Special delivery for luciannamalfoy Title: The Auction Author/Artist: Recipient's LJ name:luciannamalfoy Pairing(s): Severus Snape/Hermione Granger/Lucius Malfoy Rating: NC-17 Summary: Little did she know that agreeing to be auctioned off for charity would lead to adventure and (cough). Word Count: 9693 Warnings/Content: Threesome, double penetration, anal sex (not slash) (not that there’s anything wrong with that) Disclaimer: Oh how I wish they were mine, but alas, they are not. No money is being made. I just like to take them out and give them a bit of fun.</b> Author's/Artist's notes: This was so much fun to write! I am so upset that real life illness took so much writing time away. There is still one date left to be written, but I ran out of time for the fest. It will be written and added on once the fest is over. Hugs and long, wet snogs to my gorgeous betas.
Hermione finished her calculations, frowned, crumpled the parchment and threw it across her office. The door opened just as the ball of parchment hit it, sending it back across the office where it bounced off the top of her desk.
Luna Lovegood-Malfoy poked her head inside. “Hello, Hermione—is this a bad time?”
Hermione waved the other woman in. “No, I just can’t seem to make the numbers add up the way they should today. They keep coming back to three or a multiple of three every time. Three has nothing at all to do with what I’m working on for the Ministry at the moment. So, it’s a bit annoying.”
“I see. Maybe it has something to do with you personally?”
Hermione had thought of that and dismissed it. “I doubt it. I’m sure I’ll figure it out eventually. Don’t take this the wrong way, Luna, but what brings you to my office this morning?”
Luna smiled. “I’ve come to remind you about the charity auction tonight.”
Hermione cocked her head to one side. “Charity auction?”
Luna laughed. “Hermione, you are such a kidder! You can’t make me believe you don’t remember the Witch and Wizard Auction to raise money for the Dumbledore Home for the Orphans of the Second War!”
“Come to think of it, I do remember reading something about it. Are you here for a donation?” Hermione bent to open the bottom drawer of her desk where she kept her purse.
Luna shook her head. “Well, you’ve already agreed to a donation of sorts—you agreed to be one of the auctionees.”
Hermione froze. “Luna—I would never agree to do something like that.”
“Oh, I know you wouldn’t—normally. That’s why I took Draco’s advice and asked you when you were in the Leaky Cauldron last month…you’d had enough to drink by then that you agreed. You said something about the auction being the only way you were going to get a date. Which is complete bollocks, of course.”
Hermione cast her mind back. The last time she had been at the Leaky Cauldron was the night she had finally given Ron the push for good. She had gone to the Leaky to celebrate or mourn or probably a combination of the two. A couple of bottles of champagne and she had been feeling very good. And she did dimly recall that Luna had come over…oh shit.
“Luna, you can’t hold me to a promise I made while I was drunk!”
Luna clapped her hands. “So, you do remember!”
Dread crawled up Hermione’s spine. “Luna—you wouldn’t…”
“Well, of course I would—we’ve already printed the notices in both the Quibbler and the Prophet. And there’s been loads of interest from eligible wizards.”
Hermione imagined Elphias Doge, groaned and covered her face with her hands. “Oh, no, no, no.”
“Come on, Hermione—where’s that famous Gryffindor courage?”
Hermione winced. When she spoke her voice was muffled by her hands. “Well, I suppose I can cope with the humiliation of parading myself in front of a crowd and being auctioned off to the highest bidder. And one date—I guess I can even deal with Elphias for one evening—”
“Hermione, I did tell you it was three dates.”
Luna’s cheery voice was making it hard to resist casting a Silencing charm. Followed by an Obliviate. Hermione groaned. “When did you become so Slytherin?”
Luna’s robes rustled when she stood. “Well, I suppose Draco has had an influence on me since we’ve been married. You will be fine! You are going to raise so much money for the orphans! I’ll see you at the Ministry ballroom at seven. Wear your best dress robes.”
The office door opened and shut. Hermione sat with her head in her hands for several minutes after Luna left, wondering if anyone would Avada Kedavra her and put her out of her misery before seven o’clock.
~~~***~~~***~~~
Lucius Malfoy and Severus Snape were enjoying a very good port in the Blue room at Malfoy Manor when the fireplace roared to life.
Draco’s face appeared. “Everything is set for tonight. The rest is up to you.”
“Thank you, son.” Lucius smiled. “We’ll take it from here.”
“See you tonight, Father, Uncle.” His head disappeared.
Lucius raised his glass. “And so it begins.”
Snape’s eyes glittered as he returned the toast.
~~~***~~~***~~~
Hermione stood behind the curtain on the stage in the Ministry ballroom wearing her second-best dress robes. The auction was about half over and she had made the mistake of taking a peek at what was on the other side of that curtain. There was a runway. (A runway!) With chairs on both sides. Behind those chairs were tables. Every seat was full.
The house elves circulated with drinks and hors d’oeuvres.
She blanched and let the curtain drop. She could use a drink herself.
~~~***~~~***~~~
Lucius and Severus sat at a table fairly close to the stage enjoying the Ministry’s very fine brandy.
“So, we’re agreed, then?”
Severus nodded. “Yes. We will bid alternately. We will win. Then you will take her on the first date and I the second. The third…will depend on the success of the first two.” He paused to sip his drink. “Remember, during our individual dates, neither of us will do more than kiss her.”
Lucius curled his lip in distaste. “I can’t believe you added that to our contract.”
Snape raised an eyebrow. “How long have we known each other? I don’t trust you any more than you trust me.”
“Very true.” Lucius smirked. “Although I think I may have an edge when it comes to the art of seduction.”
Severus shrugged. “Perhaps, once. I’ve had a bit of practice since the war ended.”
“Ah, yes. Your new ‘career’ seems to have a few advantages.”
“Yes, it does. And, like brewing potions, it does teach one patience.”
Lucius sighed, very put upon indeed. “I hate waiting.”
Snape’s mouth quirked up at the corner. “We are closing in on our goal. Only time will tell how it will end. Ah, it’s starting again.”
They watched as Hannah Abbott was won by Neville Longbottom for one hundred Galleons, Anthony Goldstein went to Padma Patil for seventy-five and Seamus Finnigan to her sister for eighty.
Ron Weasley was the subject of a fierce bidding war between Lavender Brown and Pansy Parkinson which Pansy won after bidding four hundred.
Luna rapped her auctioneer’s hammer on the podium. “Next up, we have another hero of the Second War, recipient of the Order of Merlin, First Class, currently working in the Arithmancy section of the Department of Mysteries—Hermione Granger!”
Hermione strode out onto the stage almost defiantly. She got as far as the spot where the runway joined the stage and planted herself there. She crossed her arms and glared at the crowd.
Lucius grinned and leaned over to whisper in Snape’s ear. “Charming, isn’t she?”
Snape snorted. He had declined the invitation to parade himself across that stage as one of the participants, so he empathized with Ms. Granger.
Even with Hermione’s obvious reluctance, the bidding was lively. It started at one hundred Galleons and had worked its way up to three hundred when Ron Weasley chimed in:
“Four hundred Galleons!”
If Snape wasn’t much mistaken, Ms. Granger was not happy with this turn of events.
“Five hundred,” he called. Hermione’s eyes met his across the room and widened in surprise.
“Six hundred.” Weasley bid again.
“Eight hundred.” Only Lucius could sound bored making an eight hundred Galleon bid.
“A thousand!” Ron’s face showed his frustration. His brother George was whispering in one ear and a red-faced Lavender Brown in the other.
“Five thousand Galleons.” Snape had the pleasure of seeing Ron struck dumb.
Hermione stood on the stage with her mouth open.
“Are there any other bids?” Luna’s airy voice carried across the silent room. “No? Well then, sold to Severus Snape, three dates with Hermione Granger for five thousand Galleons. Thank you, Mr. Snape.”
~~~***~~~***~~~
The next morning, Hermione was struggling with her calculations once more when a sleek raven swooped in, landed on her desk and held out its leg. Hermione untied the parchment and indicated the treat bowl on her desk. The bird walked over and helped itself then looked at the witch expectantly.
“So, you’re to wait for a reply?”
The bird blinked at her and ruffled its feathers.
Hermione opened the roll and began to read:
“Ms. Granger,
If you are free on Saturday, will you meet me outside the Leaky Cauldron at noon? Dress casually and wear comfortable shoes.
S. Snape”
She scribbled her reply- “All right, I’ll see you there. H. G.” -on the bottom of the parchment, rolled it back up and retied it to the raven’s leg. The bird took off and Hermione sat back and pondered.
She wondered why Snape--Severus Snape of all people, would bid so much for the privilege of going out with her, the swotty little know it all, five years after the Second War. Not only that, but where the hell had Snape gotten hold of that kind of money? No one in the Ministry knew what he did for a living. After he was released from the hospital, he had refused Headmistress McGonagall’s invitation to return to Hogwarts in any capacity. Snape was apparently not making potions professionally either. He had taken the money he’d been awarded with the Order of Merlin, First Class, had gotten himself some well-tailored clothing and (some of the bitchier columnists said) some hair products. The gossip columns reported that mostly what he was doing was accompanying Lucius Malfoy to the theatre, the symphony and the best restaurants in London.
Lucius Malfoy. There was another mystery wrapped in the best robes sold at Madam Malkin’s. The man had lost most of his fortune in his very bitter divorce from Narcissa. He had managed to hold onto the Manor and most of its furnishings—but that was about all. The newspapers were rife with speculation about how he was able to maintain his style of living. Malfoy did not work, so the smart money was on Snape, who had traveled to America, South Africa, Macau and Australia—on business, according to his Portkey request—in the years since the war.
Hermione had to admit to herself that Snape and Malfoy had both looked quite handsome—dark and light—at their table. After the bidding for her had ended, Malfoy had accompanied Snape to the table where he made his donation. They had made small talk for a few minutes before she had excused herself to return home.
When Saturday came, she rose, showered and dressed in a pair of black linen trousers, a blue silk blouse and a pair of ballet style flats. She worked some Sleekeazy’s Frizz Tamer into her hair, put on a bit of lipstick and she was ready.
She gazed at her reflection in the mirror and muttered, “Courage.”
“You look lovely, dear,” the mirror said. “No courage required.”
“That’s what you think.”
Hermione Apparated to Diagon Alley and arrived outside the Leaky Cauldron at noon precisely.
“Ms. Granger?”
She turned with a start and found herself facing Lucius Malfoy. “Hello, Mr. Malfoy.”
“Unfortunately, Severus was called out of the country on business. He sent me in his stead, if it is agreeable to you. He did not wish for you to miss the outing he had planned.”
Hermione felt a stab of disappointment. She was on the verge of declining when she noticed that Malfoy seemed almost defensive, as if he had anticipated her rejection and was prepared.
Interesting.
“How very considerate of him. Thank you for stepping in at the last minute, Mr. Malfoy.”
“Please, call me Lucius. ‘Mr. Malfoy’ sounds so formal. I hope that we can get to know each other better today and perhaps even become friends.”
Hermione raised her eyebrows in disbelief. “Friends? I’m not sure if that is possible, Mr. Malfoy, considering the history between us.”
Malfoy colored. “If you will allow me…?” He took her hands and gazed into her eyes. “Ms. Granger, I would like to apologize. I apologize for the torture you experienced at Malfoy Manor during the war because of my ill-conceived support of the Dark Lord. Words cannot express how sorry I am that I did nothing to intervene. Especially after nearly losing my son…” He paused for a moment and swallowed hard. “I want to assure you that I have changed. I would appreciate the opportunity to try to make amends, if you will allow me the honor.”
Hermione looked deeply into those pale grey eyes, searching for any sign of pretense or prevarication. She could not detect any, so she was inclined to give him a chance.
“Lucius—you may call me Hermione,” she replied. “Shall we go?”
Lucius offered his arm. She took it and they Apparated to the International Portkey Center.
~~~***~~~***~~~
A Portkey deposited them in the Wizarding section of Paris. Lucius led her to a brick wall, tickled the bricks and stepped back to allow her to precede him into a tiny Parisian bistro. The architecture was old, 15th or 16th century, if Hermione wasn‘t mistaken. Lucius took her elbow and guided her past the wooden counter and out into the midday sunshine. Hermione glanced up and noticed the sign above the door:
Chez La Vieille
She raised a questioning eyebrow. Lucius chuckled.
“The old ladies in question are Adrienne Biasin and her sister-whose name is lost to history. We’ll have dinner here later, if you’d like. The food is sublime.”
“That sounds lovely.”
“Come, it’s just a short walk.”
They turned right at the Rue de Rivoli and before long, the Louvre came into view.
Hermione smiled. “Are we going to the Louvre? It’s been years since I’ve been.”
Lucius smiled at her enthusiasm. “Yes. Have you ever been to the Wizard Wing?”
“There’s a Wizard Wing?”
Lucius was delighted. “Certainly. Didn’t you know that Da Vinci was a wizard?”
“No! Well, it does make sense though, doesn’t it?”
They chatted amiably as they approached the museum from the north side. Hermione usually entered through the pyramid entrance when she visited, so it was a surprise when she saw the ornate door appear in one of the arches on the wall of the former palace. Lucius ushered her inside and paid their entrance fee to the young witch on duty there.
The first area they came to was labeled “Gods, Goddesses and the first Wizards”. Several life-size, ornate gilt frames were hung on the walls—“Circe”, “Agrippa”, “Zeus” and “Merlin”—every one of which was empty.
Lucius rolled his eyes. “Typical. I will wager they are all at Versailles, carousing with Louis XIV.”
Hermione laughed. “Well, one can’t expect ‘Gods, Goddesses and the first Wizards’ to hang around on the wall all day, can one?”
Lucius chuckled. “I suppose not. Come through here, there are a couple I would like for you to see.”
As they walked down the corridor, Hermione stopped frequently to gape at the paintings. “The Burning of Wendelin” depicted one of the forty burnings of Wendelin the Weird. Wendelin writhed and screamed, much to the delight of the crowd around her. When she noticed Hermione, she grinned and winked before resuming her theatrics.
Another painting Lucius passed that caught her attention was “The First Animagus-Falco Aesalon” and showed the toga-garbed wizard changing from human to falcon and back again. And again. And again.
Falco did not look happy. He saw her watching him and said: “Please Miss, have you any turpentine?”
“Good heavens, no!” Hermione replied. “Why on earth would you want with that?”
“You have no idea what it’s like—changing back and forth, all day and night, every day since I was painted!”
Hermione couldn’t restrain a shudder. “Can’t you stop?”
She had to wait for him to resume his human form before he could respond.
“No. The idiot artist made a mistake when he cast the spell to bring me to life.” He changed into a falcon again.
Hermione waited for him to change back.
“I will contact one of the smartest wizards I know—and see if there’s anything he can do to help you.”
“You are so kin---eeeeeee!” He had changed back into a falcon again.
Hermione hurried to catch up with Lucius who was waiting a few paintings down.
“That poor painting!”
“Aesalon? Oh yes, horrific. The artist who painted him was an apprentice who was not yet fully trained.”
“Can’t anything be done for him?”
Lucius raised his eyebrows in surprise. “I don’t know. Severus might have an idea.”
“I am going to ask him. No one should have to suffer like that.”
“You’re right. However, we cannot do anything until we see Severus, so—may I show you a favorite of mine?”
Hermione nodded and accompanied Lucius into the next room. He indicated a large painting hung by itself on one wall titled “Liberation of the Dauphin”.
Hermione’s eyes widened. The painting showed a wagon drawn by two black horses heading down a road toward a graveyard in the distance. In the back of the wagon was a small coffin. As she watched, the wagon passed beneath a tree and a caped and masked figure dropped in front of the horses, drew a wand from his sleeve and pointed it at the driver.
“Immobulus!”
The wagon driver and the horses froze. The man in the cape scrambled into the back of the wagon and tapped his wand on the lid of the casket.
“Diffindo.”
The lid split and fell open. The caped wizard tucked his wand into his belt, reached into the coffin and lifted out a small blonde boy who appeared to be about ten years of age. The boy wrapped his arms around the wizard’s neck and clung to him. The wizard tossed a few pebbles from his pocket into the coffin, murmured Engorgiorepaired and resealed the coffin lid and jumped down from the wagon. He thrust the child onto the saddle of a horse which was tied to the tree next to the wagon then mounted behind him. After wrapping his cloak around the boy, the wizard waved to Lucius, winked at Hermione and then wheeled his horse around. He flung “Finite Incantatem!” over his shoulder as he spurred the animal and galloped away.
The wagon driver stirred, rubbed his eyes and shook the reins. His wagon continued on its way to the cemetery.
The painting was beautifully done. Hermione was enchanted.
“It’s fantastic,” she murmured.
“Are you familiar with the legend of the escape of Louis-Charles, the Dauphin of France, from his imprisonment after the French Revolution?”
Hermione nodded. “Most of the books I’ve read on the subject put any escape by the young king as merely rumor. In fact, I read that the heart was preserved and tested and it was found to be that of Louis-Charles.”
Lucius smiled. “It was. However, that heart was placed in that urn by my grandfather who was Louis-Charles’ son.”
Hermione turned her attention from the painting to gaze incredulously at him.
“Are you telling me you are a direct descendant of Louis XVII? A muggle?”
“Don’t be insulting. All the Louis were Wizards. Louis XVI was, unfortunately, set upon and magically incarcerated by the wizards among the rebels before he could draw his wand. And Marie Antoinette was a bird-witted fool who never bothered to learn even the basic defensive spells.” He turned and watched the rescue again, his grey eyes somber. “The wizard who rescued him, Benjamin “The Bandit” Malfoy, smuggled Louis-Charles to England and raised him as his own. Louis-Charles eventually joined the English army and helped defeat Napoleon.”
Hermione was speechless.
“George IV bequeathed a patch of land to him in gratitude for services rendered. Louis-Charles built the Manor, settled down and raised a family of his own.” Lucius turned to meet Hermione’s brown eyes with his thoughtful grey ones. “So you see, Hermione, the Malfoys have not always been villains and blackguards.” He turned to gaze at the painting once more. “I allowed my father to poison my mind against anyone other than pure-bloods, and I nearly succeeded in poisoning Draco’s.” He shook his head, incredulity etched on his face. “I was a fool, like my father before me.”
Hermione laid her hand on his arm. “Lucius, there is a muggle poem called, ‘Children Learn What They Live’. You loved your father, am I right?” He nodded. “And I know Draco loves you. When we were children, he strove so hard to be just like you.”
“Including becoming a Death Eater.”
“Yes, even that. But, that was more Voldemort’s doing than yours, I think.”
Lucius offered Hermione his arm. She took it and they continued their stroll through the museum.
“The Dark Lord was so angry when I not only didn’t bring him the Prophecy, but was careless enough to be captured and tossed into Azkaban. He was willing to sacrifice my son to his displeasure. Thank the gods Snape was there to watch over Draco.”
Hermione nodded. “Yes. I hate to think what may have happened if Snape hadn’t been there watching over all of us. We thought it was Dumbledore—but it was Snape all the time.”
They perused the paintings and sculptures in silence for a time, each wrapped in their own thoughts.
“Lucius?” Hermione stopped and turned to face the wizard next to her. “Why did Snape bid for me?”
Lucius’ smile sent a shiver down her spine. Merlin, he was a handsome man!
“Because he believed if he simply asked you out that you would turn him down. We—er, he has been interested in getting to know you better for the last year or so.”
Hermione was dumbfounded. Snape interested in her? She had admired his intelligence, his loyalty and his bravery for years. She had nursed a crush during fifth year when they spent so much time with the Order. To realize he was interested in her was nothing short of amazing.
Lucius raised an amused eyebrow and changed the subject. “Come, there is an amusing painting you must see before dinner.”
He led the way to a small chamber at the end of the corridor. Inside was one painting. It was a full length depiction of an elderly, balding wizard dressed in medieval clothing. He stood with his arms crossed and glared at them.
“What the hell are you looking at, missy? Do I have a wart on my nose? No? Well, it’s not polite to stare, you know. Children these days have no manners.”
The wizard’s sharp tone made Hermione jump. She noticed the placard on the wall next to the painting read: “Ethelred the Ever-Ready”.
“That is no way to address a lady, sir.” Lucius said.
“And what would you know about that, ya pouf? Poncing around with a girl half your age, you should be ashamed.”
Hermione covered her mouth with her hands to try to suppress the laughter which bubbled up. In spite of her best efforts a snort escaped, drawing the painting’s attention.
“What are you laughing at? I suppose this stuck-up ponce’s attention is flattering to you, eh? Well, mark my words, once he gets into your knickers, that’ll be the last you see of him.”
Lucius inhaled sharply, looking to Hermione like nothing so much as an angry peacock—all puffed up and affronted. She couldn’t restrain herself any longer and burst out laughing. Her laughter caused Lucius to become even more disgruntled. The more irritated he got, the more she laughed. She laughed until she was gasping and he was standing stiff-backed and stone-faced in the face of her mirth.
Ethelred was shocked into silence.
“Lucius, please, don’t look like that—honestly, I’m not laughing at you.”
The blonde man allowed himself to be mollified, but only just.
“May I ask what instigated this—outburst?”
Hermione took a deep breath and wiped her eyes. She didn’t dare look directly at him or she knew she’d be off again.
“It was Ethelred saying that you—Lucius Malfoy—one of Witch Weekly’s most eligible wizards—that you wanted—to get into my knickers.” How she got that out without collapsing into more gales of incredulous laughter she would never know.
To her surprise, Lucius closed in on her until he was a hair’s breadth away. He took her chin in his hand and tipped her face up. His grey eyes smoldered and she wondered how she had ever thought them cold or hard. His face filled her vision and his lips hovered over hers, so close she could feel the warmth of his breath. Every hair on her body seemed to stand on end and suddenly, she did not have the slightest desire to laugh.
“What makes you think I don’t?” Lucius’ voice was low and sensual. He closed the distance between them and captured her lips in a gentle kiss.
Hermione’s heart pounded and her entire body seemed to be on fire. It was the softest and briefest of kisses, full of promise and promises.
“Ha!” Ethelred barked. “I knew it! I told you. But did you believe me? No! That was very rude of you, Missy.”
“Forgive me, Ethelred,” Hermione murmured as she took a step away from the man in front of her without breaking eye contact. “I didn’t mean to be rude.”
Lucius cleared his throat. “Clearly Ethelred is not as amusing as I remember. I’m famished. Shall we walk over to the Chez La Vieille for dinner?”
Hermione shook herself mentally and smiled. “Now that you mention it, I am rather hungry myself.”
Lucius offered his arm and she took it.
“Amusing? Amusing? That has to be one of them most insulting things anyone has ever said to me!”
Lucius and Hermione turned and walked out of the alcove.
“Oh, sure!” Ethelred shouted. “Just leave me here without a word! After all, I’m nobody, just a bloody painting! Brushstrokes on canvas. Well, paintings have feelings too, you know! It figures a pompous ponce and a chit just out of the schoolroom—neither of which would bother with a ‘good bye’ or ‘sod off’. Well, f—”
His last words were lost as they Apparated away.
~~~***~~~***~~~
The first thing Hermione did when she arrived in her office on Monday morning was to scribble a note and send it off to Susan Bones who was the head of the Department of International Magical Cooperation.
That task finished, she sat down and resumed her calculations. And three was still plaguing her. No matter how she fiddled, somehow, everything kept coming back to three. After an hour of this, she threw down her quill in frustration. She waved her hand at the teapot in the corner. After a few moments, it floated over to the cup on her desk and poured the piping hot tea into it then floated back to its place in the corner.
Hermione leaned back in her chair and sipped her tea. Her thoughts wandered back to her date with Lucius. She had learned so much about him both in the Louvre and during their conversation over dinner. She found that any lingering animosity she may have held for him had disappeared before he escorted her back to her flat.
The brilliant kiss he’d laid on her at the door hadn’t hurt, either.
Her reverie was interrupted by the paper airplane that swooped into the office and landed in front of her on the desk. She picked it up and unfolded it.
Hermione,
Thank you for bringing the plight of the painting of Falco Aesalon to my attention. I will contact our French liaison and have them make some inquiries. I’m sure we will be able to put together a committee in order to come to a consensus about how the situation should be handled.
Very sincerely yours,
Susan Bones, Department Head Department of International Magical Cooperation Ministry of Magic
Hermione incinerated the note with a scowl and pulled out another piece of parchment. She scratched out a note, and was rising from her desk to head to the Ministry Owlery, when Snape’s raven flapped in and landed on her desk with a squawk.
She untied the parchment from the bird’s leg and unrolled it. The raven walked over to the treat bowl and helped himself.
”Ms.Granger,
Firstly, I want to apologize for not meeting you last week. I was called out of the country on business as Lucius explained. Lucius seems to think that you enjoyed your time at the Louvre. I hope he is correct.
I also hope that you are free next Saturday as I have made arrangements for us to travel out of the country. I hope I am not being presumptuous, but the Ministry requires one to request a long distance Portkey several days in advance. Please pack a bag—Muggle clothing—both casual and dress, enough for a couple of days.
I will call for you at your flat Saturday morning at 7.
If for some reason this is not convenient for you, please advise a better day and time.
S. Snape”
Hermione unrolled the parchment she had in her hand and added a postscript:
”Saturday at 7 sounds great—but I was hoping we could get together before that? I need your help to assist the painting of Falco Aesalon in the Louvre. Lucius can fill you in. Please contact me as soon as possible. H. G.”
Hermione tied the parchment to the raven’s leg and sent him on his way.
There was a flutter in the pit of her stomach at the thought of seeing Snape. She gave up on her calculations and made her way to the Ministry Research Library to see what she could discover about the artist who painted Falco.
~~~***~~~***~~~
Snape leaned in the doorway of the Ministry Research Library and observed Hermione Granger. She sat at a table near the back of the room. The table top was stacked with books, some open, some not—and a parchment of notes so long it extended into a roll on the floor.
His mouth crooked up on one side and he smothered the smile that threatened.
So. Very. Typical.
Snape levered himself upright and walked around the room to approach her from behind. He moved stealthily, his years as a school teacher and a spy served him well. When he was directly behind her chair, he leaned over her shoulder.
“So, what have you discovered?”
She jumped and he nearly smiled again.
“Snape! You scared me to death! Well, never mind that—I’m so glad you’ve come! I’ve spent the afternoon doing research—”
“Why am I not surprised?”
She ignored him and continued, “We have to help poor Falco! He is in agony.”
Snape seated himself in the chair next to hers. “Isn’t this the Ministry’s job?”
Hermione made a rude noise. “I tried them first. All they said was they would contact the French Ministry and form a committee! Bloody useless, that is. By the time they figured out whose responsibility it is to mend him, they will have spent the budget on tea and biscuits and poor Falco will still be changing every minute.” Her expression softened. “If you could see him—”
“Ms. Granger—as a matter of fact, I did pay a visit to the Louvre today. Also the Palace at Versailles.” He glanced around the room in a nonchalant way. “Let’s not talk about this here. We should continue our discussion elsewhere—where there is no danger of being overheard.”
“But we need the books here to research possible solutions.” Hermione was reluctant to abandon the library.
Snape cocked an eyebrow at her. “Well, my own collection of books may be helpful in that regard.”
Hermione’s eyes gleamed with avarice. “You’re right, let’s get out of here.” Hermione waved her wand and the books re-shelved themselves. Another flick and the parchment rolled itself up and tucked itself into her bag along with her quill and ink. “Ready.”
They made their way to the Ministry exit. Once they were outside, Hermione turned to him and said, “Where to?”
Snape pitched his voice for her ears alone. “Malfoy Manor.” At her surprised expression he added, “After Narcissa divorced him, Lucius was rattling around that huge house all by himself apart from the house elves. He offered to rent me a suite of rooms.” Snape shrugged. “The manor house is much more comfortable than my Spinner’s End place ever was. So, I sold it and moved. I can guarantee you good food and the use of one of the best libraries in the Wizarding world.”
At the mention of the library, Hermione’s eyes lit up and he knew he had convinced her.
He offered her his arm. “What do you say, Ms. Granger, Side-along Apparation?”
“First, call me ‘Hermione’.”
“Then you must address me as ‘Severus’.”
“All right, Severus. Take me back to your place and show me your books!”
This time, he did not try to suppress his chuckle as she took his arm and he Apparated them to Wiltshire.
They appeared on the driveway between the yew bushes just outside the wrought iron gates of Malfoy Manor. Snape murmured an incantation. The wards dropped and the gates opened. He escorted Hermione through, then set the wards once more before leading her up the driveway to the front door.
Which was open and full of Lucius. Snape rolled his eyes. Leave it to Malfoy to play the part of Lord of the Manor.
“Hermione, I am delighted to see you again. Severus said he was going to try to persuade you to join us for dinner and plotting tonight. Please come in.”
Hermione hesitated. She glanced from Lucius to Snape.
“Ms. Granger,” Snape said. “I give you my oath as a wizard that no harm will come to you in this house.”
“As do I.” Lucius declared.
Hermione looked at the house with a nervous laugh.
“I’m sorry, it’s just—the last time I was here—the memories are not good ones. I didn’t think it would be so hard just to walk through the door.”
“What happened to you here was not the fault of the house. Will you allow Severus and I to help you make better memories?” Lucius asked.
Severus watched Hermione gather her courage, straighten her shoulders and enter the house. That was one obstacle overcome. He continued to observe her as Lucius led them down the hallway. She seemed to want to look at everything at once. When she stopped suddenly in front of a painting, he nearly ran into her.
“Hello—is this the infamous Benjamin?”
“You have the advantage of me, Mademoiselle,” Benjamin put down the book he was reading and rose from the wing-backed chair on which he was seated. He tugged his embroidered waistcoat down and bowed.
“May I introduce Miss Hermione Granger. Miss Granger, Monsieur Benjamin Malfoy, the adopted step-father of my great-grandfather, Louis-Charles—the painting of whom you saw in the Louvre.”
“Delighted to make your acquaintance, Mademoiselle Granger.”
“Charmed, I’m sure.”
“If you’ll excuse us, Oncle Benjamin?”
“Certainly!”
“It was nice to meet you,” Hermione said.
Lucius continued down the hallway until he reached the second door on the left. He opened it and ushered them inside.
Hermione gasped and her eyes widened as she turned in place, her mouth an ‘O’ of astonishment.
Lucius had brought them to the library. The walls extended up all three stories of the house and were lined with beautifully carved oak shelves. And every shelf was full of books. There were boxes stacked in the corners labeled ‘Snape’; several of which were open. Each wall boasted a ladder to reach the tallest shelves. There was a marble fireplace on one side with a table and several comfortable-looking chairs grouped before it. The side table nearby had several platters which contained sliced ham, cheese, bread—everything for sandwiches. Several glasses and a selection of wine accompanied the food. Severus met his friend’s gaze and nodded in approval. It was the perfect room to counter the horrific experiences Hermione had endured during the war.
“Oh, Lucius—it’s stunning. Where do we start?”
“I took the liberty of pulling a few volumes before you arrived. They are on the table.”
They seated themselves, Hermione in the center flanked by the two wizards. She pulled the roll of parchment out of her bag and unrolled it. Lucius’ eyes widened as he took in the nearly six feet of notes before him.
“Hermione has done a bit of research herself today,” Severus commented dryly.
“So I observe.” Lucius could not keep the incredulity out of his voice.
“Now you see what I had to put up with when she was a student.”
“You have my sympathy.”
Hermione put her hands on her hips and glared at them. “That’s hilarious, that is. Look, are you two going to help me find a way to help Falco or are you going spend the evening winding me up?”
They got to work. As the hours passed, Severus found himself impressed with Hermione again and again. He had known she was brilliant ever since she was a student, but this was his first opportunity to observe her research methods first hand. She made connections that neither he nor Lucius would have considered and even if they did not always work out, these leaps of hers often turned their research down a promising path.
Not to mention the fact that her adventures with Potter during the war had given her a head for planning. Especially planning a break in.
Several hours, sandwiches and glasses of wine later, Hermione tossed her quill on the table, stretched her back and looked from Lucius to Severus.
“Well, gentlemen, I think we’ve figured it out. The solution is to give Falco control over his transformations. By giving him the ability to control if and when he transforms—we will be giving him the freedom to change when and if he chooses.” She tapped the parchment. “And this series of spells we’ve concocted to counter the original artist’s spell should do just that.”
“Lucius and I know a little about being trapped in a bad situation—being forced down the same path again and again…” Snape closed his eyes and fought down the sick feeling that engulfed him any time he thought of those terrible years when he was not his own master. His voice was hollow when he added: “It was a thankless existence.”
“Too right,” Malfoy added.
Snape felt pressure on his arm and opened his eyes to find that Hermione had laid her hand there. Her gaze was warm and empathetic.
“You saved us all, Severus. If it hadn’t been for you, Harry never would have defeated Voldemort.” She turned her attention to Lucius. “You have made the most amazing turnaround, Lucius. In the old days you would never have welcomed someone like me into your home. I know how difficult it is to change your way of thinking.” She looked from one wizard to the other and grinned. “Now that we have that sorted, when do we go save Falco?”
The answer, apparently, was ‘tomorrow’.
Hermione yawned. “Well, I guess I’ll be going, if one of you would be so kind as to escort me beyond the gates?”
Severus shared a meaningful glance with Lucius. Then he moved to Hermione’s side, took her bag and laid it on the table and took her hands into his. He gazed into her eyes and murmured, “We thought perhaps you wouldn’t mind staying here—since we will be making an early start.” Then he bent his head and captured her lips with his in a gentle kiss.
Hermione cleared her throat. “Work…”
“An owl to the Ministry will suffice, don’t you agree? I’ll wager you haven’t taken a holiday since you started working there.”
She couldn’t argue with him there because he was correct.
Hermione sat down at the table and wrote a message to the Ministry to inform them she would be out for the rest of the week. After the owl was dispatched, they reviewed everything one last time before returning the books to their shelves and organizing their notes.
“I’ll have to go to my flat to pick up a few things.”
Lucius closed in, pulled her into his arms and murmured, “I will send one of the house elves” and then did his best to take her breath away.
After they parted, Hermione stood between the two wizards, a bit dazed. She cleared her throat. “Well, if you put it like that—thank you.” [Sounds better.] A house elf was summoned.
“Sophy, Miss Hermione will be staying with us tonight. Please take her to the yellow bedroom. Then would you mind fetching the things she will need from her flat?” Severus asked.
“Sophy doesn’t mind, Mr. Severus.”
“Thank you.”
After he watched Sophy lead Hermione out of the library, Severus turned to find Lucius’ amused gaze upon him. He raised a questioning eyebrow.
“Who knew that plotting to break into a museum and mend a painting would be better than expensive dinners, flowers or perfume?”
Snape turned to look at the closed door once more. “An extraordinary woman requires extraordinary measures.”
~~~***~~~***~~~
The next morning, Hermione showered and dressed. As she was brushing her hair, Sophy knocked. Hermione followed Sophy down the stairs and into the dining room. Lucius and Severus were eating breakfast; each hidden behind a morning paper—the Prophet for Severus and the Goblin Financial for Lucius. Hermione smiled as she noted that the contrast of the two men seemed to extend even to their choice of breakfast food. For Snape, black tea and toast with marmalade; and for Malfoy, a full breakfast of scrambled eggs, sausage, beans, fried potatoes, mushrooms and a scone. His beverage of choice was orange juice.
She smothered a grin and joined them.
“Good morning.”
Both wizards folded their newspapers and stood. After they were all seated, Hermione requested eggs, bacon and toast from Sophy and helped herself to a cup of tea from the silver service on the table. Her breakfast appeared on her plate almost instantly and she tucked in.
After she had finished and poured herself a second cup of tea, she said, “So, have you thought any more about how we are going to get to Paris? We really didn’t talk much about that last night. I don’t think we should Apparate…”
Lucius dabbed at his mouth with his napkin then laid it beside his empty plate. “You’re correct. We will not be using any magical means to travel. Severus often uses Muggle transportation to avoid the busybodies at the Ministry. So, he booked everything.”
She turned a questioning gaze to Severus.
“We shall travel to Paris via the Muggle train ‘Eurostar’.”
“First class of course. Because even though it is their fastest train it is abominably slow. It will take us more than two and a half hours to get there so we may as well travel in comfort.” Lucius interjected.
Severus continued, “Once we arrive in Paris, we will make our way to the Hotel Lancaster. I have booked the ‘Presidential Suite’ for us. We will spend the afternoon blending in as tourists. We must refrain from using magic until tonight.”
“I do know a charm which will help hide our magical signatures,” Lucius said. “However, it is not easy to maintain and I will have to cast and maintain it while we are in the museum.”
Hermione nodded.
“As I mentioned to you yesterday,” Snape said. “I visited both the Louvre and the Palace at Versailles and consulted with the paintings at both places. They are all willing to help as much as they are capable. Lucius had a chat with Benjamin yesterday and he visited his other painting and spread the word.” He met Hermione’s gaze. “So, while Lucius does his best to hide what we’re doing from both governments, it will be up to you and I to mend Falco.”
“I am certain,” Lucius added. “That after we have mended him, we will be too tired to make our way back to London. We will instead return to the hotel and spend the rest of the night there and return to England the following day.” He raised an eyebrow. “If you’re amenable?”
Hermione finished her tea, set the china cup into its saucer with a ‘ping’ and said, “What are we waiting for?”
~~~***~~~***~~~
Hermione couldn’t remember when she’d had a better day. Not even when she had received all Os on her N.E.W.T.s.
The train ride did not seem long at all, in spite of Lucius’ dire prediction at breakfast. He and Severus told humorous stories about each other and the people they knew or had known which made her laugh. She reciprocated with tales of her adventures with Harry and Ron. After lunch, Snape and Malfoy engaged in a furious game of wizard chess that Severus won handily, in spite of Lucius’ cheating.
When they arrived in Paris, they disembarked and made their way to the Hotel Lancaster. After they checked in they were escorted to the Presidential Suite. The living room contained a grand piano, two large armchairs and a huge sofa. There was a stunning crystal chandelier, beautiful draperies and art on the walls. A lovely desk was against one wall and assorted tables topped with vases full of flowers were scattered around the room.
The bedroom was dominated by a king-sized bed across from a marble fireplace. Hermione turned toward the two wizards and raised her eyebrows. “So, where are you two going to sleep?”
“In the adjoining suite, of course.” Lucius sounded a trifle affronted, as if he was insulted she would imagine they would consider anything else.
Hermione decided to let it pass—then put those thoughts aside as she continued her tour of the poshest hotel room she’d ever seen.
Even the bathroom was magnificent—gray tile and a huge walk in shower. The towels were big enough for two people.
“Wow.”
Severus smirked. “Yes, well, if Lucius is going to condescend to stay in a Muggle Hotel, he must have the very best.”
“What’s wrong with that?” Lucius asked.
Hermione smiled at them both. “Well, we have some time before the museum closes, shall we take a stroll down the Champs Elysees?”
They spent the rest of the day doing just that.
Sunset found them seated at an outdoor café, dining on caviar, escargot, smoked salmon, baguettes, croissants, and assorted cheeses. They had already finished one bottle of wine and were well into another. Hermione looked at first Severus then Lucius and could not contain the grin which spread across her face.
“This has been a wonderful day. Thank you both.”
Severus cocked an eyebrow and signaled for the waiter.
“Oui, Monsieur?”
“La vérification veuillez.”
“Oui, Monsieur.”
Snape settled with the waiter and they made their way back to their hotel room. They had agreed that a nap before they attempted the break in was sensible. “Lucius and I will retire to the adjoining suite. We’ll see you in a few hours.” Snape said. They left her at the connecting door and disappeared into their suite
Hermione felt a stab of disappointment which she resolutely put aside. There would be time enough to think of other possibilities after they mended Falco—what they needed right now was rest.
~~~***~~~***~~~
It was just after midnight when they stood, Disillusioned, outside the Louvre. They were all wearing Muggle clothing—black trousers, black tee shirts and black trainers.
Hermione was finding it difficult to keep her eyes from wandering from one gorgeous wizard bum to the other.
Malfoy raised his wand above his head which snapped her to attention. He began a series of complicated movements while chanting the incantation to hide their magic. Hermione was amazed to see that he was weaving the very air around them and soon had them fully enclosed.
As soon as the barrier was complete, Snape and Hermione got to work on the wards. They were able to get past them with relative ease and the magical door appeared.
“Did that seem too easy to you?” Hermione whispered.
“It was, but to be honest, I’m not surprised. The museum depends on the paintings and sculptures to raise the alarm if there’s a break in. They don’t really need a bunch of complex, not to mention expensive to maintain, magical defenses.”
“Makes sense.”
“Let’s go.”
Snape led the way with Hermione behind him and Lucius bringing up the rear. When they reached the “Gods, Goddesses and the first Wizards” section, everyone was present in their frames.
“This is a virtuous thing you are attempting, my children,” Circe said.
“Indeed, I do hope you are successful in easing poor Falco’s suffering,” Merlin added.
Snape gave a small bow. “I believe we shall be.”
“We will keep watch.” Zeus’s voice sounded like lightning.
“We are grateful,” Lucius said.
They made their way to the room where the painting of Falco was hung.
As they approached, the painting gave a glad cry.
“I am so happy to seeeeeee!” He had turned into a falcon again.
“Let’s get this done,” Snape growled. “Malfoy?”
Lucius chanted the incantation again and had woven the protective dome around them and Falco’s painting in minutes.
Hermione moved forward. She tapped the painting with her wand while murmuring the words of the termination spell they had devised. The goal was to strip away the faulty magic of the apprentice artist. In theory, this would allow Snape to go in and replace it with his own magic. The danger was, it would also strip the very life from the painting and if that wasn’t replaced within a short time, Falco would never move again.
After what seemed like hours, she felt a snap as the artist’s flawed magic released its grip on the painting. She stumbled back and landed smack on her arse. Falco froze, halfway between his Animagus and wizard forms.
“Now, Snape!”
Severus moved in. He took some powder from the pouch at his belt and flung it at the painting followed by a blast of magic from his wand which he directed with a flick of his wrist while he chanted the ancient words to give the painting both life and free will.
Hermione crooned a strengthening charm and wrapped it around both Snape and Malfoy.
The painting suddenly glowed with a brilliant white light and then a blast of magic flung Snape across the room.
Hermione cast a cushioning charm before he hit the wall on the other side.
By this time all the figures from the other paintings around the museum had crowded into the nearby frames. Snape walked over to stand next to Lucius who was mopping his forehead with a handkerchief. Hermione remained in her place on the floor.
There was a hush as the moments ticked by and everyone watched to see if the repair had worked.
With a screech, the falcon completed its transformation into a man. Falco stood blinking at them. After a moment, he flexed his arms, rolled his shoulders threw back his head and laughed.
“It worked!” Hermione rocketed to her feet, threw her arms around both wizards and kissed first Snape then Lucius while the paintings cheered.
“How can I ever thank you?” Falco asked. “You have given me my life back.”
“No thanks is required,” Snape replied.
“I owe you a debt. If there is any way I can assist you within my meager power, you have only to ask.” Falco bowed deeply at the waist. “Now, I am off to visit my painting in Greece where my wife and children reside! Thank you and goodbye!”
And he disappeared.
The other paintings returned to their frames, gossiping as they went. It was the best thing to happen in the museum in years.
Hermione, Snape and Lucius made their way out of the Louvre and reset the wards. It was a short walk back to the Chez La Vieille where a cab was waiting for them. They got in and were back at the hotel in minutes.
~~~***~~~***~~~
When they arrived back in their rooms, there was a bottle of champagne cooling in a bucket next to the sofa in the Presidential suite. Hermione and Snape both turned to look at Lucius.
“It is always best to be prepared for every contingency.”
“What if we had failed?”
“Then we would need something with which to drown our sorrows.” Lucius opened the bottle and poured each of them a glass then raised his. “To Falco. May he never change against his will again.”
“To Falco.”
They drank and Lucius refilled their glasses.
“To us for helping him.” Hermione raised her glass.
“To us.” Lucius and Snape said together.
They drank.
“To Hermione,” Snape said, “for her compassion, her heart and her intelligence.”
“Hermione.” Lucius raised his glass.
Hermione felt the blood rush to her face and covered her discomfiture by taking a large swallow of the excellent champagne. She was nervous—she knew what she wanted but wasn’t certain of the way to obtain it. So, when Lucius filled their glasses again, she walked a bit unsteadily to the sofa and sat down in the center of it. She put her glass on the table in front of her, glanced at her partners in crime and patted the cushions on either side of her.
They didn’t need a second invitation. Snape settled on her left and Lucius on her right.
Snape caressed her face then leaned in and kissed her. This was not the gentle kiss of the night before—this was hot, hungry and insistent. His tongue demanded entry. She obliged and her own tongue teased and tangled with his.
While she kissed Snape, Hermione felt hot breath in her ear then another tongue traced the delicate shell. A hand squeezed her thigh then slid upwards.
Snape released her mouth and nibbled his way along her jaw and down her neck. She leaned her head back against the sofa with a shuddering sigh.
Lucius took advantage of Severus’ absence to capture her mouth with a fiery kiss of his own. Hermione marveled at how two kisses could be so different and so bone-meltingly good. She kissed him back with heat, her tongue demanded entry into his mouth and, once granted, she explored it with enthusiasm. Lucius’ fingers reached the apex of her thighs and she gasped as a bolt of pleasure shot through her.
At the same time, Severus sucked on her earlobe and cupped a breast in his hand. He teased her nipple to hardness through her tee shirt and she moaned against Lucius’ mouth.
Hermione reached with both hands into two laps and found two very hard cocks. Two gasps of surprise caused a feeling of power to spark though her. She released Lucius’ mouth and met his gaze. His eyes were hot as molten steel and he devoured her with them. She turned to look at Severus. His black eyes burned with desire. He touched her mind with his ever so briefly. She gasped at the hunger and almost desperate need he felt for her.
She hoped he noticed that she felt the same—about them both.
Apparently he did because he Apparated all three of them onto the bed then vanished their clothing. Snape eased her down onto the pillows.
“Relax, Hermione.” His voice was fervent with desire as he nibbled his way from her ear to jaw, his kisses a hot trail on her skin, his erection pressed into her thigh.
Lucius’ tongue teased her ear and was replaced by his warm breath when he murmured, “Yes, relax and allow us to worship you.”
Lucius kissed his way from her ear to her neck and lower, finally taking a nipple into his mouth. At the same time, Snape kissed her deeply as his hand moved up her thigh and cupped her mons.
Hermione groaned as she spread her legs and arched her back. The sensations of lips and mouths and hands and fingers was almost too much.
Severus released her mouth and kissed his way down to her other breast. He suckled briefly, then continued his warm wet way down her trembling belly. He teased her belly button with his tongue before he positioned himself between her legs. He gently pushed her thighs apart then spread her open and tasted her. His tongue circled and teased her clit while Lucius sucked and pinched her nipples and Hermione was so close—so close…
Severus lifted his mouth and blew on her heated flesh. Hermione moaned in disappointment.
“Not yet, Hermione, not yet. We still have so many plans for you tonight.”
Lucius released her breasts, kissed her hard and stretched out beside her, his cock standing at attention.
Hermione groaned. “I want…I want…”
“Hermione, I want you to straddle Lucius, but face me.”
She obeyed, easing herself down onto Lucius’ cock, slowly, until he was buried to the hilt within her. Gods, it felt good. Before she could move, Severus was there, between their legs, his hands on her thighs to hold her still. Lucius grasped her shoulders, supporting her and easing her back as far as she could go. This new angle made her even more aware of the cock within her.
Then Severus spread her labia and began to tease, lick and suck her clit once more.
The pressure built until at last Hermione came with a shuddering cry. The intensity of her climax was heightened by Lucius holding her still while Severus used his tongue to wring every last bit of pleasure from her.
“Please…please!” She was incoherent with desire.
Severus rose to his knees, his erection bobbing straight out in front of him. He pulled her into an upright position against him.
“Turn around, Hermione,” he growled into her ear.
Hermione raised her hips, slid off of Lucius, turned and lowered herself onto his cock once more. She laid on top of his body and sucked on an earlobe.
Lucius groaned. “You’d better hurry, Severus,” he said between clenched teeth. “I am so close.”
She felt Severus dip his finger into her wetness. She moaned and ground herself against Lucius. She sought his mouth and kissed him hard.
Then Snape ran his finger along the cleft in her bottom. He found the spot he sought and pressed in.
Hermione stiffened, her moan of mixed alarm and desire stilled his hand. He leaned over her back and growled into her ear, “Trust me. Relax. If you don’t like it we can stop.” When Lucius reached between them and began to finger her, she closed her eyes and lost herself in sensation. Snape resumed moving his finger in and out of her ass and the multiple sensations nearly sent her over the edge again. A murmured spell lubricated her opening and then Severus replaced his finger with the tip of his cock.
Lucius teased her clit unmercifully as Severus pressed in slowly—achingly slowly—until he had filled her completely.
And oh, gods, now she understood that the three meant this perfect joining.
Then they began to move and she lost all cohesive thought. There was a few moments before they found their rhythm—but once they had—Hermione reveled in the sensation of two cocks sliding in and out of both places, she could feel them rubbing against each other, and she was full, oh so full and she was going to come again…
Hermione’s orgasm exploded and she convulsed around the two pricks buried inside of her. Lucius and Severus’ rhythms became more ragged and desperate and then they came, virtually at the same time—Lucius with a shuddering cry and Severus with a smothered moan.
They collapsed in a heap on the bed, hearts hammering.
After their breathing had returned to normal, Severus rolled off of her back and she climbed off of Lucius who cast a cleansing charm.
Hermione took Lucius’ hand on one side and Severus’ on the other.
They lay sprawled on the bed like that for several minutes.
“Well,” Hermione said. “This has certainly been a night. If it is always like this with you two, I can’t wait for the third date.”