You Promised It Would Be Forever - Edit

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.
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Chapter 30 ~ At the Bee's Knees

The carriage landed in front of a large, well-lit building and the Pegasii galloped up to the covered portico. A smartly dressed wizard quickly walked up to the carriage door and opened it.

"Welcome to the Bee's Knee's," he said smiling as he helped Hermione from the carriage. When he saw Lord Hornswallow he bowed low.

"Good evening, my Lord," the wizard said.

"Good evening, Terrance," Percival replied, reaching into his pocket and slipping him a ten-galleon piece.

Percival took Hermione's arm, as Terrance led the way up the cream-colored carpeting and through the glass double doors. Plants abounded in the foyer area, and a tall stately wizard with a monocle stood behind what looked like a large podium, a huge book open before him. He was studying it, and a long line of patrons stood waiting to be let in.

Terrance halted the couple.

"Wait right here, my Lord," the wizard said with another bow. Then he walked past the long line and whispered in the maitre'd's ear. The wizard's eyes opened so wide, his monocle dropped out. Hastily he put it back in, and swiftly walked up to Percival and Hermione.

"Ah, Lord Hornswallow. It is good to see you back at the Bee's Knee's, sir," the monocled wizard said with a syrupy smile. His eyes swept over Hermione for a moment. She was a pretty witch. But then again Lord Hornswallow always had a pretty witch on his arm, fawning all over him. This one wasn't fawning however. Different class of witch altogether.

"Thank you, Alexander," Percival said, "Allow me to introduce my companion, Miss Granger."

Alexander clicked his heels together sharply, and bowed to Hermione.

"Welcome to the Bee's Knee's, Miss Granger," he said with the same syrupy smile.

"Thank you," Hermione replied, giving the wizard a small smile in return.

Alexander made a broad gesture with his hand.

"Your usual table awaits, my Lord. I will escort you there myself," he said, "Terrance, take over my desk until I return."

"Yes sir," Terrance said, moving behind the podium and beginning to service the waiting patrons.

Hermione was impressed. There had been some very distinguished-looking wizards and witches in that line. But Lord Hornswallow was ushered straight through.

To call the Bee's Knee's a club was an understatement. Hermione's eyes drifted around the establishment falling on handcrafted plaster relief ceilings, crystal chandeliers, huge Palladian windows and marble floors. A large space for dancing occupied the center of the club, and there were two levels of seating, floor and balcony. Beautifully dressed tables with lovely lighted floral centerpieces were arranged around the ballroom floor. On closer examination of one of the centerpieces, Hermione saw that tiny, naked glowing fairies sat swinging on the blooms. They were adorable.

Alexander led them to a small paneled elevator, stepping aside to let the Lord and Hermione enter first, then following, closing a small gate behind them. He pressed a button and the elevator gently ascended to the balcony area, to open on a small but well-positioned private seating area directly over the ballroom floor. Hermione noticed a little gold plaque on the wall. She peered closer.

It read: Lord Percival Hornswallow the 2nd.

"This is your own personal table?" she asked the wizard.

He gave her a wan smile.

"Yes, one of the perks of being a Lord," he said as Alexander pulled out a chair for Hermione. Percival quickly replaced him, sliding the chair in for Hermione as she sat down.

Alexander then handed Hermione a menu printed on the finest parchment she had even seen. She ran her finger down the fine grain of it.

Percival watched her closely, a small grin on his face. It was easy to see that the witch had never been in such an exclusive establishment. Appreciation filled her eyes at every new sight.

"There are no prices on this menu," Hermione said, looking at the offered items.

Percival smirked again.

"No, they don't list the prices of the courses, Miss Granger. The Bee's Knee's operates on the premise that if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it," the Lord said.

Hermione raised her eyebrows and studied the menu to see if she could figure out what the least expensive item would be. She was naturally thrifty, and since Hogwarts had arranged this outing she thought she would try to save as much money as she could for the school.

Percival seemed able to divine what Hermione was thinking. He gently pulled the menu down and looked over it at the witch. Her eyes were beautiful…like tempered gold.

"Miss Granger, although Albus arranged this outing with the intention of Hogwarts covering the cost, I have taken the expense upon myself. I know the Headmaster wants to give me some compensation for my generosity to the school, but I find it a bit perverse to donate money only to have it used to entertain me rather than helping maintain the quality education Hogwarts offers. Not a knut of tonight will be charged to the school. So please, order what you like Miss Granger, believe me when I say money is of no consequence to me," he said, smiling.

Hermione gave him a small smile in return.

"Charming," Percival thought as he looked at her.

"Though I must admit, I feel more than compensated having the company of such a beautiful young witch with which to dine," he added. "A night with you, Miss Granger, is easily worth a few million galleons."

In his rooms, Severus bristled. He didn't like the suggestiveness of that statement. Nor did he like the wizard bragging about his wealth…though he didn't do it directly. The Potions Master took a sip of his firewhiskey sullenly and continued to listen.

Hermione blushed at Percival's statement. He looked at her appreciatively. He didn't often find himself in the company of witches who could still blush. Most of them were gold diggers, who fawned and oozed sex all over him. Or at least try to chat him up from the moment they met him until the time he expelled them from his bed the next morning. Hermione hadn't asked him anything about his money, nor did she try to impress him with any of her own fine points.

Alexander stood by patiently as Hermione studied the menu. Ooh, Lobster was listed. Gods, she loved lobster. But she didn't dare. Percival noticed her eyes light up. True to his Slytherin nature, the Lord took a little peek into her thoughts. She was eating a large lobster and greatly enjoying it.

"I'll have the steak," she said to Alexander.

"Scratch that," Percival said. "She'll have the lobster, the largest one you have Alexander, with boiled corn, small potatoes and plenty of butter."

Hermione started to protest and Lord Percival furrowed his eyebrows at her.

"Miss Granger, you don't want to insult the wizard you are supposed to be showing good will to, now do you?" he said to her evenly.

"No, I don't my Lord," she said, chastened.

"Good. Then you will eat the lobster and enjoy it," he said, smiling at her, his dimple showing clearly.

"Very good, sir," Alexander said, taking Hermione's menu from her politely and starting to leave.

"Wait," Hermione said. The departing wizard paused. "Aren't you eating anything my Lord?"

Percival smiled.

"Alexander already knows my preferences. I eat the same thing every time I come here," the wizard said. "But thank you for your concern."

Alexander left.

Percival studied Hermione for a moment. Most witches wouldn't have even noticed he hadn't ordered, they'd be so intent on ordering the most expensive item on the menu for themselves. Which incidentally was the lobster. But the witch did not even think about ordering it as much as she loved it. She didn't want to take advantage of his wealth. Percival found that refreshing as well.

Severus was scowling. The wizard obviously liked to take control of a situation, and Hermione liked dominance in a wizard. She also loved lobster. How did the wizard know? Hm. Severus didn't doubt he was using legilimency on her. Hermione's mind was very easy to access, since it was usually always on high, the witch so busy thinking that she didn't notice an intrusion. Severus hoped the wizard would look deeper and see him.

Another wizard brought a bottle of wine. Percival himself took it and the glasses, expertly opening it and letting it breathe before tilting each glass and pouring a small amount in each. He passed a glass to Hermione and looked at her expectantly.

Hermione hesitated. She didn't really drink. But since the wizard was waiting for her to try the wine, she did so. It was rather sweet and fruity, and a bit acidic. It tickled her nose and she wrinkled it. Percival was delighted at her reaction. No stuffy, over-spoiled rich witch would ever wrinkle her nose in front of him.

"You like?" he asked her smiling.

"Very nice," Hermione said, "but it tickled my nose a bit."

Percival chuckled. He had a nice laugh.

"So I noticed," he said, pouring her a bit more.

They sat in silence for a bit. Percival was curious about her private life…if she was available. No time like the present.

"Ah, Miss Granger…I have a rather personal question to ask you," he began.

"If it is too personal, my Lord, you may not get an answer," Hermione responded.

"Well I hope in this case I do get an answer," he replied.

The witch certainly wasn't afraid to speak her mind. People that spoke their mind to Percival was something the wealthy wizard was in short supply of. He was generally surrounded by 'yes' wizards and witches. Miss Granger set boundaries. Usually no one attempted to. The witch was becoming more interesting by the minute.

"Then feel free to ask, my Lord," she said.

"I know Albus said you are single, but are you involved with anyone, Miss Granger?" he asked her.

Severus sat forward in his chair, listening intently for Hermione's answer.

The witch hesitated for a moment.

"Yes, I am," she replied.

"Is it serious? A relationship that might become something more? End in marriage perhaps?" he asked her.

"Well, it is a committed relationship, but no…I don't foresee marriage," Hermione replied, a bit sadly.

Both Percival and Severus caught the note of sadness in her voice.

Percival frowned slightly.

"If you don't foresee a life with this wizard, Miss Granger, I don't see how it could be serious. It is more of an affair than a relationship. A relationship is going somewhere. It sounds to me you are having an affair, something solely pleasure-oriented. And those are not serious, Miss Granger, because you can find pleasure anywhere." Percival said soberly.

Another waiter appeared with bowls of hot, steaming vegetable soup. He placed them on the table in front of each guest and withdrew.

Hermione didn't answer the wizard, but began eating her soup.

"Do you want children, Miss Granger?" Percival asked her.

"One day, yes, I'd like a family," Hermione replied, feeling a small ache in her heart as she thought about Jacob.

"In that case, Miss Granger, might I suggest that you open yourself up to the possibility of associating with a wizard who does want a true committed relationship, one that is more in line with what you desire? I am a wizard who speaks my mind, Miss Granger, even if it isn't appreciated at the time, but you are such a lovely young witch and in my opinion for you to be involved with a wizard you have no hope of marrying and having a family with is a total waste of your time, not to mention your love, if you indeed love this wizard. If you do love him and continue with him, you might end up sacrificing your own dreams, one day finding yourself childless and alone. That would be such a waste, my dear," Percival said.

The truth was Percival himself was winding down and tired of the parade of witches entering and leaving his bed. Not one was worth keeping there after a night or two. He thought he might marry and have a family. But he wanted a real wife, not a witch who was looking to land a wealthy husband and spend all his money.

Hermione seemed like a nice young witch. He couldn't sense anything false about her. Percival really would like to get to know her better. If she were involved with a wizard who didn't intend to marry her, then as far as he was concerned, she was fair game. He noticed Hermione's eyes were glistening with unshed tears. Damn, he hadn't meant to make her cry. He must have struck a chord.

"Here now, don't cry," Percival said gently, withdrawing a handkerchief from his inner pocket and offering it to her.

Severus was quiet as he listened to the wizard talk to Hermione about her relationship with him. He started a bit as he heard the wizard tell her not to cry. Hermione was crying? Gods. She wanted a family. Of course she'd want a family. Most women wanted to become mothers. He stared into the fire.

Hermione took the handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes, glad her makeup was waterproof.

"I'm sorry," she said softly.

"Don't be. Most women I meet are too hardened to cry. They hide what they feel. I can see that you don't or can't. It is refreshing to be with a woman who can still feel," Percival said softly, "I'm sorry that I went to a place that is obviously painful for you. Now dry your eyes, finish your soup and get ready for the delicious lobster that's coming."

Hermione did dry her eyes, and Percival made small talk, telling her about his family history. It was the first time anyone showed a true interest in how his family made their money rather than the money itself.

"Lodestones? Your family mined lodestones? Lodestone was the first material ever used to create wands," Hermione said, fascinated.

Percival looked impressed she knew this.

"Yes. Before it was discovered that other items such as dragon heartstring and phoenix feathers could be used as magical cores, lodestone was used to create wands. It is still used in some industrial wands today," Percival said.

"I wish I could have seen some of those wands. I would love to try one, and to even dissect one to learn how they operated. Maybe lodestone could be refined some way, brought back into the mainstream. That would be so interesting," Hermione said dreamily.

Percival looked at her, seeing an opening to see her again, outside of an Ambassador duty.

"I have hundreds of lodestone wands in my personal collection," he said, loving how the witch's eyes lit up as she absorbed this.

"You do?" Hermione said excitedly.

Severus groaned. The wizard had discovered Hermione's weakness…her love of knowledge.

"Yes, I do. Perhaps you could visit my Manor one day, and I will give you a personal tour. I might even have a wand I could spare for experimentation," he offered.

"Oh that sounds wonderful!" Hermione exclaimed. Then she sobered.

"Well, I'd have to see if I could arrange that," she said quietly. "I'll have to let you know, my Lord."

Severus knew Hermione had thought of him and how he would react to her visiting another wizard, even if it only was to see a collection of wands. It was as if all joy had left the witch in that moment. She knew she could never see that collection. Severus would never allow it.

Percival divined that she would not come to see the collection as long as she was with the wizard she was currently involved with, which led him to believe the man was probably very possessive of the witch. Well, Percival couldn't blame him. Miss Granger seemed as if she could be quite a treasure. Treasures were always targeted for theft.

"You do that, Miss Granger," he said.

Suddenly a waiter appeared carrying a huge platter which held a lobster that had to weigh at least ten pounds.

"Oh my gods. That's the biggest lobster I've ever seen!" Hermione had exclaimed.

The witch had attracted attention several times with her exclamations in the club, patrons looking over at them from the other side of the balcony, wondering who the loud, mannerless witch was. Percival was delighted with her outbursts. It was just what he needed, some real emotion in his life. Fuck the socialites. He was enjoying himself.

And when Hermione started eating, he enjoyed himself more, simply because she was so appreciative of the meal. She hadn't had lobster in ages and didn't mind telling him so as she dipped large pieces of the tail in butter and swallowed them down. Most of the people Percival knew had it at least twice a week, and ate it slow and quietly, in chaste small bites.

Not Hermione. While her manners weren't atrocious, it was clear she believed in enjoying a meal as it should be enjoyed. She was halfway through her food, when she noticed Percival's meal hadn't arrived yet.

"You haven't received your food yet, my Lord. It's taking a very long time," she observed.

"That's because it is a special order," the wizard replied.

Suddenly a waiter appeared with a small white bag on a platter and a drink in a big white covered paper cup, with a straw sticking out of it. Hermione furrowed her brow as the platter was set down in front of Percival. The wizard opened the bag and took out a wrapped sandwich, and some French fries. He turned the bag around partially as he did so. Hermione looked, and her eyebrows went up.

"McDonalds?" she asked, bursting out laughing.

Percival paused in unwrapping his Big Mac.

"Not just any McDonalds. This food comes from America, from a McDonalds on Route 110 in Amityville, NY. I was there once on business. Something about removing ghosts from some house on Ocean Street or something else…whatever. And I stopped at the McDonalds and had a Big Mac, Fries and a Coke. It is my favorite food. I've tried other McDonalds but none taste like the food from that particular store," he said.

Hermione laughed some more.

"That has to be psychological, my Lord. They all make their food the same way," she said.

Percival frowned. "I beg to differ. One store had to audacity to put mustard on my Big Mac. Atrocious! Anyway, someone port keys to that store and purchases my meal and brings it back here. That's why it took so long. Now if you will excuse me."

He bit into his Big Mac, and a look of bliss crossed his face as he chewed. He then took a sip of coke and popped a few French fries into his mouth. Percival swallowed.

"Absolute ambrosia," he sighed, which made Hermione start laughing again.

Severus sat solemnly in his armchair, listening to Hermione laugh, obviously enjoying the company of the wizard. He sighed.

The couple finished their meal and had a bit more wine. Hermione had quite a bit of lobster left, and asked the waiter for a doggie bag. The poor wizard looked absolutely scandalized. Percival laughed and told the man to make one for Hermione and to put it in the kitchen cooler. They would retrieve it on the way out.

Music began and couples whirled out on the dance floor, moving elegantly. Hermione looked down on them wistfully.

"So beautiful," she breathed as she watched the witches twirl in their gowns.

"Yes," Percival said looking at the witch, "Beautiful indeed."

The wizard stood up suddenly and held out his hand.

"What do you say we join them, Miss Granger?" Percival asked.

"Oh, yes my Lord," she said breathlessly, buoyed by the meal and good wine.

Percival led her on to the elevator, looking at her face. It was flushed with excitement. He grinned. He couldn't remember the last time he enjoyed a witch's company so much without it being sexual in nature. Possibly he was enjoying himself because he knew tonight would not end up with him intimately involved with the witch he was with. Which was also refreshing. He believed Miss Granger was the kind of witch that would need to actually feel something other than lust for the wizard who took her, and that was exactly the kind of witch he was looking for. He would very, very much like to see her again.

The elevator descended to the main floor, and Percival led her through the tables to the dance area, and swung her out in a large arc before pulling her to him lightly. Then they began to dance. It was absolutely magical to Hermione. They began with a waltz, then a fun foxtrot, tried their hand at swing, which was hilarious, then a rumba, a very enthusiastic polka and ended with a very, very sexy tango.

The tango was what hooked Lord Percival Hornswallow the 2nd on one Hermione Granger.

"My gods you can tango," he breathed down at Hermione, who was sexily arched over his arm at the end of the song, a rose between her teeth.

She had no idea where the rose came from. Percival had snatched it out of an arrangement as they whirled past a table, much to the surprise and consternation of the people sitting at it. Hermione was rubbing off on him.

The wizard had gotten a peek at her shoes and realized she was much shorter than she appeared. But he didn't mind a petite woman, particularly one as appealing as Hermione was.

Percival slowly pulled Herimone up and looked at her panting with quite a glint in his green eyes. Her skin had a soft sheen of perspiration on it, and she glowed beneath the torchlight. She smiled at him happily.

"I'm parched," she said as she took his arm.

"I'm a bit thirsty myself," he said.

The wizard noted the time. It was getting late and he had a business meeting in the morning. He looked at Hermione a bit longingly as he walked her to the elevator. They ascended to the private dining table, and Hermione drank a large glass of water while Percival finished off the wine.

"I had an absolutely wonderful time tonight my Lord," Hermione said, still smiling.

And she really had.

The wizard saw another possible opening.

"Miss Granger, we could have other wonderful nights just like this one, if you would permit me to call on you," Percival said, taking her hand.

Hermione looked at him, her smile fading.

"I'm sorry my Lord, as I said, I am already involved with someone," she said.

"Yes, I know. Someone who will probably take you no further than his bed until all your youth, beauty and fertility are gone," Percival said, somewhat bitterly. Then he realized exactly how bitter he sounded as Hermione looked at him.

"I'm sorry," he said, "It's just…Miss Granger…I am around witches all the time. They are all so false, so practiced, so focused on landing a rich husband. I snap my fingers and they jump into my bed. Out in public, they are the perfect socialites, not a hair out of place, not a chip in a nail. They don't laugh. They titter. It's like dating a legion of mannequins. I actually had fun tonight, and I find it very appealing that you are not trying to crawl between my sheets because I'm wealthy. You are real and alive and imperfect and lovely. Obviously, you are loyal as well."

"All the things I want in a witch, you have shown me in one night. I desperately want to get to know you better, socially and if you are so inclined, more than socially. But you are with someone you admit has no future with you, and are faithful to him. I want a relationship, a wife and a family. This wizard you have doesn't see how much more you can be than just a lover. I see it. I see it clearly. So yes, I sound a bit bitter, and I'm sorry. I am a wealthy man, but I cannot buy the things I want the most. True happiness and a woman that loves me for me," Percival said softly. "Your wizard is very lucky, if very foolish. He should marry you before someone steals you away. Someone like me."

Hermione felt badly for the wizard and patted his hand sympathetically.

"Keep looking my Lord. You'll find the witch you want someday," she said softly.

"I think I have," Percival thought.

He smiled at her.

"It's getting late, Miss Granger. Now that I have poured out all my hopes, dreams and bitterness on you…I think it best I get you back to Hogwarts," he said rising and helping her from the chair.

The couple took the elevator down. Instead of heading out the door, Percival made a sharp right through a door that clearly read: EMPLOYEES ONLY.

"Where are we going?" Hermione asked him looking around a bit nervously. They weren't supposed to be in here.

"To the kitchens of course," Percival smiled down at her, "We must retrieve your 'doggie bag.'"

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Lord Hornswallow's carriage landed and pulled up in front of Hogwarts, the Pegasii neighing and pawing at the ground. Percival opened the carriage door, exited and helped Hermione out. They stood there looking at each other, Hermione holding her doggie bag of lobster in one hand.

"It was a delightful night, Miss Granger. One I wish would never have come to an end. But as you know, all good things must come to an end," the wizard said, his green eyes sober.

"This is true," Hermione replied a bit nervously. He looked like he wanted to kiss her, and he did want to. Very much.

"I would ask you for a goodnight kiss, Miss Granger, but I have a feeling you would refuse me," Percival said softly, looking at her mouth longingly.

"Your feeling is correct, my Lord. My lips and every other part of me belong to another," she replied.

"A very lucky wizard. I only hope he truly appreciates what he has," the wizard said, bitterness again leaking through. He lifted her hand. "He wouldn't mind if I kissed your hand, would he?"

"I'm sure he would," Hermione responded.

Percival brought Hermione's hand to his mouth anyway, kissing it softly.

"That's his problem, then," the wizard replied, releasing the witch's hand and giving her a courtly bow.

"Good night, Miss Granger," Percival said, climbing into the carriage and closing the door. He leaned out of the window and smiled at her.

"Good night, my Lord," Hermione responded, turning and entering the castle.

Lord Percival Hornswallow the 2nd sat there for a bit, looking after the witch. Finally he stirred.

"Home, Jenkins," he called up to the driver.

"Aye, my Lord," Jenkins called back, flicking the reigns. "Fly on now, boys. Home to the Manor!"

The team of Pegasii neighed and took off, drawing the carriage behind them.

It contained one very thoughtful and rather calculating wizard. Percival wasn't used to taking 'no' for an answer.

He was a Slytherin after all.

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After the carriage disappeared into the night, a slight shimmer made its way from behind a nearby tree and up the castle stairs. The main door opened, and the shimmer sidled through.

It turned down the dungeon corridor.

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A/N: Hmmm. Nice outing eh? And Severus heard everything. He has to be thinking now, and thinking hard. Sort of a wake up call. Let's see if he heard that rooster crow. I think we all know what that shimmer was. Please review.