Chapter 5

"I had no idea the two of you had something going on." A slow smile crept across Lucius's face. "Isn't this just delicious information."

Hermione had thought it unusual to see Snape in Muggle clothing, but on Lucius Malfoy it seemed even more surreal. Dressed similarly to Snape, Lucius's button-down was made up of tasteful blue and green stripes instead of all black. Hermione could hear in her mind what Ron would comment, Perhaps he got used to wearing stripes in Azkaban.

Hermione started to pull her hand out of Snape's, but he tightened his grip to prevent her from withdrawing.

"Lucius," Snape greeted. "As you say, this is rather unexpected. Care to explain what you're doing here?"

"I'm doing someone a favor." Lucius Malfoy directed his gaze to Hermione and gave a nod of acknowledgement. "Miss Granger. You look quite… Muggle this evening."

"As do you. That's the idea," Hermione answered.

There was increased activity on the stage, Hermione noticed. As the DJ spun out another song, an acoustic guitar was being set up. It looked as though the reason for the microphones was going to come about.

"I must say, it's no wonder you've been such a recluse, Severus. Such a sensational news item it would be if your relationship became known. It does prove that you're keeping to type."

"We have nothing to hide," Snape answered, and Hermione picked up the cue and stepped closer. If Snape wanted Lucius to think that they were here for their own pleasure, then so be it.

At that moment the current high-beat song ended, and the lights calmed to a soft blue-white glow.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the DJ called out, "our special guests this evening are ready to take the stage. Please welcome the two lovely ladies from Italy!" The crowd broke out in applause and after a quick greeting, the guitar was gently plucked and voices sang.

"Now, if you don't mind, Lucius." Snape pulled on Hermione's hand, leading her toward the dance floor. "You are not an intended part of my evening."

Lucius inclined his head. "By all means. Enjoy your dance."

Hermione kept Lucius in her peripheral vision. He watched them for a bit as Snape turned and pulled her into the standard dance position. She was waiting for his gaze to shift before speaking and when it did, she noticed whom Snape had maneuvered them near to.

"So, we're spying on Lucius as well as the pop star and his starlet?" she murmured so that only Snape would hear.

"He must set them up somehow. We might need to alter our original plan."

"There's nothing wrong with our original plan. But," Hermione said, "I'd like to know what Lucius is up to as well."

"It's inconvenient I didn't notice him first." The pressure of his hand against her palm guided Hermione around another couple, bringing them closer to the bleach-blond pop star and brunette starlet. Hermione took a moment to be impressed. Snape was a competent dancer.

"Do you really think he believes we're merely here on a date?"

"It's feasible," Snape answered, and the hand on her waist shifted her closer. "But no, he's only accepting that possibility on the surface level."

He had an innate sense of rhythm, and pressed against him as she was now, Hermione began to feel distracted. She felt his hips against hers, his palm pressing her hand, his fingers just on the edge of her back, his thighs moving her legs backward, around. She inhaled in the scent of him. It fuzzed her senses.

Hermione had to mentally pull herself together to keep on the mission at hand. She glanced around her and confirmed that their quarry still danced nearby.

"They certainly seem affectionate," Hermione said about the couple.

"Speaking of such things," Snape began, and Hermione tilted her head back to make eye contact with him. If she had a trace of nervousness, she made certain it didn't show. "Astoria Greengrass is currently being courted by Draco."

"Oh." Hermione said, confused. Then, "Oh." She looked over at Lucius. "I'm sure that's a consequence he doesn't foresee."

Lucius was not watching them anymore, as she had anticipated. But what she saw gave her pause. His hand was on the upper part of his forearm, where a wand-holster might be. Yet he didn't pull one out; his hand slid down his arm a fraction, and then up again. If Hermione hadn't been paying attention, she wouldn't have noticed the brief glint of light on the gold band he wore on his wrist.

"If you were deliberately using Verity to expose magic to Muggles, you wouldn't do it inside an exclusive club where only private cameras are allowed," she said to Snape. "You'd want it to happen outside, where paparazzi are already gathered, hoping to catch celebrities on camera."

"True. Verity wouldn't have a problem getting inside. She's young, attractive, and a witch."

"Lucius is keeping an eye on the inside while she's out there waiting." Hermione pulled back from Snape once again. His eyes were intent upon hers. "He's communicating through Protean Charm. Look at his wrist."

Snape did. His lips thinned. "I find I need to use the restroom."

"What?" Hermione blinked at him.

"Dance with Lucius," Snape said, already leading her off the floor toward him. "Get his bracelet."

"Got time to teach me your slight-of-hand skills first?" Hermione was caustic. Her feet dragged a little bit, but she knew there wasn't time to back out of this impulsive scheme of Snape's.

"Distraction, Hermione," Snape murmured. Whether that was meant as the first lesson, or an explanation of what she was supposed to be doing while he disappeared, Hermione assumed she'd find out later. She wasn't exactly happy about that either.

Ugh… she thought as they got closer and Lucius noticed their approach.

"Lucius," Snape got the other man's attention, and with a slight push, brought Hermione toward him. "Look after Hermione for me for a few moments, won't you?"

"If you insist, old friend," Lucius answered congenially, but his brow narrowed.

Snape stepped back, holding on only to her hand. Bringing it up to his lips, he bent over it, eyes locked with hers as he kissed her knuckles. A small shiver ran up Hermione's spine. It may have been for show, but there was something in his eyes that made her wonder whether what she'd been trying to deny feeling was entirely one-sided. Snape was soon gone, and Hermione turned her attention to the other former Death Eater at the club tonight. Lucius's brow was no longer narrowed; it was shot right up.

"How long have you been seeing each other? If you don't mind my asking…"

Hermione smiled. "Care to dance?"

Lucius's gaze went over her shoulder to the dance floor, no doubt to check the status of Verity's ex and his new squeeze, before giving her a considering look.

The last time Hermione had come face to face with Lucius Malfoy had been the day the war ended. The three Malfoys had been sitting in the Great Hall, awkward outsiders amongst the celebrants. Harry had already informed her and Ron of the role Narcissa had played in covering up his survival in the Forest, of how he'd noticed neither parent had fought and only searched for Draco. She'd approached the table they sat at silently, but it hadn't gone unnoticed by those around them. Gazes had been on the four of them, wondering what Hermione Granger, best friend of The Chosen One, who'd been at his side this entire last year, was going to say to the Malfoys.

She hadn't said anything at all. None of those watching could know that just one month prior the three of them had stood by while Bellatrix Lestrange tortured her. The Malfoys waited, uncertain, also saying nothing, but knowing that whatever Hermione did would influence all those around them. Hermione had simply reached into her robes and set down in front of them two wands: Draco's old hawthorn wand, and Bellatrix's walnut one. Then she'd turned and walked away.

Currently, Lucius was taking in her jeans and bare midriff, and an expression akin to having just swallowed bile flickered across his face. "Forgive me, Miss Granger, but I'm afraid the movements are too unfamiliar. I would make a poor student, even under your intelligent guidance."

Hermione was more relieved than offended at his obvious reluctance. She outstretched her hand, inwardly delighted that Lucius looked horrified she was about to insist, and instead Hermione deliberately gestured to his bracelet. "That's a fairly simple ornament. I would have figured you had fancier tastes. Whatever made you wear it?"

"Simplicity and elegance go hand-in-hand," he answered, raising his wrist. "Surely it's not out-of-place enough to reveal my secret?"

"That—that depends on what you're hiding." Hermione's recovery to Lucius being so blatant wasn't as quick as she would have liked.

"Only what we're both hiding, my dear." Lucius was a cool customer. "Our true identities as wizardkind."

Out of the corner of her eye, Hermione saw that the celebrity pair were moving off the dance floor, further into the club. She turned closer to Lucius, so that her body was between him and them. Doing so, she noticed that they also happened to be moving toward where Snape was waiting.

Unfortunately, Lucius noticed, too.

Immobulus, Hermione directed silently with the wand she'd charmed to be invisible, but she did not catch Lucius off guard. He swayed out of her path, and then his hands clamped down on hers just where she was holding her wand. Hermione fought to free herself, but his grip was too strong. Verdillious she thought next, and with a hiss Lucius reared back when sparks and hot smoke from her wand burned his hand.

Their scuffle wasn't getting any attention from the other partiers. Strangely, Lucius also seemed to be keeping it that way. Maybe the habit of hiding was too ingrained, despite his ultimate goal tonight. Whatever he did, he did it unobtrusively, and Hermione felt her throat close. Her free hand immediately went to her neck as she tried to breathe. Her mind panicked, couldn't think as her body struggled for a basic function taken for granted. She stepped back, away from Lucius, her lungs beginning to burn. Air wouldn't even come in through her nose.

"Anapeo," Snape's voice hissed near her ear and suddenly she could breathe again. Hermione took slow deep breaths. Raising her wand, she thought Steleus Maxima at Lucius before he was out of sight.

It did catch attention. People turned and stared, and then backed away when Lucius began repeatedly sneezing.

"Can you breathe?" Snape asked. Hermione nodded. "Good."

Grabbing her by the upper arm, Snape moved to Lucius. "Come on," Snape said to the increasingly snot-faced man, for the benefit of those watching. "Let's get you sitting down."

A server actually came by and guided them to a free table, plenty of napkins on hand. Snape, however, easily charmed Lucius clean once the server was gone. Conveniently enough, they could see Mr. Bleach-Blond and Starlet at their own booth from where the three of them sat.

"Give me one reason why I shouldn't get up from this table and find the opportunity to curse you into oblivion, old friend." Lucius was ignoring Hermione completely.

Snape grinned. "Because you can't move your legs and I have your wand."

Hermione saw Lucius's eyes grow wide as his upper body twisted one way, then the other.

"Tell me, Lucius, what does Miranda Selwyn have over you?"

Both Hermione and Lucius looked at Snape in surprise.

"How do you know about her? How do you know anything about this?"

"One question at a time," Hermione said, not really willing to pretend she didn't exist while the two Slytherins bantered. "And you were asked first."

"You really have sunk low, Severus, to be openly teaming up with her."

Lucius's face contorted, as though strongly resisting the urge to yelp, and then he relaxed again. Snape leaned back in his seat, looking casual, but his wand hand was under the table. "It's not my partnering that's being called into question right now, Lucius."

"She's my cousin, fool. Her mother was sister to my father. She came to me for assistance, and unlike you, I know something of family loyalty and honor. Now how did you know she is involved?"

Snape picked at his nails on one hand. "You've been doing your best to rebuild your good name, and you hardly need money. I did not think this was your scheme."

Lucius's supercilious expression returned. "Impressive."

Hermione turned away from the two men, and looked across to the table they were keeping an eye on. Everyone was still where they were supposed to be.

"Is your bracelet charmed to communicate with one on Verity's wrist?"

Another grin from Lucius. "How perceptive of you. Or perhaps it was Miss Granger who noticed. After all, she's adept at that spell, as I recall my son telling me."

Hermione looked into Lucius's grey eyes and considered.

"Don't you care about your son?"

"I beg your pardon, Miss Granger." Lucius spoke sharply, his falsely ingratiating manner gone.

"If you had to choose between your son and loyalty to your cousin, Draco would be more important to you, wouldn't he?"

Snape smiled, crossing his arms as he leaned back against his seat.

"If you have done anything to Draco, Miss Granger, I assure you, you will be most sorry for it." It was not an idle threat.

"It's your own actions that will hurt him and affect your future progeny, Mr. Malfoy. Just how amiable do you think Muggles will be to the presence of wizardkind?"

Lucius gave a negligent wave. "Their emotions are not important."

"I assure you, Muggles can be just as vicious as Death Eaters, because like you they are capable of panic, greed, and selfishness. If family loyalty and honor mean something to you, then work with us, and you can prevent the capture and torture of Draco's bride-to-be."

Lucius's patience was gone. "What exactly are you talking about?"

Hermione waved her wand in an arc in front of her torso. Then she put her hand to her neck and slowly pulled out the chain hidden there. When the Time-Turner pendant pulled out from behind her collar and fell into plain sight, Lucius let out a small gasp. Greed flashed in his eyes.

"Severus Snape and I are among a selected few chosen by the Minister to help implement the re-assimilation of Muggles and wizardkind. It is not a pretty world after the events of this evening you seek to instigate. Astoria Greengrass was kidnapped the morning we used this. They sent her finger to the Ministry along with her ransom note."

Lucius swallowed. "Was she recovered?"

"Yes," Snape said, "but we don't know what else was done to her. Feel free to use your imagination on what other things we've had to be dealing with."

"My question, again, Mr. Malfoy." Hermione was not afraid of using a little pressure. "Do you choose your cousin, or your son?"

Lucius relaxed backward into his seat, despite not yet being able to move his legs. "I've never liked Miranda." He gave her the first genuine smile Hermione had ever seen on his face, and it startled her a little. "The money might be lucrative, but the wizarding world is fine as it is. I trust that my helping you will mean you also use your influence on increasing our good Malfoy name?"

Before Hermione could answer, a loud scream was heard over the acoustic music coming from the club's entrance. The music stopped as it was followed by several more.

The three conspirators turned in alarm. The pop star and starlet were gone from their table.

"We're too late!" Lucius cried. Snape and Hermione were up and running toward the entrance. "Severus! My legs—let me help!"

Snape turned around only to toss Lucius's wand at the table.

"Be discreet!" Hermione hissed.

There was a bottle neck at the entrance, of people pressing closer to see and others trying to get away. Bodyguards had formed a wall and camera flashes were spectacularly bright.

"How could you bring her here?" Verity was screeching. Her wand slashed and streaked as she aimed hex after hex at the two prone bodies on the floor. Two bouncers were frozen stiff in stances reaching for her.

From just inside the entrance, hidden between the bodies of others, Hermione disarmed Verity. Snape made an external club light explode, shards aiming with strength and accuracy at the nearest cameras. With a wand now in each hand, Hermione Obliviated the memories of the bouncers on either side and canceled the curse on their bodies.

"What are you…" began a Muggle man to Hermione's right. Regretfully, Hermione turned and Obliviated him as well. She tried not to notice as the inquisitive expression in his eyes becoming a vacant one.

Lucius was beside Verity, the frame of his body only a shimmer of Disillusionment. Whatever he was saying, she was listening keenly to. Then Verity turned and ran for it. The pop of Apparition sounded when she was out of sight.

(One)

*There was an acoustic performance at Café de Paris in 2002 by the sister band Paola e Chiara. Since the place and the year were the same, even without an exact date, I decided to borrow the event for the fic. The lyrics are actually rather appropriate, even if I didn't use them.

Hey, if you made it this far, leave a review and let me know. :)