Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter or any of the characters from it. Harry Potter is the property of J. K. Rowling. Your So Vain is property of Carly Simon. Back in Black property of AC/DC.
Joys of Manual Labor
Chapter Five
Seeing Hermione in a camisole was shocking but what brought Lucius and Severus up short was the fact that her shoulders were shaking. Her hand was covering her mouth and it seemed as though she was crying. Neither of the men knew what to do. How do you comfort a young woman who, just minutes ago was smiling and happy? Lucius and Severus looked at each other, each trying to get the other one to make the first move. Before the battle of wills could come to a finish Ginny was by their side, grinning mischievously.
"Don't worry about her." Ginny whispered conspiratorially to the two men. "She's fine."
"She does not look fine, Ms. Weasley." Lucius stated.
Ginny rolled her eyes. But before she could make any response a snort escaped Hermione followed by peals of laughter. She had moved her hand from her mouth and wrapped it, along with her other one, around her stomach. Which was clearly hurting her.
Severus raised his eyebrows in amusement. "What caused her to be in such hysterics?"
Ginny's grinned became even more mischievous, if that was possible. And laughed a little herself before answering. "Oh, I just made a comment about a song describing someone we both know to a T."
Severus gave Ginny a look, indicating for her to elaborate.
Instead, Ginny went to Hermione. "Okay Hermione. I know it was funny, hilarious even. But laughing this long about it is a bit excessive. Besides, you're going to make yourself hyperventilate if you don't stop soon."
"You're right." Hermione finally managed to gasp out. "But it's easier said than done." She said between laughs.
Ginny sighed. "Well at least you're calming down enough to talk, a little."
"Do you need a calming draught, Ms. Granger?" Severus asked.
Hermione shook her head and finally got her laughter under control. "I'm sorry," Hermione said as she finally turned around. Her lips twitching as she caught sight of Lucius standing just behind Severus. "I didn't mean to cause any trouble."
"No need to apologize, Ms. Granger." Lucius commented smoothly. "Though, I am rather curious as to which song Ms. Weasley was referring. Along with which individual."
"Indeed, Lucius. Please, enlighten us." Severus added.
Ginny and Hermione looked at each other. Neither were sure if they should respond, or how.
"Do you want me..." Hermione trailed off as she indicated the two men standing in front of them.
It was Ginny's turn to shake her head. "I might as well own up to it. Since I was the one to say it first." She took a deep breath and turn to the men, but specifically addressed Lucius. "The individual was you Mr. Malfoy. The song was one written and performed by Carly Simon. The song is called – Well – Its." Ginny sighed and pulled out her music player. "This is harder than I thought it would be. I'll just play it for you. Though, before I do that, I should clarify that I said the chorus fits you to a T. Not the entire song."
Severus raised an eyebrow. 'She can't possibly mean the song that I think she means. It is fitting but-' His thoughts were interrupted by the opening cords of the song.
"Son of a gun
"You walked into the party like you were walking onto a yacht
"Your hat strategically dipped below one eye
"Your scarf it was apricot
"You had one eye in the mirror, as you watched yourself gavotte
"And all the girls dreamed that they'd be your partner
"They'd be your partner and
"You're so vain
"You probably think this song is about you
"You're so vain (you're so vain)
"I bet you think this song is about you
"Don't you don't you?"
Ginny paused the music before the second verse could start playing. She was tempted to keep looking at her music player, but defiantly raised her head to stare Lucius directly in the eye. Daring him to make a scathing remark. However, it was Severus who commented first.
"I am quite familiar with that song, Ms. Weasley. And I must say I never did make the correlation between it and Lucius before. Thank you for bringing it to my attention." There was the slightest hint of a smile on his lips as he said that.
"You're welcome, Sir." Was Ginny's taken aback response.
"You agree with her?" Lucius asked his friend incredulously.
Severus smirked, "I do. It is very fitting."
Rather than rise to his friends bate Lucius turned back to Ginny. "Ms. Weasley, do you have any songs that you would say fit Severus to a T?"
Ginny blinked and glanced at Severus. His face was completely blank. She looked back at Lucius. "Not off the top of my head. I'll have to think about it."
"Please do." Lucius smiled at her and then turned his attention to Hermione. "Do you have any songs in mind, Ms. Granger?"
Hermione started at being addressed so suddenly and pulled her eyes away from Lucius' form fitting shirt to his gleaming eyes. 'Shit. Did he notice I was checking him out again?' She blushed as she brought her focus back to the conversation. "Uuuh. Well, there is an AC/DC song that comes to mind."
Lucius brows furrowed. "A what song?"
"A song by the band AC/DC." Hermione turned to Ginny. "Did your cousin tell you about them?"
"Yeah. I have some of their songs on here. Which one were you thinking?"
Hermione leaned over and whispered something Ginny ear. Something that made Ginny bark out a laugh. "You're right. Give me a moment to find it." So saying she started scrolling through her songs. "Considering his reaction to Led Zep, you might want to give Mr. Malfoy a heads-up. Or not, I would love to see his reaction to this song." Ginny whispered to Hermione as she finally found the song she was looking for.
"Just press play." Hermione whispered back.
"Okay," Ginny did as Hermione said and started the song.
Both girls watched the men closely as the opening cords of the song came through the speaker of the music player. It was clear that neither of them had heard it before, but apart from that their reactions were completely different. Severus seemed to be enjoying it, while Lucius looked resigned to listening to something he found distasteful. Then the singing started, and Lucius actually winced.
"Back in black, I hit the sack
"I've been too long, I'm glad to be back
"Yes, I'm let loose from the noose
"That's kept me hanging about
"I'm just looking at the sky 'cause it's getting me high
"Forget the hearse, 'cause I'll never die
"I got nine lives, cat's eyes
"Abusing every one of them and running wild
"'Cause I'm back, yes I'm back
"Well, I'm back, yes I'm back
"Well, I'm back, back
"Well, I'm back in black
"Yes, I'm back in black"