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Master Mine Book 2: A Lesson in Love	By : snowblind12 & Lissa Category: Harry Potter > Het - Male/Female Views: 16041 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: Anything you recognize, we do not own and are not making any money off it. We are no way affiliate with the Harry Potter Franchise, J.K. Rowling, or Universal Studios.

Chapter List
- 12
- 13
- 14
AN: Fun fact. Chapter's 10-13 were originally planned as ONE chapter. We wound up breaking it into four because it got...soooooo….long. How long? 27,379 works long. Whew!

Anyway... this one is about 24 hours early…ENJOY! <3 <3 So much love for you all! xxx Lissa & Snow
Chapter Thirteen
Beta Love: Raynephoenix2 & Sab81790
“She’s amazing,” Severus said quietly before looking at his friend.
“That she is, Snape. She’s an excellent match for you.”
Severus looked at Lucius with searching eyes. “This was kind of perfect tonight, don’t you think?”
Lucius stared at his friend. It was. It had been. Perfect. Beyond perfect, even. It was a hard thing to have and to lose.
“It was, Severus. It was a night I will never forget.”
Severus smirked. “Well, we are here at least through brunch tomorrow, friend. And her submission continues. There is no reason tomorrow can’t be just as memorable. Also, if Hermione enjoyed it as much as I think she did, there will be plenty more opportunities for the three of us to scene in the future as well.”
“I like the sound of that,” Lucius responded as he tapped his friend’s glass with his own.
After a few minutes and finished drinks, Lucius set down his tumbler. “I should retire,” he said formally, pushing himself to stand.
“Stay Lucius,” Severus answered quietly. “Merlin knows she won’t mind, and the bed is plenty large enough. Besides, if you’re here in the morning, we can continue where we left off tonight.”
Lucius paused in surprise before turning eyes on the other man. Severus had also stood and was shrugging off his robe as he made his way to the left side of the bed. Part of Lucius felt that he should leave, this was not his witch. He was not with them. It wasn’t an odd suggestion, it wasn’t like the two of them hadn’t slept through the night with Narcissa after love making. Hell, marathon sessions with Natalia always ended up wit them passed out cold from sheer exhaustion. And Snape was right – it did leave the door open for immediate play come morning.
Without saying a word, he removed his robe and moved to the right side of the bed. He watched as Hermione rolled towards Severus in her sleep. Watched as his friend smiled softly down at the witch as her wild locks encroached on his pillow and into his breathing space. Watched as Severus snorted lightly before using his wand to gently contain Hermione’s hair in a loose ponytail before settling on his back and encouraging her to snuggle her face into his chest.
“Can I speak, Master?” she whispered.
“Yes, pet.”
“Is Lucius still here?” Hermione murmured never opening her eyes.
“He is,” Severus answered her quietly.
“Staying?”
“Yes, Doll,” Lucius answered as he crawled into bed on the other side of her. Blindly, she reached for him, beckoning him closer.
When he reached her side, she took his hand and pulled his arm over her waist. Lucius raised his eyebrow at a bemused looking Severus as the little witch dropped back into immediate sleep while Lucius settled behind her.
The two men followed quickly thereafter, all in the center of the mattress.
Hermione felt warm, almost a little too warm but, at the same time, she felt as though she were encased in the most protective cocoon of all time. She let her eyes flutter open. The darkness of the room was a bit disorienting and it took her a moment to remember where she was. Sensations were pooling into her psyche, and her body ignited at the flashes of intense heat and pleasure from the previous night.
It had been surreal. Epic. Her first threesome with two men…and these two men…oh, they meant the world to her. It had been…perfect. Absolutely perfect. Groggily, she found herself settled against her master’s chest, her arm around his waist. Behind her was Lucius, the cradle of his thighs seamlessly spooning her bum.
Not fully awake, she raised her lips to press against Severus’ jaw. A long breath was drawn in through his nose as he woke and turned his face immediately to take in her expression.
“Good morning, Master,” she whispered, smiling sleepily.
“Good morning, pet.” Severus gave her a half smirk before reaching to tilt her chin up and pressing his lips to hers. She sighed into the claiming, her fingers curling into the hair on his chest as arousal exploded in her belly. Behind her, she vaguely felt Lucius’ length hardening against her bum and knew he was awake as well. She groaned into the kiss as her heart rate started accelerating. Liquid heat pooled between her thighs.
When Severus released her lips, she looked up at him with heavy-lidded eyes. Then, she turned her head over her shoulder to find her blond lover watching her with a hungry expression. Without thought, without asking permission, she leaned into him, pressing her palm to his smooth chest and her lips to his with a soft mewl.
Lucius could not help himself, he immediately sunk one hand into her messy curls and responded to her sweet ‘good morning’ buss. It wasn’t until his mind fully registered that it was his best friend’s significant other kissing him so sweetly, that an uncomfortable feeling settled in his chest. It was an awfully intimate and familiar gesture. He didn’t want to cross any lines.
Kissing Hermione had always been wonderful. Forget that, kissing Hermione felt like coming home after months away, but she was no longer his. Instantly, he shielded his emotions and pulled his Dominant mask from the sleepily content recesses of his mind.
Snagging the wrist of her hand that had crept into his hair, Lucius pulled her fingers away from his person and gently, but firmly, pushed her arms above her head. He looked to Severus to see a slight mien of jealousy being replaced with a look of relief as the feel of lazy lovemaking shifted into the Dominance and submission that was more appropriate for the trio in this moment.
The only thing that gave him pause was the look of confusion and flash of hurt in Hermione’s eyes. He understood, and nothing would have made him happier than slow and languorous Sunday morning sex, but it was not to be. He flipped her and Severus helped slide her knees under her so she was bent over and then tied her wrists tied to the head board. “I think it might be time to play with our kitten, Lucius,” Snape hissed with a tone of mixed of playfulness and reprimand. An open palm cracked down on her arse while Lucius pushed himself from the edge of the bed.
“Shall I ready the crate, Master Snape?” he asked, raising an eyebrow as he glanced back over his shoulder as the spanking continued.
“That sounds acceptable. Kitten never did drink her milk last night, she’ll need her dish.”
Hermione yelped and winced as Severus rained a few more hard swats down on her upturned bum. She found herself fully awake and completely annoyed. The slaps startled her out of her relaxed mental state harshly, and were not arousing her as they usually did. Not only this, but puppy and kitty play were not something she was interested in. She was positive both men knew this.
Struggling for a breath, she tried to talk herself into giving up control of the situation. That was her role; it was what she had agreed to, and she really did love giving up power in the bedroom. However, what was happening did not feel right, though she was unable to put her finger on what was wrong.
Perhaps it was just too much all at once? It had gone from lazy to heated. Lucius had gone from warm to cool. Snape had gone from pleased to sarcastic disappointment. She had felt snuggled and safe and now she was being punished with a blistering hand on her arse and forced into a type of play that did nothing for her arousal state. She would have been content to bask in their warmth and the tenderness she had initiated for much longer than they had allowed, even if it had only existed because she had still been half asleep.
Perhaps in addition to all this, it had been too long since she had given all power to Severus. She had not really been her own person for about twelve hours. Maybe she just needed her submission to be over for now. It was the longest she had ever submitted. Breathe, Hermione. Just see where this goes…
Binds suddenly freed, she was roughly pulled up by her hair. She felt tears spring to her eyes when a set of lips wrapped around a perky nipple, sucking hard and causing a cry to leave her. Hands behind her were pushing her to the edge of the bed, and more hands were pulling her up to her feet. Her anxiety and struggle to get into ‘character’ proceeded to climb fast, and she lost control of her breathing. The puffs of air entering and exiting her body in short gasps were not satisfying her need for oxygen. She felt like she was suffocating. Why was she reacting like this? She loved what they had done last night. She felt safe with both these men – she was safe with both these men. Why did she suddenly feel like everything was just wrong?
Hermione wasn’t sure who forced her to her knees before the cage, but the anxiety turned into full blown refusal. This isn’t working and I’m not doing it! She could not be put in there, she would have a panic attack. She didn’t even think about what happened next. She reacted by pushing her arms out to the side, catching someone in the hip as she rolled, trying to spring to her feet. Her shoulders were caught in a pair of strong hands and she thought someone asked her a question, but all she could hear was the blood rushing in her ears.
“Red!” she gasped as her muscles started to tremble violently. “Red, red, red!” She burst into tears as two male voices could be heard muttering expletives.
Hermione felt herself being pulled into a chest. She nuzzled her face into hair that she recognized was Severus’. There was a soothing hiss at her temple as he tried to calm her before she could finally make out the words in his low rumbling voice. “Hermione, it’s okay. It’s done, we’ve stopped. I’ve got you. Shh.”
Their reaction to her safeword made guilt weigh heavy on her. What is wrong with me? I should have just done it. Oh, gods. I’ve disappointed both of them! The tears came harder and caused her to start hiccoughing. “I’m s-sorry!” she sobbed. “I’m sorry! I d-don’t know what’s wrong.”
Severus felt his stomach clench when Hermione’s expression went from cautious determination to full on abhorrence. He caught Lucius’ eyes just as she made to bolt, they reflected his own horror. What had they done?

The sound of the safeword cut through him like a Sectumsempra. It hit him with as much pain as the actual curse, as well. No! his mind reeled as he caught her by the shoulders and pulled her quickly into his arms. Gods, he never wanted her to feel this wrong – and she had to feel poorly about the situation if she was safewording.
He buried his face in the curls just to the side of her ear and started whispering urgent and nonsensical assurances. In his peripheral, he registered that a swearing Lucius was crossing the room to grab a robe for her. He thought he might actually vomit when she started apologizing.
“There is nothing to be sorry for, Hermione!” He grabbed her face in his hands, framing her delicate features and pulling her eyes directly to his. “Breathe, Mine. It’s okay that you don’t know what happened. We’ll figure it out together, just breathe.”
He encouraged her to mimic him pulling air carefully in through his nose before pursing his lips and blowing out slowly, attempting to get her hysterics to calm. She nodded, her eyes never leaving his and she hiccoughed and tried to copy him through her tears and hitching breath. When she had calmed enough to be acceptable, Severus pulled her back into his embrace while tangling one hand in her hair and using the other to rub gentle circles between her shoulder blades. He pressed a kiss to the top of her head.
It felt like ages, but was only a few seconds later, when Severus looked up to see Lucius with a guarded expression on his face. He had a robe in his hands. Severus attempted to make eye contact, but it seemed his friend only had eyes for Hermione. A ripple of fiery jealousy curled in his gut only to be doused instantaneously with an icy splash of guilt. Of course, Lucius would be worried; he had expressed only last night that Hermione was special.
She was.
Very special.
To both of them.
If he was going to occasionally share her, he…he would need to allow Lucius to care and be concerned for her as well. Jealousy was not part of this equation. There was no room for such an ugly emotion in this sort of relationship. He was her Dom; he had offered to share her. She had agreed to the threesome. Lucius had accepted what he had been offered and had shown them both the utmost respect. They’d had an incredible night – he had not lied when he had confessed how perfect it had all felt.
Severus swallowed and allowed himself to bring Lucius into their loop. “Lucius has a housecoat for you, love,” he murmured.
At the sound of his name, Lucius’ gaze found his. Severus’ stomach flipped again when he met the worried, stormy eyes of his oldest friend. They bore into his, and the affection for his concerned friend was instantaneous.
No. No, he did not regret what happened last night. In this moment, he knew it for certain. Now they just needed to figure out what went wrong this morning.
“I’ll take her for a moment,” Lucius said softly.
Hermione looked up at Severus and he searched her expression questioningly. She must have realized that he was asking her if it was okay, if she was alright with Lucius, and that her needs were being met. She nodded and Severus released her, allowing her to go to Lucius who was holding the robe open for her.
He turned, not watching the two interact, fearing the jealousy he knew was irrational. Instead, he sought out his own clothing and pulled on trousers and his button down. He left it unbuttoned and moved back to his girlfriend and his friend. They had seated themselves on the davenport at the end of the bed, Hermione settled in Lucius’ lap, her head resting on his shoulder as Lucius whispered into her hair. It was obvious he was reassuring himself that she was fine.
The scene was at once painful to see but also had an underlying tinge of rightness. Severus had, of course, known that their affection was deep. However, watching his submissive tilt her head up and give his best friend a reassuring smile as she answered a whispered question quietly with all the affection in her eyes that she also bestowed on him was a bit jarring. He clenched and unclenched his jaw a few times in attempts to regain his composure. Finally, he approached them and sat on the couch next to Lucius, their thighs touching. Both Lucius and Hermione turned their attention on him.
“You’re alright?” Severus asked quietly, grateful to see the soft smile she gave him. She sat up a little straighter, but did not remove herself from Lucius’ lap.
“I am.”
Lucius seemed to take this as his cue to leave. He pulled one of Hermione’s hands to his lips and kissed her knuckles. “I will leave you two to discuss what happened, and will see you at brunch at eleven.”
“You don–”
“Thank you, Lu–”
Hermione and Severus had both started to talk at the same time. Their sentiments were the opposite, and it caused a thick fog of discomfort to flood the room. Severus had been about to tell Lucius to stay, and Hermione had clearly been accepting his self-dismissal.
“We can talk more after breakfast,” Lucius repeated. He leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Hermione’s forehead before assisting her to slide into Severus’ lap. He clasped Severus on the shoulder before he rose. “Discuss this between yourselves, you can catch me up later.”
Severus nodded and allowed Lucius to leave the room without further discussion even though he was confused. After the door closed behind his friend, he slowly tilted Hermione’s head up to meet her stare. He needed to focus on her. Aftercare when a safeword was used was extremely important. “Are you feeling in control?”
“Yes, Master,” she whispered.
“What do you need?” He smoothed a thumb over her cheek and leaned down to gently press his lips to hers. She kissed him back briefly before pulling away with a look of guilt.
“I think I need to be done submitting, sir,” she admitted before her teeth flashed out to chew on her bottom lip.
Disappointment flooded him, but he did his best to hide the feeling from his face. “Tell me why,” his voice came out a little more gruff than he intended and he cleared his throat.
“I feel overwhelmed. Things moved too quickly this morning.” It was as if she was rushing to justify her needs. He dropped a finger to her mouth, halting her words.
“I’m sorry, pet,” he told her firmly. “I did not mean to come off as angry. I can admit that I’m a bit disappointed, but I am not mad at you. This was the longest you’ve ever submitted.” She stayed quiet, though her eyes were watching him sadly. Severus knew she was upset with herself. “Now that you know I am not mad, I want you to take a deep breath and calmly explain to me what you think happened to trigger the safeword.”
She nodded, sniffling, and he cursed his nature to be gruff. “I’m not really sure what happened,” she whispered when he removed his finger from her lips. “I liked the intimacy this morning when we first woke up. It was warm and comfortable and I was very much hoping to bask in it for longer than you both allowed.”
Severus made to interrupt her with words about how the control of the scene was not for her to decide, but she stopped him. “Please let me finish, Master. I know that my mentality was not right, and I tried to talk myself into giving up control when the mood shifted, but my head was not in the right space. I wasn’t prepared for how things changed. I found myself not becoming aroused as I normally would, and when you went to put me in the crate, I panicked. I couldn’t do it. My head wouldn’t let me give up control. I didn’t like what was happening. I don’t particularly care for kitty play and I just … I couldn’t let go. I know I’m being redundant, I’m sorry. I don’t know why I couldn’t get there – I think everything just moved too quickly, escalated too fast.” She paused. “I’m really sorry that I safeworded.”
Severus closed his eyes and pulled her to him, tucking her head beneath his chin. Her explanation was more than acceptable. She had admitted that she had not become aroused and that she had felt panic and that the scene presented to her had been out of her capability in that moment.
“You do not have a reason to be sorry, Hermione,” he told her softly. “The use of your safeword was more than appropriate. You were not being punished so you were meant to enjoy it. If you are not turned on, if you are not having your needs met, then I need to know. Yes, sometimes scenes are meant to push limits so there will be times you might be uncomfortable, but I never want you to feel panicked. Beneath it all, it should always feel safe. Can I ask why red and not yellow?”
“I needed to stop the scene. I didn’t want to continue.”
“Okay, that’s acceptable.” He pressed a kiss into her curls. “Good girl.”
She heaved a stuttered sigh against his neck and he heard her sniffle again. He believed the tears were most likely from relief, so he just stroked her hair lightly and held her. When she was calm again and breathing regularly, he told her, “I heard that you want your submission to end. I accept that decision if it is still what you want now that you have calmed and we have discussed what happened. Tell me what your thoughts are.”
“I would still like to end my submission, Master.”
“Done.”
They stayed quietly in each other’s arms on the couch for a while longer, not talking, just basking in the intimacy of the moment. After a while, Hermione lifted her head to look at him. “I very much enjoyed myself last night, Severus. I am willing to submit for longer periods of time again, perhaps for the next few times we can ramp up the length. Maybe I submit for twelve hours, then eighteen, then twenty-four, and so on, until I submit from a Friday night until a Monday morning. Would that be an acceptable goal?”
He smiled at her, affection rising in his chest. “Yes, Mine. I think that is a very acceptable and attainable goal. We’ll pick one weekend every four to six weeks for lengthier submissions. Once we have you up to a full weekend, we can talk about making it more often, deal?”
“Deal.” She lifted her face and drew him down into a lingering kiss. When it broke a minute later, she asked softly while looking up at him through her lashes, “Can we make love?”
Severus raised a brow and he felt his heart start pounding behind his ribcage. They had made love many times over the last months, but she had never specifically asked for sex in such a way before. Wordlessly, he nodded before rising with her in his arms and carrying her to the bed. He could pour his soul into this request, and he would.
Lucius watched as soap bubbles swirled into the drain at his feet, his arms stretched above his head with his palms flat on the marble walls of the shower. The punishing spray beat against the crown of his head and rivulets of water streamed off his nose and chin and the hair that curtained his face.
He was cursing himself for changing the atmosphere this morning. He had known Hermione was looking for lazy snogs and lovemaking. He suspected the rapid change of mood had confused her and left her wanting, which is why she had safeworded. She had tried, he had watched her struggle. She had truly tried to get into their play – a play he was sure she had never had much interest in.
He had thought they had won her over when she allowed them to get her out of the bed, but the moment her knees hit the floor in front of the cage he had seen the change. Her reaction had made him sick. Watching her struggle to let go only to decide that safewording was better than what they were asking her to do was gut wrenching. It was their job as Doms to meet her needs and they had failed her. Severus had been behind her most of the time and therefore couldn’t see her face. He should have relayed the cues she was giving.
He should have trusted his gut and stopped the scene right away; he had seen her disappointment when he ended their kiss. He should have directed a conversation between the three of them, perhaps Severus would have been on board with a lazy session. The scene could have been taken an entirely different direction. Damn his guilt, damn his need to make sure Severus wouldn’t be jealous.
He swore aloud and slammed a palm flat against the stone. The sound of the wet smack echoed in the stall. Well, there wasn’t anything he could do to change it now, he would just have to wait and see how it played out at brunch. Outwardly he would project calm. Inside, however, he knew he would be a mess.
What would have happened if he had taken her cues and guided the three of them? He snorted as he cranked the spigot to turn the water off. Grasping his towel, he pulled it roughly from its hook and swirled it around himself so he could scrub the water from his back with the soft fabric before bending forward to rub the excess water from his hair.
Perhaps they would have had a lazy fucking; perhaps Severus would have snapped with jealousy and asked him to leave. Then he would have never been invited back again.
But do you want to be invited back? Can you stand to only have her when Severus allows?
Yes.
You’re sure about that?
It’s better than not at all.
Is it? Won’t you just be heartbroken all over again when they tire of you being their third?
Would Severus really tire of you as a third? You’ve been sharing woman – including Narcissa – for almost two decades.
He could.
He won’t. And it’s better than never having her again.
Lucius felt as though the weight of the world were upon him. He swiped a hand down his face and was surprised to find himself seated on the settee at the foot of his bed, fully dressed and ready for the day. He was startled when the crack! of an elf arriving sounded through the room.
“Goods morning, Master,” Bilby greeted formally. “Is there anything I can do for yous before brunch?”
Lucius looked at the elderly house elf without seeing him, having no response.
“Perhaps some times with your new Cosmo, sir?”
Yes. A brisk walk with the pup before brunch was a wonderful idea. He relayed what he wanted to Bilby, who disappeared the same way he had arrived. They would meet in the garden in ten minutes.
Hermione felt tears prick her eyes for what seemed like the hundredth time that morning as she pushed the destroyed spinach quiche around her plate with her fork. She wasn’t hungry, and it was because she was so disappointed with herself. She had ruined a perfectly good morning with the two men who meant more to her than anything else because she hadn’t wanted to be their kitten. You know you were right to end the scene – you couldn’t give your all to it, neither of them wants you only partially. Severus agreed with your reasonings. He was in agreement with ending your submission. You know you weren’t wrong.
She cursed mentally and let out a soft sigh. She raised her eyes to find both Draco and M watching her with concern. M pressed her lips together and glanced at Draco who was looking at Hermione with a raised eyebrow. She shook her head and mouthed, “Later.”
It was no use, the entire meal had been uncomfortable. Overly bright greetings and exclamations of, “How did you sleep?” and “I’m starving!” started the charade, and the following conversation had been stunted and awkward – nothing like the fun playfulness of dinner the night before.
She sighed again and was startled when M spoke up suddenly.
“I fear I must leave,” she told the room at large. “I have family obligations and need to run back to my flat to grab a few things before going to Bulstrode Gardens.” She smiled warmly at Lucius. “I hope your birthday was all you imagined, Mr. Malfoy.”
“M, we’ve discussed this,” Lucius and the two other men at the table rose when M did, “please call me Lucius.”
M nodded and grasped his outstretched hand, allowing herself to be pulled in for a brief kiss on her cheek. “Lucius,” she repeated.
“Have a lovely day, Miss Bulstrode,” Severus acknowledged.
“Goodbye, Severus,” M answered. “Miss Priss.” She winked at Hermione, which caused heat to flood her cheeks as she nodded a farewell. Apparently, it was just what the doctor ordered, as it allowed the tension in the room to dissipate as everyone chuckled at her reaction.
“I’ll walk you to the floo, Millie.” Draco offered his arm.
M moved to him and laid a hand on his chest before tilting up her face and waiting for a kiss.
“Don’t be silly,” M told her boyfriend before accepting the buss he bestowed on her. Hermione observed, pleased and fascinated. She loved seeing Draco so happy with M. A slight pink tinged Draco’s cheeks as his girlfriend pulled away. “I know where the floo is, I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Tomorrow,” Draco agreed. Hermione eyes followed Draco, loving how he watched M leave the room with a somewhat dazed look on his face. Once the witch was gone, the men retook their seats.
The atmosphere immediately returned to awkward and she heaved another little sigh. She stared at Draco intently as she peeked at both Lucius and Severus out of her peripheries. They were both eating slowly, their focus solely on their own plates.
Draco must have felt her gaze, because he looked up at her, surprised.
“HELP!” she mouthed.
Draco’s brow furrowed for a moment, then smoothed. “Hermione, would you like to go meet Mony?”
Oh, gods yes! Hermione thought. Get me the fuck out of here! Aloud she answered, “I’d love to, Draco. You talk about him so fondly. That’s okay with you, right Severus?” She turned her attention to the man on her left.
“Of course,” he answered, giving her a small smirk. She returned the smile and leaned to press a kiss to his cheek. They’d had a lovely morning after Lucius had left. She knew he wasn’t upset with her. She was well aware that the uncomfortableness of breakfast was because he and Lucius needed to talk. Getting away to the barn with Draco would provide the perfect opportunity, and maybe when she returned, the three of the them would be able to fully clear the air.
“Perfect,” Draco says from across the room. “Come on, Beeves. Let’s go.”
Rolling her eyes at the annoying endearment, Hermione stood and gestured for both men to remain seated. “Finish your breakfast,” she implored them softly. “Talk. We’ll figure everything out after I return, yes?”
Her heart stopped when she realized both men were looking at her with obvious fondness and affection. She cleared her throat before turning to press a kiss to Severus’ temple, then she moved around Lucius. She brushed his shoulder gently as she passed before skipping to take Draco’s arm.
“I’m going to side-along you,” he told her. She nodded and then they were gone.
The crack! of Apparation reverberated through the large dining room for a brief moment and then faded into complete stillness and silence. Cautiously, Severus raised his eyes to Lucius’.
“She seems alright.” Lucius started the conversation in a genial tone.
“Hermione’s fine,” Severus agreed.
“What happened?”
“Said she couldn’t get into the right headspace. She wasn’t turned on, didn’t like the direction of the scene and panicked. It’s also the first time she’s ever been submitting upon awaking. I should have been conscientious of how hard that might be.”
Lucius nodded. “Is that the first time she’s ever safeworded for you?”
“Yes. It was–”
“Awful,” Lucius interrupted. “It was awful.”
“Yes,” Severus agreed while reaching for his teacup.
“We were too aggressive.” Lucius felt the need to share his own thoughts. “She was looking for lazy and we ramped things up. With a type of play she doesn’t care for, to boot. We made a mistake.”
“I made a mistake,” Severus corrected. “I’m her Master, I should have known better.”
“Don’t do that to yourself, Sev,” Lucius chided sitting back in his chair. “I was in a better position to watch facial cues. I should have alerted you. She was trying, though. I think…I think I was so determined to make it work, that I was ignoring her cues instead of discussing them. I apologize for my part.”
“And I was jealous.” The j-word. It froze both men completely and they looked at each other warily. Severus continued, “I was jealous and I let it get out of hand so I could shove the emotion to the back of my head.”
“She loves you, there’s no reason to be jealous.”
She loves you, too, you bastard, Severus thought. He squeezed his eyes shut and swiped a hand across his face. “She might–”
“She does.”
“–and I know there’s no reason to be jealous, Lucius.” Severus ignored Lucius’ injection. “It’s you – how long have we shared women? Narcissa? Brit? How many others? I know how these games work, there’s no room for jealousy. I let it cloud my instincts. I’m sorry. This morning was as much my fault as it was yours, or even hers.
“If we’re going to share her again, I will make sure I don’t allow jealousy to interfere with all our needs and desires.”
Lucius raised a hand to smooth fingers over his lips. He was unable to stop himself asking, “And are we going to share her again?”
Severus looked surprised by the question. “Do you want to?”
“Of course, I do. I’d be stupid not to. Last night was incredible.”
Severus snorted in agreement. Seemingly, just like that, things were no longer strained between them.
The minute they found their footing in the barn, Draco took Hermione’s hand and gave it a squeeze. He offered a smile which immediately dampened to concern when he met her misting eyes. Frustration, regret, and uncertainty were evident by the worry lines on her forehead.
“Hey!” he said softly, pulling her into his arms. “What’s going on? Tell me.” He held her tight and rubbed her back as he continued, “That was almost as awkward a brunch as the time Father thought he sent in an owl order for a Moroccan Dancing Maiden Clematis for Mother’s birthday. Turned out he didn’t read the ad properly. You can imagine his surprise when she opened the box to discover a clitoral stimulator.”
Aghast, her jaw fell. “What?” She pulled back and met his eyes, finding them alight with humor.
Draco nodded. “Yeah, right there at the brunch table; in front of Parkinson’s.”
“You’re making this up!”
“Swear to Salazar, I’m not!” Draco shook his head. “That was the last time he ordered mother anything from the back of Wicked Witch Weekly, I can tell you that.”
Hermione couldn’t help the chuckle that turned into a giggle and then morphed into a belly laugh so uncontrollable that she couldn’t catch her breath. Bent at the waist and gripping her cramping sides from the maniacal outburst, she hand-signaled Draco to say no more.
“It was bad,” he added with amusement. “But then Pansy’s mother came to the rescue and said that she was jealous that Mother got the newer edition with the extra plumage.”
Hermione wiped the tears from her cheeks and gave Draco a reproving stare. “You are so making this up.”
“No! Ask father! Violet Parkinson had a great sense of humor.” He shrugged when he added, “Unfortunately, none of that charm was passed on to her daughters. Shame that.”
When Hermione finally had herself completely under control, Draco asked again, “Tell me what’s going on. I can’t tell you that you have nothing to be upset about if you don’t share with me what happened.”
Hermione sighed. “I safeworded this morning and put a stop to a scene with your father and Severus.”
Draco didn’t say anything and just watched her, giving her a chance to continue. She didn’t disappoint.
“Thing is, I feel guilty. I wasn’t in danger. They weren’t even doing anything physical at the time other than forcing me into dreaded kitty play.” She cradled her forehead in her palms before looking back at Draco. “I just…I wasn’t in the right mindset. I had just awoken, and I’ve never woken up still submitting. It was…too much.”
Then her words came out rushed. “But it’s not just about me and I should have just done what they said. It might have…no, it definitely would have led to something wonderful, I’m sure. But at that moment I couldn’t see past my nose and I just wanted them to stop.” She let out a tremulous breath. “And I can’t bear that I let them down. And…” Her pleading eyes met Draco’s, “What if they don’t want to scene together with me again?”
Draco smirked and pulled her back into his arms. “You are way too upset about something you shouldn’t be. That’s what safewords are for.” Draco held her close, rubbing her spine and the back of her head. His words were soft and comforting. “Do you think, for one second, that Severus or my father would have wanted you to continue with a scene when you were in such a state?”
When she didn’t answer, he continued, “The mistake would have been to not say anything and go along with it and risk things becoming that much harder. I can tell you that if I had been Dominating you and you had not safe worded when you needed to, I would have been livid and don’t know if I would have been able to trust you enough to scene with you again.”
Hermione let out a stuttered breath. “I know you’re right and logically I know I did the right thing. It’s just I’ve never safe worded with either one of them and I’m miserable.”
“Have the three of you talked about it?”
“Not yet.”
“Well, let’s introduce you to the most amazing pony in the world so that you can get back inside and have a much needed chat.”
Draco Apparated them into the receiving foyer. “I’m sure they’re probably in the study by now,” he told her before he called out for an elf.
Tinny appeared instantly. “Master Draco?”
“Can you take Hermione to wherever Father and Severus are, Tinny?”
“Yes, Master Draco.”
He turned to Hermione. “Tell Father I’ll see him Tuesday night for dinner, as usual.” He leaned down to press a kiss to her cheek and Hermione gave him a tremulous smile. She was nervous about what she would find with the pair of old friends.
“Yous hair is a mess from the Apparations, Missy,” Tinny scolded after Draco disappeared through the floo. “Yous crouch down and Tinny’ll fixes it.”
Surprised, Hermione could do nothing but crouch in front of the intimidating elf. The little thing pinched Hermione’s chin in her thumb and forefinger and contemplated the witch seriously for a moment before releasing her face and snapping her fingers. Hermione winced horrifically as there was a pull and twist before her hair settled on top of her head. She didn’t even have to see it to know it was probably beautiful. Tinny was a total pro at hair charms.
“Much better,” she said primly before turning. “Missy follows Tinny.”
Five minutes later, she was gestured into Lucius’ study to find both him and Severus talking animatedly on a two person davenport. She sighed in relief for two reasons. First, the air was no longer tense with uncertainty and awkwardness. Second, because there were two neatly wrapped gifts on the coffee table in front of them. She was glad Severus remembered their gifts. With how the evening had turned out the night before, they were definitely forgotten on the wayside.
She paused in the doorway watching as the two men laughed together. Her heart clenched. Isn’t this just a sight you could live with for the rest of your life? Her subconscious was not so subtle in its affections.
Hermione shook her head, knowing her heart was getting ahead of her mind. She was with Severus. She loved Severus. But she couldn’t deny that last night had stirred up buried feelings for Lucius. She had thought her feelings for the blond man were waning, returning to the friendship zone. It was something she would have to continue to work through. She couldn’t have both of them, so she would be happy with Lucius’ friendship and Severus’ heart. If he agreed to be with them m occasionally, at least she would have him then.
As long as he doesn’t marry a woman who won’t allow him to participate in his darker urges. She frowned slightly as a picture of Juliette’s beautiful face flooded her mind. Jealousy cut through her.
“Everything okay, Doll?” Lucius startled her out of her thoughts. She smiled at him with true affection hearing the welcome and laughter in his voice.
“Everything is perfectly well,” she assured him. “Things seem back to … normal?”
Both men chuckled. “Lucius and I spoke and things are as they should be,” Severus informed her.
“The question is – are you feeling alright about what happened this morning?”
Hermione let her arms drop to her side and moved across the room. She settled between the two men, hip to hip with each of them, but leaned on Severus so she could answer Lucius’ question while meeting his eyes. “I feel a bit guilty, but I know what I did was right. I know I wasn’t hurt or scared, but I felt wrong. Draco helped me understand that you both trust me to end a scene if I feel off about it. I’ve had a few moments over the last half year where I’ve thought about slow or safe wording, but after I gave myself a moment, I changed my mind. Today, I didn’t change my mind. It was right that I stopped what we were doing.”
Lucius gave her a warm smile as he nodded and she felt Severus press a kiss to her neck, she glanced over her shoulder at him with a warm expression. “And I assured her I wasn’t upset,” Severus continued for her, “and neither is Lucius.”
“Of course not,” Lucius agreed, laying a warm palm on her knee and squeezing reassuringly. “You did the right thing, Hermione. And we all learned something new this morning.”
“I was telling Lucius that I would definitely be up for him joining us again, making it a regular thing. How do you feel about that?”
Hermione’s heart rate skyrocketed immediately. “Yes!” she squeaked before clearing her throat. Heat suffused her cheeks and groaned lightly when both men starting chuckling. “Last night was…amazing,” she said firmly over their laughter with a little bit of a huff. She did not find their humor at her expense endearing…well, maybe that was a lie. Both of their laughs were knicker dropping.
“It was, love.”
“Nothing like it, Doll.”
Both men answered together and Hermione’s heart fluttered. She wanted to ask if they had ever had a better night, but they were so much more experienced and older than her, and she didn’t want to be disappointed by their answer. She knew that they had enjoyed themselves. She knew that they both cared deeply for her. She knew that she had pleased them. That knowledge was enough for her delicate ego when it came to bedroom escapades. While her confidence with sex had increased greatly over the last months, there were still moments when she was unsure.
“Would you like a drink?” Lucius asked after a moment of comfortable silence.
“That would be lovely. Do you have any orange juice?” Hermione readjusted herself so she was sitting more upright. Lucius answered in the affirmative and she reached for her gifts for him, she had searched high and low for it and, while it had been… vastly… out of her budget, she had been unable to pass it up.
She took the juice in a crystal goblet from Lucius as he returned to his seat, exchanging the gift for the glass. “I’m so excited for you to open this,” she told him, her eyes shining.
Lucius couldn’t help the warm little flutter in his chest. The childlike exuberance on her face did him in. It was probably another perfect gift. He tore the paper away to find an obviously old, leather bound book with no title on the binding.
Looking up at Hermione questioningly, he couldn’t help the grin when she squeaked and gestured for him to open the book.
He paused in shock as he read, The Treatise of Herbalism by Raphael Ravenscroft. His eyes shot up to hers, and he knew his jaw was dropped unattractively. It was an extremely old, extremely rare text that was written in the early nineteenth century. Raphael Ravenscroft’s Treatise was coveted by some of the top Herbologists in the world as the man was half dryad and half wizard. Techniques that he created crossed the realm of herbology knowledge into ancient nymph magic. He was the only half dryad known to the wizarding community in its entire history.
He realized he had been staring in aghast at the book for two long. His eyes shifted to the amazing curly haired witch sitting next to him. However, the only thing that came to his mind was, “Where?”
“You’ll never believe it.”
“I cannot believe you found this text!” Severus snorted at Lucius’ incredulity. Lucius’ gaze moved to Severus. “I’ve been looking for years…years, Severus!” He turned his attention back to Hermione. “This is too much, the cost alone!”
“Stop!” She told him. “It wasn’t as much as you’re thinking. I found it in a peculiar spot. They really didn’t know what they were selling.”
Lucius repeated his question, “Where?”
“Ebay.”
He had no clue what she was saying. He’d never heard of such a store. “Where is Ebay?”
“Ebay is more of a … what.” Lucius closed his eyes at her tone. It was swotty. He was torn between exasperation and arousal, knowing he was going to get a lecture…which meant that this Ebay was probably a Muggle thing.
He was fortunate when she assured him that she would teach him about something called the internet and…online shopping…at a later date before she held out a small envelop for him. “These are a gift from me, but they’re also from Neville Longbottom,” she told him.
Curiously, Lucius opened the envelope to find a small palmful of seeds. “Blue roses,” she whispered. “A breed that Neville has created by combining damask roses and blue fluted fairy bells. Only you and he will have them, he hasn’t released them to the general population as of yet. I know how much you love your roses.”
Lucius swallowed hard. It was a very…thoughtful and personal gift. Once again, his heart restricted. “What a perfect gift, Hermione.” He looked to his friend who was watching Hermione with an expression of deep thought. “She is a very good gift-giver, this one.
Severus inclined his head with a half-smirk. “She is…even to those who don’t much like gifts.”
“Yes, I do see you using that bookmark often enough,” Hermione grinned, obviously proud of herself.
Lucius impulsively leaned forward and pressed a gentle kiss to the corner of her mouth. “Thank you, Doll.”
“It’s my pleasure, Lucius,” Hermione answered sincerely.
“And on that note, here’s mine you spoiled peacock,” Severus snatch up his rectangular gift and tossed it gently at his friend.
Lucius grinned as he caught it out of the air. A moment later, he was popping the clasp on a beautiful, polished leather humidor. The pungent smell of tobacco filled the room and he inhaled the lovely aroma reverently. “Nice! Cohiba Behike,” he hummed, “I’ve never heard of this brand.”
Severus and Hermione exchanged a conspiratorial look. “They’re Muggle,” Severus answered. “Cuban.”
“From the Americas,” Hermione continued.
“Some of the best cigars in the world,” Severus assured him.
“I’m sure they’ll be lovely.” Lucius shook his head with some amusement. Having two of his best friends be a Muggle-raised Half-blood and a Muggle-born was certainly broadening his horizons. Funny that Severus only started dragging him into the Muggle world and bringing Muggle goods into his life now that Hermione had entered their world. Oh well…more the education for him.
“You will both join Draco and I next Sunday for dinner. In fact, I’d really like to have a standing ‘family’ dinner every Sunday evening, if this is something you feel your schedules could accommodate.”
“We’d love that, wouldn’t we Severus?” Hermione dropped her hand on Severus knee and looked at him with an eager expression.
“We’ll be here,” Severus promised.
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Master Mine Book 2: A Lesson in Love