AN/ Thanks to AprilGrey for Excellent beta services.   Thanks for the reviews. 

Comfort Part VII

Amatory-of, relating to, or expressing sexual love

****

Hermione's mouth parted in unison with Remus' as the kiss continued.  She tentatively ran her tongue along his upper lip before slipping it into his mouth, tasting the cocoa they had shared from her thermos. 

Remus met her tongue and they found a slow rhythm to the dance their kiss had turned into.   His hands removed the ribbon that had held her hair, releasing her wild cascade over her shoulders. Hermione felt a surge of passion running down her body, stopping at her center.  She moaned at the fire that began in her stomach. 

Backing towards the bed, Remus' hand moved from her hair to her waist.  His thumb stroked down her ribs before his hands settled on her hips. He sat on the bed and pulled her down, allowing her to rest on him while never breaking the kiss.  His hand slipped up under her jumper, his gentle touch causing her to shiver as his fingers stroked over her back. 

Hermione lay flat on Remus, her hands brushing his face as she pressed close to him.  She felt his desire through both their shared emotions and the physical hardness that was pressing against her. His fingers danced across her back, stopping to undo her bra.

"Hermione," he murmured, his hands trailing down to the top of her jeans, pressing her against him as his hips moved beneath her. She shivered at the intensity of his longing flooding through her emotions.  He was lifting her jumper and she broke the kiss to allow him to continue.  His hands stilled and he looked at her sorrowfully.

Sighing, Remus pushed on her shoulders until she was sitting up.  She saw that his eyes were smoky with desire before he placed a hand over them, his fingers rubbing his forehead.  "Forgive me.  This shouldn't have happened."

"What?  That we kissed? That we are enjoying each other's company?"

"Hermione," he said gently though his voice was husky, "This cannot happen. Not again.  I will not do this to you…"

"Thought I was the one who started the 'doing'," Hermione said testily, sitting cross-legged on the bed as Remus moved to sit up.

Breathing deeply, Remus tried to get his passion under control.  "I am responsible for awakening these sexual feelings in you, so it is my 'doing.'  Hermione, I can't do this.  I do not want to take advantage of you-- what you are feeling is just part of the spell." 

Her eyes flashed at him.  "I think I can decide for myself what I want, thanks.  It isn't like that, Remus."  She bit on her lower lip, flushing a bit. "I am attracted to you. I like being around you because you are witty, can talk about more things than Quidditch and the latest joke item from Zonkos, and you make me feel like an equal.  That has nothing to do with the spell."

His eyes softened as he smiled at her.  "And I must admit that I am attracted to you more than I should be.  It has been a long time since I had someone to match wits with, but that is where it has to end.  We agree there is a mutual attraction and it was unwise to spend so much time alone together."

 "Why is it so wrong?" she asked, moving closer to him. 

"For one thing, you are too young and I am not a healthy person to have a relationship with.  I am a loner, Hermione, a werewolf."

Hermione frowned at him.  "That's a poor excuse, Remus.  As for me being too young, I am old enough to decide whom I want to be with."

Remus shook his head.  The aroma of soft musk filled his nostrils as Hermione moved closer, resting her hand on his arm.  He could feel her desire as it raced through her and knew he wouldn't be able to resist much longer.  Her lips were swollen and red from their kisses, her hair tangled around her face, and her eyes were shining.  He didn't protest as she leaned in.

"Please," she said softly, her lips brushing his.

Remus looked into her soft brown eyes and knew he had lost the battle.  He could feel her sexual desire, it was as intense as his had been moments ago and he kissed her, parting her mouth as his kiss began to consume them both. 'She is old enough to decide on a sexual partner, not like the first time I took her'; he tried to argue with himself, though he knew this was not right. Hermione pressed her lips close to his ear. 

"I want to be near you- I want to make love to you."

Shaking his head, Remus ran a hand over her face, touching her lips gently as she kissed his fingers.  "Who are you?" he asked amazed.

"Just Hermione," she said, smiling shyly.

"Well, just Hermione, I surely want to make love to you also," he murmured, pulling her back down to him. 

Their kisses were more urgent this time, as the passion flared, each feeling the other's building desires. This time her jumper came off swiftly as did his.  Her loosened bra followed and Remus pushed her onto her back as his gentle fingers found her breast, his eyes staring deeply into hers as he caressed her.  Though he could feel her, feel what strokes brought her the most pleasure; he wanted to see it on her face. This time it would be about her.

Hermione's lips parted and she moaned softly when Remus bent his head to capture her taut nipple in his mouth.  She stroked his hair and writhed as he laved her with his mouth, sending ripples of delight through her.

Kissing his way up her throat, his hands fumbled with the snap on her jeans.  Hermione kicked off her trainers as he unzipped her jeans, pushing them and her knickers down her hips and rolling them off.  "Exquisite," he said huskily as he knelt over her looking at her body.  Hermione blushed, feeling very shy.  She closed her eyes. 

"Open your eyes, Hermione," Remus urged gently.  "If you want me, I want to see it in your eyes." 

Timidly she opened her eyes and saw that he had shed the remainder of his clothes.   Her eyes widened as she examined him.  The first time they had been together she had not looked, had kept her eyes shut from fear and shyness.  'He has a nice body' she thought, although she was no expert in this matter.  His form was well defined, the muscles outlined more than she would have expected from someone so lean.  She was surprised that he was nude of hair except for the faint line starting at his navel that led down to his…oh my.

Remus waited for her to finish her assessment.  Although he had taken her once, he knew this was new to her and wanted her to take all the time she needed.  A small smile crossed his face at her inquisitive look at his erection.

He lay down beside her and took her face in his hands, kissing her softly, exploring her lips.  Leaning on his elbow, he ran his other hand over her body, lingering on the spots that gave her pleasure, touching every inch of skin before sliding between her legs. His sensitive nose smelled her excitement as she parted her thighs and he explored her, teasing and caressing.  Watching her intently, he kept his movements steady until he felt her orgasm building.  She arched her hips against his hand and he shuddered slightly feeling it run through him.

After kissing her again, he moved and sat up, leaning against the headboard.  Hermione rolled over and crawled closer.  Her fingers began to touch his chest above the bandages, trailing over his arms.  She touched him as he had her, exploring his skin, finding the spots that sent shivers through them both.  Finally her hand moved to his center. She gave a questioning look and he nodded slightly.  Her hand closed over him and he groaned softly as he felt her gentle, exploratory touch.

Tracing him, she outlined every part, curious as she felt the velvet skin and shuddering at the pleasure she felt from him.  He moved against her hand as she stroked. Remus grabbed her hands, bringing them to his mouth as he pulled her nearer.

"Here," he said huskily as he lifted her and settled her on him.  They both gasped as they joined, their feelings intermingling, her slight discomfort as her body adjusted to his presence inside of her. His body ignited as he felt her stretch to accept him.

"Make love to me, Hermione," he whispered as he kissed her neck, his hands caressing her hips.

He wanted her to be in control this time, to allow her to explore the sexual feelings and movements as she chose.  Her untutored movements were awkward at first, but soon fell into a rhythm that was satisfying to her and him. He allowed her to pleasure herself until he felt her building emotions. Grasping her waist, he rolled her over. With a few sharp thrusts he joined her as they climaxed together.

Remus lay on her, kissing her gently, stroking her face and hair.  "Beautiful Hermione," he murmured between kisses. They stayed locked together, their sweat mingling as their hearts quieted. Then Hermione felt him stirring and he began to slowly move inside her again.

Sighing in contentment, she held him close.  He buried his head against her shoulder and his hips caressed her slowly, as if each stroke was to be savored.   His hands grasped her beneath her shoulders, drawing her closer, trying to meld their bodies together. "Remus," she cried as she felt the shuddering intense orgasm rip through her.

Remus felt her shuddering, the emotions running through him like fire. He murmured her name just before he exploded within her.  Giving over to the deep sensations, they rode out each other's orgasm, feeling the magic bond until they became one, unable to tell their own body from the other. 

"My gods," Remus gasped, rolling over and pulling Hermione to him. "That was beyond words, though I suppose I shouldn't be telling you."

"No," she agreed as her heart pounded in her ears.  "I know exactly what you mean."

Remus laughed softly. "And I suppose you know this from your vast knowledge in the art of love making."

Blushing, Hermione punched him.  "Only teasing, only teasing," he said in his defense. 

"Even if I am not well versed in this area," she said softly, "I take it that what we just shared was beyond exceptional."

"Most assuredly," he chuckled. His face grew sober as he lifted her chin to look at him.  "You do realize that it was the spell that made it so exceptional, though I would like to think that we are just…" his face flushed a bit, "so well suited to each other in this area."

Remus felt her pleased reaction to his words. Grinning, he raised an eyebrow at her.

"I must say, Miss Granger, I was most shocked at your insistence this evening.  Tell me, do you always get your way with the boys?" he asked mockingly.

Hermione blushed.  "Believe it or not, I am very shy and unsure around boys.  They never look at me the same way they do other girls.  For some reason, I feel comfortable with you."

He understood more than she realized.  Kissing her on the tip of the nose, he pulled her close.

****

Remus looked up at the faint light streaming in through the high windows.  The pre dawn sky showed clear, promising a cool, crisp autumn day.  His arm around the sleeping girl tightened as his eyes strayed down to look at her.

'What are you doing, Moony old boy?  She is only a child, a brilliant, sexy female, but still a child.' He remembered his curiosity over sex at her age and assumed she was only exploring her sexuality.  Snorting softly, he knew he was only trying to compensate for the fact he had made love to her again. 

Still, she should be exploring these urges and feelings with someone her own age, Ron or Harry perhaps.  Remus was startled at the surge of anger that ran through him as he thought of her with another.  'Foolish' he chided himself, though his other hand had begun to trace lazily up and down her arm as he tried to still the rush of strong emotion coursing through his veins.

Hermione smiled and snuggled closer as he bent down to kiss her forehead.  "Morning Remus," she started as her eyes fluttered open when he moved. She was a bit surprised by his mouth on hers, his kiss bruising and intense as his tongue parted her lips.  Feeling his desire and anger, she shivered as his hands moved intimately over her, his fingers dipping down to the curls between her legs.  

Never breaking his ravishing of her mouth, he rolled over and parted her legs thrusting into her.  A tingle ran up and down her when he began moving within her, his thrusts hard and deep as he muttered against her lips.  Though he sensed her slight fear, Remus was consumed with taking her.  The added dimension of unleashing the wildness that flooded through him in their lovemaking, drove her desire higher than before and added to his. He bit her neck hard eliciting a slight cry from her and her nails raked his shoulders.

With a cry he came and urging her on, she too crested.  Crashing down from the animal lust that had flared within him, Remus felt the guilt wash over him.  Why hadn't he expected this?  He had already marked her soul-- why hadn't he remembered that his nature wanted to mark her body as well, to lay claim to her? 

"Are you all right?" he asked breathlessly, running his hands over her, searching for any damage he might have done.

The brief irritation that had flared through her melted as she felt his guilt and anxiety. "I am fine, Remus," she smiled at him.  "That was just unexpected but rather nice," Her cheeks flamed as he kept examining her, wincing as he saw the bruises on her neck.

Finishing with his exploration, he pulled her close and hugged her.  "I am sorry that I frightened you.  I should have realized…" He pulled back and looked into her eyes. "It's rather hard to explain."

Flushing Hermione giggled.  "You don't have to explain, Remus.  I am new to this and thought that you just wanted to…well, you know."

He laughed, the tension ebbing.  "I did and we did," he said giving her a leering look that made her laugh.  It was better this way, he thought.  No need to explain the territorial desire he had felt. "However, I do believe you should get dressed and to breakfast.  I, for one, do not want Madam Pomfrey to walk in on us."

Hermione's eyes went wide as she realized the time.  "Right.  I have to go," she said getting out of bed and searching for her clothes.  Remus watched her dress, feeling her shyness. She had been the initiator last night, unashamed of her desire, and her modesty this morning was endearing.

"See you after dinner," she called over her shoulder as she headed out.  Remus shook his head and smiled at her retreating form.  What a mess he had once again created.

****

Hearing a knock on the door, Remus shut the book he was reading.  He took a deep breath, and steeled his resolve again.  What had happened last night would not be repeated.  He had spent the majority of the afternoon scolding himself over his own lack of control. 

Though he wanted Hermione, the animal instinct within him had raised its ugly head this morning.. It had been a long time since that had happened and being with her again would only urge the possessive nature to deepen. 'No, not this time', he argued with himself, he could control any lust that may flare this evening.  He took another deep breath and said, "Come in."

Remus was relieved to see Albus opening the door, his smile warm. Sitting down, Albus pushed his glasses up on his nose, studying the man before him. "You will be leaving in the morning?"

"Poppy has given me a clean bill of health," Remus said brightly.  "I need to get back to business, though I must admit this has been a nice respite."

"I need to ask you a rather personal question, Remus.  How do you feel about Miss Granger?"

Remus raised his eyebrows.  This is not what he had expected.   He put his fingers together in a steeple as he immersed himself in thought.  "I do not know how to answer you, Albus.  Hermione is a bright, beautiful young woman and I care for her very much."

"Do you love her?" The abrupt question startled Remus.

Gray eyes met blue ones. "I love her, like I do Harry and the other children."

Albus leaned back in the chair with an intense look on his face.  "Forgive me, perhaps it was a bit impertinent to ask.  I was just wondering if you thought there might be more there."

"How can you ask Albus?  She is young. What right would I have to love her in another manner?"

"I agree, she is young, Remus, but matters of the heart no know age boundaries."

This shocked Remus.  "Are you giving me permission to pursue a relationship with Hermione if I so wish?  I would think her parents would have something to say over that matter.  I am old enough to be her father and she is only sixteen, Albus."

"No, I am not suggesting that, Remus.  I only brought this up because there is something I need to tell you.  Something that you may want to think about for the future." Albus looked intently at Remus.  "There is a way to break the bond of the Anima Uigumus."

Remus paled. "You told me there was no counter spell for it."

"In your and Sirius' case there could never be."

"Please just tell me Albus.  If I can spare Hermione from the pain I feel or death should something happen during this war, I need to do it."

Albus smiled kindly at him.  "It is not that simple.  You and Sirius could not break the spell because you could never have a child together."  Albus waited as Remus let the words sink in.   "A child between the two who are soul bonded completes the spell as the offspring bears the essence of the parents.  The intertwined soul is born in the child and the part of the child's soul replaces the missing parts of the parents'.  It is a strong bond but it is very different than that between the adults."

"A child," Remus said softly, shaking his head at that thought. He looked at Albus and shrugged his shoulders. "Still an impossible solution, isn't it?"

Albus chuckled. "Impossible?  I do not see why it should be impossible.  Unless I am mistaken, Hermione is a female and you are a male.  That usually is the only necessary components for such a thing."

Standing, Remus looked at the old man incredulously.  "Merlin's beard.  Are you suggesting that I impregnate a child?  Aren't you the one that lectured me for twenty minutes for having sex with the said child in the first place?  I must commend you on that lecture by the way.  If you gave that spiel at Hogwarts, you would assure chastity within the school," he said sarcastically, listening to Albus chortle.

"Would it Remus?" Albus asked his eyes sparkling.  "I have the feeling it didn't have a lasting effect on you."

Remus opened his mouth and then closed it as his face flushed.  Running his hand through his hair, he turned away from the Headmaster.  He felt a hand on his shoulder and turned to look at Albus.

"I, for one, would not want to lose two of the brightest, most caring persons I have had the pleasure of knowing.  And I do not relish the thought of losing another friend," Dumbledore said his eyes bright. "We need you both."

"But it would incapacitate her to be saddled with a child out of wedlock and she is too bloody young…damn…no, I will not add more to this tragedy."

"I do not suggest this as an answer now, Remus.  Just something to think about for the future, after the war and, of course, when young Granger has graduated.  I wanted you to know about this option and in time share this information with Hermione.  She may want a chance to break the bond."

Remus looked at the old man skeptically.  No matter how much time passed, he could not see it as an option. "I will think about it.  For now it is out of the question."

****

Standing in the shadows in the small garden shed, Hermione was wide eyed as the words she had just overheard sunk in.