By
Disclaimer: All items relating or pertaining to the Harry Potter Universe belong to J.K. Rowling, Scholastic Inc., and the Warner Brothers Co. Please don't sue me, I have no money.
Author: Joy
Title: Black Cadillac
Rating: PG-13
Summary: In answer to the 'Snape's Wheels' plotbunny on WIKTT. The year is 1999, and the war rages on. But for two of wizarding kind's brightest minds, the time has come where survival is priority. Can they find escape together? Will they find it in one another? SS/HG.
AN: The title is inspired by Jordan Avenue's song 'Blue Cadillac'. A great song to listen to while reading this fic! Check out the artist at jordanave.com
Also, I have to thank Kris for pointing out my very bad calculations on the cost of furniture. I'm definately not a conessuire. So what I did was went to a local furniture store's website, and found everything that was similar to what I listed, and added up the prices. Hopefully, it's a bit more accurate. And for those of you who didn't get to see the former total, I had it at: $150,435.00
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"Hello! How can I help you fine folks today?" An elderly salesman had rushed to Hermione and Severus' side immedietly upon entering the upscale furniture store. Hermione giggled under her breath, and nodded in reply.
"Yes. My husband and I need to furnish our entire appartment." Severus scowled and grumbled under his breath. He was going to spend an unholy amount of money on things that would only be used for a couple of months; his money, not Albus'. Of course, Hermione didn't know this, and he prefered it that way. He knew she would feel indebted to him if she knew, and contrary to popular belief, he did not like having people owe him anything.
"I see." The man said, subtly looking over the young couple. They looked tired, worn; as if they hadn't slept in days and were running on pure adrenaline and caffiene. Little did he know how right he was. "May I inquire as to your price range?"
"Well-" Hermione began, but was quickly cut off by Severus.
"Cost is of no consequence." He spoke gruffly, shoving his hands in his pockets. "Now if you'd don't mind, I'd like to get this done quickly. We have other places to go before the day is done."
The salesman looked a bit put out at Severus' attitude, but he shook it off and strode over towards the warehouse. Hermione and Severus followed behind quickly, looking around as they entered the gigantic showroom. Hermione automatically moved towards the bedroom furniture, but upon seeing that the salesman heading for the living area furniture, turned and followed quietly.
"Now, can you tell me the color scheme for your living area?" The man asked Hermione politely, shooting Severus nervous glances every now and again. This caused the former Potions Master to roll his eyes and and withdraw his hands from his pockets to cross his arms over his chest. Hermione shot him a look that said 'Be nice, or you'll regret it later.'
"Of course, the walls are a soft beige and the floors seemed to be hardwood; either cherry or mahogany, I couldn't quite tell." Hermione replied with a kind smile, elbowing Severus in the side when he grumbled audibly under his breath. The salesman looked warily between the two for a moment, before moving over to a set of furniture in varying red shades.
"The darker shades of red usually compliment beige quite nicely." He said with a nervous smile, waving at the collection behind him. Most were displayed in sets; complete with couch, loveseat, two chairs, two endtables, 2 lamps, a coffee table, and a home entertainment peice. Hermione walked among the furniture, picturing the color of their living room in her mind, and then picturing each peice there. She'd gone through most of the sets when she finally happened upon a set in a wine red color, with cherry wood tables.
"How about this, darling?" She flashed Severus a sickingly sweet smile and sat down to test the comfort level. "Oooh!" She cooed as she relaxed into the couch and ran her hands over the luxurious velvet. "Heath, come sit down."
"Sarah-" Severus spoke in a warning tone, but Hermione would have none of it.
"Heath." She raised an eyebrow and patted the empty spot beside her. "Come. Sit. Down."
"Very well, dear." He ground the 'dear' out through clenched teeth and stalked over to the couch where she was still cooing over the look and feel of it all. Grudginly, he sat down. "Oooh!" His eyes were wide as he snuggled deeper and unconsiously mimicked Hermione's actions.
"I think we'll take this set." Hermione spoke with amusement in her voice to the salesman who was standing beside one of the matching chairs. He nodded and held back the laughter as he quickly jotted down the product number on his clipboard. "Can we see the bedroom sets, next?" She asked quietly as she stood up.
"Of course!" The man beamed and motioned for the couple to follow him. Severus raised to his feet and gave the couch one last longing look before following his 'wife' and the salesman over to the bedroom furniture. By the time he reached them, Hermione had already picked out a set for the master bedroom. She had chosen a mahogany four-poster bed with navy curtains, and sheets, pillows, and blankets in similar shades of blue. There was also a matching dresser, armoir and vanity; all a rich mahogany wood with brass hardware.
"Don't you think this will suit our bedroom perfectly?" Hermione cooed, accentuating the 'our' with a mischevious glint in her eyes. Severus fought back the grin that was attempting the break free.
"Of course, dear." He replied with an adoring tone, causing Hermione to blink rapidly for a moment.
"Um, we'll take this set then. We also need one for the guest bedroom." She said, casting Severus a weary, yet amused, glance. The salesman jotted down the product number and hurried after Hermione.
"You mentioned you had two bedrooms; wouldn't you rather save the second for a nursery?"
"No!" Hermoine and Severus spoke forcefully, in unison, which startled the elderly man. Hermione cleared her throat and shot him an appologetic smile. "We're not ready for children."
"Ahh..." He nodded, not really believing the statement. He could tell there was something fishy going on between the newlyweds, but he didn't speak of his suspicions. "Well, here's a nice, green set." He said, stopping before a set that was very similar to the blue one; except that there was a desk instead of a vanity, and the linens were all shades of green.
"We'll take it." Severus said immediately, running his hand along the top of the polished desk. After jotting down the second sets number, the salesman weaved his way out of the bedroom section and over to the formal dining area display.
"I assume, since you live on Beacon Hill, your apartment contains a formal dining area. Am I correct?"
"Yes. The walls are burgundy with muted gold accents; the floors, hardwood." Hermoine replied almost automatically. She could tell the salesman was beginning to become suspicious of them. Since the dining set was the last they had to purchase here, Hermione pointed out one and said they'd take it.
"Excellent choice." And it was. The table was ebony with gold accents, and matching chairs. There was also an ebony combination winerack and china display case. He quickly jotted the number down and quickly walked over to the register. After punching in each price, he turned to Severus, who was holding the checkbook open. "Your total comes to $7,100.00 Mr. Adams."
Hermione balked at the total, but Severus only waved her protests off as he filled out the check and handed it over; as well as Heath's ID.
"Very well." The man said, processing the check as Severus filled out the delivery information. "We'll have this delivered in 4 hours. Enjoy your day, and thank you for fullfilling your furniture needs here."
"Thank you." Hermione murmured politely as they left the store. When they were out on the busy streets, she turned on Severus. "I can't believe you were so rude to him! It was starting to make him suspicious near the end. What if he's one of us! One of THEM?!"
"Calm down. He isn't."
"And how would you know that?" Hermione had resumed walking, but had her arms folded across her face and a 'Hell Hath No Fury' look on her face.
"I checked him when we first arrived. Handy little spell. Don't even need a wand to cast it." He replied, as if it was common knowledge and he were surprised at Hermione for not knowing.
"Oh."
"Oh, indeed. Here's our next stop." He had stopped infront of an expensive looking housewears shop.
"You're infurating." Hermionw whispered harshly as Severus pulled open the door and walked in.
"Yes, I know."
"Bastard." She muttered under her breath as they began shopping for the various things they would need for the kitchen and bathrooms, as well as a few other electronic items for the apartment. After another hour of shopping, they left the store with a receipt a foot long and the knowledge that their purchases would be delivered around the same time as their furniture. "We need clothes."
"Don't remind me."
"Don't tell me you're actually going to miss those victorian, chin-high monstrosities you wore in my school days!" Hermione exclaimed, their earlier arguments long forgotten in her excitement over shopping for a new wardrobe.
"No. But I'm not looking forward to going without robes for the next Merlin-only-knows months." He explained softly, so as to not alert any of the passerby.
"I see. We're here." Hermione grinned and winked as she swung open the door to an Old Navy store. Severus sighed heavily and followed; the assault of heavy music weighing heavy on his ears and mind. Hermione turned to see if he was still behind her, and smirked at the expression on his face. "They're called Evanscense, and they're quite good."
"It's atrocious. Give me Bach anyday."
"You're such a spoilsport." She smacked his arm playfully, receiving a mixture of odd looks as she hurried over towards the men section. Severus watched with growing anxiety as she began pulling an unholy amount of jeans off of a rack and slinging them over her free arm.
"What ARE you doing, woman?!" He exclaimed, striding over to her and looking with horror at the pile of clothes she managed to grab in only a few minutes.
"I'm picking out your clothes, darling." She sang out with a vindictive smile on her face. Severus groaned and ran a hand exasperatedly through his hair.
"You're going to be the death of me."
"No I won't, but these might." Hermione held up a pair of tan, leather pants and wiggled her eyebrows.
"No! I will NOT wear those! Put them down, RIGHT NOW!"
"Like I said. Spoilsport." She laughed at his expression as she put the pants away. She loved getting a rise out of him and knowing that he couldn't do anything to reciprocate that might involve an extra limb or hairloss. Severus glowered, but didn't say another word as they went through the process of picking out and trying on clothes; purchasing, and then moving onto another store. By the time two hours had passed, their arms were laden down with bulky shopping bags.
"I think that's enough for now." Severus grumbled as he shifted the weight of the bags in his hands. They had been to 3 stores, where they had bought a slew of casual and formal wear, as well as shoes and other accessories. And to Hermione's amazement, Severus hadn't turned down the black, leather jacket she'd picked out for him. No, he'd actually grinned after carefully inspecting it, and added it to their other items.
"All right. But we still need to buy groceries." She pointed out as they walked up the walkway to their apartment. Severus groaned as he unlocked the door and pushed his way through.
"How about we order out tonight, and do that tommorow." He suggested with a hopeful, almost boyish look on his face.
"I suppose that could work." Hermione agreed with a sincere smile as they entered their apartment and deposited their bags on the floor of the living room. "I wish I could sit down right now." She sighed heavily. Her feet were aching from walking all day; and she knew they were both exhausted from not sleeping for over two days.
"I couldn't agree more." And as if to answer their prayers, a loud knock sounded at their door, signaling the arrival of the days purchases.
It took a lot of work and even more time, but by the time twilight shone through the windows every peice of furniture was in place. The bags from the clothing and housewears store still littered the floor of the living room, but neither cared at that moment.
"Forget take-out. I'm just ready to fall asleep." Hermione said from her position on their new couch. Severus, who was beside her, nodded in agreement. In the next few moments of silence, Hermione was able to dwell on the events of the day; most particularly the position they arrived in.
And how much she hated to admit that she enjoyed it; and Severus company the entire day. Even if he was a grouch half of the time.
With a tired smile on her face, she bent over and retrieved a beige afgahn from a bag. Scooting over, she layed down and sprawled her legs across the couch.
"Good night, Severus." She murmured, resting her head in his lap. Severus, for his part, was too tired to take any notice of the action. Instead, he gently lifted her head so that he could lay down behind her; situated half of the blanket over himself, and the layed his head down.
Within minutes they were sleeping soundly; Hermione wrapped protectively in Severus' arms.
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I just wanted to take the time now to thank my loyal reviewers. Your continuing support is what helps to keep me out of writer's slump, which I have a tendency to fall into when I feel that no one is reading my stories.
Great big hugs to you all! :huggles!:
Aegina- I love the evil cliffies! It gets the reader wanting more; and therefor, I don't lose any! I'm just trying to entertain, is all. Hehehe.
Serpens Potio- I hope your toes aren't hurting from me keeping you on them the entire time! :-D I'm a dork, don't mind me! Keep reading!
marajade179- Yes... I have decided who the spy is but that won't be revealed until the endish of the story. :evil cackle:
nicole- I'm trying my best to keep the updates coming! Thanks for reading!
F75- I try my best to keep it interesting!
Lyssanne- Whee! I made your favorites list! :glomp!: THANK YOU!
RunningPadfoot- I think you have got to be my most dedicated reader, and for that, I THANK YOU! :special glomps: E-mail me with ONE thing you would like to see happen, and I'll work it into the story.
Danric-Lover- I love cats; and I thought I'd throw you all for a loop. Bet you thought it was gonna be Death Eaters or a human, eh? :-D
Heather- My best friend Jordan has a song called 'Blue Cadillac' and I was listening to it as I was trying to find a name for the fic. The song went perfectly along with the first few chapters, so I just had to give Sevvie a Black Cadillac. And then I saw the piccie of the Cadillac XLR and fell in love. I wish I had the money to buy one, too!
Callista- I'm glad you find my story exciting; hopefully it hasn't become too dull for you in the past few chapters!
The-Rouge-Thorn- I guess Sarah is sort of plain, but I was looking for S names, and it's just about the only one that sounded good with Adams. And we all need to read about 'stirrings in the groin' at one point in our lives!
Jeanne- Glad you're enjoying it! Keep reading!
Jessica- Woah! Calm down girlie! I'll finish! I'm not gonna leave this story hanging! I'm having too much fun writing it, to do that.
Lady Matsu- I wouldn't have put them in Boston, if I didn't think MA could handle it. :wink wink:
otaku-no-miko- You aren't the only one who finds SS/HG strange. There are plenty others out there. It's a pairing that you have to get used to; let it grow on you. But if you think about it, they are perfect for one another. I'm glad that my fic seems to have hooked you! There are a ton of other good SS/HG fics out there that you just have to read!
piglet1- I'm trying to make it suspensful, but I seemed to have headed out of that for the time being. Do not fear! The suspence/drama WILL return! :gets mischevious gleam in eyes:
Stupid_Girl_Of_Cold- I'm glad you like it, though I admit I've never had a story been called 'cute' before. It's groovy!
Hero Benedick- Thanks for enjoying the story; and I'm glad that you liked my little peice. I'll never forget, either.
Lily of the Shadow- The images are sad, I agree. :sigh: I hope I'm making the story interesting enough for you, still!
Maddy-Riddle- You'll get to read about it soon, I promise! :evil cackle:
BaYer04rulz- SS/HG is one of my favorite ships too! I'm glad you're loving it! Whee!
Secret Agent Smut Girl- I'm glad you approve of my writing style. I used to suck, but Senior BritLit taught me well. :-D I have to treat Boston well, it's my State Capital! And don't worry about Hermione's grieving, or lack there of... I have something in store for her...
sheep1- I'm glad you liked the apartment! It took me forever to come up with good color schemes, and room placement. It's basically my dream apartment!
Mary7- I'm trying to post more! Whee! Hopefully I will be able to post a chapter at least every other day. But we have a hurricane heading our way, so I dunno about this next week/weekend.
wildvictoria- Well, you never know with our dear Sevvie. He just keeps throwing us for a loop! He's actually enjoying Hermione's company, and maybe, just maybe, he'll enjoy shopping with her as well...
klo- Those two were born to drive eachother nuts; but you never know. Just wait and see...