A Gift

The warmth from his body and the steady rythm of the stallion\'s hooves lull Hermione into a light sleep. She does not feel the pull of the portal they use nor the Severus\' arm tightening around her as she leans against him. Only the feel of Dameon stopping causes her to wake.
She blinks, looking around at her surroundings. She sees several people on horseback milling around and talking animatedlyall over the clearing. Two horses slip off from the main body and trot towards them.
\"This is the moment of truth, My Dear.\" His voice purrs softly in her ear. \"Let us see how Slytherin you can pretend to be.\" He slides off Dameon\'s back as the pair come close. \"Wonderful day for a hunt, Lucius.\"
Lucius and Draco Malfy rein in, stopping close enough to cause Dameon to snort angrily. \"A very good day indeed, Severus. So wonderful of you and Sabine to join us.\" He leers at them. \"I\'m sure everything is well and in order.\"
\"He narrows his eyes at the man. \"I can assure you I have everything well in hand.\" He waves his hand at Hermione. \"But as you can see, I am in need of a horse.\"
Lucius\' eyes travel over her for a moment. \"I have several mares that will suit her.\"
\"That will not be necessary.\" He lifts a brow. \"You would not honestly believe I would trust my future wife to anything other than my own trained horses, do you?\"
Lucuis smiles, his voice oozing charm. \"I am not saying your horses are not well , My, My Friend. Only that a stallion is a bit hard for a lady to handle.\"
Severus eyes both Lucius and Draco for a moment. \"I can assure you she can handle any stud thrown her way.\" He turns to Dameon and wispers \'protect\' into his ear. \"Besides, I know that he will protect her until I say otherwise.\"
\"Very well.\" Lucius turns to his son. \"Bring Severus one of our finest geldings, Draco.\" He turns back to Severus as Draco trots away. \"Enjoy yourselves. We will be leaving shortly.\"
Severus waits until they are alone again before stepping close enough to whisper to her from her stirrup. \"Do not get off of Dameon or allow anyone to take his reins. He is trained for battle and will protect his rider with his life. If anyone gets too close, he will become very aggressive and you will allow him to do so. Just do your best to stay in the saddle.\"
Draco trots back with a light grey gelding and hands the reins to him. As Severus lets out the stirrups, he edges closer to Hermione. \"Will you be finding yourself a bit of \'quiet time\' later this eveing, Sabine?\"
Draco\'s horse sidesteps and Dameon snorts, snapping his teeth at the offending animal. Hermione silently laughs as Draco\'s horse nearly jumps out from under him to get away. Severus knees his mount closer, staring angrily at the younger man.
\"I would suggest keeping your distance, Draco, before Dameon decides there is need of one more gelding.\" His eyes bore into Draco\'s.
\"Yes, Sir.\" He bows his head and turns swiftly away, trotting back to the main group.
A loud horn sounds and she turns Dameon towards the main group. Lucius waves his hand in the air, bringing everyone\'s attention to him. \"Now that the happy couple has arrived, we can be off on our hunt. The one who catches the \'prey\' gets to be the first to play with it!\"
A cheer rises and Hermione turns in the saddle to stare at Severus in shock. He knees his horse closer, whispering harshly. \"Do NOT leave the group. If you do, i cannot guarantee your saftey.\" He narrows his eyes at her. \"And do not attempt to chase Lucius\' chosen prey away from the hunt. It will only get you and the poor girl he\'s chosen killed.\"
Another horn sounds and Severus knees his gelding to race after the rest of the group as they surge into the woods. Feeling her veins fill with fire, Hermione kicks Dameon into a gallop, racing close behind Severus in hopes of staying close to him and safety.