A/N: I do not own Harry Potter. Also, please let me know if I should continue this story…..okay, Another installment of JOK.
She had told no one about that morning in the library. Not that anyone would believe her anyway. But that had been a week ago and they hadn't interacted since. Was he avoiding her? Probably. And she couldn't blame him considering his position. But that didn't keep Hermione from wishing that he would stop. She had never felt so secure, so...valued. Remembering what it felt like to be in his arms, made her insides warm. But enough of such thoughts, she was being rude. She was supposed to be paying attention to Remus's joke. She looked at her friends around her as they all had their eyes on the beloved professor and friend.
She took a moment to analyze the man before her. She knew that he was intelligent and she could see why the girls from her year had a crush on him. Was that why Professor Snape told her to focus on him instead? Because Remus was more….likeable? She sighed. "Something wrong Hermione?" It was Remus, his brows were knitted together in concern and he'd placed his hand on top of hers.
"I'm fine," she answered, slipping her hand away from his. She didn't know why, but something about his touch disturbed her. She gave him a false smile, "Alright, on with the story!"
They continued on like this for some time until finally everyone broke off into their own activities. The twins had their experiments, and Ginny and Harry were taking turns trying to beat Ron in a game of chess. Now, it was well into the night and Hermione couldn't sleep. Thinking a nice cup of tea would do her good she crept downstairs, not bothering to pull on her robe. However when she reached the kitchen she stopped dead in her tracks. Sitting at the table was a disheveled Severus Snape.
He was slumped against the kitchen table, nestling a glass filled with what she assumed was liquor. There were two bottles on the table, one was a pain reliever potion and the other the scotch. "To what do I owe this dubious pleasure Miss Granger?" He inquired sitting back in his seat. His voice was slightly slurred and matched his weary state. She also noticed that his shirt was unbuttoned baring his chest for all to see.
"I couldn't sleep, so I came down for some tea," she answered turning so that he couldn't see her blush.
"And do you always walk around in such frivolous nightwear or am I just lucky?" Her blush deepened. Coughing she proceeded to fix herself some tea. She watched as he frowned and rubbed his shoulder.
"Is the potion not working?" she asked noticing his discomfort. He looked up at her with a scrutinizing expression. Then he sighed.
"Not quick enough, it was a rough night Miss Granger," he admitted.
Biting her lip, she said, "What about a massage? It should be good for the pain, at least, until the potion kicks in…"
The look he gave her was indiscernible, but eventually he nodded. She gestured for him to sit up in the chair before she began. She started with long, light strokes to his neck and shoulders. Every so often running her fingers through his surprisingly silky black hair. Moving back down to his neck she placed her ring, middle, and index fingertips at the base where the head and neck met up. She slid her fingers down his neck, sweeping over onto his shoulders applying even pressure throughout.
Feeling hard knots in his muscle, she placed her thumbs on the tension knot, applying pressure. She kneaded his broad shoulders in a circular motion to release the tension. He leaned into her touch ever so slightly and Hermione smiled. She slid her hands up and down his neck repeating the process. "Doesn't this feel good?" She whispered into the man's ear, taking pleasure in stroking, kneading and caressing his flesh. He mumbled his agreeance and her smiled deepened. Slowly, she nudged his shirt off his shoulders and was in for a glorious surprise. Professor Snape was a very fit man. She made him lean forward as she massaged lower and lower on his back.
She would go down some and then work her way back up, repeating the process going further down each time. Hearing him moan, even subtly, was like music to her ears. When she felt she had gotten all the knots, she returned to his head, giving him a brief scalp massage. "All done," she announced one hand resting on his bare shoulder, the other still stroking his hair.
Severus had been apprehensive when Miss Granger suggested a massage. There were several things that were against him saying yes. One, given both of their states of dress, the act would be decidedly more intimate. Two, she would be touching him and three, if she wasn't good she could make his pain worse. But he had soon found out just how talented she was. He had to prevent himself from practically purring under her fingertips. And the way she whispered in his ear…. "Once again Miss Granger you manage to astound me with your kindness," He drawled as he enjoyed the feeling of her continuing to play in his hair.
"You had best get used to it Professor Snape," She said, pausing her movements. Next thing he felt was her presence next to his ear, "I enjoy taking care of you." Her words shot straight to his groin and he hated it. Insufferable chit, was she trying to seduce him?
He frowned, lifting his glass and swallowing the last of his drink. "When you say things like that, it's hard not to think you've been hired by Albus," he noted bitterly. He was unprepared for what she did next. She straddled him and Severus willed for his erection to go down. "Miss Grang-"
"What will it take for you to trust me?" she pleaded. He looked into her eyes and they begged for him to give in. To believe.
"When you have experienced the things I have, there are very few people who you will trust," he answered bluntly.
"Try me," She insisted and she shifted on his lap. Severus could not hold back his groan. That seemed to make her aware of their current situation. She shifted again, this time purposefully rocking against his hard on. She gave a little 'oh' and he felt her shiver from the sensation. She made to do it once more but he gripped her hips firmly.
"This, is dangerous territory Miss Granger," He warned suddenly sober.
"You're right," she breathed, running her hands up his chest, before twining her hands behind his neck. She sank down on him again. "Mmmm," she moaned, "But it sure feels good." Severus's head tilted back as he felt a burst of pleasure. She nibbled his neck and he hissed. She was rubbing against him wantonly but there was no way he'd let her go through with this.
"No," he insisted, pushing her away from his person. And then he stalked up to his bedroom leaving the silly girl downstairs.
The next morning most of the occupants of Grimmauld Place began their day in much the same way they started any other day. Except Hermione. She lay curled up on her side, with red puffy eyes. She was such an idiot! Throwing herself at him like that? She could only imagine what he thought of her. Worse still, she had acted on impulse, not really thinking about the possible consequences. But she hadn't expected for him to be so hot and hard beneath her. God, just when she was finally gaining some ground with him-she had to go ruin things.
Oh well, maybe he'd go back to ignoring her. Maybe then she could nurse her aching heart in private. It wasn't fair. The moment she realized that she had feelings for her professor other than admiration and respect, was also the moment she'd dashed her hopes for anything more. He rejected her. Erection or not, it was obvious that he hadn't wanted anything to do with her. But he had been aroused by her right? Unless….it was just a natural reaction to her proximity? Dang it!
"Hermione, its me-Remus," said man called from the other side of the door. She groaned, unfurling from her balled up position on the bed. Grabbing her robe she got up and went to the door.
"Hello Remus," Hermione greeted after she opened the door. "What brings you here?"
"Oh, uh I noticed you didn't come down for breakfast," he answered, squinting at her a bit. "What's wrong? Have you been crying?" Hermione could have kicked herself for not fixing her face before answering the door.
"Uh, yes, I was," She admitted, "But it's nothing, really." She made to close the door.
Remus frowned, "I know you're not telling the truth. You can trust me Hermione, you know that right?" He had his arm on the door, providing just enough pressure to keep it open. Hermione tried not to feel upset by this. She smothered a sigh.
"I know Remus, but like I said it's nothing. I should be down for lunch," She gave him what she hoped looked like a reassuring smile. Convinced or not, the older man seemed to back down. Nodding his head he turned to walk down the hallway leaving Hermione to her thoughts.
Severus found himself running into the werewolf on the way back up to his room. "Oi, Severus!" he heard the man call and reluctantly he stopped in his tracks.
"What do you want Lupin?" He drawled faintly annoyed at the interruption. All he wanted to do was go back to his rooms and finish brewing. The Dark Lord wanted his potion and he needed to complete it today, before he was summoned.
"I'm just coming from Hermione's room, you wouldn't happen to know what upset her would you?"
"Why would I know anything about the emotional state of Miss Granger?" Severus replied in his usual manner, adding his mocking eyebrow lift to support his words. "I suggest you go bug Scarhead or one of the red ones-and leave me alone."
Remus frowned, "You don't have to be so mean Severus."
"Clearly I'm not nearly mean enough, you're still in my way," He sneered and the other man merely shook his head. Severus waited for Lupin to disappear down the stairs before switching paths and heading toward Miss Granger's room himself. Despite what he told Lupin he had a fair inkling as to what was upsetting Miss Granger. And he knew it was his fault.
Having reached her door he knocked as politely as he knew how. He was surprised to see the door fly open immediately. "Remus I already told you-" Whatever Miss Granger had to say died on her lips as she froze in shock, no doubt at seeing him at her door. Severus took this time to take in her appearance. Her hair was unkempt and her eyes were red rimmed and puffy. Telltale signs that she had been crying. That and the fact that she was still in her pj's let him know that she probably had yet to leave her bedroom.
"May I come in?" He inquired softly. She moved aside and he entered.
"What are you doing here?" She stood a ways from him, arms wrapped around herself protectively.
"You're not the only one who cares." He answered quietly and she snorted.
"Oh yeah? Was that care you showed me when you threw me off of you?" He could hear the bitterness in her voice and it made his heart twinge.
"Yes, it was. Miss Granger-"
"Can you please stop calling me that? It only makes this situation worse," she huffed. Severus conceded.
"H-he-Hermione, please. You must understand that this isn't easy for me. You were getting too close and I had to end things before they got carried away," He explained.
"All you had to say was that you weren't attracted to me. But no, you decided humiliating me was the better route!" Tears were filling her eyes and her face flushed. "Please, just go!"
Severus felt his frustration rise higher and higher with each tear filled syllable. "No. I won't leave until you listen to me!" He shouted. "The problem isn't that I don't want you Hermione," He said tugging her hand away from her body. He pulled her close, placing her hand on his erection. "The problem is that I do want you. Very badly." He let her go and she took a step back.
"Then why did you-?"
"Because it was going too fast. In a matter of minutes, we went from teacher and pupil to...to whatever that was in the kitchen. Now do you understand?" He answered gazing at her intently.
And there it was. A faint smile that lit her face so beautifully. She took a step towards him, as if testing their boundaries. He nodded encouragingly and her smile widened. "Perhaps I was a bit too hasty," she agreed taking a hold of his hand. She traced soothing circles over his skin. "I just couldn't help it, you felt so good under me." The way she stressed the word 'good' made him harden even more.
Severus let out the breath he didn't know he was holding. "Are you purposely trying to arouse me?" He murmured stopping her movements. He held both of her hands and looked into her eyes, awaiting an answer.
"Maybe," she answered coyly. "In all seriousness Pro-can I call you Severus?" He nodded. "In all seriousness Severus, I meant what I said. I care about you. Granted, I didn't know how much until last night."
"I believe you," he confessed. "But-"
"But what?"
"I request that such….delights….that you offered yesterday be postponed until we know each other better. Agreed?"
"Agreed."
