Of Lies and Men

Chapter 1

A/N: This story contains some BDSM and BDSM concepts. If that doesn't interest you, this may not be the story for you. For those who continue, I hope you like it! P.S Reviews make this writer work faster ;) haha

It had been nearly ten years since Hermione Granger, now Hermione Weasley, had stood outside the gates of Hogwarts castle. Ten years since she fought in The Battle of Hogwarts and became a decorated war hero with a cushy job working for the Ministry of Magic. She had been the youngest department head the Department of Magical Creatures had ever seen and she was excellent at playing liaison between wizardkind and all manner of potentially dangerous creatures. She became especially talented at working with the Goblins, as she had worked alongside Bill Weasley to restore and revamp Gringotts after the war. Now she stood facing both the unknown, and the familiar. Taking a deep breath she stepped forward and felt the wards caress her as she set out up the path to the castle entrance, her trunk and Crookshanks travel basket floating in front of her.

Three weeks ago, a letter had arrived on heavy Hogwarts parchment, written in black spiky lettering and carried by a jet black owl. Hermione and Ron Weasley, her husband and keeper for the Chudley Cannons, had both almost dropped their toast in shock at it's arrival and Crookshanks, Hermione's familiar, was swishing his tail angrily at the intrusion. Neither had heard from Headmaster Severus Snape since Hermione had performed the spellwork that would ultimately lead to his survival of Nagini's attack. She hadn't expected a note of gratitude or even acknowledgement and she found herself quite shocked to see his handwriting nearly a decade after.

"Well go on then love, open it. What does Snape have to say do you think?"

"I guess we'll find out, won't we." She shook the parchment leaf out of the envelope and almost instantly clasped her hand to her mouth as she continued to read through a misty film of tears. Ron got up and attempted to comfort his now sobbing wife by gently rubbing her shoulders.

"Hermione? Love? What is it?" She didn't say a word, but held out the letter out for him to read.

"Dear Mrs. Hermione Weasley,

I write this letter both to inform you of some news and to issue a request. First and foremost I must regretfully inform you that Deputy Headmistress Minerva McGonagall has fallen ill and passed on. At her request there was to be no funeral as she did not want sadness surrounding her death and she is to be buried in her home town, a small wizarding hamlet just outside of Glasgow Scotland. I know the two of you were close at one time and I know reading this must be difficult for you and it is for that reason I do truly apologize for my timing in my request. I would like to offer you the post of Deputy Headmistress at Hogwarts as well as taking over Minerva's post as Transfiguration Professor. I know you have a job at the Ministry and therefore understand if you decline, however I must inform you that Minerva bade me make this request personally as she always felt you were the brightest witch of the age. If you are amenable to this request please let me know by return owl as soon as you are able.

My Sincerest Condolences,

Severus Snape"

Ron finished reading, his mouth agape.

"Poor Professor McGonagall. So Snape wants you to be Deputy Headmistress...Merlin Hermione that was one hell of a loaded letter. What do you think?" His blue eyes were focused on her. She could feel them almost boring into her.

"I-I don't know. I mean, on one hand I do enjoy my job at the Ministry, but on the other I would love to be able to return to Hogwarts after all these years. Oh Ronald, I just don't know. What do you think?"

"Well, I am gone a lot training for Quidditch and I know you hate being here alone so much, and I know how much you loved the school and how much you looked up to Professor McGonagall. Maybe it's time for you to go back and try something different?"

Ron's right, Hermione thought to herself. He's gone so much and when he is here, I feel so disconnected. Maybe taking some time for myself to do something else would do our marriage some good.

"Perhaps you're right. I think it could be a good experience. I think I will write him back right away and let him know I'll accept." The black owl that had been waiting patiently on the sill, flew back in and landed gently beside Hermione's plate on the table, waiting to be sent on his way again. "Here you go." She said handing him a piece of her bacon before going to her study to write her return letter.

"Dear Headmaster Snape,

I am most devastated to hear of the passing of Deputy Headmistress McGonagall. She meant a great deal to me during my time at school and after. I would like to graciously accept the positions detailed in your letter. Please owl me with the date I must arrive at the school so I can begin arranging transport.

Sincerest Thanks,

Hermione Jean Granger-Weasley"

She rolled up the scroll and attached it to the owl's leg, watching as it spread it's giant wings and flew out her dining room window.

"Well love, now that that's settled, I have to go meet the mates for a practice. Love you." Ron said as he kissed Hermione on the top of the head.

"Can't you skip practice just this once Ronald? Perhaps we could spend the day together? We haven't really spent any real time together in weeks." She realized she was clinging on to his arm and quickly let go. She was heartbroken at the news of her former head of house's passing and needed physical comfort and it had been so long since Ron had shown her any kind of real intimacy.

"You know I can't Hermione. Quidditch is my job and if we don't practice we don't win matches. Sorry babe. I'll be home later tonight though, and we can do something then maybe." Hermione only nodded as he walked out the door. As usual she would hold it together until after he was gone. The tears stung her eyes but she held them back. First things first, she had a letter of resignation to write. She headed into her study, and began writing to Kingsley Shacklebolt, the Minister for Magic. Crookshanks climbed into her lap and purred loudly.

"Thank you Crooks." She said scratching him behind the ears. "I only wish my husband was as comforting as you are." Hermione sighed and got to work.

Hermione felt the tingle of magic in the air as she walked the winding path to the entrance of the school. It was shortly after dusk and the sky was a beautiful shade of purple. She couldn't hold back her smile as she let it envelop her. She could have sent for a carriage drawn by thestrals, or she could have arranged an apparition point within the wards, but she felt the walk would do her good, clear her thoughts. She had fought with Ron before she left and was feeling lonelier than ever. Hermione had hoped he would want to spend the day together before she left for three months, but once again he said he could not get out of practice and they would spend time together when she came home over Christmas break. Is this what marriage is supposed to be? She thought to herself. Always doing separate things? Never making time for each other? It was times like these that she wished she had been able to contact her mother. After the war, she had tried to repair her parents memories, but it turned out she was such a skilled witch that the obliviate charm she had cast was impenetrable. She had reluctantly returned to Britain, leaving her parents behind in Australia where they seemed to be quite happy in their new lives.

"I could have sent for a carriage Mrs. Weasley had you notified me you had arrived." Snape's smooth voice came to her from the darkness ahead and made her jump and point her wand in his direction before she realized it was him and lowered it.

"I-I'm sorry Headmaster, you startled me. I thought a walk might be nice, Sir."

"I understand. I was notified of your entrance through the wards and came down to make sure you were alright. And please, we are colleagues now. You may call me Severus." He had stepped in beside her and they were walking side by side.

"Thank you," She paused. "Severus." His name sounded foreign coming from her lips, but this new found familiarity with him felt nice.

"I see you still have the same familiar from your third year. What was his name again?" Hermione looked over at the formidable man dressed all in black and quirked an unseen eyebrow. If someone had told her years ago that she would be walking in quiet conversation with none other than Severus Snape she would have thought them confunded and in need of the Hospital Wing, or perhaps even St. Mungo's.

"His name is Crookshanks. He's part Kneazle."

"Ah, yes. Perfect for a familiar. They have very long lifespans, Kneazles."

"Severus, may I ask you a question?"

"I'm sure you will ask me many Mrs. Weasley." His tone was light and she knew he was lightly poking fun at her inquisitive nature.

"Please, call me Hermione." She took a breath. " Why was I chosen for Deputy Headmistress? I can understand Transfiguration professor, but there are so many other teachers that I'm sure would have been excellent in the post."

"Do you not feel yourself worthy to help me run this school...Hermione?" It was the first time she had ever heard her first name spoken by him and she found it sounded quite pleasant.

"I wouldn't say that. I know that despite my younger age my credentials are excellent, however I lack the experience of the others."

"True. There are others who are more experienced teachers than yourself. They however weren't recommended by Minerva. Nor were they recommended by myself."

"Y-you? You recommended me as well?" Hermione found herself feeling stunned by this revelation. She thought, despite her saving his life that he hated her. Although...she had never thought of this before. "A life debt." She said it quietly but he heard it and his demeanour turned icy.

"You think I would recommend you for a high ranking position at Hogwarts just to fulfill a life debt? I had no such thought in mind when I selected you, though I am disappointed to know that you thought so. And Mrs. Weasley, it would appear that, though you are the brightest witch of the age, there are things you do not understand. A life debt is an ancient magic that would not be fulfilled by something as pedestrian as a job offer." His tone reminded her of when he was her teacher and he ridiculed her for being a know-it-all, and his use of her surname rather than her first was clearly deliberate. Great. I'm not even in the building yet and I have screwed up already.

"I am truly sorry that I even thought that. You're right. I clearly do not understand how a life debt works or if we even have one and I am incredibly sorry to have offended you. I just thought that you...hated me. Therefore I couldn't understand why you would have considered me for a position of this magnitude that would require us to work so closely together." Hermione noticed the iciness had dissipated once more.

"It is alright. I am sorry that you thought I hated you. Though sometimes I found your over eagerness annoying, I actually would have rather praised you than punished you. Your muggleborn status prevented me from doing so publicly, given the persona I was obliged to portray."

Hermione had never thought about this. Of course he couldn't have been nice to a muggleborn Gryffindor that was best friends with The Chosen One.

"Thank you for telling me that. I can't believe I never even thought of that. How naive am I?" She laughed lightly.

"No, I was just an excellent actor." He was smiling at her. Severus Snape was actually smiling and it didn't even resemble a grimace. It was nice to see on him, even if it was rather disconcerting.

As they approached the doors of the Entrance Hall, they opened automatically as if they felt the presence of the Headmaster returning.

"Shall I show you to the Deputy quarters? You're a little late to have dinner with all of the staff, but if you would like I can have the elves make something for us and have it sent to our office? I was busy making preparations and didn't get the chance to eat either." He was continuing to shock her with his pleasantness. So this is what a relaxed Severus Snape was like. It was slightly unnerving.

"I would love both, thank you Severus."

They walked quietly to an entrance blocked by a suit of armour, just beside the hidden staircase for the Head's office.

"This is your quarters. The password is currently 'Godric Gryffindor' but the suit of armour will prompt you for your next password once it recognizes you as the new Deputy Head."

Hermione stepped up to the armour and confidently stated the password. As the metal of the armour clanged with it's movement, she heard a voice request a password change. She thought of the first thing that came to mind. "Crookshanks." The armour nodded in acceptance.

"Are you okay with the fact that I now know the entrance password to your private chambers?" Snape had a raised eyebrow and a smirk. She hadn't even thought of him knowing.

"I don't see any issue with it. I trust you." Hermione smiled back at him. I never thought I would see the day where I would have a cordial conversation with this man, let alone be smiling at and smirking at each other. Am I even awake? Did I fall asleep on the train here? She thought.

"Well, Hermione. Go ahead and unpack and get settled. I will be waiting for you in an hour in the Head's office. The password is Orchidus Nocturnus. Welcome back to Hogwarts." He turned and was gone in a swish of robes and Hermione began to climb the staircase that had once belonged to her head of house.

"Go ahead Crooks. This is home now." Hermione said opening his travel crate. He meowed and stretched before taking off to wander around and get acquainted. "My goodness it's quite...plain in here..." She said to no one in particular, marvelling at the white walls, countertops, and even furniture! She suddenly had a thought. "I would like black granite counters." She said aloud and watched as right before her eyes the counters changed. She grinned, this was amazing! Custom decor spells! "I would like a black plush leather sectional with a chaise lounge at the end." The furniture transformed before her eyes. She went room to room changing the fabrics, wall colours, and making sure she had the bedroom of her dreams. Lilac coloured walls, four poster bed with lush plum coloured fabrics and shelves everywhere full of books. Checking the time, Hermione realized she only had a half hour before she was expected to be upstairs for dinner. Rather than the soak in the jacuzzi tub she had planned, a quick shower in the oversized stand up shower would have to suffice.

With ten minutes remaining, Hermione threw some sleekeazy's hair potion in her curly light brown and blonde highlighted hair in order to tame it, and quickly applied her makeup. She didn't know why she was making such a big deal about her appearance tonight, perhaps it had to do with this being a new start for her, but she made sure her smokey eye was flawless and topped it off with a tiny amount of pale peach lipstick that matched her skin tone perfectly. She dressed in a classy burgundy muggle top and dark denim skinny jeans complete with matching heels and bounded down the steps and over to the guarded stairs of the Head's office.

"Orchidus Nocturnus." She said with as much confidence as she could muster and stepped onto the moving circular staircase.

Severus was waiting at the top of the staircase for her, and for the first time, she fully took him in. He looked much healthier than he ever did when he was her Professor, and his hair no longer appeared greasy and lank. She had fully expected him to be in his usual black button up robes, but instead was shocked to notice he was wearing muggle jeans and a long sleeved black v-neck shirt. Hermione couldn't help but notice the way his muscles filled out the shirt, and as she perused him, she lingered on the scar tissue about his neck. It appeared he had no qualms about showing it off now. It was a mark of a survivor. Hermione Jean Granger-Weasley...this man was once your teacher! Stop noticing how he fills out a shirt! And for Merlin's sake you're a married woman not a teenager with hormones! She thought to herself but despite that she felt her cheeks redden. She never would have thought that she would even remotely consider the potions master attractive, but here she was.

"Good evening Hermione." He held his hand out to her to help her off the top step. And he was smirking. Oh Merlin's beard he noticed! He noticed me looking at him! She was practically yelling at herself in her head.

"Good evening Severus." She let him lead her into the office that had once been Dumbledore's. It looked much larger and there were now two desks on either side of the room, facing each other. In the middle was a pop up bistro style table that was surely not usually there, and had most likely been brought for them by the elves. "Wow, things have certainly changed." She turned on the spot taking it all in.

"It has. I hope it's to your taste, if not we can certainly change things so you are more comfortable."

"No, it's perfect. I just never thought I would sit in this office. I only ever saw it once during my time at Hogwarts." Hermione made her way over to the table and sat down as Severus pulled the chair out for her. As he sat, food magically appeared like it always had in the Great Hall, except this time there was only what looked like spaghetti bolognese and garlic bread, and to her surprise a bottle of elf made wine. It was almost as if the elves were trying to make their dinner more romantic than it should have been. Perhaps they just feel he is lonely and should have someone and he ordered for two, maybe they thought it was a date.

"I hope you like pasta, I wasn't sure but I thought it may have been a fairly safe bet. And I always like to have a glass of wine with dinner." He waved his hand over the bottle. It uncorked and began self-pouring two glasses. "Besides, it's your first night back in the castle, why not have a decent meal."

Hermione quirked an eyebrow. This certainly was not the Severus she remembered, and if she were to owl Harry or Ron and tell them about it they might think her insane. In fact, she was finding it almost unnerving. How much weight had been on his shoulders during the time of Voldemort? How much influence did that have over who he was then? Is this how he would have been if it hadn't been for the manipulations of Voldemort and Dumbledore?

"I know what you're thinking. You're probably thinking I've been bewitched." He chuckled! Actually chuckled! He's a Legilimens, he could have read ALL those thoughts you've had since the staircase and probably thinks you're an idiot now! An idiot school girl come to play headmistress! I must remember to occlude from now on. "And in case your thinking I used legilimency on you, I didn't. And seeing your eyes go wide just now tells me you're thinking I am delving into your mind and I assure you Hermione I would do no such thing. I find I have very little use for that skill now. I promise you to never do that to you without your permission."

"I'm sorry. I'm just not used to this side of you." Hermione sipped her wine slowly. "Like, I never thought I would come up here and see you in muggle clothing!" He laughed, and it was a much lighter sound than she would have expected.

"I changed a lot after the war. Passing those memories onto Potter freed me from them. I was able to regain control of my life again. With Dumbledore and Voldemort gone, I was finally allowed to be my own person. It's amazing how much lighter a person becomes when they don't have to play double agent." He sipped his own wine. "It's been ten years, and you are now my equal not my student. I still scare the hell out of the students don't you worry. That hasn't changed."

They both laughed and fell into light conversation as they ate. She learned that he hadn't had much interest in dating, preferring to discover what a life of true freedom entailed and in turn he learned that Ron was away too much to really be able to start a family, and with her travels for her own position in the Ministry they had never thought about it, though she wasn't entirely opposed to the idea. They talked about current events, what had changed about Hogwarts, and discovered that they liked a lot of the same things where art, literature and music were concerned. They didn't realize the elves were continually replenishing the wine and before long had gone through four bottles.

"Oh Merlin! Severus, there are four empty bottles here!" Hermione giggled. She was quite drunk and was very flushed.

"I didn't even realize...and look at the time...it's well after one in the morning! We should probably part ways and head to our chambers. I'll escort you." He held his hand out and Hermione took it, standing and immediately stumbling forward, knocking them both over onto the floor. She was sprawled out on top of him, her face mere inches from his and his arms were wrapped around her. Her leg was between his and she suddenly flushed, realizing this was the closest she had been to any man in months. Her husband included. Hermione jumped up quickly.

"Oh Merlin's beard I am so sorry! I lost my balance!" She could not have been more horrified. Her first night in the castle and she had fallen on top of Severus Snape! Who, she suddenly noticed, was laughing hard as he got up off the floor and dusted himself off.

"No harm done, but I think it is definitely time for bed." He offered his hand once more and helped her onto the moving staircase, steadying her so she didn't fall. Severus released her as they stepped off the bottom step. "Will you be okay to make it to your chambers alone now?"

"Yes, thank you Severus. I'm sorry I made a fool of myself."

"I didn't think you made a fool of yourself. Have a good night Hermione. See you tomorrow? I assume you'll come to the staff room for breakfast in the morning?"

"Of course. Wait, staff room?"

"Yes, we don't use the Great Hall when there are no students. Just doesn't make any sense to do so. Breakfast is at ten. See you then." He smiled and turned to walk away. She watched him walk down the hall and stop at a painting of a giant bat. He said something she could not hear and it swung forward to permit him entrance to his private chambers.

"Of course he would pick a bat painting. He has more of a sense of humour than I would have thought." She laughed as she spoke her password and entered her own chambers.

"You scored a T on your potions essay Miss Granger." Professor Snape's velvety smooth voice spoke from the shadows of the dungeon classroom.

"B-but that's not possible!" Her voice was high with shock. "I worked so hard." Tears sat on her long eyelashes threatening to fall.

"Apparently not hard enough." Slowly he came out from behind his desk and into the light. He was dressed in the v-neck shirt and jeans he had been wearing that evening. Hermione looked down at herself and was shocked to see she was wearing her Gryffindor uniform!

"Perhaps there is something we can do about it? Perhaps a private study session?" He was approaching her with a lascivious look on his face.

"W-what do you mean Sir?"

"Good, I like when you call me Sir. That will definitely gain you points with me, but first Miss Granger, I think you should be punished for your abysmal performance. Come." He beckoned for her to approach him as he seated himself on a chair he had just conjured. Hermione decided it was best not to argue and approached slowly. She was not expecting him to grab her waist and throw her over his knees.

"W-what the hell d-do you think you're doing?" She yelped and squirmed trying to get off of his lap, but to no avail. He was considerably stronger than her. His hands slid up the backs of her legs until he was just under the hem of her skirt.

"I am giving you a way to earn extra credit. Or perhaps you wish your essay mark to stay the same?"

Hermione was in shock. She was not the kind of girl who would sleep with a professor for grades, but she couldn't handle the shame of getting a T on an essay either. "Y-you won't tell anyone will you, Sir?"

"Not a soul. Shall we begin? And Miss Granger? You are to call me Sir and speak only when spoken to. Do you understand?"

"Yes, Sir." Tears were falling down her cheeks but she steeled herself. If this is what she needed to do to pass potions, she would do it.

Severus caressed her thighs and buttocks as he raised her kilt. "My my, what a naughty Gryffindor we are. No knickers under our school kilt. That may warrant an extra punishment for uniform violations." He stroked across her milky white ass cheek before slapping it hard with his hand. Hermione gasped at the sensation. It stung, and she was shocked that her professor was treating her this way, but she found herself growing wet with anticipation of the next smack. As if reading her mind, he rained another several slaps upon her creamy flesh until she was whimpering and her flesh was the colour of a tomato. She felt him trail a finger between her folds and bit her lip at how good it felt."It would appear the little Gryffindor princess is much more of a slut than she lets on. Soaking wet from her punishment. Did you enjoy your spanking Miss Granger?"

Shame coloured her cheeks but she knew she must answer honestly or have him pull it from her mind with legilimency anyway."Yes, Sir." She felt him begin teasing her opening with his finger.

"Would you like me to punish you more?" His voice was like sex personified.

"Yes, Sir." She mewled as he touched her. He toyed with her opening and she could almost feel his smirk as she pooled in his hand.

"Yes, it would seem we are a little slut aren't we?" He withdrew his hand and tasted her juices."Mmm, you're very tasty my little minx." Suddenly he brought his hand down on her already red and punished behind. She hissed in pleasure-pain. Blow after blow, he reddened her cheeks until he was sure she would not be able to sit comfortably for the rest of the week. He could smell her arousal and was dying to bury himself in her. "Good girl Miss Granger, you did well"

"Thank you, Sir."

"Shall I reward you for doing so well with your first spanking?"

"If it pleases you, Sir." She was shaking and shivering with need and silently prayed her reward would be something resulting in an orgasm.

"Well, well, it would appear my little Gryffindor slut is learning quite quickly." He lifted her gently off his lap. "Undress. Everything goes but the kilt and do it slowly." Hermione did as she was told. She even added a little striptease. When she was naked except for the kilt, she knelt in front of him to wait for further instructions. She wasn't sure how she knew what to do, but his expression told her he enjoyed it all the same. She felt the ground soften slightly under her knees and knew Severus had cast a spell for her comfort."You look so delightfully delectable kneeling in front of me like that Miss Granger. Shall we put that know-it-all mouth to good use?"

"Yes, Sir." He waved his hand and his clothing seemed to evaporate. She couldn't help but admire his wandless magic. She looked at him and took in his muscular body, his perfectly placed chest hair, the trail of body hair leading down his belly and ending at his well groomed pubic hair. Just below that was the most impressive cock she had ever laid eyes on. He was easily nine inches, and appeared to be almost two inches wide.

"Like what you see?"

"Yes, Sir." She licked her lips and saw his cock twitch. She leaned forward and slowly brought him into her mouth. She felt him fist his hands in her curly mane and guide her up and down his generous length. She started off slowly, taking him into her throat and...she gagged.

"It's okay Miss Granger, try again."She lowered herself again and took him a little further down before she gagged again. She relaxed her throat muscles and tried again and again until she was able to take his full length without the slightest reaction from her gag reflex. Professor Snape leaned back in the chair and tilted his head back, enjoying her ministrations. She bobbed up and down flicking her tongue along his shaft as she went. She popped him out of her mouth and tongued his head licking up the dew drop of pre-cum that formed there. When his balls began tightening he pulled her off of him by the hair and stroked her face gently.

"You did a great job Miss Granger. You are well on your way to an acceptable mark on your essay."

"Acceptable, Sir?"

"Let me guess, you were hoping for an Outstanding?" Hermione looked at her feet and nodded.

"You will have to do a lot more than that to earn an Outstanding. Sit on my desk with your legs spread." She did as she was asked. She even hiked her kilt in order to afford him a better view.

"My my, what a beautiful, pink, soaking wet pussy you have." He was standing less than a foot away from her. "What would you like me to do to it slut?"

"I-I want you to give me an o-orgasm, Sir." Hermione answered, trembling.

"An orgasm? Just one? And how would you like me to give it to you Miss Granger?"

"I-I would like y-you to choose, Sir." Severus grinned. Who would have guessed the Gryffindor prude would be such a quick study in the ways of submission?

"As you wish." He dipped his head between her thighs and parted her lips agonizingly slowly with the tip of his tongue. Hermione arched her back in pleasure...

...and woke up. It had been a dream. Hermione was rather stunned to notice that she was covered in a sheen of sweat and, upon further exploration, that she was wetter than she had ever been. All from a dream. The worst part was it was a dream about a man other than her husband. A man she now had to spend every day with. She looked over at the large antique clock in her room and discovered it was only eight thirty. She had more than enough time to take care of herself before getting up and ready for breakfast. She slid her hand down her body until it reached the heat of her core. She stroked her swollen nub slow at first and then faster and faster until she was panting and dipping her fingers in and out of herself. She couldn't help but replay the dream in her head as she brought herself to orgasm. Was it considered cheating if you masturbated to the thought of another man? It was only a dream right? She didn't want to think about it, and so she got up and decided to soak in the jacuzzi tub before heading to breakfast with her new fellow staff.