Bloodbound

A/N: Thank you to everyone who reviewed, even the not so nice reviews, because constructive criticism is always welcome...although I do prefer when the criticism is constructive as opposed to hurtful...enough about that. My first several chapters were not betaed, and I uploaded them from a notepad file, not really having the hang of uploading yet, so yes, the first couple of chapters do sort of run together and contain lots of errors, some that were not even in the original draft, but somehow occurred when the chapter was uploaded. Thank you once again to my Beta, and writing buddy, L'Vanna, for letting my bounce ideas off of her, and catching any errors I may not have (hey, no one is perfect!) Sorry the updates have been taking so long, September is just a really full month for me. I had my 21st birthday at the beginning, and I am planning my daughter's first birthday party towards the middle here, and my wedding anniversary falls at the end, so needless to say I have not had as much time as I would like for writing. (That, and my muse was sort of deflated) I hope you enjoy this chap, I enjoyed writing it, and Please R&R please, lol. (BTW just a reminder, this story is approaching its end...five more chapters tops)

Christmastime

It was the Christmas Holidays, and for the first time in nearly fifteen years, Severus would be spending them at Snape Manor with his wife and sons. He still had not forgiven his father for his treatment of Hermione, so he was not be invited to Christmas dinner. He looked at the trunk on the four poster bed, making sure everything was in it. Hermione walked into the room absently, carrying Sarah, who had taken her first steps.


“Nervous?”


“A little. This will be the first time I am treated as lady of the house, rather than a mere contract,” Hermione said, looking at the top of the baby’s head, rather than at her husband.


“Yes, yes that is true. That position does command a great deal of respect,” he said, tipping her chin up to his face. “One rule remains, however. If any of my sons should mistreat you in any way, I want you to come to me first and foremost. I cannot have you hexing the poor boys; at least one of them has to carry on the family legacy,” he told her, half smirking.


“Are we about ready?” She asked, heat surging through her. She loved it when he spoke to her that way; still snarky, but with a caring undertone.


“Yes, I believe we are,” He said, picking up the suitcase.


He snaked an arm around her waist and guided her to the fireplace. With a dash of Floo Powder, the flames glowed the familiar bright green, and the trio stepped into the hearth, sending them to the front hall of Snape manor.


Moments after their arrival, Shanair greeted them in the hall.


“Hello Father, uh-M-Mione,” he said, clearing his throat. He was clearly uncomfortable at addressing her this way.


“You may call her ‘Mother,’ Shanair,” Severus said sharply. Hermione turned to him, aghast. “You are the lady of the house, now, Madam, and my wife; therefore my sons are yours, and they will address you with respect,” he said silkily.


Hermione and Shanair exchanged an uncomfortable look.


“Erhm,” Shanair said, clearing his throat. “Perhaps I should have Wiggles take your suitcase to your room,” he said, changing the subject. He would certainly try to avoid directly addressing his stepmother.


“That would be prudent, Shanair. I assume Sarah’s room has been readied for her as well?”


“Yes, Baubles readied it this morning,” he said, looking at the baby who was now standing next to Hermione, hanging onto her robes. “Wow, she has gotten so big!”


“She is about two steps away from walking well,” Hermione beamed.


“You’re really good with that, being a mum,” He said, once again adopting the tone of discomfort. Severus decided to interject.


“When is your guest to arrive, Shanair?” Severus was very apprehensive about meeting Shanair’s new girlfriend. She was not his contract, but Severus knew he wanted her to be. ‘Gorgeous,’ was all he had really heard. To become a Snape, she needed a lot more than ‘gorgeous.’


“She will be here in time for dinner,” Shanair replied, leveling his father’s gaze. He was deeply in love with Adrienne, and was so glad his father had taken Hermione, because he felt certain he would take Adrienne if he could.


She was a strong woman, clever and witty. Her hair was like golden honey, cascading down her back in soft curls, and her skin like fresh cream. Her eyes were the color of tropical waters and she moved with the delicate grace of a swan. She was strong, and confident, but knew her place.


She did not take disrespect, but knew to respect and obey Shanair. She was the perfect witch in every way, and Shanair knew his father would accept her. He only hoped his father loved Hermione enough to keep from touching Adrienne.


“All you managed to tell me about this mystery woman was that she was, and I quote ‘gorgeous’,” Severus said, rolling his eyes. “Does she have a name perchance?”


“Her name is Adrienne,” Shanair said, looking away. “She is also very intelligent and sharp,” he continued, looking at Hermione.


The word ‘intelligent’ stung Hermione a little. She had expected no more than some gorgeous bimbo with large breasts. Severus was deeply attracted to intelligent women, and if this one was everything Shanair was saying she was, Hermione felt she had reason to be a little worried.


“I think I will go and freshen up. Baubles?” she said aloud, summoning the house elf. The small brown elf appeared, green eyes alight with wonder.


“Yes, mistress?”


“Would you please be so kind as to escort Sarah to her bedroom and occupy her with a toy for the time being?” Hermione asked, motioning toward a large pram she had just transfigured from a matchstick.


She knew that the elf would not be able to carry Sarah, as the baby had grown quite a lot, and was now nearly as tall as the elf herself.


“Anything you like, Mistress,” Baubles replied, as Hermione put the baby in the pram.


“I think I will go and have a walk before dinner,” Severus announced as Hermione turned in the direction of their room.


“Perhaps I will join you when I have freshened up a bit,” Hermione told him, and the two parted ways.


Severus walked out the large doors into the fragrant garden, and began to stroll through the flowers. The air felt good, and Severus basked in the warm sunshine. Normally he preferred the dank dungeons, but when he was home, he enjoyed the sunshine and soft breezes.


Severus took a seat on the bench overlooking the front walk of the manor and breathed deeply, collecting his thoughts. Just then, he saw a young woman walking towards the front of the manor. She had honey blonde hair pinned back, and was wearing a blue silk blazer with matching skirt and pumps, and carried a taupe satchel. He rose to greet her.


“I am Severus Snape, lord of the manor,” He said, approaching the woman. She looked at him with turquoise eyes.


“Hello, lord Snape. I am Adrienne, Shanair’s girlfriend,” She said, extending a creamy hand towards him.


Severus took her hand and was turning to lead her into the expanse house, when the doors opened and Hermione came outside. Her face reddened, but she immediately regained composure and sauntered over to the pair. ‘This ought to be interesting,’ Severus thought to himself.


“Hello, I am lady Snape, Severus’ wife, and you are..?” Hermione asked, chin held high, eyes level with the beautiful woman’s.


“Oh, Lord Snape was just about to show me inside,” Adrienne said, lips pursed. “I am Adrienne, Shanair’s girlfriend,” she continued, not breaking Hermione’s gaze.


“Darling?” Hermione said to Severus, still not taking her eyes off Adrienne. “Perhaps you should go on ahead and alert Shanair that his guest has arrived,” she said, her voice dripping with syrup.


Severus was inwardly amused. He had never seen his wife become jealous before, and with her Gryffindor nature, he was sure she would put this newcomer in her place. She was, after all the lady of the manor.


“Yes, yes of course,” he said, nodding slightly at the two women before entering the manor. Severus had never taken an order from a woman before, but something in Hermione’s voice made him want to comply.


“Did you and Shanair meet at school?” Hermione asked the woman, leading her into the garden.


“Yes, at Durmstrang. We have a class together,” she said, looking ahead as the two walked along the garden path.


“How old are you?”


“Seventeen.”


“What class do you two have together?”


“Advanced Potions.”


“Ah, yes. Fascinating subject, that. Tell me, what is the main ingredient in the Draught of the Living Dead?”


“Sophoporous beans,” Adrienne replied, sounding a tad annoyed.


“Well it seems you certainly know your potions well,” Hermione said in the most condescending tone she could muster. “My husband, he is a potions master,” she finished, in a haughty tone that sounded foreign on her tongue.


“So I’ve heard. You look quite young to be married, what are you, eleven? Twelve?”


“Not that my age is of any concern to you, but I am also seventeen,” Hermione said sharply. “You would also do well to remember your place. You are not yet a Snape, if you even ever will be, therefore I am the lady of this manor, and guest or not, you will respect me,” Hermione said, cheeks burning fiercely.


Adrienne was about to reply when the doors to the manor opened, and Shanair approached the two women.