject was but rather if I had one. And, I said I did,” she countered impishly; raising an eyebrow as if begging him to challenge her.


“Indeed,” he quipped dryly. “Which subject is your favorite?” he questioned directly.


“Transfiguration; I’m rather fond of Ancient Runes as well. Yourself?” she returned politely.


“Defense against the Dark Arts,” he replied as they came upon another staircase.


He received a knowing smile in response to his answer. “What?” he asked; interested.


“Nothing, rather popular choice amongst boys,” Hermione supplied; searching for a plausible answer as ‘rather ironic for one that spent the majority of their life practicing the Dark Arts’ wouldn’t suffice.


“I wouldn’t know as I am not a boy,” he began stiffly; clearly affronted, “I’m a man,” he finished making his point clear.


“We’ll see,” she said lightly with a quick pointed glance in his direction. Lucius thought her tone held promise.


They completed the rest of the journey in a comfortable silence. Once before the common room door Lucius turned to give her the password.


“The password is Basilisk,” Lucius whispered pushing the door open when he heard the lock click.


“Original,” she quipped tersely, her voice lacking amusement.


“After you, “he murmured; gesturing with his hand that she enter before him.


“Does the password bother you?” he asked incredulously.


“Of course not,” she dismissed quickly. “I’m just not fond of them,” Hermione gave in answer. ‘Or any giant snake’ she thought darkly thinking of Nagini.


“Who is?” he said in understanding.


“You may choose your password, but you have to tell me what you decide,” Lucius told Hermione when they arrived at what she presumed was her door; as it was directly, unconventionally, off of the common room.


At her narrowed eyes Lucius supplied, “in case of emergencies,” to her silent question.


Softening her expression Hermione replied, “Fine. Spider.”


The irony wasn’t lost on him and he gave her a knowing look in understanding but didn’t comment.


“My room is first on the left; down that corridor,” he said pointing across the common room, “if you need anything,” he supplied. “Just look for the Head Boy title on the door,” he finished.


The look she gave him in response was as dry as her words were clipped, “Alright, goodnight.”

And with that she entered; closing the door on Lucius’ goodnight.


The morning dawned and with it Lucius realized that for the many times he had asked ‘what is an opportune time for tutoring’ he hadn’t received a response. ‘Should he go get her for breakfast?’ he pondered as he did up a tie in habit, forgetting it was the weekend and wasn’t necessary.

He exited his room and spotted Severus on the couch, reading. He sat down next to him propping his feet on the low table; crossed at the ankle. In scant few minutes he was already tired of waiting for Miss Dagworth to appear and he began to jiggle his foot. And if the cross looks were any indication; Severus was becoming irritated with his impatience. Getting up, Lucius started for Miss Dagworth door when he heard Severus say warningly, “I wouldn’t,” without looking up from his book. ‘What does he know? He’s eleven’ Lucius thought dismissively ignoring the boy’s advice.

Once he arrived at his destination he began to knock. Incessantly in Hermione’s annoyed opinion. When he ignored the fact that she was ignoring him he began to call, “Miss Dagworth” through the door.

‘Honestly, I just fought a bloody war yesterday… can’t a girl have a lie in’ she thought crossly. As the knocking and calling increased in volume Hermione wondered, ‘where the fuck is my wand’ noticing that it was unhelpfully across the room. ‘Well if I have to get up, might as well answer the damn door’ she reasoned angrily. She got out of bed securing her robe more tightly around her small frame and picked up her wand before yanking open the door.


Lucius was shocked; both by her expression and her attire. She looked livid though beautiful in a black silk robe that modestly covered her skin, but not her perfect figure.


Pointing her wand at Lucius she snapped, “Is the castle on fire?”


At his tentative, “no…” she said heatedly, “piss off then” slamming the door in his face.


As she went to lie back down, Lucius went to sit back down. The quiet chuckle that escaped Severus seemed to scream ‘I told you so’ and Lucius crossed his arms in response.


Two minutes later and Hermione still couldn’t get comfortable again. Throwing her pillow across the room in a snit she decided now was a good of time as any to get up. Gathering yesterdays now laundered clothes in her arms she opened her door and entered the common room.


“The bath?” she asked pointedly startling both occupants and embarrassing Severus.


“Down the right corridor; all the way at the end,” Lucius supplied.


Without a word of thanks, Hermione went to ready herself for the day.


A shower and four spells later; one for her lingerie, two for her hair, and a concealer spell, Hermione was ready to brave the day and hopefully Lucius.