Disclaimer: All things Harry Potter belong to J.K. Rowling.
Thanks goes to Snapebbwlover for beta reading. I also owe my thanks to Estrilda for grammar beta reading for me.
I have created a mailing list for those who wish to receive updates of stories I write by email. If this isn't working view my profile.
The Gifts of Love
Chapter 5: The Beginning of Love
Facing away from Snape, Hermione whispered in anger, "God I could hex him right now."
A chuckle came from behind her and she turned around. "Professor?" She didn't know if she could believe she just heard her vile Potions Professor chuckle in her presence though she loved the sound.
"Considering the circumstances, I do believe we can call each other by our given names, Hermione."
"Are you sure sir?" Hermione would have loved this opportunity but it was quite hard to fathom. Hearing her name on his tongue in his silky, sexy voice was a dream come true.
"Yes. Please sit and let's talk. Forget our roles of student and teacher for now," Severus pointed to a seat across from him, he used his softest voice.
Hermione sat in the chair he directed to and they both sat. "May I ask why you are in here?"
"Albus believes we should talk." Severus didn't know how to bring up his feelings. But he had a real chance to talk to her before she rejected him and he could at least savor the conversation. Start off with a question to get it started, which one though. Latin! "Hermione how old were you when you learned Latin?"
"I started to learn it around eight. My parents helped me, they both know it themselves."
"Interesting. I would think since you were taught some before coming here that it helped you learning many spells?"
"Yes it did. After I was able to get the books from Diagon Alley I read them over and realized Latin would be good to learn I asked my parents to teach me more."
"You always were studious weren't you?" Severus let his smirk show.
"Yes, sir." Hermione admitted.
"Hermione please drop the 'sir'. It's Severus," he offered again.
Hermione smiled, "Thank you Severus."
Severus had to admit to himself he loved hearing his name on her lips. "What do you plan to do after you finish Hogwarts?"
"I would like to go to Magical University and get a masters in potions and transfiguration."
"Unusual. Most pick one or the other. But I'm sure you can achieve it," Severus couldn't stop himself from saying, the truth serum let the complete truth come out.
"Thank you," Hermione offered him a real smile.
Eventually the two got into a deeper conversation about potions and little about transfiguration. Severus admitted he didn't like it all that much but he was never one for 'silly wand waving', Hermione grinned remembering that from the first speech he gave. The two covered most of the subjects at Hogwarts and some of the teachers, everything they said to each other would be kept in private.
Hermione enjoyed the conversation immensely. Being able to talk truthfully and with no fear of repercussions was a dream come true. But reality came back far too soon for Hermione.
"Hermione I believe it would be best to tell you why Albus has seen fit to put us in here together." Severus brought up suddenly. He had no idea how she would react but she needed to know the truth, even if it meant his humiliation and rejection. "I never planned to tell you this but with the curse placed on you I must." He took a deep breath, "Hermione I'm in love with you." His eyes locked onto hers trying to gage her reaction. He noticed she was completely still and her eyes focused directly on him, she didn't even blink.
He loves me? How is that possible? He can't lie, the Veritaserum is still in effect. Oh God! Thoughts continued to run through her head.
After a long moment, Severus spoke again. "I know this is a complete shock to you but Albus has figured out we are soul mates. Once the curse was on you, I experienced the abdominal pains that were mentioned in the book." A pause, "Since I admitted my love for you, the curse should be dissolved."
Hermione continued to think and take in his words. But then she remembered, she had to admit her love also. "No, it wouldn't. The curse is still active." Before he could say anything else, Hermione's mind came up with a wicked idea. "You say you love me, does that mean you trust me?" Hermione asked innocently.
Severus was surprised by the question but even more by his answer, "Yes."
"Will you let me do an experiment with you then?" Hermione controlled her lips not to show the grin she wanted to.
Severus had a funny feeling about this but was determined to go along with it. "Yes."
Hermione smiled, she took out her wand and pointed it at a book lying on the table near by and with a muttered spell the book changed into a black piece of fabric. She stood up and handed the fabric, which looked like the size of a scarf, to Severus. "Tie this around your eyes and don't ask any questions. You can take the blindfold off any time you want to," Hermione watched Severus' reaction.
Severus' uneasiness increased but was going to do as she asked. Maybe there was a chance for them... he wondered. He took the blind and covered his eyes.
Hermione let Severus sit there for a minute while she silently went to check the rooms that were connected to the sitting room. She found the perfect one. A nice big comfortable looking rug in front of a fireplace with a big luxorious fur rug a few feet away. Severus was still standing when she returned. She took his hand softly, "Come with me."
Severus followed Hermione quietly. He would never do this for anyone else but perhaps Dumbledore but the Headmaster would have never asked something like this.
Hermione led him into the room she desired and onto the rug, "Please take off your shoes, robes and shirt and then kneel down." Hermione discarded her own robe leaving her skirt and blouse on while taking off her shoes also.
Severus unsure of this still but he could hear her robes shifting also and he assumed she was taking hers off and he did as she asked. He felt the rug below him, it was soft and luxurious. He carefully knelt down blindly hoping he wasn't making a mistake in doing this. While he trusted her completely, which was unusual in itself, this was something he was not comfortable doing. But would for her.
Hermione watched as he did as she asked, she never expected him to look so good underneath his robes. He was well toned and his muscle could be defined under his pale skin. Thin black hairs lightly coated his chest and traveled downwards and swirled around his navel, then disappearing below his buckled trousers. She let her eyes wander over him completely and unabashedly. He wasn't a gorgeous man by normal stands, his lips were too thin, his nose was hooked and looked like it had been broken a few times. His eyes though were a different story. They were perfect, they were gorgeous black orbs that revealed his secrets that most were afraid to pear into. But with the blind fold she was unable to see them. She wanted to take it off. She still wanted to explore him, but wouldn't be able to with him watching her. "If I take the blindfold off you will promise to keep your eyes closed?"
"Yes," Severus answered in his silky voice.
Hermione took off the blindfold and knelt down in front of him but not close enough to touch him with her body. She let her fingers trace the outline of his face, exploring his features in great detail, caressing. She brushed his silky hair behind his ear, weaving her fingers though it. Her fingers drifted down to his chin and neck, Hermione sat back down on her feet while still on her knees. She got a better view of his chest.
Severus kept perfectly still while her fingers traveled over his face and neck. He kept his breathing steady but to have a woman take such time and care in caressing him was stimulating and his body reacted instantly. His breath caught in his throat as her fingers glided down his chest and stomach. He could feel the patterns she was drawing softly on him. This isn't what he expected from Hermione but he was definitely pleased.
But her fingers suddenly were no longer touching him and he waited in silence.
"Sit back on your feet."
Severus did as she asked, letting himself get comfortable for the unknown amount of time he would be in this position. He felt her shift forward, her knees lightly touching his. He kept his hands on his thighs determined to make them stay and his eyes closed, he didn't want her to stop. With surprise her fingers were on him again, specifically his lips. She traced them slowly, teasing him. He felt two fingers tips against his lips and he dared to kiss them softly.
Hermione smiled, she leant forward placing both her hands on his shoulders to steady herself and placed her lips on his. It was a simple chaste kiss at first before she withdrew. He didn't avert her kiss and decided to try for more. She kissed him again with more pressure and he responded the same. It remained an innocent kiss, until Hermione let her tongue run across his bottom lip, tracing it. She gained access to his mouth as he opened his lips, their tongues tentatively caressed one another. As the kiss continued, Hermione felt his arms wrap around her waist pulling her back up to her knees and his body flush against hers.
Hermione moved her hands from his shoulders to circle his shoulders and her hands in his hair. The kiss turned very passionate, very deep. Hermione had never felt such desire, teasing, fulfillment ever before from just a kiss. Before long, she needed air and broke the kiss reluctantly. Her eyes opened to look at the man, his lips were swollen, and face had the tiniest bit of flush to it. "Open your eyes," Hermione pleaded, she needed to see them.
As he opened his eyes Hermione saw they were black as ever but were glowing with desire as she was sure hers were. Hermione let a hand trail from the back of his head to caress his jaw and ran her thumb over his lips. "I love you," she whispered staring intently into his eyes.
Severus' heart swelled at hearing her words. He couldn't speak he just lowered his lips to hers again, focusing on her eyes. When their lips met he allowed his eyelids to fall and let his lips and tongue demonstrate his love for her. His desire was building knowing this woman in his arms loved him. He knew she wasn't lying the Veritaserum took care of that.
Hermione wanted more, she wanted to feel his body against her naked skin. She lessened the kiss, opened her eyes and whispered against his lips, "Make love to me."
Severus stared at her intently, checking to see this was what she wanted and not just giving herself to him. But he could see the desire in her eyes. He nodded and stood up, pulling her with him. His fingers moved to her blouse and started to unbutton it, but his eyes stared into hers making sure there was no doubt or hesitation. When he finished unbuttoning it and pulled it off her she smiled, and he returned the smile with his own. He pulled her against his body again, letting her feel the effect she had on him completely and bent to kiss her neck. He was rewarded with a moan as his kisses trailed down to her chest and outlined her bra. He quickly unhooked the back and took off the obstruction in his path as his mouth intended to travel to her breasts. He dropped to one knee, leveling his mouth perfectly with her nipples and he sucked one into his mouth. He tortured the little bud and then repeated the process to its twin.
Hermione's senses were being overloaded with pleasure as Severus applied touches and kisses to her skin. She kept her hands in his hair keeping him to her chest wanting the sensations to never quit. She felt his hands drift from her waist to her skirt and take it and her panties off in one fell swoop. It left her naked, she suddenly became shy, she was naked and he wasn't. Her shyness disappeared as a hand caressed her inner thighs and his fingers traced her outer lips. She was wet before he stripped her naked but now she was even more so. He quickly released her breast, stood up, one hand pressed against her back as his other moved to undo his buckle and trousers. Within seconds he was kicking the material off his feet and picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. Hermione felt like she was floating, she applied kisses to his neck leaving her mark on him.
Severus laid Hermione on the center of the bed and covered her body with his own.
----------
Harry and Ron were up early the next morning they wanted to go see Dumbledore and find Hermione. They checked with Draco and Ginny already and neither of them had seen her since she left with McGonagall. Draco and Ginny were accompanying the boys making sure they didn't get into too much trouble.
Draco said the password to Dumbledore's protective gargoyle and they rode the gargoyle up to the Headmasters office.
"Come in," they heard.
As the four students entered they saw Dumbledore sitting behind his desk with a smile. "Good morning." Each student in return wished him good morning.
"Professor, where is Hermione? We haven't seen her since yesterday." Harry started.
Dumbledore smiled, "Miss Granger is sleeping in a guest suite of mine for the weekend."
"But why?" Ron asked.
"Because I felt it would be useful. The sleeping curse will sometimes make her sleep longer than she usually would," the professor lied easily.
Ginny and Draco grinned assuming that Severus and Hermione were together.
"When will we see her again?" Harry asked.
"She should be awake shortly. I'm sure by lunch you will see her again."
"Professor, do you know who cursed Hermione?" Harry asked, he didn't like the idea some one would play even a little joke he assumed on his friend.
"No, Harry but I am going to find out," Dumbledore answered, he was still very curious who could have put the curse on Hermione.
Harry and Ron accepted this. They knew Dumbledore would let no harm come to Hermione. They also wanted to make sure a certain student wasn't behind Hermione's attack. Justin Flint had been harassing Hermione more lately when she was alone, she told them. The friends had agreed to stay closer to her when traveling the halls.
----------
To be continued...
Thanks goes to Snapebbwlover for beta reading. I also owe my thanks to Estrilda for grammar beta reading for me.
I have created a mailing list for those who wish to receive updates of stories I write by email. If this isn't working view my profile.
The Gifts of Love
Chapter 5: The Beginning of Love
Facing away from Snape, Hermione whispered in anger, "God I could hex him right now."
A chuckle came from behind her and she turned around. "Professor?" She didn't know if she could believe she just heard her vile Potions Professor chuckle in her presence though she loved the sound.
"Considering the circumstances, I do believe we can call each other by our given names, Hermione."
"Are you sure sir?" Hermione would have loved this opportunity but it was quite hard to fathom. Hearing her name on his tongue in his silky, sexy voice was a dream come true.
"Yes. Please sit and let's talk. Forget our roles of student and teacher for now," Severus pointed to a seat across from him, he used his softest voice.
Hermione sat in the chair he directed to and they both sat. "May I ask why you are in here?"
"Albus believes we should talk." Severus didn't know how to bring up his feelings. But he had a real chance to talk to her before she rejected him and he could at least savor the conversation. Start off with a question to get it started, which one though. Latin! "Hermione how old were you when you learned Latin?"
"I started to learn it around eight. My parents helped me, they both know it themselves."
"Interesting. I would think since you were taught some before coming here that it helped you learning many spells?"
"Yes it did. After I was able to get the books from Diagon Alley I read them over and realized Latin would be good to learn I asked my parents to teach me more."
"You always were studious weren't you?" Severus let his smirk show.
"Yes, sir." Hermione admitted.
"Hermione please drop the 'sir'. It's Severus," he offered again.
Hermione smiled, "Thank you Severus."
Severus had to admit to himself he loved hearing his name on her lips. "What do you plan to do after you finish Hogwarts?"
"I would like to go to Magical University and get a masters in potions and transfiguration."
"Unusual. Most pick one or the other. But I'm sure you can achieve it," Severus couldn't stop himself from saying, the truth serum let the complete truth come out.
"Thank you," Hermione offered him a real smile.
Eventually the two got into a deeper conversation about potions and little about transfiguration. Severus admitted he didn't like it all that much but he was never one for 'silly wand waving', Hermione grinned remembering that from the first speech he gave. The two covered most of the subjects at Hogwarts and some of the teachers, everything they said to each other would be kept in private.
Hermione enjoyed the conversation immensely. Being able to talk truthfully and with no fear of repercussions was a dream come true. But reality came back far too soon for Hermione.
"Hermione I believe it would be best to tell you why Albus has seen fit to put us in here together." Severus brought up suddenly. He had no idea how she would react but she needed to know the truth, even if it meant his humiliation and rejection. "I never planned to tell you this but with the curse placed on you I must." He took a deep breath, "Hermione I'm in love with you." His eyes locked onto hers trying to gage her reaction. He noticed she was completely still and her eyes focused directly on him, she didn't even blink.
He loves me? How is that possible? He can't lie, the Veritaserum is still in effect. Oh God! Thoughts continued to run through her head.
After a long moment, Severus spoke again. "I know this is a complete shock to you but Albus has figured out we are soul mates. Once the curse was on you, I experienced the abdominal pains that were mentioned in the book." A pause, "Since I admitted my love for you, the curse should be dissolved."
Hermione continued to think and take in his words. But then she remembered, she had to admit her love also. "No, it wouldn't. The curse is still active." Before he could say anything else, Hermione's mind came up with a wicked idea. "You say you love me, does that mean you trust me?" Hermione asked innocently.
Severus was surprised by the question but even more by his answer, "Yes."
"Will you let me do an experiment with you then?" Hermione controlled her lips not to show the grin she wanted to.
Severus had a funny feeling about this but was determined to go along with it. "Yes."
Hermione smiled, she took out her wand and pointed it at a book lying on the table near by and with a muttered spell the book changed into a black piece of fabric. She stood up and handed the fabric, which looked like the size of a scarf, to Severus. "Tie this around your eyes and don't ask any questions. You can take the blindfold off any time you want to," Hermione watched Severus' reaction.
Severus' uneasiness increased but was going to do as she asked. Maybe there was a chance for them... he wondered. He took the blind and covered his eyes.
Hermione let Severus sit there for a minute while she silently went to check the rooms that were connected to the sitting room. She found the perfect one. A nice big comfortable looking rug in front of a fireplace with a big luxorious fur rug a few feet away. Severus was still standing when she returned. She took his hand softly, "Come with me."
Severus followed Hermione quietly. He would never do this for anyone else but perhaps Dumbledore but the Headmaster would have never asked something like this.
Hermione led him into the room she desired and onto the rug, "Please take off your shoes, robes and shirt and then kneel down." Hermione discarded her own robe leaving her skirt and blouse on while taking off her shoes also.
Severus unsure of this still but he could hear her robes shifting also and he assumed she was taking hers off and he did as she asked. He felt the rug below him, it was soft and luxurious. He carefully knelt down blindly hoping he wasn't making a mistake in doing this. While he trusted her completely, which was unusual in itself, this was something he was not comfortable doing. But would for her.
Hermione watched as he did as she asked, she never expected him to look so good underneath his robes. He was well toned and his muscle could be defined under his pale skin. Thin black hairs lightly coated his chest and traveled downwards and swirled around his navel, then disappearing below his buckled trousers. She let her eyes wander over him completely and unabashedly. He wasn't a gorgeous man by normal stands, his lips were too thin, his nose was hooked and looked like it had been broken a few times. His eyes though were a different story. They were perfect, they were gorgeous black orbs that revealed his secrets that most were afraid to pear into. But with the blind fold she was unable to see them. She wanted to take it off. She still wanted to explore him, but wouldn't be able to with him watching her. "If I take the blindfold off you will promise to keep your eyes closed?"
"Yes," Severus answered in his silky voice.
Hermione took off the blindfold and knelt down in front of him but not close enough to touch him with her body. She let her fingers trace the outline of his face, exploring his features in great detail, caressing. She brushed his silky hair behind his ear, weaving her fingers though it. Her fingers drifted down to his chin and neck, Hermione sat back down on her feet while still on her knees. She got a better view of his chest.
Severus kept perfectly still while her fingers traveled over his face and neck. He kept his breathing steady but to have a woman take such time and care in caressing him was stimulating and his body reacted instantly. His breath caught in his throat as her fingers glided down his chest and stomach. He could feel the patterns she was drawing softly on him. This isn't what he expected from Hermione but he was definitely pleased.
But her fingers suddenly were no longer touching him and he waited in silence.
"Sit back on your feet."
Severus did as she asked, letting himself get comfortable for the unknown amount of time he would be in this position. He felt her shift forward, her knees lightly touching his. He kept his hands on his thighs determined to make them stay and his eyes closed, he didn't want her to stop. With surprise her fingers were on him again, specifically his lips. She traced them slowly, teasing him. He felt two fingers tips against his lips and he dared to kiss them softly.
Hermione smiled, she leant forward placing both her hands on his shoulders to steady herself and placed her lips on his. It was a simple chaste kiss at first before she withdrew. He didn't avert her kiss and decided to try for more. She kissed him again with more pressure and he responded the same. It remained an innocent kiss, until Hermione let her tongue run across his bottom lip, tracing it. She gained access to his mouth as he opened his lips, their tongues tentatively caressed one another. As the kiss continued, Hermione felt his arms wrap around her waist pulling her back up to her knees and his body flush against hers.
Hermione moved her hands from his shoulders to circle his shoulders and her hands in his hair. The kiss turned very passionate, very deep. Hermione had never felt such desire, teasing, fulfillment ever before from just a kiss. Before long, she needed air and broke the kiss reluctantly. Her eyes opened to look at the man, his lips were swollen, and face had the tiniest bit of flush to it. "Open your eyes," Hermione pleaded, she needed to see them.
As he opened his eyes Hermione saw they were black as ever but were glowing with desire as she was sure hers were. Hermione let a hand trail from the back of his head to caress his jaw and ran her thumb over his lips. "I love you," she whispered staring intently into his eyes.
Severus' heart swelled at hearing her words. He couldn't speak he just lowered his lips to hers again, focusing on her eyes. When their lips met he allowed his eyelids to fall and let his lips and tongue demonstrate his love for her. His desire was building knowing this woman in his arms loved him. He knew she wasn't lying the Veritaserum took care of that.
Hermione wanted more, she wanted to feel his body against her naked skin. She lessened the kiss, opened her eyes and whispered against his lips, "Make love to me."
Severus stared at her intently, checking to see this was what she wanted and not just giving herself to him. But he could see the desire in her eyes. He nodded and stood up, pulling her with him. His fingers moved to her blouse and started to unbutton it, but his eyes stared into hers making sure there was no doubt or hesitation. When he finished unbuttoning it and pulled it off her she smiled, and he returned the smile with his own. He pulled her against his body again, letting her feel the effect she had on him completely and bent to kiss her neck. He was rewarded with a moan as his kisses trailed down to her chest and outlined her bra. He quickly unhooked the back and took off the obstruction in his path as his mouth intended to travel to her breasts. He dropped to one knee, leveling his mouth perfectly with her nipples and he sucked one into his mouth. He tortured the little bud and then repeated the process to its twin.
Hermione's senses were being overloaded with pleasure as Severus applied touches and kisses to her skin. She kept her hands in his hair keeping him to her chest wanting the sensations to never quit. She felt his hands drift from her waist to her skirt and take it and her panties off in one fell swoop. It left her naked, she suddenly became shy, she was naked and he wasn't. Her shyness disappeared as a hand caressed her inner thighs and his fingers traced her outer lips. She was wet before he stripped her naked but now she was even more so. He quickly released her breast, stood up, one hand pressed against her back as his other moved to undo his buckle and trousers. Within seconds he was kicking the material off his feet and picked her up in his arms and carried her to the bed. Hermione felt like she was floating, she applied kisses to his neck leaving her mark on him.
Severus laid Hermione on the center of the bed and covered her body with his own.
----------
Harry and Ron were up early the next morning they wanted to go see Dumbledore and find Hermione. They checked with Draco and Ginny already and neither of them had seen her since she left with McGonagall. Draco and Ginny were accompanying the boys making sure they didn't get into too much trouble.
Draco said the password to Dumbledore's protective gargoyle and they rode the gargoyle up to the Headmasters office.
"Come in," they heard.
As the four students entered they saw Dumbledore sitting behind his desk with a smile. "Good morning." Each student in return wished him good morning.
"Professor, where is Hermione? We haven't seen her since yesterday." Harry started.
Dumbledore smiled, "Miss Granger is sleeping in a guest suite of mine for the weekend."
"But why?" Ron asked.
"Because I felt it would be useful. The sleeping curse will sometimes make her sleep longer than she usually would," the professor lied easily.
Ginny and Draco grinned assuming that Severus and Hermione were together.
"When will we see her again?" Harry asked.
"She should be awake shortly. I'm sure by lunch you will see her again."
"Professor, do you know who cursed Hermione?" Harry asked, he didn't like the idea some one would play even a little joke he assumed on his friend.
"No, Harry but I am going to find out," Dumbledore answered, he was still very curious who could have put the curse on Hermione.
Harry and Ron accepted this. They knew Dumbledore would let no harm come to Hermione. They also wanted to make sure a certain student wasn't behind Hermione's attack. Justin Flint had been harassing Hermione more lately when she was alone, she told them. The friends had agreed to stay closer to her when traveling the halls.
----------
To be continued...