A/N: Okay, so finally the long anticipated and not-so-patiently waited for next chapter :D Sorry it has taken me so long to update (wow, I have been saying that an awful lot lately) but I do have some good news, I graduated! I found out on Wednesday night that I passed my final class and will be recieving my diploma in about 6 weeks by mail, so yay me! So, if anyone is curious about what has been sucking up my time and creative energy go to http/ to see my portfolio and hey, somebody hire me! Also, seeing as I am doing some shameless plugging I will also promote my latest Severus/Hermione fanfic "Pain to Save My Life" it is HBP compatible and should be rather interesting as it progresses. Anyway, enough with all that, on with the show...
decadentserenity: Thank you dear :) I am so relieved that it's finally all done with (school that is, this is far from over he he) and I wish you luck with your writers block, hopefully I can inspire you a little with this tantalizing chapter. And yes, once you pointed it out I did see that it was a big ugly paragraph, and I made a conscious effort on this one not to repeat that mistake, hopefully you won't be disappointed. Mmm... yes dear Lucious Lucius.. ahem, anyway, if you enjoyed him in the previous chapter then I think you are just going to absolutely adore him this time around. There should be sufficient action between him and Hermione to sate your appetite for a while, but there is going to be a lot more to come quite soon :D
Taste's Like Home: Yes, Hermione is definitely coming into her own. I've been reading a lot of other fanfic's and taking some cues from them about how she should act, I think we will be seeing much less of the weepy hysterical Hermione and more of the Gryffindor she really is. And I am terribly sorry and sad that you know how she feels, no one should have to suffer through that kind of treatment, but I too know what it is like to be verbally abused. Oops! I did make you wait ages again huh? Like a month and 2 days.. I'm so sorry! Please forgive me!
Velvet Storm: He he, thank you darling, hopefully this will be another happy day for you. Lucius does tend to inspire cliffhangers doesn't he? Small semi cliffy this time but nothing too bad, I promise. Is there such a thing as "too much" good evil? I think not!
KGDiva: He he, yes sorry for the cliffhanger, I must admit I am kind of a fan of them. I do so enjoy seeing all of you squirm, perhaps I have a little Snape in me. Thank you, I definitely wanted this to be an emotional fic, to have some real depth and character to it. I am not knocking anyone else's writing or fics but there are a lot of them out there that are just kind of wishy-washy, I wanted to write something that made people feel something (beyond the squirminess we all feel when thinking about Severus that is)
dubtheeunforgiven: Yes, I think mood swings is a perfect description for what Severus is experiencing, I swear the man has a daily cycle rather than a monthly one! But alas, we cannot stop loving him.
Highlandcoo: Well, you might not have to wait much longer for things to steam up, but it might not be in the way many of you think, hopefully no one will be disappointed. And no, I wasn't really disappointed about the developements in HBP. To me it is rather obvious that Severus was bound by the Unbreakable Vow to kill Dumbledore because Draco could not. Whether he redeems himself or not I will still have a soft-spot for him.
moonyZmuffin: Thank you very much, I hope you enjoy this latest chapter.
slytherinsess: Here you go my dear, more Sumptuous Severus and Lucious Lucius for your delight :)
Keither Serenity: Well, I hate to disappoint you but it would appear I am doomed to, I have always intended for them to end up together, and while this is by no means the end, they do indeed come to some sort of understanding.
Seph7: He he, because I am an evil, wicked person who loves tormenting you! No, seriously though it has to be a battle until the end, I've always believed something isn't worth having if you don't have to fight for it.
LittleMermaid325: I think we all like to be a little lazy sometimes so no worries. I'm glad you are enjoying the ride, and hope you continue to do so.
Mizfit Faerie: I'm sorry, I hate when people take so long to update that you forget the story, unfortunately it seems I am now guilty of that, however I do plan to make ammends. And as for Lucius, well I couldn't resist, I adore his cute little behind and his charming insults, he is just so much fun to write. Thank you, school went very well and I feel much more relaxed now that it is all over.
tiger witch: Much more delicious Severus/Hermione/Lucius action to come.
deadlyabyss12: Okay, I do have to agree with you on this one. I'm writing this fic and even I'm growing tired of Hermione simpering all the time, but at the time I didn't know how else to write her. However, after reading a huge amount of other fics I think I might have finally gotten her down, hopefully soon we will all see a change in her for the better.
pantspie: Severus is such a git isn't he? He he, but I do love writing him that way, but you will be pleased to know that he goes all Prince Charming on us this chapter, or at least as much as he is capable, more Bat in Rusty Armor than Knight in Shinning Armor, but it's the best the poor guy can do bless his little black heart. And yes, his past concerning his sister most definitely has an effect on his actions, more about that will emerge soon I think.
ewankenobi2002 : feels the waves of luck Thank you so much! Everyone's encouragement was amazing. Yes Lucius definitely stirs things up, he has become quite the fly in Severus' ointment and will continue to do so.
thornblack: Oh my gosh! You have me completely blushing my dear, keep this kind of praise up and my head will never fit through the door! I thank you so very much for your wonderful reviews, and for your dedication for being there from the start (and the same to everyone else who has stuck it out this far, you wonderful people know who you are!) I hope that this chapter is to your liking and enjoyment :)
POAS: Okay, for starters let me say this (and this goes to all flamers) if you do not like what I write, do not read it. I never claimed this was going to be a happy fic and that everything would be hunky-doory between Severus and Hermione. Plain and simple he is not a nice man, and I will not twist and change Ms. Rowling's fantastic character to fit into what people think should be a love story. He is rough, callous, malicious and well quite simply evil, but at the same time he is brave, loyal and has an inner strength that few could hope to attain, and these are the aspects of his personality I try to portray. I show both sides of the puzzle that he is, because without one there cannot be the other. And yes, some might say I make him too mean but how else would a man such as this act towards a woman that encompasses everything he despises and resents that he never had? As for where Dumbledore is, I thought I conveyed it rather clearly near the beginnning that he and most of the other members of staff are gone for the holidays, either home with their families or doing work for the Order. And the other memebers of staff? Eh, I kinda don't really care... this is my fanfiction, it is my time and energy that I have poured into this, so I'm sorry if this offends you but I have had a very stressful time as of late, and the last thing that I am going to care about is someone who doesn't like the way I write a story on the internet. Sorry.
SilentSorrows: He he, I was wondering if anyone was going to notice the precarious positioning of said tray, and yes it did have awfully good timing, who knows how Lucius would have reacted had he caught wind of what is really going on between Severus and Hermione. Thank you very much, I am very pleased that you are enjoying the story and sticking it out with the rest of us :)
Fairy of Fire and Fury: That is quite alright my dear, things happen and more often than not things beyond our control, I'm just glad you're back :)
Sheesh! I think answering all those reviews was longer than the actual chapter! But, I did want to try and reply to pretty mcuh everyone who submitted one because it took me so long to update. For everyone except the person whom it was directed at please forgive my little rant and rave session, but well I have very strong feelings about flames and I have no tolerance for them. Anyway, once again sorry to everyone who waited patiently (and those who didn't too :D) I adore all of your comments and knowing that you keep up with my work makes me so proud! Alright, I'll stop blathering now... Enjoy!
Sinking to her knees Hermione brushed a lock of honeyed hair from her eyes and let out a long and shaking breath, all traces of her boiling anger had fled in an instant, leaving room for the pain and fear to once more consume her. Her hands trembled as she drew the breakfast tray towards her and began slowly and carefully retrieving the scattered food and broken china. How could this all go so horribly wrong? she wondered dejectedly as she retrieved a bread roll from beneath the bed. Sitting back on her heels she gripped the small sweet roll in her hands, her eyes glossy with more unshed tears as her mind raged like a whirlwind. He was so soft and gentle one minute, and again so cold and cruel the next. What causes him to be this way? What horrible things have happened to him to make him recoil so bitterly from my touch? I cannot figure him out or understand his actions she thought sullenly as she glanced down into her lap to see the shredded remains of the breakfast roll scattered across her thighs and the floor surrounding her. Releasing a growling sigh she continued to clean up the mess spilled across the floor, wishing not for the first time that she knew where her wand was. After retrieving a towel from the bathroom and mopping up the spilt tea and milk she hefted the tray onto the end of the bed and sat slowly beside it, her head bowed as she wrung the towel worriedly in her small hands.
A cold and silken laugh caused her to look up suddenly, watching through the open doorway as Lucius reclined elegantly in one of the chairs before the flickering fireplace, the warm light gleaming on his corn silk hair causing it to appear a fiery red as it flowed around his shoulders. And what is he doing here? she scowled as her grip upon the towel in her hands tightened, her teeth gritted fiercely as she glared at him with hatred. A panicked breath caught in her throat as Lucius slowly turned his head to glance at her, feeling her gaze upon him, his ice cold eyes flashing and gleaming like diamonds as they locked on her. His look was a brazen display of lust and want as his eyes raked over her like a rough touch as it swept over her body causing her to shudder and scowl all the more.
Hermione watched with displeasure as his lips curled back in an amused smirk, his eyes flashing once more as his laughter floated on the air like so many small tinkling bells, whether it was in response to something Severus has said or directed at her she could not be certain. But she was sure of the fear that gripped her heart when his hand extended towards her and he said in cool silken tones,
"Come my pet, come and join us by the fire. I desire your company" the emphasis on the last word indicating that he indeed desired much more than her presence nearby. Frantically her heart pounded as she fought the urge to simply flee in desperation, her view of Severus blocked by the door and therefore cutting off her pleading gaze from his eyes. Do as he says girl, and quickly spoke the tired voice of Severus within her mind as if he had heard her panicked thoughts as clearly as if she had spoken aloud.
Hesitantly she made her way across the room, pausing only for a moment in the doorway as her heart trembled at the look in Lucius' eyes, a look of fierce and unfettered desire, a look that spoke of immense pain yet to come. Immediately she made a beeline for Severus, seeking the cold yet protective figure of her Potion's Master over the cruel and callous man that sat opposite him, the epitome of refinement and elegance concealing a soul as dark and foul as pitch. As she made to move past Lucius and stand beside Severus, a pale and none too gentle hand shot out as fast as a striking cobra and snatched up her delicate wrist, putting a sudden halt to her steps. With eyes wide in fear she looked desperately at Severus, her breaths coming ragged and fast no matter how hard she tried to keep them calm and even. But she found no solace in his face, no warmth and comfort to assure her that no harm would befall her at Lucius' hands, all she found in his gaze was a bone-deep weariness and an infinite sadness that ate at him from the inside.
"No, no my dear, sit here with me" was Lucius' purring command as his grip tightened cruelly upon her wrist pulling her closer to him. Still she looked at Severus with pleading, begging for intervention and an escape from a situation that could garner no good, and still he looked at her with cool indifference and far away gaze. Do as you are told his voice commanded rough and sharp in her mind, instantly causing her to take a wavering step backwards, closer to the man that tried to guide her unwillingly towards him. He is not so foolish to cause you any true harm in my presence, do as he asks and things will be much less painful for you he continued in a slightly softer tone, his eyes flickering to hers for a brief moment, just long enough for her to see the sadness shimmering in them, quickly to be replaced by a fierce protectiveness that made her know deep in her heart that he would not let Lucius hurt her.
Giving an almost undetectable nod of her head she turned slightly and let Lucius guide her closer, his fingers like ice upon her flesh as they moved up from her wrist to her elbow, pulling her down to sit on the arm of his chair. Her flesh crawled and her insides cringed at the feeling the man she despised and feared so completely sitting so close to her, his cool fingers having released her elbow to now sit nonchalantly on her bent knee. Idly his fingers traced serpentine patterns on her knee while he took a long sip from the tumbler in his other hand, the amber liquid gleaming in the firelight as brilliantly as the hair that cascaded around his shoulders, all the while his eyes locked on those of the man opposite him, staring Severus down in an almost challenging manner.
Tension hung like an ill-scented and ominous cloud in the air, thick and nauseating as it grew, feeding off the malice and hatred within the room until it was almost a corporal being hanging in the air. Hesitantly Hermione turned her head to look down at the man beside her, watching with a choking coldness in her heart as his lips twitched into a smirk of dark pleasure and deviance. In an instant wintry eyes locked with her own chocolate brown orbs, the intensity and callousness of his gaze sending a shuddering tremor through her body, a tremor that did not go unnoticed. In a crooning tone Lucius slipped his arm about her waist,
"Are you cold my dear? Here, sit closer to me, I shall keep you warm." A sudden panic rushed through Hermione like a wildfire, her entire body growing stiff as she fought to hold the consuming fear at bay. It took all her strength of will to hold back the scream of terror as without further ado Lucius pulled her swiftly into his lap, much as Severus had done the last time this frightful man had been there. Drawing her close to his chest so that his almost white tresses curled with her own honeyed locks Lucius wound his arms around her, his touch though gentle at the same time utterly terrifying and possessive. "There now, that is better is it not?" he purred silkily against her ear, his voice barely above a whisper as his warm breath glided over her skin as soft and intimate as the touch of a lover. Unable to find her voice Hermione simply nodded stiffly in reply, her back ramrod straight as she sat awkwardly in his embrace, feeling each rise and fall of his chest against her arm, the strength of his thighs beneath her, and his cold fingers teasing her flesh through the warmth of her sweater.
All the while Severus sat silent and unmoving on the other side of the roaring fire, enclosed in his own choking anger and dread. With a fierce strength that threatened to shatter the glass that rested upon his knee he gripped it all the tighter as he watched Lucius pull her ever closer to him, watched the man he despised almost as much as Voldemorte touching her with a familiarity that made his stomach turn and his blood boil. He seemed unable to draw his dark and glittering eyes away from the sight before him no matter how much it made the fury surge within him, his fingers clenching ever tighter around the glass as he saw Lucius lean close to her and whisper in her ear, his ice blue eyes watching Severus with a calculating coldness. Pasting a smile of subdued amusement on his face Severus felt the sneer lurking just beneath the surface as he inclined his head towards Lucius and brought the glass to his lips, letting out his breath in a soft hiss as the liquid burnt it's way down his throat.
Once more lowering the glass to rest upon his knee Severus watched in silence, outwardly showing nothing but a calm and collected exterior, while internally he ragged and howled with fury. How dare he lay his hands upon her so, how dare he touch her with such familiarity while the desire burns in his eyes for all to see! What cruel game is he making us pawns in? What twist of fate does my old friend plan to use against me now? he wondered sullenly as he fought to keep his own anger at bay, as he struggled to remain in his seat rather than leaping to his feet and pulling Hermione close to him and declaring "keep your hands from what is mine!" Maintaining his cool indifference Severus simply looked on with a gaze as cold as death as Hermione sat rigged and terrified in Lucius' lap, her golden flecked chocolate eyes looking at him pleadingly.
It was several long moments in which he admired the delectable little treat in his lap before Lucius turned his wintry eyes to the dark and brooding man opposite him, and with a silken purr in his voice said,
"Severus my friend, I do believe that you should not cloister this young woman away so. See how pale and thin she grows dwelling within these dungeons, soon she shall be as ghostly pale and withdrawn as you. No, indeed, I think the poor thing needs some company." All the while his eyes glinted and gleamed with mischief, his intentions though as always hidden beneath many layers of Slytherin subterfuge, his meaning shone clear in his gaze and the subtle grin that clung to his sumptuous lips. Through some miracle Severus managed to stop his own lips from drawing back in a contemptuous sneer, though they gave a small twitch of irritation that made Lucius scheme and grin all the more.
"Indeed" was the simple and cold response that fell from Severus' lips, a reply that although sounding like acquiescence clearly meant that he wanted to discuss the matter no further, yet more Slytherin tactics, sounding always polite and harmless while beneath lay a vicious and poisonous bite that would fester and devour from within.
With mild fascination Hermione watched the brief exchange between the two men who were once friends and allies, and now only played the part of such, each obviously possessing a great disdain and hatred for the other. It was interesting to her to see the teachings of Slytherin and a "gentleman's" war being played out before her eyes, but at the same time she could not deny nor quash the fear that roiled within her knowing that she was to be the spoils of this war. There are many things I could learn from these two, she thought to herself as she lowered her eyelids in feigned coyness while intently studying Severus from beneath her lashes. Yes, but at what cost Miss Granger? came the dark and velvety voice of her Potions Master as it floated through her mind, making her shudder and tremble with the sensation of a part of him within her body. Mmm, to feel other parts of him within my body… said a small and traitorous portion of her brain, softly yet clear enough to make a crimson flush rush to her cheeks while Severus narrowed his eyes for a moment before one fine black brow rose in an arch, a flicker of a grin slipping onto his lips.
Ten points from Gryffindor for salacious thoughts about a professor, Miss Granger he growled playfully within her mind, his smirk fighting against his self control as he tried to keep his expression plain and closed. It was with great pleasure that he watched her body stiffen and all but spasm with the strained control she exerted over her tongue. Her brows knitted delightfully into a frown, her delicate nose wrinkling with the sneer that had yet to touch her lips. Hateful man! she hissed mentally, knowing full-well that he was still coiled within her mind, an unwanted and embarrassing intruder. You would perhaps prefer Mr. Malfoy? he asked silkily, the feeling of his voice drifting under, over and through her thoughts stirring things low within her abdomen and causing a fresh flood of heat to race to her cheeks. No, Sir she replied sullenly, her voice sounding as though ground out between clenched teeth even within her mind, her eyes flashing like deep black pools for a brief instant as they locked with his, threatening to draw a gasp of barely restrained lust from him. Very well, then we shall discuss these extremely interesting thoughts of yours later Miss Granger he purred smugly though with a certain amount of discomfort as he fought to control the things clenching within his own lower regions. Slowly and gently withdrawing from her mind so as not to cause any discomfort Severus sat quiet and still, amused by his recent findings and more than a little surprised by the thoughts and images he had found hidden within Hermione's mind. Ah, what is this girl doing to me that she can so easily stir similar images within my own mind? he thought as he gazed across the room at her, a shadow of a smile clinging to his lips as he observed the blush in her cheeks slowly subsiding.
Growing more than slightly irritated that he had been so easily snubbed by Severus, Lucius once again sought to move things back into a direction that was pleasurable for him. With his own devious smirk barely held in check and his gray eyes gleaming like polished silver he ran a cool slender finger down the heat of Hermione's cheek drawing a gasp of surprise from her supple lips, her eyes fluttering as she immediately drew them away from Severus to settle upon him.
"Tell me my dear, are you happy here?" he purred as his finger continued to trail down her florid flesh, skimming lightly over the tender skin of her jaw and down to her chin.
"I…" Hermione began falteringly, looking to Severus for encouragement or guidance and finding nothing in his eyes but an unreadable expression hidden beneath the layers of coldness and malice.
"Answer me truthfully my dear" Lucius continued at barely above a whisper, his voice so much like Severus', so easily taking on an almost physical feel as it stroked her ears and caressed her mind. "I will know if you lie. Does our dear Severus keep you entertained?" he continued, his eyes gleaming all the brighter for an instant as they flickered to his friend turned enemy as he spoke Severus' name with an almost undetectable hint of spite.
With panic causing her heart to beat at a furious pace Hermione looked to Severus once more, her soft brown eyes filled with pleading and uncertainty as they searched his face tirelessly, the small crease forming between her brows and the corner of her lip drawn into her mouth in a habit of unease pulled at something deep within Severus' chest. What do I tell him? she asked fearfully as soon as she felt him slip into her mind once more, wrapping around her thoughts like a comforting embrace. The truth, or a portion of it at least. It is true he will know if you lie to him outright, it is a gift he has, he can smell your lies as much as he can your fear, but if you were to twist the truth, merely bend it here or there he will perceive it as no other than the truth. Choose your words carefully Severus responded coolly though he fought to keep the warmth and concern from his tone. Looking to Severus once more with the hesitation clear in her liquid brown eyes Hermione drew in a steadying breath and schooling her expression into one that was unreadable as she had seen Severus do so many times she slowly turned and looked up into Lucius' eyes.
"I enjoy my time with Severus yes, the dungeons are quiet and a drastic yet not unwelcome change from the chaos and noise that normally fills my life" she said slowly, choosing her words with great care. Studying her face for a moment with a trace of a frown upon his smooth and chillingly handsome face Lucius idly curled his arms around her waist, entwining his fingers thoughtfully.
"I see, but does he bring you happiness my dear? Does he cause your blood to boil and your heart to pound simply by being near?" he whispered against her ear, though his voice was purposely loud enough to be heard over the crackle of the fire. "Do you crave his touch like that of no other? Do you quiver at the thought of the things he could do to you?" he continued with a sly grin on his lips, lips that hovered so close to Hermione's ear that she could almost feel them brushing against her sensitive skin, feel them forming each word with sensual grace. A renewed flush filled her cheeks as she lowered her eyes, refusing to look Severus in the eye or even in his direction for fear that he would see the desire burning in her gaze or emblazoned upon her face. Turning her head slightly towards Lucius, feeling the unruly mass of her hair falling over her shoulder to hide the crimson blush from Severus' eyes she whispered wholly and completely truthfully,
"Yes."
Lucius suddenly found himself exerting a great deal of energy in attempting to mask his complete and utter shock at her truthful and somewhat embarrassed response. He could not and would not ever in his wildest dreams have believed that such a delectable little morsel as Hermione Granger would harbor such feelings for one as cold, distant and typically despicable as Severus. True, many times he and his once upon a time friend had shared many women in many ways at various Death Eater gatherings and even in their own Hogwarts days, and though it was true that Severus was far from being unskilled as a lover, Lucius had always believed that it was due to his own presence and coercion that these women had fawned over Severus. He had not even once entertained the idea that Severus could indeed on his own inspire lust and a loyalty that knew no bounds, especially in a young Mudblood Gryffindor who had suffered under his derision, verbal abuse and scathing glances for almost seven years.
Severus was also more than a little shocked by Hermione's honest confession, his heart hammering against his ribs as the revelation slowly soaked into his slightly fuzzy mind, the combination of her words and the Firewhiskey leaving him all of a sudden rather breathless and wishing that they were alone. He was instantly overcome with the desire to feel her body once more pressed against his own, to again taste the sweetness of her mouth and lips, to hear her whimpered moans of delight against his ear and feel her fingers burning hot on his flesh. With a considerable amount of effort he remained seated in his chair, kept his fingers from reaching out to her and stopped his thoughts from spilling over his lips in a confession of his own desires. Simultaneously torn between snatching her up in his arms and breaking every single rule he knew about teacher-student conduct, and banishing her from his rooms to put an end to the sweet torment that now flowed through his veins and into his nether regions, he settled for simply staring at her with mild disbelief mingled with a swelling pride and sudden rush of admiration for the little whelp. Damn Gryffindors always complicating everything his mind simply muttered callously as he continued to watch the woman before him, and the scowling man in whose lap she was perched. Ah yes, how much it must you rankle you dear Lucius, to know that this charming and beautiful woman desires me, the hated and feared Potions Master over your much more refined and handsome self he thought as he observed Lucius with a calculating gaze and accuracy.
For indeed Lucius was incensed, his riled temper pulsing just beneath the surface of his flawless alabaster skin, his displeasure radiating from him in sickening waves that left Hermione feeling dizzy and nauseous. Reining in a small measure of his choking anger Lucius once more began to deftly stroke and caress Hermione's soft and heated flesh, drawing a startled gasp from her throat and causing her gaze to instantly lock with his own. With a crooning tone and salacious look in his eyes he said,
"Certainly Miss Granger, but do you not grow lonely secluded in these dank rooms? Surely our dear Severus as intriguing as he may be cannot fulfill all of your needs." Pausing Lucius cast Severus a taunting look as he continued "you and I both know that his company can leave much to be desired. He is brusque and not always so accommodating to the wishes of others, you cannot expect me to believe that you do not desire the company of others." With the expression of the cat that has eaten an entire cage of canaries Lucius observed the frown that creased her brow and the way in which she began to nervously nibble at her bottom lip, a lip that he wanted to do more to than simply nibble. With great satisfaction he realized that despite the slight detour his plans were back on track and he would soon have the sumptuous little morsel caught in his trap.
"Well I…" she began haltingly, knowing that she had indeed been caught and backed into a corner, there were no words that she could say to lead him off this path of questioning, nor none she could say that would convince him she was telling the truth when indeed she was not.
"Come now Miss Granger" he chuckled softly as he stroked the length of her arm, "Severus knows better perhaps than anyone that he is a most difficult and unpleasant man at the best of times. It is in fact an art he has perfected over the years, is it not my friend?" he went on casting Severus a challenging glance.
"Indeed" was Severus' simple and sour response, his eyes narrowed slightly and his lips pursed in the beginnings of a world-class sneer. What is he playing at? Severus wondered as he regarded Lucius steadily, what game is he attempting to lure Hermione and myself into?
"In that case dear friend, I must insist that you bring Miss Granger to the gathering at my estate tomorrow night, she will undoubtedly be the highlight of the evening and the cause for much enjoyment" Lucius said with a barely contained smirk of triumph. Scarcely restraining his suddenly rising fury Severus leaned forward slightly in his chair his eyes narrowed in anger.
"I hardly think that is appropriate Lucius considering the company your little soirees attract" Severus replied sternly, his displeasure obvious and unmasked. With an exasperated sigh Lucius sank back fully into the chair giving a foppish wave of his hand as he muttered,
"Do not be so droll Severus. Our precious Miss Granger shall be a delightful breath of fresh air, won't you my dear?" As Hermione began to open her mouth to stammer out some kind of polite decline she was interrupted when Severus all but leapt to his feet, his obsidian eyes gleaming in the wildly dancing firelight.
"No Lucius, I will not allow it. She is not to be paraded like some cheap trinket for your company's amusement no matter how appealing it would be to see the looks on their faces" Severus said coldly and with a tone of no negotiation. However, Lucius did not even bat a single blonde eyelash at Severus' little outburst, instead he simply guided Hermione to her feet and rose with languid grace, smoothing the already perfect fabric of his robes. Giving his head a small toss to settle his long silken tresses behind his shoulders he smiled coldly as he said in a voice lacking emotion or room for argument,
"This request comes not from me my friend, you know of whom I speak." Sparing a brief glance to the young woman that was gradually inching away from him, attempting to recede into the shadows he let a dangerous smile pull at the corners of his mouth before assuming a more friendly expression and clapping Severus lightly on the shoulder as he turned towards the fire saying over his shoulder, "I will send you a formal invitation in the morning. Good evening Severus… Miss Granger…" Pausing on the threshold of the fireplace where now a great wall of green flames danced wildly licking at the blackened stones, he cast a look at Hermione that bored deep into her soul, cold and cruel making her shiver and recoil, and then he was gone with a sudden declaration of "Malfoy Manor" followed by a resounding whoosh.
For several long moments neither Severus nor Hermione moved an inch, both gazing intently into the fireplace that was once again filled with orange and yellow flames that crackled and popped. In a sudden rush of honeyed curls and slender arms Severus found a distressed and gasping Hermione clutching at his robes, her face buried in the small stretch of his neck that escaped above the stiff collar of his shirt.
"He cannot be serious! He cannot expect me to attend, not with… with those people there!" she wailed into his neck, her voice muffled by the close contact and sending sparks of electricity shooting down his spine and into his trousers. A scathing response of "remove yourself from my person" hung on the tip of Severus' silvery tongue, yet rather than lashing out at the terrified girl and pushing her away, he instead found himself wrapping one arm around her shoulders, the other rising so that he could stroke her hair comfortingly.
"I'm afraid he is Miss Granger, and dreadfully sorry that we both must obey and take part in this ridiculous charade" he replied gently against the soft swell of her hair, his voice heavy with regret and foreboding as he closed his eyes and drew in her delicate scent. "Now, I suggest we both retire for the night seeing as we have much to accomplish and go over tomorrow if we are to pull this off without either of us loosing our lives" he continued in a slightly sterner tone as he gently guided her back from him until she stood an arm's length away. Letting his arms drop to his sides he felt them ache to surround her, his body longing to comfort and protect her as he watched her wrap her own arms around her shoulders, her head bowing as she nodded slowly and once more began to chew on her bottom lip.
Beginning to wander towards the bedchamber Hermione paused just before the doorway and turning slowly watched in mild fascination as Severus began the chore of unbuttoning his frock coat, his nimble fingers moving quickly down the line until he was able to shrug it from his slender yet muscular shoulders and drape it over the back of one of the recently vacated chairs. Mustering what little courage she still possessed as the weariness coursed through her veins and settled deep into her bones she began in a hesitant and quavering voice,
"Professor I know you think it inappropriate, but all things considered will you sleep with me tonight? I cannot bear to be alone right now, I… have been having nightmares about…" The look in Severus' eyes immediately caused her voice to die away in her throat, her mouth to become uncomfortably dry and her arms to tighten around herself. Eyes gleaming with a scarcely hidden desire to comfort her Severus cleared his throat softly and straightening his back and squaring his shoulders as though it would help him to regain some composure he replied in a low and quiet voice,
"Given the present situation Miss Granger, I think that perhaps it may be permissible…" Bowing her head to hide the sudden rush of blood that filled her cheeks Hermione gave a soft nod and turned back towards the bedchamber mumbling,
"I'll just go change if you will give me a few minutes." With a subtle nod and slight flush of his own Severus muttered,
"As you wish Miss Granger."
For the next five minutes Severus paced back and forth in front of the fire, his hands clenching and unclenching at his sides, head bowed to allow the black curtain of his hair to surround his face as his mind raged war with his heart. He knew it was unsuitable for a professor and student to share a bed no matter the situation, but at the same time he could not deny nor put an end to the deep and burning desire he felt to simply gather Hermione into his arms. With a heavy sigh he cast one last look at the fireplace and then the partially open door to his bedchamber and giving a swift nod of his head snatched up his frock coat once more and strode to the open door. As his foot crossed the threshold he suddenly felt his courage flee him as he spied a mass of curls shimmering in the light of a solitary candle through a crack in the bed curtains.
"Are you decent?" he asked in a voice that much to his displeasure shook like that of a nervous and hormonal teenager.
"Yes, Professor" was the quavering squeak that came from within the shadowy confines of the bed as he slowly pushed the door closed behind him and moved to the wardrobe. Slowly as though he could avoid the inevitable Severus went though his nightly routine of hanging up his frock coat and placing his shinning boots in the bottom of the wardrobe. Running a shaking hand through his hair he thought snidely Merlin what is wrong with me? I am acting like… like a foolish Weasley about to be deflowered. All I am doing is sleeping in a bed with her, I do not even have to touch her, surely my presence alone will suffice as comfort. His mental dialogue with himself trailed off when a hesitant voice asked,
"Is everything alright Professor?" Suddenly snapping out of his daze Severus looked down and realized that he had begun unbuttoning his shirt and was about to untuck it from his trousers. Quickly refastening a few of the buttons so that only a small expanse of his chest was visible, no more than the slight hint of a raised and shinny pink scar showing.
"Yes, everything is quite alright Miss Granger" he replied as he hastily moved around to the other side of the bed, drawing back the thick dark green velvet curtain just enough for him to slip inside. Perching on the edge of the bed with his back to Hermione he removed his socks, casting them to the floor quickly when he noticed the tremble in his hands. For Merlin's sake Severus, get a grip on yourself! he scolded himself, emitting a low growl within his mind when he felt himself jump at the soft and warm touch of a hand on his shoulder.
"Are you sure you are alright, Sir?" Hermione asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper and full of a warmth that made Severus' heart ache.
"Yes Miss Granger. Get some sleep" he responded in no more than a rasping mumble as with a delicate wave of his hand the room was plunged into darkness. It was not until he felt Hermione move back to the other side of the bed that he permitted himself to lay back, his hands folding stiffly upon his abdomen, his eyes staring unseeing up into the darkness. He retained just enough of his control and faculties to not jump and rush from the bed when he heard the rustling of sheets and felt a warm weight shift closer to him. A burning hot little hand slithered its way over his arm to entwine soft and delicate fingers with his own, a wisp of a curl brushing his cheek as Hermione rested her head against his shoulder. Her voice was thick and slurred with weariness as she spoke against his ear,
"Goodnight Professor." Her breath ruffled the hair that lay against his neck, tickled the sensitive skin of his ear and made him groan internally at his own weakness and automatic physical responses.
"Goodnight Miss Granger" he whispered as he gave her hand a soft squeeze, letting himself relax and surrender to sleep only when he heard the first few soft breaths of sleep come from her lips.