The Lord The Lady and The Land

Chapter 19 Strode Strike Again

“Well, where have you been?” Harry asked.

Hermione didn’t want to tell him. She was too tired and too emotionally drained.
“I was in hell and I’m not sure it’s over yet. Lord Strode tricked me into going to his castle. I thought I was going to be interviewed for a nursing position and it turned out that Geoffrey just wanted to poke me.”

“What happened?” he posed.

“He gave me dinner and chocolates and tried to seduce me.”

“Tried?” Harry asked his eyes brow raised.

“I hit him over the head with a bed warmer. Knocked him out cold.” She said and cringed at how terrible it sounded.

“Good God Hermione what were you thinking?” He wondered aloud putting his palm to his forehead in shock.

“I was trying not to be seduced by him,” Hermione admitted.
She was tired from her long day and was hoping to forget her ordeal.

Harry stood there waiting with his arms folded.

“Please Harry, all I want to do is go to bed.” Hermione commented.

“Fine!” Harry said looking upset.

“Harry don’t you make more of this then it is.” Hermione asked.

“What is it?” Harry posed.

“The man just wanted to fuck me. I was something pretty that caught his eye. He wanted me in his bed but he didn’t have me. I just gave him a false memory of having me so he would leave me alone,” Hermione told him.

“How do you know he won’t be coming back for more?”

“The maid said he only takes a girl once and then goes to the next conquest.” Hermione relayed to him.

“I certainly hope so.”

“But he also likes to be known he has a way with woman, I fear we might see my name in the paper with his,” Hermione admitted.

“We will worry about that if and when it happens,” Harry said as he gently embraced her.
“It’s late. I wanted to get to bed hours ago. How did you test today? Brilliantly I’m guessing.”

“I’ll find out tomorrow, though Lord Geoffrey’s doctor assistant found out I got highest scores in the school,” Hermione admitted.

“Then we have got to celebrate,” Harry said kissing her and pulled her to the bedroom.

“What do you have in mind?” Hermione asked.

“Oh, I think you have an inkling,” he said laughing.

Harry kissed her neck and unbuttoned her dress. It fell to the ground and he started to pull her chemise over her head when he noticed a rip.

“Hermione. You have a tear here. How did that happen?”

“Harry. I just told you Lord Strode tried to seduce me.”

“Seduce or attack?” Harry asked.

“He tried to seduce and got a little eager.”

“Eager? How far did he get? What did he do to you?”

“He kissed a few times. I didn’t have my wand with me so I wasn’t prepared for him. The maid went to get it. I had to stall him and I ... I slowly undressed in front of him.”

“You … undressed for him?”

“It was that or he rip the dress off of me. I was waiting for the maid, she took forever to get me the wand.”

“So you ... took off your dress. What about your slip?”

“He pulled at it, it tore and I stopped him,” Hermione paused and closed her eyes.
“Then he pulled it over my head very fast and undid my knickers.” she whined not liking the way it was sounding.

The moan Harry let out made Hermione jump.
“And then?” Harry paused and looked very upset, “That’s when you hit him with bed warmer?”

“No. I was on the bed when I hit him.”

“And where pray tell was he?”

“On top?” Hermione said softly.

Harry’s face went red. “Tell me Hermione did he try to or did he seduce you?”

“I hit him with the bed warmer when he was on top of me.”

“Was his cock in you by then?” Harry asked his eyes looking wild.

“No. He was clothed,” Hermione answered.

“Thank god for small favors,” Harry said aloud.

Harry ran his fingers threw his hair while he was processing the whole thing.

Hermione stood there in front of him feeling misjudged and embarrassed about the whole thing.

“It wasn’t my fault. I didn’t asked for his attentions,” Hermione hissed out as she walked to the bathroom pulled off the ripped chemise and put on a robe.

“He didn’t hurt you?” Harry asked, “he didn’t pin you down and shove you against the wall?”

“No. For the most part he was gentle,” Hermione hated to admit. Feeling very tired and upset Hermione washed her face hoping to wash any traces of Lord Geoffrey kisses away.

“I’m glad he didn’t hurt you,” Harry said giving her a towel, his manner softened.

The chocolate effect was gone in Hermione and any sort of wanting to make love to Harry faded too with the last few minutes.

“I’m tired let’s just go to bed,” Hermione suggested pulled down the covers.

“Alright,” Harry said as he climbed into the bed.

~ ~ ~ ~

Hermione was waking when she felt his weigh on her. Harry was on top of her kissing her neck and moving inside. He whispered softly,
“I will love you like no man will. You are my beloved and I will fight any man who will try to divide us.”

His lips made their way to hers in the dark night and as he mouth went to hers his lower body pushed deep inside hers causing her to moan in his mouth. Hermione could not see but felt his lips curl in to a smile for a satisfying moment. A few more deep thrusts and he came bringing her with him. Then they fell asleep again arms and legs intertwined.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~

It was late morning when Hermione eyes opened to the grey day. The marks were to be posted at noon, which means 12:00 or sometime after.

Hermione made herself some toast and eggs while Harry slept. There wasn’t any good reason to wake him so she just watched him sleep. She had a dreadful feeling that today was not going to go as well as she hoped.

She dressed and there was knock at the door. Susanna stood there with a teacup in one hand an envelope in the other, “Morning Hermione, and how did we sleep?”

“Got home late. Lord Geoffrey said he was looking for a new doctor. What he wanted was to bed me,” Hermione explained.

“What did you do?”

“Refused him.”

“Why? He is charming and very good lover. We made love all night once. God I could barely walk for two days after. He’s a bit ego driven but in a good way. When he’s in bed with you he wants you to enjoy yourself and he made me feel like a goddess for the night.”

“Anyway I’m betrothed now. I don’t want any lovers other than Harry,” Hermione admitted.

“Well I’m heading over to the school, want to come?”

“Let me tell Harry.” Hermione walked to the bedroom and kissed Harry’s cheek.

His eyes opened and he smiled as he reached out for her, “Good morning.”

“Morning Harry, Susanna’s here and we going to school to see the postings. I’ll be back in a bit alright?” Hermione said.

“Go see what marks you got and then come back straight away please,” he asked with an authoritative tone in his voice.

“Why?” she asked curiously.

“We have to go Christmas shopping remember. It’s in a few days. We have few dinners we have to attend and then we have to pack, your father says it time to come home.”

Hermione smile and gave him a kiss, “Alright, I’ll be home in a hour or so.”

She grabbed her cloak and scarf. She and Susanna went back to Susanna’s apartment where Susanna finished her tea and grabbed her cloak.
Susanna showed Hermione an invitation,
“Did you get one? It’s a Christmas party at the Duke of Belshire’s, John Wilson. I’m not sure what to wear. I’ve worn all my prettiest dresses already. I don’t want to wear something I’ve already worn.”

“You can take a look at mine if you like when we get back,” Hermione said.

They made their way to the school and through the line. Hermione, of course had the highest marks in the school. There were a number of people waiting to speak to Hermione, others school’s doctors, healers, and hospitals representatives.

Poppy was there with a worried smile on her face.
“Madame Pomfrey why do you look worried?” Hermione asked.

“You do remember I need an apprentice?”

“Of course and I’m she. Correct?” Hermione posed.

Her teacher smile and the worried expression faded.

“But I will talk to them and tell them I have an apprenticeship waiting for me when I‘m done with school.” Hermione inform the healer.

It was like having the interview with Lord Strode's Doctor again. They all looked at her grades and at her history, some were shocked, others didn’t care.

It was getting late and Hermione wanted to get home. She wished her classmates a ‘Happy Christmas and Happy New Year.”

She went up to Madame Promfrey asked.
“Are you going home for the holiday?”

“Yes. I am. Hermione … Professor Snape noticed your eyes seemed different. He believes you're…” Madame Pomfrey was saying but was interrupted by two girls fighting.

Susanna came up to Hermione,
“Come on I want to dig into your wardrobe and see what goodies there are.”

The girls arrived back at Hermione’s apartment. She opened the door and found four vases of long stem roses red, pink, white and purple.

Hermione walked up to them and sampled their fragrance.
“Oh Hermione they’re beautiful.” Susanna laughed out, “You’re a lucky girl.”

“Harry?” Hermione called out.

Harry step out of the bedroom with an undecided look on his face. Hermione walked up to him and kissed him passionately.

“Oh Harry. The flowers are beautiful. Thank you.”

“You like them?” he asked with a weird smile.

“Of course I love them.”

“Really. Why not read the cards?”

Hermione went over to the vases and picked up the small card from the red roses.

For last night my sweet
The night was not long enough for us.
Geoffrey


Harry was behind her his hand on her shoulders as he asked,
“What did you do to him my love?”

“I gave him a false memory that he had a satisfying sexual evening?” Hermione said her voice pitched upward. “Nothing specific. Just satisfying so he’d be happy and leave me alone.” Hermione said

“Well he enjoyed it.” Harry commented.

Susanna picked up the card with the purple roses and blushed,
“On my.” she said softly.

Hermione looked at the note that was with the pink roses,
‘I enjoyed all of your soft pink parts.’

She looked at the note with the white roses,
Lovers for a moment.
We are friends for life.
Geoffrey

Hermione looked at Susanna and asked her,
“Susanna does he usually give flowers to women he seduces?”

Susanna laughed fanning herself with the note and replied,
“Yes he does, a few flowers but not like this.”

“You said he didn’t seduce you.” Harry shouted.

“He THINKS he did.” Hermione explained.

“Hermione you hussy slut,” Susanna laughed, “What did you put in his head?”

“Do not call her that!” snapped Harry.

Susanna looked at Harry and looked seriously at him,
“I was jesting my Lord and my friend knows it.” Susanna turned to Hermione,
“I wonder if he has talked to anyone about you? If it’s in the newspaper it will die down fast, the gossip goes on for weeks.”

“Well there’s nothing we can do.” Hermione commented.

Susanna and Hermione went through Hermione’s wardrobe and Susanna picked out a blue dress to wear to the Dukes party.

Hermione and Harry went shopping for Sirius, Maggie, Mr. Granger and Aunt Marie.
Sirius and Mr. Granger got new shirts, vests and coats. The Maggie and Aunt Marie got jewelry and a new dress. Perfume for Madame Rosmerta, Victoria and Susanna.

Hermione got Harry a new broom and a new riding cloak.

~ ~ ~ ~ ~

That night they went to a dinner party and many of the guests there asked Hermione about her cameo and showed her theirs. Almost all the ladies there were wearing them and a few even were rings and earrings.

Hermione wore her double strand of pearls that night with her dark green dress and many of the women commented that pearls are timeless and that hers were simple but elegant.

Harry grinned as he heard the complements she was receiving. Hermione smiled back feeling that perhaps his peers would accept her in their circle. Especially when they were asked to come to a party given by Albus Dumbledore.

The following morning Hermione heart skipped when she read in the front page,
‘Enchanting Touch’ and saw her picture next to Lord Strode. She read the article and finally started to breath again when she notice Lord Strode only complemented Hermione on her warm and care personality and what a promising healer she was going to be in the future. He did not say anything scandalous, shocking, or disgraceful about her. Harry was also relieved at the highly regarded remarks Geoffrey said about Hermione.

“Well that’s a relief,” Hermione said aloud.

“You’re telling me. If he were to smear your name I would be forced to defend you honor,” Harry pointed out.

“Harry that’s so barbaric. I wouldn’t ask you to do such a thing,” she said with an un-approving tone in her voice.

“We’ll go to the party this evening and then leave for home in the morning alright?” Harry suggested.


“Yes that’s fine. I’ll start packing things,” Hermione told him. She packed everything she could but the mauve dress and pearl earrings and necklace she was going to wear that night.” By noon she was packed and exhausted. She lay down and slept for a few hours.

Harry woke her up by kissing her neck and unbuttoning her dress.
Harry laughed as Hermione slowly woke and he whispered,
“Is it Christmas yet? Can I open my presents now?”

Harry hands caress her skin and she woke up to him as he penetrated her core.
“I wanted to do this this morning but you were busy and I didn’t have the heart to take all of energy away from you, so I’m taking you now.”

That was the last thing he said the rest were moans and excited hisses as he made love to Hermione.
“God I love making love to you,“ he said as he was pulled down her chemise to kiss her breasts.

“What time is the party Harry?” Hermione asked wondering if they were going to be late.

He looked at her puzzled and asked,
“Am I not pleasuring you?”

“Of course,” she breathed out.

“Why talk about parties,” Harry asked smiling, “Not having fun?” He took her hand and kissed her palm sending waves through her.

She came hard and she cried out her orgasm.

They bathed and dressed quickly and got into the waiting carriage.

~ ~ ~ ~

The Estate was beautiful with candles lining the stairways and Christmas decorations of angels and stars were made of ice on the grounds.

There was dancing and singing. People were playing musical chairs, most in a cheery mood do to the punch, and some went around hanging mistletoe on every doorframe. Needless to say everyone was in a very good mood.

Harry got Hermione a goblet of wine while she got them both plates of food.
Hermione picked a little bit of everything or as many things she could put on the plates.

There were so many people and rooms Harry feared he might lose Hermione for days if they didn’t stay close together, but Lady Mary appeared from the crowd and asked Harry to dance with her.

Hermione looked at a painting that was hanging on the wall as she ate her meal. It was from generations ago she guessed by the way the people were dress. She went to the next picture of a man sitting in a large chair and looking very judge like. She put down her empty plate and continued to look at the paintings.

Hermione went into the hallway and looked at the portraits, a lady in white gown with gold thread in her hair and painting of statue coming to life.

Hermione passed a doorway to look at the other painting and a hand seized her by the waist from behind and pulled her in to the dark room. The hands pulled her close to a man’s frame and lips were on her neck as she heard him whispered softly,
“Oh my love,” and his lips took hers. She kissed back for a moment then realized they were not Harry’s.

Hermione broke the kiss and pushed the arms that embraced her off her body.
“How dare you?” she said to the figure in the darkness.

“How could I not, my sweet.” and arms were coming to snatch her again. “Mistletoe is everywhere and how could I not get a kiss from you Hermione,” a soft voice said, a familiar voice.

Dismissing his rank over her Hermione spat out,
“Don’t play with me Geoffrey. I’m in no mood for your games.” She turned to the dimly lit hallway.

She heard the man behind her gasp in air said,
“God, what fire, what passion, give me another night of your love.”

Hermione groaned and walked down the hallway to look at the paintings.

Geoffrey was next to her a moment later. “Good evening Miss Granger,” he said bowing

She turned and curtsied. “Good evening my Lord,” watching people walked by.

He turned and looked at the painting Hermione was studying,
“Beautiful painting isn’t it my lady” Geoffrey said aloud.

“Yes, beautiful,” Hermione said aloud and then whispered, “I’m not your lady.”

“That kiss just now was the sweetest honey I’ve even tasted,” he said desperately “You felt something in it.”

“I kissed back because I thought you were Harry.” Hermione explained.

“Does Harry always take you like that? Kiss you in dark corner?” he asked softly next to her ear. “ Slip his hand into your bodice or up your dress?”

“That is none of business,” Hermione snapped at him.

“But I’m close. He’d have to do that, to keep up with you. Keep you on your toes.”

“And I said it’s none of your business what Harry and I do, you’re insufferable,” she said walking away from him, “Leave me alone.”

“Why are you running away? I’m right.” he gloated. “You want to be taken, perhaps tied down.” He seized her wrist and she turned to look at him, “or seduced.”

“My lord you are over stepping your bounds, I'm betrothed,” pulling her hand out of his grasp.

“Your betrothed? That’s a laugh. Every woman I know is married now. You want to be betrothed to look respectable, but not married. A promise not made yet and can be broken and mended over and over.”

“What are you talking about?” Hermione asked confused.

“You still want to be free to go to school, become a healer, and have many lovers. That’s why you’re not married.”

“I’m not married because of that stupid law, as a widow I have to wait a year for the mourning period to be over.” Hermione hissed.

Geoffrey looked shocked and then he cleared his throat,
“Forgive me. I forgot you were in mourning for your husband. You must miss him horribly.”

“I don’t mourn him. Have you not heard the story?”

“Yes. You married into an arranged marriage and Lord Harry claimed you on your wedding night. A few months ago you had a quarrel with your husband he was thrown off his horse and died. You fell in your shock and had a miscarriage.”

“My husband hit me while pregnant. Draco kicked me, kicked my belly killing my child, so NO I don’t mourn my husband,” Hermione said angrily tears welling in her eyes.

Hermione looked at Geoffrey who was horrified,
“Oh Hermione …I… I’m so…so sorry. I know what’s like … my wife, she was expecting” and he closed his eyes as he said, “The plague it took them.”

“I’m sorry.” and she put her hand on his shoulder.

Geoffrey looked at her but wasn’t seeing her,
“She was a wonderful woman. I think you are a bit like her passionate, caring, always wanting to help anyone, and so beautiful. That’s why I want you so. I desire your friendship, your opinion,” Geoffrey stepped closer to Hermione and his eyes looked in to hers, “I have loved many women, many ladies and none but my wife and you have even sated me,” he took her hand from his shoulder and pulled her in to a small bedroom close by and closed the door without making a sound.

“Geoffrey what are you doing?” Hermione said aloud backing away from him.

“Give me your love Hermione,” He said coming towards her. “Let me take you,” His hands reaching out to touch her face, “Give me my paradise between your sweet legs.”

“No,” Hermione said pushing his hands away from her shaking her head not believing that this was happening to her again.

“What do you want? Name your price.”

“I’m no whore Geoffrey.” She spat out.

“Lord Geoffrey!” He announced with thunder in his voice, as to state his status over her “I have climbed to my position in life on my own. You can love me or you can fear me. I’m part of the Noble court and advisor to the royal blood that sits on the throne. With a few words you can be the respected and admired or disregard and ostracized.” He took a step towards her and said in a whisper as though the walls were listening “I can give you a nice house in the country, with servants and handsome allowance each month.”

“For what? Opening my legs for you?” Hermione questioned him.

“Oh my pet, it would be so much more.” Geoffrey said his mouth opened eager to take hers but she pulled her face away.

“Oh, you’re looking for a mistress then. No thank you.” Hermione replied.

“Then the mistress of my house?” he said in a questioning tone.

“What? Geoffrey you don’t even know me. Are you out of your mind?”

“For you? Yes,” and he kissed her. He was eager and ready for her as she felt in his embrace.

She pushed him off of her and said,
“My lord I’m engaged. I don’t wish to hurt your feelings but I don’t feel the same towards you. I love Harry!”

“Harry’s building docks near your village. I could put a good word in for him and they’d be built by spring, the cobblestones roads too. Your village needs library for its people. You’d be helping him and your village. I could get it done faster,” Geoffrey explained.

“It will all get done in its’ time,” Hermione replied.

Geoffrey put his hand on her cheek and asked,
“Do you remember what it’s like to fall in love? Your heart jumps each time you see them, your hands sweat and pray you don’t say anything to stupid in front of them. You just want to stare at them all night long and hug them tight. And if you’re lucky they’ll laugh at your jokes or your stories. And when you kiss them the world melts away. When you’re in bed, skin against skin, it’s like a new world again, anything’s possible,” pouring his heart out to her.

“What do you want my lord?”

“One last taste of heaven and I will go.” he said with such pain in his face.

“Go and never speak of it again?” Hermione asked.

“Never.” Geoffrey replied.

“Promise,” Hermione asked.

“I promise.” Geoffrey replied.

He took off most of his clothes and started to unbutton her dress.

“Wait, lay down on the bed my lord and close your eyes,” Hermione instructed him.
He did as he was told and lay down on the bed.
“I’m going to massage you a little starting with your feet,” and she started to press down on his points that make a people relax and fall asleep.

When she heard him nod off she pulled out her wand to his temple and did a memory modifying charm on him. Hermione made him think they had a nice time but made him realizes he must find a proper wife and stop seducing married and engaged women. Then she undressed him the rest of the way and got a wet warm cloth and put on his member to give the illusion of having cleaned up after their affair.

She waited a few minutes and then woke him up,
“Geoffrey wake up we’ve got to get back to the party,” Hermione said urgently.

He jumped out of the bed to help Hermione button her dress up still sleepy eyed and but smiling.
“Thank you Hermione for this evening it will still my heart forever,” Geoffrey said.

“No Geoffrey I want you to be happy. I’m sure you’ll fall in love again. I will fade away in memory,” Hermione replied.

“No my dear my heart has room for you… and perhaps a friendship?” he asked.

Hermione raised an eyebrow and replied,
“Friendship? Yes. I can be friends with you my lord, but can you?”

“I will try,” Lord Geoffrey said smiling at her.

Hermione turned quickly and to the mirror and check her appearance then headed for the door.

“Hermione!” Geoffrey called out.

She turned and looked at him, “Yes.”

“Happy Christmas!”

She smiled and almost laughed thinking he got an early present from her,
“Happy Christmas Geoffrey.”


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