Disclaimer: Not mine; never will be. Lucky JKR.
A/N: Thank you to Sunglow999 for beta reading, and to all you lovely, lovely people out there for reviewing. By the way, for the non-brits, Zebedee is a character from The Magic Roundabout; see http://www.rsc.co.uk/zebidee/history.htm for more details.
Can't keep those lemons contained again. They keep breaking loose.
Chapter 6 - and Fallout
The owls started arriving a week after Hermione's return from the Burrow. It hadn't taken long for the gossip to spread and Hermione wasn't sure how Severus would react. He was an intensely private man who hated any form of publicity or speculation about him.
Owl after owl swooped down at breakfast and showered them with post. Luckily there were no red envelopes indicating Howlers. Severus reached for them gingerly.
"Do they say who they're from?" Flitwick squeaked.
"Some do, some don't." Hermione leaned closer to Severus as he flicked through them.
"Don't open that one!" she warned quickly.
"Why not?"
"Looks like a Weasley one."
"Ah." They all watched as Severus tossed the letter onto the floor in front of the top table. Nothing happened. Debating whether to poke it with a lance from the wall, Severus stood up. The letter on the floor started to quiver.
"Everybody down!" yelled Sirius and they dived for cover as the letter exploded in a flash of gold and silver. The smoke cleared as everyone slowly raised his or her head above the table.
"Oh dear Gods!" Minerva said faintly as they saw a facsimile of the Gryffindor Lion and the Slytherin Snake shimmy backwards and forwards across the floor to the tune of "Congratulations".
They stared, agog, at the spectacle before them.
"Can't you make it stop?" moaned Remus, holding his sides.
Hermione dashed down to the letter, adroitly avoiding the snake as it tried to entice her to dance with it. The lion was on its hind legs, doing the moonwalk and twirling around a la Michael Jackson.
Picking up the letter, she scanned it quickly and brought it back to the table, again avoiding the snake that was now bouncing around like Zebedee on speed.
Sirius and Remus now had tears of laughter running down their faces and they were both propping each other up. The other teachers looked on in astonishment, and Severus grabbed the letter from Hermione and pulled out his wand. Waving it over the letter, the dancing mascots and music faded from sight.
"What does it say?" Dumbledore enquired. He didn't know the Weasley twins could do this sort of thing, and it would be worth filing the information away for future reference.
"Just congratulations on your engagement. They look forward to receiving an invite." He said. "Not bloody likely!"
Severus quickly scanned the other letters for evidence of the Weasley scrawl. Good, they were safe to open. He looked at the group sitting round the table; Minerva was shaking her head with her hand over her eyes, Sirius and Remus were still on the floor, Flitwick was on the table, trying to figure out the combination of charms used and the others were either laughing or stock still with shock.
He stood up and pulled Hermione with him, the letters in one hand.
"I'm glad you all enjoyed the entertainment. I think we'll open these in private." He said, and they disappeared from the room. The teachers could hear Hermione laughing all the way to the dungeons.
"I thought I'd put the Weasley twins behind me." He grumbled.
"I'm sorry, Severus, but I'm best friends with their brother. I'm afraid you may be stuck with them."
"Oh joy."
"It looks like everyone took our news rather well, though, don't you think?"
"That's an understatement. I fully expected Potter and Weasley banging on my door demanding a duel."
"Harry took it very well, actually; I won't tell you what Ron said."
"Just as well. He has to kiss his mother with that mouth."
"Come on, let's see what these letters have to say."
~~~
"We've only got three weeks before term starts." She murmured later that night.
"I know. I shall have to get started on lesson plans."
"Severus..." she traced a pattern on his chest.
"Yes, Hermione?"
"Do your speech."
"What?"
"You know."
"No, I don't."
"Yes, you do. Your first year speech."
"Oh, that."
"That. Well?"
"Why?"
"Because it turns me on."
"Everything I say seems to turn you on. I have no idea why, though."
"It's your voice. You could make the alphabet sound sexy."
"A...B...C...D..."
"Oh, Severus...."
~~~
Two weeks left of blessed peace. It had been a glorious summer, and Severus wasn't really looking forward to September 1st. He sighed as Hermione ran her fingers through his hair. They were sitting under the willow tree again, his head in her lap, just relaxing this time.
They had settled into an easy routine; while Severus was in his lab, Hermione would either assist him or study in their quarters. She also spent quite a lot of time with the other teachers, going over her study schedule for the upcoming year. They spent their evenings talking or reading, with the occasional dinner date in Hogsmeade. They made the most of the balmy evenings for strolls by the lake, and Hermione had even tempted him in the lake for a skinny-dip.
It still amazed him sometimes that he'd been the one she'd chosen, but he refused to analyse it too much. Life was good.
~~~
One week left. Lesson plans were filed away, potion stores restocked, classroom spotless and everything was organised. Severus had plans for this last week. It involved a return to the Astronomy tower with his fiancée.
~~~
"Where are you taking me, Severus?" a blindfolded Hermione was being led on a circuitous route that disorientated her so she couldn't tell where they were going.
"It's a surprise."
"Sensory deprivation? I've heard that can be quite kinky."
"Shut up and keep moving, woman." He growled at her. She shivered.
"Call me that again. It turns me on."
"Shall I recite the alphabet again?"
"Only if you want me in a puddle on the floor right here." She laughed.
"We're nearly there."
"Good."
He pulled her blindfold off and she blinked. She recognised where they were, but it wasn't the same.
The Astronomy tower had been transformed into their own personal paradise. The walls were charmed to show a deserted tropical beach at sunset, waves lapping gently on the sands. The ceiling above was a night sky where thousands of stars shone down from black velvet. A huge four-poster bed was facing the waves, but instead of heavy velvet drapes there was light, shimmering fabric that blew gently in a warm breeze.
"Oh, Severus! It's wonderful." She turned to him and hugged him tightly.
"We won't get much time alone when the term starts, so I thought we'd create a few memories." He said gruffly. He had no experience in creating a romantic atmosphere; he'd come across a magazine when they'd stayed at her parents and the picture of the beach had stuck in his mind. He'd imagined them strolling hand in hand at the waters edge, and then the scene from that old...movie?...had replayed in his mind. What was it called? From Here to Eternity, that was it. Hermione had sat down with him one evening and they'd rented some videos. It had been a fascinating experience, like watching wizard photos joined together, but with sound.
"It's perfect. But is it just for tonight?"
"Albus said he could spare us until the 30th."
"Five whole days in paradise?"
"To do whatever you wish, M'lady." He bowed over her hand.
"I think we need to get out of these robes and into something more suitable, then." She smiled. With a wave of her wand, she was dressed in a long white silk nightgown that skimmed her curves, draping over the peaks of her breasts, the thin straps crossed over her back to hold it in place. The breeze pushed the fabric against her legs, hinting at the shadow there.
She waved her wand again and Severus looked down to find himself in black pyjama bottoms that rode low on his hips. He looked up at her as she tossed her wand on her discarded robes.
"I think that we're in a sufficient state of undress, now." She smiled again, her eyes darkening to toffee as she stared at him. Gods, she loved looking at him. He was all angles to her curves, spice to her sugar, the vinegar to her salt. They complimented each other perfectly, but she knew she'd have to tell him about Cleo soon. She sighed. She'd have these few days and then tell him. Hopefully, he would forgive her small deception...
He drew her into his arms and smoothed his hands over the soft silk, the fabric cool under the calluses on his fingers. He felt her heat sink through the material and onto his body, her heady scent making the blood pound in his veins.
He shifted against her and kissed her neck, finding the spot under her ear where her pulse beat the fastest. Biting the flesh and then soothing with his tongue, he felt her press against him, her nipples hardening against his bare chest through the almost transparent silk. Her hands slid round him and slipped under the black silk to caress his lower back, and his muscles clenched, thrusting himself against her.
Moving his mouth up her neck and along her jaw, he claimed her mouth in a wet, open kiss, his tongue demanding and gaining entry. Kneading her buttocks in his hands, he fitted himself against her, capturing her moans in his kiss. Moving slowly, he backed towards the bed until he felt it behind his knees.
Breaking the kiss, he sat down and held her between his knees, his eyes on a level with her breasts, the dark nipples faintly visible. Using his tongue, he swiped a path across each peak, allowing the hard nubs to cling to the now transparent silk. Her chest heaved and a small sob sounded in her throat.
Taking a breast in one hand and sliding his other up her leg under the nightgown, he opened his mouth and ravaged the sensitive peak, pulling gently with his teeth as his fingers found the wetness between her legs. She sagged a bit, but thrust herself forward onto his mouth, her hands burying themselves in his hair. She rocked against him, spreading her legs as his fingers circled lazily inside her.
"You're a tease, you know that, don't you?" she said breathlessly.
"Mmmhhmm." His voice vibrated against the wet silk, sending shivers down her spine.
"Do you want me to stop?" he murmured
"God, Nooooo." She moaned and collapsed into his lap, sending him flat on his back against the mattress. Her legs tangled with his and she giggled softly as he nuzzled between her breasts, pulling the bodice down with his teeth. There was a ripping sound as the strap pulled taut and released suddenly.
"Your charms are fading." He murmured
"I'm only eighteen, Severus!" she deliberately misunderstood him and felt him shake with laughter underneath her.
"You know what I mean."
"Well you are rather distracting..."
"So are you...now if you could move just a little.."
"This way?" she twisted her hips against his, feeling him harden further.
"No, I can't breathe..."
She lifted her torso and as she did so felt her nightgown rip further. Severus still had it caught in his teeth, and he smiled wickedly up at her.
"Oh, bugger it." She muttered, and reaching between them, ripped the rest of it away from her body and flung it across the room. His eyes widened at her display, and then looked down between them to his pyjama bottoms. He raised his eyebrow at her and she grinned.
"I'd do that to yours, but I don't want to do any damage." She toyed with the button, sliding her finger sensuously under the waistband.
"Feel free. I'm sure I'll survive." He growled at her and she flipped the button open. Bracing herself against the bed, she pulled hard and he laughed as his hips were raised off the bed and hard against her.
"You made sure they'd come off easily, didn't you?" he asked, pulling her down on top of him.
"I may have weakened them a bit." She admitted and circled her hips over him, drawing a gasp from his lips. Scooting backwards further onto the bed, he pulled her with him, keeping her on top.
"Did I tell you this is perfect?" she brushed her breasts over his chest.
"You are."
"Mmmm, perfectly delicious." She licked her way from his ear to his chest, feeling his heart thundering under her tongue. Kneeling up, she allowed his arousal to spring free. Sliding her hands along his arms, she grasped his wrists. Allowing her free rein, Severus was passive and watched as she brought his hands up to her breasts. He cupped them; his thumbs flicking over her nipples, watching them tighten again.
She sat back, trapping his erection between them. The slickness between her thighs lubricated his shaft, allowing her to slide backwards and forwards and she braced herself on his hard thighs, riding him slowly. His hands tightened on her, hooded eyes watching the flush move from her cheeks and down her body. Teeth clenched, he forced himself not to move, allowing her to do whatever she wanted. Circling her hips, the slick folds parted and he slipped inside her. She lifted slightly and then plunged down on him, driving him deep as she arched her back.
Her hair brushed his thighs, a wild mane of curls as she rocked over him, and then he moved. Releasing her breasts, they swung free as he grasped her hips, holding her firmly. Guiding her movements, he thrust into her, her internal muscles clenching and releasing in the familiar rhythm of their lovemaking. He never tired of watching her; lips parted slightly and slumberous eyes unfocused as she concentrated on taking her pleasure. As he felt her release building he tightened his hands, grinding her down on him, feeling the first fluttering trembles of her thighs. Her scream sounded as they exploded together in a shattering of stars, and he gathered her boneless form down into his arms.
Pulling the light sheet over them, they slept as the gentle sounds of waves hushed softly in the background.
~~~
There was something very decadent about waking up mid morning in bed on a deserted beach, totally naked. Meals were delivered daily by the house elves, and Hermione had found some very interesting ways fruit could be used in foreplay. She smiled as she snuggled closer to her lover, remembering the Severus Sundae the night before.
Would it always be like this, or would the adrenaline rush on seeing him fade after time? She studied his face as it relaxed in sleep. There were faint lines at the corners of his eyes, and the deep grooves bracketing his mouth had faded over the summer. He would never have the physique of a bodybuilder, but she'd never been attracted to that type anyway. His body had filled out even more this summer, and he reminded her faintly of a sleek young sea lion with his glossy dark hair and dark eyes. He had the energy of someone half his age, and although she hated to admit it, she was dreading the 1st September.
He would then be revealed as Sex God Snape. He had such a sexy swagger to his walk now, and she'd even seen Sirius and Remus eyeing him up. Her stomach churned; what if he tired of her? What if he went looking for someone with more experience? How would she survive? How was he going to react about Cleo?
All these and a hundred more questions swirled in her brain, one fear leading to another, all boiling down to her dread of telling him her secret. She'd tried to broach the subject the day before. They'd been in the bath, talking about pets. She'd explained that Crookshanks had been fairly old when she'd got him, and he'd passed away the year before. She'd decided not to get another familiar. Severus had always wanted a snake, but the dungeons were not suited to reptiles permanently. She had opened her mouth to tell him then, but he'd mentioned a beautiful snake he'd looked after for Minerva.
As he raved on about her, she'd tried to interrupt; to tell him, but he'd distracted her again. He had a way about him with a bar of soap that should have been illegal....
Hermione slid out of bed and held her breath as he stirred, seeking her warmth. She took a deep breath and made her decision. Seating herself on the end of the bed, she transformed once more into Cleo. Pausing to get her bearings and to familiarise herself with her snake persona, she raised her head. Her tongue:smell sense picked up her lover's unique scent and she instinctively slid towards him.
Sliding over the satin sheets, she coiled herself near his head and flicked out her tongue, tickling him softly on his ear. He brushed at something near his ear, thinking it was Hermione tickling him with her hair. He smiled; her hair was only one of the erotic tools she used to arouse him. It tickled again, and he slowly opened one eye, turning his head sideways to find the source.
"Cleo?" his voice was rough with sleep and Hermione shivered. He sat up slowly, slightly disorientated. What was Cleo doing here? He hadn't seen her since she'd been returned to her owner, so Minerva had said. He stroked her head and she flicked his fingers in a familiar caress.
"Hermione? Come and see." He assumed Hermione was in the shower. There was no answer, and Cleo raised her head, staring at him. She slid in front of him and rose up again, swaying.
He picked her up and she coiled around his arm. He searched the tower for Hermione to show off his prize, but she was nowhere to be found. Cleo tightened round his arm, almost cutting off the blood supply, and he looked down at her.
She was twisting and turning, all the time her head was stationary as she looked at him. Her scales shimmered in the sunlight at him, reminding him again of Hermione's ring.
"Ow, Cleo. Let go." He tried to loosen her off, but she tightened again. Then suddenly her outline blurred and Hermione stood there, an apprehensive look on her face.
"Hermione?" he reached out a hand, and then snatched it back, stepping away from her, his face shuttered.
"Severus?" she moved forward hesitantly, and her eyes filled as he turned and snatched up a robe, covering his nakedness.
His thoughts raced. Cleo was Hermione? Hermione was Cleo? He couldn't think properly, his mind still dazed from sleep. Hermione had her hand outstretched to him and her lips were moving, but all he heard was a roaring in his ears. Blindly grabbing for his wand, he transfigured his robe into proper clothing and backed away to the door.
"Severus?"
"I...not now, Hermione.." he stared at her and then whirled around and was gone.
Hermione sank to the floor, her hands over her face. She'd ruined everything by not admitting to being Cleo the minute he'd taken her down to his rooms that first night. It was all Minerva's fault - interfering old busybody! The tears spilled over as she flung herself on the bed, her body shaking with sobs.
Meanwhile, Severus was not sauntering or swaggering as he had been of late. He was storming, yes storming, down to his dungeons in an absolute fury. His rapier mind had processed the information it had received within seconds of him waking fully, which had been halfway down the Astronomy tower steps. Scenes had flashed before his eyes, the most humiliating one being the one after the Valentine's feast, where he had poured out his heart to that...that...snake! Or Hermione in disguise, as he now knew her. Gods, she must have laughed over that one! A love struck Severus Snape! It made him feel sick to his stomach!
His anger caused him to forget her words of love, the perfect summer they'd spent together, everything, except the way he thought he saw himself in her eyes; a pathetic fool twice her age, grabbing at the first woman to look his way.
Entering his rooms, he saw the evidence of her occupancy. Books, pieces of parchment with notes written on them, the odd piece of clothing scattered around. Sweeping into the bedroom and then the bathroom, he stared at the toiletries on his once-sparse shelf. The scent of her was everywhere, and he picked up a bottle. Weighing it in his hand, he drew it back and threw it will all of his considerable strength against the mirror. Both shattered, glass flying everywhere and he stepped back to avoid the shards.
Turning away, he went to the closet, grabbed a bag and stuffed a few things inside. Hastily writing a note, he tossed a pinch of floo powder into the fire, then the letter.
"Albus Dumbledore." He said and watched the note disappear. Tossing another pinch in, he stepped inside.
"Knockturn Alley." He said, and was gone.
TBC
A/N: Thank you to Sunglow999 for beta reading, and to all you lovely, lovely people out there for reviewing. By the way, for the non-brits, Zebedee is a character from The Magic Roundabout; see http://www.rsc.co.uk/zebidee/history.htm for more details.
Can't keep those lemons contained again. They keep breaking loose.
Chapter 6 - and Fallout
The owls started arriving a week after Hermione's return from the Burrow. It hadn't taken long for the gossip to spread and Hermione wasn't sure how Severus would react. He was an intensely private man who hated any form of publicity or speculation about him.
Owl after owl swooped down at breakfast and showered them with post. Luckily there were no red envelopes indicating Howlers. Severus reached for them gingerly.
"Do they say who they're from?" Flitwick squeaked.
"Some do, some don't." Hermione leaned closer to Severus as he flicked through them.
"Don't open that one!" she warned quickly.
"Why not?"
"Looks like a Weasley one."
"Ah." They all watched as Severus tossed the letter onto the floor in front of the top table. Nothing happened. Debating whether to poke it with a lance from the wall, Severus stood up. The letter on the floor started to quiver.
"Everybody down!" yelled Sirius and they dived for cover as the letter exploded in a flash of gold and silver. The smoke cleared as everyone slowly raised his or her head above the table.
"Oh dear Gods!" Minerva said faintly as they saw a facsimile of the Gryffindor Lion and the Slytherin Snake shimmy backwards and forwards across the floor to the tune of "Congratulations".
They stared, agog, at the spectacle before them.
"Can't you make it stop?" moaned Remus, holding his sides.
Hermione dashed down to the letter, adroitly avoiding the snake as it tried to entice her to dance with it. The lion was on its hind legs, doing the moonwalk and twirling around a la Michael Jackson.
Picking up the letter, she scanned it quickly and brought it back to the table, again avoiding the snake that was now bouncing around like Zebedee on speed.
Sirius and Remus now had tears of laughter running down their faces and they were both propping each other up. The other teachers looked on in astonishment, and Severus grabbed the letter from Hermione and pulled out his wand. Waving it over the letter, the dancing mascots and music faded from sight.
"What does it say?" Dumbledore enquired. He didn't know the Weasley twins could do this sort of thing, and it would be worth filing the information away for future reference.
"Just congratulations on your engagement. They look forward to receiving an invite." He said. "Not bloody likely!"
Severus quickly scanned the other letters for evidence of the Weasley scrawl. Good, they were safe to open. He looked at the group sitting round the table; Minerva was shaking her head with her hand over her eyes, Sirius and Remus were still on the floor, Flitwick was on the table, trying to figure out the combination of charms used and the others were either laughing or stock still with shock.
He stood up and pulled Hermione with him, the letters in one hand.
"I'm glad you all enjoyed the entertainment. I think we'll open these in private." He said, and they disappeared from the room. The teachers could hear Hermione laughing all the way to the dungeons.
"I thought I'd put the Weasley twins behind me." He grumbled.
"I'm sorry, Severus, but I'm best friends with their brother. I'm afraid you may be stuck with them."
"Oh joy."
"It looks like everyone took our news rather well, though, don't you think?"
"That's an understatement. I fully expected Potter and Weasley banging on my door demanding a duel."
"Harry took it very well, actually; I won't tell you what Ron said."
"Just as well. He has to kiss his mother with that mouth."
"Come on, let's see what these letters have to say."
~~~
"We've only got three weeks before term starts." She murmured later that night.
"I know. I shall have to get started on lesson plans."
"Severus..." she traced a pattern on his chest.
"Yes, Hermione?"
"Do your speech."
"What?"
"You know."
"No, I don't."
"Yes, you do. Your first year speech."
"Oh, that."
"That. Well?"
"Why?"
"Because it turns me on."
"Everything I say seems to turn you on. I have no idea why, though."
"It's your voice. You could make the alphabet sound sexy."
"A...B...C...D..."
"Oh, Severus...."
~~~
Two weeks left of blessed peace. It had been a glorious summer, and Severus wasn't really looking forward to September 1st. He sighed as Hermione ran her fingers through his hair. They were sitting under the willow tree again, his head in her lap, just relaxing this time.
They had settled into an easy routine; while Severus was in his lab, Hermione would either assist him or study in their quarters. She also spent quite a lot of time with the other teachers, going over her study schedule for the upcoming year. They spent their evenings talking or reading, with the occasional dinner date in Hogsmeade. They made the most of the balmy evenings for strolls by the lake, and Hermione had even tempted him in the lake for a skinny-dip.
It still amazed him sometimes that he'd been the one she'd chosen, but he refused to analyse it too much. Life was good.
~~~
One week left. Lesson plans were filed away, potion stores restocked, classroom spotless and everything was organised. Severus had plans for this last week. It involved a return to the Astronomy tower with his fiancée.
~~~
"Where are you taking me, Severus?" a blindfolded Hermione was being led on a circuitous route that disorientated her so she couldn't tell where they were going.
"It's a surprise."
"Sensory deprivation? I've heard that can be quite kinky."
"Shut up and keep moving, woman." He growled at her. She shivered.
"Call me that again. It turns me on."
"Shall I recite the alphabet again?"
"Only if you want me in a puddle on the floor right here." She laughed.
"We're nearly there."
"Good."
He pulled her blindfold off and she blinked. She recognised where they were, but it wasn't the same.
The Astronomy tower had been transformed into their own personal paradise. The walls were charmed to show a deserted tropical beach at sunset, waves lapping gently on the sands. The ceiling above was a night sky where thousands of stars shone down from black velvet. A huge four-poster bed was facing the waves, but instead of heavy velvet drapes there was light, shimmering fabric that blew gently in a warm breeze.
"Oh, Severus! It's wonderful." She turned to him and hugged him tightly.
"We won't get much time alone when the term starts, so I thought we'd create a few memories." He said gruffly. He had no experience in creating a romantic atmosphere; he'd come across a magazine when they'd stayed at her parents and the picture of the beach had stuck in his mind. He'd imagined them strolling hand in hand at the waters edge, and then the scene from that old...movie?...had replayed in his mind. What was it called? From Here to Eternity, that was it. Hermione had sat down with him one evening and they'd rented some videos. It had been a fascinating experience, like watching wizard photos joined together, but with sound.
"It's perfect. But is it just for tonight?"
"Albus said he could spare us until the 30th."
"Five whole days in paradise?"
"To do whatever you wish, M'lady." He bowed over her hand.
"I think we need to get out of these robes and into something more suitable, then." She smiled. With a wave of her wand, she was dressed in a long white silk nightgown that skimmed her curves, draping over the peaks of her breasts, the thin straps crossed over her back to hold it in place. The breeze pushed the fabric against her legs, hinting at the shadow there.
She waved her wand again and Severus looked down to find himself in black pyjama bottoms that rode low on his hips. He looked up at her as she tossed her wand on her discarded robes.
"I think that we're in a sufficient state of undress, now." She smiled again, her eyes darkening to toffee as she stared at him. Gods, she loved looking at him. He was all angles to her curves, spice to her sugar, the vinegar to her salt. They complimented each other perfectly, but she knew she'd have to tell him about Cleo soon. She sighed. She'd have these few days and then tell him. Hopefully, he would forgive her small deception...
He drew her into his arms and smoothed his hands over the soft silk, the fabric cool under the calluses on his fingers. He felt her heat sink through the material and onto his body, her heady scent making the blood pound in his veins.
He shifted against her and kissed her neck, finding the spot under her ear where her pulse beat the fastest. Biting the flesh and then soothing with his tongue, he felt her press against him, her nipples hardening against his bare chest through the almost transparent silk. Her hands slid round him and slipped under the black silk to caress his lower back, and his muscles clenched, thrusting himself against her.
Moving his mouth up her neck and along her jaw, he claimed her mouth in a wet, open kiss, his tongue demanding and gaining entry. Kneading her buttocks in his hands, he fitted himself against her, capturing her moans in his kiss. Moving slowly, he backed towards the bed until he felt it behind his knees.
Breaking the kiss, he sat down and held her between his knees, his eyes on a level with her breasts, the dark nipples faintly visible. Using his tongue, he swiped a path across each peak, allowing the hard nubs to cling to the now transparent silk. Her chest heaved and a small sob sounded in her throat.
Taking a breast in one hand and sliding his other up her leg under the nightgown, he opened his mouth and ravaged the sensitive peak, pulling gently with his teeth as his fingers found the wetness between her legs. She sagged a bit, but thrust herself forward onto his mouth, her hands burying themselves in his hair. She rocked against him, spreading her legs as his fingers circled lazily inside her.
"You're a tease, you know that, don't you?" she said breathlessly.
"Mmmhhmm." His voice vibrated against the wet silk, sending shivers down her spine.
"Do you want me to stop?" he murmured
"God, Nooooo." She moaned and collapsed into his lap, sending him flat on his back against the mattress. Her legs tangled with his and she giggled softly as he nuzzled between her breasts, pulling the bodice down with his teeth. There was a ripping sound as the strap pulled taut and released suddenly.
"Your charms are fading." He murmured
"I'm only eighteen, Severus!" she deliberately misunderstood him and felt him shake with laughter underneath her.
"You know what I mean."
"Well you are rather distracting..."
"So are you...now if you could move just a little.."
"This way?" she twisted her hips against his, feeling him harden further.
"No, I can't breathe..."
She lifted her torso and as she did so felt her nightgown rip further. Severus still had it caught in his teeth, and he smiled wickedly up at her.
"Oh, bugger it." She muttered, and reaching between them, ripped the rest of it away from her body and flung it across the room. His eyes widened at her display, and then looked down between them to his pyjama bottoms. He raised his eyebrow at her and she grinned.
"I'd do that to yours, but I don't want to do any damage." She toyed with the button, sliding her finger sensuously under the waistband.
"Feel free. I'm sure I'll survive." He growled at her and she flipped the button open. Bracing herself against the bed, she pulled hard and he laughed as his hips were raised off the bed and hard against her.
"You made sure they'd come off easily, didn't you?" he asked, pulling her down on top of him.
"I may have weakened them a bit." She admitted and circled her hips over him, drawing a gasp from his lips. Scooting backwards further onto the bed, he pulled her with him, keeping her on top.
"Did I tell you this is perfect?" she brushed her breasts over his chest.
"You are."
"Mmmm, perfectly delicious." She licked her way from his ear to his chest, feeling his heart thundering under her tongue. Kneeling up, she allowed his arousal to spring free. Sliding her hands along his arms, she grasped his wrists. Allowing her free rein, Severus was passive and watched as she brought his hands up to her breasts. He cupped them; his thumbs flicking over her nipples, watching them tighten again.
She sat back, trapping his erection between them. The slickness between her thighs lubricated his shaft, allowing her to slide backwards and forwards and she braced herself on his hard thighs, riding him slowly. His hands tightened on her, hooded eyes watching the flush move from her cheeks and down her body. Teeth clenched, he forced himself not to move, allowing her to do whatever she wanted. Circling her hips, the slick folds parted and he slipped inside her. She lifted slightly and then plunged down on him, driving him deep as she arched her back.
Her hair brushed his thighs, a wild mane of curls as she rocked over him, and then he moved. Releasing her breasts, they swung free as he grasped her hips, holding her firmly. Guiding her movements, he thrust into her, her internal muscles clenching and releasing in the familiar rhythm of their lovemaking. He never tired of watching her; lips parted slightly and slumberous eyes unfocused as she concentrated on taking her pleasure. As he felt her release building he tightened his hands, grinding her down on him, feeling the first fluttering trembles of her thighs. Her scream sounded as they exploded together in a shattering of stars, and he gathered her boneless form down into his arms.
Pulling the light sheet over them, they slept as the gentle sounds of waves hushed softly in the background.
~~~
There was something very decadent about waking up mid morning in bed on a deserted beach, totally naked. Meals were delivered daily by the house elves, and Hermione had found some very interesting ways fruit could be used in foreplay. She smiled as she snuggled closer to her lover, remembering the Severus Sundae the night before.
Would it always be like this, or would the adrenaline rush on seeing him fade after time? She studied his face as it relaxed in sleep. There were faint lines at the corners of his eyes, and the deep grooves bracketing his mouth had faded over the summer. He would never have the physique of a bodybuilder, but she'd never been attracted to that type anyway. His body had filled out even more this summer, and he reminded her faintly of a sleek young sea lion with his glossy dark hair and dark eyes. He had the energy of someone half his age, and although she hated to admit it, she was dreading the 1st September.
He would then be revealed as Sex God Snape. He had such a sexy swagger to his walk now, and she'd even seen Sirius and Remus eyeing him up. Her stomach churned; what if he tired of her? What if he went looking for someone with more experience? How would she survive? How was he going to react about Cleo?
All these and a hundred more questions swirled in her brain, one fear leading to another, all boiling down to her dread of telling him her secret. She'd tried to broach the subject the day before. They'd been in the bath, talking about pets. She'd explained that Crookshanks had been fairly old when she'd got him, and he'd passed away the year before. She'd decided not to get another familiar. Severus had always wanted a snake, but the dungeons were not suited to reptiles permanently. She had opened her mouth to tell him then, but he'd mentioned a beautiful snake he'd looked after for Minerva.
As he raved on about her, she'd tried to interrupt; to tell him, but he'd distracted her again. He had a way about him with a bar of soap that should have been illegal....
Hermione slid out of bed and held her breath as he stirred, seeking her warmth. She took a deep breath and made her decision. Seating herself on the end of the bed, she transformed once more into Cleo. Pausing to get her bearings and to familiarise herself with her snake persona, she raised her head. Her tongue:smell sense picked up her lover's unique scent and she instinctively slid towards him.
Sliding over the satin sheets, she coiled herself near his head and flicked out her tongue, tickling him softly on his ear. He brushed at something near his ear, thinking it was Hermione tickling him with her hair. He smiled; her hair was only one of the erotic tools she used to arouse him. It tickled again, and he slowly opened one eye, turning his head sideways to find the source.
"Cleo?" his voice was rough with sleep and Hermione shivered. He sat up slowly, slightly disorientated. What was Cleo doing here? He hadn't seen her since she'd been returned to her owner, so Minerva had said. He stroked her head and she flicked his fingers in a familiar caress.
"Hermione? Come and see." He assumed Hermione was in the shower. There was no answer, and Cleo raised her head, staring at him. She slid in front of him and rose up again, swaying.
He picked her up and she coiled around his arm. He searched the tower for Hermione to show off his prize, but she was nowhere to be found. Cleo tightened round his arm, almost cutting off the blood supply, and he looked down at her.
She was twisting and turning, all the time her head was stationary as she looked at him. Her scales shimmered in the sunlight at him, reminding him again of Hermione's ring.
"Ow, Cleo. Let go." He tried to loosen her off, but she tightened again. Then suddenly her outline blurred and Hermione stood there, an apprehensive look on her face.
"Hermione?" he reached out a hand, and then snatched it back, stepping away from her, his face shuttered.
"Severus?" she moved forward hesitantly, and her eyes filled as he turned and snatched up a robe, covering his nakedness.
His thoughts raced. Cleo was Hermione? Hermione was Cleo? He couldn't think properly, his mind still dazed from sleep. Hermione had her hand outstretched to him and her lips were moving, but all he heard was a roaring in his ears. Blindly grabbing for his wand, he transfigured his robe into proper clothing and backed away to the door.
"Severus?"
"I...not now, Hermione.." he stared at her and then whirled around and was gone.
Hermione sank to the floor, her hands over her face. She'd ruined everything by not admitting to being Cleo the minute he'd taken her down to his rooms that first night. It was all Minerva's fault - interfering old busybody! The tears spilled over as she flung herself on the bed, her body shaking with sobs.
Meanwhile, Severus was not sauntering or swaggering as he had been of late. He was storming, yes storming, down to his dungeons in an absolute fury. His rapier mind had processed the information it had received within seconds of him waking fully, which had been halfway down the Astronomy tower steps. Scenes had flashed before his eyes, the most humiliating one being the one after the Valentine's feast, where he had poured out his heart to that...that...snake! Or Hermione in disguise, as he now knew her. Gods, she must have laughed over that one! A love struck Severus Snape! It made him feel sick to his stomach!
His anger caused him to forget her words of love, the perfect summer they'd spent together, everything, except the way he thought he saw himself in her eyes; a pathetic fool twice her age, grabbing at the first woman to look his way.
Entering his rooms, he saw the evidence of her occupancy. Books, pieces of parchment with notes written on them, the odd piece of clothing scattered around. Sweeping into the bedroom and then the bathroom, he stared at the toiletries on his once-sparse shelf. The scent of her was everywhere, and he picked up a bottle. Weighing it in his hand, he drew it back and threw it will all of his considerable strength against the mirror. Both shattered, glass flying everywhere and he stepped back to avoid the shards.
Turning away, he went to the closet, grabbed a bag and stuffed a few things inside. Hastily writing a note, he tossed a pinch of floo powder into the fire, then the letter.
"Albus Dumbledore." He said and watched the note disappear. Tossing another pinch in, he stepped inside.
"Knockturn Alley." He said, and was gone.
TBC