Boxing Day

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o 53 o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Boxing Day

Severus woke the following morning, thinking he really should have pulled the curtains closed about the bed as the early morning light streamed in glaringly bright through the gauzy drapes over the windows. If the sunlight is already this bright, it's after eight, he thought, trying to move. We're going to be late for breakfast. Hermione was stretched out along his side, her head on his shoulder and her arm draped across his body. His arm, which had become trapped underneath her, was numb. He flexed his hand to try to restore circulation, stirring the witch beside him. Severus preferred to sleep on his back, but it was nice how Hermione typically slept on her side next to him. She either curled up bedside him or stretched out alongside him with one leg slung over one of his, her arm draped across his chest. He still had yet to get used to the way her hair tickled his nose, but he found that he no longer minded her warm breath on his skin.

He remembered their first night together in this bed with regret. He hadn't been at all attentive to her needs, simply using her for his own release, and he hadn't been any more attentive the following morning either. He was rather pleased that she no longer held that against him, although if the roles had been reversed, he might not have been so forgiving. Still, mornings like this were not as frequent as he'd have liked, waking up with her beside him, but that was something that would definitely change next term. Knowing that he didn't have much time to dally in bed, he turned and pushed Hermione onto her back. She stretched deliciously, inflaming his need for her. Deciding to make it a quick one, he slid his hand down to her crotch as he suckled her breast, easily making her squirm and her vulva moisten, and her eyes flew open.

He lowered himself to her groin, intending on bringing her to orgasm as quickly as possible. He knew she liked his ministrations as much as he liked feasting on her. He loved hearing the sounds she made as much as watching her body undulate in pleasure and the feel of her hands stroking every inch of him she could reach.

Her breath hitched, she gasped, her hands clutching tightly, arching her back to push herself more firmly against his mouth and cried out in stammered gasps.

He rose up, teasing her entrance with his tip and captured her mouth in a kiss, loving the salty tang of her juices on their kiss, but she tried to turn away from him.

"Severus, I have to brush my teeth," she protested.

He captured her hands and pinned her down. "I think you taste divine," he said, kissing her while pushing into her. Her legs wrapped around his, her heels on his calves, their bodies moving in a tandem rhythm, meeting each of his thrusts. He ground his groin against hers, never pulling too far back so he wouldn't slip out of her.

"Oh, gods, let me... Oh, yes, just like that," she stammered, her head tilted back with her eyes closed.

"Oh, fuck, Hermione, you feel too good! I can't last." He thrust harder, bucking against her, spurred on by her straining against him. "Oh, I can't last – fuck, Hermione, come. Come with me," he pleaded, feeling his own impending orgasm come.

She cried out, her nails digging into his flesh, her back arching. It was too much, and he came, his seed shooting into her in forceful spurts. He moved within her a few more times, before he rolled off her, spent. He put an arm across his forehead. Even though he felt satiated, he wasn't sure if she had come, and he was unsure if he should ask her. Well, at least I made sure she had one. "If you wish to shower before breakfast, I suggest you do so quickly," he suggested. "Narcissa will send a house-elf to fetch us if we're late."

She kissed him quickly, said, "Okay," and scrambled from the bed, leaving him to lie in post-coital tristesse.

When he heard the water turn off, he reached for his wand as he rose from the bed and used two cleaning charms on his person. She padded out of the bathroom in only a towel. Severus joined her at the wardrobe, and the soft scent of her shampoo wafted up toward him. He chose the soft, black lounge jacket he normally wore for breakfast at the manor and then scowled as he watched Hermione pull out her black jumper and red blouse, neither of which would be appropriate for breakfast attire. "Why not wear your garnet robes?" he asked casually, selecting a pale cream silk shirt because the silk always felt better on his neck.

"I didn't bring that one," she replied, examining the clothes the house-elves had hung in the wardrobe for her, a few he didn't recognize, as he donned his shirt. "I suggest you wear robes, instead of anything Muggle. Considering present company and your hosts, it would be more appropriate."

She bit her lip as she nodded and put the Muggle items back, opting to wear her golden copper robes he'd bought her instead. Hermione made a soft shriek when she turned around, startled by Elbee standing next to the bed, and clasped the robe to her chest.

"Elbee is so sorry, Miss," the elf said, shaking as she bowed low. "Elbee will punishes herself for scaring miss, but Elbee is only seeing if miss needs Elbee's help."

"No, no, don't harm yourself," Hermione said, scowling at Severus' smirk. "I can manage."

However when she'd asked for Severus' help with her buttons, he ran his fingers on her skin instead, enjoying the soft, velvety texture of her warm body, eliciting a soft squeal from her and making her shiver enticingly.

"Keep doing that and we'll never get down to breakfast!" she exclaimed.

He leaned down to kiss her neck, saying, "Promise?" before he slid his finger up her spine while casting his nonverbal charm to fasten all the tiny buttons.

Hermione's head tilted to the side, showing him the full curve of her delicious neck. "Someday you'll have to teach me that charm," she purred.

"No," he said as he kissed her soft skin, watching her chest rise and fall in the curve of the neckline of her robe. "I will fasten or unfasten your robes for you whenever you ask me."

She sighed. "And when you're not there?"

"Why wouldn't I be there to help you?" he asked, nipping her where her neck met her shoulder.

She reacted as if tickled. "When you have other things to do or I'm in my dorm room."

He reached for his coat on the bed. "That will not be an issue," he said, putting on the fine wool coat. "Of course, if something should take me away from you, Mispy will assist you. You only need to ask." He waited patiently until she was finished and escorted her out.

Several of the Malfoys' guests were already convening around the mahogany table. Some of the guests, such as the obnoxious Bulgarian, Kazimir Maschke and another boy Severus remembered from Hermione's fourth year, Konrad Vondran, were serving themselves from the antique Victorian silver breakfast dishes on the long antique sideboard.

Feeling particularly hungry, Severus filled his plate with sausages, eggs, bacon, black pudding and kedgeree, ignoring the kippers and deviled kidneys and the silver platters of sweet breads and fruits.

He smirked to himself at Hermione's comment, "These are really pretty," indicating the intricately detailed silver chafing dishes, not realizing that she was impressed by such trappings.

"Yes, they are. Narcissa has such exquisite taste, doesn't she?" Fanny Gabnold asked on Hermione's other side with a warm smile.

Hermione blushed, apparently only intending for Severus to have heard her and turned to look at the woman. "Yes, the entire house is lovely and beautifully appointed."

"And imagine, using her Dagonet Crown Derby china for a buffet," Fanny said, helping herself to the eggs. "She always knows how to make her guests feel special. Why each time we come to visit – we're old friends, did you know?" Hermione shook her head and Fanny laughed. "For years now. I was her prefect in school. Did you know that the chandeliers in this room were produced by George Ravenscroft himself?"

"The man who invented the technique of adding lead oxide to glass to create lead crystal?" Hermione asked, as she gazed up at the two lovely chandeliers.

"Wizard, my dear, wizard," the woman gently corrected her, to which Severus smiled and nodded to the kindly witch. Hermione followed the woman, listening intently as Fanny droned on about the various art pieces that decorated the Malfoy home. "You should really ask Narcissa to give you the tour. It's quite an impressive collection."

Severus turned watching as Hermione seated herself at Narcissa's end of the table next to Viktor Krum.

"So how did Hermione fare in your quarters?" Lucius asked softly, drawing Severus' attention away from the fact that Kazimir Maschke filled the seat between Hermione and Fanny. "I didn't hear any sobbing or crashing of the furnishings, so I'm assuming she was agreeable to the arrangement."

"We slept well, thank you," he replied with a slight warning edge.

"Good. Narcissa was relieved; she mentioned last night that she forgot to put protection charms on the furnishings," he replied with a cocky grin, indicating that Severus sit next to him.

Severus scowled at him and flicked his fingers, indicating 'not funny' in their private code.

With so few ladies present, Severus found himself seated between Lucius and Draco at the opposite end of the table from Hermione. "Things are much improved," he said as he set his napkin on his lap.

"I'm glad to hear it," Lucius said casually as he placed his napkin on his lap. "So, apparently a reception is in order."

Severus's smile faded as he turned attention away from Hermione and saw Lucius finger his wedding band before he picked up his fork.

"Mother will be delighted," Draco stated as Harland Gabnold took his seat across from Draco.

Severus inhaled, glad that there was so little time before school started. With some luck, he'd avoid another of Narcissa's lavish affairs.

"I'm glad that things are going well," Draco said.

"What is going well?" Harland asked. "I read the report into the latest Potions accident... Has the boy recovered the used of his nose yet?"

Severus assured the newly appointed school governor it had, somewhat distracted when Hermione laughed, smiling warmly at the overly attentive Bulgarian buffoon next to her.

At his end of the table, Lucius, Leopold Diederich and Harland Gabnold spoke about school finances and health and safety issues of the school; to his left, Draco feigned interest as Katherine Diederich and Fanny Gabnold spoke on the activates of their friends while Astoria, sitting next to the Portuguese player, Bartholommeo Gonçalves, spoke amicably about his plans for house hunting. None of which intrigued Severus at all. The three overpaid Bulgarian Quidditch Neanderthals, Viktor Krum, Kazimir Maschke, Konrad Vondran, surrounded Hermione, monopolizing her attention at the end of the table near Narcissa. She was laughing, her head rolling back slightly like she used to when sitting at the Gryffindor table with her friends...

"Severus?"

"Yes?" he replied, diverting his attention back to the head of the table.

"I was just asking Harland if the Ministry finally confirmed the additional funding to replace the awning over the magical creatures' paddock, or will Hagrid be getting out his umbrella again?"

"The canvas awning is still in good condition and fully water repellent, regardless of how certain students," Severus said, his finger flicking quickly in Astoria's direction, "complain about the cold. I wasn't aware you were still involved with the affairs of the governors?"

"Of course I care about the welfare of the school and its students," Lucius stated, feigning effrontery. "Besides, as the board stands, only Harland here represents the proud house of Slytherin."

"One of two," Severus said with a shake of his head. When Willoughby Thawnton had announced his retirement at the end of term, Kingsley had accepted Severus' suggestion and appointed Harland Gabnold. It lessened the Gryffindor monopoly on the board, something Severus was grateful for. "Ursula Waddlesworth is a Slytherin alum, I believe."

"That still only leaves Slytherin two out of twelve," Mr. Gabnold stated. "And Ursula typically sides with the Ravenclaws, doesn't she? Perhaps, Lucius, we should see about getting you reinstated on the board...."

"Yes," Severus acknowledged the statement, his attention diverted by Hermione's laugh. It was only from three years of practice that he refrained from scowling as he watched Hermione place a hand on Maschke's arm, her eyes alight with excitement as she spoke to him.

"She is a lovely girl," Harland stated, drawing Severus' attention. "After all the stories I read about your Bonding, I'm glad that things seem to be settling down."

Severus inhaled. Skeeter's persistent annoyance at dredging up any information, real or fabricated, about him and Hermione was a constant thorn.

"The Headmaster plans to marry at the end of term," Lucius stated, and Severus glared at him.

Unfortunately both Katherine Diederich and Fanny Gabnold suddenly paused in their incessant gossip to turn in their direction. "A June wedding," Fanny gasped, and Hermione choked on her juice. "How delightful!"

"Where are you planning on having it?" Mrs. Diederich asked.

Severus was beginning to lose his appetite. "At my great-grandfather's home," he stated firmly, refusing to hold eye contact lest she want to 'discuss it'.

Lucius smirked, skillfully turning the conversation back onto more mundane matters, such as the new Hogwarts library requisitions of the magical portraits of Demetrius Theophrastus of Alexandria, son of Demetrius of Phalerum and the first wizard orator of Alexandria, and Jean-François Joseph de Sade, the wizard nephew of the infamous Comte de Sade, which was quite the controversy.

~N~

Narcissa watched the interplay at the other end of the table at breakfast with mild curiosity. Severus was absurdly jealous of her Bulgarian guests, particularly Kazimir Maschke. The conversation on her end of the table consisted of the easy banter of people well acquainted with each other: what each person had done the previous year and the plans of the young Quidditch players. It was all innocent and benign. Evidently, Hermione had developed a close friendship with Kazimir, as he'd asked to be called, but as far as Narcissa knew, it was Viktor Krum, not Kazimir that the girl had had a relationship with.

Besides, Kazimir sent a letter every other day to Bulgaria, keeping the owls that her family retained for long distance flights quite occupied. Narcissa was certain that the letters were for a young lady; when the owls returned, they occasionally carried letters to the Bulgarian addressed in feminine handwriting, and he'd smile warmly upon their receipt.

Konrad Vondran was also on a first name basis with Hermione, although his mannerisms were unquestionable. The normally reserved, yet formally polite but gracious young man was quite a bit more relaxed with Hermione and his fellow Durmstrang alumni than he'd been with anyone else during his stay. However from what Narcissa could see, the familiar interaction between the young man and Hermione appeared to be nothing more than a friendship.

Viktor, on the other hand, had been unusually sullen all morning, even for him, barely speaking at all during the conversation at breakfast. Although he was broody and intense, he could smile and normally had a certain rough charm. But his speculative glances showed that the famous young wizard still harbored feelings for Hermione, even if the girl didn't show any signs that the feelings were returned. She was polite and attentive to him when they spoke, but she was in no way inappropriate.

Nevertheless, Severus couldn't keep his eyes away from Hermione and the three young men that monopolized her attention. Each time he turned to look at her when Hermione laughed, there was a brief flicker in his eyes and a tightening of his mouth before his expression faded quickly back into his usual polite mask he wore around the more prominent members of wizarding society.

"We shall meet at the stables at ten for the hunt," Narcissa said kindly once her guest had finished eating, rising to go change for the hunt.

~H~

After breakfast Severus led Hermione back to their room. Hermione was shocked to see two sets of clothes all laid out for them, two riding habits and jodhpurs, two pairs of boots and two really fine quality lawn shirts. She'd thought that she'd be a spectator of the hunt when Narcissa had made the announcement, not a participant. The red garment she assumed was her jacket, of sorts, looked more like a floor-length opera coat than hunting pinks, and when she picked it up, she realized that it would come down to her ankles.

"It's a ladies hunting robe," Severus said, removing his lounge jacket as Elbee waited nervously with a brush and comb in her hands to fix Hermione's hair.

"We're going on the hunt?" Hermione asked as Severus deftly undid her buttons.

"Yes, you and I shall participate in the hunt," he said softly, the little brushes of his fingers on her skin sending chills through her. "I already informed Lucius that you're capable of riding, but I hope you don't mind, I requested a normal saddle so you could," he kissed her bare shoulder, "ride your mount astride."

"Thank you." She leaned against him as his arms slid around her, holding her tight.

She closed her eyes, her heart speeding up as he said, "It's a shame that we've only a few minutes to change. I'd really enjoy a repeat of this morning."

She swallowed. "Do we...?" Her breath hitched, and she almost lost her train of thought as he kissed her neck on that one spot that made her mind go blank. "Don't we have to change?" she asked, trying to break through the fog muddling her thoughts.

"Yes," he replied, moving away suddenly.

Still feeling a bit self-conscious changing in front of Severus, Hermione donned the fine lawn shirt, riding jodhpurs and boots quickly, keeping her back to him as he donned his. Her jodhpurs fit her as if a second skin, eliciting a smile of appreciation from Severus.

Elbee braided Hermione's hair into a neat plait and twisted it into a chignon, then helped her with her riding habit while Severus waited patiently. When Hermione was finished dressing, he stood up. His gaze raked over her, making her feel uncomfortable, but she had to admit, he looked quite grand in his red coat, riding jodhpurs and boots.

They joined the rest of the guests in the Grand Hallway and exited the house en mass for the stables. Hermione knew she shouldn't be surprised that the gravel walkways were clear of snow, but she hated to think of the house-elves shoveling snow and drying the path in bare feet. Fanny kept up a running dialogue with Hermione almost all the way to the stables, and she had to admit that she was becoming fond of the older woman.

The Malfoy stables were everything Hermione expected them to be, with several lovely, white, winged Pegasoi, two grey Graninas, a breed of winged horses apparently popular among wizards, and a few pure black Pterippi, which reminded Hermione of Arabian stallions with wings and were known to be very fast.

There were quite a few people already present: some people in riding dark blue coats and some in red habits, while others, who obviously were not riding, wore warm robes and cloaks. Some of the people were already mounted while some gathered about talking. Hermione was swept away by Narcissa to be introduced to people, many she'd met at a few of the formal parties, while the grooms matched up the guests who wished to ride the hunt with suitable mounts. Leopold and Katherine Diederich accepted the reins to their black Pterippus from a groom while Harland Gabnold mounted his own chestnut Aethonon. Hermione was surprised to see Romilda Vane with her parents Sophia and Karl Vane, the family already mounted on their grey, winged fast Granians, and Terrance Higgs with his father, Thaddeus, on their chestnut Aethonons. Lenora Robards, dressed warmly in red robes and dark blue cloak, was holding the bridle of Shane Robards dappled grey Granian as he spoke to Victoria and Sidney Burke while a groom finished saddling their chestnut Aethonons.

One very thin wizard in ducktail hunting pinks with a large hooked nose and a slicked down sweep-over with curls at the ends, wearing a monocle, turned to look down his nose at Hermione as if appraising her significance when Narcissa introduced him as Cecil Edgar Selwyn. His pompous attitude made Hermione refrain from laughing at his appearance. Hermione was already acquainted with his portly wife, Francis, who had warm eyes and rosy cheeks, from the parties she and Severus attended. She greeted Hermione and asked after her welfare and schooling. "Will you be riding with us?" Hermione asked.

"Goodness, no," Francis said, placing her hand on her chest. "I'll be joining Fanny, Mildred and Lenora on the lawns to watch."

Hermione wondered what lawns, since the ground was covered in snow.

Narcissa introduced Hermione to Gemma Farley, who greeted her back politely. "Gemma was a prefect when you and Draco started Hogwarts," Narcissa said and then introduced Hermione to her parents, Licorus and Magenta Farley, both very large stout people, who were keeping a tight rein on their two young Abraxans, gigantic, extremely powerful, winged Palomino horses, that fretted about, eager to be running. Hermione remembered Madame Maxime telling Hagrid that the Abraxans needed a 'forceful handling', which the couple seemed fully capable of doing.

Lucretia and Wallace Blishwick were standing next to a pair of silver hippogriffs, talking to Mr. and Mr. Lodwick, while Theodore Nott tightened the girth on his mount, and the Quidditch players were matched with suitable winged horses as well. Hermione smiled at the sight of Viktor and Kazimir sitting astride young Granians and Konrad on one of the Malfoys' black Pterippus.

One of the Malfoys' grooms approached Hermione, leading a lovely, white winged Pegasoi for her and a pure black Pterippus for Severus. "She's very gentle, Mrs. Snape," the groom stated, giving her a leg up. "But she does have spirit and plenty of heart."

Hermione noticed that Narcissa, Katherine and several society ladies sat sidesaddle, while Gemma, Mrs. Farley, Romilda, Mrs. Vane and Mrs. Higgs were all sitting astride like her.

Once those who were riding were mounted, the master of the hunt led them off. Riding with a bunch of wizards on winged horseback was quite different than any hunt Hermione had heard or read of. She had to manage both her wand and the reins as they rode through the forested areas of the Malfoy lands. She was hardly surprised that Draco stayed as far from the Blishwicks on their silver hippogriffs as possible, but Hermione thought the beasts beautiful, graceful and proud, reminding her of her flight on Buckbeak.

The hunting cruphounds, a hybrid mixture of crup and Muggle foxhound, ran about sniffing the ground and air for any scent to follow. Suddenly, two of the lead dogs barked, making the other cruphounds pick up the cry, and they raced forward though the trees and brush. The riders quickly responded, following in pursuit, dodging and jumping whatever obstructed their path. Severus stayed at Hermione's side, his focus on the hunt, but she could feel his observation as well, similar to when they were in the Great Hall for meals, watching her, aware of her every movement even though he seemed to be concentrating on something or someone else. Off a bit to her right, she saw Kazimir, Draco and Viktor.

Only when they reached a wide gorge did some of the riders falter. Remembering what the groom told her and knowing that the Pegasoi had probably been on a hunt in these woods before, she trusted her mount. She allowed the animal leeway to find her footing as she jumped down into the gorge, over the stream and up the steep embankment. When she looked behind her to watch Severus maneuver his black Pterippus, she smiled with pride as he spurred his mount to climb the embankment and join her. She smiled at him, feeling her face flush at the pride in his eyes before he spurred his mount to ride on. She caught up to him as Lucius and the Burkes joined them on her other side. "Well, done, Mrs. Snape," Mr. Burke said with a nod. "You've ridden before."

Hermione nodded. "A little, but not as much as I'd like," she replied, seeing a rock wall up ahead. The cruphounds ran straight for it, then jumped the high wall with amazing ease and kept going.

"Looks to be five feet, I believe," Mr. Burke stated, making Hermione nervous.

"It's five feet eight, Sidney, six foot at the most," Lucius cut in. "Trust your mount, Hermione, and don't be surprised if she takes flight over the wall."

Hermione braced herself as Lucius committed his Pegasoi to the jump. Many of the horses ahead of Hermione flew over it, landing with heavy hoof thuds and rode on. Hermione's mount spread her wings, making one strong downward flap as she leapt, clearing the wall easily, and landed soundly, jarring Hermione a little bit. On her left, Severus' Pterippus landed as it folded its wings and then sprung forward, lengthening its canter stride as they continued on. Severus looked magnificent on the animal; he had a good seat and, from what Hermione could tell, perfect balance, appearing as natural as if he did this frequently. She tried desperately not to lose focus as they galloped on, but staring at his form, the lean fit of his pinks, his buttocks in his fitted jodhpurs held above the saddle, his weight balanced on his legs and stirrups while keeping his head and shoulders up, his dark hair flowing behind him as he guided his horse, simply made her breath catch and her heart flutter.

They galloped through the trees, dodging and weaving through the trunks, following the cruphounds. Kazimir and Draco were seemingly to be racing each other with Viktor and Terrance close behind them.

The dogs started barking loudly and picked up speed as they ducked under a huge fallen tree up ahead, weaving and disappearing around some large boulders. Hermione's breath caught, and she fought back her fear that they would have to clear the huge obstacles. Severus was two horse lengths ahead of Hermione and Konrad with Narcissa and Mrs. Burke on his other side. Ahead of them, Lucius, Mr. Burke and Mr. Diedrich had already reached the fallen tree, and their mounts all took flight, soaring over the tree and rocks effortlessly, followed by Severus, Narcissa and Mrs. Burke. Hermione inhaled, ready for her mount to take flight. The white Pegasoi spread her wings and lifted effortlessly, and Hermione tried to remember any of her equestrian training as a little girl so as not to throw off the animal's jump. She had to fight back the urge to close her eyes as the horse cleared the tree and flew over the rocks, forcing herself to look ahead instead of down. They landed firmly on the other side, her horse springing forward and following the others.

They continued through the trees, dodging and leaping, running as fast as was safe for the horses. Hermione tried to keep a proper seat so as not to throw off her mare, thankful that the mare was so sure-footed. As the riders ran down an incline toward a frozen streambed, the riders ahead of Hermione began to slow down. The dogs divided, some crossing the stream, others running around in circles, sniffing the ground and air. "It's gone to ground," she heard Mr. Burke say. Mr. Selwyn, Kazimir and Draco spurred their mounts to cross the stream, aiming their wands as if trying to find the fox.

A horn sounded and the cruphounds quieted.

Romilda and Gemma came up to Hermione. "So, fun, hey?" Gemma asked, patting her Abraxan on his neck and holding him firmly.

"Exhilarating," Romilda said, but her Granian shied as the larger horse stomped his hooves, wanting to keep running. The brunette backed up and came about on Hermione's other side, quieting down her horse. "Did you have fun, Hermione?"

"Yes," she replied, searching through the gathering group for Severus. She finally spotted him. He'd dismounted and was standing with several of the riders that had been in the forefront of the hunt.

"You ride well," Gemma stated. "Do you ride much?"

"No. I mean I used to when I was younger, but I haven't been on horseback since I was twelve," she replied, watching Severus, his black horse bobbing his head until he took the animal by the bit.

"I heard that you rode a hippogriff in your third year," Gemma said, glancing over at the men Hermione was staring at. "He looks good in red."

Hermione looked up at Gemma, still breathing hard from the exhilaration of the hunt.

"Oh, don't tell him I said that!" the girl exclaimed. "The Head of Slytherin in Gryffindor red – what would the students say?"

"Ex-head of Slytherin," Romilda said, chuckling. "He's Headmaster now. Besides, the Malfoys like the hunting pinks. In Nottingham, we wear the Royal navy blues."

Across the clearing, the riders were remounting. "So, we're off again?" Romilda asked, and Hermione could hear a tinge of regret in her voice.

The leaders set off at a slow trot. "Nope, we're breaking for lunch, it seems," Gemma stated, spurring her horse forward. The girls talked as the hunting party moved at a more leisurely pace.

Severus turned in his saddle to look at Hermione, nodding with a small smile when their eyes met, but he stayed with the men in the front.

"Who'd have thought," Gemma said, grinning.

"What?" Hermione asked.

"He's in love," she replied.

Hermione's brow creased as she looked at the older girl, making Gemma laugh softly. "I had such a crush on him in school. Several girls did. I mean look at him: tall, dark, mysterious, brooding. If you fancy the broody Byronic type, he's it personified."

Romilda rolled her eyes. "Snarky, mean, acerbic and intimidating as hell, you mean."

"You didn't know him like I did," Gemma said and then smiled at Hermione once again. "You're one lucky witch. I'd hate you, but my sister says you're really nice."

"Your sister?" Hermione asked.

"Kaitlin," Gemma stated. "She's Slytherin's fifth year prefect this year."

Hermione smiled as she nodded. She barely knew the girl, but yes, the few times Hermione had spoken to her she'd been friendly, if not rather shy towards her. It was probably the whole 'best friend of Harry Potter and saved the wizarding world' thing – the reaction she got from several of the students this year.

As they neared the clearing, Hermione saw a huge white tent, like something from a Jane Austen novel, set up on the snow-covered grounds. The riders all slowed from the steady trot to a leisurely walking gait and even the austere Mr. Selwyn looked somewhat happy. When Hermione, Romilda and Gemma pulled their horses to a stop, grooms walked forward to assist them and to tend to the horses and the kennelman collected the cruphounds. All around her, the riders were dismounting, some with ease and others more stiffly. The women who had chosen to watch the hunt came out to greet the riders. The groom who approached the Blishwicks on their silver hippogriffs looked particularity nervous.

Severus walked up to her, and she smiled up at him. "Here," he said, slipping a vial into her hand. "In case you're sore."

Intrigued that the vial had already been uncorked, she took a healthy sip of the potion. "Thank you, it has been years since I've been riding."

"Not that long, I recall," he purred near her ear, a veiled innuendo that made her cheeks feel suddenly warm as she handed him back the vial.

He led her to the tent with the other guests. The warmth hit her the moment she stepped under the white fabric shelter. The long table in the center of the tent was laid out with all the appointments she'd have expected for a formal dinner. Hermione found herself seated between Harland Gabnold and Sidney Burke, across from, Lenora Robards, Cecil Selwyn and Mildred Higgs.

The first course, which appeared as soon as the guests all placed their napkins on their laps, started with live oysters on lemon ice on a icy plates, replaced with partridges and braised pears, mussels in a chardonnay sauce, stuffed mushrooms, and grilled baby asparagus spears.

Hermione peered down the table at Severus who was seated diagonally across from her between Lucretia Blishwick and Katherine Diederich. He turned, caught her eye and nodded at her with a slight smirk on his lips, then turned his attention to Francis Selwyn and Victoria Burke, who sat across from him on either side of Draco.

Down the table, Romilda was clinging onto Kazimir's every word as Fanny spoke to Konrad and Bartholommeo, and Larissa spoke to Viktor. Viktor looked up, as if sensing her attention, and Hermione gave him a cursory nod, then looked away. Hermione turned her attention to the conversation around her, enjoying the light squash soup with a sour cream and basil garnish that had been served. The next course of sturgeon, smoked salmon canapés with apricots, crab croquet and julienned vegetables was equally as good, not that she expected anything less from the Malfoys' house-elves.

At a lull in conversation, Hermione congratulated Mr. Gabnold on his recent appointment to the School governors. "I know Severus supported your appointment."

"Why thank you," he said, surprised but proud for the vote of confidence, as a plate of melon slices, cheeses, dried cherries and glazed pecans on top of a rosemary brie on pastry shell appeared for each guest.

"One should not speak politics at formal affairs," Mr. Selwyn stated, stuffing a bit of his brie into his mouth.

Not wanting to voice a retort, Hermione tasted the warm brie instead, nearly purring at the wonderful balance of the dried cherry and rosemary accented cheese.

"And yet, politics frequently does come up in conversation to those who are players of the game," Mr. Burke said heartedly. "I know for certain that your wife, Francis, frequently discusses her causes at our formal affairs. Why, I've even heard Lenora here support her causes at social events."

"Why not, when all the influential members of society are gathered in one place," Lenora Robard said, her face flushed slightly as Mr. Selwyn frowned. "But never at one of your parties, Sidney; one would hate to interrupt your daughter when she's playing."

Hermione covered her mouth with her hand. "Your daughter?" she asked Mr. Burke, remembering the concert at his Christmas party.

"Yes," Mrs. Robard said, smiling at the proud father. "The woman who played a harp is Evelyn Ashby, Sidney's youngest." She turned to look at Hermione. "She's almost blind, but she plays divinely, don't you think?"

Hermione noticed Mr. Burke stiffen. "I've never heard anyone play better. You must be so proud," she said to him. "Did she attend Hogwarts? I don't remember seeing her at school," she added, wondering how old Evelyn was.

"No," Mr. Burke said, his expression softening. "My Evelyn had private tutors. Her delicate condition and poor eyesight made it impractical for her to go to Hogwarts. She's played with the London Philharmonic and Birmingham Symphony Orchestra and has performed for the royal family at the Royal Albert Hall."

"I hope I get to hear her play again someday," Hermione said, and Mr. Burke smiled.

"We shall have to invite you and Severus over again, won't we?"

Hermione smiled warmly back. "We'd be delighted."

After lunch, the hunting party followed along the tree line of the Diederichs' property and back down to the edge of the Malfoy property, but the cruphounds did not pick up another scent. Lucius suggested taking a more scenic route back to his stables, leading the group around the large pond that bordered the Diederich and Malfoy estates, the horses taking flight over the open grounds, much to Hermione's chagrin, so the guests could see the extensive gardens from above. Once they landed, Severus helped her dismount.

"Are you all right?" he asked, holding her arms as she regained her composure.

"Just a little shaky after the flight," she replied, grateful for his concern, wishing she could lean into his embrace until her queasiness faded. He smiled at her, his hand taking the reins from her hand as the groom walked up to take the horses. "I'm fine," she lied, squeezing his hand slightly.

He cocked his head, staring at her, then nodded once. He stayed close to her as they followed the others to the house, his hand coming to rest a few times on the small of her back, warm and comfortingly, as they walked.

~N~

Narcissa casually invited her guests to join her for tea in the music room, the smaller parlor, rather than her formal drawing room where Hermione had been so unfortunately treated her first time at the manor. No reason to upset the girl now that things between Hermione and Severus were going so well. Besides, the medium-sized room was lovely, decorated to feminine tastes with velvet upholstered lounges and chairs in small sitting arrangements, and a lovely grand piano and harp that could be charmed to play themselves. Lucius raised his eyebrow at her, but graciously supported her suggestion.

After a lovely hour with her friends, Katherine asked after Narcissa's collection of orchids and Cymbidiums. "I loved the number of Cattleya and Cymbidiums you had at the party," Katherine said.

Narcissa smiled at Katherine's use of the proper Latin names for the botanicals. "Yes, they are doing well. I was pleased to have such showy blooms."

"Were they from your greenhouse?" Fanny asked and then quickly turned to Hermione. "I love her orchids! And her Peruvian dragon lilies! Their fragrance! Hermione, have you ever smelled Peruvian dragon lilies? They have nothing on hyacinths blooms for fragrance. My favorite perfume is the Peruvian dragon lilies and Bergamot orange. Harland buys me some of Narcissa's perfume every year."

"You make perfume?" Hermione asked Narcissa, apparently surprised by the revelation.

Narcissa smiled, reminding herself that Hermione typically socialized with the middle wizarding class. "Yes, Katherine and I own a perfumery."

"Really, Cissy, you're too modest," Katherine said and turned to Hermione. "Yes, child, we own a perfumery – Romantique Parfumerie – and we occasionally work with Marion Verdier-Rigaud's Madame Rigaud Parfumerie." She held out her arm for Hermione to smell. "Our latest and best selling fragrance, Isadora's Bouquet."

Hermione leaned forward and inhaled, looking up at the woman with an approving smile. "It's lovely!"

"You should smell Narcissa's signature fragrance. She makes it herself, grows the flowers right here," Fanny said. "Her greenhouses rival some of the finest in the country. You must see her solarium while you're here."

Narcissa rose, knowing that Fanny would insist even if Hermione didn't. "This way, ladies."

"I had no idea you had a perfumery," Hermione told Narcissa as she led the way down the Great Hallway. "I've heard mention about your library, but nothing about your greenhouses."

"You haven't...?" Katherine gasped. "Why, we're famous, girl!"

Narcissa smiled indulgently. "Hermione's parents are Muggles, Katherine, and we don't advertise much outside of the elite boutiques." She looked at Hermione and smiled knowingly, stopping by a heavy, double wooden door. "Might as well show you this since we're here." She slid open the doors and stepped aside, allowing Hermione to enter first.

The girl literally gasped at the sight of the Malfoy library. "As our guest, you're welcome to come down here at any time, Hermione," Narcissa said. Katherine and Fanny waited accommodatingly as Hermione walked into the huge room and turned around slowly.

Their library was the pride and joy of the Malfoy family, an extensive wealth of magical books on all subjects. It was three stories tall (well, there was a fourth level in the basement where the questionable books were held). The ground level had comfortable seating and a large fireplace to keep the room comfortable. The first and second levels were likewise accessible through double, sliding doors off the Grand Corridor on the first floor and the Long Gallery on the second floor, and there were wide, spiraling staircases in each corner of the room. The exterior walls were covered in bookshelves, interspaced with magical windows so that the light wouldn't harm the books.

Narcissa watched Hermione; the openness of her expression showing her amazed delight at the immense collection of books and her obvious desire to peruse the library at leisure. Severus had responded similarly his first time in the room, although he was much more guarded at showing his emotions than Hermione. Narcissa could see what Severus saw in her; except for the way the girl openly displayed her feelings and thoughts, they really were quite similar in many ways.

"Well, we know where she'll be tomorrow," Fanny said with a soft laugh.

"This is amazing," Hermione said, walking up to the ladies waiting on her.

"And it's far larger than it appears," Fanny said. "The shelves must have magical extension charms on them, they hold so many."

Narcissa simply smiled. "Hermione, would you like to see my solarium now?"

"Yes," she replied, her eyes alight with anticipation.

The girl was delightful, her enthusiasm making her eyes all but sparkle. Narcissa raised her arm, indicating the magical glass doors at the end of the hallway.

Narcissa showed off her collection with a sense of pride. Her solarium was as much a garden as it was a work area for her orchids. The various water lilies in the large waterfall style fountain were still blooming, and the marginals of ferns, bog bean and taro were framing the waterfall nicely, although the irises and cannas were now dormant. The Morgana's lace and Aphrodite pearls were spilling over the rocks, their foliage lush and full. On the shelves, the Cattleya and Cymbidium orchids were still blooming nicely, quite showy considering they'd been moved from their usual spots. The Madagascar and African violets were in bloom. As she showed off her orchids, she was pleased that her magical Peruvian dragon lilies spouted small burst of flames, the Dendrobium hippocampusim waved as if under water, and the banded Bulbophyllum tigressia was snarling playfully.

Her friendly, hanging Dendrobium chameleons reached out as the guests passed, the flowers changing colors to match the ladies apparel. Unfortunately, the playful plants snagged some of the small curls not contained in Hermione's chignon. "Here let me, help you," Narcissa suggested. The poor girl's curly hair was quite snarled up in the long stems.

Hermione remarked, "You're perfume is lovely," making Narcissa smile as she tried to untangle one stubborn curl.

"Thank you," Narcissa said, finally freeing her. "It's my own creation."

"It smells familiar, but I can't place it," Hermione stated.

"The obvious notes are Rudbeckia, amber and wood accents," she said as she handed her handkerchief. "Here, I'm afraid that my overly friendly plant left a smudge on your cheek."

Hermione sniffed the cloth, her eyes glazing slightly as if she were trying to identify the components of her perfume. Narcissa smiled; even connoisseurs of perfume who had become extremely skillful at identifying components and origins of scents had difficulty identifying the various elements of the fragrances notes of her perfumes.

"It's Narcissa's signature scent," Katherine stated. "Naturally, the precise formulae of our perfumes are kept secret. This is one of the premier perfumes and, as such, is carefully guarded."

"Someone sent me a Rudbeckia flower at school – around the first of November," Hermione stated, wiping her cheek.

"That was quite thoughtful of Severus," Narcissa said, watching the girl for her reaction as she indicated a spot the girl missed. She knew it hadn't been Severus who sent the bloom, even though it had been one of her suggestions to him, but she'd wondered if he'd accepted the credit of the gift.

Hermione's lips twitched, but she shook her head. "No. I've no idea who sent it to me. Severus was disconcerted at first when he saw it, but he said it didn't come from him. He's not the flower and candy type."

So no, he hadn't taken claim of my flower, the silly man. However, Narcissa noticed a teeny glint in the girl's eyes and a soft wistful smile almost grace her lips as if Severus had in fact sent her flowers and candy. "I'm sure that he would, if given hints that you appreciated such gifts," she said, hoping the girl would accept the suggestion. Men like Lucius and Severus could be so obtuse.

Hermione smiled, shaking her head again. "I don't mind, really. If he doesn't think of it himself, then it's like asking for them and then they lose their magic."

Narcissa wondered. She'd mention it to Severus casually and see what his reaction was to the suggestion.

"Oh, I agree," Fanny said. "There is nothing like the shock of surprise when Harland forgets himself and brings me home gladiolas. Those are my favorites. Or dahlias, my front garden is full of dahlias and gladiolas in the spring."

"I love night jasmine," Hermione stated. "But if I ever have a home with a garden, I think I'll plant camellias."

Narcissa smiled indulgently knowing that Severus' home didn't have a front garden at all, barely a strip of dirt that ran along the front of the house, and although the back garden was small, he used to grow a few of his most common potion ingredients back there. Well, until he'd accepted the position of Potions master and Head of Slytherin at Hogwarts. Still, it wouldn't hurt to hint a little. Severus had listened quite intently, although masked as perturbed annoyance, the last time she'd made suggestions.

~S~

After a very long, formal dinner, the ladies once again withdrew to the music room while the men retired to Lucius' billiards room for after dinner brandies and Lucius' finest armagnac.

"Have you heard word from Kingsley?" Lucius asked as Severus sipped his armagnac. "I heard that the last... incursion in Wenvoe in the Vale of Glamorgan, Wales was successful," Lucius said casually over the rim of his cup as if discussing the weather.

"Thanks to your information," Severus said, nodding politely to Sidney Burke, Harland Gabnold and Wallace Bliswick, sitting in the corner of the room. "Cameron Dawson and his wife Olivia are now in custody," he said softly so his voice didn't carry far.

"She knows nothing; Cameron was always doing things on the sly." Lucius paused while Cecil Selwyn passed by them as he walked around the billiard table for his next shot.

Severus hooked his thumbnail under his fourth fingernail and made a subtle shake of his head, his eyes moving to the side where the male guests were gathered, a warning of prying ears. "However as an avid entertainer, Olivia would know of his friends and associates," Severus said softly as Draco approached Theodore Nott, Terrance Higgs and the three Quidditch players, all talking animatedly, most likely about the game, a few feet away from them. "This should be better discussed in private."

"What? Two old friends mentioning a few mutual associates," Lucius said with a twitch of his lips, "are hardly noteworthy."

"Except that those old associates are considered criminals wanted for questioning," Severus warned softly, lifting his glass up and extending the tip of his finger toward the four playing pool, "and Cecil Selwyn is still touchy about his brother's associations."

"Speaking of which, I had heard an interesting remark from Lemuel Sillerton – Agathon Leffertz was seen in the company of Emerson Struthers and Philip Moeller at Miriam Margolyes' establishment."

"Madam Margolyes is back in business?" Severus asked, quite surprised. The gentleman's club had been a favorite meeting place for the Death Eaters, thus the Aurors had closed down Miriam's club after the war. "I thought the Moellers and Struthers had moved after the Dark Lord's fall – to escape persecution."

"I believed they had as well. I do know that Leffertz still wants his girls to continue at Hogwarts," Lucius said with a subtle nod.

"Katie and Emily Leffertz were always quiet and fairly competent girls," Severus said, turning to his friend.

Lucius nodded. "They were friends with Astoria in school. But Leffertz is wanted for his associations. The fact that he met with Moeller and Struthers is of some note. When Leffertz was picked up for questioning, he denied venomously that he had any connection the Dark Lord."

Severus had heard about the arrests. "The Aurors had also captured Adam Gibbon, the youngest of the Gibbon brothers, and Drummond Thatch the week before. Gibbon's arrest led to the arrest of Suzhanna and Ralph Torrington. They, in turn, gave evidence against Moeller and Struthers as well. It won't help Torrington any, but Suzhanna may be given a lighter sentence." Severus said, wondering how old Lucius' information was.

"Something else I heard, Norman and Bernise Wrentall are taking Katie and Emily Leffertz in. I've been asked to visit the Wrentalls with the pretense of offering financial aid for the girls on behalf of the Department of Magical Education. Wrentall has graciously extended an invitation. I thought it might be... prudent if you came with me under the pretense of setting up a partial scholarship for the girls."

Wrentall. The name struck a chord with Severus. He sipped his armagnac, trying to place the name. "Norman and Bernise Wrentall?" he asked, suddenly remembering that Aledora Wrentall was the mother of John Talfryn Osgood. He wondered if Norman was related to Aledora.

"I believe so," Lucius stated casually. "Is there a connection that I should know about?"

Severus smirked, mentioning the possible connection to one of the men arrested for attempting to kill his great-grandfather. "I'm sure that they'll be delighted to see me."

"There is more; Kingsley believes that they may have information on either Moeller or Struthers. Norman Wrentall, although quite insightful regarding the stock market, is witless and weak. Your intuitive ability of reading people might come in handy," Lucius suggested with a conspiratorial smile. "You are Headmaster of the school; it would be appropriate."

"When do you plan on going?" Severus asked.

"I'll let you know," Lucius said, moving away to speak to his other guests.

~ T B C ~>

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Author's notes: