Disclaimer:- I neither earn nor own anything. The writing of this story is for pure pleasure of using the characters and setting. I will return them mostly unharmed and on the whole very happy once this story is finished.

sSs

A/N:- Contained within this chapter is an explanation of what Severus and Lucius think is going on with Harry and Ron, and our intrepid threesome finally get together. This chapter has once more been edited for the M rating on this site. The complete and MA rated version resides on AO3. I hope you enjoy…

hHh

Chapter Fifteen – Gears In The Machine

The morning did indeed prove to be a busy one. Ginny remained in a coma, her body taking time to recover. Poppy Pomfrey was certain that the damage had been contained by Severus' well place spell. The Mediwitch had managed to stop the contractions, and the baby appeared to be unharmed. However, Poppy was obliged to inform Molly and Arthur that she was unable to tell how much time would pass before the contractions would start once more, and she was uncertain what sort of damage may have been done to Ginny's mind.

It was understood that once she was conscious she would need to have complete bed rest, in a stress free environment until the baby was born. Minerva had then been informed, and immediately deemed it imperative that Ginny and her children stay at Hogwarts. "I already have wards up to alert me to Misters Potter and Weasley's presence because of their campaign against Hermione," she told Molly and Arthur. "Ginevra will also be close to medical assistance, with Poppy able to check her progress everyday if needed."

Arthur's expression closed off, and then he sighed. "They really have been despicable, haven't they? I feel so angry with myself for not having supported Hermione…" he swallowed hard. "If I had, this may not have happened to Ginny."

"You can't know that, Arthur," Molly said gently, her tears never far from the surface. "We have all been blind."

"And that is exactly what they wanted to happen." The trio gathered around Ginny's bed turned with a collective intake of breath on hearing the silky baritone voice. "Please don't think badly of yourselves," Severus continued. "I think there is powerful dark magic at play here, and it is being wielded by one who does not understand what he's doing."

It was a measure of their respect for Severus, that they all took the comforting words without question. This was regardless of the fact that the words were being offered by a mouth they were unused to hearing reassurance from. They knew this wizard was seldom mistaken, and even in their horror of what had happened to them, Molly and Arthur took heart.

Hermione squeezed Severus' hand and smiled. She mused silently that even offering consolation he still wore his patent poker face, and she was glad to feel his hand tightly laced through hers. "How is Ginny, this morning?" Hermione asked quietly, still a little uncertain of her welcome. They had both stopped by after breakfast to see how things stood.

It almost broke her heart to see the pain on Molly's face. She'd already lost one of her children, but now she had two more in the balance. The pain of motherhood was clearly etched on her face. Children are not supposed to die before their parents. Hermione considered that there was probably no greater tragedy to a parent.

Molly offered her a wan smile, and said, "Thank Merlin, she's stable." The Weasley matriarch had just placed her hand on Severus' coat sleeve and opened her mouth to speak, when from one of the back rooms a sleepy cry was heard.

"Mummy?" Little Lily was awake.

Molly looked towards the room, sighing softly, "I'll see you all later," and she kissed Arthur goodbye and walked tiredly into the room. They heard her say, "Nanny's here, angel."

Lucius, who had been uncharacteristically quiet throughout this exchange, waited behind his friends for the Matron to check his arm. When she finally beckoned him forward, he went almost reverently passed Ginny's bed, having trouble tearing his eyes off her slumbering form.

The blond aristocrat was told he could use the arm as normal now, but not to strain it for another twenty four hours. After this, the trio left Hogwarts to visit Lucius' new granddaughter, Madeleine Augusta Malfoy at St Mungo's.

xox

Kingsley of course had met with Severus the night before, and they were all to have a meeting with him later. The rest of the returning staff were told nothing about what had happened, and Ginny was quickly moved to alternative accommodation as far away from the general school population as possible. Minerva assigned the family a concealed set of rooms on the seventh floor, just past the History of Magic Rooms.

Molly stayed on to care for the children and Ginny. The Weasley men left to go about their normal business, as if nothing had happened. This of course must have been difficult for them, and it was fair to say that when they finally got to have some sleep they all relived Ginny's horrific ordeal and kicked themselves once more for believing Harry and Ron's lies so easily.

xox

The Minister of Magic arrived for a lunchtime meeting. Hermione was currently sitting in the Headmistress' office between Severus and Lucius. The room also contained Molly and Arthur, Percy in his role as undersecretary, George who had left his assistant Angelina in charge of the shop, Bill newly returned from France as soon as he'd heard, and Charlie.

Shacklebolt started questioning, "Has Ginevra regained consciousness yet?"

"No," Molly explained. "Poppy is not concerned; in fact she has encouraged the comatose state until Ginny's mind heals."

Kingsley nodded, "Regardless I will wish to be made aware of when I may speak with her," he added. "It was fortunate Potter was on leave when this happened. However, relevant people have been informed not to follow any orders he might issue in the interim, and to inform myself immediately, if either he of Weasley surfaces."

While the Minister continued to speak with the Weasley's. Severus was watching the spaces either side of him, where he could see two person shaped shimmers. Narrowing his eyes and discretely casting a personal revealing charm. He got the shock of his life when Nymphadora Tonks and Remus Lupin were revealed, enclosed in the sheen of a disillusionment charm, they waved to him. He could hear by his intake of breath, that Lucius had done the same thing.

The Potions Master cast his eyes around the room. It's no wonder the poor girl ended up in such trouble. Look at them. None of them are taking any notice. His attention was brought out of his recollections by a squeeze of his arm.

"What's that?" Hermione whispered, she was obviously trying to sound braver than she currently felt.

Severus followed where her eyes were pointed. "It's all right, angel, Lu and I know they're there. They're friends, I suspect they're undercover."

Lucius had heard, he leaned over and murmured. "I imagine you'll be introduced later, pet." His eyes shifted to Severus. "Minerva's the only other one who seems aware they're here. It's no wonder Ginevra ended up in the situation she did, this lot couldn't tell the difference between a Hippogriff and a Bowtruckle."

As if hearing their whispered conversation, Kingsley continued. "I thank you all for meeting with me, I'm sure you're anxious to get back to Ginevra and the children." He glanced at the trio on the lounge. "I'll be down with Minerva shortly." Turning to his secretary, he dismissed him. "You go and visit your sister as well, Percy. Penelope's already there with the children, isn't she?"

Percy nodded; his displeasure evidenced by his sniff, although it was difficult to tell whether it was aimed at his wife or his employer. "Yes, she took some leave to help. But Minister, surely I am required here doing my job?"

Minister Shacklebolt shook his head. "No, I do not need your assistance to have a cup of tea with old friends."

"Oh!" Percy exclaimed.

George laughed, "Come on Prece ya pratt," and he grabbed him by the arm.

Once they were gone, Kingsley put a finger to his lips. The trio saw him casting strong privacy charms on top of the ones already in place, and the two agents scanned the office with their wands.

Near where Percy had been standing Tonk's wand tip glowed red. Kingsley honed in and together they cast a Revealing spell then rendered Percy's eavesdropping spell mute. "Well that's just scuttled him," Kingsley mumbled, sounding disappointed.

"Okay, all clear." It was a voice Hermione hadn't ever thought she would hear again, but as the pink hair came into view she realised she was wrong in that thought. "Wotcher 'Mione," Tonks grinned, and opened her arms.

The usually stayed professor squealed, jumped up and ran to her friend's arms. "You're not dead."

It wasn't long and Minerva was out from behind her desk. "It's so good to see you, Dora." She hugged the younger woman as Hermione greeted Remus, who had already enthusiastically shaken hands with Severus and Lucius.

Severus' prepared montage of evidence from last night was the discussed. "I hope it was detailed enough," he sighed.

"The evidence was fine," Remus said, in his own quiet way. "It has signed, sealed and delivered Harry and Ron, case close." The gentle looking werewolf sighed, obviously disappointed. "Do you know what curse they're afflicted with? I have a few probable's running through my mind, but how?"

"We will have to sit down with Hermione, and note all the occasions where the three of them interacted with Death Eaters, until we come across a timeline that gives us the answer," Severus told them.

Remus smiled and nodded his head. "Kingsley, this is why we need people like Severus and Lucius as consultants. I have knowledge, but they've lived it, and also learned to control their dark sides."

Severus gave a long sigh, "And it would be good to put that ill gotten knowledge to a good use for once," he tried to smile, but it fell flat.

"We'll research and find the curse, while you people are concerned with catching Potter and Weasley," Lucius added.

"But be careful not to underestimate them, I think you'll find they'll be completely ruthless," Severus warned.

"Duly noted," Remus said, and both he and Tonks nodded.

"You're correct, Severus." Kingsley said, he watched a moment then drew breath. "There are few to be trusted in this venture my friends. Everyone in this room has a reason why I trust them. Everyone else is to be treated with suspicion until they have been verified." He turned to Severus. "Would you perhaps have some already prepared Veritaserum?"

Severus sighed, "Only a little, certainly not enough for what I suspect you intend."

"However, I would appreciate you allowing me to use what you have. I would like to verify the veracity of my senior personal as soon as possible."

"I understand, Minister. You shall have it then," Severus affirmed.

Kingsley drew a deep breath. "I also hate to add to your burden, but would you be able to prepare me a new batch, so I can question every member of his staff and weed out… trouble before it happens."

"As you wish Minister," Severus smirked. "It is surprisingly easy to taint, if you know how, isn't it?"

Kingsley grinned a toothy white smile and nodded, "Precisely, it most certainly is. Thank you, Severus. Minerva will alert me when you make progress." He stood silently for a moment, before drawing breath. "I had wondered whether forming a mutual rallying point once more would be a good idea. But it smacks too much of Albus' control measures, so I'm just going to leave well enough alone at the moment. As I've said, I trust you all, and now I will wish you all a good morning."

xox

Tonight was their last night before the students returned, and the three friends had spent all day working. Hermione and Severus had managed to complete all the potions required by the infirmary. Lucius had actually rolled up his sleeves and helped by dicing and slicing, crushing and measuring. While they had worked, the two wizards had quizzed Hermione on her year spent on the run.

It wasn't until they were almost finished and it was just about dinner time, that she mentioned the break-in at Gringotts.

It was then that a penny dropped. "The Lestrange vault," Lucius exclaimed. He looked at Severus. "Remember, you were there that day. Bella bitch was harping on about 'if anyone managed to get near that sword.'" Lucius shivered, as he cackled in a passable imitation of the evil witch.

"She said…" the Potions master's eyes opened wide. "The vault would be protected with, The Evil Incarnate Curse." Severus raised his wand to finish the last potion. "That's the one she said, wasn't it?"

"Yes, I believe she did." Lucius' eyes hardened at the memory of his mad sister-in-law, and he sighed. "It's a time strengthened curse, isn't it?"

Hermione's head was swivelling backwards and forwards, like she was at a tennis match. "So, what does this all mean?"

Severus came up behind her and placed his arms around her waist. "What it means, if it's true, is we are very lucky that Potter has only recently started to become violent."

"Are you certain that's what it is?"

"Try to think of when they started to change," Lucius added.

"That's difficult, there were so many times when the Horcruxes… it was like having him whispering things in your ear, awful things," she shivered.

"I can imagine, I've had him literally in my head doing the same thing," Severus said, with little emotion. "But try to think of a time when you didn't have a Horcrux close, but they were acting as if you did."

"So both of them. Yes, it was after we ditched into the lake to get of the… no, we had Hufflepuff's cup with us. Damn," Hermione groaned. "We couldn't destroy it Griphook took the sword. I destroyed it after we got to Hogwarts with a Basilisk fang. Then Ravenclaws diadem and Crabb being killed… no, I really didn't have a great deal to do with them after the battle. They went back to The Burrow and I stayed here." She groaned, "I'm sorry."

"It can't be helped, but it's the best lead we have." Severus kissed her cheek and released her. Standing clear, he commands, "Accio maxima, Darkest of Black Magik Protection Spells." An ancient and large tome sailed toward him through the open door. Turning with it still levitated by his wand, he placed it on the cleared bench and looked to Hermione. "Do not touch it." His order was given in a deadly serious tone. Then he asked in a slightly lighter one. "Are you skilled in Occlumency?"

"Why?"

"One, you do not touch because it will burn you before sucking you into it, and two, books like this whisper things to you, things you'll find yourself wanting to do if you listen. I don't not want you exposed, if you cannot Occlude, it may be best if we take this back to the Manor and extract the information we need."

"Test me," Hermione said, not wanting to miss a new experience, but still a little concerned. "If you think I'm good enough, I will stay. If not, I will leave."

"Well, that's fair," smoothed Lucius. "I'll start, shall I?"

Severus nodded, watching Hermione not only steeling her mind, but her body as well. Both wizards took turns, and it was soon apparent Hermione's mind was just as strong a steel trap as theirs. The Potions master nodded once more, "Set up the wards, Lu."

When all was ready, Severus went to a locked cupboard and withdrew a padded box. "The book requires payment to open," he said, to an obviously curious Hermione. "All you are to do is watch, you will not speak, you will not stop anything we do, and you cannot leave while the grimoire is open." His eyes surveyed her steadily seeking her assurance. "Raise your Occumency shields, remain silent and just observe," he reiterated, before turning to his task.

Hermione nodded mutely, she could feel the temperature of the room lowering as she saw them all start to actively Occlude. Eventually she had prickles on her skin, like the time she had accidentally walked through Sir Nick. Hermione watched as Severus opened the small padded box and withdrew the most beautiful silver dagger she had ever seen, then thinking of its purpose she grimaced a little.

Holding his hand above the book, he clenched his teeth and sliced. Once several drops of blood hissed when they hit then disappeared into the leather binding of the book, the clasp locking it shut jumped free. Lucius quickly sealed the gash in Severus' hand, and Potions master used his wand to open the book.

Now she understood why Lucius had methodically gone around the room and secured everything. A chilled draft seemed to ruffle and tear at their hair and clothes like prickly little pins stabbing them as Severus turned pages with his wand.

Hermione then found herself being accosted by sensation; it tickled her softly, sliding over her skin as a lover's caress, so seductive. But at the same time unsettling her dreadfully somehow, like whispers you can't quite hear that annoy and taunt, like a Horcrux. The men seemed immune, but then Hermione thought they were far more experienced, and had known what to expect.

Severus was dictating a passage to Lucius, it was in Latin. The gist of what she heard told her that the curse urged the one afflicted to do its bidding or madness ensued. The good news was that if this was in fact was what was troubling her erstwhile friends, there was a counter-curse. However, the spell once placed, could only be removed by one of the same blood as the caster. Hermione wondered what that meant, as she became far more uncomfortable suddenly.

It was at this moment that she realised that the book was indeed sentient. Severus was closing it, having the information he required, and it was objecting. Hermione stopped thinking and focused her magical energy on helping her lover, because more than anything at this moment, she wanted the tickling prickles to go away.

With the three of them focused, the book shut, the catch snapped shut by Lucius' wand and it was once more bound in its protective restraining spells. Severus then banished it back to its warded prison.

Hermione realised she was panting slightly and she felt exhausted, but euphoric, like an endorphin high when you've expended a lot of energy.

Severus came around the table and placed his hands on shoulders. "Do you see now what a truly dark object is?"

She nodded. "What would it do to an unprotected mind?"

"The words mince meat come to mind for what would be left," Lucius scoffed. He had conjured some dark chocolate. Breaking a piece off, he said, "Open pet, it will make you feel better."

Hermione obligingly opened her mouth and he slipped the confection in, and then watched as he gave Severus some as well. Dousing the sconces, they headed into the sitting room.

"So is that the most likely cause of their behaviour?"

"Oh course it is entirely possible that it's post traumatic stress from the horrors they've witnessed, or he may have just got away with too much, having been handed the keys so to speak of the Wizarding world." He drew breath, and exhaled noisily. "It could be a combination, and yes, there is the slim possibility that it's another curse. But this one sounds the most likely, considering your shared history."

"So what do we do next?"

"We march up and inform Minerva. Then tomorrow, before the dunderheads arrive back we go to Gringotts and run diagnostic spells. If it turns out that this is the curse present. I think circumstantially anyway, we have our answer.

xox

They were now back from seeing Minerva, and Severus drawled as they shut the door. "I think it's time for a little stress relief."

Hermione grinned as his eyebrow rose. She wondered what he had in mind, and then remembered what he'd said that morning. She saw his mischievous look, and heard him say, "We never got to show Lucius your present," his eyebrow rose, "or your mirror."

"No," her grin became wider, especially as Lucius blinked and gave her a most salacious look.

Severus wore a sly smile when he turned to Lucius. "Would you like to see my love's special gift, Lu?"

The way Severus asked and seeing Hermione stiffen in pleasure; Lucius knew he was in for something special. "Most definitely, my friend," he replied smoothly. "Where would you like me?"

"I think we should make ourselves comfortable in Hermione's bedroom." Severus called an elf, "Champagne, I think?" He raised an eyebrow and Lucius nodded. "Now, we will have to ask you to Disillusion yourself temporarily, her playmate is sometimes a little shy," Severus drawled. "Go in and settle yourself on the bed, on the side closest to the dressing mirror."

Lucius gave his smiling friends a look of suspicion, but acquiesced happily. They watched him shed his cloak and coat, and once he was Disillusioned, they followed his shimmering image into Hermione's bedroom.

Hermione felt a pulse of anticipation between her legs knowing she was going to enjoy this, as they trailed along after him.

Once they were all placed, Severus smiled wickedly and pulled Hermione to stand in front of him next to the bed, turning her to face his blond friend Severus whispered to Hermione. "Are you ready, my love?"

"Oh yes," she murmured, and slithered wantonly up and down his body.

"Yes, I see you are," glancing up at Lucius he cast a non-verbal spell so they could see him, and Severus' eyes flashed as he turned to the mirror. "Oh randy image of me," he called, running his hands the length of Hermione's body, and eliciting a longing moan from her.

They both heard the slight gasp from the bed as Mirror Severus shimmered into view. The likeness cocked a raven brow, and smoothed. "Good evening to you both, I see my dove is here to entertain me," the image smoothed, his eyes taking in Hermione's undulating movements against Severus' body.

Severus set to work quickly, as her rubbing was having a distinct effect on his trousers. He slowly popped each button on her blouse and parted the material, remembering how her breasts had sat on top of the material of the bustier this morning when he'd put it on her.

Shifting the silk of her blouse to the sides, he watched his hands in the mirror as he caressed. Severus heard her moan when he then ran his hands over the lace and ribbons of the lacing down the front. Then up teasing her nipples a little higher for their viewer's pleasure. Glancing up he could see the effect the sight was having on Lucius. "Reach back and kiss me, love," he murmured.

Hermione groaned and did so, her cry of pleasure increasing when this made the breasts pop out of their flimsy holdings.

Severus' answering chuckle made her realise this had been his intention. "Ahhh, take the skirt off," Hermione whispered hotly, against his mouth.

The accompanying wicked laugh made her stomach flip. Squirming for purchase on Severus, Hermione tried to rub herself back onto his thigh. "Uh-uh-uh, my darling," he scolded playfully, and shifted. "I think you should allow your mirror a word, after all he may wish to show you how grateful he is that you've finally remembered him." He turned a sly smile to his alter ego. "Isn't that right Mirror?"

"Yes, my delicious, little dove, you know how much I value your visits. Allow your love to pleasure you for me."

"Damn Severus, it's been all day, I'm so hot," she moaned, her voice husky with need.

"I would never leave you unsatisfied, love, have patience. Let our audience enjoy you." Her tight satin skirt was slithering liquidly down her legs and pooling on the floor.

They heard gasps from both Lucius and the mirror, when their observers realised that the scrap of lace covering her sex was crotchless, and had little jewels hanging from the top where the lace split in two.

Hermione felt fingers on her and she hissed a breath in relief, as Severus captured her mouth. Lucius seemed mesmerized watching her hips writhing in reciprocal circles with Severus' finger, and then turning to observe the mirrors reaction to it all.

"Shall we tell mirror about our new friend?" The thick suggestion against her ear was answered with a deep moan. "I'll take that as yes then," he smoothed, and chuckled. "We have an extra playmate tonight, mirror." Severus watched the face in the mirror survey the room. He cocked an eyebrow. "Would you like to meet him, Mirror?"

Severus walked over to the bed with Hermione. "Finite," and Lucius shimmered into being as Severus sat up against the headboard and pulled Hermione onto his lap back against his chest. "Do you approve, Mirror?"

"Oh, most definitely, sir. Two of you to attend to my little dove's needs, this is most excellent."

Turning to his friend, Severus said, "You must taste Hermione, she's delicious," at this point Severus had recommenced the work of his finger. There was no need for a repeat of that invitation. The blond wizard was in front of them in a split second. Severus chuckled as his words had Hermione writhing on his lap.

Suddenly Severus' hands were on the insides of her thighs shifting them wider. Hermione gloried in the feeling of being so exposed, so wonderful. Her lover was displaying her for his friend's pleasure and theirs.

Her pants and sighs at Severus' words soon turned to deep groans, and she was keening sooner than she wanted to. Both men felt her legs begin to shake and soon her breathing hitching. They doubled their efforts, and her cry as she came undone was feral in its qualities.

Hermione's brain was so pleasured it had ceased to work. Eventually she was aware she was being shifted, Lucius had risen and Severus had placed her on the bed. Soon they were all naked. Some of her sense was returning and she looked to obsidian eyes for instructions.

"Up on all fours my angel. Lucius sit in front of her." They both did as they were bid and Severus whispered in her ear. "You enjoy this so much I thought you might like to try Lucius." Hermione moaned in reply and wet her lips.

Gazing at the equally spectacular phallues in front of her, Hermione took one in each hand and curling her hands stroked. "You are both beautiful. It is a prerequisite of a Slytherin man to have a perfect prick?"

They both laughed. "No," Lucius chuckled, "I've seen some truly average one's." The men looked at each other and laughed, "Rookwood," they said in unison. Severus went on to explain for Hermione's benefit that the man in question had a penis about three inches long when fully erect.

Hermione continued stroking them both lovingly and sighed. "Well I'm glad both my wizards have better assets than that," and she lowered her mouth onto Lucius, earning a hiss of satisfaction from him.

The lowering of Hermione's head to reach Lucius, had sent her delicious derrière skyward, and while he watched her mouth moving on his friend, Severus got on the bed behind her

and slid home. His one action had the effect of enflaming all three of them, and he started thrusting strongly watching Lucius about to lose it.

Hermione noticed that Severus had eased his thrusts while Lucius enjoyed his moment. Now he doubled his efforts. Leaning over her arched back, his hot breath arrived in her ear. "Did you enjoy making Lucius come undone, my angel?" His only answer was a moan of need, making him stimulate her higher.

It didn't take long and her voice rose to a howl. Severus chuckled in her ear. "Now it's your turn, I'm going to make you lose it completely, my love." Suddenly his voice was gone and his hips were thrusting wildly. Her head was thrown forward and her eyes were closed while she panted.

Feeling a warm mouth arrive on her breast her eyes fluttered open again. "Hello," a grinning Lucius said. She watched as he deliberately teased her nipple. It was just heaven, her eyes shut and she stilled as her release torn through her, enveloping her completely, but she shuddered more when she felt Severus fly apart behind her.

Feeling her collapsing, Severus grabbed her around the waist and drew her up to him. Scooting across the bed out of their way, Lucius made room, realising Severus wouldn't have very much strength left either. He watched as if in slow motion the pair toppling forward panting and laughing joyously. He joined them, for the first time in a very long time he was somewhere where he felt loved and cared for.

Having already recovered, Lucius made them both comfortable. As their breathing returned to normal he offered both their glass of champagne. Then summoned a huge cut crystal bowl of strawberries and commanded it to hover in front of them while they ate. "First course in a naked picnic," he commented, "Possibly the best I've ever envisaged." He saluted them with his glass, "Thank you to both of you for allowing me to join with you." Hermione and Severus both laughed in reply. All three raised their glasses to each other, and both men kissed one of Hermione's cheeks.

Once they had sat together munching on strawberries for a while, Lucius asked, "I wonder what a champagne, strawberry and Hermione Sundae would taste like?"

Severus grinned, and the mirror continued to watch, although everyone had all but forgotten about him. "Well there's only one way to find out. Lay down, sweetness," he said, giving her a kiss.

Of course being Slytherin's they hadn't played fair in the least. They knew the strawberries weren't about to stick to Hermione delicious bits, so they added a temporary sticking charm to allow it to happen. The remaining strawberries obligingly hopping out of their bowl and blooming on her like a living bikini.

Hermione watched them cackling as they added the whipped cream they'd summoned an elf to bring. Squealing she clamped her legs shut in shock as the cold cream hit her. "Hey, that's not fair you two."

They merely chuckled and sat back to admire their work. "Explain to me exactly what's not fair," Severus' silky voice asked, as he carefully filled her belly button with the remaining champagne. He knew his next move would silence her, allowing the bottle to slide to the floor he dipped his tongue into her navel, lapping at the fizzy drink.

As he expected she groaned loudly. "Severus," his name finished in a decadent moan, and her legs obligingly fell open again, now pink and sticky with cream and strawberry juice.

"Well that solves that problem," Severus smirked. "Would you like to eat from top to bottom or bottom to top?" His cocked his eyebrow at Lucius.

"I believe I would prefer bottom to top," Lucius grinned lecherously at the writhing Hermione.

"These strawberries are tickling me Severus, oh and the creams melting," she shrieked, laughing helplessly.

"You don't say," the Potions master answered mischievously. "Better stay still then and let us fix that problem for you."

With that, both men started licking, nipping and kissing strawberries off Hermione. Lucius started in her left hip licked his way up her inner thigh. Severus did the same thing in reverse order, starting on her right breast. By the time they had reached the opposite ends, Hermione was writhing on the bed, desperate for someone to satisfy her.

Severus chuckled and plucking the last strawberry from Hermione, crawled back up the bed to feed it to her from his lips. "So you don't miss out completely, my darling." But she couldn't manage an answer.

Then they reversed what they'd done the first time with the now very sticky woman, Severus looked to Lucius. "You sit as you were before, but be careful of that hand," he warned, "I'd hate to have to explain to Poppy how you tore it open again."

"Hey, I'm fine," Lucius replied and waited to see what Severus was going to ask of Hermione.

Taking Hermione carefully he arranged her over Lucius. "Guide yourself in and I'll help her, I think we may have over stimulated her." He heard Hermione groan as he lowered her over Lucius. "Here you go angel, can you manage?"

Hermione nodded and started moving, she was already well along the way, but she still reached for Severus. He was concerned she was getting tired. "No I want to," she said, when he told her it was all right.

Getting her own way, she was riding Lucius while happily licking Severus. The fun didn't last very long though and she keened having been already so primed. Groaning deep in her throat she quickly fell over the edge taking Lucius with her. Severus followed just from the look of complete pleasure on her face.

"That was so much fun," she giggled, leaning back on Lucius' legs her head on Severus' shoulder. "I'm so relaxed I could sleep for a week," she'd flopped off Lucius onto the bed proper.

"Well you have a nap, my love," Severus kissed her tenderly, and used a cleansing charm to get rid her and the bed of any stickiness. Lucius helped him pull the quilt up around her and they got in either side, with the cheese platter and caviar hovering as the strawberries had. "Good job we cast an impervious on the quilt," Lucius said, pouring the port. "Thank you both for a lovely evening," he leant over and kissed Hermione who sighed, and rubbed Severus on the arm.

Severus nodded then laughed. "Yes it was pretty special, wasn't it?" Both men settled down with their port and snacks. "It's a pity we wore angel out," he stroked Hermione's head. "I guess she'll get more stamina with practice."

"Well really when you consider that she only started having sex yesterday, she's amazingly uninhibited and brash," Lucius said contemplatively.

Severus looked down at her lovingly then across to the mirror. "Yesterday may have been her first time with a living partner, but believe me when you see what she's set up for solo enjoyment, you'll understand why she's so uninhibited," Severus chuckled, and took a sip of his port. "We meant to show you tonight, but other more delicious ideas came to us."

He took a deep breath, "After the abuse that's been heaped on her so pleased she trusts us." He glanced down at her, "She needs security and a sense of belonging."

"Is that why you decided to ask her to marry you so quickly?"

"Mmm, that and the fact that no one has ever been able to make me feel what she makes me feel." He took another quick glimpse of his sleeping love. "You know how hard it is for me to let go, with her it just happens, no thought required, and look I'm completely naked, showing all my scars, I never do that. She's just perfect."

Stretching out sleepily, Lucius sighed, "You're very lucky, I've always wanted someone like that, but I've never found her."

"You will, Lu, you will," Severus yawned as well and banished the tray with the remains of supper on it.