You Promised It Would Be Forever Part 3

Hermione sat in the armchair for about half an hour, steeling herself. She told herself that Severus was no one for her to be afraid of, that he was a man like any other man, and had the right to accept her apology or reject it, and she would just have to live with his decision. She had hurt him badly, but if she had been in her normal state of mind, she would never have done such a thing. If he couldn't understand that, then there was nothing more to be said. She never claimed to be perfect.

The witch felt a new resolve. It was time to stop hiding and feeling sorry for herself. Even without Severus her life wasn't over. It just felt like it was. But her feelings would fade and she would move on. Maybe even meet someone else, and this time apply the lessons she learned from her first failed love.

Hermione sighed. That was pushing it. She had never been interested in anyone other than the Potions Master. He was her first and her only. Although she had never slept with another man, Hermione doubted there were many lovers like Severus. Anyone she met would have to compete with his memory, compete with his love. She didn't think anyone could ever replace him in her heart or in her bed. It would be better just to focus on living her life as best she could. If she were destined for another love, then it would happen.

Hermione stood up and walked into her bedroom, then into the bathroom. She looked at herself in the mirror. If she were going to talk to Severus, she wanted to look presentable. More than presentable. She walked over to the bath and turned on the jasmine spigot, then walked over to the shelf and retrieved her shampoo, setting it on the edge of the bathtub. She let the tub fill almost to the brim with hot, sudsy water, then turned it off.

She undressed, grabbed the shampoo and washed her hair in the shower as the water in the tub cooled. She washed it thoroughly, the scent of jasmine settling in. Severus had loved the way her hair smelled. He was always burying his big nose in it. Hermione smiled at the memory.

Finished with her hair, she walked to the sunken bathtub and slipped into the warm, frothy water with a sigh. She lay back and soaked luxuriously. She felt better than she had felt in years. She decided she would take her supper in her rooms, and then wait for her ex-husband to return from the Great Hall, and approach him just as she and Gwendolyn had practiced. She would invite him into her study, offer him some refreshment, then make her apology and ask for his forgiveness. But the healer had been right. To tell him she still loved him would be too much, no matter how she felt in her heart. Whether he forgave her or not, she would thank him for listening and let him leave.

She soaked for a while, but left the tub before she got pruny, and dried herself off. Naked, she walked into the bedroom and opened her wardrobe. She looked over her robes…then something rather wicked clicked in her mind as her as her eyes fell on the red pumps resting on the floor of the wardrobe. Her eyes swept over to the dresses and settled on the red one with the little slit up the side. She had never worn the shoes or the dress.

Hermione looked thoughtful for a moment. Why not? It might make Severus more amenable to accepting her apology.

The witch wouldn't allow herself to think what she was really up to.

It was too terrible. Too shameless.

Too Slytherin.


Severus kept his eyes pealed for Hermione the entire afternoon, but she never left her rooms. Was the witch in there trembling about approaching him? More than likely. It was close to supper and she still hadn't emerged. Well, he was peckish. He'd go eat supper and return. Surely she would seek him out or meet him on the way back.

As he walked toward the Main Hall, he was still torn as to how he would respond to the witch's apology. If he would forgive her or not. She planned to invite him into her rooms. He would be in her domain. That might give her a bit more courage. He wondered if she would confess she loved him still, and if she did…how he would respond to her. It was obvious he retained some feeling for the witch. His actions toward her showed this much. But was it love, or just the remnant of a responsibility he once felt toward her?

The Potions Master arrived at the Great Hall and entered through the staff entrance. Albus watched him with rather hooded eyes. His Professor seemed to be rather distracted. The Headmaster was well aware that Hermione was to apologize to him tonight. The healer had thought it best that someone in authority know of it, in case Hermione was rejected and reacted badly. Personally, Albus thought the apology would go rather well.

Severus found his appetite was quite diminished, and so had a bowl of soup with bread and a glass of pumpkin juice. Could it be he was a bit off his game because of the upcoming situation with his ex-wife? Her apology was in all probability going to be quite emotional. Even when she was role-playing with the healer, he could hear the desperation in her voice.

He ate his soup soberly as he considered being alone with the witch as she asked for his forgiveness.

Alone with Hermione after almost four years. A Hermione who loved him again. Quite a tempting arrangement. The healer was right, she would be vulnerable. All that would be required was for him to simply touch her and she would most likely melt into a willing puddle of lust. He didn't believe the witch had taken any other lovers since their divorce, though it could be possible if she wasn't herself.

Severus scowled at that possibility. One of the things he had loved about Hermione was that no other wizard had ever done the things to her that he had. No other man had ever known the pleasures of her body or her secret need to be taken strongly. He had been her only lover and he had coveted that fact. She had been his and his alone. His name was the only name she had cried out in the midst of passion, in the throes of climax. He was the only wizard to witness those amber eyes go hot, or fall half-lidded when she was entered. He was the only…

Severus realized he had a raging hard on. His robes were noticeably tented, even though his was sitting down.

"Shit," he breathed, sliding closer to the table and willing his organ to go down.

But it remained stubbornly rigid, awakened by his memories of Hermione and sustained by the idea it would soon be within reach of her, if the wizard it was attached to would take advantage of the situation. It throbbed as if to urge him on to make the right choice.

"Severus! How are you my boy?" said Albus smiling and pulling out a chair next to him.

Dear gods. He would show up now.

"I'm fine, Headmaster," Severus said in a strained voice, scooting his chair even closer to the table.

"Good, good. Are classes going all right?" the Headmaster continued, making small talk, his blue eyes twinkling brightly behind his half-moon glasses.

"My classes are going the way they always go when filled to the brim with dunderheads," Severus replied irritatedly. He wished Albus would leave. If the Headmaster saw him with a hard-on…

Albus chuckled.

"You seem a bit stiff, Severus. You really need to relax," Albus commented.

Severus gave him a sidelong glance.

"I am fine, Headmaster, believe me. I just have something on my mind," the Potions Master replied evenly. Did the Headmaster know?

"Is that something five foot three, with amber eyes and chestnut hair?" the Headmaster asked, grinning.

"No," Severus lied.

Albus chuckled.

"You know Severus, denial isn't just a river in Egypt," the Headmaster quipped, rising from his chair and patting the wizard on his shoulder. "Twain," he added, walking away with a broad smile.

Severus looked at the old wizard's retreating back perplexed. Sometimes he had no idea what Albus was talking about. He felt himself deflating somewhat. At least Albus was good for something other than abstract comments.

Finished with his soup, and his anatomy somewhat restrained, Severus rose from the table and exited the Great Hall. He turned down the dungeon corridor.

"This is it," he thought as he headed for his rooms.

As if on cue, Hermione's room door opened and she stepped into the corridor just as Severus reached his door.

"Um, excuse me, Severus? I was wondering if I could talk to you privately in my study? It will only take a few moments," Hermione called to him.

Severus turned toward the witch. It was all he could do to keep his mouth closed as he looked at her.

Hermione's chestnut hair fell in soft curls around her shoulders, and she was wearing a red dress that showed a hint of thigh, and fit her too well, accentuating all her curves. He glanced down at her feet. Dear gods, she was wearing heels.

Hermione watched the Potions Master's black eyes slide over her, and lock on her shoes for a moment. He had always loved her in heels. They used to drive him quite mad. As his eyes snapped to her face, she saw that apparently they still did. His eyes were positively glittering.

Severus didn't answer the witch as he walked toward her. He stopped about a foot away from her, his eyes resting on her cleavage for a quick moment before he met her eyes.

"What do you wish to talk to me about, Hermione?" he asked in a low voice.

"About what happened between us, Severus, and how sorry I am. Please, go in," she said.

Severus hesitated as his eyes swept over her again, dropping to those shoes. Suddenly, the Potions Master swept through her door so swiftly, he startled her.

Gods, he was in her rooms. She was alone with him.

The witch took a deep breath to steel herself, then walked in behind him, closing the door. She didn't ward it however.

Severus stood in the middle of the room, looking at her. He wore a slight frown.

"That's quite an outfit you're wearing," he said.

Hermione looked down at herself as if just noticing what she had on.

"I felt like dressing up. This is an important occasion," she said.

Severus cocked his head at the witch.

"How so, Hermione?" he asked her, though he already knew.

Hermione looked at him a moment.

"Please sit down, Severus," she said, gesturing towards one of two armchairs that sat in front of her fireplace.

The Potions Master walked over to the chair and sat down. Hermione walked over and joined him. The slit fell open a bit when she sat, revealing her creamy thigh.

Severus was trying to retain his composure. Gods, the witch looked delicious.

Hermione looked at him a long moment before she spoke.

"Severus, I want you to know that I never meant to hurt you the way I did," she said, beginning to show some nervousness. She looked down at her hands and began to twist them, then she looked up at the Potions Master again, who was listening intently.

"When Jacob died, it was as if a part of me died too, the caring part. I didn't know it at the time. All I knew was the pain of losing my child. It was as if nothing else mattered…nothing. I became someone else Severus, someone who caused you a world of hurt and pain. I heaped blame on you when you were innocent of wrongdoing. I left your bed and made your life with me one of misery. You took that for almost three years, until you couldn't stand it anymore and lashed back at me. And I took that one comment, ignoring everything I had said and done to you, and used it as an excuse to push you out of my life."

Hermione drew in a shuddering breath and continued.

"I turned my back on you and hurt you when I promised I never, ever would. I was ill, Severus and my grief and rage consumed me. If I had been myself, I would have never have moved your things to Hogwarts, or gotten those divorce papers and made you sign them. I would have never put you up for shame and public humiliation. I am so, so very sorry, Severus, for doing that to you, and ruining our marriage. You loved me, and I turned away from you. I know I don't deserve forgiveness. I know how you feel about mistakes. I have no right to ask you this, but I'm hoping you'll find it in your heart to forgive me. Please, forgive me Severus," Hermione said, tears slowly running down her face. "I'm so sorry."

The Potions Master looked at her for a long moment, saying nothing at first.

"Hermione, you weren't the only one at fault. Eventually I closed up toward you in much the same manner you did me. True, I wasn't as vocally abusive as you were, but silence can hurt as much as harsh words. I was the one who told you I wished I could walk away from you. Despite all of your raging, you never once threatened to leave me. I gave you the idea to divorce me, and when you brought me the papers, I didn't try to save our relationship either. I simply signed them. So you see Hermione, you weren't the only one at fault here. We are both responsible for what happened. I will find it in my heart to forgive you, only if you can find it in your heart to forgive me as well," Severus said, his eyes locked on the witch's face.

Hermione stared at him, her tears still rolling freely. She had never expected a response like that from her ex-husband.

"Forgive you? But Severus, you didn't…" she began. Severus shushed her.

"Hermione, yes…you weren't yourself, but the guilt is not all yours. Don't claim it all. Just forgive me," he said softly, reaching into his shirt pocket beneath his robes and removing a handkerchief. He handed it to the witch, and she looked at it for a moment, rolling it between her fingers before dabbing it to her eyes.

"I forgive you, Severus," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

"And I forgive you, Hermione," he replied softly.

Hermione stared at him, then let out a small sigh. Severus wondered if she were going to tell him she still loved him. But she didn't.

Instead, she said, "Thank you, Severus. Thank you for understanding."

"You're welcome," he said.

The couple stared at each other, Severus debating as to what he should do or say now. The apologies had been very emotional, and Hermione was very vulnerable. He had been of a mind to seduce her, but now…now he couldn't bring himself to take advantage of the witch, no matter how much his body protested.

He rose from the chair.

"I'm going to take my leave of you Hermione. I hope you've found closure," he said. He began to walk toward the door.

"Severus?" Hermione called to him.

The Potions Master turned back towards her. She stood up and walked around the chair, stopping several feet away from him. She was twisting her hands again.

"Yes Hermione?" Severus asked her, his belly drawing up tight at how lovely she looked.

"Don't go, Severus," she said in a small voice, "Please don't go."

Severus stared at his ex-wife, standing before him in those red pumps and red dress, pleading with him not to leave her rooms. He felt a tug in two places. Apparently one was in his heart.

"Hermione," he said quietly, "I am attempting to do the noble thing here and not take advantage of your vulnerable state. We've both been through a lot, and you might not be thinking straight."

Hermione looked at him, and took a small step toward him.

"Don't be noble, Severus…be kind," she said softly.

The term "Be kind" had been a code phrase Hermione used to use to let Severus know she wanted to be ravished. In other words treated roughly and taken hard and long. He was sure her masochistic tendencies were in full force. Severus felt himself responding to her powerfully.

The gods knew there was nothing Severus would love more than to drive the witch from one end of the bed to the other after all these years of celibacy. He could be very, very kind to her. But he didn't want her to think that he was willing to renew their relationship, because he wasn't sure he was.

"Hermione, I'm not saying this to hurt you, but I'm not sure I want to start a relationship with you again," he said softly, his regret evident in his voice.

Hermione took another step forward.

"I'm not asking you for a relationship, Severus. I know I've hurt you badly. And I also know you've been alone for all this time. So have I," she said.

Severus breathed a little sigh of relief at this. Another wizard hadn't had her.

"Severus, all I have in my head are the terrible things that I did to you. I can't pull up any happy memories. The therapist says I am almost at full recovery but I feel disconnected to my past," the witch said, "Severus I want to remember your passion, not your pain. Every time I think of what I've done to us, it's like a knife being shoved into my belly. I don't think I can heal completely if every time I think of you, I think of how I mistreated you. Maybe…maybe I need a different kind of therapy, Severus. Physical therapy."

The Potions Master arched an eyebrow at her. Physical therapy? He had heard of that, but it involved helping people to learn to use their bodies again through exercise. Hermione took another step toward him. She was about four feet away from him now.

"I'd do anything you wanted, Severus, anything you ask of me," Hermione said softly.

Severus felt himself hardening at this statement. Desire began to rush through him Hermione recognized the look on his face. She quickly closed the distance between them.

"You don't have to stay afterwards Severus, or even come to my bed ever again if you don't want to. Please don't leave me with such bad memories of us. I feel I owe you so much more than a tearful apology," she said in a low voice.

Severus looked down at her. He could feel her heat washing over him.

"Hermione, it's been a very long time for me. It is possible I could be too kind to you," he said, a small growl in his voice.

"You can be as kind as you want, Severus, as kind as you need to be," she replied.

As much as Severus wanted to do this, he was still unsure. He stared down at the witch however, and Hermione could see he was torn, there was both hunger and hesitation dueling on his pale face. When he was her husband, he wouldn't have hesitated at all.

"There are no strings, Severus. Let me show you how much I want this. How much I want you," she said in a low voice.

Hermione's small hands reached up and gently unfastened the top fastener of his robe, then the next, then the next. Severus stood there, his jaw tight with lust, watching his ex-wife starting to undress him. He couldn't stop her if he wanted to. The Potions Master began to breathe a little faster as Hermione slowly knelt, following the fasteners down rather than pulling his robes up. Hermione parted his robes, but she didn't stand back up. Her amber eyes rested on the huge bulge in his trousers, then Hermione raised her head to look at him.

Every muscle in Severus' body seemed to tense as he stared at Hermione kneeling in front of him. He knew somewhere in the back of his mind that he should protest, draw her up and tell her she was just overcome with emotion, that if she thought about this she'd see it was foolish, that it shouldn't be happening. But he couldn't protest. He didn't want to.

Encouraged by what she saw in Severus' eyes, Hermione gently pressed her hand against his hardness, and Severus hissed, his hips thrusting forward of their own accord, his body wanting more contact. Dear gods

"Do you want me to show you, Severus?" she asked him, caressing him through the fabric gently. She hadn't touched him this way in almost four years. A small sound rose in the back of the wizard's throat before he answered her.

"Yesssss," he hissed. "Show me, witch."

Hermione trembled a little when he called her 'witch.' When he didn't use her name it meant he was moving into his animal mode. And Severus' animal mode was exactly that. A knot twisted the witch's belly and she felt a gush of lubrication absolutely soak her knickers. Gods, she wanted him. It had been so, so long.

Severus had officially lost his battle of conscience the moment Hermione touched him so intimately. And now she was going to do something to him that he loved. Hermione pulled at the fastenings to his pants a bit roughly, yanking him, remembering the wizard loved that.

For a moment, Hermione underwent a terrible feeling of performance anxiety. As badly as she wanted him now, the witch was hoping that when this all was over, Severus would find he still desired her and would want to come back for more.

Hermione would settle for being the Potions Master's lover again if she could not be his wife. At least he would be in her life again.

She had to make this good.

Hermione pulled Severus' trousers down around his thighs, aware of his eyes on her, black, hot and intense. He was breathing heavily with excitement. She hesitated for a moment, then lowered his black silk boxers. The Potions Master gasped as the air hit him, his erection springing out at the witch. It was enormous and weeping. Now Hermione made a sound in the back of her throat, before she grasped his girth in both of her hands, and looking up at him, licked the tip, her eyes going half-lidded as she savored the familiar taste of him.

Severus groaned, then bit his lip as he watched and felt Hermione's small hands wrap around him and her pink tongue flick over him, her eyes half closing with pleasure. Then she slid her entire hot, wet mouth over him sucking the wizard into her heat.

Severus' knees buckled for a moment, and he had to catch hold of her head to keep from dropping from the delicious sensation of her soft lips dragging back and forth over him. His pale fingers locked in Hermione's hair, gripping her tightly as she bobbed, sucking and swirling her tongue, pressing wet, suckling kisses up and down his pulsing length, the Potions Master moving her hair aside so he could watch her.

Gods, his voice sounded so good as he groaned.

"Dear gods, witch," he said, his voice dragging like heavy silk over her. She returned to sucking him, working both her hands up and down his length, fully stimulating the wizard.

Severus had forgotten just how exquisite the witch felt. And to think he was about to walk away from this. He threw his head back and began to draw her over him, pushing deeper into her mouth, verbally encouraging her to continue.

"Yes, Hermione…my gods…yes," the Potions Master moaned as she increased her speed, adjusting her head to let him slide between her lips at different angles, her teeth scraping him lightly, her tongue tickling him beneath the flange, making him hiss and buck into her mouth uncontrollably. Severus gagged her a couple of times, but he couldn't help himself as she brought him closer to the edge. Would she take him over? Gods he hoped so.

"I'm going to come," Severus groaned hoarsely, his head dropping forward so he could see her, his black hair swinging around his face as he pumped into her mouth.

Hermione didn't stop, but released his shaft with one hand and reached for his scrotum, twirling and squeezing them gently with her fingertips as she continued caressing him with her other hand with increasing ardor.

A growl began low in the Potions Master's chest as he felt himself tightening. The pressure in his balls was almost painful. He gritted his teeth as the sensation built and he gripped Hermione's head so tightly he could have left imprints in her skull as pleasure crackled like fire down his spine and he exploded into the witch's sweet mouth with a ragged shout, bliss washing over him as he felt Hermione swallow his release down as if he were feeding her liquid ambrosia.

Severus held Hermione as close to his loins as he could, bending over her, weak and dizzy from the force of his release. It seemed to go on and on, but finally the pulsing slowed, then stopped.

Hermione gently pulled back and released him. Still overcome, Severus simply lowered himself to the cold stone floor, sitting in front of the witch with his knees slightly raised, his head hanging as he panted.

Hermione was panting too, her knickers soaked to dripping as she looked at her ex-husband, who lifted his head and looked at her.

"You're still very good at that," he gasped appreciatively.

Hermione gave him a small, relieved smile as his eyes washed over her, still hungry. She didn't think he was going to leave her. But she had to be sure.

"You will stay with me, won't you Severus?" she asked.

He could be sated after all.

Severus looked at her, his breathing finally returning to normal.

"Hermione to leave you now would be like arriving at a banquet starved, and leaving after only a forkful of food. I have no intentions on leaving…unless you want me to," he replied.

The Potions Master lifted his hips a bit to pull up his boxers and trousers. His naked buttocks had been resting on the cold, stone floor. But he didn't fasten them.

"No, I want you to stay…I want you to…" she began.

"I know what you want Hermione," he replied, allowing himself to caress her cheek. The witch closed her eyes and leaned into his hand.

"Kindness," he said softly, a hint of iron beneath the word.

"Yes, Severus. One more act of kindness from you," she answered, her eyes glistening with emotion. "Then I'll know in my heart you've forgiven me."

Severus was tempted to tell her he had forgiven her weeks ago, when he began to understand what she had gone through. But the wizard quickly decided it was best he didn't tell her. What he had done was actually illegal and a grave infringement of the witch's privacy. He thought she might not take it well.

Severus slowly rose from the floor and looked around her study, it was much like his except her library was much smaller. Hermione watched him quietly. Finally Severus looked down at her.

"So these are your quarters," he said, offering the witch his hand. Hermione took it, and he pulled her to her feet.

"Why don't you give me a tour?" he asked her silkily, not releasing her hand..

Hermione nodded and started to lead him to her small kitchenette off the study. Severus stalled in place.

"Starting with your bedroom," he said, his dark eyes glittering.

Hermione blushed a bit at his look and changed direction, leading the Potions Master by the hand toward her bedroom, remembering the dream she had about him driving her across her bed. It seems it hadn't been a dream, but a premonition. If the wizard was even half as good as he was in that vision, Hermione would be overwhelmed by his 'kindness.' She shuddered a bit, and Severus felt it. His eyes fell on her ass as she led him toward his bedroom. A little growl escaped him as he imagined slapping his loins against it. Then he stalled again.

Hermione looked up at him.

"What is it, Severus?" she asked him.

The wizard pulled out his wand and turned toward the study door, warding it securely and placing a strong silencing charm around the entire room. Then his dark eyes fell on her.

"If I remember correctly, Hermione…your voice…carries," he said meaningfully. "I want to be the only one to hear you sing."

Hermione flushed again, and the Potions Master smirked. She continued to lead him to her bedroom, walking through the door. Severus closed it and released her hand. They stood facing each other. His eyes swept over the witch, lingering on her curves, then falling once more to her shoes.

"You know, Hermione, wearing that dress and those shoes was not remotely fair. Especially those shoes," he said. "You purposely used your knowledge of what arouses me to manipulate this situation. You knew it would make it difficult for me to resist you. I still say there is far too much Slytherin in you witch."

Hermione gave him a small smile.

"I only had one chance at this, Severus. I had to try and stack the odds of success on my side. We were happy together, and when we were…a lot of your beliefs and tactics rubbed off on me. You put the Slytherin in me, Severus…in more ways than one," she replied.

"I suppose I did," he said, reaching out and pulling her against him, "I intend to put a bit more Slytherin inside you, witch."

Hermione sighed with pleasure at the feel of his lean, hard body pressed against hers, and wrapped her arms around his waist, resting her head against his chest, listening to the rhythmic pounding of his strong heartbeat.

"I missed the sound of your heart," she said softly.

Severus looked down at Hermione, an odd feeling washing over him at this statement. If she had said she missed the feel of his body, that was something that he could accept as an expression of her physical desire for him, but to miss the sound of his heart beating…that was a deeply emotional confession, one that went beyond physical need. The Potions Master tightened his hold on her, and didn't reply. But his eyes blinked rapidly for a few moments at the sweetness of her words.

Gods, he had to be careful. The witch could easily pull him in. This situation was already moving beyond lust as it was. Severus couldn't deny he still had feelings for Hermione. They would only escalate when he took her. He felt her pull her head away from his chest.

"Severus, would you…kiss me?" she asked him.

The Potions Master looked down at her upturned face. Kissing was so personal, so intimate. But he couldn't say no to her, not the way she was looking at him. Severus sighed, resigned to going under. This was definitely going to be more than having sex with his ex-wife. Something more was going to be invested here and there was no way to stop it other than walking away. And he couldn't walk away from the witch if he were tied to a team of thestrals. He wanted her too badly.

"Yes, Hermione, I will kiss you," he replied, bending slightly, lowering his head and capturing her lips between his own, reveling in their softness.

He sucked on her top lip, then her bottom, pressing his mouth against hers. Hermione was soft and giving as he kissed her. He needed more, and gently tapped on her lips with his tongue as if knocking for entry. Hermione opened her mouth and felt his tongue slip in. She moaned as the familiar taste of his mouth ignited her, his tongue caressing and wrapping around her own, exploring her heat.

The Potions Master pulled her against him with more urgency, his hands beginning to move over her body, petting her softly, slipping over the curve of her hips, running down her thighs, before moving upward and grazing the swell of her breasts. Hermione began to tremble as heat and ache gathered between her thighs, a sweet burn starting in her lower belly. She pressed her pelvis against the wizard, and he let out a little groan, both hands sliding down to cup her buttocks, squeezing and pulling her into him, rotating her against him hungrily.

The Potions Master slid his mouth over the witch's chin and down her throat, sucking and biting her flesh gently, but not too gently, reacquainting himself with the taste of her skin. He could feel her heating up and smell her arousal, as she moaned at the sensation of his mouth moving over her. Severus slid his hands up over her waist and cupped her firm breasts, the witch gasping as he fondled her, running his thumbs expertly over her hardened peaks. She was moving against him now.

He slid his mouth up her throat, his lips against her ear.

"You're so ready," he growled as she arched against him.

Hermione let out a sound like a kitten, and felt Severus smile against her throat as he moved downward again. Her surroundings were fading out, and she was quickly becoming lost to her ex-husband's ministrations. She felt the wizard pulling at the hem of her dress, dragging it upward, then his hand slip beneath it, his fingers gently pressing against the soaked crotch of her knickers. She buckled when she felt him touch her, and he gripped her tighter, hissing softly as he eased her knickers aside, and slid two fingers between her folds, rubbing her softly.

Severus had pulled away from Hermione's throat and was watching her reaction, hardening quickly as the witch's head fell back, her mouth dropping open, her eyes closing, moaning and bucking against his hand as he manipulated her. Hot wetness gushed over his fingers, glazing them, and he spread the slickness over her flesh, his black eyes locked to her face as she gave herself over to the pleasure.

Gods, she was so beautiful.

Hermione strained against Severus hand, aching for release, the sweetness of the sensation almost unbearable. Her eyes snapped open and looked up at her ex-husband. She could barely wrap her mouth around the single word.

"Please," she whispered up at him.

Severus sped up his caressing, tweaking her between his fingertips. She cried out. It was the most beautiful sound he had heard in a long, long time. He was swollen and throbbing, pressed again her belly. Panting, Severus slipped two fingers inside his ex-wife, hissing as he parted her, his digits sliding into her tight, pulsing warmth. He began to thrust them in and out, pressing her flesh with his thumb, watching Hermione as she continued to softly cry out. He felt so good to her. She helped him, pushing down on his hand as he took her with his fingers.

"Yes," he whispered hotly, "Let go, Hermione. Come all over my hand, witch."

Severus pressed his fingers deep inside the writhing witch, twisting and wriggling them, trying to coax an orgasm from her. He wanted to see Hermione's face contort when she came.

"Come for me," he commanded, his voice harsh now.

That did it for the witch. Hermione stiffened, curled forward then arched, screaming as her orgasm hit her and she was flung outward, exploding, shuddering, completely lost to bliss, her searing release pouring over the Potions Master's hand.

Severus observed her with satisfaction, his heart pounding in his chest as she buckled in his arms. This was the Hermione he remembered. Passionate, wanton, beautiful and so responsive to his touch.

"You're still beautiful," he whispered to the spasming witch, his nostrils flaring as the scent of her filled the bedroom. "Still the most passionate witch I've ever known."

Severus held Hermione securely as she came down from her climax, trembling, covered in perspiration, tendrils of her long hair stuck to her face. She opened her eyes and there was a look in them that made his heart pound even harder. He would have to be a blind man not to see the love there. He removed his hand and with her watching him, brought it to his nose, breathing her muskiness in, his eyes narrowing in pleasure. He sucked his fingers slowly, then licked his hand clean sensuously.

"Still delicious, wif…"

Severus caught himself. He had almost called Hermione wife. She was no longer his wife.

"Witch," he amended.

Hermione's eyes went a bit sad for a moment, but she recovered quickly. She knew what the wizard had almost said. Severus saw the flash of sadness and silently cursed himself. He hadn't meant to make her feel badly. He lowered her dress, pulled her upward gently and kissed her, sharing the taste of her release as he did so.

Hermione looked up at him, her eyes dark with desire. Severus knew although that had been good to her, it wasn't enough for the witch.

"You still look rather hungry, Hermione," he said, teasing her, "the appetizer not enough?"

Her eyes went smoky.

"The appetizer was delicious, Severus," she replied.

The Potions Master suddenly sobered.

"You think so?" he asked her.

"I know so," she answered him.

Severus looked down at her consideringly.

"Well, I hope you left room for the main course, Hermione," he said in a low, sexy voice that felt like a caress to the witch. "There will most likely be several courses, and you can expect quite a lot of meat to be served."

He looked down at the bulge in his silk boxers meaningfully. Severus still hadn't closed his trousers and the front of his boxers was so expanded, it looked like a huge, oddly shaped black silk balloon was trying to escape them.

Hermione couldn't help grinning even as heat surged through her body. Severus was still very heavy on the sexual metaphors.

"Severus," she said, smiling at him, "Sometimes you can be too much."

Suddenly the Potions Master grabbed Hermione's hand and pulled her toward the bed.

"If I remember properly, that's just the way you like me, witch," he replied, sitting down on the bed and positioning her in front of him.

The Potions Master looked up at his ex-wife, his hands on her small waist. Hermione had her hands resting on his shoulders, wondering what he wanted to do now. Severus pulled his wand out of his pocket, pressed the tip beneath her navel, whispered a contraceptive spell then returned the wand to his pocket. Then he raised his black eyes to her face again.

Looking up at Hermione this way, Severus could almost believe they were still happy together, and nothing ugly had ever passed between them. He slid his hand over the curve of her hip. Suddenly he let her go.

"Back up five paces," he ordered the witch.

Hermione did as Severus demanded, looking at him steadily as his eyes raked over her. They dropped to her shoes again. She seemed to feel heat following his eyes back up her body as he leveled his gaze at her.

"Take off that dress," the Potions Master said, "slowly. I want you to take as much thought in taking it off as you did when you put it on."

Hermione slowly slipped one arm, then the other out of the dress' short sleeves, then slowly pulled it down over her breasts, revealing a lacy red bra. Severus' eyes glittered as he drank in Hermione's body, and he licked his lips as she drew the dress over her waist, then hips, revealing her lacy red (and soaked) knickers, then slid the dress down her thighs and calves, over her ankles and stepped out of it in those red shoes.

"Put the dress on the chair," the Potions Master breathed, watching Hermione bend her legs to pick up the dress, straighten, then walk over to the chair in her underwear and those hot red three-inch open-toed heels. They made the witch's legs seem longer and her calves even shapelier, and gods, how she moved in them.

"Now walk toward me," Severus said, his black eyes stuck to the witch's body.

Hermione walked over to the wizard, her hips swaying deliciously, pouring on the sex. The witch knew he loved to see her walk in heels. She stopped between his spread knees.

"Now, walk away from me," Severus said a little hoarsely.

Hermione turned and walked away from him, her buttocks shifting tantalizingly as she did so. Severus let out a little groan, then reached down and freed his organ from his boxers. Hermione turned to see her ex-husband slowly stroking his huge member, an expression of lust on his face. Desire washed over her like a tidal wave, and she buckled a little, her eyes heating up as she watched him move his hand back and forth, his long pale fingers curled around his girth.

"Dear gods…" she breathed.

"Walk back and forth across the room," he growled at her.

Hermione did so, walking as sexily as she could. She could feel the Potions Master's eyes on her body, and hear his breathing quicken.

"Stop and turn towards me," he said sharply. "Show me your breasts."

Hermione began to reach around and unclasp her bra.

"No!" Severus hissed, "Not like that. Leave it on. Just lower the front of your bra…tuck it under."

Hermione did as he asked, pulling the cups down and revealing her full breasts. Her nipples were tight hard peaks. Severus stared at them as if he were starving.

"Play with them," he said. Hermione brought her hands to her breasts, lifting first one then the other, then squeezed them, and began to caress them, her eyes on Severus as she did so. She tweaked her hard nipples and let out a little moan, imagining her hands were his hands as she moved them over her fullness.

Severus' eyes were hot as he watched Hermione fondling and teasing her breasts. She was so desirable…just as he remembered her when she was his wife. He continued to caress himself for a few more moments. Suddenly he stopped.

"Come here,"the wizard croaked.

Hermione walked back over to the Potions Master and stopped between his legs again. He cupped her breasts, then pushed his face between them, kissing her skin as he pressed her firmness around his face,

Hermione's knickers were drenched. Then Severus began to kiss and lick the witch's torso, squeezing and fondling her firm flesh, teasing the witch mercilessly as her hands buried themselves in his silky hair.

He rubbed the tip of her breast with his nose, then drew his tongue slowly across it.

Hermione squealed.

Severus chuckled, then began to suckle her, pleasure shooting all across her body, particularly between her legs. She was aching now, and wanted him inside her.

Working toward this goal, Hermione reached down between the wizard's legs and gently grasped his erection. Gods, he was so hard, and the ache she felt became worse. The Potions Master grunted and jumped, switching to her other breast as she caressed him.

He groaned and pulled down one strap of her bra, then the other. Hermione let him go for a moment as she slipped her arms out of her bra straps. Severus pulled the lacy undergarment down to her waist, and used it like reins to pull Hermione into his mouth, one hand reaching around and slipping under her knickers to knead the soft flesh of her buttocks.

Hermione returned her hand to Severus' organ, petting him gently, and arching her body into him. She was ready. Every place he touched her burned, and she needed him on top of her, passionately replacing her ache with his own. Hermione let out a sob and Severus stopped his attack on her body and looked up at her. The witch's face was so contorted with need she looked as if she were in pain.

"Hermione," he breathed, pushing her back, turning her around and unfastening her bra and removing it. Then he lowered her knickers, sliding them down over her legs. Gods, they were completely soaked. Severus stood and for a moment pressed himself against her buttocks. Hermione moaned and pressed back hard against him, and the Potions Master was sorely tempted to just bend her over and take her as is. But he wanted to look at her face when he took her.

The wizard turned Hermione back around, then pushed her down to a seated position on the bed. He knelt and lifted her foot, slowly sliding his hand over her calf before he unbuckled the strap of her shoe and slipped it off, kissing the sole of her foot, then sucking on her toes for a moment. Hermione's leg quivered uncontrollably, and Severus' eyes traveled up it and focused on the glistening triangle of chestnut hair, before he gently put her foot down and removed her other shoe, giving her foot the same attention until that leg quivered too.

"Get into the bed, Hermione," he said shrugging off his robes and letting them fall to the floor.

Hermione climbed into the bed and started to slip under the sheets.

"No," Severus said, working on the cuffs of his shirt. "On top of the sheets, witch."

He quickly removed his shirt, then toed off his boots and removed his socks. Hermione's eyes fell on his lean, muscular chest and tight, ribbed belly. She shifted in the bed impatiently.

"Come on," she thought, as the Potions Master slid both his trousers and boxers down and stepped out of them.

Fully naked and erect, every muscle tensed, Severus stared down at Hermione hungrily. Instead of climbing into the bed, he walked down to the end of it, leaned and caught the witch by her ankles, roughly dragging her down to the edge of the mattress as she shrieked in surprise.

Hermione gasped as Severus moved between her legs and suddenly fell forward as if he were going to land on the witch full weight, but caught himself on his arms at the last minute, holding his body above hers, his erection resting against her thigh. He moved slightly, dragging it across her leg until it rested against her pubic hair.

"Severus, why are we at the edge of the bed?" she asked him.

He stared down at her a moment, his belly tightening a bit.

"You won't stay down here for long, Hermione," the wizard said, "I am going to very kindly move you up to the pillows."

A pulse of lust shot through Hermione as she looked up at her ex-husband. Suddenly Severus' eyes seemed to grow darker, and his jaw clenched. He pushed himself up long enough to gather the witch's legs under him trapping them against his shoulders and almost folding Hermione in half. His feet rested on the floor and he positioned himself at his ex-wife's small entrance. Hermione buckled as she felt him settle against her.

"Kindness, Severus," she breathed up at him.

"I'll show you all the kindness you desire, Hermione," he replied hoarsely as he slowly entered her, parting her hot flesh and immersing himself deep inside the witch, his eyes rolling up into his head as Hermione stretched to receive him, tight, wet and heavenly.

Severus came to rest against her cervix, reveling in the living sleeve wrapped around him. Gods, she felt so good.

Hermione's mouth dropped open and she emitted a long, sweet groan of delight when Severus entered her, his hardness and girth one long, deep welcome caress, filling and thrilling the witch as he buried himself deep within her. The wizard felt so good, his length pulsing inside her, his loins pressed against her thighs, his face contorted with pleasure as his eyes rolled back down and rested on her face. A single tear rolled from the corner of Hermione's eye as she looked up at him.

Severus' brow creased.

"What's wrong?" Severus asked her, his body trembling slightly as he held back.

"I thought I'd never have you like this again," she whispered, "that you would never look at me this way again."

Severus didn't answer her. Instead, he bit his lip and pushed deeper into her body, rotating his pelvis in a wide circle, making the witch gasp and groan prettily as his thickness wound around inside her. He had missed this. Missed her.

Severus hadn't started thrusting yet, still savoring the feeling of being inside her body, and Hermione desperately wanted to feel his strength driving into her. She pushed at the Potions Master's hips impatiently, trying to make him pull back and his eyes glittered down at her, pleased that she wanted him so desperately. She had pushed him away for years. He'd make her wait just a little longer. Just until she blew a fuse. Severus rotated his hips again, growling down at her as she writhed around him. Hermione was so ready to be ridden.

"Severus…Severus please," Hermione said to him, trying to arch up but held back by his body pressing down. She began to clench her inner muscles around him, tightening on his shaft, making him hiss, trying to force him to break.

Severus groaned and despite himself, pulled back and slammed into the witch, who let out a perfectly beautiful scream of pain-laced pleasure as his ache hit her.

He held still for a moment, looking down at her, panting, her eyes wide with hunger.

"Do me," she gasped brokenly

"Yessss," Severus hissed pulling back, digging his toes into the floor and driving into Hermione brutally, forcing her body up the bed as she cried out, her nails digging into his sides.

The Potions Master growled against the pain, following her shifted body and driving into her again, shoving her further up the bed as he hit bottom hungrily, loving the sound of Hermione's voice breaking over him.

"Am I being kind enough, Hermione?" Severus panted at the shrieking witch, who couldn't answer him as he drove into her again and again, claiming every inch.

"No, I think I can be even kinder to you," the wizard groaned and started pouring on the pent up power of almost four years of celibacy, tearing into the witch as if trying to split her in half, driving her body up the bed at an astounding rate, hitching up after her, plunging and arching into Hermione, her legs folded against her body.

Severus couldn't get enough of Hermione's softness, her heat, her sweet voice rolling over him, an old song that struck an old cord in him as he gasped down at her, possessing the witch for all he was worth. He was perspiring now, his sweat dripping down on to the shrieking witch's bouncing body and wetting the sheets beneath as he pistoned in and out of her, his loins streaked with her juices. She was almost at the headboard now

Suddenly the witch screamed and orgasmed powerfully, clamping down and boiling over the Potion Master. He howled at the heat of her release and drove deeper, Hermione nearly choking on her scream as he moved something inside her. Severus slowed then, easing up. He felt her shift inside and was afraid he may have damaged her. He was being overly kind after all.

The Potions Master pulled out of her for a moment, to see if there was any blood. There wasn't. Hermione cried out his name brokenly, begging Severus to return to her. He re-entered her body, now stroking her gently through the final stages of her climax, rolling her to the side and wrapping his arms around her shuddering body, thrusting into her clutching sleeve, his eyes half closed, watching her through his lashes.

Hermione was completely his, lost to the sensation of the Potions Master's possession, her mouth opened in pleasure, her amber eyes unfocused, loving what he was doing to her, loving that she was in his arms again and yes, loving him. She came back to earth, and felt Severus' mouth cover hers in a searing kiss, as he sped up his stroke, but held back his power. He was afraid that although Hermione wanted him strong and rough, her body wasn't able to handle all of him…it had been a long time for her as well. She still felt exquisite around him however…he didn't have to pound into her to receive pleasure.

A low growl began to grow in the back of his throat as he felt himself tightening, moving him towards release. He clutched the witch closer to him, stroking her faster and faster, panting and grunting as he moved toward release. Letting out a cry, he thrust himself deep inside her and came, straining into her, his flow filling her orifice, washing back over him as he shuddered with pleasure. Hermione whispered his name softly and ran her fingers through his hair as he pulsed inside her, giving her every drop of his release, groaning softly as it came to an end.

Hermione held him, not wanting him to pull away from her…not wanting that feeling of distance to fall like a wall between them again. She kissed his forehead, then his nose, then his mouth softly and he sighed, his body relaxing, his breathing easing. He made no attempt to pull out of her, but her legs were starting to ache. They were still folded between their bodies. Hermione hated to say anything that would end up separating them, but she had to.

"Severus, my legs," she said softly.

The Potions Master's eyes snapped open, and he slid out of her and moved back in the bed, releasing her and rolling slightly to the side so she could straighten her legs. Hermione looked at Severus rather sadly when he didn't roll back…but suddenly, he did, nestling his face against her throat and sighing deeply, pulling her into him, one hand draped across her waist. In a moment, he was asleep. The wizard was out of practice and two ejaculations had pretty much scoured him.

Hermione felt the Potions Master's burn searing between her legs. He had been extremely kind, but he had also been thoughtful and didn't try to take her beyond her limit.

She pulled her head back slightly to look at him.

What were they to each other now? Had this been a final goodbye, the final closure? Were they destined to be friends? Friends with privileges? Lovers?

Hermione realized that the answer to that question was in Severus' court. He had not intended to stay with her…if she hadn't stopped him and seduced him, he would have gone without another word. She was grateful that he hadn't rolled off of her, said thanks and left. It would have been painful, but understandable since he said he wasn't sure if he wanted to start another relationship with her.

Hermione looked down at him. He had loved doing her, that was for certain. He was a very sensual wizard and gone a very long time without sex. He knew she was willing to accommodate him…maybe he would resume being her lover. She didn't believe he loved her any longer, though he felt something or else he wouldn't have looked after her the way he had.

Hermione sighed and lay back, placing her hand on Severus' chest and feeling his heartbeat. Her eyes drifted shut, and in a moment or two, she also fell asleep.

When she awoke hours later, Severus was gone. A bottle of purple potion rested on her nightstand. Tears formed in Hermione's eyes.

He hadn't even said goodbye.


The next morning, Severus awoke with his usual hard-on. The thing was, it wasn't for the usual reason. He rolled out of bed and went to the bathroom to relieve himself, only to find that there was little difference in his erection when he finished.

"Hermione," he sighed. His organ throbbed strongly at the mention of the witch's name.

Still hard, he walked back into his bedroom and looked at the time. It was only six-thirty. He could get another hour's worth of sleep. The Potions Master climbed back into bed, but sleep wouldn't come. Instead, he found himself thinking of Hermione and what they had shared.

Gods, it had been so good to possess her again. She was so warm, willing and wanton, just as she was when they were in love. Severus pulsed again at the remembrance of driving into the witch, and her passionate response to him as he rode her so strongly.

When Severus awoke, Hermione was sleeping peacefully against him, smelling of jasmine and sex, her breasts pressed against his chest, her lips pursed, her hair spread wildly, half covering her face. He couldn't bring himself to wake her, though he considered taking her again. So he rose from the bed and dressed, then went to get her some pain potion. She was going to definitely feel him in the morning. He didn't want her to pass the day in pain.

Severus left her rooms, retrieved some purple potion and returned to find her still sleeping soundly. He placed the potion on her nightstand, brushed the tangle of hair aside, and kissed her on the forehead. The witch stirred and sighed softly, flinging her arm over the place he should have occupied, then frowned slightly, not waking. She turned on her back, her legs shifting, her body spread out invitingly. The Potions Master's eyes raked over her, and he hardened. Hermione was so accessible, so tempting. But after possessing her so strongly, he decided it would be best to return to his own bed. If he stayed, he would take her again, and he really didn't think the witch was prepared for a continuation. Not yet. He would have to build up her strength in increments.

What a delight that would be.

Severus had no intentions on returning to a life of celibacy as long as Hermione was willing to receive him. He thought she would accept him as a lover again. He didn't see marriage. They had tried it once, and although their breakup was the result of unchecked grief and misunderstanding, Severus was not willing to chance having his heart broken that way again.

Hermione would remain true to him as a lover, and he could give her what she needed and receive what he needed as well. It had worked for them before…more than likely, if she had not become pregnant with Jacob, they would still haven been lovers until this point in time. They had loved each other, true, but only married because of the expected child.

Still, it had been reassuring to have a legal claim on the witch. Other wizards knew to stay away from her. But Severus knew Hermione only had eyes and thighs for him, and would turn any other suitor away because of how she felt about him. She still loved him after all. And as for him, he desired no other woman, so he would remain true to her as well. Becoming lovers again seemed the ideal answer.

Severus lay there for the next hour, replaying his tryst with the witch over and over in his head, recalling the sight, sound, scent, feel and taste of her. Next time he would reacquaint his mouth with her sex. He remembered how he used to have to wrestle the small witch to hold her in place as he ran his tongue and lips over her sweetness, drinking her in, his mouth filled with her savory juices, lapping, sucking and licking as she writhed under his ministrations.

Severus sat up in bed suddenly. He was driving himself crazy with lust thinking about what he would like to do to Hermione. For a moment he was tempted to let himself back into her rooms…he could because his wards were on her door. No…no…she needed to recover. He had to give her time to do so.


The Potions Master had no idea that the witch thought he had used her, then abandoned her. She didn't put any blame on him however, it was she who convinced him to come to her bed when it was obvious he had planned to leave. Hermione had hoped that when he took her, he would feel something for her, some remnant of what had been between them. Since he was gone when she awoke, she assumed he had merely slaked his needs on her willing body. And she had been very willing. Very willing indeed.

Severus had been marvelous. Strong, passionate, demanding, taking all of her as thoroughly as he could, driving her across the bed, making her feel as if there was nothing in the world that mattered other than his possession, his touch, his desire for her. Hermione wanted to believe more than lust drove him. She wanted to believe there was still passion for her, a special passion, something that made her irreplaceable to the wizard. She knew he hadn't taken any other witch, but was that because he still held a place for her in his heart, or simply because he didn't want another painful entanglement?

Gods, it was times like this that Hermione wished divination was a true art, and she could cast some runes or throw down a few yarrow stalks and learn the answers to all the questions she held concerning the dark wizard. Maybe shake some tealeaves around in a cup and read the symbols as clear and definite responses. Going to Sybil Trelawney was out of the question. Everyone knew that the bug-eyed professor had a thing for the Potions Professor. Gloom and doom would be all she'd spout concerning Severus' relationship with Hermione, whether it was true or not.

The Divination Professor had been beside herself with glee when Hermione divorced him, and she wasted no time trailing her scarves down to the dungeons to offer the Potions Master solace and female comfort, which he staunchly refused. She was livid, telling him she suspected that Hermione had somehow "stolen his nature" which meant his virility, hoping to tempt Severus into proving he was still "all man". Her tactic didn't work and the Potions Master rudely told her he wouldn't shag her if she had the only trim left on the planet. Of course Sybil attributed this statement to his anger at being thrown over by his wife, and returned to the North Tower to bide her time.

As far as anyone knew, she was still biding it.

Hermione rolled out of bed and regretted it immediately. Every part of her ached. As much as she wanted Severus, she hadn't been ready for him at full strength. She was out of sexual shape. It was earth shaking when he took her, but now she was paying the price. Hermione dropped back on the bed and looked at the purple potion on her nightstand. Its presence meant that Severus had taken the time to dress and go to his potions stores and retrieve it for her before he left. So he wasn't completely inconsiderate.

Hermione uncapped the potion and drank it down. Relief flooded her body. It seemed as if it were a stronger brew than what he used to give her. In the beginning, she took it all the time but eventually she was able to take Severus' strong possessions without it. The witch sighed. It seemed that after almost four years, she was physically back to square one. And since the wizard had gone, she imagined she would never get back up to par.

The faint scent of sandalwood wafted up to her. Severus' scent. She blinked back the tears that threatened to overflow her lids and walked to the bathroom where she relieved herself, brushed her teeth and took a nice, warm shower, washing the scent of sex from her body. She exited the shower and dried off, walked back into the bedroom nude and picked up her wand. She scourgified herself internally, then her bed, wishing she could somehow leave the scent of sandalwood behind. Maybe she'd buy a bottle.

Hermione pulled open her drawer and selected her usual comfortable white cotton panties and bra then put them on, casting a deodorizing spell. She looked in her wardrobe. The witch didn't feel like wearing jeans or pants, so chose a simple, white dress, with wide straps that fell to just above her knees. She brushed out her hair. It was a job because Severus and sleep had tangled it up quite nicely, but she managed to get it under control. She pulled out her robes, put them on, fastening them and sticking her wand in her pocket. Hermione walked through her study, took a deep breath, opened the door and stepped into the dungeon corridor. She walked up the hall, quickening her step when she passed Severus' door.

She had just turned on to the Main Hall when Severus exited his rooms. He stood in front of his door, looking down the corridor towards Hermione's room. He wondered how she was doing this morning. No doubt she was grateful for the bottle of pain potion he left for her. For a moment he thought about knocking and asking her if she wanted him to escort her to breakfast. When they were lovers, they always walked to breakfast together. Ah, but she was still probably asleep. Severus started walking to the Great Hall, his brow furrowed.

Eventually word of them re-establishing a relationship would get around. Severus frowned slightly at the thought of the scandal it would inevitably cause. Most likely everyone would look at him as if he were a fool. Maybe he was. All he knew was he had missed Hermione, and being with her yesterday was like coming home after a long and difficult journey.

The Potions Master's nostrils flared. Fuck them all; they could say what they wanted. He'd been miserable almost four years. It was fine when he didn't know what happiness was…Hermione had given him happiness when she was his lover. He didn't do miserable as well as he used to, and didn't want to do it any longer. He could take the ridicule. It wasn't as if he weren't used to it. When he served the Dark Lord, he was ridiculed and whispered about all the time. Only Hermione seemed to see him in a positive light. Only she had offered him love and solace in those dark days, and she was ridiculed for it too by almost everyone, including her parents. The witch hadn't cared. She fought for her right to love him tooth and nail, and eventually people either respected her choice or moved out of her life. Not one of them did.

Now it was his turn to be told he was crazy to deal with the muggle-born witch again. Severus scowled. If anyone dared to tell him that, it would be the first and last time. Hermione stood up for him when faced with the negative opinions of others. He would do no less.

Severus turned into the Main Hall, terrified students scattering in front of him. He didn't even notice them, which was abnormal. Normally he received great satisfaction from stampeding the dunderheads before they had a chance to feed. Well, his mind was on other things. The Potions Master turned down the corridor that led to the staff entrance, made the right and opened the door. It was Sunday morning and only a few staff members were in evidence. Hermione was one of them.

Severus stopped for a moment when he saw her. The witch gave him a nervous glance and returned to her meal. The Potions Master scowled a bit as he sat down. He had been sure she would have at least given him a small, smile considering he had given her a couple of very good orgasms. He ordered a hearty breakfast of pancakes, sausage, eggs, orange juice and coffee. His food appeared in front him in moments, and the wizard lit right into it, finding he was starved. Everything tasted delicious and he was making short work of it.

Albus Dumbledore was also in evidence this morning, and looked over his glasses at both Severus and Hermione. He had seen the Potions Master give the witch a rather possessive look, and Hermione give him a rather nervous one in return. The Potions Master was also tucking away quite a hearty breakfast, a sure sign he had expended some energy. The Headmaster knew that Hermione was going to apologize to the wizard yesterday. By the look of them, the apology had been fully accepted, though there was still a bit of uncertainty in Hermione's face. No such look was on Severus' however. He definitely looked more relaxed than he had in…well…in years as he ate.

Albus dipped his spoon into his oatmeal, carefully brought it to his mouth and inserted it neatly. He loved oatmeal, but it had the tendency to make his beard a mess.

Severus took another look at Hermione, this time at her plate. She had a soft-boiled egg, a piece of toast and tea. A sure sign she was troubled. Was she regretting what they had done? He hoped not, because he wanted to do it again, and soon. He had years to make up for.

Hermione finished her food, wiped her mouth and stood up. Her heart was pounding because she had to pass Severus on her way out. The witch had decided to act as if nothing had happened between them. She didn't want to put him on the spot. If it had been a goodbye shag, then she would accept it for what it was. At least he had given her a good memory to keep in her heart concerning him. Hermione raised her chin and walked by Severus. He glanced up at her, but she kept her eyes straight ahead and exited the Great Hall, not acknowledging him at all.

Albus wasn't the only one who noticed the wizard looking after the witch. Sybil Trelawney sat with her fork frozen mid-bite, her magnified eyes narrowed at the obvious interest the Potions Master was showing the Spells Mistress.

"Don't tell me she's hooked him again," she thought, "After all she's done to him, one would think he'd wise up."

Sybil rose from her place, picking up her plate and sidled down to the empty chair next to the Potions Master. Severus looked startled as the witch sat down next to him, her many scarves billowing and coming to rest almost in his plate. He gingerly removed them, pushing them off the table.

"Good morning, Severus," Sybil said in her seer voice, "While I was sitting at my breakfast I was suddenly overcome with a vision, a terrible vision concerning you and your ex-wife. I saw her running a sword through your heart. She was smiling. Nothing can be clearer than she will bring you heartache and pain. You should avoid her. The vision has spoken."

Severus frowned at the witch. Obviously she suspected something had happened between himself and Hermione and was trying to run interference.

"Sybil, I have no interest or faith in your so-called visions. They are wooly at best. For years you had the wizarding world believing Harry Potter would destroy Voldemort, when an old squib bravely took him out. Spare me your inane divinations. Life is to be lived as it comes to us, and the experiences that await us are not to be feared but welcomed. I take offense that you are attempting to control my affairs with your frivolous utterances. If I choose to start a relationship with my ex-wife, that is my business and my business alone. Now good day, Madam," Severus said, rising and exiting the Great Hall, leaving an open-mouthed Trelawney and chuckling Albus behind.

The Potions Master turned into the Main Hall and was about to enter the dungeon corridor when something told him to look behind him. He did, and saw Hermione standing in front of Filch's display of medals, staring at them. He paused and watched as she slid her hand slowly against the glass, her eyes blinking rapidly. He quietly walked over and stood behind her. She didn't hear him approach.

"I wish you could see all the honors the wizarding world has heaped on you, Argus," the witch said softly, "You really made a difference in all our lives. I hope you and Jacob are happy wherever you are."

"I'm sure they are," Severus said, looking down on the witch.

Hermione jumped and spun around, startled.

"Good morning," Severus said silkily, his dark eyes hot with remembrance as they swept over her.

Hermione blinked up at him, a bit of heat rising in her belly. She fought it down. He was done with her.

"Good morning," she replied, darting around him and heading for the dungeon corridor.

Severus stared after her for a moment, before striding after her and easily catching up. That wasn't the response he'd expected from the witch. Her eyes used to soften after a night with him.

The Potions Master walked beside Hermione, aware that the witch was traveling at twice her normal pace. She was running.

"How are you feeling today?" he asked her, his meaning clear. He wanted to know if she were hurting or not.

"I'm fine," she said softly, "Thank you for leaving the potion for me."

"I knew you would need it," he said, unable to hide the growl in his voice as he remembered driving her across the bed. Gods it had been so good.

"I did," she replied, not looking at him but aware of the growl.

"You're not used to me anymore," he said, his dark eyes sweeping over her again.

"Well, considering that was our last time together, I think I held up rather well," the witch replied.

Severus stopped and grabbed her arm, spinning her toward him, scowling blackly.

"Last time? What do you mean 'last time'?" he hissed.

"Severus, you left in the middle of the night. I may have only been with you, but I know what it means when a wizard leaves a witch's bed in the middle of the night. It means, 'Thanks for the ride,'" she said, her voice trembling.

"Hermione," Severus said, trying to control his temper, "I left last night because I knew that if I stayed, I would have been 'too kind' to you. It's been so long for both of us, and my desire for you is so strong, I think I could seriously hurt you. I didn't want to do that, and I didn't want to torment myself with your closeness, so I left. It doesn't mean I don't want to come back to your bed, because I do. I've missed you, witch."

Hermione's bottom lip began to tremble.

"Are you saying you want to be my lover again, Severus?" she asked him, her belly tightening.

Severus moved closer to Hermione, backing the witch against the wall.

"I'm saying I already am your lover," he said softly, "I always will be until you turn me away."

And he kissed her.


Severus and Hermione renewed their relationship as lovers, and as Severus expected it became the talk of Hogwarts for a time. Teachers and students alike all had an opinion, though generally the students were completely squicked at the idea of the pretty Spells Mistress shagging the dour Potions Master, the divorce not quite as important to them as to the adults.

His and Hermione's peers were less than forgiving of the witch. She had done something that went against tradition, broken a sacred vow between witch and wizard. Good thing the wizarding world had no laws about excommunication. If left to the choice of most others, Hermione would have been banished back to the muggle world, where such atrocities were common practice. And for Severus to become involved with her again…well, he was either spelled or crazy.

Sybil went with the "spelled" theory and actually approached Dumbledore, asking that an investigation be done. The witch had to have developed a spell similar to the "Imperious curse" to have the Potions Master's nose so wide open for her.

Albus had actually laughed, which made the Divination's professor turn bright red with fury.

"Headmaster, this is serious. We have to get Severus out of that witch's clutches," Sybil demanded.

"Sybil," Albus said evenly, "Severus is not spelled. What happened between him and Hermione never should have occurred. Ideally, they should have remained married. The fact that Severus has returned to Hermione's 'clutches' as you put it, has nothing to do with him being spelled. He still has feelings for the witch and is acting on them."

"But she divorced him!" Sybil said, "Surely he can't have forgiven her for bringing such shame on him."

"Apparently he has, Sybil. And you do well to remember that. The Potions Master wouldn't take kindly to you spreading the lie that Hermione has used dark magic on him. You are setting yourself up for a good, hard, tongue-lashing from the wizard," Albus replied.

The old wizard couldn't help shuddering at the heat that filled Sybil's eyes when he made that statement.

"And not that kind of tongue-lashing, Sybil. Now, please leave my office," the Headmaster said, still shuddering as the witch stalked out.

Severus was quite pleased with their arrangement. Hermione was as loving and accessible as she was when they first became lovers, and soon they were conducting themselves as they used to, walking to meals together and sitting next to each other at the staff table. She was quickly building up her stamina as well, and there were many pleasant nights spent twisting her into various positions and pounding into her delicious little body with delighted abandon.

There was only one thing that bothered the wizard. He would frequently catch Hermione with a sad, faraway look in her eyes…but she would always pretend she didn't know what he was talking about when he asked her what was wrong. There was a sadness to the witch, though she claimed to be happy.

Several weeks into their new relationship, Albus summoned Hermione to his office. When she walked in, Albus smiled at her broadly and asked her to take a seat.

"Hermione, first let me compliment you on how well you are doing with your Spells Theory class. The students are already clamoring for the sign up sheets for the next half term classes. That is absolutely extraordinary," he beamed at the witch.

Hermione smiled.

"Thank you Headmaster. I love teaching them too. It's nice when pupils are truly interested in a subject," Hermione said, thinking this was the reason Albus sent for her.

Albus smiled back at her for a moment.

"Now, as you know Hermione, it is important that we be supportive of our school, and each do our part to make sure it runs smoothly. And not just with students," he said.

"Of course, Headmaster," she agreed.

"I'm glad you understand that because I am going to need you to serve in another capacity as well as Spells Mistress, but I feel you will enjoy it," the Headmaster said.

Curious, Hermione's eyebrow rose. Another capacity?

"What is it, Headmaster?" Hermione asked him.

"Hermione, you are young, intelligent and single. You will make the perfect ambassador of Good Will for our school when important wizards come to visit us. Your duties will be to accompany them to dinner, shows and other activities the school arranges for their entertainment," the old wizard said, his eyes twinkling. "In other words, you will make sure they have a good time. Marcus Delaluci will be the Ambassador for the witches."

Marcus? Oh good gods. Hermione hoped the Headmaster had an idea of what Marcus considered having a good time with witches was, or Hogwarts would have quite a scandal on its hands. The wizard was infamous for his many conquests. He was always on the prowl.

Hermione paused. Severus. Great Merlin's Beard. He would have bugbears over this.

"Um, Headmaster," Hermione ventured, "Couldn't someone else handle this duty?'

Albus' brows drew down for a moment.

"Let's be honest, Hermione. Most of our female staff members are a little past their prime or else married. Most of the wizards you will be accompanying are philanthropists, who donate large amounts of galleons to Hogwarts. They deserve the best we have. And in my opinion, you are an excellent representative of our school, and a most attractive one. So you are the ambassador," the Headmaster said with finality.

And that was that.


"What?" Severus roared, his face terrible, "You have to do what?"

"Show the wizards a good time," Hermione said, quailing under the Potions Master's rage. She was sitting in one of the armchairs in his study, and he was standing in front of the fireplace, snarling down at her.

"What kind of a good time?" he demanded.

Hermione scowled at Severus.

"I assure you, Severus…it won't be as good a time as I show you," she said evenly.

Severus glowered at her then started pacing back and forth, rubbing his brow, his robes billowing. Then he stopped and looked at her.

"I don't like the idea of you gadding about with other wizards," he fumed, "Albus should know better."

"The Headmaster is only doing what he thinks is best for the school," Hermione argued.

Severus frowned at her.

"But why you?" he asked her furiously.

"Because I am young, intelligent and single. All the other female staff members are either married or a bit past their prime. The wizards are, for the most part, philanthropists who donate money to the school. I'm supposed to help them enjoy themselves by going out to dinner, shows or whatever other activities the Headmaster arranges," she said.

Severus mulled this over. Not only was she supposed to basically date other wizards, they were wealthy wizards.

"I forbid it! I absolutely forbid it Hermione!" he stormed.

Hermione swallowed. Severus was beside himself with jealously. A jealous Severus could be a very vengeful Severus.

"You can't forbid it, Severus. It's my duty. I didn't choose this, but whatever the Headmaster assigns me to do for the school, I have to do," she said quietly, hoping to calm him.

Severus stalked over to the floo and grabbed a handful of floo powder out of the box.

"Well, we'll just see about that," he hissed, throwing the powder into the floo, "The Headmaster's office."

The flames turned green. Severus turned to Hermione, his eyes glinting.

"You wait here until I get back. Don't make me come looking for you," he seethed. Then he stepped through the flames.

Hermione blinked at the fireplace for a few moments. Then the witch stood up and started doing some limbering up stretches. No matter how Severus' meeting turned out with Dumbledore, he was going to come back and ride the shit out of her…so she might as well get ready.


Albus was sitting at his desk when Severus blew through the floo, looking absolutely murderous. The Headmaster looked up at him and smiled pleasantly. He'd been expecting him.

"Hello Severus, what can I do for you this evening?" he asked his Potions Master.

Severus plopped down heavily in the armchair in front of Dumbledore's desk.

"Albus, what is this nonsense about Hermione serving as some sort of ambassador for wealthy wizards?" he asked the Headmaster, using his first name as he was wont to do when discussing personal matters.

Albus looked at him evenly.

"I assure you it is not nonsense, Severus. We need an ambassador, and Hermione is perfect for the job. She's lovely, single and good company. She can discuss a variety of subjects intelligently, and if necessary state Hogwarts cause in a way that will be beneficial. We need to put our best forward concerning these wizards, Severus. And Hermione is our best," he said with finality.

Severus' mouth worked silently for a moment.

"But she's mine," he said hoarsely. "I don't want her around other wizards in that kind of setting, Albus. Dinner, dancing, things of that sort."

Severus didn't want to say he was afraid one of those wealthy wizards might woo the witch away from him. But Albus knew that's what the wizard was thinking.

"If she's truly yours, Severus, then you have nothing to worry about," the Headmaster said, his eyes twinkling. "She's just going to accompany them to a couple of activities. It's not like she's going to marry any of them."

Severus looked up at him shocked.

The Headmaster grinned inwardly.

"Severus, my boy, I'm sorry but my decision to have Hermione serve as Hogwarts' ambassador stands. You will just have to deal with your feelings of jealousy the best way you can. If she does meet a potential husband among these wizards, then it was something meant to be," he said, sealing the deal.

Severus stared at Albus as if he didn't see him.

"Actually, Hermione's first assignment will be Friday night. She will be accompanying Lord Percival Hornswallow the 2nd to the rather exclusive Bee's Knee's Club for dinner and dancing. Formal dress. Lord Hornswallow contributes rather heavily to Hogwarts. He is an alumni of Slytherin house," Albus said.

"Is he married?" Severus asked.

"No, he is considered one of the wizarding world's most eligible bachelors," Albus replied. "Quite a witch's wizard, I understand. But I am almost positive his attentions toward Hermione will be that of a well-mannered guest to a charming hostess. He has impeccable manners."

Severus growled audibly. It was all Albus could do not to laugh out loud. The Potions Master rose.

Albus stuck in the final knife, giving it a twist.

"You will give her the message, won't you Severus?" he asked the Potions Master.

Severus looked at him with narrowed eyes.

"Oh, I'll give her the message all right, Headmaster," he said in a dangerous voice, then without another word to Albus, he threw some floo powder into the fireplace, gave his destination and stepped through the floo.

Albus shook his head. What Severus' final statement implied was not lost on him. Hermione was probably in for a long night. Gods, she was a tough little witch.

The Headmaster had tried to contact Severus via the floo one night, and the couple had warded the study but not the bedroom. Albus heard Hermione shrieking. Thinking something amiss the Headmaster stepped through the floo and rushed to the bedroom. He stopped in the doorway, realizing that Hermione wasn't being assaulted…in a manner of speaking.

The couple never saw him, but he saw them and winced. His Potions Master had the witch folded under him and was riding her petite body as if possessed, driving into her unmercifully. Albus backed up, shook his head and stepped back through the floo, wondering how Hermione survived the wizard in one piece. He had never seen anything like it. Next time Albus saw Severus, he delicately told the wizard that he should be sure to ward his floo if he wanted truly private time.

But good gods, the wizard was an animal.


When she heard the fireplace make the familiar "foomph" sound that heralded someone entering, Hermione quickly jumped back into the armchair, trying to look as if she had patiently waited there the whole time.

Severus stepped through and looked at her, his black eyes somber.

"You have a date with Lord Percival Hornswallow the 2nd this coming Friday," he said rather tonelessly, "You will be accompanying him to the Bee's Knee's Club for dinner and dancing. It will be formal."

"Dancing?" Hermione said excitedly, unwisely smiling, "I haven't been dancing in years!"

Then her eyes fell on the silent Potions Master. His jaw was clenched and there was a slight tick in his cheek. Suddenly he lunged for her, catching her by her arm and yanking her against him. He kissed her possessively, sucking her tongue into his mouth and tangling it in his own roughly. Hermione felt him quickly harden against her belly. He pulled back from her mouth.

"You love to dance, witch? Let's dance, then," Severus growled at her, sweeping her up into his arms and carrying her into his bedroom.

The Potions Master tossed Hermione into his bed on her back so she bounced, pulled out his wand and divestoed all her clothing as well as his own. His eyes had a wild light in them as he looked down on the witch. For some reason, Hermione tried to scramble out of the bottom part of the bed, but Severus was too fast for her.

"Oh no you don't, little rabbit," he hissed, throwing himself into the bed and catching her by the thigh, pulling her back towards him.

They tussled for a moment until the Potions Master got her on her back again and climbed on top of her, pinning her wrists above her head with one hand. Despite trying to escape him and fighting him, Hermione was burning up with desire. This had served as their foreplay.

Without ceremony Severus slid into her to the hilt, the witch gasping under him as his black eyes glittered down at her.

"I just want to remind you, Hermione," he said dangerously, "that you are involved…very…very…very involved with me. You be sure to tell your 'date' that."

He stroked her hard on the "verys," causing her to cry out from his power.

Severus stared down at the panting witch expectantly. She realized he expected an answer from her.

"Yes, Severus. I'll be sure to tell him," Hermione said softly.

"You do that," the Potions Master growled, "Now let's dance, witch. We'll start with the 'Horizontal Lambada.'"


Severus, Hermione and the rest of the staff were all in the Great Hall enjoying supper Thursday evening. Severus was feeding Hermione a piece of Orange Duck from his plate, wanting her to taste it. Hermione exclaimed how good it was and soon Severus was left with little more than bones and vegetables. But he didn't mind. He liked to see Hermione eat. She didn't eat nearly enough in his opinion. The Potions Master ordered another plate for himself.

Sybil Trelawney watched the pair with narrowed eyes. She'd had enough of this. Only this morning she asked the bones if she could overcome Hermione's wicked hold on the Potions Master, and the answer had been in the affirmative. So now, buoyed with a bit of sherry, Sybil was planning on confronting Hermione directly. Dueling her to be exact. For the affections of one Severus Snape. It never occurred to her that even if she did defeat the Spells Mistress, Severus wouldn't give her the time of day. Those were details that could be worked out later. The most important thing was to get the witch to leave him alone.

She watched as Albus walked over to the Potions Master. She listened carefully.

"Severus, I'd like you to come up to my office to discuss the Potions Budget for next year," Albus said.

Severus groaned. He had planned to spend the evening reminding Hermione whom she belonged to. Tomorrow night was her 'date' with Lord Horny-swallow.

"Can't it wait, Headmaster?" Severus asked him, knowing the answer would be in the negative.

"No it can't, Severus. My office after supper," the Headmaster said with authority, then he exited the Great Hall.

Severus looked at Hermione.

"Well it looks like you've got an hour's reprieve," he growled at her.

She smirked at him, which she probably shouldn't have done. He scowled blackly.

"So, you're happy about Albus sucking up my time, time I could be spending shagging you?" he hissed at her.

"No, Severus. You just get so upset when Albus wants to talk to you," she said, "It's funny."

"We'll see how funny it is when you're tied to the bedpost with your ass in the air," he threatened.

Hermione just shook her head, not knowing he meant it.

"Whatever Severus. Go see Albus," she said dismissively.

Severus' nostrils flared angrily. The witch didn't believe him…fine. Now, what was better, leather ties or soft rope?

"When you're done with supper, go to my rooms and wait for me," he said to her, giving her a peck on the cheek and scowling at everyone who saw it so fiercely, they all turned their heads away.

"I have parchments to mark," she said to him as he walked toward the exit.

"Bring them," he called back, leaving the Hall.

Sybil left right behind the Potions Master, turning left in the Main Hall as he went right. He didn't notice her as he headed up the main stairwell, thinking about the best knots to tie in leather thongs.

The Divination teacher slipped down the dungeon corridor, past both Severus' and Hermione's rooms, and waited in the lower hall for the witch to appear. Then there would be a reckoning. She pulled a flask out of her sleeve, opened it and took a swig of sherry for good measure.


Hermione walked briskly down the dungeon corridor, stopping in her classroom to pick up the parchments she needed to mark. She reduced them and stuck them in her robes pocket. After warding the door, she continued down the hall, heading for Severus' rooms. Unlike the Potions Master's set up, Hermione couldn't access her class, office and lab from her quarters. They were located before the Potions class.

She stopped in front of Severus' office and was about to let herself in, when she heard someone call her from further down the corridor.

"Stop right there, Hermione," a female voice commanded.

Hermione peered down the corridor. She could make out someone tall and thin.

"Who is that?" Hermione asked.

Sybil Trelawney appeared her large glasses glittering as she approached in her gauzy green robes and spangled shawl. An assortment of chains and beads dangled from her thin neck. Numerous bangles hung loosely, rattling on her bony wrists while large rings covered her fingers. Her wand was drawn.

"I challenge you to a duel," the witch said, brandishing her wand.

"A duel?" Hermione asked, her eyebrows almost disappearing into her hairline. "Whatever for, Sybil?"

"For Severus of course. You've put some kind of spell on him that locks him to you. If I win this duel you will release him…and give that spell to me!" Sybil said, her eyes narrowing.

Hermione scowled at her.

"Severus isn't under any spell Sybil. He's with me because he wants to be," Hermione said.

"That's a lie! How could he want you when you divorced him?" the Divination Professor spat.

"He's forgiven me. I wasn't myself when I divorced him," Hermione said, trying to explain.

"A likely story. I say you've spelled him, and I challenge you!" Sybil cried.

"I won't duel you," Hermione said taking out her wand and beginning to unward the door to Severus' office.

"Oh you will or you'll just get your little ass kicked," Sybil snarled, firing a blast at Hermione

Hermione was hit squarely with the spell and thrown several feet down the corridor, landing painfully on her back.

"Some Spells Mistress you are. Probably charmed your way through university too, or earned your degree on your back," Sybil said nastily, as she approached the fallen witch. "Ready to give him up?"

Sybil pointed her wand at Hermione again.

In pain and thoroughly pissed, Hermione snarled, raised herself on one elbow and quickly fired a spell at the witch before she could utter another word.

"Odonata Insecta!" Hermione cried, a beam of bright green light shooting out of the tip of her wand and engulfing the tall, thin witch. Sybil's jewelry rattled loudly as she began to shake uncontrollably. Her wand clattered to the floor.

Hermione had cast a modified transfiguration spell that she had developed. It was also adaptable, transfiguring the victim to whatever muggle genus and class the witch intoned. With Sybil, it was pretty obvious what Hermione turned her into.

The witch's body began to shrink within the light until it was about three and a half inches long and brightly colored. Sybil now had large compound eyes, chewing mouthparts and two pairs of outstretched, elongated, many-veined wings.

Hermione had changed her into a dragonfly.

Sybil hovered in the air, her wings buzzing angrily as she watched multiple Hermiones rise from the floor slowly, holding their backs. The witches walked toward the insect and slowly picked up wands off the floor. Suddenly, Sybil darted at Hermione who waved at the transformed witch agitatedly, heading back for Severus' office door and unwarding it, flinging her hand at the bug as it circled her head.

Hermione let herself in, but Sybil followed, still attacking her. Her back aching, Hermione slowly opened the study wall by pulling on the torch. The wall slid back revealing Severus' study, and Severus himself, testing lengths of rope in his pale hands.

Hermione limped in, followed by the dragonfly, which darted at her, hovering then diving over and over.

Severus looked up at the witch.

"I got back early. Something came up for Albus, thank the gods," he began then noticed her limping. "What happened to you, Hermione? And what is that buzzing around your head?"

"A dragonfly," she said tiredly.

She didn't notice Severus put down the ropes and walk over to his desk. He rolled up a piece of parchment.

"I'll get it," he said stalking the dragonfly, which hovered in front of him.

Sybil saw him raise the parchment to swing at her and dipped away just in time. Severus swung viciously.

"Damn," he said, chasing it.

Hermione suddenly realized Severus was trying to kill Sybil.

"Severus no! That's Professor Trelawney!" she screamed at him.

Severus stopped.

"Really?" he asked her.

"Yes," Hermione said.

Severus took off after the dragonfly again, redoubling his efforts, leaping over the sofa in his quest to crush the bug.

"Severus, you stop it right now!" Hermione yelled at him as he pursued the buzzing Sybil around the study.

"I might not ever get this opportunity to rid myself of her again, Hermione," he panted, stopping.

"That would be murder, Severus. She's a human being," Hermione said.

"That's a matter of opinion," Severus replied, swatting at Sybil as she buzzed by, and taking off after her again. Finally he trapped her in a corner. He raised the parchment.

"Bye, bye, Sybil," he breathed, grinning evilly.

Hermione pulled her wand out of her pocket and shot a blast at the dragonfly, transforming it back into the witch just as Severus brought the parchment down, hitting Sybil soundly in the face with it.

"Damn it, Hermione," Severus seethed at her.

"How dare you try to crush me!" Sybil shrieked at the wizard.

"Obviously I didn't try hard enough," Severus replied, stalking away from her and scowling at Hermione. "Now kindly leave my rooms."

"You knew it was me, and you purposely tried to kill me!" the witch continued to shriek at him, pushing out of the corner.

Hermione painfully lowered herself into the armchair in front of the fire and placed Sybil's wand on the table.

"Severus, could you get me a bit of pain potion?" she asked him.

"What's wrong?" the Potions Master asked her, ignoring the shrieking Divinations teacher.

"My back hurts," Hermione said simply.

She didn't want to tell him Sybil attacked her. She didn't know what he'd do to the witch.

Severus looked at her for a moment. Sybil approached them.

"Lean forward," he said. "Let me see."

Hesitantly, Hermione leaned forward. Severus unfastened the first couple of fasteners on her robe, then reached around and pulled it back, then her shirt. Her entire upper back was black and blue.

"What happened?" he roared, "You tell me right now!"

Sybil picked up her wand off the table next to the armchair and began to quickly move toward the study door when she saw how outraged the Potions Master was, then slipped through it and the office door, fleeing for the safety of the North Tower, her gauzy robes billowing and jewelry clinking merrily as she fled.

The witch had a feeling this wasn't over. She'd be taking meals in the tower and keeping the door securely warded. Severus had actually tried to kill her with a rolled up parchment. Maybe he really wasn't secretly attracted to her after all.


Severus went to his potions stores and brought back several items. He saw that Sybil was gone and securely warded his office and study as well as the floo. He carried the items into his bedroom and deposited them on his nightstand, then went to get Hermione.

He didn't want to pick her up, because he wasn't sure how much damage was done. She still hadn't told him what happened. While he was gone, Hermione's eyes shifted to his desk and rested on the lengths of rope that rested there. He really had intended to tie her to the bedpost. Damn Trelawney!

Severus gently helped Hermione up from the chair and into the bedroom. Once there he helped her into the bed and made her lay on her stomach. He took out his wand and divestoed all her clothing but her knickers. He gasped as his eyes took in her back. It was completely black and blue. How had she done this? Had she fallen? Even a hard fall couldn't have done this much damage. He gently pressed his fingers along her spine. Hermione cried out softly in pain.

"Hold on, Hermione…let me check you," he said gently.

Nothing appeared to be damaged or broken and there was no swelling along her spine.

The Potions Master opened a jar of salve, scooped a generous amount in his hand, and began to rub it gently into her bruised skin. He applied several applications, working it into her flesh. The bruising was lightening. By morning it would be gone. The salve was also a mild painkiller, and soothed her ache. Severus gently sat her up, and gave her a red vial.

"Drink that, it will help the pain," he said.

Hermione looked at it.

"This isn't purple potion," she said.

Severus smirked.

"The purple potion is more 'localized' in its properties. This will work on your back. The purple potion works primarily on your…orifices," he said delicately.

Hermione uncapped the vial and drank it down. He was right. Her back stopped hurting altogether.

Severus looked at her a bit harshly.

"Now, are you going to tell me what happened, or am I going to have to use legilimency?" he asked her sharply.

Hermione sighed.

"I'll tell you Severus, but I want you to promise you won't explode or go after Sybil," she said.

Severus scowled.

"Sybil? What's that dragonfly got to do with this?" he asked. "Anyway, why was she a dragonfly?"

"Promise me first," Hermione said.

"I will promise no such thing. If the witch has done something worth being punished for, then she'll get what she deserves," he seethed.

"Severus, you can't go beating up on witches," Hermione said.

"Who said anything about beating her? A few well-placed slaps ought to do it," he replied.

Hermione scowled at him.

"All right. I won't physically touch her," he said evenly.

"Or hex her," Hermione added.

Severus frowned. Damn it.

"Or hex her," he agreed.

"All right. She challenged me to a duel over you," Hermione said.

"A duel? Over me?" the wizard exclaimed, "The witch is mad. Insane. Albus ought to send her to St. Mungos for a few weeks."

He looked at Hermione curiously.

"So, you dueled her?" he asked.

"I didn't have a choice. I told her I wouldn't duel her and she blasted me away from your door. I landed on my back a few feet down the hallway," Hermione replied.

"She what?" Severus seethed. "You weren't even facing her?"

"I was unwarding your door," the witch said.

Murderous thoughts of strangling Sybil ran through the Potions Master's mind. Her bug eyes bugged out larger as his pale hands slowly crushed her windpipe…

"Severus! You promised!" Hermione said, alarmed by the vicious look in his eyes.

He looked at her.

"All right," he said angrily, "so how did you get her?"

"She was walking up to me, ready to hex me while I was down, and I got the drop on her and turned her into a dragonfly."

Severus chuckled a bit.

"Very fitting bit of magic," he said. Then his eyes sobered.

"I should tell Albus," he seethed.

"No, don't do that. Sybil's in love with you, Severus. She has been for years," Hermione said. "Albus will sack her and I don't think she has anyplace else to go."

Severus shook his head.

"I just don't understand how you can have compassion for someone who did you bodily harm," he said, "or someone who covets what belongs to you and you alone."

"I can heal. And what belongs to me is mine by his own admission. I don't worry about anyone taking you. If any witch does, it will be because you want her and not me. I'd just have to live with it," Hermione said softly.

"That is not going to ever happen," Severus said. Then he sighed. "Maybe Sybil got the message I don't care for her this time. The object of your affection trying to kill you is a relatively sure sign that you are not wanted."

Hermione frowned at him.

"You really did try to kill her, Severus," she said.

"I really don't like her, Hermione," he replied. "If I had crushed her, I would have said I didn't know it was her."

Hermione sighed and shook her head.

"You're terrible, Severus," she said.

"One of the things that attracted you to me in the first place," he replied, kissing her on the forehead.

The Potions Master looked down at Hermione's full breasts and sighed. There'd be no tying her to the bedpost tonight. Her back had to have time to heal. If he worked her over, the bruising and pain would return and he'd have to treat her again. Damn that bug-eyed witch.

Well, he couldn't beat Sybil and couldn't hex her, but he would certainly get her back for this.

And soon.


Hermione didn't want to leave Severus' room, so the Potions Master stripped down to his boxers and joined her in bed. They kissed and petted for a while until Severus made Hermione stop touching him. Her hands were moving over parts of him that were aching to get into parts of her. Now he lay against her back, his organ hard and tenting his boxers. He pressed himself against the witch's soft ass, trying to get some relief and only succeeding in getting Hermione to try and seduce him.

"No, Hermione. Your back," he gasped as she suckled his throat.

"My back will be fine," she purred, rubbing her body against him deliciously.

Severus groaned. He should throw the little minx out for her own good. Suddenly he climbed over her and got out of the bed.

"Where are you going?" Hermione asked him, her eyes drifting to his bulging boxers as he slipped on a housecoat and slippers.

"To my lab. I forget to finish something," he lied. "You go to sleep. I'll be back in a little while," he said.

Hermione frowned at her lover. He was trying to escape her. Ah, well. She'd just wait for him to get back. She watched as he picked up his wand. He started to leave the bedroom.

"Don't I get a good night kiss?" she asked him innocently.

The Potions Master looked back and arched an eyebrow at her, and Hermione pursed her lips exaggeratedly, artistically letting the sheet slip down a ways, revealing the swell of her breast. Severus sighed and walked back to her. He leaned down to give Hermione a chaste kiss on the lips and the witch wrapped her arms around his neck and pulled him into the bed with her, rolling on top of him in the sheet and raping his mouth hungrily.

Severus was in a pickle. He couldn't handle her too roughly because of her back. After a weak struggle he just gave in and let Hermione kiss him until she was satisfied, which took about five minutes. Gasping, she let him up for air, looking at him sloe-eyed as he pushed himself out of the bed and scowled down at her.

She snuggled down under the sheets, smiling at him mischievously.

"Night, night Severus," the witch said, pretending to go right to sleep.

"Minx," he growled, leaving the bedroom.

Hermione opened one eye and grinned after him.

Severus was throbbing so badly he hurt. Ooh, tomorrow he was going to shag the little succubus until…damn it…she was going out with that wizard tomorrow night. There was no telling when she'd be back

Scowling, he put a silencing spell on the study so Hermione wouldn't hear him then scooped up a handful of floo powder and tossed it into the floo. It turned green.

"The kitchens," he said in a low voice, then, "Hello? I need a house elf immediately."

There was a pop and a trembling little house elf stood in front of him.

Severus looked at the creature with annoyance. He hadn't touched a house elf in anger in years and still they trembled any time they came to serve him.

"Listen carefully. I need a bottle of sherry, the kind of sherry that Professor Trelawney drinks. Do you know who she is?" he asked the elf.

The elf nodded, his ears flat against his skull.

"Do you know what she drinks?" he asked the creature who nodded again.

"Go and get me a bottle of it now," the Professor said.

The elf nodded and winked out. In less than a minute it was back with a bottle of sherry. It handed it to Severus, bowed and winked out again, no doubt very relieved its service to the snarky wizard was over so quickly.

Severus read the name of the sherry. "Lustau Old East India Solera Reserva"

The Potions Master headed for his Potions stores.

He walked into his classroom, placed the bottle of sherry on his desk, walked over to his storeroom and unwarded it. The wizard brightened the torches then began to dig through the dusty bottles on a little used shelf. After several minutes of targeted searching, he located the bottle he was looking for, blowing the dust off it and smiling broadly as he read the label.

Severus rarely ever smiled fully unless he was up to no good or nearly killing Hermione with kindness. And the witch was currently alone in his bed…so…

The Potions Master threw the bottle up and caught it neatly in his hand, then left and warded his storeroom. Whistling a rather macabre tune, he grabbed the sherry off his desk and headed for his lab. He turned up the torches and sat the sherry bottle on the counter. Drawing his wand Severus magically removed the cork, sniffed the wine, then took out a small clean beaker from under the counter and poured about a shot into it. He needed to make room in the bottle anyway.

Severus sniffed the sherry again then held it up to see its color. Initially it seemed to be a black-looking wine, but the light displayed gold, amber, red and caramel hues all intertwined. It had a rich nose as well, with sweet, scented molasses. He looked at it once more then drank it down. The sherry actually had a nice balance with acidity, alcohol, sweet molasses and fruit all playing a part. Too bad Sybil gulped it down like water.

Severus uncapped the bottle of potion and carefully poured the entire contents into the bottle of sherry, taking his wand and circling it counterclockwise around the neck, making the contents swirl and mix evenly. Satisfied, he magically resealed the sherry and tossed the empty bottle of potion into the trash.

He returned to his study, walked over to the floo and summoned the house elf again. The small creature returned, as trembly as ever.

Severus looked at the elf.

"Listen carefully to me, elf," he said to the creature, "I want you to take this bottle up to Professor Trelawney's room and put it where she can find it. If you see another bottle like this one opened or closed, replace it with this one. And make sure to keep this secret, or else," he said to the elf soberly.

The elf reached out and took the bottle.

"I understands, sir" he squeaked, bowing to Severus and winking out.

The elf appeared in Sybil's cushioned and curtain draped bedroom. The witch was asleep in a gauzy nightgown, sprawled in her four-poster, sheer netting surrounding all four sides and a bottle of sherry on the nightstand beside her.

The elf tiptoed up to the nightstand and switched the bottles, winking out quickly as Sybil groaned and turned over.

"Severusssss," she moaned.

The Potions Master would have vomited.


Severus returned to his bedroom, removing the silencing ward on the study as he passed. He studied Hermione. She was snuggled under the sheets and turned to the wall, apparently sound asleep.

Severus let out a sigh of relief. It was hard enough just sleeping beside the witch without fucking her. It was almost impossible to resist her when she was climbing all over him, begging for it. He removed his housecoat and his slippers and quietly slid into bed beside her, praying not to wake the randy witch.

Hermione's breathing didn't change and he relaxed. But not for long. A hot little hand slid over his thigh and began to pet him, causing an instant erection.

"Hermione," he groaned as she turned over, grinning wickedly in the low torchlight.

"Welcome back," she said giving him a little squeeze, "Won't you tie me up just a little bit, Severus?"

The Potions Master looked at her for a long moment.

"All right, Hermione. You win," he said, slipping out from under the covers, walking into the study and returning with two long lengths of rope.

He moved the bedcovers, sat on the edge of the bed then abruptly ripped the sheet from her body, pulling her legs over to his lap, and tying them securely together, wrapping the rope around her ankles and between her calves. He yanked on them roughly to make sure the bonds were secure. Then he tied her hands together just as securely, making sure she wouldn't be able to work them loose. Then he threw the sheet back over the witch, climbed back into the bed, slipped under the sheets and laid his head back on the pillows. He sighed and closed his eyes.

Hermione stared at him.

"Severus, what are you doing?" she asked him.

"Getting some sleep, witch, I suggest you do the same," he replied, turning to kiss her on the forehead, then relaxing.

"But I'm all tied up," she said wriggling a little against her bonds.

"Yes, you are," he said, not opening his eyes. "Nice and neat. No more roaming hands."

Hermione let out a little scream of frustration as she realized she'd been had.

"I'm going to get you for this Severus Snape," she seethed at the wizard. She couldn't even kick him.

"Maybe you will," he said sleepily, "but not tonight."


The next morning Hermione was awakened by being dragged to the edge of the bed, her belly resting on the mattress as her legs draped down to the floor. She was still tied up, her arms stretched out on the bed above her and her legs tightly bound.

"Your back is better," breathed the Potions Master, who was on his knees behind her, lowering his silk boxers. Hermione felt one of his hands press down on the small of her back as he moved her legs aside and pressed between her tightly closed thighs, finding her entrance and forcing his way in, hissing.

"Gods, so tight," he groaned as Hermione made a mewling sound as he parted her, feeling huger than ever because of the way her legs were bound together.

"Oh Severus," she moaned.

The Potions Master leaned over her, kissing her neck as he thrust into her experimentally.

"Oh fuck!" Hermione hissed as he hit bottom.

This was almost too good.

"It feels good, doesn't it witch?" he whispered into her ear, stroking her again.

"Yesssss," she sighed. "More, Severus. Harder."

She felt him straighten, and his large hands grip her shoulders firmly. He pulled her back, arching, ramming into her brutally, his mouth dropping open as the witch shrieked under him. Severus began riding Hermione hard, jerking her roughly back and forth as he took her, biting his lip as he was squeezed, bathed and caressed by her tightness, her voice like a siren's urging him to draw closer. The wizard rotated his pelvis, groaning as he twisted inside the witch's hot sleeve.

"Gods damn you have such sweet…" he gasped, plunging in and out of the witch throwing his head back and closing his eyes in pleasure as he pummeled the shrieking witch.

Hermione hit another plateau of bliss every time her Potions Master hit bottom. He was driving into her like a jackhammer, his aching strokes pushing her closer and closer to release. Gods she loved him. Everything about him. But this…this was when she felt closest to him, when he would lose control because of her, letting go of all his discipline for her and her alone.

Hermione began to shudder and Severus felt her body temperature soar as she began tightening around him. He cursed, bending his lean muscular body over her and pouring on the power so he would come with her, letting go and just feeling her receive him. Hermione began to shudder, and Severus plunged into her as deep as he could bursting the damn, her hot flood pouring over him as she screamed shrilly.

"Yes, gods yes!" he shouted as he came with her, pulsing as he filled her, pleasure racing up and down his spine as he pressed inside her, gushing against her cervix, pouring his essence into her sweet, sweet body.

"Yes witch," he panted, his face buried in the jasmine scent of her hair and collapsing fully on her as Hermione trembled under him, riding her own perfect wave of bliss, moaning as she whirled and came to a slow, ebbing halt, aware of his weight pressing down on her body.

Severus rested there for a moment, then suddenly started, pulling out of her quickly and beginning to untie her legs rapidly.

"We have to get to breakfast, Hermione," he gasped, still feeling weak from his powerful release. Hermione wasn't ready to move yet as he climbed over her, releasing her hands and pulling her up. She was aching still, but it was a good ache…she didn't need any potion. But she would like a few more minutes of sleep. She flopped down face first into the bed.

"Just give me a couple of minutes, Severus," she said softly.

She felt the wizard move away from her, but he soon returned.

"Scourgify!" he said cleansing her, then himself. He then scourgified her knickers as well and magically dressed her.

"What…what's the rush, Severus?" she asked him as he magically dressed himself, and pulled her to her feet.

"You'll see," he said, walking the witch out of the bedroom, through the study and waiting impatiently for the wall to open so they could pass through his office and into the dungeon corridor.

He practically dragged the witch all the way to the Great Hall. They entered through the staff entrance. Severus' black eyes looked around. The students were seated at their tables, talking and serving themselves breakfast. The staff members too were ordering their meals.

"Good. It hasn't happened yet," he said, seating Hermione then himself.

"What hasn't happened yet?" Hermione asked him.

He smirked.

"Wait a while, you'll see," he said obliquely.

Hermione had a very bad feeling about this. Severus was too expectant. He had rushed her from the bedroom while she was practically still in the throes of climax. Whatever was going to happen, it had better be worth it.

Suddenly both double doors flew open and Sybil Trelawney came waltzing in, bug-eyed glasses on her face, trailing scarves…and nothing else. The witch was buck naked!

"Good morning all! Good morning Hogwarts! I feel free! Free! I've left the things that bind me behind and I am at one with the universe!' she cried, whirling her bony frame around the center aisle in ecstasy. Her small pointed breasts barely bobbled as her grayish bush stood out in all it unkempt glory.

Severus quickly disillusioned himself before the witch saw him. He had given her a potion that made the witch drop every inhibition. She would no doubt go for him if she saw him.

The entire hall was silent as they stared at the naked witch. Sybil was a bit far from the flush of youth, and although she was skeleton thin, folds of flesh draped her body. Sybil looked around, her hands on her hips. Albus was too stunned to move. Hermione had her hand clasped over her mouth. The other staff members wore expressions ranging from shock to disgust. Marcus had literally covered his eyes. Sybil was enough to throw him off witches forever.

"An audience!" Sybil said, clapping her hands together in delight, spinning again, her shapeless ass in full moon. "I will entertain you."

The Divinations Professor launched into a parody of Salome's Dance of the Seven Veils, using her scarves as veils. She writhed, twisted, and twirled, jutting out her sharp hipbones and gyrating her pelvis lewdly. The sounds of retching could be heard throughout the hall, as well as titters of laughter and groans of horror that began to grow as the witch kicked up her legs and bent over revealing her wares.

"This is awful!" Hermione gasped, turning to Severus who she realized was disillusioned.

"Severus, you did this!" she hissed at him.

The Potions Master didn't answer. He couldn't. He was caught between extreme nausea and extreme laughter, and was unable to make a sound. He was just glad he hadn't eaten yet as he watched the rail thin witch dance, a smile plastered on her face. The potion only worked for about thirty minutes. She should be coming down soon.

Sure enough, Sybil's dancing slowed, and the dreamy look in her magnified eyes faded as the laughter and the groans became audible. The witch stood stock still, looking around the Great Hall as if wondering how she got here. Then she looked down at her scrawny naked body and let out an ear-shattering scream as she tried to cover herself. Everywhere she looked there were eyes staring at her. She began to back up towards the main doors, which were still open.

Severus flicked his wand at them from under the table and the doors slammed shut. Hermione shot the shimmer that was a Potions Master a murderous look as Sybil continued to back up, bent with a horrified look on her face, tears of embarrassment streaming from her eyes. She backed up against the doors, feeling for the handles behind her. She found one and pulled at it, but the door wouldn't open as she jerked on it desperately. Finally she turned around, tearing at the handles, laughter and jeers falling on her from every side.

"Open them!" Hermione hissed at Severus, "Open those doors this instant Severus Snape, or the next time you see pussy will be at the Menagerie!"

Severus frowned at Hermione, though she couldn't see him, then reluctantly flicked his wand at the doors again, and they slowly opened. Sybil darted through them and was gone. He removed the disillusionment spell.

"Severus, that was simply horrible," Hermione said to him, her mouth drawn tight in disapproval.

"No more horrible than blasting an opponent who is not willing or prepared," he said evenly, "particularly if it is someone I care about. The witch was lucky that was all I did to her. She deserved worse."

Severus ordered his food, and didn't speak to Hermione for the rest of breakfast, eating heartily as the Great Hall buzzed around him, discussing the show Sybil Trelawney had put on for them.

Hermione stared at Severus. Gods, he was a nasty bastard when he wanted to be. But he had a point. He could have done much worse to the witch if he had been inclined. Sybil got off easy.

Hermione made another note in her head about why it was not a good thing to ever cross Severus Snape.


Severus rushed back to his rooms, and summoned the house elf he had used last night from the kitchens. He instructed the small creature to switch the bottles of sherry back and to do it invisibly if he had to. The trembling house elf did as Severus asked, winking back into the study with the bottle of drugged sherry.

To the creature's surprise, Severus patted it on the head.

"What is your name, elf?" Severus asked it.

"Name, sir?" the elf replied, a bit shocked.

No one ever asked house elves their names. They just ordered them about.

Severus frowned slightly.

"Yes, a name. You do have a name don't you? I want to know what it is," the Potions Master said evenly.

"My name is Eli, sir," the house elf said.

"Well, Eli, you have given me the best service of any house elf I've known. Would you mind if I asked you to be the one to attend me from now on?" Severus asked him.

The house elf stopped trembling, his eyes wide.

"You wants me, sir? Me alone to serves you sir?" the house elf asked him in disbelief.

"If it is possible, yes Eli," the Potions Master replied.

The elf bowed deeply.

"Oh yes, sir. Eli would be pleased to have one master! Very pleased!" the elf said.

Severus became alarmed.

"Now, wait…I didn't say…" he began.

Suddenly, the house elf began to glow, and a tendril of light stretched out from the creature and wrapped around the startled wizard. It squeezed him for a moment, covering him in warmth, then snapped back into the elf with a crack of thunder.

Severus stared down at the elf.

"What did you just do, Eli?" Severus asked.

"You is my Master now, sir," the elf beamed at him, "We only works at Hogwarts because we has no masters and are unbound, sir. The great Dumbledore takes in unbound house elves sir, and says we can find masters when we wish. We can picks and choose them sir, if we likes."

Severus just stared at the elf.

"Eli will be very admired to be the house elf of the Snape, sir," Eli said bowing again.

Severus cocked his head at him.

"And why is that, Eli?" the wizard asked him.

"Because the Snape is fierce, and any house elf that serves the Snape is very brave. I am very brave sir," Eli replied.

Severus rubbed his hand over his face.

"I didn't mean for you to bind yourself to me, Eli. I have no idea how to take care of a house elf," he said to the creature.

"No worries, sir. I cares for myself. I will remains in the kitchens and works the same. But I will only have to serves you now and keeps all your secrets. No more bad, naughty students. Eli is most grateful sir," the elf said, "Most very grateful."

The elf bowed again.

Good gods. He had a house elf. Severus had no idea Hogwarts house elves could be bound to one Master if they chose to be. He thought they were bound to the castle itself. Shit. Hermione was going to flip. She considered house elf bonding to be nothing more than slavery. He immediately decided not to tell her.

"Do me a favor, Eli…don't spread this about too much. My…my friend doesn't approve of house elf service," Severus said.

Eli's ears flattened a bit.

"Ah you means the Spells Mistress you does in-outie with. We knows of her we do. She tries to free all elves, but we don't wants to be free. We likes work and service, we do. She does not accept this still?" Eli asked the Potions Master.

Severus was shocked the elves knew he and Hermione were involved. In-outie? Merlin's beard.

"No she doesn't," Severus replied.

"Then this is the second secret Eli keeps for his Master. The first is the Sherry of the Naked Dance," the elf said, bowing again.

Sherry of the Naked Dance? Severus bit back a chuckle.

"The Mistress will never knows about me, sir, until you wishes it," Eli said, "and my magic is for you too, sir. If you is ever in danger, sir, I will protect you and yours."

Severus thought about this. Although house elves were essentially servants, they had very powerful magic. They needed no wands or spells to use it either. Maybe this wasn't such a bad thing.

"That is good to know Eli, but I don't want you randomly appearing whenever I am in trouble. I will call you when I need your help. How do I summon you if I am not near a floo?" the Potions Master asked.

"Simply says my name as a command, sir. I will always hears you, sir. I am bound to you," the elf said.

"Very well, Eli. What I need you to do now is get rid of that sherry for me, so no one will ever find it," Severus said to the elf, who smiled a bit conspiratorially.

"Yes Master, considers it done, sir," the elf replied.

"Fine, Eli…you may return to the kitchens. I will summon you when I need you," Severus said to the tiny creature.

"Yes sir. Eli is always ready to serve the Snape, sir," the elf replied, winking out with the bottle.

Severus blinked at the space the elf had occupied.

Hm. He now owned a house elf. What a morning it had been.

Sherry of the Naked Dance.

Severus chortled as he headed to class.


Severus had a tough day when he remembered tonight was the night Hermione was to accompany Lord Percival Hornswallow the 2nd for a night of dinner and dancing. His students paid for it too. He took a total of one hundred and fifty house points, assigned ten detentions with Hagrid, since Filch was gone, and browbeat several students of which three burst into tears.

Now he waited impatiently by his Potions office door to get a glimpse of Hermione before she left. He wanted to see what she'd be wearing. She was supposed to meet the wizard in Dumbledore's office promptly at eight o'clock. Kind of late for dinner.

Damn Albus.

He went immediately on point as he heard Hermione's door open. He cracked his office door and looked out just as Hermione stepped into the corridor. His mouth dropped open.

She was wearing a long, sparkling blue evening gown held up by a single strap that wrapped about her throat like a halter, her soft back exposed so low it almost stopped at the curve of her buttocks. Her hair was swept up into an elegant bun, tendrils hanging on either side, the nape of her very kissable neck revealed. She wore sapphire and platinum earrings with a matching necklace. And she seemed taller, which meant she was wearing heels, but they were hidden.

She looked delicious, too delicious. The witch began to walk up the hall and before Severus could stop himself, he was out the door.

He scowled down at the witch.

"You certainly went all out," he seethed at her.

Hermione sighed. She knew Severus wouldn't let her slip by him. She would have taken the floo to Albus' office, but sometime soot would get on her clothes. She didn't want to risk it.

"Do you like it?" she asked, spinning for the Potions Master, hoping to calm him. She knew she looked damn good.

"Of course I like it. What wizard wouldn't like it? I'm sure the Lord will love it," Severus fumed, falling in step with Hermione as she walked up the corridor.

"Severus, I dressed for the occasion, not for Lord Percival," Hermione said evenly. "The Bee's Knee's is a very exclusive club. I don't want to look like a frump."

Severus' eyes rested on his lover's lips. Hermione was wearing lipstick and it made her mouth look fuller, even more kissable. She wore eye makeup too. The witch looked stunning.

"You make sure to tell that wizard you are involved with someone," he growled.

"If it comes up in conversation, Severus, I will most certainly tell him," Hermione said as they walk out into the main hall.

She looked at Severus, who had not fallen back in the least.

"Do you intend to walk me up to Albus' office itself?" she asked him.

"Yes," the wizard hissed, his eyes locked on her.

She was so beautiful and going out with another wizard to eat and dance. He'd be holding her in his arms, feeling her soft curves…whirling her about the floor, probably thinking he'd like to shag her.

Severus felt his belly tighten, and he grew hot all over. He let out a growl.

"Did you say something, Severus?" Hermione asked as they mounted a shifting stairwell.

"No," he said sullenly.

They arrived at the doorway that led to the corridor which led to Albus' office. They stopped in front of the gargoyle.

"Licorice Lippets," Hermione said, and the statue leaped aside.

"I'll see you later, Severus," she said.

Suddenly the Potions Master grabbed her by the shoulders and tried to kiss her. Hermione shifted her head.

"No, Severus. You'll smear my lipstick," she said, pulling away.

"It better not be smeared when you get back," he growled at her, "Or I'll have to smear one Lord."

Hermione shook her head, and ran her hand across his cheek.

"Severus, there's only one wizard for me, and that's you. Stop worrying. I'm not a little girl. He's not going to sweep me off my feet. This is a duty, not a date," she said, smiling at him.

Severus still scowled. The way Hermione looked, any wizard would want to sweep her off her feet and get her on her back.

Despite what she said about her lipstick, Hermione drew Severus down and kissed him on his cheek, leaving a red lip shaped stain on his pale skin.

"I'll see you later, Severus," she said, starting to climb the stairs.

"Wait!" Severus said, moving forward.

Hermione stopped and looked at him.

"Let me see your shoes," he said.

"Severus," Hermione said, "I don't want to. I know how you are."

"Show me," he demanded, his nostrils flared.

Slowly Hermione raised the hem of her gown. She wore four-inch strapped heels, also of sparkling blue. Even her small toenails were blue and sparkling.

Severus let out a long, stuttered breath, looking up at her as she lowered the gown.

"He'd better not touch you," the wizard breathed dangerously.

"Severus, I'll see you later. I have to go," Hermione said placatingly.

Severus watched as she walked up the spiral stairwell. Then the gargoyle jumped back in place.

He spun angrily and strode back down the hall, his robes billowing, and took the stairwells back down to the main hall. He started toward the dungeons, then stopped and disillusioned himself.

He waited by the main doors.

He wanted to see what this Percival Hornswallow the 2nd looked like. Personally Severus hoped he was about one hundred and seventy-five years old, toothless and walked with a stoop. But that image didn't fit one of the wizarding world's most eligible bachelors.


Hermione heard voices coming out of Dumbledore's office. She stopped for a moment and checked herself, then knocked on the door.

"Come in," Albus called.

Hermione took a steadying breath. This was it. She turned the handle and walked into the Headmaster's office.

Albus was standing behind his desk, and standing in front of it was Lord Percival Hornswallow the 2nd.

Lord Percival was six-foot four, brown-haired and green eyed, and long lashed. He was quite handsome, with a warm smile, cleft chin and a dimple in his left cheek. He wore immaculate black dress robes tastefully embroidered with silver. His eyes narrowed for a moment as he looked at the witch appreciatively.

"Lord Hornswallow, I would like to introduce you to Miss Hermione Granger, our Good Will Ambassador. She will be accompanying you tonight," Albus said, his eyes twinkling.

The wizard bowed to Hermione, then strode over to the witch. Grasping her small hand gently but firmly, he brought it to his lips and kissed it gently.

He looked down at the witch, smiling broadly. He turned his head to look at the Headmaster.

"I must say Albus, I am feeling quite a bit of good will already," he said, then turned back to Hermione

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Miss Granger. Thank you for accompanying me tonight," he said.

"It is an equal pleasure to make your acquaintance as well, my Lord," Hermione replied, curtseying as one did when meeting nobility.

Lord Hornswallow smiled in approval.

"Now, you have the directions, Percival?" Albus asked the wizard. Obviously they were quite informal.

"Yes, I will give them to my driver," he said, not taking his eyes off of Hermione.

"My, what a lovely little witch," he thought to himself. "Albus has outdone himself."

"Well off with you both then. Your reservations are for eight-thirty. And have a wonderful time," Albus said.

Lord Hornswallow offered Hermione his arm.

"My lady?" he said, arching one eyebrow in a way that reminded Hermione of Severus.

Hermione slipped her arm into his.

"My Lord," she said, smiling up at him.

"We are off then," he said opening the door and walking through with Hermione.

Suddenly, Percival stopped and leaned his head back into the office.

"Don't wait up for us, Albus," he said, winking.

"Oh I won't," Albus replied grinning.

When the door closed, the Headmaster said to himself with a chuckle as he sat down at his desk, "But I'll bet my last sickle on who will be waiting up for you."

Albus drew a few parchments close to him, picked up a quill and started working on some long overdue paperwork.


"So Miss Granger, Albus tells me that in addition to your Ambassador duties, you work on the side as a Spells Mistress," Percival grinned at her.

Hermione laughed.

"Well, I prefer to think it is my Ambassador duties that are on the sidelines, but yes, I am a Spells Mistress," she replied.

"And how did Albus rope you into such a position?" he asked her. Percival was well aware of Albus' manipulative ways.

"He basically said I was young, single and had to do it," Hermione replied, "and he is my boss, so here I am."

"Ah yes, the authority of the boss. Quite fortunate for me, however. You are lovely, Miss Granger. I believe I am going to enjoy our evening," Percival said sincerely.

Hermione blushed, but didn't say anything as they descended to the main hall, arm in arm.

Disillusioned, Severus' belly tightened as he saw his witch on another wizard's arm…and she was blushing! What had he said to her?

Severus studied the wizard. Tall, green-eyed, well dressed and handsome. Not to mention wealthy. What worried the Potions Master most was that the man was a Slytherin. No matter how well mannered, polite or generous a Slytherin was, you could be sure self-interest and self-gain were underneath every move he or she made.

"So, Miss Granger," Lord Hornswallow said as they walked past the disillusioned wizard, "Tell me something about yourself that few people know."

Hermione looked up at him and thought a minute. She certainly couldn't tell him she was a bit of a masochist, which was an understatement.

"I love ballroom dancing," she confessed.

Severus frowned. Hermione had never told him that. He knew she liked to dance and had taken her out once or twice to clubs, but never anyplace were there was formal ballroom dancing.

Percival grinned down at her as he opened the main doors for both of them.

"How nice," he said, "I happen to appreciate ballroom dancing as well. We can trip the light fantastic tonight."

He squeezed Hermione's arm encouragingly, and she smiled up at him.

Severus was furious. How dare she smile up at him like that…it looked like an invitation to kiss her. Shit…how was he going to monitor this situation? He followed them outside, hearing Hermione gasp.

Standing in front of the castle was a gleaming black carriage. A wizard in a top hat sat on top of it, holding reins attached to the lead horse of what appeared to be three black muggle horses harnessed in a single line with strangely shaped blankets on their backs.

Hermione looked at the horses. They were beautiful, anxiously pawing the ground, obviously ready to go.

"Lord Hornswallow, what beautiful horses. But they couldn't possibly get us to the Bee's Knee's on time," she said, looking at the beasts with wide amber eyes.

Percival patted her arm. Severus frowned blackly at the familiarity the wizard did it with. He didn't want the man touching his witch at all. It was obvious however, that he would be the entire night.

"Ah, my dear Miss Granger. I guarantee these particular horses will get us there in plenty of time," he said, then he raised his voice, calling to the driver. "Show her, Jenkins"

"Aye sir," the mounted wizard replied. He whistled and shook the reigns. Suddenly what Hermione thought were blankets on the horse's backs extended, fluttering in the night air. They were wings! Beautiful black, strong wings.

"Oh my gods, they're Pegasii," Hermione gasped bringing her hand to her mouth. "They're so rare, especially black ones, my Lord. I don't think I've ever seen them used to pull carriages."

"No, I have the only team of Pegasii in the world, Hermione. They came at great expense, but were worth every galleon. I must say my boys had a time breaking them. Riding a wild Pegasus is very dangerous. Luckily no lives were lost in the process. Now come, my dear. It is time to go," he said.

Jenkins made as to dismount to get the carriage door.

"No, you stay there Jenkins. I will help the lady in," Percival said, opening the carriage door and helping Hermione in, his hand slipping to her naked back in the process as he eyed her appreciatively again.

Severus growled as the wizard touched her flesh. The door closed and Jenkins flicked the reins.

"Fly on now, boys!" he shouted at the horses, who took off galloping then leapt into the air, their wings flapping powerfully, drawing the carriage and Hermione away into the star-filled night.

Severus watched them go, his chest feeling tight. Hermione was bound to have a wonderful time with the wizard. Her eyes were already shining with excitement when she saw the carriage. He knew she was only doing her duty, but if the wizard was taken with her, what would stop him from pursuing her further. The man was a Slytherin after all. If he didn't do it openly because she was involved, he would use his connections with Hogwarts to get her out on other outings with him.

Severus slowly walked back inside the castle, worried he was about to be outclassed. He wasn't a poor wizard by any means. He had galleons coming in by the thousands from potions he had created and patented, the residuals sent directly to his Gringotts account. Actually, he didn't have to work if he didn't want to, but he was used to working every day and the students, dunderheaded as they were, offered him challenge.

He wished there was some way he could monitor their outing. He trusted Hermione, but he didn't trust the wizard. Percival was experienced with courting witches, and Hermione had only known Severus, who was more of a "give me what I want" kind of wizard, direct and to the point. He didn't "woo" and his courtship technique was more of a lengthy seduction. Hermione had no doubts as to what he wanted from her when he zeroed in on the witch. Severus doubted Percival worked that way. He would be more circumspect, more roundabout, more cunning.

Severus walked down the dungeon corridor, his steps slow as he wondered what was going on in the carriage right now. He wished he could at least listen in on their conversation, as he did when Hermione was going to therapy…

Severus halted for a moment, then began to jog to his rooms.

He realized he had never neutralized the listening patch to the "Speak-Easy Voice Capture Kit" he had purchased from Fred and George Weasley and placed on Hermione. Maybe it still worked.

He quickly entered his rooms and walked to an area of his bookcase that had a false front. It was quite high and the book titles in front of it would not draw Hermione's attention. He unwarded the niche and removed the speaker box, closed the books back then carried the box over to the small table in front of the fireplace. He set it down carefully, then twisted the knob. He had no idea how far the patch could transmit, but it was worth a try.

There was some static, and crackling…then he heard Hermione.

"What a breath-taking view!" she was exclaiming.

"Yes, night flying is wonderful," Percival agreed, his eyes on the witch sitting across from him, leaning her face toward the window. "The stars appear so close, you feel as if you can snatch one from the sky."

"Yes," Hermione agreed, smiling.

Severus sighed with relief, as he retrieved a glass and half a bottle of firewhiskey from his cabinet and sat down in the armchair. He would hear everything.

Hermione was not alone tonight.

She had no idea she was out with two wizards.


The carriage landed in front of a large, well-lit building and the Pegasii galloped up to the covered portico. A smartly dressed wizard quickly walked up to the carriage door and opened it.

"Welcome to the Bee's Knee's," he said smiling as he helped Hermione from the carriage. When he saw Lord Hornswallow he bowed low.

"Good evening, my Lord," the wizard said.

"Good evening, Terrance," Percival replied, reaching into his pocket and slipping him a ten-galleon piece.

Percival took Hermione's arm, as Terrance led the way up the cream-colored carpeting and through the glass double doors. Plants abounded in the foyer area, and a tall stately wizard with a monocle stood behind what looked like a large podium, a huge book open before him. He was studying it, and a long line of patrons stood waiting to be let in.

Terrance halted the couple.

"Wait right here, my Lord," the wizard said with another bow. Then he walked past the long line and whispered in the maitre'd's ear. The wizard's eyes opened so wide, his monocle dropped out. Hastily he put it back in, and swiftly walked up to Percival and Hermione.

"Ah, Lord Hornswallow. It is good to see you back at the Bee's Knee's, sir," the monocled wizard said with a syrupy smile. His eyes swept over Hermione for a moment. She was a pretty witch. But then again Lord Hornswallow always had a pretty witch on his arm, fawning all over him. This one wasn't fawning however. Different class of witch altogether.

"Thank you, Alexander," Percival said, "Allow me to introduce my companion, Miss Granger."

Alexander clicked his heels together sharply, and bowed to Hermione.

"Welcome to the Bee's Knee's, Miss Granger," he said with the same syrupy smile.

"Thank you," Hermione replied, giving the wizard a small smile in return.

Alexander made a broad gesture with his hand.

"Your usual table awaits, my Lord. I will escort you there myself," he said, "Terrance, take over my desk until I return."

"Yes sir," Terrance said, moving behind the podium and beginning to service the waiting patrons.

Hermione was impressed. There had been some very distinguished-looking wizards and witches in that line. But Lord Hornswallow was ushered straight through.

To call the Bee's Knee's a club was an understatement. Hermione's eyes drifted around the establishment falling on handcrafted plaster relief ceilings, crystal chandeliers, huge Palladian windows and marble floors. A large space for dancing occupied the center of the club, and there were two levels of seating, floor and balcony. Beautifully dressed tables with lovely lighted floral centerpieces were arranged around the ballroom floor. On closer examination of one of the centerpieces, Hermione saw that tiny, naked glowing fairies sat swinging on the blooms. They were adorable.

Alexander led them to a small paneled elevator, stepping aside to let the Lord and Hermione enter first, then following, closing a small gate behind them. He pressed a button and the elevator gently ascended to the balcony area, to open on a small but well-positioned private seating area directly over the ballroom floor. Hermione noticed a little gold plaque on the wall. She peered closer.

It read: Lord Percival Hornswallow the 2nd.

"This is your own personal table?" she asked the wizard.

He gave her a wan smile.

"Yes, one of the perks of being a Lord," he said as Alexander pulled out a chair for Hermione. Percival quickly replaced him, sliding the chair in for Hermione as she sat down.

Alexander then handed Hermione a menu printed on the finest parchment she had even seen. She ran her finger down the fine grain of it.

Percival watched her closely, a small grin on his face. It was easy to see that the witch had never been in such an exclusive establishment. Appreciation filled her eyes at every new sight.

"There are no prices on this menu," Hermione said, looking at the offered items.

Percival smirked again.

"No, they don't list the prices of the courses, Miss Granger. The Bee's Knee's operates on the premise that if you have to ask, you probably can't afford it," the Lord said.

Hermione raised her eyebrows and studied the menu to see if she could figure out what the least expensive item would be. She was naturally thrifty, and since Hogwarts had arranged this outing she thought she would try to save as much money as she could for the school.

Percival seemed able to divine what Hermione was thinking. He gently pulled the menu down and looked over it at the witch. Her eyes were beautiful…like tempered gold.

"Miss Granger, although Albus arranged this outing with the intention of Hogwarts covering the cost, I have taken the expense upon myself. I know the Headmaster wants to give me some compensation for my generosity to the school, but I find it a bit perverse to donate money only to have it used to entertain me rather than helping maintain the quality education Hogwarts offers. Not a knut of tonight will be charged to the school. So please, order what you like Miss Granger, believe me when I say money is of no consequence to me," he said, smiling.

Hermione gave him a small smile in return.

"Charming," Percival thought as he looked at her.

"Though I must admit, I feel more than compensated having the company of such a beautiful young witch with which to dine," he added. "A night with you, Miss Granger, is easily worth a few million galleons."

In his rooms, Severus bristled. He didn't like the suggestiveness of that statement. Nor did he like the wizard bragging about his wealth…though he didn't do it directly. The Potions Master took a sip of his firewhiskey sullenly and continued to listen.

Hermione blushed at Percival's statement. He looked at her appreciatively. He didn't often find himself in the company of witches who could still blush. Most of them were gold diggers, who fawned and oozed sex all over him. Or at least try to chat him up from the moment they met him until the time he expelled them from his bed the next morning. Hermione hadn't asked him anything about his money, nor did she try to impress him with any of her own fine points.

Alexander stood by patiently as Hermione studied the menu. Ooh, Lobster was listed. Gods, she loved lobster. But she didn't dare. Percival noticed her eyes light up. True to his Slytherin nature, the Lord took a little peek into her thoughts. She was eating a large lobster and greatly enjoying it.

"I'll have the steak," she said to Alexander.

"Scratch that," Percival said. "She'll have the lobster, the largest one you have Alexander, with boiled corn, small potatoes and plenty of butter."

Hermione started to protest and Lord Percival furrowed his eyebrows at her.

"Miss Granger, you don't want to insult the wizard you are supposed to be showing good will to, now do you?" he said to her evenly.

"No, I don't my Lord," she said, chastened.

"Good. Then you will eat the lobster and enjoy it," he said, smiling at her, his dimple showing clearly.

"Very good, sir," Alexander said, taking Hermione's menu from her politely and starting to leave.

"Wait," Hermione said. The departing wizard paused. "Aren't you eating anything my Lord?"

Percival smiled.

"Alexander already knows my preferences. I eat the same thing every time I come here," the wizard said. "But thank you for your concern."

Alexander left.

Percival studied Hermione for a moment. Most witches wouldn't have even noticed he hadn't ordered, they'd be so intent on ordering the most expensive item on the menu for themselves. Which incidentally was the lobster. But the witch did not even think about ordering it as much as she loved it. She didn't want to take advantage of his wealth. Percival found that refreshing as well.

Severus was scowling. The wizard obviously liked to take control of a situation, and Hermione liked dominance in a wizard. She also loved lobster. How did the wizard know? Hm. Severus didn't doubt he was using legilimency on her. Hermione's mind was very easy to access, since it was usually always on high, the witch so busy thinking that she didn't notice an intrusion. Severus hoped the wizard would look deeper and see him.

Another wizard brought a bottle of wine. Percival himself took it and the glasses, expertly opening it and letting it breathe before tilting each glass and pouring a small amount in each. He passed a glass to Hermione and looked at her expectantly.

Hermione hesitated. She didn't really drink. But since the wizard was waiting for her to try the wine, she did so. It was rather sweet and fruity, and a bit acidic. It tickled her nose and she wrinkled it. Percival was delighted at her reaction. No stuffy, over-spoiled rich witch would ever wrinkle her nose in front of him.

"You like?" he asked her smiling.

"Very nice," Hermione said, "but it tickled my nose a bit."

Percival chuckled. He had a nice laugh.

"So I noticed," he said, pouring her a bit more.

They sat in silence for a bit. Percival was curious about her private life…if she was available. No time like the present.

"Ah, Miss Granger…I have a rather personal question to ask you," he began.

"If it is too personal, my Lord, you may not get an answer," Hermione responded.

"Well I hope in this case I do get an answer," he replied.

The witch certainly wasn't afraid to speak her mind. People that spoke their mind to Percival was something the wealthy wizard was in short supply of. He was generally surrounded by 'yes' wizards and witches. Miss Granger set boundaries. Usually no one attempted to. The witch was becoming more interesting by the minute.

"Then feel free to ask, my Lord," she said.

"I know Albus said you are single, but are you involved with anyone, Miss Granger?" he asked her.

Severus sat forward in his chair, listening intently for Hermione's answer.

The witch hesitated for a moment.

"Yes, I am," she replied.

"Is it serious? A relationship that might become something more? End in marriage perhaps?" he asked her.

"Well, it is a committed relationship, but no…I don't foresee marriage," Hermione replied, a bit sadly.

Both Percival and Severus caught the note of sadness in her voice.

Percival frowned slightly.

"If you don't foresee a life with this wizard, Miss Granger, I don't see how it could be serious. It is more of an affair than a relationship. A relationship is going somewhere. It sounds to me you are having an affair, something solely pleasure-oriented. And those are not serious, Miss Granger, because you can find pleasure anywhere." Percival said soberly.

Another waiter appeared with bowls of hot, steaming vegetable soup. He placed them on the table in front of each guest and withdrew.

Hermione didn't answer the wizard, but began eating her soup.

"Do you want children, Miss Granger?" Percival asked her.

"One day, yes, I'd like a family," Hermione replied, feeling a small ache in her heart as she thought about Jacob.

"In that case, Miss Granger, might I suggest that you open yourself up to the possibility of associating with a wizard who does want a true committed relationship, one that is more in line with what you desire? I am a wizard who speaks my mind, Miss Granger, even if it isn't appreciated at the time, but you are such a lovely young witch and in my opinion for you to be involved with a wizard you have no hope of marrying and having a family with is a total waste of your time, not to mention your love, if you indeed love this wizard. If you do love him and continue with him, you might end up sacrificing your own dreams, one day finding yourself childless and alone. That would be such a waste, my dear," Percival said.

The truth was Percival himself was winding down and tired of the parade of witches entering and leaving his bed. Not one was worth keeping there after a night or two. He thought he might marry and have a family. But he wanted a real wife, not a witch who was looking to land a wealthy husband and spend all his money.

Hermione seemed like a nice young witch. He couldn't sense anything false about her. Percival really would like to get to know her better. If she were involved with a wizard who didn't intend to marry her, then as far as he was concerned, she was fair game. He noticed Hermione's eyes were glistening with unshed tears. Damn, he hadn't meant to make her cry. He must have struck a chord.

"Here now, don't cry," Percival said gently, withdrawing a handkerchief from his inner pocket and offering it to her.

Severus was quiet as he listened to the wizard talk to Hermione about her relationship with him. He started a bit as he heard the wizard tell her not to cry. Hermione was crying? Gods. She wanted a family. Of course she'd want a family. Most women wanted to become mothers. He stared into the fire.

Hermione took the handkerchief and dabbed at her eyes, glad her makeup was waterproof.

"I'm sorry," she said softly.

"Don't be. Most women I meet are too hardened to cry. They hide what they feel. I can see that you don't or can't. It is refreshing to be with a woman who can still feel," Percival said softly, "I'm sorry that I went to a place that is obviously painful for you. Now dry your eyes, finish your soup and get ready for the delicious lobster that's coming."

Hermione did dry her eyes, and Percival made small talk, telling her about his family history. It was the first time anyone showed a true interest in how his family made their money rather than the money itself.

"Lodestones? Your family mined lodestones? Lodestone was the first material ever used to create wands," Hermione said, fascinated.

Percival looked impressed she knew this.

"Yes. Before it was discovered that other items such as dragon heartstring and phoenix feathers could be used as magical cores, lodestone was used to create wands. It is still used in some industrial wands today," Percival said.

"I wish I could have seen some of those wands. I would love to try one, and to even dissect one to learn how they operated. Maybe lodestone could be refined some way, brought back into the mainstream. That would be so interesting," Hermione said dreamily.

Percival looked at her, seeing an opening to see her again, outside of an Ambassador duty.

"I have hundreds of lodestone wands in my personal collection," he said, loving how the witch's eyes lit up as she absorbed this.

"You do?" Hermione said excitedly.

Severus groaned. The wizard had discovered Hermione's weakness…her love of knowledge.

"Yes, I do. Perhaps you could visit my Manor one day, and I will give you a personal tour. I might even have a wand I could spare for experimentation," he offered.

"Oh that sounds wonderful!" Hermione exclaimed. Then she sobered.

"Well, I'd have to see if I could arrange that," she said quietly. "I'll have to let you know, my Lord."

Severus knew Hermione had thought of him and how he would react to her visiting another wizard, even if it only was to see a collection of wands. It was as if all joy had left the witch in that moment. She knew she could never see that collection. Severus would never allow it.

Percival divined that she would not come to see the collection as long as she was with the wizard she was currently involved with, which led him to believe the man was probably very possessive of the witch. Well, Percival couldn't blame him. Miss Granger seemed as if she could be quite a treasure. Treasures were always targeted for theft.

"You do that, Miss Granger," he said.

Suddenly a waiter appeared carrying a huge platter which held a lobster that had to weigh at least ten pounds.

"Oh my gods. That's the biggest lobster I've ever seen!" Hermione had exclaimed.

The witch had attracted attention several times with her exclamations in the club, patrons looking over at them from the other side of the balcony, wondering who the loud, mannerless witch was. Percival was delighted with her outbursts. It was just what he needed, some real emotion in his life. Fuck the socialites. He was enjoying himself.

And when Hermione started eating, he enjoyed himself more, simply because she was so appreciative of the meal. She hadn't had lobster in ages and didn't mind telling him so as she dipped large pieces of the tail in butter and swallowed them down. Most of the people Percival knew had it at least twice a week, and ate it slow and quietly, in chaste small bites.

Not Hermione. While her manners weren't atrocious, it was clear she believed in enjoying a meal as it should be enjoyed. She was halfway through her food, when she noticed Percival's meal hadn't arrived yet.

"You haven't received your food yet, my Lord. It's taking a very long time," she observed.

"That's because it is a special order," the wizard replied.

Suddenly a waiter appeared with a small white bag on a platter and a drink in a big white covered paper cup, with a straw sticking out of it. Hermione furrowed her brow as the platter was set down in front of Percival. The wizard opened the bag and took out a wrapped sandwich, and some French fries. He turned the bag around partially as he did so. Hermione looked, and her eyebrows went up.

"McDonalds?" she asked, bursting out laughing.

Percival paused in unwrapping his Big Mac.

"Not just any McDonalds. This food comes from America, from a McDonalds on Route 110 in Amityville, NY. I was there once on business. Something about removing ghosts from some house on Ocean Street or something else…whatever. And I stopped at the McDonalds and had a Big Mac, Fries and a Coke. It is my favorite food. I've tried other McDonalds but none taste like the food from that particular store," he said.

Hermione laughed some more.

"That has to be psychological, my Lord. They all make their food the same way," she said.

Percival frowned. "I beg to differ. One store had to audacity to put mustard on my Big Mac. Atrocious! Anyway, someone port keys to that store and purchases my meal and brings it back here. That's why it took so long. Now if you will excuse me."

He bit into his Big Mac, and a look of bliss crossed his face as he chewed. He then took a sip of coke and popped a few French fries into his mouth. Percival swallowed.

"Absolute ambrosia," he sighed, which made Hermione start laughing again.

Severus sat solemnly in his armchair, listening to Hermione laugh, obviously enjoying the company of the wizard. He sighed.

The couple finished their meal and had a bit more wine. Hermione had quite a bit of lobster left, and asked the waiter for a doggie bag. The poor wizard looked absolutely scandalized. Percival laughed and told the man to make one for Hermione and to put it in the kitchen cooler. They would retrieve it on the way out.

Music began and couples whirled out on the dance floor, moving elegantly. Hermione looked down on them wistfully.

"So beautiful," she breathed as she watched the witches twirl in their gowns.

"Yes," Percival said looking at the witch, "Beautiful indeed."

The wizard stood up suddenly and held out his hand.

"What do you say we join them, Miss Granger?" Percival asked.

"Oh, yes my Lord," she said breathlessly, buoyed by the meal and good wine.

Percival led her on to the elevator, looking at her face. It was flushed with excitement. He grinned. He couldn't remember the last time he enjoyed a witch's company so much without it being sexual in nature. Possibly he was enjoying himself because he knew tonight would not end up with him intimately involved with the witch he was with. Which was also refreshing. He believed Miss Granger was the kind of witch that would need to actually feel something other than lust for the wizard who took her, and that was exactly the kind of witch he was looking for. He would very, very much like to see her again.

The elevator descended to the main floor, and Percival led her through the tables to the dance area, and swung her out in a large arc before pulling her to him lightly. Then they began to dance. It was absolutely magical to Hermione. They began with a waltz, then a fun foxtrot, tried their hand at swing, which was hilarious, then a rumba, a very enthusiastic polka and ended with a very, very sexy tango.

The tango was what hooked Lord Percival Hornswallow the 2nd on one Hermione Granger.

"My gods you can tango," he breathed down at Hermione, who was sexily arched over his arm at the end of the song, a rose between her teeth.

She had no idea where the rose came from. Percival had snatched it out of an arrangement as they whirled past a table, much to the surprise and consternation of the people sitting at it. Hermione was rubbing off on him.

The wizard had gotten a peek at her shoes and realized she was much shorter than she appeared. But he didn't mind a petite woman, particularly one as appealing as Hermione was.

Percival slowly pulled Herimone up and looked at her panting with quite a glint in his green eyes. Her skin had a soft sheen of perspiration on it, and she glowed beneath the torchlight. She smiled at him happily.

"I'm parched," she said as she took his arm.

"I'm a bit thirsty myself," he said.

The wizard noted the time. It was getting late and he had a business meeting in the morning. He looked at Hermione a bit longingly as he walked her to the elevator. They ascended to the private dining table, and Hermione drank a large glass of water while Percival finished off the wine.

"I had an absolutely wonderful time tonight my Lord," Hermione said, still smiling.

And she really had.

The wizard saw another possible opening.

"Miss Granger, we could have other wonderful nights just like this one, if you would permit me to call on you," Percival said, taking her hand.

Hermione looked at him, her smile fading.

"I'm sorry my Lord, as I said, I am already involved with someone," she said.

"Yes, I know. Someone who will probably take you no further than his bed until all your youth, beauty and fertility are gone," Percival said, somewhat bitterly. Then he realized exactly how bitter he sounded as Hermione looked at him.

"I'm sorry," he said, "It's just…Miss Granger…I am around witches all the time. They are all so false, so practiced, so focused on landing a rich husband. I snap my fingers and they jump into my bed. Out in public, they are the perfect socialites, not a hair out of place, not a chip in a nail. They don't laugh. They titter. It's like dating a legion of mannequins. I actually had fun tonight, and I find it very appealing that you are not trying to crawl between my sheets because I'm wealthy. You are real and alive and imperfect and lovely. Obviously, you are loyal as well."

"All the things I want in a witch, you have shown me in one night. I desperately want to get to know you better, socially and if you are so inclined, more than socially. But you are with someone you admit has no future with you, and are faithful to him. I want a relationship, a wife and a family. This wizard you have doesn't see how much more you can be than just a lover. I see it. I see it clearly. So yes, I sound a bit bitter, and I'm sorry. I am a wealthy man, but I cannot buy the things I want the most. True happiness and a woman that loves me for me," Percival said softly. "Your wizard is very lucky, if very foolish. He should marry you before someone steals you away. Someone like me."

Hermione felt badly for the wizard and patted his hand sympathetically.

"Keep looking my Lord. You'll find the witch you want someday," she said softly.

"I think I have," Percival thought.

He smiled at her.

"It's getting late, Miss Granger. Now that I have poured out all my hopes, dreams and bitterness on you…I think it best I get you back to Hogwarts," he said rising and helping her from the chair.

The couple took the elevator down. Instead of heading out the door, Percival made a sharp right through a door that clearly read: EMPLOYEES ONLY.

"Where are we going?" Hermione asked him looking around a bit nervously. They weren't supposed to be in here.

"To the kitchens of course," Percival smiled down at her, "We must retrieve your 'doggie bag.'"


Lord Hornswallow's carriage landed and pulled up in front of Hogwarts, the Pegasii neighing and pawing at the ground. Percival opened the carriage door, exited and helped Hermione out. They stood there looking at each other, Hermione holding her doggie bag of lobster in one hand.

"It was a delightful night, Miss Granger. One I wish would never have come to an end. But as you know, all good things must come to an end," the wizard said, his green eyes sober.

"This is true," Hermione replied a bit nervously. He looked like he wanted to kiss her, and he did want to. Very much.

"I would ask you for a goodnight kiss, Miss Granger, but I have a feeling you would refuse me," Percival said softly, looking at her mouth longingly.

"Your feeling is correct, my Lord. My lips and every other part of me belong to another," she replied.

"A very lucky wizard. I only hope he truly appreciates what he has," the wizard said, bitterness again leaking through. He lifted her hand. "He wouldn't mind if I kissed your hand, would he?"

"I'm sure he would," Hermione responded.

Percival brought Hermione's hand to his mouth anyway, kissing it softly.

"That's his problem, then," the wizard replied, releasing the witch's hand and giving her a courtly bow.

"Good night, Miss Granger," Percival said, climbing into the carriage and closing the door. He leaned out of the window and smiled at her.

"Good night, my Lord," Hermione responded, turning and entering the castle.

Lord Percival Hornswallow the 2nd sat there for a bit, looking after the witch. Finally he stirred.

"Home, Jenkins," he called up to the driver.

"Aye, my Lord," Jenkins called back, flicking the reigns. "Fly on now, boys. Home to the Manor!"

The team of Pegasii neighed and took off, drawing the carriage behind them.

It contained one very thoughtful and rather calculating wizard. Percival wasn't used to taking 'no' for an answer.

He was a Slytherin after all.


After the carriage disappeared into the night, a slight shimmer made its way from behind a nearby tree and up the castle stairs. The main door opened, and the shimmer sidled through.

It turned down the dungeon corridor.


A/N: And that is the end of Part 3. Thanks for reading.