Disclaimer: They all belong to JKR except the plot, Cleo and Chastity.
A/N: Thanks to Sunglow999 for beta reading and all you readers out there. Twenty points go to those of you who can spot the lines from Hill Street Blues, and Victor, Victoria! And I bow to popular opinion and the occasional death threat - Sev is back in leather!
Chapter 12 - Reconciliation
The air hummed with excitement after the Halloween feast. The seventh years took the time to change from their robes into something more suitable for a nightclub. Most of the girls had decided to keep their cloaks on and only reveal what they were wearing at the club. Colin Creevey intended taking his camera for capturing for posterity possible embarrassing moments.
Draco had arranged a room for them to portkey into, and they were travelling in groups of eight. Harry had arranged to meet Ginny, and Ron was bringing Susan. It would almost be like a reunion of sorts.
Sirius went with the first group, followed by Madam Hooch, then Remus, Severus and finally Hermione. Draco greeted them and showed them the way to the main floor, where the beat of the music throbbed noisily.
Chastity stood with Vincent and Gregory and watched as the club slowly filled up, not just with the Hogwarts party.
"Keep an eye on that one." She elbowed Crabbe.
"Which one?"
"That one." She nodded towards Severus, who had taken up position against a far wall, arms crossed and scowling.
"Oh, that's Professor Snape."
Chastity looked closer. So that was Hermione's ex-fiancé. He was OK if you liked tall dark and surly, but she preferred her men a bit younger, and blonder.
"Still keep an eye on him. He looks mean."
"He is. We had seven years of potions with him." Gregory pointed out the rest of the chaperones, and his voice trailed off when he saw Hermione. Chastity looked around, and noticed Snape tensing up too.
She had shed her cloak, and was wearing spike heeled shoes with sheer, dark stockings, a leather mini dress that zipped up the front and left her arms bare. A studded leather choker with two chains dipping across her chest was around her neck. The zip was done all the way up, and covered her chest, but her figure showed no outline of underwear. She was looking around casually, but Chastity could tell when she caught site of Snape. She glanced between the two, feeling the sudden tension in the air.
Chastity looked around for Draco, wondering where he was. She spotted him by the bar and slowly worked her way over to him.
"Have you seen Hermione?" she asked him. Draco looked surprised. This was the first time she had spoken voluntarily to him. He looked across the dance floor.
"I have now. What is she wearing?"
"Looks like a dress."
"Shit. Doesn't she know better?"
"What do you mean?"
"That's a bloody magnet to any red-blooded wizard in here. For Merlin's sake, keep an eye out. Where's Snape?"
"Watching her too."
"Keep an eye on her. I'll find Potter and Weasley."
"Harry Potter? You know him?"
"Had the misfortune to go to school with him."
"Is he here then?"
"Don't tell me you belong to the Potter fan club?" he groaned.
Chastity grinned. "Hermione's mentioned him a few times, that's all."
"She would. They were joined at the hip for seven years. The Hogwarts Dream Team." He was scanning the room for the familiar black and red heads, and spotted Ron straight away.
Leaving Chastity, he made his way over to them.
"Hey, Draco. Nice place." Harry nodded to him.
"Thanks, Harry. Look, can you stick close to Hermione? Ginny? Do you mind?"
"No, why?"
"Have you seen what she's wearing?"
"Yeah, it's her 'tease Snape' outfit. Ginny told me about it." Harry looked over to where Hermione was standing with Sirius and Remus.
"Well she may get more than she bargained for. I've tried to restrict numbers tonight, but I think she could attract a lot more attention than she intended. Snape has already noticed her, and I can see at least three other wizards who are eyeing her up."
"Blimey, she's supposed to be chaperoning us!" Ginny rolled her eyes.
"I think her hormones have gone into overdrive. That's what comes of going without sex for two months." Draco grinned.
Ron made a face. "You had to remind me, didn't you?"
"Sorry." Draco was unrepentant though.
"All right, we'll be on bodyguard duty tonight. But if Snape approaches, she's on her own."
"I think that's what she's got planned." Ginny smiled.
"OK, just be careful out there."
The group split up, moving in on Hermione in a flanking move. Draco watched as Hermione greeted Harry and Ron, frowning slightly. Chastity wondered what was going through his mind. Did he really only think of Hermione as a friend? Hermione looked stunning tonight, and she was just the right height for Draco. For a minute, Chastity wished she were six inches taller, then shook herself angrily. Why should she want to change just for a man?
She circled the room, watching all the while for any troublemakers. She signalled to Gregory and Vincent to keep an eye out and made her way closer to the bar area.
The music was loud and the dance floor was filled with the younger set. Harry, Ron, Ginny and Susan surrounded Hermione, keeping strangers at bay. So far, she hadn't noticed anything untoward in their behaviour; all she was concerned about was keeping Severus in her sights.
He hadn't moved from his position against the wall, arms crossed and deceptively casual, but there was a waiting quality about him, as if he was ready to pounce any minute. He was like a big cat tonight, in those gorgeous - sexy - heartbeat slow down! - stop hyperventilating woman! - leather trousers, black cashmere turtleneck (she knew that sweater) under a loose black Armani jacket. She hoped he got her message loud and clear; after all, he'd admitted to the collar being one of his fantasies, and this dress was easy enough to get out of.
After a while, she moved across the dance floor to the bar, waiting to get a drink of juice. Harry was bending over Ginny to hear what she was saying, and didn't notice her go. Ron swung round and made his way towards her, but was being hampered by the crush on the dance floor, so she was on her own.
Severus straightened up, his hand automatically grasping for his sleeve where his wand was hidden. He could see at least two younger wizards moving in on her, and so he moved stealthily forward, his eyes fixed on Hermione who was totally oblivious of her effect on those men around her.
Draco spotted her at the same time and managed to catch Chastity's eye. He jerked his head towards the bar and waited as she slid through the crowd before heading that way himself. Both Hermione and Snape owed him big time for this if he got them through this unscathed, he'd make sure of it.
Hermione held her hand up to the bar wizard to indicate she'd like a drink.
"Let me get that for you." A strange voice said in her ear. She turned her head and looked across to a wizard who looked in his mid-twenties. Not bad looking, but she could see he'd already had a few.
"No, thank you. I'm fine." She said
"I can see that." He said in the direction of her chest. Hermione flushed slightly. He crowded a little closer, and she tried to move away, cursing herself for not wearing something that would hide her wand. She clenched a fist instead.
"Look, I'm not interested, OK?"
"Sure? I could show you a good time." He leered suggestively.
"And I could show you a knee to the groin if you want." She glared at him.
"I like 'em mean." He swayed towards her again.
"Not this mean." A dark voice said behind him.
"Go away, granddad." The foolish boy said. Severus gave him his best 'how dare you disrupt my classroom' look, and the boy cowered slightly before straightening his back.
"Severus, I can handle this." Hermione warned. He flicked his gaze towards her.
"I'm sure you'd love to, dressed like that."
Hermione gave a gasp of outrage. Of all the nerve!
Seeing the storm clouds gathering, Draco and Ron moved in, Chastity not far behind. The wizard who was now unfortunately positioned between Hermione and Severus swayed unsteadily; oblivious to the danger he was in. He leered at Hermione again, this time his hand moved to her bottom and she stiffened in surprise.
"Remove your hand." Severus said dangerously. She glared at him again.
"I said I can handle this." She grasped the offending wrist and shoved it away from her, but keeping eye contact with Severus all the time. The air crackled around them. Ron moved into position behind Hermione and Draco moved behind Severus. Chastity watched to see what the drunken idiot was going to do.
Ron balanced on the balls of his feet, sensing a fight in the offing. He could see Hermione's hand twitching, and wondered which wizard she would go for; the drunk or Snape. He hoped she'd go for Snape; he'd love to see her plant a left hook on his nose. And if she didn't hit him, perhaps he could, and blame it on someone else.
"I'll handle her if you want." The drunk swayed towards Hermione, and as far as she was concerned, it was the last straw. Bloody men and their over-bloody-protectiveness!
"Handle this!" she hissed, and drew back her clenched fist. Ron moved a fraction too late to stop her, and she let it fly, past the drunk and aiming directly for Severus. He saw it coming and ducked out of the way. Hermione's fist sailed passed him and smacked directly into Draco's beautifully straight nose, snapping his head back with considerable force. Blood sprayed everywhere and he went down hard. As Severus straightened up, his chin met Ron's fist coming the other way, and he joined Draco on the floor.
"Draco!"
"Severus!"
Chastity was with Draco in seconds, cradling his head in her lap and pinching his nose to stop the bleeding. Hermione rushed to Severus and was helping him up off the floor, running her hands over him to make sure he was all right, apologising all the time, copping a quick feel of his backside in the soft hide at the same time. Down girl!
Vincent quickly moved in and escorted the drunk out of the club, while Harry finally made it to the bar. He looked at Ron, who was shaking his hand, rubbing the sore knuckles. Harry shook his head and went to help Draco to his feet.
"Bloody hell, 'Mione, you broke his nose!"
"I wasn't aiming for him!"
"Thank the Gods." Severus rubbed his jaw, glaring at Ron. Draco was leaning on Chastity, his arm around her shoulders, head tilted back to stem the bleeding.
"Can we take this somewhere more private?" Chastity asked, shaken by how she had felt when seeing Draco go down.
Draco waved his hand towards his office, and holding onto him, Chastity apparated with him, helping him onto the sofa when they got there. Severus took hold of Hermione's arm and marched her towards the cloakroom. He passed Sirius on the way. Sirius took one look at his face and made a decision.
"I'll get Harry and Ron to keep an eye on things. Good luck."
"She'll need it." Severus said grimly.
Sirius made his way over to Harry and Ron.
"Looks like you two are stand-in chaperones."
"That's OK, Sirius. I don't mind." Ron grinned happily.
"Did you have to hit him?" Harry asked his best friend.
"I couldn't resist." He shrugged gleefully. His knuckles hurt, but a quick spell would cure that. He wanted to savour the feeling of getting Snape after seven years of hell.
~~~
Draco lay back on the sofa, his head tilted backwards. In all his years at Hogwarts, no one had ever touched his face with their fist (well, except for that fight with Harry and he'd given as good as he'd got). It had always been hexes. He thought he'd prefer the hexes. The pain in his nose was indescribable, and the blood was ruining his best shirt. A cool hand was caressing his forehead and he sighed. Maybe getting a broken nose was worth it after all.
"Just stay there while I get my wand. Your nose will be back to normal in a flash." Chastity soothed.
She moved away for a few minutes and then the side of the sofa sank down as she sat next to him. A tingle started in his nose and the flow of blood ceased, and he could feel his nose straighten out to its usual proportions. He opened his eyes to see a pair of sapphire eyes shimmering above him. Chastity's hair formed a curtain about them, cocooning them in a world of their own. Sliding a hand over her shoulder, his fingers cupped around the back of her neck and drew her closer to him.
"I don't care if you're muggle-born." He murmured
"I'm not muggle-born." She whispered back.
"I still don't care." He said and kissed her.
~~~
"Accio cloak." Severus said shortly as he pulled Hermione past the cloakroom. His cloak appeared in his hand and he wrapped it around them, enfolding her in his arms. She snuggled into the soft cashmere of his sweater and then they were gone, appearing a few seconds later at the entrance gates of the school.
Pushing open the gate, he strode towards the main entrance, Hermione stumbling beside him. He was pulled back suddenly as her heel sank into the soft ground.
"Shit! Slow down will you?" she hissed, hopping on one foot while trying to pick up her shoe from the mud. Seeing her bend over proved too much, and he grabbed the shoe himself. As he straightened, he swept her into his arms, holding her tight against his chest, wrapping her up against the cold in his voluminous cloak.
Entering quietly, he swept them down to the dungeons, glad there was no one around. Hermione laughed softly and he raised an eyebrow at her.
"I feel like Cinderella." She waved her stiletto shoe at him.
"Cinderella never wore leather."
"For which you are eternally grateful." She whispered suggestively. He stopped, looking down into her sparkling eyes.
"I should be so angry with you." He frowned.
"Please, Severus, I really don't feel like talking at the moment."
"But we will talk." He warned.
"Later."
"Much later.." he kicked open the potions classroom door, swinging her round to allow her to kick it shut. Muttering a locking and silencing charm on the door, he lowered her to the floor.
"Do I leave these on?" she indicated her shoes, smiling seductively at him.
"Why not?" he took her hand, pulling her towards his desk, shrugging his cloak off on the way. She went with him eagerly. Hopping up on to the desk, she drew him close and trapped him between her long legs, sliding her hands under his jacket.
Severus leaned forward and buried his face in her throat, smiling as his cheek brushed against a cold stud on her collar. He slid a hand up her leg, the silk of her stocking sliding sensuously against his palm. His fingers reached the lace top, and he moved slowly over the satin skin there.
"No garter belt?" he rumbled against her neck.
"Welcome to the 21st century, my love, they're called Hold-ups." She breathed against his ear. She leaned back and pushed his jacket off his shoulders.
"You're overdressed, Severus."
"So are you." He murmured, throwing his jacket in the vicinity of a chair, not caring when it hit the floor instead. Hermione reached for his sweater, bunching it in her hands as she slid it up his chest. Severus reached behind his neck and dragged it over his head, flinging it behind him.
He reached forward and toyed with the zip at her chest, and she smiled, leaning back to give him better access. The room was silent except for the sound of their breathing and the rasp of the zip as it was lowered slowly, the soft leather parting to reveal her to his gaze.
Her nipples tightened as the cool air brushed her overheated skin, and she tightened her thighs, drawing him closer. She shrugged out of the dress, letting it fall behind her onto the desk. All she wore now was the stockings, shoes, black lace thong and her choker. His hand tightened on her thigh and he pressed closer, slanting his mouth over hers, tongues mating in a savage kiss.
His bare chest brushed her breasts and she pulled him closer, winding her arms around his neck and threading her fingers into his hair to anchor him there. She moaned deep in her throat, moving restlessly against him as her arousal reached fever pitch. She had been without for him too long; all because of one mistake she'd made.
Their hands moved over each other, relearning familiar pleasure spots. Hermione slid her fingers under the waistband of his trousers, sliding the button free and lowering his zip. She broke free of the kiss and nibbled her way across his cheek to his ear.
The blood roared through Severus as she suckled gently on his earlobe and he pulled her closer to the edge of the desk.
"Um..Severus." she murmured.
"What?"
"Did you have much to drink tonight?"
"I didn't drink anything, why?"
"I hate to say this...but nothing's happening."
"What?" he pulled back. He couldn't understand it. His mind was clouded with lust and he had trouble focusing for a few seconds. He looked down to where they were pressed against each other and then looked up, twin spots of colour burning on his cheekbones.
"Shit."
"Oh, Severus! You haven't taken.."
"I forgot."
"Do you have any?"
"Not here."
"But you're a potions master!"
"Poppy keeps them in the hospital wing."
"Severus!" she wailed.
"Well I had other things on my mind!"
"What's the charm?" she took his face in her palms, forcing him to look at her.
"What?"
"What's the charm? You know?"
"Hermione, you don't want to get pregnant!"
"What are the odds of it happening on the first go?" she twisted against him.
"And how many girls have used that line before?"
"Who gives a shit? Say the charm, dammit!"
"Oh fuck it!" Severus groped for his wand.
"No, fuck me." She said throatily as he murmured the release charm.
"With pleasure." He ripped her thong to one side as she shoved his trousers and black silk boxers down his hips, surging forward into her wet depths.
Hermione threw her head back and braced herself against the desk, thrusting her hips forward and crossing her legs behind his waist, clenching and releasing as her climax built. They were both too far gone for gentleness, and Severus's fingers dug into her hips as he pounded into her. A keening cry built in her throat as she felt the first tremors start, her muscles rippling around him.
Severus groaned as he felt her climax and followed soon after, spilling his seed deep inside her and collapsing against her neck.
"Wow."
"Is that all you can say?" he kissed her under her ear.
"It's all I'm capable of at the moment." She raised a trembling hand to his hair as tears filled her eyes.
Severus felt a warm splash on his shoulder and pulled back to see Hermione crying silently. Gathering her into his arms, he pulled out and lifted her off the desk, carrying her to his private rooms.
Holding her close, he filled the bath and stripped them both of the rest of their clothes, lifting her in with him. Settling her against his chest, he held her as she cried, rubbing his hands soothingly over her back, content to let her get it out of her system. When she finally quietened, he summoned a cool flannel and wiped her face gently. She sniffed.
"Better now?"
"I don't know why you put up with me." She cuddled closer.
"You know why."
"I'm sorry about not telling you I was an Animagi." She whispered. "It was wrong of me to deceive you like that."
"Why did you?" he could talk about this rationally, he hoped.
"I didn't know Minerva was going to surprise me like that the first time, and after that I couldn't resist. That was when I first started to fall in love with you. I wanted to be with you any way I could. I knew you wouldn't allow a student to get that close to you, and I never dreamed you would ever feel about me that way."
"But you found out I did."
"I found out you wanted me for yourself. I didn't know you were in love with me." She corrected.
"I've missed you, Hermione."
"I've missed you too. Do you forgive me?"
"Do you forgive me?"
"There's nothing to forgive, my love. It was my fault to begin with."
"No. I shouldn't have reacted like that. I have more than my fair share of secrets too. Yours was trivial in comparison."
"Will you ever be able to tell me about them?"
"Perhaps. There may always be part of me that I won't be able to share, though. I've locked it away so deep inside me that I never want it to see the light of day. Can you understand that?"
"I think I do. So no more secrets?"
"No."
"Good. Shall we carry on this conversation in bed?"
"I thought you'd never ask." He stood up and held out his hand to her. A quick drying spell and they slid under the dark green sheets of their bed, a warm fire flickering in the grate and casting shadows on the ceiling.
Hermione snuggled close to his side, her head on his shoulder and a hand resting on his chest. Severus curled his arms around her, not willing to let her go again.
"Severus.."
"Hmmn?"
"You look really good in leather."
"So do you. I liked your choker tonight."
"I'd hoped you would."
"So did others, I noticed." He frowned, lifting his hand to his jaw. It still ached a little.
"Sorry about that. I only had you in mind when I chose it."
"I'd rather you didn't wear it again, though." He said.
"Never?"
"No. I have something much better in mind. Accio Necklace." He sat up and caught the black velvet box. Hermione sat up.
"Close your eyes." He commanded, and she shut them obediently. She heard a clinking sound and then he was putting something around her neck.
"Now open them." He smoothed a hand over her shoulder. Her hand flew to her neck and she gasped.
"Severus! You promised me!"
"No, I didn't. You said the rings were enough; I didn't think they were. This suits you much better. Where is your ring, by the way?"
"Under my pillow."
"We'll collect it in the morning. And then you can plan our wedding. Christmas, I think."
"Are you always going to be this bossy?" she smiled at him.
"I think that's the only way to handle you." He smiled back at her.
"I can think of a lot of other ways to handle me." She'd let him get away with it just this once, she thought. After all, she had generations of Slytherin conditioning to overcome; it wasn't going to happen overnight.
"So can I." he pulled her down further under the covers, rolling on top of her.
"I love you, Severus." She whispered against his mouth.
"I love you too, Hermione."
There was silence for a while.
"Hermione.."
"Yes, my love?"
"Are you thirsty?"
"Why?"
"That trick you did with the juice..."
"Oh Severus, I don't need juice for that.."
A/N: Are you all happy now? And please don't forget - this is fiction! It's not real life, and totally from my imagination! Who cares if Sev & Hermione are slightly OOC? Go and write your own story if you're not satisfied!
A/N: Thanks to Sunglow999 for beta reading and all you readers out there. Twenty points go to those of you who can spot the lines from Hill Street Blues, and Victor, Victoria! And I bow to popular opinion and the occasional death threat - Sev is back in leather!
Chapter 12 - Reconciliation
The air hummed with excitement after the Halloween feast. The seventh years took the time to change from their robes into something more suitable for a nightclub. Most of the girls had decided to keep their cloaks on and only reveal what they were wearing at the club. Colin Creevey intended taking his camera for capturing for posterity possible embarrassing moments.
Draco had arranged a room for them to portkey into, and they were travelling in groups of eight. Harry had arranged to meet Ginny, and Ron was bringing Susan. It would almost be like a reunion of sorts.
Sirius went with the first group, followed by Madam Hooch, then Remus, Severus and finally Hermione. Draco greeted them and showed them the way to the main floor, where the beat of the music throbbed noisily.
Chastity stood with Vincent and Gregory and watched as the club slowly filled up, not just with the Hogwarts party.
"Keep an eye on that one." She elbowed Crabbe.
"Which one?"
"That one." She nodded towards Severus, who had taken up position against a far wall, arms crossed and scowling.
"Oh, that's Professor Snape."
Chastity looked closer. So that was Hermione's ex-fiancé. He was OK if you liked tall dark and surly, but she preferred her men a bit younger, and blonder.
"Still keep an eye on him. He looks mean."
"He is. We had seven years of potions with him." Gregory pointed out the rest of the chaperones, and his voice trailed off when he saw Hermione. Chastity looked around, and noticed Snape tensing up too.
She had shed her cloak, and was wearing spike heeled shoes with sheer, dark stockings, a leather mini dress that zipped up the front and left her arms bare. A studded leather choker with two chains dipping across her chest was around her neck. The zip was done all the way up, and covered her chest, but her figure showed no outline of underwear. She was looking around casually, but Chastity could tell when she caught site of Snape. She glanced between the two, feeling the sudden tension in the air.
Chastity looked around for Draco, wondering where he was. She spotted him by the bar and slowly worked her way over to him.
"Have you seen Hermione?" she asked him. Draco looked surprised. This was the first time she had spoken voluntarily to him. He looked across the dance floor.
"I have now. What is she wearing?"
"Looks like a dress."
"Shit. Doesn't she know better?"
"What do you mean?"
"That's a bloody magnet to any red-blooded wizard in here. For Merlin's sake, keep an eye out. Where's Snape?"
"Watching her too."
"Keep an eye on her. I'll find Potter and Weasley."
"Harry Potter? You know him?"
"Had the misfortune to go to school with him."
"Is he here then?"
"Don't tell me you belong to the Potter fan club?" he groaned.
Chastity grinned. "Hermione's mentioned him a few times, that's all."
"She would. They were joined at the hip for seven years. The Hogwarts Dream Team." He was scanning the room for the familiar black and red heads, and spotted Ron straight away.
Leaving Chastity, he made his way over to them.
"Hey, Draco. Nice place." Harry nodded to him.
"Thanks, Harry. Look, can you stick close to Hermione? Ginny? Do you mind?"
"No, why?"
"Have you seen what she's wearing?"
"Yeah, it's her 'tease Snape' outfit. Ginny told me about it." Harry looked over to where Hermione was standing with Sirius and Remus.
"Well she may get more than she bargained for. I've tried to restrict numbers tonight, but I think she could attract a lot more attention than she intended. Snape has already noticed her, and I can see at least three other wizards who are eyeing her up."
"Blimey, she's supposed to be chaperoning us!" Ginny rolled her eyes.
"I think her hormones have gone into overdrive. That's what comes of going without sex for two months." Draco grinned.
Ron made a face. "You had to remind me, didn't you?"
"Sorry." Draco was unrepentant though.
"All right, we'll be on bodyguard duty tonight. But if Snape approaches, she's on her own."
"I think that's what she's got planned." Ginny smiled.
"OK, just be careful out there."
The group split up, moving in on Hermione in a flanking move. Draco watched as Hermione greeted Harry and Ron, frowning slightly. Chastity wondered what was going through his mind. Did he really only think of Hermione as a friend? Hermione looked stunning tonight, and she was just the right height for Draco. For a minute, Chastity wished she were six inches taller, then shook herself angrily. Why should she want to change just for a man?
She circled the room, watching all the while for any troublemakers. She signalled to Gregory and Vincent to keep an eye out and made her way closer to the bar area.
The music was loud and the dance floor was filled with the younger set. Harry, Ron, Ginny and Susan surrounded Hermione, keeping strangers at bay. So far, she hadn't noticed anything untoward in their behaviour; all she was concerned about was keeping Severus in her sights.
He hadn't moved from his position against the wall, arms crossed and deceptively casual, but there was a waiting quality about him, as if he was ready to pounce any minute. He was like a big cat tonight, in those gorgeous - sexy - heartbeat slow down! - stop hyperventilating woman! - leather trousers, black cashmere turtleneck (she knew that sweater) under a loose black Armani jacket. She hoped he got her message loud and clear; after all, he'd admitted to the collar being one of his fantasies, and this dress was easy enough to get out of.
After a while, she moved across the dance floor to the bar, waiting to get a drink of juice. Harry was bending over Ginny to hear what she was saying, and didn't notice her go. Ron swung round and made his way towards her, but was being hampered by the crush on the dance floor, so she was on her own.
Severus straightened up, his hand automatically grasping for his sleeve where his wand was hidden. He could see at least two younger wizards moving in on her, and so he moved stealthily forward, his eyes fixed on Hermione who was totally oblivious of her effect on those men around her.
Draco spotted her at the same time and managed to catch Chastity's eye. He jerked his head towards the bar and waited as she slid through the crowd before heading that way himself. Both Hermione and Snape owed him big time for this if he got them through this unscathed, he'd make sure of it.
Hermione held her hand up to the bar wizard to indicate she'd like a drink.
"Let me get that for you." A strange voice said in her ear. She turned her head and looked across to a wizard who looked in his mid-twenties. Not bad looking, but she could see he'd already had a few.
"No, thank you. I'm fine." She said
"I can see that." He said in the direction of her chest. Hermione flushed slightly. He crowded a little closer, and she tried to move away, cursing herself for not wearing something that would hide her wand. She clenched a fist instead.
"Look, I'm not interested, OK?"
"Sure? I could show you a good time." He leered suggestively.
"And I could show you a knee to the groin if you want." She glared at him.
"I like 'em mean." He swayed towards her again.
"Not this mean." A dark voice said behind him.
"Go away, granddad." The foolish boy said. Severus gave him his best 'how dare you disrupt my classroom' look, and the boy cowered slightly before straightening his back.
"Severus, I can handle this." Hermione warned. He flicked his gaze towards her.
"I'm sure you'd love to, dressed like that."
Hermione gave a gasp of outrage. Of all the nerve!
Seeing the storm clouds gathering, Draco and Ron moved in, Chastity not far behind. The wizard who was now unfortunately positioned between Hermione and Severus swayed unsteadily; oblivious to the danger he was in. He leered at Hermione again, this time his hand moved to her bottom and she stiffened in surprise.
"Remove your hand." Severus said dangerously. She glared at him again.
"I said I can handle this." She grasped the offending wrist and shoved it away from her, but keeping eye contact with Severus all the time. The air crackled around them. Ron moved into position behind Hermione and Draco moved behind Severus. Chastity watched to see what the drunken idiot was going to do.
Ron balanced on the balls of his feet, sensing a fight in the offing. He could see Hermione's hand twitching, and wondered which wizard she would go for; the drunk or Snape. He hoped she'd go for Snape; he'd love to see her plant a left hook on his nose. And if she didn't hit him, perhaps he could, and blame it on someone else.
"I'll handle her if you want." The drunk swayed towards Hermione, and as far as she was concerned, it was the last straw. Bloody men and their over-bloody-protectiveness!
"Handle this!" she hissed, and drew back her clenched fist. Ron moved a fraction too late to stop her, and she let it fly, past the drunk and aiming directly for Severus. He saw it coming and ducked out of the way. Hermione's fist sailed passed him and smacked directly into Draco's beautifully straight nose, snapping his head back with considerable force. Blood sprayed everywhere and he went down hard. As Severus straightened up, his chin met Ron's fist coming the other way, and he joined Draco on the floor.
"Draco!"
"Severus!"
Chastity was with Draco in seconds, cradling his head in her lap and pinching his nose to stop the bleeding. Hermione rushed to Severus and was helping him up off the floor, running her hands over him to make sure he was all right, apologising all the time, copping a quick feel of his backside in the soft hide at the same time. Down girl!
Vincent quickly moved in and escorted the drunk out of the club, while Harry finally made it to the bar. He looked at Ron, who was shaking his hand, rubbing the sore knuckles. Harry shook his head and went to help Draco to his feet.
"Bloody hell, 'Mione, you broke his nose!"
"I wasn't aiming for him!"
"Thank the Gods." Severus rubbed his jaw, glaring at Ron. Draco was leaning on Chastity, his arm around her shoulders, head tilted back to stem the bleeding.
"Can we take this somewhere more private?" Chastity asked, shaken by how she had felt when seeing Draco go down.
Draco waved his hand towards his office, and holding onto him, Chastity apparated with him, helping him onto the sofa when they got there. Severus took hold of Hermione's arm and marched her towards the cloakroom. He passed Sirius on the way. Sirius took one look at his face and made a decision.
"I'll get Harry and Ron to keep an eye on things. Good luck."
"She'll need it." Severus said grimly.
Sirius made his way over to Harry and Ron.
"Looks like you two are stand-in chaperones."
"That's OK, Sirius. I don't mind." Ron grinned happily.
"Did you have to hit him?" Harry asked his best friend.
"I couldn't resist." He shrugged gleefully. His knuckles hurt, but a quick spell would cure that. He wanted to savour the feeling of getting Snape after seven years of hell.
~~~
Draco lay back on the sofa, his head tilted backwards. In all his years at Hogwarts, no one had ever touched his face with their fist (well, except for that fight with Harry and he'd given as good as he'd got). It had always been hexes. He thought he'd prefer the hexes. The pain in his nose was indescribable, and the blood was ruining his best shirt. A cool hand was caressing his forehead and he sighed. Maybe getting a broken nose was worth it after all.
"Just stay there while I get my wand. Your nose will be back to normal in a flash." Chastity soothed.
She moved away for a few minutes and then the side of the sofa sank down as she sat next to him. A tingle started in his nose and the flow of blood ceased, and he could feel his nose straighten out to its usual proportions. He opened his eyes to see a pair of sapphire eyes shimmering above him. Chastity's hair formed a curtain about them, cocooning them in a world of their own. Sliding a hand over her shoulder, his fingers cupped around the back of her neck and drew her closer to him.
"I don't care if you're muggle-born." He murmured
"I'm not muggle-born." She whispered back.
"I still don't care." He said and kissed her.
~~~
"Accio cloak." Severus said shortly as he pulled Hermione past the cloakroom. His cloak appeared in his hand and he wrapped it around them, enfolding her in his arms. She snuggled into the soft cashmere of his sweater and then they were gone, appearing a few seconds later at the entrance gates of the school.
Pushing open the gate, he strode towards the main entrance, Hermione stumbling beside him. He was pulled back suddenly as her heel sank into the soft ground.
"Shit! Slow down will you?" she hissed, hopping on one foot while trying to pick up her shoe from the mud. Seeing her bend over proved too much, and he grabbed the shoe himself. As he straightened, he swept her into his arms, holding her tight against his chest, wrapping her up against the cold in his voluminous cloak.
Entering quietly, he swept them down to the dungeons, glad there was no one around. Hermione laughed softly and he raised an eyebrow at her.
"I feel like Cinderella." She waved her stiletto shoe at him.
"Cinderella never wore leather."
"For which you are eternally grateful." She whispered suggestively. He stopped, looking down into her sparkling eyes.
"I should be so angry with you." He frowned.
"Please, Severus, I really don't feel like talking at the moment."
"But we will talk." He warned.
"Later."
"Much later.." he kicked open the potions classroom door, swinging her round to allow her to kick it shut. Muttering a locking and silencing charm on the door, he lowered her to the floor.
"Do I leave these on?" she indicated her shoes, smiling seductively at him.
"Why not?" he took her hand, pulling her towards his desk, shrugging his cloak off on the way. She went with him eagerly. Hopping up on to the desk, she drew him close and trapped him between her long legs, sliding her hands under his jacket.
Severus leaned forward and buried his face in her throat, smiling as his cheek brushed against a cold stud on her collar. He slid a hand up her leg, the silk of her stocking sliding sensuously against his palm. His fingers reached the lace top, and he moved slowly over the satin skin there.
"No garter belt?" he rumbled against her neck.
"Welcome to the 21st century, my love, they're called Hold-ups." She breathed against his ear. She leaned back and pushed his jacket off his shoulders.
"You're overdressed, Severus."
"So are you." He murmured, throwing his jacket in the vicinity of a chair, not caring when it hit the floor instead. Hermione reached for his sweater, bunching it in her hands as she slid it up his chest. Severus reached behind his neck and dragged it over his head, flinging it behind him.
He reached forward and toyed with the zip at her chest, and she smiled, leaning back to give him better access. The room was silent except for the sound of their breathing and the rasp of the zip as it was lowered slowly, the soft leather parting to reveal her to his gaze.
Her nipples tightened as the cool air brushed her overheated skin, and she tightened her thighs, drawing him closer. She shrugged out of the dress, letting it fall behind her onto the desk. All she wore now was the stockings, shoes, black lace thong and her choker. His hand tightened on her thigh and he pressed closer, slanting his mouth over hers, tongues mating in a savage kiss.
His bare chest brushed her breasts and she pulled him closer, winding her arms around his neck and threading her fingers into his hair to anchor him there. She moaned deep in her throat, moving restlessly against him as her arousal reached fever pitch. She had been without for him too long; all because of one mistake she'd made.
Their hands moved over each other, relearning familiar pleasure spots. Hermione slid her fingers under the waistband of his trousers, sliding the button free and lowering his zip. She broke free of the kiss and nibbled her way across his cheek to his ear.
The blood roared through Severus as she suckled gently on his earlobe and he pulled her closer to the edge of the desk.
"Um..Severus." she murmured.
"What?"
"Did you have much to drink tonight?"
"I didn't drink anything, why?"
"I hate to say this...but nothing's happening."
"What?" he pulled back. He couldn't understand it. His mind was clouded with lust and he had trouble focusing for a few seconds. He looked down to where they were pressed against each other and then looked up, twin spots of colour burning on his cheekbones.
"Shit."
"Oh, Severus! You haven't taken.."
"I forgot."
"Do you have any?"
"Not here."
"But you're a potions master!"
"Poppy keeps them in the hospital wing."
"Severus!" she wailed.
"Well I had other things on my mind!"
"What's the charm?" she took his face in her palms, forcing him to look at her.
"What?"
"What's the charm? You know?"
"Hermione, you don't want to get pregnant!"
"What are the odds of it happening on the first go?" she twisted against him.
"And how many girls have used that line before?"
"Who gives a shit? Say the charm, dammit!"
"Oh fuck it!" Severus groped for his wand.
"No, fuck me." She said throatily as he murmured the release charm.
"With pleasure." He ripped her thong to one side as she shoved his trousers and black silk boxers down his hips, surging forward into her wet depths.
Hermione threw her head back and braced herself against the desk, thrusting her hips forward and crossing her legs behind his waist, clenching and releasing as her climax built. They were both too far gone for gentleness, and Severus's fingers dug into her hips as he pounded into her. A keening cry built in her throat as she felt the first tremors start, her muscles rippling around him.
Severus groaned as he felt her climax and followed soon after, spilling his seed deep inside her and collapsing against her neck.
"Wow."
"Is that all you can say?" he kissed her under her ear.
"It's all I'm capable of at the moment." She raised a trembling hand to his hair as tears filled her eyes.
Severus felt a warm splash on his shoulder and pulled back to see Hermione crying silently. Gathering her into his arms, he pulled out and lifted her off the desk, carrying her to his private rooms.
Holding her close, he filled the bath and stripped them both of the rest of their clothes, lifting her in with him. Settling her against his chest, he held her as she cried, rubbing his hands soothingly over her back, content to let her get it out of her system. When she finally quietened, he summoned a cool flannel and wiped her face gently. She sniffed.
"Better now?"
"I don't know why you put up with me." She cuddled closer.
"You know why."
"I'm sorry about not telling you I was an Animagi." She whispered. "It was wrong of me to deceive you like that."
"Why did you?" he could talk about this rationally, he hoped.
"I didn't know Minerva was going to surprise me like that the first time, and after that I couldn't resist. That was when I first started to fall in love with you. I wanted to be with you any way I could. I knew you wouldn't allow a student to get that close to you, and I never dreamed you would ever feel about me that way."
"But you found out I did."
"I found out you wanted me for yourself. I didn't know you were in love with me." She corrected.
"I've missed you, Hermione."
"I've missed you too. Do you forgive me?"
"Do you forgive me?"
"There's nothing to forgive, my love. It was my fault to begin with."
"No. I shouldn't have reacted like that. I have more than my fair share of secrets too. Yours was trivial in comparison."
"Will you ever be able to tell me about them?"
"Perhaps. There may always be part of me that I won't be able to share, though. I've locked it away so deep inside me that I never want it to see the light of day. Can you understand that?"
"I think I do. So no more secrets?"
"No."
"Good. Shall we carry on this conversation in bed?"
"I thought you'd never ask." He stood up and held out his hand to her. A quick drying spell and they slid under the dark green sheets of their bed, a warm fire flickering in the grate and casting shadows on the ceiling.
Hermione snuggled close to his side, her head on his shoulder and a hand resting on his chest. Severus curled his arms around her, not willing to let her go again.
"Severus.."
"Hmmn?"
"You look really good in leather."
"So do you. I liked your choker tonight."
"I'd hoped you would."
"So did others, I noticed." He frowned, lifting his hand to his jaw. It still ached a little.
"Sorry about that. I only had you in mind when I chose it."
"I'd rather you didn't wear it again, though." He said.
"Never?"
"No. I have something much better in mind. Accio Necklace." He sat up and caught the black velvet box. Hermione sat up.
"Close your eyes." He commanded, and she shut them obediently. She heard a clinking sound and then he was putting something around her neck.
"Now open them." He smoothed a hand over her shoulder. Her hand flew to her neck and she gasped.
"Severus! You promised me!"
"No, I didn't. You said the rings were enough; I didn't think they were. This suits you much better. Where is your ring, by the way?"
"Under my pillow."
"We'll collect it in the morning. And then you can plan our wedding. Christmas, I think."
"Are you always going to be this bossy?" she smiled at him.
"I think that's the only way to handle you." He smiled back at her.
"I can think of a lot of other ways to handle me." She'd let him get away with it just this once, she thought. After all, she had generations of Slytherin conditioning to overcome; it wasn't going to happen overnight.
"So can I." he pulled her down further under the covers, rolling on top of her.
"I love you, Severus." She whispered against his mouth.
"I love you too, Hermione."
There was silence for a while.
"Hermione.."
"Yes, my love?"
"Are you thirsty?"
"Why?"
"That trick you did with the juice..."
"Oh Severus, I don't need juice for that.."
A/N: Are you all happy now? And please don't forget - this is fiction! It's not real life, and totally from my imagination! Who cares if Sev & Hermione are slightly OOC? Go and write your own story if you're not satisfied!