AN:/ Hello! Sorry for the long wait, it was my birthday and I went away on holiday for the week, so I've had a lot on. Updates will be back on a regular basis! Thank you for the love and support!
As always this chapter is for the following reviewers: sutta03, SlytherinHeir666, RhodaBush, ACupples, Fire Tiggeress, purplehedgehog13, Nastytashy, Sassyluv, Zedoc, Paladium, Celeste Skye Johnson-Malfoy, Smithback, TWILIGHTER110323, CrazySlytherin, lunarose87, FrancineHibiscus, and DarkMoon2222.
Chapter 14: Not Good Enough.
Hermione tapped her fingers repeatedly on the wooden table. A long hour has passed since she read the letter—she was still waiting for some answers.
R.K. Who is that? Severus said that we must wait until Lucius arrives. I don't understand why though?
She looked over her shoulder to where Snape was standing next to Draco. He sensed her eyes on him and glanced her way with cold eyes. She hated that he could easily turn off his emotions; it has only been over an hour since we had sex, and he's gone back into professor mode.
"Why do we have to wait for Lucius?" She asked.
"He knows who RK is," Snape replied and slowly stalked over to where she was sitting. "Rufus Kensington."
"I'm not familiar with the name," Hermione chewed on her bottom lip. "Should I be?"
He shook his head and sat down next to her. She felt at ease instantly and wished to have his arms wrapped around her. He'd probably hex me if I did such a thing.
"He's an old friend of your fathers," He directed his answer at Draco. "However, Rufus has more of a distaste for...Muggleborns."
Hermione found it hard to believe that someone could dislike her bloodline more than Lucius Malfoy.
"Would he really kill her?" Snape visibly recoiled away from the innocent look on her face. Tears began to well up in her hazel eyes.
"I do not know him as well as Lucius," Hermione frowned, and she saw his hand twitch on the table.
"Why did he send the letter to me? I don't understand his motive behind it. If he hates Muggleborns, why demand money from one?" She rubbed her forehead to ease the ache forming there. Snape quickly placed a hand on her shoulder. She relaxed beneath his touch and stopped fidgeting on the chair.
"I think that Lucius might have received a similar letter. He's been acting oddly all week," Hermione buried her face in her hands, and he gave her soft shoulder a comforting squeeze. She appreciated his attempt to ease her worries, but the only thing that could cheer her up was to see Jenny.
"Oddly? He acted like a prat at the wedding!" Hermione growled, then cast an apologetic look in Draco's direction.
"He is a prat," Draco muttered. "I agree with Severus though. He's been acting strange all week; he banned me from coming in the Manor. I just assumed he was refusing to talk to me because I was planning on going through with the marriage," He gave Harry a funny look, and it reminded Hermione that she needed to ask him how things went with Draco. Both of them came through the fireplace looking smitten with one another—it must've gone well.
Hermione reached up to grab Snape's hand, but the sound of someone coming through the floo made her pause. They all turned to look at the kitchen door and waited for it to open. Snape removed his hand from her shoulder and got to his feet just as Lucius walked into the room with a jittery Jenny behind him.
"Jenny!" Hermione accidentally barged into Snape as she scurried around the table to hug her. They both embraced each other warmly, and Hermione smiled. "I'm glad you're alright," She pulled away. "What happened?" Jenny gave Lucius a sideways glance.
"My knight in shining armour came to rescue me," She muttered sarcastically, and Lucius glared at her.
"You should be more grateful," He wandered over to the table and sat down. "I let you reside in my Manor after all."
"You've been staying there?" Hermione asked.
"Mr Malfoy rescued me on Monday evening, but Rufus roughed me up a bit, so I needed some time to rest," Jenny explained looking irritated. I thought soulmates were meant to get along...I wonder if they've started to dream about each other yet?
It would be plausible as they've been close since Monday.
"Rufus took the money and disappeared. I have no doubt that he'll return demanding more from me—from everyone," Lucius looked Hermione up and down. "He showed an interest in you."
"Me?" Her face tightened.
Out the corner of her eye she saw Snape's black head fly up.
Lucius smirked. "You're the best friend of the famous Mr Potter," He spoke with mild disgust. "You're also a Mudblood—A Muggleborn witch, which makes you a target," Lucius glanced over at Snape. "Keep a watchful eye over your witch," He got to his feet with the help of his cane. "It has been a long day. Are you coming, Draco?"
All eyes turned to the squirming Malfoy. Hermione muffled a giggle when Draco looked between his father and Harry.
"Yes," He grunted, then gave Harry an apologetic look.
The Malfoy's left and Hermione turned to Jenny. "You can stay here for the night."
She shook her head. "I'll be fine. I informed my friend in Warwickshire that I had business to take care of, so she's waiting for my return with open arms. You'll keep in touch, won't you?"
"Of course," Hermione walked with her to the fireplace in the other room. The pair hugged briefly, and Hermione watched her go with tired eyes. It has been a long day.
A hand rested on her back, and she settled into Snape's firm chest.
"I have to go," He whispered near her ear.
"OK," She turned to look up at him with a small smile. "When will I next see you?"
"Tomorrow," Snape's gaze travelled down to her lips, then he looked back into her eyes. "I'll owl you if something else comes up..." He trailed off with a sigh and she raised a brow in curiosity.
"Is something wrong?"
"Everything is adequate."
Adequate, seriously?
"I'll see you tomorrow then," Hermione rested her hand on his chest and slowly moved it up to rest over his glamoured scar. She watched him flinch slightly, but pushed herself onto her tiptoes and placed a chaste kiss to his lips.
"Bye," He grunted, and she saw the colour flood his pale cheek before he headed into the fire.
Harry coughed from the doorway and made his way to the sofa to sit down. "You and Snape appear to be getting along well."
Hermione smiled sheepishly as she took a seat next to him. "It seems that way."
"I didn't mean to interrupt you two-"
"Harry," She chuckled. "Stop worrying about it."
"I think Snape wanted to kill me," He murmured with a blush.
"He always wants to kill you," She turned to lean against the back of the sofa. "What happened between you and Draco?"
She saw him swallow hard. "Nothing really...we didn't talk much," His shy eyes scanned the room.
"Oh," I get it. "You did something that didn't require much talking...Harry you minx!"
"W-What?" He stammered. "I didn't mean that—we didn't have...stop embarrassing me!"
She laughed loudly. "I'm sorry. You don't have to tell me, I understand if you want to keep things private."
"I kind of wish that you and Snape would keep things private," He scowled at the rug. "I do not want to know what his after sex face looks like."
Hermione couldn't stop the giddy feeling that took over her. They spent the next hour talking about little things until sleep consumed them and they snoozed on the sofa together.
...
"Does a Rufus Kensington frequently visit?" Hermione sat down on the stool at the bar. Annette wiped the sweat from her forehead as she handed a customer two drinks.
"I know the name," She replied counting the money the man gave her, then she smiled to let him know everything was fine. "He and his friends come in around once a month. A randy bunch, cause trouble, but they always pay extra."
"Hm," She hummed and placed her bag on the counter with a thud. Annette narrowed her eyes.
"Is my Grandmother's book in there?" Hermione nodded. "Do you carry it everywhere, love?"
"Yes," She smiled. "I still haven't read it all. Every time I discover new information I get too excited and I never continue."
Annette chuckled. "I'd like it back soon."
"Oh," Hermione frowned. "Of course."
"You can help me start my mission to find other soulmates," Annette leant over the bar and took the book from her bag. "What stage are you at dear?"
"Severus and I both have matching marks," Hermione pulled up her sleeve and held it out to her.
"Wow," Annette's delicate fingers wrapped around her wrist. "It's charming."
"Thank you," Hermione blushed, then cleared her throat. "Can I have a week to finish the book?"
"Yes, love," Annette put the book back then curiously looked at her. "Have you heard from Jenny?"
"I have," Hermione took a sip of her water. Jenny sent me a letter this morning informing me that she was home safe.
"How is she?"
Hermione hadn't told Annette about Jenny's abrupt disappearance and knew not to bring it up—she didn't want to worry her.
"She's doing well," Hermione tapped her fingers on the bar. "I'm sure she'll talk to you once she's calmed down."
"I didn't mean to hurt her feelings," Annette sighed. "She never complained about her place here, so I assumed she was OK with it."
"Jenny thinks highly of you. I know that she'll come back when she's had some alone time," Hermione explained. "Also, I don't think it's just you that she's avoiding. Lucius may have something to do with it."
"I had hoped it wasn't him," She whispered. "That ignorant sod is not good enough for her."
"I agree," Hermione laughed, then an arm snaked around her waist causing her to go rigid.
"Miss me, princess?" The stench of Felix's breath made her nose scrunch up, and she turned, only to come face-to-face with him.
"I'm afraid not. More enticing things have been keeping me occupied," Hermione smiled smugly, turning away to take another sip of her water.
"You wound me," He gasped. "This doesn't have something to do with that creep who watches you."
"Oh, you mean my-" She paused. Boyfriend still doesn't suit him. Partner? Mate?
"Your?"
"Her other half," Snape's silky drawl made her back straighten, and she threw Felix's arm from her waist.
"You're not good enough for her," Felix grumbled with narrowed eyes.
"Felix!" Annette pulled a rag from her belt and hit him with it. "Don't be so rude!"
"You may be right," He growled. "Yet, she lays with me and spends her free time in my company."
Hermione's stomach flipped, and she looked at him heatedly. The sight of him made her breathing hitch in the back of her throat as a familiar warmth consumed her body. I hope he never stops making me feel this way.
Snape held out his hand, so she grabbed her bag and placed her cold fingers in his palm. They bid them goodbye and made their way up the stairs. He didn't say anything to her as they walked into the foyer. Lucius was nowhere in sight.
He let go of her hand as she took a seat, then he poured himself a glass of firewhiskey and sat down next to her. The amber liquid disappeared quickly, and he slammed the glass down on the table.
Hermione suddenly felt a pull towards him. He turned just in time to meet her lips as she smashed them against his. He inhaled sharply, then buried his hands into her frizzy hair.
They kissed lazily, but it eased Hermione's nervous stomach, and she moved to straddle his legs. Her arms laced around his neck while he wrapped one of his around her waist, and his other hand buried itself into the back of her curls.
Her heated body urged her to grind herself against his hardening erection; her instincts didn't seem bothered that they were in the foyer. Snape brought his lips away to press kisses along her jawline and down to her neck.
"Could you two not dry hump in the public eye," Draco sneered causing Snape's growl to vibrate her neck. They both turned to look at him with annoyed expressions. "There are plenty of rooms for you to do your business in."
Hermione reluctantly got off Snape's lap but stayed close to him. His arm lay across the back of the sofa, and the action brought a radiant smile to her face. I think he's getting used to the idea of PDA. His notions were subtle, and much appreciated.
Draco took a seat on another sofa, then looked around the room.
"Harry should be here shortly," She said. "He's been acting weird all day. I think he might need some time to gather his wits."
Draco was bearing a similar look to Harry. It seems that they're both equally agitated about seeing each other again.
"Where's my father?" Draco asked changing the subject.
"He stormed off to Annette's study to find more information on soulmates," Snape explained with a grunt. "I believe he has started to experience dreams about Jenny."
"I knew it," Hermione chirped with excitement and looked up at Snape with a grin. "You should ask him what he dreams about."
"Why would I do such a gruesome thing. I can safely say that I do not wish to know Lucius' secret sexual desires," He pinned her with a look; she was tempted to kiss him again but didn't want to face the wrath of both men in the room.
Draco shuddered. "My father isn't good enough for Jenny."
"Wow, you just said something nice," Hermione said with a glint in her eye. "I'm proud of you Malfoy."
"Quieten down, Granger," He growled. "My mother moved on to a reasonable man who respects her. Father never treated her the way she deserved to be treated. I believe he will act the same way towards Jenny. I do not know the woman well enough, yet, I do know that she isn't a pushover."
"Their bond may change his ways," Hermione said just as Harry walked into the foyer.
"Hi," He greeted looking at Hermione, then his eyes settled on Draco. "Hello..."
A sexy grumble resonated from Snape's chest and she immediately recognised that he was uncomfortable. "Do you want to go for a walk?" She asked him, and he answered by pulling her up from the sofa, grabbing her bag, and leading her out of the foyer.
Hermione giggled as she took her bag from him, and they left the whorehouse in stride with one another.
Snape offered her his arm, and they walked down the dimly lit alley. Usually, this place made her feel uneasy if she ever had to walk it alone, but Snape radiated safety, so nothing seemed to make her feel anxious.
Merlin, he's perfect. It was a daunting thought that this could all end soon. She felt like things were going too well for them. Nothing this good ever happens to me, I don't understand how I got this lucky.
Right now they were in their only little bubble, and the idea that he used to be her professor never crossed her mind.
"Stop thinking so hard," His sensuous voice sent a shiver down her spine.
"I can't help it," She chewed on her bottom lip.
"What's bothering you?" He asked, and she opened her mouth to lie, but he cut her off. "I'd like an honest answer, Granger."
"It's Hermione," She retorted. "And I was just thinking about our bubble."
"Bubble?" He looked at her sourly. "What ridiculous sentiment are you brooding over now?"
Why can he always read me like an open book?
She stopped walking, and he turned to stand in front of her. "I feel as if things are going too well for us. Nothing good has ever lasted long for me," Hermione looked up at him with sad eyes. "I was just wondering how long it will last."
"This bond we share can be a curse and a blessing," He said as his dark eyes roamed over her soft features. "If things are going too fast for you, then we can slow it down, but you must know that this is beyond my experience."
"W-Wait...you've never been in a relationship before?" Hermione reached out to touch his left arm, but he moved away from her with a growl.
"I don't need your pity."
"No! I wasn't—I'm sorry..." She pushed some of her hair from her face and tried to find his eyes through his blanket of hair. "It's just that...I've never seen a moment of hesitation from you. I never expected you to deal with our bond so well. At school you were hostile, and I assumed you would be the same in your private life. Yet, there has never been any hesitation, no worries, and I haven't had to do some serious wall breaking to be with you. To be honest, I'm rather shocked."
"Hermione you broke down every single wall the moment you bumped into me the first night at the whorehouse," He explained, and her lips parted as she gazed up at him. "You've done a lot more than you think. I hesitate every time I'm around you, and when I try to pull away, our bond reminds me that I'm wanted—needed. The only time I've been needed is as a means to an end. Nobody has ever wanted me just because I'm me."
Hermione reached out and pushed his hair away from his intoxicating eyes. She cupped his cheek, and he moved into her touch. "I'm delighted that you're in my life, Severus. How I managed to survive so long without you baffles me."
He chuckled deeply. "Hermione I-"
"Look at what we have here!"
Severus turned around to shield Hermione with his back, and she came up behind him to peep past his arm.
Hermione's eyes went wide at the sight of Ron.
