6: Malfoy Manor & Ballroom Mishaps
"Hermione dear, do stop fidgeting. You'll be just fine. You look marvelous! The prettiest Baroness I ever did seen," Caroline Snape leaned closer and cupped her hand over her mouth as if to tell her a secret, "and I've seen my share of Baroness'." She muttered before sitting back up and smiling at her son. Severus smiled back and turned his attention back to Hermione. He had been staring at her for the past hour and a half, every since she came down the front stairs at Spinner's End. She knew that she should never have let Caroline talk her into wearing something so...revealing. Though granted the dress didn't reveal that much, she could have definitely had worst. But the bodice of the dress kept slipping down and showing off far more cleavage than she thought acceptable for her visit to Malfoy Manor. Their carriage hit a bump and swayed forcing her to reach up and readjust the silk covered whale bone piece.
The dark red dress complimented her pale skin perfectly and made her brown eyes pop. Her hair had been tamed by several spells that Caroline had promised to teach her later when they had more time and was now hanging down her back in soft ringlets with a fair amount of glitter to set it sparkling in the candle light and a small silver crown strategically placed on the very top of her head as if she were a Queen instead of a Baroness. The crown along with her ear rings and necklace with rubes that matched the dress and her lips had been painted a deep red as well. A glamour charm had given her the youthful glow that Caroline had insisted she try and her eyes looked smoky and sexy under all the eye makeup that Caroline had seen fit to apply. But all in all Hermione had to say she didn't look half bad, if she had only picked a different dress. The low cut bodice which had already presented a problem was combined with the fact that it was nearly too long making it difficult to walk and Hermione knew that it could only end in disaster. Caroline had muttered something and shortened it a bit more but she was still afraid that one misstep and she'd fall flat on her face or worst pull the bodice down way to far and give everyone a free show. The huge monstrosity of a gown was far more than she'd been expected when Snape's mother had told her not to worry about it, that she had already found the perfect dress for Hermione to wear. Of course on the mannequin it hadn't looked half bad, she had actually loved it. But once she was in the darn thing she wasn't so sure anymore. It's many skirts where held in sharp with a wire hoop skirt that was becoming very uncomfortable. But Hermione wasn't going to complain. She would be gracious and thank the gods that she was not wearing the same dress Caroline was. Now that dress was a monstrosity!
Lady Caroline Snape had dressed herself in a huge bright pink gown whose skirts were much larger than Hermione's. Though her bodice wasn't as low cut as Hermione's, she had saw her pulling at it more than once on the ride over and her pretty pink diamond jewelry sparkled perfectly. She had piled her hair on top of her head and accented it with pretty sparkling diamonds throughout. Her glamour was a bit more pronounced than Hermione's but she looked pretty and delicate. It had surprised Hermione how pretty Caroline really was. Though she had never thought much of Severus or his family she had never imagined he'd have a mother who was at all delicate and pretty. She would have imagined her to be more like the wick ugly witches from the tales of her youth. She was glad that she was wrong.
"You do look lovely Hermione." Severus said with a wink that caused her to blush a little. Every since their kiss in her room that day Severus seemed to have doubled his efforts of wooing her. It was very unnerving but very pleasant at the same time. He made her feel...pretty and wanted. It was nice after being ignored for so long. Severus looked dashing in his tailored black suit with red neck clothe and vest to match her dress. Hermione still could not believe that she had never noticed how handsome the older man could be but then again she had only ever seen him as a teacher not a Lord. It was a very nice surprise.
"Thank you my Lord. You look rather dashing as well." She commented in her best imitation of royalty. Though she may not have liked her father or what he'd done she was still his daughter and she had decided upon receiving the information about her families estate late last night that she would accept the title and all the responsibility that came with it. Of course she would not be returning to Hogwarts now but that was okay. She was sure that she could afford to have Hogwarts come to her at least once or twice a week or, if McGonagall would allow it, she would go up to the school. That also meant that she'd have to give Severus' proposal some thought. After reading through her mother's will she had known that he wasn't lying to her, not that she had expected him to be, but she had wanted to see it herself. She had been suffering from a severe case of denial in all things concerning her birth and childhood. She had already decided to make plans to see her adopted parents and apologize for her outburst and for leaving them with so few words. They had raised her after all. The fact that they had laid to her about her true parentage and betrayed her trust in doing so was of little matter now. They were still her family and the way she understood it they were the only family she really had left. She was the last in the Van Boran line according to what she had received last night.
"Oh, why Mr. Draco Malfoy does know how to throw a ball doesn't he?" Caroline said suddenly as Malfoy Manor came into view. Hermione turned her head and gasped as she took in the site.
This was not that same place she and her friends had been held captive. The place seemed to have been completely redone, or at least the outside. Two tall white columns stood several feet from the open front doors which were open in welcome. The ridiculously high archway had light spilling from it to illuminate the large front porch where several people were lined up waiting to enter the Manor. She began to fidget again at the sight of so many people.
Small fairy lights lite the way up the drive and around the fountain that spurted happily in the middle. Footmen opened the doors to the carriages and helped the ladies and gentlemen from inside. She noticed that Sirius Black was here along with Remus Lupin and Tonks. Her excitement rose. Thank gods, familiar faces!
"I had no clue Mr. Malfoy had invited Mr. Black and the Lupin's. Do make sure to stop by and say hello dear. You don't want to appear rude or anything." Caroline said as she noticed them too. Severus nodded but a frown had appeared on his face. Hermione turned her head and looked at him, trying to silently ask him what was wrong. Apparently he realized and leaned forward to speak to her without his mother hearing.
"Mother thinks that Black, Lupin, and Tonks actually like me. I invited them to Spinner's End a few weeks ago, before your arrival, to apologize formally for my bad behavior toward them and I thought Black would kill me on sight. They are polite to me because of Mother though so if I don't talk to them I'll appear rude to her even though they don't like me at all." Hermione nodded and laid one gloved hand on his. She offered him a soft smile and bent close to whisper back.
"Give them time my Lord. Maybe if they get to know you, the real you that I've seen these past few days, they'll like you. I know I sure do." She watched as a smile spread across Severus' features again and she couldn't help herself. She leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his check.
"Secrets don't make friends," Caroline said in a sing-song voice from beside her. She pulled back and smiled politely nodding.
"No, they don't but I have found that certain things need to blossom in private before they can be shared with others." She comments casually watching as Caroline took it the wrong way, which was what she had meant for her too. She knew it sounded like she was trying to start something with Severus, and though she might have been, she still wasn't ready to tell people just yet what her intention were.
Finally their carriage pulled to a stop in the back of the line of people and they were helped out. Tonks spotted her immediately and her eyes widened.
"Oh my god! Hermione Granger!" She practically dragged both Remus and Sirius from very near the front of the line to the back where they stood. She noticed the looks that Remus and Sirius sent Severus and was quick to hook her arm through his to show that she was here accompanied by him. Tonks didn't miss the gesture either and her eyes widened further.
"How are you? I heard about you're being Voldemort's daughter and a Baroness. It's all over the Daily Prophet. Harry and Ron are absolutely furious that you didn't owl them as soon as you found out. Are you here with Lord Snape or by yourself? If you have no accompaniment then you should let Sirius accompany you. He's been saying he's missed your company so." Tonks rattled as she pulled Hermione into a hug. She felt the bodice of her dress slip and reached up to capture it before it slide to far. Damn and blast!
"I'm doing well Tonks thank you for asking. I know that Harry and Ron must be mad but I've been trying to come to terms with everything. I was more than a little shocked when I found out. I never would have dreamed in a million years that something like this would happen. It was the last thing I expected actually. I'm accompanied by Lord Snape. Though I must request at least one dance with Sirius, for old time's sakes. We always had such fun dancing at the Black House remember? During Christmas when Molly and Author would insist upon it? Oh, those were such great times." She said and leaned against Severus just a little.
"If you wish Baroness," he said rather stiffly and reached forward to shake Severus' hand. Frowning she watched him and noticed that he looked uncomfortable and outcast. She knew just how that felt.
"Shall we," Remus said motioning toward the porch that was now vacant. They moved together as a group and were stopped at the front door to be announced. Sirius, Tonks, Remus, Caroline, and Lord Davinich entered ahead of them. The man looked at Hermione when she told him who she was but he didn't say anything more and turned to the top of the large staircase leading down into a huge entrance hall filled with people. He tapped a long staff on the floor twice and nearly every head in the room turned to look up. A hush ran through the crowd as they saw her and Severus arm in arm. She prayed that she won't fall on her way down the stairs. Stupid high heeled shoes, she knew she should have insisted upon flats but Caroline wouldn't hear of it.
"Baroness Hermione Jane Granger Van Baron accompanied by Lord Severus Snape of Spinner's End." The man said in a voice that carried over the crowd and several people turned and began whispering and pointing secretively up the stairs. She clung tightly to Severus' arm as they worked their way slowly down the stairs. She noticed someone off to the right with a camera snapping pictures but she choice to ignore them. It was very likely that come tomorrow morning she and Severus' face would be plastered all over the Daily Prophet.
She managed to get to the bottom of the stairs without falling on her face and was quickly swallowed up in conversations with many of the people in attendance. She was introduced left and right to so many people that she couldn't keep up with them all. Everyone was curious about the new Baroness and her background.
"Ay, Severus' my boy, how are you?" A tall man with graying hair and a thick mustache called from a short distance as he and Hermione entered the actual ballroom. Hermione studied the man and was quick to note his rather large nose and coal black eyes. It was quite obvious this man was some relation to Severus. However, unlike Severus, this man made Hermione feel very uncomfortable. As he stepped in to shake Severus' hand she caught the heavy scent of alcohol on him and had to cover her mouth and nose with a handkerchief and pretend to cough to cover a gag.
"Uncle Roman, I had no idea that Draco had invited you." Severus said casually pulling Hermione as close to his side as possible without being improper. Hermione made no protest and was quick to divert her eyes.
"Yes, he sent the owl only a few hours ago. I was rather surprised myself. I don't usually attend balls but I thought you might have brought along the Baroness." His gaze settled on Hermione. "As I see you have." He reached out and took her gloved hand in his bare and brought it too his lips. "Roman Snape, Baroness. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance." She smiled stiffly and looked up at Severus for some kind of guidance. When he simply looked back at her she knew that he was at a loss for what to say as well.
"The pleasure is mine Mr. Snape." She said in a low whisper hoping that he would now leave them alone but there was no such luck.
"I do hope you don't think me rude Baroness but I must steal my nephew away for a moment. I have a very important matter to discuss with him and I'm afraid it cannot wait." She nodded and let go of his arm. Severus turned to her and gave her cheek a kiss before smiling reassuringly and moving away.
"I shouldn't be long love," he threw casually over his shoulder as they exited the room through a pair of doors leading into the gardens. Looking around she spotted Tonks, Remus, and Sirius not far from her and made a beeline for them.
"Hello," she said when she was in speaking distance. The three turned and smiled at her. Well, Remus and Tonks smiled Sirius simply grinned as if he were holding back a secret that he was unwilling to share.
"Hello too you as well. I was wondering when you were going to find your way back to us." Tonks said and slung her arm around Hermione's shoulders pulling her close. "Where did your accompaniment get off too?"
"His uncle Roman said he had important matters to discuss with Severus and they left toward the garden. He should be back soon." She said her cheeks heating at the look Remus gave her. "What?" She said sheepishly diverting her eyes to the floor.
"You've come to like Snape huh?" He asked in what she supposed was suppose to pass for a casual tone.
"Yes I have," she affirmed and looked around the room. People were talking and laughing all around them and still more filtered in and out through the doors to the garden while several more were twirling around the dance floor. She had never seen anything quite so beautiful in her whole life. The entire room was done up in sheer white clothe with what appeared to be silk and satin bows as well as lace table runners on the corner tables that held several arrangements of white roses as well as beautiful orchids and baby's breathe. The amount of white gave the appearance of innocence's and purity. She could have laughed at the thought of anything to do with the Malfoy's being innocent and pure. She quickly pushed back the thoughts of her past torment and studied the people around her. She noticed that a couple of the professors from Hogwarts were in attendance as well as Ministry of Magic Kingsley Shackleblot.
"How about that dance Sirius?" She asked turning when she saw Draco Malfoy eying her from across the room. The sleazy asshole was watching her in a way that made her very uncomfortable and made her wish that Severus was standing beside her. She stopped short at that particular thought. Why on earth would she want Severus there to protect her? But she didn't have much time to debate the issue before Sirius stepped forward and held out his hand to hers. She plastered on a smile and winked at him as he led her out onto the floor.
He twirled her gently then pulled her close as one song ended and another began. She was quick to pick out the ¾ beat and followed Sirius lead well. She had some slight issues with the bodice on her dress and pressed a little closer to Sirius hoping it would hold it up. It did a rather good job of it until she saw a pale white finger tapping Sirius on the shoulder.
"Might I cut in Mr. Black?" Draco Malfoy said in a way that had her surpassing a shiver. She could hear the sarcasm dripping from his voice as he addressed Sirius and smiled in a way that she supposed he meant to look polite but was not. She swallowed when her partner stepped back and handed her off to Malfoy. Then she was twirled around in his arms and they were dancing. It was a little more difficult for her to follow Malfoy than with Sirius. He lacked grace and his eyes seemed to be glued to her now dangerously low dress bodice.
"You look very nice this evening Baroness." He commented smiling at her. She took in his tall frame and prefect face. His black suit was accented with Slytherin green. It was made of top quality silk material that looked well on him. She had to admit were it not for the thought of all the things that Malfoy had put her through she would have likely thought him more handsome than his godfather. But to her he was only a dressed up slimy worm. Something deadly wrapped in a pretty package. And he was the very last person she wanted to be dancing with at the moment.
"You look nice as well," she said casually not wanting to offend him. This was his home and his ball. It would not look very good on her to make a scene here so soon after making it known she was a Baroness. As a member of nobility she was expected to rise to certain standards. If that meant she had to put up with Malfoy for a few moments every once in a while then she would do it for the sake of reputation and nothing more. How very Gryffindor of me.
"What no snared remarks? No cracks about me being a disgusting slim ball?" He commented raising one delicate blond eyebrow. She looked at him through narrowed eyes and shook her head slowly.
"Not this time," she remarked and turned her gaze away from him toward the garden doors. Any minute now Severus would come in and save her from this torture.
"Well, then I guess you won't mind if I say that I have every intention of making you my wife then?" Hermione's head whipped around and she stared up at him. What had he just said? Oh Gods, surely he wasn't serious. But looking up at him with his usual mischievous smile firmly in place she knew that he was.
"No," she said simply and attempted to remove herself from his grip. He held her tightly against him and smiled as she tried to struggle without anyone noticing. Damn her and her Gryffindor pride.
"No? You haven't even heard my offer yet." He said close to her ear and she pulled her head back as far from him as possible.
"I don't want to hear your offer. I've..." she trailed off wondering if she could possible use Severus' proposal as an excuse to deflect Malfoy's advances. But it wouldn't be fair to tell Malfoy that she had already accepted the proposal when she hadn't. Though kissing Severus had been pleasant enough she still had no way of knowing if he felt the same for her as she did for him. He seemed sincere in his pursuit of her but could an ex-spy and Slytherin really be trusted with something as fragile as her heart.
"You've what? Already accepted an offer? I highly doubt that. Your reputation is on the line anyway because of Uncle Severus and your presence at his home. You do know that it's unacceptable for a woman of your rank to be seen with a man of lesser rank without a chaperon and without a betrothed. You're living with him at the moment, are you not? How do you think that looks?" Hermione paused in her struggle to get away. Oh Gods, she hadn't even thought about what staying with Severus was going to do to not only her reputation but his as well.
"See what I mean? You're quite the hot topic among the ton. They are all wondering why you're there. I have to say that I'm more than a bit curious myself." He watched her face and continued to smile as Severus stepped through the garden door looking more than a little angry. His eyes immediately landed on Hermione being held so close by Draco and Draco watched as the anger melted from his eyes to be replaced by pain.
"I don't care what they think. It's none of your business why I'm staying with Severus but just to set you straight he asked me to stay with him and I accepted because I needed time to work things out in my head." She gave him a firm push and he stumbled back barely able to keep himself from falling on her very arrogant arse. "I refuse your proposal and I don't ever want to hear you bring it up again." She said and turned quickly, ignoring a number of people who had turned to look when she'd shoved Draco away. She headed toward the door and was on the last step when Severus caught up with her.
"Hermione..." he trailed off when she turned to look at him and feel backwards into a puddle of mud.
"Bloody hell! When did it start raining?" She exclaimed as she sat up and looked down at her ruined dress and the mud that covered her body.
Severus covered his mouth and bit his lip to keep the laugh that threatened to escape at bay but it was no use. He giggled! Hermione looked up at him and narrowed her eyes frowning.
"You're laughing at me. You...you...oh, by gods just help me up." She said reaching out a muddy hand. Severus smiled and walked down the last few steps to help her. He took her hand and only a moment to late realized what her true intentions were. She gave his hand a sharp tug that sent him flying forward and right into the mud puddle beside her. He landed face first in the gooey substance. He quickly turned over and sat up looking at her. She had her arms crossed and a satisfied look on her face.
"Devil woman," he muttered and reached up to remove as much of the mud from his face as he could.
"You were laughing at me." She said turning her head to stare at him. Even covered it mud the man looked handsome. Damn and blast! He must have noticed her watching him because he stopped and looked at her. His gaze racked over her but didn't get that far. His eyes seemed locked on her chest. She frowned and looked down before gasping and reaching up to cover herself. The loose bodice of the dress had been weighted down by the mud and slipped low to reveal most of her breasts. If not for the amount of mud on her face and body a deep red blush would have been visible.
She glanced at Severus who now had is eyes closed and his head down. He looked as if he were trying hard to control his breathing and losing the battle. His chest heaved and his nostrils flared. Hermione reached over and put a hand on his which were fisted on his knees. He jumped and looked at her. She smiled kindly and pushed herself up before reaching back down for his hand. He started at her offered hand for a moment before accepting it and standing beside her.
"I'm terribly sorry Baroness." He apologized and she nodded her head.
"It's not your fault I'm less than graceful in high heels." She pulled the hem of her dress up a bit to inspect the heels that were no covered in mud. There was no way she'd be able to walk in them so she kicked them off and then bent and picked them up. Severus watched her as she hobbled toward the waiting carriage and the footman who had watched the whole ordeal with wide eyes.
"Here, let me help you." He said when she yelped as a rock cut into her foot. He reached her in three strides and picked her up into his arms. Some of the partygoers were filtering out and stopped to watch as the dashing Lord Snape carried the impossibly beautiful Baroness Granger toward the carriage they had arrived in. She looped her arms loosely around his neck and told herself it was because she was afraid of falling.
TBC