Chapter 15- Gatherings
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Soft hair brushing against his bare ankle caused Severus to smile. He looked down at the Siamese cat twining through his legs and smirked. "Come to choose my socks, have you?" He opened one of the wardrobes's built in drawers, removing two pairs. He knelt down and held out the socks. "Black…or black?" he asked dryly.
The small, triangular head lifted and fell as blue eyes looked him up and down. A tiny, pink tongue licked a feline mouth before lowering to the big toe of his left foot.
Severus gave a startled laugh. "I said socks, not feet." He dangled the silky fabric. Elpis batted the pair he held in his left hand. "Black, it is." While he dressed, the cat amused herself by stalking and pouncing on his feet, jumping atop the dresser and admiring her reflection, and leaping atop his bed and rolling over and over. When she stretched out on his pillow, the boy shook his head. "Demanding feline, you'll have to get your affection elsewhere. I'm expected downstairs."
In response to his tone, she sprang off the bed and dashed for the door. Elpis gave a meow-yowl that, in combination with the swishing tail, indicated her irritable demand. Mockingly, he bowed. "Yes, your majesty." The moment he opened the door, she darted for the staircase.
Downstairs, Severus told himself that he wasn't hesitating in the hallway. He was taking the opportunity to study the mural more closely. He was not hoping Eris would come down and smooth his way into a stratum of society that made him ill at ease- the chronicle of family history was absorbing. One section in particular caught his eye.
"In 1013, my ancestor sailed up the Trent with Swein Forkbeard." Tyr Greyback walked over and pointed to a painted figure. It looked very like his son Ulrik. "We haven't changed much over the years."
Dark eyes gauged the white-haired man. Was he implying his son was a modern day raider, collecting Danegeld, or payment, for Lord Voldemort?
"Afi, don't go telling Severus our family history. We want him to like us," Eris called as she descended the staircase. She looked very festive in a clingy red dress with a wide neckline and long sleeves. Severus tried not to stare at her legs.
"I think he already likes you, kettling, so don't go worrying about my stories."
"Kettling?" Severus asked, noting the tint on Eris' cheeks almost matched her dress.
She said hurriedly, "Just a nickname, shall we go join the others?"
Her grandfather gave a low chuckle. "She used to like being called kitten."
Severus saw that Eris' fingers clutched the ends of the low sash tightly. He said, "I've recently discovered a preference for cats."
Eris relaxed and smiled. Her grandfather chuckled again, chiding gently as he led the way, "I thought you were going to rush down and see me, granddaughter."
She said, "I'm so sorry, Afi, I got distracted. I'll come to your study in the morning for tea and have our talk then."
"See that you do."
Inside the long drawing room, small groups stood or sat chatting on settees and arm chairs. Eris caught him studying the fine silk upholstery of the mahogany furniture and said wryly, "Welcome to our shrine to George III, the barmy bastard." She joked softly, "I once suggested we chuck it all out for comfy stuff, but my parents were not amused."
He would not have been either, but appreciated her attempt to put him at ease. Dryly, he responded, "Well, the place had just been redecorated in 1800, what did you expect?"
She giggled, but Severus' faint smile disappeared when he encountered the stare of a woman standing by the Christmas tree. It was Bellatrix Lestrange. The woman's dark beauty left him cold, and her heavy-lidded appraisal made him feel like a first year again. Severus wanted to wipe his mouth. He nodded civilly to Rodolphus, but didn't respond to the witch's lifting of her wineglass in mocking salute. Instead, he focused on Eris as they approached her parents.
The girl's face was serene, but he observed that she was clutching her sash again. Danica smiled upon seeing them, while Ulrik said brusquely, "Narcissa and Lucius are taking a turn out in the garden. Why don't you join them?" Taking in his daughter's dress, he added, "Feel free to transfigure your skirt to a modest length on the way."
Eris nodded solemnly. "Yes, Father." She led the way to French doors. Outside, formal gardens had been charmed to feel like spring instead of winter.
Severus looked sideways and offered, "You may borrow my wand if you have difficulty transfiguring without one."
His hand was briefly held and squeezed before she let it go. "I said yes to join the others in the garden, not to lowering my hemline." With a humourless laugh, she explained, "Father expects people to agree. He seldom checks to ensure they actually obey. If he scolds me later, I'll remind him I never qualified what I agreed to do."
They headed toward the couple seated on a bench overlooking a fountain.
"Eris, look what Lucius just gave me, isn't it splendid?" Narcissa cried, jumping up to show a diamond necklace to her friend.
"Yes, splendid."
The blond wizard walked around the girls to reach the younger man's side. He murmured, "She sounds under-whelmed. Perhaps you can tell me what it takes to impress my bride's maid of honour."
"I am sure I would not know," Severus denied.
Malfoy said in a low tone, "Do you know where she went last summer?"
A muscle in his cheek twitched, but Snape replied without hesitation, " Wales."
Surprise flashed across pale features. "What the blazes is in Wales?"
"Wails? Did you say wails, Lucius? Don't tell me Bellatrix has already made someone cry. It's that baby-voice she uses. I've told her it's unattractive in the extreme, but she doesn't listen," Narcissa complained, moving to lay her hand on her fiancée's arm.
He patted it. "No, my dear, we were speaking of where Eris went on holiday. Did you enjoy your trip to Wales, Miss Greyback?"
"It had its moments," Eris replied calmly. She turned to Severus and asked, "Would you like to take a walk with me? I could use the exercise after sitting for so long."
Her eyes conveyed that 'No' was not an option.
"We'll come too," Narcissa chimed.
A vexed look crossed the other girl's face before she responded, "Great" and fell into step beside Severus. Faery lights illumined the formal gardens, but the look Severus received from Eris was dark. He restrained the urge to kiss her sulky lips and enjoyed all the scenic views.
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Eris stabbed a bite of her artichoke salad and tried not to glare across the table. While she'd been placed between Rabastan Lestrange and Clive Sutton, Severus' dinner companions were Bellatrix Lestrange and John Kendrick. The girl had no problem with John, but 'call me Bella' grated on her nerves.
The woman ignored her husband and monopolised Severus' conversation. If the witch caressed his sleeve while leaning her bony chest against his arm one more time, there was going to be a cat-fight.
"Yes, I thought the Mudblood's embarrassment over not being allowed into my club rather amusing, as well." Rabastan smiled in condescending approval, hearing her involuntary snort of amusement.
Trying to appear as if she'd actually been listening to his droning monologue, Eris smiled briefly. On her other side, Clive said, "Please pass the salt."
Eagerly turning away from the wizard who acted as though she should be grateful to endure his attention, Eris handed Clive the crystal container. "Is the salad not to your liking? I'll be happy to have Vestri conjure another, without the rose petal dressing, if you prefer."
The boy smiled like her concern was personal. "I'm flattered that you'd go to the trouble, but I'm not fond of salad. The lobster was delicious, though."
In order not to have to listen to Rabastan, Eris encouraged Clive to expound upon the fascinating subject of his food preferences. By the time everyone withdrew to the drawing room to have their coffee, she was in a right nark.
Her mother drew her aside in the corridor. "Let's have a chat, darling, shall we?"
Eris tamped down her negative emotions. "Alright, Mum."
Danica escorted her daughter to the billiards room. "I'm so glad I insisted a sitting and reading area be added for the ladies."
"Maybe some of the men prefer to read, Mum, and some of the ladies would rather play billiards than chat about decorating and fashion," said Eris. So much for hiding her feelings…
Diplomatically, her mother sat beside her on a leather covered settee and changed the subject. "Our Yule celebration was rather small this year, but your father and uncle enjoyed dragging the Yule log home from the woods, and your grandfather preformed the whole ceremony in Old Norse." They shared a smile. Danica said with studied casualness, "Lucius Malfoy introduced a topic of conversation that engaged our end of the table throughout dinner."
"I'll bet."
With a determined smile, the woman continued, "No one could fathom why a young girl would choose to summer in Wales, of all places…especially not your father."
"Did he command you to find out?" Eris flat tone caused her mother's lips to tighten, even as she nodded. "Tell him I said because I felt like it." When she tried to rise, her mother's fingers wrapped around her wrist.
"We deserve answers, Eris." Searching her daughter's face, Danica said, "You were always such a quiet, obedient girl. What happened to change that? Your father and I are gravely concerned."
Her mother wouldn't understand her guilt about Remus, so she gave her the second reason. "I didn't want to be forced into an engagement, Mum, so I left and spent a few weeks touring a remote part of the country- end of story."
The relief on the face hers resembled was palpable. Touching Eris' cheek, Danica assured, "The house party was an opportunity for members of our circle to socialise. We only wanted you to meet eligible wizards. There was never any intention to force a betrothal or anything else."
She wanted to believe her mother. "Then why is Narcissa engaged?"
"Her parents are becoming short on funds, and Lucius offered to assist the Blacks if they gave their consent." Danica added, "You never have to worry about being married off for money."
What about for other reasons? Pretending to be reassured, Eris smiled. "Does that mean Father Christmas won't give me coal this year?"
Laughing softly, her mother reassured, "Your stocking will be filled whether you are naughty or nice." Dark blue eyes twinkled. "Although there may be a switch or two…" After hugging her daughter, Danica remarked softly, "You're still using the lavender scent we created."
Eris returned her mother's misty smile. "I've always loved it."
Danica kissed her cheek. "I love it too."
They rose to rejoin the others in the drawing room Eris privately termed 'the glorified lounge.' The girl's eyes scanned those gathered. She was glad to see Severus was standing before a painting at the end of the room- nowhere near clingy Bellatrix. Approaching him, she said, "Turner wanted to create watercolours that were the equal of oils in visual drama and impact. I think his landscapes are amazing."
Severus' eyes were riveted to the canvas. "What is this painting of?"
Eris answered, " Richmond, Yorkshire… Do you like it?"
He shook his head and turned away. "No. It's highly romanticised."
"It's Muggle tosh." Erik joined them, giving the painting a sneering glance. "Why Grandfather allows that rubbish to pollute our home…" Shrugging, he said, "I'm bored. Let's play billiards or something."
She nodded agreeably and asked Severus, "Would you care to play?"
He shook his head. "No, but if you do, I'll observe."
Erik looked from her to Snape suspiciously. He glanced down at her skirt. "You're not planning on leaning over in that, are you?"
Eris laughed. "It depends." She began walking toward the nearest door, ignoring her brother's demand to know just what she meant by that remark. The smug look on Severus' face told her he knew what it meant. It depended on whether or not he was observing.
An hour later, she was tired of playing half arsed just because her silly brain kept reminding her Severus might be looking at her arse. Handing her cue stick to Clive, Eris said ruefully, "Here, you give my brother the competition I'm not up to providing tonight." Her expression stiffened when he assured her that she played very well, for a girl.
In the outer corridor, Severus joined her as she headed for the staircase. "Sutton thought he was paying you a compliment."
She grimaced. "I almost paid him back with a hex, the prat." She asked while they climbed the stairs, "Would you like to go swimming?"
Dark brows lifted in surprise. "You have a pool?"
Eris rolled her eyes. "Malfoy tore up a conservatory to put one in that mausoleum he calls home, so my father had to do the same." She made a face, admitting, "I'd killed just about all plant life anyway."
"What do you mean?"
Her cheeks felt hot. Unable to meet his eyes, she confessed, "I've got a black thumb."
Severus laughed shortly. "You take Herbology."
"I like plants, they just don't like me."
At the second floor landing, he admitted, "I no longer take Herbology…because I have a black thumb."
She stared up into his set face. "Really? But you're so brilliant in potions."
His features relaxed into a small, ironic smile. "Yes, by all rights I should have excelled. Instead, I barely concealed the fact that under my care, plants failed to thrive." The corners of his mouth turned down. "When I think of the potions I could create if I were only able to cultivate ingredients that are so costly to purchase …"
Her fingertips against his lips stilled increasingly bitter words. "Don't think about what could've been, think about what could be right now. You…me…swimming." Lips moving against her skin made her smile. "I'll go change and then come up and transfigure you a swim suit, all right?"
Severus nodded. Eris waved and dashed for her bedroom, where she swiftly disrobed and pulled on a black one piece suit. Slipping into a towelling robe, and throwing another over her arm, she left the chamber and made her way upstairs. The girl paused before reaching the landing.
A voice carried down the stairs. It was Bellatrix. The witch had no reason to be there. Her room was on the lower floor. Making a quick decision, Eris tugged opened her robe in preparation for a little wandless transfiguration.
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When the knock at the door had sounded, Severus opened it thinking the caller was Eris. He was unpleasantly surprised to discover Bellatrix leering at him from the corridor.
"I thought I'd drop by, make sure you have everything you desire."
If the woman thought her innuendo seductive, she was as deluded as she was undesirable. Not unwise enough to say so, he demurred, "Our hosts have supplied me with everything I need."
A blood-red talon poked his chest. "Are you sure? I was so looking forward to discovering how your skills have improved since I saw you last."
"I should think wizard dueling hardly compatible with Christmas festivities."
His deliberate misunderstanding seemed to encourage her aggression. Playfully 'straightening' his collar before toying with the ends of his hair, Bellatrix said, "Do I have to drag you underneath the mistletoe again, or will you…"
"Hullo Bella, did I hear you mention mistletoe? We don't have any. Father can't stand it. If Rodolphus wanted you to find some, better tell him to take you shopping in town tomorrow."
Severus' relief turned to amusement when 'Bella' stepped away from him and demanded, "Why are you here?"
Eris handed him the robe, smiling brightly. "We're going swimming." Biting her lip in apprehension he knew was feigned, she said, "I'm not sure about this bathing suit, though." She untied her belt and let it fall while asking, "Do you think it will be fine to swim laps in?"
The sight of the black bikini had vastly different effects on each of the viewers. Bellatrix gaped at the low riding bottoms and miniscule top, saying angrily, "No, it'll fall off."
Severus' gaze wandered over the curves barely concealed. He said, "Come into my room. I need to consider the matter…more closely." He backed into his chamber and admired the way Eris bent over to retrieve the robe as much as her breezy dismissal of Bellatrix.
After she cheerfully shut the door in the woman's face, the girl turned and asked, "What was she doing here?" The smile was gone. The sulky look had returned.
He took a step forward. "Intruding where she was not wanted…"
Soft lips curved in satisfaction and then thinned. "I hope you made that clear to her."
Severus traced her mouth with his fingertips. "I believe you did that for me."
Cupping her cheek, he bent to kiss Eris. She whispered before his lips brushed hers, "Why did you tell Malfoy where I went over the summer?"
Her eyes were large and vulnerable. He admitted, "He asked me to find out." Severus began to pull his head back. "I'm sorry."
She drew him down. "I understand. I'll just guard my secrets."
Her kiss was accepting. He returned it, murmuring curiously, "Secrets?"
Slender hands cradled his face. "It's no secret how much I care about you."
He kissed her deeply, pressing the lips that parted in invitation. Sliding into her mouth while his hands slid over silken flesh, he demonstrated his own caring by not passing the boundaries of flimsy material. He wanted to. Eris returned his strokes and moved against him in ways that made control increasingly tenuous. The soft sounds she made evoked a passionate response. Severus' fingers glided down her backside and pulled her flush against him. She unfastened his trousers. He froze, conscience warring with desire.
Eris touched the waistband of his briefs and said with a shaky smile, "I'm ace at wandless transfiguration." She stepped back and transformed her bikini into a one piece suit. "I heard Bella's voice and…well…"
He was flattered by her jealousy, and the way she watched him remove his trousers. Thank Merlin she had transfigured his briefs into concealing swim trunks. He picked up her towelling robe and held it out. When she slipped her arms into the sleeves, he kissed the curve of her neck and breathed in her ear, "Shall we race in the pool? What will be the reward?"
Eris tilted her head to the side to look up into his eyes. He 'saw' the two of them entwined in the water, kissing. Severus' knowing look made her blush, and smile with an open affection that humbled him. Drawing on his own robe, he held her hand as they made their way downstairs.
A/N: Unlike some characterizations, I see Bella as a person who would enjoy pursuing someone she knew didn't welcome it even more than someone who did, because I think she's a sadistic witch. LOL. I hoped you enjoyed the little gathering, and Eris showing Bellatrix who Severus was really interested in. I hope everyone has a Merry Christmas, and gives this writer the gift of a review. It really is one of those gifts that keep on giving! Those who gave lovely "presents" last chapter were ♥ 40/16 ♥ Beauty Eclipsed ♥ Camillia Vincent ♥ cupcakeswirl ♥ die Loreley♥ ElspethBates ♥ Embellished ♥ FNP ♥ gothic-wildhorse ♥ GraceRichie ♥ ICKY07 ♥ Machiavelli Jr ♥ MamaLisa♥ Slipknot-3113 ♥ Slytherin Love Goddess♥ and ♥ sunny9847 ♥