A Strange Love

Disclaimer: Apart from Clunky and Shola the characters are all Jo's!

cateye: Hermione might or might not be rebellious, I think she's being cautious so that she DOES get to see her friends again, you know what I mean... yep, you can never have enough Death Eaters.

lisa: Possessive, I like the idea of him possessing me.

angel: One of your questions is answered in this chapter.

Mary: Yep, Lucius should have noticed her sooner, but hey - do you think he's going to let that stand in his way?

Dee Dee: That's all right, and yes Hermione is a lucky girl isn't she!

Anon: Does this assure you that I am going to keep it up?!

lazyllama101: Yep, it's really cool. Hermione is one lucky bitch in this story and she gets luckier...

Dani: LOL! Like I said, I have an overactive imagination. I'm glad I thought of this pairing to.

SmileZ: Thank you for thinking I am a great writer. Here's an update. I like angsty romance's too.

Ali: Yeah, I am not too fond of Hermione with Crabbe and Goyle either but anyone's better than Ron.

auntbecky: Yes, it is an unusual pairing, and I hope more writers brings these two together. I am glad you are enjoying the story.

Ryua: WOW! You've given me a lot to live up to now. I hope this chapter is just as good as the last. Thanks by the way!

Hermione The Temptress?

Hermione woke up startled the next morning; her head was pulsing with a serious hangover. The early morning sunlight sneaking through the curtains stabbing painfully at her eyes, she laid a hand to her forehead and groaned, as she fell back on the pillow. She turned and buried her face in the pillow but was shocked at something glinting on one of her fingers. She peered closely at it and realised she was wearing a ring.

She sat up immediately as the previous nights events played through her mind like one of those cinema reel toys that 19th century children had. She remembered meeting a woman with the worst laugh she ever had the misfortune to hear. She also remembered meeting Lucius and Draco. She didn’t dare THINK about the rest of the night. The reel suddenly stopped at the actual dinner.

~*~*~

She was placed next to Narcissa. Lucius was sat opposite Narcissa but she often looked up to find a pair of silvery orbs glowing appreciatively in her direction. The other side of Narcissa was Shola; Hermione had to stop herself choking on the woman’s strong perfume. Rabastan was sat opposite Shola, although he tried looking at Hermione. Severus was sat next to Rabastan and opposite Draco. Hermione and Rodolphus were sat at the ends of the table, to indicate their positions in Lestrange Court.

Draco did not like sitting this close to his Uncle. He found himself seething with his damn father’s luck at being able to sit next to her. All those years of her being bodyguarded by those two inane idiots, and he STILL couldn’t talk to her when she wasn’t. He glared darkly at his father for a time, and then decided to keep his head down and continue to eat the second course.

“So, Hermione,” Narcissa asked. “I don’t have a daughter but I do remember what sheer hell it was being your age. This must be a complete shock for you.”

“Yes,” Hermione said. “But I’m adaptable. Being a muggleborn I’ve got used to having to be. I managed to adjust to the Wizarding world easily enough. This is just another hurdle to overcome.”

Hermione delicately put another forkful of duck in her mouth. Lucius turned his head towards her, and he raised an eyebrow.

“And you’re parents?” he asked. “Have they adjusted?”

“They’re bewildered, and confused, but they’ve accepted me for who I am. They’re proud of me in their own way. And my father wouldn’t even mind learning a potion or two, but I refused to teach him. I’m not sure it’s safe to let my father near my store cupboard.”

At this Severus turned his head towards Hermione’s direction. He craned his neck around a little so he could get a clear glimpse of her. She was beautiful.
“Why does your father like potions so much?” he asked.

“He was a Chemistry Professor. That was how my parents met. Apparently his first speech was similar to yours. My mother kept putting her hand up to his questions, and he kept ignoring her.” Severus shifted in his seat; this was too close for comfort. “Eventually, she got so fed up with it, that after a lecture she stormed up to him; slapped him in the face, and the rest, as they say, is history.

Lucius chuckled. He looked at her again. “So, that’s where you get your temper from is it?”

“My father often jokes that I could be my mother’s twin sister. It compliments my mother, but doesn’t make me feel better. It reminds me of what Algernon said in The Importance of Being Earnest.”

“What was that?” Rabastan asked.

Hermione looked into the bright blue eyes of Rabastan Lestrange and took a delicate sip of wine before answering him.

“All women turn out like their mothers, that is their tragedy. No man does, that’s his!”

Everyone at the table laughed at that strange but true statement.

“What is your mother’s maiden name, Hermione?” Rodolphus asked; there was a catch in his voice that all the men understood. He was becoming jealous that everyone was getting her attention but him.

“Dagworth,” she replied. The clatter of forks and knives was audible throughout the whole house. Hermione looked at all the shocked faces turned in her direction. “Oh, don’t worry. I am not any relation of Dagworth-Granger. I’m sure of it.”

“You could be,” Rodolphus said. “And if you are – well – that would make this situation a whole lot more comfortable with my Master.”

Hermione gulped. She had forgotten that she was sitting and dining in a room full of Death Eaters; even the vacuous and vain Shola was one. She suddenly felt claustrophobic. She laid her napkin gently on the table.

“I just need to get some air,” she said in a hoarse voice.

Rodolphus nodded taking a sip of wine. The rest of the table stared at her back. She smiled at Rodolphus, twisted the knob on the door and walked out of the room. Once the door was shut behind her, her heart beat fast and she began to panic. Before Rodolphus made mention of his Master she felt all right and surprisingly comfortable with them. Even with Lucius sitting next to her eyeing her surreptitiously between forkfuls.

She took a deep breath and ran to the front door, she opened the big heavy doors and fled down the grand stone staircase onto the broad sweeping lawn.
The shadows were long and black. The candlelight from the dining room and sitting rooms cast an eerie glow around the edges of the ancient mansion. Hermione looked up into the sky. The bright moon cast a silvery light on the grass, as a few wisps of clouds ghosted along the surface of the moon. A few owls kerwicced and the answering kerwoo sounded spectral and haunting. It only added to her panic and fright. She ran to the gates. She spun on her heels to see if anyone had followed her and noticing that she was still clear, she whipped her wand out from under her dress and aimed it at the gates. She closed her eyes and concentrated her thoughts on the Allohomora spell.

The wrought iron gates looked forbidding in this light. They looked more like prison bars than a gateway. The spell failed. She tried again, and again and again. She didn’t want to say anything out loud. She wildly looked around for another escape route. She ran to the edge of the lake. The lake’s surface seemed camouflaged in the night. The moon reflected in the waters calm, satin surface.

She considered taking a step into the water, some wild thought occurred to her; death would be better than living here playing hostess to a bunch of Death Eaters for the rest of her life. She closed her eyes and took a step forward. She dipped a foot in the water and sighed. The water was freezing, but she took comfort in the fact that the temperature wouldn’t bother her for too much longer.

~*~*~

Rodolphus was smiling, although underneath he was worried. Where had Hermione got to? He had Clunky cook a chocolate brandy trifle for her, as he knew that was a particular favourite of hers.

Shola was looking at Rabastan with undisguised lust in her eyes for the younger Lestrange brother, but she liked the idea of having him as her lover. Her sights were set on Rodolphus. He was the one with the money and estate. She was pleased the Hermione bitch had left the room. Perhaps, Shola thought nastily, she’d run away.

Clunky apparated in the Dining Room; receiving a sharp whack from Rodolphus for doing so. He looked at his Master. He was trembling and afraid. He was concerned for his new Mistress. He had just seen her step in the lake.

“Master, I is here because I saw something that Master might be interested in.”

Severus stayed Rodolphus hand, catching the frightened pale look in Clunky’s eyes.

“What is it?” Severus asked coolly.

Clunky gulped and began playing about with his tea towel. He glanced at the nicest person on the table… Severus.

“It’s new Mistress. She – she stepped into the lake. Clunky saw her head disappear under the water.”

Severus paled. He didn’t need a second thought. He got up; his chair fell on the floor. He took long quick strides to the front door. He opened the front door and ran down the steps; his black cloak flying behind him; impressing on the others as to how he got the nickname Great Bat. He ran to the lake with an urgency that no one had seen in him before.

The others were following closely behind. The only other two that were as truly concerned about Hermione as Severus was, were Rodolphus and Narcissa. Lucius was mildly worried. Shola didn’t care but she appreciated dramatics. Draco and Rabastan gave each other a look of bewilderment.

Severus reached the lake and flung his cloak towards Narcissa who held it in her elegant hands. She sighed as she saw Severus raise his arms above his head as he plunged into the lake. Everyone watched with bated breath. Lucius was becoming slightly more concerned. He was a parent and, despite rumours, a caring one at that. Hermione was his son’s age. It would be a shame to lose such a talented, beautiful witch.

Severus emerged several minutes later gasping for air. Water dripping of his hair, and nose. He had his arm wrapped around an unconscious Hermione. Narcissa ran towards Hermione and Severus and wrapped the cloak around the girl. Severus told everyone to stand back to give Hermione room to breathe when she resumed consciousness.

Severus performed muggle mouth-to-mouth resuscitation on her. He pumped the water out of her body. She coughed and spluttered and her eyes fluttered open. She stared up into the angry eyes of Severus Snape. She turned her head and Narcissa was beside her, her eyes misted over with motherly concern. She held onto Hermione’s hand and gently stroked it.

Hermione fainted. The shocks of the evening were too much for her. Severus picked her up gently. He looked at Rodolphus and the group parted to let Severus through. He carried her to her room. As soon as he was inside her room he laid her on the bed and began undressing her and lit the fire. He picked out a different set of robes. He wrapped her body up with a towel. He disrobed himself and dried them with his wand. He put his trousers back on, and his white shirt but nothing else. He left the first few buttons undone.

Hermione moaned and stirred. She found herself in her bed and groaned. She turned and saw Severus sitting in a chair. His expression was dark, and the scowl on his face was evidence enough that he was angry.

“Don’t EVER do that to me again, young lady. Do you hear?” He was fighting the urge to not shout at her.

Hermione sighed. “I was all right until Rodolphus mentioned the Dark Lord, and then I flipped. I wanted to run, flee, AND escape. The gates wouldn’t open, and the only other way out was death.”

Severus pinched the bridge of his nose. She really was de-mystifying the myth about the fabled bravery of Gryffindor.

“And what about those in this world that do care for you, Hermione? What about me? Or Potter? Or Weasley? Don’t you want to see them again?” Hermione’s eyes widened at this. He got out of his chair and sat on the mattress. “And what about Rodolphus? He cares for you truly. He won’t let any other man near you because he doesn’t want you spoiled by them. He wants you solely for himself. He cares about you so much he’s willing to put aside his prejudices for you. Doesn’t that mean anything to you?” He took her hand in his. “I’m beginning to realise his fascination with you, if he hadn’t have rescued you first, I probably would have done. So, its proof you could do worse than Lestrange.”

Hermione began sobbing. Tears rolled out of her eyes and stained her cheeks, the tears mixed with the mascara painting black streaks down her cheeks.

“You are not worse than Lestrange,” she said defiantly through her tears. “I wish you had rescued me.”

Severus smiled and leant down brushing some wet hair out of her face. He stroked her cheek gently and brushed his fingers along her soft lips. He tilted his head to one side and brushed his lips against hers. Hermione’s heart leapt into her throat. She pushed her arms out of the towel that she was cocooned in and snaked her arms around his neck. Her hands crept up into his hair, her finger lacing themselves in his long lanky locks. Severus hands crept up her sides and laced his fingers in her hair. His fingers massaging her scalp made her body tingle and her legs shudder.

“Still think that, Hermione?” He asked in a deep dangerous voice dripping with sexuality.

Hermione’s body temperature had risen with the sound of his voice.

“No,” she said. “No, I don’t think that. In fact, I definitely wish it was you.”

Severus grinned and she was struck at how handsome he truly was. Merlin’s beard! Why did he have to be so damn sexy NOW of all times?

“You owe me one now, Hermione,” he said. “And I expect to be repaid.”

Hermione giggled. “Do you want payment now?”

Severus blinked. He looked down at the curvaceous beauty before him. She was sprawled in a sexy position and by Slytherin’s Blood; he’d take her then and there if it wasn’t for the fact that she had already been spoken for by Rodolphus. There were certain rules that could not be broken. She was already another mans bride.

He took a deep breath to help steady his nerves and he took a few quick strides out of the room. One minute longer, and to hell with the rules! She was bloody sexy.

~*~*~

Narcissa was shaking. Rodolphus handed her a glass of sherry. She thought that Hermione was a sensible girl. Deep down inside she wanted Draco to follow his heart, but he didn’t. She swigged down the whole glass and was pale and silent. Draco held his mother’s hand. He didn’t understand why his mother was so concerned with Granger’s well being!

Lucius was squeezing his wife’s shoulder. He, too, was slightly shaken by this evening’s turn of events. He never believed that he would be concerned with what a stubborn Mudblood wanted to do with her life. This night she proved to be intelligent, congenial, and surprisingly well bred. She impressed him highly with the way she answered questions and the way she quoted Oscar Wilde was simply adorable. He liked Oscar Wilde’s works.

Severus stepped into the room. Narcissa’s jaw hung open at the wide-open shirt and rather boyish appearance from Severus. Shola began to re-think her strategy. He was strong, brave, and more importantly single. He was also good looking.

“How is she?” Rodolphus asked. Worry and concern evident in his eyes and voice. “Is she okay?”

Severus sighed as he regarded the other man. He schooled his expression to one of mild worry.

“She’s conscious but feeling a little overwhelmed.”

“Why did she do it?” Narcissa asked.

“She got a little scared,” Severus replied. “She was comfortable with ordinary chit chat until you mentioned the Dark Lord as your Master. She realised whom she was dining with and she panicked. She’s still fairly young, and despite being adjustable there are times when it is hard. She has only been here for a week.”

Rodolphus glared at Severus. “I am who I am!” he flared.

“She understands that more than anyone,” Severus replied smoothly. “And believe me, her mind is more open than most. But she hardly knows you, Rodolphus, you just need to give her more time to get used to you.”

“She seems used to you,” snarled Rodolphus. “Why can’t she get used to me?”

Severus rolled his eyes. “I have known the girl longer than you, Rodolphus. Just take your time with her. Patience is a virtue. The best thing you can do now is go up to her and say sorry for frightening her.”

Rodolphus nodded. There was truth in Severus words. He patted Severus on the back and walked out of the room a purpose in his stride. Severus strode up to Narcissa and sat down next to her.

“She’s going to be all right,” Severus said. “Remember, this is a girl that recovered easily from Basilisks and such like.” Severus found his native Yorkshire tongue taking over as he spoke. It was a sure sign that he was more worried than he let on.

~*~*~

Rodolphus walked into Hermione’s bedchamber and saw her curled up into a foetal position sleeping peacefully. The moon glowing on her face made her seem ethereal and otherworldly. He sat down on the mattress and brushed aside her hair from her face so that he could peer at her face closely. All anger dissipated rapidly; it was replaced by an overwhelming desire and love… that strange, foreign emotion to him. This woman influenced his emotions more than he believed she could.

She murmured, stirred and shifted position. She turned around and her eyes fluttered open, and Rodolphus was looking down into her eyes.

“How are you?” he whispered.

“Better,” she murmured. “I still don’t understand, Rodolphus. Why are you so interested in me?”

“I don’t know,” Rodolphus admitted finally. He had assured himself of the reasons the past week, but he truly did not understand the reasons himself. “But let’s have fun finding out, hmm. And no more suicide attempts. You scared me tonight. I thought I lost you.”

Hermione looked into his eyes, and the dark blue eyes were showing nothing but care and warmth towards her. She almost melted underneath the dark night blue gaze he gave her.

“Let me visit my friends occasionally please?” Hermione asked.

“Not yet,” Rodolphus replied. “Not until I am certain that you will return to me.”
Hermione sighed. Rodolphus stroked her cheek tenderly, the very same one that Severus had stroked minutes earlier. Whilst Severus touch sent shivers down her spine his fingertips grazing against her skin sent a fire to her belly and her toes curled underneath the coverlet.

“I will return,” Hermione said.

“I need more than just your word, Hermione.” Rodolphus said.

Hermione sighed. “How do you know, until you give me a chance?”

Rodolphus chuckled. “No, my impulsive love, I cannot let you out of my sight just yet. You must understand that I am extremely possessive and jealous man. I need to get to know you first. I thought we were making progress this week.”

Hermione lowered her eyes. “Are the others still here?”

“Yes,” Rodolphus answered. “They are all concerned for your well-being.”

Hermione frowned in confusion. Why were a bunch of Death Eaters concerned for her? She couldn’t fathom it out in her already muddled mind.

“All right,” she said. “I’ll come back down stairs.”

Rodolphus leant down and pressed his beautiful lips to her mouth and she moaned in pleasure as her tongue tingled with anticipation. Rodolphus understood, but he knew that until the guests left his house he could not pursue the activity that his mind had been dwelling on the past week.

She pushed him away gently and he got up off the mattress allowing her to get out of bed. Hermione blushed.

“What is wrong?” Rodolphus asked.

“I’m naked,” she whispered. Rodolphus smirked.

“I don’t mind,” he said. Hermione looked up at him, she gulped, as she spotted the naked hunger glowing in his eyes and she found herself blushing even more. She decided to step out of the bed and Rodolphus was almost wishing hell and damnation to the guests down below, so that he could satisfy his desire for the young woman.

She walked up to her underwear draw and pulled out a pair of knicker shorts and bra. She pulled on the knicker shorts and then put on the bra. Rodolphus throat tightened with the sight of this young woman putting on underwear, he could not believe that the sight of that could be just as erotic as taking it off. In fact, it was slightly more so. She put on a pair of tights and placed the robes on. She noticed that Severus tidied up her hair and make up. She decided to do a simple French plait and put on some light make up.

Rodolphus thought it a sin that she had to cover her delicious body up in clothes. He sighed as she put on a pair of sandals. He took her arm and opened the door. They walked down the staircase and to the sitting room. Narcissa rushed to Hermione and engulfed her in an embrace.

“Oh, Hermione, I was…”

“It’s all right, Mrs Malfoy, I am all right.”

Rodolphus looked up at Lucius and Lucius raised an eyebrow towards Rodolphus.

“Clunky!” Rodolphus commanded.

The unfortunate creature apparated in the sitting room and stared around the room, he was pleased to see that the Mistress was safe. Relatively.

“Yes, Master?”

“Serve dessert in here, Clunky. And bring up some Austrian coffee whilst you’re about it.”

“Yes, Master,” Clunky bowed low. He disapparated with a pop, ready to obey his Master!

Severus kept a close eye on Hermione the rest of that night. Damn him and his nobility! Why couldn’t he for once just take what he wanted? She looked more beautiful the way she was dressed now than she did previously.

Rodolphus was busy assessing the other men’s reaction to her. He knew he’d have to fight Rabastan for her. But it seemed his warning to Lucius might not be enough for Malfoy. The woman would be too much a temptation to the older blonde Wizard. The younger blonde Wizards interest in Hermione was purely from hormones, so the younger blonde Wizard would not be too much a problem. No, Rodolphus scowled. He’d have to not only fight his younger brother, but Lucius and – he turned to Severus – Rodolphus seethed with jealousy. Yes, Severus could be more a danger to his relationship with Hermione than Lucius could be.

He would have to keep a cautious eye on Severus, and if the raven haired Wizard tried ANYTHING on his Hermione then he’d have to curse the man and request that someone else take up Hermione’s training, i.e. HIM! And why shouldn’t Rodolphus take up Hermione’s training? That would have to be sorted out the next day.

~*~*~

The dessert was well received by the guests and hosts alike. After the dessert was digested and the coffee drunk the evening was busy with small talk. Hermione decided to let the conversation wash over her. She was sitting on a couch with Lucius. Lucius leant in and whispered something in her ear.

“What?” she whispered back.

“How are you now?” he asked her in his aristocratic voice.

“Better,” she replied quietly.

“I am sorry that we overwhelmed you,” he replied. “We forgot that these circumstances are still somewhat foreign to you.”

“I will get used to it, it seems like I have to,” she looked up into his eyes and smiled wanly. “Do I really have a choice?”

“Not really,” Lucius said, picking her hand up and squeezing it. Merlin, was this girl always this attractive? His eyes hooded over as he leaned in further and breathed in her scent.

“Mr Malfoy,” Hermione said in a strict tone. “What if your wife or son sees you?”

“Hmm,” he murmured, his lips grazing on her neck. “You should be more concerned with Rodolphus.” As he spoke the tip of his tongue flickered out and touched her skin with its warm dampness. Hermione sighed. “You truly are a temptress.”

Hermione was shocked at Lucius so publicly whispering sweet nothings in her ear.

“I – I am not a temptress,” Hermione mumbled.

Lucius drew back a stray golden curly lock and tucked it behind her ear. “You are a temptress. Strangely enough I feel drawn to you.”

Hermione glanced briefly around the room. Everyone seemed too interested in their own conversations. Hermione looked at Lucius again.

“Mr Malfoy,” she said as sternly as she could brushing away his hand from her thigh. “I really can not pursue what you are suggesting.”

“I can,” Lucius said, as he pressed his hand harder on her thigh whilst he continued to lazily stroke her cheek. Hermione writhed in her seat. The rollercoaster of emotions that she’d been through tonight had just taken a sharp upside down turn, and then descended sharply into her stomach. “And please, call me Lucius!”

Hermione didn’t want to look at the man touching her so intimately and confidently.

“Lucius, please. Be sensible!”

Lucius gave a deep-throated chuckle and smirked as he glanced down at her curves. Her breasts were well rounded and full. He had an image of holding them in the palm of his hands weighing them and then sucking the delicious nipples, and then licking the satin skin. ‘No touching Hermione!’ be damned. Why can’t Lucius have his fun with the Gryffindor Princess? Besides, Rodolphus did have Narcissa so it’s only fair.

“Whenever you’re lonely,” Lucius murmured. “Don’t hesitate to floo over to Malfoy Manor in Wiltshire… I am sure I could provide excellent companionship for you.”

“What are the two of you talking about?” Shola asked in her piercing voice. Lucius sighed. Why did this tart have the privilege of Purity and this ladylike woman sitting next to him have to be a Mudblood? It wasn’t fair. Everyone turned around and Rodolphus noted that Lucius was too close for comfort.

“Nothing much,” Hermione replied.

“Just our shared love of Oscar Wilde. I was trying to convince Hermione to read Dorian Grey, as she hasn’t read it yet.”

“I watched a Muggle film based on the book,” Hermione said. “I was just trying to explain to Mr Malfoy what a Muggle film was.”

Hermione pinned Lucius with a severe stare. He nodded. Rodolphus walked up to Hermione and offered her his hand. He helped her up, and then he dragged Hermione along to a singular chair as far away from Lucius as possible. Lucius sighed and winked at Hermione whilst Rodolphus back was turned.

“Before you all leave,” Rodolphus said. “I have something I wish you all to witness.” He turned around and knelt down on one knee. He produced a box and opened it up. “Hermione, over the past week I have come to the realisation that I could not spend the rest of my life without you. For some reason that is inexplicable I have come to love you more than reason would allow; and, in short, Hermione… will you marry me?”

The room was so quiet you could hear a pin drop. The silence was almost as deafening as noise.

“Yes, Rodolphus, I will marry you!”

Lucius scowled. Bastard! Never mind, he thought, I can still seduce her, as she wasn’t entirely unresponsive to me.

~*~*~

Hermione tossed around staring in the happy, smiling face of Rodolphus Lestrange. She looked down and noticed that the sheet was strategically placed but that didn’t stop her from noticing his morning erection. She blushed. He gathered her up in his arms.

“Good morning,” he murmured in her ear hungrily.

Hermione closed her eyes and groaned. That brought her reeling mind back to what happened AFTER they all left.

“Good morning,” she replied.

“Ready to repeat last nights performance?”

Hermione remembered last night’s performance all right! And damn Rodolphus Lestrange, yes she did want to take a mulligan on it!

Rodolphus sighed. He leant in and began sucking on her earlobe.

“Yes,” Hermione breathed. “Yes, lets repeat last nights performance!”

“Oh good,” he purred. “I was hoping for an encore.”

A/N Lemons on the way, I promise. But you won't get them unless you review.