Their relationship could develop through shared experiences. If they are on the run from some common enemy in the fanfiction, they would have to rely on each other. Lucius might use his influence and wealth to keep them hidden, and Hermione could use her quick thinking and vast knowledge to outwit their pursuers. This mutual dependence could lead to a grudging respect and eventually a deeper bond.
The relationship might also develop due to Lucius' admiration for Hermione's intelligence. He might be used to seeing witches and wizards who are more concerned with power and status. But Hermione, with her love for learning and her strong moral compass, could intrigue him. As he looks after her, he might start to learn from her, and this process of learning and growing together could strengthen their relationship.
At first, their relationship might be filled with distrust. Hermione would be suspicious of Lucius' motives since he has a history of being a Death Eater. Lucius, on the other hand, might see Hermione as just a task he has to fulfill. But as they interact more, for example, when Lucius helps Hermione with her studies of some complex dark magic related knowledge (but in a non - evil way), they start to understand each other better.
Their relationship might develop through a series of intellectual debates. Hermione is known for her sharp mind, and Lucius is no fool either. They could start arguing about topics like blood purity and the rights of different magical beings. These debates could lead to a grudging respect for each other's viewpoints, and from there, a more positive relationship could start to form.
Well, it might start off very coldly. Lucius would be reluctant to accept help from a mudblood like Hermione in his eyes. But Hermione, being persistent, would keep pushing to help him. As she starts to break down his walls, Lucius might find himself drawn to her in a strange way. Maybe he starts to see her as a powerful ally rather than an inferior. And Hermione might start to understand the pressures that made Lucius the way he was before. This could lead to a relationship that has elements of mutual understanding, respect, and perhaps even a bit of attraction as they both discover new sides of each other during their time together.
It could be that in the manor, they discover they have more in common than they thought. Both are under a great deal of pressure - Draco to please his family and uphold the Malfoy name, and Hermione to fight against the Dark forces. As they interact more, they begin to understand each other's struggles, and this understanding leads to a deeper connection. Maybe they start to communicate without words, just by looks, as they plan their next move to survive or escape the manor.
Their relationship might start off with Lucius acting more like a shadowy protector. Hermione doesn't know who is helping her at first. Once she discovers it's Lucius, she is shocked. But as time passes, Lucius starts to explain his reasons. Maybe he tells her about his regrets regarding his past actions. They could start to bond over shared interests in magic and books. Lucius might introduce Hermione to some ancient and powerful magic that she can use to protect herself further, and this could strengthen their relationship as they become more like teacher and student in some ways, while also being protector and protected.
Hermione's character would likely experience a great deal of conflict. On one hand, she has her own strong values and beliefs which are in direct opposition to the Malfoy family's pure - blood ideology. But on the other hand, she might be forced to adapt to her new living situation. She could become more guarded and learn to play the political games within the wizarding society as she tries to survive in the Malfoy household.
The relationship would face extreme opposition from Lucius's own family and social circle. His wife Narcissa would be horrified, and Draco would be confused and probably ashamed. Among the Death Eater remnants, they would see it as a betrayal. On the other hand, Hermione's friends might also be very skeptical at first. They would worry that Lucius was up to no good. But if they saw that there were real feelings involved, they might gradually come around, though still with a great deal of caution.
He could use his influence in the wizarding world. For instance, he might use his connections in the Ministry of Magic to keep Hermione safe from any unjust laws or persecutions. He may also physically stand in her way when she is in danger from other dark wizards or Death Eaters.
There's a fanfic titled 'The Unlikely Alliance'. In it, Lucius Malfoy, for some complex reasons related to the changing political climate in the wizarding world, decides to be nice to Hermione. He secretly provides her with information that helps her in her studies and later in some dangerous situations involving the Dark Arts. This fanfic really explores the idea of how two very different characters can come together.
In fanfiction, it might be due to a redemption arc for Lucius. He realizes the error of his ways in the wizarding war and starts to view Hermione, a muggle - born with great talent, as someone worthy of protection. He could also be protecting her from other dark wizards who might want to harm her because of her intelligence and influence among the light - sided wizards. This protection could also be a form of self - atonement for his past misdeeds against the muggle - borns.
One possible reason could be the contrast between them. Lucius is from an old, pure - blood wizarding family with dark tendencies, while Hermione is a Muggle - born with strong moral values. This contrast creates an interesting dynamic that fanfiction writers like to explore.