Chapter 10 – Twice Cursed

"Finally," Severus said aloud as he sat up and swung his legs around to the side. "That girl has entirely too much hold over my libido." He continued to himself.

How am I ever going to gain enough control to not be a blithering idiot around her when she grinds against me like that. And her constant little touches and kisses. I'm a fucking goner. Longbottom is more competent with a cauldron than I am at resisting her advances.

He made his way to the bathroom, feeling irritated with himself and in desperate need of bladder relief as he struggled to tame his erection for the task while wandlessly transfiguring the bath tub back to the useful facility of a toilet. Ten minutes later, after a mildly successful attempt at merging two lanes of traffic into one - certainly exceeded expectations, he praised himself - Severus was desperate to the then transfigure it into a shower and feel freshened but with Hermione's promise of a sponge bath, he reluctantly settled for a light cleansing charm, followed by a deodorising potion he had concealed in his robes.

My robes… hmmm, considering her distaste for buttons, perhaps I should make preparations for her to cleanse my body less taxing; just a small wave here and…

Returning to 'their bedroom' as he had unconsciously dubbed it, Severus looked down at his thick black tunic; thirty buttons lined the right side of the front panel, securing it to panel below. Another wave of his hand vanished two thirds of the obsidian fastenings and spaced out the remainder. There, that should speed up the fun. Honestly, my wand is closer to an accessory rather than a tool at this point. I really am very good at magic. He thought, allowing his long-thought-dead-pride to breathe.

He paced the room, mindful of how walking felt like such a luxury considering he was unexpectedly alive and had temporary freedom from Miss Granger's presence. Circling the room for nigh on ten minutes, he focused on completing the task of dousing his arousal before he glanced back at the bed.

She's left the book. Could she know I am conscious? Perhaps she left it for my perusal. Nothing in her mind, words or other actions would suggest such.

He crossed to the bed, in three strides; robes billowing out - Oh, how I've missed the billowing these last two days. It is not the same without a fearful audience but it does make me feel better. And apparently, it is… sexy! – and picked up the book to examine it.

"Ancient Proclivities of Ceremonial Enchantments; by… Rowena Ravenclaw?"

I never thought to consider the author, or remember whom she was. I haven't studied this since my NEWTs. Of course, she was considered the most advanced researcher of magical lore of her age but to have discovered the soul connection relating to wand materials and adornments is astonishing.

Fast reader as he was, he flipped through the pages in a matter of minutes.

It seems there is nothing to be done but accept what the fates have deemed correct. Miss Granger and I, soulmates; Hermione and I, lovers…

He took a deep breath before allowing his next thought…

Mr and Mrs Snape; Mr and Mrs Severus Snape; Mrs Hermione Snape - it does have a certain ring to it I suppose. And what of the other connection… the water infused with Merlin's tainted magic? Merlin's magic was cursed by Morgana Le Fey; a punishment for his meddling in her love life, magically keeping her from Arthur's bed.

It was a curse that affected two people connected by a soul-mate bond. If Merlin's magic touched both individuals in any way, they were condemned to… "the sopophorus bean is practically alive and tries to jump away from the blade when trying to escape its own death; don't let it know the blade is coming. Crush don't cut…"

Stupid fucking sopophorus bean. Think Severus, think… The first of the bonded souls to encounter the tainted magic had the ability to… to… to wield their will over the second. It's the… Oh fuck, it's the soul mate curse.

"I'm under the FUCKING SOUL MATE CURSE!" he bellowed into the empty room, so powerfully the wards rippled; at least that's what he thought made the wards ripple.

'…maybe she's just biding her time. It's not like she could force the fidelius secret out of me. Well, at least I can do as I please with him for now… '

Hermione's thoughts echoed in his mind, getting louder as she approached.

His eyebrow shot up in amusement at her thoughts, and expectation that she would follow through on the idea of 'anything' even as he dived onto the bed, replacing the book on the corner where he found it and settled himself back into 'position'. Just as the door opened, Severus closed his eyes.

'If 'anything I please' is not going a little too far?

It isn't little witch.

'Oh Gods, Hermione, STOP! This is Severus Snape we're talking about.'

It is indeed. Such a dirty minded thing you are, lusting over your Professor.

'He's already going to kill me for the cuddling this morning. Pull yourself together.'

Don't be so sure little witch. It has been too long since I cuddled. If it wasn't for all that incessant grinding against my supposed unconscious state, it would have been far less torturous.

'When he wakes up, you're going to need to 'imperious' him to get what you want.'

That will not be necessary, I assure you, Miss Granger. Although, I highly doubt your good heart would allow you do such a thing; not that I would be susceptible if you tried.

He heard her rummaging and then an adorable gurgling sound.

'I'm not even going to think about Harry's reaction – he actually turned green; at least he didn't have a fit.'

Did she tell the boy of her feelings for me? Of the soul connection? Surely not. He may be a friend but as someone who she has been… his mind convulsed in disgust… intimate with, he would hardly want to know. She sighed.

'That boy and his anger; although I suppose he has a lot less to be angry about now.'

We all do, thanks to your brilliant mind… Hermione. Oooo, something smells good. Is that Italian?

'What was that warming charm again? Dammit! I hate it when I'm proven wrong. Hmmm, Standard Book of Spells, Grade Three. At least I was right to always carry all my books with me.'

Severus smirked to himself. My little know-it-all, the crux of her knowledge is a metric ton of books in a bag only eight inches long.

"Accio, Standard Book of Spells, Grade Three," she cast, dejectedly.

"At least no one is around to notice my momentary lack of academic prowess." His witch muttered before shifting as if turning toward him.

"Except for you, of course. Technically, I know you'll mock me for it if you're even remotely aware of what's going on but I refuse to take any of your shit anymore…"

Is that so?

"Because, you know what, I'm human, I'm hungry and I've just been through a war. I'm entitled to a mini-lapse in memory. I'd have remembered eventually, I'm just starving."

You eat up little witch. And save me some. Mmmmm, Italian.

As if in reply, Severus's stomach rumbled his own hunger at the scent.

"Oh shit, I really should feed you first. At least I got cookies last night. Although you had your hands all over my cookies this morning, didn't you? Dirty old man."

If I could show it, Hermione, I would smirk at that. Dirty old man, indeed. You were the one grinding all over my morning lack of bodily control.

'Right, potions.'

Here we go. Faux food and thought invasion. She'll have me as naked as the day I was born in an hour.

He entered her mind as she read the letter…

'Miss Granger, dear,

I do hope you are taking good care of our darling Severus and he isn't giving you any trouble.'

Darling Severus indeed – he scoffed, internally. It really didn't take long to get Poppy back on side.

'Minerva says he's still unconscious so that must be quite the blessing for you.'

I sincerely doubt that Poppy, considering my little witch is an insatiable minx who won't be satisfied until she's ridden me into oblivion.

'Now, as you are stubbornly keeping everyone away from him…'

Keeping me all to yourself, are you my delectable little minx. How adorably possessive of you?

'… and I cannot assess his vitals in person please follow the first set of instructions about collecting information on his condition before proceeding to give him sustenance.'

A rustling of papers and Hermione's mind focused once more on the words in front of her.

'Have a parchment ready to receive the data you are about to collect.

Cast the diagnostic spell 'notitia muneris' at Severus directly. It readies the body and the wand for the next set of charms.

Place the tip of your wand at the pulse point of his right wrist and draw three small circles there whilst reciting:

'Sanguis Revelio'

'Nervus Damnum'

'Cerebrum Munus'

These three medical detection charms will assess his blood, nerve system and brain function.

Place the tip of the wand on the parchment and incant 'nullam notitia' to relinquish the results on to the parchment.

As you have no owl, I will give you my spell to transfer medical documentation.

Roll up the parchment and use a sticking spell to seal it, then use your wand once more and recite 'orci translatitio'; the parchment will glow blue and disappear from you, arriving in my magically sealed in-tray.'

A wave of excitement rolled off of the witch at his side as she reached the end of her instructions.

"Eeeeeeee," the witch squealed, giving resonance to her excitement.

'New spells; healer spells. Gods, I love new spells.'

"The things I do for you, sir. Honestly."

Don't fool yourself Hermione. You are evidently doing this for yourself and the prospect of new spells.

Severus lacked the worry he would have if it had been any other witch or wizard practicing an unknown spell on him but the diagnostic charms were non-invasive and she was a very brilliant witch.

Further rustling of parchments and he felt her magic surround him as she uttered the preparation spell: "notitia muneris". His right wrist tingled in anticipation of the touch of her wand as she took it in her hand. There was a deep breath by both parties, his just more stealthily inhaled, then he felt the light press of her wand tip against his skin and three small circles being drawn…

"Sanguis Revelio"

"Nervus Damnum"

"Cerebrum Munus"

Followed a moment later by, "nullam notitia", the rolling of parchment and a wordless sticking charm.

"Orci Translatitio"

A moment later and the witch was squealing in excitement again. He entered her mind again as she regained her equilibrium and focused on the next set of instructions.

'Now dear, there are spells to control the limbs and sit Severus up so he could partake of that delicious looking lasagne from the house-elves – Italian food is his favourite, you know – but I fear for your safety if you did that to him so we shall proceed with the potions.'

No! No, no, no. I want the lasagne. Poppy, just wait till I get my wand on you; I'll have you cursed into next year for denying me the elves lasagne. Why didn't you tell her to just wake me?

'I will however allow you the spell to easily administer the potions without having to get to personal, for this part anyway.'

If only you knew Poppy. This witch can't wait to get personal with me.

'The green potion is Revita-min: It will feed his body the much needed vitamins and minerals he needs. This needs to be given only once a day. In the morning is probably best.'

Ah yes, I brewed that last month. Should still be fresh.

'The pink potion is the meal replacement you asked for. Full of protein, essentials fats and his other favourite flavour – strawberries. This should be administered twice a day but at least five hours apart.'

She must have brewed fresh in my absence or especially for me considering the strawberry flavouring. I suppose she is redeemed for denying me the lasagne. Hermione will save me some anyway.

'The spell you need is: 'medicinales curas subire'. Place the potion, uncorked in his wand hand – right in Severus's case – and stand back before casting it. It has a stasis charm on it so it will not spill without contact to the recipient's lips.'

Oh, dear sweet Salazar; the witch is going to animate my 'prone form' as if I were a bloody inferi.

Severus relaxed his observance on Hermione's thoughts as she took a few deep breaths and steadied her nerves at the prospect of manoeuvring his body but returned to them as she read Poppy's instructions for his convalescence.

'Hopefully this won't make you too squeamish sweetheart, after months on the run with those two boys but Severus needs to be kept clean and given exercises to avoid his muscles seizing up. It wouldn't happen for a while but as we do not know how long he will be unconscious, we need to take precautions.'

Never fear, Poppy. Hermione is a sinful seductress who will have no qualms about such things as rubbing me down or riding me back into consciousness.

'You are likely to blush a lot during the cleaning process and you have every right to but do not let it put you off or distract you. You may wish to use a spell to clean him but hands on is more effective. I have included with your supplies a hypo-allergenic flannel and a delicate soap and shampoo – Severus has very sensitive skin and can't use anything too abrasive.'

Did you have to mention that Poppy? I expect such indiscretion from the students but not from the medi-witch. Dunderheaded Gossipy witch. And blush or not, I can't see anything putting my little Gryffindor off. Have you even met her? Insufferable in her determination.

'As for the exercises, at this point you only need to make sure to bend his knees up to his chest at least five times each in turn, twist his neck from side to side at least three times a day and have his arms placed in different positions to keep his cramping at bay – the cramping is from a particularly nasty crucio from last year.'

Is nothing private, woman?

'I have deputised you as Severus's healer and guardian until he regains consciousness. Any problems please send me a patronus.

Good luck

Poppy Pomfrey

Hogwarts'

Well that would explain the indiscretion. Hermione Granger, quasi-healer.

A surge of confidence exploded from Hermione aimed directly at him and he was thrown from her mind as she began to speak to him.

"It's payback time Severus Snape. I've been deputised by Madam Pomfrey to look after you properly, as a healer. Which means I get to feed you, bathe you and generally do almost whatever I want."

Oh shit. Severus thought, his stomach sinking at the idea of pay back for the last seven years of sneers, scowls and billowing robes. Oh no, actually likes the billowing robes. Sneers, scowls and petty insults, then.

A maniacal laugh escaped her lips; such was the state of her delirious glee.

I'm starting to have doubts about your motivations witch. A knot of unsuppressed nerves started to curl in his gut.

"Listen to that Professor, I practically cackled." Dear Merlin, she sounds like she belongs in Slytherin. I'm starting to like this witch. "You must be so proud, surely such a sound is worthy of any Slytherin, even you. Now, let's get these potions into you and then I need food before I expire. And after that…"

He felt her lean into him, her warm breath on his ear making him tense to supress a shiver as her voice lowered to a whisper, "you're getting a sponge bath."

Then her lips were on his skin. Just below his ear and… is that her tongue. Oh Gods, preserve me,he thought as her delicate tongue slid up the curve of his ear. He could not hold in the resulting shudder or prevent the roar of blood to his cock, which doubled at her next words.

"Mmmmm, I love the taste of Slytherin in the afternoon."

Siren!

He felt her withdraw, the loss of heat disappointing but forgotten with familiar sound of a phial being uncorked followed by the feeling of it being placed it in his right hand and his fingers being curled around it. He gripped lightly as she removed her hand to prevent it slipping. Best get this part over with quickly. I want that sponge bath.

He heard her recite direct from the instructions:

"Medicinales curas subire"

She gasped at what the spell did.

He felt himself lurch forward, sitting bolt upright and had to struggle to keep him eyes closed from the rush of magic which urged his body to lift the phial to his lips and tip back his head; he swallowed. Thirty seconds later, the magic released and he felt himself collapse back to the bed, looking as soundly asleep as before with effort.

"Well, that was dramatic. One more and then you're on the back burner for half hour whilst I sort myself out."

Does she mean food or…, Merlin, I don't think I could feign sleep if she did that out here.

Once more he heard the uncorking of a phial and felt it being placed in his right hand; the repeat of the animation spell and his surging forward to consume the strawberry flavoured potion.

Mmmmmm, strawberry.

"Don't say I never do anything for you, Professor."

Never, my little siren of seduction.

He heard the clinking of phials being tossed into a cavernous pit – her bag – and then a weight on the bed near him and a rustle of pages.

"Calora tri-gradus," she whispered, presumably at the elf-made lasagne. Grrrrr!

The sound of her eating filled the small room along with excruciating moans of appreciation which only amplified the ache in his groin. Just as it was once again becoming unbearable, Severus was distracted by her voice.

"Delicious! I do hope this means the house-elves have forgiven me for S.P.E.W."

He heard several deep breaths and an excited squeal from her mind.

"Okay. Well, I guess it's time."

There were several swishes of her wand as she wordlessly cast around for everything she needed and Severus prepared himself for the moment of truth.

This witch is about to get quite a surprise. Grinding is one thing, sight is quite another. And the pretence is over. I will not allow her to leave me unsatisfied again.

He could feel her nervousness thanks to him empathic skills but she had a tight hold on them; her Gryffindor bravery winning out as she gave herself another pep-talk.

'I have never backed away or cowed from Severus Snape and I'm not going to start now.'

His mind registered three very deep breaths before he felt the bed sink under her delicate weight and she climbed up to straddle his hips.

'Oh my, you are ready for this, aren't you sir?'

Brazen, wanton little…

"Let's get you out of these robes, sir. It's time for your sponge bath."

By all mean, witch; disrobe away.

'Oh Merlin, what first… buttons. No, as satisfying as doing this by hand would be, I've waited long enough.'

"Evanesco" he heard her say is a slightly quivering voice before a rush of cool air hit his entire body. "There, finally I get a good look at you without those endless bloody robes and buttons."

Well, witch. What are you waiting for?

"Oh my, but you are gorgeous. I never imagined… "

Fingertips, light as a feather, swirled uneven patterns in his coarse, black chest hair.

'I have to… I just have to…'

Seconds felt like hours as he felt her lean forward and place the ghost of a kiss where his chest hair was thickest.

Oh Gods witch, you're trying to kill me. Did you save my life to torture me?

'Mmmmmm' the only thought in her mind as she inhaled his scent.

Then she was pulling back again and he heard the swirl of water and the lathering of suds.

Hot, wet towelling fabric ran down his chest in a long sweeping movement, stopping just where the dark hair running from his navel hit the waistband of his boxers.

She really is trying to kill me. He struggled not to throw his head back as she tested her resolve and dipped the flannel beyond the elasticated prison of his throbbing erection.

She gasped as her fingers accidently grazed the engorged appendage.

'Oh my God.'

Enough! I really can't take anymore.

"Enough, witch" his voice gravelly; deep, rich and filled with the demand of his lust.

She squeaked in surprise and jumped to move from him in panic.

Severus was quicker.

A/N: Well, there we have it, I finally reached the sponge bath scene – not that I gave you much of it but, you know, Slytherin – hehe.

Favourite, Follow, review as you please. Reviews inspire me to write and I have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback to this story. Love to you all. Sevione forever.