A/N: This is just a little extended piece of chapter three.

Chapter 3.5

Luciuis POV

After Olivia stormed out of my study and Hipsy confirmed that she had left, I scribbled a note and threw it into the fireplace with a bit of Floo powder. Twenty minutes later, my old friend Severus Snape stalked through my study door with a smirk on his face.

"I thought you were having dinner with your betrothed tonight, Lucius." He said lightly, hands in his pockets as he went over to the bar cart and poured himself a tumbler of whiskey.

"I was, but it seems I upset her and she stormed off, as she is wont to do." I sighed, pinching the bridge of my nose. I had to admit, I was not expecting this much resistance from the young woman. She hadn't participated in the war, which I assumed would make her a little less resistant to me. I suppose I had underestimated the influence of Potter and Granger. Or maybe I'd underestimated my reputation, at least the darker side of it.

I stood and poured myself a glass as well before settling into an armchair across from Severus. He was looking much better than he had a year ago. Nagini's venom had seriously injured Severus, and he was still dealing with some of the effects. Although one of the side effects, ironically, had rendered him infertile, and therefore exempt him from the Marriage Law.

"Hmm, I do remember her having a bit of a temper as a student. If I remember correctly, she set fire to a Hufflepuff during her fourth year." He chuckled. "I suppose if you haven't pushed her that far yet, you're doing well."

I glared at him over the rim of my glass. Severus would find it funny if the little witch set me on fire.

"She's very stubborn. I didn't think that was a Ravenclaw trait." I muttered darkly.

"Tell me what happened."

I launched into the story, not omitting anything, particularly the lesson I had to teach her against my bookshelves. After recounting those particular details, I shifted in my seat, crossing my ankle over my knee to hide my arousal. Severus smirked at me, but he looked a bit flushed as well. I was reminded of the few times we'd shared a witch and the thought of Olivia writhing between the two of us made me swallow. I'd loved Narcissa, but she was thin, a little cold and boring, and bruised particularly easily. Not that I had intentionally hurt her – I just had a rather firm grip, and Olivia was soft and thick and delicious. The way she responded to my touch after fighting me so hard… all it took was a little nudge in the right direction, the right kind of pressure, and some well-timed praise, and she was putty in my hands.

"Her claim that you don't know everything about her family may be correct." Severus said, and I started to argue with him – I had done my research – but he held up a hand to stop me. "At the start of term the beginning of her fifth year, she returned with a rather large bruise on her cheek and a split lip. There was quite a lot of discussion and concern amongst the staff, but Flitwick assured us that she was certain that she had fallen." I narrowed my eyes at him when he paused.

"But?"

"She is absolute shite at controlling her mind. Fantastic at Potions, by the way, but terrible mental discipline. Her mind is all over the place, and she's a rather loud projector. And you know I can't resist myself sometimes." He took a sip of his whiskey. "Her father did it. A quick perusal of her mind showed that it was not the first time. I'm sure you're aware that she's very quick to anger and quick to retort. Her father does not take that lightly."

"He abused her." I said simply, and a part of me, oddly, was angry. Then again, all Malfoys are possessive, and Olivia was now mine.

"I believe that most of it was emotional, psychological. Her mother is a piece of work as well – I caught some glimpses of that. But you can use that to your advantage, that's your in." He pointed at me with the glass in his hand. "You've already seen it. A little praise, some direction. And take an interest in her, for Merlin's sake. Give her what she needs, and she'll stop fighting you, at least a little. Though I'm not sure she's going to forgive you threatening Miss Granger."

He had a valid point. She did flinch when I put my hand near her in Diagon Alley the other day, and again later, but she responded so well when I choked her. I could still see the pleasure on her face as she came on my leg.

"You always did know the best course of action, old friend."

I raised my glass in salute and he nodded, smirking.