-=I don't mean any copyright infringement, just entertainment=-
A Talent for Death
Survival Skills
Striding up and down the corridor of the Hogwarts' Express, Hermione Granger seemed to be channelling the Potions Master. Angry, vindictive and sarcastic; everyone rushed out of her path even the other prefects. Draco Malfoy was stupid enough to openly accuse her of suffering 'that time of month.' He was soundly hexed five ways from Sunday.
The male portion of the Golden Trio wouldn't go near her while in this volatile state. In her pocket at all times was the information Snape had given her. A constant reminder of the previous evening.
She had tried the first evening back at Hogwarts to think objectively about the situation. What did I know for a fact? That Snape had said that he cared about her. She had rejected him point-blank following the pronouncement. They seemed to be working on a 'pure transaction' basis, at present. Up until she had rejected him, he had been an attentive and generous lover. What can I guess? Rejecting Snape had caused him to erect a wall and create emotional distance, that was plausible.
He would most likely continue in this vein until a strong enough catalyst presented itself.
What could possibly fit that descriptor? After all he was unlikely to intimately touch her again, so touch was out. Could she threaten him; yes of course she could threaten him but would it bring the desired effect.
Whore. I need to read about whores, maybe there'll be something I can use.
Right away Hermione had sent off to Flourish and Blotts for several books on Whores. The books had come with amazing speed, if only traditional references came that fast.
Studying the titles she read; So, You Want to be a Whore: A Witches' Guide to the Oldest Profession, Recreational Whore: Kinky Daredevils Behind Closed Doors, and Plying Your Trade. Since it was trades she was most acutely dealing with she'd start with Plying Your Trade.
She scanned the Table Of Contents, Chapter Seven jumped out at her.