The Burning Pen

Yuleride
by Ruth Solomon

The story content is adult in nature and can contain graphic sex and violence.  Those under the age of 18 are asked to leave this site immediately.  You are not welcome here.  The author is not responsible for those under-aged who view these works.

CHAPTER 40

Disclaimer: All recognizable characters belong to JKR. All situations are mine. No $$$ is being made from this fanfic.
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Chapter 40 ~ The Return to Civilization

When Snape, Hermione and Haruun walked into the lavish lobby of Cairo’s Four Seasons hotel at almost one in the morning, the night clerk looked up and scowled slightly at their dusty condition, then gawked at the pale severe wizard stalking up to the desk as if he meant to kill her. He looked like the devil.

”We would like a room,” he said, in a silken voice that seemed completely unmatched to his hawkish, dour appearance. His hair looked as if it hadn’t been washed in months and his robes were torn.

The clerk blinked at him as Hermione and Haruun exclaimed over the lavish setting, Haruun plucking a number of sweets on display in the lobby for guests off a three-tiered tray, then bouncing on one of the chairs in his dirty robes. Hermione made him get off of it.

“Certainly, but I need to see some identification, sir,” the clerk said, her voice quavering a bit.

His face set, Snape handed over his pink driver’s license (yes, he could drive) and his passport. The clerk examined them. He was from England. A Mr. Severus Tobias Snape. She pulled up a screen.

”What kind of room would you like, sir?” she asked him.

Snape thought about it. They had been roughing it for months. It was time to relax a bit.

”A three bedroom suite,” he replied as the clerk’s eyes widened slightly. Suites were pricey. She delicately picked up a pamphlet that had the rooms and current rates listed. She didn’t want to imply he couldn’t afford it.

Here is a description of the rooms available, sir. The kind of suite you’d like is called “The Nile” suite. You can see the amenities and rates here, sir,” she said carefully.

Careful or not, Snape could tell the clerk though he was aiming too high. He read the room features:

Nile Suite

Truly spacious and luxuriously appointed, the three-bedroom, three-bathroom Nile Suites offer spectacular views of Cairo from the Hotel's 12th and 14th floors.

These suites feature an executive study, a dining area with pantry, a private bar, a 100-centimetre (40-inch) plasma screen television, a VCR, a DVD player and a sound system. They also include a desk, two-line telephones, a fax/modem line and high-speed Internet access.

The king-bedded master bedroom features a walk-in closet.
Three full marble bathrooms include a deep soaking tub, separate glass-enclosed shower, large granite-topped vanity and a WC with a bidet and telephone in a separate room. There is a guest powder room conveniently located off the living area.

Room Details

Location 12th and 14th floors

View Cairo's unique surroundings

Décor Richly appointed, with soft gold, red and green tones throughout.

Beds Three king beds

Extra bed (by request) Three rollaway beds or cribs

Bathrooms Three full marble bathrooms; plus guest powder room


Snape’s nose wrinkled at the soft gold and red tones the suite was decorated in, but at least there was some green. He looked at the rates per night. It was expensive, but then again, they would only need it for two nights.

”I’ll take it for two nights,” he said, giving her his credit card and the necessary details. Hermione walked up and looked at the pamphlet. Her hair was a fright and she had a bit of dirt on her face. The clerk tried not to stare. Then Haruun walked up and rang the little bell on the counter several times. The clerk politely ignored him as the shrill ting rang through the lobby.

”Stop it!” Snape hissed at him.

Haruun pulled his hand away as if the bell had suddenly turned red-hot.

The clerk asked them if they had any luggage and was told no. Anything they needed they had miniaturized and left the rest, along with the two minions of Anwar in the desert. Both Haruun and Snape had been against Hermione leaving them two large flasks of water.

“Let their tongues swell up under the desert sun!” Haruun exclaimed as Hermione magically adjusted the Binding spell so it would release them at sunrise.

”I have to say I agree with Haruun, Hermione,” Snape said, his eyes hard as he looked down at the two still unconscious men. Haruun had a lot of intent when he hit them with the Stupefy spell. Snape had no doubt the boy could have cast an effective Killing curse if he had known it. Lucky for Abu and Abdul that he didn’t.

”No, I won’t do it. We haven’t killed anyone on this expedition and I want to leave Egypt with a clear conscience,” the witch said, filling two flasks with water from her wand tip and placing them on the ground next to the men.

They had also found the camel, removed the knife from its flank and healed it. The camel spit on Hermione in gratitude, then padded off across the sands. Haruun started to go after it, but Snape said to let it go. It had been through enough. It would find its way back to its owner.

Hermione looked down at the pamphlet, her brown eyes widening as she read the rates.

”Severus, these rooms are so expensive,” she breathed. “Which one did you get?”

”The Nile suite,” he replied. “It has the facilities we need to unwind properly.”

Hermione noticed it had three bedrooms.

”I see,” she said a bit flatly. Severus frowned at her slightly.

”I thought you’d be pleased about my rare extravagance. After sleeping in camel stalls, strange homes and camping out on the desert sands scratching sand out of our crotches every morning, I thought you’d appreciate a bit of luxury, such as a bed, hot water and a tub for soaking—“

Hermione’s eyes turned dreamy. It was the bedroom situation that she hadn’t appreciated, but then again all of them were very tired. To be honest, in her current state sex didn’t sound as good as—

”A bath,” she sighed.

”Exactly,” Snape snapped at her.

Haruun listened closely. He had just found out about how wonderful baths were when he joined Hermione and Snape. Before then, the closest he came to having a bath was dunking himself in the camel water trough to cool off. He was always chased when he did that, so he didn’t do it often. But, he’d welcome a bath too. He liked how his skin felt afterwards. Like new.

Smitten by the idea of an honest-to-goodness bath after almost four months without one, Hermione didn’t make another complaint as Snape handed her one of three sets of keys. He gave Haruun a set and kept the last for himself.

The clerk was looking at them curiously. She had heard their dialogue. If that’s how they’d been living, sleeping in stalls and in the desert, no wonder they looked as they did. They must be archeologists.

Their suite was on the fourteenth floor, which was actually the thirteenth floor, but hotels didn’t do “13” so the level was skipped.

”You two get settled in,” Snape said to the pair. “I need to talk to the concierge. I will be up shortly.”

The clerk heard him and immediately dialed the concierge, who was on call day or night, although usually he didn’t get night calls, especially this late.

”Baruti, you are needed in the lobby immediately by a guest,” she said into the receiver.

”At this time of night?” a tired voice said on the other end of the line.

”Yessss,” the clerk hissed into the phone softly. “Right now!”

”Masha'Allah,” Baruti breathed into the phone, then hung up and scooted out of the bed, wiping at his eyes. He stretched, then walked to the closet and took out his suit, then went into the bathroom to quickly pull himself together.

Snape watched Hermione and Haruun walk to the elevator. Haruun was wary getting into the little room. The hotel they stayed at in the beginning was all one level, so this was the first time he’d ridden in one. He followed Hermione in and stood in the center stiffly, his dark eyes on Snape as the door closed. Snape thought he heard a little yell as the elevator ascended quickly.

He turned back to the clerk.

”Baruti, our concierge should be here shortly, Mr. Snape. Would you like some coffee?” she asked him.

”It’s almost two in the morning, Miss—“

Snape read her little name badge. Her name was Amala Bedwar.

”—Miss Bedwar. Why would I drink coffee at this time of night?” Snape asked her, his eyes narrowed.

Amala was brought up short. What a rude man. A simple “no” would have sufficed.

”I was just offering—“ she said apologetically.

”Offering your guests something that will interfere with their sleep is not good customer service,” the dark wizard said. “I suggest you bone up on your approach to proper hotel etiquette.”

Snape was just a little miffed at the price he had to pay for the suite. True, he chose to pay it, but he was going to be looking for any little thing that was less than perfect to complain about. He might be able to get a discount before this was all over.

”Yes, sir. Baruti will be here shortly. You can take a seat—over there,” she said a bit tightly.

Snape turned and billowed over to the comfortable chairs tastefully arranged in the lobby’s center and sat down in one, eyeing the three tiered serving tray of sweets.

Amala gave a little snort when he departed, then set about printing out the details of Snape’s transaction. What an unpleasant man.

Presently a brown-skinned man of about twenty-five dressed in a nice suit walked up to him. Baruti was a professional, and although Snape’s looks startled him, he didn’t react as he smiled and held out his hand.

”I am Baruti Massri, Concierge for the Four Seasons Hotel. It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. –“

”Snape,” Snape said shortly, not taking his hand.

Baruti didn’t lose his smile, however. He just lowered his hand.

”Mr. Snape. How may I be of assistance tonight?” he asked him.

”I want to arrange a day-long outing to occupy the time of a young woman of twenty-five and a boy of ten. Nothing too strenuous, but enjoyable.”

”May I sit down, sir?” Baruti inquired politely.

Snape nodded.

Baruti sat down in the chair across from him. He pulled out a little notepad and pen.

”Would you like the activities to be on-site or off-site, Mr. Snape?”

Snape considered.

”Both,” he said.

Baruti wrote it down.

”I see. Do you think the young woman would enjoy a spa treatment? It is quite nice in the morning and makes one ready for the rest of the day. The boy might like it as well, although his treatment would be tailored according to what he wanted.”

Snape considered. Hermione deserved something pleasant after all her hard work. Haruun would be willing to try anything once.

”That sounds fine. They are both going to need fresh clothing. We—lost our luggage,” Snape lied. “One outfit apiece will do. They can stop at a clothing store during the day. I will also need a change of clothing. Something suitable for desert wear, in basic black. My size is—”

Baruti wrote down the information

”I will have someone come and get the sizes of your companions in the morning,” Baruti said, adding more to the notepad. “Perhaps they would like a personal tour of the museum. We can provide a car and a personal guide.”

Snape thought about this. He and Hermione had already toured the museum when they broke in and copied a few maps and texts. But Hermione seemed fascinated by it. There wasn’t any time to wander about, however. She’d probably love the chance.

”Very good. And how about the pyramids?” he asked him.

”Yes, we can do a tour of those as well. There are also horse stables near the pyramids. Riding horses in the desert can be quite exhilarating.”

”I don’t know if she rides,” Snape said, although it did sound like something both Hermione and Haruun would like.

”They have beginner outings,” Baruti offered. “Horses that don’t go too fast, perfect for first time riders.”

Snape considered.

”Add that. And they have to eat. I don’t want them getting sick—“

Baruti looked horrified and held up his hands in negation.

”Never, Mr. Snape. They will be taken to fine eating establishments and only given the most palatable foods,” the concierge promised.

”Good. I need them back here by seven, and I need someone to oversee the boy for the rest of the night. He is a very mature ten, so he doesn’t need someone to baby him. He needs a companion, someone that will entertain and supervise him,” Snape said. “Especially keep him out of trouble. He is—rather boisterous.”

”I can provide supervision. We have a number of video games, movies, and there is the pool. We even have the Wii. Most youngsters enjoy that. He will be well taken care of, Mr. Snape. I guarantee it, sir.”

Snape stood up. stretched and yawned. He was very tired.

”Make it so, Mr. Massri. Good night,” the wizard said, turning and heading for the elevator.

Baruti stood up as the wizard left, then turned and walked over to the front desk and entered through a door on the side.

”That is one of the ugliest, rudest guests I’ve ever served,” Amala complained the minute the elevator doors closed.

”But his money’s good,” Baruti replied, walking to the back of the small area and sitting down at a computer. “And he’s not cheap. This day he’s planning is going to cost a pretty pound. What room are they in?”

”The Nile suite,” Amala muttered.

Baruti let out a low whistle.

”Not cheap at all,” he said again, typing in instructions and reservations.

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Snape let himself into the room. It was just as lavish as the pamphlet describe, decorated in soft tones of red, gold and green. Large windows opened on the city of Cairo and the Nile could be seen. But Haruun and Hermione were nowhere in evidence.

Snape heard splashing coming out of one of the bedrooms. He entered to find a full-sized bed and very nice furnishings. The bathroom door was open and Snape walked in to find Haruun in a sunken tub, completely covered in bubbles, water on the floor as he splashed and played. Good thing it was tiled.

Haruun noticed him immediately and gave him a bright smile, his black hair plastered to his head and brown skin glistening, all covered in suds.

”I never knew getting clean could be so much fun. I am the Bubble King!” he said to the dour wizard, who rolled his eyes. Children.

”Well, Mr. King, I expect you out of there shortly and into bed. You have a busy day ahead of you tomorrow. You and Hermione will be going out on the town, so you need to be as rested as possible,” Snape told him tightly.

”On the town? Where?” Haruun asked, sitting up in the tub now. He looked a little like an old man, suds on his head running down and forming a beard.

”There will be tours and horseback riding,” Snape said. “And tomorrow night you will be staying here with a companion. Hermione and I will be out for the evening.”

Haruun blinked at him.

”Where are you going?” he asked the dark wizard.

”That is none of your business. I expect you to behave yourself while we’re gone,” Snape told him.

”I always behave,” Haruun said, sinking back into the suds. “It’s just that people don’t always like how I behave that is the problem.”

”You will behave properly, Haruun, or there will be consequences. Painful ones,” Snape hissed at him.

Snape had shocked him in the arse several times over the months for minor transgressions, and it had hurt like hell.

”I will be—an angel,” Haruun promised with a smile.

Snape snorted.

”Somehow, I doubt that. Now, good night, and I want you out of there and in bed in five minutes.”

Snape billowed out the door. Haruun pulled a dripping wand out of the water and used it to churn up more bubbles.

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Snape located Hermione’s room and quietly walked into the bathroom. She was also in a sunken tub with bubbles, a washcloth resting on her face, her bare shoulders visible as she soaked luxuriously. Little wriggles of steam rose from the water. She certainly liked it hot.

Snape stared down at her for a minute or two, then walked over to the tub and squatted on his heels, his dark eyes resting on her glistening shoulders. He reached into the water and splashed some of it on her covered face, soaking the cloth so she couldn’t breathe for a moment. Hermione spluttered and quickly pulled the washcloth off her face, her brown eyes wide as she looked up at Snape.

”What do you think you’re doing?” she gasped, wiping at her face with one hand.

”Getting your attention,” the wizard purred. His eyes had a bit of heat in them as he looked down at her. Hermione felt her belly quiver a bit.

”Well, you’ve got it,” she said softly.

”Good. I just wanted to tell you that I’ve arranged a day out for you and Haruun tomorrow. It will start with a spa treatment, then you will tour Egypt with a personal guide—“

”But I don’t have any clothes,” Hermione said, “but I guess I can transfigure some.”

”That won’t be necessary. You will be fitted for an outfit of your choice tomorrow. If you need more, just purchase them while you are out. Can you ride?”

Hermione was still trying to take everything in.

”Ride?” she said blankly.

”Horses. Can you ride horses?” he asked her.

”A little,” she replied.

”Good. I’ve arranged a bit of desert horseback riding for you and Haruun. No doubt he will find it much different than balancing on a camel hump.”

”Where will you be?” Hermione asked him.

Snape’s lip quirked a little.

”I’ll be busy checking on tomorrow night’s weather forecast. Hopefully—the stars will be out,” he said softly, allowing himself to caress her cheek with the back of his hand before standing up quickly.

”You need to get to bed,” he said sharply. “After I make the proper arrangements, I will be back here at seven tomorrow evening to pick you up. I expect you to be ready—“

The wizard paused, and his face took on a rather lustful look.

”Very ready,” he purred, then he billowed out the door.

Hermione looked after him, then relaxed again. For the past six months she had worked with and gotten to know the wizard better as a person. They were no longer strangers and her attraction to him hadn’t lessened. It hadn’t been the main focus, but she found him more attractive than she did when she started on this journey. She’d become used to his features. Although not a handsome man, his face had character and was quite expressive when he let his guard down, which he always did with her. It was only in public when he wore a stony, non-reactive and cold demeanor. He was neither non-reactive nor cold. He was volcanic.

This encounter would not be exactly like the last one. Hermione had faced death with the wizard, and there were times she had to let him see her perform bodily functions and take care of her feminine needs. There wasn’t much cover in the desert. Even Ron had never witnessed that. But Snape didn’t blink or comment about it, nor did he hesitate to stop and take a whiz right in front of her if he needed to, although he would remove himself a distance if he had other things to take care of. They knew as much about each other intimately as they could possibly know. There were few secrets between them. They were equals.

And as equals, their night together couldn’t be one-sided. Severus Snape knew his way around a woman’s body, but tomorrow night, Hermione Granger planned to learn her way around his, in spades.

”Oh, I’ll be ready. You can believe that, Severus Tobias Snape,” she breathed, wringing out the washcloth and placing it back on her face.

”Very ready.”

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A/N: Thanks for reading.

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