A Friendly Confrontation
Chapter 17 of 21
beaweasley2The next day’s little run-in with Lucius goes far better than Severus had hoped.
This is my second response, or the second half, for the Dictionary Drabbles Fun Challenge for July 5.
~July 6~
“Slumming again, I see,” Lucius Malfoy said as he walked up behind Severus.
Severus was hardly surprised. He’d been watching Lucius’ reflection on his tankard ever since the man walked in. “I’m hardly indigent and you know it,” he said, raising his eyebrow as Lucius sat down in the chair Hermione had vacated. “I happen to like the soups that are served here. So how is your retribution to society coming along?”
“I hate it. Yours?” Lucius replied curtly.
“The same,” Severus admitted.
“I hardly consider brewing Wolfsbane every month for St. Mungo’s as condign repayment,” Lucius said smoothly. Just then, Hermione returned from the ladies’ loo. “Well, hello, Miss Granger, or is it Mrs. Weasley? How are you enjoying your private tutelage?”
“It’s Miss Granger still,” she corrected him as he summoned another chair for her. “And I enjoy it quite well, thank you.” Hermione sat down, looking pointedly at Severus, but he offered no indication to her about this unexpected visit.
Tom waked over, wiping his hands on his stain-dappled apron. “The stew for me, Tom, and I believe Miss Granger wanted your chicken vegetable soup,” Severus said, ordering for her. “We both want your fresh rolls, a Dunkel for me, and a Weissbier for the lady.”
Hermione smiled and turned to Lucius. “What I appreciate most is that I’ve been able to perfect my techniques and experiment, all while working with one of the best Potions masters in the country.”
“Yes, I know how meticulous Severus can be,” Lucius replied, eyeing her speculatively. “I can hardly believe you allow experimentation from your apprentice, Severus. I thought you discouraged your students from wreaking havoc in your labs?”
“Only those who do not have the predisposition for the subtle art and exact precision of potion making, or the ability and intrinsic understanding of the various ingredient reactions and interactions,” Severus stated smoothly. “I saw so few worthy of my private tutelage over the years. By the way, what is Draco up to these days? The last I heard, he was opting for running a Quidditch team.”
Lucius’ eyes narrowed. “No, he’s having to rethink that adventure. I’m not financing a Quidditch team.” Tom arrived with their lunch. “Well, I’ll be on my way then. Are we still on for drinks tonight?”
“Yes,” Severus answered. “I’ll come by at eight-thirty.”
“Until then,” Lucius said with a nod. He turned to Hermione, his smile losing its magnanimous nature. “Miss Granger,” he said smoothly as if her name still made him want to gag.
“Mr. Malfoy,” Hermione answered back, although her smile was radiant instead of false. “It was good of you to stop by. Do extend my best to Draco.”
“Oh, I shall,” Lucius said and left.
Turning back to Severus, Hermione asked, “What was that about?”
“Oh, just a bit of a palaver, belying the true nature of his intent,” Severus stated, placing his napkin on his lap.
“Are you going to tell me?” she asked.
“No. It’s unimportant,” he said. “Now where were we… Ah, yes. Your intention of starting equal rights laws for werewolves. And just how do you think you’re going to accomplish this?”
Hermione smiled as she placed her napkin on her lap and began outlining her ideas while they ate.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~o0o~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~ TBC ~
Authors Notes:
I just want to give my deepest gratitude to Southern_Witch_69 for not only giving me big words to play with, but for also correcting my mistakes! You're the best!
I'm using the same words as in last chapter. Do you remember what they are? Good luck!
Oh, and yes, I'm at it again. Don't forget to check the reviews!
The word list (swiped from the past week's list from dictonary.com) :
1. indigent
2. condign
3. laconic
4. tutelage
5. dapple
6. meticulous
7. palaver
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Latest 25 Reviews for Repaying The Life Debt
229 Reviews | 7.33/10 Average
I really enjoyed this story. You have a real gift for taking those words and weaving them into your plot seamlessly. Well done.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'ts fun to do these. I try to inspire others to try. It's not hard. Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'ts fun to do these. I try to inspire others to try. It's not hard. Thank you for the review.
This story just gets better and better. The innocence of new love and the tender ground being broken. The last bit in the posted chapter practically had me dancing around my desk like a mad woman!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. Did you see the extra bonuses? If not, check in the reviews!!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. Did you see the extra bonuses? If not, check in the reviews!!
How wonderful that Severus has become comfortable enough with her to show her his ancestral home and his family!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he is. I'm glad you are enjoying this one. Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he is. I'm glad you are enjoying this one. Thank you for the review.
That wizard sounds really strange.I loved this bonus. It was just so sweet, the beginnings of a relationship...
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Teehehe I'm glad you're enjoying this. So glad you found the bonuses! Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Teehehe I'm glad you're enjoying this. So glad you found the bonuses! Thank you for the review.
Hmmm.... I wonder what sneaky old Lucius is up to? Thanks for the bonus!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
He's peripheral, and ran into a bit of a curse. Do read the reviews, most of the chapters have the bonus or two. If you can't find them, you can see them on my LJ
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
He's peripheral, and ran into a bit of a curse. Do read the reviews, most of the chapters have the bonus or two. If you can't find them, you can see them on my LJ
It is great to see Hermione and Severus getting so comfortable with each other. As for that moment before the kiss....
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes, nothing like the slow budding of friendship turning into romance. Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes, nothing like the slow budding of friendship turning into romance. Thank you for the review.
LOL. I like that he doesn't want to outright admit how good the pepermint idea is. And I simply love that you depicted Ron as competent and smart. He isn't exactly my favourite character, but I don't like to see him bashed either. Thanks for that.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thankyou for the reivew. Nope, he's not ready to take advise from a former student, even if she's right. I chose to make Ron have a bit more of a brain than I ususaly type him, but he has his moments too. (Hint: start checking the reviews. 
This story has hidden bonuses in the reviews. Don't want you to miss them!)
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thankyou for the reivew. Nope, he's not ready to take advise from a former student, even if she's right. I chose to make Ron have a bit more of a brain than I ususaly type him, but he has his moments too. (Hint: start checking the reviews. This story has hidden bonuses in the reviews. Don't want you to miss them!)
Lovely. I really like their interaction.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much.
This is a very promising beginning. I hope Severus knows what he got himself into. *g*
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'm glad you are enjoyingthis attempt at taking vocab words and making a story out of them. Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'm glad you are enjoyingthis attempt at taking vocab words and making a story out of them. Thank you for the review.
I've just caught up with the reading that has been sadly neglected recently. I can't say much I adore this story. It's just brilliant. Thank you for writing it.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. There is one more chapter to this story. Thank you so much for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. There is one more chapter to this story. Thank you so much for the review.
Wow, he told her he loved her! That's so great! I wasn't expecting it for a while, knowing our dear Severus. Yay, I'm finally caught up. Thanks for keeping me up so late, by the way. Ye gads, it's midnight!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he loves her, and finally admitted it. I'm sorry I kept you up so late.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he loves her, and finally admitted it. I'm sorry I kept you up so late.
I liked his introduction of his family. They seem like an odd group. Lol
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. I know I made them sound like an odd group but it was the words - really! The words made me do it!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. I know I made them sound like an odd group but it was the words - really! The words made me do it!
Great last line. Lol
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you, I like that one two.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you, I like that one two.
Lucius is definitely a troublemaker. It's nice that Hermione and Severus are together. They are cute together.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Oh course Severus and Hermione are ging to stay togerther! Severus was just standing up to his prejudiced friend. Besides, he would have a hard time getting rid of her, wouldn't he?
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Oh course Severus and Hermione are ging to stay togerther! Severus was just standing up to his prejudiced friend. Besides, he would have a hard time getting rid of her, wouldn't he?
She was so forward with him! It was great. Oh, and of course, masterful use of the vocabulary, as usual. 
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you so very much. I really tried. Yep, she is going for what she wants - him.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you so very much. I really tried. Yep, she is going for what she wants - him.
Ah, finally a minute to myself so I can catch up on my reading (and if Merlin allows my writing). Wonderful chapter how on Earth do you manage to write a story using a word challange without being obvious? Hat's off to you g/f.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Wow, thank you. I'm not obvious? That compliment means a lot to me. I was simply trying to use the words and create a story worth reading, I'm flattered that you like it. *waves* Thank you very much.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Wow, thank you. I'm not obvious? That compliment means a lot to me. I was simply trying to use the words and create a story worth reading, I'm flattered that you like it. *waves* Thank you very much.
All I could say was "Awwwwwwwwww...." So lovely! and the bonuses are both exciting and cuuuuute!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'm very flattered that you liked the story and the bonuses.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you very much. I'm very flattered that you liked the story and the bonuses.
Yay, he woke up!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes he did. And about time too! Stubborn fool.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes he did. And about time too! Stubborn fool.
Lol, clever witch, and oh so conniving.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes she is, isn't she?
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. Yes she is, isn't she?
He actually told her he loved her! Yay!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep! I hope you check out the bonuses in the reviews! You'll love them!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep! I hope you check out the bonuses in the reviews! You'll love them!
He loves her!!! HE LOVES HER!!!And he told her before she said anything. OMG!"Who would have ever thought she of all people would find that protuberance kissable." Well, I don't know any woman in this ship that would pass up a chance to kiss Severus ... on his nose, one his ear, on his lips, on his ..... well, we won't go there just now. *sigh*
Tee hee.I love this story and giggle everytime I get an email telling me you have posted an update.Beth
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he told her he loved her! and Yes, he was first.I'm so glad you like the story, Beth. I hope you'll come back and check out the review bonuses. Thank you so much for your support.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Oh and I forgot!!~ * ~Severus finished his rounds, delivering his potions. Jenson in the Apothecary in Diagon Alley had requested a large order of complicated potions and paid handsomely for the potions Severus delivered. He inquired after Hermione, smiling when he told Severus that her work was top quality, complimenting him on her training. Even Plitheroa at the Cartwright Apothecary on The Promenade had relented that Hermione’s potions were of an acceptable quality, requesting more of Hermione’s Alexindora Potion and Deliquesce Embrocation and paying the exuberant rate for which he charged her for them. Severus put the Galleons Hermione had earned with her potions in a separate pocket to give to her. He walked down The Promenade slowly with a contented smile on his face. He entered Rourke McCloud’s Bijouterie, thinking he might just get Hermione a small token. The tall, thin wizard looked up from his workbench when Severus entered the shop. “Let me know if you’d like to see anything.” Severus nodded as he walked along the displays and glass counters. Nothing struck him as being something she’d like or that suited her personality, until an object caught his eye. His palms started to sweat, his heart seemed to beat erratically, and there was a huge lump in his throat. The shopkeeper appeared before him as if summoned. “Did ya find something then?” he asked. “I’d like to see that one,” Severus said, pointing. The shopkeeper handed it to Severus with a smile. “You’ve fine taste, sir.” It was perfect: simple, elegant… expensive.
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
Two bonuses in two replies for the same chapter!!! Wheeeee....I check for the bonuses every time I post a reply and then again a few days later just to make sure I don't miss one.Now, just what can this "simple, elegant... expensive" and small token be? A ring perhaps? I love this story!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yep, he told her he loved her! and Yes, he was first.I'm so glad you like the story, Beth. I hope you'll come back and check out the review bonuses. Thank you so much for your support.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Oh and I forgot!!~ * ~Severus finished his rounds, delivering his potions. Jenson in the Apothecary in Diagon Alley had requested a large order of complicated potions and paid handsomely for the potions Severus delivered. He inquired after Hermione, smiling when he told Severus that her work was top quality, complimenting him on her training. Even Plitheroa at the Cartwright Apothecary on The Promenade had relented that Hermione’s potions were of an acceptable quality, requesting more of Hermione’s Alexindora Potion and Deliquesce Embrocation and paying the exuberant rate for which he charged her for them. Severus put the Galleons Hermione had earned with her potions in a separate pocket to give to her. He walked down The Promenade slowly with a contented smile on his face. He entered Rourke McCloud’s Bijouterie, thinking he might just get Hermione a small token. The tall, thin wizard looked up from his workbench when Severus entered the shop. “Let me know if you’d like to see anything.” Severus nodded as he walked along the displays and glass counters. Nothing struck him as being something she’d like or that suited her personality, until an object caught his eye. His palms started to sweat, his heart seemed to beat erratically, and there was a huge lump in his throat. The shopkeeper appeared before him as if summoned. “Did ya find something then?” he asked. “I’d like to see that one,” Severus said, pointing. The shopkeeper handed it to Severus with a smile. “You’ve fine taste, sir.” It was perfect: simple, elegant… expensive.
Response from braye27 (Reviewer)
Two bonuses in two replies for the same chapter!!! Wheeeee....I check for the bonuses every time I post a reply and then again a few days later just to make sure I don't miss one.Now, just what can this "simple, elegant... expensive" and small token be? A ring perhaps? I love this story!
lovely...but you stopped too soon! thanks so much
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
I know! But they are supposed to be a Drabble! (That's why I put extra in the reviews! I have to make it short!! Oh, and you're welcome.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
I know! But they are supposed to be a Drabble! (That's why I put extra in the reviews! I have to make it short!! Oh, and you're welcome.
“Oh, yes, you are one who truly enjoys all the finer things. Your house reeks of excessive ostentation.”--Great line.Bellwether, now that's one I haven't ever heard.Severus should know that Hermione wouldn't suggest something, especially from Ron, if she didn't suspect that it would work.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
I know I keep getting these words and I"m like, OMG and I have to use that? 
Then read the dictionary for the meaning and play with the word a few tries until something clicks. But I'm telling you - this is fun!I think he's just considering the source, and contemplating what she meant by the suggestion. In the end - he did trust her.Thank you for the review.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
I know I keep getting these words and I"m like, OMG and I have to use that? Then read the dictionary for the meaning and play with the word a few tries until something clicks. But I'm telling you - this is fun!I think he's just considering the source, and contemplating what she meant by the suggestion. In the end - he did trust her.Thank you for the review.
She's spunky. I like that.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yes, this time I wrote a spunky Hermione for a change. I'm glad you approve!
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Yes, this time I wrote a spunky Hermione for a change. I'm glad you approve!
Wow, I look at these every week and say, "There's no way I could write a story with all of these words included," and you've done it for multiple chapters in one story. How cool is that?
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. If you were ever interested in giving a go at it, email me and I'll give you some starting tips. It's not really that hard. It actually really fun. But I do really appreciate the compliment, and I'm flattered that you like the story.
Response from beaweasley2 (Author of Repaying The Life Debt)
Thank you. If you were ever interested in giving a go at it, email me and I'll give you some starting tips. It's not really that hard. It actually really fun. But I do really appreciate the compliment, and I'm flattered that you like the story.