This was more than the "state your intentions" conversation that many concerned family members had with the potential partners or suitors of their loved ones. Though he might not come right out and admit so, Rodolphus wanted her to stay away. He didn't trust her any longer. At least not when it came to the wizard he'd cultivated a relationship with after the war ended despite the drop in his family's respectability. Fifteen years in Azkaban for refusing to give up on their Dark Lord meant that Rodolphus didn't give a fuck what others thought about him or his decisions. He'd earned the right to live his life how he saw fit. Lying to him would not be an option. Besides, Hermione had too much respect for him to do that.