He had another late night last night. The Dark Lord's idea of fun greatly differed from his own leaving Severus mentally and physically exhausted. Emphasis on mentally. At home was the only place he dared to relax his shields. Not that he could relax much at home now. Not with Miss Granger gallivanting around his manor in lingerie. Yes, it was part of the facade and yes, it had been his idea but now he was regretting it.

Why?

Because Miss Granger had no idea how utterly enticing she was. He'd always known she was brilliant, but he never knew she was hiding such a succulent form under her robes. At first, Severus believed it was a stroke of luck that she'd been dumped on his doorstep. The Order thought so as well. Especially since the compound was rather full. It was decided that she would be better off staying with him. He put her to work doing menial tasks around the house. The cooking, cleaning, and such. Mostly he ignored her, at least at first.

But how long was he expected to see her everyday looking so beautiful and not touch her? It was like asking a hungry man not to eat food laid out before him. Especially when she tried so hard to please him. He wasn't sure if Miss Granger knew it or not, but she was incredibly submissive. Incredible only because he had never required that she wait on him hand and foot in the manner she was doing. Serve him, yes, but it was the extra things... Polishing his boots, keeping inventory of his stores (even writing him a note when things were running low or about to expire), going above and beyond with her cooking, and today, making his favorite breakfast on his birthday.

He wasn't sure if she knew that either, or how she knew it, but he didn't call her a know-it-all for nothing. Severus knew what he was doing was wrong. He was supposed to protect her. Not lust after the poor girl. His only excuse was that he was tired and thus, not thinking straight. Right. Which is why Miss Granger was currently sliding into the tub with him, a shy look on her face. Odd. He couldn't detect repulsion in her face at all. Or maybe he was hoping he didn't.

"Shall I wash your hair now sir?"

He didn't trust himself to speak so he nodded his head. His tub was spacious so it was little work for him to situate himself in front of Miss Granger. She was kneeling and her hands skimmed up his back and shoulders almost sensuously. Surely she hadn't meant it that way. Severus knew he needed to calm down so he closed his eyes, releasing a breath as she began to wet his hair. And next was the shampoo. It was cool on his scalp but her dainty fingers felt amazing. Massaging the lotion into his hair, a gentle purr escaping his lips unbidden. It had been ages since he experienced such care. Relaxing into her warm body, Severus settled in for his shampooing. After a few minutes he was sure she would be done by now, and sure enough her hands had indeed left his scalp, but she was still touching him.

Hands stroking up and down his arms, her nipples like pebbles on his back as she massaged his chest. Severus wondered what possessed her to take such liberties with his person. And he wondered why he wasn't stopping her. "Wait," he growled, ripping her arms away. He was fully erect and embarrassed that he couldn't control himself. "I never-"

"Forgive me sir," Miss Granger interrupted. "I just assumed…. You wanted….. For your birthday…." Even without seeing her Severus knew she was blushing. Honestly, he was too. He was never supposed to let it get this far. What would the Order say if they saw them like this? Minerva would be juggling with his bits right about now. If only he really was an evil bastard. Someone who wouldn't hesitate to take the young woman. He felt Hermione moving behind him. Was she leaving the tub without his permission?

"Permission to speak freely sir?" Suddenly she was in front of him, entirely too close for comfort. Her breasts were hidden for a moment by the foam from the bubbles, but only just.

"You may," he acquiesced, bewitched by her gentle manner.

Her hands sought out his chest and rested on his firm pecs. Severus's dark eyes bore into her burnished golden orbs searchingly. He was tempted to use Legilimency but he also desired to hear what she had to say. "Forgive me if I'm wrong but, you seem lonely sir." Well, that he didn't expect. His brow rose in his signature manner as his hands came up to hold Miss Granger's. "I've been here for a while now and I've noticed….well, you hardly entertain and despite my uniform you have never...um, indulged until now. And I don't even know if this counts."

Severus frowned, "Are you saying you wish to be taken advantage of?" He hissed, face contorted into a disgusted sneer.

"No! I- You misunderstand me," a very flustered Miss Granger reassured. "I only meant that…." She trailed and Severus had a distinct feeling that she herself did not know what she meant. There was no way she desired him. However she was a woman with a bleeding heart. He imagined that his abstaining from his more base pleasures had simultaneously confused and endeared himself to her. If only he deserved it. Silence reigned for a long time and he could feel her trying to withdraw. He tightened his grip on her wrist and she looked up at him with a curious gaze.

"Would you like a kiss, sir?"