Okay…the next couple chapters you might not like necessarily…but we're headed towards good things…I promise…

"Hermione, I want you to watch yourself the next few days, especially with holiday break coming up," Severus told her as they lounged on his couch naked in front of the fire. He was leaning back against the arm, one leg extended on the couch while the other was bent, foot on the floor, Hermione learning back against his bare chest, her head resting on his shoulder. "Lucius will be on the grounds tomorrow and I never trust when he's here."

"What would he do to me?" she asked, not understanding his concern, but enjoying reclining against him as she was, lightly caressing his hand that rested on her stomach, surprised at how comfortable she was with him like this. Lucius shouldn't have any issue with her as she was the one her son was forcing himself on, unless he was arrogant enough to think she should have let him have his way.

"I've known Lucius a long time, my dear," Severus said with a reluctant tone. "His presence is not usually a social call I'm afraid, and without knowing what lies Mr. Malfoy has filled his head with, I put nothing past them. Just be careful." He wished he could hide her away under his own protection, knowing nothing would happen to her, but couldn't. Instead, he had settled for placing a silent protection spell over her earlier in the evening that she was unaware of, just to be on the safe side. He didn't know the last time he'd been genuinely concerned for someone's welfare in this way, as caring for students was his duty as a teacher, but this was entirely different.

"Are you worried about me?" Hermione asked, playfulness in her voice, leaning her arm on his thigh and turning slightly to look at him with raised eyebrows.

He touched her cheek with the back of his fingers, amazed at the softness of her skin, knowing she was teasing him but realizing the situation was much too serious for joking. "Lucius can hurt you," he said, hating to. "And yes I will worry about you."

Hermione saw the expression on his face and knew his words were true, as much as she wanted them not to be. "He can hurt you too," she said, playfulness cast aside. "I've been worried since Draco ran off down the hall."

He smirked, gently pressing his lips to hers and wrapping both his arms around her as she turned back around, resting her head on his shoulder again. "While I in no way underestimate your ability to take care of yourself," he prefaced. "I am equipped with more knowledge of spells and such than you. I will be fine."

Hermione had wanted to tell Severus that Ginny knew about them but never found the right moment, hoping this would be a good time. "Um…I have something to tell you," she said quietly.

Leaning his head against her soft brown locks, he asked, "What is it?"

"Well, that night…when we…you know…" she trailed off.

"Had sex," he interrupted. "Just say it."

She smiled and bit her lip. Damn him. "When we had sex the other night," she said, barely moving her elbow back against his stomach, happy when he jumped. "We were sort of…discovered."

"Discovered?" he repeated, tone slightly different. "By who?"

"Ginny," she answered, hearing his sigh, understanding as it was how she'd reacted too.

"Great," he said unenthused.

"It's okay," Hermione told him. "She's really a good friend and was concerned about me. You have to admit I've not been myself this year. She took it upon herself to use the Marauder's Map to see where I was."

"Potter still uses that map?" Severus asked, fighting not to allow the professor within him to take over.

"Not really," she answered. "Only for emergencies. And she thought there might have been one."

"I see," he said, trying to reason that if he could be concerned for her, why shouldn't her friend be who has obviously been closer to her for a longer time period than he had been? "I'm assuming you trust she will keep her discovery to herself."

"Completely," Hermione assured him. "I just thought you needed to know that she knew since she's in your class too."

"It's appreciated," he said sincerely as he allowed his fingertips to lightly slide up between her breasts, continuing up to her neck before working their way back down her body, flat palms barely touching instantly hard nipples, hearing her inhaling deeply. "How about we talk about more…pleasant topics?" he whispered, his tongue grazing the outside of her ear.

After a small moan, Hermione asked, "How about instead of talking about them, we just do them?" She turned around as he brought his other leg up onto the couch, straddling him and lowering her body to his. "What do you think, Professor?"

"Why Miss Granger," he teased, raising one eyebrow. "You realize you're propositioning a teacher?"

"Oh I'm not just propositioning," she said, leaning down and nipping at his neck as he groaned quietly. "I'm promising."

"I always knew I liked brainy Gryffindors for some reason," he quipped before their lips met in a passionate kiss.

"Do you remember the spell I taught you?"

"Yes Father."

"And do you have the note?"

"Yes."

"Then let's go."

Three hours ago he was lying on his couch with a beautiful naked young lady on top of him, taking each other to new heights of pleasure, and now he was dreading like hell the arrival of his old friend. How he hated when Lucius called him that and how he hated even more that he couldn't correct him. Lucius was no friend. Dumbledore was his only friend, as odd as it was. What about Hermione, his inner voice asked curiously. He paused for a moment. Yes I suppose she is. I know I can trust her.

A knock interrupted his thoughts. Wonderful, he thought. Let's see how quick I can get him out of here. He quickly walked over to his classroom door and opened it, face expression cold when black met ice blue.

"Severus," Lucius said with a nod. While his long white hair was tied back with black silk, a forest green cloak covered him completely. His eyes were empty of any emotion as they stared at the man before him.

"Lucius," Severus said with a smirk, standing aside for him to enter. "Come in. I believe you wanted to discuss a misunderstanding."

Walking over and making himself comfortable on the plush couch, Lucius smiled. "Yes a misunderstanding," he repeated, patting the cushion next to him. "Please, sit, old friend. Let's talk. How have you been?"

Severus was extremely uncomfortable but fought to remain pleasant, hoping this wouldn't take long, cautiously sitting down, folding his arms across his chest. "Very quiet," he answered. "As you know, not much is going on these days."

One eyebrow rose in understanding. "Very true," Lucius agreed. "Unfortunately." He'd never thought Voldemort would be defeated, especially not by some young boy.

"Shall we discuss the purpose of your visit?" Severus asked, trying to sound pleasant, as if he might really want to have this conversation.

"Indeed," Lucius answered with a sneer. "Please enlighten me as to what really happened with my son."

"He was caught attempting to force himself onto a student," Severus said simply. "I pulled him off of her. Nothing more."

Lucius nodded slowly, expression unchanged. "I see," he said. "You did not throw him?"

"Of course not," Severus answered, as if he should have known better to ask. "I do not need to throw students."

Lucius nodded again. "Who was the girl?" he asked curiously.

Severus knew from the look in his eyes that he already knew the answer. "Granger," he answered, trying to sound disgusted. "The know-it-all friend of Potter."

"Little mudblood," Lucius spat. "She probably asked for it. You should have let him, Severus, so she could enjoy a pureblood for once in her life."

Anger boiled deep inside Severus as he fought to show no reaction. "Maybe," he said. "However, I am a Hogwarts' professor. I will not risk my position for his uncontrollable hormones."

Lucius studied him for a moment. "Perhaps," he said, accusation obvious. "There would certainly be no other reason." His eyebrow raised as if he'd asked a question.

Severus forced his cold eyes to remain locked with his accuser's. "Certainly," he answered, hating the fact Lucius had knowledge of his past, knowing he could share that information with anyone any time he chose.

"I see," Lucius continued. "So Granger is of no particular concern to you?"

Severus looked disgusted. "Old friend," he mimicked, glaring at Lucius. "Do not insult me so."

Lucius almost laughed. "Forgive me," he said. "Let's move onto other topics, shall we?"

After leaving Severus' chambers, Lucius met Draco at the appointed location, immediately grinning when he saw the lifeless body in his arms. "Any problems?" he asked.

"None," Draco answered.

"Good," Lucius said, performing an invisibility spell over them. "Let's go."

Hermione's eyes fluttered open, feeling extremely groggy as she looked around, realizing she wasn't in her room. Whose room was she in? The walls were a deep blue hue with cherry furniture to fill the room. The four-poster bed was full of brightly colored pillows while the silk sheets seemed to match the walls. It was quite exquisite as she noticed the paintings and adornments along the walls. She visually searched for a clue as to whose room it was but found none. How did I get here? she thought, sitting up slowly. Her head felt funny as she stood up and slowly walked over to the large window, amazed at how soft the furry white carpet felt under her bare feet, hoping to figure out what part of the castle she was in. Maybe I'm in Professor McGonagall's chamber, she thought. It looks like something she might have.

When she approached the window and looked out, she gasped, assuming this wasn't Hogwarts at all as she'd never seen anything like this. There was a beautifully manicured garden before her, complete with all colors of the rainbow, and for a moment she assumed it was Severus' family's house she'd heard him mention. Then her eyes focused on a statue that made her blood turn ice cold. A tall snake made of black onyx was coiled, except for his head that was held high and shone brightly with the name "Malfoy" inscribed in the base.

Before she had time to think anything else, the door to her bedroom opened, causing her to squeal in surprise and turn around, shocked to see Draco.

"Good afternoon," he greeted warmly. "Lunch is in an hour. Everything you'll need is here."

"What the hell is going on?" she shrieked, walking over to him. "How did I get here? Why am I here?"

He smiled. "Dear Hermione," he purred. "All in time. You must be hungry. I'll be back in an hour."

Hermione tried the door when he'd closed it behind him, finding it was locked. She called out a few times and banged on the door but finally gave up. She was locked in.

She didn't understand this at all. As she walked through the room and into the adjoining bathroom, she noticed all her things were there. The last thing she remembered was sitting in her favorite corner of the library and falling asleep. How did she get here? And why? What was going on? She remembered Lucius was supposed to meet with Severus and was instantly worried about him. Had anything happened to him? Was he here too?

As she showered and dressed, Hermione fought the fear growing inside her. She had to be here against her will otherwise why would he have locked the door so she couldn't leave? Did anyone else know where she was? She didn't like this at all and Severus' words of "Lucius can hurt you" played over and over in her mind.

An hour later, Draco returned. "Good you're dressed," he said pleased when he saw her sitting quietly on the edge of the bed waiting. "Let's go."

Hermione hesitantly took his arm when he offered it. "Draco," she said as they walked down the hall. "Please tell me what's going on."

"In time, my pet," he said as they slowly descended the black marble staircase.

"Dear Miss Granger," Lucius said when they entered the lavish dining room, filled with two beautiful chandeliers, large oil paintings and dark mahogany wood on both the walls and in the sculptured furniture. "How nice of you to join us."

Draco helped push her chair in before sitting beside her.

"Why am I here?" she asked immediately. Someone had to tell her something.

"Now, now," Lucius said evenly, picking up his silverware. "Time and place for everything." He paused, seeing how she stared at the food before her, not moving. "Eat, my dear. You'll need your strength."

Brown eyes flashed over to him in alarm. "For what?" she asked.

Lucius only smiled.

Hermione ate in uncomfortable silence, hoping she would keep it all down. Once they'd finished, Draco excused himself while Lucius showed her around the immense house and outside in the garden. Hermione was surprised that such evilness could reside in such beauty as she'd never seen anything like it. She instantly understood why Draco had no appreciation for anything as he knew no different. He'd always had the best of the best.

Lucius stopped walking as they neared the back of the garden, beautiful trees towering above them. "I trust your room is adequate," he said, standing close to her, able to catch the scent of her shampoo.

"It's fine," she answered, stepping back from him. "But I'd rather be at Hogwarts." She cautiously watched the man before her that she'd grown to hate over the years. His hair was loose, hanging at his shoulders and gently blowing in the breeze that stirred about them. If he wasn't so evil, Hermione thought, he would almost be handsome. "Why is it warm here? It's the middle of winter."

Lucius laughed quietly, still stepping closer. "Silly girl," he said, seeing how she was almost against the stone wall he was purposely backing her to. "We're wizards. We can have whatever season we want, whenever we want it. I chose spring as I thought you'd prefer it." He stepped closer, pleased she could go nowhere. "You have no idea what you could have."

Her brows furrowed. "What are you talking about?" she asked impatiently, taking another step back. "Why am I here, Lucius?" She felt the wall behind her and knew she would not be moving any further away. Damn him!

Lucius ignored her questions, reaching to touch her cheek, not surprised when she pulled away, alarm blazing from her eyes that were glaring at him. "Do not take advantage of my hospitality," he warned, placing a hand on either side of her head against the wall and leaning close to her. "You are here because Draco wants you, certainly not because I want you here because I don't. And my son always gets what he wants." He paused, meeting her glare with his own. "Even if it's a little mudblood."

SLAP.

Instantly, Hermione's wrists were pinned behind her back in the firm grip of Lucius' large hand. "Stop," she whined as pain shot through her arm. "You're hurting me." His lock on her wrists wasn't budging. Slapping him hadn't been the best thing to do, she realized in hindsight, but couldn't stop herself when she'd heard that word come from his mouth

"That must be what it is," Lucius hissed, enjoying the fact she was in pain. "That Gryffindor feistiness. It's always been his weakness."

"Draco has been with girls in all the houses," Hermione told him, wincing from his grip.

Lucius chuckled and leaned in closer to Hermione's face that was white with fear. "My dear," he purred. "I'm not talking about my son. I'm talking about your professor."

Hermione's heart raced. Did he know? How could he know? Severus hadn't told him had he? What happened during their visit? "What are you talking about?" she asked, trying not to look at him.

Lucius released the grip on her wrists, placing his hand on the back of her neck instead, firmly leading her as they began the walk to the house, ignoring her question. "You will return to your room and get ready for bed," he told her.

"Why?" she asked, wishing his grip was not so harsh. "We just had lunch."

They continued up stone steps into the house. "As I said," Lucius reminded her. "You are here because Draco wants you. Certainly you know what it is he wants, my dear."

She glared at him again. "What?" she shrieked. "I'm here so we can have sex?" She didn't need to be held hostage for that. "You're kidding me!" They were crazy! How utterly ridiculous!

"I suggest you head upstairs," Lucius said with a sneer. "I'm sure Draco will be joining you soon."

Hermione wanted to run and scream but knew there was no point. She wasn't stupid, understanding that this was going to happen one way or another and her willingness would make things much easier on her. As she ascended the steps back to her room, she worried about Severus. What had happened during their talk? Did Lucius perform some spell on him to find out about them? Certainly Severus wouldn't have just told him? No, she knew he wouldn't do that. Had he hurt him? Was he somewhere hidden in this house? The questions wouldn't stop.

She was here as Draco's little toy. He'd been pissed when he didn't get his way and went running to daddy and here she was. Fine. She'd had sex with him before and would again. Big deal. Maybe after a night or two, he'd get bored and she could get back to Hogwarts. Everyone knew she wasn't supposed to leave for holiday so she would be missed. They couldn't keep her here long before someone would be searching for her.

A couple hours later, Draco entered her bedroom, huge smile on his face. "Didn't I tell you I always get what I want?" he asked, crawling into bed with her. "Now you have no choice and no one to rescue you."

Hermione had decided to play along with him, figuring it was the best thing for her to do. Draco she could handle; it was Lucius that frightened her. "Who said I needed rescuing?" she teased. "And what took you so long to get up here anyway?"

Draco looked slightly surprised, not expecting to hear those comments from her. "So you want me as much as I want you," he said, covering her body with his. "That's a very good thing."

"Of course," she told him, pulling his lips to hers in a gentle kiss. "Has there ever been any doubt?"

"Maybe a little," he said, enjoying the softness of her lips. "But not now. You're mine and I'm yours. We can fix the other problem."

"What problem?" she asked curiously.

"Nothing," he muttered, realizing now was not the time to tell her, his mouth joining with her, tongue slipping into the wetness, swirling in circles of passion. His hands crawled over her body, quickly removing her bedclothes as well as his own, reveling in the warmth of their naked flesh. He easily slipped inside her, not wanting to wait for anything, pulsing his hips and listening to her moans until she pushed against his chest.

"Draco," she whispered. "Aren't you forgetting something?"

"What?" he asked, groaning as he pushed into her core that enveloped him completely.

"A protection spell?" she reminded him.

He shook his head. "Don't need to do that," he answered, lying to her. "Father put a spell on me to take care of it."

Hermione didn't care to question him, able to believe he was both lying and telling the truth at the same time. "Why should I trust you?" she asked, biting her bottom lip as he thrust into her.

"You don't have a choice," he whispered, crashing his lips to hers, taking her body as his own.

Severus was confused. "What do you mean she left a note?" he asked Dumbledore. "She didn't tell me she was going anywhere for holiday."

Albus saw something in Severus he'd never seen; genuine concern for someone. He thought it was wonderful and decided not to ask any more questions than necessary. "What did she tell you?" he asked.

"Nothing!" he exclaimed. "She was staying here as far as I knew." He shook his head. "Albus, she's been taken."

"Now, Severus," Albus said calmly. "We must not jump to conclusions."

"Yes we should!" Severus said, anger flashing from his eyes. "Lucius was here."

Albus nodded slowly. "I see," he said simply, knowing not to ask the purpose.

"I don't trust him," Severus said. "Something is wrong, Albus."

He understood the younger man's concern but could not go barging in at the Malfoy mansion with a handwritten note from Hermione saying she would be gone. "The note says she will be gone this week, correct?" Albus asked.

"Yes," Severus answered impatiently.

"We can do nothing until then," Albus said quietly. "You understand why, of course."

Severus sighed. "Yes I do," he answered. "But Albus…"

The elder man held up his hand. "My hands are tied," he said, feeling his own concern for Hermione's safety. "However, you could always visit Lucius couldn't you?"

Severus noticed the twinkle in his eyes. He smirked slightly and answered, "Yes I suppose I could."

It was midnight. Hermione listened to the quiet chimes as she lay in bed, thankful this night was over, hoping there wouldn't be too many more. Draco had been a little rougher than he had been previously but not too bad. She hated to admit she actually liked him more like that. And they'd done it twice, one right after the other, which was unusual. She'd been relieved when he left for his own room, leaving her alone. She'd quickly showered, feeling much better when she crawled back into bed.

She found herself remembering a comment Lucius had made while they were in the garden. "You have no idea what you could have", he'd told her. What the hell did he mean? What could she have where? And when? And with who? She was confused and still worried about Severus, hoping he was all right. She knew she was stuck where she was until they saw fit to return her to Hogwarts. Any attempt on her part to do otherwise would probably be ill received and she wasn't ready to experience their anger.

Hermione heard the bedroom door open and turned over in bed. "Draco, really," she said with a sigh, only able to see the shadowy form. "Wasn't twice enough?"

The form approached her bed and sat down on the edge. "My my, we were busy, weren't we?" the form asked her.

Hermione jumped away and clutched the sheet to her body. "What are you doing in here?" she shrieked. "Get out of here!"

"Now is that any way to talk to your host?" Lucius purred, voice soft in the darkness. "I am being gracious enough to allow a…well…you know…to stay in my house. You should be more…thankful."

"What do you want?" she asked through clenched teeth, noticing the glow of his hair from the moonlight coming in through the window.

Sliding closer to her, Lucius answered, "You say it so negative, like what I'd want would be bad." He sat next to her, facing her, and tore the sheet from her hands, throwing it to the foot of the bed, his eyes crawling over what little he could see. "You might actually enjoy it. Purebloods nearly invented sensuality, you know. I can show you things he never could." His hand touched the top of her thigh and slid down slightly until his grip on her leg tightened.

Hermione's heart was pounding in her chest, praying this wouldn't happen. "I'm s-sure you've t-taught Draco well," she stammered, wanting to run away from him but knowing it was the worst thing for her to do.

Pulling her by her leg hard enough to slide her down towards him, happy when she squealed in surprise, Lucius told her again, "I wasn't talking about my son." He leaned down towards her face, able to see her brown eyes wide in alarm staring at him. "I'm referring to Severus, my dear." Truth be known, that's why he wanted her. He had no intention of ever sharing a bed with a mudblood but curiosity got the better of him. It always had.

Hermione didn't know what to say as she was caught off guard by his presence in her room, on her bed, and his comments about Severus sent her mind reeling. She was nearly panting in fear as her chest rose and fell quickly, wishing her heart would stop pounding as it was beginning to hurt. He was in control of the situation and she knew it. Whatever he wanted, he would have and there was nothing she could do about it. If she tried to fight him, she knew it would make things worse for her. She couldn't believe this was happening. "Please don't hurt me," she whispered, giving in to what she had no choice of anyway, fighting the lump that was forming in her throat. Don't you dare cry in front of him, she told herself. Don't allow him the pleasure.

"Miss Granger," Lucius purred, leaning down, licking his lips. "I don't intend to hurt you." His lips barely grazed against hers. "Unless you want me to."

Severus made arrangements as quickly as he could, afraid for Hermione's safety. He didn't trust Draco and certainly not Lucius, assuming they had planned this. She would have told him if she was leaving. He knew it. As he paced through his chamber, he stopped for a moment. He was worried about her, very worried. He couldn't remember ever feeling like this towards another and realized he felt for her.

"I care about her," he said out loud. "When did this happen?"

No time to figure it out now, he thought, returning to his preparation. I have to find her. If anything happens to her...

He wouldn't allow himself those thoughts.

Hermione allowed her pent up tears freedom when the door closed behind Lucius. He didn't hurt her and he hadn't been rough with her. He'd actually been gentle and kind and sensual…like he'd said. In a different time or circumstance, she probably would have enjoyed herself. But given that she'd been kidnapped from Hogwarts, held captive as a toy for his son and genuinely scared of Lucius because of his past, she could find no enjoyment in his visit. Her body had responded to his touches and caresses but her mind was empty, instead fighting to picture Severus instead and erase the vision of Lucius.

As she wiped tears from her wet face, Hermione realized just how much she missed him. She would have given anything at that moment to see him, to touch him, to know he was okay. Worry wouldn't leave her. If they'd taken her, what had they done to him? Lucius somehow knew about them so he certainly would use it against Severus wouldn't he?

"Severus," she cried. "Please find me."