Revelations

Disclaimer: It's not my creation, but I do enjoy manipulating things. No money for me though. Enjoy.

A big thanks goes to my beta, Charmed_Nay, and to my friends over at Potter_Place.

Severus opened the door, and his friend scrambled in. "Lucius?" he asked uneasily, quickly locking the door. "What is it? Where the hell have you been?"

Lucius' hair wasn't as tamed as he normally kept it. Strands were out of order and a few leaves seemed to have found a home within. "I need a place to stay, Severus. Things have gone from bad to worse."

Severus' senses prickled. Something wasn't right. "Lucius, have you ingested anything within the last couple of hours?"

"No," said Lucius, sounding irritated. "Will you not give me a place to stay? Keep me safe from our Lord? From Dumbledore?"

"Sit," Severus directed. When his friend did so, he moved around to get them each a glass and filled them with some light-colored liquor that he had stowed in the cabinet. "Drink."

"Very well," Lucius said.

Severus smirked as the man gulped down some of the liquor. "Tell me, friend, how did you know that I was here?"

Lucius paled slightly and took a long drink from his glass. "I've been spying," he said finally. "The Dark Lord said that you'd be alternating residence between here and Hogwarts for some time. I simply took the chance that you'd be here."

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Severus checked the window and saw an owl flapping its wings, seeking entrance. He quickly opened the window and took the scroll tied to its foot. "Thanks," he mumbled. He opened it and quickly read its contents. It told him nothing that he hadn't already known. Shrugging, he slipped the scroll into his pocket, and shooed the owl out. Once he'd locked the window, he turned back to his friend.

"Who was that letter from?" Lucius asked suspiciously.

"My concubine. She can't wait for my return," Severus said darkly.

"Oh," the man said, accepting his tale.

"So, Lucius, can you tell me why you would come here of all places? To me for help? What makes you so certain that I wouldn't turn you in to our Lord or to Dumbledore?"

The man blanched. "Severus, we've been friends for far too long. You would never betray me to either of them."

Severus pulled his wand from his robe in a flash. "Incarcerous! Silencio!" he said loudly. "You traitorous filth!" Severus said coldly. "Don't ever think you could come to me and ask me to betray our Lord. My loyalty is with him, not you. Yes, we are good friends, but I'll not put that above my duty."

He left Lucius there and went to his bedroom. Dressing quickly, he woke Hermione with a rough shake. "I must be away for an hour or so. Please do not leave this room. I shall ward it from the outside. The lamp on the desk is a Portkey to the headmaster should I not return or if anything happens."

"Severus? What is going on?"

"I can't explain. Please do as I say in this matter." He kissed her brow. "I shall return within the hour. Nobody has ever broken my wards, aside from Dumbledore," he said to reassure her. He slipped on his Death Eater mask and pulled his hood up over his head. He heard her gasp. "I have to go."

He left her there and secured the room. He went to the kitchen and retrieved Lucius. After warding his home, he Disapparated with his burden to his Lord's current location. Severus found his Lord sitting in a chair, as if he was already waiting for him. Other members were present. All eagerly expecting something.

"My Lord," Severus said, dropping to kneel.

"Rise, Severusss," the Dark Lord hissed. "What have you there?"

"Lucius Malfoy," Severus said. "He came to my home tonight seeking protection. I felt it to be my duty to bring him to you, as I know you are wanting to speak with him about his activities as of late."

"Yesss," came the reply. Suddenly, a loud cackle emitted from his slanted mouth. "You have done well to bring him to me." His head turned. "Bella!"

"Here," she said, stepping forward uncertainly.

"Never question my judgement again. Do you understand?"

"Yes, my Lord. I am sorry, Master. Please forgive me," she said, dropping to her knees. "But...could it not be that Snape already knows where he is. I mean, he could..."

"Enough," the Dark Lord said, high-pitched voice raised.

Severus pretended to be confused. "My Lord? May I speak freely?"

"Yes."

"I am afraid that I do not understand." He turned to face Bella. "What is it you are accusing me of?"

"Bella," his Master began, "felt that you were withholding information from me and working with her brother-in-law, Lucius. She feels you might betray us to Dumbledore one of these days." Severus pulled his wand in anger and pointed it at Bella. "Wait," the Dark Lord said, holding up a pale hand. "I shall see to her punishment."

"This," Severus kicked Lucius, "isn't really Lucius, is it?"

"No, I am afraid that it is Rabastan. It seems that Bella, her husband, and his brother felt the need to have a bit of fun with some Polyjuice." The Dark Lord's eyes glowed eerily. "It seems that we were overheard on our last visit. Rabastan found out that you would be going home for a few days. These two," he nodded towards Bellatrix and then to her husband, "have only just come here to let me know that they figured out a way to prove that you are disloyal to me. I am glad that they have failed to prove so. Seek no retribution, Severusss. I shall deal with them."

Bowing his head, Severus said, "Thank you, Master."

"You may leave."

Severus nodded and noted that Rabastan was shifting back to his true form. He smiled nastily at the man's surprised expression and left. Once home, he unlocked the door. Turning around and facing the darkness, he said quietly, "Come."

The real Lucius Malfoy stepped away from the shadows. "I've not much longer," he said, following Severus indoors.

"We needn't much time."

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Draco smiled at the sleeping girl next to him. What was it about her? Why had he done this? His father was likely furious with him, his mother was probably disappointed in him, and the Dark Lord had likely already given orders for his death. Why couldn't he have just gone to Dumbledore? Oh, right, he thought glumly. Snape is in Dumbledore's circle. He'd find out about my request for protection and drag me back to the Dark Lord where I'd be killed. Ginny would be, too. I can't allow that. What Dumbledore didn't know was that Snape was truly the Dark Lord's man. If he ousted Snape, it wouldn't only be he that would perish. His mother would be killed as well. It seemed likely that Snape had already found out and informed on his father to the Dark Lord, so his father already had a warrant of his own. However, there was no reason to anger the Dark Lord enough to cause him to harm his mother.

His lip curled hatefully as he looked back at Ginevra's sleeping form. This was all her fault. If she hadn't made him feel sorry for her, he would have turned the other way as his father took her off to test his theories...whatever those were! For some reason, this girl was the key to all things. The Dark Lord wanted her, which had honestly intrigued him. What would she have that someone so powerful would want? He doubted it was anything sexual, but he'd wanted to know nonetheless and had eagerly accepted the task of following her. That was his mistake. She cried to him about that lousy bloke, Lupin, and he'd sympathized with her.

Pansy and he had always known that they would be together eventually, but then, after years of planning, his father had broken their betrothal. This had been a shock for him. At times, he'd hated that his family had decided for him, but sometimes it was all right. He wouldn't have to choose, and he'd become accustomed to the thought of her in his life. That had been the first row he'd had with his father. The second row had been about Ginevra. It seemed that when it came to the witches in his life, his father was very opinionated. He'd told his father that he was supposed to watch over her and take interest in her, but he hadn't expected the man's reaction.

There was so much more than he'd told him, and he'd been angered that his father wouldn't confide in him. Draco slid down on the makeshift bed and put an arm around Ginny protectively. He'd chosen his path, and he'd stick with his decision. She would be cared for. The Dark Lord, Lupin, and his father could all just forget about him and her. He'd find a way to make things right. It had been hard for them, not being able to use magic, but so far, things were working. Earlier, he'd been tempted to kiss her, but he hadn't. It wasn't that he was afraid; he was just uncertain about things.

Was she truly over Lupin? If so, why did she talk about him so much? Draco had found out that Lupin had once kissed Ginevra. She said she'd never told anyone. It was late one night, and Lupin was in the library at a home they frequented. He'd been well into his cups, and he'd talked to her about death, as they'd started doing since her boyfriend had been killed. They'd ended up sharing a kiss right before the older man had passed out. He'd left before she saw him the next morning, and she didn't see him for a week after that. When he'd come back, he'd brought Tonks with him, and they'd told everyone that they'd been seeing each other privately. Ginny had been devastated, according to what she'd told him. She said it'd felt like she'd lost two lovers, not one. Draco also learned that Lupin never acknowledged that they'd kissed, so he probably had no clue, being intoxicated and all.

He supposed that would be a blow to his ego if someone did that to him. He'd brought her to a cave quite near Hogwarts. He'd slipped around in the dead of night to gather supplies. They would be comfortable for awhile, and it wasn't likely that anyone could find them. They simply needed time to think. Once everyone wasn't quite on the lookout for them, they would slip out of the country. He silently wished that he could have gone to Dumbledore or anyone else that was strong enough to protect them, but with Snape at Hogwarts, they wouldn't be safe.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Severus invited Lucius to sit with him. "I appreciate the note saying that it was Rabastan that was here and not you. I'd suspected something wasn't right, and when he eagerly drank some white rum, I knew it wasn't you. I wonder, though, how did you come to know that he would do that? How did you know that he would be here?"

"I've someone still within the circle that has been helping me. I shall not say who," Lucius said quickly, holding up a hand. "He's become friendly with Rabastan and alerted me of the plan. Severus, I need your help."

"You cannot stay here," he said, thinking of Hermione.

"I have a place to stay already," Lucius said, becoming annoyed. "I need a spot of lovage, and I need it quickly."

"Lucius, what have you to say of those students' deaths? Goyle's son? Goyle?"

"I had nothing to do with Goyle's son's death. That is on another's hands. The other two kids were in the wrong place at the wrong time. They perished, but it wasn't by my hand. I had only one purpose, and that, my friend, was to get Ginevra Weasley."

"Why?" Severus asked through narrowed eyes.

"Bane and I have come to an understanding. He is angry that the centaurs have once again befriended Dumbledore. He feels that the forest should be for them alone. We struck a deal," Lucius said.

"I have lovage, but you'll have to give me more than that," Severus said firmly.

"He told me that in six months there will be some odd alignment in the sky, which means that an era will come to an end, and a new one shall begin." Lucius looked around as if expecting their Lord to appear. "He'd overheard me talking with Crabbe, Goyle, and..." He straightened up and waved his hand. "He overheard me talking with some of the others, and he decided to make a bargain with me. He heard us wondering if we were supporting a lost cause."

"Lucius! Our Lord..."

"Our Lord may lose this war!" the man said anxiously. "You've nearly given him as much of your life as I have. Have you not had enough?"

Severus swallowed. "I admit that at times life is cumbersome."

"I am tired of fruitless demands, the need for Galleons, no explanations as to why we are doing things," Lucius said exasperatedly. "Bane knows a way to see exactly what might happen on the night of the alignment. The only thing that he knows for now is an old saying that has been passed on that says a seventh child, a daughter, of an old line will be upon the victorious side and help things begin anew."

"Ginevra Weasley."

"Yes," Lucius said. "Imagine my surprise when Draco informed me that he had orders from the Dark Lord to keep her occupied and that he'd eventually want to see her. It was as if a ghost passed through my body. For some reason, she has something to do with it all." He loosened his top button. "Imagine, Severus, being able to gift either side with the winning token. If we were granted immunity, we could go over to Dumbledore's side if we so chose and never fear that the Ministry will raid our homes or take what is ours. If we could once again rally with our Lord and believe in our cause, we could ensure she went to him."

Severus nodded. Lucius' way of thinking did make sense. "What of this lovage?"

"I told you. Bane knows of a way to mix certain ingredients. When he burns them together, he can more clearly see what is going to happen. I wanted to see what was destined before I made my decision. If that impudent Potter boy truly can defeat our Lord, who is to say someone else won't come along and do it in a few years?"

"So you have all of our interests at heart," Severus said dryly.

"Only a few of us, to be honest," Lucius said. "I've not much faith in some of the recruits we have now. I just want things to be as they were. Those years after Potter's first triumph were a little rough at first, but I had respect and could go about in public without fear of being jailed. I am tired of this running."

"And you trust me?"

"I admit that it's hard for me to come here, Severus. I know our Lord seems to dote on you, but we've been friends for so long. I thought I could try, and just in case you were truly loyal to Dumbledore, to yourself, or could be reasoned with, I felt you needed to be warned about Rabastan. Seeing as you didn't oust me to the Dark Lord, I thought we could talk."

"Come," Severus said. He and Lucius went to his private room above, and he rummaged through some things. He handed Lucius a pouch. "Lovage. Use it well."

"You don't know how grateful I am," Lucius drawled.

"My price is information. I, too, would like to know what you see. You can send an owl to me here or at Hogwarts."

"Severus, why are you here? My connection seemed to not know why."

"That is my business, Lucius. Suffice it to say that I find myself in need of distancing myself from Hogwarts. Dumbledore agrees, feeling that I'm disturbed about the loss of the students and finally requesting much needed time away. " He snorted. "Unfortunately, I still have to teach my damn classes, but at least I'm out from under his thumb for a few nights each week."

"You've never liked this house," Lucius said, looking around distastefully. "Why don't you go off to stay at the manor with Narcissa?"

"No, my friend, I don't think that would bode well with the Ministry. In fact, I believe we'd have a scandal on our hands."

"Too right." Lucius shook the pouch. "Thanks again. I must depart."

"Very well. I shall remain silent. For now," Severus warned. "Stay safe."

"I shall."

Severus sat alone for a long time and was uncertain with what to do with his information. Six months was not a long time to prepare. Although he knew that the Dark Lord had something planned near the end of term at Hogwarts, he'd not really thought that things would be ending. It seemed that the Dark Lord was always thwarted, but he always remained. Would things finally be over? Would life finally move on? In either direction? He did trust what Lucius said. He could read the truth in his eyes and hear it in his voice. He was torn and wanted to share this information with both the Dark Lord and Dumbledore. He decided to think on it the next day. The current one had been most trying.

The moment he unwarded the bedroom door, walked in, and shut it behind him, something hit him in the chest. He looked down at his feet. A pillow! "Hermione? What the hell do you mean by this?" He reached down to pick it up. When he looked at her again, he was hit with another pillow, this time in the face.

"You could have at least told me what was going on! It's been longer than an hour! I've been worried."

He threw both back onto the bed. "Calm yourself," he said as he began disrobing. "I did what I had to do. You could at least allow me to get in bed before you start your nattering and questions."

"Oh!" she exclaimed furiously. "That's it? No apology?" She snatched a pillow, put it behind her on the bed, and turned over in a huff. The duvet had slipped down, revealing her plump thighs and shapely arse. He longed to caress her, but he knew he had to quell that desire. No matter what she believed, she was not emotionally ready for that final step in their relationship.

Keeping only his underpants on, he moved next to her, careful not to touch her. He decided to let her remain angry. She had to understand that there would be times when he had to leave suddenly and would be unable to give her an explanation. Sleep found him quickly.

The next morning found, same as the day before, Hermione made breakfast. She wasn't as warm as she had been, but he could see that she was trying to let her anger go. After he finished eating, he moved to his sitting room, wondering what he should do for the day. He supposed he could read. Choosing a book from the shelf, he settled into the couch and lost himself within the text. At some point, Hermione had come in with him and sat on the opposite end.

Finally, she found her voice. "About last night, Severus, I'm sorry. I was afraid that something was wrong. I suppose I took my frustration out on you."

"Fair enough," he said, not looking up from his book.

"Could you at least look at me? I hate this silent treatment and ignoring that you've been doing!"

Severus placed a bookmark in his book and put the book on the table before them. He turned to face her. "Hermione, I've not been any more quiet than you have. I have simply been reading this book."

"You know what I mean. I sat here, and you could have talked to me."

Sighing, he said, "When I've nothing to say, it doesn't mean I'm angry." He slid closer until their thighs touched. The image of her bare thighs plagued him momentarily before he spoke. "You did disappoint me last night."

Her face dropped. "I couldn't help it. I'm sorry. I'm going to try harder."

"Sometimes I will have to leave at a moment's notice. I am not doing this to purposely exclude you; it's because I have to. By obeying my commands, I know you will be safe, and knowing that you are safe will enable me to do my job without worry for you. Do you understand?"

"I do," she said, tilting her head to rest on his shoulder. "I missed you." With that, she moved to straddle his waist as she'd once done in a dream. "Severus, I think I would like to make love to you."

She only thinks, doesn't know. Sucking in a ragged breath, he quietly said, "You are only feeling that we should do that to bring the peace back between us. There is no need." He tried to smile. "I would like to kiss you."

Her lips found his for a chaste kiss. She pulled back and looked at him. "I want this."

Severus could feel the trembling in her thighs and hands, but her lips were confident as they met his again. He brought his hands up to grasp her waist. He nibbled on her lips, and in turn, she did the same. As their kiss intensified, he slid one hand around to fondle one of her breasts, causing her to moan into his mouth and grind against him. He could feel the heat from her center and needed to touch it with is fingers, no restrictions. The hand at her breast moved down and found the waistband of her shorts. Without hesitation, it moved beneath and began stimulating her through her knickers.

"Ohhh," she breathed, "yes."

Her head fell back and gave him access to the hollow of her throat. His mouth eagerly sought out its new territory and began exploring. His witch began hissing and moving in response to the firm, circling movements of his fingers. "Hermione," he said suddenly, "I want to taste you."

"Wha...? All right. Anything," she murmured.

Easily, he maneuvered her onto her back and began sliding her shorts and knickers down. His mouth slanted across hers for one last passionate kiss before trailing its way down to her center.

"What are you doing?" she asked, voice husky.

"This," he said, moving to place small kisses along the trimmed hairline that covered her opening. Using his fingers to open her further, his tongue darted out to taste her. It was his turn to groan. Everything about her called to him. She belonged to him. His arousal had reached a dangerous level, and he was uncertain if he would be able to withstand the urge to have her.

"Oh, shite," she said breathlessly. "I didn't think..."

Together, tongue and fingers began touching and laving her until she was squirming wildly. One of her hands was moving in his hair, urging his head even lower, and the other hand was clawing at the old material of the couch. His fingers worked to stretch and prepare her until he could handle it no more. Tongue still laving, his hand quickly went to his trousers and released his hardened cock. He shifted himself and began stroking himself firmly, intent on moving up to slide into her.

She began chanting, "Ah, ah, yes, Severus!" At that moment, he'd not ever heard anything more welcoming, anything that made him prouder. He had reduced her to a near incoherent state, and only he could guide her to climax. In that moment, he realized that she was nearly there. He began stroking himself hard and fast, tongue mimicking its movement. In an instant of triumph, he heard and felt her reach her destination.

The utterly enticing sound of Hermione having an orgasm had him spilling his seed over his own hand and onto her thighs. Had he only fantasized about caressing her thighs the night before? Minutes before? He'd never look at them without remembering how they looked at that moment. She was marked. His. Her hand that had been tangled in his hair fell limply beside him. He rested his face on her stomach, catching his breath as she caught hers. It had been close. He'd nearly taken her, nearly let himself lose control. Though he was satiated for the moment, he knew it wouldn't be long before only her depths could fully satisfy him.

As uncomfortable as his position was, he nearly fell asleep. The rise and fall of her body and the sound of her even breathing had lulled him into a state of relaxation. When he felt her hand move back up to smooth his hair softly, he dared to look up at her face.

Hermione was smiling at her lover. "I can't describe what I feel at this moment."

"Shh," he whispered. "There is no need."

She welcomed him as he moved over her to kiss her. She could taste herself on his lips and tongue, and though it was a different taste, she quite liked it and felt more comfortable about the situation. She truly hadn't expected him to kiss her there. It was a wonder that they'd shared that. Ron had never come close to making her feel the way she did at that moment, physically or mentally. She wanted Severus Snape to possess her. She wanted to belong to him. She wanted to return the favor.

"Should I do that to you, too? I want to," she offered. She saw the slight reddening of his cheeks before he replied.

"It appears that I have already taken care of that."

Hermione then realized that he'd also enjoyed what they'd done...completely. "So it would seem," she said, giggling lightly, feeling sticky. "I think I will have a bath. Er...since we've missed lunch, would you like an early dinner?"

"That would work. It seems that I've worked up an appetite," he said, almost sheepishly.

She darted her eyes away as he moved to tuck himself back into his trousers. She quickly pulled up her knickers and shorts. There was a brief awkward moment before she threw caution to the wind and leaned over to kiss his lips quickly. "I won't be long. You can jump into the tub after me."

"All right. We need to discuss things further." He stood up suddenly. "Not about this," he waved his hand towards the couch, "but about what we will do with you whilst I teach."

"Sure." She took his hand in hers and squeezed. She saw that his expression had changed, but she couldn't read it, which made her a little nervous. "Thanks," she said before scurrying off to gather her clothes and slipping into the bathroom. Once the door closed behind her, she nearly let out an excited squeal. For some reason, she felt that they'd just shared something far more intimate than sex, and she loved it. Loved him. I truly do love him, she thought suddenly. She had loved Ron, too, but it certainly wasn't like this. The feeling she felt overwhelmed her and threatened to make her weep. Smiling, she turned on the faucets, wanting to quickly get back to him. Once she began foaming the shampoo through her hair, her mind drifted back to the expression on his face. Did he regret what they'd done?

Southern's Notes:Well, there we are. Not everyone is on Snape's side, as we saw with the Lestranges' nasty trick. I almost feel sorry for Lucius, but he's mainly trying to save his own arse. So...Severus and Hermione moved closer. I admit that I am satisfied with this chapter, and the next one will speed things up some (into the future). Any requests? Lupin? Draco? Ginny? Lucius?