Hello lovely readers!

First and foremost, we want to introduce some new BETAs on the scene! A huge welcome to what_the_fawkes, Ladysnape89, and Dracoswhore17. We are super excited to have you on our team with thebeebeegun!

Our other two BETAs, RaynePhienix2 and sab81790 are on hiatus for an undetermined amount of time. Please wish them both well! Life has been hard.

We are really excited to announce that we have three chapters ready. The first is below (derrr) and we plan on posting every Monday. We can't PROMISE there will be no breaks. But we ARE hoping to finish MML by the end of the summer. There are approximately 10 chapters left depending on length while we write.

Anne and I have been chatting and texting and planning more like ourselves this week :9 things are looking good! We're excited to get these out to you!

We hope you enjoy the chapter!

Lots of love,
Lissa & Snow

Beta Love: thebeebeegun, what_the_fawkes, Ladysnape89, and Dracoswhore17

Chapter Twenty-Three

Sunday, July 29th

"Where did you get that?" Hermione asked while removing the kettle from the sink. It was quiet while she poured the hot water into the pot to seep, and she glanced over her shoulder at her lover, who was perusing a copy of Witch Weekly. "Severus?"

She watched with growing concern as her Dom sat back in his chair, swiping a hand over his mouth. Immediately, she abandoned the tea to see what he was reading that caused him to look upset. "What rubbish did they print that has you looking like that?" Finding herself annoyed as he continued to stare at the paper and not answer her, Hermione plunked herself right down in his lap which caused him to drop the magazine on the table and circle her waist with his hands.

"Hermione!" he exclaimed and she threw a grin over her shoulder at him.

"Got you to actually respond, didn't it?" she quipped before turning her attention back to the open pages in front of him. She paused, startled as the headline screamed at her: Who is Hermione Granger Actually Dating?

Hermione let out a snarl of frustration as she grabbed up the parchment to peruse the article. The photos caught her attention first. There were a few of her and Severus, cozy in a restaurant booth, walking hand-in-hand in Diagon Alley, and exchanging a very heated kiss on her balcony. Their quality was all grainy, obviously shot from a distance. Then there were pictures of her and Lucius from their disastrous dinner while Severus had been at the potions conference. She swallowed hard as she watched Lucius press a gentle kiss to her forehead as they shared their dessert. Their closeness and intimacy was so apparent, she couldn't really fault the stir they had caused.

The final pictures, however, were of her and Draco - from when he was teaching her how to fly a couple of weeks ago. She heaved a sigh and put one hand to her forehead in frustration while taking in the picture of Draco behind her on a broom, one hand splayed across her waist while the other adjusted her grip on the broom handle. It was apparent he was whispering in her ear, and she remembered him saying, "Grip it just like it's Snape's cock. Both hands on that thick branch." Which had caused them both to break into laughter, Hermione's head tipping back on Draco's shoulder.

"We were in the fields by Malfoy Manor," she muttered to herself, feeling sick. Gods, did she hate the paparazzi! "How did they even find us to take pictures?"

"That is a good question," Severus murmured. His tone was kind, even though she knew he was displeased. She was somewhat lost in reading the article, however.

"Are you kidding me?! 'One must wonder if these three men, all as close as family, realize how Miss Granger is playing with their hearts.'" She slammed the magazine down, not wanting to read anymore. "I can't even have any bloody friends without speculation! It's like the bloody Yule Ball in Fourth Year all over again!"

"It doesn't help that most of your friends tend to be of the male variety." Severus' answer was swift and curt and Hermione stiffened at the tone. She pushed away from him and moved back to the counter to futz with the tea.

It was silent for a minute, and Hermione felt tears pricking her eyes. "That's not fair, Severus."

There was a long sigh behind her and she heard him get up from the table.

Severus moved up behind Hermione, circling his arms around her collarbones and pressing a kiss to the back of her head before resting his chin on her crown. Her own hands came up to grip his forearms.

"I've tried to stay very private since the end of the war - " he told her quietly.

"I know that!" she interjected.

"Let me finish." He squeezed her gently and pressed another kiss to her curls. "I bloody hate being in the paper and trash like Witch Weekly. However, I'm dating Hermione Granger...and staying out of the limelight has been something you are not able to do. Not just because of who you are, but because of your work, as well…" He trailed off, both of them contemplating what he said. "I'm sorry I let you see my irritation. I know you care about Lucius and Draco. They are my family, and I want you to be close with them. I just," he sighed, "I hate how the papers are making me out to be a cuckold."

She let out a startled snort before turning in his arms. "Severus Snape, anyone who thinks you could ever be a cuckold is a fool. Your personality is way too strong for you to ever be treated as such." Hermione rested her palms on his chest, smoothing the fabric of his shirt.

Snape grasped one of her hands by the wrist and pulled it to his mouth, gently kissing her fingers. "I suppose you're right."

"Besides - you and I know the truth," she continued, staring him straight in the face. "Draco and M are deliriously happy and Lucius - " Here, she stopped herself, her eyes lowering as she bit her lip. "Well, I hope Lucius finds what he's looking for, and I know you do as well."

Severus had to bite back a snippy retort. He wanted to correct her - to tell her that Lucius had already found what he was looking for. He wanted to tell her that he knew things were deeper between the two of them than they wanted to let on, but he kept his insecurities in check. He was starting to feel like a broken Muggle record. It didn't help that he knew Hermione and Lucius were barely even talking right now, instead they were giving each other a wide berth for his sake. They were all trying to find a comfortable spot between friendship and lovers and Dom and sub, and ex Dom and sub. Not to mention, Hermione and Lucius' relationship was something Snape, himself, had forced Hermione into.

He sighed again and pulled her in for an embrace, wrapping his arms around her tightly. "I do. And I suppose this is something we are just going to have to learn to live with - the gossip, that is." Nothing could have relieved Snape more than the feel of her arms snaking around his waist.

"They'll get bored with us eventually." Her words were muffled into his shirt.

I highly doubt that.

Snape set his wand down on the kitchen island before ruffling through his stack of personal owl post. He was surprised when he came across an envelope that was obviously from Lucius. He couldn't remember the last time the two of them hadn't just talked if something needed to be said. Frowning, he flipped the letter over and broke the seal, pulling out the fine stationery.

July 29th

Dear Severus,

I have decided I need some time away to clear my head. Things have been muddled as of late, and I believe I need some space to put life into perspective. I apologize for any slight of feelings you may have had in the last few weeks and dearly hope that our personal relationship, friendship, and partnership have not been damaged by my actions.

Draco has agreed to step up to head Malfoy Enterprises and is also to step into my shoes at the club while I am gone. This will be a good trial run for him. Of course, he can reach me with anything of significance that I need to handle at ME, should something arise. Being that he was so willing to assist me, I saw no point in putting off my travels. I was able to book a Portkey for this afternoon, therefore I will be leaving around three o'clock.. I will be heading to Italy to make some long overdue tours with the managers of my vineyards and take in the state of things. I will probably stay at the Black Villa for two weeks or so. Then, I will move to other investment sites in France and Russia after my stay in Italy. I am thinking I will be gone for three to four weeks, we shall see how things progress.

I believe that it is best that you give Hermione my goodbyes. I feel that the distance will be good for us all. It will help to firm up some boundaries. Please, take care of yourselves.

With love,
Lucius

Severus let the parchment fall onto the counter in front of him making a small noise of disbelief. He wasn't quite sure how to feel about this. It bothered him deeply that Lucius felt he needed to leave the bloody country to put space between himself and Hermione, even though he had known for a long time now how Lucius felt about her. At the same time, he found himself grateful to his best friend. Grateful that the man recognized the situation was getting out of hand, which made Severus feel a bit better about his own insecurities. It was proof that - no, he hadn't been imagining how blurry the lines had gotten. He remembered the look of amusement on Hermione's face when she and Lucius had engaged in a silent exchange of what was obviously a shared memory the night Luna had arrived unannounced at the club. What he regretted was his own reaction. Even though he had said nothing, he was certain his expression had made Hermione uncomfortable. Lucius was much better at masking his reactions than Hermione but, in hindsight, his friend must have felt the tension of that moment as well. How could he not?

Deeper still, was his own personal feeling of loss. Lucius and he had been close for decades. Severus had never been so relieved as he was the night that he had confided in Lucius and convinced the man to turn spy for the Order. It meant he would be able to keep him once the war was won. If they survived, he wouldn't lose Lucius to Azkaban. Narcissa would still be a friend and confident. Draco would be saved. He had almost broken down that night, thrilled that he had been able to bring Lucius to the side of the Light.

After losing Narcissa during the final battle, the three remaining men had banded together to get through their varying shades of grief. Because of this, they had grown closer than ever. They rarely spent more than a few days apart - and now Lucius would be gone for weeks. He found it didn't sit well.

Severus found himself in his favorite armchair, staring at the cold hearth. Hermione would be over soon. She had taken to staying with him on the nights he worked the floor until closing. He was due back downstairs within a few hours as he was working a split shift tonight.

Hermione. This was going to hurt her, as well. Snape found himself growing a bit irritated with Lucius. I believe it would be best if you gave Hermione my goodbyes. Snape snorted derisively. Although he knew Lucius did not mean for it to be taken this way, and his intentions were pure, the situation made him the bad guy. He would be the one delivering bad news.

"Not tonight," he muttered as his fireplace burst into green flames announcing Hermione's impending arrival. He greeted her with a smirk and a light kiss to her lips and she smiled brightly up at him, asking about his day. He would tell her tomorrow.

Monday, July 30th

"You're quiet, love," Hermione murmured before munching on a crisp. She and Severus were sharing lunch in her office this afternoon, but his mood had been cool and his conversation almost non-existent.

Severus picked up his beverage and wasted some time by taking a long swig before dabbing his mouth with a paper napkin. "I have some news to share with you," he said finally before looking up to catch her eyes.

Hermione felt her heart stutter slightly, the intensity of his stare worrying her. She forced a smile to her lips. "You're worrying me. Is everything alright? No one is hurt or ill, are they?"

He looked at her, startled, before shaking his head. "No, everyone is fine. I'm sorry I scared you."

Hermione set her sandwich down and pulled her napkin into her lap, twisting it nervously. "What's wrong, Severus?"

"Nothing is really wrong." He shrugged. "Lucius has just decided to do some traveling and check in with different businesses on the continent. He'll be spending time in Italy, France, and Russia. It appears that we will not be seeing him for the next few weeks or so. He was thinking a month, maybe more."

"When does he leave?" she asked quietly.

"He left yesterday afternoon."

Hermione stared at him blankly for a moment before dropping her gaze to her lap. A rush of ice slipped through her veins as she processed what he had just told her. Lucius left.

Lucius had left her.

Lucius had left them.

The threat of tears pricked her nose. He hadn't even said goodbye to her. Not even a note. Her throat tightened. "Oh," she managed to whisper, still twisting the napkin in her lap. She swallowed hard and managed to clear the lump that had formed in her esophagus. "I...well. When did you speak with him?" She still couldn't look up, too afraid she'd let tears slip down her cheeks. She was struggling with the fact that she felt completely gutted.

"I didn't." Snape's voice sounded suspiciously rough and it forced Hermione to look up in surprise. His face was sombre, and they met each other's eyes cautiously. "He sent me a note."

"Are you...are you kidding me?"

"I'm afraid not."

"Why?"

"I believe he did not want to be talked out of going." She felt relieved when Severus reached out his hand, palm up. Immediately, Hermione laid her hand in his, watching his downturned face. It was obvious that Severus was as upset as she was.

"I guess that makes sense," she whispered. "Do you think...it's because yo - we - ended our threesomes?"

"I think that's a part of it," Severus agreed. "He explicitly said he felt the distance would help reestablish some boundaries." His eyes flicked up to hers. "We're okay, Hermione?" It was a question. "This could be good for us?"

Hermione closed her eyes and laced her fingers with his, squeezing. Her mind raced. She hated that Lucius had left without talking to her. She would miss him terribly, as would Severus. Severus would likely be difficult without his best friend. She would be strong for him through her own grief. "Yes," she told him, reopening her eyes and nodding firmly. She unlaced their hands and stood. They maintained eye contact as she walked around her desk and settled into his lap, where his hands were waiting to steady her. "We are more than okay, Severus. Why are you even asking me this?" Her hands cradled his face as she softly added, "I feel badly he felt the need to leave, but you and I? Whether Lucius is here or in Antarctica, I'm yours, Severus, and I've never been happier." She kissed him lightly, burying the disappointment and sadness that Lucius had left behind.

Friday, August 3rd

"HG!" Ginny raised her pint in welcome and cried out Hermione's nickname as she came through the door of the private backroom at The Three Broomsticks. "How you doin', sshexy lady?!"

Hermione snorted, grinning widely as the room, which had quieted at the exclamation, broke into raucous laughter. Neville was pushing a pint into her hand just as Luna came dancing up to her to loop their elbows together and pull them over to the table where she, Ginny, Ron, Harry, and George were munching on hors d'oeuvres. "Ginny's already drunk," Luna stage-whispered in conspiratorial-like fashion.

"No kidding," Hermione quipped as the group laughed again. She couldn't really blame Ginny, she was pretty sure this was the first kid-free night since Lily had been born.

They were belatedly celebrating Harry's 27th birthday and Ginny's 26th birthday early, killing the proverbial two birds with one stone. It was as good of a reason as any to get sitters for the kids and get rip-roaring sloshed on a Friday night. A nice way to kill some stress.

"Where's Ssssshnape tonight?" Ginny asked. "That man has a FINE arshe, HG. I totally underssshtand why you like to shmash ugliessssh with him."

Hermione spluttered into her beer as Ron gagged and Harry went pale. Luna smiled serenely as George burst out laughing. "I love it when you're drunk, Gin," he told her, wheezing. "You say the absolute best things!"

Hermione buried her face in her hands, it was going to be a long night.

Hermione was tipsy - but not drunk, and she was so full of snack food, she was surprised she could even walk as she stumbled out of the floo a little after midnight. A lot of the group had booked rooms overnight at Broomsticks, while others (who didn't have overnight sitters) had started trickling out a bit after eleven. The group had been eclectic. Friends from Hogwarts and the war, of course, but also co-workers of Ginny and Harry, and acquaintances from when Ginny had played professional Quidditch before she and Harry started their family. Hermione had spent the entirety of the evening with Ron, Luna, and George, while Harry and Ginny split their time mingling and returning to their family group. All in all, it had been a fun, stress-free evening. She had missed Severus, though.

She hummed to herself as she entered the bathroom and started undressing. Severus had decided to bow out tonight because he had an early morning appointment with a Potions ingredient dealer and then planned to do some foraging of his own afterward. He knew that Hermione wouldn't want to miss her friends' party, so they agreed to sleep separately for the night.

That was becoming exceedingly rare - them spending nights apart. If it happened more than once a week, they both grumbled. Hermione had even been contemplating asking him if he wanted to live with her. The problem was, they wouldn't be able to live at his place because it was inside the club. She would want her friends to be able to visit without her new lifestyle being given away. And her flat was really too small. She was not opposed to giving up her flat and finding a place together, though. If he was as ready as she was to take that next step, it made sense that they, perhaps, buy a home in the suburbs or even in the country. One with a few bedrooms for their hypothetical future family.

Her belly flooded with warmth at the thought. Glancing up in the mirror as she brushed her teeth, Hermione met bright, sparkling eyes. I think he would agree, she thought excitedly. I think he's as committed as I am. He said he was hoping for a future with me. She hummed happily as she stripped and started the shower, needing to wash away the grime of the day. The warm water only relaxed her further, her thoughts still centered around her dark-haired lover and the future she hoped for. She imagined little girls with silky dark hair and amber eyes and her nose. And boys with bronze curls and black irises.

Suddenly - unbidden - the flash of a wisp of a girl with white blonde curls and sparkling grey eyes burst into her mind's eye and she gasped, her eyes popping open wide under the spray of the shower. An ache filled her heart with longing. She knew instantly who that little girl belonged to. She ignored the stab of guilt from the errant and inappropriate thought.

Lucius.

Though she hadn't thought of him all evening, missing him hit her like a ton of bricks. She had already been spending so little time with him since Severus had decided to end their ménage a trois. Being that she was drunk, and her emotions already a little unbalanced with her period starting in a day or two, tears filled her eyes. You're being ridiculous, she scolded herself, bashing her hand into the spigot, cancelling the water.

Hermione dried and dressed with an air of annoyance. She was frustrated with herself. More so now, than ever before. She was happy - undeniably, unbelievably happy. Why did her thoughts keep turning to Lucius Malfoy?

Without warning, tears made her nose prickle. She hastily tossed her hair in a messy bun on top of her head before making her way into her room. I'm going to bed, she told herself firmly. She flipped back the blankets on her side of the mattress and started to crawl in and her eyes landed on a small, leather bound journal on her desk. No! I'm not. I'm going to bed. Even though her mind told her one thing, her heart was crying out in a much different direction. Before she even realized what she was doing, she found herself sitting at her desk, journal open to a fresh page, and a wet-tipped quill in her hand. She didn't even date the parchment.

Lucius? Are you there?

She watched as the ink dried, not even noticing she was holding her breath until words started appearing on the parchment.

Hermione. Is everything okay?

The tears she had been curtailing spilled over at the familiar scrawl, instantly she felt calmer. Oh, she missed him. What was worse was that Severus missed him. As did Draco. A feeling of guilt washed over her with the tears. This was all her fault. She was the reason he felt he had to leave. She dipped her quill.

I just - she broke herself off, trying to figure out what she wanted to say.

Hermione?

The dam broke. I miss you, please come home. The moment she finished writing it, her guilt spiked, the tears turned to hitching sobs, but it didn't stop her from spilling her heart.

xxxxxxxxxxxx

Over 1,600 km away, in Ulignano, Italy, Lucius drew a sharp breath as his chest tightened painfully. Less than a moment later, more words appeared. You didn't even say good-bye.

His quill was moving before he could stop himself. My Darling Doll, you and I both know that the waters were getting too muddy. The lines are so blurry, and it is causing friction. I left to give us - all of us, you, Severus, and myself - time to sort things out. We need to find a way to leave our D/s relationship behind us and move forward as friends. Severus loves you and you, him. There is no room for me right now. Not with -

It was his turn to pause. He needed to stop. They were wading into a dangerous current. He sighed, his stomach turning. Lucius knew he needed to rein in his affection for the girl. She would be his sister-in-law in all but blood in a matter of time - he knew it in his soul. He could not feel this way about her.

Nevermind all that. It was for the best, you know it as well as I do. I have business to attend to and now was a good time for me to get away. Whatever you're feeling, whatever your confusion is, it is because of our connection as training Master and submissive. It will be overcome. You need to focus on you and on Severus. He is my friend, my brother.

Lucius. He could almost hear her imploring tone with that one word. Severus is as miserable as I am. This doesn't work - you being gone leaves too big of a hole in our world.

Lucius found his resolve wavering and grit his teeth. He had to put an end to this. You are being selfish, Hermione. Let this be. I will respond to any entry that discusses anything but this. I miss Severus, Draco, and you, as well, but I will only be gone a month. You will all survive. Now, I must bid you goodnight, I have a very early morning appointment and I have stayed up much too late as it is.

xxxxxxxxxxxx

All tears stopped instantly as Lucius' last several lines appeared. Selfish. Hermione stared at the word with shock. It was probably the cruelest thing Lucius had ever said to her since he had turned during the war. Selfish.

And hadn't that been her biggest worry? That through all of this, she was being selfish - wanting her cake and eating it, too? But for him to so coldy state it when she had been candid and vulnerable was heartbreaking. With an air of coolness she was forcing herself to feel, Hermione put down her quill and recapped her inkwell, never taking her eyes off his words.

You are being selfish, Hermione.

She would figure her own heart out. She would get past this. Still calmly looking at the page, each hand curled around the edges of the book, lifting it into her grasp.

You are being selfish, Hermione.

White hot anger flooded her veins with a sudden fierceness that left her breathless and she snapped the journal shut. Spinning in her office chair, she threw the book across the room and watched it skid under her jewelry armoire. She wouldn't be selfish anymore.