A Gift

Once back at the main stable, Severus takes Dameon\'s reins and allows her to slide out of the saddle. He places a gentle finger to her lips, silencing her movements. She glances around, hearing a soft rustling nearby. He quickly stows away the stallion\'s tack and puts him in a stall. He looks around as he takes the rope from her again, leading her back towards the mansion.
Her eyes widen at the spectical he leads her past, several corners of the darkened rooms occupied with Death Eaters enjoying themselves. When they finally reach a quiet level of the upper rooms, she sighs softly in relief. He glances at her over his shoulder, his eyes barely showing the slightest hint of concern. He pulls her into a vast room filled with dark green curtains and velvet coverings. As soon as the door closes behind him, he wards the room and releases the sullen girl from her rope.
\"You will stay here for the next few hours and will not open that door for anyone.\" He paces around the room. \"Lucuis will believe you are playing with the girl and that I have allowed you to ward it to keep her from leaving. Little will he know it will be so that no one will discover you.\" He pulls a small vial from his cloak, pressing it urgently into her hands. \"Give this to her when Illiya comes for you. It will cause Lucuis to believe she has been killed but she will only be sleeping. Only then will Illiya be able to take her to safety. She has done the safe for me many times before so you must trust her instructions.\"
He starts to turn away but Hermione grabs his arm, pulling the veil away from her face. Her eyes reveal her fear to him and he gently rubs her arms, trying to calm her. \"You did well. This will soon be over. Trust me.\"
She nods to him, pulling the veil back over her face as he starts to open the door. He nods back sharply, the wards snapping back up as he closes the door behind him.

Severus leans against the bookself, his eyes scanning the crowd around him. He holds his scotch close, never once taking even a sip from it.
\"I do hope all is well with your wife to be, Severus.\" Lucuis settles next to him, watching the crowd as well. \"She has been alone for quite some time.\"
\"Sabine and I have come to an understanding, Lucuis.\" He raises a slieyebeyebrow and swirls his drink in it\'s glass. \"She does not play with my toys and I do not play with hers. Illiya will inform me when she is ready.\"
\"Will you be staying for the evening?\" Lucuis grins. \"I am sure I can equipe the room for the two of you if you wio beo be together.\"
\"That will not be necessary.\" He gives Lucuiborebored look. \"I promised her a night out and she will be very upset if I do not keep it.\"
Illiya appears at his knee, bowing low. \"Mistress has finished playing but she has asked me to inform you that she is very sorry to have broken the girl before you could have your chance at her.\"
Severus waves the house elf away. \"No matter. Take what is left away where it will not be found.\"
\"Yes, Master.\" Illiya bows again, disappearing with a small pop.
Lucuis\' smile broadens. \"Perhaps now she will be a bit more cordial?\"
\"Perhaps.\" He sees her steps out onto the stairs, blue silk clinging to her curves has replaced the riding habit she had been wearing. A matching blue silk hat with lace veil covers most of her face, only leaving her lips in view.
\"A veil?\" Lucuis\' eyebrow slides up in confusion.
\"She is in mourning for her freedom.\" Severus drawls, shruggins shs shoulders. \"Or at least that is what I have been told. It will be the first to go when we are properly wed. Until then I shall do what I must to keep the peace between us.\"
Lucuis chuckles softly. \"Understandable. Perhaps this way you might have an enjoyable wedding night without resorting to other means.\"
\"Perhaps.\" Severus lifts his glass to him in salute and then walks over to join Hermione.

The lunch goes well, most questions directed at Severus since \'Sabine\' cannot answer for herself. Hermione sits as quietly as she can, listening to the talk around her. She picks up several plans for future Death Eater meetings, knowing the information will be vaulable to the Order. Only when the dessert is taken away does she notice the sly glances and secret smiles directed her way from the other Ladies gathered around the table.
Narcissa settles her glass down on the table, a smile blossoming on her face. \"So Severus, when are you going to show us any affection towards your wife to be?\" She grins mischeviously as he stares back at her blankly. \"You have been quite the gentleman and highly protective of her all evening and yet I have not seen one stolen kiss?\"
\"A kiss?\" He levels a very unamused gaze at her. \"You expect me to steal kisses?\"
Suddenly the other women are joining in and encouraging him to kiss her in front of them. Hermione feels her body stiffen, shocked at the level of control they wish to see over her. Gathering her courage, she places a soft hand on his arm, catching his attention. He turns his head to her, frowning at her interruption. Before he can utter a word, she leans close, softly kissing his lips. He stiffens for a moment, shocked at the touch. One hand gently touchs his face, pulling him closer as she opens her lips to hiis bis body softens against her and his tongue lightly probes hers.
When they break away, he lifts a brow at the shocked faces before him. \"Satisfied, My Dear Narcissa?\"
Narcissa\'s smile returns, her glass lifting to him in salute. \"Very satisfied. May the two of you enjoy long life together.\"
Everyone around the table joins in, offering their congratulations as well.

An hour later he finally steers Hermione towards the front doors, Lucuis on their heels. \"I\'m sorry to see you going so early, Severus, but I understand your reasons.\"
Severus takes the hand offered to him, schooling his face to not show the distaste he feels. \"Thank you, Lucuis. I do hope the pary does not last too long. Narcissa is acting as if she wishes a bit of personal attention of her own.\"
Lucuis chuckles, opening the door for them. \"Blame it on you, Old Man. Seeing the attention you are lavishing on this young Lady has made her jealous.\" He takes Hermione\'s hand and places a gentle kiss on it. \"It has been lovely meeting you. I hope to see more of you in the future, Sabine.\"
She slides her hand from his, giving him a slight curtsey. Severus takes her arm, guidng her back to the stables. He saddles Dameon and helps her mount as quickly as possible. He leads the stallion out into the main pasture before mounting, his eyes roaming the land around them. He slides an arm around her, pulling a small key from his cloak.
\"Hold onto me tightly. Dameon does not care for portals but we must use one to get out of here and not be followed.\" He hisses into her ear. He feels her take his hand and with a whispered word, a portal opens before them. Dameon\'s eyes widen but he steadily walks into it, disappearing into the night.