A/N.: This is the first of the new chapters that hasn't been posted previously on FFnet. I'll post one chapter per day. :-)
The Daily Prophet 15 February 2000
Severus Snape and Hermione Granger spotted as a couple! Students at Hogwarts have tipped the Prophet that the two war heroes got it going at the Hogwarts Valentine feast.
- We've been wondering about these two previously, a Hogwarts sixth year informs us. There have been rumours of the two of them having an affair, but now, it seems pretty obvious that they're an item. Lots of students are going to be heartbroken, because the two of them do have lots and lots of admirers.
"We'll get you nice and clean," he murmured, his hands moving over every inch of her body, slicking her with soap.
Goosebumps formed on her skin, and he just loved seeing her response to his touch. It had been touch and go there for a while earlier, her obvious bad experiences stopping her from enjoying herself, but he had gotten her over the edge. He felt no small amount of pride in having overcome that problem, while also knowing that his size hadn't made it easy for her.
Speaking of size, his cock was very happy with the naked witch succumbing to him in the shower too, and he rinsed the soap off her, before settling on his knees. Pushing her, making her lean back on the wall, he stroked her thighs, making her part her legs, before diving in, his tongue meeting her nub.
She almost whined: "Severus!" her fingers clutching his hair. The water from the shower pounded down on his head and shoulders, slicking his hair to his head, but he was lost in the smell and taste of her, that little bud hardening under his mouth.
Gasping, her legs trembled, and he steadied her with a firm grip on her hips. He took a small break, murmuring against her pussy: "You taste so good. I'm going to make you come until you see stars and you're going to beg me for more. Do you hear me, witch? You will come with my tongue in your hole, and then I'll fuck you senseless."
"Yes, yes," she gasped, and he chuckled, parting her pussy lips, blowing his breath right at her exposed slit, before descending on her nub again. She writhed, but he held her still, growling into her cunt: "You stay still until I say otherwise. You are mine. Say it, witch, say it!"
She moaned again, and he sucked her clit into his mouth, teasing it with the tip of his tongue.
Her breath became faster, heaving, and she muttered: "Yes, Severus, I'm yours, all of me, I belong to you, please…"
Grinning, he let his fingers travel to her opening, trusting two fingers inside her wet hole, pumping her slowly, keeping up his attention to her clit, massaging her with his tongue. Panting, she almost arched off her toes, before grinding on his face, her moans rising to a shout: "Severus, I'm coming, oh gods, Severus!"
The spasming of her walls went on, his cock throbbing hard in time with her trembling, and he kept up his movement, until she winced, trying to withdraw.
Rising up quickly, he lifted her off the floor. She got the gist, wrapping her legs around his hips, and he entered her slowly, watching for any signs of discomfort.
She made a small grimace, but opened her eyes, panting: "It's all right, the size… You're stretching me so much, but it doesn't hurt. Not much. I know you won't hurt me. I trust you, Severus."
Grunting, he pushed as much as he could possibly fit into her, and his hips started to move rhythmically. "Good girl," he muttered, "taking my cock like that. Let me take care of you." His grip on her hips was almost bruising, and he wanted nothing more than letting go and pounding her harder.
Like she had read his mind, she whispered: "You can move faster, take me a little harder."
Obliging her, he relished the way her tight sheath massaged his cock, squeezing him. Feeling his orgasm build, he experimentally took her harder, and her gasp of pleased surprise showed that it was fine.
"Mine," he growled, feeling a primordial need to fill her with his seed, mark her as his, laying claim to his witch. Hips mindlessly slamming against her thighs, he felt the familiar feeling of hot bliss shoot down his spine, his balls lift and contract, and then fireworks exploded behind his eyes, and he was grunting, gasping, shooting out into her wet, tight cunt.
Xxxx
Later, she was resting her head against his shoulder as they ate in front of his fireplace. She felt secure, safe, and very much relaxed. She almost chuckled at the thought of how shocked her eleven year old self would have been, had she known that nine years later, Professor Snape had thoroughly pleasured her, fucking her into a trembling mess.
"What?" he asked lazily, spoon feeding her the late-night meal they had ordered from the kitchens, a delicious French onion soup, the melted gruyère on top of the soaked bread making it a hearty meal.
Somehow, she didn't think he'd think it all that funny if she told him. The reminder that he had been her teacher until a few years ago wasn't something she thought he'd see as a turn-on, and his age seemed to be a sore point.
"Just happy," she murmured instead, "finally ending up in bed with you."
"I haven't even had you in my bed, yet, little witch," he replied, arching an eyebrow at her.
She nuzzled his shoulder, murmuring: "I have no doubt you'll do so, very soon."
He petted her hair, before saying slowly: "I'm not a teenager, you know. I can't go again an unlimited number of times. "
Incredulous, she raised her head to look him in the eyes: "I'm happy, not complaining after two mind blowing rounds. Besides, you're still awake, aren't you? That's an added bonus I've never experienced before."
Shaking his head, he murmured wryly: "Seems like your previous experiences haven't exactly raised the bar for me."
"You can say that again," she yawned.
"Tired?" his eyes were warm as they looked at her, warmer than she ever had imagined those black eyes could be, and it felt like a starburst in her heart, making her grin mindlessly.
"I can, however, carry you off to bed," he said, smiling back at her. "We sleep, then we'll … enjoy … ourselves in the morning. And, we prepare for any rumours in the Prophet, perhaps even our very own Skeeter article. Then, there'll be the usual deluge of letters."
She snorted. "I bet more than half will be crying out against me, the power hungry slut of the Golden Trio, tricking the renowned, poor war hero into my bed to get some of his glory rubbing off on my unmentionable parts."
Chuckling, he shook his head. "No, you've got it all wrong. The dangerous, dark Death Eater has gotten his claws in the Golden Girl, sinking his fangs into the young witch to start an obviously forced, abusive relationship. Most likely, I will want to keep you barefooted and chained in my dungeon."
"What?" she said, laughingly. "People don't believe things like that about you. They love you!"
"Wait and see," he said darkly. But then he bent down, picking her up carefully, even tenderly, and carried her off to bed.
Xxxx
Minerva lowered herself down in her chair slowly and carefully, looking out on the Great Hall. Her head had just cleared after downing a solid dose of Hangover Potion, and she wondered why she had decided on a regular school day after the Valentine feast. Really, Minerva, it wouldn't hurt anyone if you had given them half a day off. But it was too late to do so now.
Several of her teachers looked as tired and scruffy as she felt herself to be, and no one was talking very much. The older students were yawning, and a forgotten cherub blew listlessly on his trumpet in a corner, the charm wearing off.
Grumbling into her tea, she drank deeply. Then there was a loud bang, and she almost spilled her entire cup in her lap. Looking up, she wasn't surprised. Severus, of course, always with the dramatics. He had crashed the main door open, to make everyone look – again – and he entered with Hermione on his arm.
Her lips twitched a little by seeing his usual scowl, daring anyone to cross him. The students were goggling at them, some whispering, some older students snickering, while all the younger students who hadn't attended the dance looked like they'd fallen off the moon, not quite believing their eyes.
Though, knowing Severus so well as she did, she could see it was all a ploy. He was happy, there was no doubt in her mind. And young Hermione was obviously very much in love, and very happy, from the blush on her face and the loving glances she stole at the tall, dark wizard at her side.
Minerva sighed, meeting Rolanda' eyes with a suppressed grin. The flying instructor though, was wiggling her eyebrows, before leaning over: "They finally did it. Looks like Severus worked his rumoured magic on her. I haven't seen anyone this happy for a shag in years!"
She barked a short laugh, nodding to Rolanda. "Good for them. They deserve it, both of them."
Xxxx
In the evening, she brought him into her rooms. She wanted to show him her quarters, not that she would have minded waking up in his bed for new sessions of heated lovemaking.
He stopped abruptly inside her room, saying disdainfully: "This is … very Gryffindor. More so than I imagined."
"Yes," she shrugged. "I was a Gryffindor, why are you surprised?"
"Because I asked the castle to make you feel at home. I had no idea it would translate the order into a replica of … Gryffindor tower."
"You did my quarters?" she said, incredulous.
"The castle did," he corrected. "I merely ordered it."
Hermione couldn't help beaming at him. "Anyway, thanks. I like my quarters. I appreciate you telling the castle to make me feel welcome and at home."
"Oh, well," he growled, before he stopped, peering at her, suspiciously: "You didn't say anything about what I just revealed to you. Hermione, did you know I control the castle?"
Giving him a small smile, she said: "Yes. I overheard you and Minerva, but I had noticed something was off with Minerva's control before that. To be frank, it didn't surprise me."
"You little minx, what else do you know?" he breathed, moving into her.
Shrewdly, she glanced at him, before saying offhandedly: "You're one who's been offing them, aren't you?"
He looked at her with a startled expression, before shaking his head ruefully. "I should have known you'd put two and two together. If anyone would, it would be you. What tipped you off?"
Hermione felt her lips tug into a smile. "I heard what you said to Euphemia, and I saw you returning to Hogwarts with that limp before Christmas. It was obvious you'd been in a fight. And the one who could take out those Death Eaters had to be someone more powerful than them. There aren't that many, are there, except for you?"
He straightened a little, almost imperceptibly. Maybe unconsciously, she thought, like he felt proud by her calling him powerful. Strange, that someone seemingly so confident and self-sufficient as Severus Snape would enjoy praise. It was reassuring, in a way, to know that he was nothing but a man. Somehow, it made her feel more as his equal, smoothing out the well-known demarcation lines of age, experience, and their relation as Professor and former student.
Shaking his head, he said ruefully: "I thought… I mean, this is beside the law. This is murder . I would think you'd see this as…"
Hermione snorted. Her lover didn't know all there was to know about her yet, and she was nothing if not … practical. Problems should be solved.
With a small glint in her eyes, she said: "Please. I know what these men are capable of. Besides, we would have lost the war if we followed orders and abided by the law. You are doing the wizarding world a service, getting rid of these people. The Ministry obviously won't, so why not you? Someone has to take care of public safety, protecting the population!"
He gave her a wry smile. "You shock me, sometimes," he muttered, "I … Well, suffice to say, I'm not done yet."
Pursing her lips, she said slowly: "On the other hand… this is dangerous. I'm going to be worried about you. Maybe I could join you, fighting?"
"No!" His answer was quick, clipped, and his face fell into his customary glower. Severus folded his arms over his chest, black eyes giving the unrelenting stare that had scared students into submission for years. "I'm not going to risk you doing…"
"Risk me? What about you? Two are better than one, you know!" She gave him a glare of her own. Really, as if she'd let him fight those battles on his own. Where had Harry been, if it weren't for her and Ron? Severus would soon find himself getting used to receiving help!
"I started this. I'm going to finish it," he said with a finality, like he thought this case was closed. "I would only worry for your safety, and these fights… they're vicious enough. If I'm going to have to protect you, then I'd be distracted…"
"What?" she said, voice low and dangerous. "You don't think I'm qualified to fight? Am I not strong enough to help you do this? You don't have to protect me. I may not be your equal in magical strength, but I can hold my own in a Death Eater fight!"
His face infuriatingly blank, she got the impression that he was assessing her. "You can hold your own in a fight where they aren't desperate," he said finally, "but it's not enough. During the war, you fought them in a situation where they had every opportunity to escape, if they so wished. When I show up, they know it's life or death. They are trapped, like a cornered animal, and believe me, you wouldn't want to come between the dark curses two seasoned Inner Circle Death Eaters might trade. No, Hermione, I want to protect you, and I do that the best by keeping you away."
"I'm not a fragile little thing needing protection!" she bristled. On the inside, though, her anger was warring with a strange sense of contentment. Severus wanted to protect her… to keep her safe. That felt good, almost arousing, in a way. Because… Still, it was preposterous, she was a war heroine, not some silly little thing needing a saviour!
"I know," he said, "but there are dangers - and then there are dangers."
The two of them stood still, glaring at each other, but then his lips tugged into a small, smug smirk. "This is also why you - unbelievable as it seems - like me, isn't it?"
"What?" she said, feeling flustered. Dear Merlin… Had he read her mind?
Severus stepped closer, putting his arms around her, pulling her into his chest. "You, my witch," he murmured into her hair, hands stroking her back, lowering to the small of her back, "You want someone who actually takes care of you . You've been taking care of those idiot friends of yours for years. Finally, it's your turn. I'll take care of you and protect you."
He was right, and oh so very wrong. Companionship, friendship and loyalty dictated that she did her utmost to help her loved ones, no matter the danger, but at the same time his protection felt so good. She had been in danger all her years since she started Hogwarts, but she'd never be more safe than in Severus Snape's arms.
Conflicted, she felt his hands creeping down to cup her arse, his touch so electrifying, making her wet and wanting. Shifting her feet, she spread her legs slightly, making room for his hand circling her buttocks, pushing in between her legs. Oh Merlin, her mind couldn't resolve this, not now, not with his hands on her…
With a moan, she clutched his arms, feeling his wiry muscles flex underneath the thick woolen frock coat.
Xxxx
Apart from working hours, they spent the week in bed. Apologetically, he had sent her away on Thursday evening, saying he was behind on his marking, even though he had tried to keep up by setting tasks in the lesson that would allow him to do some of the marking in class.
She had nodded, knowing that she was behind her revised reading schedule too, but then again due to her excessive, solitary reading in January, she was still ahead of her original plan.
On Friday, they were to visit Morgana again.
"Brew?" the child said, proffering up her toy pewter cauldron.
"Sure," she laughed, asking the child: "Do you and Severus brew a lot together?"
"Yes," the child beamed. "I make tea. Look!"
The little girl ran off, filling the cauldron with cold water, before returning, plopping the cauldron down, splashing droplets on the stone floor of the cottage.
"Morgana," Euphemia Rowle sighed, "don't splash water on the floor, will you?" But still, she Vanished the spilling with an indulgent smile, her pale ash wand waving in a smooth arch over the wet floor.
"Now watch," Severus said softly to Hermione, and her eyes turned back to the child.
Morgana narrowed her eyes, staring at the cauldron for quite some time. To her surprise, Hermione could feel the child's magic, a surprisingly strong surge, and suddenly, heated tendrils curled from the cauldron. The water was at a boil.
Blinking in surprise, Hermione exclaimed: "That's very good, Morgana! You really can make tea."
"Yes!" the child crowed, before spooning tea leaves into the cauldron. "Three, right, Sev'rus?"
"Yes," he nodded, "that will be perfect."
"Wandless magic…" Hermione mused, looking at the small child. "That's…"
"I know," Euphemia said with no small amount of pride. "She's so strong, stronger than many children starting Hogwarts."
"And with far better wandless control," Severus supplied, looking equally proud.
"She's going to be as strong as…" Hermione's voice faltered, because the only one she could compare the child to, would be the girl's father. Or perhaps Dumbledore.
Severus shot her a quick glance, pulling her into the crook of his arm, while Morgana proudly poured them real tea in her play tea set.
"I know," he said softly. "We can't afford to fail with this child. We really, really can't."
Xxxx
Harry had requested a meeting with her on Saturday, sending her a clipping from the Prophet's gossip column. Over a picture of her and Severus, he had merely written: "WE NEED TO TALK!" in a large, messy scrawl. There was, of course, two separate pictures. As far as she knew, there wasn't a single picture in existence showing both of them. Severus looked handsome as always in his, but true to form, the Prophet had used an old, awful picture of her from her fourth grade, exaggerating their age difference into something even worse.
She Floo'ed into the Three Broomsticks, leaving Severus in Minerva's office. He had claimed to have some "unfinished business" with the Headmistress.
As she disappeared into the green fire after her shout "The three Broomsticks," she heard Minerva saying tauntingly: ""Come around, have you, Severus? I knew you would!"
Emerging in the pub, dusting her coat for specks of ashes, she saw to her surprise both Harry and Ginny waiting for her at a table. The large room was packed as usual on a Saturday, the fireplace roaring and people were laughing and chatting.
Walking slowly towards them, not quite sure what to expect, she was almost jumped by Ginny, a flying mass of red hair streaking through the air.
"Hermione!" Ginny squealed, hugging her hard. "I've missed you!"
"Oh, I've missed you too," she said, tearing up, hugging her friend back.
"I just couldn't leave this to Harry," Ginny said, smiling through tears. "I mean, Professor Snape? For real?"
"Yeah, about that," Harry said, "Professor Snape, Hermione? Are you sure? Is this the same man who taunted us through school?"
Giving him an exasperated glance, she replied: "Yes, Harry, this is the same war hero that saved us, protected us and took how many blows for the Order."
"The man who loved my mother?" His eyes were earnest, green pools of worry.
"That man too." She swallowed a lump in her throat. No, she wasn't about to go all insecure because her lover had been a part of the most well known, one-sided love affair in Wizarding Britain.
"Does he ... does he ... does he love you, Hermione?" Harry said, his voice almost breaking.
"Yes, I think so," she whispered.
Harry sighed, shaking his head, and said softly: "If this is what you want, Hermione, then I've got your back. No matter what people say." Glancing away for a moment, he continued even more softly: "No matter who says what."
"Oh shut it with the gloominess, Harry," Ginny said impatiently. "Hermione has landed the most attractive bachelor in this country, and you should be excited! Look at her, she positively radiates!"
Lowering her voice, she murmured: "Is it true, what they say of him? I mean, in bed...!"
"Ginny!" Hermione gasped, laughing as she shook her head. "No kiss and tell, absolutely not!"
"But you are happy, aren't you? Look at her eyes shining, Harry, and Merlin, are those love bites on your neck?!"
"They would be," she said, grinning at the two of them. "Really, Harry… I'm happy. He makes me happy. Trust me, he's a good man."
Xxxx
"You're going to stay here, as Headmaster," Minerva said knowingly, smirking at her employee.
"I am," he said curtly.
"You couldn't even imagine being away from her, could you?" She knew her smug grin was annoying, but she couldn't seem to care. Hogwarts was in good hands for the next fifty years or more.
"No," he said, eyes dark and hooded. "During times like this, I'm loath to let her out of my sight. I'll stay on, at least until she's finished her Mastery."
Sobering, Minerva nodded. "I can see that," she said softly. "They'd like nothing better than to get hold of her, or what? Especially now. Your relationship would be an added bonus. In one fell strike, they'd get to her and you at the same time."
"Exactly," he said. "She's in so much danger, and I …"
Minerva interrupted: "I know you're doing what you can to minimize the threat, Severus. Public awareness is a good thing, seeing as the Ministry denies it all. But really, was it necessary to be so … excessive?"
He didn't seem to be surprised that she had seen through him, revealing his vigilante activities. Then he suddenly grinned, reminding her of the rather … darkly ... mischievous school boy he once had been, creating the most surprising and wicked spells, using them much too freely on his classmates.
"Oh, you know, I like to test spells. Some of these, I haven't had cause to ever try in combat before."
There was a brief silence, constant mostly of Minerva shaking her head, shifting her aching foot to the stool in front of her, using her hands to move the limp, damned thing, her leg acting up again. Gods, she missed Poppy, for more than this, though, she amended quickly to herself.. Poor woman, still sequestered in St. Mungos, dealing with the traumatic horrors of her abduction.
Deliberately shaking it off - forcing herself to not think about the heartbreaking, pitiful sight when she last visited Poppy - she stated: "You know, the governors will have to be informed of your relationship with Hermione, but it shouldn't be a problem."
"It really shouldn't," he said scathingly, before he muttered: "And if it is, I have enough dirt on them to…"
Minerva grinned again. Such a Slytherin. Most people thought Severus got by with his impressive glower, but he was first and foremost a spy. The man gathered - and remembered - intelligence like a pro. Which, she guessed, he was.
"Have a whisky, Severus," she said mildly. "It's on me, to celebrate your new tenure. I daresay it'll be happier than the last."
The thing was, he was also unfailingly polite. He couldn't refuse such a toast, and that gave her the opportunity to force him to taste her brother's new batch.
Xxxx
Lucius wandered aimlessly around in the small flat, fluffing the brown pillows on the sofa, righting a picture on the wall, his penchant for decoration coming through, even in such a situation.
Severus preferred to stay still, slouching up against the doorframe - or at least, as much as someone like him could slouch. No matter what they did, he knew they were both listening intently for sounds of anyone approaching, though realistically speaking, Armand Nott wouldn't be home for at least an hour.
"What do the others say?"
Lucius stopped his restless pacing, instead peering at Severus. "Oh, you know, they'll happily watch it play out, before slapping the winner on his back."
Severus snorted. "No surprise there," he retorted dryly.
"On the other hand," Lucius said, one hand combing through his silvery mane - as if there ever, ever! was a snarl or tangle in his hair - "they're not too happy with the new regime. They are cheering you on, my friend. A return to the good old days, you know, being led by someone competent." Lucius cocked his head, looking at Severus with a grin. "And sane. Not to forget sane. They will appreciate that."
"As do we all," Severus said, rolling his eyes. On the inside, a small tingle of pleasure sparked. His brethren would welcome him back, he was sure. He would have the full power of the Death Eaters - the true Inner Circle, not all those nitwitted upstarts - at his command, and then…
Lucius, true to form, interrupted his musings. "So, you and the Granger girl, huh? I know you don't care for blood issues, but still… Your grandfather would have…"
"I never knew the man," he said bitingly. "As you very well know, he had absolutely no interest in what I did or didn't do."
"Still…" Lucius muttered, shaking his head. "People might feel strongly about family issues. Who knows what he might have done... "
He paced some more, before stopping again, dusting a few imaginary specks from the embroidered lapels of his silvery frock coat.
Cocking his eyebrows, he said: "Draco, you know, we're negotiating with the Blanco family in 're as pure as they get, and Draco is absolutely smitten with their youngest daughter. I, for one, am relieved that my grandchildren will be Pure-bloods."
Severus almost rolled his eyes. "The fact that you feel ready to be a grandfather, doesn't mean I'm ready for it," he bit him off.
"Ah, you're gearing up to getting your own heirs, of course. Oh, you have so many fulfilling experiences ahead of you. The crying, food thrown around, the nights when your baby doesn't sleep…" Lucius' smirk was wicked at the best.
Exasperated, he replied: "Look, Lucius, we've barely just begun this relationship. There's no need to talk about heirs."
"I never pegged her for liking it rough though," Lucius continued, grinning as he prodded at Severus. "She seems like a little prude. So goody two-shoes."
"How do you know she likes it rough?" he barked, glaring at Lucius. Had the little devil tried Legilimency on his witch? Whenever would he have the chance to… Or…
Lucius, however, just grinned. "Please, come on. I know you. You're happy, and that means… Well, I know you , Severus. We've shared a witch or two, haven't we?"
The sidelong, sly glance told Severus of Lucius' true intentions, and he barked: "No sharing! Absolutely not!"
"Oh well, you can't blame a man for asking nicely," Lucius shrugged, unconcerned with Severus' anger.
"You shut up about all this when you meet her," he said threateningly, taking a step towards his friend.
The other man stood his ground. "So, you will bring her to meet us then? As you very well know, Narcissa won't stomach it unless you're married, or at least betrothed." The shrug he gave was slightly apologetic, making Severus sigh.
Deciding to be truthful, he told him: "If I'm ever going to marry, it will be her."
"Ah, it's serious then." Lucius paused, before grinning: "I could tell her a tale or two, still…"
Severus swooped in, tugging the man's long blonde hair, saying with an equal playfulness: "You keep your mouth shut, or else I'll let it slip to Narcissa how much you enjoyed playing the naughty girl with me around the time Draco was born. I'm sure you remember."
Lucius blushed a little, his blue eyes darkening, and slowly, like his mouth was dry, he swallowed.
Hastily, Severus let go of his hair, shaking his own head. "But not anymore. Not now. Sorry I brought it up." Merlin, he knew that Lucius would like a repeat performance, had known for years, really, but it wasn't possible. Not anymore. Not after his witch.
"Nothing like a little deal of mutual destruction between friends," Lucius said lightly, arching his eyebrow.
They waited in silence for almost ten minutes, before Armand Nott came home to his temporary flat.
Both wizards Disillusioned themselves, ready in combat stance with Shields up, and old Nott limped in, grumbling to himself about gout and rainy weather.
Adrenaline pumping, Severus rescinded his Glamour, making Nott blink, and there was a small rustle as Lucius stepped forward, still Disillusioned.
Severus approved the move - the sounds without a visual was a good scare tactic - but for himself, he merely said slowly: "Good evening, Mr. Nott."
"Severus… what a surprise..." his old comrade muttered, looking shiftily around, before trying to Apparate out. The crack of Apparition died mid-sound, and Nott flinched, like he was punched in the gut. From experience, Severus knew that trying to Apparate through Apparition wards was a very uncomfortable feeling.
"You've been up to things lately, so naturally, I felt it would be prudent to pay a visit to you," he drawled, not taking his eye off the old man in front of him. With a blinding flash, Nott threw an Expulso at him, and Severus almost reeled by the impact on his Shield.
In return, he lobbed a Bombarda, aiming for the chair right behind him, making splinters fly, lodging into the back of Nott's knees, deftly slitting the tendons.
"Ooouf!" the old man yelled, buckling, sinking to his knees, and Lucius finally joined the fray, overpowering him brutally with a strong Incarcerous, before revealing himself.
"You!" Nott grunted, glaring at both of them, before shaking his head. "Who would have known both of you were behind all this? I'm not surprised at him, but I would have thought you, Lucius, would have the sense to stay out of this. You have no respect for your elders, you never had! You and your lot!"
Twisting his body, like he was foolish enough to believe he'd be able to escape Lucius' magical binding, he hissed at Severus: "I know you're going to kill me and pack me up to that reporter, you sick dirty pig, but let me tell you this: The Mudblood that you're fucking, she'd going to get it. Every single one of our brethren will fuck her until she bleeds out, as soon as we get to her. We've got people inside Hogwarts, now. She's going to pay a visit to the Death Eaters very soon!"
There was a surge of red light behind Severus' eyes, a rushing noise in his ears, but the room seemed to flash in green. Nott tumbled forward, nose hitting the carpet hard.
Lucius looked almost insulted. "That was too quick. You owe me, Severus, there was no fun in this. But… a wordless Avada?" He whistled slowly. "Haven't seen that thrown around since the Dark Lord."
"I... " Severus said, rage still coursing in him, staring down at Nott's lifeless body.
Walking slowly towards him, Lucius said, voice concerned and low: "Mind his words, Severus. It might be just spite, but do not take that risk. Keep her safe, if you love her so much."
"Yes, I…" Severus swallowed, trying to curb his anger, forcing it down behind his Occlumency shield.
Raising his head, he looked straight at Lucius. "Thank you," he said, knowing that the man actually cared.
Scrubbing his face with a hand, he tried to focus on the task ahead. "Why don't you make up something for the Skeeter present?" he suggested, and the other man brightened, tapping his lips as he turned to look at the body.
"I enjoyed the Muggle delivery," Lucius replied. "Once, when I was in Muggle London…"
"You take trips to Muggle London?" Severus' voice was both scornful and incredulous.
"I do indeed take trips to Muggle London, buying lingerie for Narcissa, you see," the man continued with a cheeky grin, "and I saw a man making those… balloon animals for Muggle children. How about we stuff his body parts into balloons, Charm them as invisible to Muggles, and order a delivery to Skeeter's door? That would be fun."
"Balloons?" Severus said, cocking his head. "That's… ridiculous."
"My point exactly. Serves Nott well for being such a stuffy prude," Lucius muttered, and Severus knew the man would be remembering some slight or the other. Lucius had a very long memory.
"Just like the old times," Lucius grinned, cutting off Nott's hands, his silver frock coat becoming spattered with blood as he Conjured the balloons around the sawed-off limbs, cocking his head to see if they were what he had envisioned.
"Yes, but for a better cause," Severus replied.
"I never cared for the cause," Lucius said brightly, admiring his work. "I just enjoy the game. As do you, my friend."
Xxxx
"You'll move in with me," he told her. Actually, he issued a command, just like he would do in his classroom. He wouldn't tolerate no for an answer, because her safety was much too important.
Hermione's eyebrows rose. Looking suddenly very young and unsure, she mumbled: "Well, eventually, maybe, but isn't this a little premature…?"
"Not at all," he said, enfolding her in his arms, kissing her hair. She was so warm, so alive, feeling so good against him after the brutal killing and dispatchment of his former comrade.
"It's for your own safety. I heard… something... tonight, and I'm worried. Very worried. If you consent, I wish to perform a few rituals with you, to ensure your safety. Nothing - no one - will harm you on my watch."
"Rituals? Moving in with you? What did you hear?" Her eyes were clear as she looked up at him, and his heart went out to her, knowing that she had seen too much in her life to panic over this. She was a rational girl, and he knew she would be swayed by his arguments. Besides, he would like nothing better than to have her beside him in bed each night. And mornings. And …
With a sigh, he laid out the reasoning for her, his voice flat and unemotional. "They have someone at Hogwarts. Someone who'll try to capture you, bringing you to the Death Eaters."
Hermione scoffed, but gave him a small smile. "You know, I'm hardly helpless."
"You don't know who this is," he said gruffly. "It might be someone strong, someone who knows how to be stealthy. You, as anyone, can fall prey to a curse in a deserted corridor, being carted out of Hogwarts before you regain your senses. I repeat: You don't know who this is. It might even be someone you trust."