Hello, my lovely readers.
Happy Valentine's Day! A little bit of a steamier chapter just for all of y'all.
Thank you to everyone who reviewed- this is officially my most-reviewed story!
What's been going on recently: Molly and Cedric have been plotting, Severus and Hermione are fighting over something silly, and Tonks is and always will be amazing.
Also, none of you guessed the mystery figure!
More at the bottom, but for now, enjoy the chapter!
Chapter 42
"We are concerned," Molly said emphatically. "Albus, you have to listen to me."
The kindly Headmaster sighed. "Molly, Molly. Don't you trust me? I am telling you that Hermione Granger does not pose a threat to you or your children. She is working for the good of the Order."
Mad-Eye Moody harrumphed. "I've gotten a pretty good bullshit detector after working for years at the Ministry, Albus. You can't tell me that there isn't something odd going on here."
"She's just a girl-"
"She's just a girl you had me training to be at the level of a top Auror when she wasn't even fifteen yet," Moody snapped. "I knew something was wrong with that back then, but I thought she was a good kid. You know- that we could steer her in the right direction. But that Death Eater you keep as a pet has begun to corrupt her."
Dumbledore frowned. "Severus has my deepest trust, Alastor. And Hermione is not corrupted- she can think for herself. Quite well in fact."
The former Auror frowned. "Then that's worse, Albus. She's been doing things I doubt you even know about." Dumbledore saw his good eye flick to Molly. "Did you know she was killing Death Eaters instead of disabling them?"
It was a trap, pure and simple, and the only person who could have gotten away with it was Alastor Moody with all his cunning. It had worked out perfectly in his favor too- the opportunity had presented itself and he had taken it. Molly Weasley of all people was there. Dumbledore could try to Oblivate her but he couldn't get Moody at the same time, not with that man's level of paranoia. What was said was said and it had to be faced. There was only one way that Dumbledore could face it.
He let his eyebrows draw together with a snap. "Tell me."
Their story was drawn out, full of fluttering hands on Molly's part. Moody's eye rolled constantly, on high alert.
"You see, Dumbledore?" snapped Mad-Eye. "It's Snape. He cannot be trusted."
So that was his goal all along, Dumbledore thought with a sigh. He wanted to get at Severus and Hermione was only a casualty. I cannot let that happen.
"I understand your concern, both of your concerns," Dumbledore said slowly. "And rest assured I will address them. Give me some time to think about how to handle this situation." I think I have a plan. This just might work...
Two sharp raps on her bedroom-and-office door startled Hermione out of the reports she was hunched over. A frown came to her face as she considered whether or not she could get away with ignoring the knocks, with pretending she wasn't in. But no, her lamp was spilling light from under the door. With a sigh, the witch stood, pushed in her chair, and opened her door.
Severus Snape stood there, a murderous expression on his face. Hermione raised an eyebrow. "What?"
"I haven't heard from you in three days," he snapped.
Hermione's gaze went from coolly polite to flinty. "I didn't have anything important to tell you. I thought you didn't want to be bothered with anything less than vitally important?"
Although Hermione could make her tone of voice and her face frosty, staring at an angry Severus Snape was like staring into a blizzard. "If you would move from your doorway, I have a report to give," he hissed.
Her own anger was starting to burn hot inside her stomach. What had he said to her last time? Not to use him like a therapist? Well, that was exactly what he did when he came in here and slammed me against the door- so he's allowed to use affection to make himself feel better and I'm not?
Hermione gestured to a chair, seating herself at her desk and removing a black notebook from the books arranged on her desk. "Whenever you're ready," she said, voice clipped.
He sneered at her. "There will be attack on Amelia Bones sometime in the next month," he snapped. "Other targets too-" he handed her a list- "but she's the most important." He continued with his report in the same clipped tone of voice.
When he finished, she didn't meet his eyes, but continued scrawling in her notebook. He tapped his fingers on her desk in rapid succession, waiting for her to say something.
"Anything else?" was all the reply he got.
Severus' face tightened ever farther. "No."
Hermione sighed, rolling her neck. The muscles there were far too tight, too painful. "Alright then," she murmured. Her eyes darted to the clock before they widened in horror. "Shite. We're late for the Order meeting."
She flew out of her seat, darting to her closet. Disinterestedly, Severus noticed she was wearing Muggle clothes, a pair of shorts and a scoop necked tee-shirt.
"You don't have time," he drawled. "Dumbledore will be pissed enough as it is." He offered her an arm. "If you'd like, I'll Apparate us through the illusion."
For a moment Hermione hesitated, then she nodded and took his arm. For a moment it seemed like he was going to kiss her, and then he turned on his heel and they were being compressed through a metal tube.
When they arrived, Hermione bent over double, gasping for breath. She felt queasy from the Apparation, and almost fell of the stoop of Number 12. Severus was instantly worried, and instantly tried not to show it. He was still upset with her- no coddling.
He yanked open the door, took her by the upper arm, and steered her inside. "Right yourself, Hermione," he said coldly.
To both of their surprise, the foyer was filled with people. It seemed that the meeting had yet to start- Dumbledore too was late.
Remus came over, concern on his face. "Are you alright, Hermione? What happened?"
Hermione yanked her arm out of Severus' grip, straightening resolutely. "I'm fine," she said, her voice shaky. "You know how badly I take Apparating out of the illusion." Her stomach was rolling terribly, but at least her breath had come back.
Still, the furrow of concern on Remus' face did not go away. He put an arm around Hermione, steering her away from Snape. "Are you sure?"
Hermione smiled at him, half of her mind more focused on trying to quell her queasy stomach. "Yeah, I'm fine, Remus. Just fine."
The werewolf patted her on the back lightly. "Good. Because you'll be getting a surprise in a minute." There was a playful grin on the man's face, on the first she had seen on him since Sirius' death.
But as glad as she was to see that Remus was looking happier, the news that she had a surprise didn't bode well with her. "Surprise?" she asked quizzically.
"Mad-Eye was saying something about it," supplied Remus. "Where did he go?" As he turned to look, the door in the foyer opened again.
Dumbledore had arrived, and behind him was a tall, slouching figure in a long cloak. "If everyone could make their way into the kitchen now," announced Dumbledore, "I apologize for being late but we really must start the meeting."
Everyone began to move toward the kitchen, but Hermione made a bee line for Dumbledore. Who was the person behind him? She hadn't cleared anyone recently to come to an Inner Circle meeting! The figure looked vaguely familiar, but only vaguely.
Snape too was frowning, and their eyes met for a moment in agreement. This was wrong, whatever it was. The clenched fist that had been Hermione's stomach for the last few days tightened. She didn't like being upset with Severus- maybe this wizard would be something they could reconcile over?
When most of the Order members were in the kitchen, Dumbledore nodded at Hermione and the man. "I have someone I'm sure you'll be quite eager to see, my dear girl."
The slouching man pushed back his hood. "Hermione," he said in a roughly accented voice. In his mouth, her name sounded like "Her-mi-own-ninny."
Hermione's hand flew to her mouth. "Viktor," she whispered. The man in front of her was tall, with a beak of a nose and sallow skin. He grinned at her. "You've been practicing," she told him.
Viktor Krum opened his arms wide, and Hermione moved to hug him tightly. The sight of a friendly face after so long made tears come to her eyes. Viktor smelled good, like the night air outside and leather, and his arms were strong as he squeezed her tightly.
"I have been," he told her solemnly when he let her go. "I was not wanting to disappoint you when we met again."
Dumbledore chuckled, looking pleased as punch. "I know you usually screen new Order members Hermione, but I wanted to give you a bit of a good surprise before this meeting."
Hermione tore her eyes from Viktor to look at the Headmaster. "Will there be bad news at this meeting?"
"Not bad news at the meeting," Dumbledore hedged. "But I'll be holding a little meeting at the end of the night, which I'd like both of you to attend."
When she looked at Severus, Hermione's heart dropped the bottom of her stomach. Anyone else wouldn't have been able to see it, but his hands were clenched and there was a tension around him and in his eyes that let her know he was furious. "I will be busy tonight, Headmaster," he snapped. "I've been telling you about this meeting for the last week."
Dumbledore patted his arm, making Severus stiffen. "I know, my boy, I know. Viktor, Hermione, meet me in my office after this meeting." He strode toward the kitchen, disappearing inside.
Viktor grinned at Hermione. "It has been a long time."
Hermione shoved her worry about Severus aside and grinned at her friend. "It has been. We'll have to catch up in person tonight or tomorrow, okay?"
He nodded solemnly. "Of course."
"The meeting is beginning," snapped Severus. "If you want to 'catch up,' then by all means miss what we came here for."
Hermione frowned at him. "No need to be rude, Severus." She turned and walked to the kitchen door, ignoring the black look on his face.
"I will be getting this for you," Viktor said quickly, coming around to her side and opening it for her. Hermione thanked him quickly, a slight uncomfortable feeling in her belly. As soon as he could no longer see her face she let the small smile she had worn drop.
The room was full of Order members, all talking amongst themselves quietly. Hermione scanned the crowd, grinning widely at Tonks. The older woman grinned back, and waved. There was something off about it though- once again, she saw that Remus was sitting as far away from Tonks as he could physically get. Hermione sighed- he would have to get over that, and quickly. Next to Tonks was Mad-Eye Moody, and next to him was- hmm. That was odd- Molly Weasley. Normally she would sit on the other side of the table... Hermione had never known them to get along. Hermione took her normal seat with a slight frown. From the other end of the table Harry waved as well, but Hermione hardly noticed.
Viktor pulled out the chair next to her, preparing to sit down, but Snape's soft voice stopped him in his tracks. "What do you think you are doing, Mr. Krum?"
Confused, the Quidditch star looked at the man. "Sitting down?"
"That is my seat," Snape said coldly. "I believe there is a chair open next to Mr. Potter, but I am afraid-"
Hermione stood, anger bringing blood to her cheeks. "Go ahead and take my seat, Viktor," she snapped. "I'll go sit next to Harry." She gathered all the reports she had brought with her, moving away from the table angrily not looking back at the two men.
Men. Stupid all of them, she thought to herself. Gods above. You'd think he'd know by now not to get jealous ad you'd think that Krum would know by now that I'm not interested. That ship sailed a long time ago- more than two years ago for me now. We could have had something then but not now. He's a dear friend, that's all.
She sat next to Harry, giving her friend a quick hug. "How are you doing at the Burrow?" she asked hurriedly. Dumbledore was surveying the crowd, but it didn't look like he wanted to start right away. People were still passing around reports- with a start, Hermione flicked her wand and sent a roll of parchment to each seat.
"I'm half convinced Mrs. Weasley wants me to gain a stone and half this summer," he grumbled lightheartedly. "But at least it's good food. Ron was right pissed that I'm here right now, though."
Hermione sighed. "Too bad. As long as he doesn't know I'm here it can't be that bad though."
The meeting started uneventfully- report after report. Remus had news about the werewolves, the people working at the Ministry all gave reports about their departments, and various plans were discussed. Hermione presented her information per the norm, ignoring the curious looks sent her way. It was all a very usual meeting, until the end.
"I have a mission of grave importance that I need completed by the end of the summer," Dumbledore announced, his eyes very serious. "Young people would be best suited to this task, I feel. This is of vital importance to weakening the Dark Lord, and may be very dangerous."
Hermione sat up, intrigued. She hadn't heard anything about this-
"Leading the mission will be Hermione Granger," Dumbledore said, nodding at Hermione.
What?
Carefully, Hermione schooled her face into neutrality. She didn't want anyone knowing that she hadn't known about this from the beginning. What the fuck?
"Do I have any volunteers?"
To Hermione's surprise, Bill spoke up. "How long will it take?" he asked. "Because I've got a sabbatical from work to learn some new curse breaking stuff. As long as I come back with something I'll be good."
Dumbledore nodded. "Your skills would be invaluable to the group, William," he said happily. "Anyone else?"
Tonks sat up eagerly. "I'd love to go on a mission with Hermione." She shot Hermione a wink. "It'll be fun."
"This is a serious mission, Nymphadora," Dumbledore said, looking over his spectacles at her. "But I am sure that you will bring some of your unique charm to the experience."
"I go too," said a heavily accented voice. Viktor had raised a hand, looking at Dumbledore. "This is the mission for which you bring me here, yes?"
"Yes, indeed it is, Mr. Krum," replied Dumbledore solemnly. "And the last person I would ask accompany our four on their mission is Mr. Diggory."
Cedric's eye went wide as everyone turned to look at him. "Um- are you sure I'm qualified for this?"
"You were the Triwizard Champion for my school, if I do remember correctly, Mr. Diggory," Dumbledore reminded him. "I believe that your skills will be well suited to this task. I will explain more tonight in my office. But of course, if you are not willing to go on missions, we will not force you to go. That is what separates the Light from the Dark, the Order from the Death Eaters."
Oh, poppycock, thought Hermione angrily. We will not force you, my ass. No, you'll guilt or shame us into it. Or force us to make the decision when we are too young to know better. You bastard.
"If Cedric does not want to go, then I'm sure we can find a fifth member with no trouble," Hermione called out in a clear voice. She did not know it, but her face was harsh as she evaluated Cedric. "I don't want any doubt in anyone's mind. Bill, would Fleur be able to come?"
"I'm sure she could take some time off," Bill began to say.
Cedric cut in suddenly. "No- I'll do it. I just wanted to make sure I won't hold anyone back, that's all."
Dumbledore clapped his hands together, giving Hermione a look. "Very well, then. The five of you, meet me in my office tonight after the meeting. In one hour, perhaps, so you have time to take a cup of tea. Excellent. Does the Wednesday after next work for everyone for the next meeting?"
Everyone made sounds of agreement and began to rise from the table. Several shrunk reports and tucked them into pockets. Hermione grinned with pride- it was her spellwork that allowed Shrinking Charms to be applied without damaging the integrity of the spells that kept them private. She rose at the same time Harry did, stretching quickly. Her back always ached after staying seated for such a long time. The popping noise from her joints made her wrinkle her nose.
"Ouch," said Harry, frowning. "Are you alright?"
"Just too many nights spent hunched over my desk," Hermione said ruefully. "I have an awful crick in my neck."
Two warm hands were suddenly on either side of her neck, making Hermione jump. "Where is it hurting, Her-mi-own-ninny?" His fingers were calloused and short, so different from Severus' thin long hands. As Viktor's thumbs pressed into the sides of her neck, Hermione met Severus' disinterested- or contemptuous?- stare from across the room.
Quickly she shrugged out from Viktor's grasp. "It'll go away eventually," she said uncomfortably, well aware that her cheeks were bright red. "I'm so sorry, but I have something to take care of quickly. If you boys will excuse me?"
Without waiting for their answer, she ducked into the crowd, then up the stairs. The library was only a flight up, and she took the stairs two at a time. Once she was safely ensconced in walls of books, Hermione took out her want and tapped her watch. Come to the Library.
Time seemed to drag on. It had taken less than two minutes for Hermione to get to the Library. What was taking him so long? Four minutes passed, then five, then six, then ten. Where she had decided to wait was apparently the natural life section, telling from the book she had plucked from the shelf in a half hearted attempt to appear busy when Severus arrived. Everything in the Black Family Library was old and valuable, except for half the books. The worn leather couches had elaborately carved feet, the wooden tables were made out of expensive and sturdy woods and boasted their own carvings, and the shelves were neatly and magically labeled and constantly changing. Examining the heavy furniture was enough to keep her occupied for a good five minutes.
After twelve and a half minutes, Hermione's patience was gone. She set aside the book she had been paying no attention to and stood angrily. She knew her cheeks had to be bright red with emotion- when she lifted a hand to touch them, her skin was overly warm. Hermione only ever got like this when she was really upset.
"Going somewhere? I thought you wanted a meeting." Severus' drawl was low and mocking. His stride was quick and powerful as he came into view, the impatient walk of someone who is just humoring a subordinate. "Something important to talk about, I'd hope. You know I don't take kindly to girls wasting my time." His words were biting and purposefully so.
Hermione could feel the tears building behind her eyes. Taking a deep Occlumency breath, she pushed them back. "I don't want to fight with you, Severus."
His eyes flashed. "If you want to quibble about romantic matters, now is hardly the time-"
"It is," Hermione said harshly. "I don't want you to leave here to go to- to his side angry with me, Severus." Her lips were pressed in a thin line, from anger or worry she didn't even know.
"Hush," Severus hissed. "We're not discussing that here-"
"I protected the area, Severus. I'm not an idiot," Hermione snapped back. "We can and will talk about this here and now."
They were in the nook that was closed in on two sides with bookshelves, with a wall at its back. Hermione had been curled up in the arm chair, but now she was standing, her arms folded tightly across her chest. Severus was echoing her position, although it looked far more impressive on him. He scowled down his impressive nose at her, and she glared up at him.
"Usually when you go off and go to the meetings I know that at least the last time you saw me I made sure you knew how I felt about you," Hermione said quickly. "We are fighting and I don't exactly know why. I just know I want it to be over and I want you to be safe."
Severus' face was harsh in the low light of the library. Shadows had never done him any favors, and the sudden anger on his face made it worse. "You used me."
Hermione raised an eyebrow at him. "Is that how you feel about the other night?"
"The one when you decided that you just needed a warm body to-"
"To make myself feel better?" Hermione interrupted. Her voice was as hard as she could make it. "Yeah. That's what I did. I had had a crap day and I had to listen to people imply I wasn't sexy or desirable and I wanted to remind myself that you think about me in that way and you care about me in a way that makes none of their words matter. Is that so wrong?"
"I don't like being used," he began.
Hermione snorted. "Bullshit. I wasn't callously using you for my own gratification, Severus. I was reassuring myself that we had what I thought we had. How is what you did when you found out about Draco's task any different?"
His face changed in an instant. "I was afraid I was going to lose you."
"And sometimes, I afraid that I am going to lose you," Hermione said, her tone softer now. She moved closer to him cautiously, putting a hand up to cup his cheek. "And you are so, so important to me. I couldn't bear losing you."
His own hand rose to cover hers. "Don't you know how many of those boys want you, Hermione?" he asked hoarsely. "That damned Krum- he puts his hands on you like you're his and half the Order is sure of it. He looks at you like I am afraid to look at you sometimes. What is an old Death Eater compared to a Quidditch star with a considerable fortune and with whom you've already had one relationship?"
"It was hardly a relationship," Hermione murmured, moving even closer to him. She could feel the rasp of stubble under her hand, and it made her crave him. "You and Dumbledore made sure that was over before it even really began. Just one night of dancing and a peck on the cheek."
Severus bent to kiss her lightly. After days without him, the feel of his lips on hers made Hermione quiver and arch into Severus. One of his hands went to her lower back, pressing her into him, and the other went to her cheek to hold her in place. Hermione wound both arms around his neck, deepening the kiss. Their mouths moved together desperately for a few moments more before Hermione pulled away.
"You know that you're it for me, Severus Snape," she reminded him. "So I'm not very happy when you're upset with me."
"I don't like being upset with you either," Severus whispered to her. "And I don't like this mission that Dumbledore has suddenly thrown on you. It doesn't sound right to me."
They remained in the embrace, although Hermione turned her head to press her cheek to Severus' chest. "I don't like the sound of it either. He hasn't mentioned anything about it to me before today and then he springs it on me at the meeting- to be honest, Severus, I think it's partially revenge for what I did with Harry."
The warm arms around her tightened at the thought. "Be careful." He pressed a kiss to the top of her head. "Be safe."
Bill, Cedric, Tonks, and Viktor were all talking by the troll foot umbrella stand when Hermione descended the stairs. Tonks was buzzing with barely concealed anticipation, her hair flicking between shades of hot pink. Bill was smiling fondly at her. His demeanor was much calmer. Cedric looked nervous, on the other hand, tapping his fingers impatiently on the side of his arm.
Krum's face brightened when he caught sight of Hermione. "Our fair leader," he said jokingly. "What is this mission about?"
It really was lovely to see him again. Despite his duckfooted walk and beak of a nose, seeing his smile made Hermione return it with warmth. "I'm not exactly sure myself," she admitted, walking to stand next to Krum. "Apparently Dumbledore doesn't want to tell me anything anymore. I didn't even know you were coming, Viktor," she added, poking his iron hard side. "And you didn't tell me either!"
His grin turned sheepish. "It was supposed to be a surprise."
Cedric gave a quick chuckle. "You have to be careful when surprising Hermione, mate."
"Are we all ready to go?" Hermione asked, raising a hand to tuck a curl behind her ear. Every time she kissed Severus it seemed that she got long fingered hands tangled in her hair, enough to make it look like a rat's nest. "It's not quite ten yet but I'd rather be early than late."
"Yep," Tonks said cheerfully. "Am I going to have to call you boss now?"
Hermione wrinkled her nose as Bill guffawed. "I'd rather not."
"Sorry, boss," Bill said with a wink, slinging an arm over Hermione's thin shoulders. "You're stuck with it. Let's go see what the old man wants us to do."
"This is a mission of the utmost importance," said Dumbledore solemnly, peering at the group over his half-moon spectacles. They were seated on an oddly mismatched assortment of fluffy chairs, sipping from mugs of hot chocolate. "Before we begin, I'd all of you to swear on your magic that you will not elaborate on the parameters of your quest to anyone who is not in this room."
The group looked at each other, slightly uneasy. Swearing on one's magic was dangerous- one unintended mishap and they would be Squibs forever.
Hermione sighed, and raised her wand. "I swear upon my magic and my honor as a witch that I will keep the secrets revealed in this room. After I leave tonight, no word of what happened will pass from my lips to the ears of those who have not also heard it." She felt her magic rise in her, leaving her skin as she said the words and then sinking back into her skin as she finished. It was uncomfortable, the sensation of her magic momentarily parting from her.
The others in the room all followed suit, raising their wands and murmuring the words one by one. When they had finished, Dumbledore nodded and thanked them.
"Very good," he said, pleased. "Now. Hermione, do you remember our discussion some time ago about the items that were extremely important to Tom Riddle?"
The Horcruxes, Hermione thought. "Of course, Albus," she replied.
He smiled at her. "Your mission is to find and destroy as many of them as possible. Research where they are, take trips to those locations, defeat whatever guardian is defending them, and bring them back here once they are destroyed."
Hermione sank back into her seat, eyes wide. "But we hardly know anything about them!"
"That is your task, and one I hope you can complete satisfactorily," Dumbledore said sternly. "At your disposal you have a curse breaker, an Auror, the best student Durmstrang had to offer who also has international connections, and your own brain power."
"And me?" asked Cedric suddenly. "Why am I here?"
The Headmaster peered over the rim of his glasses at the man. "I believe you were the Triwizard Champion for Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry, my boy. And you are a Hufflepuff."
The skin between Cedric's eyes wrinkled as he frowned. "And?"
"And Hufflepuffs are good finders," said Dumbledore with a note of finality in his voice. "Hermione, you may share what you know with the group- to a limit- so that you may attempt to find as many of these items as possible. I suggest a planning meeting sometime this week, so that you may get started as soon as possible. If you will meet me here tomorrow morning I will give you the intelligence that I have gathered and pass those sources on to you."
Hermione nodded, rubbing the back of her neck. "Alright, Albus. What time?"
"Nine should suffice," he replied. "And we should be through by lunchtime."
"Very well," Hermione said, getting to her feet. "I'll be here tomorrow morning at nine, Albus. I believe it is time for me to get busy." I now have a mission to plan and briefing files to prepare. On top of everything else I have to do. "The rest of you- does three o'clock work?"
When they nodded she left, leaving the rest of her team in the office.
The door to her room creaking open didn't wake the girl who was slumped over her desk. The lamp was still on, sending light into the dark hallway and illuminating the barely controlled chaos that was Hermione's desk. Piles of reports were stacked high, the ink still gleaming wetly on a few. Her cheek was pillowed on her arms, and her curls had fallen haphazardly over her face.
Well, the door opening didn't wake her, but the minute Snape set foot into her room, Hermione jolted awake. A streak of red light hit the door frame above the man's head. He ducked the second spell, grabbing his own wand.
"It's just me, woman!" Snape hissed, closing the door behind him. "Merlin's balls!"
Hermione blinked, rubbing her eyes. "You scared me, Severus!" She laughed weakly, leaning back in her chair. "Sorry, love."
Severus glanced at the lightly smoldering door frame, a wry grin starting to come over his face. "I suppose I should be glad you only used Stunners. If I had been you, I wouldn't have been so nice." He shrugged out of his coat, hanging it on the hooks attached to the back of her door. "I didn't know you were sleeping. My apologies."
"I didn't mean to be sleeping," Hermione said regretfully. She stood and stretched, yawning widely. "I guess I was just a bit tired. My task is going to be a nightmare." She went to Severus, who leaned down obligingly to give her a peck on the lips.
She closed her eyes out of habit, just taking him in. Hermione loved being this close to him, loved the way he smelled. Severus had just showered- understandably, as he had recently returned from a meeting with the Dark Lord. His skin smelled like Severus, like sandalwood, like herbs and smoke. His lips appeared thin and hard but they were surprisingly soft when they were pressed to hers so chastely. It felt so right. She smiled against his lips.
A warm hand cupped the back of her neck and Hermione opened her eyes. Hers met his- dark grey and possessive. The feeling of the long, strong fingers curling in her hair made Hermione's belly clench.
"I've missed you, Hermione," Severus said in a low voice. She could feel his lips, barely moving against hers. "Even when I was angry I wanted you so badly."
The tension was growing, pulling at her. There was a fizzing feeling in her belly and in her head, something that was between fear and anticipation. She had never seen him like this before, had never seen him looking so hungry for her.
Keeping eye contact, Severus kissed her chastely again, then slowly sucked her lower lip into his mouth. He swiped his tongue across her bottom lip. The innocence of the kiss was contrasted with the hand holding her firmly by the back of the neck and his other hand, that had slipped under her shirt and was caressing the skin of her waist.
Slowly, drawing it out, Severus released her lip. "The question is, Hermione, if you want me..." His hand drifted higher, and Hermione sucked in a breath. "As badly..." He turned them, so that her back was against the wall. His knee and upper thigh nudged at where her legs were loosely pressed together. "As I want you?"
Hermione stared up at him. "Yes," she whispered. As soon as the word had left her mouth, he was kissing her furiously. His mouth and tongue were claiming hers, his body was holding her up against the wall and his hand was rising higher and higher, brushing up her side to cup her breast over her bra.
She moaned- she couldn't help herself, especially after his mouth moved from hers to her neck, kissing and biting and sucking. Her own hands were trapped against his chest- boldly she began to unbutton his shirt, her fingers surprisingly quick.
"Are you sure you want to do that, Hermione?" His mouth had moved to her ear. His hot breath puffed against the shell of her ear.
In response she pushed his shirt from his shoulders. It settled on the floor gracefully.
The hand that had been cupping her neck left the warm skin and curls to go to her waist with his other hand. She had changed when she had gotten home, changed into a v-necked tee-shirt and pajama shorts. It would be easy, terribly easy, for him to simply pull her shirt over her head.
He did it in a fluid motion once she raised her arms for him. The cold air hit her bare stomach, making Hermione shiver. Severus tossed the shirt carelessly behind him, but one of his hands stayed at her wrists, pinning them above her head.
His eyes were dark as they met hers. They were waiting, waiting for her.
Yes, she told him.
This was surreal. Her hands were above her, both her wrists easily contained by one of the Potion Master's much larger hands. He was standing before her in all of his glory, bare chested and powerful. Even though his torso was criss-crossed with scars and old injuries, she still drank it in hungrily. Here she was, her back touching the cold wall, wearing only a dark blue bra and a pair of pale blue shorts. Her Time Turner was nestled between her breasts with her keys, and the pearl he had given her was settled into the hollow of her throat. His upper thigh was between her legs, holding her up. She wanted to touch him, she ached to touch him, to have contact other than the place where his hand was holding her wrists. But she waited, desperate to see what he would do.
And so she told him yes.
A small smirk lit upon his face as his eyes left hers and instead went to her hands, down her arms, across her shoulders and then down her breasts.
"Beautiful," he murmured. His other hand rose to her face, his fingertips brushing her cheek. They didn't stop there, trailing down her neck to trace her collarbone. Severus slipped a finger under the strap of her bra, sliding it down until the place where the strap met the cup. A blush burned Hermione's cheeks- there was a little white bow there, which seemed terribly childish all of a sudden. Thankfully he moved on, passing his hand over to the other side of her chest. "Truly beautiful." Carefully he lifted the chain that held the little hour glass from her neck, settling the valuable instrument on the desk before turning back to the woman beneath him.
Hermione looked at him, wide eyed. "Kiss me," she whispered.
"Gladly," he said, stepping closer and crushing her mouth to his. The feel of his bare skin against hers was head turning- the sparse hairs on his chest on the sensitive skin of her breasts, the hardness of the wall behind her and the hardness of Severus in front of her.
There came a point when she couldn't stand it anymore and she tried to tug her hands from his grip. Immediately he released her wrists, pausing for a moment to make sure that she was alright. Hermione responded by winding her arms around him and reveling in the feel of his bare skin.
Who would have ever thought? That I would hold him, that he would hold me? Hermione thought hazily. She shivered again.
Apparently Severus mistook it for cold, because he picked her up and turned to the bed, moving all of the papers off of it with a burst of wandless magic. In a matter of moments Hermione's head was on the pillow and Severus was over her.
He seemed so much bigger than she was. His legs were much longer of course, and his upper thigh and his erection pressed into her center and belly, until he began to move down, pressing kisses to her neck and collarbone.
"So fucking beautiful," he was saying. "Never thought I'd get someone so fucking brilliant, Hermione."
She gave a gasping laugh. "Gods, Severus."
One of his hands had slipped below her back and was toying with the clasp of her bra. He leaned over her again, so that his breath played with her ear.
"I'll only take this off if you tell me I can, Hermione," he told her, voice low and compelling. "If you want to stop here, we can."
She hesitated. Where would this stop? For all her musings about sex and however much she wanted Severus, she did not want to lose her virginity right now. What did she want? Did she want him to see her breasts? Would she mind it?
The answer to that was no.
But did she want to go much farther?
The answer to that was also no.
Hermione brought her hand up to cup Severus' face, stroking his cheekbone gently. "I don't want you to take it off," she whispered, pushing him back until she was sitting up. Hermione reached behind herself and unclasped her bra. "I want to do it," she said firmly. Her hair was in her face and she shook it back, then slipped her arms out of the constricting garment.
Hermione had never felt that her breasts were anything special. Lumps of flesh on her chest and nothing more. Two modest swells of flesh topped with dark nipples.
Severus, however, was in awe.
He just stared at her chest, his hands coming up to her sides, skimming up to her ribcage and then back down. The look on his face made her want to laugh.
"You can touch them, you know," she said teasingly, grinning at him.
After that, there was no stopping him. Severus pressed her back onto the bed, one of his hands going to her right breast to cup it gently and the other supporting himself as he moved downward. With a suddenness and a sensation that made her release an embarrassingly high pitched sound, Severus took her left nipple in his mouth, sucking gently as the nimble fingers on his left hand pinched and pulled carefully at the other hardened peak.
Her fingers immediately went to tangle in his hair, to pull him away or to hold him there she did not know. The sensation was intense, almost too intense, and as he gently nibbled at her breast Hermione keened in pleasure. "Oh- Severus- Severus-"
He let the nipple leave his mouth with a pop, then blew on it, making Hermione arch up. "Oh!" she gasped. He chuckled for a moment before switching breasts, giving her other breast the same attention.
When he had finished he kissed her deeply. "You are amazing," he whispered. "So responsive, Hermione. You taste so good. Your skin, your lips- you amaze me."
She wanted to say it to him so badly, she just wanted to whisper the three little words- I love you- but she pressed her lips together instead and just held him tightly. Now she could feel the coarse hairs on his chest against her overly sensitive nipples, she could feel the weight of his body over hers, she could feel the weight of her love for him and her lust for him heavy within her.
"I adore you, Severus," was what she finally settled for. "Gods. I adore you." She kissed him tangling her fingers in his hair.
Slowly, ever so slowly, the intensity of the kisses died down, until they were languidly moving their lips against each other. Severus rolled off of her, to his side, holding her to him that way. Hermione had never felt such bliss before, just a sense of all being right with the world.
When they fell asleep, half clothed in her bed, they each felt warm and safe and above all, loved.
And so ends Chapter 42.
VERY IMPORTANT: Voting opens this weekend for the SSHG awards! Please, please go vote! I'll put the link up at my author's page. Some of the other stories in the WIP category are much, much more popular than this one, so if y'all could spread the word, get your friends to read it, blog about it, that would be great!
ALSO: If I win, then y'all get a treat. If I win, I'll update on the next Friday, and then I'll also write a short story (1-4 chapters approx. 20k words) from prompts y'all send in. I'll choose my top ten prompts, and then you can vote for the one you want to see!
And speaking of prompts, I'll be on break the week after next, and I feel like writing a short story right now. So, to treat y'all who review (and promise to vote in your review), those of you who do can send me a short story prompt and I'll see what I feel like writing!
ONE LAST THING: One reviewer suggested putting a brief summary of the story so far, and I think that's a great idea. What do you guys think of having a recap posted every ten chapters or so?
Other things: I've got a bad cold and three midterms to write tomorrow (fanfuckingtastic time to get sick, I know), I broke up with the second Rwandan, my roommate's (also Rwandan) boyfriend broke up with her out of the blue, and boys are generally stupid. Valentine's Day for me will consist of midterms, going out to dinner with my roommate, going to see the Vagina Monologues with her, and then a mani-pedi girls' night. Fun!
Your excerpt:
"If you don't come back to me in one piece I'll be quite upset with you," Severus murmured into the top of her head.
Review, vote, send me a prompt!