The Punishment of Secrecy

Just like anything else you\'ll see on this site, I don\'t own the characters, the places blah blah blah. You know the drill. This story is littered with BDSM issues; spanking, whipping, domination, paddling,sadistic behaviours etc. If you don\'t like this sort of thing...TURN BACK NOW and DON\'T READ! If this is your cup of tea...continue and enjoy. The chapters will be continually longer the further into this story I get. I\'ve finished it and would just put the whole thing on one damn page, but gah! 85+ pages is too much! Enjoy, check back for updates!

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“One question Draco,” Hermione said before getting up. “Why is it so important that Severus be present? I just don’t see how that is relevant to what’s going on.”
“Well, it came to me one night that you seemed to be the only one being punished in this situation. I wondered to myself how I could make Severus here pay just as much as you have been. Then it came to me. Why not make him watch everything that you had to suffer through? Why not make him hear how much pain you’re in, see how I treat your body? I think it’s perfect. Any more questions?” She shook her head and they walked slowly towards the chamber, Malfoy leading them. She stepped inside and noticed immediately that Severus had not been lying. There were several large crates with his clothing and heavy texts in them. She stopped, just inside the door and pulled Severus back to her.
“None of this matters. If you can’t take it, just look inside yourself and you’ll find the real me, the one you love, waiting for you, longing for you. Do what ever you have to do to remember that,” she said softly and kissed him on the cheek. He nodded and gave her a weak smile before they turned their attention to Malfoy.
“Ok, since the two of you are quite done,” he smirked, “then let’s begin. Hermione, you know what you need to do.”
She nodded and began to undress. Severus just watched, shocked that she had become such a puppet to him. She piled her clothing neatly and shoved it under the bed with her school bag and walked over to Malfoy where he promptly began running his hands over her body and undressing himself. She stared deeply into Severus’ eyes, telling him that everything would be okay.
“I nearly forgot. We have company,” Malfoy said as he pulled a dusty chair out of the corner of the room and placed it directly behind where Hermione was sitting. “Severus, would you care to sit?”
“Do I have a choice?” he retorted.
“No, not really.”
Severus swept to the back of the room quickly and sat as he was instructed. His eyes never left Malfoy, glaring hatefully at him as he stood mockingly close to Hermione, knowing that Severus wished to trade places with him.
“That’s better. Is everyone comfortable?” he asked, looking between the two. When he didn’t receive a reply, he slapped Hermione across the back of her legs with a long, thin rod made of flexible wood. She yelped, not expecting it and Severus jumped out of his chair.
“I can’t watch this; this is madness,” he said, walking across the room.
“One more step Snape and I’ll hurt you both. You WILL watch this and you will not get up from that chair again unless you want to see her suffer more. Neither of you will lie to me. You will NOT speak unless asked a direct question and if you don’t answer, SHE will bare my wrath. Are we clear on these rules?”
“Crystal,” he said, making his way back to the chair. He sat down hard and crossed his legs elegantly, as though attending a boring seminar. Malfoy nodded his approval and continued where he had stopped.
“So Hermione, how do you find my new tool?” he asked, brandishing the pole in front of her.
“It’s very nice,” she said flatly, no emotion at all noticeable in her voice. He smacked it on a chair in front of her and it made a noise so loud she jumped. “Scary isn’t it?”
“Yes.”
“Do you want me to hit you with it again?”
“No.”
“Why not?”
“Because it stings. It’s painful.”
“Because it’s painful,” he said, getting in her face. “And to you, pain is a bad thing?”
“Yes.”
CRACK! He tapped it lightly; yet still enough to bring pain, across her legs again. She stood completely still, biting her lip to keep from flinching.
“Now don’t lie to me. I asked for complete honesty in here today. Now, do you think pain is a bad thing?”
“It all depends on the situation.”
“That’s better. See, that wasn’t so hard was it?”
“No.”
“Good. We’re getting somewhere. Now,” he said pausing slightly, “Does anyone else know about what’s been going on between us?”
“No.”
CRACK! Again with the pole, but this time it was across her back and dealt with a heavy hand. Her hands went instinctively to her back. When she went to put them back down to her sides, she saw the blood on her fingertips.
“That’s enough Malfoy,” Severus said. “What’s with the interrogation? Why do you feel the need to physically maim her? There is such a thing as manipulation without pain.”
“Sit down professor or she’ll get another. However, you pose a very logical question,” he said as he circled Hermione. “It has come to my attention that some of our classmates have found out about our little secret. I was just wondering if they found out about it by means of deduction or if you told them.”
“I told them.” She was keeping her answers deliberately short. There was no way she was going to tell him more than he needed to know.
“Why?”
“They started questioning the bruises you’d left on me. They thought it was Severus and when I told them that it wasn’t but I couldn’t tell them where they came from, they got even more suspicious. I finally just broke down and told them.”
“Good! And the truth shall set you free…” he paused. “Sit.”
She sat in the chair as instructed and he left her side for a moment. When he returned, he had the paddle she’d become so accustomed to in his hand, turning it, its highly shellacked surface catching the light and reflecting it in her eyes.
“So Severus,” he said, turning his attention to the potions master sitting behind them. “How do you like our setup here?” he asked, waving his hand around the room.
“I find it disgusting for the uses it’s been put to,” he hissed.
“Well, at least you’re honest. You know what I’ve been thinking? I think the paddle has gotten far too much attention. Let’s see what else is in my little box of toys.” He rummaged around in the large wooden crate for a few minutes, dismissing certain items immediately and considering others. He finally approached her with the long, thin dagger that he’d used only once before. He bent to whisper in her ear.
“You know that I’m going to break the bof yof you. I’ll have you both begging me before you leave this room tonight.” She glared at him, knowing that it could be a long night.
“You understand that you can’t keep this up forever right?” Severus said coolly from behind them. Malfoy spun on him.
“Forever is not my intention. In fact, I was thinking, after tonight, this might well be our last meeting. I haven’t decided yet though, so don’t be terribly disappointed.”
What Malfoy didn’t see while he was busy playing his little game with Hermione, is that he’d prepared for the evening. He wasn’t positive, but he thought perhaps Malfoy had gotten carelin hin his application of the Memory Charm blocking spell. He prayed he was correct in his assumption, because he didn’t want to see what would happen to Hermione if he were wrong. His wand was clutched in his fist tightly, ready for Draco to show one sign of weakness.
Malfoy finished undressing himself, tossing his clothing sloppily around the room. Severus looked away, not interested in the least in seeing what was about to happen. He felt suddenly lucky that his wand was a f a flimsy one made of a weak wood. He was gripping it so tight that he felt sure it would snap in two. His attention was drawn to some of the things he’d started packing. Why the hell was he running from here? Sure, he didn’t want to see Hermione suffering as she had and continued to do, but why would he run from the only life that he’d ever known. He released his wand and got up from the chair. Malfoy was groping atmionmione as he dragged her to the bed. When he caught site of him, he stopped.
“I thought I told you to stay where you were,” Malfoy shouted.
“Well, as long as I’m in the same room, I don’t see why it matters where the hell I am. I’ve got things to do and I don’t have the time to sit around and watch you make an ass of yourself,” Severus replied angrily.
“Suit yourself. Don’t go thinking of leaving though, there might be a few things you’d like to see.” Malfoy laughed maniacally and shoved Hermione on the bed roughly. She looked up at Severus and winked. He moved swiftly to the boxes he’d packed earlier and started placing things back where they belonged. He ignored the slapping noise and grunts from Malfoy coming from behind him. When he chanced a glance at them, Hermione only looked bored. He turned so that Draco wouldn’t see him restraining a smile. He forced the chuckle he felt building back in its place and continued unpacking. He suddenly felt very confident in Hermione’s ability to find their way of thf this. She was keeping him up to date on her findings in her legal text and he was positive she’d find the answer they’d hoped for.
As he cleared the first crate and had started on the second, Hermione screamed. To him, it sounded like the scream someone would have before dying. He couldn’t prepare himself for what he saw. Malfoy had her hair wrapped around his hand, pulling her head back and the thin dagger held to her throat. He could see blood trickling down her neck where it was creating a small pool under her breasts. While he wanted to run and knock him off of her instantly, Malfoy looked up at him, grinning evilly.
“You want me to stop don’t you?” he said spitefully.
“No. I’d like to watch you drive the damn dagger into her neck,” he said sarcasticallOf cOf course I’d like you to stop you brainless git.”
“Is the knife all that’s bothering you? Are you sure you’re comfortable with me fucking your girlfriend?”
“I’m not comfortable with any of this.”
“So you want me to stop?”
“Do I have to repeat everything? Yes, I would appreciate it if you stopped being a spoiled little brat. Yes, I’d like you to stop breathing. Anything else you’d care to ask if I’d like stopped?”
Malfoy laughed and tossed the dagger to the floor. Severus tried to catch Hermione’s eye, but she had her face buried in a pillow. He returned to his task at hand and was finished long before Malfoy had declared their punishment over for the night. He’d pulled her off the bed and moved her to the desk, placing her in the stocks again. She still seemed distant and bored, not even resisting him in the slightest. Draco noticed this too and became sullen and moody.
“You’re just not even fun. I mean, the least you could do is struggle a bit,” Malfoy said disappointedly.
“Oh I’m sorry, am I supposed to struggle? I just thought you wanted someplace to stick that little twig you call a cock. I’m doing that,” she said, taking a cue from Severus’ sarcasm.
He pulled himself out and away from her, his enthusiasm crushed, his ego damaged. She knew instantly that she’d stepped over the line and was about to pay for it. She braced for what ever punishment he was going to deliver. Suddenly, her head was being jerked back, his fist in her hair again.
“You’re quite the saucy little bitch aren’t you?” he hissed in her ear. “Time to teach you a little something about respect. Don’t you know? The one with the upper hand gets the respect?”
“I was always taught that respect is earned and not given freely,” she said, her words laced with a mock kindness. “You’ve done nothing to earn it and I’m certainly not going to give it to you because you punish me.”
“Well, let’s just see what you have to say after this,” he said, reaching around behind himself and grabbing something she couldn’t quite see. He returned and she felt something similar to the paddle he’d used before, but this had a harder edge and a bite as he ran it across her back. “Let me introduce you to something you’ve never experienced.”
He drew his hand back and brought the object down on her. She screamed as the small metal studs dug into her already tender skin. She felt the warm blood from her fresh wounds running down her side and watched as it dropped to the floor. She cried, her tears falling hotly on her arm. He swung again, this time on her side. She felt the ribs crack, almost heard them as she screamed again. She started trying to kick him and struggled to get her hands free. He laughed as he entered her roughly and began hammering himself on her. Severus came running and stopped short when Malfoy pointed his wand at him.
“Don’t try to play hero Snape. I’m almost finished here and then you can have your precious back. I’ve decided that this is not going to be the last time we’ll be seeing each other. Now go away before I have to punish her again.”
He hesitated, staring at Hermione who was sobbing and fighting his every move. She caught his eyes and he saw the fear and pain. His heart reached out to her. He vowed not to stop investigating laws until he found their way out of this. In fact, he made up his mind to go talk to the headmaster first thing in the morning, regardless of the outcome. He glared at Draco one last time before turning away and trying to find something to fill the moments. Minutes felt like hours and he couldn’t wait until Malfoy was spent and left them alone. The first matter of business would be to tend to her wounds. From what little he saw, she was going to be a wreck. He tried to keep his mind off of what was going on only a few feet away from him because it was pure anguish. He wished he’d had his head on straight when this first started, wished he’d been more careful, more cunning. However, he knew this was going to be over soon. He picked up a large text and began reading and before he knew it, Malfoy was walking up to him.
“She’s all yours…if you can stand her. I don’t see what a man such as you sees in that little piece of filth. She’s rather boring. You both have a wonderful night,” he sneered as he tossed his cloak over his shoulder and walked out. He threw the book to the side and went to where Hermione was still laying on the oversized desk. He’d released her bonds, but she didn’t appear to want to move. When he brushed the hair out of her face, she appeared to be sleeping.
“Hermione,” he whispered, shaking her lightly. Her eyes fluttered but she didn’t open them completely. “Hermione.” Louder this time, it still had no effect. He rolled her onto her back carefully and picked her up. She whimpered slightly but still no response from her. He laid her on the bed and conjured up some hot water and rags to clean her with. She was a mess. Dried blood covered most of her chest and sides from the wounds inflicted with Malfoy’s newest ‘toy’.
“I think one of my ribs is broken,” she said hoarsely.
“You’re awake,” he said, not trying to hide that he was happy to hear her voice.
“Just tell me that it’s all over. Please, even if you are lying, just tell me it’s all over.”
“It’s all over my love but I’m not lying to you. I’m going to see the headmaster first thing in the morning and we’ll find a way out of this. I’m determined to make this stop, as I should have done from the beginning. I’m so sorry that I was weak and utterly useless to you.”
“Severus, no, you’re not weak. I told you not to do anything; hell, I made you promise. However, I don’t think I can take much more of this. I don’t even know if I can make it back to Gryffindor tower tonight. I just feel so…exhausted. It’s not the pain, which I can shut off; it’s the idea that I have no control. I feel like I’m losing control over everything; school, life in general, us…” She stared off into the darkness, avoiding his eyes. “I don’t care about any of it anymore.”
“Hermione,” he said, taking her face in his hands, “You can’t give up on me now. We might not be in this castle much longer and I have to know that you’re going to be strong for me, for yourself. We’ll get through this.”
“You will. You’re going to be fine. You’re strong and have been through much worse than this. I’m not even…” she cut her words off sharp, her eyes suddenly alight with excitement. “Severus, hand me that bo’ve ’ve been reading,” she ordered. “I’m sorry for sitting here feeling sorry for myself, but I’ve got an idea.”
He handed her the enormous book and she started flipping through the pages, occasionally glancing at the index and then flipping more pages. She squealed excitedly when she found what she was looking for.
“It’s all right here Severus. This is our ticket out of this insanity!” she beamed.
“Dear, what are you talking about?” he said, his excitement building over something he was totally in the dark about.
“What does this say?” she said, pointing to a paragraph half way down the page.
“It says basically that a wizard or witch is of age when they reach their seventeenth year. They can enter into binding contracts, perform magic out of school, and participate in adult organizations. What does this have to do with us?” he asked.
“Ok, now read this,” she said, flipping back in the book several hundred pages and pointing to another paragraph.
“Binding contracts include but are not limited to, marriage, debt payments, wagers, etc….” he looked up at her and frowned. “I’m not seeing where this is going to help us.”
“Hang on,” she said as she flipped through more pages. “Okaere ere it is. Read,” she instructed and he sighed as he took the book from her again.
“A wizard or witch may enter into a marriageer ter the following conditions. It must be consenting for both parties, both parties must be of legal age to enter into binding contracts…”
“That’s IT! Don’t you see?” she was practically bouncing on the bed, despite the obvious pain she was in.
He reread the passages she’d pointed out and it dawned on him.
“What this says is…” he started, but she cut him oxcitxcitedly.
“If we get married, nobody can say anything to us.”
He sat the book down and contemplated the situation. He loved her, he really did, but was he ready to get married? Did he have a proper lifestyle for a married man? How could he possibly marry her and still be keep his partial attitude? The questions kept coming at him; as soon as he found the answer to one, another would confront him.
“I’d understand if you don’t want to marry me,” she said, her excitement deflated. “Hell, I’m a sufferable know it all pain in the ass.”
“It’s not that Hermione. I’m just worried about…” he paused, searching for the right words, “I’m worried about a lot of things. Marriage is something serious, something not to be entered into lightly and there are a lot of things that we haven’t even considered. How am I to teach you and still be partial? Where will we live? There are so many things we have to think about.”
“I’m aware of how involved it gets, but for a temporary fix, it’s the only way I see out of it. Unless…” she grabbed the heavy book from his hands and started flipping through pages again. He watched as she furrowed her brow in concentration. She would pause at something long enough to consider it, then dismiss it just as quickly. Finally, she smiled down at it and then looked at him.
“We don’t have to get married to get out of this. I feel so stupid for not seeing it immediately. Okay, if you have to be of age to enter into a contract, and I’m of age, then all we have to do is create a contract.”
“Why does this sound too easy?” he said skeptically.
“It’s always the simplest answers that are the hardest to find. Now, we make a contract, date it for Halloween, since that was when we first agreed to start seeing each other, and since two consenting adults write it, it’s legally binding. It’s perfect!” She slung her arms around his neck and kissed him feverishly. He couldn’t help but laugh.
“You’re brilliant,” he said, returning her kisses. “I’m so glad you think outside of black and white, you’re so abstract in your thinking that it might just work.”
“I think we should go see Dumbledore together,” she said.
“That’s fine. Then I won’t have to sound totally foolish alone,” he paused, still considering the thought of marriage. “Can I ask you something?”
“Sure.”
“If I ever were to ask you, would you marry me?” he asked pensively.
“Yes, Severus, I would. We just make too much sense to stay away from each other. I can’t believe we lasted as lon we we did without one another. All that time wasted…” she said as she got up painfully from the bed. “I’m going to take a shower. I feel like the scum on the bottom of a caldron.”
He pointed to a door to the back of the room and she walked carefully to it. He followed her, making sure she was able to fend for herself. She smiled at him before closing the door and he left to see about writing up their contract.
She met him in his office a little over half an hour later. She looked a great deal better, although the angry red wounds on her back and sides were still weeping slightly.
“Let me put something on those for you,” he said, moving quickly to his cupboard and pulling out a small vial of a black, misty looking liquid. He dabbed it on her back and she winced.
“That stburnburns!” she exclaimed. “You really should warn me when you’re going to use something like that.”
“I’m sorry. I just wasn’t thinking I’d ever have to use it again.” He smiled and kissed her neck softly as he made his way around her back and sides. “You’re right, you’ve got a broken rib or two.” He waved his wand and nodded. “That should have taken care of that. Does anything else hurt?”
“No, I think you’ve covered me in that stinking mess,” she said, wrinkling up her nose. “It smells of…shit.”
“Probably because it is,” he said jokingly. She looked at him, horrified and he laughed. “No, there’s nothing quite that terrible in it, but it does reek to high heaven. Don’t go thinking of washing it off though or it won’t work. Just leave it there for about a day and you should be back to normal.” The wounds were already reduced to the size of pinpricks. She gazed at him gratefully.
“Thank you Severus. What would I do without you?”
“Probably pine away an old spinster with her nose stuck in a book.”
She wrapped her arms around his waist and held him tightly to her.
“Hermione,” he said softly, “will you marry me?”
“I’ve already told you that I would.”
“I know, but now I’m asking you for real,” he said, holding her out at arms length. She wore a look of shock.
“But…I thought…all we needed was the contract…what about…” she stammered.
“I know it’s sudden and I don’t have a proper ring for you or anything, but I’m not saying right this minute. I just want to make sure you’ll promise to be mine until the end of time and I will promise the same.”
“Yes,” she finally managed and he picked her up, swinging her around the office.
“I’m going to make your happier than you ever expected or die trying,” he breathed into her ear.
They just stood in his office, holding each other, unaware of someone standing in the doorway watg thg them and smiling.

~~

“Ah hem voi voice called from the shadows of the hallway. They froze, oblivious to anything around them. Hermione ran, still naked, into his chambers and he straightened his robes the best he could.
“Who’s there?” he called nervously.
“It’s just me,” said Dumbledore, finally stepping into the light of the office. “I got this feeling that you needed someone to talk to and since I couldn’t sleep, I figured now would be a good time. Am I interrupting something?” he said glancing at the chamber door.
“Well, sir…I…well…” He was at a loss for words.
“Please tell Miss Granger to get dressed and meet us in your office. I think the three of us need to have a talk,” Dumbledore stated flatly. Severus was unable to read any emotion in the comments and unsure if he were angry, disappointed or otherwise. He nodded and went to the door. After whiing ing something to her, she stepped out of the chamber, a blush covering her entire body. They went to the office where Dumbledore was waiting for them, now seated in Severus’ chair.
After a long moment of sizing the two of them up, Dumbledore rose from his seat and began pacing around the desk. They stared from each other to him, unsure of his intent or what was going to happen.
“Sir, if I may, I was going to come talk to you in the morning. We have found a way…” Severus started, but was hushed quickly when Dumbledore raised his hand.
“What I don’t understand Severus,” he said quietly, “is why you haven’t come to me sooner? Why did you not tell me about this when I came down here to talk to you so long ago?”
“Sir, that would be my fault,” Hermione said, straightening her back. “I made him promise not to tell anyone until I could make sure that he couldn’t lose his job or me get expelled.”
“And have you found something that suits your needs?” he asked, a glimmer of amusement in his eye.
“Yes sir. Would you like to see it?” she said excitedly. He nodded and returned to his chair as she ran to fetch the enormous text. When she returned, she put the book on the desk and pointed out all the passages that were relevant and Dumbledore read them. She returned to her seat, trying to suppress the grin she felt spreading out over her face.
“So…” Dumbledore said as he read the last passage, “the two of you have a contract?”
“Err…well…not exactly sir, but we thought that we could make one, you know, so that if anyone tried to question it we could have it in writing.”
“I see. Well, did you ever think of the possibility that because you are now of age, that none of the basic conduct rules, other than those set down for your own safety, do not apply to you?”
Hermione sat, stunned, her mouth hanging open. She looked at Severus who was smirking at her.
“What was it that you said earlier? Sometimes the hardest answers to find are the most obvious?” Snape asked her.
“So you mean to tell me…all this time…none of this was necessary?” she said flabbergasted. Dumbledore nodded and smiled, his bright blue eyes shining.
“I’m not saying that you have to advertise your affairs, but there is absolutely no rule against a witch or wizard that is of age dating a professor. The only problem is, we’ve never dealt with something like this before. All the years I’ve been here, I’ve never had a professor interested in a student or vice versa.”
“Sir, may I ask how you figured it out?” Hermione asked.
“That was the easiest part of it all. The two of you have spent the last six years hating each other. You couldn’t stand to be in the same room without leering at one another. Bit annoying really. However, in the last year, I’ve seen little glances exchanged, smiles even, and a complete change of attitude. I didn’t know for sure until tonight; I merely had my suspicious. Of course, seeing you together in here, there was no doubt in my mind.”
“Well sir, we have tried to be discrete. What you walked in on…well…” Severus said nervously.
“Is there something else you’d like to tell me about?” he asked.
“Sir, I did want to ask you about something,” Hermione started, staring down at her feet. “Could you possibly tell me if blackmail is against the law? I mean, I know in muggle law, it’s punishable and is usually called extortion, but I didn’t know for sure if wizards had such laws.”
“There are indeed laws, punishable by imprisonment, against blackmail and extortion. Would you say you have someone trying to extort something from you because of the secret you’ve been keeping?” he asked. Severus snorted in disgust.
“Trying? No sir, someone has managed to take advantage of the situation. I’d like Malfoy to be…” but Hermione cut him off.
“I don’t want him thrown in prison. I would however, like to see him humiliated. He’s been cruel, vicious, and just a downright…bastard. Pardon my language sir,” she said quickly.
“No need. Sometimes the first word you think of is the exact word you need,” he chuckled.
“Sir, the things he’s done deserve time in prison. I don’t think that Hermione knows…” he started again, but she glared at him from the side.
“I think I know damn well what I would like done to him. I will have to think about exactly what I want him to do, or done to him, but trust me, Severus, when I’m done with him, he’ll not know what hit him.”
Dumbledore smiled and nodded as he rose from the chair.
“While I know this is going on and seeing as there are no laws against it, I would ask that you at least try to make it to your dormitory by the specified times Miss Granger. No more of this roaming the halls in the wee hours of the morning.”
“Yes sir,” she said embarrassedly. He smiled at them one final time before making his way out of the office and shutting the door behind him.
She turned to Severus who was just sitting in his chair, staring off into space.
“Isn’t this great news?” she said excitedly, jumping into his lap.
“Yes. It’s great,” he said unconvincingly and gave her a weak smile. “I just wish that you would allow Malfoy to be investigated. I think it’s a crock that he’s going to walk away from this without a scratch.”
“Do you really think I’m going to let him get away lightly? Ne’ree’re going to spend the rest of the year letting him think that he’s gotten off the hook, but in the end, we’re going to fuck him up. I want everyone to know what a bastard he is,” she said vehemently. “This whole school will be laughing at him by the time we’re done with him.”
“Well, I’m leaving it up to I’d I’d personally like to see him do six months in Azkaban for what he’s done, but if you think he could be punished severely enough at your own hand, then by all means, carry on.”
She embraced and kissed him before finally saying goodnight and returning to her dorm.

~~

Two whole weeks passed before Hermione heard from Malfoy again. He informed her that she was to meet him in the dungeons again so they could continue where they’d left off. She laughed hysterically when she read it and everyone in the common room stared at her. After containing herself, she showed the letter to Harry and Ron who couldn’t understand why she was so amused. She told them all about the night Dumbledore had caught them and how they’d found out they hadn’t been doing anything wrong. She told them all about how she’d planned to get Malfoy back and they were more than happy to help in her plans. After it was all said and done, they were equally humored in Malfoy’s letter.
She met Malfoy at the designated time, practically bouncing in the room. He stared at her blankly, not understanding why she was so happy to see him.
“What the hell are you so happy about?” he said scornfully.
“Not much really. I’m just happy that I’m alive and that I’ll never have your hands on my body again. I’m happy that you’re going to pay for everything that you’ve ever done to Severus and myself. I’m happy that you can’t hold this over our heads anymore. Do I need any other reasons or is that enough?” He laughed mockingly.
“Never going to touch you again eh? Pay for my actions? What the hell are you babbling about? I’ve got you against the wall and there’s no escaping.”
“I’m frightened out of my wits Draco,” she said sarcastically. “I mean, can’t you see the tremor in my hands and my knees knocking?” She giggled in his face and he faltered for the first time in months in her presence.
“What are you on about woman? You’re acting like I don’t have anything on you. If you converted some of those brains into common sense, you’d be a lot better off in life.”
“Poor deceived Malfoy,” she said, scuffing his hair playfully. “You really think that you’re the dominant figure in this situation don’t you?”
“You seemed to have beenckedcked off of your pedestal rather abruptly haven’t you Draco?” Severus declared from his chair in the shadows of the office. “You see Draco, you don’t seem to have thought too much of the consequences of you actions. You’re the one in the compromising position now aren’t you?” He walked out of the shadows and stood beside Hermione, taking her hand in his.
Draco laughed, but his confidence had left him. It was the laugh of someone who appears to be the butt of a joke, but isn’t sure. He sat down in Severus’ chair behind his desk and kicked his feet up on the desk. Severus glared at him then glanced at the clock.
“He should be here any moment,” he said to no one in particular. Hermione looked at the door and smiled.
“Who’s joining us tonight? Does someone else want to watch?” Malfoy uttered snappishly.
“I’m not going to watch anything tonight Malfoy, unless of course a meteor shower happens to fall on tonight. That would be lovely,” Dumbledore, said poised. Draco pulled his feet off the desk and stood.
“Headmaster, I didn’t realize you were there,” Draco said, regaining his confidence. “But since you’re here, I think it would be wise if you knew about…” Dumbledore cut him off shortly with a wave of his hand.
“If I knew about Miss Granger and Severus? Of course I know about it.”
Malfoy’s face fell and his mouth hung open. It moved, resembling a fish, but he couldn’t find the words to speak. Finally, he shook his head and swallowed hard.
“And you’re going to just let it happen?” he said disbelievingly.
“There are no laws against it. Hermione is of age and I believe our potions master is also. There is nothing that I can do to interfere. I’ve only asked that they be discrete about it until she graduates. Is there a problem Mr. Malfoy?”
He started to say something then reconsidered. He shook his head in defeat and walked towards the door.
“Draco,” Hermione called out and he stopped. “Draco, does this mean that you’re done with me?” He turned, his face blanching and glowered at her before leaving the dungeons qly. ly.
“Thank you for taking the time out of your day to come down here Professor Dumbledore,” Hermione said gratefully. He extended his hand for her to shake and she hugged him, leaving him speechless.
“You’re quite welcome Miss Granger, however, it seems you’ve embarrassed me,” he said with a chuckle. She laughed and released him.
“I’ll be leaving now,” he said softly. “I have a few matters to attend to before retiring for the night. Remember what I said about curfew Hermione,” he said, winking. She nodded and smiled at him as he made his way out of the dungeons. She turned her attention to Severus, who had not said a word since Dumbledore had arrived, was standing there looking at her, not hiding his intent in the slightest.
“You have at least two hours until curfew,” he muttered, pulling her to him roughly. She giggled and threw her hands around his neck, pulling his face to hers. They were kissing carelessly and undressing each other before they even made it to his door. She was biting his neck and scratching his back but he wouldn’t return her aggressive affection. She tried to get him to be a bit rougher with her, but he withdrew.
“What’s wrong Severus?” she asked, suppressing herself.
“I don’t want to hurt you,” he said with worry littering his voice. She smiled softly at him and ran her hand down his face.
“You’re not going to hurt me. I trust you.”
“I’m just afraid you’re going to think something I do is malicious or cruel.”
“Trust me, there is nothing you could do to make me think that.”
“Well, after Malfoy…well, you know, I just didn’t think that you’d….”
“I’m the same person, with the same desires and I still think the same way. I don’t expect you to realize just how much I detached myself, but I did. To tell you the truth, I think that the things that Malfoy did are exactly what I’ve always wanted to do, but just not with him. He turned it into something sorted and foul, but with the right touch and the trust we have…” she let her words trail off as she pulled him into his chambers.
The furniture had returned to the way it was the first time she’d set foot in his quarters. The large four-poster bed was back, all of the cozy overstuffed chairs, the ornate desk and the table all back in their places. His bookshelves were all lined with his ancient books and various cauldrons of things he had brewing. All of the things Malfoy had had carted down here were gone, not even a trace of them left. The large wooden crate with Draco’s toys was gone. He’d even gone so far as to get rid of the special cuffs she had made.
“Have I told you how much I love you yet today Severus?” she said, totally exasperated by the transformation that had taken place in the room.
“No, you haven’t, but I have a better idea,” he said, moving himself behind her and wrapping his arms around her. “Why don’t you show me.” She nodded and they declared their love, finally free of the burden they’d bared for months.
**