Saving Grace

Disclaimer: I do not own anything. JK Rowling does


Saving Grace
Chapter 10

...Hermione straightened her spine and took Severus’ arm, “Shall we?”

The encroaching English fog muffled the crunch of the gravel under their shoes.

Hermione felt full of nervous energy tainted with fear. This was the first step and she knew it.

“Remember Hermione, you need to be yourself but any display of fascination with anything dark would be helpful. Also, they should think that you’re starting to fall in love with me.” Severus said seriously.

Hermione nodded somberly.

At the door they were faced with an extremely ornate silver door knocker made of two snakes entwined to form the letter M.

“How unexpected,” Hermione said sarcastically. Severus just smirked and knocked brusquely. The door opened immediately and a house elf ushered them in. Hermione could not tell the gender from physical appearance alone but she guessed this was a he. He was dressed in the traditional monogrammed pillowcase but it was clean, as was the tea cozy that was stretched over his large head.

He bowed low, ushering them in. Severus strode in, knocking the house elf back a step. Hermione was appalled, her SPEW conviction quickly rising to the surface, but realized quickly that tonight she and Severus were two different people. He was the cold hearted Death Eater and she was a young power-hungry witch that was falling in love her dark potions professor. ‘Well, I must say this will be a bit easier for him.’

Severus turned and removed her cloak not breaking out of character and after taking off his own, draped them rudely over the head of the house elf. ‘Well, I think he’s over playing this a bit, I’ll have to talk to him about it later,’ she made a mental note to herself.

“Are you planning on telling your master we are here Rode, or must I call him myself?” Severus sneered.

The house elf squeaked, bowed even lower and scurried away saying, “Yes Master Snape, Rode is sorry Master Snape, only a moment Master Snape.”

Hermione was disgusted but held it in. She took her husband’s arm and studied the hall, not failing to notice his iron grip on her hand.

The foyer was grand enough but ostentatiously so. Hermione almost laughed it was so stereotypical. She could have guessed about each and every decorating item; the green and silver everywhere, the cold atmosphere, and the obligatory trophy case of assorted awards given to various Malfoy’s.

The walls were a dark green with white borders. An impressive double staircase curved up to the next level, the banisters carved into large ornate silver pythons. A huge crystal chandelier hung overhead but did little to brighten the room. There was a large circular oak table trimmed in silver with snakes for legs and across from the table she could see doors leading to a ball room and sitting room.

“Well I think it’s positively charming, don’t you Severus?” She said, unable to control herself. He scowled at her and she barely suppressed a giggle.

Before he could reply Malfoy Senior rounded the corner upstairs and descended towards them with Draco right behind. Lucius smirked with evil eyes and Draco looked oddly nervous, his normal cocky air lost. Both wizards were gazing intently at Hermione. She clutched tighter to Severus as he quickly bent towards her under the pretext of checking his watch and whispered hurriedly, “Let them kiss you.”

Before she could even begin to react the real snakes were upon them.

Lucius’ smirk widened. “Ah, the happy couple, I’m so pleased you could tear yourselves away from the bedroom to join us for dinner.”

The Snapes scowled.

Malfoy laughed and bowed slightly, “Forgive me. Good Evening Mrs. Snape.” He bent forward and pressed his lips to hers. Hermione went wide-eyed in disgust and simply stood there; suddenly his tongue slipped out and slid along her lips briefly before he stepped back. Hermione almost gagged; it took every ounce of her self-control to not wipe her mouth. As Lucius turned to shake Severus’ hand, Draco came closer. Hermione stiffened.

“Good Evening Hermione.” The evil git of that afternoon had been replaced with a soft spoken and handsome young man. He gently placed his lips on hers, moving them ever so slightly, teasing. Hermione was shocked; this was gentle, almost sweet. She caught herself, ‘you’re kissing the Ferret!’ and she stiffened immediately. Draco pulled away slowly and turned to greet Severus but Hermione was completely thrown, ‘What was going on? What did their kisses mean?’ She surmised that kissing on the lips was either a high-class wizarding custom or a Death Eater thing. Lucius had kissed her like she would have expected him to, overbearing and disgusting, but Draco’s kiss…that had been different…she had almost kissed him back.

Lucius gestured to the door on the right, “If you will, we can have drinks in the parlor.” Severus followed him and Draco held out his arm for Hermione to take. She did so tentatively. He simply smiled at her and began to guide her forward. His smile was a completely different one than Hermione was used to. It was a nice smile, not even a hint of a smirk, but a genuine smile. It completely transformed his face. For the first time since Hermione had known him he didn’t look pompous or scornful. ‘In fact he looks rather handsome when he smiles like that…STOP IT HERMIONE, WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?’ she thought, disgusted with herself.

The parlor was much the same as the entry hall, but in blue, with silk furniture that would have put Louis XIV to shame. Severus sat in a high backed chair and Draco led Hermione to sit next to him on a beautiful striped love seat.

Lucius sat down in the chair opposite from Severus and snapped his fingers. Instantaneously a house elf appeared. This one was dressed in a sheet draped around its body and pinned like a toga. “Dora, get me my usual, Master Snape will have a Bourbon on the rocks, Draco you will take a…?”

“A Gin and Bitter please Dora,” Draco provided

Hermione was contemplating how oddly Draco was acting—how he had just said please to a house elf—when suddenly she was shocked out of her musings by Lucius’ sententious voice.

“And Hermione my dear, I believe you prefer brandy?”

‘How does he know I like brandy?’ Hermione’s thoughts immediately flew to her drugging last night and she was instantly suspicious. She hastened to think of a response, wanting to throw him off guard if he had been the one to put the aphrodisiac in her drink.

“Oh, actually no, I detest the stuff to tell the truth Lucius.” Turning to the house elf she said, “I’ll take a ‘dirty martini’ please.”

Lucius didn’t show any reaction but Hermione saw his pupils contract and felt Draco stiffen ever so slightly beside her. She smiled sweetly and looked at Severus who was smirking at her, knowing her thoughts. Dora curtsied and disappeared.

“So Severus, marriage finally got you. You’ve evaded it for far too long. How old are you now old man? 50?” Lucius asked with a mischievous air.

“42 actually.” Severus said coldly, knowing Lucius was pointing this out for a reason.

“Well Hermione, you should have a few years still left before you’ll have to buy him a cane as an anniversary present.”

Hermione smiled graciously. “I find it to be quite an advantage having an older, experienced husband. Boys my age are so…unsatisfying,” she quipped, not taking her eyes from Lucius.

“Perhaps you haven’t found the right boy,” said Draco quietly with a quirked eyebrow. She was saved from responding and Severus was saved from exploding by the reappearance of Dora holding a silver drink tray. She passed out the drinks, head bowed, before curtsying and disappearing again.

Lucius stood. “Severus, I have a matter that must be discussed, nothing too important, just school governor business but it must be signed tonight. If you would please accompany me to my study. I’m terribly sorry Hermione but I’m confident Draco can entertain you until we return. Dinner shall be ready shortly and we won’t be long.” With that he walked out and Severus followed, not daring to spare a glance to Hermione.

As soon as Severus’ heels disappeared around the corner Hermione stood and went over to an enormous portrait hanging across the room from her. It was Narcissa, dressed in a beautiful black gown, looking coldly out across the room. Hermione looked up at her and thought about the woman; a wife, a mother, murdered because of Lord Voldemort. Even if she was evil and most likely deserved to die, she was a person and Hermione mourned the loss of human life.

“I was sorry to hear about your mother Draco; I wish I could have met her,” she said softly over her shoulder.

“If nothing else, she was a good mother,” his velvety reply whispered into her ear startled her. She had not heard him approach. She turned slowly, completely thrown off by his nearness.

Draco placed his hands gently on her shoulders. “Hermione, I want to apologize for how I’ve treated you, not just today but, well, every day. You have to understand, its how I’ve been raised, to think everyone is beneath me. I’m just now coming to realize that not all of my father’s beliefs are correct,” he stopped and looked into her eyes.

Hermione was brought up short. ‘What’s going on? Why is he doing this? Is this real or is he acting on some malicious plot of his fathers?’ She looked at him for a moment and decided to be weary. “Excuse me if I’m slow to forgive you Draco. I still remember every time you’ve called me Mudblood.”

Draco groaned and turned away from her to sit back on the love seat. “Gods, I was such a prat. I’m sorry, that’s all I can say. And its just that, well, I’ve learned a lot and now I know that blood prejudice is wrong. We are all magical.” Hermione noted that he did not extend his new found enlightenment to muggles.

Hermione followed to the loveseat and sat next to him, picking up her martini and taking a small sip. “I have always believed that anyone could change when given the right motive,” she said softly.

“To the motive of wisdom then,” he laughed jovially, lifting his tumbler. Hermione smiled and toasted with him.

Draco finished off his drink in one large gulp. He placed it on the table and for a moment stared at it pensively. “I just want you to know that I want to be your friend Hermione.” He reached over and covered her small hand with his own. Looking deep into her eyes he continued in his steady tenor. “And, well, now that you’re married to the Professor, you and I will be seeing a lot more of each other…outside of school. I know from experience that my father and Severus’, umm…social circle can be difficult to maneuver, so just know that I’m here to help.”

Hermione did not know if he meant pure-blood society in general or the Dark Lord’s supporters. Most likely both. In any case she had to admit to being reassured by Draco’s kind words.

“Thank you Draco, that’s very nice of you.”

*********************In Lucius Office*********

“So Severus, which did you use? Whips or chains?”

“Both,” Severus replied blandly, not elaborating.

“Ha!” Lucius snorted. “I’m sure you did. Anyway, I asked you into my office to enlighten you to the fact that I am the Dark Lord’s eye over you and your bride, he wants me to follow your progress.”

Severus highly doubted this, as the Dark Lord trusted only himself to keep an eye on his followers but he played along. “Oh really? How nice of you to inform me.”

“Well I want your mission to succeed as much as you do...possibly more.” His voice got husky and Severus lifted an eyebrow. Lucius caught himself and continued, “So how goes the plan? Does she seem willing?” He asked anxiously.

“More than I could have hoped for. She almost fainted when she caught a glimpse of my library. She has already asked me if, as a wife of a professor, she will have greater access to the restricted portion of the Hogwarts library. Apparently, she’s learned enough to pass her N.E.W.T.’s with ease and is bored out of her mind.” He sneered.

“Well I’m glad to hear it. I shall of course help you in any way that I can. She liked your library eh? Well wait till she sees mine…” He walked out, leaving Severus to follow, troubled over Lucius’ actions.
***************************

Lucius and Severus returned to the parlor and escorted Hermione and Draco to the dining room. Severus took her arm and gave her a barely noticeable, yet reassuring squeeze as they were led into the enormous room. Very little was different from the other rooms she had seen, except this room was lined with large sneering portraits with a particularly large one of Lucius and Draco as the centerpiece. The Malfoys of old sat in various poses of regal disdain. All were characterized by the pale face, bleached hair and light eyes seen in the latest two descendants. The painted figures watched the guests with disinterest.

Dinner was, surprisingly, not unpleasant. Lucius and Severus made small talk about the school, the Malfoy business and mutual friends. The food was incredible; a five course meal served by two new house elves. The china was the finest Hermione had ever seen, so fragile she feared to touch her fork to her plate. It was white with a silver snake inlay; while the crystal glasses were chiseled with elaborate snake stems.

Hermione ate in silence, keeping polite eye contact when Lucius looked her way during conversation. She sat next to Severus and across from Draco. She avoided looking his way all through dinner but when she felt his eyes on her she would make it a point to look sideways up at Severus and allow an almost dreamy expression to flit across her face, accompanied by a tiny smile. She wanted to leave Draco with the definite impression that she was enjoying her new role.

It was during the main course that Hermione felt a sharp pain between her eyes. She kept her composure, recognizing the unique sensation: someone was attempting legilimency on her.

Only two people knew that Hermione had been taking private occlumency lessons, Harry and Ron.

After 5th year Dumbledore had taken over Harry’s tutoring in occlumency and legilimency and Hermione, ever thirsty for knowledge, had bugged Harry to teach her. She had kept it private because it was a taboo art to begin with and many people would take her learning it as a dodgy thing. Over the next year she had shown an amazing aptitude and could completely block Harry every time. Harry had just recently began to teach her occlumency but she had gotten very little practice.

But now, Hermione felt the distinctive feeling of someone entering prodding her brain. They were doing it gently and she was impressed that they were trying without eye contact. She immediately cleared her mind and raised her defense. She felt the invading presence brush up against her shield, search it, looking for a break but after a few moments it left. Hermione glanced up, suddenly glad for her lessons. Nothing of further note occurred until after dessert when Lucius turned to Hermione and focused the conversation on her.

“So my dear, Draco tells me you are quite the bookworm.”

“Reading is by far my greatest love.” Hermione paused then decided to plant a seed. “In fact I find that the Hogwarts library is constrictive. I find it absurd that almost a fourth of the library is ridiculously blocked from me.”

Lucius smiled, “Well then, your lucky that you happen to be married to Severus, have you had a glimpse of his library yet? I know for a fact he has quite a few volumes that even the restricted section of Hogwarts doesn’t have.”

“Well, I’ve barely had time to explore our rooms…” She smiled coyly but nudged Severus ever so slightly with her toe.

“Well I’ll have to show you my library when we get home tonight. As Lucius said, there are many texts I’m sure you would find fascinating,” he said, right on cue.

Lucius smiled and looked proud of himself for bringing it up. “Well ,if we’ve finished, why don’t I show you my library Hermione? I happen to have one of the most extensive personal libraries in Britain.” She smiled widely and they rose, Severus taking her arm before Draco could.

The Malfoy library was VERY impressive and Hermione was enchanted. Upon entering the expansive rooms Severus mentioned wanting to borrow a certain potions book.

“Oh, come with me Professor.” Draco said, stealing a knowing glance at his father. “I happen to have that book out myself, I was doing research for that essay on the Britonis Potion…” Draco led a reluctant Severus off towards the western wing.

*****************************

“So Hermione, what may I show you?” Lucius purred, his voice going low, this was his element.

“I don’t know do you have many books I wouldn’t be able to find at Hogwarts?” She said silkily, looking up at him hopefully. He smiled and ushered her to the back of the library.

Hermione decided to begin setting the scene for her future performances. “Like I was saying, I’m afraid being in my seventh year I’ve found many of Hogwarts teachings to be so restrictive.” Lucius nodded his head sympathetically. “Hogwarts just seems set in its ways,” she continued. “Students must learn exactly this, no more, no less. I constantly find myself hitting a wall. I know I’m being kept from a whole other world of knowledge.” The monologue came easily because she wasn’t acting, that was exactly how she felt.

Sliding uncomfortably close to her, he said, “You know Hermione, I found myself in the exact same position at your age. I was lucky enough to find the right tutors that were more than willing to teach me the things I desired to know. Ah, here we are.” They had come to the very back wall of the library and Hermione saw a few texts on History. She looked up at him disappointedly but he smirked and whispered something…no, more… hissed something.

Hermione jerked her head up at him, shocked, as the book case in front of them vanished and another room was revealed. “You speak parseltongue?” She asked astounded.

“No hardly, it took me months to learn to say that one word correctly.” He said good heartedly and with a firm hand on the small of her back he led her forward. Hermione had expected a small room of dark texts but this collection was enormous. She was fascinated and rushed to the shelves like a starving man to food.

She walked along reading title after title. Most were in old Latin, the language of the dark, and she was unable to translate but those she could frightened and thrilled her.

She trailed her hand along the bindings but just as she almost reached a deep crimson book Lucius’ hand snatched her wrist in a tight lock. “You wouldn’t want to touch that one Hermione,” he looked deep into her eyes, not releasing his hold, and bent to whisper in her ear. “It wouldn’t feel very good at all.”

“Well I have a few things at home you would be more than welcome to touch, my dear,” Severus’ voice broke in. Hermione blushed scarlet and Lucius laughed.

“Yes, it is rather late. Draco, let us walk our guests out.” Lucius strode forward and Draco took Hermione’s arm, placing his hand over hers. She pulled away and went to her husband who wrapped his arm around her waist and she melted into his side.

They walked through the extensive halls and finally reached the entrance way. Lucius snapped his fingers and Rode appeared with their coats. Draco snatched Hermione’s and so, having no other choice, she turned so he could drape it over her shoulders. As he stepped back his fingers purposefully slid across the sides of her neck, an extremely sensitive spot, sending shivers up her spine.

Lucius stepped forward to kiss Hermione farewell but this time, thankfully, kissed only her cheek. Draco on the other hand, kissed her as before, this time nibbling her lip with his teeth ever so lightly and, out of reflex, Hermione opened up to him. However, the second she did she realized what she was doing and jerked back. He smiled privately at her and she gazed back at him wide-eyed and shocked.

Severus took her arm possessively and Rode opened the door for them. They walked out into the chilly night air and Lucius waved cordially at them before shutting the enormous door with a loud snap. They walked down the drive in silence until they final reached the end and Severus stopped.

“Well Hermione, you seem to show quite the aptitude for acting and conniving. I’m impressed.”

“I’m learning from the best…now what in the HELL is going on?”

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Note: took a bit longer as it required a bit more editing. Once again thanks to my Beta, GeminiScorp. Readers, please review, I would love to hear your impressions of the direction of the story