Murky Waters - Chapter Thirteen
Title: Murky Waters
Fandoms: the Harry Potter Universe
Rating: no one under 18. there will be sex and dirty language and whatever else i feel like tossing in here.
Warning: as i said, sex and dirty words.
Disclaimer: i do not own Draco or Lucius or Severus or... *wibbles* what do i own? i don't own Illiana. she belongs to Madam Shark. i do own Kendra, but that isn't saying much. not in the grand scope of things. all recognizable character from Harry Potter belong to the talent Jo Rowling and, as such, she has all the money. i have none of it. meaning, i make nothing in the writting of this. no money, no fame or glory. no... damn, why am i doing this again? oh yeah. right. the lovely, nice comments people leave me. and the adulation. um, is there any of that in this? no? bugger.
Author's Notes: this is probably still rough. and i don't know for sure that it was beta-ed. it may have been. but i doubt it. i'm pretty bad about having people look over my stuff...
Murky Waters: The Index
Chapter Thirteen: Broken Spells, Shopping Hell, and Wedding Bells.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Illiana woke up to protesting, vividly sore muscles. In fact, merely breathing seemed to hurt. She hated the fact that she was so stiff. Not that getting that way had been bad. Up to a point. The potion Draco had brewed had been far too effective. If he was going to sell it to the public, he would need to find some way to make it a little less painful for the drinker. She had literally been ready to break down and cry last night when she'd finally gotten to sleep. It was a potent potion, to be sure.
Rolling to her side to attend to the morning rituals, she made to get up. Her thighs, raw from Draco's pounding of the night before, rubbed together and brought a groan to her lips. The rampant desire she'd been plagued with the day before flared to life. As strong as it had been. She whimpered, casting a look to where Draco lay asleep. He looked peaceful and blissfully unaware of her state. She decided that she would need to take a cold shower. It would serve two purposes. Firstly, to clean her of the smell of sex and the fluids that went with it. Secondly, to hopefully ease the burning need she felt to have Draco once more between her thighs.
She managed to make it to the bathroom with out breaking down into tears, although her walk was a bit uncomfortable. The toilet seat was cold, which felt good when she sat on it. She started water running in the tub, pulling the knob that sent the clear liquid to the shower head. Nothing came out. Not even a trickle or drop. She groaned in frustration, then pushed the knob back in. The faucet once more was dumping copious amounts of water into the tub.
When the basin was filled half way, she slipped into the pool of cool fluid and sat down carefully on the bottom. The temperature of the water soothed her aching muscles. She waited to see if it would be of help with her other problem. Moments ticked by slowly, and still the desire throbbed between her thighs. She tried ignoring the feeling, but it grew. She was soon whimpering again, feeling tears prick at her eyes. She rarely ever cried, but this had gone beyond fun. It was now painful. She wanted it to go away.
Finally, when she could stand no more, she drew herself out of the tub and made her way back to the bedroom. She didn't care if she dripped water all over Draco's carpets. She forced herself back to the bed, going over to stand on the side that he lay nearest. Her hand stretched out and jabbed him in the arm, poking hard to get him awake. he mumbled something, then shifted so that he lay face down. She noticed the large bruise on his bum and wondered when she'd managed to do that. Shrugging, she poked at him with one fingertip again.
'Bloody hell! Can't a man get some sleep? What the fuck is it?' Draco snapped as he rolled and looked up. He saw Illiana standing over him, staring at him anxiously. He had to wonder why in Merlin's name she had woken him up. She had to be just as worn out and sore as he was. While he'd enjoyed last night, he certainly didn't want to repeat the performance.
'Make it stop, Draco,' she insisted. He gave her a good look then, noting she as actually crying. Now why the bloody hell would she be crying. She wasn't the one who had fucked his dick raw. ~No, she's the one who got fucked raw by your dick,~ his brain told him. He realized that his brain had a valid point. She had to be hurting as much as he was.
' Illiana, I...' he began, only to end his sentence as a strangled cry left his throat. He had just glanced down and noticed that he was apparently still being affected by Kendra's vindictive streak. His cock was harder than steel at the moment. And it bloody hurt. He growled, throwing himself from the bed. The scowl left his face, though, when he saw that Illiana was really miserable. He ran a hand through his sleep tousled hair and headed for the door.
'Draco?' she asked. He turned back to her, pausing a moment as if hesitating, then heaved a sigh and set his mouth in a grim line.
'Flibberty jibbet,' he muttered, then stalked from the room. She stared after him, wondering what he'd meant by that last statement. It hit her only a moment or two later that the painful desire had begun to subside. It made her start wondering even more about what had just happened.
~*~*~*~*~
Draco found a small, dark brown owl sitting on the bar between his living room and kitchen. The bird eyed him almost suspiciously as he stalked to where it was. It must have decided he was ok, because it stuck it's leg out toward him. There was a small square of parchment there, and he untied it with angry pulls of his fingers. He was almost dead positive he knew who it was from. He was still going to find some way to kill the bitch. She'd had no right to do this to him. Even if Snape did have his testicles for it, he would pay Kendra back.
As he had thought, the note scribbled on the parchment was in Kendra's writing. It was short and to the point. He was certain he could see her gloating in the words that she had put on the page.
'Draco,
Do not think I don't know you well enough to think you would just rush out and tell Illiana about the Castimonia Spell. I am quite certain you wished to take as much advantage of it as you could. I'm sure that by now, you've realized that I've cast one on you. I would have to think that it has been most difficult to get any sleep with a continuously erect prick. It will stay in that position until you verbally tell Illiana what you did.
I hope you know you have no choice in the matter.
Much Mischief,
K'
He snarled, sending the owl into a fit of fluttering wings as the bird swooped around his living room in fright. Draco immediately regretted startling the owl, as it was presently letting go with copious amounts of bird shit all over his leather couch. He swore under his breath, then pointed to the fireplace. The bird had obviously come through there, so that was how he would send it out. He'd be damned if he'd help her animal out in the smallest way. Petty as it was, he would not open a window for the foul creature.
The little owl sent him a look that Draco swore was full of enmity, then shot back into the fireplace and disappeared. The door opened, and he realized that he still held the note from Kendra. If Illiana saw it, Snape would have to get in line for his testicles. He was certain she'd take them off. Then she'd be after Kendra. Gods, he was in so much trouble if she saw the note.
He made his way into the kitchen, crumbling the small scrap of parchment up into a ball as he made a fist around it. He went into the cupboards where he kept supplies of all kinds, using both hands to sift through the vials and jars there. He also conveniently left the parchment ball in the back of the cupboard, where it wouldn't readily be seen. His hand closed around a jar that was cold to the touch, even though it sat in room temperature.
Sighing, he took the jar from the cupboard and brought it with him out into the living room. Illiana was staring in confusion at the piles of bird droppings on his leather sofa. When she heard him behind her, she turned to face him. Her expression was unreadable. Her hand gestured to the white splotches on his couch. 'What happened?'
' I frightened an owl,' he told her, setting the jar down on the bar.
'Seems a bit of an understatement. What was an owl doing in your living room?' she asked him, her tone stating she found it hard to believe, even with the evidence spread so enthusiastically about the room.
' It came with a note,' he glared at the mess the damn animal had made of his expensive furniture and carpeting. Bloody thing had probably been told to do that.
'From who?' she questioned, giving him the distinct impression that she was looking for more information than he was giving her.
'My mother. She wanted to know why my father seemed a bit reluctant to engage in bedroom activities these past few days,' he improvised, hoping he could manage just the right amount of lack of concern to be convincing. He must have, because he noticed Illiana's cheeks pinken ever so slightly at the inference made to her ill fated meeting with the elder Malfoy.
' Ah,' she said in a manner that told him he was supposed to understand everything that hadn't been said out loud that the single sound pertained to. He shook his head, turning his attention to the jar on the counter. A wicked grin curved his lips. She watched him, her gaze following his to the glass container on the bar top. It held a thick, viscous substance. It was a very pale orange color. 'What's that for?' she asked him.
' It's going to help ease the discomfort.Why don't you go lay down while I clean up this bloody mess. I'll be there in a few ticks,' he suggested lightly. She nodded, her gaze going to his still stiff erection before she headed back into his bedroom. He found a spare wand in one of the kitchen drawers, then cast a cleansing charm to clear up the mess the bloody owl had made.
Illiana was reclined on the bed when he stepped back in, the jar in one hand. She looked much more at ease, now that he'd disabled the spell. Not that it had done him much good. He was still harder than he could ever remember being. It was so not fair. He sat on the end of the bed, idly unscrewing the cap off the jar. She watched as he dipped his fingers into the orange contents, bringing them out with a good sized dollop of the stuff on them.
Slowly, her gaze never leaving the movements of his hand, he worked the thick ungent along the length of his cock. Several strokes saw it worked in. He gave a sigh, then reached for more. He smeared the second helping on, leaving it on the surface. When she brought her questioning eyes to his, he smiled. ' It's a Healing Balm. Once applied, it will help with the sore, raw feeling that you are no doubt experiencing.'
'Let me have it then,' she held her hand out for the jar. He smiled, then stood up and moved toward her. She saw the look in his eyes, the hunger he felt for her. It brought her own smile to her face in answer to his. She lay back, allowing him to settle himself between her thighs. He pushed into her slowly, moisture from her earlier spell induced desire making it easy to bury himself inside of her.
She moaned loudly as the long forward stroke rubbed the Healing Balm into her abused muscles. It was cold, but the pain literally melted away at it's touch.The moan was followed by a long sigh. He shifted, readying himself for a second thrust. She caught his eyes with hers. The look he found there arrested his movements. 'Would you care to tell me about the "Passion Potion" you gave me? Wait a minute. That was a spell, wasn't it? How ever did you manage that?'
Draco went still, staring down into eyes that had gone dark with anger. He heaved a sigh and moved off of her, withdrawing from the warm, wet haven of her body. He was still painfully hard, and it brought the contents of Kendra's note back to him. If he wanted to get rid of this erection, there would only be one way. By coming..... clean.
'Yes, it was a spell. It's rather arcane, and it took digging through several volumes to find it,' he informed her. She glared at him, then made a fist and thumped it against his chest. It was hard enough to make him gasp as the air in his lungs went out in a rush.
'Why would you do that to me? And who did you get the spell from? I doubt you could manage something of this complexity and skill. Not that I think you're stupid..... but a spell of this magnitude is out of your level of capability,' she replied evenly, holding tightly to her anger.
' I am not a typical blonde, thank you very bloody much!' he scowled, his sudden burst of anger driving him out of the bed. He stalked the length of the room, then turned back to her. His eyes were stormy with his feelings. The fact that she thought him too stupid to manage something of this.... caliber, royally hacked him off. He wasn't too stupid. Just too lazy. He was a Malfoy, used to having things handed to him.
Then there was the sudden wave of overwhelming guilt that assaulted him. He shouldn't feel it, but he did. And he was having a hard time coming up with a reason why. He didn't think he'd truly done anything so terribly wrong that it required tremendous amounts of guilt to beat at him with little prickling stabs. He knew he had done it for good reasons.
' I found the spell on my own, if you really must know.' There was *no* way he intended to mention Kendra in conjunction with this. He wasn't certain Hogsmeade would survive the fall out. And then he'd be at the mercy of whoever survived. Not to mention Snape.
'Mmmmm,' she made a noncomittal sound, propping herself up against the head board as she did so. He glared at her, the arrogance he had first used with her coming to the surface. She knew it was an intregal part of who he was, but it was rather upsetting to see it make another appearance after getting to know and see the real Draco Malfoy. That part of him he hid underneath the overbearing and condescending attitude. 'So you found this rather arcane spell and hexed me with it all by yourself?'
'Yes,' he nodded curtly. He could tell by the way she raised her eyeborw that she didn't believe him. He clenched his jaw so tightly, he was certain she heard his teeth grind in his frustration.
'Why?' she asked simply. He knew she wouldn't give up until he gave her and answer.
'Because....' he began, only to trail off as he realized he didn't actually have a clear answer to give. He had felt threatened by so many things. Her apparent interest in not only Viktor Krum, but the bloody Weasley twins, as well. It had not set well with his ego to see her so happily going to visit other men when she was supposed to be lusting after him. It was, in fact, damned irritating.
Then there had been the fact that he wanted her to know who she belonged to. Not in the sense of a proper possession, but as long as she stayed with him, she was his. His father could bloody well sod off. He had deluded himself into thinking that some part of it was for her protection, as the spell only responded to the person who cast it. He'd made sure of that before Kendra had even given it to him.
He hadn't meant to make her suffer in any way. Not really. He only wished to show her that he was the one still in control. He had wanted to keep the overwhelming feeling of helplessness at bay when it had struck him that he seemed to be developing some sort of feelings for her. He wasn't sure what they were, but it had been frightening to discover that he liked having her around. As well as to suddenly find that anyone who even smiled at her was suddenly trying to take her from him. He didn't understand the rather strange reactions he was having to her presence in her life.
He desired her, yes. Wanted her to, for the duration of their time together, view him as the one thing she needed most in her life. He was still, after all this time, used to being the center of attention. Her unwillingness to play the game properly vexed him to within an inch of his ability to control himself in a manner befitting a member of the Malfoy Family.
Still not able to give her an answer that would explain his actions, he narrowed his gaze, then growled his reply at her. 'Because I bloody well could!' he snapped. He felt the sudden rush of desire flood his erection, knowing that the spell had been released. It appeared the annoying Gryffindor had been true to her word. With one last heated glance at Illiana, he turned from her and stalked toward the bathroom.
'Where are you going?' she demanded.
'To bloody wank off in private!' he snapped, then stepped into the room, slamming the door with a good deal of force behind him. It left her staring at the closed panel, wondering what had just upset him so.
His answer had been a complete lie. She had known by the play of emotions over his face that there were others. She also knew that he probably wouldn't admit them, or didn't know what it all meant. And she was also certain that, no matter what he proclaimed, he had not found such a spell on his own. It was too intrictate and precise. Too complicated. And so far as she knew, he was acquainted with only two people who might be able to manage such a thing. She frowned as she decided she knew who it was.
~*~*~*~*~
They didn't speak much of the event after that. Once he had stepped out of the bathroom, she had taken a shower to clean herself of all the sweat and sex, then dressed and proclaimed that she had some business to attend to. Which she did. While he'd been tugging his erection in the loo, she'd gone in search of something to drink and discovered an owl awaiting someone in the other room. It was a dark bird, nearly black in color. She thought she might know who it was from. The note attached to it's leg cofirmed her suspicions. In terribly neat, precise script, Professor Snape had written out that he wished to meet with her to discuss some things.
So she had gone to Hogsmeade by way of the floo system, then walked up to Hogwarts from The Three Broomsticks. Snape had been awaiting her outside the school, and the two of them had gone for a walk before he'd gotten to the heart of the matter. He'd explained what had been happening in his visits to her family's home, saying that the preparations for the wedding were nearly complete. A day had been set, and the ceremony would be taking place in the Great Hall under Dumbledore's capable supervision. He only needed to get Kendra something to wear without raising her suspicions. That would be Illiana's job. He's handed her a small pouch with enough Galleons in it to buy out half of Diagon Alley, suggested a shop he knew of with the appropriate clothing, then told her not to raise the red head's suspicions, no matter what.
It wasn't more than four days later that she found herself on Kendra's door step, looking the girl over with well hidden mirth. The picture the girl made, dressed as she was in men's clothing, was funny. Illiana couldn't quite keep the smile off her face. 'Come in. What brings you to my humble home on such a cold day?' Kendra asked as she stepped aside to let a smirking Illiana in.
' I've come to take you shopping,' was her reply. She felt her smile go wider. Kendra shook her head emphatically.
'Oh no. I'm not going anywhere.'
'Why not?'
' I'm as big as a house, that's why,' she made a motion to her distended belly. Illiana fought down the urge to laugh. She merely shook her head at the other woman.
'Nonsense. You may like to go change into something a little more suited to the day's activities,' Illiana instructed. Kendra argued with her, but lost in the end. The Scots woman glared at her for a time before stomping off to her room to change her clothing. They flooed from her cottage to Diagon Alley, where they headed for the shop Snape had mentioned to her.
'How ever did Draco's potion go?' she heard Kendra ask as the two of them glanced into the front window of Quality Quidditch Supplies. She looked over the the other girl and scowled.
'He told you he got it from me?' she asked.
'No. He claimed he found it on his own. I think he was trying to protect you from me. I should by rights be angry with you, but I find I'm not. It's taken some time to cool down over it, though. I think I know why he did it, and it's rather amusing to think that he is so unsure of himself. Just tell me one thing. Why did you give it to him in the first place?'
'He made a rather good argument about his father. I felt I had to, as he said he intended to use it to keep Lucius from actually taking you.....' her voice trailed off as she thought about it. The look on her face spoke volumes to Illiana.
'You experienced the man first hand. I'm sorry he was such a prat to you,' she returned, now finding some more of the puzzle put into place. Kendra shrugged her shoulders and returned her gaze to the new Nimbus proudly displayed in the window. Illiana sensed her unease and knew she didn't wish to discuss the topic any further. She started forward, trusting that the red head would follow her.
The Sales Witch began hovering the moment they entered the shop, making Kendra grit her teeth in frustration. Illiana could only see the humor, but held into her chuckles as she searched the racks. She finally found the perfect gown, pulling them from the rack and ordering Kendra to go try them on. The stubborn woman finally gave in, but found a way to have Illiana join in her torture. The vindictive red head lifted a gown from the rack and told Illiana that she would try on her gown, but only if the silver haired woman would try on the one she held.
She conceded, then headed to the changing stalls with the other girl. It amazed her to see how the outfit resembled the colors of Slytherin House almost perfectly. A pale, silvery green dress with a straight skirt and tight bodice was matched with a darker set of robes of a very plain design. The garments were simple in design. They looked elegant when worn. Illiana was stunned to see how well Kendra had picked when, from what she'd seen, the girl had no fashion sense.
~*~*~*~*~
Draco was still wondering what on earth had possessed him to go into Eeylop's Owl Emporium and purchase the small owl for Illiana. It would be a Christmas gift for her, and would be staying at Potter's place until he could give it to her. He never bought gifts for women. At least, never ones that couldn't be used to further his own pleasure. This was an owl, for Merlin's sake. He would never consider that a pleasure inducing gift. He had to be mad, and yet... Here he was, toting the animal to Potter's home as if he did this sort of thing all the bloody time.
He passed one of the newer shops, one dedicated to selling dress wear to the wizarding world, and glanced in as he passed. He stopped short, making a choking sound as he saw the silver head of Illiana standing near the mirrors. She was wearing a gown in a pale, silver green that just smacked of Slytherin colors. And he was certain that it wasn't a gown one would wear everyday. That kind of dress spoke of formal occasions. Like weddings. Damn, damn, and shite!
There was no bloody way in hell he would be caught in that trap. She had another thing coming if she thought she could even manage it. He stalked off, his mind still reeling, before he could see the red head step out of the change rooms. Kendra MacLeod, had he stayed to see her face, looked completely pissed off. He would have seen that she looked as he felt.....
~*~*~*~*~
When Illiana returned to the flat, she carried several bags of purchases. Draco was scowling at her with some emotion in his eyes. She hadn't seen it before, so she couldn't immediately name it. But something had him upset. A glass of amber liquid sat before him, several ice cubes melting into it slowly. 'What happened?' she asked him, moving to the chair where he had taken her with much glee. She set the bags down, pulling purchases from one. He was in midsip when she started pulling out things for a baby. Several packages of diapers, some tiny socks, and several little outfits. What the bloody hell was she thinking?
'What ever makes you think anything has happened?' he questioned lightly. He barely managed to keep the sneer from his lips and words. She stared a moment or two, then shurgged and went back to unloading her purchases. There were more items for a baby. Blankets and booties. Diapers and wipes. Clothing and toys. Another bag held a white box. He stared agog as she lifted the top off it, taking out a beautiful gown in a color some where between silver and blue. Not what she'd been wearing earlier, but not a good sign.
'You have this look. Tell me. Is something troubling you?' she stared hard at him. His brain froze on the dress she held in her hands, conjuring to his mind an image of the two of them standing together before some alter while a decrepit wizard droned on about loving, honoring, and cherishing one another until death did they part. Several small, blonde headed children played and squalled at their feet.
'There's no fucking way!' he blurted, standing up off the couch. He had a wild look in his eyes. Illiana didn't know what had brought this erratic behavior about. She didn't even think he knew entirely what it was.'You'll not trap me so easily!' he shouted, then headed for the stairs. She could hear him pounding his way down them in pure anger.
'What the bloody hell is wrong with him?' she wondered out loud, hoping that Kendra would like the gifts for the baby. She completely put Draco's irrational behavior out of her mind. She had other plans to make. Severus had asked her to keep his betrothed company for one night, while his future father in law put him through the hell of a bachelor party.
~*~*~*~*~
The message from Kendra sounded urgent, so Illiana decided she'd best go see what had the other woman filled with angst this time. It was hard for her to sit by and see how the Potions Master's constant absence was wearing down the red head's confidence. She heard daily from the girl about how she thought that he didn't want her anymore. How she was too fat. It was amazing to Illiana to see the devious minded woman riddled with so many self conscious thoughts. She hoped this wasn't another one of her tirades about his lack of interest. She would be sorely put upon to not spill the secrets she knew.
She flooed to The Three Broomsticks, then walked through the village to the small cottage at the end of the lane. When Kendra let her in, it was to find the girl sobbing in near hysterics. Now what could bloody be wrong? 'Kendra?'
' I dinna ken what I'm tae do!' the other woman wailed, a fresh round of tears slipping down her already damp face.
'About what?' she put her arm around the girl, offering her comfort while hoping that the crying wouldn't get any worse. She could barely understand Kendra, her brogue was so bad. She must be truly upset to sound this way.
'Severus is going tae a party this Saturday. One where there'll be naked wenches aplenty! Including an Elven stripper!'
'An Elven stripper? Are you certain?' Illiana asked. She nearly laughed at the statement, then wondered how Kendra had found out about the bachelor party. Her understanding was that they had done their best to hide it from her, Severus and her father even going so far as to act like they completely despised one another when in each other's presence.
The girl nodded, then proceeded to say some things that Illiana found hard to believe involving how handsome Severus was and his appeal with other women. She wisely held back the laughter that threatened to bubble up, though. Instead, she listened to Kendra go on about spying on her future husband. The next thing she knew, Kendra had her talked into going to the party in place of the hired entertainment, disguised by a spell as an Elf. She would have said no, but the look in the other girl's eyes had the denial slinking away, replaced by a yes that had the red head smiling at her in pure gratitude. It looked as if she would be going to a bachelor party.
So it was that Illiana found herself lying in wait with Kendra for the appearance of the Elven dancer that was supposed to provide the entertainment for the evening's festivities. Elemmire Lossehelin listened to Kendra as she explained why they wanted her to not go in patient silence, her pure gold gaze moving from one woman to the next. When the story had been concluded, Elemmire smiled at the red head and spoke to her in Elven for a long time. Illiana didn't understand a word of it, but she understood the smile that lit Kendra's face when the conversation was complete.It appeared the Elf would do as asked and let them have their way.
Once they had the entertainment out of the way, they returned to the cottage, where Kendra set about casting a spell from a rather old book, all in Elven, that she had in her personal library. When it was completed, Kendra urged her to go look at herself in the bathroom mirror. Illiana was shocked by what she saw. Her skin was a dusty golden color, though still pale. Eyes the color of freshly spilled blood stared back at her in wide eyed wonder. She could see the points of her ears through a fall of long, thick hair that was the exact color of gold. Her lips were full and pouty, looking as if they had been painted with a sweet wine. She was amazed at her transformation.
' I don't believe it!' she gasped when she stepped back into the living room. The sound of her voice, now low and husky in a terribly sexy way that made her shiver. Her words were spoken in Elven. She was completely shocked. ' I look.....'
'Like an Elf,' Kendra replied, her own use of the Elven language impressive. Kendra began rattling off last minute instructions in English, leaving Illiana to wonder how she understood both but only spoke one. She was told to spy and find out what Severus was up to, but not to let things go overboard. And she was told the spell would last until she came to Kendra to have the counter spell cast to return her to her normal self.
A quck charm saw to it that she was clad in something exotic enough looking to be Elven. The rusty brown color of the garments accentuated the gold of her skin and hair. She still couldn't believe Kendra had managed such a thing as this with only a spell. Kendra handed her a cloak, then ushered her out the door without further instruction.
~*~*~*~*~
The Three Broomsticks was already filled with party goers when she entered. She sought out Professor Dumbledore, making her apologies for being tardy, and making an excuse as to why she wasn't the scheduled entertainment. The Headmaster nodded and smiled. He seemed to take the news surprisingly well, though she did notice a strange twinkle in his cornflower blue eyes. When she turned to look at Severus, she noticed he was looking at her in much the same way. Almost as if they were suspicious. It startled her to no end when Severus spoke to her in flawless Elven. She hoped that this plan wasn't shot down already.
Once the introductions were over, the party began. She started out with a dance, nervous about it. She had never been one for dancing. She'd always been more of a tom boy. But the spell apparently covered all apsects, as she began a sinuous movement that could only be called graceful. All eyes in the house were practically riveted to her as she twisted and turned in time to the music.
She would have continued on with the dancing, as she found she rather enjoyed it. She knew her ability to dance in so sensual a manner was resulting from the spell, but it felt good to be able to move in so fine a way. It was similar to being on her broom, playing Quidditch. The game was much like a dance, with a series of seamless moves twining one into the other to form one complete routine. She felt alive now, as she did on her broom. And she would have been happy to continue, but a minor scuffle set an end to it.
Draco pushed another young man at her, saying something about the unknown male finally becoming a man. Said man immediately passed out, bringing on a respite in the entertainment. She managed to find a glass of water to cool herself down after such a rousing performance. As she was standing there, sipping her drink, she watched Snape as he was confronted by seven men who looked vaguely familiar. When a huge red head stepped up behind them, Illiana realized that she was looking as Kendra's family.
She tried to move closer, but found her arm seized in the grasp of one Draco Malfoy. Another young man, a red head that she recognized as the Weasley twin's younger brother Ron, took hold of the other arm. They both tugged, arguing with one another about who she would rather go home with. It was getting rather heated, and since she couldn't tell them to sod off, she was rather stuck in a tight spot. She couldn't actually do anything physical to dissuade them. It might let Draco know who she was. Her saviour came from an unlikley corner.
'Gentlemen, what seems to be the problem here?' came Snape's silky voice. The tugging quit as each one of them said that she wanted to go home with them. When he asked her, in his so perfect Elven, if she had a choice, she immediately assured him no. She was terribly grateful to see him come to her rescue. After a brief exchange and a menacing look, Snape had the two of them letting go of her.
After they had wandered off, he inquired after her well being. She thanked him, then nearly burst out laughing as a wicked idea came to her. Kendra was so bloody worried about him being faithful. She intended to find out if the other woman had reason to worry. Giving him a tenative smile, she asked him a question, anxious to hear his reply. ' I appreciate your help. Is there something I can do to repay you?'
He stared at her a moment or two, as if he didn't know what she was asking him. Then he smiled and made a motion to the young man who had passed out. When he suggested that she kiss the indicated person, she was so shocked for a moment, she could do nothing but stare. He wanted her to kiss a person she'd never before met. In front of everyone. She thought it over for several moments before nodding at him faintly.
She could feel his eyes on her when she moved toward the young man, listening to Snape's voice when he explained that she had a gift for him. She stared at the young man's face for a few moments before screwing up her courage and putting her hands on his cheeks. The moment her lips touched his, she lost rational thought. It was quite some time later that she pulled herself away from him. She was sure the look on her face matched the look on his.
Her gaze went around the room, landing on Snape first. He wore his typical look of boredom, as if he watched such goings on every day and found them tedious. Harry Potter and Ron Weasley were clapping the young man, who was named Neville Longbottom, heartily on the back in congratulations. Draco looked decidedly put out, as if he were the one she should have been kissing.
Things got out of hand as the twins requested permission to bring out something called a karaoke machine. Professor Dumbledore told them they could, so long as the man of the hour agreed. The looks on their faces when they found out that Snape was the man of the hour was priceless. It amazed her to find out that they hadn't been told. He agreed to the thing tersely, which began some of the worst bouts of singing she had ever been witness to. It was during this that she managed to overhear Draco as he complained to Harry bitterly about her.
Illiana stood nearby, looking about quietly, smiling at them when they looked her way as if she were merely smiling for something to do. They were unaware that she could understand them, so Draco was speaking freely to Potter. ' I swear to you, Potter. She came back to the flat with enough baby things to keep an infant in clothes and diapers for a bloody year!'
She had not. He was exaggerating just a touch. ' I think she's trying to trap me into marriage. I saw her in that new upscale shop in Diagon Alley, trying on what would only be worn to a wedding. I mean it, she's trying to trap me into marriage. I'll not be snared so easily! She'll find it bloody difficult to catch the Dragon in that trap!'
That explained his behavior that day. Illiana was tempted to box his ears for the asinine assumption. But to do so would be to give herself away. She nearly frowned, but stopped as she got another one of her wicked ideas. Draco had yet to see her at her prankster best. Perhaps now was the time to do so. She gave him a few more moments to rant on and on about her ploy to trick him into a marriage before she moved up to his table.
He looked up at her, surprise easy to read in his eyes. She touched his shoulder and gave him a 'come hither' look. She whispered words in his ear she knew he didn't understand. But the faint shudder that ran through his body told her it didn't matter. She crooked her finger at him, then turned and walked away. She heard his chair scrape back. He was following her as she'd hoped. Good. She would show him a trap.
The broom closet was empty, away from the main floor of the pub. She went in, followed by Draco. The door closed behind them, plunging the two of them into darkness. She heard him whipser 'Lumos' and a faint light glowed from the tip of his wand. She smiled up at him, pulling his head down to hers to kiss him soundly. He didn't seem surprised by the move, merely put his hands on her hips and dragged her forward. He wasn't yet hard, but he was rapidly getting there.
She let him put his hands where he would, the entire time her mind going over the words that he had been spewing to Potter. Not to mention the fact that they were supposed to be exclusive at the moment. She thought this rather fell out of the exclusive arrangement. She would give him something to think about. Just as he was about to make his move on her, she pulled away from him. Her arms formed a cradle, rocking back and forth while she spoke to him.
A virtual litany of Elven flowed at him. It made him hornier, but the obvious rocking motion she was making with her arms was blotting out the need he felt. He had no idea what she was talking about, but it obviously had to do with children. His mind froze on the thought as the memory of Illiana's shopping trip hit him with the force of gale winds. She had been buying baby things. He couldn't recall ever using a Contraceptus Charm. What if she..... he.... Holy SHITE!
Draco broke away in a panic, muttering some excuse under his breath as he clawed at the doorknob. He was not ready to become a father. And it was bad enough he had to worry about it on one front. But to have to worry that he could impregnate the Elf was more than he could bear. He was not going to be caught in that trap. Not one bloody bit.
Illiana had to stifle a laugh when he jerked the door open and hit himself in the forehead with it. He stopped long enough to rub the abused area, then was out the door. She made it back into the main room of the pub to see him take a mug of some brew from Madam Rosemerta, then head for the table where Potter still sat, listening to the musical murder being commited by one of the Weasley twins. Perhaps he would think a bit after this.
As they different members of the party sought the stage, she noticed Snape sitting by himself, looking very put out with the whole evening. His arms were once more crossed over his chest, his scowl fixed in place. She wandered over to where he stood, her mind once again thinking about testing him. Kendra was a rather devious woman who could cause havoc in the most unlikely of places. Like a monastery. But she was still Illiana's friend. One of the few female friends she had. She didn't think Severus would ever intentionally do things to hurt the Scots woman. Still, she felt she had to make sure.
Slipping a hand up on his shoulder, she moved around to face him. 'You look upset. Perhaps I can find some way to take the frown away?' she suggested. He looked up at her.
'You have something in mind, I take it?' he asked. She smiled and sat down. In his lap. She began to rotate her hips in a rather lewd manner. He was still a moment, then he was setting her from his lap. The look on his face told her all she needed to know, but she had to play up the part.
'You don't want me?' she asked petulantly
'No, thank you. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm terribly happy with the woman I'm wedding tomorrow,' he replied as he stood up.
'She is not here tonight,' she insisted, making her voice as husky as she could manage.
'Perhaps she isn't. And perhaps she is,' he replied, then headed for the door. The noise came to a halt as Hagri'd voice called out over it, asking the Professor where he was going. He turned to look at them all as he answered. He was returning to his dungeons to await his wedding day was the reply he gave. Then he looked at Illiana and said something that shocked her to her toes. 'And my congratulations to you, Miss von Haifisch. That is an excellent disguise. If I wasn't well versed in all the Elven tongues, I would have never known Kendra had sent a spy. I will, of course, make sure she is aware of how fine a job she did in your transformation.'
Illiana stared after him in shock after hearing that he knew who she was. She turned to look at Draco, who was staring back at her with something that could only be described as righteous indignation. Hell, he was bloody pissed. It wasn't more than thirty seconds after Snape stepped out the door that Draco's hand was curling about her arm, dragging her from the pub after stopping long enough to throw her cloak about her shoulders. She could tell by the direction he was taking her that they were headed for Kendra's cottage.
'How could you bloody do this to me? In front of those people who know me so well? They are the closest I have to friends at the moment, and I'm sure every last one of them is laughing his arse off at me right at this very moment,' he raged at her. She tried to explain to him what she had been doing there, but the fact that she still spoke fluent Elven made it impossible. She would have to wait until they got to Kendra's home to sort this out.
His tirade went on as the two of them walked. She kept quiet and plotted ways to curse Draco for being a prat. As well as Kendra, for getting her into this mess in the first place. She was practically seething by the time they were allowed into the small cottage at the end of the lane. Kendra eyed both of them curiously for all of two seconds before Illiana started in on her. 'Would you kindly tell him what I was doing there and why? I tried, but this bloody language barrier is a royal pain in my arse!'
'What is she saying? I can't understand a bloody word? She's been making a fool of me all night!' Draco spat, glaring at both women with as much anger as Kendra had seen on his face in a very long time. She sighed and moved to sit, ignoring the glares both parties were now giving her. When she was comfortable, she turned to Draco.
' Illiana was there at my request, Draco. I wanted her to go and spy for me. I was worried about what would happen when I found out Severus was attending a stag party,' she told him. He opened his mouth to make some comment about Snape and the improbability of him shagging a woman, but Illiana pinched him hard, giving him a look. She glanced at Kendra's bent head, then shook hers. The silver eyes went wide as he realized that Kendra had no idea that Snape had been attending his own bachelor party. ' I'm sorry if it caused you problems. I didn't think..... I'm sorry, Draco. This is my fault.'
'Your fault? She didn't have to engage in some of the things she did,' he retorted, glaring at Illiana now.
'Yes she did. Had she not, you all would have known that something was up. Wait a moment. How did you know that this is Illiana?' her sharp green gaze shot to the young man. Illiana didn't want to let her know that Severus knew of the spying mission, so she jumped in before Draco could blurt the truth.
' I have this hip move I make. He has very first hand knowledge of it. He caught me using it and cornered me about it. When I nodded to his question, he brought me here straight away,' she told the other woman. Kendra nodded and sighed.
'You look tired,' Draco said after studying her a moment. The anger had left his voice. He now only appeared worn out and still slightly drunk.
' It's this bloody bairn. I can't get comfortable, no matter how I sit or lay,' she told them, then punctuated her sentence with a wide yawn.
'Well, nothing happened that you need worry about. Severus was a perfect gentleman. Now, if you could turn me back, I would appreciate it. I think Draco and I should go back to his flat and speak about this,' Illiana prompted, her gaze flicking briefly to Draco. Kendra nodded, pushing herself from the chair slowly. She retrieved the book, opening it to the proper page. A few short minutes, and a bunch of Elven later, Illiana was once more in her original form.
They used Kendra's fireplace to floo back to Draco's flat. His face was impassive until they stepped out of his hearth and into the living room of his residence. ' I think you have an arse load of explaining to do!' he growled as he truned to face her. His arms were crossed over his chest, one foot tapping the floor impatiently.
Illiana sighed, wondering how she had gotten into this mess. Try to do something nice for a friend, and this was the thanks she got. It was going to be a long bloody night.....
end chapter thirteen.
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wanna catch up on all my stuff? check this link out. its got everything! The Ultimate ldf Fic Index
Fandoms: the Harry Potter Universe
Rating: no one under 18. there will be sex and dirty language and whatever else i feel like tossing in here.
Warning: as i said, sex and dirty words.
Disclaimer: i do not own Draco or Lucius or Severus or... *wibbles* what do i own? i don't own Illiana. she belongs to Madam Shark. i do own Kendra, but that isn't saying much. not in the grand scope of things. all recognizable character from Harry Potter belong to the talent Jo Rowling and, as such, she has all the money. i have none of it. meaning, i make nothing in the writting of this. no money, no fame or glory. no... damn, why am i doing this again? oh yeah. right. the lovely, nice comments people leave me. and the adulation. um, is there any of that in this? no? bugger.
Author's Notes: this is probably still rough. and i don't know for sure that it was beta-ed. it may have been. but i doubt it. i'm pretty bad about having people look over my stuff...
Murky Waters: The Index
Chapter Thirteen: Broken Spells, Shopping Hell, and Wedding Bells.
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Illiana woke up to protesting, vividly sore muscles. In fact, merely breathing seemed to hurt. She hated the fact that she was so stiff. Not that getting that way had been bad. Up to a point. The potion Draco had brewed had been far too effective. If he was going to sell it to the public, he would need to find some way to make it a little less painful for the drinker. She had literally been ready to break down and cry last night when she'd finally gotten to sleep. It was a potent potion, to be sure.
Rolling to her side to attend to the morning rituals, she made to get up. Her thighs, raw from Draco's pounding of the night before, rubbed together and brought a groan to her lips. The rampant desire she'd been plagued with the day before flared to life. As strong as it had been. She whimpered, casting a look to where Draco lay asleep. He looked peaceful and blissfully unaware of her state. She decided that she would need to take a cold shower. It would serve two purposes. Firstly, to clean her of the smell of sex and the fluids that went with it. Secondly, to hopefully ease the burning need she felt to have Draco once more between her thighs.
She managed to make it to the bathroom with out breaking down into tears, although her walk was a bit uncomfortable. The toilet seat was cold, which felt good when she sat on it. She started water running in the tub, pulling the knob that sent the clear liquid to the shower head. Nothing came out. Not even a trickle or drop. She groaned in frustration, then pushed the knob back in. The faucet once more was dumping copious amounts of water into the tub.
When the basin was filled half way, she slipped into the pool of cool fluid and sat down carefully on the bottom. The temperature of the water soothed her aching muscles. She waited to see if it would be of help with her other problem. Moments ticked by slowly, and still the desire throbbed between her thighs. She tried ignoring the feeling, but it grew. She was soon whimpering again, feeling tears prick at her eyes. She rarely ever cried, but this had gone beyond fun. It was now painful. She wanted it to go away.
Finally, when she could stand no more, she drew herself out of the tub and made her way back to the bedroom. She didn't care if she dripped water all over Draco's carpets. She forced herself back to the bed, going over to stand on the side that he lay nearest. Her hand stretched out and jabbed him in the arm, poking hard to get him awake. he mumbled something, then shifted so that he lay face down. She noticed the large bruise on his bum and wondered when she'd managed to do that. Shrugging, she poked at him with one fingertip again.
'Bloody hell! Can't a man get some sleep? What the fuck is it?' Draco snapped as he rolled and looked up. He saw Illiana standing over him, staring at him anxiously. He had to wonder why in Merlin's name she had woken him up. She had to be just as worn out and sore as he was. While he'd enjoyed last night, he certainly didn't want to repeat the performance.
'Make it stop, Draco,' she insisted. He gave her a good look then, noting she as actually crying. Now why the bloody hell would she be crying. She wasn't the one who had fucked his dick raw. ~No, she's the one who got fucked raw by your dick,~ his brain told him. He realized that his brain had a valid point. She had to be hurting as much as he was.
' Illiana, I...' he began, only to end his sentence as a strangled cry left his throat. He had just glanced down and noticed that he was apparently still being affected by Kendra's vindictive streak. His cock was harder than steel at the moment. And it bloody hurt. He growled, throwing himself from the bed. The scowl left his face, though, when he saw that Illiana was really miserable. He ran a hand through his sleep tousled hair and headed for the door.
'Draco?' she asked. He turned back to her, pausing a moment as if hesitating, then heaved a sigh and set his mouth in a grim line.
'Flibberty jibbet,' he muttered, then stalked from the room. She stared after him, wondering what he'd meant by that last statement. It hit her only a moment or two later that the painful desire had begun to subside. It made her start wondering even more about what had just happened.
~*~*~*~*~
Draco found a small, dark brown owl sitting on the bar between his living room and kitchen. The bird eyed him almost suspiciously as he stalked to where it was. It must have decided he was ok, because it stuck it's leg out toward him. There was a small square of parchment there, and he untied it with angry pulls of his fingers. He was almost dead positive he knew who it was from. He was still going to find some way to kill the bitch. She'd had no right to do this to him. Even if Snape did have his testicles for it, he would pay Kendra back.
As he had thought, the note scribbled on the parchment was in Kendra's writing. It was short and to the point. He was certain he could see her gloating in the words that she had put on the page.
'Draco,
Do not think I don't know you well enough to think you would just rush out and tell Illiana about the Castimonia Spell. I am quite certain you wished to take as much advantage of it as you could. I'm sure that by now, you've realized that I've cast one on you. I would have to think that it has been most difficult to get any sleep with a continuously erect prick. It will stay in that position until you verbally tell Illiana what you did.
I hope you know you have no choice in the matter.
Much Mischief,
K'
He snarled, sending the owl into a fit of fluttering wings as the bird swooped around his living room in fright. Draco immediately regretted startling the owl, as it was presently letting go with copious amounts of bird shit all over his leather couch. He swore under his breath, then pointed to the fireplace. The bird had obviously come through there, so that was how he would send it out. He'd be damned if he'd help her animal out in the smallest way. Petty as it was, he would not open a window for the foul creature.
The little owl sent him a look that Draco swore was full of enmity, then shot back into the fireplace and disappeared. The door opened, and he realized that he still held the note from Kendra. If Illiana saw it, Snape would have to get in line for his testicles. He was certain she'd take them off. Then she'd be after Kendra. Gods, he was in so much trouble if she saw the note.
He made his way into the kitchen, crumbling the small scrap of parchment up into a ball as he made a fist around it. He went into the cupboards where he kept supplies of all kinds, using both hands to sift through the vials and jars there. He also conveniently left the parchment ball in the back of the cupboard, where it wouldn't readily be seen. His hand closed around a jar that was cold to the touch, even though it sat in room temperature.
Sighing, he took the jar from the cupboard and brought it with him out into the living room. Illiana was staring in confusion at the piles of bird droppings on his leather sofa. When she heard him behind her, she turned to face him. Her expression was unreadable. Her hand gestured to the white splotches on his couch. 'What happened?'
' I frightened an owl,' he told her, setting the jar down on the bar.
'Seems a bit of an understatement. What was an owl doing in your living room?' she asked him, her tone stating she found it hard to believe, even with the evidence spread so enthusiastically about the room.
' It came with a note,' he glared at the mess the damn animal had made of his expensive furniture and carpeting. Bloody thing had probably been told to do that.
'From who?' she questioned, giving him the distinct impression that she was looking for more information than he was giving her.
'My mother. She wanted to know why my father seemed a bit reluctant to engage in bedroom activities these past few days,' he improvised, hoping he could manage just the right amount of lack of concern to be convincing. He must have, because he noticed Illiana's cheeks pinken ever so slightly at the inference made to her ill fated meeting with the elder Malfoy.
' Ah,' she said in a manner that told him he was supposed to understand everything that hadn't been said out loud that the single sound pertained to. He shook his head, turning his attention to the jar on the counter. A wicked grin curved his lips. She watched him, her gaze following his to the glass container on the bar top. It held a thick, viscous substance. It was a very pale orange color. 'What's that for?' she asked him.
' It's going to help ease the discomfort.Why don't you go lay down while I clean up this bloody mess. I'll be there in a few ticks,' he suggested lightly. She nodded, her gaze going to his still stiff erection before she headed back into his bedroom. He found a spare wand in one of the kitchen drawers, then cast a cleansing charm to clear up the mess the bloody owl had made.
Illiana was reclined on the bed when he stepped back in, the jar in one hand. She looked much more at ease, now that he'd disabled the spell. Not that it had done him much good. He was still harder than he could ever remember being. It was so not fair. He sat on the end of the bed, idly unscrewing the cap off the jar. She watched as he dipped his fingers into the orange contents, bringing them out with a good sized dollop of the stuff on them.
Slowly, her gaze never leaving the movements of his hand, he worked the thick ungent along the length of his cock. Several strokes saw it worked in. He gave a sigh, then reached for more. He smeared the second helping on, leaving it on the surface. When she brought her questioning eyes to his, he smiled. ' It's a Healing Balm. Once applied, it will help with the sore, raw feeling that you are no doubt experiencing.'
'Let me have it then,' she held her hand out for the jar. He smiled, then stood up and moved toward her. She saw the look in his eyes, the hunger he felt for her. It brought her own smile to her face in answer to his. She lay back, allowing him to settle himself between her thighs. He pushed into her slowly, moisture from her earlier spell induced desire making it easy to bury himself inside of her.
She moaned loudly as the long forward stroke rubbed the Healing Balm into her abused muscles. It was cold, but the pain literally melted away at it's touch.The moan was followed by a long sigh. He shifted, readying himself for a second thrust. She caught his eyes with hers. The look he found there arrested his movements. 'Would you care to tell me about the "Passion Potion" you gave me? Wait a minute. That was a spell, wasn't it? How ever did you manage that?'
Draco went still, staring down into eyes that had gone dark with anger. He heaved a sigh and moved off of her, withdrawing from the warm, wet haven of her body. He was still painfully hard, and it brought the contents of Kendra's note back to him. If he wanted to get rid of this erection, there would only be one way. By coming..... clean.
'Yes, it was a spell. It's rather arcane, and it took digging through several volumes to find it,' he informed her. She glared at him, then made a fist and thumped it against his chest. It was hard enough to make him gasp as the air in his lungs went out in a rush.
'Why would you do that to me? And who did you get the spell from? I doubt you could manage something of this complexity and skill. Not that I think you're stupid..... but a spell of this magnitude is out of your level of capability,' she replied evenly, holding tightly to her anger.
' I am not a typical blonde, thank you very bloody much!' he scowled, his sudden burst of anger driving him out of the bed. He stalked the length of the room, then turned back to her. His eyes were stormy with his feelings. The fact that she thought him too stupid to manage something of this.... caliber, royally hacked him off. He wasn't too stupid. Just too lazy. He was a Malfoy, used to having things handed to him.
Then there was the sudden wave of overwhelming guilt that assaulted him. He shouldn't feel it, but he did. And he was having a hard time coming up with a reason why. He didn't think he'd truly done anything so terribly wrong that it required tremendous amounts of guilt to beat at him with little prickling stabs. He knew he had done it for good reasons.
' I found the spell on my own, if you really must know.' There was *no* way he intended to mention Kendra in conjunction with this. He wasn't certain Hogsmeade would survive the fall out. And then he'd be at the mercy of whoever survived. Not to mention Snape.
'Mmmmm,' she made a noncomittal sound, propping herself up against the head board as she did so. He glared at her, the arrogance he had first used with her coming to the surface. She knew it was an intregal part of who he was, but it was rather upsetting to see it make another appearance after getting to know and see the real Draco Malfoy. That part of him he hid underneath the overbearing and condescending attitude. 'So you found this rather arcane spell and hexed me with it all by yourself?'
'Yes,' he nodded curtly. He could tell by the way she raised her eyeborw that she didn't believe him. He clenched his jaw so tightly, he was certain she heard his teeth grind in his frustration.
'Why?' she asked simply. He knew she wouldn't give up until he gave her and answer.
'Because....' he began, only to trail off as he realized he didn't actually have a clear answer to give. He had felt threatened by so many things. Her apparent interest in not only Viktor Krum, but the bloody Weasley twins, as well. It had not set well with his ego to see her so happily going to visit other men when she was supposed to be lusting after him. It was, in fact, damned irritating.
Then there had been the fact that he wanted her to know who she belonged to. Not in the sense of a proper possession, but as long as she stayed with him, she was his. His father could bloody well sod off. He had deluded himself into thinking that some part of it was for her protection, as the spell only responded to the person who cast it. He'd made sure of that before Kendra had even given it to him.
He hadn't meant to make her suffer in any way. Not really. He only wished to show her that he was the one still in control. He had wanted to keep the overwhelming feeling of helplessness at bay when it had struck him that he seemed to be developing some sort of feelings for her. He wasn't sure what they were, but it had been frightening to discover that he liked having her around. As well as to suddenly find that anyone who even smiled at her was suddenly trying to take her from him. He didn't understand the rather strange reactions he was having to her presence in her life.
He desired her, yes. Wanted her to, for the duration of their time together, view him as the one thing she needed most in her life. He was still, after all this time, used to being the center of attention. Her unwillingness to play the game properly vexed him to within an inch of his ability to control himself in a manner befitting a member of the Malfoy Family.
Still not able to give her an answer that would explain his actions, he narrowed his gaze, then growled his reply at her. 'Because I bloody well could!' he snapped. He felt the sudden rush of desire flood his erection, knowing that the spell had been released. It appeared the annoying Gryffindor had been true to her word. With one last heated glance at Illiana, he turned from her and stalked toward the bathroom.
'Where are you going?' she demanded.
'To bloody wank off in private!' he snapped, then stepped into the room, slamming the door with a good deal of force behind him. It left her staring at the closed panel, wondering what had just upset him so.
His answer had been a complete lie. She had known by the play of emotions over his face that there were others. She also knew that he probably wouldn't admit them, or didn't know what it all meant. And she was also certain that, no matter what he proclaimed, he had not found such a spell on his own. It was too intrictate and precise. Too complicated. And so far as she knew, he was acquainted with only two people who might be able to manage such a thing. She frowned as she decided she knew who it was.
~*~*~*~*~
They didn't speak much of the event after that. Once he had stepped out of the bathroom, she had taken a shower to clean herself of all the sweat and sex, then dressed and proclaimed that she had some business to attend to. Which she did. While he'd been tugging his erection in the loo, she'd gone in search of something to drink and discovered an owl awaiting someone in the other room. It was a dark bird, nearly black in color. She thought she might know who it was from. The note attached to it's leg cofirmed her suspicions. In terribly neat, precise script, Professor Snape had written out that he wished to meet with her to discuss some things.
So she had gone to Hogsmeade by way of the floo system, then walked up to Hogwarts from The Three Broomsticks. Snape had been awaiting her outside the school, and the two of them had gone for a walk before he'd gotten to the heart of the matter. He'd explained what had been happening in his visits to her family's home, saying that the preparations for the wedding were nearly complete. A day had been set, and the ceremony would be taking place in the Great Hall under Dumbledore's capable supervision. He only needed to get Kendra something to wear without raising her suspicions. That would be Illiana's job. He's handed her a small pouch with enough Galleons in it to buy out half of Diagon Alley, suggested a shop he knew of with the appropriate clothing, then told her not to raise the red head's suspicions, no matter what.
It wasn't more than four days later that she found herself on Kendra's door step, looking the girl over with well hidden mirth. The picture the girl made, dressed as she was in men's clothing, was funny. Illiana couldn't quite keep the smile off her face. 'Come in. What brings you to my humble home on such a cold day?' Kendra asked as she stepped aside to let a smirking Illiana in.
' I've come to take you shopping,' was her reply. She felt her smile go wider. Kendra shook her head emphatically.
'Oh no. I'm not going anywhere.'
'Why not?'
' I'm as big as a house, that's why,' she made a motion to her distended belly. Illiana fought down the urge to laugh. She merely shook her head at the other woman.
'Nonsense. You may like to go change into something a little more suited to the day's activities,' Illiana instructed. Kendra argued with her, but lost in the end. The Scots woman glared at her for a time before stomping off to her room to change her clothing. They flooed from her cottage to Diagon Alley, where they headed for the shop Snape had mentioned to her.
'How ever did Draco's potion go?' she heard Kendra ask as the two of them glanced into the front window of Quality Quidditch Supplies. She looked over the the other girl and scowled.
'He told you he got it from me?' she asked.
'No. He claimed he found it on his own. I think he was trying to protect you from me. I should by rights be angry with you, but I find I'm not. It's taken some time to cool down over it, though. I think I know why he did it, and it's rather amusing to think that he is so unsure of himself. Just tell me one thing. Why did you give it to him in the first place?'
'He made a rather good argument about his father. I felt I had to, as he said he intended to use it to keep Lucius from actually taking you.....' her voice trailed off as she thought about it. The look on her face spoke volumes to Illiana.
'You experienced the man first hand. I'm sorry he was such a prat to you,' she returned, now finding some more of the puzzle put into place. Kendra shrugged her shoulders and returned her gaze to the new Nimbus proudly displayed in the window. Illiana sensed her unease and knew she didn't wish to discuss the topic any further. She started forward, trusting that the red head would follow her.
The Sales Witch began hovering the moment they entered the shop, making Kendra grit her teeth in frustration. Illiana could only see the humor, but held into her chuckles as she searched the racks. She finally found the perfect gown, pulling them from the rack and ordering Kendra to go try them on. The stubborn woman finally gave in, but found a way to have Illiana join in her torture. The vindictive red head lifted a gown from the rack and told Illiana that she would try on her gown, but only if the silver haired woman would try on the one she held.
She conceded, then headed to the changing stalls with the other girl. It amazed her to see how the outfit resembled the colors of Slytherin House almost perfectly. A pale, silvery green dress with a straight skirt and tight bodice was matched with a darker set of robes of a very plain design. The garments were simple in design. They looked elegant when worn. Illiana was stunned to see how well Kendra had picked when, from what she'd seen, the girl had no fashion sense.
~*~*~*~*~
Draco was still wondering what on earth had possessed him to go into Eeylop's Owl Emporium and purchase the small owl for Illiana. It would be a Christmas gift for her, and would be staying at Potter's place until he could give it to her. He never bought gifts for women. At least, never ones that couldn't be used to further his own pleasure. This was an owl, for Merlin's sake. He would never consider that a pleasure inducing gift. He had to be mad, and yet... Here he was, toting the animal to Potter's home as if he did this sort of thing all the bloody time.
He passed one of the newer shops, one dedicated to selling dress wear to the wizarding world, and glanced in as he passed. He stopped short, making a choking sound as he saw the silver head of Illiana standing near the mirrors. She was wearing a gown in a pale, silver green that just smacked of Slytherin colors. And he was certain that it wasn't a gown one would wear everyday. That kind of dress spoke of formal occasions. Like weddings. Damn, damn, and shite!
There was no bloody way in hell he would be caught in that trap. She had another thing coming if she thought she could even manage it. He stalked off, his mind still reeling, before he could see the red head step out of the change rooms. Kendra MacLeod, had he stayed to see her face, looked completely pissed off. He would have seen that she looked as he felt.....
~*~*~*~*~
When Illiana returned to the flat, she carried several bags of purchases. Draco was scowling at her with some emotion in his eyes. She hadn't seen it before, so she couldn't immediately name it. But something had him upset. A glass of amber liquid sat before him, several ice cubes melting into it slowly. 'What happened?' she asked him, moving to the chair where he had taken her with much glee. She set the bags down, pulling purchases from one. He was in midsip when she started pulling out things for a baby. Several packages of diapers, some tiny socks, and several little outfits. What the bloody hell was she thinking?
'What ever makes you think anything has happened?' he questioned lightly. He barely managed to keep the sneer from his lips and words. She stared a moment or two, then shurgged and went back to unloading her purchases. There were more items for a baby. Blankets and booties. Diapers and wipes. Clothing and toys. Another bag held a white box. He stared agog as she lifted the top off it, taking out a beautiful gown in a color some where between silver and blue. Not what she'd been wearing earlier, but not a good sign.
'You have this look. Tell me. Is something troubling you?' she stared hard at him. His brain froze on the dress she held in her hands, conjuring to his mind an image of the two of them standing together before some alter while a decrepit wizard droned on about loving, honoring, and cherishing one another until death did they part. Several small, blonde headed children played and squalled at their feet.
'There's no fucking way!' he blurted, standing up off the couch. He had a wild look in his eyes. Illiana didn't know what had brought this erratic behavior about. She didn't even think he knew entirely what it was.'You'll not trap me so easily!' he shouted, then headed for the stairs. She could hear him pounding his way down them in pure anger.
'What the bloody hell is wrong with him?' she wondered out loud, hoping that Kendra would like the gifts for the baby. She completely put Draco's irrational behavior out of her mind. She had other plans to make. Severus had asked her to keep his betrothed company for one night, while his future father in law put him through the hell of a bachelor party.
~*~*~*~*~
The message from Kendra sounded urgent, so Illiana decided she'd best go see what had the other woman filled with angst this time. It was hard for her to sit by and see how the Potions Master's constant absence was wearing down the red head's confidence. She heard daily from the girl about how she thought that he didn't want her anymore. How she was too fat. It was amazing to Illiana to see the devious minded woman riddled with so many self conscious thoughts. She hoped this wasn't another one of her tirades about his lack of interest. She would be sorely put upon to not spill the secrets she knew.
She flooed to The Three Broomsticks, then walked through the village to the small cottage at the end of the lane. When Kendra let her in, it was to find the girl sobbing in near hysterics. Now what could bloody be wrong? 'Kendra?'
' I dinna ken what I'm tae do!' the other woman wailed, a fresh round of tears slipping down her already damp face.
'About what?' she put her arm around the girl, offering her comfort while hoping that the crying wouldn't get any worse. She could barely understand Kendra, her brogue was so bad. She must be truly upset to sound this way.
'Severus is going tae a party this Saturday. One where there'll be naked wenches aplenty! Including an Elven stripper!'
'An Elven stripper? Are you certain?' Illiana asked. She nearly laughed at the statement, then wondered how Kendra had found out about the bachelor party. Her understanding was that they had done their best to hide it from her, Severus and her father even going so far as to act like they completely despised one another when in each other's presence.
The girl nodded, then proceeded to say some things that Illiana found hard to believe involving how handsome Severus was and his appeal with other women. She wisely held back the laughter that threatened to bubble up, though. Instead, she listened to Kendra go on about spying on her future husband. The next thing she knew, Kendra had her talked into going to the party in place of the hired entertainment, disguised by a spell as an Elf. She would have said no, but the look in the other girl's eyes had the denial slinking away, replaced by a yes that had the red head smiling at her in pure gratitude. It looked as if she would be going to a bachelor party.
So it was that Illiana found herself lying in wait with Kendra for the appearance of the Elven dancer that was supposed to provide the entertainment for the evening's festivities. Elemmire Lossehelin listened to Kendra as she explained why they wanted her to not go in patient silence, her pure gold gaze moving from one woman to the next. When the story had been concluded, Elemmire smiled at the red head and spoke to her in Elven for a long time. Illiana didn't understand a word of it, but she understood the smile that lit Kendra's face when the conversation was complete.It appeared the Elf would do as asked and let them have their way.
Once they had the entertainment out of the way, they returned to the cottage, where Kendra set about casting a spell from a rather old book, all in Elven, that she had in her personal library. When it was completed, Kendra urged her to go look at herself in the bathroom mirror. Illiana was shocked by what she saw. Her skin was a dusty golden color, though still pale. Eyes the color of freshly spilled blood stared back at her in wide eyed wonder. She could see the points of her ears through a fall of long, thick hair that was the exact color of gold. Her lips were full and pouty, looking as if they had been painted with a sweet wine. She was amazed at her transformation.
' I don't believe it!' she gasped when she stepped back into the living room. The sound of her voice, now low and husky in a terribly sexy way that made her shiver. Her words were spoken in Elven. She was completely shocked. ' I look.....'
'Like an Elf,' Kendra replied, her own use of the Elven language impressive. Kendra began rattling off last minute instructions in English, leaving Illiana to wonder how she understood both but only spoke one. She was told to spy and find out what Severus was up to, but not to let things go overboard. And she was told the spell would last until she came to Kendra to have the counter spell cast to return her to her normal self.
A quck charm saw to it that she was clad in something exotic enough looking to be Elven. The rusty brown color of the garments accentuated the gold of her skin and hair. She still couldn't believe Kendra had managed such a thing as this with only a spell. Kendra handed her a cloak, then ushered her out the door without further instruction.
~*~*~*~*~
The Three Broomsticks was already filled with party goers when she entered. She sought out Professor Dumbledore, making her apologies for being tardy, and making an excuse as to why she wasn't the scheduled entertainment. The Headmaster nodded and smiled. He seemed to take the news surprisingly well, though she did notice a strange twinkle in his cornflower blue eyes. When she turned to look at Severus, she noticed he was looking at her in much the same way. Almost as if they were suspicious. It startled her to no end when Severus spoke to her in flawless Elven. She hoped that this plan wasn't shot down already.
Once the introductions were over, the party began. She started out with a dance, nervous about it. She had never been one for dancing. She'd always been more of a tom boy. But the spell apparently covered all apsects, as she began a sinuous movement that could only be called graceful. All eyes in the house were practically riveted to her as she twisted and turned in time to the music.
She would have continued on with the dancing, as she found she rather enjoyed it. She knew her ability to dance in so sensual a manner was resulting from the spell, but it felt good to be able to move in so fine a way. It was similar to being on her broom, playing Quidditch. The game was much like a dance, with a series of seamless moves twining one into the other to form one complete routine. She felt alive now, as she did on her broom. And she would have been happy to continue, but a minor scuffle set an end to it.
Draco pushed another young man at her, saying something about the unknown male finally becoming a man. Said man immediately passed out, bringing on a respite in the entertainment. She managed to find a glass of water to cool herself down after such a rousing performance. As she was standing there, sipping her drink, she watched Snape as he was confronted by seven men who looked vaguely familiar. When a huge red head stepped up behind them, Illiana realized that she was looking as Kendra's family.
She tried to move closer, but found her arm seized in the grasp of one Draco Malfoy. Another young man, a red head that she recognized as the Weasley twin's younger brother Ron, took hold of the other arm. They both tugged, arguing with one another about who she would rather go home with. It was getting rather heated, and since she couldn't tell them to sod off, she was rather stuck in a tight spot. She couldn't actually do anything physical to dissuade them. It might let Draco know who she was. Her saviour came from an unlikley corner.
'Gentlemen, what seems to be the problem here?' came Snape's silky voice. The tugging quit as each one of them said that she wanted to go home with them. When he asked her, in his so perfect Elven, if she had a choice, she immediately assured him no. She was terribly grateful to see him come to her rescue. After a brief exchange and a menacing look, Snape had the two of them letting go of her.
After they had wandered off, he inquired after her well being. She thanked him, then nearly burst out laughing as a wicked idea came to her. Kendra was so bloody worried about him being faithful. She intended to find out if the other woman had reason to worry. Giving him a tenative smile, she asked him a question, anxious to hear his reply. ' I appreciate your help. Is there something I can do to repay you?'
He stared at her a moment or two, as if he didn't know what she was asking him. Then he smiled and made a motion to the young man who had passed out. When he suggested that she kiss the indicated person, she was so shocked for a moment, she could do nothing but stare. He wanted her to kiss a person she'd never before met. In front of everyone. She thought it over for several moments before nodding at him faintly.
She could feel his eyes on her when she moved toward the young man, listening to Snape's voice when he explained that she had a gift for him. She stared at the young man's face for a few moments before screwing up her courage and putting her hands on his cheeks. The moment her lips touched his, she lost rational thought. It was quite some time later that she pulled herself away from him. She was sure the look on her face matched the look on his.
Her gaze went around the room, landing on Snape first. He wore his typical look of boredom, as if he watched such goings on every day and found them tedious. Harry Potter and Ron Weasley were clapping the young man, who was named Neville Longbottom, heartily on the back in congratulations. Draco looked decidedly put out, as if he were the one she should have been kissing.
Things got out of hand as the twins requested permission to bring out something called a karaoke machine. Professor Dumbledore told them they could, so long as the man of the hour agreed. The looks on their faces when they found out that Snape was the man of the hour was priceless. It amazed her to find out that they hadn't been told. He agreed to the thing tersely, which began some of the worst bouts of singing she had ever been witness to. It was during this that she managed to overhear Draco as he complained to Harry bitterly about her.
Illiana stood nearby, looking about quietly, smiling at them when they looked her way as if she were merely smiling for something to do. They were unaware that she could understand them, so Draco was speaking freely to Potter. ' I swear to you, Potter. She came back to the flat with enough baby things to keep an infant in clothes and diapers for a bloody year!'
She had not. He was exaggerating just a touch. ' I think she's trying to trap me into marriage. I saw her in that new upscale shop in Diagon Alley, trying on what would only be worn to a wedding. I mean it, she's trying to trap me into marriage. I'll not be snared so easily! She'll find it bloody difficult to catch the Dragon in that trap!'
That explained his behavior that day. Illiana was tempted to box his ears for the asinine assumption. But to do so would be to give herself away. She nearly frowned, but stopped as she got another one of her wicked ideas. Draco had yet to see her at her prankster best. Perhaps now was the time to do so. She gave him a few more moments to rant on and on about her ploy to trick him into a marriage before she moved up to his table.
He looked up at her, surprise easy to read in his eyes. She touched his shoulder and gave him a 'come hither' look. She whispered words in his ear she knew he didn't understand. But the faint shudder that ran through his body told her it didn't matter. She crooked her finger at him, then turned and walked away. She heard his chair scrape back. He was following her as she'd hoped. Good. She would show him a trap.
The broom closet was empty, away from the main floor of the pub. She went in, followed by Draco. The door closed behind them, plunging the two of them into darkness. She heard him whipser 'Lumos' and a faint light glowed from the tip of his wand. She smiled up at him, pulling his head down to hers to kiss him soundly. He didn't seem surprised by the move, merely put his hands on her hips and dragged her forward. He wasn't yet hard, but he was rapidly getting there.
She let him put his hands where he would, the entire time her mind going over the words that he had been spewing to Potter. Not to mention the fact that they were supposed to be exclusive at the moment. She thought this rather fell out of the exclusive arrangement. She would give him something to think about. Just as he was about to make his move on her, she pulled away from him. Her arms formed a cradle, rocking back and forth while she spoke to him.
A virtual litany of Elven flowed at him. It made him hornier, but the obvious rocking motion she was making with her arms was blotting out the need he felt. He had no idea what she was talking about, but it obviously had to do with children. His mind froze on the thought as the memory of Illiana's shopping trip hit him with the force of gale winds. She had been buying baby things. He couldn't recall ever using a Contraceptus Charm. What if she..... he.... Holy SHITE!
Draco broke away in a panic, muttering some excuse under his breath as he clawed at the doorknob. He was not ready to become a father. And it was bad enough he had to worry about it on one front. But to have to worry that he could impregnate the Elf was more than he could bear. He was not going to be caught in that trap. Not one bloody bit.
Illiana had to stifle a laugh when he jerked the door open and hit himself in the forehead with it. He stopped long enough to rub the abused area, then was out the door. She made it back into the main room of the pub to see him take a mug of some brew from Madam Rosemerta, then head for the table where Potter still sat, listening to the musical murder being commited by one of the Weasley twins. Perhaps he would think a bit after this.
As they different members of the party sought the stage, she noticed Snape sitting by himself, looking very put out with the whole evening. His arms were once more crossed over his chest, his scowl fixed in place. She wandered over to where he stood, her mind once again thinking about testing him. Kendra was a rather devious woman who could cause havoc in the most unlikely of places. Like a monastery. But she was still Illiana's friend. One of the few female friends she had. She didn't think Severus would ever intentionally do things to hurt the Scots woman. Still, she felt she had to make sure.
Slipping a hand up on his shoulder, she moved around to face him. 'You look upset. Perhaps I can find some way to take the frown away?' she suggested. He looked up at her.
'You have something in mind, I take it?' he asked. She smiled and sat down. In his lap. She began to rotate her hips in a rather lewd manner. He was still a moment, then he was setting her from his lap. The look on his face told her all she needed to know, but she had to play up the part.
'You don't want me?' she asked petulantly
'No, thank you. I'm sorry to disappoint you, but I'm terribly happy with the woman I'm wedding tomorrow,' he replied as he stood up.
'She is not here tonight,' she insisted, making her voice as husky as she could manage.
'Perhaps she isn't. And perhaps she is,' he replied, then headed for the door. The noise came to a halt as Hagri'd voice called out over it, asking the Professor where he was going. He turned to look at them all as he answered. He was returning to his dungeons to await his wedding day was the reply he gave. Then he looked at Illiana and said something that shocked her to her toes. 'And my congratulations to you, Miss von Haifisch. That is an excellent disguise. If I wasn't well versed in all the Elven tongues, I would have never known Kendra had sent a spy. I will, of course, make sure she is aware of how fine a job she did in your transformation.'
Illiana stared after him in shock after hearing that he knew who she was. She turned to look at Draco, who was staring back at her with something that could only be described as righteous indignation. Hell, he was bloody pissed. It wasn't more than thirty seconds after Snape stepped out the door that Draco's hand was curling about her arm, dragging her from the pub after stopping long enough to throw her cloak about her shoulders. She could tell by the direction he was taking her that they were headed for Kendra's cottage.
'How could you bloody do this to me? In front of those people who know me so well? They are the closest I have to friends at the moment, and I'm sure every last one of them is laughing his arse off at me right at this very moment,' he raged at her. She tried to explain to him what she had been doing there, but the fact that she still spoke fluent Elven made it impossible. She would have to wait until they got to Kendra's home to sort this out.
His tirade went on as the two of them walked. She kept quiet and plotted ways to curse Draco for being a prat. As well as Kendra, for getting her into this mess in the first place. She was practically seething by the time they were allowed into the small cottage at the end of the lane. Kendra eyed both of them curiously for all of two seconds before Illiana started in on her. 'Would you kindly tell him what I was doing there and why? I tried, but this bloody language barrier is a royal pain in my arse!'
'What is she saying? I can't understand a bloody word? She's been making a fool of me all night!' Draco spat, glaring at both women with as much anger as Kendra had seen on his face in a very long time. She sighed and moved to sit, ignoring the glares both parties were now giving her. When she was comfortable, she turned to Draco.
' Illiana was there at my request, Draco. I wanted her to go and spy for me. I was worried about what would happen when I found out Severus was attending a stag party,' she told him. He opened his mouth to make some comment about Snape and the improbability of him shagging a woman, but Illiana pinched him hard, giving him a look. She glanced at Kendra's bent head, then shook hers. The silver eyes went wide as he realized that Kendra had no idea that Snape had been attending his own bachelor party. ' I'm sorry if it caused you problems. I didn't think..... I'm sorry, Draco. This is my fault.'
'Your fault? She didn't have to engage in some of the things she did,' he retorted, glaring at Illiana now.
'Yes she did. Had she not, you all would have known that something was up. Wait a moment. How did you know that this is Illiana?' her sharp green gaze shot to the young man. Illiana didn't want to let her know that Severus knew of the spying mission, so she jumped in before Draco could blurt the truth.
' I have this hip move I make. He has very first hand knowledge of it. He caught me using it and cornered me about it. When I nodded to his question, he brought me here straight away,' she told the other woman. Kendra nodded and sighed.
'You look tired,' Draco said after studying her a moment. The anger had left his voice. He now only appeared worn out and still slightly drunk.
' It's this bloody bairn. I can't get comfortable, no matter how I sit or lay,' she told them, then punctuated her sentence with a wide yawn.
'Well, nothing happened that you need worry about. Severus was a perfect gentleman. Now, if you could turn me back, I would appreciate it. I think Draco and I should go back to his flat and speak about this,' Illiana prompted, her gaze flicking briefly to Draco. Kendra nodded, pushing herself from the chair slowly. She retrieved the book, opening it to the proper page. A few short minutes, and a bunch of Elven later, Illiana was once more in her original form.
They used Kendra's fireplace to floo back to Draco's flat. His face was impassive until they stepped out of his hearth and into the living room of his residence. ' I think you have an arse load of explaining to do!' he growled as he truned to face her. His arms were crossed over his chest, one foot tapping the floor impatiently.
Illiana sighed, wondering how she had gotten into this mess. Try to do something nice for a friend, and this was the thanks she got. It was going to be a long bloody night.....
end chapter thirteen.
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