Four

Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter, I make no money here, and it's all for fun.

AN: Many thanks to my beta, Alley B, for all her help.

He sighed heavily but obeyed her request. “Damnation, girl, I was afraid you would say that.”

Hermione pushed herself away with an apology. “I'm sorry, it's not that I don't find you attractive, but I really was just trying to yank Draco's chain when he made that ridiculous dare.”

“And perhaps to make Severus a bit jealous as well?” he asked, eyeing her pointedly.

“There's no cause for him to feel jealousy over me.” Hermione blushed, revealing there was more to her feelings than she was willing to admit. “I've no hold over Professor Snape.”

Lucius stared at her, thoughtfully. “You'd like one, though, wouldn't you, my dear?”

Hermione lowered her gaze, embarrassed.

Lifting her chin, Lucius forced her eyes up. “Unless I've severely misjudged our friend Severus, he will be popping in here shortly. If you want my help, decide quickly, Hermione.”

“Why would you help me?”

“Because he's my friend, and he deserves to finally have something good in his life.”

“He won't come here; he doesn't want me.”

“You're wrong. You intrigue him immensely.”

The pop of Apparition sounded in the hallway.

“Please help me.”

As the door swung open, Lucius pulled her close to him. “Follow my lead now,” he whispered before he kissed her hard.

“What...?” She was confused.

“Slap me,” Lucius mumbled under his breath. Then in a louder voice, “Don't think to play your little games with me, girl.” He jerked her hard against his body, kissing her viciously.

Hermione felt a real anger arise within her. She didn’t like being man-handled; she pushed him away. Then she reared back and slapped him hard. “Stop!”

Severus stalked forward and protectively pulled Hermione behind him. “Lucius, what is the meaning of this?”

“It seems our little toy has changed her mind,” snapped Lucius, rubbing his cheek. Damn, the girl had smacked him hard.

Severus turned to Hermione. “Is this true?”

She nodded, miserable.

“No one forced you. You came here willingly. Did you not?”

“I... It's... I'm sorry. I've never...” She slumped dejectedly. She realized that she didn't want to win Severus through some kind of trick, by playing the damsel in distress, which was what Lucius seemed to have in mind. “It seemed exciting, but he's right,” she said, blinking back tears. “I have changed my mind. I'll just leave now.”

Lucius watched her go and wondered what had just happened. He reviewed: Severus had come in, become the conquering hero, the “good guy to his bad guy"; she could have had him in an instant, easily. It seemed, however, the little Muggle-born had scruples. He was positive that she wanted Severus, wanted him badly, but she apparently didn't want him by trickery and deception.

“Fuck!” barked Snape. “What did you say to scare her off?”

“You should go after her, Severus. I think she may need you right now.”

“What did you do? Did you hurt her? Damn you, Lucius!”