A/N: Hello all my wonderful readers. Thank you all for your reviews. I loved them all. There were a few I couldn't respond to, but otherwise I think I got to everyone else. Here is my early Valentine's present to all of you, it's the party, and I hope you enjoy it!
Special Thanks: To my lovely beta, TabiPrewett, who got this done for me, even when she was super busy too. I appreciate all your hard work on my stories, sweetie.
Chapter 14
The day of the party, Hermione stood in front of the long mirror and stared at her reflection. She thought she looked pretty, but she didn't look like herself. It was a bit odd for Hermione to see the woman staring back at her in the mirror, because she almost didn't recognize herself.
Draco had come in while she was wearing her burgundy robe that Lulu had transfigured previously for her. Her lingerie, stockings, and shoes on already, while her lovely amethyst necklace rested just above her breasts. Draco had given her at smirk and started to make a comment about her being only in her knickers and robe, but he thought better of it when he spied her wand in her pocket. Instead, he simply told her to sit down at the antique vanity.
With several complicated waves of his wand in a precise pattern, her hair was charmed into a lovely style where most was piled on her head, leaving some to hang down her back. Small tendrils curled and framed her cheeks. The spell wouldn't let her hair fall until after she pulled out the pretty hair-comb made of shining platinum, that he had placed in the thick mass.
Hermione had no clue where he had gotten the comb and he wouldn't tell her. All he said was for her to leave it on the vanity when she was done with it and it would be taken care of. She also noticed he attached pretty dangling earrings that matched the comb to her ears while messing with her hair. She'd told him the day they shopped, that she didn't need jewelry, but the earrings looked so lovely, she couldn't find in herself to argue about them.
Next, was the makeup charms. Hermione asked how in the world he knew these charms, but after a glare from him, she didn't ask again. She silently wondered if he secretly dressed in drag when no one that might recognize him was around. The thought of what Draco might look like a dress and with make up on made her giggle.
Draco was glaring at her still, not sure why she was laughing, but figuring he didn't really want to know. Seeing his glare again, she snorted out a new laugh before forcing her laughter away.
When he was done, Draco told her he'd see her at the party and went to dress in his own rooms. Realizing she still had a few hours until she had to finish dressing, Hermione pulled out the book Lucius had loaned her to read and pass the time. She had to agree, so far this copy was better than any version she'd ever read before. It certainly had more details than her previous copy had.
Hearing a knock half an hour later, Hermione called for the person to enter as she finished the final sentence in the paragraph she was reading before looking up. Lucius had walked in, and seeing her reading at the vanity, he couldn't hold back the small chuckle.
Most women groomed themselves while sitting at a vanity table, but instead, she read a rather thick book. How fitting. Lucius thought to himself, spying the gap in the bottom of her robe as she sat and the bit of skin and black lace on the top of her thighs. Making him realize that her stocking were not full ones at all. These seemed to only come to the middle of her thighs.
Hermione saw he was already in his dress robes and thought he looked very handsome. "Hello, Lucius." She said as he stopped right in front of her.
The handsome aristocrat gave her a smile that sent the butterflies fluttering around in her belly again. "Hello, Hermione. I wanted to wish you a good evening, in case I don't get a chance to see you at the party later. You look stunning already and you haven't even finished dressing." Doing his best to not glance at the gap in her robe again, this time near the top where a hint of cleavage was peeking out.
Hermione blushed as she sat with her book, still unused to such praise. "Thank you, Lucius. You look very handsome yourself." He held out his hand and she took it, standing so she didn't have to look so far up to see him. Setting her book down and giving him her full attention.
Lucius looked her up and down. "Thank you, my dear, but I think your beauty will put my good looks to shame this evening."
Hermione chuckled softly, even as she blushed more. Lucius was definitely good for her ego. "You are going to have ease up on the charm, otherwise I'll be as red as my robe before I even leave. I don't wish for my face to match the undoubtedly bright décor of tonight's events."
"Maybe I just like making you blush. You are rather lovely with color in your cheeks." He said, still smiling.
"Are you off to your meeting already?" Hermione asked, hoping to move away from things that made her blush more.
Lucius nodded with a sigh. "Unfortunately. It's not too late for me to cancel and escort you instead."
Hermione laughed softly again. "No, you go to your meeting. I'll just squeeze into my dress and go to, what I hope, won't be too horrible of a party. I hope Severus appreciates what I'm doing for him."
"So, Severus is your escort for the evening? He's a lucky man." Lucius said, fully aware of who was taking her tonight.
Hermione fought the new color trying to rise to her cheeks, even as she smiled. "Yes, well...he asked if I'd go as a favor and I intend to make sure he is aware how big of a favor this has turned out to be."
Lucius smirked. He hoped Severus didn't hex him later due to his plan. Especially if it meant the dark man had to owe Hermione for agreeing to go. "As you should. Well, I'm off to my meeting. Save me one dance tonight?"
Hermione gave him a fetching smile. "I'll think about it." Knowing she was flirting this time and not really caring.
Lucius chuckled softy and after kissing the top of her hand, the gesture sending the butterflies fluttering about once again, he bid her farewell and took his leave.
When it was time, Hermione slipped into her dress. After everything was smoothed down and in place, she stared at her reflection in the mirror, still not sure she recognized herself in the glass. The deep purple gown had spaghetti straps and a fitted bodice that showed only the swell of her breasts, as opposed to the sapphire one Ginny had loaned her that barley covered them at all. She turned slightly to get a better look in the mirror and thought it looked wonderful.
The skirt was fitted with a slit up each leg to the middle of her thigh, so she could walk and not trip. Hermione had wondered if the slit was too high, but Draco had smirked, and assured her it was fine. Sexy even. Though sexy wasn't quite what she was going for.
With a final look in the mirror, Hermione moved towards the bed. A sheer black wrap was lying on the soft comforter, simply waiting for her to slip it around herself to drape from her elbows. She doubted it would keep any sort of chill away, but it did make the dress look good. The black offset the purple and made the color pop just a little bit more. The embroidered flowers in the same shade of purple as the dress were very pretty, she thought, looking at how they dotted the edges of sheer wrap.
Hermione checked her stockings a final time, the thin black silk had been charmed not to move off her thighs, so she didn't need a garter belt, but she made sure they were still in place. The slit in the dress didn't reach them, but she knew if she sat and didn't make sure her dress was pulled down, people would see the lace at the tops of them.
Again, Draco had smirked and said that thigh high stockings were sexier than regular panty hose. The only reason Hermione hadn't argued, was that it would be easier should she need the loo, she wouldn't to have to fight with them.
Making sure she had everything, including the glittering black satchel that held her wand, she moved towards the floo. Since she was flooing inside the party, she knew she wouldn't need an overcoat to stay warm with the chilly evening. Deciding she was ready as she was, she grabbed a handful of powder, and then after saying her destination, she was gone with a roar of green flames.
Hermione arrived at the party, realizing she never caught the names of who was actually hosting it, she'd only had an address. The wizard in dress robes that was serving as butler, used his wand to clear away the ashes from her.
Hermione gave him a small smile in thanks before moving on. It didn't take long for her to see that she didn't know most of the people mingling in the large ballroom. She made sure she circled the room fully, but she didn't see Severus anywhere.
Hermione smiled and spoke with a few witches that she didn't know. All of them were asking who designed her fabulous dress. Hermione had no clue, so she said the name of some famous muggle designer, so she didn't sound ridiculous. She couldn't possibly say that Draco Malfoy bought it for her in some overly posh store in London, but only after he made sure her arse looked nice in it. Not only would that stop all conversation instantly, but it would start all sorts of nasty rumors about them supposedly shagging like bunnies. Something that his girlfriend might not take well, even if it wasn't true.
Hermione spoke with a few more people, but she moved on quickly when the wizards were looking more at her chest, and what she hoped was her hips, than her face. She took a fresh glass of wine from a passing waiter, but still didn't spot Severus anywhere. She hadn't spotted Draco either so far, nor his girlfriend, Stephanie, though she had yet to meet the witch. Hermione had only heard enough to have an idea of what the young witch looked like, so she might be able to pick her out a crowd. Not seeing either one, she realized that they must not have arrived yet.
After an hour had passed, Hermione became annoyed at being there when Severus wasn't. They had agreed on a time to meet. She was there and figured he should be too. In fact, she hadn't seen anyone that she knew at this party.
It was after another round through the crowd that Hermione spotted a face that made her blanch. What is Ron doing here? With Lavender attached at the hip too? How did they get invited? She wondered.
Hermione moved to blend back into the crowd, only Ron spotted her before she could fully disappear in the large rom. After his jaw dropped at seeing her, a dirty look from Lavender tossed her way as well, the couple made their way towards her. Hermione didn't want to be rude, especially surrounded by so many people. Not having any other choice, Hermione pasted a smile to her face and waited for them to reach her.
Ron was dressed in black dress robes, as were most of the wizards. Though, she had to admit, Lucius looked much better in his when she'd seen him earlier.
Lavender was wearing a bright red strapless dress that showed more skin than it covered. Personally, Hermione never wished to see so much of the witch's breasts or legs, but after having shared a dorm with the woman for so many years, she'd already seen it all. From what she'd heard, Ron and the girls in their dorm weren't the only ones to have seen it all either.
The closer the couple got, the more Hermione realized that one wrong move, and the whole party would see all of Lavenders goodies. There wasn't a single strap holding it up. Must be charmed. She decided as they stopped in front of her.
"Hermione, is that you?" Ron asked, still gaping slightly at seeing her. His eyes roaming over Hermione over and over again.
Lavender huffed out a breath and rolled her eyes. "Of course, it's her, Ron. You already said 'Holy shite, its Hermione', before gaping like an idiot."
Hermione brows shot up at the almost nasty tone of Lavender's voice. Wow, she's even worse than I remember. Ron deserves her completely. She thought, though with her amusement, her smile was no longer forced. "How are you two this evening?" Deciding to be polite, if nothing else.
Ron gave her a smile that she remembered he used when he flirted. "We're great. What about you? Haven't seen you around much the last few days?"
"I'm well." Hermione said. "I've just been busy, you know." She answered vaguely. "Though, I'm surprised to see you here tonight, Ronald. I thought you didn't like these kinds of parties." Biting back the urge to remind him that he always thought he was too important to attend them before.
Ron grinned. "Lav, wanted to come. She likes a good party and her uncle got us the invite."
Lavender leaned in and made a big show of kissing Ron's cheek, the sight making Hermione fight a grimace. "Yes, my Ronnikins spoils me terribly. He gives me everything I want. He even took me shopping and bought me this dress after I told him about the party. Isn't it prefect?"
Perfect wasn't the word Hermione would have used, but she smiled none the less. "It's lovely. I'm happy you two are doing so well together."
Ron continued to stare at her. "You did something to your hair."
Hermione nodded. "Yes, I had it cut, and some highlights put in. I think it suits me."
Lavender snorted. "Anything's an improvement over what it was before. I'm glad you finally started doing something with that mop."
Either Ron didn't notice the insult, or he was ignoring it like Hermione was. Lavender always was a snot. Ron, she realized, was too busy looking her up and down.
Lavender noticed and narrowed her eyes. "So, Hermione, where's your date tonight? This is a couple's party for Valentine's Day."
Hermione forced a smile, thinking she was going to kill Severus for not being here. Especially now, when face with these two. "He had to work so he's meeting me here."
Ron paused. "You have a date? With who?" He hadn't expected Hermione to be seeing anyone. She certainly hadn't mentioned it to Ginny or Harry, Ron was sure he'd have heard about it if she had.
Hermione shrugged. "A friend." Not wanting to get into it since Severus was just her friend and not really her date.
Lavender giggled, the high-pitched sound grating on Hermione's nerves. "A friend? Wow, nice description."
Hermione smiled and shrugged again. "I should give the room another look around to see if he's arrived yet. If you'll excuse me."
Lavender smirked. "Oh, come off it, Hermione. You can be honest with us, we're your friends. You don't have a date, do you?"
Hermione knew she would never call this annoying chit a friend of hers, but again manners dictated that she be polite. "I do, he's just running late, is all. Though, I appreciate the concern, Lavender."
The annoying woman rolled her eyes. "Please, everyone knows that with that article showing what really went on with you and my Ron, that no decent wizard will come anywhere near you."
Hermione felt her teeth gnashing together as the urge to hex the little twit filled her. She quickly took note of all the people that stopped their conversation to listen to theirs. Hermione knew she couldn't do as she wanted with so many witnesses around them. Not without causing a scene that would be all over the papers tomorrow anyway.
Instead of hexing the twit, Hermione opened her mouth to say, rather loudly, the real reason that she dumped Ron. Especially since, the jerk wasn't saying a word in her defense. Hermione figured that if she was going do something to cause an article in the Daily Prophet, she might as well set the record straight. Then, the stupid prat can get a few howlers full of hexes, like I got, she thought to herself sourly.
However, before Hermione could get a single syllable of her rant out, she felt an arm encircle her waist and pull her back flush against a hard body. "Hello, my dear. I'm terribly sorry for being late. I do hope you'll forgive me for making you wait so long." A very familiar voice said.
Hermione turned her head and found Lucius smiling down at her. Before she could even blink, he leaned down and kissed her lips softly. It wasn't deep or passionate, just a gentle brush of his lips on hers. Though, even with how easy and quick it was, it still had the butterflies swarming madly in her belly.
When the blond man pulled back, his silver eyes met hers and he smiled again at her. "Am I forgiven?" Lucius asked.
Hermione nodded slowly, not understanding why he was here, or holding her, or kissing her, or even why he was saying...well, everything he'd just said. Before she was able to ask any of the questions raging in her mind, Lucius turned his attention to Ron and his date.
"Please excuse the interruption, but I was late in arriving here this evening due to my meeting running longer than planned. Though, I suppose not arriving on time to my business meeting to begin with, would explain why it ran longer than it should have." His thumb rubbing gently against Hermione as he continued on. "I might have been on time to meet my companions before the party, but, my lovely Hermione just had to surprise me in my office before I left to attend it. She had me tied up for so long, quite literally in fact, that well...that's why I'm late now. I'm just glad she removed the slightly altered Incarcerous spell before she left." Lucius said, his voice calm and smooth as ever.
Ron's jaw dropped again, Lavender was speechless, and Hermione eyes grew wide at his implications, as she slowly turned to look at him again with slightly parted lips. Lucius looked at her cheeks that were starting to burn and smirked.
"I'm terribly sorry, my dear, that last part slipped out. It's not my fault that you're such a sexy little minx or that I'm completely besotted with you." Lucius said, doing his best not to let his laughter slip out at the incredulous look on her face.
Lavender recovered first, not looking at Hermione, who needed a moment to get the utterly shocked look off her face. "You're Hermione's date?" Her voice slightly shrill and disbelieving.
Hearing Lavender, Hermione snapped out of her shock and forced a smile, deciding to play along since Lucius was obviously trying to help her out. "Yes, he is Lavender, dear." She didn't know why Lucius was saying the things that he was, but she wasn't going to look a gift horse in the mouth.
Lucius' hand was still lightly stroking her belly and hip, and the blonde man saw the exact moment that Ron took notice of the aristocrat's hand touching Hermione so familiarly. Seeing the red tint spreading across the young mans face and ears was amusing to say the least. The doltish boy wouldn't be able to contain his fury for long, Lucius decided.
It didn't take long for Ron to reach this boiling point at all. Moments after seeing Lucius' hand on Hermione's waist, and unable to hold back any longer, Ron all but yelled his question. "How long's this been going on then?" Forgetting for a moment, that he had no right to be up upset at the thought of Hermione with anyone, especially since he'd been shagging Lavender for quite a while before they'd broken up.
Seeing more heads turn their way, Lucius grinned. "I ran into Hermione at the Ministry sometime after the New Year. I was hoping to have lunch with Draco, but I had just missed him. Hermione took pity and dined with me, so I wouldn't have to eat alone. Though honestly, I wouldn't have minded eating on my own, but who in their right mind would say no to someone as lovely as her. She's a rare gem in this world, and I knew it within minutes of our first lunch date. We've been inseparable ever since. Only a fool would have let her escape after seeing how truly wonderful she is."
Hermione tried not to snort out a laugh at hearing him lay it on so thick, and just barely managed. Ron seemed to turn an even brighter shade of red at the implications of Lucius' words, and Lavender seemed to glare even more. She did take note of several people around them, glancing at Ron and lightly shaking their heads at him before going back to their own conversations.
Lucius, having seen how the reactions of those around them and glad to gotten a little vindication for the beautiful woman in his arms, gently turned Hermione's head to face him with his fingers on her chin. "I believe you promised to save me a dance, my dear."
Hermione nodded, her lips curving. "I did say I'd think about it, didn't I?" More pleased by his arrival than she knew she probably should be. Ron and Lavender aside, Hermione found she wanted to dance with Lucius.
Lucius chuckled softly. "Please, excuse us." Not even sparing a glance at the two nitwits still seething at his arrival and words.
Without waiting for the dazed couple to acknowledge his statement, Lucius eased Hermione towards the dance floor. Several couples were already taking advantage of the soft music playing. With the same elegance and grace that he used in anything else, he turned her in his arms and started moving to the slow music. Hermione waited as long as she could, but she didn't even make it past twenty seconds.
"What on Earth just happened over there?" Hermione asked, making sure to keep her smile on her face and her voice low.
Lucius pulled her a bit closer, using the excuse of speaking quietly in her ear, though he really was enjoying her in his arms. "I believe your pathetic excuse of a former fiancé and his less than charming companion were insulting you. You happen to be lucky that I arrived a short while ago and had been making my ways towards you to claim this very dance when I overheard the rather rude comments that they were making to you. I would have been by your side sooner, only as usual, I was stopped several times along the way. It took some rather charming words to get away as quickly as I did from each one."
Hermione shivered slightly as his soft breath tickled her ear. "Thank you. For saying what you did and claiming to be my date, so I could save face."
Lucius sighed. "You forget, my dear. I offered to escort you and be your date until Severus arrived. Though I'm curious why he wasn't by your side."
Hoping Severus forgave him for turning, what might be a very angry witch later, in the dark man's direction. Severus was only doing what Lucius had asked of him, after all. Though, Weasley and his disaster of a new paramour hadn't been part of the plan.
Hermione sighed in annoyance, as Lucius held her close to him. "He hasn't shown up yet, and I just might strangle him for it. The bloody jerk at this point, has stood me up, and I'm doing this as a favor to him."
Lucius smirked. As the man was meant to. "I'm sure he has a very good reason for not being here. I do hope you give him a chance to explain before murdering him."
Hermione sighed again, though her lips twitched in amusement at how Lucius worded it. "I suppose you're right. Severus may be rude and nasty to many people, but I doubt he would do this to me on purpose. We've become friends lately."
Lucius mentally patted himself on the back. Excellent. Now she won't hex Severus and he won't hex me in return. "Have I told you yet, my dear, how absolutely stunning you look tonight?"
Hermione felt her lips curving. "You did mention something about it earlier, but I wasn't fully dressed yet."
Lucius chuckled low in her ear, sending another shiver up her spine. "You look even lovelier fully clothed. Not many women can pull that off either. Or is it when they're wearing fewer clothes...hmm…I forget. I'm sure you'd look radiant either way."
Hermione blushed to the roots of her hair. "Lucius, really." She scolded softly, though she was biting back a soft giggle.
The blond man laughed again, turning her in a graceful spin before bringing her close again. "Forgive me, my dear, but you did look rather delectable in your dressing gown, with the lace of your stockings peeking out, and while holding a book in your lap."
Hermione inhaled sharply. She hadn't realized her stockings were showing. Her blush brightening more at realizing he'd seen all the way up her thigh if he'd seen the lace at the top of her stocking. "Oh...well..." At a loss once again.
Lucius was smirking, knowing she was as red as her dressing robe had been. "Don't be embarrassed, my sweet. You are simply gorgeous, and that's all there is too it." The song came to an end, but he quickly swept her along with the new one. He planned on holding her as long as she let him.
Hermione frowned when a thought hit her. "You realize that this is going to get around. Lavender can't keep a secret to save her life. People are going think we're really a couple."
Lucius shrugged lightly. "I don't care, there are always rumors pertaining to me flying around. Besides, there are worse rumors to have spread about me, than ones of you belonging to me."
Hermione wasn't sure how to take that or if she liked the belonging part, but she held her tongue. They danced through the song, and as much as she hated to admit it, she did enjoy him holding her.
When they were done, they mingled more. Lucius stayed at her side, his arm around her waist the whole time. If he wasn't stroking her side, he was rubbing her lower back. Either way, it kept her very much aware of him. Not that she needed that. She could smell him and as usual it made her fuzzy headed. Though not as much since his cologne wasn't as powerful in the large room.
Hermione held her own in any conversation they joined. Learning bits about him, like how good of a head for business that he had, though she wasn't the least bit surprised by that one. That he liked to drink regular muggle scotch, but he was known to drink fire-whiskey as well. Though, he preferred Ogden's Finest above all else. He spoke French flawlessly, and luckily, thanks to her parents, Hermione was able to join into that conversation as well. She caught a hint of surprise in Lucius' eyes at her speaking the language too, before his gaze seemed to warm, into what looked oddly like pride.
Hermione realized as the evening progressed, that Lucius was paying close attention to her, even while discussing something in depth with someone. If she was talking to a wizard that had trouble paying attention to her face, Lucius would shift her just a little closer against his side, with no more than a glance in the wizard's direction before returning to what he was talking about with someone else. Silently saying that she was taken and for the wizard to stop trying to look down her dress.
If Hermione seemed to get uncomfortable in anyway, he made excuses, so they could leave the conversation without her having to say a word. It was sweet, and she couldn't help the smile on her lips.
Eventually, they ended up bumping into Ron and Lavender again. Lavender gave them both a saccharine smile, before saying that they should toast to all the happy couples together on Valentine's. Before they could object, Lavender quickly left to get everyone fresh drinks. Hermione glanced at Lucius and seeing his shrug, it indicated that he didn't seem to care.
When the annoying witch returned, thankfully before things could get more awkward with Ron glaring daggers at Lucius, she handed each person a drink. Lavender raised her glass and gave a short speech about couples finding their true loves, which became sillier and sillier as the witch went on. Especially, with the smug looks she kept giving Hermione.
Then, they each took a small sip of their drink, before Lucius excused them again. Hermione was grateful to Lucius for getting her away from Ron and Lavender. She didn't care where they went, as long as it was far away from those two.
They were somehow sucked into a small group, with several witches all vying to speak to Hermione. She found it amusing since these particular witches hadn't seemed all that interested before Lucius showed up and took her side. Now that Hermione had spent a large portion of the evening with his arm around her waist, she was suddenly very popular. Not that she cared for such things, but it was amusing.
It wasn't long before a few of the men tried to pull Lucius away. He glanced at her to see if she minded, which she gave him a warm smile and small nod, showing she didn't mind at all. Lucius gave her a small wink before he left, and seeing it, she felt her lips curving.
As soon as he left, the witches started in asking how she had managed to land the richest bachelor around. Hermione simply smiled and said, honestly, she had no clue. They were all giggling before long. The conversation might not be stimulating, but Hermione enjoyed speaking with the young witches. Since Ginny was her only real female friend, she didn't get much feminine conversation outside of the outgoing redhead. It was nice to talk with other women from time to time too.
Lucius glanced her way now and again, seeing her smiling and laughing, he felt his own lips curving. The beautiful brunette really was something. Seeing Hermione was able to go from talking to upper-ranking Ministry officials about politics and whatever major issues they were discussing, to laughing and smiling with what the blond man assumed was gossiping witches, and not missing a beat anywhere in between, he found himself enamored even more by her. She amazed him and he knew he was correct in what he'd said to Weasley. Only a fool would let her go.
Lucius was currently listening to one such high ranking official, when he spotted Lavender Brown giggling with a witch nearby and giving Hermione a glaring smirk while doing a bad job of discretely pointing. He quickly excused himself, curious what was going on. Especially knowing what he did about Lavender Brown. Lucius moved until he was directly behind the witches, looking like he was listening to another conversation, but actually listening to the two twittering together.
"I can't believe she snagged Lucius Malfoy. That man has more money than any three wizard I know put together. What's she got that's so special?" The witch asked Lavender. "I know they say she's really smart, but…I doubt a wizard like Lucius Malfoy cares about how smart she is."
Lavender snorted. "Oh, she's a smart one, Jenna. Smart enough to know who she should spread her legs for to get ahead. She's slowly been making her way up the chain for years. First, with my Ronnikins, then trying to seduce Harry Potter, and after he was already married too. Rumor has it that she was doing some under the desk work for the Minister, himself for a bit, all while still dating my Ron too. Little trollop doesn't care who she steps on to get what she wants. She's got no shame at all, and now, she's got her claws into Lucius Malfoy. I wonder who's next."
Jenna, the witch sniggering with her, shook her head. "Why would you bother going anywhere if you had Lucius I'm-Bleeding-Gorgeous Malfoy?"
Lavender giggled. "He is handsome. I bet she moves onto Draco as soon as daddy dearest gets tired of her. She's nothing more than a whore, just like I told Rita."
Lucius was furious. This little tart was the one to give Rita Skeeter all those lies about Hermione. He should have known. He was about to tell the sneering witch a few choice words, but it was hearing what Lavender said next that made him pause.
"We're all going to see how big of a whore she is tonight." Lavender said, smirking.
Jenna twittered, making Lucius grit his teeth at the sound. "How much did you give her?"
Lavender sighed, looking at her boldly painted nails. "Well, the label said a few drops would work for about an hour. So...I poured in half the bottle."
Jenna gasped. "Lav! Half the bottle? She's going to be mounting any and every wizard she can get her hands on. Possibly a few witches too."
Lavender smirked. "Good, then, Ron can see how big a whore she really is. Did you see how he was looking at her? I bet she'll embarrass herself so badly, that she'll have to leave Britain completely."
Lucius looked towards Hermione and saw the drink in her hand. He instantly remembered Lavender getting them all fresh drinks for her stupid toast. Bullocks. He thought, starting to move away, but Lavender's last statement still came to his ears.
"Should kick in within twenty minutes of her drinking it all. We'll get quite the show then." The witch said, laughing.
Moving towards Hermione, Lucius saw her laughing with the young witches still when she suddenly tipped back her glass and drank the contents down in a matter of a few gulps. He got to her side just as she shuddered.
"I don't know what Lavender got me to drink, but that last bit was awful." Hermione said, setting her empty glass down on a passing waiter's tray.
Hermione gave Lucius another warm smile. "Did your conversation go well?" She asked.
Lucius was cursing softly in his mind. He had to get her out of there before the potion kicked in. "Yes, my sweet, it did. Why don't you and I..."
Hermione chimed in with a smile. "How about we dance again, do you mind?" She gently took his hand and led him out to the dance floor before he could argue.
Lucius led her in time to the music wondering how he was going to get her out of there. He could never escape any party without several people stopping him along the way. All claiming they wanted just a few minutes of his time.
"Hermione, why don't we call it an evening after this dance?" He said softly in her ear again.
Hermione pulled back to look up into his face. "You're ready to leave?"
Lucius gave her a charming, yet forced, smile. "Yes, I've had all the socializing I can stand for one night."
Hermione frowned softly. "What about Severus? He might still show up and I did agree to be his date for the night. I can't abandon him to face this alone." Upset at the man or not, he was still her friend and she'd agreed.
Lucius sighed, knowing he couldn't exactly tell her that he knew Severus wasn't coming at all. She'd demand to know how he knew. "Well, it would serve him right for being so late if you left him on his own. He can't really expect you to wait around all night, can he?"
Hermione smirked. "Alright, but I just saw Kingsley a few moments ago. He wasn't sure he'd make it tonight, last I heard. I can't leave without speaking to him first."
Lucius knew she and the Minister were good friends. They both fought together during the war and Kingsley was rather fond of Hermione, having watched her grow from a gangly teenager he saw at Order meetings, into a beautiful woman he saw even less of now that she worked at the Ministry with him.
"Sounds satisfactory to me. A few words to the Minister, and then we'll go." It wasn't satisfactory at all, but Lucius didn't want to drop it on her that she'd been drugged, especially if she reacted badly to the news. He didn't need Hermione losing her temper and letting her spells fly at the twit that did it, not with so many people around to witness it. Lucius needed to get them back to his home, so he could get a counter-potion in her.
Hermione smiled. "Okay."
Lucius danced her around, never wanting a song to end more quickly in his life. Giving her a spin that made her laugh softly before pulling her close again. How long has it been since she ingested it? He wondered, knowing though it had only been a few minutes thus far. No more than six minutes ago, figuring in a few minutes of chatting along with a few minutes of dancing.
Once the song ended, he quickly started pulling her towards the floo. Hermione stopped him, with a laugh and told him he wasn't getting out of her saying hello to her friend. Lucius bit back a breath of impatience and let her lead him towards the Minister. Hermione smiled at Kingsley, who quickly broke away from the group talking to him.
"Hello, Hermione. You look ravishing tonight, my dear. Ginny helped you with picking a dress again, I see. You must tell her that I said she did a splendid job." Kingsley said, giving her a hug.
Hermione laughed as she pulled away from the embrace. "Thank you, Kings. Actually, Ginny is out on holiday with Harry. Draco is the one who helped me pick it out."
Kingsley chuckled. "I had heard you two were on friendly terms as of late, but I didn't realize you had gotten so close."
Hermione smirked. "I only asked him as a favor to me. You know I'm rubbish at these things. He is happily dating a very pretty witch, and we are only friends." Hermione hadn't met Stephanie, but she assumed she was pretty.
Kingsley, still smiling, finally took notice of Lucius. "Ah, Lucius, how are you this evening?"
Lucius smiled politely. "I am well, Minister. Miss Granger has been kind enough to keep me company this evening. We were just leaving actually, but she wanted to say hello."
Kingsley glanced back at Hermione. "So, Lucius is your escort for the evening? How wonderful. I hadn't heard you two were a couple. Must be losing my touch as Minister at knowing everyone's business." He said with a chuckle.
Hermione laughed and shook her head. "I don't think it has anything to do with being Minister, Kings. I think you're just naturally nosy, is all. With you being Minister now, you simply have more people to be nosey with these days and no one daring to tell you to mind your own business."
Kingsley laughed good-naturedly, while Lucius smirked. Not many could get away with saying anything even remotely disparaging about the Minister, but obviously Hermione could.
"Aw, you wound me, Hermione." Kings said, feigning being hurt, before smiling again. "But it's a good thing I know you're really a sweetheart without a cruel bone in your body. Besides, I can take a little ribbing now and then."
Lucius knew he had to get her out before the potion kicked in. He didn't need Hermione proving Lavender words true by suddenly throwing herself at the Minister or anyone else for that matter.
Lucius took her hand and gave it a squeeze. "We really should be going, my dear."
Hermione glanced at Lucius, curious why he suddenly seemed so intent on leaving, but knowing she did say she only wanted to say hello. "He's right Kings, we have to go. We'll find a few moments to talk again soon."
Kingsley gave her a final hug. "You need to stop by my office soon. It'll help keep the vultures away if it looks like I'm busy and in a meeting." He said with a smile.
Hermione laughed softly. "Sure thing, Kings. Goodnight."
Lucius nodded and said goodnight to the Minister. Moving quickly once again. He heard Hermione laugh and ask what the big rush was, but he merely smiled and kept walking. Several people tried to get his attention, but he ignored them all.
Lucius maneuvered them near the floo, but it was surrounded by people already waiting to use it. Knowing he probably only had a few minutes before the potion kicked in, he turned and immediately bumped into their host.
"Lucius, my friend, I haven't had a moment to speak with you all night. Who is your lovely companion?" The older wizard asked.
Hermione smiled. "Hermione Granger, and you are?" Holding out her hand.
The older wizard took her hand and turning it over, gave it a small kiss. "Miles Pruitt. Lucius and I have been known to do a bit of business now and again. A bit of drinking as well sometimes, right Lucius?" Laughing as Hermione smiled and glanced up at Lucius.
Lucius knew he couldn't be rude. They did more than a bit of business and this man brought him plenty of money due to it. The blond man smiled, hoping he had a few extra minutes to spare. "More than a bit, if memory serves. Though with what we were drinking, it might not serve me well."
Hermione bit her lip to keep from snickering. Lucius glanced at her and by the curving of his lips, he probably knew she wanted to laugh.
Miles nodded. "You know you might be right, but I'm not sure how well my memory serves me either. Which is probably a good thing." Both men laughing, while Hermione tried to keep a polite smile on her face.
Lucius' arm around Hermione, he felt her shift a little closer to him and prayed it wasn't the potion kicking in. He didn't need this in front of Miles. Miles was too important of a business associate to have upset by any kinds of enthusiastic displays. Miles was rather conservative when it came to...well, everything.
"Are you leaving already, Lucius?" Miles asked.
Lucius smiled. "My lovely companion is tired and ready to go home."
Hermione fought a frown and an eye roll. I am not. She thought, but decided Lucius was simply looking for an easy way to escape the man.
Miles looked at Hermione, his eyes roaming over her figure and smirked. "I understand, my friend. I understand completely."
His blatant ogling of Hermione and his statement made Lucius think that maybe Miles wasn't as conservative as he thought. Or had simply had a bit too many of the drinks being liberally passed around. It also made Lucius want to pull his wand and hex the man. Hermione saw the look and smirk on the older man's face, and her eyes frosted over at the implications. Lucius knew they needed to go either before the potion kicked in or before Hermione said something he would regret.
"Well, time to go, Miles. Please, do excuse us." Lucius said, thinking that since the floo was busy, that he'd just get her outside and apparate.
They said their goodbyes and as Lucius went to lead Hermione towards the door, he heard Miles speak. "Enjoy your evening, my friend. I know I would with that tasty little bit."
Lucius didn't wince, though he wanted to, hoping she didn't hear the last parting comment. However, by stiff set of her shoulders, she must have. He got her outside and a few feet away, before he pulled her close and used his wand to apparate them both away.
A/N: I know, bad place to leave it, but it couldn't be helped. Hmm…a lust potion…fun stuff is coming...and somehow Snape gets involved...just saying. Ok, show of hands, who guessed Lavender was the one to tip off Rita Skeeter? I'd raise my hand…but I wrote it, so I knew the whole time…lol. More coming soon, take care and please leave me your thoughts.