Chapter Eighteen
BETA: Raynephoenix2, Sab81790 and Thebeebeegun

Saturday, June 30th

Hermione brushed her hair out of her eyes as she scanned the restaurant for her date. Probably should have pinned it back, she thought distractedly as she took in the atmosphere.

"Miss Granger?"

Startled by the abrupt approach of a portly gentlemen with a haughty demeanor and crisp formal robes, Hermione's palm flew to her chest.

"Yes?"

"Mr. Malfoy is expecting you. If you will follow me, please." Hermione didn't miss the light sweep of the man's gaze down her attire and back up, nor the subtle dig that she had kept a wizard like Lucius Malfoy waiting. She glanced at her watch and was relieved to see that she wasn't actually late.

As she followed the maître d' through the bustling restaurant, she caught sight of many familiar faces and offered friendly nods of hello. Not only was it a Saturday evening, it was also the grand opening of Les Chats Miaouent in Hogsmeade; the same restaurant that had trusted Greg Goyle to prepare their menu.

She had been worried her dress was a bit much, but had erred on the side of formality, preferring to risk being overdressed, rather than under. Judging by the patrons here tonight, she had not erred at all. Her silk, floor length dress was charcoal with a delicate, matching traditional robe overlay. It was perfect, and judging by Lucius' face when he saw her, he agreed as well. He stood upon her arrival and took her hand, placing a light kiss upon the back of it.

Hermione smirked. "Oh you, don't be so formal," she teased as she pulled him down into a hug and kissed his cheek. She offered a playful grin as she rubbed the smudged lipstick off his cheek with her thumb.

The indulgent smile on his face made her insides melt. To say she was excited to see him tonight was a gross understatement. She had not seen him since her slip of the tongue when she had called him Master, and this was the first meal the two of them had shared alone since she had ended her submission to him.

"How was your trip?" she asked as the maître d' assisted her into her chair. Once she was seated, Lucius took his own. They were situated at a cozy table for two, surrounded by other two tops. The atmosphere was romantic with dim overhead lighting, candlelit tables, and soft music. Centerpieces with classic white roses completed the elegant ambiance.

"It was a long four days. And positively tedious. I'm beyond thrilled to be back."

"Well, Severus was beastly the entire time you were away," she added with a hint of amusement.

Lucius laughed lightly. "Yes, he hates extra work."

"I don't know if it was the extra work, per se. I think he missed you more than he cared to admit." Her eyes were full of amusement.

Just then the sommelier approached the table and began to remove the cork from a bottle.

"I hope you don't mind. I took the liberty of ordering a red for us. I'm afraid there isn't a kitten or a bunny on the label, though," he teased.

Hermione watched with barely concealed amusement as he visibly assessed the poured sample, swirled the vintage, sniffed it, and then took a small sip. Nodding his approval to the sommelier, Hermione's glass was filled and then Lucius'. When the server left, Hermione tilted the wine bottle and playfully made a disappointed face at the simple and bland label. "Well, I'm sure it will suffice."

He lifted his glass. "Here's hoping you like it."

Hermione tapped hers to his and then took a small sip. "It's sublime."

Lucius shrugged. "I find that when the company is good and the mood is high, everything tends to taste better." He put his glass down as he assessed her. "So, how have you been? I hope you haven't been working too hard. Severus had mentioned a time-consuming case you were ensconced in?"

Hermione dramatically sighed. "Oh, Lucius. It was ghastly. An elderly Muggle woman was tricked into leaving her fortune to a young, scamming wizard in Wales. He performed memory modification charms on her until she believed that he was her only living relative. Her real children and grandchildren thought she was suffering from Muggle dementia. It was a mess to sort out. Thank goodness one of the visiting caretakers had a witch for a sister and grew suspicious."

"I assume it was resolved successfully?"

Hermione shrugged. "Well the woman was emotionally distraught over what she had almost done and felt like a fool. Of course, she doesn't know what actually happened to her. She thinks she had a temporary loss of her senses, and her family thinks that as well. So, she is doubting her ability to handle her own affairs and has signed over her power of attorney to her daughter, which has upset her sons who feel slighted. It's still a mess. And meanwhile, the laws are so antiquated on the wizarding end that I don't think the wizard will get more than a slap on the wrist. And that's more for doing magic in front of a muggle than for victimizing one."

Lucius leaned back in his chair with a scrutinizing look on his face. "You really do bring up a good point. I fear that many in the Ministry, and in the Wizarding community as a whole, are too detached from that side of the world to pay it much concern. It's not hatred and a desire to destroy, like what Tom Riddle was about, it's just indifference, which can be just as bad."

Hermione felt like standing and applauding. "I couldn't have said it better, Lucius."

Just then the waiter approached, and Hermione realized she hadn't even glanced at the menu yet.

"Will you allow me the privilege of ordering for you?"

Hermione smiled lightly. "Sure, I think you know my tastes pretty well by now."

The glint in his eye was not lost on her and it caused a flush of warmth to envelop her. She knew exactly what thought had just entered his mind. She found herself wishing more than ever that Severus was able to join them tonight. The evening's possibilities would be exponentially more agreeable.

After Lucius placed their orders in impeccable, fluent French that spilled so effortlessly from his lips, his eyes fell back on hers. "Kitten, are you happy? You seem like you are, but I should like to hear it directly and not assume. It's so rare that the two of us have a chance to talk alone."

Hermione reached forward and took his hand in hers. "Lucius, I'm…I'm beyond happy and I have you to thank." Her thumb stroked the back of his hand as she gushed, "You have proven to be one of the most invaluable and important friendships in my life - for multiple reasons - not the least of which is helping Severus and me navigate the tides that tried to keep us apart."

Lucius swallowed, forcing away any hint of the conflicting feelings her response elicited: happiness for his best friend to be so damn lucky, love for Hermione and relief that she was so jubilantly content, and his own selfish disappointment that she hadn't chosen him. Not that she had ever known he was on the menu.

"Well, I'm glad to hear it. Yours and Severus' happiness is paramount in my world, second only to Draco's."

"And yours, Lucius. Yours is paramount, certainly."

Lucius didn't respond, choosing that moment to sip his wine. Before she could say more, the waiter arrived with their appetizers.

"Escargots a la Bourguignonne, and Moules farcies," the server announced in a thick, authentic accent. He proceeded to serve a small amount of each onto their appetizer plates before asking if they needed anything else and flouncing off to another table.

Hermione tilted her head, distrusting. "Snails?"

Lucius smirked. "Yes, and I'm certain you will love them."

"Uh, huh," she replied skeptically. "And the other?"

"A preparation of Mussels that looks as splendid as it was described."

"Okay then," Hermione offered, cautiously as she took a sip of wine for courage.

Lucius smiled indulgently when she popped a snail out of its shell with obvious trepidation.

"Now, make sure you sop up the wonderful broth with it," Lucius instructed in a low voice as he leaned in closer and watched her with rapt eyes. His jaw fell slightly open, as though to mimic her own as she slid the morsel off her fork and into her mouth.

He stared with bated breath as she began to slowly chew. When her chocolate gaze widened and shot to his and she began to chew faster, he chuckled.

"Oh, my…that is so good," she mumbled as she covered her mouth. "How have I never had these before?"

Lucius smirked. "Well, I can't answer that, I can only say that you should expect to continually have your horizons broadened if you dine out with me." He forked a bit into his own mouth and sighed in bliss as he chewed.

"Now, try a Mussel," he insisted.

"I've had Mussels before and know that I will enjoy them."

"Splendid," he replied.

"So, how is work?" Hermione asked as she forked the tender mollusc. "Is Draco still coming around the office?"

Lucius nodded as he took a swallow of wine. "He is. I honestly can't tell you how pleased it makes me. I was convinced I would need another heir for a while there."

A jolt hit Hermione in the gut like a bludger. Not wanting to ask, but needing to know, Hermione hedged, "So, are you…dating anyone? Are you still seeing Juliette or is there someone new? I haven't noticed you with many submissives at the club."

Lucius held off on responding when the busboy approached their table to take their empty plates and refill their water glasses.

A defeated smile and a light shrug of his shoulders was followed by, "My relationship with that fair damsel will not be moving forward."

"Oh?"

Lucius took another swallow from his wine glass and lifted the bottle to top off hers and then his own. "I saw her this past Sunday afternoon and broached the subject of my…proclivities."

Hermione felt the air leave her lungs. "What did she say?"

Lucius' disappointed, soft grey eyes answered her question before the words exited his mouth. "She handled it with dignity and grace, but she is not of the same mindset. We determined that we would continue to be friends but that any thoughts of a romantic entanglement should be cast aside."

Hermione's heart felt heavy. Seeing his fallen expression was enough to cause her eyes to tingle and well. She had been in his shoes and seeing him even the slightest bit sad tore at her. Despite her irrational jealousy and improper covetous inclinations toward him, she wanted him happy. It surprised her how upset she felt.

"Oh, Lucius. I'm sorry."

His gaze flew to her petite hand as it once again found his own and stroked his skin tenderly.

"Are you?" he asked, barely above a whisper and unable to conceal the flash of heat in his eyes.

Hermione swallowed the sudden hitch of breath that tried to escape. Withdrawing her hand, she reached for her glass and took a large swallow of wine.

Lucius shook off what he wanted to confess and leaned back in his chair, fighting the slight awkwardness. What is wrong with you? he self-scolded.

Her tone slightly more formal, Hermione finally responded, "Of course, I am. I've been there, Lucius. I've dated men and tried to convey what I wanted only to be rejected and made to feel like something is wrong with me."

Lucius shook his head, lightly. "Juliette has far too much kindness and grace for that. She was disappointed, as was I, but neither of us were terribly heartbroken. It was no great love loss at this point. I'm glad that things had not progressed - on a more physical level - between us."

"You would have never let it go that far without knowing where her inclinations lay, Lucius. You are far too considerate for that. It's one of the things I love about you. Your moral code."

His eyes flicked to hers to find them earnest and it was obvious her words were heartfelt and not just lip service. His mind wandered to the past. "I wonder what the Hermione Granger of ten or eleven years ago would think if she knew that particular sentiment would spill from your mouth in the future."

Hermione's expression lit up with obvious mirth. "Oh, I think that would be the least of my prior self's concerns based on what I've been up to the past year or so."

Lucius chuckled. "Yes, I'm sure you're right." Meeting her gaze once again, he was relieved to see the light-hearted merriment reflected from earlier. He would steer them away from serious conversation the rest of the evening. This was safe. He wasn't at risk of saying something he shouldn't when things were playful and light.

Both turned toward the waiter when he approached with their entrees.

The following morning, Hermione woke to the tap of a beak on her bedroom window. "Go away," she grumbled as she pulled the pillow over her head and burrowed further under the covers.

Tap, tap, tap

"For the love of Nimue! Can't I sleep in? Just once?" Tossing the pillow to the foot of the bed, she threw the covers back and swung out of bed. Stomping loudly toward the window in a show of rebellion (although to whom was unknown), she lifted the window, allowing the owl to flutter in. To her surprise, two other owls flew in on its tail feather.

All three lined up on the inside sill, allowing her to disengage the rolled parchments from their legs. One was carrying a folded newspaper alongside a note. Reaching in the window side basket, where she kept treats for these rare bedroom deliveries, she pulled out a handful of the morsels and divvied them out. "Are you thirsty?" she asked. One owl disregarded her question and simply flew back out the window on its merry way. The other two looked at her patiently.

"I'll be right back."

After retrieving a dish of water for the birds, Hermione withdrew back to the comforts of her bed with her corresspondence. Tucking her cold feet under the covers, she stacked her pillows behind her and nestled back comfortably as she opened the first letter, which was from Harry.

"Something you want to tell us? Ginny and I are at a loss. Come over for coffee and bagels."

Confused by Harry's note, she felt an uneasiness creep over her as she unfolded the gossip daily paper, Hush Wizard, which was attached to a note from Draco.

"Heading to Father's to find out what's going on, but sending this in case you haven't seen it. Clearly, we have a lot to talk about. I hope you two finally talked. What about Severus? I'll stop by later."

A headline jumped out at her in large, bold print.

Cheater!

Hermione Granger captured on intimate outing with billionaire, Lucius Malfoy.

Below the headline of the rubbish newspaper, were pictures from the night before. Pictures she had no idea had been taken. The images were highly suggestive and reflected a couple who, by all intents and purposes, seemed completely smitten. The first displayed them sharing a warm look as she kissed his cheek and then used her thumb to wipe the smeared lipstick from his face. The next showed them leaning into each other, their hands enfolded and her thumb rubbing back and forth over his. Their gazes were intense, and Hermione couldn't deny the obvious chemistry and heat they were demonstrating. The third showed Lucius wiping a bit of sauce off her lip as they laughed and the last captured their goodnight embrace at the Apparition point.

Closing her eyes, she braced herself for the accompanying article.

Prior war heroine and current defending attorney of women's rights, Hermione Granger, is perhaps not the "Golden Girl" Wizarding Britain assumes her to be. Scarlet might be a more appropriate shade. Well known to be dating the elusive and secretive ex-Death Eater turned war hero, Severus Snape, the witch was captured out on a clearly intimate dinner with another ex-Death Eater turned war hero, Lucius Malfoy.

"She certainly does like her celebrities," one anonymous witch was overheard saying at the restaurant, Les Chats Miaouent, which opened last night in Hogsmeade. The French bistro is on the current 'it' list and reservations are hard to come by.

The question is, does her former professor and supposed lover, Severus Snape, even know of her new paramour? Or is the man simply a carcass among the other famous men she has left in her wake? Victor Krum ring a bell anyone? Harry Potter?

"Severus Snape and Lucius Malfoy are close friends," another witch was heard to say.

"Not anymore," chuckled her dinner companion.

The restaurant was simply abuzz with whispers and observations of the couple as they clearly held no reservations about displaying their affections.

As always, 'Hush Wizard' is grateful to the anonymous tips received last night, allowing us to arrive in time to capture the interlude. The pictures from before our arrival are greatly appreciated and the contributing sleuth has been well compensated. Remember readers, we are in this together. Keep the tips and pics coming and we'll keep bringing you the day's best gossip!

"Fuckers!" Hermione exclaimed as she tossed the inflammatory and insulting paper on the floor. She had known she was a person of interest to the gossip rags. She knew they paid good money for pictures and evidence of any impropriety amongst the Wizarding community's public figures, but it had never occurred to her that she was being watched last night. Not at such a nice restaurant. In hindsight, she should have known better. She and Severus were big news ever since the Gala. The public loved to read about them and because of that, Hermione and Severus tended to venture out in the Muggle world more than the Magical. They were both intensely private.

Letting out a heavy sigh, Hermione lifted the final correspondence from her lap. Recognizing the spiky script of her lover and Master, Hermione braced herself.

Hermione,

Due to current events, I will be cutting my trip short and will be returning this afternoon instead of tomorrow. Obviously, we need to talk. Please be at your flat at noon.

Severus

Her hand flew to her mouth as tears quickly drenched her eyes. It had been an innocent evening. Affectionate, yes, but innocent! Severus had known she was having dinner with Lucius, but did he believe the article? Nothing had happened and she treated Lucius the same way she always did!

But did you? Were you not, perhaps, more touchy-feely than you should have been without Severus being there? Her conscience was plaguing her, and guilt began to inch up her spine.

Another tap on her window distracted her from her thoughts and she leapt out of bed to retrieve the owl delivery. The spiky, familiar script told her it was another note from Severus. Ripping it open, relief engulfed her.

Hermione,

I regret my tone may not have been as I intended in my prior dispatch. I am not upset with you. Disappointed by a lack of judgment, but that is all. I know you are fretting. Stop.

I'll be there soon,

S

Clutching the letter to her chest, Hermione let out the breath she had been holding.

Tossing his second note on her bed, she rubbed her eyes as her thoughts drifted to Lucius. She felt an overwhelming need to make sure he was okay. She wasn't the only one the article was about, after all. Dashing into her bathroom, she brushed her teeth and washed her face before tossing on some clothes and heading to her floo. She needed to see him.

The minute she had the powder in her fingers, her hearth roared to life with green flames and Lucius stepped through, the same look of urgency on his face that she knew was reflected on hers. "I was just coming to see you!" she blurted, assessing him closely.

"Are you alright?" he asked, his face etched with worry.

Shaking off her surprise at his arrival, she gushed, "I'm so sorry, I wasn't thinking! I should have known! And now you have your picture…"

Lucius stepped forward and pulled her into an embrace. "Shush, stop. Don't be ridiculous. You did nothing wrong. I have already contacted my attorney and will be bringing suit against the restaurant for allowing the press into the establishment without notifying the patrons."

Hermione felt the fight leave her as she sank into his chest. "Still, the first picture was from another customer."

"Correction, it was from a busboy. Another reason the restaurant is liable."

Hermione pushed away from him in frustration. "It doesn't matter. The evidence is in the photos. I'm a harlot who is cheating on Severus."

Lucius watched her for a moment. "If you're concerned about his reaction, I'll speak to him. It's not like there is any truth to any of it and Severus knows I would never lie to him."

Hermione stopped worrying her bottom lip and peeked up into concerned, steel eyes. She reached out and touched his forearm reassuringly. "No, it's fine. He already owled. He said he's not upset and not to fret."

Lucius tried to contain his surprise. "Did he?" After a second's thought he added, "Well, he's much more level-headed since you came along, my dear. It's evidence of his respect for you that he trusts you so."

"He trusts you, too, Lucius. He knows how I feel about you and that I love you like family."

Now that everything had sunk in, Hermione felt her ire growing. "And screw the wizarding world and their assumptions. We did nothing wrong last night. Our relationship is no one else's concern and if that makes me a harlot, then so be it!"

Lucius couldn't hide his amusement as he grinned. Then her eyes shot up to his in a worried fashion. "Oh, but Lucius. What about you? You have a reputation to uphold. You don't need people thinking that you are cavorting around with a cheating Mugg-"

Lucius voice was stern. "Stop. Right there."

His tone and delivery caused her jaw to snap shut and her demeanor to come to attention. She peeked up into the intense stare that matched the Dominant one he used on her so many times in the past. As wrong as it was, she had to fight the gumption to fall to her knees.

He didn't relent, however. "Do not finish that sentence. I can take care of myself and I would never be ashamed of having an association with you, in any shape or fashion. And I won't have you implying that I would." He gave her a dismayed look. "Where does that self-deprecation come from?"

Hermione swallowed, "I…well, I think you misunderstand me, Lucius. It's not that I think you are ashamed of me, per se. It's just that you are Lucius Malfoy and you have a certain reputation to maintain. You date people like the French Minster of Magic. I'm hardly in your social circle. At least not publicly."

Lucius let out a disappointed sigh. "No, it's you who misunderstand me, Hermione. I'm not that man anymore. I thought you knew this. I would never walk away from a woman because she wasn't a Pure-blood or because she wasn't born into society's elite. Those are not the reasons I would turn away someone who could make me happy."

Hermione stared up at him with wide eyes, feeling like she had just learned something of monumental importance, even if she was in denial as to why. "No, I don't daresay you would." Her voice was quiet, just above a whisper. "I guess it just never occurred to me that you would consider someone seriously who wasn't…more like you."

Both heads turned to the floo when green flames erupted, and Draco stepped through. His gaze traveled from Hermione to his father.

"Mum! Dad!"

"Funny," Lucius deadpanned.

"Prat." Hermione added.

"Figures I'd find you here," Draco said to his father.

"Where else would I be? I needed to make sure Hermione was alright and didn't need my assistance with your hot-tempered and notoriously irrational Godfather."

Hermione studied the two men as they fell into a discussion about the inflammatory situation. It was uncanny how much they looked alike. Draco was a hair taller and his eyes a softer grey, but Lucius commanded a stronger presence between the two and despite Hermione knowing better, he bled a more foreboding persona and did not come off as approachable as Draco somehow managed.

"I'm going to make tea," Hermione announced, leaving the two men to their conversation. The whole thing was just ridiculous. Why did people have to be such nosy, busy bodies? As she held the kettle under the water faucet, she noticed the regular owl post-delivery on the exterior sill of the kitchen window. The bedroom deliveries had been express owl, but what was waiting for her now was simply the everyday mail. After setting the kettle on the gas stove, she opened the window and pulled the morning mail inside.

On top was The Daily Prophet, and on its cover was another incendiary headline:

Hermione Granger Sets Sights on Malfoy Fortune

Famous witch apparently moved on from Severus Snape

By Rita Skeeter

Known for her seductive power over famous wizards, Hermione Granger, the supposed brains of the Golden Trio, has moved on from wizard of mystery, Severus Snape, and is now digging her way into the heart and coffers of widower, Lucius Malfoy. The pair were spotted out at the grand opening of Les Chats Miaouent, where the plain, yet somehow enticing to the opposite sex, Hermione Granger, was witnessed throwing herself at one of society's most elite and sought-after bachelors, Lucius Malfoy.

"Rubbish," she snapped as she tossed the morning edition into the bin. There was no point in finishing the article and she refused to let that cow, Rita Skeeter, upset her.

The kettle was just starting to rattle and whistle when she heard footsteps behind her. She turned to see Draco's gaze land on the discarded paper. "Did you read it?" he asked, curiously.

"I read enough," she responded succinctly and dismissively.

"Well, did you read the part where it said you were throwing yourself at my father?"

"Yes, Draco. Hard to miss that."

"What about the part where it said you had only befriended Potter in school because he was famous."

Hermione shrugged as she levitated the mugs out of the cabinet. "Must have missed that intriguing bit of intel."

"And how you broke Victor Krum's heart and that he never won a World Cup after dating you? That you damaged him?"

"That's ridiculous. He never won one before meeting me either." She snickered.

Draco's eyes narrowed. "Or where it hinted you had been using lust potions all these years?"

"WHAT?" Hermione shrieked.

"No, it didn't actually say that," Draco countered with a shrug. "Just making sure you were paying attention."

Hermione scowled at him. "You're an awful friend, you know that?"

"You love me." He smirked. "Besides, I love it when you're in the papers. It makes my day so much more fun."

"Watch it, or I'll set my voodoo seduction powers on you and you'll end up splattered on the front page under a headline that says, 'Hermione Granger loses her senses and pursues biggest prat known to wizardkind.'"

The sound of the floo and then familiar voices caused Hermione to pinch the bridge of her nose at the beginnings of a headache. Harry and Ron.

"This just gets better and better," Draco mused as he rubbed his hands together and left the kitchen.

"The harlot's in the kitchen," Hermione heard Draco announce.

This was followed by, "Draco!" in a scolding tone from Lucius.

Hermione stepped into the living room to meet her newly arrived friends who were looking from Lucius to her and back with concerned eyes.

"Please tell me you didn't actually believe what you read?" she demanded.

Harry and Ron looked nervously at each other.

"We, uh. We just wanted to be sure you were alright," Ron said simply. There was no derision or any hint of accusation in his tone. His eyes were wide and full of obvious concern. She was instantly reminded of how much she loved her boys and rushed forward into the strong arms of her ginger-haired friend.

"I'm fine, Ron. It's all just a bunch of rubbish, as usual."

"That's what we thought was probably the case, but you didn't respond to my message this morning and…"

Hermione stepped back from Ron and moved to Harry's side. "I haven't had a chance, Harry. I haven't even been awake for an hour yet."

Harry had nothing but understanding, and a touch of exhaustion, in his voice when he replied, "I'm so tired of this. Why won't they just leave us alone? Ginny and I have started avoiding taking the kids out in public, more than an occasional trip to Diagon Alley or Hogsmeade. Within minutes of arriving anywhere, we have photographers tailing us. I feel like it has gotten worse."

For all Hermione's frustration with gossip and infringement on her privacy, no one had it as bad as 'the boy who defeated You-Know-Who.'

Hermione rubbed his arm in understanding. "That's horrible, Harry."

Realizing she had four guests and that she was being a poor hostess, Hermione gestured to the sofa and chairs. "Have a seat, everybody. Tea and biscuits coming right up."

A few minutes later, Hermione arrived back in the living room to find Lucius and Ron engaged in a Quidditch discussion and Harry and Draco discussing something in whispered tones with concerned looks on their faces.

"What's got you tighter than two clams in a shell?"

Harry looked from her to Draco and back. "Just talking about the Muggleborn attacks."

Which means they're probably harping on about ways to keep me safe, Hermione internally groused. It was getting really old being constantly made to feel inadequate when it comes to self-preservation.

Lucius' eyes flickered to Harry's sharply as he asked, "Have there been more?"

Harry shrugged. "We aren't sure. A Muggleborn witch was raped, but the M.O. isn't quite the same. We aren't sure if it's related to the other attacks."

"Well, Hermione, I know Severus would agree that you need to be extra cautious and not make unnecessary jaunts out and about until this man in caught."

Lucius' words caused her to internally roll her eyes. The lyrics to I'm Just a Girl popped unbidden into her mind and she forced herself not to smile. "Yes, best I stay hidden from the world because bad things can happen," she responded flippantly with no small amount of snark.

When she glanced at Lucius, she swallowed her regret instantly. His look left no doubt to his displeasure at her response and were he still her Master, she would be in a heap of trouble.

"Well, perhaps Severus can beat some sense into you," he responded with piercing eyes. She swallowed and looked away.

"Speaking of beating, I need to get back to Ginny and the baby," Harry announced as he popped up from the sofa. "I promised I would only be a few minutes."

"Yeah, I have to run by Baby Charms to pick up those new self-cleaning diapers. Luna will have my head on a platter if I forget them," Ron added.

"Tell Ginny and Luna I said hi and we need to get together," Hermione offered as she walked her friends to the floo.

"Will do," Ron responded, leaning into the kiss Hermione had raised herself onto her toes to place on his cheek.

Harry followed , "Stay safe and let me know if I can do anything." His eyes scanned to Lucius and back to her after she kissed his cheek as well, and Hermione was fully aware she still needed to offer some explanation for the pics in the papers. He hugged her tightly for a brief moment.

"I'll talk to you later," she offered, which earned her a subtle nod of approval from her messy-haired best friend as he pulled away. "Thanks for stopping by."

After they left, Hermione was disappointed when Lucius and Draco made their excuses and departed as well. Draco was due at M's and Lucius had end-of-the-month estate matters to attend to. It was just as well, she wanted to take a shower and prepare lunch for Severus.

XXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Lucius spent the afternoon immersed in ledgers and cheque writing. It provided the distraction he so desperately needed after such a wonderful evening was capped off by the tasteless and unscrupulous exaggerated assumptions of journalists who held the integrity of a Niffler.

When Bilby walked in with an owl post, it was just the change of focus Lucius needed. His eyes were tired from looking at accounts and numbers.

Luc,

Join Hermione and me at The Wayward Broom for dinner at 6. Let's show the wizarding world how little we care about their prying eyes.

Sev

Lucius couldn't help but smile. Brilliant plan! Severus was clearly taking all of this very well, which Lucius had to admit was a bit surprising. His whole life, Severus Snape had been a non-trusting soul. He was always suspicious of those around him, concerned that others were trying to get the better of him. In truth, those suspicions were often very well-founded and reasonable, especially within the politics of Slytherin House and later amongst the Death Eaters.

The problem was that Snape could never seem to understand that not everyone was out to get him or hurt him. It had taken time, but Lucius had grown to become the one person Snape trusted. It was apparent that Hermione was now in that same fold and it warmed Lucius' heart to know that his friend was growing emotionally and was able to trust the young woman as well. It gave Lucius a touch of encouragement about the current arrangement the three seemed to share. Lucius had been waiting for the other shoe to drop, for Severus to become more possessive of Hermione, but it miraculously hadn't happened. If anything, Severus seemed to really enjoy Lucius joining them.

It made Lucius feel all the more guilty for the feelings he was harboring. He felt like he was betraying his friend. And if there was one thing Lucius was sure of, it was that if he lost Severus' trust, he would never get it back. He would lose his friend forever. Nothing was worth that.

But then again, if Severus was happy including him, and Hermione was happy, and he was happy…at least occasionally, well then, that was better than never seeing her, right?

When Lucius entered the restaurant, slightly less than two hours later, it was to find his best friends waiting for him at a booth situated right in the center of the left wall. The table was not obscured in any way and was highly visible to anyone who entered. Hermione was sitting across from Snape and Lucius didn't hesitate to slide in next to her.

"Tell me, how was the conference?" Lucius asked once they had given an order for appetizers and a bottle of wine.

"It was as big a waste of time as it is every year. A bunch of potioneers who fancy themselves more important and not as smart as they think they are, who stand around congratulating themselves on greatness that none of them possess."

"Well, it sounds like a striking resemblance to what you said last year," Lucius mused.

"Why do you go if it's so bad? Hermione asked.

"In order to maintain my Mastership, I'm required to engage with other potioneers at least once annually. These events are supposed to breed new ideas in the field and provide an atmosphere where the younger Potion's Masters can mingle with the more established, thereby benefitting from the experience of the older generation. The younger group, in turn, will hopefully sprinkle some innovative thoughts and approaches into the practices and minds of the older, more regimented members."

"Hmm, and that's not what happens?" Hermione questioned.

"Not in the least. The younger minds are cast aside as inept and unable as the older members bask in their superiority. It's a complete waste of time. Although, I did meet a young Brazilian wizard who seems promising. He has some ideas about uses of Figroot that are very intriguing."

The restaurant was just getting busy and Lucius didn't miss the not-so-subtle stares and hanging jaws of their many fellow diners.

"Well, this will certainly make the papers," Hermione offered. "I wonder how many pictures have been taken." A mischievous grin crept over her face as she reached across the table and grabbed Snape by the collar, pulling him towards the center where she laid a big kiss right on his mouth.

"Post that, you gossiping biddies," she sniggered.

Lucius chuckled, "I have to admit, this was a stroke of genius. The papers will have a heyday. I can only imagine tomorrow's headlines."

"Probably that I'm your shared girlfriend or something equally ridiculous." She giggled and added, "That's actually a thing! Did you know? Triads. I had no idea until recently. Although, apparently it's more of a French thing than an English one."

She sipped her wine and looked over the menu, unaware her comment had left an impression on the two men.

When the silence had lingered just a bit too long, Hermione glanced up to find both of them watching her, as though in thought. "What?" she asked.

Ignoring her question, Lucius met Severus' eye. "I have to admit I'm a touch surprised you arranged this…display, Severus." He gestured towards the, now busy, restaurant around them.

Snape shrugged. "This will truly leave them at a loss. After tonight, I have no desire to demonstrate anything publicly, however." He looked pointedly at Hermione. "We've agreed to lay low for a while until all this blows over."

Lucius contemplated. "Well, I'm just glad you understand the truth of the circumstances."

Snape paused before responding, "I've explained to Hermione that I'm not upset about last night. I know how close the two of you are. We have also been engaging in …activities that feed the intimacy the two of you have shared. Neither of you did anything wrong, especially given our particular circumstances. It would be unfair of me to become angry about something that I helped facilitate."

Lucius felt a hitch of doom in his gut. It wasn't what his friend was saying, it was the tone and the sense of a clarification coming.

"That being said," Snape continued before pausing.

Here it comes.

"I think, in the interest of reestablishing some boundaries, that we should take a break from the three of us scening together."

Bollocks. Lucius felt like his gut leapt from his body to the floor. He only half heard as Severus continued, "Hermione's," he paused, "mistake at the club was an indicator that things are becoming a bit…blurred. I feel it's unfair to her. It's…" He swallowed. "And…I would be lying if I claimed that the articles didn't bother me, at least a little bit."

Lucius stared without seeing as Severus sipped his drink. He knew how hard it was for Snape to express even an ounce of vulnerability. If the taciturn man was admitting to this much, he was probably concealing much more.

Glancing at the witch next to him, he noted her expression was stricken.

"You mean…not at all?" Hermione asked in a small voice, her gaze darting from Severus to Lucius and back again.

Severus drew himself up and looked at her astutely. "You are my submissive, yet you addressed him as Master…in the club! Last night you were photographed in a compromised light. Flaunting yourself at him. Touching each other. We've already talked about this, I won't continue."

Lucius sighed, knowing what he needed to do, even if he hated it. "Severus is right, Hermione. I would be...most aggrieved if I were in his place."

Snape seemed to relax a hair at Lucius' concession. "I meant what I said. I trust you both. I realize it was innocent. I am not angry…I'm a bit frustrated that it happened, but I don't blame either of you. I just think that we need some time to reestablish our dynamic, pet. In time, Lucius can rejoin us occasionally."

Hermione stared at the table and didn't respond.

"Are you ready to order?" the waiter asked as he approached with a smile.

When Severus and Hermione arrived back at her flat, Hermione was beginning to feel guilty. She had been a touch obstinate and distant after Severus had made his announcement. She didn't want to give up Lucius. She liked things the way they were. But as the evening progressed, she realized how selfish she was being. What was worse, she could tell that her lover was struggling with all this. His shoulders were slumped, and it was obvious he was exhausted. It hadn't been easy for him and she was certain he was battling guilt as well as his own insecurities.

Slipping off her summer cloak, she kicked off her shoes and approached him as he collapsed in the oversized chair. She had been unfair and should have been more supportive. While she hadn't admitted it out loud yet, she loved this man. She was his and she needed him to understand that without any doubt.

Crawling onto his lap, she ignored the fact that he didn't wrap his arms around her, but only patted her hip in acknowledgment. Planting a soft buss first on his cheek, she then began to pepper soft kisses along his jaw as her fingers unbuttoned his signature black cloak.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. "I'm sorry if I was less than understanding." Her palm wormed its way between the fastenings of his shirt and rubbed his chest, where she could feel the pounding of his heart. "Severus, look at me."

His downcast eyes slowly drew up and met hers. Her heart melted in that moment. Vitriol, defensiveness, and lashing out; these were the reactions that were once this man's normal when he felt insecure or uncomfortable. But right now, he just looked…defeated and Hermione couldn't bear it.

"Hey, I like it that you feel possessive of me, you know. I like it that you want everyone to know I'm yours. And while you have nothing to doubt when it comes to who I want to be with…and who I belong to, I understand why you are doing this. The submissive in me is purring right now."

She kissed his lips tenderly and smiled when he gently reciprocated.

Her lips trailed down his neck as she continued to unbutton his shirt. "I am yours, love." kiss. "Your girlfriend." kiss. "Your lover." kiss. "Your submissive." kiss. "Your sex slave." kiss. "Your insufferable know-it-all." kiss.

He chuckled, his hands finally moving to slide over her thighs. "That you are, pet."

Her fingers fumbled to undo his belt as she made her way down his stomach and slid off the chair to her knees. His hand moved to her head and began to loosen her chignon.

Lucius arrived back at the Manor and marched into his study and to his sideboard. One. Two. Three shots of whisky and he finally felt like he could take a deep breath.

Slamming the glass down, he closed his eyes before reopening them and grabbing the glass once again. Lifting the decanter of liquor, he paused before pouring another one. He growled and threw the 200 Galleon per bottle vintage into the hearth where the crystal shattered.

"Fuck my life," he bellowed with his fists clenched.

He smiled maniacally and ran his hands over his face. Hot, lava anger coursed through his veins. It felt so much better than despair. "Enough!" he barked. "Fucking enough." Summoning his cloak from where he had tossed it over the sofa, he walked out of the study. When Cosmo padded to his side and tossed him a confused look, Lucius stroked his head. "I'm going out, Cosmo. Don't wait up."