AN: After finishing chapter 16 of MML, Snow was doubting herself and started to write another con non-con scene instead. This is the start of it with some fun at the end. We left a little foreshadow at the end… haha. Hope you enjoy!
When Hermione stepped through the door, her quick mind immediately spun out possible scenarios. In front of her was a long cherry wood table with twelve chairs surrounding it. At the far end was a larger and plusher looking chair, and behind it a floor to ceiling window displayed a sun setting vista over Diagon Alley. Charmed, obviously, for a more authentic scene.
She and Severus had discussed and agreed to tonight's role play, but this was not a room she would have imagined for such a scenario. She set her wand down on the cabinet to her left. It had been part of their agreement to not use magic and while she felt naked without it, there was no need to have it on her for what they had planned. After all, he wouldn't have his either.
So, a board room, she thought as her eyes continued to scan the space. A sideboard to the right held a pitcher of water and several glasses, as well as a few bottles of high-end muggle liquor and mixers.
To the left side of the room, more chairs were placed against the wall with a door in the middle, which was not labeled.
Looking down at her attire, Hermione began to imagine the ways this could play out. Severus had lay out her outfit for their game tonight and she now had a better idea of why she was in a pencil skirt, a low cut, form fitting, silk blouse and strappy high heels.
Brushing her hands down her tight skirt, Hermione wondered if she was supposed to sit at the head of the table. The answer was likely a big no, but what the hell? Why not? she thought flippantly as she made her way over and sat in the oversized chair. The minute her bottom hit the plush seat, caressing strokes began to rub her shoulders and down her back. She nestled back further and allowed her lids to flutter closed. It felt divine.
"My apologies for keeping you waiting, Miss Granger."
Hermione's eyes shot to the door at the sound of the unexpected and yet very familiar voice. Lucius! This was a shocking, yet entirely welcome, surprise. Lucius had turned down their invitations to scene with them three times in the past ten days. His arrival left her at a loss for words.
His brows shot up in obvious disapproval as he eyed her. "Do you typically sit in the boss' chair when you are brought in for an interview, Miss Granger?"
"What?" She looked down and then immediately bolted to a stand. "Apologies, sir. I don't know what I was thinking."
"Hmm, well, let's move forward, shall we?" He walked towards her and gestured to a spot further down the table. "Have a seat."
Hermione cleared her throat as she took her new seat. She internally frowned at the lack of comfort. Instead, her chair was stiff and the back was ramrod straight. "Thank you, sir," she muttered half-heartedly at the obvious slight.
"My apologies for being late."
Hermione's head whipped to her left at the sound of her Masters' voice as he entered the room and shut the door behind him.
"You are quite on time, Mr. Snape," Lucius responded. "Miss Granger was early."
Severus took the seat to Lucius' left which was on the opposite side from Hermione and a distance down the table. Just before he sat, his chair morphed into an exact replica of Lucius'. Figures.
Severus handed Lucius a folder which he opened and scanned before closing and retuning his steel grey assessing gaze back on her. After a second, Severus followed suit.
"So, Miss Granger, why do you think you would be a good choice for this position and at this company?"
Not knowing what company it was, or what position she was supposedly applying for, Hermione kept her response broad in nature.
"Well sir, and first allow me to thank you for the opportunity to speak with you today, but I feel my resume speaks for itself. As you can read…"
"Resume?" Lucius looked around the empty table. "I don't see one. Perhaps it's tucked in that skirt of yours." Lucius cut Severus a glance and the two shared a look of amusement at her expense.
"I sent my resume via courier owl last week, Mr. Malfoy. Perhaps you should check with the mail room," Hermione crisply responded.
Lucius looked at Severus who shook his head.
"We didn't receive any such delivery last week, so you will have to spell your…attributes out for us."
Hermione forced a smile. "Of course, I would be happy to. I studied Muggle law at the University of Cambridge and Magical law at Oxford. After passing my boards, I worked for the Ministry of Magic in the newly formed Creature's Rights division until my interest turned to women's rights and women's interests. I opened up my own practice so that I could offer much needed help to Muggle women who fall victim to wizards who wield magic in unlawful ways to take advantage of them. I also represent witches who have found themselves the victims of physical abuse or who are unable to defend themselves against dominating and boorish wizards who bully them and or harm them. I have recently taken on a partner who specializes in business and community law."
Severus leaned back in his chair. "Hmm, impressive, Miss Granger. I fail to see how such experience qualifies you for the particular position you have applied for, however."
"I find I am at a loss as well, Miss Granger. Perhaps you could serve us some drinks as we continue our discussion."
"Serve you drinks?"
"I do think that would be a better display of the talents we are pursuing," Severus drawled.
"It seems I am at a disadvantage," Hermione responded. "Perhaps I am unclear as to the position for which I have applied."
"Come now, Miss Granger. Don't be shy. Are you having second thoughts? I'm quite certain an intelligent woman such as yourself is perfectly well aware of the position you applied for. And while 'Corporate Courtesan' is not a position witches of your…experience, often apply for, Mr. Snape and I find you quite appealing for this role. Our clients will as well, I daresay."
"Co…corporate Courtesan?" Hermione asked, stunned.
"So, how about you cut the act and serve us drinks, Miss Granger," Severus prodded.
"This is a huge misunderstanding! I would never apply for such a role!"
"Come now." Lucius poked, silkily. "The pay is excellent and opportunities for women to gain employ at 'The Institute for the Promotion of Men's Superiority and Welfare,' are very hard to come by.
Hermione's hand shot to her mouth as she processed what he just said. She almost broke form and laughed. She cleared her throat and pushed away from the table. "No, I'm sorry, but your firm is comprised of misguided and entitled elitist men who, if they had their way, would subject all women and witches into a subservient role in the community and at home. This firm represents everything I loathe and fight against."
Severus smirked. "Well, we'll admit to having been very surprised by your application, Miss Granger. We were quite intrigued, and having you in our employ, and in such a role, well…it would be quite a coup, you understand."
"This was a mistake. I would wish you both a good day, but you don't deserve it. I'm leaving." Hermione quickly walked to the door only to find it locked, as she knew it would be.
Here we go.
"No need to be so hasty. I'm sure if you stop and think, you will realize the actual situation you find yourself in, Miss Granger."
Hermione turned back towards the two men and held her head high as she responded, "Your condescension is most unattractive, Mr. Malfoy. I have no interest and will never act as courtesan to you or any other misogynistic prick who has anything to do with this company, much less who is gainfully employed by it!"
"Whether or not you find me attractive is immaterial. Catering to the desires of men whom you are not attracted to will be a huge part of your job, after all." Lucius continued.
"Are you deaf? Or are you simply stupid? I said no!" Hermione snapped. "Now open the door so that I can leave."
"We would prefer for you to serve us each a glass of scotch. I think you'll find it to be a fairly simple task," Severus interjected calmly.
"If you don't let me out of this room, this instant, I'll…"
"You'll what?" he interrupted; his tone less patient.
"Fine, if I serve you your damned drink, will you let me out of this Merlin forsaken room?"
"Let's just take it as it comes, shall we?" Lucius responded with a gloating smile.
Arse!
"Two scotches coming up," she offered in a crisp tone as she marched to the cart. Intentionally pouring Vodka instead, she could feel their eyes on her back as she prepared the drinks. Approaching Lucius first, Hermione falsely tripped and threw the drink into his face. As she pretended to right herself, she threw the second drink into Severus'.
"Oops," she said lightly with a triumphant glare.
Lucius brushed wet hair out of his mouth. "I'm afraid we'll have to school you on the beverage cart, Miss Granger. Scotch, you see, is a caramel color, and vodka, which you just tossed all over us, is a clear beverage. Perhaps you should try again."
"Perhaps you should let me out of here," Hermione retorted with her arms crossed over her chest.
Ignoring her, Snape eyed her. "This time, undress before you serve us. Down to your brassiere and knickers. After all, this is all moot if you aren't as pleasing to the eye as you appear in that blouse and skirt."
Hermione's jaw fell. Attempting a different approach, she responded. "Please. I just want to go home. This is all pointless as I am not accepting this job, regardless."
Lucius turned to Snape. "You make a fair point. Our clients have become quite picky, and even if she is the 'Golden Girl', if she isn't physically appealing, this will all be for nothing." He then turned to Hermione and gestured towards her. "By all means, please undress. Slowly. As you would if you were escorting a prominent client."
"You're both certifiable." She shook her head in disbelief and walked back to her chair where she sat and refused to meet their eyes.
"For someone so smart, you are quite obtuse, Hermione."
The use of her first name, caused Hermione to turn surprised eyes to the blond. "I'm obtuse?"
Lucius stood and his gaze took on a more menacing and serious display as he stared down at her. "You aren't leaving until you do everything that is asked or instructed. Period. It is after hours. There is no one in the building. You have no choice, nor should you. As a woman, you are only as useful as men find you."
Hermione noticed the window now displayed a night's view of Diagon Alley. "Well, seeing as how I will not do as you command, do you plan to force me? Are you not only bigots and misogynists, but rapists as well?"
"There is no such thing as man on woman rape. Our institute does not acknowledge it. It is our right to have sex with you, or any other woman who is not claimed by another man. And if that man doesn't mind, we have claims on her as well."
It was a scene. It was a game. But Hermione found her heart absolutely pounding in her chest. It felt so real. It felt so…dystopian. She found she was shaking.
Wanting to put distance between herself and the two men, she abruptly stood and rushed to the opposite end of the table.
Severus stood and cocked a brow. "Just where do you think you are going to run to? Why fight and make something difficult, that can be so simple?"
"You are going to rape me." Hermione said simply.
"We are going to have sex with you, probably, but we would like to see you undressed first." Severus sighed heavily. "So, why don't you stop this foolishness and disrobe."
Thinking quickly, Hermione dropped to her knees and climbed under the table. She was much smaller than the two men and would have to use that to her advantage. She crawled to the center with wide eyes as she watched their legs move around the table. She did not miss the perfect crease of Lucius' expensively pressed silk pants and the carefree, wrinkled state of Severus'. The contrast made her smile and reminded her that this was a game. A game she desperately wanted to win. Earlier, Snape had told her that if she could find a way out of the room before he got his hands on her, that she would earn a special treat. She wanted that treat! Besides, now that Lucius was involved as well, she was even more determined. Hermione had always had a competitive streak, hence her grades at Hogwarts and her success as an attorney, but she was more determined than ever to beat the two wizards at their own game.
Remembering there was another door on the left side wall, Hermione began to crawl that way. Severus must have seen her because he quickly dashed around to cut her off. She needed him to move. The minute the idea came to her, she fell onto her side and kicked her high heeled foot out as hard as she could, nailing the Slytherin right in the shin.
"Mother of Salazar!" Severus hissed as his hand grasped his leg and rubbed vigorously. "You little hellcat!" After a couple seconds, he grumbled, "You'll pay for that."
Hermione watched as he moved further to her left and away from the mystery door. Dashing as quickly as she could, Hermione slid out from under the table and pulled open the door.
Seriously? Out of the heat and into the fire, she mused. Pulling the door closed behind her, she found herself standing in a lavish bedroom with a plush, king sized bed. Uhh, No!
Knowing she had no time, she skirted against the wall and waited.
A split second later, Lucius came barreling through with Snape on his heels. As soon as they made it into the room with their backs to her, Hermione pushed the closest wizard, who happened to be Lucius, as hard as she could in the back, causing him to fall forward onto his knees. Severus had already made it further into the room, so by the time he whipped around, Hermione had dashed back out of the bedroom and into the boardroom. Inspiration struck and she grabbed a chair, tucking the back of it under the doorknob. She watched with bated breath as she stepped backwards, praying that the men would be stuck.
She cackled maniacally when the doorknob jiggled but the door didn't open.
"Open the door, Miss Granger!" a very put out Lucius Malfoy demanded.
"No!"
"No?" Severus asked with obvious disbelief. "You realize we are supposed to catch you! That's how the scene was written!"
"I don't care," Hermione replied with a huff. "I already had to endure that ridiculous amusement park scene, and now Snowblind is getting all insecure and thinks the damn thing needs to be rewritten. Well, I won't do it! This scene is no better. Just more of the same. Besides, I beat you fair and square!"
"Snow!" Severus snapped.
"Lissa!" Lucius called out.
Gently clearing her throat, Snowblind responded, her voice echoing from overhead. "Yes? Is there a problem?"
Lissa could be heard sighing heavily before whispering, "I told you the original scene was fine, Snow. I don't know why you had to complicate things. Now you've upset our players."
"I know, I'm sorry, I'm sorry. Okay, never mind. We'll just use the scene as it was originally written. I'm really sorry, everybody, don't get upset," Snow pleaded.
"Really?" Lucius grumbled. "I was looking forward to sex on the boardroom table. That was going to be delightful!"
"I was looking forward to slapping the little tart for kicking me!" Severus was facing the closed door, yelling at the witch on the other side, "That wasn't in the script, you know!"
"Improvisation, Severus. You should try it sometime, you regimented, over scripted…" Hermione's voice drifted off.
"What was that? You didn't finish your sentence, you conceited, self-righteous…"
"Okay, okay! Everyone relax!" Lissa interceded. "You guys are obviously exhausted. We have kept you three very busy the past couple weeks. Take a break. A night off. Consider chapter sixteen completed."
"Thank, Nimue!" Hermione mumbled as she headed towards the cabinet where her wand was.
The pleading and exhausted voice of Lucius from the other side of the door caused her to pause. "Do you mind letting us out of the bedroom, Hermione?"
After a moment to consider, she let out a huff and walked back to the door. "Fine." She moved the chair and stepped aside as the two men walked out.
They were making their way towards their wands when Severus tried to land a sweeping kick in front of Hermione, which she dodged before sticking her tongue out at him.
"Don't stick it out unless you're going to use it," he drawled.
After the three exited the room, Lissa turned to Snow, "I wonder what's up with Snape and Hermione? They've always gotten along."
"Well, they've been spending a lot of time together in book two. Maybe they just need a break."
Lissa nodded. "Maybe we should send Severus off to a Potion's conference or something. You know, give him a chapter off."
"And give away our secrets and plot? Lissa! You know how I feel about that!" Snow chided, frowning.
Lissa grinned. "And you know how much I'd like to blab to the world…" She paused. "It's just a little concession? Pleeeaase?"
Snow rolled her eyes. "Maybe. Maybe we'll send him off to a Potion's conference. That's as much as I'm going to allow."
"It's enough." Lissa winked.