Severus\'s Trip

The ballroom was alive again. More alive then Severus had remembered from his last time in it more than eight years ago. Draco had wanted it brought back in full force and it flourished tonight. Magnificent tables were spread about the room, each draped in black tablecloths and centered with a vase containing glittering silver roses in full bloom.

The place settings and silverware sparkled, the hardwood floor polished to a shine and enchanted to make sure nobody slipped. Heavy drapes were pulled aside to allow the moon and stars to shine and a few of the doors were propped open to allow the warm evening air to circulate.

Severus looked about the room at the occupants. Harry Potter was arm in arm with Luna Lovegood. Just as he approved of Draco and Ginny Weasley, Severus agreed with this pairing as well. Potter needed someone without the hero worship. Luna’s lighthearted view of the world was something he appreciated. They were talking to Fred and George Weasley who had managed to procure a set of twins for the evening. He wasn’t surprised. Only another set of twins would understand the bond they had better then anyone else. The Weasley twins never did anything apart and they had obviously found a set of sisters who felt the same way.

Several of Draco’s business associates were there as well as family friends of the Malfoys. Not to mention several students Severus had taught, quite of few of whom were surprised to see him with Granger. Others actually smiled at the implied relationship, seeing them as a compatible couple. Two days ago Severus would have disagreed, but at the moment he smiled at the assumptions.

Gregory Goyle had Pansy Parkinson on his arm. He saw that coming a mile away. Both were jealous and most likely never left each others side. Vincent Crabbe was in attendance with a lady he didn’t recall, no doubt from Italy since he worked there now. Severus was glad. The young man had a reputation for being ‘Draco’s idiot friend’. A girl who didn’t know that would see the loyal young man all of Slytherin house knew him to be.

Walking with Hermione on his arm was more natural to Severus then he could imagine.

“Ah Severus.” He turned and found an old friend that he used to socialize with when he and Lucius were in their youth.

“Rupert, my God man it’s been ages.” They greeted with firm handshakes. “This is Miss Granger.”

“Charmed Miss Granger.” He said, offering her a hand.

As the two men spoke Hermione excused herself to get some wine and made her way to the bar. “Chablis.” The bartender began to fill her request.

“This isn’t funny you know.” She turned to find Ron Weasley.

“What now Ron? What’s not funny?” She turned away but he came up next to her.

“This game you’re playing. I know you don’t want him and your just trying to make me mad. Don’t you think it‘s a little childish of you?”

“Ron,” she faced him, glass in hand, “you really over estimated your importance if you think I date based on your feelings.” She turned to leave but he caught her arm.

“You’re not leaving until you explain.”

“I disagree Weasley.” They both turned to look at Severus. “And no man that can call himself a gentleman would touch a lady in that manner. Unhand her.”

Ron slowly released her arm. Severus gave him a hard glare and then took Hermione’s hand and turned, leaving him at the bar.

“Are you alright?” He asked.

“Yes I’m fine, thank you Severus.” He leaned down and kissed her cheek, then folded her arm in his walking to their table.

Severus had them secured at the table filled with friends of the Malfoy family that were also potions specialists. Hermione flowed into the conversation easily. Severus watched as she enthusiastically debated another potions master on a controversial new discovery. He took advantage of her distraction to survey the room.

He locked eyes with Ron Weasley a few tables down. He recognized the individuals at the table he shared as professional Quidditch players. Ron being a professional player himself, he most likely had room in his life for little else. Hermione no doubt would have been bored to tears at being forced to endure the small talk all evening. He wondered how often she was subjected to talk of strategy and speedy brooms while waiting for whatever event she was at to end.

Severus continued to drill his eyes into Ron’s, challenging him.

Music began to play softly, coming in perfect harmony from the band. As host, Draco led Ginny out to the very center of the dance floor. Severus had to admit they made an attractive couple.

He stood and took Hermione’s hand leading her to the floor, making a point to walk by Ron.

Hermione was nervous being one of only two couples on the dance floor, but being in Severus’s arms was just wonderful.

Moments later the dance floor was filled. Hermione rested her head on his strong chest. Rather then the traditional dance stance Severus held her in a hug, with both arms around her waist. She held onto his arms and closed her eyes, loving the feel on his body moving with hers.

“Severus?” She said quietly.

“Yes?”

“Earlier in the room…when you……” She blushed.

“I’m well aware of what I did to you my dear. One does not forget a delicacy like that.” She blushed harder.

“Why did you do it? We already decided that I’m at ease with you, so it was unnecessary. Besides I know men don’t like to normally do that…..”

“Where did you hear that?” He interrupted, although he already had a good guess as to where.

“Well….I……”

“Let me guess, the weasel.” He had his answer when she remained silent. Severus glared at Ron across the dance floor. “What a moron.”

“Severus……”

“How often did he partake in it?” He was met with silence again. “I’m assuming not very often.”

“Actually he never did it.” Severus froze, but only for a moment.

“What?”

“Honestly. He says it isn’t something he likes.”

“Then he’s a fool. Most likely he went to a prostitute his first time and didn’t like it because of her. Naturally being the idiot he is, he would venture to guess all women taste the same.”

“They don’t?” She asked innocently. Ron had been her only partner and she wasn’t confident to start such personal conversations about sex with friends.

Severus lifted an eyebrow, wondering just what kind of sex life she had with Weasley. “No Hermione they don’t, all women have their own distinct taste.” He was curious.
“Hermione when was the last time someone pleasured you that way?”

“I’ve never done that before.” His dancing almost stopped, but he continued slower.

“Nobody?”

“No, that was the first time that happened.” She was so embarrassed but kept her grip.

“Why did you allow me the pleasure then?” He whispered in her ear. Normally women wanted a certain amount of commitment or at least to know someone comfortably before allowing such an intimate act.

“Well…….”

“Tell me the truth.” His voice carried to her whole body.

“You seemed to want it. You weren’t asking me to do something for you. You wanted to make me feel something. You looked at me like you lusted for me. It made me feel sexy.”

“You are sexy.” His lips were against her ear. His arms holding her tight. “A sexy, amazing, seductive and if I may say so …delicious witch.” He gave her earlobe a lick.

“Thank you for allowing me to be the first to have that particular treasure.“ She shuddered.

The music stopped and a more lively melody started. Severus and Hermione walked over to their table but were stopped halfway.

“Oh Severus, there you are,” an older gentleman approached, “the potions master from the university I spoke of earlier is here I’d like to introduce you.” He looked to Hermione

“You go ahead, I’m going to go stroll the gardens and get some air.” With a kiss on her hand, they each went in separate directions.

She entered the gardens, walking further until the music quieted. She had fallen in love with the Malfoy gardens the first moment she saw them, and always took the time to walk through them. She sat on a marble bench and leaned back watching the miniature waterfall. The sound of the water was peaceful, but she found her thoughts yet again drift to Severus.

She had never felt more like a woman then with him. He told her she was sexy, he enjoyed what he did to her. It seemed as if he wanted more. She smiled.

“Must be a nice thought.” Her eyes opened.

“Ron.” He gave her a sly grin. “Aren’t you neglecting your date?” She asked smugly.

“Lavender will wait.”

“I’m sure she will.” Hermione rolled her eyes as she spoke.

“Mione, what is this about?”

“What are you talking about Ron? And stop calling me that.”

“What? ‘Mione‘?”

“Yes ‘Mione‘.”

“Why?”

“I don’t like it. You called me that because it sounded like ‘MINE’. I’m not yours anymore.”

“You are mine, your just being stubborn.”

“Stubborn? It’s stubborn to ask that the man I’m involved with not see other women?” She asked sarcastically.

“I’m a man Mione, we act differently.” She couldn’t believe what she was hearing, he was actually justifying it to her.

“What do you want?”

“Why are you doing this?” He asked coming closer.

“Doing what?”

“This game with Snape. I know you aren’t attracted to him. Is this just to piss me off?”

“Pissing you off is a benefit Ron, a nice benefit. I’m here with Severus because…..well…..that’s none of your business actually.”

“I say it is.” Ron moved closer, glaring at her. It was a glare Hermione knew well. It always showed up when things weren’t going his way. If it was one thing Ron Weasley hated, it was being dismissed or rejected.

“No it isn’t Ron. Now go away.” She closed her eyes and let her head fall back again.

Suddenly her breathing was cut off. She opened her eyes and saw Ron standing over her with his hands on her throat, pushing her into the bench. She reached up to pull his hands away but they were to strong. She couldn’t move an inch.

“Tell me the truth!!”

Suddenly Ron was pulled back and air filled her lungs. She reached up to her throat and fought hard to breathe, while she looked about. Severus had Ron on the ground and was delivering some well placed blows.

She sat there watching as Severus stopped and spoke. She didn’t have the energy to move at all as she panted on the bench.

“What kind of animal did you become Weasley?! No man puts his hands on a woman in that manner! She’s mine now Weasley! Do you hear me, she’s mine! If you lay one hand on her again, I will kill you!” He turned and taking Hermione in his arms, carried her into the house. She rested her head on his shoulder, gasping for air. She didn’t care what people would think. Let them assume she was being rescued. As far as she was concerned, Severus was rescuing her and she was glad.

There was a hushed silence as the room glued their eyes to Severus carrying Hermione to the parlor, while she fought to control her breathing. When he reached the parlor he disapparated.

Herminie was suddenly walked into a library and placed on a couch. The room was dark and filled with the smell of books and parchments.

“Wait here. I will return in a few moments, don’t move.”

She gave a small nod and closed her eyes, letting the calmness of the room take over.


Severus reappeared in the parlor to see guests coming out of the ball room. Weasley himself was being fussed over by Lavender Brown. His face was starting to swell and his nose and lip were bleeding. Not one person said anything to him, they just watched and cleared his way as he approached Draco.

“Draco, after her unsettling evening, I have taken Miss Granger elsewhere so she can recover from Mr. Weaslsy’s unwelcome advances.” Shocked gasps came from several guests, but Ron simply stood there as his former professor spoke. “If you would be so kind Draco, as to have a house elf pack our room, shrink it and owl it to me. Miss Granger would rather not finish the weekend in the company of…..“ he glanced at Ron and gave a wave of his hand… “that. I am inclined at this point to agree with her feelings. I cannot say how enraged I am at what I witnessed from him.”

Draco nodded. “Of course, please apologize to Hermione for me.” He said, then leaned in and spoke only loud enough for his godfather to hear. “I’ll talk with both of you tomorrow?

With a mere nod, Severus disapparated.