Respect and Respectability

My heartfelt love to all my reviewers:pgoodrichBoggs, LK-HoGwArTs-hEaDgIrL, JuliSt; MrsMorgan813; 12SamanthaFelix; Beautiful-Liar13; Flames4thought; Julia Ba. - and others I may have missed x Love your support.

Sorry for the looooooong wait but Winter time is not a good time for my mentality, creativity or motivation. I have several conditions which results in permanent lethargy. I will try and finish all my stories.

A/N: Nothing of this world belongs to me in this world, if it did Lucius would be mine! JK Rowling is the playground owner and allows us rides on her creations!

The Lists

He was on his third glass of Fire Whiskey – so his quiet, peaceful sojourn was at an end due to a blasted piece of bureaucracy. The evening was drawing to a close and the list was coming tonight via owl. Tomorrow everyone would know he had survived. Including Potter. He decided he would play along – after all – he had no faith in the Ministry. What did a bunch of quill pushing sign-on-the-dotted line freaks know about companionship? Even out of five, no Witch would be in her right mind to choose him. Especially no non Slytherin Witch he taught would consider him.

As he was about to pour out his fourth glass there was a light tapping on his kitchen window. Rolling his eyes, he opened it. Opening his fridge as the owl swooped in, he picked up a defrosted dead mouse he had on hand for potions ingredients and handed it to the grateful bird. The fact that he accepted the treat with gusto meant this missive required an answer.

What he was really trying to forget was how quickly that Granger girl had affected him. Gods, he did not realise she had observed him quite so closely, she was acting every inch a mini Snape. Almost, he curved his lips with a smirk, his heart swelled with pride at how well she turned out. Not only was she speaking her own mind, she also had the audacity to hold a former friend at Wand Point. Either the war hardened her or being dumped by that Weasley brat had a brilliant effect on her personality. Being broken hearted by a red head himself he could almost empathise – except, Lily was not a dunderhead – and that was why he was in this self -induced exile right now.

The red coloured envelope was covered with glittering heart charms over the flap of the seal. Shuddering in disgust at the stupid joke that was this commercial reason for a midwinter holiday put him in mind of that equally worthless dandy Gilderoy Lockhart. Blithering idiot thought he could teach the children how to duel. The only reason he had volunteered for that in the first place was so the tykes could actually learn something. He seemed to remember a very misled Granger having a crush on the fool. Still, she was 13 then. How life changes us, eh Miss Granger. Now, it seems, I am the one in awe of you. Oh how I had hoped to reveal myself to you there and then you firebrand.

With his fingernail he sliced the seal open and opened the folded sheet within and blanched.

Hermione rushed through the Floo and barged in on the Potter family eating dinner but Ginny always had a plate reserved for her. Thank heavens, she sighed, mousakka. Her favourite. A glass of red and Hermione smelled liquor and something deep, dark and chocolate for dessert. Circe knows she needed it.

"Why do you look so flushed?" Ginny asked innocently as Hermione took the napkin and laid it on her lap.

"No reason," she shrugged nonchalontly as she helped herself to good heap of salad in Greek dressing. "It is just uncommonly warm at the Manor especially with a particularly playful toddler."

"You're beetroot red," Harry remarked. "That's more than playing Marco Polo with a kid."

Damn, she forgot Harry was now a trained busybody. "Can I please eat before I tell you what happened?" she snapped as she gulped down the wine and ate the dinner with attack and gusto.

"Hermione," Ginny gasped when she witnessed her friend knock back another half a glass of wine, "you don't usually drink wine like water unless something is bothering you."

"I should not have gone there," the brunette sighed as she was feeling the warm tingle of muscles relaxing. She realised she could now explain to the Potters why she was so out of sorts. "It started off well," she half-lied, "it was lovely hugging Scorpius again. He thinks I'm pretty. Two years old and he had the audacity to tell his grandfather that if he doesn't want to marry me then Scorpius will."

"Intelligent kid," Harry said with a half-smile.

Giggling Ginny asked: "What was Lucius response?"

"Ah, two years old and already got the Malfoy charm, or something like," Hermione nodded as she bit into more crunchy lettuce, juicy tomato and feta cheese. "He was so cute and pouty. Apparently he wants Grandpapa to have more children because they live in a big house so it needs more humans."

"Aw!" Ginny held a hand to her heart.

"Mr Malfoy's dogs also bounded up to me and licked me so I produced sirloin steaks for them and that served to make them like me more – at which I got friended for life."

"Not too bad so far," Harry grinned sipping his only glass of wine. "Sirius did always tell me you had a way with dogs."

"Then I sort of went along with things," here she blushed as bright red as Ginny's hair.

"Ooo now this has to be finished," Mrs Potter gossip extraordinaire leaned forward eagerly. Chocolate brown eyes alight with glee. "What things?"

"I don't really..."

"Oh come on, Hermione, you have to elaborate otherwise Ginny won't let me sleep tonight as she..." at one glare from his stubborn wife Harry shrunk in his seat. "Fine!" he fake surrendered.

"Then I start singing to the toddler," Hermione groaned realising Harry was right. Her sisterly heart felt for him. Also she'd rather the facts be known than Ginny playing Chinese whispers with unfounded theory. "A Few Of My Favourite Things," she looked to Harry for comprehension but Harry shrugged. Oh, she blushed, she forgot that despite being raised by muggles he was not allowed to partake in muggle amusements. "It is from a Musical based on a real story called Sound of Music," she said in explanation. "A Christmas Family Tradition was to watch that or Mary Poppins. Julie Andrews or else," she laughed. Coughing when she realised neither knew who Julie Andrews was. "Then Scorpius wanted me to sing another song; so I sang one from an album my dad used to listen to. This particular song always helped me to sleep as my mother danced with me in her arms. So I started dancing with Scorpius in my arms and then Mr Malfoy begins dancing with me!"

"Oh Harry call the Aurors!" Ginny joked. "Lucius Malfoy is trained in the dark arts of dancing!"

This earned a roll of bread being chucked the red head's way and Harry smirked. Hermione never threw food unless she was either relaxed by alcohol or stressed. Right now, his brunette friend was clearly both. "When a house elf took Scorpius up to his bedroom Mr Malfoy then beckoned me to sit on his lap," Harry spat out some wine. "Not so cheeky now are we?" she sneered. "Of course this made Draco flee from the room green at the gills because I teased him about never seeing a woman sit on a man's lap before." Snorting, Ginny looked at Hermione and her wide eyes seemed to want to hear more. It was clearly more than a little cuddle otherwise her normally poised friend would not have her knickers in a twist. Groaning Hermione looked at Harry for support: "That was when he attempted to seduce me."

"Seduce you?" Harry snarled slamming his glass on the table after his last bite of dinner.

"Oh no, Harry," Hermione jumped up and held his shoulder firmly in her hand in an effort to calm him. "Don't worry," she made him gaze into her eyes. "I was enjoying it for awhile but then he asked me if I wanted to carry on?"

"So?" Ginny waved her hand in a circle in slow motion.

"Ginny!" Harry groaned staring at his empty plate.

"I panicked!" Hermione cried. "Steal from Professor Snape. Tick. Rescue Convict. Tick. Form an illegal movement. Tick. Crucio'd by Bellatrix. Tick," she grumbled as she speared an in-offending piece of lamb mince: "Have Lucius Malfoy feel me up and then give the most orgasmic kiss ever – cross!"

"Do you have to go into details?" Harry paled.

"I fled, Harry. He gave me the choice and he did not press it or follow me. Honestly," huffing as she rolled her eyes as she lifted her now third glass of wine and held it aloft near her cheek as she turned and sipped it, "I even curtsied to him and said cheers!"

Ginny laughed so hard tears came out of her eyes: "Curtsied?" she guffawed, "you?"

"Yeah, it was embarrassing."

"Bet he liked it," Harry mumbled. "He did not coerce you into anything?"

"Truly," Hermione sighed a little apprehensively, "the only unforgivable is that I was so close to saying yes."

"Why?" Ginny asked tilting her head as she sipped her water.

"Because he is still Lucius Malfoy, Ginny, and as much as I am loathe to say this," she groused with her arm under her breasts and sat back into the seat, "but I do not want to risk anything because I am subject as guinea pig for this nonsensical new initiative."

"You could have still said yes," Ginny said, "I doubt he likes being a Guinea Pig any more than you do."

"Probably less so," Hermione whispered. She stared out of the window and saw the twinkling of the night sky. "I should be getting my list tonight."

Suddenly, as if the owl was fuelled by her utterance, she saw the most beautiful creature tap on the window. Harry let him in and Hermione gave the owl the rest of her dinner to chew on before she took the parchment. Flowing elegant script. Sparkling green writing much like what was used for Hogwarts Letters handsomely scrawled her name on the envelope. Shrugging her shoulders she opened the missive.

"What does it say?" Ginny breathed.

"It says:

Miss Granger,

I understand my actions may have been unwanted and unwarranted. I do not know what came over me but you really were the most glorious creature I ever beheld in both eyes and arms for a long while. Your warmth kindled my old heart and your light and laughter seemed to resurrect something inside of me – you are now so far removed from that little girl in Flourish and Blotts that unfortunate day, that I quite forgot you were a peer of my son's.

I shall not be bothering you again.

Mr Lucius J.A. Malfoy"

"Wow," Ginny breathed shooting off her chair. Rushed around the table. Before Hermione had the chance to grab a quill to send the owl back with a reply her friend read it thrice over. "Sounds like you done something to him," she sighed. "Let him bother you, Hermione."

"He made reference to the day he gave you that diary!" Hermione said trying to defend Ginny's honour. "You want me in a relationship with him?"

"We-ell," Ginny said slowly, "if he had not given me that diary – you would not have worked out that the Basilisk was terrorising everybody – without that no one would have known about Moaning Myrtle's Murderer thus exonerating Hagrid from a decades old crime of which he was framed – that, in turn, would not have led Harry down in the chamber where his tenacity destroyed, not only what Slytherin had put there, but the first part of Tom's soul. So," she said with a triumphant sparkle, "one could argue he did us a favour!"

"That is not quite how I remember it," Hermione groused. "Fine, I will write back saying I was not that bothered and I encouraged it in some way or other."

"No," Harry said, "still sounds like he imperio'd you or..."

"Look in her eyes, Harry, she is way to snippy to have been controlled."

"Thanks Ginny," Hermione growled.

Ginny went off to fetch the quill box and some ink. The beautiful eagle owl looked at Harry with disdain but when he spotted Hermione again he cooed and hopped onto her shoulder making sure his talons were softened as he scowled at anyone who dare hurt her. In truth, Harry was frightened of this bird, he was much like Lucius himself.

"Come on," Ginny said.

Hermione sat down, picked a white peacock feather quill and thought about what needed to be said. Dipping it in the ink, Hermione smiled as she knew how to reply. Knowing she had to say something soothing in return. After she had scribbled in her neat, perfect, tight script, Hermione sat back satisfied she had conveyed the right message across.

"Read the reply aloud please?" Ginny asked.

"Absolutely not," Hermione said rolling the parchment and tied it to the owls leg, "there you go you clever Owl," she whispered as she tickled the chest which the owl puffed out and looked as smug as an animal could be when it was being stroked by someone who was obviously pretty. He hopped onto Hermione's wrist and then scooted on the kitchen side before launching its magnificent flight out of the window.

As soon as that owl departed another entered – not so elegant. Definitely not as ostentatious but rather, it seemed stuffy and pompous. It held out a red envelope with a glittering charmed heart. Gods, she sighed, this must be the list.

Trembling Hermione flicked open the seal and dropped to her chair in utter shock letting the parchment flutter to the floor for Harry to pick it up and read the names. Each one seemed to evoke a different sort of reaction. Until the last one … the very last name … quietly he handed the parchment to his wife whilst he poured himself another glass of wine and also glugged that down like water.

Unfortunately, all Ginny had to recover from her shock was actual water. Not quite the Valentines evening she had prepared for. Both Witches glanced at Harry as he seemed to become taut like stretched elastic – both waiting for time when he would snap.

The Malfoys had retired for the evening and Astoria decided to bring the subject of Hermione's hurried departure up: "Please tell me, in-law, you did not try the Malfoy charm on my friend?"

"I sent an Owl about it," Lucius groused gazing into the crackling fire. Through the silence, she had sang, I hear the word for love; I hear the word for death but I don't hear any answers. "She was wonderful with Flake, Hestius and Nero and Scorpius proposed marriage to her."

"Oh, the little charmer," Astoria chuckled sipping her champagne, "so how did that translate into her becoming your new playmate?"

"I don't know," he sighed. Ignore the ache Lucius. You can do it. She is not the first beautiful witch to refuse you. The one with the most reason to reject you. "I was swept up by her songs and her gentle swaying in front of this fire."

"Do you think she wanted to, really?" Draco asked.

"I will pretend I did not hear that Draco Malfoy," Astoria sighed with an eye roll, "this is my friend, in-law," she always called Lucius in-law because she knew it annoyed him but also made him feel warm. "Not some two knut tart from the lowest dregs of society."

"I am well aware of that," Lucius snapped grinding his teeth together, "I said I sent an Owl, can we drop it please?"

"No," Draco said leaning over, "you brushed her hair earlier in a Ministry lift. How long have you been harbouring feelings for her?" his eyes narrowed as he watched his father drain the last of his Baileys'. "Because something like that does not happen in the merest blink of an eye."

"Truthfully?" Lucius sighed, rubbing the bridge of his nose. "When she volunteered to tell me of Narcissa's found condition," Draco paled and Astoria reached over to squeeze her husband's hand to reassure him. "She sat in that chamber where she was viciously tortured by your not at all missed aunt and when I burst into tears she held no qualms about comforting and hugging me. She held my hand when I went to identify the body and made sure the Elves knew to look after me and to order me to eat. In short, without her, I would not have had the energy to carry on living."

"Four years?" Draco arched an eyebrow. "You liked her since then?"

"I wanted to become a friend to her but I did not know how. Seeing her again today for the first time in almost a year – reignited all those old feelings," he got up and paced the floor. Lucius was rarely ever this agitated before. Draco did not quite know how to calm his father down from the uncharacteristic show of ruffled feathers. "She hugged Flake, showed the Elf how his former Mistress had treated her and hugged him again," he sighed, "Astoria, what else was I supposed to do?"

"Ask her out to dinner, in-law," she sighed, "not, to use a vulgarity, feel her up and expose her naked body whilst displayed on your lap like a slab of prize meat."

"She was not naked Astoria," Lucius smirked. Silver eyes sparkled in chrome against the heat of the fire. "Just naked enough."

Even Draco licked his lips at the thought: "Oh it is like that is it, Draco?" Astoria snapped at her husband.

"What?" Draco jumped. "No!"

"Blaise Zabini has a fine bottom," Astoria smiled dreamily. "Do you think I could..."

"ABSOLUTELY NOT!" Draco roared.

Shaking his head Lucius could not help but smile affectionately at the young couple. Still playing their Slytherin common room games. Ah well, at least they married for love, Narcissa had tried to push Draco towards Hermione at the end of the war. But she had her heart set on Weasley – foolish girl. At least this directive showed her what a mistake that was likely to be.

"Not even if I let you have Hermione?" Astoria pretended to wheedle.

"There's only one Wizard who will have you and that is me!" Draco grabbed Astoria's wrist and apparated them both up to their shared bedroom.

Chuckling dirtily Lucius was almost going to pick a book to read before another elf popped in: Ducky, the one who resided in the Malfoy aviary – produced a rolled up scroll. "Chaldor has returned, Master!" Ducky said, "This missive is for your eyes only." With that the most loquacious of elves had popped back to the Avian sanctuary. All that time spent around his letters and scrolls had taught the elf to speak properly, so well that it was the rare elf – like Dobby that required clothing. Lucius offered him a very old cravat and the elf cut it up and wore it as a scraggy bow tie and trousers.

Suddenly, Lucius needed a drink. If Hermione had written a flat out refusal he would need Dutch courage before he could take the news somewhat badly. After a snifter of brandy he unrolled the scroll to read her reply. His heart soared at her words:

"Dear Lucius,

After having your beautifully manicured hands on my delicate area – soaking me the way that only one other managed to with just his voice, the way your fingers strummed me... The kiss you bestowed upon my willing lips was the most explosive of all reactions to a kiss I ever have had. I was liquid desire for you, Lucius. Why?

Of course I could say the surroundings helped. Book lined shelves floor to ceiling, a warm fire, a quiet hush and the fact that I was laid so openly and wantonly to your inscrutable silvered gaze.

I ran, I admit, out of cowardice: I am not ashamed to say it. I was frightened by the strength. The intensity. The fact that Lucius Malfoy mentioned I was beautiful. Treated me as such. Such attention as no other Man or Wizard ever showed me. Like I was better than a Quidditch match. Your smooth, dare I say it, orgasmic voice I wish I could record and place under my pillow to soothe me into sleep. I am sure you can understand why I chose to run. I felt like the fly and you were the spider.

Please, also, I want to know of this charm you used to give my hair that extra shine that you did?

On a more serious note, have you had any word on Narcissa's murderer yet? I cannot believe it has taken this long, I truly am fuming for your broken heart. I will do all in my power to make sure the case is re-opened, I refuse to believe you were party to her murder the way some critics say you were.

Amicably Yours

Miss H.J Granger.

PS: You may call me Hermione and please do not be shy in communicating with me. I somewhat have an idea that could make correspondence a little – well – spicy, to say the least and need a prominent backer."

Wow, he had to sit down. No, he had to stand up. No, he had to sit down. Stand up. Sit down. Pace and fan himself with the letter she had written him. So that was why, he sighed, she was frightened because she thought it was on the spur thing and scared that it would be a mistake. Of course she could call him Lucius. Hermione was so much better than Miss Granger – she most certainly did live up to her name.

Sitting at his desk his elegant scrawl resembled more like the scratching he made as Fifth Year when he saw Andromeda Black for the first time.

"Dear Hermione

Did you ever have doubt that we could be more informal with each other? Whilst I maintain I behaved abominably to a guest in my home I will, of course, not feel you bothersome in my presence at all, as I cling onto the desire you will come to feel safe with me.

As for the charm it is a creation all of my own which has yet to be patented but that is taking time to be verified. Maybe your research skills could help me there, I will not offer payment unless you are not gainfully employed. I suppose that is why I could use it in the lift as it is not one charm everyone knows.

I must admit this spicy idea of yours sounds rather – intriguing, and if it is funding you need or research, I can only help you for that too. I believe at this rate you may as well have your own rooms here. More convenient if we are to collaborate together on many projects.

Alas, my wife's murderer still roams free. I do not wish to bully the Aurors in rate of the fact that I hear Muggles are being found in the same manner. This could be a muggle weapon but we both know how that cannot be true. My wife would have put them out of their misery if it was that simple.

As for my kissing technique and elegant hands I can assure you they would be on their best behaviour in your presence – unless you personally allow them to be naughty. I am afraid you will just have to cream with my voice, my dear, as I can do nothing about that.

Amiably yours.

Lucius!"

Yes, that should stimulate her as much as she stirred that old ache again in him. What was wrong with him? Should he postscript this with... oh yes, he grinned.

"PS: I hope you are wearing something small, black and silky when you're reading this and I hope your slender little fingers are curiously wondering if they can compete with my hand!"

That should do it, he smiled. He clicked his fingers and called for Ducky who was holding a red envelope. Placing it on Lucius desk the elf handed the other message to his Master: Great, that bloody list!

Lazily, with a letter opener he gashed through the top and started reading the names of the five Witches some ancient biddies had deemed worthy to bear his fruitage. As he scanned the names he alighted upon one. "Ah well, my dear," he raised a glass of whiskey now, "the worthy St Valentine has, indeed, smiled upon me."

The Ministry Matches handed to Potions Master Severus Snape ran as thus:

"Master of Potions: Severus Snape

As you are well aware your time to hide in solitude is over. For the new law implemented requires appropriate gravitas to guide it along. You, sir, are the epitome of gravitas. So may I now proceed with the details – By the end of this Summer on September 1st an Announcement of impending marriage must be made at the behest of the Ministry – you can only choose from those five names and you may court them all. This, however, is the definitive list and you would do well to consider all your options thereof as regards the oncoming statute.

The names as thus:

1: Josie Clutterbuck (Hufflepuff) Muggleborn

2: Eleanor Youngblood (Gryffindor) Half-Blood

3: Hannah Abbott (Hufflepuff) Half-Blood

4: Cho Chang (Ravenclaw) Pureblood

5: Hermione Granger (Gryffindor) Muggleborn

We are aware that they all are former students of yours – we also note that one name on this list may not fill you with joy but dread – however enough time has passed for neither of former statements to be a concerning issue. I do hope that you can take this matter seriously. I need not remind you, you must choose a name on this list. Failure to comply for you would be a return to teaching Potions and all assets frozen from September 1st until the law comes into place.

Tomorrow you will receive a file on each one to help make up your mind.

Yours Sincerely

Rufus Scrimgeour (The Minister of Magic)

Kingsley Shacklebolt (Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic)"

Growling with frustration, Severus knew there was only one place he had to be. He had to find out what was on Lucius' list before he made a move. He remembered all those students. Encouraging unity, yes he was all for that. Serving two masters for as long as he did, he of all people comprehended the reasoning behind this. But why involve him? As to the names... No, he would not even consider dating a Hufflepuff. Cho Chang was friends with the bitch who betrayed Dumbledore's Army to Umbitch, for that reason alone he crossed her off immediately. Eleanor Youngblood... he remembered she was studious and quiet. A possibility.

Shaking his head in his hands Severus knew, deep down, there was only one choice for him. Hermione Granger. Not to mention how she entered the Minister's office and made the idiot squirm in his chair. Oh yes, if he had to have children, it would be her that he would rather procreate with.

Another pro: he would be able to make sure Lily's son was still behaving and stop him from doing anything stupid. Like breed any more children. Stuffing the list in his trouser pockets. Severus did not care that his dark green shirt was undone by four buttons. Or that his hair was fluffed up. Severus needed to talk.

A return to teaching was not an option.

This was the letter Hermione Granger received.

Dear Miss H.J Granger

As you are well aware this is a delicate situation and we would only have chosen the best ones to be able to cope with the onslaught of the MAGICAL PRESS. We need to see the right faces go on their covers, do we not? Your face is beautiful. Your capability to hold your own well against the paparazzi is a Galleon in your favour so to speak. So, please take this as a compliment rather than an insult.

The list is as follows:

1: Theodore Nott (Pureblood)

2: Blaise Zabini (Pureblood)

3: Lucius Malfoy (Pureblood)

4: Marcus Flint (Pureblood)

5: Severus Snape (Half-blood)

I understand these are all Slytherin names but they are the best of the best. I reinforce this most strongly. You must choose one of these names to pledge your heart to. Failure to comply with the programme would result in heavy fee to be paid to the Ministry on the day of September 1st In repayment for several broken magical treasures during a battle that took place almost ten years ago, one which you partook in.

You can choose more than one to date as long as that is discussed with your future paramour. However, you do have to publish an announcement of engagement on September 1st at the latest or face the aforementioned penalty.

Yours Sincerely

Rufus Scrimgeour (Minister of Magic)

Kingsley Shacklebolt (Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic)"

HOW? Hermione fumed. Not only were they all bloody Slytherin but one was a man who now put her insides all a jitter. Marcus Flint? What cruel sadistic joke was that? She'd sooner kiss the Giant Squid. Blaise and Theodore were interesting though, at least she knew them partially all ready. Severus Snape: a man who was supposed to be six feet under!

And what the heck was she supposed to do if her name landed on all their lists and they all decided they wanted to date her? This was absurd, cruel, and horrible. Playing with peoples hearts and emotions. Did not the quill pushers at the Ministry understand the meaning of the word: Empathy? Oh boy, was Shacklebolt going to get an earful come the morrow!

Cautiously, she sneaked a glance at Harry who was currently nursing a cognac sipping slowly peering into the fire. Probably wondering the same things she was.

"Harry," she whispered.

"What?" he murmured dully.

"D-don't do anything foolish," she sighed. "He clearly had his reasons to stay away."

Clenching his jaw Harry turned and gave Hermione the coldest look she had ever received from him; glacial green eyes shimmered like a frozen lake: "Like, Hermione?" she opened her mouth to shut it again, "go on, I am very curious as to what you would consider foolish."

Merlin on a paddle he even sounded like Snape then. "Like confront Prof- Mr Snape, personally. I am sure he will explain in due time."

"Why do you think he lied to me?" Harry stood up and finished his drink in one gulp he was that furious, "Did he not realise I actually respect him now? I wanted to talk to him. Had so many questions only he could answer," he paced, "and now," he turned around with a calculating smile that made Hermione think that – even without the Dark Lord's influence – Harry might have made a good Slytherin: "when you marry him I can have him where I can keep an eye on him."

Silence overtook this dangerous threat. One broken by Ginny's gentle hand on Harry's shoulder: "Her name may not be on his list," she whispered.

"It doesn't matter," Harry grinned manically, "he's on hers!"

"I will not bring Mr Snape in just for you to interrogate him, Harry," Hermione stood defiantly against her friend. "If you have any sense you would not have another drink and go to bed," she snapped.

"What? Before I have another clever idea to get us all killed or worse expelled?" Harry sneered. Harry though a lamb sober was one of those bitter drunks.

"I am going home, Harry," Hermione said stiffly. "I need to contemplate my future," here she picked up her briefcase and brought out a phial containing a shimmering potion and handed it to Ginny. "Goodnight, Harry. Goodnight Ginny."

She needed some air. So she decided to walk out of their house. Round a corner she pulled her wand out and the Knight Bus appeared in all her purple glory. She stepped on and noticed the bottom was filled with sleepy Witches and Wizards.

"Where too?" Ernie asked.

Where indeed? Oh she supposed it could not hurt to go there again. "Malfoy Manor – Wiltshire," she said paying her fee from her green velvet coin purse. Before the doors shut an Owl swooped in. The same handsome eagle owl that had come to her previously. Untying the scroll from the night avian she took a deep breath. Climbing up the stairs she found a quiet corner on the second floor.

Getting comfortable on the bed Hermione realised the Owl was staying with her. Obviously it knew it was going to get home. Besides, this human was nice. The note that Lucius sent to her made her blush and a warm tingle began in her panties and she found herself hitching her skirt up, spreading her legs and... No! She snapped her hand back and hid the note in her briefcase: "Your Master," she said to the Owl, "is extremely sadistic!"

This was the letter in which Mr Malfoy Sr was in receipt of:

"Dear Mr L.J.A Malfoy

Mr Malfoy, I am aware of your past with Muggleborns and the Purebloods who befriend them, so I had to take this and your past into consideration as I am sure you have done so many times, Mr Malfoy. I do need to remind you that this law requires you to make a choice. You were chosen for this task because you are not only the most influential in our society but, supposedly the most reformed of your former beliefs.

Eminence still counts in our world as you well know. The Minister himself has approved those selected. We trust you to bring back some of that colour and pizazz you are so fond of showing.

Without further ado, I give you your list:

1: Luna Lovegood (Ravenclaw) Pureblood

2: Susan Bones (Hufflepuff) Half-Blood

3: Katie Bell (Gryffindor) Half-Blood

4: Penelope Clearwater (Ravenclaw) Muggleborn

5: Hermione Granger (Gryffindor) Muggleborn

As you can see there are no Slytherins amongst your chosen five – we need a world of Unity and not prejudiced segregation. I strongly remind you that you must marry one from this Ministry approved list. Failure to comply would result in a years sentence to Azkaban and a hefty sum to be paid in lieu to one: Mr. Neville Longbottom (Assistant to Professor Sprout of Hogwarts School for Witchcraft and Wizardry!) for the health bills he has had to pay from your late sister-in-law's torture six and twenty years past on his parents, former Aurors Frank and Alice Longbottom.

Tomorrow; folders and files will be sent to you so you can make an informed decision. Please reply as soon as possible.

Yours Sincerely

Rufus Scrimgeour (Minister of Magic)

Kingsley Shacklebolt (Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic)"

Well, Lucius smirked. Elation took over, he could have danced a childish jig on the fur rug. Seems there were sensible people on that committee after all. He knew the Lovegood girl. She was quite a foe on the battlefield – behind the sappiness she was strong and intelligent but no, he sighed. Out! Susan Bones was related to Amelia Bones, quite pretty he sighed, but there was no force on earth he could find himself married to a Hufflepuff. Katie Bell, he heard of her, she was on the Gryffindor Quidditch team along with Potter. He may consider her. No wait, his son was the one that cursed her during his fatal sixth year. Best avoided. Penelope Clearwater, he dismissed, she was tainted by that Percy Weasley. A man he held the strongest contempt for when he learned he had abandoned his family. Family was important. No boy should have left their parents in derision the way that pusillanimous brat did. So, he would have a Gryffindor.

He just hoped and prayed that Severus did not also have Hermione's name on his list. Would not do to confuse the poor young woman. Tenderly, he traced her name with the longest digit of his finger.

It would certainly be no chore to be married to Hermione.

"Mrs Hermione Malfoy," he sighed sitting back in his chair as his fingers lazily stroked down his hardening length. "As stunning as you look in that artwork of a gown I do prefer you au naturel, especially on our honeymoon," closing his eyes he began to moan.

A green light from his fireplace interrupted his fantasy. He was shocked to see who was standing there!

Next chapter: Severus comes out to play... let the fun begin!

A/N: This is what I consider a filler chapter but needed to set the scene and carry forth the rest of the story. I love how you peeps are already rooting for one over the other, it get's worse before it gets better I can assure you...