A/N: Okay, so this is somewhat of a short chapter compaired to what I normally write, but you all know how much I love evil cliffies, and I just couldn't resist yet again, so there you have it, my kind of apology in advance. However, do not fear, the next chapter is coming soon, and this one of course has a wonderful dose of the deliciously evil Lucious Lucius to keep you all satisfied as well as some surprsingly tender moments from our dear Severus.
Elizabeth: Well, hopefully this was not too long of a wait for you :)
Moniquee: Once again I have updated nice and quickly, I just hope that they are in keeping with the level of quality you guys have come to expect. And thank you, I am very glad that you are enjoying it so much, please stay tuned for more.
decadentserenity: Well my dear, you know of course that I cannot reveal who the entertainment shall be, but let me simply say that it will definitely be worth the wait. And indeed, Severus' own history shall be revealed at some point, though not yet, and I fear that it will as Lucius said be far worse than his own. Your wish in my comand darling :)
LillaQ: Thank you so very much :) I really do love hearing from you all, it never fails to put a rediculously goofy smile on my face to read these reviews.
LBDAVVWF4E: Ahh, if only I knew what Lucius had in store for our dear Severus and Hermione, these characters really do not stick to the plans that I have for them, they are notorious for running off and doing whatever they want rather than sticking to my guidelines :mumbles: damn stubborn characters.
Well everyone, I truly hope that you are enjoying the story far, and I can not begin to express my appreciation for you all sticking with me for so long, through my sporadic updates and lengthy abscences. Thank you all so much. Enjoy!
Swallowing hard Hermione tried to force the furious beating of her heart to calm, for the sweat to cease trickling down her bare spine, and for the roiling uneasiness in her stomach to halt its tumultuous twisting and turning. Oh Merlin, I think I'm going to be sick! Hermione frantically thought as she was guided along by the utterly fearsome and despised Lucius Malfoy, his leather clad fingers still wrapped over hers, pinning her hand rather unwillingly to his arm. Calm yourself Hermione Severus whispered through her mind, his voice only hinting at the panic that tossed and turned at the pit of his own stomach. I shall not leave you alone with Lucius, he is not so foolish as to risk anything in front of me, simply cooperate with his wishes and we shall escape this evening unscathed he continued in an effort to soothe her frantically beating heart. All the while Lucius was infinitely pleased with himself, his typically arrogant expression transformed into one of complete smugness, his pale storm colored eyes glittering brilliantly in the light of the magnificent chandelier overhead.
As always Lucius looked the epitome of refinement and grandeur dressed in a sleek fitting black brocade frock coat that was emblazoned with a deep russet colored pattern of flowering vines, a fine wine colored cravat gracing his slender and pale throat flowing out over his chest in a spill of black lace that shimmered with each steady breath he took while a finely crafted silver snake was pinned at his throat, its ruby eyes glinting brilliantly in the shimmering light of the ballroom. A single black velvet ribbon kept his fine silken hair tied at the nape of his neck, allowing it to cascade down his back in a magnificent waterfall of butter-colored tresses. Lucius' handsomely chiseled features bore an expression of superiority and arrogant boredom, while his eyes gleamed with hidden secrets and desires. His broad chin was lifted high in the air as he surveyed all around him, while his full and pale lips were drawn up in the beginning of a smug smile, his fingers reflexively tensing around the much smaller and more delicate ones grasping his arm, his smile deepening ever more when he heard Hermione's sudden intake of breath as she tried to hold back her small whimper of pain.
"Do not worry my dear, I shall soon have you screaming loud for me" Lucius purred low and deep in Hermione's ear, the intoxicating scent of sage and citrus emanating from his smooth and flawless flesh, swirling around her like gently probing fingers as it invaded her mind, sending a cooling flood of calm flowing through her veins. Concentrate Hermione! Severus barked in her mind, his voice sounding urgent even to himself as he watched Lucius attempting to work his own carnal magic upon her. Focus only on me, do not give in to his cheap tricks and false affections, Lucius will enjoy only your pain and suffering he continued sounding dejected and forlorn as he could for now do nothing but watch and wait. Swallowing hard again, Hermione gathered to her the courage that her house was known for and straightening her back stiffly she plastered a sickly sweet smile upon her face before turning to face Lucius, her free hand moving to rest atop his own, gently caressing the impossibly smooth and soft leather of his glove, the small gesture bringing a surprised look to his face before it melted away into a look of triumph.
"May I trouble you for something to wet my pallet Mister Malfoy?" she asked huskily, her eyes flashing like wildfire beneath the fine ring of her darkened lashes, the burning heat of her gaze causing Lucius' stomach to tighten suddenly with desire. A low and growling purr rumbled deep in his throat as he lifted a hand to caress the skin of her cheek, watching with immense pleasure as a faint blush flooded her tender flesh and her eyelashes fluttered against her florid flesh.
"Your wish is my command dear lady" he hissed through his mounting lust as he drew his fingers down the sweeping line of her neck, briefly fingering the fine black pearls that adorned her sumptuous looking throat. "I shall return swiftly" he continued before releasing her hand and sweeping down into a shallow bow, his eyes never leaving hers as they continued to flash and sparkle the color of honey.
"I await your return with baited breath Mister Malfoy" she whispered in silken tones, her lips full and teasing as they moved fluidly.
As soon as Lucius was lost to the crowd, beyond sight and hearing Hermione turned shakily back towards Severus, her typically smooth brow furrowed deeply with distress and anxiety. In a rush of swishing robes she crossed the small distance between them and fiercely clutched at the front of Severus' frock coat, her fingers clawing desperately at him until his smooth and warm hands covered her own, attempting to still her frantic movements as he drew her backwards with him into a secluded corner.
"Calm yourself Hermione" he whispered against her ear as she laid her cheek against his shoulder, her ragged and frantic breaths ruffling his hair and tickling the sensitive skin above his collar. Once her breaths had again become even and relaxed, her fingers no longer clawing at him but rather simply resting against his chest, he ran a hand softly over her bare shoulder and down her spine, pulling her closer to him until she was pressed tightly to him as a blazing line of heat along the length of his body. "You are quite the actress my dear" he purred into her ear, "that was a very compelling performance you gave Lucius" he continued, his voice tinged with a hint of jealously and protectiveness. "I almost believed it myself" he went on, his face taking on a pinched expression as he gazed down at the top of her lowered head.
"Take me away from here, please…. Severus…" Hermione began as she looked up into his gleaming drowning pool eyes, her face conveying every ounce of nervousness and pleading that she possessed. That one single word was his undoing, the sound of his own name falling from her deliciously rounded lips was the end of his carefully controlled restrain, his will suddenly broken beneath her pleading gaze and imploring manner. Glancing around frantically Severus wound an arm around Hermione's waist, his eyes constantly scanning the surrounding crowd as he ushered her quickly towards the open doors that lead back out into the entryway.
"Come along, quickly" he urged as his heart began to pound like a jungle drum in his chest, his fine-tuned senses abuzz with threat and foreboding with each step they took closer to freedom.
"Leaving so soon?" a drawling voice asked at their back causing them both to spin around quickly, Hermione's full robes tangling around her legs causing her to stumble, gripping Severus all the tighter for support. Closing his arm ever tighter around her slender waist Severus pulled her to him defensively, his expression fading into the beginnings of his trademark sneer as he watched Lucius over the top of Hermione's wildly curling hair and replied flatly,
"Miss Granger is feeling ill, I believe I should take her back to Hogwarts." Lucius' features instantly took on a look of mild irritation while his eyes burned brightly with rage, before he once again regained control and schooled his expression to one of aloof calm.
"Hush now Severus, all our dear Miss Granger truly needs is a drink, isn't it my dear?" he stated as he presented to her a fine crystal flute containing a pale golden liquid that bubbled and fizzed softly. Warily Hermione glanced from Severus to Lucius, eyeing the fair haired man with suspicion, her manner full of distrust and apprehension as she shrank back against the solid comfort of the dark man behind her. "You distrust me my dear?" Lucius asked smoothly, his fine blonde brows arching upwards in mock offense as a gloved hand rose to his immaculately dressed chest. "And you Severus, will you not assure our young guest of my trustworthiness?" he continued smoothly while passing an appraising eye over the young woman before him who stood still and lovely as an angel dressed in yards upon yards of shimmering blue satin.
A short and sudden bark of laughter flowed over Severus' lips as he gave a subtle shake of his head while in an even voice he replied with mild amusement,
"You know as well as I Lucius, that there is not a single ounce of trustworthiness in your entire being." His response brought a rumbling and rich laugh from deep in Lucius' chest as he eyed the couple before him, for a moment the pair of men seeming to be engaged in a shadow of the camaraderie they once possessed in their youth. However, all too soon Severus' gaze grew dark and suspicious as his grip tightened protectively around Hermione's waist, the small action by no means lost beneath Lucius' perceptive gaze.
"Touché my friend" he purred in reply as he stepped closer to them, watching with pleasure as his once-upon-a-time most trusted and treasured friend cast a darkened gaze upon him, an unspoken threat shinning clearly in his eyes, while Hermione's liquid chocolate orbs nervously scanned the room. "Now, won't you both join me in the parlor, I have a matter I wish to discuss with you my friend, and we simply cannot allow the delectable Miss Granger out of our sight now can we?"
"Lucius…" Severus began warningly, that single word dripping with venom and hints of danger yet to come should Lucius push the matter.
"Severus…" he responded calmly and evenly as though there was no animosity flowing between them like an almost palpable entity.
"Truly Lucius, I do not believe it to be an appropriate time to discuss such business before Miss Granger" Severus all but growled in a low whisper, his eyes narrowing into slits, gleaming like fine-cut obsidian in the flickering light from the chandelier.
"Ahh perhaps you are right my old friend, allow me to find our guest an appropriate escort" Lucius said in a voice dripping with sugary sweet poison, only his chillingly sharp gaze betraying the anger that boiled just beneath his cool and refined exterior. Before Severus could even begin to voice a protest Lucius had turned swiftly on his shinning heel and strode away, soon swallowed by the glittering crowd. What in the name of Merlin is he up to now? Severus scowled to himself as he watched Lucius' retreating back, watching him intently until he was completely enveloped in the constantly moving and laughing crowd that filled the ballroom.
"Do not leave me Severus" was Hermione's heartbreaking plea as she turned imploring eyes upon him, her hands instinctively curling in the now quite rumpled front of his frock coat.
"Hush my dear" he said soothingly as he gently laid his hands over Hermione's, curling his lithe pale fingers around hers as he drew her hands away from his chest. "It shall not take long I promise you…" he began as he gazed down into her face, watching with a sudden surge of arousal as she once again began worrying her bottom lip between her teeth.
"You promised!" she hissed despairingly as she sought to wrench her hands from his tender grasp, "you promised you would not leave me alone, please, you cannot do this, I cannot do this" she implored frantically, her eyes growing wild and desperate looking.
"Hermione…" he began in a even tone, filling his voice with as much tender comfort as he could muster as he tightened his grip upon her hands, drawing them closer to him, lifting them towards his lips where he planted several feather-soft kisses upon her knuckles. "I will return as soon as I can, I shall not let any harm come you, this I swear" he continued as he gazed deeply into her warm eyes, the expression of unrestrained panic he saw there causing his chest to tighten painfully.
"Severus…" she all but whimpered in response as she peered into his lowered face, the silky soft tendrils of his inky hair brushing against her hands as he continued planting soft kisses across her fingers, the soft touch of his skin planting a seed of calmness within her, though still her mind raged and bellowed a deluge of protests.
"How touching" Lucius drawled as he drew close to the quite unusual couple before him, his own lips veritably twitching as he fought to hold back the vicious sneer that was desperate to spread across his handsome yet stern features. "Do not worry Miss Granger, I shall not detain your dear Severus for long" he continued evenly as he watched the two of them freeze suddenly at his presence, Hermione's fingers poised just below Severus' parted lips, a great flood of heat rising to the delicious young woman's cheeks as the pair slowly and reluctantly parted like chastised children who had been caught in an indecent position by a patrolling teacher, the fact that one of them was indeed the most feared and despised of teachers only adding to his amusement. "And you also Severus, have no cause for fear, for I have indeed delivered upon my promise and found our charming guest a most suitable companion for the remainder of the evening. Come along Draconis, do not drag your feet so" he continued in his usual drawling and syrupy thick tone as he stepped to the side and extended his arm in a sweeping gesture, revealing the young man behind him.