Disclaimer:- There has been no shift in the universe, and I still neither own nor earn anything from this story, apart from the pleasure of writing it. Harry Potter and his world are the property of JK Rowling and her associates.
sSs
A/N:- Can we see balance slowly starting to be redressed? This is the chapter many of you have been waiting for, and even though Severus refuses to divulge more than a few tit bits of what he found in Ginny's mind, some of the detail will come out in future chapters. It was also lovely to see the surge of sympathy in the reviews for Lucius in the last chapter. Let me also take this opportunity to thank all those who review and everyone who has continued to read silently, it would be nice to hear from you as well it is a fairly painless process reviewing, and it gets easier the more times you do it, even one word is appreciated. Please enjoy the next instalment…
hHh
Chapter fourteen - Rescuing His Damsel
At the Burrow Sunday lunch was almost finished, and a very tense scene was about to play out. Ginny had forced herself back downstairs when Harry had arrived. The last thing she wanted was a private visit from her loving husband. Her thoughts about that made the pain spike. This wasn't the first time the redhead had noticed that when she thought about not going back to Harry or staying here at the Burrow, the pain increased in intensity.
Thinking back through the years, she'd always put headaches down to stress. But could it have been something else? Trying to coordinate past acute pain with events was difficult, especially when her head currently felt like it was about to blow off her shoulders. Right now all she could do was fight the rising nausea and try and force food down her throat so she looked like nothing was wrong.
Molly placed her hand on Ginny's arm and her daughter heard her voice sound in the murky depths of her suffering. "Perhaps I could keep the children for a few days, so you and Harry could have some time alone to resolve things?"
The red-headed witch wanted to scream, 'NO', but knew that would only make matters worse. "Perhaps," she conceded. Molly took in the grin that spread on her son-in-laws face, and it unsettled her terribly. Contained within it was no pleasure, merely gloating, as his eyes narrowed, glinting with an almost evil intent. This was not the first time she had seen this. Glancing quickly at her husband, his concerned expression made her pause, she back peddled quickly, saying to Harry and Ron, "Then on the other hand, if you boys are still planning your Quidditch tour, perhaps Ginny and the little ones might stay here for a visit while you're away." The lovable matriarch watched as his eyes narrowed further. The look in them scared her, and she saw her daughter sway slightly and turn paler then before.
Suddenly Harry's eyes shuttered, he gave Ron an almost imperceviable wink, which made the corner of the red-headed wizard's mouth turn up almost nastily. Harry then settled into the loving husband, this trickled through Molly like a frigid river at spring thaw. A truth was revealed to her. She may have been old fashioned and some would think simple, but she was not stupid.
Her only daughter was being manipulated and dare she think it, abused by these two men, and if she didn't know better she would swear there was something else happening here as well. Would saying something, make Ginny's suffering more acute? Molly could tell the pain was getting worse, but what was causing it. In the past when her daughter had come to stay here after the couple had fought, she had been plagued by the same headache, yet at other times she never seemed to get them. We need this day to end, the confused woman thought.
Then she heard Harry say in an almost mocking sympathetic voice. "Are you suffering after that Malfoy bastard grabbed you yesterday, Gin Gin?"
Ginny's voice was like velvet steel. "No, Mr. Malfoy didn't hurt me, Harry." The look etched on her pain ridden features, was finally accusing him of ill treatment.
Seeing his world starting to topple, Harry lost it. "So, even you, my wife," Molly saw Ginny cringe, "you're supporting the Death Eaters now as well." Everyone around the table was aghast at his accusation.
"Harry," she tried weakly, "it's just not like that. I'm grateful that he caught me, I would have fallen on Lily if he hadn't." She was in too much pain to fight with him now. That's all her marriage was now, continual fights and pain, social engagements and being bound, helpless, whist being forced to watch her goading husband and his best friend bugger each other and laugh at her. At least the children didn't know Daddy and Uncle Ron's dirty little secret.
Harry had now stood from the table. "So I suppose you all believe the Prophets account of what happened yesterday?" He looked around the table accusingly.
It was Charlie who suddenly stood. "Actually the Prophets version was a little light on the facts," he watched his brother-in-law start to smile nastily, thinking he had support. "It was much worse than they portrayed," Charlie continued.
Harry and Ron looked pleased, and Percy sniffed, "Yes, Kingsley wanted me to make an appointment with Malfoy and Snape so he could welcome them home," he snorted. "As if we want scum like that back in the country."
Charlie turned to his pompous brother and whispered, "Shut it you twat, before you get yourself in trouble."
Cutting off whatever reply Percy would have made, Arthur finally stood. He had been listening carefully. "Molly, Ginny, Penelope, please take the children into the front room." The Weasley patriarch had seen something in Charlie's expression that meant he didn't support what Harry was asserting. He had seen this expression in many people over the years, people too scared of the repercussions to follow through with their thoughts. However, he firstly addressed Percy. "Charlie's right Percy, you're attitude is about to backfire on you. You have always been a little short on common sense. I am aware that you will attempt to relay whatever happens here to the highest bidder, you must realise that family business is not to be carried any further."
Percy huffed, "Come Penelope, we're going home."
"No, Percy dear, I wish to help," Penelope said carefully. She was busy assisting Molly with the children and Ginny. Percy huffed again, but stayed put.
Arthur now spoke, "Did you see what actually happened, Charlie?"
"Hey, hang on a second Dad," Ron interjected, rising on the defence. "Aren't we going to take Harry's word? It's always been good enough in the past."
Arthur gave a long suffering sigh. "Son, too many times we've taken Harry's word, and it's turned out to be wrong."
Harry blew, his wand already drawn. "You bastard, I brought respectability back to this family, by forcing myself to marry your daughter. How dare you not believe me!"
George came to his father's aid in a moment, and soon the rash black-haired man found more wands at his throat. "How dare you make such assumptions and threaten our father," Charlie raged. "This family was more intact and respectable before you came back that year, than it is now. I suggest you leave and sort yourself out."
"Son, what you saw yesterday, was it reliably reported by the Prophet?"
"It certainly was," he was glaring at Harry, who had risen up to his full height, and was looking defiant, despite knowing he was only a hairs breath from being unceremoniously expelled.
"The only thing the Prophet did was water the story down." Charlie took a breath, "I had only just arrived at the Leaky when I heard my brother-in-law loudly approaching three people minding their own business. Something made me stop and watch. What ensued was brutal and callous. Harry demanded Hermione Granger speak to him." Charlie looked around at his father and brothers. "She politely told him, she had no wish to, Ginny seemed to be trying to get him to stop, and he shoved her out of the way, she fell. Lucius Malfoy caught her and Severus Snape grabbed Lily out of the way, or she would have fallen on the child. He then accused them of manhandling his family." Charlie's eyes hadn't left Harry's as he spoke, until he turned to look at his father. "But the bit that really revolted me was him hexing an unarmed witch, point blank. He was the aggressor, Miss Granger had no warning," Charlie said, as he explained the whole truth.
When he was finished, there was a deathly silence. Finally Arthur cleared his throat, "I think you better leave and think very hard about these events Harry. I know you have always maintained that Hermione Granger betrayed us all. I have never believed that to be the case, and have always regretted that for the sake of peace I bore not seeing the vital young woman I had come to think of as a daughter. Someone, who had no one else in this world to call family. I then watched her being denied everything she strived for, I'm pleased Minerva protected her from what I now realise was you." The kindly Weasley drew breath, "You married my own daughter also against my better judgement. Your marriage has given us three beautiful grandchildren, but I can see that Ginny is utterly miserable. Over the years I have done a lot of listening and waiting, I know that now is the right time. I think you should leave." George and Charlie were hunting him with their wands. Arthur's eyes were sad as he turned to Ron. "And let it be stated here and now Ronald, even though you are my son and I love you, your behaviour has also been reprehensible. If you continue to support Harry Potter and neither of you change your ways, then you are no longer welcome here either."
The ensuing standoff was heated on both sides, and neither Harry nor Ron would see reason. Arthur finally collapsed into his chair in frustration.
"You heard my father, both of you out," George said.
Harry turned at the door and sneered spitefully. "Don't think this is the end of it. I'll have the last laugh. After all, I'm the one in charge of the Aurory you know. When your daughter's dead Snape and Malfoy will be where they belong. I'll have all the evidence I need, because it's a dark curse that ails her. Don't think you can cross me and get away with it." He raised his wand, his eyes glittering with malice and he spat, "Afflictio maximus."
A bolt of magic shot through the house and there was a howling scream from the front room and the sound of children screaming, "Mummy, Mummy." Harry looked at his father-in-law and laughed, "Fools," he yelled, and both men turned, Disapparating before the hexes aimed at them connected, and leaving four horrified open mouthed men.
Arthur shook himself and rose. "Percy, call Minerva tell her what's happened and ask if Poppy can come. Then you and Penelope to take James, Albus and Lily to your home ward it securely, and keep them safe. George, explain to your mother what's happened, tell her we've gone for help and stay with her and Ginny. Charlie come with me." Arthur already had his cloak on.
"Where to, Dad?"
"Malfoy Manor of course, it would take Bill too long to get here, and I think Snape and Malfoy are more knowledgeable anyway." He sighed, "I only hope they'll help us." They were out the door and Apparating away.
xox
At the Manor, Draco was having his share of family problems, but on a very much more trivial level. His mother had caused her usual upsets and the Greengrass' had retaliated in front of the children. Narcissa had left in a huff as soon as lunch was finished and Astoria had gone upstairs to rest, her back ache getting worse. The rest of her family were just leaving when two panicked looking redheads approached the front door. Seeing the snotty Greengrass' off the property, Draco turned and addressed Arthur. "Arthur, Charlie. What can I do for you?"
"We're very sorry to disturb you, but it is imperative that we speak with Lucius and Severus as soon as possible. Are they here?"
Draco raised an inquisitive eyebrow, but nodded and called an elf. "Please inform Masters Lucius and Severus they are needed urgently at the main entrance," he glanced back at the two almost terrified looking wizards "An emergency if you will, Arthur and Charlie Weasley wish to speak with them," the elf disappeared. "Please, come in gentlemen."
The words were only just out of his mouth when a sob sounded from upstairs. "Draco," came his wife's insistent cry. The blond man rubbed his forehead. "I'm sorry, but I think she's in labour. I need to..." he was making to and fro movements.
Even in his distress, Arthur was his usual kind self. "Draco, go to your wife, thank you for your assistance, we appreciate it," he assured him, "I'm sure we'll be right from here."
Draco nodded, and sighed in relief. "Thank you, I'm sure my father and Severus will be here momentarily, excuse me," and he ran off up the stairs. He had just disappeared out of sight when Arthur and Charlie heard distant running footsteps.
Severus and Lucius had been shocked by the sudden arrival of a house elf, and especially when it delivered its message. The noise had woken Hermione, blinking she'd seen her bed mates hurrying into their outer robes and shoes. "What's wrong?" she demanded.
"Arthur and Charlie Weasley are at the main doors. There's a problem we don't know what yet." Lucius looked kindly at her, "You stay here and rest, love, I'm sure we won't be long."
But her feet were already over the side of the bed, she swayed before righting herself. "No, I'm coming too." Suddenly they were all running towards the front entrance of the house.
The expressions of alarm and panic on the faces of the pacing wizards waiting for them, took away any thoughts of civilities. "What's wrong?" Severus demanded, he was clutching Hermione's hand and Lucius was behind them. Arthur looked fearful seeing the three of them initially, he'd been unsure they would be accepting of them until Snape's words sunk in. "It's Ginny he's cursed her, she's in agony and we don't know how…" he hadn't even finished speaking.
"Where?" Lucius demanded, surging forward.
"At home," Arthur offered, "We've called Poppy," he added lamely.
They were all heading out the front doors. "Potter I assume," Severus spat the name, the redheads nodded. "What words did he say?"
Arthur and Charlie looked at one another, "Afflictio maximus," Charlie finally seemed to remember.
Severus grimaced, and gripped Hermione's hand tighter. "We need to hurry. Go, we'll follow."
xox
There were five cracks of apparition outside the Burrow, as they became sensible of their environment a shrill howl was heard from within. The men communicated with almost mono syllables, "Where?" Snape demanded. Arthur pointed, Severus and Lucius ran, Hermione trailing after them.
When they entered the front room, Poppy Pomfrey was watching Molly gravely. The Weasley matriarch had tears streaming down her face as she attempted to calm Ginny, and George comforted her.
Turning on hearing the rush of feet into the room, Poppy sighed, "Oh Severus, thank Merlin. I don't know how to stop it, and her distress has started contractions, her body's rejecting her baby. Hopefully once you have her stable I'll be able to settle the contractions."
Severus thrust Hermione towards Lucius and was on his knees next to Ginny, as Arthur pulled Molly out of the way and embraced her. Charlie and George were simply standing around looking helpless.
Severus told the afflicted woman every step of what he was going to do. "Ginevra, I need to find the spells inception so I can neutralise it. You will feel me in your head?" All Ginny could manage was a weak moan, "All right, hold as still as you can and no matter what keep your eyes open."
Ginny was sweating profusely, and had vomited twice, looking at Poppy as she cleansed the distressed woman once more, Severus said, "I will be as gentle as I can be but you did bring anti-stroke potions didn't you?" The Mediwitch nodded. "Hermione, keep both our brows as free of sweat as possible." Hermione was instantly beside Severus.
They were both surprised when Lucius shed his outer robes as well and joined them. "You take care of Severus, and I'll look after Ginevra," Lucius advised.
Snape set to work, "Legilimens," he muttered. It took almost an hour and a super human effort on Ginny's part not to give into the pain. Suddenly Severus found what he was looking for and tiredly mumbled the counter-curse. Everything instantly went quiet without the constant panting and moaning. However, they heard Severus gasp and say more words. Words that Poppy understood and she was ready.
Severus fell back tiredly on his heels and Hermione sank down beside him conjuring water. "Here love, drink this," he was shaking so much she had to help him. Hermione wet a new cloth after vanishing the soiled one and wiped his exhausted face, she realised there was terror shining in his eyes, similar to what she'd seen there ten years ago. Stroking his face softly, she leant her forehead on his. "I love you, and you are safe with me," she whispered, holding his face in her hands.
"Thank you, I needed that," was his weak reply. Lucius helped him to his feet then kept an arm on him until he regained his strength. While Hermione had her arms around his waist and her head resting on his chest, desperately trying to let him know it was all right while they watched and hoped.
Molly and Arthur saw the true calm of serenity and fierce love between the man who had just saved their daughter's life and Hermione, and the bond of friendship the three shared as they stood supporting Severus after what Arthur imagined must have been a terrible ordeal. "Thank you, Severus," Molly said, grasping his still shaking hands. "Nobody else could have done what you just did." Then turning to his friend, "Lucius; thank you," Molly patted his hand. Finally she turned to Hermione, her eyes full of pain. "I'm so sorry Hermione," she cried, "After all those two idiots have done to you, you still came willingly to help." It was too much for poor Molly she was sobbing.
Hermione gave Severus a tight squeeze and looked up at him. He nodded that he was all right, so she drew Molly into a hug and comforted her. "There, there Mrs. Weasley, there was little you could have done, you weren't to know. I really never blamed any of you, and it wasn't Ginny's fault either. I could see she tried her best to stop him yesterday."
Poppy was now working on the unconscious woman, wielding every medical spell in her arsenal that she thought might help. "I think you managed to isolate the whole bleed Severus, well done." The Mediwitch's statement drew a gasp from the assembled family, and drew Molly back to her daughter.
Severus nodded tiredly, rubbing his forehead as Hermione's arms enveloped him once more. This time he put his arms around her as well. "I only hope I didn't do any damage, rifling through her memories so quickly."
Poppy scolded him, "Don't man, the way her blood pressure was rising we're lucky she's still with us. It has started to drop now, but I must still deal with this threatened miscarriage. She needs to be at the infirmary, Poppy looked around the room.
To everyone's surprise Lucius was already lifting the limp form from the lounge. "Come on then, let's go," he turned to Arthur. "May I respectfully suggest Arthur, that you and your boys see to the safety of the children and anything else she holds dear, when Potter activated this curse, I believe he realised his family had become redundant."
Molly wrapped a blanket around Ginny's unconscious form, and Hermione replaced Lucius' robes and cloak around him then drew it around Ginny as well placed a sticking charm to keep it closed while he apparated them. It was too dangerous to floo her to Hogwarts.
Poppy produced a sustaining potion to fortify Severus, then Molly and her Flooed straight to the infirmary. Severus and Hermione went with Lucius to make certain everything was all right, Hermione Side-Along Apparated Severus to help him conserve his strength.
xox
Minerva looked up and stilled as the Floo flared. She'd been pacing. "Well?" she asked hesitantly, as Poppy started setting up in case she had to deliver Ginny's premature baby. "She's still with us only thanks to Severus and his knowledge of dark curses, but not out of the woods yet I'm afraid, Minnie. Can you open the window when you see him and Malfoy approaching?" Poppy pointed to the balcony window adjacent to the entrance.
Molly was beside herself with worry, and started pacing in Minerva's stead.
It wasn't long and a powerful gale blasted through the Hospital wing as two wizards landed lightly. Lucius took off at a run to reach poppy and Severus placed Hermione back on the ground. "If it hadn't been for the circumstances I would have enjoyed that Severus," they heard her say as they approached. Poppy was so intent on her task she didn't even think to scold Lucius for over doing it with his not quite healed arm.
Snape, as exhausted as he was after his energy sapping journey through Ginny's mind and the effects of what he saw there, snapped straight into Potions master role. He'd seen some truly awful things in the young woman's head. He hadn't felt this nauseous since his spy days. Once he had Poppy's list of requested brews, clasping Hermione's hand tightly for comfort, they went off to make them. "I'll have to collect some of the ingredients from the Manor," he told her. "Will you start the cleansing Potion and the Blood Replenisher while I'm gone?"
"Of course, my love." Hermione reached up and kissed him. She sensed something was wrong, he'd been shaking ever since he'd come back from Ginny's mind, she reinforced what she'd said earlier, "I love you, darling. Don't be long."
Severus managed a little smile for her, "Sweet Merlin, I love you," he declared and kissed her back, "I'll be as quick as I can."
Back up at the Infirmary Lucius stood back watching and not really wanting to leave. However, he suddenly realised it was only family there now and they might think it strange he was still there, so he quietly backed away. Going to the floo he stepped out in Severus' chambers, "Severus?"
"Lab," Hermione called, "He's gone to get ingredients, how's Ginny?"
Lucius sighed, "Still unconscious. Arthur, Charlie and George have just arrived with her children, and a little brown dog, all safe and sound."
"Oh that's good news," Hermione said, trying to appear cheerful.
xox
The trio had now done everything they could to guarantee Ginny's survival, and were sitting in Severus' quarters having their third night cap. They'd missed dinner, and Severus had been told when he'd gone back to the Manor that Astoria was at St Mungo's, so dinner there had been cancelled. Draco had since sent his father an elf with a note saying they expected the baby before dawn.
It was now the wee hours of the morning, Severus had spent hours with Kingsley and a handpicked group of Aurors handing over memories of what he'd found in Ginny's mind. It was decided that in order to keep them safe, they would remain with Minerva in the Headmistress' office. All of them were due to attend a meeting in Minerva's office the next morning. Severus suspected that a new Order of The Phoenix was about to be commissioned to deal with all the issues associated with Harry Potter.
He was now reclining with Hermione, with his head on her lap. He would never tell her what he'd seen in the poor woman's mind. All he did admit to her and Lucius was that she'd been under some form of the Imperious curse when she married Potter, and apparently no one had noticed. Then that it wasn't Ginny's fault that their friendship had stopped, "Potter and Weasley forbid her to remain friends with you. There is now enough evidence to have Potter sacked, lynched and thrown into Azkaban, and definitely enough for a quick annulment of a bogus marriage. The poor woman will never have to spend another moment worrying about Potter.
Severus contemplated quietly for a while before he spoke again. "I'm not certain that he's not suffering from a curse himself. After what he's done to his wife and you, angel," he caught her hand and kissed it. "I get the feeling he's been tainted by a powerful coercive form of dark magic. He certainly needs help, Weasley as well I suspect."
"I must admit the same thought has been running around my mind, but would we ever get the chance to do that?" Lucius inquired, rubbing his sore arm. Severus shrugged.
Hermione sat there quietly thinking, "Do you think it was something we picked up during that year away?"
"Possibly," Severus agreed.
"Well why didn't it affect me?"
"You're Muggle-born, my dear," was Lucius' prompt reply. "Magic of that nature only affects half and purebloods, unless it is more specific."
Hermione looked slightly affronted but also confused, Severus sat back up. "It only shows the casters ignorance, but it saved you, angel," he took her face in his hands and kissed her.
She looked into his eyes, "So something activated it?"
He nodded, "Yes, no doubt the caster would have been a Death Eater, and it would have been one killed in the final battle or immediately after. Because you said it was only after the battle that they started to change."
Hermione nodded, "Why would the caster have to be dead?"
"A sort of warped legacy if you will," Lucius smoothed, "You know, making certain evil lived on, all that rubbish."
"Oh," understanding finally dawned, and Hermione shivered.
Severus rubbed her arms, "Come on let's get warm in bed," he looked over at his friend, "Would you like to stay with us?"
Lucius gave them a genuine smile, knowing exactly why Severus had asked. "Yes I would appreciate that, thank you."
"I could use a bath," Hermione admitted.
"Actually I guess we all could," Severus agreed as Lucius nodded. "A relaxing bath to sooth away the worries of the last hours," his voice washed over her, caressing her cares away, and in this state she suddenly found herself overwhelmingly tired.
Hermione heard a strange noise she couldn't quite place. It was vaguely like the sound the door had made when it appeared, then the calming running of taps and fragrances wafting up to her, she was happily enveloped in Severus' arms and knew she was safe, so didn't worry. The feeling of magic rippling over her prickling her skin deliciously and they were naked.
Her eyes opened long enough to note that the bath was a round tub, and huge. "Lucius have you been tinkering with the fittings again," she heard Severus say, as they settled in.
"Well it was rather small, dear friend," the blond chuckled.
"You'll never change," his friend asserted, snickering quietly and then they were washing her. There was nothing, yet everything sexual about it, it was incredibly erotic. The men pampered her, their ministrations lulling her deeper into slumber as she relaxed like a rag doll against Severus.
Then while Severus bathed, Lucius held her in his arms. His eyes ate Hermione's naked form up hungrily, but he was transfixed by the beauty he was allowed to hold and protect. As much as he wanted to have more intimate knowledge of this lovely witch, he refrained. He knew this wasn't a sexual encounter, and it did his heart more good than anything any one could have devised to help heal the shattered organ. Severus covertly watched his friend from under his dark lashes. He saw the tears well up in his eyes, and murmured quietly, "Yes, she is perfect isn't she?"
All Lucius could do was nod, his mind still racing. He nodded his head slightly and kissed the sleeping woman's forehead. "Do you mind if I have a moment alone?" Lucius swallowed hard, his friend smiled as he took Hermione into the bedroom.
xox
Hermione woke the next morning snug and warm between her fiancé and his best friend.
She could feel Severus' even breathing on her neck, and saw crystal clear grey eyes watching her. She looked towards him and whispered, "It's Ginny isn't it?"
Lucius took a shuddering breath. "You really are the brightest witch of your age, aren't you?" Hermione smiled, and his hands came up to caress her face. "Don't tell will you, I know it's futile," he swallowed, "but I can't help it, although I know she'll never want me."
"You can't possibly know that Lucius," a sleepy baritone voice murmured.
Hermione leaned forward as much as she could, feeling Severus' arms tighten around her. "Severus is right you know, but your secret's safe with us dear friend, don't fret. Did I for one moment think a few days after the Ball that I would be laying here, engaged to my soul mate? And yet here I am, anything is possible Lucius."
"You're a very special lady Hermione," Lucius gave her a tender kiss. "I have many things to organise today. I'll see you both at breakfast." He kissed her once more and patted Severus' shoulder, "Thank you," he offered before sliding out of bed. A Slytherin green silk robe slithered onto his naked body. Another wand movement saw his cloak settle around his shoulders, and he strode out the bedroom door.
"Good morning, my darling," Hermione murmured, turning over and taking Severus' face in her hands.
Severus smiled slowly, "Hello," their wake up kiss was slow and languid. "We better have our coffee and get started as well," he murmured against her lips.
"Mmm," Hermione replied still giving him gentle kisses. "Sorry I went to sleep on you last night, I didn't realise how tired I was."
Severus took in her apologetic eyes and inhaled deeply. "It was beautiful, Lu even choked up. He's never had anyone trust him like that," the raven-haired wizard caressed her face. "Even if you'd planned it you couldn't have made it better. We were able to worship you," he kissed her, "wash every inch of you as you dozed peacefully."
"Mmm, it felt very erotic, the feel of hands and cloth stroking me before I was properly asleep."
Their coffee had arrived but neither wanted to relinquish their caressing hold on the other, their hands slowly mimicking last night's caresses, repeating and enhancing memory. "I want you," Hermione whispered.
"Oh angel," Severus groaned and his mouth replaced his hands as his body surged forwards rolling her onto her back and balancing above her. "Waking up like this each morning is perfect, isn't it?"
"Yes," she panted, holding his head against her breast. "I wish we were married now, so we only needed one set of rooms."
His mouth was now on her stomach, "All we have to do is set the date, my delicious, little love."
Severus was dropping teasing kisses on her inner thighs, and tracing patterns with the tip of his tongue, going anywhere but where he knew she wanted it. He chuckled when she growled in frustration. "Do you have anything in mind?"
"Yes Severus, you putting that wicked tongue to good use," she groaned. His laugh was deliciously dark as he teased the seam of her thighs a little more. Then without warning plunged his tongue into her, fluttering it. Making her squeal with delight, "Yes," she panted between shudders, "oh yes." Then he was pouncing. Hermione didn't have time to miss his ministrations before she tasted herself on his lips and his shaft slid home. "Yes," left her lips in a long hiss of pleasure. Her body arching up off the bed, "I love you."
"And I you," he proclaimed in a groan, as they lost themselves in each other.
Their love making this morning was heated, "Did we decide?" Hermione was panting, basking in the afterglow.
"Only on how much you like my wicked tongue," still catching his breath Severus turned on his side to look at her, and leaning forward traced circles on her shoulder with the appendage to demonstrate. "Do you normally visit that mirror of yours every morning?" he inquired between licks.
"Usually, why?"
"Well you've been dreadfully negligent then, haven't you? When did you last invite attention from my alter ego?" Hermione shivered as his voice scolded her.
"Yesterday morning," Hermione replied.
Pulling her close he whispered hotly, "Well tonight I suggest we include him in our games," his voice caressed her. "Perhaps Lucius would also find him intriguing also."
Hermione shivered again, "Yes, I would enjoy that."
"I can see that, you're such a wanton little thing, aren't you?"
"Mm hmm," she grinned rubbing herself against him. After a moment, Hermione drew breath, "Do you think there is some way we could we add a charm so Mirror could follow us to the Manor, like the portraits are able to?"
"Well that could be your next challenge then, maybe in the summer holidays. Because we've still got about thirty potions to get through and Merlin only knows what else might pin us down today." Severus picked up his wand, cast a cleansing charm on them both and warmed their coffee.