Disclaimer:- I neither own nor earn anything from what you recognise in this story. (So sad)

sSs

A/N:- Looking back over the reviews for last chapter, I realised I should be nothing but ecstatic that you are all so lovely with your reviews, thank you. This chapter deals with their afternoon, and we start to see what shape revenge is going to take. For those who are also following this story's MA rated version on AO3, there have only been a few words modified in this chapter, nothing substantial. Please enjoy…

hHh

Chapter Ten - The delicacies of Slytherin Invitations

Severus knew when it was lunch time because a scroll popped into existence and smacked him briskly on the head. "Shit," he gasped sleepily, instinctively reaching for his wand in response. However, his hand paused as his eyes focused on the scroll and he knew what the problem was. "Lucius," he muttered, making Hermione sigh and open her eyes. He opened it and read as his lady blinked sleepily in his arms,

Dear cruel bastard,

Lunch is ready. I think I have heard you having quite enough fun, fancy warding the room and not silencing Hermione's exquisite moans and squeals of delight. That was very mean spirited Severus.

Regards

Thwarted and horny host.

Vanishing the note Severus laughed. Hermione sighed next to him and he moved so they were facing one another. "Hello beautiful," he said kissing her tenderly.

"What's so funny?" Hermione asked between kisses.

"Lucius," Severus replied. "He's organised lunch."

"And that's funny?"

"No," Severus cackled, "our host is just a little miffed at me," he said, with an innocent angel expression on his face. The more Hermione looked at him suspiciously, the wider and more feral the grin became. "Oh all right, I may have, sort of forgotten the silencing charm."

"Oh Severus, that was a little unfair, is he really upset?"

"No, just miffed. He does it to me all the time, he knows it's only pay back, and he better suck it up."

"Oh," Hermione said knowingly. "Slytherins," she rolled her eyes. "Do we have time for a shower?"

"Cheeky," his hands started roaming over her again and gave a sharp smack on the bum making her laugh. He rubbed it better, and gave her a quick kiss. "You stay right there a minute," Severus slid out of bed and almost strutted over to a chest of drawers.

Hermione watched him with a grin on her face as he retrieved a small velvet box and walked back equipment at half mast.

"What are you grinning about?" he inquired, smiling back.

"The view," she replied, waggling her eyebrows.

He cackled at her, "Nice is it?"

Hermione gave him a smouldering look. "As sexy as hell, actually."

"Indeed," he smiled widened, despite himself. "Would you mind terribly getting out of bed," he was offering his hand. He positioned her once she was standing. "Just here if you please, in all your glory." He took her left hand and gracefully slid down on one knee. "This is my Grandmother's engagement ring, I would be proud if you would wear it." He'd extracted the white gold ring from the box and was slipping it on her finger. They both watched as it sized itself and then enveloped their joined hands in snakes of golden light.

"Oh just like an unbreakable vow," Hermione gasped.

"Similar, but without the sinister side effects," Severus commented and kissed her hand as the ribbons of light slithered back into the ring.

Bringing it up in front of her face Hermione gasped, "Severus it's beautiful, emeralds and diamonds. It's perfect, thank you."

His gaze was roaming her body again. "You're so lovely," Hermione went to kneel down with him, but he held her up right and pulled her to him, his lips planting wet kisses on her stomach. She enclosed his head in her arms and sighed. "Merlin help me, I want to eat you again, you're so addictive," his mouth was hovering against her mons, the tip of his tongue just teasing the top of her slit. She snickered and pushed herself closer. "Oh no you don't cheeky, we have work to do." Giving it one firm kiss, lathing it with his tongue which had fresh wetness spreading between her thighs, he slowly rose and embraced her. "I love you Hermione," and he claimed her mouth in a fiery kiss that left her panting when it was over.

"And I you, my own," she replied nestling against his bare chest.

Suddenly he lifted her off the ground and sat her on the side of the bed. "On your stomach minx, it time to reply to Lucius," he growled playfully.

Even though she grinned, she couldn't help the question. "Why?" He didn't answer her, but her eyes were watching him conjure parchment and a self inking quill. Crawling back onto the bed with them he knelt next to her. Steadying himself on one arm and leaning forward he whispered a spell, and Hermione felt the bubbling of a cleansing spell. The sensation made her groan, then Severus' mouth was on her licking, kissing and nipping her bottom and thighs. This had her opening her legs wide and lifting her backside off the bed and pushing it towards him. "Good girl," he crooned blowing on her exposed rosy flesh making her squeal and shiver. But he didn't keep going, much to her disappointment. Finally he rested the parchment on her and started to write,

Dear frustrated and horny host,

I am writing to you from my new favourite lap desk, Hermione's naked derriere, which is still wet from my kisses. I owed you the silencing charm for the Renaldo twins. We will be out shortly after we have indulged in a decadent shower.

Regards

Cruel bastard.

Rolling it up, Severus tapped it with his wand and it disappeared. Hermione's bell like laughter resounded around the room as she saw what he'd written. "Oh you think that's funny do you little minx," he gave her another playful slap on the backside. "Come on, into the shower."

Hermione squealed playfully and rolled on her side propping herself up on her elbow. "You know, I wouldn't have minded you being even more suggestive if you'd wish to." He cocked an eyebrow at her. "After all it is Lucius, sex god extraordinaire we're talking about here."

Severus watched her. Hermione pulled him down into a kiss. "He's your best friend," she continued, punctuating her words with kisses. "You could say anything to him and I wouldn't mind." She leaned in and whispered in his ear. "In fact I think he might enjoy the details."

The Potions master's face settled into a devious expression. "Are you suggesting I tease Lord Lucius with your ample charms?" His index finger was running down her throat, onto a breast and circling a nipple," his mouth twitched into a smile. "When did you become so Slytherin?" His low voice set a ripple of goose bumps loose, up and down her spine. He laughed, "What if he wanted to see those charms for himself?" Severus felt her quiver again and smile naughtily at him. His finger continued its solo journey down her body and his mouth arrived on her neck.

Hermione's head lulled to one side allowing him to kiss and lick her neck, while his finger had arrived in her heat to pleasure her. She hissed in pleasure, "I'm yours Severus. I love you completely," she said, raising one leg to give him more access, hooking her hand behind her knee to hold it up. His mouth was moving down to her breasts. "There are many things I've never done," she moaned, smiling at him and rolled partly onto her back. His lips were once more on her navel, "I'm yours completely I will never stray from you, but we both trust Lucius." Severus had pushed her completely onto her back, his lips now adoring her mound of Venus.

He blew over the glistening wet skin. "What would you have me tell him?" She watched his eyebrow sail up, as he glanced up at her from his task, "How sweet you are?" He saw her eyes flare, "How much I love doing this?" He removed his slowly circling finger and swept his flat tongue along her from bottom to top, she shivered and convulsed violently. Severus cackled, "Or would you like me to let him see and feel for himself," his voice purred, their eyes met and she saw his heated desire to do so.

"If you felt comfortable doing that, I think a threesome with Lord Lucius would be fun at some point. I'm perfectly fine with it."

"Intriguing, you are perfect Hermione, simply flawless." He gave her one more languid lap, and ran his tongue up the mid line of her body, "And I love you so very deeply," he gifted her with a tender kiss, then whispered against her lips, "Now I'll warn you, if we don't head for the showers, we won't be getting to Diagon Alley this afternoon."

"Oh," she gasped, "no we won't," she was already rising from the bed. Looking back at him now lying propped up on one elbow watching her naked body move. Laughing she stood with her hands on her hips and admonished, "I thought we were having," she paused, finger landing on her lips in thought, "what was it," her smile became wicked. "Oh yes, indulging in a decadent shower." His eyebrow rose, playfully.

She laughed joyously as she saw him rising sinuously from the bed. Severus prowled towards her, reaching where she stood grinning at him. Without warning he growled, and unceremoniously hoisted her over his shoulder. "Severus," she squealed laughing helplessly, "Put me down."

"No," he chuckled, giving her backside a light smack. "I obviously have to supervise to make certain every inch of you is clean, Professor Granger," his chameleon voice shifted to suggestive. "And I intend to explore you most thoroughly for any signs to the contrary."

"Oh thank you, Professor Snape, you're such a Martyr," she said mock piously.

"Yes, I am, aren't I," he returned, in his best put upon voice.

xox

Lucius was slouching decadently in his chair twirling the stem of his wine glass in dextrous fingers, looking every inch the decadent bored Lord. One of his legs was hooked over the arm of the comfortable dining chair and was swinging casually. It stilled as he looked up from contemplating his wine, to see two very smug looking individuals walking into the dining room. "I had thought only a small luncheon would be appropriate, however I rethought my decision and decided to make it more extensive," he smirked decorously. "Given the length of your absence and seeming rambunctious nature of your activities," the blond aristocrat smoothed. Severus seated a blushing Hermione at the table, totally ignoring his friend's taunts. Lucius poured the wine with a lazy flick of his wand. "It is good to see that you are now completely healed, pet."

"Yes, feels as good as new," Hermione took a sip of her wine, and a shaky hand put it back down. "This is a worrying development though," she gave them both a serious look. "Neither of them have ever been violent before." As she sat thinking about this Hermione became aware that both her hands were covered. Each man had taken one to comfort her.

"We will not allow anything to happen to you, pet. Potter only received a tiny sample of the beast within our dear friend here this morning. He would be a fool to want a repeat performance."

"That's just it Lucius, he has proven himself a fool, time and time again." Her head lowered sadly. "He was given a position ten years ago, that he didn't earn and it's gone to his head, and now he thinks he can get away with anything."

Severus linked his fingers through hers. "May be that can be used against him, after all he is the only real threat. Weasley is merely a drunken thug with no real power, a hanger on, if you will."

"But he has the power of Potter behind him," Hermione looked around as if expecting to see someone else. "I must admit, now that I think about it, I'm surprised the Aurors haven't been bashing your door down to arrest Severus for daring to punch poor, defenceless Saint Harry," she said theatrically, wringing her hands and looking plaintive, and making both men smile.

"Ah well," smoothed Lucius, "That's partly because the Slytherin old boys club has been in action. While you two were in the throngs of your very vocal passion, this little blond duck has been very busy, despite what some people might think, there are a great many honourable Slytherins who care very much for their world and their own. The Dark Lord years tarnished our reputation badly. However, several prominent members of the Wizengamot and not just Slytherins, support not only your position," Lucius gestured to Hermione, "but have been actively working behind closed doors towards Potter's removal. Up until now they have not been able to keep witnesses to events," Hermione gave him a puzzled look, he chuckled. "Anyone who stands up against him ends up mysteriously obliviated. His well documented attack on us today, and Weasley's on Saturday evening was like mana from heaven to them. Now they can build their case for his dismissal with firm foundations. Even if we all inexplicably lose our memory of the events, there was an audience, a reporter and photographer."

Patting her hand, Severus added, "May be we've given him enough rope to hang himself."

Hermione nodded, but sat quietly thinking about this for some time as she pushed food around her plate, finally her wizard said, "You need to eat angel, what's bothering you?"

"Ginny," she glanced at both of them, "I'm worried about her and the children, especially James after what he said in front of his father, and in public. It was only the fact that Harry's eye balls were spinning counter clockwise after you hit him," she laid her hand on Severus' and stroked it before drawing a breath. "Harry knocked Ginny out of the way without even a thought. I can't help wondering, well if he's done that before." She looked at Severus, then Lucius, "Do you think he treats them badly?"

The blond raised a thoughtful eyebrow, but patted her hand. "No, pet, I'm sure everything's fine."

The Potions master knew his friend, and was instantly aware that everything was far from fine. He suspected Lucius was protecting Hermione from this fact, until they could do something about it. Severus turned Hermione's hand over in his and laced their fingers together. Hermione took an audible breath, obviously pondering further. "She did seem in rather a hurry to get her children to George though, didn't she," she added worriedly. Hermione had placed her fork down and looked at them both. "Maybe we should speak with George."

Lucius pursed his lips. That's one of his shows, Severus thought. He definitely is keeping something his found away from her, damn this mess infringing on us right now.

The blond wizard drew breath. "Pet, you were hardly in any position to judge, my dear." He saw her bristle slightly, "You were otherwise occupied, darling." He patted her hand. "But I doubt George Weasley would say anything even if there was a problem," Hermione opened her mouth to protest further, but Lucius cut her off, "It's family business Hermione. He may have been honest with his ten year old nephew about what happened, but I don't think he'll tell us anything about his sister's private business, or perhaps even know about it."

Hermione looked to Severus, "He's right, I'm afraid," the Potions master added, squeezing her hand, "Now eat, my love," he commanded.

Hermione smiled at him, she had to admit she was very hungry. She sighed and took a mouthful. Severus watched her eating, his eye catching the glint of the diamonds in her ring. He bent over and whispered. "Shall we tell him our news then?"

The now sombre woman brightened no end, and actually smiled. "Yes let's, he'll be the first to know. That's fair, isn't it?"

Lucius was watching their interactions intently as Severus nodded and brought their joined hands to his lips to kiss hers. It was then Lucius caught the glint of the ring as it moved and he gasped. "Is that what I think it is?"

Severus stood and helped Hermione up. He placed his hands either side of her shoulders, "Yes," they exchanged a smile, "we've decided to marry."

Lucius' lips twisted upward in the semblance of a smile. "Which squeal of pleasure resulted in that offer then?" They knew he was teasing them because his smile was growing, and they both grinned at him. Severus wrapped his arms around Hermione and she wrapped hers around his.

"Actually," Hermione smoothed, "it was a low growl on Severus' part I believe." The three of them burst out laughing and a blushing Hermione gazed amorously at her beloved.

Lucius stood from his chair and came over to shake Severus' Hand. "Congratulations my friend," he sounded truly happy for them, "I can't say it's a surprise to me, but it's a little quicker than I'd thought it would be.

Lucius turned to Hermione, "And pet, you are so right for Severus," he ran a finger over her cheek, and giving her a heated look he glanced at Severus, who nodded and answered by moving his hands back to Hermione's arms. Lucius received the gift graciously and gently enclosed her face with his hands. "You're a very special lady Hermione, and Severus is a very lucky man," he felt her trembling in anticipation under his hands. Hermione's eyes were already closed when Lucius lowered his lips to hers and smiled, "All right?" His breathed question made her utter a sweet little squeak, but she nodded.

Lucius was a master at making woman feel comfortable. Hermione wasn't exactly certain what she'd been expecting, but the tender caressing kiss she got wasn't it. It was by no means a chaste kiss, but it was gentle and very sweet. Wow that was some congratulatory kiss. I could get use to them both kissing me. I hope Severus goes through with inviting him to be with us.

The raven-haired wizard heard Hermione sigh. Lucius released her as he whispered, "You're simply lovely Hermione, I'm looking forward to getting to know you better," saying this he guided her back a step to Severus, "Thank you," Lucius breathed looking at his friend.

Once Hermione found herself embraced against Severus' chest, with her lover's hands stroking her body gently, she let out a breath she hadn't realised she was holding. Severus watched his love kissing his best friend, and even though he was very possessive of her, he felt no jealousy about it. Severus gave her a welcome back kiss, "Did you enjoy that, angel?"

"It was lovely Severus'; I think all three of us will manage fine." This confirmed for Lucius that they had discussed fascinating new possibilities.

"Well let's see where it takes us, ay," Severus replied for only her ears.

After the congratulations, they all sat back down and both men badgered Hermione, making certain she'd eaten enough.

xox

Finally mid afternoon the three of them headed back to Diagon alley to do their shopping. They each visited several shops, Severus not leaving Hermione's side once. The Arithmancy professor had told them about Flourish and Blotts over lunch and they had visited it first.

Seeing Lucius and Severus, the manager had come out fawning all over them, asking if he could help. Hermione stepped in between her two Slytherins from the back and met his gaze. "You're the same man who ten years ago, told me not to come back. You have changed your tune." She drew breath, confident in her body guards either side, "Well I just wished to thank you. Because of you, I have found several smaller and much better book shops to make my purchases from."

Lucius chuckled at the look on the wizard's face, and continued the deed. "I take it, my good man that you are aware of who we are." This was not so much a question, but a statement. Lucius eyed the nodding man scornfully.

"Oh, yes indeed, sirs. Welcome back to England, gentlemen," the now nervous wizard simpered. His arm made an al sweeping movement. "Our shop is at your disposal."

Severus' eyes were colder than Hermione remembered ever seeing them. "We thought you might also remember the amount of Galleons the three of us have spent in your shop." A cool smile slipped easily into a smirk.

Lucius took over the chase. "Unfortunately, now we have heard of your treatment of our dear friend and colleague here, this fact will change. From now on, our business shall be completed elsewhere, good day to you."

In unison they turned and exited the shop, no one was certain how the cage containing The Monster Book of Monsters, ended up open. But pages flew like confetti as the two smug Slytherins escorted Hermione Granger into the street.

Lucius then went off on his own then to conduct his business, and Severus and Hermione visited the School's Apothecary so Severus could place the order for the school supplies. The three of them met again at Fortescue's for a late afternoon coffee. Then finally back to the Manor, after each having conducted their business and bought a birthday present for Astoria.

"Well we better get back to our potions making," Severus sighed, wrapping his arms around Hermione, he rested his chin on her shoulder.

Taking advantage of this position he then blew in her ear. "Severus," she squealed, laughing.

"Yes, my love, what is it?" His serious tone was perfect, "Do you have a need for something, something hard and hot perhaps?" This was murmured into her ear in his beautiful voice, and all she could manage in reply was a groan. This coupled with the fact that he was discretely stroking her backside with said hard and hot object. It was all she could do not to collapse in a puddle.

Watching them closely, their host said, "Well, you two best go off about your brewing," he raised a brow at them. "Although from here it doesn't appear like too much Potion making is going to get done."

"You'd be surprised what I can work through Lucius," Severus asserted, he was busy kissing Hermione's neck.

"Mmm," was the sceptical reply.

"I take it you have some distraction planned for this evening?" Severus' muffled voice inquired.

"I certainly do," Lucius smoothed preening slightly. "Shall we meet back here at a civilised hour tomorrow, say eleven in the morning?"

"That sounds acceptable, Hermione?" Severus inquired.

"Uh huh," she mumbled leaning harder against Severus' chest, her head resting back on his shoulder. She was concentrating on keeping her backside still, because it wanted to grind into Severus' teasing hardness.

"Will you two get out of here and stop prick teasing me, I'm only human and you look amazing like that," Lucius scolded.

Severus worked his lips around closer to Hermione's ear and whispered, "Which in Lucius speak means tease me some more. What say we give him something to think about, my dear professor?"

Hermione's eyes met Severus' and she bit her lip. His smile turned feral, and his heated voice sounded in her ear again. "I've always loved it when you do that to your lip, it makes you look very sexy," and her knees went even wobblier, craning her head around, she sort his lips.

Lucius happily watched them exchange their heated kiss. From his vantage point in front of the couple he could see their tongues entwining, then he watched Severus' hands sweep up undo her jacket and push it out of the way to caress her breasts through her silk blouse. He could plainly see the hard nipples straining against the fabric, and oh those little buttons striving to do their job against everything. Lucius found himself egging them on. Surely one of them had to fail. He was certain it would be like a dam burst. Once one went they'd all go and he longed to see the next layer of this very desirable woman.

The blond wizard had listened to their love making earlier, and their enthusiasm had almost driven him wild. Severus' thumbs were flicking over her still enclosed pecks. Lucius knew they were doing this for his pleasure and that thought made him heady with affection for his friend and the beautiful woman in his arms. The aristocratic wizard was pretty sure neither Severus nor Hermione realised how attractive they looked writhing against one another, seeming oblivious to him being there.

He cocked an eyebrow, wondering exactly how far Severus would allow them to go this first time. He was just contemplating this when dam busters; the button directly under the most duress from her straining breasts gave way. Lucius was instantly treated to the red lace of her bra. The sounds of their breathing and kissing was making him so hard, he felt like he had a pogo stick in his trousers.

Severus had felt the give in her blouse and now kissed around to her ear. "Shall I go further?" Hermione was about ready to buckle at the knees, but she moaned an affirmative.

Neither of them looked at their appreciative audience, they were careful not to acknowledge him in any way. Severus had a plan that would see them leaving back to his chambers the moment he deeded they'd given enough today.

His mouth engulfed hers once more, her groans and breathing became more inflamed as Severus prepared for his next step. Pulling slightly on the material of the blouse, making it look like it had opened accidentally, most of the buttons gave. Severus heard a stifled cry from their host, like he had suddenly stuffed his fist in his mouth. "It's time to floo to Hogwarts," Severus murmured in Hermione ear. She nodded and he started backing them to the fireplace his mouth still caressing hers and his hands still teasing her tight little buds. They flooed away to his quarters, sliding out of the floo into his sitting room.

Severus turned the now giggling and giddy woman in his arms and held her back a little length to examine his handy work, "That was so much fun," she laughed her chest still heaving.

"That was the most perfect little peep show, my lovely. Now let's see," and he pulled the lace aside of one and then the other, "Are you sure you've never done that before?"

"Only for mirror," Hermione admitted trying not to blush, as his fingers starting fondling the rosy tips once more.

"Oh," he murmured moving closer, and planting tender kisses on her face. "I begin to see how you have had so much practice without participating." Passing her lips with just a cursory brush of his, he started down her throat beginning his path of adoration down to the exposed delights.

Severus enclosed one of her pert rosy nipples in his mouth, and Hermione moaned. "Doing that with Lucius watching made me wet as hell," she stated while thrusting her chest further forward for him to kiss and lick each delight in turn.

Then his hands were undoing her skirt, "Show me the evidence," he demanded, his voice husky.

"Oh God, yes, Severus," she moaned, in a long sighed hiss. His talented fingers made short work of reaching her core, and he slipped his longest digit into her.

"You're right, you are, and by Merlin, you feel good." She gurgled wantonly. "You're amazing, hold your skirts up," he demanded just as the clock chimed six. "Uhh shit, it's time for dinner," he groaned.

Hermione felt his fingers leave her. "Oww, couldn't we just..." his finger landed on her lips, "But you... I want to... we're not finished," she said almost petulantly, seductively drawing the digit into her mouth, making him smile at her wiles.

"Duty first, angel, we will continue this later," his nimble fingers had started putting her breasts back in their lace confine and doing up her buttons. "Besides we have news that needs to be shared."

"Oh yes, so we do," she grinned as he ran his wand down the buttons adding a surety charm to each. "I'm not allowed to strain a button now then, ay?"

"Most certainly not," his eyes were alight with playfulness. "After you, Professor Granger," Severus gestured with his arm.

"Why thank you, Professor Snape," she bobbed a curtsey still on shaky legs and took his arm cuddling in close. "I love you," she affirmed softly, "you're wonderful."

Severus stopped and looked at her, "I love you too my perfect little love," he gave her a quick kiss and used a deflating spell on their kiss swollen lips.