A Secret Worth Keeping

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, nor any of the characters from the books or movies. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.


A Secret Worth Keeping

Chapter Thirty-nine: Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner


A tremendous crash caused the whole class to jump as the Potions Master stormed into the room, leaving the poor door nearly jarred off its hinges. His robe billowed behind him as he strode into the room. From the set scowling countenance upon his face, everyone in the classroom could tell automatically, that he was not in a good mood. But then, when had he ever been in a good mood? With the appearance of said dour man, the happy chatter dropped as the classroom was filled with a near deafening silence.

Hermione glanced up as the tall man swept by her heading towards his desk. His hands were clenched tightly at his sides as if he clutched death itself within them. Worried that something had happened in the few short hours since they'd woken up, contented in each other’s embrace, Hermione made herself sit still. If something had happened, then she would know of it soon enough.

“Open your book to page 256,” Snape growled.

Hermione and Harry glanced at each other over their cauldron with equally curious looks. Although they were used to a sour man, this was different from his usual sourness.

“What's up with him?” Harry whispered low.

“Not a clue,” she whispered back.

“No talking during class Mr. and Mrs. Potter.” Snape glared at them both. “Ten points each from Gryffindor for talking when not spoken to.”

Hermione tried to hide her glare from her future husband, but failed miserably as Severus seemed to smirk unkindly and turn to his desk. “We will be working on the anti-venom for the Acromantulas. Thanks to past mistakes by our own Professor of magical animals, we now have an abundance of Acromantulas running amok. Now with these deadly arachnids attacking all creatures that live within the forest, not much is safe there for any living being, human or non. Due to this fact, I have been sought out to prepare mass amounts of anti-venom potions. YOU all are to help in this irritating situation.” Severus sat forlornly in his chair and glared at the class. “Forget that I have an itinerary that I must follow or that I have my own work that must be done. Oh no, I must help provide the answer to an incompetent's mistake that happened years ago. Yet again.”

Hermione and Harry looked at each other again and shook their heads. At least now they knew what he was pissed about. If there was anything that Severus hated, it was for something to interrupt his classroom agenda.

Severus waved his wand at the blackboard before reclaiming his stance at the side of the desk. “The instructions are on the board and do try to get this one right.” He glared down at Neville. “Lives are at stake here.”

Neville’s hands shook as he glanced nervously over to Hermione, his eyes wide with terror. It was bad enough that he lacked coordination enough to make even the simplest of potions but, as Snape had said, lives were at stake. He could feel a panic attack already starting to form as his heart beneath his breast bone sped up.

“You can do it,” Hermione whispered and grasped his hand comfortingly. “Just read the instructions and do as they say, that's it. No more…no less. You can do this.”

The terrified boy could barely nod his head to acknowledge her. He returned her squeeze and closed his eyes trying to regain an minimal amount of control. A few deep breaths later, he seemed to get himself back together. Once the panic attack appeared to be back under his control, he released his friend's hand and resolutely set to work, determined not to screw this one up. Not with lives to save.

“Mrs. Potter…”

It took Hermione a moment before the name hit her and she hurriedly looked up sharply into the eyes of her Potions teacher.

“Yes, sir?”

“Approach the desk.”

Hermione looked around her nervously before standing to her feet. A quick stasis charm was cast around her boiling river water before she approached his desk.

Severus waved his wand raising a Silencing Spell around them and handed her a paper folded several times as he spoke. “I have been summoned for another dinner at the Malfoy's tonight. I just wanted you to know in case I wasn't home this evening when you return.”

Hermione took the paper and read the invitation with a fierce glare. She didn't like him going back there so soon after the last dinner invite. The senior Malfoys were nothing but trouble and immediately she was worried for her man. She wanted nothing more than to reach over and cradle his face in her palm, but knew better not to. Instead she voiced her concern. “Will you be all right?”

“I shall be fine.” Severus leaned back into his chair keeping the stern face of his teaching persona in place, allowing the class to assume that she was getting a reaming from her talking without permission. “I do not know how late I will be and I did not wish for you to worry.”

She let a smile inch at her lips with his words. “Thank you, love. I would have worried if I didn't see you.”

“I know, hence this little discussion. I love you, and I will see you sometime tonight.” He leaned forward and wagged a finger menacingly at her, letting the Silencing Charm fade away. “I expect you act accordingly in my classrooms from here on out, Mrs. Potter. Do not expect any special treatments from me in your new… married status. When you act like a mature woman, you will be treated like a mature woman. Now, back to your seat.”

Hermione adapted her face into a scowl and slunk back to her seat. Another dinner invitation from Lucius Malfoy. What could those two want with him now? She took her seat and smiled reassuringly at her pretend husband sitting next to her.

“You all right?”


She simply nodded and removed her stasis spell to complete the potion. “I'll tell you later, after class.”

Two hours later, Hermione gathered her books together after depositing her vials on Severus' desk. A barely noticeable nod from him and she left the room. She figured that she and Sebastian would try to stay awake until he made it home.

~00~

By the time five-thirty rolled around, Severus Snape was in an even fouler mood. If such a thing were even possible. Malfoy Manor was not where he wanted to be at this particular place in time. His mind immediately went to Hermione, in his chambers, in his bed and in his arms. That was where he wanted to be. That was where he was finally happy. He didn't appreciate being summoned for a dinner that he didn't wish to attend or be mauled by a woman that he didn't want.

Unable to prolong the visit any longer, Severus strode out to the gates of Hogwarts. Upon reaching the Apparation point, he gathered his cloak along with his thoughts, and Apparated to the gates of Malfoy Manor. Lights were ablaze in the windows of the manor as Severus stepped up to the door and rung the bell. Immediately the door was opened, once more by the same house-elf as before.

“Good evening, Sifty. The Master is expecting me.” Severus informed the little pitiful creature. Bowing low, the house-elf turned and led Severus through several archways and into the parlor.

“Master will be with you in a minute, Master Snape.” Sifty bowed low again, backed out slowly through the doorway, and disappeared. Ignoring the large oversized chairs, artfully arranged in a cozy and intimate manner, Severus instead chose to lean against the elegant baby grand piano that rested towards the back of the parlor.

Across from where he lounged, above the hearth, was the Malfoy family portrait. All three of the blond aristocrats sneered down at him in their superior form of bravado that irked Severus to no bounds. Their contempt and pompousness were artfully detailed in the wizard painting. Even from the painting, he could feel Narcissa’s eyes covet his body and it caused a rippling sensation down the spine of his back. It wasn't a good feeling.

“Ah, Severus. So good to see you again.”

Severus turned at the greeting and forced a smile to his lips, not feeling the emotion he forced from inside of him. He stood straight and approached the woman.

“Narcissa, beautiful as ever.” He spoke softly and leaned forward to kiss her cheek, which she allowed.

“Still such the smooth talker,” Narcissa responded, taking his arm and leading him over to a chaise lounge. “Sit. Can I get you something to drink?” She glided gracefully to the bar and produced a bottle of what he know would be his favorite brand of brandy and two glasses.

“That would be accepted with appreciation,” he acknowledged with a nod and took the proffered seat. Severus watched as she poured the amber liquid into the cut crystal snifters and recapped the bottle. The light ice-blue gown she wore exaggerated her lightness. Not the color of her soul, for that was as black at midnight, but the coloring of her hair and skin. The cut of the gown emphasized the taut mounds of her breasts and the sliminess of her waist. She was indeed a woman of substance, gorgeous and elegant. But this woman was far from his type. His type was hopefully in his bed at this moment. He liked his women like Hermione, round and soft, curvy and voluptuous. Hers was a figure that he knew intimately and to that figure, no other woman could ever measure up to.

“What's on your mind, Severus? Something's got you smiling.” Narcissa floated up to stand before his seated self. “I hope it's me. I chose this dress specifically for you. I'm told that this color suites me. Do you think so?”

Inwardly, Severus groaned at the obvious attempt for a compliment. “Indeed, Narcissa. You do indeed look lovely in it.” There. That should make her happy, he smiled inwardly. It obviously did because the next thing he knew, she was sitting on his lap, licking at his jaw line.

“Now now, my dear.” An amused voice carried out over them. “I think Severus would rather have the seat for himself.”

Carefully, Severus removed the woman from his lap and stood her to her feet. To which he followed. He sidestepped around her and strode over to Lucius, hopeful his obvious relief wasn’t evident on his face. “Lucius. Thank you for the invite, but you didn't have to do it so soon after our last dinner. You know how difficult it is to leave Hogwarts during the workweek. To what do we owe to this invitation?”

“Just a simple night of dinner and entertainment.” Lucius patted Severus on the back and gently guided him over to the mantle where he picked up a smoky colored vial that Severus had somehow missed. “I have a special plan for this evenings entertainment. Narcissa has consented to something special tonight. But first its time to eat.” Lucius clapped his hand and the lights dimmed. “Come. Dinner is ready.”

Severus followed, feeling a bit uneasy. Lucius and Narcissa had something on their minds and he was pretty sure that, whatever it was, he was not going to like it. Tonight he would have to be particularly careful. They both had something up their sleeves. Severus' eyes wandered to the opaque vial and wondered just what was inside. Whatever it was, he was sure he wouldn’t like it either. He took a seat next to the head of the table, directly opposite Narcissa. The linen was as fine a quality as ever and the candelabra danced its merry glow across the dome covered dishes.

“It smells wonderful.” He managed to smile at Narcissa as she indicated with a wave of her hand for the house-elf to begin serving. “I see you have managed to outdo yourself once again. I shall grow fat if I continue dinners such as these for too long.”

Narcissa’s dainty laugh grated on his nerves. “I think we can find a significant form of exercise to work off the calories you consume.”

He fought to hide the grimace that her words inflected on his spine. He didn't like the thought of that one bit. The only exercise he required was miles away, safely tucked away in Hogwarts. Nevertheless, he smiled warily at her hostess. “I'm quite sure you can, my dear. However, I am unable to accept your kind offer. For, after dinner, I must return post haste to Hogwarts. I have a very early meeting set up with the Headmaster and I need to do some further testing on…”

He hesitated when he felt something crawling up his leg. A quick look at Narcissa sitting across from him and he had a deep, unnerving feeling that she was trying to play footsie with him. “My dear…” he spoke smoothly and leaned over his plate. “Although I will miss… our exercise… I really must insist on keeping our hands to ourselves. Or our feet… as it were.”

Narcissa laughed gaily but Severus was relieved when the pressure of her toes were suddenly gone from his privates. But the look was still in her eyes.

Predator.

“Severus,” Lucius spoke up as if ignoring the flirting going on right under his perfectly aligned nose. “I'm sure you can stay a little while. I have some plans that I'm sure you will enjoy. Narcissa and I went through great pains to get it all set up. It would behoove you to agree to stay, just for a little while. I promise you will enjoy it… immensely.”

Severus sighed inwardly. He really didn’t want to stay. He had no idea of what Lucius' little surprise was but, knowing from previous experiences… it could be basically anything. One thing was for sure, however. It would be of a sexual nature. Lucius and Narcissa were two very sexual beings and a duo that weren't afraid to share their pleasures with others. Unfortunately… they were going to try to share them with him tonight. He had to think of some way to get away sometime after dinner and before the entertainment.

“Perhaps I can stay an half hour or so. I do have to be back in order to reinforce my test's stasis spell. I don't think that I would be too happy to allow an experiment expire that I have worked on for three weeks.”

“I think that is doable. Don’t you, my dear?” Lucius smiled over at his wife, who nodded enthusiastically.

“I will excuse myself just after dessert and get the entertainment started.” She offered and, with a agreeable nod from her husband, she daintily began her dinner. Her eyes darting between the two men. One dark, one light. Two opposites, yet so alike in many ways.

Once the last of the dessert was eaten and the table cleared, Narcissa excused herself from the table. Severus watched her go before turning his attention to his friend. “So, tell me about our entertainment. What should I be expecting this evening?”

Lucius shook his fair head and raised a finger to his lips. “Not for me to say, my friend. Narcissa would be furious with me if I let it out. Come with me.” Severus followed his friend into the next room where he stopped at the entrance. His eyes opened wide as he stared at the replica of his classroom.

“What is going on here?” Severus' gaze drifted from one side of the room to the other. It wasn't an exact replica, but close enough for him to know what it was supposed to be. The school cauldron facsimiles sat at the right side of the classroom whereas, in his true classroom, they were against the left side. The potions closet sat too close to the fireplace, too dangerous for heat sensitive ingredients. But he figured that Lucius and Narcissa didn’t care for that little fact. He had a feeling that they both had something up their sleeves and he didn’t think he was going to enjoy it… one bit.

“Come in… come in, Severus. As you can see, we have conjured up something special for you this evening.” Lucius' grin spread across his face hideously as the flames from the hearth danced across his _expression. He waved his hand to the teacher's desk, indicating Severus to settle himself. “Why don’t you take your seat and we can get the class underway.”

Cautiously, Severus crossed to the poor replica of his desk and sat. His eyes narrowed in suspicion as he looked around the false classroom. “What in Hades do you have planned, Lucius? I told you, I don’t have to much time to spare for games.”

“Oh, I think you will enjoy this game, Professor…” A sweet sounding voice came from his right. Slowly, and suspiciously, he turned his head to greet the unexpected visitor. His eyes opened wide in surprise and trepidation.

“What are you doing here?” He growled at the newcomer then turned back to cast his furious gaze on Lucius. “What is the meaning of this? This is a student… she should not be here.”

“Nonsense, my friend. Our guest is here on her own accord. Aren't you, my dear?” Lucius approached the young lady and ran a hand down her soft cheek.

“Oh yes. I am here on my own. I wasn't forced or coerced to be here.”

Severus continued to glare at the young woman. This was impossible. There was no way in Hades that this particular person would just comply to join in what he knew she would know what would happen tonight. “What is going on here, Lucius? You know I will never have sex with a student under my care.”

“Ah, true… not a student under your care but this, my friend, is a separate situation. You see… this is not who you think it is.”

Severus's eyes narrowed in further suspicion. It wasn't, then? Ah. “Narcissa.”

The sweet girl’s voice rang out in the familiar tinkling of laughter that Narcissa had refined. “Well, that was a mood killer. I was hoping to get you into mid coitus before you figured out that I was not your Miss Granger.”

Severus sat back into the chair behind the desk and glared at Hermione’s ill-aped Doppelganger. This was the situation that he dreaded since his forced attack on Hermione nearly a year ago. But how to get himself out of this situation without appearing seemingly concerned for Hermione’s welfare? He let his eyes sweep over Narcissa in Hermione’s body with a sneer gracing his face. “Not bad. I assume you used Polyjuice? I am not going to even think about where and who you got to brew that particular potion. Since it is a very restricted potion and only Potion Masters have access to the rarest of the ingredients. However… it seems that we have an interesting development here. Where did you get a sample of Miss Granger’s hair?”

“That is not of any importance right now, Severus. We are really on a tight time limit here.” Lucius shook his hand to wipe away the last inquisition. “I suggest that we all retire to the boudoir and entertain ourselves. “After you, our little Miss Granger?”

Narcissa smiled and tossed that mass of hair over her shoulder. With flair, she sauntered out of the room with Lucius watching and Severus not.

“This should prove fruitful, my friend. Can you imagine sinking yourself inside of that?”

Lucius’ callus statement rendered Severus senseless. Hard pressed, he simply leaned back and set his dark eyes steadily on his friend.

“Oh I don't know. I seem to remember it quite well.”

Surprised, Lucius tilted his head and studied his friend. “Ah, so you do remember after all.”

Severus' loud raucous laughter echoed down the hallway. “Like I would be able to forget the best fuck I have ever had.”

A/N’s and Acknowledgements: Thanks to everyone who takes the time to read and review. It makes my muse very happy.