Disclaimer; you know the drill, I'm not her, don't sue, bla, bla, bla. No money, yada, yada :D
Warning: This chapter contains scenes which are not suitable for minors. If this is you turn back now please. Or if you have delicate sensibilities and don't like to read about lemony goodness, then you may not enjoy this chapter either. If yer an adult, and you like lemons, then forage on.
A/N; Well my lovely's, I've had MANY , many emails requesting the next chapter, so here it is, such as it is. I know there are some funkies through out here but, I'm sorry, this is the best I am able to do. I hope you are able to enjoy it all the same. I'm sorry this chapter has been a long time in coming and I'm thrilled you have come back to read it. RL has been pounding on my door as of late and I can only say that, hopefully now things can settle down, what with this being the summer and all. (Phew long winded much? lol)
Thanks muchly to my beta L.J. (Big huggies)
Please request permission, prior to posting to archive sites.
Chapter 11: Tuesday
The next morning Hermione woke early; as usual; with her head resting on Severus' shoulder. She stayed very still, not wanting to wake him and enjoyed the flood of warmth emanating from him. Many times during the night when he seemed to be having a bad dream, Hermione would touch him or speak softly to him. However, being woken up several times a night from a light sleep is not restful and her eyes were now burning.
She lay there listening to his breathing. Now that she was awake and more coherent, she couldn't understand why she didn't simply give him a dreamless draft. Because you like being needed by him, her mind provided for her. Hermione rolled her eyes at herself and tried to rub some of the sleep and tiredness out of them. Lifting her head, she studied his profile. She could see the muscles working in his strong jaw, even as he slept. It drove her crazy. Her gaze wandered up to his closed lids. She loved his dark expressive eyes and although they usually only held displeasure, last night they had shown a whole range of emotions and some of what she had seen had scared her. Not for herself, but of what all this was doing to him, mentally and emotionally.
She wondered whether or not Dumbledore actually understood what it was doing to the man laying next to her. If he understood what it was costing Severus. And did the old man care? Lowering her head, Hermione felt a little ashamed of herself. Of course Dumbledore knew, and cared, she was just being silly. But what could he do? What could any of them do? Raising her eyes to linger over the face beside her she wondered how much more of Voldemort he would be able to take, before it was all to much for him. Then where would we all be? She wondered silently. Giving herself a mental shake, Hermione started tracing the planes of his face and jaw. Something was happening to her. She wasn't sure what it was as of yet but it was definitely different then anything she had ever felt before. She knew for certain something was different about her heart. She had felt it the first time they had kissed in his private lab. "I think I. . ." she started to say, then stopped and shook her head. What if I'm wrong, she thought. What if he hears me say it and freaks out? How many novels had she read where the woman says endearment to a man, only to have him bolt or worse, laugh in her face? No she definitely couldn't say out loud what she was feeling. If he heard her, she would never live down the humiliation if he didn't feel the same for her.
She was falling for him of that she was certain. With Harry and Ron it was different. They were family. The siblings she had never had and always wanted. She understood the difference now.
She thought she had been in love with Ron at one point. They had, had a fiery romance between sixth and seventh year, but it hadn't worked out. He had a flaming red temper to match his hair, and Hermione; if truth be told; could be quite stubborn. But as volatile as the relationship had been, they knew how to make up for it with their passionate natures. They would have burned each other out in a matter of years. So her mother advised, after they had a long heart to heart talk about her relationship with Ron. Her mum had made her see that they were better off as friends. She knew how much Hermione valued their friendship, how much she loved both boys and it would all have been ruined if she allowed it to go any farther. So after talking to Ron they both agreed to call it off. Ron even admitted that kissing her had been like kissing his sister. All wrong. Now, after kissing Severus, she totally understood what he meant.
Her internal musings were interrupted by Nala popping into the room. She crept to the bed silently. Hermione turned her head to watch the small elf approach the bed. "Miss?" She whispered.
"Yes?" She whispered back, with a smile.
"Is you wanting some food? You been awake long time. You must be hungry." The nervous elf replied.
"I'm fine Nala but thank you. I'll wait till Se. . . err the Professor wakes." Hermione wondered if the elf noticed her stumble.
"He is," came the grumble from beneath her. It made the Gryffindor squeak and jump slightly. "And if I must listen to your stomach rumble again, I may end up having to cook for you myself. So you are lucky Nala showed up when she did."
Hermione was shocked, he had made a joke. She simply stared at him wondering what to do. She was pleased that he was able to joke with her but she was also terrified that he would start in on her about the sleeping arrangements.
Lifting a hand to her jaw Severus placed a finger under her chin and closed her gaping mouth, then smirked at the effect he seemed to be having on her. He saw the delight in her eyes at his joke, which pleased him. But he caught some doubt flitting in there also. He needed to get rid of the damn elf so that they could speak. "We shall eat in about an hour Nala."
The little Elf bowed so low the tips of her ears nearly touched the ground, and with a pop she was gone.
The two occupants lying in the bed stared into the others eyes. Quietly trying to ascertain what the other was thinking. Hermione broke first.
"How," she cleared her throat, "how long have you been awake?"
"Not long," he admitted, "I heard Nala pop in."
"Oh," she replied.
Turning his head to the side so as to better see Hermione he ran a finger up and down her arm. "Why are you trembling?"he whispered, his voice low and sexy, just the way she liked it. Hermione smiled and closed her eyes breathing in his warmth, the scent that was uniquely him. Laying back down into his arms as she did so.
"I was afraid you would be angry with me being here, in your bed, and after last night I know you needed some time, but. . ." She was rambling. She knew she was but it was like a locomotive, once she got going there was no stopping until she ran out of steam. " I'm sorry, but you called out in the night and I just couldn't leave you like that." Hermione lowered her eyes to the bottom sheet of the bed and picked at a pill that had formed there. "Not if there were a way for me to. . . stop the onset of a nightmare," she finished quietly.
Severus was overwhelmed. No one had ever done anything like that before. When he had regular childhood nightmares at home, his governess would scold him and place a silencing spell on his room so that he wouldn't disturb the rest of the family's slumber. A time or two when his mother had been walking by his room, and if the governess had forgotten to place the spell, she would come in to his room and comfort him. He longed to tell his mother what his father and the governess were saying to him, but he had been informed that if he told her, she would not be allowed to see him anymore. So on the rare nights his mother came to him, he would cling desperately to her, until he grew warm enough in his heart to sleep, knowing that the feeling would have to carry him for a long time.
Later at school his roommates would cast the silencing charm on his bed until they informed him he needed to cast it nightly for himself. Eventually he became so good at it, he needed only to refreshen the spell every other day.
As an adult Severus had been in the infirmary on several occasions. At those times Poppy would either give him a dreamless draft or wake him. He had presumed it was so he didn't awaken the other occupants in the room. So it was, that if he was able to leave under his own power he never stayed with the medi-witch. She was never harsh with him when she had, had to waken him he realized. But it still humiliated him that she knew.
Hermione tucked one arm underneath her head and lay staring into his eyes. Lifting her other hand, she started tracing a path along one eye brow then down the side to end at the tip of his jaw. "Has anyone ever told you, that you have the most beautiful eyes?" She asked smiling softly, once more.
She had done it again. With a few words, she had shocked him. Pulling back a bit, Severus took in Hermione's whole face, to see if she was teasing or making fun of him. His eyes narrowed in his scrutiny. Though there was a smile on her face, and in her eyes, there was nothing vicious, or malevolent about the comment as he had come to expect.
Severus had been quiet so long Hermione started to worry. "What's wrong Severus? Why do you look so sad?" As suddenly as the mask had fallen away, it was replaced. It quickly hit her like a hippogryph on a rampage. No one had ever told him. She spoke what she was thinking. "No one has ever told you how beautiful you are have they?"
Severus started to turn from her. It was making his chest ache. How could her simple words have such power over him? No one had power over him, though many had tried to take it, like his family. Many thought they had it because they themselves were powerful, like Voldemort, or Lucius. Even the great Dumbledore believed he had some small power over him. Well, to be honest, he had freely given some to the old man. Yet here was this young slip of a witch wielding so much and she neither asked for it nor demanded it. She has no idea of it either, of that he was sure, which; in his mind; made it worse
Severus couldn't count how many times, as a child in the house of Snape, he had be berated by a family member for his looks. One day in particular stood out in his mind.
It was the end of the sixth year and Severus had sent an owl to his parents several times during the last term informing them of a growth spurt. He had inquired about extra funds to purchase new robes and if not, then at least some new trousers, as his socks were beginning to show. His father had responded by saying that new clothes were purchased at the beginning of the year not near the end. He had even gone so far as to say, that if Severus had so foolishly not taken care of his clothes that he would not bail out his son. Severus' face flamed red at the unfairness of the accusation. He had always been very careful of his clothing. His father knew this and yet he was being denied.
He was quickly becoming the laughing stock of his year. Potter and his gang were a constant thorn in his backside. Taunting his ever shortening robes and pants. Still Severus held his head up high, as though he had heard nothing. But inside he was dying a little death. At one point he had taken them to the house elves to see if maybe something could be done about his clothing. The largest house elf he had ever seen approached him, a wary expression on his face.
"And what is it you is needing, young Master Snape? How may we be of service?" The elf bowed low never taking his eyes off of Severus' .
"I need to speak with whom ever it is that does the mending," Severus replied.
"Ahh, Sir, that would be Snick. It is his place to do all the mending. Is there something Sir required mending, straight a way?" Looking at Severus' hands and finding them empty, his face held confusion.
"No I merely wanted a word with him. . .," as the house elf didn't move Severus was quickly losing his patients, "Now, would be good." Severus growled.
Finally being led to the elf, Severus found him, sitting on a low stool mending a small mountain of socks. Looking up the elf's mouth hung open in shock to see one of the students standing before him.
"Are you Snick?" The small elf bobbed his head up and down, acknowledging Severus. "For Merlin's sake close your mouth your not in trouble. I merely want a word with you come here." The little elf tripped over his own feet, trying to get to Severus quickly.
After explaining to the elf what he wanted, Severus was told that nothing could be done. If the trousers were magicked in any way it would interfere with all of his classes. He would not be able to cast or brew anything properly. That the elfin magic would interfere with his own natural magic. Sighing Severus left the elf.
Severus finished up the year to the taunts of his class mates. Upon returning home, he met his family in the parlor room. His mother sat in a high backed chair, while his father stood next to and slightly behind her. Upon entering the room Severus bowed to his mother. Then greeted his father. Then he spoke to them after showing them his marks. "Now do you see mother why I asked for the robes?"
But before his wife could answer his father placed his hand on his wife's shoulder and spoke, "I see no difference. Now go and change for dinner." Burning with hate for this man he turned on his heel and swiftly left the room.
His father had always maintained that he was too short to be a true Snape, now that he had finally shot up in height, his father still wouldn't acknowledge this difference. No kind words had ever been uttered from that man. Severus had finally reconciled himself to the knowledge that none ever would. His appearance was never good enough for him. Everything from his nose to his hair, and even the growth spurts he was having, were constantly ridiculed. Merlin forbid if his father saw him with out a shirt on. He would start in about his color and then move on to his lac of brawn. Well, at least on that point his father had to let that one drop. Who knew that just by becoming a potions master, one could get broader shoulders, muscular arms, and a well defined chest.
As he was trying to escape from the past and present, Hermione pinned him to the bed with her body. Her face next to his, and one leg thrown over his to keep him from bolting. His eyes were closed, as if by closing them he could shut out her words; shut her out. Leaning toward him Hermione placed a kiss on each closed lid. He flinched both times. Stroking his face with a tender, gentle hand, she spoke softly as she moved to stroke her fingers through his hair. "They were the ignorant ones, who could not see your beauty. It is their loss not yours. And my amazing fortune." She kissed his cheek, and the tip of his nose.
Slowly he opened his eyes. Bending down Hermione claimed his mouth, wanting to erase some of the hurt that had been done to him long before she had come along. Severus couldn't resist her soft lips caressing his, urging him to participate. His hand slid up her body and into her unruly hair, his other hand, on her back drew her closer.
Hermione lay against him, propped up on her elbow, her other hand on his chest. The simple act of touching his bare chest was starting to tighten things lower down, and she sighed, causing Severus to deepen the kiss. It wasn't enough. She wanted more and trailed her hand down his pale chest, over his abdomen, until she ran across his silk nightwear. Severus gasped as Hermione slid her hand over the material with the lightest of strokes, as she moaned. It had the desired effect, making him shudder.
Severus' voice was husky and thick with want. "Hermione," he moaned, "I need you. As a man needs a woman." His hands stroked down from shoulder to her hip and beyond, ending on her bare thigh. He rubbed his cheek along hers, the stubble gently scraping and arousing her. Lowering his lips to her neck he started nipping and tasting her. "Say yes," he breathed into her ear, his hot breath giving her shivers of her own. He added an afterthought with a growl, "However if you want me to stop you must tell me so now."
Pulling back Hermione smiled at him. Even though she was the one who started all of this, she thought it was still sweet that he asked. She could read in his eyes that after everything, Hermione might still play the 'I was only kidding' card. "Yes, Severus," she kissed him, "a thousand times yes."
With that affirmation, Severus pulled her soft cotton nightshirt over her head and threw it to the floor. Using his body, he pushed her down to the bed so that they were chest to chest, skin to skin, as he claimed her mouth. Hermione ran her hands up his arms wrapping her own about his neck, one hand playing in his hair. She loved the feeling of tension in his arms, as the muscles flexed and moved beneath his skin. His kisses were fast, urgent and hard. Filled with his desire for her.
His lips left a trail of fire from her mouth to her ever hardening breasts. Taking one in each hand he laved the tips each of them till Hermione's breathing was ragged, and she moaned with her own growing need. Licking and nibbling the bottom of a breast, the trail of fire continued down her stomach to meet the line of the small scrap of material that passed for her undergarment. They were sheer black lace. His tongue dipped just under the top of the hem and he followed along the top of the elastic. He place a hand where the tongue had been, and as he reached the other side his hand met the moist trail. He slid the material down her thighs and pulling them free threw it to the floor. Hermione watched his movements through half lidded eyes, amazed at his gentleness. Resuming his ministrations, he nibbled and licked up her leg to her thigh, her leg jumping at his teasing. As he reached her heated core, he paused, his breath heating her further. Hermione held her breath waiting to see what he would do next.
Severus could smell how aroused she was, and it was driving him crazy. He had never been so ready for any woman before, as was evident from the way the front of his trousers were tenting. He wanted to jump on her and shag like a man possessed. However, he didn't want to scare her, especially if this was her first time, so he forced himself to slow down.
Hermione sat up before Severus could move up to her stomach. She rolled him over so that she could work on his pants. As she pulled them down his long legs, she realized that he still had on his boxers. Deciding to leave them on for now, Hermione kissed her way back up his body. Copying what he had done for her. Remembering how much she had enjoyed his attentions to her breasts she decided to reciprocate. Stretching out her body along the length of him she placed her mouth over one of his flattened disks and proceeded to suck it into her mouth and ran her tongue over it, paying particular attention to the now thickening tip. She nibbled and nipped then soothed him using her tongue. She looked up at the nearly naked man under her, then heard a sound rumbling from his chest.
Severus was growling at her and she smiled, pleased with his response. Throwing a leg over Severus' waist she sat up, straddling him, and pinned his hands with her own. Lowering her head, she took possession of his mouth. Nipping his bottom lip she soothed it by pulling it into her mouth laving it with her tongue. Groaning Severus said, "Gods Hermione, you are driving me to distraction. So much so, that I can't think."
"Good," she replied, "don't think, just feel." To prove her point, Hermione shifted to sit directly on the evidence of Severus' arousal. Undulating her hips back and fort over his hard length. Moaning Severus slowly rolled his head from side to side. He couldn't take it any longer and started moving against her. Lifting his hips to press himself closer to her.
After only a few thrusts Hermione stopped and hooked a finger in his waist band and traced along the top. Leaning down she placed her mouth next to his ear and gasped out, "Please Severus, I need you inside me."
The undergarment met the same fate as the rest of the clothing as they removed the final barrier between them and threw it onto the floor. Flipping her over onto the bed, he lay himself between her willing legs. His hand ran down her side to her hip. Their eyes looking deeply into the others, as Severus slipped a finger into her opening. She was so hot and wet, bringing some of her cream out of her center he rubbed it around her outer lips. As his finger reentered her Hermione gave a moan of satisfaction. He slowly began pumping his finger then stopped only long enough to add another finger, spreading her open, preparing her for what was to come. He closed his eyes tightly turning his face away from the woman beneath him so that she couldn't see the struggle with in him. He wanted her so badly. There was a fine tremor to his movements. I shouldn't be here, shouldn't be doing this, he reprimanded himself. However he didn't think he could stop himself. He had to try, one last time, to offer her a way out. "Hermione, I could. . . that is if this is. . ." Extracting his fingers from her heat, he clenched the hand that in her wealth of hair. "I could obliviate you, if you wish. That way you would have protection, should a certain medaling old man find out." Severus' tone was barely above a whisper. Yet Hermione suspected there was more to it then what he was saying.
She ran a finger down his cheek, stretched up and kissed him. "I want this, Severus." At the sound of his name, Severus' his eyes met hers, his black gaze burning into her own. Both of her hands traveled up his body. She twined one into his hair while the other ran down his arm, only to land on the hand that had; just moments before; been giving her such delicious chills. Taking hold of his hand, she placed it on her stomach just above the springy nest of curls at the entrance to her neither region. Applying gentle pressure his hand flattened out, then began to rub back and forth across the soft skin he found there. The side of his hand brushing against teasing the hair that called to him.
His eyes followed the progress of Hermione's hand then followed down to where she placed her hand on top of his own. He watched as his hand moved back and forth as though fascinated by the movement, or by the softness of her.
"I'll tell you what I don't want." Hermione murmured quietly, as Severus stilled his movements. He waited for the blow he was certain would come. Better it should come now then later.
"And that is?" His tone was flat, suspicious.
Hermione's heart ached for him. That he would think that she would hurt him intentionally. She could only imagine who could have lain with him, only to turn on him afterward. Raising her head she nuzzled his neck and nipped his ear insuring he would pay attention to her. "I don't ever want to forget this time we have together. Any of it."
"And if the Head Master should find out?" He questioned.
Looking up into his eyes she spoke honestly. "I would not betray you, Severus. I will tell him what you want me to. If you wish me to say that we are together, then I will. If you want me to deny that this night ever happened. . ." Hermione couldn't stop the hurt that shone in her eyes, "then I will deny it. I will deny it to him, but only we will know the truth. No one else needs to find out." Hermione kept tracing the lines of his face, his jaw, his eyebrows, and finally his nose. "It is no ones business but ours. Merlin's wand, I am of age you know. And if I decide to spend my time with an interesting man, then that is no one else's business but mine and his."
"You must use caution, Hermione," Severus purred, his eyes lightened with her words. She will not betray me. He repeated to himself. That is what she had said and her declaration touch him. His hand; still in her hair; loosened, no longer clenched. "What we are about to do can not be shared with anyone. Not even your closest friend." His hand started a slow, maddening slide downward and Hermione's breath caught in her throat. Severus lowered his head to whisper in her ear. "They may not be as discreet as I know you are. No one can be trusted with this," he nipped her earlobe, "never spoken of," he ran his tongue down her neck, "outside these walls." He nibbled on her throat, and Hermione gasped. "Agreed?" His hand hovered over her mound waiting for her answer.
Is he kidding? I can barely string a thought together and he's asking me questions. Hermione's brain was shrieking at her, telling her he had said something important. Shaking her head slightly to come back to herself, she gave him a seductive smile, buying time so that she could think. The only best friends she had, were Ron and Harry, and she certainly couldn't see herself describing this situation to either of them. As to sharing her encounter with Ginny. . . well. . . Hermione could see that speaking in the dorms could pose a threat. Her decision was made. "Agreed." They sealed it with a kiss.
As the kiss deepened, Severus slipped his fingers between her thighs. Slowly he traced her outer nether lips with a single finger, making the woman beneath him tremble.
Hermione reached out her hand and softly grasped the evidence of his arousal. Her feather light touch stroked up and down the shaft then over the tip. Both partners breathing increased, coming out ragged and harsh. Hermione arched her back as Severus entered her once more with his fingers, but she had enough foreplay and wanted the real thing. As he was perfectly positioned, Hermione pulled steadily on that which Severus holds dear. Guiding him to where she wanted him to be. When the tip touched her opening they both gasped.
Severus felt a small hand touch him. Her hand was cool, while his skin was so burning hot. This witch beneath him, was completely undoing him. He had never been so aroused. What was it about her that could intoxicate him so? A thought for another time. Her hand was stroking him with a soft pressure, learning what he liked. He thought; with smug delight; that even in the bedroom, she had a love of learning. Just as the tip touched her opening Hermione gasped, and he felt the leg that he was currently laying on, twitch. Quickly looking up, he watched as her eyes screwed shut in anticipation. Realization slammed into him and pushed off of her. He had been fairly certain that one of those young fools she was always hanging around, had taken her before this. Guilt started to consume him. This should be special, with someone special. Certainly not with a ruddy old man with a nasty temper. Severus could feel himself flagging. "Hermione, why didn't you tell me?"
Hermione's eyes opened as she quickly reached out to grab a hand full of whatever she could reach at the time. That just happened to be his hair. She pushed herself into a sitting position. "I didn't tell you because I figured that you'd react like this." She heard a growl rumble in his throat. A slow smirk graced her mouth. "Do you like this Severus?" She asked, her voice dripping with interest. She licked his cheek slowly as she tightened her grip in his hair. Moving her mouth closer to his ear, she whispered in a low seductive tone. "I want you to be my first Severus." Hermione ran her other hand down his back, the movement bringing her closer to him. "I want you to show me how," Hermione nibbled his ear. "I want to learn from you, not some boy. No boy would have ever gotten this far, Severus. They are all about themselves. Men are at least willing to give and take." Slowly bringing her hand back up to rest on his shoulder, Hermione lay back, drawing him down with her. She slid a one leg up his coming to rest on his hip, keeping her eyes locked on his.
Severus growled as he felt Hermione's hand tighten in his hair. When she lay back down, she took him with her. The look on her face told him that she had thought this through. As he allowed himself to follow her he placed his hand on her abdomen and whispered a contraception charm. Sliding back up her body to better align himself, he dipped a finger into her core testing her wetness. She was ready for him. Grabbing hold of himself, he placed his tip at her opening and teased her with it, coating the head with her creamy fluid. He rubbed her wetness down over the tip and part of the shaft, then stroked her opening, making Hermione bring her hips nearly off the bed with want. She was moaning and her hands were gripping him firmly. Looming over her Severus bent his head and with his lips scant inches from her own, he whispered, "Hermione," as he quickly slid through her barrier.
Covering her mouth with his, he took her gasp of pain. Then, giving her something else to concentrate on, he deepened the kiss and stilled his hips, giving her time to get used to the foreign intrusion into her body. Returning his kiss, Hermione ran her hands up and down his back as if to sooth him, when he was the one to cause her pain.
Hermione gasped as he entered her quickly. She was glad he didn't prolong it, she wanted the painful part to be over with quickly. They lay still as Hermione tried to breathe past the burning. Severus was kissing her his tongue dancing with her own, distracting her from the pain. She surmised that he felt bad for being the cause of it and attempted to sooth him. But what was he waiting for? She felt better now and wanted him to continue. Her body was restless and full, but heavy with need. She moaned with frustration not knowing how to get him moving again.
Hearing her moan was all the encouragement he needed and Severus started the age long dance of man and woman. They soon found a rhythm and the pressure built, making them both moan. He couldn't take much more of this. He wanted her to reach the peak with him. Slipping his hand down between their bodies, he found her sensitive bundle of nerves and gently started coaxing her to reach her pleasure along with him.
Hermione felt Severus shift his weight as he slid his hand down their sweat slick bodies. Her head was swimming with new sensations. Then he touched her. Hermione gasped out, "Oh Gods, Severus," was all she could say, as he started moving faster within her. Hermione's legs had a mind of their own as they quickly made their way up Severus' thighs and locked around his waist.
Severus felt her wall starting to contract pulling on him as his thrusts increased. The knot in his abdomen grew tighter. He heard her whimper as she threw her head back and tightened her legs about his waist.
"More," she cried, "Severus, oh gods, faster!" She was panting so hard she feared she'd pass out. "Say something, Severus, please," she begged. "I need to hear your voice." She was nearly there. She felt the ache deep in her body, waiting to be sprung. Pleasuring herself had never felt like this though.
Moving along her body slamming himself into her as fast as he could he leaned next to her ear and purred seductively, "Mon amour," he pulled out, " je peux seulement espéérer. . .," he pushed in, out, then in again. "Que le coeur que vous tenez dans des vos petites mains est sûûr. Come for me, Hermione."
Hearing his words Hermione felt herself tumbling over the edge. "Oh gods, yes, Severus!" She called out as she heard him call her name. She felt his movements slow, until he stopped altogether and collapsed beside her. Their fast, ragged breathing the only sound in the room. Hermione was exhausted, distantly registering him coil his arms around her and bring her closer to him.
Wrapping Hermione in his embrace, he waited for their breathing to even out, and hearts to slow. He placed little kisses on the top of her head and stroked her arm.
"Severus," Hermione panted, "that was. . . amazing." Severus chuckled in an extremely masculine way. With a puzzled look she asked, "What?"
Bending closer he lay a kiss on the top of her head. "It gets better," he whispered warmly into her ear.
Hermione's eye grew large. She responded with, "Wow," as she shivered with the thought that something that good, could get better. Severus laughed, for several moments. It was contagious and put a smile on her own face. She loved being the one who could make him do that. When he had calmed down, he moved closer to the grinning witch. As he studied her face he began tracing her eyebrows, her nose. She closed her eyes; just to rest them; letting his finger trail down her cheek, her neck to her breast. He kept his movements slow, lazy, trailing down her body to trace her belly button. This caused her to giggle. Her eyes opened to gaze at Severus' hand. On the skin between her pubic bone and the indent to her belly button, she watched the dark wizard trace an intricate pattern on her flesh. It reminded her of a spell for protection. The movements were graceful, lovely to watch.
As Severus heard her laughter he looked up and stared into Hermione's warm laughing brown eyes. Hermione could see the concern in his eyes and it made her brow furrow. "What's wrong?" She asked softly.
Lowering his eyes he watched his hand making the pattern on Hermione's tummy. "Did I hurt you? Was it to rough for you?" His tone was low, but determined to know the truth.
Hooking his chin with her finger Hermione forced him to look at her. "Please look at me." She said when he resisted slightly. "You didn't hurt me. Are you hearing me? I'm actually amazed I feel no pain. Only the after effects of the pleasure you've given me. Of course I'd read that there would be blood and some pain. But I feel much better than I thought I would."
She smiled and placed a tender kiss on the tip of his nose. He could see the truth of her words in her eyes. Smiling, Severus returned the kiss. "Care to join me in a shower?" He asked, in that growling seductive voice of his.
"I thought you'd never ask," she replied, an impish smile tugging the corner of her mouth.
Rising from the bed Severus held out his tapered hand to her. As Hermione placed her smaller hand in his, Severus had a moment of thought. Hermione could see it in his eyes. That calculating look that he got whenever he was about to pounce on his next victim in class. It didn't bode well that he was now turning that gaze on her. Think first, then act. She counseled herself. Even as the thoughts filled her mind, she couldn't stop her body's reaction, a widening of her eyes.
Feeling Hermione's small hand in his own, Severus' darker voice started in on him. She has no idea what she has gotten herself into. She thinks you a kind man. A gentle man. You are none of those things. You should give her a taste of exactly who you are. Make her see your darker side. If she goes running to the old man for protection so much the better for her. For her or me, he wondered. You are capable of violence. She has not seen that side of you, much. Perhaps she has forgotten. Remind her.
Taking a firm grip on the younger witches hand, he gave a strong tug, which had the desired result of throwing the girl of balance. Falling forward, Hermione brought up her only free hand to land against Severus' chest. Retaining possession of her other hand, he maneuvered it behind her back to pin it there. Looking deep into her eyes, and the tall dark man brought up his free hand, sliding it up her body, between her breasts up to her face. Then grasping her chin and cheek in the palm of his hand, he held her still. Quickly dipping his head, Severus took her mouth in a forceful, plundering kiss. He felt her stiffen in his arms with surprise. He forced his tongue into her mouth sweeping, stroking, searching, dueling with her's.
Sliding her hand up his chest, Hermione ensnared her fingers in the hair at the nape of his neck. Her grip was hard, returning his force. He tried to gasp, but his mouth was glued to her own. Hermione assumed it was from the surprise of her action. She wasn't going to let him scare her off. Not now. Severus was allowing her a glimpse of who he was. Of his darker side. How she knew this she didn't know she just felt it in her heart. She decided to show him; with her body; her acceptance of him. Had she been able to free the arm he had held prisoner, she would have wrapped herself around him. But he refused to let go. So she waited.
Severus was shocked. Was there no end to the surprises this witch could show him? Running his free hand back down from her chin to her neck, he pushed her back until they collided with the cold, stone wall. As he broke the ever deepening kiss, he gave a little squeeze to her neck, then murmured in his low velvet voice, "Mmm, you taste good."
Hermione's breathing was being forced from her lungs faster and faster, but she refused to back down from this. She did the only thing she could think of. She tightened her hand getting a firmer grip on his hair. He wouldn't hurt her physically, deep down she knew that. But emotionally was a different story. All she could do was hope that he didn't break her heart. Opening her eyes as he spoke, she lifted her chin and met his the hard look in his eyes, but remained silent.
"I could snap your neck, and no one would hear your scream. You know that, do you not?"
Never taking her eyes from his she nodded once, then replied, "Mm-hmm," she swallowed, "but you wont." She closed her eyes as he leaned toward her placing his mouth next to her neck. She felt his hot breath as he spoke.
"I've done it before." Severus nipped her neck where his moistened lips brushed against. He covered her with his body, the evidence of his new arousal pushing into the dip between her hip bone and abdomen. He licked the places he bit then trailed his tongue up to her jaw and renewed his ministrations there.
Hermione moaned, but lifted her chin allowing him to gain better access. "I guess it's true then if you say it is," she replied breathlessly. Tugging on his hair, she pulled him away from his attention at her neck. Looking up with sincerity shining in her eyes she spoke, "I knew who you were before I slept with you, Severus. I may not know all that you have done, and frankly, I'm not sure how you are able to go on living with the memories, the way you do."
At this, Severus started to pull away, thinking she was admonishing him for the things in his life that he had no choice but to do. Who did this chit think she was? He was about to lay into her. Had even opened his mouth to speak when she continued.
Seeing that Severus was taking what she had said entirely the wrong way, Hermione hurried on, "You are such a strong man, Severus, to face the things you have. To continue on, even as everyone around you pulls you in so many different directions. To keep going back. . . To keep doing the right thing. . ." Hermione's voice broke, betraying the emotions she felt for him, her admiration of him plainly in her eyes. She fought for control.
Taking a deep breath she continued on, "You never want anyone to see you. The real you, and I don't know if I will be able to understand everything that you've been through, Severus. But I want to try. I'm stronger then I look, and I don't back down from what I want." Here, Hermione smirked at herself. "I see you Severus," Hermione's eyes raked his body, blatantly, "all of you."
Keeping eye contact, Severus could read the acceptance in her eyes. Then, standing on tiptoe, she kissed the end of his nose. "Now I do believe you promised me a shower?"
"Lord and Lady, Hermione!" Severus exclaimed, "do you not fear anything?" He was exasperated with her. He had loosened his grip so that Hermione could have pulled away, had she wanted to.
Very quietly Hermione asked, "Do you want me to fear you?"
Lowering his eyes, Severus looked at the very interesting V in her collarbone. His hissed reply was nearly missed by the woman still pinned to the wall. "Sort of."
"Whatever for?" Came Hermione's shocked reply.
"It would be safer for you," he replied with a growl still stroking the soft skin of her neck.
Hermione smiled, and pulled her arm free. She then proceeded to wrap them about his waist. Always thinking of others, she thought. Snape tucked her head beneath his chin and wrapped his arms about her slender frame. Hermione lay two kisses against his chest, above his heart. "Now, I want you to hear me, Severus. Being with you is no more dangerous than being friends with Harry. The ones I worry most about, is the two of you. The other Death Eaters might get it into their heads to use me to get to the two of you."
Severus was silent for a time pondering what Hermione had said. It wasn't like the others hadn't already tried to separate her from her friends and take her. Eventually he sighed and said, "Yes, it would be something they would try to do again. Especially now that Lucius has viewed you here. We will have to be very careful." Hermione nodded, silently agreeing with him.
Then, turning as one, they both headed for the shower in silence. Entering the large stall, Hermione adjusted the water while Severus attended to his morning ritual. While awaiting Severus to join her in the warm waterfall coming from the wall, Hermione soaked her hair, feeling tingly as the water ran over her body. It soothed her aches, and made her feel more relaxed then she had felt in days. Picking up the shampoo, that she had grabbed on her way in, she squeezed a large dollop into her palm. Placing the bottle on the corner shelf Hermione worked the heavenly fragrant cream into her auburn tresses. Scrubbing vigorously made her scalp tingle deliciously. However, she had the feeling she was being watched.
Finishing up his business quickly, Severus heard the water running in the shower stall. Turning his head slightly he could see the steam wafting out of the top in great pluming clouds. He could feel the condensation collecting on his skin and it was raising goose flesh. Shivering slightly, he headed for the warmth of the water. There are going to be reprocusions for today. Nothing good that has ever happened to me, ever came with out a price. He could silently admit to himself that the witch stealing all the hot water was a good thing. I only hope that the price isn't going to be too high. . . for any of us.
A/N once again; Big thank you to all who have reviewed, as I've gotten complaints as to posting my thanks to people and writing comments I'll stop. But I do love to hear from each one of you, and have made many friends from here. If you have questions I will continue to post answers at the bottom as before. Other wise. . . many thanks for sticking with me.
My dear June W; your blood lust in regards to Lucius knows no bounds lol. (J/k) However you are persistent aren't you? Lol Ok, I'll talk it over with the Dark Lord and see what I can come up with for ya. Hehe. No promises though. ;)
Syren; I'm so glad that you're enjoying ss/hg fics. Welcome to the club here's your button, the coffee is hot and the people are friendly. Come in grab a chair and stay a while. ;)
Andy; Some times when one belongs to certain organizations, they refer to each other as brother. For example; some in the military call each other brothers in arms. Firefighters are another organization that also do this, as well as police officers. However there is some less then reputable organizations that also call each other brother and I will not give voice to the name on my page. Lucius and his band of merry trouble makers are in the latter category and I felt it worked well in my story. Was that what you were wondering?
GuardianoftheWest; thanks for the cookie it was delicious. ;)