A/N Chapter seven has been completed, and over the weekend I got out the old pen and paper to write out chapter 8 by hand. Does anyone know of a website I can submit this story to? I'm going to have a rated R chapter 9, and a 'missing scene' NC17 that I need to post somewhere. Or, if that doesn't work out, you can give me your e-mail addresses and I'll personally send the smut to you.
Chapter 8: Hot Halloween Night
Heaps of clothes littered every inch of Hermione's bedroom floor. The werewolf gazed about, half amused, half exhausted. It had taken many hours of trial and error, but now the genius witch stood in the middle of the mess dressed all in black. The outfit was entirely Lupin's idea, making Hermione briefly question his sexuality.
"This is a bit much, don't you think?" the witch was hesitant; her stomach was twisted in knots from being nervous.
"We already agreed to this, there's no going back now," he smiled and winked. "Besides, maybe Fleur has a kinky side, and this will help bring it out."
The young woman's face turned a dark shade of pink. She had only been joking about S and M, really. If she was honest with herself, she'd admit being slightly curious about it all. One thing she knew for sure, however, was that her outfit screamed submission, not dominance. Black leather straps criss-crossed her back, connecting to a leather collar that had three metal rings. Her athletic stomach was bared, due to the low-rise leather pants she wore. Across her backside was written in metal studs the single word 'slave'. Finishing the ensemble were a pair of military style boots. Most of her outfit was created by transfiguration spells she had invented in the past. The 'slave' idea was entirely Lupin's.
"Are you sure you're gay?" Hermione questioned the former teacher; feeling quite embarrassed standing in front of a three-tiered mirror inspecting herself.
"Absolutely. That looks almost exactly like the outfit I used to wear for Sirius," he smiled fondly of those memories, and then gave her a warm hug. "You look fabulous, I know she'll love it."
Fleur's bedroom was immaculate. The neat and tidy space looked as though no one ever occupied it. The French woman had been getting ready for the evening, wanting to impress Hermione with her choice of clothing. She wore her hair down so it hung loosely about her face; it seemed very casual. The rest of her was professional, yet something was off. Her hands smoothed the white button up shirt she had on, and then smoothed out her black pants. A small clip attached to her side was holding up a long, thin object. 'I wonder what everyone will think of me having a riding crop. No doubt it shall create a copious amount of gossip,' Fleur smirked and put on a pair of sunglasses, determination flowing through her veins. Walking out the door, she made her way to Harry and Ginny Potter's house with a swagger in the stride.
The very air around her leather-clad body seemed to shimmer with anxiety and hope. There was definite anticipation building within her. She let out a small startled 'eep' as a pumpkin swooshed down from the thick gold leaves of a tall tree (the pumpkin had a happy face whose eyes rolled continuously about). 'I'm being silly,' Hermione thought, 'there's nothing to fear about tonight... and the possibility of looking like a fool in front of the first woman I've let myself even think about dating since being at Hogwarts!' Fixing her bushy brown hair, Hermione completely set on making her nerves less like wet noodles and more like enchanted steel (practically unbreakable in anyway).
Floating pumpkins danced around the Potter residence, their facial expressions turned from goofy to scary, resolved to get a reaction from the arriving guests. Every member of the Order of the Phoenix was there already. Despite the bitter chill that had settled over the land, everyone was excited for a chance to get together, relax, and share stories.
Harry and Ginny were dressed up as Trekkies; they set the friendly atmosphere for the party quite well. Dumbledore, with his long silver beard, wore swim trunks and a Hawaiian t-shirt. He had just arrived for a brief appearance before returning to Hogwarts. Obviously amused with himself, he sipped a tall fruit drink and stirred it with the little umbrella before starting up a conversation with Moody. The other Big Hollow residents wore the cheapest, cheesiest muggle costumes they could find. Some had fake plastic vampire teeth in, while others had fake stitches or over-done fake bloody noses. Two guests stood out in particular though. Lupin wore a pink halter-top and a black miniskirt, while Snape wore all white as opposed to his usual black. His greasy hair actually looked clean for a change. The two eyed each other for a moment, both surprised and horrified at each other. Fortunately they had resolved nearly all of their differences and went their separate ways without unnecessary conflict.
Sitting in the corner, alone and anti-social, she waited. The hunt had begun this morning and would not stop until she heard her prey give total control. Her eyes narrowed as the door creaked open. Hermione was late, but it didn't matter. Fleur licked her lips in anticipation, drinking Hermione's form in with her gaze. A tap on her shoulder slammed the brakes on any dirty thoughts that began to form.
"I see you took my advice," Ginny smiled broadly and gave Fleur a one armed half-hug, "you think you'll get what you want after all this time?"
"From what I've seen so far, I think my chances are excellent, or I'm a complete idiot for reading her wrong," her voice shook slightly, the confidence was not gone but a large part of her was worried about Hermione not wanting the same thing she did.
His white robes clung to all the wrong places. 'How'd I let them talk me into this?' Looking at who just walked in, he smiled; knowing something big was going down. At least, it's what he was hoping for. The night would be a total waste if there wasn't. He could be spending his evening pickling more magical creatures for his potions experiments, or reading a book by the fire.
Suddenly Harry was by his side, "Hello Severus, you seeing what I'm seeing?" The savior of the wizarding world had been eager to share his theories with someone who would believe them.
"So this is what you felt the need to share with me?" Snape nodded in the direction of Hermione, who was walking hesitantly toward the table of snacks.
"I only wanted your carefully calculated opinion. Plus, you need to get out more," noticing his former teacher's expression he offered, "No one doubts your loyalty any longer, even Ron. Also, I'm sure it's not healthy to be cooped up in your dungeon office without any fresh air," the powerful wizard patted Snape's back and squeezed his shoulder. After a moment, Harry let the older man continue to observe while he went to look for his wife.
"Hey there beautiful," Harry slid his arms around Ginny's waist and kissed the side of her neck.
"Hey yourself sexy, having a good time?" she snuggled back into his embrace and smiled.
"Oh yes," he discreetly pointed towards Fleur, "you think she'll be having as much fun as us tonight?" Ginny laughed, nearly choking on her wizard-pop (stays fizzy in your stomach for hours!).
"How'd you know about that?" her husband smiled knowingly as she raised a brow at him.
"I've been seeing things with my own two eyes. I can feel their energy, it's like a slowly boiling tension," Harry turned his gaze to Hermione, "Those shy little glances my best friend gives have not gone unnoticed, my dear." Grinning again, he gently tickled his wife's sides.
"Ah yes... my husband the observer. I'm glad we know about them, especially if either gets cold feet," Ginny ran her fingers through his sloppy hair, "and I don't mind if you gossip with old Snape either"
For a short while the couple watched everyone else at the party, making sure their guests were having an enjoyable time. As Hermione gained courage and strolled to the corner where Fleur sat, they decided to visit with Tonks and the twins. Only Snape's charcoal black eyes stayed pinned on the two women, clearly fascinated by their chemistry. For a moment it seemed as though Hermione was going to lose her nerve, and Snape held his breath. He slowly exhaled as the two women greeted one another with a firm handshake and a brief kiss on the lips. It may have been cold outside, but any casual observer knew this was going to be one hot Halloween night.