Disclaimer: See previous chapters, I'm getting fed up with them not being mine.
A/N: Nearly there now. One more chapter and then an epilogue. Thanks for all your reviews and to Sunglow999 for beta reading
Chapter 11 - Comedy of Errors
"So, Chastity, are there any more at home like you?" Draco was lounging against the railing of the mezzanine floor, studying his newest employee.
Chastity looked up at him, her eyes veiled behind the longest darkest lashes Draco had ever seen.
"Two older sisters."
Draco didn't see Crabbe and Goyle ascending the stairs, so focused was he on her.
"Names?"
"Faith and Hope."
"And you got Chastity?"
She shrugged. "I was supposed to be called Charity, but the Mage sneezed at the naming ceremony."
Draco laughed, throwing his head back. Chastity tensed, but relaxed when she saw the Two Rons, as she'd affectionately dubbed Vincent and Gregory.
"I like you, Chastity. I don't normally date staff, but for you I'll make an exception." Draco moved closer, touching her cheek with a finger.
"Why, thank you, Draco. I do normally date my bosses, but for you I'll make an exception." She brushed his hand away and ran lightly down the stairs, smiling as she passed the other two.
Draco frowned. Had he just been given the brush-off? He turned to follow her, but found his way blocked by Crabbe and Goyle. In the few days since he'd taken her on, he'd found her more often than not in the company of the other two men. He'd watched her show them some of the moves she had used to take them down, moving quickly almost like a cat in her tight black leggings and dragon hide boots. He still hadn't found out if she was muggle-born, and was determined to find out this minute.
He went to move past Vincent, but found his way blocked. He stepped to the right, but Gregory blocked his path.
"Get out of the way."
"No, Draco."
"What?"
"Chastity's nice. We like her."
"You're telling me this because...?"
"We want her to stick around. If you mess around with her, she won't stay."
"You're protecting her from me?"
"Er..Yes."
"I think she can defend herself, don't you?"
Vincent grinned suddenly. "Yeah, after the way she gave you the brush-off, I think she can take care of herself."
Draco shook his head. He never thought he'd see the day when his two sidekicks would gang up on him, especially over a slip of a girl.
"All right, all right. I get the message. Don't mess with her. But you don't stand in my way if she comes to me of her own accord. Deal?"
"Deal." They both nodded.
Draco smiled. Now all he had to do was work a little bit of the old Malfoy charm on her.
~~~
"I have an announcement to make." Dumbledore tapped his glass to get everyone's attention at dinner on the Thursday before the Halloween feast.
Hermione looked across to Severus, who scowled back at her.
"As a reward for a particularly..busy..term," he looked down the table to where Severus was hunched over his glass, ignoring the snickers from the staff, "The seventh years have been invited to the grand re-opening of Mr Malfoy's club. Please be aware that no alcoholic substances will be served to you, and you will travel by portkey. Dress robes are optional, but I hear muggle dress is quite popular for such an outing." He paused as the noise and excitement level grew.
He tapped his glass again.
"You will be chaperoned." Groans sounded in the hall. "By Miss Granger, Professors Lupin and Black, Madam Hooch and Professor Snape."
Severus looked up, appalled. Not only would he have to suffer the Halloween feast, he'd have to look after a load of hormone-laden teenagers at a club? What sort of club? And did the headmaster just say it was Draco Malfoy's club? Is that why she was spending so much time with him lately? He may have to go back to his old ways to find out....
~~~
Ginny didn't like the look on Snape's face. Perhaps it was time to update Harry and Ron on the Hermione situation. She could also use this as an excuse to see Harry again before the Christmas holiday. Both Harry and Ron had managed to get a quidditch scholarship, and their training schedule was quite heavy.
She'd send an owl to them, and then have a word with Hermione. She wondered what Draco's club was like...
~~~
"Hello, Hermione. Ready to go?" Draco was once again outside her sitting room door. He always escorted her to the club, which is why he'd arranged for the seventh years to portkey. Going down Knockturn Alley was not a good idea for unescorted young ladies.
"Yes. Looking forward to tomorrow night, Draco?"
"Actually, I'm a bit nervous."
"A Malfoy? Nervous? Catch me now before I faint!" she swooned dramatically and he laughed. They didn't notice the shadows darkening slightly.
Severus watched as Draco slid his arm around Hermione and followed them silently as they exited the main entrance and strolled down to the gates.
~~~
"Is he following them?" Ginny whispered to Harry and Ron as they followed under the disguise of Harry's invisibility cloak. It barely covered the three of them so they kept to the shadows.
"Yes. Why you had to drag us into this, I'll never know." Ron grumbled. "She's better off without him, I say." He shuddered, still finding it hard to reconcile the fact that Hermione was actually willing to go within ten feet of Snape. He'd be happy if he never saw him again, but there was no accounting for the taste of teenage girls, and Ginny had insisted Hermione needed protecting. Who from, he'd never know. That girl could look after herself, and he'd been hexed enough by her to know.
"Because I want to know what he's up to, that's why." Ginny brought his wandering thoughts back into focus.
"Hey, Ron, doesn't this remind you of the good times we had?" Harry said
"Yeah, but we were never following Snape around then."
"OK Harry, Hermione and Draco apparate directly to Knockturn Alley and walk the rest of the way. Let's go." Ginny peered out from under the cloak.
"What do you mean - let's go? You're not going anywhere." Harry turned to her.
"I beg your pardon?"
"It's too dangerous, Ginny, you're not going."
"Says who?"
"I do."
"Harry Potter, if you think I'm staying you've got another think coming." Ginny could feel her temper rising.
"OK, OK, but you stay well back out of the way." Harry quickly agreed with her.
"OK. Now let's go." They uncovered themselves and Ron apparated . Harry held Ginny close to him and followed. They appeared with a 'pop' and looked around. It was dark, but there were quite a few people moving around.
They spotted Draco and Hermione in the distance and Snape a few doorways back from them, a dark shadow. Dodging into a doorway, Harry turned to Ginny.
"Please stay here, Ginny. We won't be long." He kissed her cheek.
"OK, Harry. Just make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."
"Don't worry, Ron can take care of himself."
"I meant Snape!"
"We're supposed to stop Snape making an idiot of himself? How?"
"I don't know. Cause a diversion or something. Anyway, Hermione said she wouldn't be long, just a few last minute things to clear up and then she was going home."
"Does she know about us following her?"
"Um..No."
"Bloody marvellous!" Ron rolled his eyes. "You are going to get in so much trouble if anyone catches you."
"Meaning Snape?"
"No, Hermione. She'll never trust you again."
"So don't get caught. Come on, Ron, you managed to sneak around Hogwarts for seven years. One simple foray into Knockturn Alley should be a piece of cake."
"What has dessert got to do with this?"
"Forget it. Just go, before you lose them."
Trying not to look too conspicuous, they melted into the shadows; glad their cloaks let them blend in. From doorway to doorway they went, keeping the dark shadow of Snape in front of them. They spotted the Dragon's Lair, a bright neon sign of silver and green in the shape of a dragon above the wide doorway. Draco and Hermione entered, nodding to Crabbe and Goyle who flanked the doors. They watched as Severus slid into a dark doorway opposite the club and settled down to wait, his arms folded over his chest, face in shadows except his eyes that glittered darkly.
"Is that all he's going to do? Wait her out?" Harry whispered.
"Dunno."
"Let's give it half an hour, then head back to Ginny. I don't like to leave her alone too long." Harry had noticed the men lurking in doorways.
Half an hour passed and then Hermione appeared at the entrance of the club with a tiny black-haired girl. They chatted for a few minutes and then Hermione apparated with a pop. Severus straightened and then was gone himself.
Harry looked at Ron, who shrugged.
"What a waste of time." Ron said.
"Yeah." Harry was thinking of the time he could have spent with Ginny, perhaps reacquainting themselves with the broom shed.
"Let's get back to Ginny." With no need to hide, they walked quickly back to where they'd left her.
Ginny was fed up waiting for Harry and Ron to come back. She fidgeted in the doorway, peering out occasionally. She didn't notice the man opposite, looking at her, watching her fiery hair spill out over her cloak. He moved closer, approaching silently.
"How much?" he asked, leering at her.
"Pardon?"
"How much?" he reached out and stroked a lock of her hair that lay on her shoulder.
"I don't know what you mean.."
"Sure you do. Come on, I haven't got all night." His hand moved down her arm.
"Look, bugger off will you?" she was getting angry.
"I've got money, girly, and I like 'em young." He moved even closer, his breath smelling of ale.
"Not this young, mate." Harry pulled him away from Ginny, furious.
"Sod off. I saw her first."
"Right. Now see this second." Ron swung his fist, all his power behind the punch, and knocked the man down.
"Bloody pervert." He said. He looked over as Harry gathered Ginny into his arms.
"Let's go. It was a bloody waste of time, Ginny, and if you ever have another crazy idea like this again I will personally lock you in the broom shed with Harry. That may keep you out of trouble." He rolled his eyes. "Forget I just said that."
"Sorry." She was suitably chastened, until she felt Harry against her. She smiled wickedly. "We can still visit the broom shed, Harry." She whispered.
"You'll be the death of me, Ginny."
"But what a way to go." She reached up and kissed him.
~~~
Draco was frustrated. It was like taking one step forward and two steps back with Chastity. She was driving him up the wall; flirty one minute, cold as ice the next. She thought nothing of wearing skimpy crop tops, but was offended if he touched her hand in passing. He'd used all his best lines on her, and nothing was working. In fact, she only seemed to relax with Crabbe and Goyle, Lavender and Parvati, and, of course, Hermione. It was amazing how quickly she had settled in. He had overhead a few of their conversations, and he'd concluded she was muggle-born. No pureblood would ever have the sort of knowledge she displayed about the muggle world. Bugger. He would have preferred her to be pureblood, the Malfoy line shouldn't be tainted.
Whoa! Where did that come from? He had no intention of having a serious relationship with that little tease. A quick shag, maybe, but nothing permanent, definitely not.
He wandered around the darkened club, hands thrust into his trouser pockets. He'd taken to leaving his robes off in the club, it got too hot most of the time. It was quiet, and he looked over the dance floor. They'd compromised on the décor. Downstairs was modern; lots of stainless steel and glass. Upstairs had polished wooden floors and plush carpets in green. The dining area had muting charms around each of the tables, so the noise from downstairs didn't intrude on the conversation. The tables away from the railing were more private, and there were a few private rooms available for those who didn't want to be disturbed. Strictly for dinner though, nothing else. Hermione was hoping she could persuade Severus to join her for dinner there one evening, and he'd make an exception in their case for all the help she'd given him.
~~~
Chastity watched him from the shadows, noting the brooding expression on his face. Did it have anything to do with Hermione? She knew Hermione was involved with someone else, but was Draco hoping she would turn to him if it didn't work out? She hoped not. He was in her thoughts far too much lately, and she'd known him less than two weeks. He was gorgeous, and had a way of flirting about him that should be illegal. How Hermione could resist him was beyond her, but she treated him like a brother. She'd even called him a ferret once, which hadn't gone down too well. She wondered what all that was about...
~~~
Hermione made her way back to Gryffindor tower, glad her help with the club wasn't needed anymore. She needed a quiet day tomorrow to plan her attack. She was determined that Friday night would be her last night away from Severus. Come Saturday, she'd be back in his bed, even if it meant sneaking in there as Cleo and waiting until he returned.
~~~
Severus made his way back down to the dungeons, satisfied that Hermione was safely home again. Draco could kiss goodbye to his future if anything had happened to Hermione in Knockturn Alley. He was tired now. Two months he'd been without her; two months of fluctuating emotions. All he wanted now was to hold her again in his arms, and Saturday night was the perfect opportunity to get his life back together again.
Now all he had to do was decide whether to wear those leather trousers again....
TBC
A/N: Nearly there now. One more chapter and then an epilogue. Thanks for all your reviews and to Sunglow999 for beta reading
Chapter 11 - Comedy of Errors
"So, Chastity, are there any more at home like you?" Draco was lounging against the railing of the mezzanine floor, studying his newest employee.
Chastity looked up at him, her eyes veiled behind the longest darkest lashes Draco had ever seen.
"Two older sisters."
Draco didn't see Crabbe and Goyle ascending the stairs, so focused was he on her.
"Names?"
"Faith and Hope."
"And you got Chastity?"
She shrugged. "I was supposed to be called Charity, but the Mage sneezed at the naming ceremony."
Draco laughed, throwing his head back. Chastity tensed, but relaxed when she saw the Two Rons, as she'd affectionately dubbed Vincent and Gregory.
"I like you, Chastity. I don't normally date staff, but for you I'll make an exception." Draco moved closer, touching her cheek with a finger.
"Why, thank you, Draco. I do normally date my bosses, but for you I'll make an exception." She brushed his hand away and ran lightly down the stairs, smiling as she passed the other two.
Draco frowned. Had he just been given the brush-off? He turned to follow her, but found his way blocked by Crabbe and Goyle. In the few days since he'd taken her on, he'd found her more often than not in the company of the other two men. He'd watched her show them some of the moves she had used to take them down, moving quickly almost like a cat in her tight black leggings and dragon hide boots. He still hadn't found out if she was muggle-born, and was determined to find out this minute.
He went to move past Vincent, but found his way blocked. He stepped to the right, but Gregory blocked his path.
"Get out of the way."
"No, Draco."
"What?"
"Chastity's nice. We like her."
"You're telling me this because...?"
"We want her to stick around. If you mess around with her, she won't stay."
"You're protecting her from me?"
"Er..Yes."
"I think she can defend herself, don't you?"
Vincent grinned suddenly. "Yeah, after the way she gave you the brush-off, I think she can take care of herself."
Draco shook his head. He never thought he'd see the day when his two sidekicks would gang up on him, especially over a slip of a girl.
"All right, all right. I get the message. Don't mess with her. But you don't stand in my way if she comes to me of her own accord. Deal?"
"Deal." They both nodded.
Draco smiled. Now all he had to do was work a little bit of the old Malfoy charm on her.
~~~
"I have an announcement to make." Dumbledore tapped his glass to get everyone's attention at dinner on the Thursday before the Halloween feast.
Hermione looked across to Severus, who scowled back at her.
"As a reward for a particularly..busy..term," he looked down the table to where Severus was hunched over his glass, ignoring the snickers from the staff, "The seventh years have been invited to the grand re-opening of Mr Malfoy's club. Please be aware that no alcoholic substances will be served to you, and you will travel by portkey. Dress robes are optional, but I hear muggle dress is quite popular for such an outing." He paused as the noise and excitement level grew.
He tapped his glass again.
"You will be chaperoned." Groans sounded in the hall. "By Miss Granger, Professors Lupin and Black, Madam Hooch and Professor Snape."
Severus looked up, appalled. Not only would he have to suffer the Halloween feast, he'd have to look after a load of hormone-laden teenagers at a club? What sort of club? And did the headmaster just say it was Draco Malfoy's club? Is that why she was spending so much time with him lately? He may have to go back to his old ways to find out....
~~~
Ginny didn't like the look on Snape's face. Perhaps it was time to update Harry and Ron on the Hermione situation. She could also use this as an excuse to see Harry again before the Christmas holiday. Both Harry and Ron had managed to get a quidditch scholarship, and their training schedule was quite heavy.
She'd send an owl to them, and then have a word with Hermione. She wondered what Draco's club was like...
~~~
"Hello, Hermione. Ready to go?" Draco was once again outside her sitting room door. He always escorted her to the club, which is why he'd arranged for the seventh years to portkey. Going down Knockturn Alley was not a good idea for unescorted young ladies.
"Yes. Looking forward to tomorrow night, Draco?"
"Actually, I'm a bit nervous."
"A Malfoy? Nervous? Catch me now before I faint!" she swooned dramatically and he laughed. They didn't notice the shadows darkening slightly.
Severus watched as Draco slid his arm around Hermione and followed them silently as they exited the main entrance and strolled down to the gates.
~~~
"Is he following them?" Ginny whispered to Harry and Ron as they followed under the disguise of Harry's invisibility cloak. It barely covered the three of them so they kept to the shadows.
"Yes. Why you had to drag us into this, I'll never know." Ron grumbled. "She's better off without him, I say." He shuddered, still finding it hard to reconcile the fact that Hermione was actually willing to go within ten feet of Snape. He'd be happy if he never saw him again, but there was no accounting for the taste of teenage girls, and Ginny had insisted Hermione needed protecting. Who from, he'd never know. That girl could look after herself, and he'd been hexed enough by her to know.
"Because I want to know what he's up to, that's why." Ginny brought his wandering thoughts back into focus.
"Hey, Ron, doesn't this remind you of the good times we had?" Harry said
"Yeah, but we were never following Snape around then."
"OK Harry, Hermione and Draco apparate directly to Knockturn Alley and walk the rest of the way. Let's go." Ginny peered out from under the cloak.
"What do you mean - let's go? You're not going anywhere." Harry turned to her.
"I beg your pardon?"
"It's too dangerous, Ginny, you're not going."
"Says who?"
"I do."
"Harry Potter, if you think I'm staying you've got another think coming." Ginny could feel her temper rising.
"OK, OK, but you stay well back out of the way." Harry quickly agreed with her.
"OK. Now let's go." They uncovered themselves and Ron apparated . Harry held Ginny close to him and followed. They appeared with a 'pop' and looked around. It was dark, but there were quite a few people moving around.
They spotted Draco and Hermione in the distance and Snape a few doorways back from them, a dark shadow. Dodging into a doorway, Harry turned to Ginny.
"Please stay here, Ginny. We won't be long." He kissed her cheek.
"OK, Harry. Just make sure he doesn't do anything stupid."
"Don't worry, Ron can take care of himself."
"I meant Snape!"
"We're supposed to stop Snape making an idiot of himself? How?"
"I don't know. Cause a diversion or something. Anyway, Hermione said she wouldn't be long, just a few last minute things to clear up and then she was going home."
"Does she know about us following her?"
"Um..No."
"Bloody marvellous!" Ron rolled his eyes. "You are going to get in so much trouble if anyone catches you."
"Meaning Snape?"
"No, Hermione. She'll never trust you again."
"So don't get caught. Come on, Ron, you managed to sneak around Hogwarts for seven years. One simple foray into Knockturn Alley should be a piece of cake."
"What has dessert got to do with this?"
"Forget it. Just go, before you lose them."
Trying not to look too conspicuous, they melted into the shadows; glad their cloaks let them blend in. From doorway to doorway they went, keeping the dark shadow of Snape in front of them. They spotted the Dragon's Lair, a bright neon sign of silver and green in the shape of a dragon above the wide doorway. Draco and Hermione entered, nodding to Crabbe and Goyle who flanked the doors. They watched as Severus slid into a dark doorway opposite the club and settled down to wait, his arms folded over his chest, face in shadows except his eyes that glittered darkly.
"Is that all he's going to do? Wait her out?" Harry whispered.
"Dunno."
"Let's give it half an hour, then head back to Ginny. I don't like to leave her alone too long." Harry had noticed the men lurking in doorways.
Half an hour passed and then Hermione appeared at the entrance of the club with a tiny black-haired girl. They chatted for a few minutes and then Hermione apparated with a pop. Severus straightened and then was gone himself.
Harry looked at Ron, who shrugged.
"What a waste of time." Ron said.
"Yeah." Harry was thinking of the time he could have spent with Ginny, perhaps reacquainting themselves with the broom shed.
"Let's get back to Ginny." With no need to hide, they walked quickly back to where they'd left her.
Ginny was fed up waiting for Harry and Ron to come back. She fidgeted in the doorway, peering out occasionally. She didn't notice the man opposite, looking at her, watching her fiery hair spill out over her cloak. He moved closer, approaching silently.
"How much?" he asked, leering at her.
"Pardon?"
"How much?" he reached out and stroked a lock of her hair that lay on her shoulder.
"I don't know what you mean.."
"Sure you do. Come on, I haven't got all night." His hand moved down her arm.
"Look, bugger off will you?" she was getting angry.
"I've got money, girly, and I like 'em young." He moved even closer, his breath smelling of ale.
"Not this young, mate." Harry pulled him away from Ginny, furious.
"Sod off. I saw her first."
"Right. Now see this second." Ron swung his fist, all his power behind the punch, and knocked the man down.
"Bloody pervert." He said. He looked over as Harry gathered Ginny into his arms.
"Let's go. It was a bloody waste of time, Ginny, and if you ever have another crazy idea like this again I will personally lock you in the broom shed with Harry. That may keep you out of trouble." He rolled his eyes. "Forget I just said that."
"Sorry." She was suitably chastened, until she felt Harry against her. She smiled wickedly. "We can still visit the broom shed, Harry." She whispered.
"You'll be the death of me, Ginny."
"But what a way to go." She reached up and kissed him.
~~~
Draco was frustrated. It was like taking one step forward and two steps back with Chastity. She was driving him up the wall; flirty one minute, cold as ice the next. She thought nothing of wearing skimpy crop tops, but was offended if he touched her hand in passing. He'd used all his best lines on her, and nothing was working. In fact, she only seemed to relax with Crabbe and Goyle, Lavender and Parvati, and, of course, Hermione. It was amazing how quickly she had settled in. He had overhead a few of their conversations, and he'd concluded she was muggle-born. No pureblood would ever have the sort of knowledge she displayed about the muggle world. Bugger. He would have preferred her to be pureblood, the Malfoy line shouldn't be tainted.
Whoa! Where did that come from? He had no intention of having a serious relationship with that little tease. A quick shag, maybe, but nothing permanent, definitely not.
He wandered around the darkened club, hands thrust into his trouser pockets. He'd taken to leaving his robes off in the club, it got too hot most of the time. It was quiet, and he looked over the dance floor. They'd compromised on the décor. Downstairs was modern; lots of stainless steel and glass. Upstairs had polished wooden floors and plush carpets in green. The dining area had muting charms around each of the tables, so the noise from downstairs didn't intrude on the conversation. The tables away from the railing were more private, and there were a few private rooms available for those who didn't want to be disturbed. Strictly for dinner though, nothing else. Hermione was hoping she could persuade Severus to join her for dinner there one evening, and he'd make an exception in their case for all the help she'd given him.
~~~
Chastity watched him from the shadows, noting the brooding expression on his face. Did it have anything to do with Hermione? She knew Hermione was involved with someone else, but was Draco hoping she would turn to him if it didn't work out? She hoped not. He was in her thoughts far too much lately, and she'd known him less than two weeks. He was gorgeous, and had a way of flirting about him that should be illegal. How Hermione could resist him was beyond her, but she treated him like a brother. She'd even called him a ferret once, which hadn't gone down too well. She wondered what all that was about...
~~~
Hermione made her way back to Gryffindor tower, glad her help with the club wasn't needed anymore. She needed a quiet day tomorrow to plan her attack. She was determined that Friday night would be her last night away from Severus. Come Saturday, she'd be back in his bed, even if it meant sneaking in there as Cleo and waiting until he returned.
~~~
Severus made his way back down to the dungeons, satisfied that Hermione was safely home again. Draco could kiss goodbye to his future if anything had happened to Hermione in Knockturn Alley. He was tired now. Two months he'd been without her; two months of fluctuating emotions. All he wanted now was to hold her again in his arms, and Saturday night was the perfect opportunity to get his life back together again.
Now all he had to do was decide whether to wear those leather trousers again....
TBC