Chapter Eighteen: The entertainment continues

(i) The characters and world of Harry Potter are the property of J.K. Rowling. I make no money from this.

(ii) Thank you for the kind reviews. Please do continue to let me know what you think of the story.

(iii) A big hug of gratitude to my beautiful, brilliant beta, Queen_of_Stars.

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Hermione spent a restless night. She kept reliving the kiss, that most fabulous kiss, over and over again. Who would have thought that Professor Snape could kiss like that, thought Hermione. She knew he wanted her; he had made it shockingly plain. And yet, he had left her after what was really just a fairly brief snog. Oh, God, thought Hermione with a silly giggle, I snogged Professor Snape and I liked it.

Breakfast the next morning proved to be a quiet affair. Everyone seemed subdued, and Cissy was distracted and busy getting everything perfectly set up for the garden party. The other guests had been invited for eleven o'clock, so it was a bit of a mad rush to be ready for their arrival, especially given the hour in which the soiree had ended the night before. Dinner had gone on for quite a while.

Professor Snape continued to be charming, although more restrained in the company of others. Hermione could not help but feel slightly disappointed, though relieved at the same time. She had enjoyed the attention and the knowledge that he was focused solely on her. However, she rationalised that Professor Snape was not likely to be overly demonstrative given how private a person he generally was, even in the presence of people he obviously was at ease with.

After last night's unspoken admission of mutual desire, Hermione took extra care with her appearance for the garden picnic. She spent ages debating what to do with her hair before finally giving it up as a bad job and braiding it as neatly as she could into an elegant French plait. Now she was doubly glad that Cissy had taken her shopping and helped her to choose a more adult wardrobe.

It wasn't that Hermione had suddenly grown vain, but she was conscious that she didn't want to appear too much like a gangly teenager, even though that was what she technically still was. She wanted instead to project an image of a young woman.

Going through the things she'd packed, she settled for a simple sleeveless shift dress in amber linen with a cowl neckline. The dress brought out the golden highlights in her hair really well and complemented the colour of her eyes. Hermione was not really comfortable with wearing much make-up, but a simple peach tinted lip gloss and some mascara made her feel like she had done enough to be ready for the party. Pleased with her appearance, yet confident that she didn't look like she'd been trying too hard, she made her way down to the rose garden to greet the guests who would be arriving shortly.

Narcissa had arranged for a magnificent buffet to be laid out for people who wanted to mingle and picnic rugs with baskets of food that kept filling for those who wanted to lounge scattered all over the grounds. The guest list had once again been kept fairly small, given the number of people that were generally invited to high society events. However, most of the senior members of the Order of the Phoenix and Dumbledore's Army had been invited along with prominent members of the Wizarding pureblood society. It would be interesting to see the different groups rub shoulders and try to pretend that this eclectic mix of individuals with disparate ideologies and world-views was normal. The Malfoys, however, had made it a point to ensure that the press were kept firmly out and much speculation ensured in the media.

Rita Skeeter, among other members of the world press, who seemed to currently spend her time watching the heroes of the Battle of Hogwarts, could only take pictures from outside the gates. The barring of the press from the Malfoy party had generated particular interest following the publication of photos from the Order of Merlin Award ceremony. There had been wild suggestions ranging from those that suggested that Hermione was Lucius' secret love child to those that suggested that she was his mistress, circulating following the much discussed kiss and dance.

Lucius and Cissy, of course, had been delighted with the rumours, finding the controversy utterly amusing. This in tandem with pictures of Hermione dancing the opening dance with Severus and then partnering Harry had meant that Ginny's utmost desire to be the most photographed woman of the night had failed completely. This had caused the red-head to be even more irritated since she considered it to be Hermione's deliberate attempt at stealing the limelight.

Skeeter had never been one to follow the rules. Desperate for a good story, she attempted to enter the Malfoy grounds uninvited in her Animagus beetle form. She was, however, unsuccessful because the Malfoys, as former Death Eaters, had extremely stringent wards that ensured that anyone not specifically invited, or anyone who attempted entry in disguise, was barred from the property. The malicious reporter caused quite the uproar when she was caught and tossed out by the magical barriers.

Harry who had witnessed the ejection smirked in elation. Grabbing the chance that presented itsself to him, he made his way to Kingsley. "You know, I don't think she's registered as an Animagus," he murmured with a pleased grin.

Kingsley raised his eyebrow in enquiry. "Interesting piece of information, Harry. I'll look into it."

Hermione enjoyed catching up with members of Dumbledore's Army and chatted to her friends as she circulated among the younger guests. Once she's said her hellos to everyone, she sat with Luna. She had not forgotten her resolution to get to know the intriguing Ravenclaw better. Harry saw the two girls sitting alone on one of the picnic rugs, engaged in animated conversation. Glad to see more friends, he moved to join them. He was finding the attention and notoriety tiring.

Once he was comfortably sprawled on the blanket, Harry enquired curiously, "How was dinner last night?"

Hermione replied with a grin, "Oh, Harry, it was wonderful. Kingsley and Andromeda were there as well, and we had a really pleasant and interesting time."

Harry nodded. "I'm glad you were comfortable having dinner and even spending the night at the Malfoys."

"So am I," said Hermione thoughtfully. "Seeing Andromeda made me realise how foolish I would have been if I had refused. If she can forgive the Malfoys, given the years of tension, bad blood and mistrust between them, then surely so can I."

Neville was the next member to join their little group. Smiling broadly, the young man sat down and helped Hermione lay out the food and drink that had been carefully arranged in the picnic basket. The spread was fabulously good. One glance at Neville made it obvious to Hermione that he had spent his time since the battle working in the gardens. He was already tanned and looked extremely handsome and manly.

Ginny arrived with the contingent of Weasleys, looking extremely pretty in a pale yellow sundress. Her face soured though on seeing Harry seated with Hermione, Luna and Neville. Walking up to Harry, she kissed him rather passionately. "Let's go find ourselves a blanket," said Ginny with a whine. "We never seem to get time alone."

Harry coloured brightly in embarrassment. "Come sit with us," said Harry. "I've not really had a chance to catch up with Luna."

This was a rather tactless thing to say, and Harry did seem to realise his error almost immediately, for Ginny turned to stare rather fiercely at Luna.

Trying to mitigate the damage, Harry said, "Why don't you go sit with Ron and the others; I'll join you in a bit."

Ginny pouted in anger. "Harry Potter, you're a coward and a tease." Then, with a toss of her hair, she flounced off.

Luna and Hermione both looked uncomfortable and didn't know how to react to Ginny's irrational display of temper. Neville, however, rushed to the rescue and said very diplomatically, "Ginny is always fiery; she does live up to the colour of her hair."

Neville's humorous remark broke the tension and they all laughed. The four relaxed, catching up on each others' news.

Neville informed the others, "I've been hard at work with Professor Sprout in the greenhouses and gardens at Hogwarts. Since most of the battle was fought on the grounds, a lot of damage was done to the magical plants. The giants tore out trees, and the Forbidden Forest needed a fair bit of loving attention and replanting."

Hermione had not thought of the damage done to the Forbidden Forest. She realised that reconstruction work would be taking place all over the grounds as well as the castle.

Harry enjoyed the time he spent with Luna and Neville. They, like Hermione, expected nothing of him, and their behaviour around him had not altered or changed since the Battle of Hogwarts. Given the scrutiny he seemed to be under almost constantly, their gentle teasing and company was a blessed relief.

Not long after they had begun eating some of the picnic feast, Neville was called over by his grandmother to play with Teddy and sit with Andromeda. Harry was left with Luna and Hermione. Seeing the breaking up of the group, Cissy called Hermione over to where she stood conversing with Tisiphone.

Hermione smiled as she joined the other women. Cissy was in the process of teasing Tisiphone.

"Just because I was busy," said Narcissa with a mocking smirk, "didn't mean I was oblivious to what was going on last night. I'm quite sure I saw you creeping out of Julius' chamber early this morning."

"Cissy," said Tisiphone with a surprisingly youthful giggle. "You're such a gossip."

Hermione blushed. She realised it could easily have been her doing the creeping back to her chamber if Professor Snape had been a little bit more forceful. Hermione's blush seemed to remind Cissy of her attempts at match-making.

Turning to look at the young woman, Narcissa asked, "So, my dear, is Severus as good as Tisiphone's countenance proclaims Julius to be?"

Hermione blushed even more if that was possible. "I've not, I've never ..." began Hermione, before stopping short in embarrassment.

The two women, however, immediately realised that Hermione had not spent the night with Severus. Narcissa made comforting noises and apologised. "I'm sorry, my dear, I sometimes forget how young you are. I didn't mean to embarrass you."

Tactfully, Tisiphone changed the subject and said, "It really is a pleasure to see Severus looking so well. We are so lucky that he was retrieved when he was. If the treatment had been delayed by even a few more hours, the consequences would have been much more long term."

Hermione was now even more grateful that she had gone to retrieve Professor Snape's body. Quietly, she confessed, "I thought he was dead. I just wanted to make sure his body was given a proper send off. It terrifies me to think how easily I could have brushed off going back due to tiredness or lethargy."

Lucius saw the women having a serious discussion and came to inform them with a smirk, "Today is for flirtations and laughter. You all look far too serious, and that is not permissible." Then, with a broad wink at Cissy, he slipped his arm around Tisiphone and said, "You, my dear Healer, are required to entertain my very irritating cousin. I fear that Julius is beginning to frighten our esteemed guests with his unique brand of charm."

Narcissa and Hermione shared a smile. It was quite obvious that Lucius was playing match-maker and ensuring that Tisiphone and Julius had time together.

Not long after, Narcissa drew Hermione's attention to Severus, who was being pursued by the newly widowed, second Mrs. Nott. Dressed in an extremely low-cut dress that was almost transparent in the bright sunshine, the second Mrs. Nott looked very much as though she was out on the pull. Her face screwed up in distaste, Narcissa said, "Please, my dear, go rescue him from Clarissa's clutches. She married the besotted Odin Nott, even though she was old enough to be his daughter. Now that she's rid of him, she is seeking another husband."

Narcissa knew how to arouse Hermione's sense of jealousy. She might not have been brave enough to allow Severus to seduce her, but she was not going to let him fall into the clutches of another woman, especially not one as odious as Clarissa Nott.

Hermione looked at Narcissa, and when Narcissa nodded, she headed off to speak to Severus.

"Professor Snape," Hermione said brightly, "I was wondering if you'd care to go for a stroll. Cissy was telling me that there are loads of interesting potion ingredients growing in the orangery which she said I was sure to find fascinating."

"Did she really?" asked Severus with a smirk. He knew what Narcissa was up to, but bowing politely to the displeased Clarissa, he took Hermione's hand, placed it upon his arm and guided her towards the orangery. As they walked through the park, they shared a pleasant conversation. He pointed out the exotic flowers and shrubs that could be used for various potion ingredients, some that didn't even grow at Hogwarts. Once ensconced behind the glass walls, he asked casually, "Do you know a lot of these plants and flowers are aphrodisiacs and are used extensively in lust potions?"

Hermione blushed furiously. She could not understand why this man had the ability to make her feel like a gauche girl with a single phrase.

Severus smirked inwardly. He had hoped to seduce the delectable Miss Granger last night, but he had realised that she was still unsure. She desired him, that much was obvious, but she was not ready to progress further. In a way, her innocence pleased him. He did not want his victory to come easily, for he wanted to win her affections completely so that she would always be his. Severus was very self-aware, and he realised that he had consciously worked his entire adult life to ensure that he would never again be discarded as casually and as thoughtlessly as he had been by his so-called love, Lily. Severus was extremely possessive, and so he reasoned, if I make Miss Granger, or indeed, any woman, my legal wife and the mother of my progeny, I shall insist upon complete fidelity, both sexually and emotionally. If this is to be the case, then I will need to court my future bride with great care. I will make her desire me absolutely at the very least, even if the Dark Veela curse makes love an almost impossible possibility.

Playing with Hermione, Severus said, "I wonder why Cissy mentioned the potion ingredients. Do you think she wants me to teach you how to brew some aphrodisiacs?"

Hermione goggled at him. "Really, Professor," she finally said with a blush.

His smirk turned into a shark-like grin, and he patted her hand that was still on his arm. "We don't need them, do we?" he asked conversationally. "I think we did perfectly well on our own."

Hermione realised he was teasing her and shook her head in amused exasperation. She couldn't believe that this flirtatious, humorous man was her dour Potions master.

Severus could see the wheels in Hermione's head turn as she began to piece his personality together. Wanting to draw the attention away from his plans and schemes, he began pointing out Lucius' exotic orchid collection. Once they had examined some of the exotic blooms, he said regretfully, "It is a pity that the Lestranges are dead. Before all this madness with the Dark Lord, Rabastan had the best orchid collection in Britain." Reaching up, he stroked the petal of a beautiful yellow bloom. Then, in a thoughtful tone of voice, Severus said, "I wonder what happened to the plants."

Hermione suggested, "You never know, sir, they might still be alive, albeit wild."

Severus agreed as he moved onto the next orange bloom, "It is possible, I suppose." Frowning thoughtfully, he said, "I must ask Lucius to investigate. The estate has, of course, passed on to Narcissa as the closest living relative of the Lestranges."

Curiosity aroused, Hermione asked, "What about Tisiphone?"

"Oh," said Severus in explanation, "even though they share a common surname, Tisiphone isn't as closely connected. Narcissa would inherit everything that belonged to Bella, naturally. Nothing would have been left for Andromeda."

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A/N: Love it or hate it, please let me know what you think.