Chapter 9
Hermione and Lucius held their first meeting in one of Malfoy Enterprises' meeting rooms. Hermione’s office wasn’t ready yet; there was some shifting about to do to create space for the new department, albeit a small one as some people would be doing job shares and remaining in their current offices.
Hermione arrived just before nine and found Lucius already there. He looked up as she entered. “Good morning, Hermione.”
She was excited to see a tray laid out with coffees and her favourite hazelnut pain au chocolat. “Well, I’m definitely going to enjoy working with you if this is what it entails,” Hermione told him as she grinned in greeting. To her surprise Lucius allowed himself a small, pleased smile. She took the seat next to him at the large table and pulled her coffee towards her. “So, Draco told you that things escalated a little yesterday?
“He did indeed,” Lucius raised an eyebrow in her direction. “Not one to do things by half measures, are you?”
“Well, I must admit it did run away with me a little.” Hermione smiled self-consciously. “Which reminds me, before we go any further, obviously I’ve turned helping me run one project into potentially helping me run an entire department. I don’t want you to feel obligated to take that on if you’re not happy to. You can still just help me with the gala and leave it at that if you’d prefer?” Hermione meant exactly what she said, but she also found herself very much hoping he wouldn’t take her up on her offer.
“To be candid, we both know I have the time. I find that now that I've ventured out into the world, I’d quite like to stay here, and if there’s a way I can do that and be of some use then I’d be a fool to turn down the opportunity. If, of course, that’s okay with you?”
As Lucius spoke Hermione could see that he was still a little unsure of his footing with her and she rushed to reassure him. “Of course that’s okay with me.”
Not many people would have noticed his almost invisible signs of relief but she caught sight of his fingers relaxing ever so slightly where they held his coffee cup, and couldn’t help her inward smile. “And if I ever appear to think otherwise, pastries and library outings will always be a sure-fire way of bringing me back round,” she quipped cheekily, somewhat surprised the words had left her mouth, she sure as hell hadn’t given them permission to.
Lucius looked a little taken aback, but recovered quickly. “Oh, is that so? Well, I shall just have to keep that in mind, shan’t I?” he practically crooned with a raised eyebrow and the signature Malfoy smirk.
Fuck, I am in deep shit here. How in the hell is anyone even allowed to look like that?! She couldn’t keep eye contact and grabbed her coffee cup, hoping he didn’t notice her blush, to buy herself a few seconds to compose herself. “Well, what’s a good working relationship without a little bribery here and there?”
To Hermione’s amazement Lucius threw his head back and laughed. It was such a beautiful and unexpected sight that her breath caught as she briefly froze in awe. “Well I can’t deny it’s a concept I’ve lived by myself in the past but certainly words I never anticipated hearing from you.”
“What can I say, I’m full of surprises,” Hermione chuckled in return.
“Talking of surprises,” Lucius raised his eyebrows, and shifted slightly in his seat. Hermione got the impression he was a little uncomfortable. “How did your conversation with Draco go after the meeting the other morning?”
Hermione let out a laugh of her own. “Yes, I’d been planning to have a word with you about that. Are you intending to leave all awkward conversations to me throughout our working relationship, or just the ones involving you son?”
While her teasing expression clearly told Lucius she was joking, he did still have the grace to look a little guilty. “Well, I thought there was a possibility that conversation would be best handled by you.”
Fuck it, Hermione decided, I’m just going to say it how it is. “You mean it would have required an open conversation and you avoid those wherever possible?” She raised her eyebrows at him in challenge.
To her surprise Lucius huffed a sigh and leaned back in his chair, studying her while appearing to collect his thoughts. The lighter moments between them had passed and they’d moved into something else. Not tense and uncomfortable, but not light and relaxed either. Deeper but tentative. “It’s not that. Well, not entirely, at any rate. Where Draco is concerned I’m…fairly open. As open as I know how to be. I have a multitude of sins to atone for and being open and honest strikes me as an important part of that.” Hermione nodded thoughtfully but had no intention of interrupting what she could sense was the beginning of a monologue.
“That said, it doesn’t come naturally to me. I’ve spent a lifetime doing the polar opposite, to the point that at one time I barely even knew the truth of my own thoughts and feelings as I’d concealed them so thoroughly. So I’m quite literally having to change the habits of a lifetime.” Lucius paused to take a drink of coffee before setting his cup down and continuing. “Talking to Draco about…recent events that have transpired, would most certainly fall into the category of things that don’t feel natural for me to talk about, I confess. What makes me more hesitant, however, is the fact that I don’t have the answers he would be looking for. I’m just as surprised by recent events as I’ve no doubt he is.”
Hermione nodded her understanding. “Well, I can certainly understand that. I can’t pretend this is something I ever would have seen coming, myself.”
“Quite. So while I’m under no illusions as to the fact that he’ll sooner or later corner me over the subject, if I’m able to buy myself a little extra time between now and then in which to… acclimatise that would be preferable.”
“That’s fair,” Hermione acquiesced. “However, it absolutely doesn’t excuse or justify your obvious bloody delight when Draco called me back at the end of the meeting. You knew full well what he wanted and while I understand your avoidance, you could have at least had the good grace not to be smug about it!” She tried and spectacularly failed at trying to look cross while she scolded him, but the smile was impossible to hide.
Lucius chucked, “I could, but then where would be the fun in that?” His eyes twinkled as he flashed her a devastating smirk. Before she had a chance to think on it his expression changed again, their brief detour back into light and relaxed was clearly over. “Joking aside, if I genuinely caused you any kind of discomfort or angst, then I sincerely apologise. That is the last thing I would ever want to do.”
“I know, and honestly, it’s completely okay. To be entirely honest, as I mentioned in my owl, it was rather hilarious.” Laughter bubbled from her lips as she thought back to Draco’s reaction. Thankfully her words appeared to alleviate Lucius of his concern that he’d in any way upset her. It seemed that Draco had decided against mentioning anything to his father just yet, which actually didn’t surprise her. Draco was remarkably good with people, so it stood to reason that as he'd already got enough information from Hermione to satisfy his curiosity, he’d decided to allow his father the time he needed to process.
For the next few hours, their attention turned to work. There was a vast and overwhelming amount of things to be figured out. An entire department to construct, though in reality that wasn’t urgent and they could take their time with the logistics of it. Everyone who was helping with the gala already had jobs within the company. It would take time to determine who would move to the department permanently, whether it was feasible to poach them from their current roles, and whether their roles within the charity would be full or part time. The more pressing concerns were Theo, who had left his job to come here, and the gala itself.
They had lunch delivered to the meeting room and worked through. They’d made great progress between them, and Hermione was overjoyed to discover what a great team they made. Lucius was almost as stringent in his planning and organisation as Hermione was. Between them they made plans for who would take care of each aspect of the gala once the venue was chosen. They decided they wanted to be the ones to pick the venue. They would put together a shortlist over the next week, then visit each one to decide which was most suitable. Hermione tried to ignore the thrill of excitement at the thought of all the time they’d be spending together but was, of course, entirely unsuccessful.
The dynamic between them seemed to be ever changing and evolving. While they were both wary and unsure - as though navigating in the dark - Hermione was still somewhat stunned at how far they’d come since she first saw him in the coffee shop. It would have been nothing remarkable for any other two people, but for Hermione Granger and Lucius Malfoy, it was earth shattering.
Try as she might, Hermione couldn’t quite define the relationship that was developing between them. It was almost friendship, but definitely not quite there yet. But…if she wasn’t going entirely insane and just projecting what she wanted to see, she was fairly certain there was also an underlying current so something that was more than friendship.
Just before 4 o’clock, a knock on the door interrupted them, and Draco appeared in the doorway, before moving into the room and settling himself in a chair at the large glass table. “How’s it going?”
To his credit, Hermione thought, he was doing a pretty good job of looking like this whole thing was completely unremarkable to him. She knew full well, as likely did Lucius at this point, that he was internally screaming, “what the fuck is happening here?!”
Hiding a smile, and resisting the urge to make eye contact with Lucius for fear they’d be unable to hide their amusement…Merlin, he’s got a point, this is so fucking surreal. I’m avoiding getting the giggles with Lucius Malfoy…
“Pretty well actually, we’ve made quite a lot of headway. “We’re prioritising plans for the gala, but we're also working out the details of Theo’s role as he’s currently the only other definite employee of the department. We thought marketing manager might just be the perfect job for him,” she looked to Lucius before back at Draco, “What do you think?”
Draco moved a little awkwardly in his seat and looked between them both as if trying to figure out his next words.
“What’s the matter, don’t you think it would suit him?”
“It’s not that,” Lucius chimed in. “I know that look, he’s had the same look since he was a child. He’s got something to say and he doesn’t know how we're going to react. Am I correct, son?” He raised his eyebrows in Draco’s direction.
“Yeah, thanks for that, father. Much appreciated.” Draco rolled his eyes and gave a sign of defeat. “But yes, as usual, you’re correct. It’s nothing awful, and nothing to do with Theo. Making him marketing manager is a great idea. It’s just something that occurred to me a few hours ago and I wanted to speak to you both about. Primarily you, father, but as it will directly affect Hermione and what I imagine to be the plans you’re currently making, I thought I’d just come and speak to you both.”
“Why do I feel like you’re about to fuck up those plans?” Hermione narrowed her eyes at him menacingly, causing Lucius to smirk and Draco to scowl at them both.
“Oh hell no! You two don’t get to start ganging up on me!”
“Too late for that, son. And you sound like Theodore. Now, out with it.”
“Why do people keep telling me I sound like Theo?!” Draco looked dismayed and was certainly not pacified by the looks of amusement on both his father and Hermione’s faces. He huffed before continuing. “In all seriousness, it’s really not that bad, and probably a little blown out of proportion now.” He reached towards the coffee tray and another cup magically appeared for him. He took a mouthful and sat back in his chair.
“So I know that you’re planning the gala with Hermione. However, since that was decided, Hermione’s role has changed; I assume that the plan is for you to also take a full time position running the department alongside her?” Once he’d received the confirmation he needed, he continued. “You’ve been helping me behind the scenes for a while now, so perhaps instead of taking a full time position in the one department, you may be interested in a more varied position? While still very much supporting the Foundation,” he hurried to clarify.
Lucius tilted his head in interest, and Hermione couldn’t help but notice Draco seemed a little relieved his words were met with curiosity as opposed to pitchforks.
“I’d like you to take the position of Special Advisor for the whole company. It would mean you can continue to assist me as you have been, but openly now, as well as continue helping Hermione with the gala, and the overall running of the Foundation. But I also think your experience and expertise is too valuable to keep entirely within those constricts. This way, whenever something arises anywhere within the business that you could help with, you’re perfectly, and officially, placed to do so.”
“That’s actually a brilliant idea, Draco!” Both Draco and Lucius looked a little surprised at Hermione’s enthusiasm. “Why are you looking at me like that, Draco? You know it’s a good idea or you wouldn’t have presented it, so why so shocked that I agree?”
“I guess I didn’t expect you to be so happy with me poaching your partner off you before you’ve even started,” he shrugged.
“Well, that part isn’t completely ideal but as you said, he can still help with the department, and I’ll have Theo as well. From a business point of view, your father helping with more aspects of the business is definitely the best option for the company as a whole.” She turned to Lucius, not at all unaware that he hadn’t yet spoken. The second she looked at him, her thoughts on why that was were confirmed. She glanced at Draco, and was fairly sure he was on the same page. She also had a sneaking suspicion that Draco had foreseen this, and it was an added reason that he’d wanted to approach the subject with Hermione in attendance. Once a Slytherin, always a Slytherin, she thought, with none of the bitterness that would have accompanied the thought five years prior.
“What do you think, father?”
The confidence and reasonable ease Lucius had carried that day wilted slightly before her eyes. As usual, the changes in him weren’t anything that would be noticed by most people - the tightening of his shoulders, the tension in his hands - but she saw them a mile off and so, she knew, did Draco. Briefly, she considered how it was that it felt like she knew this man in front of her on such a close and intimate level, when at the same time she was very aware that they barely knew each other at all. It was a strange enigma. She pushed the thought to one side; now wasn’t the time.
Lucius heaved a sigh and looked between them. Hermione realised that while Draco had good reason for wanting her to be part of this conversation, that he’d also inadvertently cornered his father somewhat. Lucius wasn’t used to talking openly to one person, and now he was in an uncomfortable situation with two. She hoped he’d cope with the situation, and that Draco’s plan wouldn’t backfire and bite them all in the arse.
“I can’t deny for a moment that the position sounds fascinating. It is something I would very much enjoy, not to mention excel at; there’s no point in being falsely modest. However, all those potentials are rendered null and void if and when everyone within the company discovers who you have hired and refuses to work with me. Not only will that harm the company's public perception, it could cause an irreparable amount of discord internally.” As Lucius spoke his frustration and fear became more evident on his features and Hermione’s heart, once again, ached for him.
“We’ve talked about…” Draco started to speak but Hermione reached her hand out to stop him.
“May I?”
“Of course," Draco acquiesced, equal parts curious and defeated.
Hermione turned to Lucius. She considered putting her hand on his arm, as that’s what she’d have instinctively done in this moment had they been alone, but she was unsure as to how he’d feel about it with Draco there. “What’s the difference between working in the company as a whole, and working within the Foundation?”
In a return to his previous ease and confidence, he looked at her as though she’d gone quite mad, or perhaps was completely stupid. She furrowed her brow in confusion and looked at Draco as if for clarification.
Rather than the explanation she was expecting, he was clearly holding back laughter. “I’m just gonna sit here and wait until you figure it out. Watching Hermione Granger miss something so incredibly obvious may just be one of the best moments of my life.”
“Right, well, firstly: fuck you!” To her chagrin, both father and son were unable to hide their amusement. Pricks. She sat with every variable racing through her mind. What in the hell is it? What’s the difference between the rest of the company and this…
As it dawned on Hermione what the only difference could be, she slowly raised her eyes from where she’s been frowning in thought at the table. Surely not, surely that couldn’t be the only reason he was comfortable taking this position, but not the new one Draco proposed?
The question in her eyes was answered by the look in Lucius’ own, which left her in no doubt whatsoever. She was stunned to realise the truth, and couldn’t really get her head around it, but she’d come to the conclusion via logic and a process of elimination. Not to mention the silent conversation she’d had with Lucis, which cemented the truth in her mind.
“Finally! Fuck me, Granger.” Draco rolled his eyes.
Hermione ignored Draco and looked back to Lucius thoughtfully. As well as trying to find a way to make Lucius feel comfortable to venture further into the business as a whole, she always wanted to find a way of talking about it without actually putting into words the reason he was more comfortable to work in this department. She wasn’t sure why, they all clearly knew the facts, but somehow actually putting it into words felt like a line that couldn’t be crossed.
“Ok, how about making this a gradual thing? Start by working within this department, probably part time-I’m not keen on getting used to you being here full time and then losing you. Continue working with Draco, but slightly more overtly than before, and keep it to just those two things for a little while. Let people get used to seeing you around, accept the fact that you’re going to be around a lot more and you’re here to stay. Then once people are used to it, and you’re feeling more comfortable, we can start to integrate you into other things?”
Lucius frowned. “I suppose that’s possible,” he said tentatively, before looking to Draco, awaiting his opinion.
“If that’s the way you need to do it to be comfortable, then that’s the way we’ll do it.”
“I’m making no promises though, Draco. Let’s just see how it goes.”
This time Hermione did reach out and put her hand on his arm where it rested on the table. “Honestly, I understand why you’re cautious, but it will be better than you think.”
He met her eyes with earnest. “I truly hope so.”
“Trust me. I wouldn’t try to talk you into something if I thought it would backfire. It’ll be ok, I promise.”
Lucius placed his other hand over Hermione’s and briefly squeezed it. “Thank you,” he said quietly.
Draco bid them goodbye shortly afterwards, though Hermione could tell from the look he gave her when he left that they’d be having another chat soon. She’d caught his expression of amazement when Lucius had squeezed her hand. She couldn’t blame him; she’d felt similarly at Lucius’ open display of affection towards her in front of his son.
After Draco had left, they too decided it was time to call it a day. They planned their next work meeting for the coming Monday. They both had work to put into action from today which didn’t require them to actually be in the building. As the new offices wouldn’t be ready until then they decided to work from home and correspond by owl when need be.
As Hermione was gathering her things, she looked up to see Lucius had fixed her with an odd look, as though he was undecided about what he was about to say. “Did you really not know?”
She put down the notes she’d been tidying up and sat rather heavily in the nearest chair. “Honestly? No. It truly hadn’t occurred to me that my being here would be such an important factor to you. I…I didn’t expect…that.” Nice. Eloquent. She internally rolled her eyes at her stumbled sentence.
Lucius gave her a look of long suffering exasperation. “I find that your presence rather helps me find the courage I had long since forgotten I possessed. If truth really must be told, the knowledge of your support makes certain things just a little less daunting. They become…manageable, when you’re close by.” He spoke in clipped tones that left no doubt that he was anything but amused at having to put this into words.
“I figured I’d obviously helped talk you into coming to come to the meeting in the first place on Monday,” Hermione shrugged, “but in all honesty, I thought that was just because I convinced you it wouldn’t be as bad as you thought, and that Draco would be happy about it. I had no idea I had any more bearing on it than that.”
“Then you clearly have no comprehension of just how significant you are.”