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Chapter Nineteen

"Arch your back!"

Smack!

"Tha...hank you, S..."

"Don't flinch!"

Smack!

"Thang yo Shir."

"Enunciate your words!"

Lucius paused his swing, the cane frozen in the air beside him. Adrenaline was coursing through him as he stared down at the woman curled over the whipping bench. Her face was blotchy and red, drenched with tears. Snot was dripping from her nose and her shoulders shook from her sobbing. The gleam in his eyes sharpened as he admired the red stripes across her bum and thighs. If she were on her back, he would see the matching marks across her breasts that were likely already bruising.

The witch inhaled two quick hitching breaths and peeked lightly over her shoulder. Her look of anguished anticipation frustrated Lucius. Those desperate, milky brown eyes weren't the rich hazel with flecks of gold he was craving. Her body was all wrong; too tall and curvy, voluptuous and soft - not petite and lean.

"Eyes forward!" he barked before resuming his swing. He hissed through his teeth at the satisfying sound of rattan on skin. The flash of blanched flesh on her hip was immediately overtaken by a deep red. His pulse quickened as he watched the skin swell.

"Thank you, Sir." She was more composed, and he could hear the relief in her voice that he hadn't stopped.

Losing himself in the patterns he was creating on her skin, Lucius rained the strikes down, one after the other. It wasn't until exhaustion overtook him that he realized his mind had been growing more and more numb and detached with each sting of the cane. This was not working. He was aroused, but it wasn't the fire in his veins that he had been seeking.

Dropping the witch's requested implement of torture, he lifted her hips to align with his own. His right hand slipped down to release himself from his placket while his left maintained its bruising grip on her hip. He pressed his arousal against her, eliciting a moan that turned into a scream of pleasure when he slammed into her. Grabbing the small rubber vibrator from his pocket, he reached around and pressed it against her clit. His other hand released her and, after grabbing his wand, he whispered a sticking charm. One more flick of his wrist and the witch began to writhe and moan. Lucius tossed his wand aside and focused on his own pleasure as he began to pump her with abandon. He threw his back and closed his eyes as the sounds of sloshy moisture and slapping skin met his ears.

Her body trembled as the stimulator, vibrating fast and hard from its maximum setting, was pushing her toward her climax.

"Don't you dare come," he growled, his eyes now back on her.

The witch mewled in frustration and tried to resist his furious hips, desperate to slow her release. "Pleeeeeease, Sir," she begged.

But Lucius showed her no mercy and relished the control he held over her. Rubbing his fingers where his cock slid easily in and out of her, he gathered the copious moisture and pulled the butt plug out of her arse. Slathering the essence over her puckered skin, he slid out of her cunt and slammed into her rear entrance.

"Yes!" she screamed.

His hand whacked her hip. "No talking."

After watching his cock ram in and out of her for several minutes, his eyes rolled back in bliss as he finally felt his own release approaching.

"Come, Slut!" he commanded.

Her body suddenly stilled and shook as a breathy moan that sounded like a dying cat escaped her lips. The tight ring of her arse clamped down, causing his own climax to wash over him.

After a second, he fell forward, his forehead landing between her shoulder blades. His lips pulled back into a feral grin. He had missed this. It felt good to be back. "Nicely done, Spade," he breathlessly whispered. A couple deep inhalations later he added, "Beautiful, as always."

"Thank you, Sir. It's been far too long."

After a second, Lucius righted himself and slid out of her. Reaching around, he grasped her elbow and assisted her to stand.

Sliding his hand into hers, he led her to the bed and had her lie down before tenderly rubbing healing balms over her heavily bruising skin. Drops of dittany to the scattered broken areas healed them into fresh pink skin within seconds.

"Is Kichelle here tonight? Shall I get her for you?"

The tired witch nodded. "Yes, please."

"Alright then. Thank you for a delightful evening, Spade."

"Thank you, Sir."

Lucius fastened his trousers and pulled on his black T-shirt before grabbing his wand and stepping out of the room. He was not surprised to find the blonde witch waiting.

"She's all ready for you, Kichelle," he offered in a warm voice.

"Thank you, Sir." She responded before walking in through the door he had just exited and closing it behind her.

Lucius walked purposefully through the crowd until he found himself at the hidden door that led to the private bath. The restrooms held showers for the members, but he and Severus shared their own private wash room, which was located one door down from their office. Since Severus had his own flat upstairs, he seldom used this bath, so it was primarily Lucius'.

As he allowed the water to cascade over him and wash the sweat, come, and who knew what else from his body, he reflected on the evening. It wouldn't be one of his most memorable interludes, not by a long shot, but he did get off on it. He had enjoyed himself by the time it was all said and done.

In time, you won't even miss her.

Spade was a true masochist, or what some referred to as a 'pain seeker.' Others called them 'pain sluts.' She was submissive, but what really got her off was a level of torture that most shied away from. There had been times when Lucius enjoyed that intensity as well. After Narcissa died. After the war.

But it had been years since he had regularly sought out Spade, or witches like her. Ever since his dinner with Snape and Hermione, however, he had been craving some of the heavier stuff. Spade would consider him mild by her standards, but she never turned him away on the rare occasions he approached her.

Kichelle, Spade's wife, was into Mommy kink. Whenever Spade finished a scene with a Dominant, Kichelle came in to finish up the after care. Lucius had stayed afterwards to watch them once. It had been nurturing, and beautiful, and kinky as hell. Watching them had been what led him to try out a little of his own DD/lg play. He had liked it somewhat, but it wasn't something he enjoyed on a frequent basis.

Regrettably, his thoughts drifted to Hermione and Severus. He had been invited to partake in some Daddy kink with them but had turned it down, fool that he had been. If he had known it was all coming to an end as quickly as it had, he would have said yes.

You don't need them.

"To hell with it," he snapped as he vigorously rubbed the bar of soap against the flannel. He was fine without them. Without her. It had been great while it lasted but if he looked around, he would find even better. He was done with the pining and the moping. In hindsight, he was a bit disgusted with himself. He had started mourning her while he was still her training master. What the hell had been wrong with him? He refused to be that weak man any longer.

Severus tossed down the quill and rubbed his eyes. It was Wednesday and a rare night in which he would not be seeing his witch. She was having dinner with friends and then going home because she had to be up at dawn for an early appearance in a Muggle court. The thought of a cold, empty bed did nothing to improve his mood.

Lucius had been a right arse most of the week. On Monday, the blond bastard had handed Snape a huge stack of audits to go through. Lucius knew how much Severus hated endlessly reviewing this stuff, but ever since Hermione's discovery of the overpaid taxes, Lucius had been like a hound sniffing out a buried bone. The man was determined to find any other errors. Never mind that Hermione had already gone through all of this... more than once.

Severus had to wonder if Lucius was punishing him. Lashing out in retaliation for being cut off sexually from Hermione. But in truth, Severus didn't think so. He respected Lucius' business savvy and The Dungeon never would have made it to where it was now without Lucius' expertise. Severus doubted his friend's motivation was anything other than what he had said; a desire to save more money. Still, he couldn't help but wonder.

"Evening, Snape."

The smell of soap alerted Severus to what his best friend had been up to. "Freshly showered, I see," he mused, tossing a glance at the blond before turning his attention back to the paperwork on his desk.

"Yes, well, Spade requires quite a workout."

Severus paused. "Spade, you say? Feeling particularly...vicious tonight, are we?"

Lucius snickered. "Just felt like something different, is all."

Severus turned over a page and scanned a new one. "Yes, you've been... busy this week. Weren't you with Michelle last night and Jezebel on Monday?"

"What can I say? I've been enjoying the wares, so to speak. I realized I'd been missing some of the specialized play I used to engage in more frequently. "

Severus turned another page. "I'll say. Scening with three of our more...adventurous members within days of each other."

"If I didn't know better, I'd say you were jealous, old friend."

"Don't be ridiculous. You know that level of play holds no appeal to me these days."

A tension-filled quiet washed over the room. Neither wizard said anything, both lost in their own thoughts. Both becoming irritated for reasons neither would admit.

He's behaving the same way he did when he lost Narcissa, Severus realized. Seeking the type of play most unlike what was familiar. He's trying to lose himself. Next will come the drinking. Severus' heart felt heavy. Deep down he knew what was happening, even if Lucius wouldn't admit it. The man was missing Hermione and he was trying to forget. Snape swallowed his guilt. Hermione is mine, dammit. Glancing back towards the blond, he felt an uncomfortable ache in his chest.

Lucius stared at the papers on his desk without seeing them. He loosened his collar, suddenly feeling warm. Was this office always so damn stifling? Relax, he coaxed himself, trying to calm the subtle rage that had been building for days. Trying to soothe the tension that had been escalating. Longing for his friends but hating them as well. Fuck. He closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

You don't need them.

"I'm tired. I am heading home, have a good night."

Before Severus could even respond, Lucius had grabbed powder and called out "Malfoy Manor," disappearing in a swirl of green via the floo. Severus stared at the hearth, reflecting on the abruptness of his friend's departure.

Friend. Yeah, some friend you are, Snape, he self-admonished with a heavy heartbefore tossing down his quill and calling it a night.

Saturday, July 7th

"What about these?" Hermione asked as she held up the dandelion seeds.

"Too pale." Snape responded. "They should have a more golden hue." Giving it up for a lost cause, Severus took her hand. "Let's go."

Hermione shot him a surprised look. "What? I thought you needed-"

"I did. I do. But not now." He felt claustrophobic and just wanted to leave. Not only that, but the not-so-subtle stares and watchful eyes of other shoppers was quickening his impatience. He really didn't like people when it came down to it.

Hermione's forehead crinkled with concern. "Are you alright? You look really flushed all of a sudden."

"Just… let's go."

Hermione nodded briskly and dropped the bag of seeds back into the pot amongst its brethren.

Still holding her hand, Severus led her out of the shop and into the fresh air where he took deep breaths and instantly felt better.

Hermione pressed up on her toes and ran the back of her hand across his forehead and down his cheek. "You don't feel warm. Are you alight?"

His normal sense of control returning, he felt a need to prove how 'alright' he was. "Come, witch. I have somewhere I want to take you."

When they crossed into Muggle London via the Leaky Cauldron, Hermione became more curious. "Severus, where are we going?"

A mischievous grin was matched with, "It's a surprise, Pet. Trust me."

A brisk fifteen-minute walk later found them entering a shop with bars over the windows. There was no sign over the door advertising the products or services within.

"Severus Snape, you ole hound!"

Hermione stilled when a petite woman with raven hair in a pixie cut leapt over the counter and flung her arms around Snape.

"How are you, Mel?" Snape asked with an unusual warmth in his voice as he held the girl for a minute before letting her go.

"I'm good, I'm good," she answered a touch distractedly as she looked from Severus to Hermione and back again.

"Who's the girl, Snape?" she asked as she offered Hermione a smile.

"This is my submissive and girlfriend, Hermione. Hermione, this is Mel," he looked around the small space, "and she owns this little shop of wonders."

"Pleasure to meet you, Hermione," Mel offered, giving her a knowing and warm smile.

"You as well," Hermione responded a tad more distractedly than intended as she gaped at the merchandise around her.

"Oh!" Mel announced suddenly. "Your order came yesterday."

Hermione watched the woman disappear through a door behind the counter before allowing herself to take a better look at her surroundings. "Is this…? Is this where you get everything for The Dungeon?"

Snape chuckled. "No, Pet. Most of the toys and instruments at the club are purchased through specialized distributors. This is where I pick up items for my…personal collection."

Hermione's mouth fell into a small "o" as she found herself infinitely more curious as to what he had ordered.

Curiosity compelled her to ask, "Is Mel a witch?"

"No."

"Is she a former submissive?"

"No," Snape responded simply as he lifted an item with a label that said, "Pussy Plunger," before dropping it and lifting another which said, "The Clitinator."

"Here you go," Mel announced as she handed Snape a package. "Is there anything else you are interested in today?" Her eyes glanced to Hermione and flittered down her form and back up. "We have some new leather and latex get ups that might pique your interest."

"No, I don't…" He paused and looked down at Hermione. His eyes narrowed for a flash before he countered, "Actually, perhaps a beginner's corset?"

Mel's eyes lit up. "I have just the thing!"

The minute they had arrived back at Severus' flat, he asked her to try on the new purchase.

"How am I supposed to breathe?" Hermione demanded as Snape pulled the laces a hair tighter.

"You'll adjust. And over time, you will tolerate tighter and tighter settings."

"I'd like to see you walk around and try to breathe with one of these contraptions squeezing out your last ounce of air." Her hands were firmly planted on her hips as she tossed a scolding look over her shoulder.

"If what you are saying was true, you wouldn't be nearly so loquacious," Snape responded in his meticulous tone.

When he led her to the full-size mirror and became fixated on her reflection, Hermione pretended to be unaffected by his engrossed expression.

"Exquisite," he whispered as he skimmed his fingertips across her decolletage and down her curves. He spoke in the signature, sultry bass that was all his. The one that caused her knees to go weak and her knickers to seek higher ground. "Look at your breasts, the curve of your small waist. Notice how long your legs appear in the matching knickers."

Hermione had to admit she liked what she saw. She had worn corsets before, but none that were like this. None that were this tight and gave her such a pronounced hour-glass shape.

When she met his eyes in the mirror, it was to find them staring right into hers.

Intense. Unwavering. Hungry.

Dominant.

The ignition in her gut sparked instantly. Being submissive did not mean she was powerless, and she relished the power she felt right now. She kept her eyes glued to his as she leaned back into him, running her tongue lightly over her lips which caused his gaze to flicker to her mouth. The swallowing motion of his Adam's apple was his only movement when her hands ghosted up her waist and cupped her breasts where she massaged them delicately, her eyes remaining on his.

His attention shifted to her hands as they traversed slowly down her waist, pausing only briefly before descending to the edge of her lacy knickers. A slight, breathy grunt from behind her was all the encouragement she needed to slip her hand beneath the black, flimsy fabric. Her fingers met sticky arousal as she swiped them along her folds. Through her lidded eyes, she could see Severus staring at the movement beneath the fabric as though mesmerised.

She arched her back and let out a small moan as her pleasure increased. When she began to fondle her clit, she felt the deep inhalation in the chest behind her. Emboldened by his reaction, Hermione closed her eyes, and allowed herself to become lost in her own arousal. She gyrated her hips on her fingers, increasing the pressure against the engorged tissue. A breathy mewl escaped her lips when his hardened cock began to rub against her back.

Short pants of air escaped her lips as her fingers sped up their ministrations. Her knees began to feel weak as her climax approached. She opened her eyes, surprised to find her lover's starved stare on her face and not on her hand. His look was rabid with desire and it was all she needed to push herself over the edge. When she came, his hands wrapped around her waist and held her as the waves of pleasure rippled through her. She would have collapsed to her knees from the intensity had he not held her tight.

After a moment to compose herself, she slipped her hand out of her knickers.

"Oh no, Pet. You can do more than that," he silky corrected as he gently took her palm and brushed it back under the hem of her panties.

Her eyes shot up to his, to find them unyielding as his hand remained over hers, not allowing its escape. The warmth and strength of his touch fueled her to do his bidding as her fingers resumed their motions.

"Good girl," he whispered, and Hermione couldn't contain the rush of heat his praise elicited within her.

Their eyes remained on each other's as his piggybacked hand followed hers through the, now sopping, territory between her legs. When she began to fondle the sensitive bundle , his fingers delved further and slipped inside of her. First one, then two and then three. When she began to strum herself faster, his fingers sped up, and all the while he continued to hold her gaze. The intensity was palpable, and Hermione was certain this was one of the most erotic experiences of her life.

His free hand was still wrapped around her waist and lazily made its way up to the tops of her pillowy breasts, which were overflowing from the tight squeeze of her corset. When the fingers from that hand began pumping her cleavage in the same rhythm and urgency that his other was fucking her cunt, Hermione's body tensed, and the rush of her second orgasm tore through her.

Once again, Severus held her weight, light as she was, this time scooping her up and carrying her to his bed as she melted into him like a puddle of goo.

Twenty minutes and two more orgasms later, Hermione collapsed onto her stomach. Snape slid from behind her, exhausted from his own climax, and lay next to her.

"Come here, you," he commanded softly as he wrapped an arm around her waist and slid her closer.

"I can't move," she groaned into the pillow. "I think the bones have left my body." She peeked at him. "Did you cast a Brackium Emendo on me?" she teased. "Or is Gilderoy Lockhart around?" she added as she glanced around the room.

Severus' chuckle was deep. "Such a buffoon." He nestled closer to her as he added, "And I believe you were a fan of his at one time."

Hermione giggled. "You have no proof of that."

"I seem to remember peering over your shoulder in class one day and seeing some swirly hearts around the signature 'Hermione Lockhart.'"

Hermione could feel heat rush to her face. When he started to laugh, she grabbed the pillow from beneath her and tossed it over his head. "You are making that up! And if I had, it's not as though you would remember it, regardless."

"Your reaction is all the confirmation I need."

Still laughing, Hermione was basking in the playful banter with her lover. These moments with Severus were becoming more commonplace but were still rare enough that they caused her heart to swim. Laughing took years off his face. During the war, Severus Snape had been sallow and gaunt. When she first saw him last year, she had been shocked at how much healthier he looked, but he still had a heaviness around his eyes. Now, that was gone, and he looked even younger. She couldn't help but allow herself the belief she had something to do with that.

Giving an inch, she conceded, "Well, in truth, you were the one who shattered any illusions I might or might not have had about that wizard."

Snape turned back towards her with a questioning look and a playful sparkle in his eyes. "Oh, do tell, Miss Granger."

"The dueling presentation," she clarified.

"Ah, yes."

"You just couldn't let him beat you for the sake of the demonstration, could you?" she teasingly scolded.

"And allow you and all the other fluff-brained ninnies in the school to go on believing him to be something that he wasn't?" He sighed. "I refuse to suffer fools, Pet. I never have and I never will."

Hermione inched closer. "You know, thinking back on it, the way you defeated him…so easily, well, it was rather…hot."

"Was it, now?" he practically purred.

"Oh, yes. No foolish wand waving on your part. Just power and control. Two of my favorite qualities you possess."

Their noses practically touching, Severus leaned in and kissed her tenderly. Both still tired, Hermione snuggled into his chest. He wrapped his arms around her and whispered, "Close your eyes for a bit."

Hermione sighed and did as he suggested, but just as sleep was about to overcome her, her mind wandered to the vibrant, pixie-like girl from the sex toy shop.

"You're fidgeting," he said with a sigh.

"Sorry."

"Are you not tired? We can get up, maybe start thinking about dinner? I should check on everything in the club, anyway."

Hermione didn't respond, her thoughts somewhere else. When she felt him watching her, she asked, "So, Mel…did you ever…date her?"

"No," he answered, simply.

"Did she ever submit to you?"

"No, Hermione. She's a friend." He sat up and swung his legs off the side of the bed.

"Did you ever have sex with her?"

"No, Pet," he responded, throwing her a curious look over his shoulder before standing up and walking to his dresser.

Hermione couldn't help prodding more. "Did you ever watch her have sex with anyone else?"

Shutting his dresser drawer, he turned to face her. "Enough, Hermione. Why are you so interested in Mel?"

"Well, it's just…you seemed awfully familiar. And she hugged you! And you let her! You can't fault me for being curious about her. "

"I suppose not," he conceded. "I've known her for about eight years and over that time we've developed a friendship. She's a bright young woman."

Hermione smiled softly. "Well, we'll have to invite her for dinner sometime."

"Sure," he responded as he started toward the bathroom.

Hermione fell back on her pillow and listened as he brushed his teeth. There was just something she was sensing, and she couldn't let it go. When he stepped back into the bedroom, she asked, "So, did you ever watch her have sex with someone else?"

"I don't understand why this is something you are so interested in."

"I don't understand why you won't answer the question," she retorted.

He paused and let out a heavy breath before turning back to face her. "Fine. Yes. I have watched her submit to another Dominant and have sex with him."

"There. Was that so hard?" she teased. And then it occurred to her there might be a reason he wasn't so forthcoming. She felt like she knew the answer already when she asked, "Who was she with?"

Snape paused his movements for a second before answering, "Lucius."

The moisture in her mouth Apparated to her palms as she suddenly felt a little queasy. "Oh," she replied simply, desperate to keep herself from getting upset. She knew she had no right to care about who Lucius was with or had been with, but the last week had been miserable. She was missing her former Master.

A silence dragged on between them as the air became thick with the fog of unspoken words.

Severus took a step towards her, his brow furrowed with obvious concern. "Hermione, I know you miss him. You can admit it."

She took a deep breath to quell the tears that wanted to spill. She didn't say anything, her mind spinning for the right response.

He saved her the effort and continued, "I liked having him join us as well, but I think we were bringing him in too much. I didn't realize until you called him Master that we were treading into deep waters. Then the articles… just seeing the two of you…" He sat on the edge of the bed.

"I know," she responded as she pushed herself up and moved to his side. "I told you. You are my Master. You are also the man I'm wondering if I can build a life with. I love Lucius. I love him…with us. But you are my future," afraid she had said too much, she tacked on, "hopefully."

Severus peeked an eye at her and with a contrite voice he asked, "Are you upset with me? In hindsight, I probably should have talked to you about it before…" He rubbed his eyes and then looked at the floor. "It wasn't something I decided until that minute."

"No, Love. I'm disappointed, but I'm not upset with you. I was being spoiled by the attention of the two men I adore most, and I wanted to keep having my cake and eating it too." She kissed his cheek. "But not at the expense of causing you discomfort. I am yours. Hook, line and sinker."

July 9th, 2003

The following Monday, Hermione arrived at the club thirty minutes before her scheduled submission. It was early in the evening and the club was fairly empty. Spotting Jonathan, she walked over to the bar to say hello.

"Are we still on for lunch next week?" she asked as he set her favorite strawberry water in front of her.

"Absolutely! I just can't go this week because I have to go to the Ministry to fill out a portkey permit."

Over the past month or so, Hermione and Jonathan, usually joined by Rose and sometimes Draco, had been having weekly lunches. As all of them were in committed D/s relationships and were all submissives, they had a lot in common and a lot to talk about. It had become one of the highlights of Hermione's increasingly busy schedule.

She was slightly startled when Miriam suddenly appeared. "Hey, Hermione. Got a minute?"

"Sure," Hermione responded, spinning on her stool to face her friend. "How are you?"

"I'm good. I'm good. I uh…I have a question for you."

Hermione sipped her drink as Jonathan put a matching one on the bar in front of the Dominatrix with a smile.

"Thanks, Jonathan," Miriam offered. "Where's Clarisse, tonight?"

"She'll be around later," he responded before disappearing through a door that led to a storage room.

"So, what's your question?" Hermione asked.

She was expecting that Miriam needed some legal advice or maybe was going to ask her something about Theo, not that Hermione really knew anything about the man, other than that she enjoyed his company immensely. Because of her assumption, Hermione was completely taken off guard when Miriam sidled close and asked, with her drink concealing her lips, "Is Lucius Malfoy a good Dominant? Is he a good Master?"

Hermione was so surprised by the question, that she wasn't able to answer right away. Why is Miriam asking about Lucius?

"Here's the thing," Miriam said as she looked around to make sure no one was listening, "I have two friends from the states, Lexie and Lizzie, and they asked me to scout out introductions for them. They are both submissives, but rather inexperienced, and I think they would benefit from a training master. You really blossomed under Master Lucius' direction and I thought he might be good for one of them."

Hermione hoped her smile looked genuine, because it was anything but. "Have you asked him if he's interested?"

"Well, no. I wanted your opinion before I asked him, seeing as you were inexperienced when he took you under his wing."

Despite her discomfiture, Hermione spoke honestly. Lucius deserved nothing less. "I see, well, he is an outstanding Dominant and I couldn't have asked for a better experience. They would be lucky if he considered taking one of them on."

"He was patient? You didn't feel overwhelmed?"

Hermione laughed, she couldn't help it. "He was very patient in some regards and impatient in others...and I felt overwhelmed all the time, but in a good way." Hermione shook her head. "Honestly, though, you are rather well known as an excellent Dominatrix and Draco touted how good you are with new subs. Have you considered training one of them yourself?"

Miriam shrugged. "Well, they both prefer men, as do I, for that matter, but that isn't the reason." A little blush stroked her cheeks. "Theo is…well, we've been spending a lot of time together."

Hermione's smile broadened genuinely. "That's great! So, he's…he's liking the play?"

Miriam smirked. "Oh, yeah. I don't think he'll ever be a full time submissive, but he seems to like it occasionally. He's actually kind of perfect. All shy and nerdy. So smart, but he's also got this intensity buried down deep and I love to draw him out of his shell."

It was obvious Miriam was falling hard for the man. "Wow, you and Theo. That's great."

"Well, it's still new. But we are having a lot of fun, both in the playroom and out… and I just don't have any interest in any other subs right now."

Hermione hopped off her stool when she spotted Severus watching her expectantly. "Well, I'm happy to hear it. Bring him around, I don't get to see enough of him! Gotta go."

Tuesday, July 10th

"Is there a reason we're traipsing through this blasted rain in the mud instead of just Apparating to the barn?"

"Don't be such a girl, Granger."

"If being practical is being a girl, then I'm beyond glad I have the double XX chromosome."

He threw her an irritated glance. "You're doing it again."

"What?"

"Assuming I have a clue as to whatever blasted nonsense you're spewing."

"Muggle science tells us that chromosomes are what carry genetic information, and that information is key…"

"You're doing it again."

"What?"

"Assuming I care about whatever blasted nonsense you're spewing."

"See, this is what's wrong with Wizarding education; a complete disconnect from the rest…"

"Oh, look! We're here," he interrupted with an exaggerated tone as he opened the heavy, wooden door, effectively cutting her off.

Her retort for his blatant disregard of the merits of Muggle science froze on her tongue when she stepped into the large, cavernous space. "Wow," she sighed as she slowly looked around. She had been out here before but had not really noticed the grandeur of it all. In fairness to herself, it had been right after she had safeworded with Severus and Lucius and she was rather distraught and distracted.

"Mind your muddy feet," Draco scolded while casting a scouring charm on her shoes and then his own.

Sending him one of his signature smirks back his way, she groused, "It's a barn, and if you were so concerned about mud, why didn't we Apparate?"

Draco ignored her and walked across the polished, wooden floor to a set of stalls.

Hermione couldn't believe how immaculate everything was. She had been in homes that weren't as clean…or as fancy. The scent of leather and hay invaded her senses and having always loved the fragrance, she breathed in deeply. The barn was huge. There had to be thirty horse stalls, however not all of them were occupied. There were rooms, as well, off the main thoroughfare, and she could see that one was an office with a desk. She stepped into the room to discover the walls covered in blue ribbons and trophies displayed in glass cabinets.

A grouping of photographs hanging on the wall behind the desk caught her attention. There was one of a blond-haired man Hermione didn't recognize on a white stallion jumping a fence in a ring. Another of a small Draco with a piece of straw in his mouth as he brushed a miniature pony. A beautifully framed one of Lucius standing behind a gorgeous blonde woman, his arms around her with his hands on her swollen, pregnant belly. Her head fell back onto his shoulder, both of them laughing. Narcissa. More and more pictures of what were clearly happy times as a family. Many with people she didn't recognize as she made her way down the display. All of them had a horse or the barn itself somewhere within the camera's lens.

"Hermione, come see Mony," Draco called from a few stalls down.

She spun on her heels and left the photos behind as she searched him out. When she found him, he was on his knees petting the old, miniature pony in a stall that had a small bed in the corner with some books and a lamp. She watched with a smile as her friend pulled a green apple out of his pocket and held it out. Hermione could see a milky white film over the creature's eyes, and it was obvious the poor thing couldn't see very well. His nostrils flared and he huffed in obvious delight at the smell of his discovered treat. Hermione laughed when Draco held the apple barely out of Mony's reach, causing the pony's lips to stick out and quiver, as though reaching for the fruit.

Draco laughed and kissed the pony's nose before cradling the apple in his palm under its mouth. Mony's tail swiped the air in excitement and his ears twitched in obvious delight as he chomped down on the treat. When the apple was gone, Draco peeked at Hermione and she pretended not to notice the obvious wetness in his eyes.

"He's old," Draco explained. "Too old to Apparate anymore. I haven't been able to bring him to my place lately. He hates loud noises and the sound of Apparition upsets him." He was quiet for a minute before he added, "I'm afraid I'm going to lose him before long."

Hermione now understood why they had walked in the rain and muddy pastures to get here. She also understood why Draco had a cot in the stall. She knelt next to him and began to mimic Draco's stroking motions along Mony's mane and neck.

"That's it," Draco encouraged. "He likes that."

"He's so sweet," Hermione cooed.

Draco chuckled as he wiped his eyes. "He wasn't always like this. He was a feisty hellion when Father first brought him home. Had no clue he wasn't the largest horse here." Draco's eyes were lost as though in memory before he added a minute later, "but he came around to me with time. And lots of apples."

"Ahh, bribery," Hermione teased.

"I think I'm going to ask Mills to marry me."

Hermione's hand froze in shock as she turned stunned eyes on her friend. It was such a sudden change in conversation that she wasn't quite sure she heard him correctly. "What?"

Draco pushed up to his feet and brushed his hands on his trousers. "Yeah, she's the one."

Hermione didn't know what to say. Conflicting emotions tore through her. Concern that it was too soon. Fear that she would lose the frequent attentions of one of her favorite friends. Jealousy that another close friend had found 'the one' and was settling down, leaving her to stand alone in the single's corner.

She pushed all that aside and jumped to her feet before throwing her arms around him in support. "Draco! That's amazing!" She pulled back and met his eyes to find they were intense and on hers. It became obvious that he was seeking her approval.

"I just…I didn't realize things had progressed to this extent," she added, wanting to be honest.

Draco ran a hand through his hair, and judging by the dark circles under his eyes, it was obvious he was sleep deprived. She hadn't noticed until she was standing so close.

"The thing is," he sighed and blew out a deep breath, "the thing is…I've known I loved her for months. I've known that I would ask her for weeks. Only...I was going to wait, you know? Like, maybe ask her on our one-year anniversary or something equally saccharine," he scoffed and rolled his eyes. "But then her old job reached out to her last week. They are offering her a lot of money and a huge promotion, but it would require her to live in New York."

Hermione's hand flew to her mouth, where her fingers worried her bottom lip distractedly as she absorbed what he was saying. "Does she want to take the job? Does she want to move to America?"

Draco shook his head, the scowl on his face exaggerating the pronounced lines of frustration and worry across his brow. "She's a true Slytherin, that one. She's giving nothing away."

"I don't understand, Draco. Does she love you? Have you talked about your feelings?"

"I think she does, although we've never said the actual words to each other."

"Would you be willing to move to the States?"

Draco paled. "I... gods, Hermione. I couldn't leave Father. If Mother were still alive, yes…but I can't leave him all alone. And now, if I ask her to marry me, she's going to think it's because of the offer, when the truth is I'd already been to Gringotts and picked a ring out of the vault and everything."

Seeing how worked up he was getting, Hermione walked over and wrapped her arms around his waist again. "Breathe, Love. Just breathe." She held him tight and, after about a minute, she felt the tension ease out of him. His returning embrace became stronger.

"You need to talk to her, Draco. You need to tell her you love her. Tell her everything you just told me. As a matter of fact, she can view my memory in a pensieve if you want."

Draco kissed the top of her head and pulled away. "Spoken like a true Gryffindor," he teased.

Hermione laughed without humor, "It's that or continue not talking about anything and just slither back into your den of miscommunication."

Draco turned on her, his eyes as accusatory as his words. "You don't get to lecture me about that, miss-she-who-loves-my-father-but-won't-admit-it."

Hermione swallowed, the words of denial falling flat even in her own mind. "I…yes, I love Lucius. Very much. But not in the…"

"Oh, stop it," Draco demanded with obvious irritation. "Just stop. I can't deal with your issues as well as my own. And frankly, mine are of a more urgent nature, so let's just focus on me right now."

"Fine," she responded, brusquely. "You brought it up."

He rolled his eyes. "Just had to get that last bit in, didn't you?!"

"Just stating the facts."

"Okay, last word Minerva."

Hermione's lips twitched. "Last word, Minerva?"

Draco collapsed onto the grooming bench next to the stall door, his voice almost as vulnerable as his words. "What am I going to do if she leaves, Hermione?"

She smiled sadly, hating to see him like this. "Don't worry about that right now. Just please do what I said and talk to her?"

After a second, he nodded, although whether to himself or to her she didn't know. He looked up at her, his eyes assessing her from her head to her feet. "What?" she asked.

"How tall are you? 4 feet, ten inches?"

"Prat." She rolled her eyes before adding, "I'm five feet, two and a half inches!"

"Same difference," he mumbled as he stood and walked into another room. He came back out with two brooms. "Come on, Granger. Time to teach you to fly."

"Draco, I know how to fly. Besides, I'm due back at the office in thirty minutes. Some of us have to work, you know."

"You'll be back in time for work." He held his hand out., "Come on."

"Dracooo," she whined with a stomp of her foot.

"Don't make me go all Dominant on you. You know that's not my thing these days."

When she just stared and didn't laugh at his joke, he changed tactics. "Please? Flying relaxes me and I…I want your company."

Hermione's pout turned into a small smile. "That's sweet, Draco, but you know I hate flying."

"We won't go fast. We'll stay low." When she still didn't answer he added, "I can teach you to love flying. I really want to. Won't you give me a chance?"

With a heavy resigned sigh, she conceded. "Oh, all right. Fine."

As they walked outside, she noticed a triumphant and somewhat mischievous smile on his face out of the corner of her eye. Frustrated he had played her so perfectly, she added, "So, back to our discussion about chromosomes…"