Harry Potter: Hermione/Lucius, Draco. 086. Choices
Title: A Bit of Proposing
Fandom: Harry Potter
Characters: Hermione/Lucius, Moody, Molly, mention of Draco, Ron
Prompt: 086, Choices for claim: Lucius, Hermione, Draco
Word Count: 1711
Rating: Any Age
Summary: When it's a matter of life or marriage, one must choose correctly.
Author's Notes: Mention of HBP. Spin off the infamous wiktt Marriage Law. Not in love with the ending.
A Bit of Proposing
astarvingwriter
Standard Disclaimer Applies
*
When Hermione was summoned by the Order, she truly did not expect for the matter of importance to be her love life, though perhaps she should have expected as much from such a busy-body organization. Still, it took two hours of drivel and four false starts before the matter was finally discussed, at which point she was frustrated and about ready to Avada someone if a point was not made.
"We… That is the Order… Have you kept with the news, Hermione?" Molly stumbled. Her question was met with a snort.
"Is this in regards to the new Marriage Law business the Ministry is pushing in which suspected Death Eaters, particularly the pure-blooded ones, are granted a full pardon if they marry a Muggle-born according to Ministry specifications? That should I be requested by any pure-blood I will be compelled to marry against my better judgment? Yes, I have ensured to keep myself well informed of this, probably moreso than you."
"Then you understand that we must take actions to keep you from becoming a target," Lupin said with a sigh.
"I assure you I have the situation under control. No action by the Order will be necessary."
"Oh, but Hermione, you must listen to our recommendation!"
"You've put some thought into this, have you? Decided to send me off where I'll be safe - and useless? Or perhaps you do not wish to conduct your own research and therefore have found someone you consider to be a suitable husband. Well, do tell. I am filled with anticipation."
The Order looked a bit unsettled by her droll attitude, and almost rethought their strategy. After all, she wasn't being nearly as grateful as they had expected, but then perhaps using her as bait for the last few stakeouts had made her a bit bitter.
It was Molly who finally found some courage, brought on by the thought of intelligent grandchildren, and replied.
"We've decided you will marry Ron. He'll keep you safe."
They had expected, when discussing the matter the day before, for Hermione to let out a sigh of relief and reveal that she had been hoping to marry Ron eventually anyway. Instead, they received another snort of disbelief.
"Ron? You expect me to marry Ron? Who came up with this brilliant plan?"
Molly was a bit taken aback, but felt the slight all the same.
"We went over all your options, Hermione, and decided this was the best one."
"Really? Ron? There wasn't another pure-blood in the Order who was better skilled and a better match than Ron? Was Kingsley busy? Charlie too good for me?"
"Now, Hermione, we know you are upset but there's no need to be -"
"To be what, Remus? Justifiably puzzled over how this decision came to be? I admit I do not understand your logic. Ron? Goodness, what were you thinking? Even Fred is a better match."
The venom in her tone was perhaps a bit too much to bear for Molly. After all, it was her youngest son this hussy was speaking of with such contempt.
"I suggest you understand our logic quickly as Ron has already submitted the required paperwork. You'll find quickly enough he is your best offer and your only chance of remaining valuable to the Order."
Molly left the table with a huff, her husband following obediently. Remus gave her a searching look before leaving as well. Slowly the other unnamed adults left the scene as well until all that remained was a particularly moody Hermione and Moody himself. Mad-Eye fixed both his eyes on her sympathetically, and she was more than grateful that she had taken the time to find an ally in him, especially as he had become quite a bit calmer since his incarceration by his doppelganger.
"You're a bit o' work, young lady."
"I suppose."
"You'd best be making your choice soon. This won't set well with Molly and the rest."
"I don't suppose it will. Still… Did you have any say in it? I can't believe you think Ron is the best option."
"I'd've offered myself, but Molly was quite persuasive."
"Thank you for the effort. However, it looks like fixing this properly is up to me."
"Be quick about it and careful. Constant vigilance is only the beginning."
With several footfalls and an equal number of wooden thumps, Moody left her to her thoughts.
Two hours and fifteen pieces of conjured parchments later, Hermione had her own, blessedly Weasley-free, solution. Now all she needed was to visit Azkaban.
*
Lucius Malfoy hated Azkaban with a passion unbefitting a domesticated pure-blood. He hated the dark, he hated the smell, and, most of all, he hated the lack of soap. The guards might allow their prisoners quick cleaning spells and even a shower every so many months, but soap was apparently undeserved.
Thus, when Hermione Granger requested to speak with him regarding a proposal she thought would interest him, he agreed on the condition that she brought a bar of soap. He was particularly pleased with the wording of his response as it alluded to her filthy upbringing instead of his desperate need for the grease fighting substance.
Regardless of how he worded it, the look the young woman gave him upon handing over the bar of Blessedness told him exactly how she had interpreted his conditional statement. The smirk was entirely too reminiscent of a Malfoy and fit her features entirely too well. This discomfort was only expounded when she stated the purpose of her visit.
"I ask that you request my hand in marriage."
"Why would I do such a ridiculous thing?" he sneered, though perhaps it was spoiled by his grip on his precious soap.
"Because your compliance with the new Ministry Marriage Law will grant you a full pardon. You will be free, or relatively so, Mr. Malfoy. Or are your ridiculous prejudices worth more to you than soap?"
He thought perhaps she already knew too much if she had already discovered his one weakness. Still, he would not give in so easily, even if she did promise clean glory.
"To comply with the law I must marry you? There are better options than a filthy Mudblood such as yourself."
"Filthy? Perhaps you do not need my assistance, Mr. Malfoy. Or my soap. It's cocoa butter, you know. Handmade by witches in the Alps."
He clutched his prize tighter, determined to make it through this meeting with his savior intact.
"I assure you, I am the best offer you will receive. However much soap you require while the details are worked out, then freedom, both political and social. That is not to mention a young wife will make you appear very desirous, especially after your ex-wife's departure. You need not work, as I will unfreeze your Gringotts' accounts, but I do expect you to say nothing in regards to my own career. If you require a new heir, I will gladly provide though I will have some say in the matter of appropriate timing."
"And Draco?"
"Missing since he attempted to kill Dumbledore. If I was his step-mother, I could make the case for a pardon for him as well. At the very least, the two of us together could locate and keep him safe."
He was silent as he considered her offer, letting the soothing smell of the soap lead him to the right decision. Still, he had to know…
"And what, pray tell, is in it for you? Why are you so interested in marrying me?"
"The Order of the Phoenix, which you must realize I am apart of, has submitted a proposal on behalf of Ronald Weasley in an ill conceived plan to keep me out of Death Eater hands. As I have received no other viable options, I am left to protect my own future."
"And so you wish to make a deal with me to keep from joining the Weasley family? How… fitting."
"I thought you would understand."
"Very well, I accept. But I do expect to live in the manner I was accustomed to before my incarceration."
"Of course. I'll have the paperwork submitted to you for your approval and signature. Please be sure to send it promptly and let me know if you come across any difficulties. If all goes as planned, you will be a free man before the month is out."
*
When Ron Weasley's proposal was denied, Molly Weasley unleashed her full wrath on the girl she'd wanted as a daughter-in-law. When subsequent proposals by assorted other unmatched Weasleys were also denied, she refused to let Hermione into Order meetings until she saw sense. When Hermione announced her impending nuptials to the notorious Dark wizard Lucius Malfoy, the Order almost unanimously decided to retract their offer of membership under the claim that she was not in her right mind, obviously.
The day of Hermione's wedding, she found her supporters few. However, she had one visitor that she had almost expected and he even stayed for the reception. Whether his presence was a threat or promise was up to interpretation.
"Alastor, I appreciate you being here."
"Someone needed to let the man know what he was getting into. I'll keep my eye out for you, Hermione. If he tells you anything worth knowing, I'll keep the light on at Headquarters."
"Let them know they can still owl, will you? Perhaps they don't agree with my choice, but they never said I didn't have one. And really, think of the opportunities! The best way to fight Dark wizards is to know Dark wizards. I can't imagine a better way to do so. And all without murdering or torturing anyone, which is more than I can say if I had married Ron."
"All the same, keep your mind clear and your back shielded. He'll turn on you, that one."
"I expect so. It helps that he knows that I know his weakness. Now, if you excuse me, I must return to my husband. We have much to discuss and a wedding night to enjoy. I hear the hotel has an excellent selection of soaps."
And with that puzzling statement, the recently dubbed Hermione Malfoy rejoined her new husband and lived happily ever after.
*
FanFic100 Prompt Table
Fandom: Harry Potter
Characters: Hermione/Lucius, Moody, Molly, mention of Draco, Ron
Prompt: 086, Choices for claim: Lucius, Hermione, Draco
Word Count: 1711
Rating: Any Age
Summary: When it's a matter of life or marriage, one must choose correctly.
Author's Notes: Mention of HBP. Spin off the infamous wiktt Marriage Law. Not in love with the ending.
A Bit of Proposing
astarvingwriter
Standard Disclaimer Applies
*
When Hermione was summoned by the Order, she truly did not expect for the matter of importance to be her love life, though perhaps she should have expected as much from such a busy-body organization. Still, it took two hours of drivel and four false starts before the matter was finally discussed, at which point she was frustrated and about ready to Avada someone if a point was not made.
"We… That is the Order… Have you kept with the news, Hermione?" Molly stumbled. Her question was met with a snort.
"Is this in regards to the new Marriage Law business the Ministry is pushing in which suspected Death Eaters, particularly the pure-blooded ones, are granted a full pardon if they marry a Muggle-born according to Ministry specifications? That should I be requested by any pure-blood I will be compelled to marry against my better judgment? Yes, I have ensured to keep myself well informed of this, probably moreso than you."
"Then you understand that we must take actions to keep you from becoming a target," Lupin said with a sigh.
"I assure you I have the situation under control. No action by the Order will be necessary."
"Oh, but Hermione, you must listen to our recommendation!"
"You've put some thought into this, have you? Decided to send me off where I'll be safe - and useless? Or perhaps you do not wish to conduct your own research and therefore have found someone you consider to be a suitable husband. Well, do tell. I am filled with anticipation."
The Order looked a bit unsettled by her droll attitude, and almost rethought their strategy. After all, she wasn't being nearly as grateful as they had expected, but then perhaps using her as bait for the last few stakeouts had made her a bit bitter.
It was Molly who finally found some courage, brought on by the thought of intelligent grandchildren, and replied.
"We've decided you will marry Ron. He'll keep you safe."
They had expected, when discussing the matter the day before, for Hermione to let out a sigh of relief and reveal that she had been hoping to marry Ron eventually anyway. Instead, they received another snort of disbelief.
"Ron? You expect me to marry Ron? Who came up with this brilliant plan?"
Molly was a bit taken aback, but felt the slight all the same.
"We went over all your options, Hermione, and decided this was the best one."
"Really? Ron? There wasn't another pure-blood in the Order who was better skilled and a better match than Ron? Was Kingsley busy? Charlie too good for me?"
"Now, Hermione, we know you are upset but there's no need to be -"
"To be what, Remus? Justifiably puzzled over how this decision came to be? I admit I do not understand your logic. Ron? Goodness, what were you thinking? Even Fred is a better match."
The venom in her tone was perhaps a bit too much to bear for Molly. After all, it was her youngest son this hussy was speaking of with such contempt.
"I suggest you understand our logic quickly as Ron has already submitted the required paperwork. You'll find quickly enough he is your best offer and your only chance of remaining valuable to the Order."
Molly left the table with a huff, her husband following obediently. Remus gave her a searching look before leaving as well. Slowly the other unnamed adults left the scene as well until all that remained was a particularly moody Hermione and Moody himself. Mad-Eye fixed both his eyes on her sympathetically, and she was more than grateful that she had taken the time to find an ally in him, especially as he had become quite a bit calmer since his incarceration by his doppelganger.
"You're a bit o' work, young lady."
"I suppose."
"You'd best be making your choice soon. This won't set well with Molly and the rest."
"I don't suppose it will. Still… Did you have any say in it? I can't believe you think Ron is the best option."
"I'd've offered myself, but Molly was quite persuasive."
"Thank you for the effort. However, it looks like fixing this properly is up to me."
"Be quick about it and careful. Constant vigilance is only the beginning."
With several footfalls and an equal number of wooden thumps, Moody left her to her thoughts.
Two hours and fifteen pieces of conjured parchments later, Hermione had her own, blessedly Weasley-free, solution. Now all she needed was to visit Azkaban.
*
Lucius Malfoy hated Azkaban with a passion unbefitting a domesticated pure-blood. He hated the dark, he hated the smell, and, most of all, he hated the lack of soap. The guards might allow their prisoners quick cleaning spells and even a shower every so many months, but soap was apparently undeserved.
Thus, when Hermione Granger requested to speak with him regarding a proposal she thought would interest him, he agreed on the condition that she brought a bar of soap. He was particularly pleased with the wording of his response as it alluded to her filthy upbringing instead of his desperate need for the grease fighting substance.
Regardless of how he worded it, the look the young woman gave him upon handing over the bar of Blessedness told him exactly how she had interpreted his conditional statement. The smirk was entirely too reminiscent of a Malfoy and fit her features entirely too well. This discomfort was only expounded when she stated the purpose of her visit.
"I ask that you request my hand in marriage."
"Why would I do such a ridiculous thing?" he sneered, though perhaps it was spoiled by his grip on his precious soap.
"Because your compliance with the new Ministry Marriage Law will grant you a full pardon. You will be free, or relatively so, Mr. Malfoy. Or are your ridiculous prejudices worth more to you than soap?"
He thought perhaps she already knew too much if she had already discovered his one weakness. Still, he would not give in so easily, even if she did promise clean glory.
"To comply with the law I must marry you? There are better options than a filthy Mudblood such as yourself."
"Filthy? Perhaps you do not need my assistance, Mr. Malfoy. Or my soap. It's cocoa butter, you know. Handmade by witches in the Alps."
He clutched his prize tighter, determined to make it through this meeting with his savior intact.
"I assure you, I am the best offer you will receive. However much soap you require while the details are worked out, then freedom, both political and social. That is not to mention a young wife will make you appear very desirous, especially after your ex-wife's departure. You need not work, as I will unfreeze your Gringotts' accounts, but I do expect you to say nothing in regards to my own career. If you require a new heir, I will gladly provide though I will have some say in the matter of appropriate timing."
"And Draco?"
"Missing since he attempted to kill Dumbledore. If I was his step-mother, I could make the case for a pardon for him as well. At the very least, the two of us together could locate and keep him safe."
He was silent as he considered her offer, letting the soothing smell of the soap lead him to the right decision. Still, he had to know…
"And what, pray tell, is in it for you? Why are you so interested in marrying me?"
"The Order of the Phoenix, which you must realize I am apart of, has submitted a proposal on behalf of Ronald Weasley in an ill conceived plan to keep me out of Death Eater hands. As I have received no other viable options, I am left to protect my own future."
"And so you wish to make a deal with me to keep from joining the Weasley family? How… fitting."
"I thought you would understand."
"Very well, I accept. But I do expect to live in the manner I was accustomed to before my incarceration."
"Of course. I'll have the paperwork submitted to you for your approval and signature. Please be sure to send it promptly and let me know if you come across any difficulties. If all goes as planned, you will be a free man before the month is out."
*
When Ron Weasley's proposal was denied, Molly Weasley unleashed her full wrath on the girl she'd wanted as a daughter-in-law. When subsequent proposals by assorted other unmatched Weasleys were also denied, she refused to let Hermione into Order meetings until she saw sense. When Hermione announced her impending nuptials to the notorious Dark wizard Lucius Malfoy, the Order almost unanimously decided to retract their offer of membership under the claim that she was not in her right mind, obviously.
The day of Hermione's wedding, she found her supporters few. However, she had one visitor that she had almost expected and he even stayed for the reception. Whether his presence was a threat or promise was up to interpretation.
"Alastor, I appreciate you being here."
"Someone needed to let the man know what he was getting into. I'll keep my eye out for you, Hermione. If he tells you anything worth knowing, I'll keep the light on at Headquarters."
"Let them know they can still owl, will you? Perhaps they don't agree with my choice, but they never said I didn't have one. And really, think of the opportunities! The best way to fight Dark wizards is to know Dark wizards. I can't imagine a better way to do so. And all without murdering or torturing anyone, which is more than I can say if I had married Ron."
"All the same, keep your mind clear and your back shielded. He'll turn on you, that one."
"I expect so. It helps that he knows that I know his weakness. Now, if you excuse me, I must return to my husband. We have much to discuss and a wedding night to enjoy. I hear the hotel has an excellent selection of soaps."
And with that puzzling statement, the recently dubbed Hermione Malfoy rejoined her new husband and lived happily ever after.
*
FanFic100 Prompt Table