The Hunt

Four different owls made their way across to four different residences, each one baring roughly the same message. That four different man had been spoken to. Now, a few days later, four different ladies were looking in four different mirrors, before setting out to see the four men in question.





Hermione took a steadying breathe and knocked on Severus’s door. She smiled and hid her nervousness. “Hermione, come in.” He stepped aside and let her enter. It had been a week since she had asked him to the benefit. Plenty of time to go over the letters and articles Luna had sent him.



“Thank you Severus.” She entered and followed him to the lab. Again she didn’t give him the customary greeting kiss. Severus found he didn’t like going without his greeting. He had gotten so used to it.



Hermione walked over to the table and looked down at her notes. Severus had made a few additions to her parchments. “This is remarkable Severus. I hadn’t thought of these combinations.”



“Yes, it is obvious to those versed in occlumency. However I anticipate a lengthy brewing process.” He moved and sat in a stool at her side.



“I can see that. She leaned over, resting on her elbows and looking at his notations. “It looks like it will have to sit and simmer for two weeks at the very…..”



“Hermione.” He said softly, interrupting her. She turned her head and looked at him.



“Yes, Severus?” She said just as softly.



“I think we should talk don’t you?” He said raising an eyebrow.



“Alright.” She said taking a seat in her stool and facing him. “Lets talk then.”



“You haven’t mentioned anything about the request you made.”



“You refused. It would have been redundant wouldn’t it?”



“And mailing me material isn’t?”



Hermione let out a soft laugh. “Luna must have done that. The girls talk to drown our sorrows you know.”



“Of course.” He looked aside and then back. “And they said nothing to you, when they discovered I was the one you were speaking of?”



“They did say something Severus.” He gave her a nod as if to say ‘I told you’. “They wondered why you would not be interested.” Severus looked up at her.



“No one said anything about your age or mine. Luna even sees how much we have in common.” Severus nodded. Luna was a Ravenclaw and valued for her intellect, so it made sense that she would see things as Hermione did.



“She sent some interesting material.” He said, unsure for the first time in his life of how to proceed.



“Listen Severus, if my asking you to the benefit has made you uncomfortable, believe me that was not my intention.” He looked over at her. “Please just forget I asked, if it will make you feel better.”



“Hermione, I must know something.” She gave a tilt to her head. “Why did you ask me?”



Hermione remained silent for a moment but kept her small smile. Severus was paying close attention. “Severus it is common knowledge among all who know me that I appreciate a man of intelligence. You are brilliant and I find that very attractive. You are a man of few words, but when you speak you make a fine point. You speak with an eloquence of an experienced man. You are a master in your field and highly respected, rarely making mistakes and learning from the ones you make.” Severus merely watched as she sang his attributes as no one else had. “Your voice is sumptuous and often erotic at times.” He gave her a strange look. “Yes Severus, without your knowledge you show an eroticism in your speech and manner. Low tones that caress the listener.” Hermione moved her stool a little closer. “Your eyes are intense, a deep black a girl can loose herself staring in.” She slid closer, her knees touching his. “And your hands Severus, they move with deliberate calculation, confidence in their actions. A lady would wonder how they feel…..”



“Stop Hermione, I see your point.” He said looking away.



“I could go on for some time Severus. You are a very physical man, and a brilliant one. That makes for a very desirable package.” Severus merely looked at her. Hermione slid back, and Severus felt his mood drop at the loss of her knee against his own.



“Severus, it would be an honor and a delight to share your company for the evening at the benefit.” Severus rolled his eyes and looked at her to see a wide grin.



“A bit over the top with your request aren’t you?” He said with a raised eyebrow.



She let out a giggle. “Severus, I would love it if you would attend with me.” He gave her a half smile.



“Very well, Hermione.” She smiled brightly and made a mental note to send Luna a case of her favorite muggle candy.







Ginny handed her cloak over to the house elf and followed the small creature to the study. “Lucius.” She said smiling.



Lucius rose. “Ah Ginny, please come in.” He gestured to the armchair.



“Thank you,” she said having a seat, “now Lucius, what was it that you wanted to speak to me about?”



“I have come across a wonderful investment opportunity and thought you might want the details.” He said from over at his desk, gathering a folder of parchments.



“Of course.” She said leaning forward as he came over to sit next to her.



For the next twenty minutes Lucius gave her insight and answered questions about the information he provided. As she made her copies and prepared to leave he stopped her.



“Ginny, may I ask you something?” He said as she was putting her cloak on.



“Of course Lucius, anything.” She said in a casual manner.



“I would like to know why you asked me to the ministry event?” His face was serious, so Ginny knew he was concerned.



“Because I find you quite attractive Lucius. We have something in common in that we are alone. I thought you would understand not wanting to be lonely but at the same time not wanting commitment. I am not looking for seriousness after what I’ve been through and I would never presume to take Narcissa’s place.” He looked at her intensely, taking in her words.



“Yes Ginny I understand. I understand perfectly.” He took on a faraway look, but brought his gaze back to Ginny when she touched his arm.



“Lucius, I would never want you to feel anything but comfortable with me. If I had overstepped any boundaries by asked you to the event I apologize.” She was smiling so sweetly up at him that Lucius felt it to his bones.



“I do feel comfortable with you Ginny.” He said in a low voice.



“Comfortable enough to look past the age.” She asked with thundering pulse. Lucius held still for a moment and then gave a small nod. “Lucius, will you attend the dinner with me?” She whispered. Lucius closed his eyes and opened them, then gave her another nod. Ginny smiled and kissed his cheek.







Greg was just finishing up the last of his paperwork when Luna entered. “Greg?” She called.



“Luna, did you get everything you needed?” He asked, turning from his files.



“Yes, everything is finished, my final article will appear in a few days. I just came to get my cloak and my escort out.” She said with a smile.



“Of course.” He took her cloak off a hook on the wall and after a required search of her purse and cloak he walked her to the gate. “Luna may I ask you something?”



“Of course, what is it?” She asked.



“Last week, when you kissed me,” he said and continued at her nod, “what exactly did that mean?” He asked with a confused look. Luna felt for him. He really hadn’t had a clue to her intentions.



“Well Greg, I find you a very attractive and I admire the man you’ve become, and I would like to know that man better.” She said, hoping she was understood. She had a feeling speaking plainly would mean more to Greg then playing games.



“So when you asked me to the ministry gala, it wasn’t because you couldn’t find a date?” He asked.



“No Greg, it was because I want to go with you. I still do, as a matter of fact. That is if you would go with me.” She said hopefully.



Greg smiled at her. He felt flattered. Luna was a lovely girl and so soft spoken, he was glad that she felt this way about him. “Yes Luna I would love to go with you.” The two smiled at each other for several minutes before Luna left.







Pansy made her way to Ron’s house. She had under her arm several final drafts of adverts to appear in a few periodicals. As he insisted, she needed his final word on them. She had sent an owl telling him she was bringing them by so when he opened the door he wasn’t surprised to see her.



“Hello Ron,” she said stepping inside, “let me show you the final drafts I’ve brought.” He nodded as they walked to his office. Ron signed off on her adverts and took note of when they would appear. Pansy also made arrangements to get feedback form the magazines as to how they were being received as well. Ron would know how well the campaign was going the entire time.



Before she left, he spoke. “Pansy, wait a moment please.” She stopped and faced him, waiting patiently. “Would you sit down for a moment.”



“Of course Ron.” She sat down and again waited patiently.



“I think I should explain something to you.” He said sitting opposite her. “I spoke to my sister a few days ago.”



“I figured she might come to you. When we were all together we vented some feelings. I guess she felt the need to say something.” Pansy told him.



“Yes, she did. I’m sure you are aware of how things are with Harry and myself since they split.” She nodded. “If he hadn’t dated my sister, I would have been still disappointed, but less so if he had cheated on another girl. I know that makes me sound like a git, but it’s true.”



Pansy nodded. “It was worse because it was your sister. I understand Ron. Anyone would be upset about that. You aren’t alone in how you think.”



“Yes I know, and I’m worried that getting personal with you might end up badly for you and Ginny. What if something happens and your friendship isn’t the same. I would hate for that to happen. I know first hand that it’s not fun.”



“Did Ginny agree with that when she spoke to you?” Pansy asked quietly.



“No she didn’t, she said that we were all older and more mature and we would all be able to handle what comes.”



“And do you agree Ron?” She asked.



“I don’t know.” Pansy watched his thoughtful face. “But I think,” he paused and looked at her, “I’m willing to try.” He said in a whisper.



Pansy smiled. “That would be nice. It doesn’t have to be anything serious, we don’t have to rush.” She said, glad that he looked relieved to have spoken his mind. “Maybe we can start with a simple date.”



Ron grinned. “Like the ministry charity?”



Pansy smiled back. “Yes. Would you like to go with me?” She asked.



He gave her a defeated smile, and nodded. Pansy felt her heart take flight.