Chapter 3

Retail Therapy

Weddings for those at the school were set to begin from the first weekend after the school closed for the summer. Lucius and Matilda were scheduled for the 1st August, which gave them less than three months to make preparations and get to know one another. After meeting with him for the second time, Matilda could see the benefit to the spending time together. She'd heard from her friends that very few had even met their future spouses, and some hadn't even been contacted by owl.

Ava had said how grateful she was not to have to deal with Gregory Goyle before she had to, but Matilda was worried for her. Not knowing anything about him before walking down the aisle seemed like a recipe for trouble.

As it was, Lucius sent an owl on the Thursday before their third date that coming Saturday afternoon, asking if she'd like to meet a little earlier so they could go shopping. Matilda had gladly agreed, though hoped he didn't intend to spend money on her. She didn't want him to feel that he needed to buy her affection. She'd only known him for two weeks, but she no longer felt terrified in his presence.

As Friday evening rolled around, Lucius invited Severus to the Manor for dinner and drinks. It was something he would regularly do, but this time he had an ulterior motive. Perhaps he could gain an outsider's insight into his soon-to-be wife's life.

Severus arrived promptly at 7pm, handing over a vintage Chateau Lafite to the house elf who answered the door, instructing the elf to decant it immediately.

"Severus! I hope you're hungry, the elves went all out!" Lucius called from the overly large dining room.

Severus strode directly there, refusing to divest himself of his outer robe when ask by another elf. After surviving Nagini's attack, he made sure he was carrying a veritable potions store within his robes and regularly thanked whatever deities had inspired the witch or wizard who had first created the Undetectable Extension Charm.

"I'm sure you wouldn't mind me taking leftovers," he replied, shrugging off his robe finally and depositing it carefully on the back of his chosen chair.

"Spending your evenings at The Three Broomsticks again? You really should get a house elf."

"I don't need an elf, and I'm perfectly capable of cooking for myself. I just often lack the time or inclination to do so. I spend most of my days standing over cauldrons. I don't particularly want to spend my nights standing over a stove," he responded, flicking his wand at a jug of fresh orange juice so he could pour himself a glass.

Lucius gave him a long look. "Please tell me you're not fucking Rosmerta."

Severus simply cocked an eye at him.

"Oh, you could do so much better than a Landlady!"

"Lucius, we both know it still irks you that she wouldn't fuck you in the Prefect's bathroom during your 6th year," Severus replied coolly.

Lucius waved a hand dismissively. She'd had a handful of boyfriends during their time together at school, and Lucius had taken the opportunity during one of her single phases to try to woo her before he entered his final year, knowing that he'd be forced to start looking at eligible pureblood women as future marriage material. Rosmerta was half-blood, and although the Malfoys had half-blood ancestors in their lineage, it wasn't something they had boasted about and his father had made it clear to Lucius early on that he expected nothing less than the best pureblood families to consider.

Lucius had thrown himself into sexual debauchery during his 6th year, and he'd long suspected that Rosmerta had found the idea of simply being another notch on his bedpost distasteful.

"It was her loss. I never had any complaints."

"She certainly doesn't complain about my performance. Given the life we've lived over the past two decades, I'm rather inclined to make things as uncomplicated as possible. She wants very little from me and I am grateful for that," Severus explained.

"Well, I suppose as long as you're getting what you want from the situation."

"I am. But, that isn't why you asked me to come tonight, is it?"

"As much as I usually enjoy the sex talk, you're correct. I assume you've heard about the passing of that dreadful new Marriage Law?"

Severus took a sip of juice. "I have. I'm assuming the law unfortunately applies to you?"

"Yes. I've been informed of my 'match' already." Lucius shook his head. "To inflict such a law upon children…"

"Indeed. There have been a number of Slytherin 7th years impacted by this law." Severus narrowed his eyes. "Have you been matched with someone from my house?"

"She's a Ravenclaw. Matilda Rowan. She's a mud… muggle-born. Apparently, largely disowned by her own parents, which seems rather novel," Lucius responded, flicking his wand at the decanted wine Severus had brought and pouring himself a glass as the elves busied themselves with platters of food.

Severus sipped from his own glass. He knew Matilda relatively well. By all accounts, she was a star pupil, even compared to his own house.

"She takes an advanced class in Potions and also volunteers in the Infirmary," Severus responded.

"She told me she wanted to be a healer. It is a shame she comes from such humble means, even for a muggle-born. Though, she did surprise me by offering to pay for her own meal."

Severus stilled his hand whilst pulling some venison onto his plate. "You took her to dinner?"

"It was more of a late lunch. She's going to be my wife, Severus, I thought it would be prudent for us to at least become acquainted before the day we take our nuptials. She's a little small and delicate, but certainly attractive."

"Lucius, she's still my student."

"Indeed. She's also of age, soon to be 18 and graduated. If we're to follow the law to the letter, she'll be pregnant by 19." Lucius sighed heavily. He wanted desperately to make the most of a situation he no longer held any political power to change. He also wasn't above using the law as a means to regain some favour for his family name.

"I assume you wanted to know more about her from my own observations?" Severus asked.

"It would certainly be helpful. I'd rather not make her miserable. This law was foisted upon the both of us. I do hope it isn't affecting you as well?"

"No. It would seem half-bloods didn't make the cut. Yet."

"Many of the old families won't take kindly to being paired with muggle-borns. This law will be a disaster."

"By all accounts, the Ministry is getting quite a lot of heat from the Ministry heads of the USA, France, Germany, Australia… It wouldn't surprise me if muggle-born families decide to leave the country," Severus said.

"It wouldn't surprise me if the Ministry tried to stop such a thing from happening. I did consider the notion myself, but I wouldn't want to abandon Draco. He's already lost one parent."

"I'm sure they did indeed consider blocking the travel of anyone affected, but given the dictatorship Voldemort enacted, I doubt the Ministry wants to use such tactics. It would also likely put them at war with the other Ministries. Many families have relatives in other countries."

Lucius sighed again. He sat in contemplation for a few long moments, both of them eating in silence. He could certainly picture the young little witch sitting with him at this very table.

"Given that she isn't a Slytherin, I can only attest to her capabilities within my classroom. She certainly has a knack for potions and is rarely distracted by frivolous teenage antics. She very much has the skill and knowledge akin to Hermione Granger, though she's far more reserved and patient and less eager to show off her knowledge at the drop of a hat," Severus explained, letting out a small groan at remembering just how often his classes would disrupted by Granger's need to express everything she'd learned about the particular topic in hand.

"You sound just as annoyed as Draco used to be. Both of you complaining about how clever she was. I often suspected that he secretly wanted to bed her. I do hope you didn't feel the same?" Lucius queried, raising an eyebrow at his friend.

Severus made a face. "Don't be disgusting. Age gap aside, her very presence irritated me almost as much as Potter's did. You know very well I value intelligence, but spewing facts unbidden at every opportunity is not my idea of attractive."

Lucius chuckled. He'd known his friend to be picky. He'd long suspected that the reason Severus had never married had less to do with unrequited love for Lily Potter and more to do with never finding anyone who could both mentally and physically stimulate him. Sexual gratification alone could not interest him long term.

"Does Matilda have any particular interests in anyone? Boys in her classes? Crushes on teachers?" Lucius asked, smirking.

Severus rolled his eyes. "I am not privy to the inner workings of the young woman's mind. I have not personally noticed any interest from her for anyone in her class. Given she's trying to set her life up for a future of healing without any parental help, boys are likely to be the the last thing on her mind."

"I can understand that. She told me she stays with her muggle brother in London during the holidays. I can't imagine she'd be allowed boys under her brother's watch. She was very responsive to me kissing her though," Lucius quipped, swirling his wine around in his glass.

Severus dropped his fork which clattered loudly onto his plate. "You did what?!"

"Come now, Severus. We're to be married in a few short months. I don't want her to be terrified of me. I want her to be receptive and willing. We'll have three weeks once we're married to consummate. Three weeks isn't enough time to properly woo someone and get to know their likes and dislikes." Lucius ran a hand over his face. "I'm rather out of practice. I haven't needed to wine and dine someone in more than 20 years."

"Still. It's a little fast, don't you think?"

"I didn't exactly whip my cock out and demand she suck me off. It was a kiss. Nothing lascivious. She was surprisingly receptive."

Severus knew Lucius well enough to know that his oldest friend would certainly entice more intimate encounters out of the Ravenclaw before they took their vows.

"She's no Hufflepuff, but do try not to terrify her with your domineering ways," Severus warned, knocking his wine back.

"Come now, Severus. You know me better than that. Whips, chains, and spankings aren't really my forte. That was more Rosier's repertoire. You and I both know that to get the best out of a delicate instrument, it must be coaxed gently. Not violently plucked until the strings snap."

"A good thing Rosier is in Azkaban. A shame the same can't be said for Gregory Goyle. He was a friend of Draco's, wasn't he?" Severus asked.

"Goyle. Yes. To use a muggle epithet, he was as thick as two short planks. But, violently aggressive. Who has he been paired with? Someone from your house?"

"No, another Ravenclaw, Ava Fairweather. She and Matilda are close friends. She comes from magical parents, but both are muggle-borns. I doubt he'll have your consideration, and given that his father was also given a life sentence in Azkaban, I doubt his temper has faded."

"Many of the old families are going to be highly put out by this law. I fear for the safety of the muggle-borns chosen to marry into them," Lucius commented.

"I'm rather surprised to hear you say that," Severus said, refilling his wine glass.

"I can't say a lifetime of Pure blood training was undone by the Muggle Studies Rehabilitation Program, but it did give me a greater understanding of what makes someone magical. Something far more ethereal than blood. Muggles, for all their non-magical abilities, they're remarkably innovative."

"You almost sound impressed."

Lucius chuckled. "Almost. I have wondered more than once if we haven't let our world distance itself a little too much from the muggle world. Those who never encounter muggles are doomed to believe the lies that have been perpetuated for centuries."

"Christ, Lucius. I know I've been supplying you with muggle literature and history, but I didn't think you'd be quite so interested."

"Relax, old friend. I'm hardly an advocate for muggle/wizard exchange programs, but that doesn't mean I can't learn to appreciate the differences in a new light," Lucius explained.

"I think the Ministry would think you'd lost your mind and commit you to St. Mungo's."

"Getting to know more about her wasn't the only reason I invited you to dinner. I'd also like your help in the planning regarding the wedding," Lucius explained.

"Lucius, I'm not a wedding planner. You're the one who's been married once before. I would think you'd know more about this sort of thing than I do."

"I didn't necessarily mean food and flowers, I meant more what you think might make things more comfortable for her. The ceremony itself will be conducted at the Ministry. But, she'll need clothing, a ring… You might know more about her preferences than I do. As her teacher, you also have access to her when I don't. I would very much appreciate your help with her in any way you can give it," Lucius explained.

"I know her academically. She's not a Slytherin, so I hardly have access to her outside of my classroom. I assume from your words you would like me to speak to her outside of her usual classes with me?"

"If you could find the time, I'd appreciate it. I only have so many weekends in which to utilise getting to know her before she'll be my wife and living here with me."

Severus grumbled into his wine. He didn't disagree with the idea, but speaking to a young woman on the verge of an arranged marriage with his closest friend was not territory he knew how to navigate. If she'd at least been a Slytherin, he would have a greater knowledge of her already. At least he knew that she was an intelligent young witch and one of the most skilled in his classroom. She never created a bad potion and was set to get the highest grades in her year.

Lucius thought she was attractive, which was certainly a good thing. Small and delicate, at least physically, with the largest blue eyes he'd ever seen. He didn't generally view his students in terms of attractiveness, such thoughts would be utterly inappropriate, regardless of her age. The power imbalance alone would reduce such thoughts to skirting the boundaries of legality. Apparently, the Ministry thought otherwise, believing that 17-year olds should be fair game for marriage and procreation.

From an objective point of view, she was attractive. Gentle and pleasant, knowledgeable and incredibly observant. He hoped Lucius would see greater qualities in her than her physical attributes.

"I will do what I can… within the bounds of appropriate teacher-student relations," Severus finally answered.

Lucius grinned and tipped his glass at his friend.

Matilda was waiting outside the main entrance for Lucius to arrive. He'd told her he'd pick her up at 1pm so they could do some shopping before their early evening meal at 4pm at the same restaurant as the last time. Matilda had been grateful to be eating in a place she could be comfortable in. The first place he'd taken her to she suspected he'd simply wanted to impress her with his money, but given she hadn't been able to read the menu and he'd paid for two meals for her, it wasn't the best first experience.

She smiled warmly when he approached from across the courtyard, looking very much the aristocrat she'd gotten used to, though as it was nearing June, his outer cloak was draped over his arm.

Deciding to err on the side of propriety, he lifted her hand to his lips and kissed the slender back of her hand, rather than bend down and press a kiss to her pink lips as he'd wanted to. Despite the chivalrous nature of the gesture, he flushed, remembering how his lips had felt when he'd kissed her the previous week.

"I hope you've had a good week?" Lucius asked as he tucked her hand into the crook of his elbow.

"Oh, yes, it's been fine. Busy studying. NEWTs are coming up soon, so I've been taking any extra classes I can," she answered, walking with him to the apparition point.

"Yes, Severus mentioned you're taking his advanced class. He doesn't offer it to just anyone."

"Professor Snape? Do you know him well?"

"Oh, very well. We were at school together and remained well acquainted for many years. He's spoken of you quite highly," Lucius answered as he turned on the spot, taking them to Hogsmeade.

Matilda took a moment to right herself. "He talks about me?"

"Well, after a fashion. He was asking about this Marriage Law. He's been spared for the moment, but that could all change."

Matilda nodded. So far, the Ministry seemed to be focusing on pureblood/muggle born matches.

Lucius took her to Gladrags Wizardwear and patted her hand when he felt her slight hesitation. She fought the urge to tell him that she couldn't afford such luxuries and didn't expect him to buy her things. She had very few robes to her name as they often ran far above her meagre budget.

Lucius had no such qualms. He had no intention of letting her spend a knut, or a penny of her own money.

He greeted the owner and instructed them to cater to whatever Matilda wanted. The owner simply nodded and set about taking Matilda's measurements with a magically imbued tape measure.

"Uh… Lucius? Are you sure?" she asked as she was turned around multiple times, her arms lifted.

She squeaked when the tape went around her chest, taking a more intimate measurement, flushing again as Lucius sat in a nearby armchair, a gentle smile on his lips as he watched.

"Absolutely. Every witch should have a multitude of robes in a variety of colours and styles."

The owner pulled several dresses from her racks and began magically adjusting them to Matilda's measurements, handing her a green satin number and shooing her behind a curtain to change.

Matilda shrugged off her own skirt and blouse, pulling on the dress and looking at herself in the mirror. Her muggle bra sat higher on her chest than the dress was cut, so she unhooked it and pulled it free, leaving her in just the dress. She was relatively small breasted and didn't really need the lift from a bra, but she felt curiously naked without one. She slowly stepped out from behind the curtain to show Lucius and the owner how she looked.

Lucius sat up straighter when she stepped out from behind the curtain. His cock twitched at the sight of more of her creamy skin on display, the dress cut low on her chest he could see she wasn't wearing anything under it. He licked his lips and inclined his head in approval.

Matilda could see how his eyes had darkened and flushed in response. The dress was more muggle in design than she'd expected from the wizarding world, but she was grateful that he didn't insist on her wearing more traditional robes.

"Do you like it?" he asked.

Matilda smiled widely and nodded, smoothing her hand over the fabric which was cut to below her knees. She didn't notice when he stood up and approached her, his eyes roaming over her petite form, his height letting him gaze momentarily down to where the fabric just covered over her nipples. He resisted the urge to slip and hand down to stroke a finger over her breast, wanting to know how quickly he could have her nipples harden under his touch.

He cleared his throat, causing Matilda to look up at him. "We'll take it," he said, smirking down at her.

Matilda opened her mouth to protest, but Lucius raised a hand.

"Consider this an early birthday gift. I believe it is coming up soon?" he commented.

"Uh, yes… on the 1st of June…"

"Perfect. Would you like to wear it now?"

"Uh… I don't have the right shoes…" she said, looking down at her well-worn blue and white Converse.

Lucius followed her eyes to her casual shoes. He didn't want to embarrass her by asking if she had fancier shoes back at the castle and risk her answering in the negative.

"Shoes. Yes, we should get you shoes to match," he responded, waving the owner over to bring a selection of shoes that would be appropriate for the dress.

Again, Matilda opened her mouth to protest but topped at Lucius' smile and shake of his head.

Matilda's eyes instantly settled on a pair of two-inch court shoes in the same satin green as her dress. The owner flicked her wand at the shoes to adjust them to Matilda's size and Lucius cast a cushioning charm as her feet settled into them.

An extra two inches didn't do much to close the gap in their height difference, but she felt moderately more elegant than she did in her Converse.

"You'll have to teach me that charm. I don't own anything I would need it for so I didn't learn it. Do I look okay?" Matilda asked.

Lucius fought the urge to say she looked ravishing. "You look beautiful. Do you like the colour? Would you prefer blue?"

Matilda thought about the colour. She didn't often wear green, but given he was buying the items, she decided to keep the green. "No, I like the green. I think it suits the fabric."

Lucius nodded, agreeing. He also appreciated that she wanted to wear his house colour. It pleased him to see it adorning her skin. He was quickly starting to realise just how much of an effect on him she was having, and she didn't yet realise it.

The owner waved her wand to place Matilda's other clothes into a bag for her as she slipped her cloak back over her shoulders. It was relatively warm out, but she didn't want to walk around with mostly bare shoulders. She busied herself with browsing through some handbags as Lucius arranged to pay. She didn't want to know how much it would cost as she knew the urge to protest would resurface.

Lucius did in fact pay. He also added several more dresses with shoes to match and requested them to be sent directly to Hogwarts Ravenclaw Common Room, addressed to Matilda. When he'd finished up he offered his arm to her and led her out of the shop.

They spent time ambling through Hogsmeade, Lucius doing his best to convince her to let him buy her some new writing equipment so that they could continue to write to each other throughout the week between weekends. She wondered if perhaps he didn't like her using muggle pens when she responded to his letters but didn't mention it.

As the time neared to their reservation, he led her to the restaurant and they were seated towards the back again in their same seats. She slipped her robe off, earning a hum of approval from Lucius which caused her to blush. She already had an idea what she wanted to order, but looked through the menu anyway so she could check the specials.

"I hope the cushioning charm is working? Are the shoes comfortable?" Lucius asked.

"Oh! Yes, it worked a treat. It's like I'm still wearing my trainers," she replied, smiling up at him.

"I'll demonstrate the charm before we apparate back later."

Lucius slipped his robe over the back of his chair and unbuttoned his jacket, the expensively tailored fabric falling open to reveal his waistcoat, adorned with a silver pocket watch and green silk handkerchief. Although she'd accepted that they would soon be married and living under one roof, she couldn't yet envision him in anything but expensive suits and robes. She understood why the older copies of Witch Weekly from before the second war had labelled him as the most handsome married wizard. She wondered if he'd retained the handsome label now that he was single.

It also didn't escape her notice that she would be 18 before they were married. An adult as far as the muggle world was concerned, though she'd come of age in the wizarding world at the age of 17. She'd never truly understood the year difference. 17 didn't really make much sense. Marrying someone in their early 50's, though not illegal in any way, was still an imbalance. Lucius knew it, and Matilda was smart enough to be aware of it, not just because she was inexperienced sexually, but also with life. Lucius had been married, had a child, buried a wife, and lived through two wars and two short stays in Azkaban. He likely still had the tattoo on his neck, though his high collar was likely hiding it.

It seemed they were both in the mood for pasta. Matilda ordered a carbonara, a favourite she'd explained, adding that she hoped the waiter would come around with extra parmesan. Lucius ordered a simple penne with pesto, determined that they would both have dessert. He may need to resist multiple urges before their evening was done, the most recent one being the urge to pull her onto his lap and close the privacy curtain, but he would at least enjoy watching her eat something sumptuous.

He ordered them both a glass of red wine to go with their meals, wanting to know her taste with alcoholic drinks as well as food.

"I hope you like red. Some people find it a little cloying," he said, picking up his glass and swirling the deeply coloured liquid around the glass.

He couldn't stop his eyes from drifting to her chest again as she leant forward to pick up her own glass. A sudden unbidden image of him trickling wine down her breast as he lapped his tongue over a peaked nipple had him almost instantly hard. He took a long drink hoping to quell his lust, and tried to shake the image away. He knew it had been a long time since he'd had a woman in his bed, longer than he would usually have left it. Now that he was effectively engaged, he wouldn't be taking anyone else home. Wanking and cold showers would be needed over the next two months.

"I quite like it. I can understand why some might not; the aftertaste is quite strong. In the muggle world, drinking is illegal before the age of 18. 21 in some countries. My brother only ever has beer in the fridge and I can't stand the stuff."

Lucius chuckled. He'd had a variety of muggle beers. He could understand her dislike. "Well, given that we're in the wizarding world, I doubt anyone is going to apparate in and arrest you for a glass of wine. I'm glad you like it. What other alcoholic beverages have you had?"

Matilda thought for a moment. "Mostly spirits, thanks to my brother. Mum and dad would never have let me try anything alcoholic. I quite like sweet liquors; Cointreau, Galliano, Southern Comfort, Kraken Rum… Not too fond of vodka, unless it's with something sweet like a lemonade."

All muggle spirits, he noted. He'd have to change that soon. Firewhisky might be a bit much for her, but he was sure he could think of more delicate spirits to introduce her to.

"Your brother has been quite the influence on you. Does he attend a muggle institution?" Lucius asked.

"Oh, he's 26. He runs a club with a friend of his. A club my parents most definitely wouldn't approve of."

"You mentioned he is gay. I assume it's a club for those of his sexual proclivities?"

Matilda nodded. She wasn't old enough to have set foot inside it yet, but she knew he made good money. "The number of boyfriends he goes through though…"

Lucius chuckled. "He's still young yet, especially for a man. We mature far later than we ideally should. Many of us never do."

Matilda chuckled. "Does that include you?"

Lucius smirked at her as their food arrived, his smirk increasing as she nodded eagerly as the waiter did indeed offer more parmesan. He offered the same to Lucius, then left them alone to eat, sliding the privacy curtain around them as he left, the automatic silencing charm activating.

"For a man my age, I can certainly have my juvenile moments. Perhaps boys never truly grow up."

Matilda nodded vigorously. "You wouldn't believe what some of the 6th and 7th year boys get up to! Ava said she'd overheard some truly sordid talk one night."

"Sordid talk? Do tell…"

Matilda blushed. "Uh… well… she said they were discussing plans to use the prefect's bathroom for… um… a group… thing. But without any girls…"

Lucius chuckled beside her, knowing exactly what she meant. "Ah, discussing plans for a group wank…"

Matilda blushed harder.

"Teenage boys are a constantly randy bunch. Group masturbation seems to be secondary only to securing a girlfriend, or boyfriend," he explained.

"Boys really do that?" she asked, looking up at him with wide eyes.

He could see the shock and interest written across her features. "Oh, most definitely. Boys are competitive. Resisting the need to climax becomes somewhat of an art form."

Matilda bit her lip and flushed at the thought. The flush made its way across her chest, signalling to Lucius that it had generated some intimate interest.

"Did… did you ever… do that?" she asked, stealing a glance at him.

Lucius smirked and leaned over to whisper in her ear. "Regularly since my third year. I can assure you, I never came first."

Matilda bit her lip harder, swallowing a slight moan that threatened to erupt in her throat. Lucius grinned as he watched her thighs move against one another. He hoped she'd picture him just as he described. With how hard he was, he'd be taking care of business as soon as he stepped through the manor doors, though without the audience of his former classmates.

"And you? Do girls not indulge in such activities?" he asked as he sat back, popping some pasta into his mouth.

Matilda cleared her throat and tried to distract herself with her own food for a few moments. "Uh, not like that. Um… I mean… we do… uh… we have the same urges. We just… we're more discreet."

Of course, she couldn't know for certain if some girls indulged in group activities, but she never had. Stroking her clit with a delicate finger from behind her silenced curtains was her usual method, or occasionally in the bath.

"I'm glad to hear you know how to deal with such urges. It would sadden me to think that your parents had made you feel such things were dirty."

"I did when I was much younger, but being at Hogwarts has definitely helped to open my eyes to the world. We all have needs," she answered, taking another drink of her wine.

"Things are still relatively new between us, but I would, in time, like to know the sorts of activities you enjoy, no matter how simple." Lucius had no intention of hiding his interest in her. The prominent bulge in his trousers had been present for a while now, and whilst he wasn't intentionally drawing her attention to it, he wasn't going to hide it. He wanted her to know that she did indeed arouse him.

As it was, Matilda hadn't yet noticed. Their table was set up for an intimate dinner, so the lights were dimmed. She ate quietly for a few moments, focusing on the hunger of her stomach before thinking about another hunger she'd felt building gently.

"I'm not sure I do anything that any other woman wouldn't do," she finally responded.

"Perhaps, but every woman likes to be touched in their own unique way."

She bit her lip again and turned her head to look at him, an action Lucius was beginning to enjoy far too much. The flush across her face and chest had remained and her breathing was erratic.

He leaned down again, smirking as her face turned towards him as he came closer. "We'll come to that soon enough."

He pressed his lips to hers, moving them gently as he had the previous week. But this time, he slipped an arm around her waist and pulled her closer to him, his other hand settling on her neck, his thumb running along her jaw as his tongue swept across her lips, seeking entry.

Matilda let out the softest sound as her lips parted, feeling his tongue tease and caress her own. She squirmed slightly in her seat, her thighs pressing tightly together seeking some much-needed friction. Lucius ignored the pressure in his trousers and simply let his hand stroke along her neck, gently moving his fingers down her clavicle and onto her chest. He let them stroke along the top of her dress, just teasing the soft skin.

He inwardly smiled when he felt an exhalation against his lips and her back arch slightly, her chest pushing closer to him. He took the silent confirmation to heart and let his fingers slip the fabric strap of her dress off her shoulder, pulling it down enough so that her breast was exposed to him. He pulled his lips away from hers so he could finally get a good look, licking his lips at the plump nipple almost pointing at him. Her breasts were small, barely a handful, but the deliciously puffy pink nipple was enough to have him bend his bead down so he could swipe his tongue over it, delighting in the sharp gasp that left her lips.

Matilda shifted her hands into his hair, distantly noting how wonderfully thick and soft his blond locks were, but more focused on the warm mouth that was suckling her nipple, her back arching to push her breast further towards him.

For a split second, he contemplated sliding a hand under her dress to check just how wet he knew she must be. Self-control was the only thing that allowed him to drag his mouth off her breast and back to her lips, slipping her strap back onto her shoulder as he kissed once more, recognising the need to stop before he thought about slipping onto his knees between her thighs.

It took tremendous effort to pull his lips away, and he let out a deep groan as he ran his nose against hers, sliding his thumb over her lips.

"Dessert…" he said, his voice hoarse. "We should order dessert."

Matilda's eyes were glassy and her lips plump and red from their kissing. Unable to trust her voice just yet, she simply nodded.

They both ordered gelato and spent the rest of their meal talking about school days and the various hijinks that such an institution seemed to unwittingly encourage.

True to his word, Lucius stopped at the apparition point and moved her to stand in front of him, her back to his chest as he placed a hand on her stomach, putting his hand over hers as he instructed her how to wave her wand when performing a cushioning charm.

"Place your right foot out a bit," he instructed, removing the charm he'd cast earlier. "Now, wave your wand as I did."

Just as she was about to do just that, she felt his hand move, sliding up and inside the top of her dress, cupping her breast. Matilda shivered against him, feeling for the first time just how hard he was as he pressed firmly against her. She felt a deep thrill at knowing that he did actually find her attractive.

"Go ahead," he whispered, still rolling her nipple between his fingers.

Matilda tried to steady her hand as she focused on her shoe and waved her wand, mirroring the motions he'd shown her. Thankfully, the charm worked and she felt the cushioning effect return.

"Very good. A true Ravenclaw. You must forgive me for my boldness, your breasts are exquisite."

He still had his hand on her breast as he turned them and apparated back to Hogwarts. By the time they had appeared, his hand had removed itself and her cloak was safely back where it belonged.

She turned to face him, secretly hoping he'd kiss her again, but felt a pang of disappointment when he simply lifted her hand and kissed the back as he had when he'd picked her up.

"I will write to you in the week to arrange our next date. Perhaps McGonagall will permit me to take you to Diagon Alley," he said.

"I'd like that, thought she might only permit that once I turn 18."

"Well, perhaps something to look forward to soon."

He gave her hand one last kiss before apparating away.