Dangerous Games

Disclaimer: See chapter one, still not mine.

A/N: Thanks for all the reviews

Dangerous Games


Chapter 6: Lessons in Spying

“Enough, Rosmerta!” Severus Snape glared down at the frustrated witch in his arms. “You are not even trying.” As he pushed her away, his eyes seemed to bore through her.

“I am,” respresponded sullenly. “I just don’t see the bloody point.”

“The point,” Snape stated, deliberately emphasizingh woh word as he paced in front of her, “is that you need to be prepared for tomorrow night. It will be dangerous. I will not have you endangering yourself and others just because you don’t think what I am teaching you is important.” His voice rose steadily so that the last word was more of a bellow.

“If you are quite through.” Rosmerta crossed her arms and calmly watched the tall wizard as he stopped abruptly in front of her. “I do think what you are teaching me is important, Severus, at least, I think the spells, charms, and strategies are important. What I do not see as important are the bloody dance lessons.” Rosmerta paused to catch her breath. “What difference does it make if I dance well or not? Surely no one will notice or care!”

“The difference is,” Snape explained a bit more patiently, “I will not have my date trouncing on my toes.”

“It’s a little late to be worrying about that now, don’t you think?” Rosmerta smiled at the frowning wizard. “Surely there is a spell or something that you can use to make me a fantastic dancer.”

Rosmerta batted her eyes at him playfully.

“Sorry,” Snape responded with a straight face. “I’m not that good of a wizard.”

Rosmerta was saved from answering by the arrival of Professor Dumbledore and Professor McGonagall.

“My dear, Rosmerta.” The headmaster smiled broadly at the younger witch. He grabbed both her hands and held them in greeting. “I hope you are ready for tomorrow night. It will be a dangerous but no doubt thrilling adventure.”

Rosmerta smiled in turn. His attitude was infectious and for the first time she actually looked forward to the upcoming festivities. It was to be a grand affair put on by the Ministry for some foreign diplomats. She was going as Professor Snape’s date. It would be her job to get close to Lucius and find out the Ministry’s and the Dark Lord’s plans for the visiting ambassadors. The Order had information that Lord Voldemort was once again attempting to recruit other countries to his cause.

“I guess I am ready, Headmaster,” she stated tentatively.

He was suddenly solemn as he looked at her over his glasses. “I do not want you to do this unless you are absolutely sure, my dear.”

It was almost as if he could see through her. Rosmerta quickly reassured him. “I know. I am sure about everything…except the dancing.” She added this last part smiling at Snape.

“I am sure you are a very good dancer.” Dumbledore eyes twinkled at her.

“Well,” she admitted. “I doubt I will be out dancing the Tango any time soon but I do all right.”

She ignored Snape’s snort as she continued more seriously. “I think someone should tell me the plan for tomorrow night.”

“I agree,” Professor McGonagall stated giving Rosmerta an encouraging nod.

Chairs were brought out and everyone settled before Snape finally spoke.

“It is a simple plan. Rosmerta and I will arrive at the gala. When Lucius seeks her out, she will encourage him to confide in her. Once she gets the information, she will give it to me. I will contact Albus, who will convey Voldemort’s plans to the Order. Hopefully, they will then be able to use that knowledge to intercede with the ambassadors.” When he finished he glanced over at them to see if there were any questions.

Rosmerta could not stay quiet. “That is your plan?’

“Is there a problem?” he asked smoothly.

“That isn’t a plan. It is a disaster.”

“Whatever do you mean?” Snape asked, his dark eyes menacing.

She ignored his stare.

“First of all, Lucius will not seek me out. We will be around many important people. His wife will also be there, I am sure. He will not risk it. Especialif hif he is on an important mission.”

“Perhaps, but…”

“Furthermore,” she interrupted. “Even if he did seek me out, it is doubtful he would confide in me.”

“Yes, but…”

“Honestly, Professor. I expected better.”

“If you would just let me finish!” He gave her a fierce look.

“Fine, go ahead.”

“As I was trying to explain. Lucius will seek you out. He will be unable to help himself.” He held up a hand as she started to speak. “Lucius does not like to share. He will be furious when you are with me.”

“I doubt Lucius cares enough to be jealous.”

“It is not a matter of caring,” Snape stated bluntly. “Lucius views you as his property. He will not take kindly to trespassers.”

“Really, Severus!” exclaimed Professor McGonagall.

“Thanks for that uplifting thought, Professor SnapRosmRosmerta stated dryly. All eyes were on her and she suddenly wished she could just fade away.

“Listen, Rosmerta,” he said in a softer voice. “I honestly do not know how Lucius feels. He may care a great deal. It doesn’t change anything in our plan. He is territorial. He will not want anyone else to have you.”

“I agree with Severus, Rosmerta.” Albus patted her hand reassuringly. “Whatever Lucius’ feelings are, we can use them to our advantage. We need to stay focused on why we are doing this.”

She felt her face flush as they calmly discussed her situation with Lucius.

“So Lucius gets jealous and seeks me out. He gets angry…then what?” Rosmerta wanted to know exactly what they were expecting.

“You explain to him that you are there to spy on the Order. You thought you could get information from me and then pass it on to him.”

“I am confused. If you are a spy for Voldemort then wouldn’t you already be giving information to us?”us?”

“Lucius didn’t tell you that I was a spy, did he?”

She shook her head and he continued.

“Then he will assume you do not know I am a spy. He doesn’t trust me. He thinks I am also working for Dumbledore. This will be just the chance he needs to discredit me.”

“So you think he will confide in me so that I know what’s going on?” Rosmerta speculated. “Is that the plan?”

“That’s about it.”

“Okay, fine,” Rosmerta conceded. She then stared levelly at Snape.

“My dress better be spectacular, Snape, or you will be going by yourself.”

He ked ked at her remark.

“Rosmerta, you will be stunning.” Then he added in true Slytherin fashion, “Narcissa Malfoy will look like a rag doll next ou.”ou.”

**************************************

Rosmerta checked herself once more in the mirror. It was almost time for her to meet with Snape. The emerald green dress was gorgeous. It clung delicately to her body, hinting at the treasures within. A slit daringly ran up each side of the dress. She barely recognized the reflection looking back at her. Her pale face was flushed with excitement. Her brown eyes sparkled. Minerva had helped her arrange her hair so that it fell artfully around her face.

It wasn’t as if Rosmerta normally neglected her appearance. However, running a business was hard work and she didn’t have time for a lot of frivolities.

“You look lovely.” Minerva smiled warmly at her. “But you need to leave soon. You don’t want to keep your date waiting.”

“Thanks Minerva.” She hugged the older witch affectionately. “Wish me luck.”

“I don’t think you are going to need it,” Minerva replied with a smirk. “The way you look….Lucius doesn’t stand a chance.”

Rosmerta donned her cloak and grabbed her wand. She gave the older witch a final wave as she apparated to London. She was meeting Snape at a point close to the festivities. He had wanted to meet at the inn and arrive together, but Rosmerta didn’t want to start any rumors with her staff.

When Rosmerta reached the meeting point, Snape was already waiting for her.

“Breathtaking,” he muttered as she smiled coquettishly at him. “I was right about the dress. It suits you.”

“Thank you,” she replied. “Did you pick out the dress? I thought perhaps Minerva chose it.”

“Can’t you tell by the color?” he said with a smirk.

He offered her his arm and they apparated in front of a magnificent building. Rosmerta suddenly felt panic welling up inside of her. What was she thinking? She was never going to pull this off.

Snape squeezed her arm.

“Don’t worry,” he stated sensing her distress. “You’ve faced worse…remember the Death Eaters.”

She smiled bravely as she followed him in, her heart beating wildly.

The outside of the building should have prepared her for what she found inside but it did not, could not.

The large ballroom sparkled in its brilliance. The thousands of lights positioned around the room were reflected in the expensive jewel adorning the majority of the women. Rosmerta brought her hand up to her own bare neck. Every color imaginable was represented in the stunning gowns the women wore. It contrasted beautifully with the men’s solemn attire.

Rosmerta looked in awe at the opulence around the room. Although she reflected dr man many hardworking families could live comfortably off of the money wasted for this one night.

They moved forward as Snape eloquently greeted the wizards and witches that surrounded them. Who knew Snape could be sociable? This was a side of him Rosmehad had never seen.

There were small round tables set up all around the room, with a head table in the front. This table was for the more important guests. She knew they would not be sitting there. The Minister of Magic, and other important members of the Ministry, would sit there as well as the ambassadors. Lucius would be at the head table, along with his wife. Snape had told her all this to prepare her. He had said that at first everyone would mingle as the guests arrived. Then dinner would be served. Speeches would be given. He had warned her that these might be long and boring. Then the formal part of the evening would be over and most would drink and dance until late. That is when he expected most of the action to occur.

A tray filled with glasses of champagne floated close to her. Rosmerta took one, feeling that something to loosen her nerves might help her relax. Snape grabbed one also and with a smirk he raised his glass to her. She smiled warmly at him as they both took a sip.

“Well, well, Severus,” a familiar smooth voice purred. “This is a pleasant surprise.”

Although he spoke to Snape, Lucius was looking at Rosmerta.

“Good evening. Lucius,” the dark wizard drawled. “I believe you know Madam Rosmerta.”

“Yes, of course,” he replied taking her hand in his briefly. He gave her a half smile.

Rosmerta nodded at him as she ignored the electricity that coursed through her hand at his contact. She didn’t say anything. She wasn’t sure she trusted her voice just yet.

Something over their shoulder caught Lucius’ eye.

He sighed with exasperation.

“If you will excuse me,” he began. “I see that Arthur Weasley has cornered the Russian ambassador. I fear he will bore him to death discussing some muggle contraption. “Enjoy your evening.” He walked away with out a backward glance.

“Right.” Rosmerta looked up at Snape. “He is obviously overcome with jealousy.”

“Remember, Lucius is very good at deception. I could see the way he was looking at you. Give it time.”

Rosmerta grabbed another drink. “Might as well enjoy myself while we wait.”

Several drinks later Rosmerta was feelinch bch better about the evening. Who cawhatwhat Lucius did? She didn’t. She was going to enjoy her night. Just as that thought skirted through her brain, things got worse.

“Hello, Severus.” Rosmerta glared at the woman who was now before them. Her pale blonde hair and cool attitude exuded the trademark Malfoy haughtiness.

“Good evening, Narcissa,” Severus replied. “You look beautiful tonight.”

Rosmerta tuned out the rest of their chatter. Narcissa Malfoy did indeed look beautiful. She was in a white dress and Rosmerta was reminded of a glacier; beautiful but cold all the way through. It struck her then that Lucius and Narcissa were a perfect match. They were so alike. However, Lucius was not always cold. He could at times be very passionate. That thought took her places she did not want to go.

She watched as Narcissa flirted with Professor Snape. A fury started to ignite itself in her breast. She had Lucius. Obviously, it was not enough. She was after Rosmerta’s date as well.

The young witch decided to reclaim her rights.

“Severus, my love?” Okay that might be laying it on fairly thick. She took his arm as she spoke, smiling up at him sweetly.

“Yes, my dear?” He smirked at her, obviously enjoying himself.

“Can I have a moment?”

“Of course,” he replied. Then he turned to the older witch. “If you will excuse us, Narcissa.”

As they walked away, Severus draped his arm around Rosmerta’s shoulder.

“Problem?” he queried.

“That woman has some nerve!”

“I think she was overcompensating for the fact that next to you she looked rather plain.

Rosmerta looked up at her date in surprise. Did he just compliment her?

“I think it is almost time to eat. Shall we?” He motioned toward their table.

Once they were seated at their table Snape leaned over and whispered into her ear.

“Kiss me.”

She looked up at him in surprise. He’d obviously had too much to drink.

“Lucius is looking this way,” he mumbled in explanation.

Rosmerta resisted the urge to look toward the blonde wizard. Instead she lightly touched the side of Severus’ face. He smiled at her and she realized he was quite handsome. Not your obvious handsome (like Lucius) but handsome nonetheless.

She kissed him gently, deepening the kiss as he responded. He was quite a good kisser, too. Even as she had that thought, she realized she was comparing him to Lucius. And shinghing was missing. Damn. It would have been nice to be with someone who was not married. Oh, and not trying to take over the Wizarding world!

“So,” she whispered to her companion. “How do you think we are doing?”

“Well, Lucius is no longer watching us,” he observed. “Either it doesn’t bother him or he is able to hide it well.”

“What about the ambassadors?” Rosmerta asked.

“Although he has talked to each of them,” Snape replied. “He has not spent more than a few moments with any of them. I think we need a new plan.”

“Any ideas?”

“I think we should try and make it through the meal. I will try to come up with something in the meantime.”

As if on cue food began to appear before them. Although it all looked and smelled delicious, Rosmerta barely tasted any of it. Her eyes unwillingly strayed to the imposing blonde wizard time and time again.

Lucius appeared to chat easily with those around him. ofteoften turned to his wife and smiled or touched her hand. Narcissa did not seem at all fazed by the amount of attention she was receiving from her husband.

This is what bothered Rosmerta the most. He had always portrayed his wife as cold and unfeeling. According to him they could barely stand to be civil to each other. Yet, here they were presenting to the world a happy couple, full of marital bliss. Rosmerta had to admit she was jealous.

The alcohol didn’t help.

Although, she knew her thoughts and feelings were irrational, she wanted to inflict pain on them. She visualized herself going up to the head table. In her mind, she grabbed two handfuls of pale blonde hair and slammed both their heads together.

That felt better. She smiled at the thought.

“Something amusing?” Snape asked her, his eyebrow raised questioningly.

“Just trying to make it through dinner,” she replied.

Several courses and too many boring speeches later, Rosmerta sighed loudly. This night was turning out to be very long.

Snape looked over at her but did not comment on her obvious frustration.

“I am going to check in with the headmaster. He will be anxious to know what is happening.”

Rosmerta nodded at him, absently playing with her fork.

She should have known better. She was not a spy. She certainly couldn’t predict what Lucius would do at any given moment. The best thing to do would just forget the whole thing. What did she care if Lucius self-destructed? He made his choices. And none of them involved her. She could feel her frustration turning to anger once again.

Bastard.

She stabbed her dessert with her fork.

“I did not think the pie was that bad.”

Rosmerta started at the sound of Lucius’ low voice.

She hadn’t even noticed that he had sat down beside her. Some spy she was. He raised his eyebrow at her startled reaction.

“Lucius,” she said irritably. “What do you want?”

“My dear,” he drawled. “Are you not enjoying yourself?”

“I was before you interrupted me.”

Okay, she was lying and he knew it.

“By impaling the lemon cream pie?”

She looked up at him. His pale eyes twinkled at her obvious annoyance.

Bastard.

“Shouldn’t you be getting back to your wife?” she spat out.

“Jealous?”

“Of course not.” Again, lying. Again, he knew it.

“Where is your date?” he asked lazily.

“Jealous?” she countered.

“Not in the least.”

The problem was that he said it as if he meant it.

“So you don’t care if I am with someone else?” Why was she torturing herself. Maybe if she was lucky he wouldn’t answer.

“Are you with someone else?” he questioned.

She started to answer but he interrupted her.

“I trust you are here with Snape to gather information for me.”

Arrogant bastard! As if it was not possible for her to be on a date with someone else.

She wanted to deny it. She wanted to tell him that she was here with Snape. That she had had enough of him and that they were through.

Remember the mission…remember the mission…rememthe the mission.

“You seem very sure of yourself, Lucius.”

“My dear, that is because you belong to me,” he purred.

“I do not…,” Rosmerta began furiously but Lucius again interrupted her.

“What I meant to say,” he explained eloquently, “is that your allegiance belongs to me. Is that not so?” He waited expectantly for her reply.

He was toying with her. She was caught and she knew it.

“Yes, Lucius. My allegiance is with you,” she admitted quietly.

He raised her chin up with one long elegant finger.

“That is what I thought,” he murmured softly. Neither one spoke as he studied her face.

“Have you found anything out from our lonely Potions Master?” he finally asked.

“Just that there are some foreign ambassadors here tonight. The Order is worried they may be recruited by Lord Voldemort.”

“I am amazed he confided in you. I’ve never known Severus to trust someone so quickly.”

They had prepared her for this.

“I overheard Dumbledore talking to Snape,” she stated and then went on to explain. “Evidently, they do not feel the need to be overly careful around me.”

“Because you are so trustworthy, my dear.”

She wondered if he was testing her.

“What they don’t understand is that these counties are eager for a change. They grow tired of the control their own ministries have over their lives. They are ripe for the picking,” he stated passionately.

“So you are going to approach ?”
?”

“Not I,” he replied. “It will be someone else in the Dark Lord’s circle.” He smiled slyly. “I am just a decoy, you see.”

She couldn’t believe he was giving her this information. She didn’t know if she could even trust it.

“The dessert is wonderful,” he stated, changing the subject. “Have you actually tasted it? Or just punished it.”

He was laughing at her.

She didn’t know what to think. Lucius always seemed to have the upper hand.

“Try it.” Although it was a request, it sounded more like a command. Did he have to control everything she did? She found, to her surprise that she was still angry with him.

She started to pick up her fork but then thought better of it. In her mood, she was likely to stab him with it. And then where would they be?

Instead, Rosmerta dipped her finger into the fluffy dessert and brought it toward her mouth.

Lucius deftly intercepted her hand and brought it to his lips. His eyes never left her face. She watched as he placed her finger in his mouth. She gasped at the warm feel of honguongue as it swirled around her finger. The amazing sensations he was provoking traveled through her arm and downward. Lucius closed his eyes, obviously enjoyed his treat. Rosmerta couldn’t suppress a moan as he sucked on her finger.

Lucius opened his eyes and smirked at her. He kissed her palm and the side of her hand.

“Luci she she whispered trying to regain control. “Someone will see us.”

“I have set up a useful little charm that will hide us from everyone else,” he murmured as he slowly kissed her wrist.

She had to admit, the man was very resourceful.

Lucius reached under the table, finding the slit in her long gown. He trailed kisses on her forearm as his other hand slipped between her thighs. She parted her legs to give him better access. He lightly touched her panties, tracing her through the flimsy fabric.

“Open your eyes, Rosmerta.”

She obliged, her eyes locking with his. He watched her intently as his fingers pushed away the fabric of her knickers and stroked her gently. He slowly pushed a finger inside of her.

“Taste the pie,” he whispered throatily. She was trying to focus on what he was saying but found she was quite distracted by his exploring fingers.

Lucius took his free hand and dipped his finger into the pie. He brought it to her lips and she eagerly took his finger into her mouth. She licked it clean watching his reaction. His eyes were full of desire as she sucked at the tasty digit.

He removed his finger from her mouth and cupped her face. He moved in closer to whisper in her ear. His other hand was busy as it plunged in and out of her.

“Are you close, my dear?” he asked, his breath hot on her flushed face.

“No one can see us?” It was disconcerting, being able to see everyone as they walked by. Some had even looked their way, although they were oblivious to the couple’s activities.

“The spell will last a few more minutes, I think.”

“You think?” she asked incredulously, the word coming out in gasps. “Don’t you know?”

“I will know when it wears off,” he assured her.

“How?”

“Because, my sweet Rosmerta, everyone will be staring at us.” Evithoithout looking she knew there was a smirk on his face.

Rosmerta could envision it. The looks on everyone’s faces as they realized Rosmerta was about to climax with Lucius Malfoy’s hand under her dress. She could just see the reactions of Professor Snape, Narcissa Malfoy, and the whole bloody ministry as she screamed out Lucius’ name in ecstasy.

Great. Wonderful. No pressure.

Actually, Rosmerta found to her surprise that the thought of them getting caught actually heightened her arousal.

That and Lucius’ sensual voice purring in her ear.

“I was thinking how delicious that pie tastes. I would love to place some here.” His voice rose on the last word, as he touched her nub for emphasis. “So that I could then lick it off.”

Rosmerta moaned as his fingers increased their pressure.

“Of course,” he continued huskily. “I may have to suck more than lick. Pie can be so sticky.”

Rosmerta was very close and the thought of Lucius on his knees, under the table, sucking on her core drove her over the edge. She bit her lip to keep from crying out. She didn’t think the charm would shield out noise and she wasn’t going to take any chances.

Suddenly Lucius leaned back. Rosmerta tried to regain her composure as she noticed Professor Snape walking toward them. He raised his eyebrow at her in question and she realized the charm was no longer working.

She looked over at Lucius. He was looking at her coolly.

“It was nice seeing you again Madam Rosmerta,” he stated formally, as he removed his hand from under her dress.

“Always a pleasure, Mr. Malfoy,” she returned just as formally, but with a hint of a smirk.

“When you get home, do not take off the dress,” he whispered quickly to her as he stood up. “I will be there later to remove it myself.”

Then he was gone. She watched as he moved back to the head table and back to his wife’s side.

Professor Snape sat down next to her. As he studied her face, Rosmerta felt he could see right through her. Slowly a smile appeared on his face.

“I guess the plan worked after all.”