JK Rowling owns all rights to Harry Potter. I make no money from this and am simply enjoying myself.
MATURE ADULT content. You have been WARNED.
A/N: Some small but crucial edits were made here.
Side note: I'm not a friggin English major and I have never wrote anything before. There are going to be punctuation and grammar errors. It's reality. Can't handle it don't read. If you want to leave negative feedback at least be gentle with constructive criticism.
Wednesday morning seemed to go on forever. Having finished her reading for class already, she laid in bed thinking about seeing Snape again. Class couldn't come soon enough. Despite the disappointment before arriving in his rooms, she had left feeling quite happy. Even with a painful ass. Hermione laughed aloud to herself. She was officially and completely mad. Everything in her life made no sense. At all. She felt like she was on some rouge broom throwing her around in the air and not knowing when she would or when it would catch her.
"Hoo hoo." Hermione looked up as she heard the flutter of wings land on the post of her bed. Oh right. She had forgotten she asked the bird to stay. Heading to her desk she sat down and wrote Luna a short letter in response as she only had one question. Unethical. Sealing up the piece of parchment she handed it to the owl and it flew out the window. Maybe she should let Luna come inspect her room for nargles after all.
Hermione paused as she entered the potions classroom. A single cauldron sat on the work bench and Snape wasn't anywhere to be seen. Going from 12 cauldrons to one made her skeptical. Was this potion going to be that difficult she needed the full 4 hours to complete it? It hasn't seemed to complicated in the book. If anything she would have expected the number of cauldrons to go up based off Tuesday.
"Miss Granger tell me about the potion you read," Snape's voice carried from the stock room.
Hermione walked to the bench as Snape exited the stock room and stood before her with his arms crossed. "Obstructiana sir. A powerful lung enhancer that strengthens them and helps clear anything within." She stated.
"Taste, color, and brewing time?" Snape asked with his emotionless face waiting for her to continue.
"The potion is a extremely translucent purple, it taste of liquid fire, and takes 2 hours to complete." Hermione answered feeling a bit pressured. She knew the answers but for some reason she felt it wouldn't be good enough.
Snape raised an eyebrow. It wasn't like he had expected any less. "Very good. However will not be making that potion today." He stated before moving to the bench.
"Sir?" Hermione asked confused.
"Today I'm going to teach you how to make an advanced birth control potion. It is 3 times stronger than your typical birth control potion, and is usually best consumed right after intercourse. This is something highly valued and only found in advanced apothecary's." Snape narrowed his eyes at her when her own suddenly lit up. She went to speak but he raised a hand stopping her. "No matter your current forms of prevention Miss Granger it is always best to be extra cautious."
"Agreed sir," Hermione admitted letting her precious words fall from her mind. He was right. Maybe her egg barrier spell wasn't enough. She had always hated the idea of having to remember to drink a regular potion. One that could be taken right after sex sounded much easier.
Snape gestured to the bench and his voice became low. "Sit down, I'd like you to write a short essay on Obstrictinia in regards to its effectiveness, preparation, and various uses. After you are done we will brew Praevenirus."
Hermione looked at him blankly. The words had almost gone over her head. All she could think about was how much her sore ass wanted to fun from the wooden bench. She had the desire to straight up refuse and take her stance but something in her brain told her to relax. "Please sir, I don't think I can sit." Hermione all but begged.
He raised his eyebrows in amusement. "Is someone's bottom sore?" Snape smirked as he asked.
"Can I at least use a cushioning charm?" Desperation was written across her face, but Snape kept his face uncaring.
"No. Maybe you will learn to control yourself by remembering your punishment. Although…I really do question how much of a punishment it is as you enjoy the pain in the moment." Snape's voice was teasing as he gave an evil grin.
Hermione bit her tongue to keep from growling. I am controlling myself you git! Reluctantly she took the seat in one swift movement to get the initial awakening of the pain over with. Her face tensed and nose wrinkled at the pain until she could finally breath again. Pulling out her quill she got to work while
Snape sat behind his desk simply watching the witch before him work. Her hand moved fast and steady…her brain and eyes intensely focused on the task before her. He found it quite appealing. For some reason Hermione Granger had been willing to suffer an entire summer of one on one classes from him. Most would give up an arm to escape such suffering. Even depression didn't explain it to him. Besides, the last few weeks he had noticed a little fire flickering within again. He and this disruptive personal behavior couldn't have been it either. She wouldn't have known if he would allow their behavior to continue. You're missing something.
Not even half an hour later Hermione stood and sighed in relief as the pressure on her bum faded. She walked up to Snape's desk and handed him the parchment she had accomplished her work on. He gave it a quick once over and marked it before stashing it away from her view. "Sir? How did I do?" She asked curiously.
"You will find out Friday after the weeks work has been evaluated," his voice was stern as he got up and headed over to the work bench. "Go get the jar of octopus powder."
Octopus powder? Interesting. Returning to the work bench with the jar, Hermione took the parchment with the recipe and read over it. Snape already seemed to have laid out the other ingredients. The potion looked simple enough but some very precise steps needed done.
"I will be monitoring your every move of this potion Miss Granger. You may begin." Snape said taking the seat to the side of her.
Hermione began working. The potion proved tedious. Stir after stir, ingredient after ingredient. It took constant vigilance. She wondered if it had anything to do with the fact one should be put such attention towards their sex lives.
Suddenly Snape snatched her arm. "What crucial mistake were you about to make Miss Granger?" he growled. Hermione looked over to read the recipe again but Snape quickly finished for her. "Counter clock wise. You also need to relax into the potion."
Hermione furrowed her brow. "Relax into the potion sir?"
Without wasting a moment, Snape encased her hand gripping the stirring rod with his own. He began to gently move their hands counter clockwise, hardly swirling the potion with his movement. "Brewing is truly an art as much as it is a science Miss Granger. Few poses the ability to treat it as both. You can't force or hurry the potion without effecting quality."
Hermione's breathing grew slow as the warmth of his hand spread up her arm. It reminded her of the first time Ron had touched her in such a way…..but much more intense. The way he held her hand was soft, gentle, and for some reason she felt safe. How does a hand showing you how to stir make you feel safe exactly? She looked down at their hands. His was a bit larger than hers and the black of his robe caused the rough paleness of his hand to pop in the light. This was a good feeling and she allowed herself to relax into the potion as he showed her even after he let go.
Finally holding the potion to the light Snape studied it. Well done. He handed the vial to her. "Drink." He said simply..
Hermione took the potion in her hand and sniffed it. To her surprise there was no scent, so she lifted the vial and poured it down her throat. It burnt going down and her face wrinkled. "Yuck! That is severely bitter. Worse than firewhiskey, and I don't see how that's possible." she coughed.
Snape summoned a cup from his rooms. "Aguamenti," he whispered, and the cup filled with clear water. Hermione took it and drank it in a hurry to kill the bitter taste still in her mouth.
"Thank you sir," Hermione said politely wiping the corner of her mouth with the back of her hand. She had drank the contents of the cup so fast a few drops of water had gone astray.
"Your welcome…Miss Granger," Snape said in a low voice. He had almost called her pet on instinct. Hermione smiled at him and Snape retreated to a familiar glare.. "Class is over. I want a roll of parchment on rare potions for serious medical ailments on Friday." He turned to the remaining vials and sent them off towards the closest potions cabinet. Hermione stood watching as he labeled them before sitting them into slots. "Go Miss Granger," he said with his back still to her.
Hermione continued to smile before gathering her stuff and leaving. The more she spent time with him, the more she seemed to see in him. Maybe It was just her imagination but it was more than his work habits and physical attributes that were becoming attractive. There is a lot more inside than I would have ever believed.
Once she exited the room Snape waved the door shut softly behind her, and put his hands on the wall to brace himself as he leaned forward. Fuck me. He stared at the stone floor as he realized he was beginning to enjoy her company.
XXXXXXXXX
Luckily for Hermione the rest of Wednesday passed in a blur. It seemed not long after leaving potions class she had fallen asleep. That birth control potion really did her in. She was going to have to discuss with Snape if it was a normal side effect. But at least it meant she was closer to seeing him again as Thursday morning progressed.
"Aight Hermione. I want you to spend today observing the herd, taking notes, and interacting on your own. Friday I think handing in an essay over what you see, and the symbolism magical creatures mean to the wizarding world, would work. I think that there should do it." Hagrid smiled enthusiastically. "I will see ya then Hermione!" He dusted his hands off together and began walking back up towards his hut.
Hermione walked over to sit under the nearest tree, and she watched the beast closely from a slightly elevated view of the herd. The way they moved seemed fluid. What did these creatures and others hold in connection to influence of the wizarding world? Was it on an individual case basis or did it affect the culture as a whole? Maybe consult with Luna? She always had a way with the mysterious creatures. Jotting down endless notes and thoughts Hermione was brought out of her parchment by the ruffling of a yearling. Checking the time she was shocked to see how long she had been there. It was nearly time for charms. Hagrid's class was proving more interesting than she could have expected. The world of assumptions and theories of magical creatures had her mind spinning with the questions of the unknown.
She stopped by her room briefly to eat the tray of sandwiches and fruits Minley had provided her. The little elf was growing on her. She was always so attentive and kind. How she wish they weren't so predisposed to serve though, but if it truly made them happy….. It was something she had never taken the time to consider in her S.P.E.W mission. She didn't, couldn't, believe them at the time. It didn't sound logical for someone, even an elf, to find happiness in an obligation to serve. Maybe it was something she should discuss with Minley some time.
Finishing quickly Hermione hurried off to charms class. Upon walking in Hermione forced a smile at Professor Flitwick's instant approval of her presence. It was as if class was the highlight of his day. In a way she felt happy for him, but most of the time his happiness and praise seemed to smother her.
"Today my dear I want us to begin your practice on non verbal spells. We will focus on this all next week also. Mastering non verbal spells takes a true connection to your wand and focus. I have no doubt in your ability to do either, but many people fail to achieve the more complex charms and spells without words. So our goal will be to see that you can conquer them all before moving onto the next step of the class."
Next step? "What would that be sir?" Hermione asked curiously.
"We will do a bit of non verbal duelling!" Professor Flitwick said eagerly.
Hermione's eyes widened. Class just got exponentially more interesting. She had always heard rumors that Professor Flitwick was a skilled dueller, but she had never assumed it to be true. But being a master of non verbal spells would definitely put you at a great advantage.
She heard Professor Flitwick laugh. "That's the look I wanted to see Miss Granger! We will take that advanced talent you already posses and push you even further above those your age. The mastering of non verbal spells gives you the opportunity to succeed in more ways than you can imagine possible."
Hermione smiled at his words and took the notes upon every bit of useful information he told throughout class. It seemed to end quicker than she expected which felt amazing considering how charms had only seemed to drag by like every other class the past year. Much to her delight she left with a mountain of notes to study and research to begin in preparation for next week.
The evening continued on pleasantly just as the rest of the day had. She spent the evening getting lost in her charms studies. For once she truly became immersed into her work, a feeling she had long missed. Hermione had read briefly over non verbal spells throughout her years, and there were a couple she could use…..but an attempt to master them all would be am excitedly fun challenge.
XXXXXXXX
Soon the clock dinged 8pm and Hermione shook her head free from the swarm of information flowing through her brain. It was almost time to see Snape, and a smile over took her face while she organized her work. Happy was the only word she had for the moment. She was achieving something and excited about something about to happen. Such a normal feeling that felt so foreign.
Looking around Hermione spotted a steaming tray of food on the table. Minley must have brought dinner as she was lost in the depths of her studying. Sitting down to eat she could only think about Snape. The man was enchanting and bloody brilliant. He had more layers than a normal person could notice…..and continued to make her feel things like never before. She knew where her mind and heart were going. It was foolish and the wrong way to go. Then don't allow it. Simple. She was beginning to long for their time together, in a way most immature and that would hurt a bit when summer ended. Don't be an idiot. Luna had said to not think to much and enjoy the moment. She stopped eating and took a drink of her pumpkin juice as she shrugged to herself. That's exactly what she was going to do.
Hermione knocked on the door at exactly 9pm. She stood there a moment surprised the door didn't open within a few seconds like all previous encounters. Maybe he is done with you? She frowned at the thought. It was a very real possibility but she hoped he wasn't. Anytime she was around him she was finding herself happy. Even after she left his presence she still seemed quite satisfied. She chuckled at herself for not wanting to loose that but also for feeling it in the first place.
"Miss Granger, right on time as I would expect," Snape's voice was echoing through the halls.
Hermione quickly turned in the direction his voice came from and she saw Snape walking towards her from the deepest parts of the dungeons with his robes billowing behind him. All she could really see was his face lit by his wand as the darkness engulfed his form.
"Hello Professor," Hermione said cheerfully and smiling as he approached her. She loved the way he moved in the darkness. With such smoothness and quietness it truly did remind her of a snake.
Snape glared at her before reaching for the door as she was smiling at him. He found it pleasantly irritating. "In," he said flatly pushing the door open.
Hermione slowly entered the room unsure of where to go. It was still dark with his chambers.
"My rooms Miss Granger. I trust they aren't difficult to find," he said with sarcasm.
She heard the door click behind him. Hermione was glad the classroom was dark because she was ready to give him his own glare back…..but she didn't think her bum was up for another spanking. It still had a small throb from Tuesday.
"Pants and knickers off. I want to check on that ass of yours," he said once they entered the light of his room. Snape took off his cloak and threw it onto the arm chair as he began removing his frock.
Hermione glanced around and hesitated but still unzipped pants. She allowed them to fall and Hermione stepped out of her shoes before pushed them both to the side.
Snape smirked when he caught a glance at her pile of pants on the floor. "Well I must say Miss Granger. Walking the halls without your knickers. You're more daring than I imagined," Snape chuckled eyeing the small triangle of brown curls where her thighs met.
Hermione felt her face heat. "They were rubbing to much! It hurt!" she said trying to defend her actions.
Snape raised an eyebrow and sat his frock with his cloak. Crossing his arms over his chest he questioned her. "Are you telling me you attended classes without your knickers?"
Hermione's face drained a bit from embarrassment. Snape grinned at her and walked towards her to circle her semi naked form. "How confident of you. You're lucky there are no fellow students here. I'm not sure I would be willing to let this go so easily." He said as his voice was a weird mixture of gravely and silk.
Hermione wrinkled her brow in confusion. Let this go? She knew numerous students who had made it a challenge to go without their knickers, mostly when wearing their skirts. "Sir?"
She heard Snape breath heavily. "First there would be the crime of disturbing my class. We both know you wouldn't be able to control your arousal. With the missing layer of clothing I wouldn't have been able to resist your scent." He paused to bury his large nose into her hair. "I don't have to keep telling you that your aroma is divine witch." Snape began circling her again. "Then I admit myself slightly bothered by your lack of clothing around others without my approval."
Hermione hadnt expected that to be a reason. Odd. "Since when do I need your approval to not wear knickers sir?" she asked.
Snape winced at his choice of words. She didn't need his approval. "You don't. But I do have a tendency to be…..protective….of my pet." He admitted.
Hermione felt her heart flutter. His pet? She couldn't find the words to ask him what he meant and she didn't dare try.
"Go bend over the bed, I want to look at you," Snape instructed.
Hermione tried to breath as she bent over his bed. She suddenly felt more exposed despite still having her shirt on. Closing her eyes she ignored the various noises coming from behind her, up until she felt the touch of his hands gently smoothing over her cheeks. Her eyes popped open at the touch, mostly from excitement but also from the tenderness. Regardless of the soreness she felt the warmth of his hand instantly spread through her causing her pussy to twitch.
"Your ass looks marvelous pet. It is still a beautiful deep pink," he purred. The sight caused his nostrils to flare and his mouth water in the temptation to just take her right then. Merlin control yourself. He gave her cheeks a tight squeeze to satisfy himself before patting lightly below her cheeks.
Hermione winced at the little tingle of pain…..but gasped when she felt the heaviness of his hand upon her bum. The gasp was quickly replaced by shock as he slid his fingers up through her now wet folds. With his other hand she felt him squeeze harder on her sore cheek but she found herself pushing back into the pain with a soft moan.
Snape smiled from behind her. "That didn't take long. Look at how wet you are," he said teasingly running his fingers back down through her petals. "Are you ready to admit you like the pain?" he asked knowingly and chuckled when she didn't respond. "Answer me. Honestly. If I doubt you I will enter that innocent mind of yours again," he purred digging his fingers into her throbbing flesh while continually stroking her pussy.
Hermione's breathing became halted at the sensation of his hand digging into her, and she felt the intensity in her pussy growing like a lion roaring causing her internal walls to vibrate. "I like it sir….unh….I do I like it." She easily let the words out without thinking.
"Does it feel good to admit it?" He asked as he dragged his fingers down her ass. His voice was deep and dragging her in with his hand.
Hermione rolled her eyes back. It really did feel good to admit it out loud. It had been such a strange concept to grasp but now it didn't seem so strange at all. "Yes sir," she managed.
"You know it is not as uncommon as you think pet," Snape purred. He bent down and flattened his tongue against the tender red skin of her buttock. Hermione' breathing stuttered when she felt the wetness of his tongue against her skin. "I think you deserve a reward for your admission." He allowed his tongue to slide into the crease between her cheeks. Using his hands to grab her cheeks hard he pulled her apart as he continued his tongues descent until he reached her puckered hole. Circling the tight opening he applied pressure with his tongue and he smiled as a small moan escaped her. Continuing down his nose brushed against her until he tasted her wetness.
Hermione pushed her bum further into the air allowing him better access. She grabbed the blanket in her fist when his tongue lightly brushed over her clit. As he began to work his tongue over the bundle of nerves she found herself wanting to push her pussy into his face. He responded to her movement with a squeeze on her cheeks while he licked away her sweet juices from inside her.
Working his way back up to the little bundle of nerves he began to circle it with his tongue stopping occasional to flick the nub quickly. Round and round he went until she was trying to buck against his face despite his firm grasp of her ass. In an attempt to control her he latched onto her clit and sucked fiercely while flickering his tongue. Seconds later she was coming undone to his mouth and He released his match to press the flatness of his tongue against her pulsing nub. He heard her muffled moan in the blanket and he wished he could here it all. The sound of passion made his grow harder if that was even possible. His cock was straining against the cage of his clothing. As she came down from her orgasm Snape ran his tongue through her dripping sex one last time before standing.
Hermione lay flat as she heard Snape unbuckling his trousers. Then she felt the bed shift under his weight and his bare skin brushed her thighs. She hissed when she felt his hands squeezing her rear again in an attempt to move her forward. SMACK! Hermione squeaked and lurched forward.
"Good girl," Snape purred smoothing his hands over the spot he had just smacked. His hands roamed further north and he began pulling her shirt over body which she gladly assisted in by lifting her torso. Unhooking her new he pulled it from beneath her before tapping his wand to his shirt causing it to instantly unbutton so he could remove it. Rubbing his hands over her rear again he reached around grasping her hips before pulling her up and back to him. Her wetness rubbed onto his cock and he had to keep from groaning at the contact like a teenager. Letting go of one of her hips to grasp his erection, he slid it through her lower lips and placed himself at her opening.
He pulled her back onto him and he sighed at the snug warmth that surrounded his length. She was like a warm wet blanket. Slowly he began to retreat from her and as he felt the cool dungeon air against the wetness on his member he plunged back into her quickly. In and out he began rocking into her as he grasped her hips tightly keeping her steady for him.
Hermione lost a breath every time he hit the deepest part of her channel. Each thrust sending a swell of feelings through her body and increasing the building ache of her pussy. The sound of skin on skin smacking brought the pictures of his body to her mind. The deepness of his dark eyes, the curtain of smooth black hair a top of the dominating features his body held. The right about of muscle form on his slender frame, and the soft way his balls hung. The length of dark curls guiding the way to his cock and long legs standing him firm as his nose dominated his face with confidence. Hermione moaned at the images as he dove into her.
Bracing himself with an arm Snape lifted himself and pushed her body further into the mattress while keeping a hand on her hip. He began grunting loudly as the orgasm building inside them both became more dire. Her moans grew louder and the pulse in them both grew stronger.
"unnhhhhh…" Hermione moaned as she began unraveling but before she reached her full peak she felt Snapes hand intertwined in her hair, halting her orgasm.
He pulled her head back as he thrust into even harder causing her to gasp loudly with each plunge. "I want…...to hear you scream it pet. I want to hear you…..come undone to me." Snape breathed heavily as he focused on not coming at that moment.
The pressure of her hair, emotions, pussy….it all proved to much and it threw her hurtling over the edge into a ocean of pleasure. Hermione followed her instinct. The cries of pleasure her body told her to create. "Unnhhh…..…ssseevvveerruuusss….uuunnnnhhhh."
At the sound of his first name escaping her lips his breath halted and he put his entire body weight into his final few thrust. People hardly dared use his name and never those in the throws of pleasure. He found his name upon her lips orgasm inducing as he allowed himself the release. As if he could have stopped it anyways. Closing his eyes he lost himself in her body. "Bloody Fucking hell witch," his words were strong and forceful feeding off the strength of his orgasm. He always found himself wanting to be as deep in her as possible, basking in the pulsing pussy around him. Spilling himself into her core in an attempt to claim her as his. The mere thought of her being his prolonged his orgasm and sent his eyes rolling into the back of his head.
As he came down he struggled for air. Snape released his hold on her body as he attempted to slow his breathing and stepped backwards. He grinned looking at nearly life less form on his bed. The only sign of her life being the heavy rise and fall of her back as her lungs desperately fought for air. He smoothed his hands over the small of her back then smacked her ass causing her to jump up from her stillness.
"Ow! What was that for?" Hermione screeching reaching around to rub her cheek.
"Go take a shower pet," he directed calmly.
Hermione pushed herself backwards and onto her feet. She felt the brush of his body against of her backside and she froze at the contact. All her skin was a sensitive casing of fireworks. After a few seconds his hand was moving the curls away from the side of her face to expose her ear, and his breath was warm upon it. "Shower now pet, unless you want me to smack it again," he said enticingly as he smoothed his hands down her sides and towards her ass cheeks. Once his hands skimmed over the sore spots she darted off to the bathroom and Snape chuckled.
Allowing himself to lay back on the bed Snape attempted to empty his mind. This young witch was bothering him. In a mixture of good and bad. She was like some damn minx playing with his mind. People hardly got in his mind. The only ones every being Voldermort, Dumbledore, and Lily. What was this witch doing to him? Finally he heard the bathroom door open and he sat back up. Hermione appeared in the door frame wrapped in a towel. "Come here pet, take off the towel and lay face down," said Snape.
Hermione's eyes went wide in fear. No no no no. No more spanking. There was no way physically possible she could handle anymore.
Snape grinned at the fear on her face. "Don't worry pet. No more spanking."
Walking to the bed Hermione exhaled and relaxed her shoulders. She had no reason to doubt his words at this point. Unwrapping the towel she let it fall to the floor and she softly climbed onto the bed. Lowering herself onto her belly she tried as hard as she could to prevent any contact or extra movement in her bum.
Snape pulled a jar from the side table by the bed and showed it to her. "This is a healing salve I made. It will make any skin bruising and muscle pain disappear within a few hours depending on the severity. When you are a good girl I will let you use it," he said for motivation. He dipped his fingers into the jar and began to delicately work it onto her bum.
The coolness of the salve relaxed her skin, and she could feel the tingle of something working it's way into her muscles. She closed her eyes basked in the feeling of his hand massaging her skin ever so softly. Who knew that such a course man could be so gentle to the things he touched.
Snape watched the witch melt into the bed as he continued to work the salve onto her. Once he stopped her eyes opened. "Let this sit a few minutes before you move. I'm going to take a shower…..you are free to go." He said simply before getting up and heading into the loo.
Hermione laid there a few moments immersed in the amount of contentment that surrounded her. His room no longer felt cold to her. It felt warm and cozy in it's own way. She met her eyes gaze the walls of books. Hermione rose to go study them as she began to notice the expanse of books before her. She pulled her shirt on as she walked the entire length of his room, rows of shelves not leaving a single empty space. So far she had yet to truly explore his collection. Previously she has always been to pre occupied with their activities to appreciate the surplus of books around her. She grazed the worn spines with her fingers. Most of them she couldnt recall seeing in the library. There had to be numerous rare and limited editions on his shelves. She hadn't imagined him having such the appreciation for books she had, but thinking upon the knowledge he held it made much more sense.
"Admiring are you?" Snape asked as he emerged from the bathroom still in his naked form.
Hermione glanced at him, doing a quick once over of his body before returning her eyes back to the books. "You have quite an….impressive collection sir." Hermione complimented almost breathlessly.
Snape chuckled in amusement. "Did my cock not do enough for you pet? You're practically smitten over my books."
Hermione didn't even bother glaring at him and ignored the pointless question. "How did you accumulate these? At least half have to be rare or limited editions."
"Yes they are. Most I bought, but a few were gifted by Dumbledore and older potion masters I have connections with," he replied as he walked to her.
"May I read a few sir?" Hermione asked innocently in an attempt to win his answer.
Snape grinned. He knew eventually she would take tl his collection and want to read the lot of them. "Perhaps another time pet. It is late and you do have classes tomorrow."
Hermione groaned to herself. She wanted to read them all. She didn't want to leave for numerous reasons and she couldn't pull herself away from them. Snape grabbed a hold of her hand pulled her towards him. "Do I need to walk my brave little lion back to her room again?" He purred.
Hermione blushed and looked away. He always could get her attention one way or another it seemed. "I think she would appreciate it sir," she said quietly as she tried not to grin.
Snape smiled softly and smoothed a stray curl from her face tucking it behind her ear. "Put your pants on and let me get dressed." Hermione's heart skipped a beat at the gesture. Whether he had done it knowingly or subconsciously, whether it meant anything or not, she still felt a warmth spreading in her chest. Hermione pulled on her pants and continued to admire his book collection while he dressed. Snape found himself unable to keep from smiling and shaking his head at her focused interest. "Come on pet," he said putting on his robes.
Leaving the room they walked side by side in silence on their way to her room. The only sound being their foot steps and the occasional snore from a portrait. Halting once they reached her portrait Hermione turned to him. "Good night Professor," she said calmly trying not to smile because she knew it made him uncomfortable. It was highly doubtful he had many people smiling around him besides Dumbledore.
For some reason Snape felt compelled to return her well wishes. "Goodnight Miss Granger," Snape said in as soft quiet voice, and he turned to leave not allowing himself a second longer to linger. The desire to take her in his arms again and ravish her in the hallway was very much real.
Hermione had mixed feelings as she watched him disappear into the darkness yet again. She was bubbly with the fact he had said good night to her…yet disappointed he hadn't referred to her as pet.
XXXXXXXX
Friday morning Hermione woke early feeling fresh. The sunlight was beaming and she felt a wave of happiness rush over her body as she appreciated waking up. It was a feeling she missed but her brain still doubted the positivity within her.
As Hermione was enjoying her biscuits from Minley a tapping on the window disrupted her peacefulness. It was Luna's owl. "Hi there little guy, do you have a letter for me?" The owl stuck our his leg and offered her the letter. She took it and left a crumble of biscuit on the windows edge.
Hello Hermione,
I'm actually doing quite well. My dad has given me an entire page to manage on my own and run as I please. I'm hoping to run a article on our dirigible plums and start my anonymous column.
I understand you don't want to tell me. But I say as long as you aren't harming anyone or creatures, and it isn't illegal I wouldn't let yourself worry about what people view as ethical and unethical. I hardly think you would do anything wrong anyways. Will it make you happy? That's all that matters. You don't have to worry about my opinion either, I won't be opposed to your happiness.
Id love to come visit! I can't next week though as I have a few interviews discussing Wrackspurt infestations. But the week after just let me know a time!
Take care,
Luna
Hermione was torn between smiling and being frustrated. Of course Luna wouldn't mind but that didn't mean everyone else wouldn't. In face basically everyone else would highly disapprove of her feelings and probably want to send her off to the psych ward in 's.
Deciding to take a walk Hermione began making her way to the court yard. As she passed the front entrance Hermione was startled to see the red robes of Professor Vector appearing around a corner.
"Miss Granger! How wonderful it is to see you dear! I would have expected you to be at home well before now." Professor Vector said cheerfully.
Hermione smiled. "I thought it would be wise I took as few extra classes. Hagrid, Professor Flitwick, and Professor Snape were more than generous to offer their time to me."
"Oh they did? That is indeed most generous. I can't sat I know of the last time a student stayed during the summer. I'm surprised Flitwick decided to stay. Usually he has a grand time catching up with his friends…and Snape. I must say I find it odd he would willingly teach a student without being forced.."
Hermione nodded in agreement. It was very true still but some how she seemed exempt from that fate. "He wasn't easy to get on board but from what the Headmistress said he had already made plans to stay anyways."
Professor Vector was quite a moment as if thinking. "Do you know what you are going to do once your classes are over?" She asked.
Hermione sighed. "I have to admit I am unsure. Id always wanted to work at the ministry but I don't think it is the right place for me anymore."
Professor Vector nodded in understanding. "You've always been very gifted in your school. Have you considered teaching?" she asked.
Hermione raised her eyebrows at the idea. "I haven't given anything much thought recently. I've just been focusing on my classes."
"Add it to your list of things to consider my dear. I'd be more than open to offer you an apprenticeship if you ever feel the calling." Professor Vector offered.
"Calling?" Hermione asked aloud. She knew that many people felt "callings" but she had never had such feelings towards anything in particular.
"Many arithmancers usually feel this…..drawing to the subject for personal reasons. Sometimes it ends after they finish their personal interest but for some it develops into quite the fascinating hobby. That's what happened to me and next thing I knew here I am teaching it." Professor Vector explained with a visit of nostalgia in her voice.
Hermione looked at her with a blank face. How had she not considered arithmancy as a source of potential guidance? It had proven itself useful time and time again in many aspects of peoples lives.
Professor Vector smiled knowingly at the silence. She had seen that face before…..a face of realization. "I see you have may have a bit on your mind at the moment. My offer will always stand if you ever want to consider it." She began to walk away. "Have a good day Miss Granger…..and good luck in your classes!"
XXXXXXX
McGonagall lifted her head from her paperwork as she heard the stone staircase begin to move, and she saw the long thin black hair appear. "Ah Professor Vector dear. Please take a seat." McGonagall offered gesturing to the seat before her.
"Thank you Headmistress. I hope I'm not disrupting your summer schedule," Professor Vector said taking the seat.
McGonagall pushed her papers to the side and sat up a little straighter. "I am curious as to what you have to discuss. Your owl seemed quite urgent," the older woman stated in a professional tone.
"I just saw Miss Granger in the hall. What is she doing in the school?" Professor Vector asked curiously.
McGonagall sighed. "Yes. Miss Granger approached me before end of term and asked if I'd allow her to take on some extra summer classes. There were a few teachers who elected to stay over summer break so I allowed her the opportunity. She has seemed quite troubled the last year so I thought a few more classes may aid her. You know how she loves school."
"Have you noticed anything different about her since summer started?" Professor Vector asked.
McGonagall focused her eyes more on the woman. "I haven't seen her much. She is more than capable of tending to herself and keeping out of trouble. I plan on meeting with her this afternoon to discuss progress."
"Good good," Professor Vector said as if reassuring herself.
McGonagall peered over her glasses trying to read the woman. "I know that face Septima. What is wrong?"
Professor Vector scanned the frames on the walls "Is Albus around?" she asked softly.
"Of course, he is….." McGonagall turned to her left. "Albus, Septima has something to discuss. Wake up!"
Dumbledore stirred from his chair in the frame. "What is it Minevra?" He mumbled as he opened his eyes.
"Professor Vector request your presence for this meeting," McGonagall said more loudly as to further wake him.
"Yes yes..." The old man stretched. "Septima, you are looking troubled my dear. What is on your mind?" He asked.
Professor Vector took a deep breath to begin. "It is about Miss Granger Albus."
McGonagall raises her eyebrows, but Dumbledore seemed unbothered by the revelation. Professor Vector continued. "You know I check the staff's lines every summer. An unknown event will occur in the next few months that will endanger the staff. I have little indication as to what it is yet though."
"How does this relate to Miss Granger?" McGonagall asked impatiently. "She won't be here for the upcoming school year."
Professor Vector ignored the statement. "It originally showed the probability of avoiding this event at about 25%. But Miss Granger's line has appeared and if it merges as predicted before the beginning of term…this merge pushes us to a nearly complete avoidance of the event. Now it also shows mine and Miss Granger's line running parallel soon. I just offered her an apprenticeship. It is the only explanation I could think of." She waited for one of the two elders to speak. They seemed to be processing her words.
Dumbledore spoke first. "That seems wise. Come Septima. Show me would you?"
Professor Vector stepped towards the portrait and waved her wand. A map of lines appeared before them in the air. Dumbledore studied it for a moment. "Ah I see. The gray line. Do we have a name for them yet?"
"No sir," Professor Vector said in a soft tone. She has inputted all the data she could find but had still came up with little detail for the line.
"Interesting. Have you calculated 's, Miss Granger's, and 's lines to see if they are of any significance?" Dumbledore asked.
Professor Vector pointed her wand towards the bottom of the map. "The boys line are here. But they only appeared once Miss Granger's merge happened. Even then they only shifted slightly nearer. 's more so than 's."
Dumbledore studied the map more closely. "I assume Miss Granger's is the blue?"
"Yes, and mine is this one," she pointed to the parallel red line. "This is McGonagalls, Hagrids, Pomphreys, Flitwick's, Sprouts, and Madam Hooches," she said pointing out each line as she spoke.
"It seems Miss Granger's collision with the event drastically effects the outcome. It moves all the teachers and the school lines away….so it appears crucial she should be here." Dumbledore stated knowingly.
"Indeed. But it seems this only occurs once her line merges here," she pointed to the intersection of the blue and yellow line. "Her line only appeared last month and has since been on its course to the merge. Before her appearance the event was quite…catastrophic to the school." Her voice was heavy in the air.
Dumbledore began stroking his beard, his eyes never leaving the map before him. "Any indication. As to what the yellow line represents Septima?"
Professor Vector looked to McGonagall than to Dumbledore, and she took a deep breath before speaking firmly. "Snape."
McGonagall's eyes went wide but Dumbledore simply continued to stroke his beard in interest.
"Fascinating," he said excitedly.
