Plaything

Title: Plaything

Rating: R/ NC-17

Pairing: HG/LM, HG/SS

Warning: Darkfic, Non-consensual.

Summary: The plot of this fic comes from Amanuensis' "A Spell to Turn Tigers to Butter", available here:
restrictedsection (dot) org. They say imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. Her story centers on Harry who is given
to both Lucius and Severus as a pet. The story is brilliant and I couldn't help but wonder what it would be like for
Hermione under the same circumstances so I've placed her into Lucius' and Severus' clutches. Let's see what happens.
. .

~*Hermione*~


Lying on Severus' bed is a quite like resting on a dark storm cloud. One feels small and insignificant when swathed in
the voluminous darkness. There's also a sense of terrible anticipation. After all, storm clouds can often bring
destruction, but they also hold electricity - a crackle of power in the air as frightening as it is exciting. I can never
guess when I'll be struck, but I know it is coming.

I can hear him downstairs in the kitchen. However, his movements aren't the chaotic flurry of activity found at
mealtimes in most households. No, Severus' movements are precise, measured -- careful and controlled as though he
were making one of his perfect potions. There's the rhythmic motion of his knife blade as he slices an item, carefully
picks out a pot, or places something back in the refrigerator. I close my eyes and drowsily savor the wonderful aroma
drifts through the house. I get to eat again today.

I am the healthiest I've been since my captivity began. My body isn't plagued by hunger pains. All of my wounds
have healed. I'm well-rested and alert. All together I feel more human and less like chattel. It's as if my epiphany has
given me back part of myself. All the while, I'm plotting my way out of this situation. A thousand little scenarios are
being evaluated. My mind is racing with myriad thoughts, as if it is trying to make up for lost time. Whole
conversations I might have with my captors are being well thought out. I cannot afford to make a mistor gor give
myself away. It is always wise to study one's opponents and I know a great deal about them now. I know their
weaknesses . I will look for openings and take them.

For example, I know that Lucius is threatened by my previous association with Severus. He often asks me questions
about our mutual past. I was one of Severus' best students, even though he never saw fit to praise me. Couldn't show
favoritism outside of House, could he? At least the formidable Potions Master kept his lecherous feelings to himself
while I was in school. If only he'd kept other things to himself as well. He alone is responsible for the fall of
Hogwarts. Severus gave Voldemort all of the correct passwords for the wards surrounding the place. Once Lord
Voldemort penetrated our defenses, there was nothing we could do. But I cannot think about that anymore. What's
done is done.

As ridiculous as it sounds, I think Lucius is also concerned that I may have fancied Severus. The only schoolgirl
crush I've ever had was on Gilderoy Lockhart, with his golden hair and dimpled cheeks. He was movie-star
handsome and every bit as vain - a far cry from the masculine imperfection of my formidable former professor. And
my desire for Professor Lockhart centered on admiring him from afar, perhaps speaking with him, and the wildest
image of all -- kissing his cheek. How innocent I was then, gazing longingly at him from my seat in the front row. My
crush certainly hadn't included anything as lascivious as Severus' tactical possession of me.

Lucius is also worried that I will be taken in by Severus' kindness. I'm not that foolish or naive. I'm acutely aware that
there is a steep price for his care and I've seen it in action. Yet it would be so easy to be lulled into complacency by his
care. So easy to give in to his demands and desires and abdicate responsibility for myself. I know that staying with
him would ensure me relative safety. I know that Severus would never deliberately hurt me, even if he does insist on
having access to my body. But I want my freedom. And I will take every opportunity.

Yes, there are many chinks in both of their shields. I think that Lucius' greatest weakness is pride, however. He firmly
believes that I want him more than Severus simply because he believes that he *is* better, even though he tried to kill
me. It hasn't even occurred to him that it would be otherwise. Isn't pride supposed to be one of the mortal sins?

Severus is convinced that I am attracted to Lucius Malfoy. I cannot deny that I think he is a very handsome man. My
body certainly seems to respond to him. Yet, I wouldn't call myself attracted -- that implies a choice. I didn't choose
to sleep with him or to desire him. I certainly never felt anything for Lucius before I was taken to his home.

Severus also believes that he is unattractive and most women wouldn't want him. This will only be too easy to
exploit. I've already begun on a subtle level by refusing to look at him. Lucius ordered me to gaze at him but Severus
hasn't. Maybe he feels as if that is too much to ask. I don't look at him simply because it is a way I can defy him
without being punished.

Severus appeared in the doorway with a tray in his elegant hands. I 've always admired them, even before I'd ever felt
his touch. Apparently, my lunch is being served in bed. The incongruity of it stunned me - the master was serving the
slave a meal. He sat down on the bed at my hip and placed the tray between us. He'd heaped a single plate with the
pasta. A balloon goblet of red wine also rested on the tray.

"Chicken Florentine!" I exclaimed, truly delighted. Slices of chicken and thick noodles were suspended in a heavy
cream sauce filled with mushrooms and spinach. "I haven't had that in ages, not since I was at Hog. . .well, a long
time ago. It's my-"

"Favorite?" he asked, smiling smugly.

"How did you know?"

"I know a great deal about you, Hermione," he confessed, running one slender finger down the length of my chin and
along my throat. It came to rest against the rise of my breast, teasing. "You didn't think I kept such a close tabs on
you and your friends merely toe Hoe House points, did you?"

Suspicions confirmed. "You were watching me."

"That doesn't surprise you?" Severus patiently twirled a bit of pasta around a fork. He blew on it so that it didn't burn
me before bringing it to my lips.

I obediently opened my mouth and savored the taste. "Delicious," I complimented with my eyes closed. And it was.
During my most of captivity I'd lived on water and, if I was lucky, bread. Since being given to Severus and Lucius I'd
grown used to finer fare, albeit intermittently. "Truthfully? No. I'd figured it out the first night I was here. But then? I
had no idea."

"One doesn't become a spy without being able to dissemble," Severus said slyly, placing a bite of pasta in his own
mouth.

"I thought you hated us," I said. After all, we were a thorn in his side - always contradicting him, challenging his
authority, and let's not forget the pranks. We also had the annoying habit of saving the students every year.

"I only hate Potter. Weasely wasn't even worthy of my notice. But you. . ." He drifted off as he twirled more pasta
around his fork and brought it to my mouth.

I obediently took the bite, my mind drifting to my friends. I purposefully tried not to think about them both. Every
time I did, I had the tendency to get overwhelmed. I've never felt that sort of grief before. It's as if I find it too difficult
to breathe. I fervently hope that Harry is all right. And Ron. . .well, he was at peace now. "Do you know anything
about Harry? Is he still alive?" I asked softly.

Severus scowled. "That has always been a character flaw of yours. You should spend less time fretting over that
stupid boy and more time worrying about your own neck."

"What do you mean by that?" I asked, alarmed. He put another forkful of pasta in my mouth. Whether it was to
distract me or shut me up, I don't know. What was so delicious before now tasted as appetizing as paste to me. I
swallowed with difficulty.

Severus sighed in exasperation. "You don't think Lord Voldemort will let you live once Potter has been dealt with, do
you?"

Dealt with -- what a ridiculously clinical way to describe murder. And I know for a fact that it isn't. I've seen murder
with my own eyes - sharp, bright, and incredibly personal. There is nothing even remotely clean or clinical about it.
"And how will you 'deal with me'?" I asked.

"That isn't for me to decide," Severus snapped. "Most likely he will order your death so that Potter can watch before
his own."

My eyes closed at that. "Oh, Harry." I wasn't sure if I was lamenting my supposed fate or his own. Definitely his. I
know what it is like to watch a friend die. A little piece of me went with Ron and his death had been relatively
painless. I could only imagine the horrors Voldemort had in store for me. And all to bring even more pain to Harry,
who'd suffered more than any person I've ever known.

Severus stared at me incredulously. "I just told you that you might be the warm-up act for Potter's own death and
you're concerned about *him*?!"

He was jealous of a boy I'd never had a romantic attachment to! Suddenly, I felt like laughing - or crying. But how to
use this information? "I love Harry," I said. It was the truth but I knew he'd interpret it incorrectly. My love for Harry
is completely platonic and borders on something one would feel for a brother.

"You love him, even though he's abandoned you?"

"Harry can't come for me." I knew this. If the Ministry had received word that I was still alive, they wouldn't tell
Harry about it because he'd come after me and most likely get himself killed. The Boy Who Lived has come
perilously close to becoming the Boy Who Died on several occasions. "He has more than me to think about. He has
the fate of the Wizarding World on his shoulders."

"And what of your fate, Hermione? "

"Well, I guess that is in your hands." And Lucius' as well, at least for the moment.

He looked pleased with that pronouncement. "I think I could persuade my Lord to spare you. You could stay here
with me."

"Why would he let me live?" I asked curiously. But then, I had my answer. "He doesn't see me a threat. I'm just a
means to torture Harry," I said bitterly. Why am I always underestimated?

" I'll take care of you," Severus said gently, ignoring my outburst. "You'll never want for anything."

"Thank you, Severus." It galled me to say it. I know he'll want more than just a verbal thank you as well. He'd made
it clear that he expected my favors in return for his. Yet, I also know that he genuinely cares for me. He has proven it
time and again. And yesterday it brought tears to my eye. But I refuse to give to be ruled by sentiment. Now, it is a
luxury for me that I cannot afford.

"You are most welcome." Severus smiled at me as his hand rested on my thigh.

We finished the rest of the meal in silence, both of us drinking from the same glass and eating from the same plate. It
was disturbingly intimate. Oh, it would be so easy to lie here and be lulled into believing a pretty lie. I could pretend
that I was his girlfriend, or even his mistress - pretend that he wasn't my owner and that he didn't have the power of
life or death over me. But I know better. I could never be a well-cared for slave. I want to be free - even if the cost is
my life. If I stay here, I'll eventually go mad. And if I don't lose my mind, they'll fashion me into someone else--
some*thing* else.

Later that evening, he pressed me back on his bed. There was an urgency in his embrace tonight, as if he could sense
that I was slowly slipping out from under his control. I think he wished to place some mark of his possession on me. I
knew he thought he'd been incredibly generous to me. He'd repaired the damage Lucius had inflicted, hadn't forced
any physical intimacy on me since Draco's rape. Severus had let me spend the day in bed and fed me. He felt he was
due access to my body.

Yet somehow, I couldn't lie here beneath him. I didn't want to acquiesce to his desires and be *used* again. So,
instead I slid out from underneath him and turned to face him. Severus was so shocked that I pressed my advantage
and bore him back to the bed. My lips sought out his, stealing his breath. My hands slid underneath his clothing,
baring his body to my eyes. I know that this is what he desired from me above all else. And I was going to give it to
him - on my terms.

I watched him as he had me - curious, rapacious. Ruthless. And Severus seemed to revel in it. Tears gathered in the
corner of his eyes before he could dash them away. His eyes fell shut and he shuddered beneath my touch, relishing
my caresses. And I made suo too touch every inch of him, the inky cloud of hair that fell in his eyes, the thin lips that
parted beneath mine, the smooth planes of his chest, and the pulsing proof of his desire that I held in my hands. No
part of him escaped my notice.

I felt incredibly powerful as I straddled him while he lay passively beneath me. His body was stretched tight, his face
strained as if he were in agony. I lowered myself down onto his staff with teasing slowness. He shifted his hips
beneath me, seeking entrance but I held back, not letting him in until *I* was ready. When I finally did sheathe him,
he cried out in relief. And then I set the pace of our encounter. I rocked against him in a way that was pleasurable for
me, uncaring if it pleased him as well. Yet it did. I gazed down into his face, drinking him in while my body milked
him. Oh, I was intoxicated by my own power and the control he'd ceded to me. Severusped ped my name as I took
what I wanted. I wonder if this what he feels when he takes me - a part of him but apart from him as well. Severus
cried out when I finally allowed him release and I followed him headlong into a momentary oblivion.

That night I drifted off to sleep and, for once, the nightmares didn't plague me.


Thanks:


Lablanche - Thanks for being in town and getting to this so quickly. I really appreciate it! I'd like to send a special
shout out to her partner in crime who shall remain nameless. You all owe the Severus interlude to these two clever
ladies. Thanks!


JJBattleX- I've never heard of that song but it is very apropos! Thank you so much for the heads up!

Sing- Hello there, my friend. Darles Chickens. *snirk* And, yes Lucius is still completely evil and believes the Dark
will win but he's not feelin' the love for the Dark Lord. I never took him to be the faithful type, have you? And, yes
Harry is a little hothead so the MoM is quite right to keep this under wraps. However, he is going to be pissed when
he finds out Hermione is alive and being used by these two. I think Hermione is torn. How much is acting and how
much is the truth? And don't our actions define us? So, doesn't acting this way make it actually happen? *ouch*
Headache. I haven't been this confused since Philosophy 101. You make Severus sound like Angel on Buffy. . .do
you know Buffy and Angel? :) Don't worry, Hermione won't be walking off by herself. . .trust me. Bwahhaa!

Andie- Thank you so much! I had to write and let everyone else read between the lines. And Hermione is surprisingly
crafty, no? :) I do enjoy writing Lucius and his tender side is like most people's darker side. LOL

FierySlut- Well, she would certainly like them to be more preoccupied with each other then with her. So, you're a
Lucius fan? I am too. I think more people prefer him than Lucius. And I did steamy with Snape here but look for
some Lucius steam next time. :)

LadyFeylene- I'm seeing you al out on lists. Hello again! LOL. I've just entered the wonderful world of slash in a very
naughty way with Lucius/Draco. Anyway, thank you for continuing to read and review. I appreciate the feedback
and the comments! Glad you think Hermione is being a trooper.

StarlitSeaHeart- There are many different ways thouldould end. Truthfully, I'm thinking of two different endings but
haven't decided yet on which course to take. I'm glad you like it and you keep coming back for more! How did finals
go? LOL.

Karena- Hi there! Thanks for being number 100! Whohoo! I feel like I should get you a fruit basket or something.
LOL. And, yes go Herm! She's striking a blow for feminism. Although, would you really want to leave Severus and
Lucius?

Deedee- Thanks! I'm glad it makes you smile. Just give Lucius a bit of time. It was a big step to admit that he actually
felt somng. ng. I think he'll start to see her as human soon. ;) I like him too much to keep him a complete villain.
And, yes these outrageous thoughts come to me when I'm writing Lucius. He just strikes me as witty and urbane.

LadyJet- *Smile* Whoohoo! Me? A goddess? Why thank you. And as a faithful supplicant, I bring you more. LOL.

AnnaMarie- Ah, a Severus fan! He's touching her heart a bit, no?

Stacey- I did! Thanks.

Persephone- Thank you for the compliment. I'm glad that they have three distinct voices. Sev and Luc are somewhat
similar so I try to make them different. I think Lucius is more haughty. And yes it is all a mind game, isn't it? Let the
best woman win! And thank you for the House points!

Corazon- LOL. Ah, my fellow Lucius writer. Why isn't there more Lucius out there? He's such a good villain. I know
most men don't make love as nicely. :) Sev is very seductive and if I were her, I'd be hard pressed to choose or to
know what I wanted to do. Yes, it IS difficult because they are both rapists . I think Sev has a soft spot for her. Lucius
isn't as sweet but he's spicy. Grr. Thanks for reading!

Update - I updated!

Kaylak- I guess you could say that! May the best man or woman win.

Nolaiel- Thank you so much. Glad you still enjoy it.

Alexiel- Thanks for the cookies! LOL. And, I'm not updating as quickly as I used to but I'm doing it every week now.
And I'm glad that you added me to your favorites. Thanks! I'm planning another Lucius fic when I've finished this.

DragonKindred-Took me a bit longer this time. Glad you are still enjoying the fic! :)

Snape'sFaery- I won't kill both of them. I promise. Did you like that story? I was just fascinated by it and
Amaneuensis is an amazing author. I worship her. LOL. And I'm glad you are enjoying Hermione's evolution into a
more powerful being.

Troesnaja- Well, I think Snape has his reasons but, yes, Lucius has never pretended to be less than evil and he has a
f*ck you attitude about it, too. I take it you're a Lucius fan, eh? LOL. I do love him.

Anti-Sheep-Cheese-Muffin- Hello there! Sev is quite tender, isn't he? I just love 'em. What a softie (given the
situation).

Phoenix-Wings- I have a big soft spot for Lucius. Making him tender is its own little challenge. I do like the
subtleness of his emotion. And Snape is adorable at time. He's trying so hard! They don't stand a chance.

CC- That is adultfanfiction dot net. It is a great site, if you gee che chance to check it out. Thanks!

ShowChoirElfGirl- LOL. Blood thirsty, are we? Don't worry the day of reckoning will come. I like both of them and
choosing one is hard. Thanks for emailing me and giving me the address of the site!

BlackMagik- Hello there! Thanks! Hermione is her own person and I didn't want to see her become nothing more
than a pawn.

Laurel Argenteus- Thanks for the mental image. Yes, I think Hermione is going Death Eater fishing. And the knut for
the thoughts, I was going for him trying to be charming. He ended up sounding silly. My bad. But thanks for pointing
it out!

Moonprincess- Thanks! I'm glad you are enjoying the story.

QoD- Hmm. . .I don't think anyone will OWN her per se. *wicked giggle* Thanks for reading!

Sweetthang- Hello there! I updated! LOL.

WindandAshes- Hello there! Thanks for the review and I think Hermione is conflicted about what exactly she wants.
Against her own wishes, she wants each of thehe whe wants her freedom. She wants Harry to rescue her. Yet, she
knows that she won't get anything she wants. . .or will she? Thanks for reading!

VampQueen- The sad thing is, neither one of them will realize she's playing them both. LOL. How subtle are we
women? :) Thanks for reading! And yes, they deserve whatever she gives them.

KateGuess- Woah! Misery much? LOL. Well, I'm glad you are enjoying the fic! Thanks.

WhiteRaven- Thank you so uch for recommending me on the fanfiction list. I really appreciate it. I' glad you

p icked up on her wily way of manipulating them. It was strange to write it from their perspective. I decided to let her
have a say this time. And, yes Hermione has determined their weaknesses. Lucius' is definitely pride and Severus' is a
bit more mild. Anyway, thank you for continuing to read and your support! Your commentary is very helpful.

mashnut- Thank you! *HUGS* I'm glad you still find it entertaining.

San Higurashi- Thanks for continuing to read and I'm glad you're captivated. :)

None- Well, it's no fun if they don't care at all, is it? :) Thanks!

ShiveringAngel- Like most authors, I dwell on what I could have done better. *shrugs*. But I'm glad you enjoy it!
Thanks!

Jan McNeville- Hello there! Thanks. You will see what happens. The servant will become the master and woe betide
them. LOL.

Athene- Yes, I'm more fascinated by their minds but I love the body too! :)