Refashioning Affection

Chapter Five: What are Friends For?


Hermione and Ginny sat in the Three Sisters, enjoying a pint, some good pub grub and catching up on their lives.

"So Ms. Hermione what have, and who have, you been doing these past couple of months?" Ginny asked with a wiggle of her eyebrows from the other side of her pint glass.

Hermione chuckled "As smooth as ever I see," she teased the red head.

"Come on, you mentioned a Michael Sullivan in a few of your letters..." she prodded

"Ah yes, Sully, what an Irish rogue. The brogue could have your toes curling before he even laid a finger on you." A smile ghosted across her lips at the memories.

"Wow Hermione! So are you dating or...” that had Hermione laughing "take that as a no."

"No, I am not dating Sully, I haven’t really dated anyone since Ron and I broke it off. I am not the dating type anyway."

"What do you mean?" Ginny asked shocked at the admission.

"I am too selfish to be in that type of relationship."

"You are not selfish Hermione." scoffed Ginny

"I am when it comes to my goals, I won't have anyone getting in the way of what I have worked for. I mean if it was absolutely necessary, to save a life or something, then obviously I would but..."

"So all the men you have written about-"

"You make me sound like a whore, there have been four men, including your brother in the past six years."

"Ron?" Ginny saw the look on Hermione's face "Oh right, that brother."

"You always wrote about them so- fondly- though. I was sure one would be 'the one'."

"I was, still am, fond of them all, but none of them made me feel something so strong, that I would be able to give up or change my dreams in order to be with them. And I would never expect a man to accept what little I had to offer. Especially while I was constantly moving from place to place."

"Well you are settled now."

"For now," she corrected, "I will only stay as long as I have too."

"Is it that bad?"

"No Ginny, I am just a wanderer, if I stay in one spot for too long I get itchy."

"What if you meet someone, the person who you will give up everything for?"

"IF he shows up, I will be very surprised. Enough about me lets talk about the newest Healer St. Mungo's has."

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Not far from where the girls were enjoying their lunch, three wizards entered Babel. Babel was a small establishment that catered to crowds who preferred conversation and debate over rowdy gatherings. Severus and Lucius would often meet here to talk about the latest research being done, or just about life in general. Today Draco had come along for lunch, having not seen his Godfather in weeks.

They sat in their usual booth in the corner, the bartender nodded over, knowing what the men would want already.

"So Uncle how is life back at Hogwarts?" Draco asked as he took a swig of the ale just placed in front of him.

"The usual dunderheads, nearly an explosion every week. I swear children are becoming dumber and dumber as the years go by. At least I only have another three years of classroom teaching ahead of me."

"Are you finally quitting?" Lucius asked.

"Or did old Mac decide she had had enough?" asked Draco. Severus graced his godson with a half smile.

"Good luck to the students who live under the rule of Headmaster Snape." Draco lifted his class in mock salute.

"The youngest professor ever to teach at Hogwarts and now the youngest Headmaster, I think they may be the last things you are considered young for though." Lucius smirked.

"I am younger then you Lucius."

"Merlin don't reminded him, might make him start to realize he is a dirty old man having lecherous thoughts about young witches." Draco laughed at the death glare his father sent him.

"Oh gods, Lucius Malfoy has eyes for a little witch?" Severus looked only slightly scandalized.

"That is quite enough out of the both of you." he donked Draco on the head with the handle of his cane.

"Ouch father! Is that any way to treat your heir?"

"By the spark in your fathers eyes when you mentioned his mystery witch, I say you might be in danger of having competition for that title."

"What, my father in love with Granger?" Draco asked shocked.

"Hermione Granger?!" Severus nearly shouted.

Lucius suddenly debated whether or not his son really needed his tongue.

"Lucius?"

"There is just something about her, she is so...different, in an amazingly simple kind of way."

"Oh Merlin..." mumbled Draco.

"I mean, is it normal for a woman to wander around her office in her stocking feet, or sit on the floor to do paperwork - or to moan in pleasure just by opening a book?"

Severus looked at his long time friend in awe. He had never seen him like this in all the years they had known each other. There was something desperate in his voice.

"She was always different from everyone Lucius. As a student she was wise beyond her years with the drive and love of a Master for her work. If her research and life now is any judge, it seems she has just grown more into her self."

"Would she, I mean, do I have a chance if I pursue her?" Lucius could not believe he sounded so unlike himself. If anyone else saw him like this they would demand the impero be lifted.

Draco had turned slightly green, "I was fine with the idea of you seducing her and shagging her, that was fine, but if I have to call her mummy..."

This time both his godfather and father cuffed him on the back of the head.

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As the two witches headed down the street to return to work, Ginny was having a marvelous time teasing Hermione, who had been dumb enough to mention her lunch plans with Lucius.

"Come on Hermione, he is quite dishy for an older guy."

"I never said he wasn’t, but he is co-worker and..."

"Handsome, rich, intelligent and a legend in bed." Ginny ticked off her fingers

"Gods Gin!"

"What? Like you said, it doesn't mean you are in a committed relationship, you need a good tupping if your irritability is anything to go by."

"I do not need to get shagged...." As the pair turned the corner Hermione, who had been walking on the inside, bumped into a tall figure whose arms immediately wrapped around her to keep her from stumbling to the ground.

"This is becoming a habit Hermione."

"Lucius! Thank you, once again you save my dignity from being bruised."

"As well as your bum!" piped up Ginny, who had a satisfied smile on her face.

Severus and Draco smirked as they saw Hermione blush and a tint of pink grace Lucius cheeks.

"Yes, thank you for pointing that out Gin. Lucius, I will see you later at work?"

"Indeed." He had yet to let her out of his arms. Severus cleared his throat in order to gain his attention.

Lucius looked up shocked and quickly drew his arms back.

"Forgive me,” he asked

"Think nothing of it. Professor, Draco pleasure to see you both." Hermione acknowledged the two wizards staring at her.

The two men nodded their greeting.

"We best be off, I start shift soon, gentlemen." Ginny wrapped her arm around Hermione's and started down the street.

The men watched as Ginny whispered in Hermione's ear and Hermione swatted at her companion’s arm causing the youngest Weasley to giggle.

Severus and Draco looked over at Lucius who was still watching her walk away, his eyes roaming her person.

"Lucius, you are doomed,” commented Severus.

"I am not ready for half-siblings!" whined Draco who quickly ducked out of reach of his father, his poor head having enough abuse for one day.

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A/N I know way OOC for the lot, but I cant help myself.

Thank you LaBib for the contact, I may have a beta soon and everyone can stop dealing with my shite proofreading skills.

All the reviews were lovely, I am glad you are all enjoying this little plot bunny that ran amuck, and I hope you enjoyed this chapter as well.

ps. just changed the step to half siblings~ see thats why I need a beta (I promise I look sheepish)

xox Sarah