A Golden Thread

Prologue

Lucius Malfoy watched the woman who would become his wife in less than two months step into the foyer slowly. She was taking in the grandeur of the new entrance with its winding Italian marble staircase and the enormous crystal chandelier hanging from the cathedral-like ceiling. Everything was lightly colored in ivory and cream tones far removed from the dark and broody atmosphere that had encompassed the grounds for generations. Just beyond the entrance on the large, round in-laid Oak table, was the biggest bouquet of exotic, tropical flowers that had ever graced the Manor. The warm breeze from the open French doors at the end of the long hallway wafted a heady, floral scent through the halls.
 
He wanted this to work. He wanted her to feel at home... welcome. The wonderment and perhaps, elation on her face was encouraging.
 
There was no denying her beauty. She was exquisite.  Her vibrant, lush hair contrasted against her pale, peach-colored skin in the most tantalizing manner. It was ridiculous to mention age because there was no hiding the fact that she was decades younger than himself. In the Wizarding world, such discrepancies in age did not mean much to most people. Rather, it was their histories that raised the most eyebrows and caused the most gossip. People wondered how their differences were settled and put aside for each side to agree to and pursue such a union. Lucius' standing in society had taken a little while to recover after the war, but through sizeable charitable donations and the transparent disclosure of his company's financial dealings, people had come around fairly quickly. Harry Potter's vouching for him during his trail and his eleventh hour defection to the Order had almost instantly absolved him from most of his crimes.
 
Still, he held on to at least a few of his old standards and familial beliefs. Some more quietly than others. Lucius remained a little haughty to those he did not regularly socialize with although he did offer a few more nods of acknowledgement than he used to. However, these days, he preferred the solace of his office and home to the hustle and bustle of crowds and the social games people had to play in the Ministry and society beyond. He could not shy away from his obligations for too long and would have to make his rounds to the parties and major events. At least now, he would be able to attend these functions with someone beautiful, intelligent and accomplished.
 
"You've made so many changes to the Manor!" His fiancé exclaimed. "We can forget the past and start fresh. It's finally sinking in that I'm going to sharing this amazing, new life with you."
 
He couldn't help but smile at her enthusiasm. "You are most welcome here, my dear. The elves will put your things away for you and I will give you full tour of the grounds."
 
Even though the wedding had yet to take place, it was not unusual for the pureblood brides to move into their new homes. Of course, along with the bride came a magical chastity belt that prevented any untoward behavior. It was something that he and her family agreed upon. Their living arrangements before the wedding would give them more time get acquainted with each other.
 
"We've come a long way," she whispered as she strode up to him and touched his arm softly with her fingertips. "Haven't we?"
 
"Indeed," Lucius agreed. "In the past, I would not have even entertained the notion of us. Everything is so very different now."
 
"Are you happy?" she asked tentatively.
 
Lucius took a moment before he spoke but smiled when he did. "I am. I haven't been for a very long time and I think we will be very happy together."
 
"Oh, yes! I think so too!"
 
A soft shuffling noise at the door, still open, drew the couple's attention away from each other. Some of the midday sunlight streaming through the door was suddenly blocked by a figure shifting nervously back and forth at the edge of the door frame. Lucius could not see who it was due to the glare.
 
"You remember what I told you about my ward?" his bride-to-be asked.
 
"Of course," he nodded. His new wife had a big heart and felt obligated to care for a friend who had been injured in the war. "We have more than enough space. I have notified the elves that we will have a special guest that will need extra care."
 
Without a moment's hesitation, she threw her arms around his neck and kissed him fervently on the lips. Lucius growled at her passionate act and held her firmly against him as he ravished her. Only when they felt the chastity charm kicking in, did they relent.
 
"Thank you, Lucius. I don't think she will be any trouble at all."
 
After she straightened her clothing and smoothed her hair back down, she turned towards the door. Using the softest, gentlest tone Lucius ever thought possible, his fiancé slowly coaxed the figure through the doorway and into the hall. He was proud of how patient and kind she was and knew she would be a great mother to their children.
 
The disheveled-looking female was positively shell-shocked. She looked slightly deranged with her hair in knots and a few sooty smudges on her face. She seemed to be trying to blend into to the walls with the way she moved. Her eyes were wide with fright and bewilderment... but, they were somehow still familiar.
 
"What's wrong with her?" Lucius finally had to ask.
 
"It was a dark spell and nothing can help her now. She has no more family of her own and I've sworn to always take care of her no matter what."
 
Lucius nodded again. But, there was a familiarity. He couldn't quite get a close look at her face because she kept twisting and turning her head looking everywhere, but nowhere all at the same time. He could barely make out the faint mumblings coming from the girl.
 
Then, it dawned on him. He realized with growing horror at what, who he was seeing.

"What is this?" He asked stunned.
 
"You won't object, will you? I know your history, but you've changed so much. Surely, you won't turn us away?"
 
"No," Lucius took a step closer, but stopped when the girl flinched and stumbled backwards into the wall. "No, my dear. I would not do such a thing."
 
"But, how..." He looked at his fiancé. "Tell me, Ginevra. What, in Merlin's name, happened to Hermione Granger?"

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A/N: Thanks for reading! More chapters are coming shortly. Reviews are greatly appreciated.