Blushes and Pillow-fights

Thank you to those of you who have taken the time to read this and reveiw. I appreciate all of your comments.

All canon characters belong to JKR.

Thanks as always to June for all of her help and suggestions.

Chapter 7 – Blushes and pillow-fights.

After Albus left, Severus and Lucius went upstairs.

Ginny had already finished Hermione's treatment and taken her to the same room Lucius set her in earlier. They were both giggling when Severus, followed by Lucius, walked into the room.

"Well, you seem to be feeling better," said Lucius, smiling.

Hermione and Ginny looked up.

"Yes, I am. Thank you for helping us earlier, Mr. Malfoy," said Hermione.

Lucius waved his hand and shook his head.

"Please, call me Lucius, both of you. And it was my pleasure. I'm glad I was still about to help."

"Oh, I nearly forgot," Severus looked up at Lucius. "We lost our wands. Do you think you could get them back?" asked Severus.

"I doubt it at this point. I'm sorry, but you may need to acquire new ones. I can go by Ollivander's tomorrow and order two new ones for you."

"That'll have to do, I suppose," said Severus.

They all stood silent and motionless, not knowing what else to say. Ginny finally spoke up.

"Are you two hungry?" she asked the "children."

"No," Hermione said quickly. She and Severus had eaten a dinner of apple pie a la mode before they went to Hogsmeade. Surely, that was good enough until morning.

"Well, I think I'll finish making my dinner and get to bed."

"Ah, you are staying the evening?" asked Lucius.

Ginny blushed, not really knowing why, then thinking it might have been due to the fact that his smile made her shiver. Severus and Hermione were both sitting on the bed, watching the two with great interest.

"Yes, I've been here most of the day finishing up some papers I needed to turn in before I began studying for my final exams." When Ginny got nervous she began to wring her hands, or twist the bottom of her blouse, or whatever she was holding at the time. She was now doing quite a number on the scarf she had tied around her waist. "I was making something to eat when you all showed up. It's probably all spoiled or cold by now, but I suppose I can always make a sandwich or something. I mean, I'm not really that great a cook anyway..."

"She talks more than you do," Severus whispered to Hermione, who promptly elbowed him.

Lucius merely smiled. He knew Ginny was nervous, and it gave him a thrill to know he was probably the cause of her rambling.

"Oh, well, I better get downstairs then." Ginny turned and looked at Severus and Hermione. "I guess you two are staying here for the night then?" The two nodded. Ginny then turned and looked at Lucius. "I'll see you another time then, Mr...I mean, Lucius." She then quickly exited the room, cursing to herself for being such a nervous Nelly.

Lucius looked at his two new charges.

"Is she always like that?" he asked Hermione.

"Ginny can be a bit...animated at times," stated Hermione. She knew perfectly well why Ginny acted the way she did. It was no secret to her that her friend was in serious lust over Lucius, just as she herself had secretly adored Severus these past years.

"I see," was all Lucius would commit to. He then walked further into the room. "Now, I suppose we should all get ready for bed. Severus, I can transfigure something for you to sleep in, if you like."

"Just so long as it fits, please." Severus looked at Hermione and scowled at her, remembering it was her fault he wore clothes that looked two sizes too big for him.

"Wherever did you get that outfit you're wearing anyway? It's positively ghastly," commented Lucius as he made some small pajamas for the small Severus.

"No, they're not. It's what children wear these days," protested Hermione.

"Oh yes, Lucius. Didn't you know it was in vogue for boys to look like unkempt hermits?"

Hermione shook her head and crawled into bed.

"You two are impossible. No wonder you're friends."

Severus looked at his new bedclothes and nodded his approval, then turned and began to crawl into the same bed, next to Hermione.

"Don't hog the covers tonight like you did last night," scolded Hermione.

"I do not hog covers. And if I did, I was perfectly within my right to do so, as it was my bed," he said imperiously.

Lucius wondered how the two wound up in the same bed. What's more, he wondered how they seemed so comfortable sharing with one another. He realized it was the potion influencing their actions as well. Children often innocently crawled into bed with one another. Friends did the same. There had been times when both he and Severus were away for days doing Voldemort's dirty work. During those times it was difficult to find a decent place to sleep, and quite often they wound up curled next to each other just to keep warm.

"If you two are finished arguing, I will see you in the morning. I'll go out to the manor tomorrow and see if I can get you both some clothes as well." Lucius turned the lights out and bid them both goodnight before he shut the door. Before he even made it to his bedroom, he had to turn around and tell Severus and Hermione to stop giggling and get to sleep.

When Lucius was able to get inside his room, he began to undress. He did so without magic. While many wizards preferred to dress and undress using magic, Lucius used this time to relax and think about either the day ahead of him, or the day behind him. Right now, he thought of what Severus had said to him in the kitchen. His friend wasn't kidding when he said that he and Hermione were slipping into childish behavior. He would need to keep an eye on them in the next coming days. By now , he'd taken his shoes and shirt off, and was turning his attention to his belt. Just then the door opened and in walked a very surprised Ginny.

"OH! Lucius, I'm sorry." She quickly turned but stayed in the room. Having seen only his bare chest, she didn't realize he still had his trousers on.

Lucius was speechless for a moment. He'd lived alone for a while, and he hadn't expected for anyone to walk in on him.

"It's all right, Ginny." He chuckled softly. "You can turn around, I'm not naked." He was amused by her shyness to look at him. Had the situation been reversed, he would have found it very difficult to be a gentleman. He most certainly would have not turned away. Lucius watched Ginny slowly turn, her blush very visible even in the dim light of the room. It had been a very long time since he'd made a woman blush. As a matter of fact, it had been a long time since he'd even been alone with a woman.

Contrary to popular belief, there were no such things as revels amongst Death Eaters. Voldemort neither participated in the act of having sex, nor did he like watching it. He saw no use for sex other than for reasons of procreation. To him, pleasures of the flesh were not the kind of pleasures he wanted his Death Eaters to involve themselves in. When sex was on the mind, all else faltered, as far as Voldemort was concerned. The Dark Lord also couldn't take the chance of any of his minions enjoying anything remotely close to being tender as well. There was always the potential for the victim to receive some tenderness from her assailant; it was a small chance, but a chance nonetheless. This he would not allow in any form.

For Lucius and Severus, it had been many years since either of them had been with a woman. It was actually longer for Severus, since his job both at Hogwarts and as a spy had made it difficult to have any real sort of time for women. Lucius hadn't been with anyone since his wife died at the hands of Voldemort. He had spent these last years focused on his ultimate vengeance, so that any thought of sex was put to one side.

Ginny looked at Lucius. She was keenly aware that the man before her was old enough to be her father, but Lucius looked like no father she had ever seen. He was tall, and his chest was well-defined. He wasn't overly muscled, which she liked, and she noticed he had a fine dusting of very light blond hair on his chest. She even noticed an equally fine trail of hair leading down and disappearing inside his trousers. Ginny had never been happy with men her own age. She'd often had conversations with Hermione regarding the lack of wizards that interested them. Hermione had hoped to graduate and then go back to Hogwarts, where she herself had her sights set on a possible relationship with Professor Snape.

Having dated several old schoolmates, Ginny decided to just forgo any sort of relationship with any man. She concentrated on her career and hoped that her Prince Charming would someday find his way to her, but she wasn't holding her breath.

"I'm sorry," said Lucius. "I know I promised to answer any questions you might have, but I'm very tired and have to wake up early tomorrow to get Severus and Hermione some things they will need. Maybe we can talk over breakfast?"

"Of course. I, um...didn't realize you would be staying. You see, this is my room. I usually stay in here when I come to visit." She opened a locked drawer that held some of her clothes.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Lucius smiled, then opened a locked drawer that held some of his own clothes. "This happens to also be the room I use when I stay here as well. It's very comfortable." He walked towards Ginny, and came within an inch of her very still body.

"Perhaps we can share the room?" he asked, thinking she was too innocent for this sort of thing. He found himself hoping she actually wouldn't take him up on his offer, because if she did, it might mean she'd accept such an offer from anybody.

Ginny gasped. Never in a million years would she have thought a wizard like Lucius Malfoy would say something like that to her. She wasn't an ugly woman; she was quite attractive. But she never attracted men like Lucius, as he was simply beautiful.

"I don't think that would be very proper. Why, I barely know you," she huffed. Hoping she sounded sufficiently aghast at his suggestion, she started to turn around so that she could leave. Ginny wanted nothing more than to push him onto the bed and rip his trousers off, but she knew that Lucius was of the old school of thinking. No doubt if she took him up on his offer, he'd think she would do that with anyone. She left the room before he could say anything further.

Lucius was surprised and pleased. Perhaps he would have a talk with Arthur Weasley when he went on his errands in the morning. He wasn't sure yet just what exactly he would talk to Arthur about, but he did know that it would have something to do with Ginny.

~*~*~*~

The following day found Lucius down in the kitchen early. He couldn't very well be seen in public buying children's clothing, since it would look suspicious if any of his Death Eater brothers were walking about, so he would go to his manor to find some clothes for Severus and Hermione. After getting together some clothing for his two new charges, he would visit Ollivander's and get a new wand for both. Mr. Ollivander was known for his secrecy, so Lucius knew that there would be no questions asked by him, and that if anyone came asking any he would keep his mouth shut. After all was done, he would then go to the Ministry and talk to Arthur.

As Lucius sat at the kitchen table drinking his coffee and eating a scone, Ginny walked in.

"Good morning, Ginny," said Lucius as he popped a piece of scone in his mouth and went back to the Quibbler he'd found on the table.

"Good morning, Lucius. You're an early riser," she stated.

He chuckled. "Not usually, but I have some errands to run. I need to get a few things for Severus and Hermione." He set down his paper as Ginny sat across from him with her own cup of coffee.

"I was hoping you might be willing to answer a few questions for me," she said.

"I have some time before I need to leave. I suppose your most pressing question would be how I came to be a spy for the Order?"

Ginny nodded and took a sip of her tea. That was exactly what she wanted to know.

"It really began when I was in Azkaban. I started to have my doubts about the Dark Lord and the organization," he laughed bitterly. "Organization. That's too respectable a word to use for a group of bigots and murderers, and yes, I'm aware that I used to be one of them." He stood and poured himself another cup of coffee.

"It was Severus who all on his own broke me out of Azkaban. He took me back to my manor and told me everything he'd been doing these last twenty years with the Order. He also told me what Voldemort had done to Draco, how he wanted to turn my son into a murderer as well; and if Draco had succeeded, Voldemort still wanted Severus to kill Draco and Narcissa."

"I never wanted that for Draco's fate. I loved my son and I loved my wife. I never truly realized until then, how easily he turned on his own followers. When I realized what kind of a madman I was serving, I decided to join Severus. If one spy was good, then two spies would be better. Unfortunately, my first night home with my family would be my last." Lucius sat back down on the table and looked at Ginny.

"I was downstairs in the basement looking through some old tomes that might give us an idea of how to get rid of Voldemort, but I was so exhausted I fell asleep at the research table. I woke up, I don't even know how many hours later, to hear my wife screaming and I realized there were people in my home. By the time I got upstairs to the main living area it was too late. That bastard had already killed Narcissa and Draco. There was nothing I could do. Nothing but put on my mask and pretend he had done me a favor."

"I can't even imagine how difficult that must have been for you. I'm so sorry," said Ginny softly.

"It was a suffering I hope to have spared someone else from experiencing." Lucius looked at the clock on the wall and stood once again, glad it was time to go, as he felt also the need to change the subject. He placed his coffee cup and plate in the sink, then gathered his cape and walking stick.

"I'm sorry, but I really must go. I have many things to do, and I want to return before the afternoon. I apologize, but I didn't even ask you if you had any plans for today. I need someone to stay here and watch those two. I have a feeling they are going to get themselves into more trouble." He smiled, remembering the fight between Voldemort and Severus and Hermione.

"Oh no, it's all right. I don't have any plans for today. I don't have any plans for the entire weekend as a matter of fact." Ginny hoped she didn't sound desperate. She actually had previous plans to spend the day with a young man she'd met at one of the Ministry's functions last month. However, as soon as she'd found out Lucius was tending to young Severus and Hermione, she cancelled her plans and decided to stay at Grimmauld Place instead.

"Excellent! I shall see you soon then." Lucius turned to leave, but then stopped and looked over his shoulder. "Oh, and don't let them get the better of you."

Ginny sat down heavily and wondered if the idiotic smile she had on her face would ever come off.

Upstairs in the room where Severus and Hermione were sleeping, things were going to get very loud very soon.

As he had done on the previous night, Severus hogged the covers. Not only had he taken the covers, but he was sprawled across the entire bed, which meant that half his body was thrown over Hermione. She looked like a spider crushed by a huge shoe. Severus' mouth had a small bit of drool dripping from the corners, and his hair was spread over Hermoine's head. He seemed to be using her not only as pillow but also as his mattress.

He began to slowly wake up, after feeling something moving beneath him.

"What?" he murmured, trying to shake the sleep from his head.

"I said get off of me, I can't breathe," said Hermione, her voice muffled.

"What the..." Severus rolled onto his stomach and looked at Hermione. "What's the matter with you? I'm trying to sleep."

"Oh, I'm so sorry that my gasping for air woke you up, your highness." Hermione turned over and sat up. She looked at him with disgust. "I hope you slept well."

"As a matter of fact I did." He smiled and tucked himself further into his covers.

Hermione scowled at him.

"I can't believe you. Not only did you take the covers, yet again, but you practically slept on top of me all night like I was your pillow or something."

"As I recall, I didn't hear you complaining."

"Of course not, I was too busy trying to keep from suffocating to death." Hermione grabbed her pillow and swatted him with all her might. Before he could hit her back she bolted out of the bed.

"Run all you want, but I'll catch you sooner or later." Severus settled himself back in the middle of the bed and continued to sleep.

Hermione went to the bathroom. She brushed her teeth, went potty, and decided to take a shower. After she finished, she went back to the room and torpedoed herself at Severus, who was by that time snoring.

Downstairs, Ginny heard a commotion. She ran out of the kitchen and up the stairs. The noise was coming from the room Severus and Hermione occupied. When she neared the doorway, she saw the entire room was filled with feathers, and Severus and Hermione were hitting each other with now droopy pillows.

"Stop it, stop it this instant!" yelled Ginny. Both "children" froze, and then looked towards her. "What in the world is going on here?"

"She started it," said Severus as he pointed to Hermione.

"Me? You've got nerve." Hermione indignantly looked up at Ginny. "He spent the entire night hogging the covers, and sprawled all over the bed like he was the only one sleeping in it."

"And that gives you the right to attack me while I'm sleeping?" Severus threw his pillow on the bed and lifted his pajama top. "You almost broke my ribs. That's going to bruise, you know."

Hermione rolled her eyes.

"Both of you cool it. Have you gone and brushed your teeth?" asked Ginny, trying to ignore the fact she had just said something Molly Weasley had shouted almost every day for thirty years.

Hermione nodded, but Severus shook his head.

"I'll get breakfast started. Hermione, come down with me. Severus, you brush your teeth and go potty."

Severus raised his eyebrows and placed his hands on his waist.

"I beg your pardon? I do not go potty!" he said through gritted teeth.

Ginny realized that she was already treating them like children. While she did just break up a pillow-fight, she had to remember they were still, for the most part, adults.

"I'm sorry, I just...well, you both..." She threw her arms up in frustration. "Oh, forget it, just come downstairs when you're done, Severus." She turned and walked out of the room, with Hermione following her.

Before she left, Hermione turned around and stuck her tongue out at Severus, who scowled at her.

"Hmmph, potty, really," he huffed. "I'll potty her." Severus put on his slippers and walked towards the bathroom mumbling in protest.

"Hmm... actually, I do have to go wee-wee."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

I hope you enjoyed this chapter. Harry and Ron will be coming for a visit in the next chapter.