Chapter 13: Manipulating Malfoy
All we needed was a plan. Neither Severus nor I knew what exactly Malfoy had planned for Friday, but we were going to leave little to chance.
Chance.
There was a chance that Malfoy wanted nothing more than a tawdry affair. There was a chance that Malfoy believed that I too was involved with the Dark Lord because I was, after all, married to a Death Eater. There was a chance Malfoy knew Severus was a traitor and knew the best way to get to him was through me. There was a chance that this could go terribly wrong, but there was also the chance that it may go as planned.
If I could successfully manipulate Malfoy, gain his trust and loosen his mind, Severus and I could possibly know if the other Death Eaters were keeping secrets. But what if I couldn't? What if I had to give my body to another man and for nothing? Severus never was one to share his belongings with others. Although I was not technically his possession, I definitely belonged to him, and I would have it no other way. There was something very wrong about what we were planning to do, and the ramifications would no doubt be great on both our marriage and our work as spies.
If I could get Malfoy to tell me about Voldemort's whereabouts or plans it would be priceless information. But there would be a price. Could Severus and I really survive willing treachery in our marriage? If Snape was the one whoring himself for the greater good of wizard kind, could I turn the other cheek and pretend that I didn't care?
There was a foul stench coming from a cauldron in the office. "Severus, what is that? It smells like raw sewage mixed with…butterscotch."
"This is for you," he replied. "It is a potion that will allow you to separate your higher brain from your conscience. If you are unable to keep Malfoy from…having sex with you, this will make it bearable."
"Oh." What does one say to that?
"The potion must be ingested a full hour before the event in order to be most effective," he stated in his best Professor Snape voice. "I recommend that you take it before you leave the castle."
"Do I really have to go through with this?"
"No, it is your choice. I do not want you to do this, but I know we may gain invaluable knowledge." Snape began to stiffen up and turned to face away from me. "If he forces himself on you, I will kill him. If you fear that you are losing control of the situation I want you to leave immediately, no matter how suspicious it may seem to him."
"With any luck things will go smoothly and with out my having to…"
"Don't say it," he hissed.
The plan.
Two potions, a very unwilling woman, a very willing Malfoy, a very jealous husband, and a little luck. The plan had to work.
Potion number one: Pro-Veritasia Legilimae. The Potions Master had created a serum which would lower inhibitions and allow the drinker's mind to be at ease, which would make said drinker's mind open to suggestion and infiltration, and also create a form of temporary memory loss.
Potion number two: Draught of Disunity. This was an old potion, originally created by a cheating husband so he would not feel the guilt associated with constantly cheating on his wife. The potion allows the drinker's conscience to separate from the logical part of the brain, effectively creating a state of emotional numbness and mental clarity.
OOOOOO
Friday arrived all too soon for both me and my husband. As I gathered my things, we looked lovingly at one another. "I will be very careful," I whispered as we kissed goodbye. We decided that I should go out alone so if anyone was watching they wouldn't suspect a thing. He would explain that I would be staying with Lupin, and Lupin had agreed to cover for me by hiding out with Sirius for a few days. I dressed normally so as not to arouse suspicions. If I showed up looking like a tart Lucius would smell a rat.
I took a Portkey to Hogsmeade, then the Night Bus to a Muggle taxi station. I took a taxi to within a few blocks of Malfoy's manor then walked the rest of the way. The door to Malfoy's manor appeared before me, and I started the plan my husband and I had devised.
"Good evening, won't you come in," Malfoy said as I entered the house. He looked very pleased with himself, a bit unnaturally so.
"Hello, Lucius," I said kindly.
You ass.
"I hope you're hungry, Ellie. I have a lovely meal prepared for us in the den by the fire," he said secretively. "Come." I took his arm.
He had outdone himself. There was a small table covered with blue linens which had several silver platters topped with ornate lids. A large bouquet of white roses sat at its center. It would have been romantic if it hadn't been Lucius.
"Lucius, this looks wonderful, thank you," I said sweetly and kissed his cheek. There was something odd about him and for a moment I saw a flash of something in his eyes.
"I sent the house elves to stay in the guest house so we could have complete privacy," he said as he helped me take my seat. "They did prepare this first, naturally."
I wonder if he will try and poison me? No, that's not it. That is way too risky.
"Try some of this. It's an old family recipe." He put a small serving of sweet potatoes in sauce on my plate. He got a bit of the sauce on his finger and licked it seductively, putting his entire finger in his mouth. Normally I would cringe and possibly vomit but not tonight.
I had to admit they were delicious and I told him so. "I am absolutely starving these days. Since I found out I'm pregnant I have eaten non stop." That was the truth.
"You look radiant, Ellie. Your condition agrees with you."
I could tell he meant it. I had to admit that since the nausea had passed I felt wonderful. My hair and nails were growing wildly; my breasts that were never small had swollen a bit and my skin almost seemed to glow.
I smiled and thanked him. "I am a bit nervous. I hope you aren't mad." I was going to play him like my piano.
"Of course not. I had expected you would be. I am also a bit nervous because I can't believe you are finally here with me," he said.
There was something about the way he looked at me.
Maybe he really does have feelings for me? Come to think of it, I have never heard him tell Narcissa that he loves her, and I was with them nearly all the time in school. Severus did tell me that their wedding was more like a business transaction and that Lucius had never mentioned anything about love when he had told Severus of his intentions to marry her. Could Malfoy really have harbored unrequited feelings for me all these years? I am beginning to think so.
"I'll be right back," he said. "I have a chocolate pie in the kitchen."
Do it! Add the potion now!
In a flash, I poured the potion into his goblet.
That was close!
He came back with the pie and sat down, then immediately sipped his wine.
Ten minutes…then it should work.
Lucius reached across the table and gingerly stroked my hand. I had to resist the urge to pull away. "Your skin is so soft," he whispered. "You are so beautiful." I almost pitied him. He was just so very…unnatural. "Would you like to sit on the couch for a bit? I know you must be tired."
"Yes, I would."
Come on potion….work!
I stood and took his hand, guiding him to the couch. He was like a child or a sleepwalker the way he just stared at me in wonderment, as if I was just his imagination. He sat close to me. I put my head on his shoulder, which surprised him a little, and he put his arm around my shoulder and stroked my arm. It was getting difficult, but I tried to remember that we had been friends long ago. My potion was helping me to loosen up, but I still felt wrong about this situation.
What am I doing?
"You smell like fresh lilacs," he whispered as smelled my hair and ran his lips across my forehead. "Are you all right with this? I don't want to frighten you away."
"I'm not frightened. Thank you for being so gentle with me," I replied sweetly. I wanted to go home and curl myself around my husband. I wanted to feel Severus' arms, not Malfoy's.
"A woman like you should always be handled with care. I remember when we were younger and I was rough with you." He sounded very regretful. I believed he was very sorry indeed. "I am sorry for that, you know. I would never dream of hurting you, Ellie. You are far too precious."
Sure you are now! I remember when I was just a Mudblood to you, Malfoy. I haven't forgotten all the nasty things you did to me in school.
"It was along time ago, Lucius. I have changed since then, we all have. Everything happens for a reason."
"Severus loves you. He always has. I regret…well, he has always been my friend." I believed him for some reason.
What exactly is going on here?
"He has been very good to me, Lucius. He trusts me," I said sadly.
"I'm sorry, Ellie. We don't have to do this. We can stop anytime, but I just want you so. I want to know how it feels to be in your arms. I have never felt this way with any other woman, and I have had many."
Gee, you mean you haven't been a faithful husband? Who ever would have guessed?
"Severus is the only man I have ever been with."
Why in the hell did I just tell him that?
That statement did arouse an unexpected reaction in Lucius. He looked at me as if I were a virgin.
"Those other women were nothing to me. Women have never been anything more than a distraction, a way to pass the time. Narcissa is a cold woman, but she is from good stock. The only person other than you that I care for is my son. Draco is my life and I would do anything for him." I saw the love in his eyes when he spoke of his son, and I pitied him.
"Draco is a fine boy and I like him very much. He looks just like you, you know? He is very good to me and works hard in my class. I hope that my son will be as wonderful as Draco."
If he is I will drown him at birth. My son will be nothing like Draco.
"You're having a son? That's splendid. He will be amazing, Ellie, he has to be. He is, after all, yours. You will be a magnificent mother. I can tell you love him already."
"I do. I love him with all my heart. I would do anything for him." And I would, including sleeping with a man I detested.
"So would I," he said seriously. "I would look after him as my own if you gave me the chance."
Oh no! Please, don't let him say what I think is coming next.
What was I supposed to say to that? He surprised even me with that one. There was that look again. I had the feeling he was trying to tell me something.
"That would be rather complicated, don't you think?" I asked, trying to think what to say next. "We are both married to other people. I know Draco is fond of me, but he already has a mother, Lucius."
Lucius looked sad and…something else, but I couldn't tell what it was just yet. I decided to use a bit of magic. Lucius' state of mind after drinking the potion would be more dream-like than realistic. I took my left hand and ran it across his temple, pretending to be affectionate.
The ring will capture something. I can feel it.
What would happen next I didn't know.
"I am tired. Do you think we could lie down and just hold each other for a while?" I asked so sweetly that I almost believed myself. There was the strangest look in his eyes.
"I would like that very much. Let me get your things and we shall go to the guestroom," he said. He took my bag and then my hand and led me up the stairs and into the guest room. "You can change if you like. I will be back in a minute," he whispered.
What in the bloody hell do I do now? I can't believe this.
When he was gone, I went into the bathroom and changed into my nightdress. Not a tawdry one, but one I would normally wear. It was red silk and it was pretty, but not so much that it looked like I was trying to seduce him. I brushed my hair and looked sternly in the mirror, wishing my husband were there beside me. I put on a matching silk robe and returned to the bedroom to wait for Malfoy. I put out a few torches to soften the light. I was just extinguishing the last one when he came in. He was wearing dark blue, silk pajama bottoms and a matching robe. He wasn't wearing a shirt. I felt my stomach heave a bit, but the potion Severus had made me began to do its job. My Potions Master never failed me. I felt disconnected but I still had my wits about me.
He came to me smiling sweetly like a schoolboy. I embraced him and we began to kiss. He was so tender, not at all like I expected. "Let's lie down," he whispered, guiding me to the bed. I drew back the blankets and slid into bed. He just stared at me there in the bed.
"Is there something the matter?" I asked.
"No, I just love looking at you. I have only seen you a few times in the past sixteen years. You are just so exquisite, Ellie. I have missed you." He got into bed and looked me in the eyes. I moved closer to him and pressed my lips to his. He held my face in his hands and kissed me passionately. I felt myself grow distant, like I was watching it happen but not actually doing it. "Oh, Ellie," he moaned as he continued to kiss me. He stopped and put his head on my chest and caressed my arms, which were around him. "You feel so good, so warm."
I felt like I was comforting a sad little boy as I ran my hands through his long, blond hair.
There is something more to this. There is something different about him. Something very odd. It must be the potion.
"Lucius, are you alright? Is there something you want to tell me?"
He looked up at me slowly, lovingly and I could tell that he did in fact want to tell me something. But would he? What was that look in his eyes?
"You traveled for a very long time, didn't you?" he asked quietly.
"Yes, I did. I went all around the world."
All right, Lucius, what are you playing at?
"Where was your favorite place? I was always rather fond of Egypt myself. I have been there many times," he said.
A bell went off in my head and it rang and rang.
Egypt! Oh, Gods! This isn't about Voldemort! This is about me!
"Yes, I went there once," I replied calmly. He started kissing me again.
"Very old and magical, Egypt. Things are written in blood in the pyramids. Most people think it is some sort of dye, just daily scribbling from slaves of the Pharaohs. One has to look closely to see the truth." It was as if he was in some sort of trance or telling me ghost story. He started kissing me again and moved his hands over my breasts and down to my stomach. He gently stroked my belly and continued. "Children of the Originators rose up against the kings. The path that was strong was now divided. The branches of the lines were never to be crossed. A child would be born of the magic of old and, in the life from true loves deception, would return the life that was already past."
What? That sounds like what I read in my book! What does he know of this?
He looked into my eyes and I could see he had taken a risk by telling me this. I had no idea what it meant, but that is when I realized that he did care for me and he had warned me because of it. He wasn't trying to come between Severus and me, but he knew something or someone was.
"Lucius," I whispered, astounded.
"I love you, Ellie," he said and kissed me. "There is only one man who loves you more and you must never betray him," he whispered.
He put his head back on my chest and I hugged him close. "I want to stay here with you tonight, just like this." I kissed his head and stroked his hair. Lucius Malfoy was in love with me and had found a way to tell me a secret, and no one would be the wiser.
We slept like that all night. When I was certain that he was asleep, I spoke very softly, trying to give him subliminal messages.
"You enjoyed yourself very much this evening, Lucius. You got everything you wanted and then some. When you wake up you will remember falling asleep in my arms after a night of passion. You will not remember telling me anything about Egypt. In the morning, you will send me back to my husband and then you will go about you business as normal."
I hope that potion really does leave the mind open for suggestion. This is a royal mess. Egypt…what on earth was Lucius trying to tell me? Walls and pyramids…and what the hell is an Originator?
OOOOOO
Like a good little puppet, Lucius did as I had instructed in the morning. I had no idea how temporary the memory loss would be, or if he would ever really know what went on last night, but I just wanted to get back home to Severus. When I reached the castle gates I could hardly keep from running.
Alastor Moody grinned maniacally at me as I passed him.
"Mrs. Snape, you have been missed. I can see the guilt and smell a man who isn't your husband." Moody looked far too pleased.
"It is not your concern what I do with my own time," I said in warning. "Keep your mouth shut, for my husband will never believe you." I played guilty and he bought it. He laughed a deep grumbling laugh as I went to find Severus. Moody was not who he appeared to be, and I would not be surprised if he had encouraged Malfoy to do his bidding.
When I found Severus he was drinking wine and facing the fire. He knew I was there but did not turn around. "Did the potions work?" he asked coldly. I could tell he had been drinking for a while.
"Everything is fine. We didn't need my potion," I said quietly. He turned around looking hopeful. "He told me something, Severus, but he didn't even try to sleep with me." I assured him and he ran to me and held me and kissed me.
"Good," he said desperately.
"Severus, I am here now and I always will be. I am yours only," I cried.
"I have been sick just thinking about it. How is our son?" he said as he bent down to kiss my belly.
"Active. He's getting stronger with every kick," I giggled. "He and I are never better now that we are here with you."
"Never again we will do this," he sighed. "We should lie down and then you should show me what he told you so we can figure it out."
"I need you to make love to me first, Severus. I want my husband," I said as I buried my head in his chest.
He picked me up and carried me to our bed. "I want my wife," he replied.
"Severus, Malfoy knows some thing about me or my past. He wanted to know about Egypt."
Later on as we lay naked in each other's arms I began to explain. "Severus, I had an idea when I was with Malfoy. I ran my ring across his temple and I am sure I took something."
"I wonder what is that you took. Lucius is a skilled Occlumens, Ellie."
"I know, but there was something there, and I think he was trying very hard to tell me," I said. "Are you ready to begin? We should both do it so we can see it together."
"I agree." We placed our hands on our temples and said in unison, "Fidelio." We relived it together. Severus wasn't at all upset by what we had seen.
"Ellie, I want you to promise me something."
"Anything, what?"
"If anything should happen to me I want you to go to Malfoy," he said. I looked at him like he was crazy. "He isn't a good man, but he seems to love you and would take care of you and our child. I am certain of it."
"Nothing will happen to you, but if that is what you want I will promise. I could never love him, Severus."
"I know, thank you for agreeing to it. Now, what he said was cryptic but I think he couldn't be anymore specific or he would be found out."
"Severus, we need to go to Egypt straight away. How can we without arousing suspicion? I can't Apparate and floo powder won't be safe for much longer. Broomsticks are also out of the question because there is no way I could sit on one for more than an hour. What if we went as Muggles? I can't fly on an airplane because my third trimester is too close, but a boat or train or something," I suggested.
"Dumbledore will be here and we can't interfere with the tournament anyway. Cypress…that's where we'll go. I'll arrange a Portkey to the witch's haven there. I have been talking about going there for years to see about some rare potion ingredients. We can disappear from there. Egypt will be a long boat ride but I think it is our best chance."
"It sounds almost right but, we will have to travel by land from the coast. A motor boat would make it but there is far too much traffic on the river and too many prying eyes. We won't have time. The trip from Cypress alone will take all night," I informed.
"Weasley, Bill Weasley," he remembered.
"It is too dangerous to involve him, Severus. Gringott's will miss him if he's gone too long. I don't want anyone to question him or his life could be in danger." I was very concerned but knew Bill would help. "We don't even know where to look and pyramids are heavily guarded by Muggles and wizards. There are geographers, paleontologists, geologists, all sorts of people digging and excavating, researching." I was flustered.
"You could get in. You are a Harvard graduate not to mention a Sorceress. You could convince them you were there to research. You are adept at living as a Muggle and you can read and decipher hieroglyphs, no one would doubt you."
"I would need documents, equipment, and a team, Severus. It will take longer than four days to make it look convincing."
"Let's sleep on it for now, but we are on the right track. The book…you should ask the book," he whispered.
"I can ask it? It does its own thing and I…well I have never tried asking it. Tomorrow we shall see." I kissed him and he wrapped his arms around me as I lay on my side facing away. Thank the stars, I was finally home with my husband.
After breakfast we went to his office and I sealed the door. "Well, here goes. Do you want to watch?" I asked as I opened the book. He agreed sat in the chair and I pulled the ottoman between his legs and leaned back on his chest. He put his arms around my waist, rested his chin on my shoulder, and folded his hands on my belly.
I turned to the first page and said, "I call to myself, to the earth, the waters, the winds, and the fires…I am the beginning: before the beginning and after the end." 'I' appeared on the page. "Do you see?" I asked Severus. He nodded yes so I continued, "Show me The Originators."
I walked away and Severus and I watched. There was darkness and then there was light. A young woman was running from something…she wore a crown and her hair was golden. A man ran after her screaming her name, calling to his wife. She fell to the ground and pleaded for the life of her child but he was full of rage. It wasn't his child, he said. She had betrayed him with the king. The husband used his magic . A light came from nowhere and then she was dead. He fell to the ground and yelled at the heavens above, cursing them, blaming them.
The king found him with his lover dead. The king cried out and all went dark. They were somewhere else now underground the sound of metal on rock could be heard but not seen. The husband and the king were facing each other as the lights were extinguished. We saw a flash of her body behind the wall and then the men were outside as the last stone was placed in the wall. The husband walked away and the king slit his wrist and let his blood run down the wall of the tomb. All went dark…we saw her and she was me again. She was pointing to the wall at the words that had been formed from the blood of the king. 'Death reverses and life progresses, backward then forward then backward to the future of the past to live again …' all went dark. I was facing us and the book slammed shut.
"There was more written on the wall," I whispered.
"It was you," he gasped. "You were there."
"How is that possible? I saw it and felt it but… have I lived before?" I was confounded.
"Something happened when you she died, something that changed magic forever. We will go to Egypt for as long as it takes. I will go first and arrange things with Weasley and Dumbledore will make it look like Gringott's business. Then, we will go together during the second task. You will remain alone until I can rejoin you. We will make it look as if we've had a terrible fight and you needed to get away for a while. We shall have to think of something that everyone will believe, Ellie. Malfoy… I'll pretend to have discovered the two of you were having an affair."
"Severus, they won't believe it."
"Moody knows you went to him. He will believe it and so will our enemies. Our allies will play along," he assured.
"It may just work. We will have to reconcile before the baby is born. People will believe that you want your child and forgave me for his sake."
"Yes, absolutely, no one, even our enemies would think I would refuse my own child. I have to speak with Dumbledore immediately. I shall go now." I nodded my head and we kissed before he left.
"This has to work. It's our only choice," I said quietly to myself as I went to dinner.
OOOOOO
The next day Severus went to deliver a package from the Ministry to Gringott's in Egypt. I went to London to phone my chemistry professor at Harvard to see about an expedition.
"Professor Lindstrom, it's Ellie Kinsington. I'm calling from London. Do you have time to talk?" I asked eagerly.
"Ellie, it's been years! How are you?" he asked.
"Wonderful. I'm living in England with my husband. He and I are both teaching chemistry at a private school here." Well, Potions was almost like chemistry. "We were hoping to do some research in Egypt. You remember I always wanted to," I said.
"Congratulations! This husband of yours must be a very special man. I don't think you ever dated while you were here. Egypt, huh? You are in luck. There is a team in Saudi Arabia that is waiting for a chemist who can read Glyphs. Your timing is impeccable! They can be in Egypt as soon as six days. Ellie, this is unreal!" Professor Lindstrom was very excited.
"Wonderful, Tim! How many people are there?" I asked.
"Seven. We have two archeology grad students working on their theses, a biology professor, an archeologist from Saudi, a historian from NYU, a geologist from here, and the very best data collector slash computer whiz."
"You don't mean…"
"You got it, babe. Rob Milner, PHD," he said. Rob Milner and I were old friends. He and I had done research on many occasions and he was the best at sorting out information. We had also been roommates the last two years I was at school. We had a blast together and had been very close.
"That is spectacular, Tim! This is just too perfect! I can be in Egypt in ten days. How will I get the documents?"
"Milner will meet you in Tura. He's there now sorting data for a group of local scientists who are studying irrigation. He is just a phone call away. How can I reach you, Ellie?" he asked.
"I'll call you at noon Wednesday between classes. It is difficult to get calls in the building due to security measures, so I will call you from…a pub phone, ok?"
"I'll set it up now, girl. Come see me when your research is complete. It is so good to hear from you. I'll talk to you Wednesday. Bye Bye."
"Bye, Tim." I hung up the phone and took a taxi to Diagon Alley. I used Floo Powder to get home and ran to dinner, just in time.
OOOOOO
"Fornicating again, Mrs. Snape? Severus hasn't been gone for a full day yet and already you're sneaking around," growled Moody.
I played along setting things in motion. "Women have desires the same as men, Professor. What my husband doesn't know can't hurt him." I had put on a bit of the cologne I had taken from Malfoy's house the other night and scratched at my neck to make it look like I had been…playing. I had also made certain to mis-button my blouse a bit. I looked guilty as hell.
Moody looked pleased and convinced. "Oh, Mrs. Snape…he'll find out soon enough."
I pretended to look angry and nervous. "If you say anything I'll deny it. He will never believe you," I spat angrily. He just went about his business.
OOOOOO
Monday and Tuesday went on as normal, except of course that Severus was still in Egypt. The teachers had all been assigned to cover his classes which left me with fourth year Potions Tuesday afternoon.
"Neville, I want you to work with Hermione on this. I know Professor Snape doesn't want you to but today is different." Hermione loved helping out and she beamed with pride as she instructed Neville.
"Draco, could I have a word with you for a moment," I whispered.
"Of course, Mrs. Snape." Draco loved feeling important.
We went to Snape's office next door. I gave him a hot chocolate with a bit of memory altering Veritaserum that Severus had devised. I waited for him to drink half of it before I began. I saw the look in his eyes and knew it was time.
"You will leave my office after you write to your father," I commanded. "Begin the letter by talking about the task next week, make it casual like normal. You will tell him Professor Snape is out of town. You will mention that I am having lunch with Lupin in the Leaky Cauldron a one thirty tomorrow. You will complain about Lupin and make it sound as if you are concerned for me and that you hate Lupin. You will say you overheard me talking to Madam Pomfrey about my plans for lunch when you were in the hospital the other day, getting boils removed after Potter cursed you. You will tell him Severus and I have been arguing a lot. When you are finished writing the letter you will send it at once. When the owl disappears you will not remember what you have written or having this conversation just now. You will be hungry, go to dinner, and tell your friends all about what a wonderful time you had organizing the cupboard while I fed you chocolates. Do you understand?" I finished.
"Yes, Mrs. Snape. I had a wonderful time. I need to write to my father, please excuse me," Draco said dreamily and then did as I had enchanted him to do.
I knew that McGonagall and Moody were going to Diagon Alley around two tomorrow. If everything went as planned I would have lunch with Lupin, Lucius would come to me, and Moody would discover us together. Severus and I had planned it out to the letter and I knew he would be proud of me, no matter what I had to do to be convincing. At dinner that night I laughed to myself as I overheard Draco bragging about the chocolates and skiving off my class at my orders. They were like my puppets being lead about the stage in my show.
OOOOOO
On Wednesday I reached the phone in a hotel just outside London and placed my call to America. It was set in stone. Lupin was waiting for me in the Leaky Cauldron at one o'clock. As we hugged I whispered in his ear, "It is in motion. Follow my lead," and with a peck on his cheek, we sat to eat lunch. Severus had contacted Lupin at Gringott's the day he set out for Egypt and roughly explained things.
"You are getting bigger, Ellie. How much longer now?" he asked.
"Nine weeks. He is starting to kick the blazes out of me."
"I bet. So tell me about this romantic get away you are going on."
"Severus just wants me to himself for awhile." I pretended to be annoyed. "We are going to Cypress for a few days. I hope that calms him down a bit because he's been really testy lately. All we seem to do is argue anymore." The lie came easy as it was well rehearsed.
"I am sorry to hear that. You two always seemed so happy and in love?" He played along.
"Appearances can be deceiving, Remus. Snape's always more concerned with his infernal potions than he is about me. I almost don't care anymore," I said sternly.
We went on and chatted about absolutely nothing until the end of the meal. I knew Lucius had been spying on us the entire time. "I'll see you soon, Remus. Don't mention to Severus that we got together while he was out. I want to keep some things to myself." I hugged him good bye and then I went down the street and pretended to look at books near Knockturn Alley.
There is something else I should mention. What I had taken that night from Malfoy's temple was his perception of what went on that night at his manor. Severus and I had figured out a way to alter it. Malfoy's willingness to warn me coupled with the Severus' tweaked Vertaserum potion had created a sort of funnel into his psyche from the moment I touched his temple to the moment I left him. My husband and I were uncertain of what Malfoy was left with, but I was going to put his new 'memories' back in his head before I had the chance to find out.
"Hello there," Lucius said quietly.
I whipped around and pretended to be startled. "Lucius! I…I…what are you doing here?" I asked all flustered.
"I was just doing some shopping." He held up a bag. "Then I saw a vision of beauty."
Yuck!
I forced myself to blush a little and crack a shy smile. "Lucius, people are around," I whispered and looked around as if to appear guilty.
"Come down here with me. I doubt your colleagues will be in there," he said, pointing further into Knockturn Alley. I had seen Moody out of the corner of my eye go down there a few minutes earlier.
This is falling into place perfectly!
"You first," I whispered, looking at a book, "then I'll follow." He disappeared around the corner and I followed him. When I got there he grabbed my arm and pulled me to him. I acted excited and ran my hands across his temples feeling the energy leave my ring. He was pleased and kissed me greedily.
"I have been thinking about you non stop since you left." Malfoy stuck his tongue down my throat again. "I think I drank too much wine but I do remember that you were incredible," he whispered. I knew Moody was watching, probably with his eye through the wall next to us.
Too much potion, really. Well, are you ready for round two, Lucius?
"Lucius, I want you. Take me right here and now," I begged as I started sucking and biting on his neck.
"Ellie," he moaned in a dangerous and strained tone. He slid his hands under my skirt, so I raised my leg and wrapped it around his waist. I kissed him furiously.
This is ridiculous! As if I would ever 'do it' in a dirty alley that smells of urine and …what is that smell?
He stopped suddenly and looked angry.
"What's wrong?" I pretended to care.
"This isn't right. This is too dirty, not nearly good enough for you." I was surprised he noticed. "I love you my darling. We should go somewhere else," he said sweetly.
Oh please!
"I want more than just a few minutes with you. I want to spend hours making you feel good," he said sincerely as he kissed my cheek. "Another time then."
"Lucius, we have a few minutes so…let's make out."
That was really lame, Ellie. Let's make out?
He smiled warmly seeming to like my suggestion. While he was enjoying himself I was going over my plans step by step. I only hoped Moody was watching because I wasn't doing this for the hell of it. Thankfully, our time was up.
"When can I see you again?" he asked hopefully.
"I don't know. Things are getting complicated with the tournament and all. I miss you already." Lie "I will write to you soon. I am late and I really must go."
"I will be dreaming of you, my love. Do write soon," he pleaded as I left.
I need some mouthwash and a long, hot shower! Moody…there you are.
As I left the alley Moody and I exchanged looks. I pretended to be horrified and walked away quickly.
Severus is going to love this!
I decided I would look guiltier if I didn't go to dinner, so instead I had a long, magnificent bubble bath and sipped hot chocolate while I soaked. Because Dumbledore had placed a special protection for married couples on our rooms, Moody wouldn't see the smug grin that I couldn't wipe from my face. After reading my book I crawled into bed, hoping Severus would wake me in the night.
OOOOOO
I felt my husband curl around me and I woke up happy. "You feel so good," I whispered sleepily.
"So do you." He was getting fresh with me. I moaned as he grabbed my breasts. "Aren't you going to turn around?" he asked.
"No, I think I shall like it this way," I said seductively. He liked what I said and did as I requested.
OOOOOO
The next day we went about as normal, plotting and scheming. I showed him what I had done since he had been away and he laughed a small, stuttering laugh.
"What? You never laugh?" I asked.
"I cannot decide which is more amusing: Malfoy trying to shag you in the alley, or what you were thinking while he was trying."
"Severus, really, you are enjoying this far too much. We shouldn't get pleasure from hurting people," I scolded.
"You forget, Mrs. Snape, that I am a Slytherin," he said proudly.
I rolled my eyes and slapped his arm. "How could I forget?" I shot him a look of reproach. "You won't be smiling shortly. If we don't figure out how I am to end this 'affair' soon I will actually have to go through with it." I shivered at the thought. That sobered him up quickly.
"You will not!" he shouted. "You belong to me!"
"Right. So how are we going to end it?"
"I will find a way while you are on Safari. Lucius will not come looking for you! I will kill him first!"
"Calm down, Snape! We don't have time for a fit right now!" The look he gave me could probably have killed a lesser woman. "Do you have your Muggle clothes together yet?" I asked.
"I have them, but you need to help me. Do Muggle men really wear these?" he lifted up a pair of cargo khakis and a camouflage t-shirt.
"No, Severus, I just wanted a good chuckle," I said sarcastically. "We will be in a desert, you know. No one will be wearing black." He looked extremely displeased. "Now, we are meeting Bill at the port city of Rashid, then to Tura to meet Tokey. He will have our documents and he must believe you are a chemist. That shouldn't be too hard. Then…"
"Tokey? I thought you said his name was Milner?" Severus interrupted.
"Oh, right, sorry. That is what I used to call him when we lived together," I explained. He looked jealous. "Merlin's beard, Severus. Rob is gay."
"Gay? I'm glad he's happy but…"
"Homosexual. You know, a fruit?" I replied
"You mean he prefers…" he understood, "Oh, right."
"You are so thick! I called him Tokey because we used to smoke a lot of…things in college. Look, he's the best and he's a good friend. We can trust him, even if we get exposed as non Muggles. He would freak a little, but he would adjust."
"Hm," he grumbled. "I have never met any of your regular friends before. What if he thinks I am unusual?"
"I hate to be the one to tell you this, Severus, but you are unusual. He is my friend and he will love you. He won't believe I am actually with a man!"
There was a knock on the door in our office so we hid our things.
"What are you doing out of bed, Potter?" spat Snape.
"Er-a package came today for Mrs. Snape from a …friend," Harry said cautiously.
"Severus, go back to work," I commanded. "Padfoot?" I whispered when Severus had gone. Harry didn't know that Snape was on our side. Harry nodded and slipped me the package. "Thanks," I whispered. Harry smiled and then left.
"Who sent you a present? Lucius?" Snape hissed.
"No, Sirius. Would you like to open it?" I asked as he eyed it suspiciously. I tore it open. "Oh, look, how sweet." Sirius had sent a baby blanket. It was red and gold with the Slytherin house symbol embroidered in the center. Severus sneered but then said something very un-Snapelike.
"The first of many silly things we shall receive. I guess our son shall need something to keep him warm when I'm not holding him."
I was touched by the thought of him not wanting his son out of his arms. I gave him a sappy look at he snarled at me. My husband was so adorable!
More to come…