A/N: Well thankfully you guys didn't have to wait too long for this update, seems my muse is starting to hang around a little again, I just hope it stays that way.
slytherinsess: ha ha.. well put my dear.
Seph7: But in the gutter is where you mind belongs, mine has it's own little shack there, all warm and cozy.
shortstuff177: Thank you very much, I'm glad to see you're enjoying the story and I too hope that my writers block doesn't return for a while.
MysticSong1978: Thank you dear, and I'm sure it will only continue to grow more intense and interesting.
TheRealiz: He he... thank you so very much sweety, the support I get from all of you means the world to me! And don't worry, I'm sure I'll be asking advice from you guys at some point, like maybe how to rein in these damn characters and make them do what I want them to do!
dubtheeunforgiven: Oh you're going to make me blush. Thank you so much, you're far too kind. And no, she is definitely not happy about the new arrangement as she quite clearly demonstrates in this chapter. And ahh yes, mmm our dear sweet Lucius, how I adore him. I certainly wouldn't mind being beneath that man... ah well, ahem, moving on...
Fairy of Fire and Fury: Oh sweety, well I'm sorry you got upset, but please rest assured, Hermione and Severus will not die, I promise! I couldn't do that, it would make me cry! he he... And of course I'm nice to you guys, god you all write such wonderful reviews that make me smile and very glad that I posted this story (even it was originally on a whim based on pure boredom) and knowing that you all enjoy it so much encourages me to keep writing. I love hearing from all of you and hearing your opinions and hopes of what will happen. As for not allowing anonymous reviewers I didn't realize I had it set up that way, so as soon as I read your message I went and changed it :) And I am indeed honored that I made you cry, though I do feel a little guilty, but it is nice to know that someone is as involved in the story as I am. Of course! Please pass along my best wishes and hopes to your friend's mother, I hope she is doing well :)
Velvet Storm: A Hermione sandwich... mmm yummy... now just mentally replace Hermione with yourself and voila! The best fantasy on earth, guaranteed to make toes curl!
decadentserenity: While I wish I was witty enough to mean it that way, it was quite simply a typo that I didn't catch on my read-through when I was finished. It was meant to me "bear" not "bare" though that would be something quite fitting for Lucius to say, wouldn't it?
carpetfibers: Wow, I was expecting this complaint much sooner than this, I had thought that no one was going to comment on the "only one bed" issue. However, it's not something I wish to nor plan to rectify, quite simply I did it because it increases the tension and means that a little naughtiness is more likely sooner rather than later, that and I'm lazy:D
Taste's Like Home: Don't worry dear, more to come soon I promise :)
litachk9: Thank you very much sweety, and he didn't scare you half to death before? he he... mmm Lucius...
kissmesweetly: Thank you, I'm glad that you enjoy it, it makes me very happy to entertain so many people with something I thought of as a "silly" hobby. Anyway, Lucius will most certainly act upon his letter, and Hermione is locked in Severus' room more a couple reasons. One is punishment because well she has been rather careless by getting herself lost in the Forbidden Forest and for walking in on Severus and Lucius, and two is for protection, if no one but Severus can get into the room then she is safe from Lucius or anyone else that may try to cause her harm.
Kimi kimz: Oh I definitely have a thing for bad boys too, that's why I enjoy writing so much.
rat-gal2000: Now you know I can't tell you that, it would kill the suspense! You'll just have to keep reading, sorry.
fjones: Well thank you! I do try very hard to keep them in character, though really Severus and Lucius are easy to do, its Hermione that gives me issues, but I am trying to make her more like the original character. And as for a Lucius/Hermione fic, I do have one planned, I have a title and a basic premise for it in mind, but nothing actually written yet. I will let everyone know as soon as I do though.
Phew, okay I think that was pretty much everyone, if I skipped please don't feel bad! Anyway, here it the next installment, ta da! Aren't you proud I didn't make you wait ages again? Enjoy everyone!
Severus stood weary and aching in the small shower located in his laboratory bathroom, the scalding water running in rivulets down his back, tracing the roadmap of pink and raised scars that crisscrossed over his flesh. Broad and powerful shoulders hunched forward as he rested his forehead against the cool tile, his heavy breaths echoing in the small enclosed space as the steam roiled and swirled around him as though it could soothe the pain and guilt within him. Resting his palms against the tile he tried to use its coolness to calm his racing mind, to draw some strength from its solidarity and apply it to his emotions and thoughts. But nothing, it seemed could quiet the thoughts that consumed him, nor quell the feelings that had begun to stir within him, no matter how hard he tried he could not erase the taste of her fear from his lips. It was sweet and thick like honey, coating his lips and tongue and clouding his mind, stirring up thoughts that were both indecent and useless. How could such a child... no, no she is most definitely a woman… how could such a woman inspire such desires in me? How can she so easily break down my barriers and bring forth that beast I have fought to contain for so long?
Turning around in the small shower he leaned his back against the cool wall, his flesh red and tingling from the near burning water that now flowed over his shoulders. He watched with half-mast eyes as the water flowed in small rivers over the subtle curves of his surprisingly sculpted chest and down the smooth expanse of his stomach, the small cluster of fine black hairs clinging to his skin. A loud sigh echoed within the small space, bouncing back off the smooth and slick tiles, taunting him, reminding him of the heinous and disgusting act he had almost committed, his echoing sigh sounding so much like her moans. Closing his eyes he laid his head back against the wall, slipping into a feeling of numbness while the water sprayed over his face, slicking his hair back in a long black trail down his back, his lips pursed tightly to keep his growl of frustration behind his gritted teeth. I cannot bear this he mused to himself in silence, I cannot continue to protect her without breaking my own promises, I will not repeat that mistake again, no, never. I made a promise so long ago and I cannot go back, I will not… his thought trailed away, washed away by the water that through the magical enhancement of the wizarding world was as hot as when he first stepped into the shower. His skin prickled and tingled with the heat as it thrummed along his skin like thousands of marching pixies, massaging the aches and pains from his flesh, though unfortunately not his mind.
When he could finally take no more of the blistering heat, Severus stepped slowly from the shower, the water shutting off as soon as he placed both feet upon the freezing stone floor. Muttering a quick drying spell he seemed to wade through the thick steam that had managed to fill the room from floor to ceiling, obstructing his view of the mirror and therefore saving him the unpleasantness of having to see the crushing sadness reflected in his own eyes. Deciding that with Hermione secured in the bedchamber there would be no need for formalities, he dressed simply in his customary black trousers and a crisp and clean white linen shirt along with a plain and thin black leather belt and of course his black leather boots.
Emerging into the gloom and chill of the laboratory he took several steps towards the first long row of tables before a faint noise caused him to pause and listen intently. Through the winding corridors and many thick doors of his quarters Severus could quite distinctly hear the annoyed and frantic screams of a young woman accompanied by the sound of a pair of small and delicate fists pounding upon a rather thick and well-warded door. Ah so sleeping beauty awakens he mused smugly to himself, at least her unwilling confinement could bring a small smile to his lips, reminding him that he was not the only one suffering from this bothersome arrangement. Grinning with an air of self-satisfaction he continued moving towards his desk in the far corner, his eyes glittering with what might have been mistaken for amusement and happiness. Turning briefly to cast a silencing charm upon the door, the distant sound of infuriated screams instantly fading to nothing, Severus began searching through the mass of books, notes and vials upon the desk, all the while humming faintly to himself as a shadow of a smile graced his thin lips.
Throwing himself headfirst into his work in an attempt to block out the traitorous thoughts that tormented him endlessly, Severus was oblivious to the passing of time, several hours slipping past like only a matter of minutes before he stopped to take a break. All but collapsing into the chair at his desk he glanced over at the long row of tables watching the cauldron bubble quietly and steadily knowing that it would be a couple hours before it once again required his attention. Settling back into his chair he summoned a steaming cup of tea, the scent of honey and lemon contained within the swirling steam that rose from the delicate cup in his hands stirred something in his mind. His brows creased into a small frown as he glanced down into the cup that seemed miniscule and dwarfed by his long agile fingers that were as usual stained with ink and smelt like a dozen different herbs and spices.
Peering into it's amber-colored depths he was immediately reminded of Hermione's eyes, the way they flashed that reddish golden hue when her rage peaked, when her anger was fully incited and she was transformed instantly into the roaring lion of her house's namesake. At the thought of her anger, a choking dread swept through his veins, like the freezing hand of winter it stole his breath away as he glanced at the closed door. In a sudden rush he was on his feet, his cup almost toppling and spilling across his scattered notes as in his haste he simply discarded it upon the desk. At a quick pace he stalked to the door, pausing almost hesitantly for a moment as he slowly raised his wand and lifted the silencing charm from the door. For a number of long moments he waited and listened carefully, hearing nothing beyond the door but the whistling of the wind outside and the constant drip of water that was the heart beat of the dungeons. Giving a rough snort of satisfaction and contempt for the silly little Gryffindor he turned on his heel sharply and began to make his way back to his waiting tea when there came a sound that made him freeze mid-step.
The expression of smug pleasure upon his angular face crumbled instantly, seeming to crack and peel away leaving in its place one of severe annoyance and cruel determination. In the blink of an eye he was sweeping through the door, though devoid of his usual billowing robes he was no less menacing and frightening as he stalked down the narrow and twisting corridors like a big cat on the prowl. Obsidian orbs gleamed fiercely, teeth revealed slightly by lips curled back in a snarl, muscles rippling and stretching as he moved with an ominous purpose, the weak pounding of fists against wood and hoarse screams only egging him on in his hunt. The shouts and pounding grew louder and clearer as he approached the otherwise quiet and still sitting room, what had once been no more than an unintelligible wail of frustration was now quite clearly an unending string of expletives directled almost exclusively at him.
"Big greasy bat, bloody git, how dare you lock me in this fucking room! You asshole, you're going to pay for this! I'm going to stick that wand of yours so far up your uptight, snarky, point-dedcuting, Slytherin-coddling, miserable, mean, stuck-up, I'm-better-than-you-because-I'm-a-Pureblood ass!" All of this left Severus frozen and quite overcome with speechlessness as his cheeks blanched to the color of blank parchment, his eyes as large as saucers as he stared dumbfounded at the door before him. Where in the name of Merlin, did that child learn such words? he exclaimed to himself as to his horror the stream of venomous and rather crude words kept flowing from the other side of the door.
Shocked that the outwardly seeming innocent and naïve young woman knew worse phrases and insults than he had ever heard in Knockturn Alley, Severus slowly moved back towards the settee and numbly collapsed on it. Unable to draw his eyes from the gleaming dark wood across the room he could all too easily picture the enraged, ranting and raving girl standing behind it. A deep shudder rippled through him as he swept the conjured images from his mind and standing stiffly smoothed the front of his shirt before stalking silently to the door. Closing his hand around the door handle while muttering the password for the wards he took a deep steady breath before wrenching the door open with the most vicious and infuriated scowl upon his face. What faced him on the other side of the door was enough to test his ability to control his expression, with her hair streaming around her in an uncontrolled and insanely tangled mass she stood seething and glowering, the black towel still wrapped around her slender body, gathered at the center of her chest revealing more than was appropriate of her cleavage. Her cheeks were stained with tears, her eyes flashed amber wildly in the dim light, her lips cracked and dry from her screaming, bruised and aching fists raised as though ready to begin pounding on the door once more.
"When I get out of this room I'm going to hex you into next year, I'm going to…" she suddenly froze, her mouth hanging open wide as she stared at the man standing stiff and angry before her.
"I think that is quite enough Miss Granger" he growled softly through gritted teeth. For a brief moment Hermione floundered, unable to find words as she blinked repeatedly in shock, her fists slowly uncurling as they fell to hang limp at her sides. "Now if you would kindly stop running that thoughtless Gryffindor mouth of yours, I can…" Severus' snarling insult was trapped dead in his throat as his head snapped to the right, the world spinning for a moment as he sought to regain his balance. Turning his head slowly back towards her he glared at Hermione through the thick veil of his hair, his eyes glowing with rage as his lips drew back in a snarl, a vicious growl rumbling deep in his chest and throat as his cheek tingled. Taking a threatening step into the doorway Severus stared her down, watching with mild delight as she began to tremble and stutter helplessly, her small hands rising to cover her mouth as it hung open in surprise.
"Pro… Professor… I'm… I'm sorry… I didn't mean…" she stammered in defense as she took several cautious steps backwards.
Pale hands shot out suddenly to grasp her delicate wrists, wrenching her hands from her face as he pulled her suddenly and swiftly towards him, her arms crushed against his robust chest, the heat of his breath flowing over the tender flesh of her face as he seethed in anger.
"How… Dare… You…" he ground out between gritted teeth, his voice like a physical blow as the air rushed from her lungs in a long and shaking breath, her eyes large and watery with fear. "I advise Miss Granger, that you never do that again unless you wish to find yourself at the mercy of a man far more fearsome than Lucius Malfoy or the Dark Lord" he hissed down into her upturned face. Watching the confusion sweep across her face he snarled as he leaned down towards her until the tip of his nose was barely a hair's breath from hers. "Me" he stated simply as he took a step forward forcing her to take a step back, repeating the process until she let out a panicked squeak when the backs of her knees pressed against the edge of the bed.
"Please… not again" she whimpered fearfully as she turned her head away from him, trying to draw her arms around herself though he retained the iron grip on her wrists, her skin no doubt beginning to bruise beneath his pale fingers. Snorting in disgust at what she was implying he released her wrists as he pushed her back onto the tangled bed sheets, pausing for a moment to let his eyes sweep over her, drinking in the sight of all that young and untainted flesh before snarling partly at her but mostly at himself, and turning sharply on his heel strode back to the door, slamming it shut behind him. In an instant Hermione was on her feet and rushing to the door, wailing in frustration when she found it still locked, leaving her trapped in the room once more, her sore and aching fists quickly growing numb as she began pounding on the cool wood again, her throat raw as she screamed loudly to no avail.
Walking from the door Severus raised a tentative hand to rub his left cheek, feeling the heat in his flesh where he had no doubt he now bore a red imprint of her small, delicate and surprisingly strong hand.
"Merlin give me strength" he muttered as he strode to the settee and flung himself down onto it heavily, his head falling back to rest against the soft cool velvet, his eyes drifting closed as he attempted to block out the refreshed and shrill screams coming from his bedchamber. Slumping down in the settee he stretched his long legs out before him, his hands moving to fold neatly on his stomach when he gave a sudden jerk when he felt something poke him in the back. Sitting bolt up-right he frowned before turning and beginning to dig through the seat cushions. After a few moments of rustling through the cushions he slowly withdrew a long and thin shaft of wood, Hermione's wand. Grasping it delicately in his fingertips he glanced from the wand to the door and back again, a small smirk spreading across his lips as he rose to his feet, carefully placing the found wand in his robes before he strode back towards his private laboratory. Let the girl scream herself hoarse he thought snidely as he walked away, the sound of her bawling growing fainter with each step.