It Happened One Hallow's Eve Part 3
Hermione returned to Gryffindor tower feeling very randy. She had tried her best to get Severus to give her some relief…she actually burned for his touch. The witch wasn't used to such longing and when she undressed for bed, found herself tossing and turning, thinking about the wizard in a very erotic way. Desperate to ease the throbbing between her legs, Hermione took the matter in hand.
Unfortunately, she wasn't very good at it, and tried imagining it was Severus' hand tickling her soft inner flesh. It was a little better, but still didn't get the job done. Squirming, the witch had a naughty thought…this time imagining Severus watching her masturbate. She pictured his dark eyes, hot and hungry resting on her…his nostrils flared, biting his lip like he did when he was inside her and that did it. It wasn't a stellar orgasm, but it brought some minor relief.
The witch lay there, panting. This just wasn't doing it. She understood Severus wanting to keep their affair a secret, but hell…this was Hogwarts. If you were careful, you could get away with anything. Hermione was certain they could have sex without being discovered. She could floo to his rooms, or enter disillusioned after rounds, or they could find a niche on the upper floors after curfew. There were a number of ways they could act on their desire for each other. Severus was just too damned straight-laced.
She felt how hard he was for her when they kissed and she rubbed her body against his. He wanted her just as badly as she wanted him.
The witch's brow furrowed. She didn't want to spend night after night twiddling herself. She wanted the Potions Master twiddling her the right way. She lay there thinking, then came up with a rather daring idea partially inspired by her masturbation session. She needed to turn up the heat, and though the idea of it slightly embarrassed her, she was determined to do it. She had no idea how the wizard would react or what he would think of her…but she was desperate. Besides, everything couldn't go his way. They had restrained themselves long enough as far as Hermione was concerned. It was time to give in…at least once.
Severus Snape was going to fall…and fall hard.
After the kiss and attempted seduction by Hermione, Severus thought it wise not to meet up with the witch on rounds again. When he returned to his rooms, he was still so aroused he had to drink a deflating draught to ease his throbbing erection. It would have been so easy to do as the witch wanted, but he had to prove to her and himself he could handle this situation and stick to his plans.
He expected to see some residual emotion from the witch the next day, but Hermione all but ignored him during class, simply doing her work and looking at him with nothing more than the normal interest of a student. There was no note attached to her parchment either. This non-interest went on for a number of days, and eventually Severus began to wonder what was going on. Had the witch returned to her room that night, overrode the kiss he'd given her, returning to dwell on the cruel things he'd said to her and deciding to give him a wide berth…possibly not to deal with him at all?
Severus didn't want Hermione acting attracted to him publicly, but he did want to feel something from the witch. At least see a bit of longing in her eyes. But they were just as cool as any other student's when she looked at him. He should be glad she was sticking to his instructions.
But he found he wasn't. The way the witch was acting worried him.
Hermione and Ron weren't speaking either. The morning after the confrontation with Severus, Hermione laid into him but good, publicly telling him to leave her alone completely and that she wasn't interested in him at all as a boyfriend, and if he kept it up…he would no longer be her friend either. Ron was shocked. He knew she was mad she got in trouble with Snape, but the wizard didn't do anything other than give her a tongue-lashing as far as Ron knew, and hell, he'd been doing that since her first year. But the wizard backed off, deciding to wait for her to calm down. Still, he had no intentions on giving up.
"I don't know, Ron. Hermione really isn't interested in you that way," Harry said doubtfully as Ron shared his intentions with him. "You should just get yourself a real girlfriend and leave Hermione alone."
Ron scowled.
"Harry, I'm telling you she IS interested in me in that way. I kissed her. I know. We came pretty close to shagging a couple of times," the wizard said insistently. "She just needs a bit more work."
Harry frowned at Ron.
"Ron, why can't you just leave her alone about that? Just be her friend…that's all she wants," the wizard implored.
"No. I want to shag Hermione, Harry. It's something I know about that she doesn't. Probably the only thing I have on her…she's so bloody brilliant. She's been teaching me things all these years. This is something I can teach her. We'd be even then," the wizard said, a faraway look in his eyes.
Harry looked at him blackly.
"So that's what this is about, Ron? Wanting to 'teach' her about shagging because you want to even the score? At least you could have some real feelings for her," the wizard said angrily, adjusting his glasses, "You're a real pig, Ron."
"What's wrong with wanting to teach her something?" Ron asked, not having a clue.
Harry shook his head, unable to believe his friend was so fucking thick. His green eyes narrowed.
"She doesn't want to be taught by you, that's what wrong with it, Ron. You want to shag Hermione to feel better about yourself, that's all. And it's wrong…all wrong," Harry said. "You're going to lose her for a friend Ron…if you don't end up expelled for sexual harassment if she reports you, you git."
"She's not going to report me," Ron said, "Not if I give her some space for a while. Hermione likes me Harry. I know it. She'll come around."
"Ron, you're as blind as a Cave-dwelling Niflick," Harry said, exasperated, "And when this shit hits the wind, all I'm going to say is 'I told you so.'"
Harry got up from the table and exited the Great Hall. He couldn't deal with Ron anymore this morning. He was his best friend, but he was such an idiot sometimes.
Hermione's birthday came and went. She had a small party in the common room and received some gifts from her housemates, costume jewelry mostly. Hermione liked wood jewelry. Parvati gave her a wooden bracelet with colorful little elephants dangling from it. She got a few necklaces and earrings as well. When she returned to her room that night, she found a small brown package on her nightstand, the words "Happy Birthday" written on it in Severus' hand.
Excited, she opened it, and found it was a handwritten book containing defensive spells that weren't taught at Hogwarts. She leafed through it, amazed. The Potions Master had taken out the time to write the invocations and diagrams of twenty spells…three or four of them quite lethal. On the first page he had written the quote, "The Best Defense is a Good Offense."
Hermione was thrilled with his gift and planned to start learning them immediately. Yes, it was quite an exciting gift, but actually Severus was thinking ahead. He had enemies and if it became common knowledge that he was involved with Hermione in the future, she might be targeted because of him. Voldemort's blessing was no promise of safety. He wanted the witch able to protect herself and lethal. If she were attacked, her use of these advanced defensive spells would discourage subsequent attacks once she showed her skill.
"Bone Breaker Curse, Blinding hex, Hammer Curse, Leg Twist hex…" Hermione read. Ooh, these curses and hexes were really nasty. She doubted she would ever need to use them, but still they would be good to know. It was all about knowledge to the witch. It figured a dark wizard would give her such a dark gift, but she loved it. Plus it was written in his own hand. Some of the diagrams were quite complicated, so Severus really took time out to do this for her.
Hermione felt a pulse in her belly…but it wasn't lust this time. At least, not completely. Desire was there, but it was becoming something else. Something less…physical. When the witch went to sleep that night, Severus' gift lay right under her pillow. The book wasn't the wizard, but it would do.
Severus had enough of Hermione's cold shoulder tactics. He had told the witch to act as if everything was the same as always between them, but like most contrary individuals, the Potions Master found he didn't like it. Her occasional longing looks were reassuring to the wizard, and the lack of them disturbed him very much. So he decided to start his rounds early and run into the witch…just to see how she was doing, of course.
And of course, Hermione was doing this purposely. She knew the wizard had feelings just as strong as she did and knew that he wouldn't like her acting as if he didn't exist in any other capacity than her Potions Professor. He didn't knuckle under to it immediately, but she had caught him looking at her thoughtfully several times in class and in the Great Hall. She pretended she didn't notice…but every fiber of her body did. She was becoming quite good at acting detached, actually following his example as he requested. She figured it wouldn't be long before he showed up during her rounds. She was prepared. She had been ever since she came up with her plan weeks ago.
Sure enough, after she passed Charles on his way to the lower floors, Severus appeared in the corridor she was walking down.
"Hello Professor," she said, walking by him, smirking slightly
Severus scowled after her then followed, his robes billowing. How could she greet him so flippantly when she hadn't seen him in a private situation for weeks? Had the witch gotten over him?
"Miss Granger…Hermione…a word if you please," he called after the witch.
Hermione stopped and turned as the wizard stalked up to her. She looked up at him, lacewing flies turning somersaults in her belly at his proximity, but she hid it admirably.
"Yes, Professor?" she said innocently.
Severus stared at her.
"How have you been?" he asked her.
"Fine, thank you," she said formally.
"You haven't sent me any messages or notes lately," he said, trying to find a way to get her to tell him her feelings without tipping his hand that he was worried.
"No, I haven't," she agreed. "I decided I shouldn't anymore. Too risky. I can't make them burn up like you can."
"I see," the Potions Master replied. Then he asked, "Are you sleeping well?"
He really wanted to know if she were dreaming about him. He certainly had been dreaming about her.
"Like a stone every night. I am well-rested," the witch replied, wanting to laugh as the wizard's jaw tightened.
"Good," Severus said, looking at her intensely. "So I take it I am no longer intruding on your dreams then?"
Hermione shrugged.
"Once in a while…but I just push you out. It becomes easier over time. It's almost as if nothing ever happened between us," the witch replied.
What?
"Professor, I really need to continue on my rounds," the witch said. "I will see you in class tomorrow."
She began to walk away. Severus looked after her with mixed emotions as she walked further down the hall. Then he walked away.
Hermione had expected him to follow her, but the wizard didn't. She looked back and he was gone.
"Oh shit," she cursed.
It seemed that she had overdone the 'not caring' act and the wizard decided to leave her alone. That wasn't what she wanted to happen. She wanted to get some kind of rise out of him, for him to say that he missed her and thought about her. Maybe kiss her again and give her the opportunity to put her plan in action.
But it hadn't worked. Severus had gone.
Sighing, Hermione half-heartedly checked the corridor, then turned and walked back up the empty hall. Damn. She'd blown it.
Suddenly a pale hand shot out of a niche and yanked the witch inside, pulling her tight against a hard, lean and very aroused body.
"I don't believe you," Severus hissed at her, his eyes hard. "You think about me, witch. You more than think about me. You crave me!"
Hermione gasped against the wizard…being crushed against his hard body like sensory overload.
"Admit it! Admit you want me, Hermione!" he demanded, beginning to move against her sensuously, his hands sliding over her back and buttocks.
Suddenly the wizard stopped, pulling away from the witch and holding her at arms length, staring at her with wide eyes before letting his eyes drift slowly over her robes then snap back to her face.
"What are you wearing under your robes, Hermione?" he asked her, his voice thick and raw.
"Nothing," she breathed, "Nothing at all, Severus."
Severus swallowed as his black eyes perused Hermione's robes as if he could see right through them.
"Nothing?" he repeated dazedly.
Hermione shook her head.
"No. Not a stitch. I've been doing my rounds in nothing but my robes for almost three weeks now, hoping I'd meet you one night," the witch said.
Severus' member hardened so quickly he winced. Dear gods.
"That was a very silly thing to do, witch," he said, trying to regain control. "Even naked, you won't seduce me."
Hermione gave him a rather sly look.
"I didn't plan on seducing you, Severus. I know you're too strong for that," she said, "What I did plan was to use you as my focus so I could get myself off."
Severus' eyes widened.
"You want to do what?" he asked, hardly believing the witch said what she did.
Hermione pulled out her wand and cast an impenetrable ward, a disillusionment spell and a silencing spell on the niche. Now if someone walked by the niche would appear empty, but if they tried to walk in, the ward would stop them. They wouldn't be heard either. Severus just watched her, his body tense. He knew he should have protested, told her not to ward the niche…but he wanted to see what the witch was going to do. He could watch her, if not touch her.
Hermione began to unbutton her robes.
"I have to masturbate when I'm feeling randy for you. I can only get a little orgasm if I imagine you watching me," she said as the fabric of her robes parted. "I figured if you were actually watching me, I could get the relief I need without having you have sex with me. I need relief Severus. You can help me get it without breaking your own rules."
Hermione finished unbuttoning her robes and backed up against the wall, parting them. The Professor caught his breath as his eyes fell on her full breasts, small waist and perfect little chestnut patch at the apex of her smooth, slightly thick thighs. His nostrils flared and his breathing quickened. A small groan escaped him.
Hermione slid one hand over her belly and down between her thighs, Severus watching her, his black eyes glittering. The witch turned rather red at what she was doing, but she continued, very turned on by the way the wizard was looking at her. She felt very sexy and very dirty. She let out a gasp as she slid two fingers between her labia, her eyes going half-lidded with pleasure. She began to move her pelvis in a circular motion as she played with herself, her eyes meeting those of the Potions Master. Her mouth dropped open in pleasure.
"Damn," Severus breathed as he watched the undulating witch…his robes tenting noticeably as he swelled to full capacity.
Hermione was beginning to moan now, her hand working faster between her thighs. Severus could smell her now, and his mouth watered as the scent of aroused female washed over him. He groaned again, louder this time. Hermione began to play with her breasts, throwing her head back and closing her eyes as she threw herself into her performance.
"Severus," she sighed, her eyes snapping open and staring at the wizard hungrily, "Oh Severusssssss." Her hips were rolling wildly now as she worked at bringing herself to orgasm.
Completely mesmerized, Severus slowly sunk to his knees, his black eyes focused on the witch's hand. He could see her glistening fingers, and the delicious scent of her was much stronger. He licked his lips again, looking from Hermione's thighs up to her face and back again. He shuffled forward a little, his face right in front of the witch's thighs now. He could see they were slick with her lubrication.
"Merlin help me," he breathed, reaching out and running one pale hand up her calf and behind Hermione's thigh, leaning in and licking the inner side of it. Hermione squealed and stopped masturbating, looking down at the wizard, who pulled her hand away and started sucking her fingers, cleaning them.
"Severus," she hissed as his warm mouth sucked on her digits, his eyes closed and nostrils flared as wide as they could go. After cleaning her hand, Severus pushed her legs wider apart, Hermione gasping but unable to do anything except let the wizard do as he wanted. The wizard then began licking her inner thighs, cleaning them of their juices before lifting one of her legs and resting it, bent over his shoulder, then doing the same to the other so Hermione was sitting supported by his shoulders, her back resting against the wall and her core directly before him.
The Potions Master moved back slightly, adjusted her, then ran his long tongue between her labia and over her stiff button, the witch squealing and locking her hands to his head, looking down in shock as Severus began to give her oral sex.
"Oh my gods," Hermione cried out, straining against the wizard's face as he artfully tongued and licked her sensitive core, collecting her sweetness and stimulating the witch who hissed and moaned. Gods, she had never felt anything like it as the wizard's head rolled under her hands, his mouth and tongue hot and questing as the witch keened, buckling as his tongue slipped into her tight slit and twisted, thrusting in and out.
Severus was in heaven as he licked, kissed and sucked on the witch's soft, wet core, drawing out her juices, his lips, cheeks and chin glistening as he swallowed her muskiness down, his organ feeling as if it weighed a ton in his trousers. Merlin, she tasted exquisite. The wizard returned to gently mauling the witch's nub, Hermione's squeals of delight and torment becoming higher and higher as the sweetness inside her formed a tight ball, pulling in upon itself until the pleasure was unbearable. Suddenly she orgasmed with a shriek, seeming to shoot upward, vaguely aware of Severus' hands clutching her ass and holding her tight against his mouth, sucking for all he was worth, making little silken noises of delight as he swallowed down the witch's release.
Hermione undulated against the wizard's face as she soared, burst apart and fell earthward, his lank hair twisted in her spasming fingers, the witch panting as she returned, the wizard still attending her, his tongue taking its long, slow, final licks as Severus cleaned her thoroughly, grunting with satisfaction before drawing away and gently lowering her trembling legs to the floor. The wizard stood up, his dark eyes smoldering as he looked at Hermione, who was flushed and panting, her robes wide open and her body still writhing from her release. The wizard kissed her, sharing her own taste and wetting the witch's face with her own emissions. He rested on hand on the wall and looked down at her.
"You are a succubus, Hermione Granger," he breathed, his erection straining terribly within his trousers. He couldn't remember such pressure. "A delicious little succubus."
Hermione's amber eyes looked up at him, hot and slightly drooping.
"That was so nasty," she whispered up at him, coloring at how much she loved his mouth on her.
"Yes, it was," the wizard agreed, licking his lips for any excess. He really needed to scourgify his face. He reeked of witch…but for the wizard it was like perfume. "Blame yourself for my nastiness witch. I couldn't just watch you search for that treasure. I had to help you…dig."
Hermione shuddered at how he said that, and how his eyes smoldered as he looked at her.
"I want to take you," he said softly, "And if I did, Hermione Granger, it would be much different than the last time…but I still don't think you are ready for that…so…since I knew I would be tempted when I found you tonight…"
Severus reached in his pocket and pulled out a vial.
"What is that?" Hermione asked him.
Severus uncorked the vial and drank the contents down, grimacing slightly. He recorked it and put it in his pocket, a relieved expression flicking across his face for a moment as he looked at her soberly.
"It was a Deflating Draught laced with a bit of Impotence potion so I can't get another immediate erection," the wizard responded, "My desire for you is still here, but there's nothing I can do about it. You might consider yourself fortunate witch, considering the level of desire you brought me to. It would have been rough for you had I given in to my urges."
Hermione realized if the wizard had taken her, she would have found out how he really was. A disappointed look washed over her face.
"I want to know how you are when you don't hold back, Severus," she said softly. The wizard ran his hand over her cheek.
"It will be quite some time before you experience that witch. You are little more than a virgin. I must indoctrinate you slowly and with patience. Build up your strength and your stamina. After you graduate, we will explore more. I will be able to take time with you and teach you what it means to be my witch. I fear you might flee me when that time comes," he said quietly.
Hermione leaned her cheek into his hand.
"I would never run from you, Severus," she said.
The wizard gave her a small smile. He felt a small burst of desire inside, though there was no physical reaction to it, thanks to the draught. He thought that he might need extra help to keep him from the witch tonight. Though he hadn't possessed her, he still received a great satisfaction from giving Hermione oral sex. He licked his lips again. Technically he had stuck to his plan.
"You say that now," he said, pulling out his wand and scourgifying Hermione then himself. He put the wand away, straightened and began buttoning up the witch's robes.
"And no more patrolling the castle naked. Someone on a lower floor could look up at you on the stairwell and see what only I am supposed to see," he said a bit jealously.
"No they can't," Hermione argued. The stairs were solid.
"Still, I forbid you to do it," the wizard said evenly.
Hermione scowled at him.
"Forbid me?" she asked an eyebrow arched as the wizard busily closed up her robes.
Severus looked at the stubborn look on her face. Hermione was little more than a teenager though she was the age of consent now. Teenagers were notorious for purposely doing what they are ordered not to do. The wizard sighed.
"I would appreciate it if you wouldn't walk around the castle alone at night naked under your robes," he amended.
"That's what I thought you said," Hermione replied, her amber eyes hard.
Severus scowled at her for a moment. He'd remember this insubordination at a later date, and remind her of it in a very physical way. Severus had a tendency to use sex for more than pleasure on occasion. It could be used to show his displeasure as well. Hermione would learn about this aspect of him when the time was right.
The witch's robes fixed and the witch herself scourgified, Severus removed the ward, disillusionment spell and silencing spell and walked her out of the niche and up the corridor. Both were silent, lost in their own thoughts.
Hermione hadn't managed to seduce him totally. She had hoped that his seeing her masturbate would make him want to take her. She hadn't counted on him giving her oral sex, which had been delicious, more so because it seemed so wrong to do. Wrong but so good. She wanted to try it on him.
"I want to give you oral sex too, Severus. I think I would like doing it," the witch said to him softly. The wizard looked startled, checked around them then scowled at Hermione.
"Don't say things like that in the open, witch!" he hissed at her. He was sure he'd be rock hard at her suggestion if he hadn't taken the draught.
"Well I do," Hermione said in a quieter voice.
"You're not ready," he chided her, frowning.
"I wasn't ready for what you did back in the niche," she replied, "But I got ready…and fast."
Severus sighed. The witch was too curious and too willing to try new things. Obviously Hermione Granger had quite a high sex drive. He didn't want to discuss the matter any further so fell back on the response most adults used when talking to someone younger who wanted something they had no business getting.
"We'll see," he said to the witch.
Hermione shut up, satisfied. At least he seemed willing to think about it. The magic words had worked.
They stood on the landing waiting as two sets of shifting stairs approached and connected. Severus once again pushed the witch on the stairwell leading up.
"You know the drill," he said to her silkily, stepping on the stairwell leading down. "Goodnight, Hermione."
"Goodnight Severus," she sighed. "You were wonderful."
The wizard didn't respond to this statement. Instead, Severus gave her a small, quick bow then walked down the stairwell, heading for the dungeons. Hermione watched him a moment…her belly tight with emotion. Goods he had been so good. Was there anything he did that didn't feel good?
The witch sighed, then headed up the stairs and toward Gryffindor Tower. Forget the rest of the rounds. She felt tired now and had developed a lot more empathy for shagging students than she used to have. That was because she now knew what it was like.
Tonight had been a partial victory, and quite a satisfactory one.
The witch was learning.
The ghosts finally began to be more visible. After the Night of Evil they all laid low, embarrassed and ashamed to be seen. Albus allowed this, and despite the staff's insistence that he call them together immediately and take them to task, he didn't…giving the ghosts time to recover from their ordeal. They weren't able to control themselves after all, it was a curse and the Headmaster likened it to werewolf transformation. The horror for the ghosts had to be doubled, considering they were bound to protect the castle and its inhabitants. He didn't see any reason to cause them additional pain. They would come to him when ready.
One evening, Albus was sitting at his desk when the Bloody Baron drifted in. The Headmaster looked up but didn't start at the appearance of the pearly white blood-covered staring ghost.
"Sit down, Baron," Albus said, looking at the ghost soberly. He was only being polite however. Ghosts couldn't sit, though the Baron drifted over to the armchair and hovered over it.
"Headmaster, I must apologize for our actions on Hallow's Eve," the Baron began. "We are all prepared to leave Hogwarts as punishment for our actions."
Albus looked at the Baron.
"Hogwarts without ghosts? That's preposterous. You are part of the school and its protections, Baron. We will not cast any of you out. You were under a curse and not responsible for your actions."
The Baron looked very relieved. He had no idea where they would go if Albus had told them to leave.
"However, at my request the Ministry has its best Spells Masters working on a spell that will perpetually warn you of the approaching evil time, and we are working on enlarging and strengthening the protective circle in the subdungeons so the next time the evil is upon you, you will be drawn to the circle, confined there and wait safely for the night to pass. Several such circles will be placed in various locations throughout the wizarding world for ghosts to use as well. We think this will sufficiently put a stop to the danger," the wizard said.
The Baron actually smiled…and it was horrible. Albus blinked at him.
"Oh, thank you Headmaster. Thank you," the ghost said, rising up in his excitement. "You have taken a great weight off these ghostly shoulders."
"Well we must protect ourselves…and you," the Headmaster replied.
After thanking Albus several more times, the Bloody Baron left to tell the other ghosts a solution to the Night of Evil was being worked on and they would soon be free of the onus.
Thank the gods for the compassionate Living.
The Christmas Ball was right around the corner and was to be held the night before everyone left for Christmas break. Of course, Hermione wasn't going home for Christmas, telling her parents that this was her last year and she wanted to take advantage of the empty school to bone up on her studies. Hermione did intend to bone up, but not on her studies…more likely on one snarky over-disciplined Potions Master who had quite the bone. Her parents were disappointed but they knew how dedicated to knowledge Hermione was. However, they had no idea in this case it was carnal knowledge that had the witch's focus.
Once again, Ron was on the prowl. Slowly he managed to get Hermione talking to him again, making no untoward moves. However, he did ask her to accompany him to the Christmas Ball, but Hermione declined, saying she would be attending by herself.
"But Hermione, it's embarrassing to show up to the dance alone," Ron argued, "It's going to look like you couldn't get a date."
Hermione shrugged.
"I don't care what it looks like Ron. I'm going alone. I'll still have a good time," she said.
"You'd have a better time with me," Ron insisted, but Hermione wouldn't budge on it.
The night of the ball, Ron and Harry were putting on their dress robes and getting ready to pick up their dates. Ron had just pulled on his robes and straightened them. Harry was sitting on his bed pulling on his socks and dress shoes. Ron started combing his hair.
"I tell you Harry, I have to do something or Hermione's going to end up an old maid," Ron complained to the boy who lived.
Harry smirked at Ron.
"Going alone to the ball doesn't make her ready for the convent, Ron. Hermione is confident enough to be able to be seen in public without a wizard on her arm," he said to his friend.
"Well…that's just weird. All the other witches want dates," Ron said, frowning.
Harry stood up, walked over to the mirror and made a few pathetic attempts to brush his hair. Finally he gave up. He looked at his friend.
"Hermione isn't a normal witch, Ron. She thinks about other things besides shagging wizards," Harry replied.
Harry was taking Ginny to the ball. Ron was all right with this. He felt Harry was like a brother and therefore would treat Ginny like a family member. He didn't realize just because he and Harry were close, it didn't mean the boy-who-lived saw Ginny as a "sister." Because he didn't. Not by a long shot. Eventually, he'd have to let Ron know that…when he felt prepared to brawl, that is.
"Don't I know it? Well anyway, I'm taking Ivanna Dolittle from Hufflepuff to the ball. She's been hot for me for months because I'm the best beater in the school. I figure it's time to let her ride the Weasley Express," the red-haired wizard said, looking in the mirror and wiping a little speck from the side of his mouth.
Harry just shook his head. Ron would shag anything that moved as long as it had a pretty face. Harry made one more adjustment to his robes and ran his finger around the tight collar uncomfortably.
"Time to go get our dates," he announced to Ron, heading for the door.
"I'm right behind you," Ron said, taking one more look in the mirror, then following Harry.
Hermione looked at herself in the mirror speculatively. She was wearing a green Christmas dress with silver and red trim. The trim had originally been gold, but she changed it so it would be slightly Slytherin colored. The dress dipped in the front, showing just the right amount of cleavage, and showed quite a bit of back, and fell just above her knees. It fit her curves nicely, showing them off. Her hair was pinned up with green clips and she wore red and green dangly earrings. The witch was a bit bright, but it was Christmas after all.
Parvati came into her room and insisted on making up her face. After a half-hearted attempt to stop her, Hermione gave in and Parvati did a marvelous job making up her eyes and her lips.
"Oh Hermione, you look beautiful. You should wear make-up all the time," the witch gushed. Hermione looked at herself in the mirror. She looked very grown up and did look quite stunning. Her mouth seemed fuller and more pouty with the red lipstick and her amber eyes stood out in relief to the mascara and liner Parvati applied.
"I couldn't do this every day, though it's all right for a dance," the witch said, wondering what Severus would think of her all made up the way she was. She didn't think he would approve. For some reason she didn't think the wizard liked made up witches.
And she was right. Severus didn't like witches in warpaint. But how enticing she looked wouldn't be lost on the wizard.
Severus was in the Great Hall restraining himself from blasting the damn cherubs Albus insisted be unleashed upon the ball. Severus hated the things…flitting around like bloody mosquitoes. It was bad enough Albus set them on everyone on Valentine's Day, but Christmas too?
"Albus," he said in an attempt to discourage the Headmaster as he helped set up the Great Hall, "these are for Valentine's Day, not Christmas. They're cherubs."
Albus held the box of restrained cherubs and smiled at Severus.
"No, Severus…they are not cherubs. They are "Christmas Angels," he said, removing the spell that held them in the box. The little golden angels swarmed out and flew around Severus' head for several seconds until the wizard waved them away in irritation.
The Great Hall had a huge decorated Christmas tree, garlands of gold, red and green strung about, a number of wreaths and floating candles, and mistletoe hung in strategic places. Severus memorized the locations of the mistletoe…he didn't want to get caught by Sybil Trelawney again this year. She caught him off-guard at the last party and planted a wet and rather nasty kiss on his lips, smearing them with lipstick. He spluttered and scourgified his mouth immediately, scowling at the grinning Divinations teacher.
"You know you liked it, Severus," she purred.
The Potions Master didn't dignify her remark with an answer and strode quickly away before he hexed her.
Now the wizard strode around the Great Hall, checking the punch, food and other libations. He was supposed to be a chaperone and keep a watchful eye out for those who would spike the punch. He knew it was a lost battle. The students always managed to amp up the drinks. By the time that happened, most of the staff were happily inebriated off of Christmas cider and wine. Then there was the after-ball shagging that occurred every year. One would think lust potion was added to the punch as well, though that hadn't happened since the Weasley twins attended Hogwarts. What a fiasco that had been, though somehow they managed to only affect the staff.
The Great Hall filled up quickly, and the student body was ecstatic to find out the Headmaster had managed to get "Brutal Magic" as the band for the night. They were a top-notch magical band, and sang such songs as "Crucio'd for Your Love" , "I've Been Hexed" and the wildly popular "My Wand is Pointed Straight at You, Girl."
When Hermione entered the Great Hall, heads turned. This was the first time she had worn a dress to the Ball since her fourth year when she accompanied Victor Krum. For the past two years she wore dress robes. Her body had changed quite a bit.
Even Draco's jaw dropped as the Gryffindor witch walked by him, Pansy scowling at him and forcing his face back toward her.
"My," Professor Flitwick said from the dais to Minerva, "Miss Granger has certainly grown up…and out."
Minerva scowled at him.
"Filius, you are a teacher. You have no business discussing Miss Granger's growth spurt," she said tightly.
The professor colored.
"It was just an observation, Minerva," the wizard said, chastised.
Severus was standing against a far wall near the punch table, observing the students when he noticed Hermione. His eyes narrowed as they drifted over her curves and the color of her dress. The wizard wanted to throw his robes over her as his dark eyes scanned the young wizards eyeing her.
Hermione was aware everyone was looking at her, but she didn't care. She only wanted to attract the attention of one particular wizard. She saw him standing stiffly against the wall and sauntered over toward the punch table. She had almost made it when Ron suddenly appeared in front of her, his blue eyes wide and hot as they drifted over her.
"Hermione, you look amazing," he said, almost drooling on himself. Behind him, his date Ivanna scowled at Ron's obvious attraction to Hermione.
"Thank you Ron. You look very nice yourself," she said, trying to walk around him.
"Would you like me to get you some punch?" the wizard asked her, blocking her way.
Hermione looked over at Ivanna then at Ron.
"You should be attending your date, Ron. I can get my own punch," she said, walking past him. Ron looked after her, his eyes narrowed, then he stalked back over to Ivanna. He grabbed her hand roughly.
"Come on, let's dance," he said, pulling her on to the floor.
Hermione walked up to the table, picked up a cup and ladled some punch into it.
"You look quite grown up, Miss Granger. I think dress robes would have been more appropriate," a silken voice said behind her. Hermione turned to see Severus standing next to her, his hands clasped behind his back as he appeared to be watching the students.
"I think this dress looks nice on me," she replied, taking a sip of punch and looking over the crowd too.
"Nice isn't the word I would use. It shows too much of your curves," the wizard said in a low voice, frowning slightly.
"I can't help it if I have curves, Professor. I felt like wearing a dress this time. Is that a crime?" she asked.
"The way you look? Yes," the wizard replied.
"Well, that's just too bad. I like this dress and I like how it fits me," the witch replied.
"And so does every randy young wizard at this ball," he said.
Hermione looked around. There were many eyes on her.
"They can look," she said.
"As long as they don't touch. I will be watching you, Hermione," Severus said, walking off.
The moment he left, Hermione was surrounded by wizards.
"How's about a dance, Hermione?" Dean Thomas asked her, smiling, "You look good enough to eat."
Hermione blushed.
"Thank you…I think, Dean. I just want to look around for a bit, maybe get something to eat…then I'll be ready to dance. You'll be the first one," she said, smiling at the black wizard.
"Great," he said, waggling his eyebrows at the other wizards.
It took Hermione a little while to get the young men away from her. Severus was scowling blackly as he watched the young men lusting after his witch. He felt like dragging Hermione out of the ball and taking her just to reassure both her and himself who she belonged to. But he couldn't do that. Firstly, everyone would notice she'd left and secondly he'd be breaking his own rules.
Harry walked up to Hermione with Ginny on his arm.
"Hermione, you look awesome," Ginny said, smiling at the witch. Ginny was secure enough not to be jealous of Hermione. She had Harry on her arm after all.
"Thanks Ginny. You look lovely too," Hermione replied. Ginny was dressed in a form-fitting gold dress. Ron had not approved. As far as curves went, Ginny was quite gifted herself though she was taller and slenderer than Hermione.
"You look great, Hermione," Harry said, "Think you'll be able to squeeze in a dance with me later? I saw your fan club."
Hermione laughed.
"Of course, Harry," she said.
Ron was dancing with Ivanna, but he watched Hermione. He was pissed about all the wizards that had surrounded her. Competition. Now that everyone knew how stacked she was, there was a good chance a few wizards would start hitting on her to go out with them. He didn't know if she would, but he knew one thing, needed to talk to the witch.
Tonight.
Hermione did get a little something to eat, then got out on the dance floor. And the witch could dance. The Potions Master watched as she shook her hips and swung her hair, which had fallen out of its clips from all the activity. She looked like an exotic dancer at some points. Hermione felt beautiful and uninhibited. The attention she was getting was quite intoxicating and she felt very free. Very attractive.
Both Severus and Ron scowled at her as she danced with wizard after wizard, a slight sheen on her skin that made her glow. Finally Draco cut in, his gray eyes washing over her as he moved to the beat. He was quite a good dancer.
"Wow Granger. Where've you been hiding this body? In your wardrobe?" he asked her, grinning slightly. From the sidelines, Pansy watched her wizard dancing with the Gryffindor witch, obviously smitten. Angrily, she filled up a cup with red punch and slowly made her way out to the dance floor, her eyes glittering with malice.
"Just dance, Draco," Hermione replied, irritation in her voice. The way Draco was looking at her, she felt absolutely naked. It was unsettling. Suddenly a slow song came on and Draco quickly pulled her against him, dancing smoothly and leading her around the dance floor. Severus' nostrils flared as did Ron's.
Draco sniffed her appreciatively.
"So Granger…you ready to grow up? I'd be happy to pop your cherry for you since the Professor obviously passed on his chance. I'm quite good," the wizard purred, dipping the witch and leaning over her before snapping her back up. "I could do things to this body you never dreamed of. Inhibition is not in my vocabulary when it comes to witches."
"No thank you Draco," Hermione said, wishing someone would cut in on the randy wizard. Pansy continued to approach, weaving through the dancers…it was slow going. She'd teach that Gryffindor to put her claws in Draco.
Severus' sharp eyes saw Pansy walking on the dance floor toward Hermione and Draco. She had a cup of punch in her hand, but wasn't holding it as if she were drinking it. Her face was contorted with anger.
"Uh oh," the wizard thought to himself, and quickly strode on to the dance floor, pushing the dancing students aside unceremoniously in his haste to cut the witch off. He drew his wand when he realized he wouldn't be able to reach her in time.
Pansy walked up to the dancing couple, behind Hermione. Draco's eyes widened as she tapped the witch on her shoulder. Hermione turned.
"I'll teach you to mess with Draco," the witch seethed, flinging the contents of the cup of punch towards Hermione's face. Hermione closed her eyes waiting for the deep red liquid to splash her.
It never connected.
Hermione opened one eye to see the liquid frozen in mid-air mere inches from her face. The Potions Master stalked up. The other students slowed down their dancing, curious looks on their faces. He scowled down at Pansy.
"Miss Parkinson, return to Slytherin House. Your night is over," he said darkly.
Pansy looked at the Potions Master, then at Draco.
"But…but.." she began.
"Go now, Miss Parkinson. Your behavior is unacceptable. We will discuss your punishment after the holiday. You are dismissed," Severus said evenly.
Pansy gave Hermione an absolutely hateful look, then stormed off, pushing startled dancers aside. Severus then scourgified the punch out of the air. He looked at Hermione in Draco's arms, his eyes hard.
"It seemed I saved you from a rather sticky situation, Miss Granger. Perhaps you should be more careful as to whom you dance with," he said. His dark eyes swept over Draco then the wizard returned to his post by the punch table.
While Severus was gone, Dean Thomas and Seamus Finnigan added liberal amounts of alcohol to every punch bowl on the table. Now the party was really going to get started.
Draco began to dance with Hermione again.
"Pansy is a jealous little bitch," Draco said, "She thinks she is my girlfriend. She isn't. I like to play the pitch. She needs to get over herself."
Hermione frowned at him.
"Obviously she likes you Draco. You should tell her how it is," the witch said.
"She should see how it is," he retorted. "She knows I shag other witches. She's just dense. If she didn't give such good head, I'd dump her completely."
Hermione had enough.
"That's it, Draco…the dance is over," Hermione said, trying to pull out of his arms. Draco pulled her tighter against his body. He stood a full head over the witch and was much stronger than she was.
"Why, just because I said Pansy gives me head?" he asked the struggling witch.
"Because you are a pig," Hermione replied.
Severus saw Hermione trying to get away from Draco, who was holding her much too close and was about to walk back on the floor when Ron grabbed the wizard by the shoulder.
"May I cut in," Ron said between clenched teeth. It wasn't a question.
Draco shrugged Ron's hand off his shoulder and released Hermione.
"Go ahead," he hissed, stalking off. He wasn't willing to fight over the little chit.
Ron replaced him, scowling down at Hermione.
"See what happens when you come to a ball alone?" he asked her.
"I was doing all right. I was just about to knee him," Hermione replied stiffly.
Ron looked at her as they moved across the dance floor.
"Hermione, why do you keep turning me down? You know I like you. I just want to get closer to you," the wizard said.
"Closer, as in shag me," Hermione replied.
"Yes, shag you. Why not? You're eighteen Hermione…it's time for a bit of shagging. And I know how to do it. Why not let me show you what it's about. Let me teach you something for a change," the wizard said. "You've taught me things all these years. It's my turn."
Hermione stared at Ron.
"That's what this is about? You want to 'teach' me to shag?" she asked him, "To make up for what I've taught you all these years?"
"Yes," Ron replied as if it made all the sense in the world.
Hermione almost laughed if it wasn't so…so stupid.
"Ronald Weasley, you are unbelievable. You want to shag me to even up the score. That's terrible. You don't even have those kinds of feelings for me," she said.
Ron's eyes drifted over her curves
"Who needs feelings? Look at you," the wizard replied. "Anyway, you don't want to be a virgin all your life."
Hermione looked up at the red-haired wizard and decided there was only one way to end this. She took a deep breath.
"I'm not a virgin, Ron," she said softly.
Ron stopped dancing and stared down at her with an almost horrified expression. Then his eyes narrowed.
"You're lying. Just to make me back off," he hissed at her, refusing to believe chaste little Hermione Granger had been shagged…and by someone other than him.
Hermione shook her head.
"I'm not lying Ron," she replied.
Ron looked into her eyes and saw that she wasn't lying. He'd been around her enough to know when she was telling the truth.
"Who? Who did it?" he asked her, shaking her a little.
"Stop it, Ron. I'm not going to tell you that," the witch replied, "But I am spoken for. That's why I've been putting you off."
"Who is it? Someone at Hogwarts?" he demanded angrily.
"That's none of your business," she said evenly. "All you need to know is you don't have to teach me anything. I already know."
Ron stared at her, then his face contorted.
"I should have known you were a slut like the rest of them," he hissed, pushing her away and storming off. Someone had beaten him to her. Hermione had liked someone else better and didn't let him know.
Hermione looked after Ron, her face red. Well, at least he knew now. Maybe he would stop pressing her now. Hell, maybe he wouldn't ever talk to her again.
Hermione realized that if Ron did stop talking to her, it wouldn't bother her a bit. She was just his friend. He had no right to be angry that she'd been deflowered.
She looked over toward Severus, whose dark eyes rested on her soberly. He had seen Mr. Weasley stalk away angrily. He wondered what the witch said to the wizard to make him leave like that. Ronald Weasley had the tenacity of a bulldog.
Well, he hoped the red-haired wizard would stay away from her for good.
If he didn't…he could find himself embroiled in a very sticky situation.
"She shagged somebody else, Harry. Can you believe it? Hermione's shagged somebody," Ron said, his voice slightly slurred as he lay on his back in the bed in his boxers. He had drunk quite a bit of punch.
Harry shrugged.
"Yes, I can believe it. She's old enough," Harry replied, trying to sound uncaring. But the fact that Hermione had been with someone, someone he didn't know about, threw him a bit. Harry believed he and Hermione could talk about anything and anyone. Finding out she was keeping such an important secret from him was unsettling.
"I want to know who he is," Ron said darkly.
Harry looked at his friend.
"Why Ron?" Harry asked him.
Ron looked at him cross-eyed for a moment, then said, "I want…I want to know if he's worthy of her."
Harry looked at Ron incredulously.
"Worthy of her? How do you plan to decide that?" Harry asked him.
"I don't know. Challenge him to a duel maybe," Ron said.
Harry sighed.
"Ron, you're talking crazy. You can't duel Hermione's boyfriend," he said, climbing into bed. He and Ron had a room to themselves. One of the perks of being seventh years.
"Boyfriend," Ron spat. "I still can't believe it. Why won't she tell us who it is? What's the big secret?"
Harry looked at him.
"Probably because she sees how crazy you go when anyone wants to date Ginny, that's why," Harry replied, "For gods' sakes Ron, you just said you'd duel him. Why would Hermione introduce you to him? She knows how you are."
Ron frowned.
"It still doesn't seem right, Hermione with a boyfriend. A boyfriend who shags her," the wizard groused, rolling over.
Trying to change the subject Harry asked Ron how he'd done with Ivanna.
Ron didn't answer him.
"Ron, what happened with Ivanna? Did you shag her?" Harry asked him again.
"No," Ron said sullenly. "It…it didn't work."
Harry sat up in the bed. Shagger Ron's goods didn't work?
"What happened?" Harry asked curiously.
Ron rolled over to face him, scowling.
"I kept imagining Hermione getting shagged, and couldn't get hard…that's what the fuck happened," the wizard seethed. "Now Ivanna thinks I'm a pudding dick."
Harry kept his face straight.
"You'll get another chance Ron, don't worry," the wizard said, settling back down in the bed and rolling on his side with a yawn. "It'll be all right, mate."
Ron lay there scowling. He felt nothing would ever be right again.
The next morning when Hermione woke up, she had a slight hangover. She had drunk a cup of the spiked punch and it went straight to her head, but she held her liquor all right, plus ate a little more. She ended up more sleepy than anything. She had a lot of fun at the ball. Severus being so jealous only made it more enjoyable.
Hermione rolled out of the bed and walked toward the bathroom, catching sight of herself in the mirror on her dresser. She blinked.
"Dear gods…I look like a raccoon," she said as she looked at the rings around her eyes from the mascara and eyeliner Parvati applied the night before. "This is why I don't bother with makeup."
She walked into the bathroom, used the loo, washed her hands and took out some cold cream to remove the black circles around her eyes. As she was applying the cream, Hermione thought she heard something in her bedroom and leaned back so she could see out of the door. No, there was no one out there. Then her eyes fell on a piece of parchment on her nightstand. It hadn't been there before. A house elf must have delivered it.
Hermione washed the cream off her face, brushed her teeth then walked back into the bedroom, sitting down on the edge of her bed and picking up the parchment. She unfolded it and read the message. It was a single question.
"What would you like for Christmas?"
Hermione smirked.
So, Severus wanted to know what she wanted for Christmas, did he? Well, she knew he had no intentions of taking her, so even if she did want that, which she did, the Potions Master wouldn't give it to her. So Hermione decided to ask for something else.
She opened her nightstand drawer and took out a muggle pencil and a muggle pen. The tip of her tongue sticking out the corner of her mouth, she placed the parchment down on the top of the nightstand and started to draw on the bottom of the note.
Severus was sitting in one of the two armchairs located before the fireplace in his study drinking a cup of coffee when a house elf winked in and held out a parchment, its eyes on the floor. Severus took it and the elf winked out. Hm. It hadn't taken the witch long to reply. Severus took another sip of coffee, set the cup down on the small table between the armchairs and opened the note.
He almost spewed out his coffee.
On the parchment was a fairly decent drawing of a curly headed young woman sucking on a huge penis drawn in ink. It was a magical drawing and the image's head moved back and forth as it exaggeratedly swallowed down the rather large, veiny tool.
Severus shook his head and stared at the picture, feeling a bit of a throb.
Hermione was certainly a naughty little witch. Now how the hell was he supposed to gift wrap something like that? She was just too curious for her own good.
The wizard stood up, walked over to his bookshelves and slid open a secret panel. In the space behind it were a few issues of Playwizard, a couple of blue pensieves, some magical photos of yummy female body parts and a deck of erotic playing cards. Severus added Hermione's artwork to the collection and closed the panel back. He then began to search his tomes for a more traditional gift to give the witch.
As he looked through the books for an appropriate title, Severus shook his head. Imagine. Hermione wanting to perform her first blowjob for Christmas. That would be more of a gift for him than for her.
The witch was something else.
Ron looked around the busy common room with narrowed eyes as students with packed bags and suitcases streamed by, hurrying to the main hall in preparation to catch the Hogwarts Express, heading home for the holiday.
Harry was packed and ready to go. He was spending his vacation at the Burrow with Ron…and Ginny. His glasses fogged up a little at the thought of the witch. She had promised him the Burrow had a lot of hiding places where they could be alone. It was going to be quite the holiday.
"Where's Hermione?" Ron asked, looking around at the milling students. "She should be down here by now, ready to board the train. She's always packed days in advance for holiday."
As if on cue, Hermione walked down the stairs dress in jeans, trainers and a christmasy sweater, her hair pulled back in a ponytail. Ron saw her immediately and walked over to her.
"Why aren't you in your traveling robes?" he demanded.
Hermione scowled at him.
"I'm not talking to you Ron," she said, pushing past him.
Ron watched her walk over to Harry and start talking to him. He stalked over to listen.
"So you're staying at Hogwarts over the holidays, Hermione?" Harry asked her.
Hermione nodded.
"Yes. I'm going to take advantage of the peace and quiet to get in some real studying. I want to make perfect marks my last year," the witch said.
"Is that the only reason you're staying here, Hermione? There won't be much staff. A person could get away with anything," Ron said to Hermione accusingly.
She didn't answer him. Instead, she kissed Harry on the cheek.
"Have a nice holiday, Harry. I'll see you when you get back," the witch said. Then she left the common room, Ron staring after her blackly.
"I bet her 'boyfriend' is staying here too," Ron said jealously. "They're going to have a shagfest while we're gone."
"Get over it, Ron. Gods," Harry said with irritation as he picked up his suitcase. "Come on, let's get going."
Still frowning, Ron picked up his suitcase. So Hermione was staying at the castle so she could see her boyfriend at will. Fine. That was just fine. He didn't care if she was shagged from one end of the castle to the other. But he wanted to know who the wizard was she found worthy enough to be intimate with her. Ron figured it had to be someone in Ravenclaw. Hermione wouldn't get involved with a Slytherin. She said they were too self-serving.
Harry exited the common room, Ron right behind him…deep in thought.
Later that evening, Hermione wandered through the halls of Hogwarts, enjoying the quiet and the space. The castle seemed bigger but more intimate without the presence of the majority of the student body. The Gray Lady drifted through a wall in front of Hermione and gave her a rather nervous nod. Hermione nodded back and the ghost continued on her way.
The only staff left at Hogwarts was Albus, Filch and Severus. A smattering of students remained from each house, about thirteen in all. The Great Hall had been redesigned for the holidays. Now a large circular table sat in the center of the hall for meals. Hermione was on her way there now for supper. Her belly felt a little tight. This would be the first time she saw Severus after sending him the naughty drawing. She wondered how he reacted to it.
She also wondered if he would be more open to a bit of contact since the school was empty and there was less chance of discovery. The only person she would have to worry about was Filch, who, when he saw her walking earlier narrowed his eyes at her.
"And what are you doing here over the holidays, Miss Granger? Up to some mischief I gather. Well, I will be watching closely…very closely," the squib said, stroking Mrs. Norris who was resting in his arms as usual. "Particularly the Restricted Section of the library. I know your ways I do."
Hermione felt like casting a tripping spell on the caretaker as he hobbled away, but that would be asking for trouble. Most likely the Headmaster himself would be handling anything untoward, and she didn't want to attract his attention.
But just her presence at Hogwarts had done that.
Albus was very aware that Hermione had broken with normal behavior to spend the holidays at the castle. The witch had gone home every holiday since she first arrived at Hogwarts. The Headmaster had an inkling as to why she remained. It had something to do with a certain dark, dungeon-dwelling Professor. Yet, as long as they were discreet, Albus had no intentions of interfering. He felt Severus deserved a bit of happiness, and Miss Granger was no fluff-headed student. The witch was quite mature for her age and well able to make her own decisions. As long as they maintained a low profile, they were free to engage each other.
Hermione arrived at the Great Hall and entered to find the staff and students already seated around the circular table and ordering their meals. Severus was there, and leveled his eyes at her for a moment. There was a distinct glint in his gaze before he looked back down at his meal. He had ordered steak, potatoes and green beans with some buttered bread. Albus saw Hermione approaching.
"Ah Miss Granger, better late than never," he said by way of greeting, his blue eyes twinkling.
"Hello, Headmaster," Hermione answered him, taking a seat almost directly across from the Potions Master, "I was just walking around the castle. It's so different when everyone's gone."
Albus nodded.
"That's true my dear. I often wander the castle during the summer months. The quiet is quite soothing," the Headmaster replied.
Severus agreed silently. His favorite time of the year was the summer. The lack of dunderheads in the castle was a true pleasure. No one knocking on his office door to talk about marks, no one sitting in his Head of House office complaining of trivial situations, no one blowing up cauldrons in his classroom. The wizard was free to brew as much as he liked, and he had his solitude. It was a two month slice of heaven as far as the Potions Master was concerned. It would be perfect if not for Voldemort's occasional summons.
Hermione greeted the other students and staff, Filch frowning at her suspiciously as he wondered what she was really doing wandering around the castle, then looked down at her empty plate, trying to decide what to order. Tomorrow was Christmas Eve and they would have a traditional feast.
Her eyes flicked up toward Severus, who was cutting his steak. The witch smirked and placed her order.
A very large kielbasa sausage appeared on her plate, along with a side order of sauerkraut and baked beans. For dessert, a banana of course. Severus happened to glance at her plate, then his face contorted slightly as he quickly looked back down at his food.
The little minx. She was trying to impress her Christmas request on him. Everyone else was busy eating and chatting, and really didn't pay much attention to the Gryffindor witch as she picked up the huge sausage between thumb and forefinger and inserted it in her mouth. Well, almost everyone else didn't pay attention.
Severus did. He couldn't help himself. He shifted slightly in his seat because of his growing erection as Hermione slowly began to consume the sausage, focusing on it. She had eaten half of it before Severus finally said, "Miss Granger, your table manners are atrocious. The proper way to eat a sausage is to cut it into manageable pieces with a fork and knife."
Hermione put the sausage down and licked her lips.
"It's more enjoyable to eat this way," Hermione replied, sucking on her fingers a bit before picking up her fork and eating some beans and sauerkraut. Severus watched her lips pucker around her little fingers and suck them clean. It was all he could do to keep from growling.
Severus' comment drew a little attention from the others, who looked at Hermione for a moment, then continued their meal. All except Albus.
"I agree, Miss Granger," Albus said, "There is something delightfully visceral about eating with your hands. I can't do it as much as I like, because my beard often gets quite messy."
Hermione finished her sausage and the rest of her food, Severus hard as stone as he tried not to watch her. Then she slowly peeled the banana and consumed that too, well aware of how it was affecting the Potions Master to see her wrapping her lips around such phallic foodstuffs. She felt perfectly wicked as the wizard's nostrils flared slightly.
Several students excused themselves from the table, and Filch hobbled off as well. Albus patted his stomach. He had a couple of burritos, something he had discovered in southwestern America on a visit.
"I love burritos," the old wizard commented, "but I am afraid they don't love me back. If you will excuse me."
Albus quickly left the Great Hall, leaving Severus and Hermione at the table.
Severus immediately let loose on Hermione.
"That was a perfectly inappropriate choice of foods," he snarked at her. "You made a spectacle of yourself. Have you never heard of 'understatement' witch?"
Hermione blinked at him innocently.
"Why Professor, I have no idea what you are talking about," the witch replied, smirking.
"You may be eighteen, but you have the wiles of a witch much older," the Potions Master said, his eyes glittering, "You purposely devoured that sausage and banana in a blatant attempt to arouse me."
Hermione looked at him.
"So…did it work?" she asked.
Severus scowled.
"Yes," he said shortly, "But only on a purely animal level."
Hermione crooked her fingers at him and scratched at the air.
"Grrrr," she purred.
Severus stared at her.
"You persist in challenging me, Hermione. That is not wise to do," he said in a low voice.
"So, are you going to give me what I requested for Christmas?" she replied. She was surprised to see the wizard colored slightly. Wow.
"I have chosen an alternative present. Something more suitable for the season," he answered her.
"But I want that," Hermione said, pouting now.
Severus frowned at her expression.
"Stop it. Pouting will get you nowhere, witch. What you requested is something you are not yet ready for. I do not do half-measures, Hermione. With me it is all or nothing. Trust me, you are not ready for this," he said.
Severus loved blowjobs. They appealed to his darker side. He liked nothing better than to wrap his pale fingers in a witch's hair and have her pleasure him until he released. He was a bit rough in that type of situation…it added to the eroticism. He really didn't believe Hermione was ready for that kind of treatment, though the gods knew he would love the young witch to attend him in such a way.
"You don't know what I'm ready for," she spat, her eyes narrowed.
"I already told you. I am older than you and you will trust me to decide what is fitting for you in this relationship. I speak with the voice of experience," he said evenly.
"You speak with the voice of a repressed dictator. I'm going to be fifty before I learn anything if I wait for you to say 'it's suitable.' Severus, we should be shagging all over the school…" Hermione began.
Severus' eyes widened and he looked around the Great Hall quickly before he shushed her.
"Hermione, you must learn to hold your tongue," he scolded.
"At least I'll be doing something with it," the witch snarked.
Severus sighed. He hadn't known the witch would be so, so aggressive sexually.
"Hermione, we have to keep this a secret…" the wizard began.
Hermione scowled and gestured around the Great Hall.
"Severus, a secret from whom? No one is here. We should be taking advantage of this. I want some sexual activity damn it! It's not fair you dictate everything. How I feel should count for something too. And I feel like being with you."
Severus stared at the witch arguing for her rights to his company. Sighing, he said, "Very well. After supper tomorrow we will spend a bit of time together, Hermione. But…we will not be engaging in intercourse. I intend to stick to my wand about this. Discipline is important. We will work on your Occlumency skills," he said firmly.
Hermione hid her grin. Occlumency eh? Wait until he got a gander at what was on her mind.
"Can I at least expect some kisses? Something?" the witch asked him.
"Maybe a kiss or two IF you promise to behave yourself and not act like an oversexed seventh year," Severus replied.
"But I am an oversexed seventh year," Hermione responded.
Severus scowled.
"That may be true, but you will not act like one in my presence," he said, "You will show discipline."
The wizard rose.
"I have to go meet with Albus. Order business. I will most likely be there until the wee hours, so I have to bid you goodbye until tomorrow," the Potions Master said.
Hermione looked at him longingly.
"A kiss goodbye?" she asked him.
Severus looked at the witch. He would like to kiss her…but it would have to be a very short, chaste kiss. She already had aroused him almost to bursting with her conversation.
"A peck," he said. "Just a peck."
Hermione stood up and hurried around the table and faced the Potions Master, standing on her tiptoes, her eyes closed and lips puckered.
The wizard studied her.
"A devil in the guise of an angel," he thought to himself as he leaned down and softly possessed her mouth. The contact was electric and Hermione let out a little moan as he drew away.
"Gods. You could kiss me like that all day," she breathed. Severus smirked at her.
"That would be a great waste of time, Hermione," he replied. "There are more important things to do than spend an entire day kissing you."
"Not to me," Hermione said, leaning in, trying to get another out of him.
A pair of rheumy eyes peered at the pair from a little slit in the far wall.
"Indecent!" Filch groused, "Absolutely indecent! I never trusted that wizard. The gods' only know how many young witches he's plowed through over the years in those dungeons."
There was a tinge of jealousy to the squib's thoughts.
Albus was going to hear about this immediately.
"Argus, I am quite aware of the growing relationship between the Potions Master and Miss Granger," the Headmaster said to the squib.
Filch, who was sitting in the armchair in front of Albus' desk and managing to look completely uncomfortable, screwed up his face.
"Aware? You are aware of this…this…sinful association, Headmaster?" Filch asked. Then he looked cunning. The Headmaster must be planning on tossing both of them. "So when are you going to throw them both out, sir?"
Albus looked at Argus, both of his eyebrows raised.
"I'm not," he told the shocked squib, "There are no rules preventing a teacher from associating with a student of the age of consent, Argus, as long as they are discreet and there is no altering of marks and so forth. Miss Granger has always been an exemplary student, and Severus has, for the most part, been relatively fair with his grading system."
Albus knew that the Potions Master had a tendency to lower students' marks, not raise them. Hermione was a strong enough student that she didn't require any help.
"But…but they weren't being discreet. I saw them," Filch said argumentively, "Locking lips right there in the Great Hall. They were all over each other."
Albus scowled.
"No. It was you being indiscreet, Argus. You had no right to spy on them. As far as they knew, they were alone…and I highly doubt Severus would be all over anyone in such a public area, alone or not. Why were you watching them?" Albus asked the squib.
"Because I knew that witch was up to something…staying here for holiday. Now I know what," Filch replied frowning. "The Professor is twice her age, Headmaster. It seems wrong. Very wrong. I am surprised you condone this."
Albus looked at Filch rather severely.
"Argus, you are aware of how Severus puts his life on the line for us, serving as a spy for the Order. He leads a miserable life for the most part. The wizard deserves some respite from the horror he lives. He deserves some happiness, some reward for all he does so selflessly. Don't you agree?" the wizard asked the caretaker.
Filch's face screwed up.
"I suppose so," he groused.
"Miss Granger is a level-headed witch fully capable of making decisions concerning her personal life. If she chooses to be with Severus, then she has my blessing. He is a good, if dark wizard. Now, I want you to stop spying on them," the Headmaster said.
"But that witch is notorious for going where she doesn't belong…she bears watching," Filch argued.
"I am giving you direct orders, Argus. No more spying on either of them. Let them enjoy their holiday. And of course I don't need to remind you that this information is to be kept to yourself. It wouldn't do for their liaison to get back to Voldemort before Severus has a chance to tell him himself," the Headmaster said. "Give me an oath."
Argus reluctantly gave an oath never to speak of Severus' and Hermione's relationship. Magic swirled around him. Although he was a squib, an oath would still take hold. He was a magical being after all, though he couldn't do magic.
"Some wizards have all the luck," Argus muttered.
Albus raised an eyebrow at him.
"I doubt if 'luck' has anything to do with them, Argus. But if you can find a young witch the age of consent that would have you, I'd give you my blessing as well," the Headmaster said.
The caretaker's cragged face broke into a horrendous smile.
"But you can't offer them galleons," Albus added.
Argus' face fell.
At that moment, there was a knock on the office door.
"Come in, Severus," Albus called. The door opened and Severus walked in.
"Good evening, Headmaster. Mr. Filch," the wizard said by way of greeting.
"Good evening, Severus," Albus said.
Filch grunted a hello and slowly stood up.
"I'll be going, Headmaster," he said, giving Severus an angry glance and heading for the door.
"Goodbye Argus," Albus called after him. The squib exited, cursing that he had to go down all those stairs with his bad knees.
Severus looked after the squib then sat down in the armchair he had occupied. He looked at Albus.
"Am I mistaken, or did Argus just give me his infamous death stare," Severus asked the Headmaster.
Albus looked at him soberly.
"Argus is of the opinion that you should be dismissed and Miss Granger expelled for your 'interest' in each other," the Headmaster said to the Potions Master.
Severus showed no outward sign of shock or surprise at this news. He had been a spy far too long to react to unexpected situations.
"And what is your opinion, Headmaster?" Severus asked the wizard.
Albus placed the tips of his fingers together and tapped them slowly for a moment as he studied Severus thoughtfully.
"There are no rules concerning teachers fraternizing with students of proper age. Miss Granger is of the age of consent and well able to make decisions concerning her private life. As long as this relationship is treated with discretion and Miss Granger's education is not curtailed in any manner, then I see no reason to interfere," the wizard said. "My only concern is that Voldemort might somehow get wind of this, unless you have already informed him," Albus said.
Inwardly, Severus was relieved both that Albus did not seem to want details as to how he and Hermione got together, and secondly, that he felt the relationship between them was acceptable. More than likely, Albus knew exactly when he deflowered her. Hallow's Eve.
Severus shook his head.
"No sir. I have not yet told him. I was going to wait until Miss Granger graduated and ask him for the right to court her, citing that since she is the best friend of Harry Potter I might be able to use her to keep tabs on him, and since she is such a brilliant witch, I might be able to corrupt her and use her gifts to further the Dark Lord's cause," the Potions Master replied.
Albus looked thoughtful.
"Perhaps Severus, it would be best to let Voldemort know that you are involved with the witch now. Most likely he will smile on your taking a student at Hogwarts. You know how perverse he is. That she is Harry Potter's friend will only serve to make your deed seem even more dastardly to the wizard. Most likely he will reward you since I imagine that she was seventeen when your relationship began," he said to the wizard.
Now it was Severus' turn to look thoughtful.
"Perhaps you are right sir. The fact that she was barely of age when deflowered would appeal to him, particularly since he is rather disappointed in me in the sex department," Severus replied.
Years ago, when Severus created the elixir that gave Voldemort his great power as well as his distorted appearance, the wizard had been so thrilled he told Severus he would grant him a boon. Anything he asked for. Severus asked to be excluded from any sexual performances. The revels were just beginning then and were for the most part orgies between male and female Death Eaters involving all kinds of perversions. The wizard didn't have a taste for it or for performing sexually on demand. Voldemort, who was still Tom Riddle at the time, grudgingly granted Severus his wish. When the Revels escalated to involve raping and murdering innocent muggles, the Potions Master's hands were clean. He had never participated.
The Dark Lord had seen Severus have intercourse with three new recruits once in the early days, and been quite impressed with both his tool and his ferocity. Severus was young at the time, and ostracized by many of his peers. These particular witches were fellow Slytherins who looked down their noses at him and made disparaging comments about his looks. Since Severus was a Death Eater in good standing and a favorite of Tom, he was permitted to try out any new witch he wanted. He wanted them all and as payback for their cruelty towards him, rode each witch to tears before she received her mark.
Voldemort was quite displeased when Severus asked for what he did. More than likely the despot would approve of his taking Hermione at such a young age. It was a dastardly enough deed for a Death Eater.
More than likely too, he would want to see the Potions Master taking her via Legilimency. Severus frowned slightly at this. He knew Voldemort wouldn't approve of the gentleness he showed the witch. He would want to see some roughness…some deviance.
If Voldemort were to give his blessing, Severus would have to make at least one memory like that for the wizard to see. The wizard sighed inwardly. He didn't want to mistreat Hermione. She was special to him. If she were just a dalliance, it wouldn't matter…but she wasn't. If he did what Albus suggested, it would change all of his current plans for the witch. He would have to engage her before graduation.
If he had to do this…he wouldn't do it blind. He would talk to Hermione honestly about the situation and about what he would need to do…give the witch a choice in the matter. He might even have to show the witch what he was capable of from a past encounter. He wasn't sure how she would take the memory of him engaging another witch, even if the witch didn't matter to him. That would be her choice too. If she wanted to see, he'd show her.
Plus, Voldemort was getting quite impatient with him. It had been some time since he had any truly significant information for the dark wizard. Severus had gotten away with only a few crucios, but had a feeling a bout of full-fledged torture was on its way. Perhaps his relationship with Hermione could save him from it…this time.
"I will talk to Miss Granger about this, Headmaster…then make my decision as to when I will approach the Dark Lord," Severus said to Albus, who nodded.
"I suggest you talk to her soon, Severus. He hasn't summoned you for a number of weeks, so more than likely you will be called to his presence shortly," the Headmaster said, his eyes sober.
"Yes, sir," Severus agreed.
That settled, the two wizards put their heads together, trying to come up with some unimportant information that could be manipulated enough so it would satisfy Voldemort.
Severus spent much of the next day brewing potions for the infirmary. Poppy was away for the holidays, and Severus was to serve as medi-wizard for lesser injuries, since he had experience with potions, healing and the setting of bones. If anything more severe occurred, the victim would be taken to St. Mungo's. Thus far, no one even had as much as a cold.
Hermione noticed his absence at breakfast and lunch, but he did show up at supper. The witch's belly flipped over when he strode through the teacher's entrance, scowling as usual as he took his seat. His black eyes washed over her for a moment and he nodded a greeting, then set about filling his plate. They had a small feast prepared for tonight at Albus' request, but nothing like what would be served tomorrow. A succulent roast beef with small potatoes, gravy, rice, green beans and a salad were in evidence. Everyone ate heartily, Filch's beady eyes flitting from Severus to Hermione disapprovingly as he chewed.
After the meal and a bit of conversation, everyone departed except for Severus and Hermione again, though Filch loitered about, eating his dessert slowly before he grudgingly left. Severus looked after him with a slight scowl, knowing the squib was miffed and most likely jealous about his relationship with the young witch. He stood up and looked at Hermione.
"My office at seven-thirty. Be prepared to work," he said to Hermione imperiously, then hurrying off so she wouldn't try to get him to kiss her.
"I'll be ready to work all right," Hermione called after him.
She grinned wickedly as he strode through the door without looking back.
"You can run, Severus…but soon there'll be nowhere to go," the witch said to herself, before rising and leaving the Great Hall. The witch had preparations to make.
She had quite a bit to learn tonight.
Severus sat in his office, his dark eyes resting on the clock. It was seven twenty-seven. The witch would be here soon, and most likely quite randy. He planned to sit her down and talk to her about the situation with Voldemort and what he had in mind to do. More than likely she would be very enthusiastic about have sex with him before graduation. But it was the type of sex that might throw her. Not that Severus would mind giving Hermione almost his all. The witch was seductive, alluring and very willing to experience more of him. But what she ended up with might very well be more than she wanted.
If Hermione were willing to help him make the memory for Voldemort, he wouldn't directly take her to his bed…he needed to test her responses, her ability to handle roughness. If the witch wasn't able to handle it yet, he wouldn't take her in such a manner despite her claim to be ready. He didn't want to ruin her, or to make her feel uncomfortable about sex with him. That would be a disaster. Hermione was a diamond in the rough, and he wanted to be careful as to how he cut and polished her. He didn't want the witch to lose her fire.
A knock sounded on the door.
"Come in," Severus said, adjusting himself in the chair to look more imposing.
The door opened and Hermione entered. She was dressed in a green sweater, white socks and trainers and a red skirt with green trim and red and white candy canes embroidered on the front of it. She also wore little Christmas tree earrings. Severus scowled at her.
"For the past few days you've looked like a walking advertisement for the season," the wizard said to her.
"What? You expect me to wear black like you do?" she shot back at him, smoothing her skirt. "You always look as if you are on your way to a wake."
"I could be. Yours," the wizard thought. He didn't say it though.
Hermione sat down in the rickety chair in front of his desk.
"I'm ready to learn," she said, a bit of a glint in her amber eyes.
He could only imagine.
"Yes, I can see that," the wizard said, arching an eyebrow at her. "But first, I need to talk to you about a serious matter Hermione. One that can significantly alter the current status of our relationship. But it will be up to you. What I am going to tell you and ask you may be too much for you to handle at this time. I need you to listen and think carefully."
Hermione became serious quickly. There was something in Severus' eyes that let her know whatever he had to say to her was of the utmost importance.
"I'm all ears," she replied, leaning forward in the chair.
Severus looked at the young witch sitting before him. Suddenly he felt his office was not the place to discuss something so important…so intimate. He rose and walked around the desk and stood before Hermione.
"Let us go to my study," he said in a low voice.
Hermione looked up at him and rose slowly. Severus seemed so intense, more so than usual. The wizard took her arm and led her to the study wall, opened it and walked her through, the wall closing behind them. He escorted Hermione to the armchairs in front of the fireplace and waited for her to be seated. Instead of taking the other seat, he began to pace, Hermione's eyes following him.
Finally the wizard stopped.
"Mr. Filch saw us kissing in the Great Hall and reported it to the Headmaster," Severus said to her.
Hermione's eyes went wide.
"How did he see us? We were alone," she responded, looking worried.
"Apparently the walls have eyes as well as ears in Hogwarts," the wizard replied, "However, Albus feels you are well able to make decisions, and if we are discreet, he will not interfere."
Hermione let out a sigh of relief. Severus studied her for a moment.
"Hermione, I need to let the Dark Lord know about us…about you," the wizard said, "He will be summoning me soon, and I have very little to tell him of worth. It has been this way for several months now and his patience is wearing thin. He will not kill me…but…"
Hermione suddenly looked terrified.
"He'll hurt you," she said, her voice almost a whisper.
"Yes," Severus replied, "Unless I can bring him news that pleases him. If I tell him about you, it may please him greatly."
Hermione looked puzzled.
"Why?" she asked.
"You are Harry Potter's best friend, and were apparently underaged when I deflowered you. This is considered criminal, so naturally Voldemort will be pleased. Plus you are a student, and that puts me in even a worse light. The Dark Lord likes his Death Eaters to do evil, something I have been sorely lacking in as far as he is concerned. I have never raped or murdered in his name because of a boon he granted me long ago. To know I have done something this untoward might please him enough to spare me…if I can also show him something dark concerning my treatment of you," the Potions Master said, his heart tightening in his chest.
"Something dark?" Hermione repeated.
"Yes," Severus said, now sitting down in the armchair, reaching out and taking the witch's hand, his eyes impossibly dark as he looked at her.
"Hermione, most likely the Dark Lord will ask to see us together…intimately. He will look into my mind for a memory of me taking you. That is what he will want to see. No tenderness. No care. Only sex, roughness, lust. He will not approve of my gentle possession of you. I cannot let him see how I feel about you," he said in a soft voice, "He has to believe my intentions toward you are evil and my use of you selfish and without…kindness or tender emotion. He will want to see me dominating you."
Hermione looked at the wizard and swallowed. Severus continued.
"If I had my way, Hermione…I would wait to tell him, but Albus has a point. This would be a way to regain his favor…but would require…require much of you, witch. We would have to make a suitable memory together to appease him. And it would not be like it was when I first took you. There will be some pain, some ache involved. It would be a great sacrifice on your part if you agreed to do this. However, I will not force you, nor be angry with you should you decline, Hermione. It is a lot to ask of you."
The wizard fell silent as Hermione looked at him.
The witch remembered feeling the raised pattern of scars on Severus' back when he deflowered her. There were scars on top of scars. How much had he suffered for the wizarding world over all these years? How much pain had he taken for a world that didn't appreciate him or acknowledge him? A world that didn't care whether he lived or died? A world that saw him as cold and uncaring? Severus Snape cared more about what happened to the citizens of the magical world more than anyone. His actions showed it if his words did not.
Severus watched the witch's eyes fill with tears. He didn't know why they were filling. Possibly because she was frightened.
"Hermione," he said gently, "As I said…it isn't necessary…"
"I'll do it," Hermione said, her eyes glistening, "If it can stop Voldemort from tormenting you, Severus, I will do anything you ask of me. You've suffered so much already. It's time for someone to help you."
Severus felt his chest tighten with an unfamiliar emotion as Hermione spoke. Gods, she was willing to help him. He felt a pulse of strong desire for the witch, but it wasn't lust…it was a desire to connect with her, to show her what he couldn't tell her.
"Thank you, Hermione," he replied, kissing her hand. Hermione felt warmth creep up her arm as his lips made contact with her skin.
"What will you have to do to me?" she asked him.
"Unleash myself," the wizard said in a low voice. "Let my desire for you out fully. I can be difficult for an experienced witch to handle, Hermione, because of my size and my strength when I am lost to physical pleasure."
Severus took a deep breath looked at her soberly.
"It is quite possible, Hermione, that after we make this memory…you will never want me to touch you again," the wizard said, his voice heavy. "I wanted to take time with you, to let you get used to me in increments. To slowly show you how I can be."
His voice softened.
"However, with you, there is more than a purely physical desire. Yes, the night I deflowered you, I wanted to let go. You were so sweet, so delicious, I wanted to drown myself in you…but I also wanted to show you appreciation, I wanted to show you…there was care involved. That is why I was able to take you as I did. How I was able to hold back," he said.
"I felt you holding back, Severus. I didn't want that…I wanted all of you. I still do. I want to know what you are like when you are free," Hermione said softly.
Severus looked at her, trying to imagine how the witch would react when he gave her what she wanted.
"I am what witches called a "roughrider" Hermione. I leave them barely able to walk. That is what I am like. Sex is the only activity I engage in where I can let go and be the man I am. There are no Voldemorts or Albuses. No need for deception. There is only me."
He hesitated, then continued.
"I can show you if you wish, Hermione…to give you an idea what it would be like. With Legilimency. But it would mean seeing me with other witches," the wizard said.
Hermione shook her head.
"I don't want to see you with anyone else," she responded. "Only me. I am the only witch in your life now…aren't I Severus?"
Hermione realized they had never spoken about this.
"Yes, you are the only witch I want, Hermione Granger," he replied. "I believe you are meant for me. Now that I've had you, one else will do."
A thrill went through Hermione when the Potions Master said this. It wasn't a declaration of love, but it was close as far as the witch was concerned. He wanted her exclusively.
It wasn't necessary for Severus to hear the same claim from Hermione. She was an open tome, completely enamored of him. If he had doubted it before, her willingness to help spare him Voldemort's torture would have shown him how she felt.
The couple sat in silence for several minutes before the Potions Master spoke.
"It won't be tonight, Hermione. I…I need to prepare myself for this," Severus said.
And he did. He had to steel himself for what he had to do. If it had been any other witch than Hermione, he probably could have started right in. It wasn't that he didn't desire the witch…he wanted her quite badly. Her actions over the past couple of weeks aroused him very much…especially her pointed interested in performing oral sex on him.
"I'll still get my kisses won't I?" Hermione asked, looking quite naughty now.
Severus looked at her. Gods, the witch was so alluring.
"Yes…AFTER your Occlumency lesson. And only a few kisses, Hermione. You have a tendency to get a bit out of control. You really need to learn to curb your emotions," he said a bit severely, trying to re-establish a sense of being in charge.
Hermione's amber eyes glittered at him.
"I don't think it is all 'emotion' Severus," she replied, aware of a little throb in her lower belly as she focused on his mouth.
Severus didn't answer her. Instead, stood up and moved the end table that separated the armchairs and turned his chair to face Hermione.
"Turn your chair to face mine," Severus said to the witch, who stood up and did as he asked. She sat back down and looked deceptively innocent as the wizard studied her.
"Now, I know you have practiced Occlumency in Advanced Charms, Hermione. I want to see how good you are at it. Now I am going to attempt to look into your mind with Legilimency and you will attempt to cloak your thoughts without resisting me. The object here is not to keep me out, but to let me in, yet hide your thoughts. Your mind should appear blank to me. Later we will work on hiding similiar clusters of thoughts," Severus said, looking at the witch intently.
Hermione looked back at him, keeping her face carefully blank.
"Ready?" he asked her.
"Oh yes," she replied, hiding a grin.
"Legilimens," Severus said, reaching into the witch's mind.
He was immediately faced with an image of Hermione down on her knees in front of him. He had his robes open and she was busily working on his trouser fastenings. Severus pulled out of her mind and scowled at the witch.
Hermione lifted her eyebrows at his look.
"What?" she asked him, knowing full well what he had seen.
"You are purposely sending me erotic thoughts, Hermione. You aren't even making an attempt to hide them," he accused her, even as he hardened slightly. "Now concentrate."
"All right," Hermione said, concentrating.
Severus focused on the point right between her eyes.
"Legilimens," he breathed again.
The wizard's eyes widened and he immediately withdrew.
"Hermione!" he scolded.
The witch had the good graces to at least blush, but Severus could clearly see she was unrepentant.
"I can't help it," Hermione said, "I want you to see what I want to do to you, Severus…so you'll let me."
"Dear gods," the wizard said, slumping in the chair and looking at Hermione with exasperation. She was so direct. So…damn arousing.
Severus had looked in her mind and saw the witch holding his organ with both hands and kissing the tip of it as she looked up at him. It was so erotic he couldn't take it and drew back.
Hermione pounced.
"Severus, I want to learn. You did it to me…turnabout is fair play," she argued.
Severus stared at her for a moment, then his eyes went dark.
"You think you really want to do that witch?" he asked her in a dangerous voice.
Hermione nodded.
"Yes. Just the thought of it makes my whole body feel as if it's on fire," she replied, looking a bit hopeful.
The wizard considered her.
"Well, look into my mind, then. See what I like…then tell me if you still want to do this," he replied, leveling his eyes on the witch.
Hermione swallowed and focused on the Potions Master.
"Legilimens," she whispered.
Hermione's eyes widened as she saw herself on her knees, Severus with one hand fisted securely in her hair, the other cupping her chin as he pulled her lips over him roughly, his face contorted with lust as he looked down at her. He was groaning some very crude and obscene comments as he thrust into her mouth over and over again. Then the wizard stiffened and let out a shout, pushing deep into her mouth, pulsing, demanding that she drink him down. Hermione was trying to swallow and his come dribbled out around his organ and ran down her chin. She pulled out of his mind with a gasp and looked at the wizard. His eyes were smoldering.
"That is what you can expect from me if you persist, witch. I happen to love fellatio and have a tendency to be very dominating when I receive it. The act gives me great pleasure and makes me quite…selfish and less than polite. Despite how I feel about you, Hermione…I will want it all, just as you saw it. I don't think you are prepared for that," he said, a growl in his voice.
Severus was rock hard now. Allowing himself to picture Hermione on her knees for him had that effect. He was going to need a deflating draught soon.
Hermione stared at Severus, an odd feeling of excitement in her gut at what she had witnessed. He had been so rough and demanding, jerking her over him again and again, but Hermione didn't feel the least bit repulsed by it. In fact, her knickers were soaked. She had a feeling that this wasn't a normal way to react to seeing herself being treated that way, but it was her reaction just the same. The idea of the normally disciplined wizard letting loose and taking control like that was so…so hot.
Severus eyed Hermione. That ought to cool her ardor.
"I still want to do it," Hermione said in a low voice, her eyes hot as she looked at the wizard. "I want to see you lose it like that because of me."
Severus helplessly made a sound in the back of his throat.
"We'll try it another time," he said thickly, shifting in the chair. He needed to get to his stores. He was so hard, it hurt.
"No. I want to do it tonight. Now," Hermione said firmly. It felt like a small lava flow was creeping through her body and pooling between her thighs. "Severus, don't deny me. I stayed here at Hogwarts to be with you. You turn me on so much…it's torture you won't allow me access to you when I want it. You told me you would never be cruel to a witch you were courting…yet you are being unbelievably cruel to me now."
Severus tried to defuse the situation.
"But you've never done this before, Hermione…" he began.
"Everyone has to start somewhere, Severus. I saw how you like it…and…"
Here the witch's voice dropped so low, the wizard had to lean forward to hear her.
"…and…and it turned me on," she admitted, her entire head turning red with shame and embarrassment. Then she looked up at the wizard with a worried look. "Is something wrong with me? To want you to do something like that to me?"
Severus drew in a deep breath to steady himself. Apparently, Hermione had masochistic tendencies. She wanted to be dominated. Now she was looking to him for reassurance.
He shook his head.
"No. There isn't anything wrong with you. Everyone has different preferences when it comes to sex and are aroused differently. To want to be dominated is not uncommon in witches, particularly powerful witches. It is a way they balance out and release stress. It gives them great pleasure to have someone else in charge, to have to submit to another greater power. You are quite a formidable witch, Hermione. You are looked up to for your brilliance and leadership as Head girl. You give out detentions and take points from your peers, people you live and study with, which is difficult because it separates you at a time in your life when you want to belong. Then, you are also the voice of reason for those two imbeciles, Potter and Weasley. Hermione, you are always expected to live up to the responsible image you project, always expected to be the best at everything. It has to be stressful and even overwhelming at times to live up to others' perceptions of you. It makes sense that you would be different behind closed doors…that you would want to let go and have someone else take the reins. So again, there is nothing wrong with you except you need an outlet, and believe sex can serve that purpose for you," the wizard explained.
As he spoke, Severus felt a decided sense of elation at this revelation. If Hermione was indeed a masochist, then she would welcome him at full throttle. It would give her pleasure. She wouldn't crawl away from him like others often did. If Hermione Granger did indeed have this kind of dark nature, she would be the perfect witch for him. Perfect.
Hermione looked at the wizard. What he said made sense. Often she wished someone else would take control…just for a little while. Wished that she wouldn't be treated with such…such…deference by others all the time. She was always treated differently, always looked up to…always placed on a pedestal. Sometimes she just wanted to be where everyone else was…but no one would let her down. Her eyes washed over the wizard.
Severus would. He'd take her as low as she could go if she wanted it…she could see in his eyes that he understood. The witch thought it was good that he was an older man with experience. A younger wizard couldn't have grasped this. She made a good choice.
"So," she said, trembling a bit at the revelation that she had needs she didn't know about, "Can we do this, Severus?"
The wizard's eyes rested on her small full lips.
"Yes. We can do this, Hermione," he replied, rising from the armchair, taking her hand and gently drawing her up. He hesitated, his black eyes searching her face for a moment.
"Come with me witch," he said, leading her towards his bedroom.
A/N: Sorry this chapter took so long. Had to do the full metal jacket grandma thing today. Feeding, bathing, dressing...the works. But the chapter is finally done. Ah, the build-up. Got to love it. Well, Hermione and Severus both realize that Hermione has a dark, masochistic nature that suits both of them. And of course she would help him make a memory for Voldemort if it could protect him from torture. Lol at the attempted Occlumency lesson. Anyway, please review.
