A/N: Pro perficio diligo usquequague, in totus mores, in Latin means "For
perfect love always in all ways. Also a Frozen Rose is the folk name for a
Morning Glory.
Toxic Part 6
On the morning of her 18th birthday Hermione came into the kitchen humming to herself. She found Severus standing by the stove making a pot of tea. All though he didn't turn around when she made her entrance he did acknowledge her. "Miss Granger, I have been bombarded by owls all morning, and that one, doesn't want to leave."
There was a great black owl sitting on the kitchen table, and all around him were boxes. 'Well now, where should I start?'
There was a letter in a shaky hand, attached to a small blue present, 'Must be from Harry.' Hermione picked up the parcel and read the note.
iHermione,
Happy birthday! I have a feeling you are going to need some of this. So have fun and know that we all miss you.
With Love, Harry /i
Hermione pulled the paper off of the box, and then dug through layer after layer of tissue paper. There within the depths of the paper, lay a beautiful black satin bag. Pulling it out she felt its weight. It was like water against her fingers.
Turning it over Hermione noticed some stitching. i'Pro perficio diligo usquequague, in totus mores.'/i
Oh, Harry was worried about her. It was so sweet of him to care about her enough to want a lasting, loving friendship. Hermione's heart melted at the thought of how Harry had grown. He could have been bitter with all he had gone through, but no, he was unselfish when it came to his friends.
The second present was from Ron; the note was also short and sweet.
iMione',
I thought of you when I saw this. I figured you finally needed some good bedtime reading. Although it isn't Hogwarts: A History, I hope you enjoy it. Hope you are safe, and if that greasy git does anything to make you mad just tell me. I would love to show him what I'v learned in his class.
Enjoy, Ron/i
There was only one layer of paper on Ron's gift, and the minute Hermione opened it her mouth dropped. The journal was leather bound and had her name etched on the cover. It must have cost Ron a pretty penny, and Hermione was thankful for such a gift.
Hermione had her eye on the Journal of living dreams since the beginning of last year. Ron had remembered, and had gotten it for her instead of the Firebolt she knew he had been saving for.
There was still Ginny's gift. The Eagle owl had now taken up the space on the table to her left; he had begun to nip at her hair playfully. Hermione turned her full attention to him, and was offered his leg, to remove the letter fastened there.
Slowly Hermione unlaced the envelope; opening it with her slender fingers. The letter was not too long, same as the boys accept Ginny had thought of something they didn't.
iMinoe',
Happy birthday. I hope you like your new owl. I have also enclosed parchment and some new quills. Mione' have fun, and don't leave anything out.
Love and Hugs
Ginny
P.S. His name is Professor./i
Hermione folded the letter and put it back in its envelope. "Well, aren't you a handsome little man, Professor?" She said as the owl nipped her hair again.
Severus hesitated for only a moment, getting his Deatheater mask in place, and then he turned on her. "Miss Granger, you should refrain from ever calling me a little man again." He closed the gap between them and leaned down so they were at eye level. His breath brushed her lips. "I can assure you I am many things," his eyes were dangerously narrow, "but little is not one of them."
She was heady from the scent of him. It was hard to concentrate with Severus this close, especially after his last comment. "Sir," she swallowed trying hard to keep eye contact with the powerful man in front of her. Her mind was filled with the double meaning behind his words "I was speaking to my new owl."
Hermione struggled to keep eye contact, and not allow her eyes to roam his form. She made to get up, and leave when his hand on her arm stilled her movements. "I think you have one more to open." Snape nodded his head in the direction of the last and smallest package, which bore the Wood crest.
Her stomach rolled in apprehension; this was the gift Hermione wanted to forget about. And she most definitely didn't want to open it with Snape hanging over her shoulder. Severus picked it up, dropped it into her hands; and then turned back to what he had been doing. Leaving Hermione alone to fight her demons.
Slowly she pulled back the wrapping, looking at the box beneath, as if it were a snake coiled to strike. 'I can't. I promised myself I would forget about that.' Sure, Oliver promised to give her everything her heart desired. Yet what he didn't know was that he never could.
Severus moved silently and was behind her once more, taunting her. "Miss Granger, don't you want to know what it is?" His voice caressed her senses like velvet and roses; forcing Hermione to forget all about her gift as she leaned into him.
Hermione jumped away from the Professor as if burnt by a fire. Snape fought to keep his heartbeat steady with her this close. "Granger, open it." His voice was deathly low as he shoved the box once more into her shaking hands.
There was no way out of this now; she held her breath as she tore the box open. Snape was pleased with himself for convincing Hermione to open the gift in his presence. After all, one needs to know their enemy. 'Enemy, now where did that come from, Severus?' Before he even had time to process his thoughts, the tinkling of a fallen object brought him back around.
There upon the rough-hewn table sat a breathtaking ring. Rubies, and Citrine set in platinum made up the band. 'Typical Gryffindor', was the only thought that came to Severus' mind at the sight.
"Very beautiful, Miss Granger. Don't you think?" His breath stirred her hair, and she was all too aware of Severus' closeness.
What was his purpose in baiting her? Did he really need to hear that her heart could never be his? When had he begun to care about whom her heart belonged to? Hermione was arousing too many questions within his mind and soul.
"Yes, Sir it is. But I can't accept it." Hermione could do nothing more but stare at the ring.
"Here, let me." Severus leaned past her, picking up the ring. Slowly he took her hand in his. The brush of her hand sent lightning through his body. Severus locked eyes with Hermione, and slid the ring on her finger.
"I told you I couldn't wear this." Hermione hissed.
He was inches away from her face now. "And why is that?" Snape still held her hand, and he wanted an answer, nothing less would do.
Her eyes had gone wide with his question. "Because it isn't from the right person." Her voice was barely above a whisper. All too quickly Hermione realized what she had just said, and pulled her hand from his. Severus narrowed his eyes as if trying to see inside her mind.
"And I thought I told you to keep out of my love life?" Hermione made to turn and leave, with some dignity still intact; but his voice stopped her.
"Very well. We are going out later Granger. Be ready in one hour." His cool mask of indifference was back in place.
She continued out of the room not bothering to acknowledge him; leaving Severus alone with his thoughts. 'What was he thinking, she was a student!'
***********************************************************
Hermione tossed herself onto her bed, "What was I thinking?" She said aloud to the room. Looking around she noticed that Professor, her owl, had followed her.
He flew to her, "Well at least one Professor likes me." Damn Oliver, and his ring. Hermione knew that Severus would be pissed if she wasn't ready to leave, in the time allotted.
Slowly she dressed as if in a trance, the feel of Severus' fingers still lingered on her hand. And if they could make her feel this way with an innocent touch, what could they do to her if...
"No, Hermione, you can't think of that. It will never happen." Yet her hands still lingered longer then normal when she pulled up her panties, wondering what his hands would feel like there. Would he be gentle?
In the last few months Hermione had been having erotic dreams, starring Snape, yet Hermione didn't want to question his presence in her dreams. She would wake so frustrated in the middle of the night that she often took to finishing what the dreams had started. It started as just a way to get back to sleep. Yet now Hermione touched herself each evening, as she thought of her Potions Master. These thoughts were interrupted by a light breeze that reminded Hermione she needed to get dressed.
There within her wardrobe were all kinds of muggle outfits. Which should she wear? Then an emerald green peasant blouse and ankle skirt caught her eye. Why not, Hermione thought as she pulled it from the hanger?
With last minute adjustments to her hair, and makeup, Hermione was ready. She looked at herself in the mirror, and noticed the ring still on her hand where Professor Snape had placed it. Hermione moved to take it off but then thought better of it.
'Leave it on Hermione. After all that is what Snape wanted.' Damn that silly little Gryffindor voice was right.
***********************************************************
Hermione was seething. It had been half an hour since Snape, the great git, had sent her on her way around Diagon Alley. He had just given her the list and sent her off, telling her he had things to do.
'What in Merlin's name is so important that he has to do it now?' Hermione shrugged her shoulders knowing that she needed to get started shopping, or face the wrath of Snape.
Within the potions shop Hermione wandered for an hour. The list of things he had given her were easy enough to find, and she had picked them out quickly. But there were things she needed for herself. Hermione sought out all the ingredients for her hair straightner, and a long list of essential oils.
Finally she was ready to check out. Coming up to the counter Hermione noticed the all trademark Malfoy drawl. "When will you be getting it in Madam Savliaggo?"
The witch behind the counter spotted Hermione, and cleared her throat, letting Lucious know they had company. Slowly the eldest Malfoy turned, "Ah, Miss Granger, where is the rest of Hogwart's misfits?"
Hermione noticed that his eyes, while cold, roamed over her body in a most inappropriate way. Placing her items atop the counter, she answered softly, "Harry and Ron didn't accompany me, Sir."
Before the conversation could go any further she paid Madam Savliaggo, and left. Making her way to where she was to meet her Professor. All the while thinking to herself how odd Mr. Malfoy had acted, never noticing him following her.
***********************************************************
Severus had just finished sending off and owl to 12 Grimmauld Place. He smiled to himself, 'Let's see our dear Mr. Wood top that.' The Deatheater in his head said.
All was going as planned, and soon this damn charade would be over. The Dark Lord would fall before the Order, leaving Severus to have a normal life once again. No more spying, or lying. No more heinous acts.
That was when he spotted her, sitting outside one of the many shops of Diagon Alley. "Miss Granger, are you ready to leave. Or would you like to sightsee all day?"
She visibly bristled at his near contact. Or was it his biting comments? Severus didn't care, as long as he kept her on her toes.
"I was waiting for you." Hermione's eyes had grown dark as if there was a storm brewing behind them.
"Come along then Miss Granger." Severus took her by the arm and led her to a quite corner to disapperate.
He waited until he thought no one was watching them, Severus pulled her tightly against him, and then they vanished from sight. Unknown to Severus, Malfoy was just out of sight witnessing the whole thing.
***********************************************************
12 Grimmauld place was as alive with arguing as it had been that first night. 'Just who the hells button's did he think he was pushing?' There was no way Hermione was going to be able to take this the whole summer.
"I can't believe you think I am some sort of servant. Fetch this Hermione. Do that Hermione." She yelled at him.
Snape just watched her, knowing that her self-righteous Gryffindor nature would not allow him to get a word in. "What makes you any better than me?" Hermione's face was red with frustration.
"Miss Granger, it would be prudent to remember your manners. I am still your professor, and you are my assistant." There was electricity arching across the room between them.
"My apologies, Professor. I forgot I was the servant of a Deatheater." Hermione's words were sharp and had cut him deep, the impact visible on his face.
Severus rose from his seat before the fire, "Enough! I think you need some time to think over your actions." He turned from her once again, letting Hermione know that she had been dismissed.
"Who the hell do you think you are, you insufferable bastard? How dare you just dismiss me?" Hermione was insulted and hurt. Did she mean so little to him, to the cause that he could treat her this way? "You cold hearted monster!" Tears stained her voice as she fled the room in a flurry of silk. Hermione needed to get away from him, she needed to be where she could think clearly.
Severus made to follow her, and then thought twice about it. Besides hadn't he behaved himself well? When all during their exchange he had wanted to stop her yelling, by kissing her senseless. Yet once again Severus was a perfect gentleman, just as he knew she wanted him to be.
***********************************************************
An audible gasp filled Hermione's bedchamber, there on the bed sat Professor, her owl, and a large box wrapped in forest green wrapping paper. Atop the box sat a frozen rose in her house colors.
"Odd, I already opened all my presents this morning." Hermione racked her brain as she walked over to her bed. She had completely forgotten her words with Severus.
Hermione picked up the box and opened it, there inside sat a set of dress robes. They were each made of the finest silk and velvet. One for summer, burgundy lined gold silk; one for winter burgundy velvet lined with gold silk as well. Both had golden gryffions with ruby eyes as the clasps. There was no card or note, and Hermione was at a loss as to whom could have sent them.
It couldn't have possibly been Oliver; he had already sent her the ring. Hermione absently spun the platinum band around on her finger at the thought of it. All too quickly she felt weighed down buy Wood's actions and he wasn't within one hundred miles of her.
Even though Snape had done nothing but needle her since she had gotten to Grimmauld Place, she had a feeling something was just beneath the surface. Once or twice Hermione had noticed Severus' eyes wander over her; in a much different way then when she sat in his classroom. Yet she felt that if Oliver kept sending her things, Snape's secret looks would stop.
"Come on, Hermione, what chance do you think you have with him?" She had taken to talking to herself a lot since coming to Grimmauld Place.
"Miss Granger, to whom are you speaking?" Severus stood looming like a dark storm cloud in her doorway. His voice caressed her senses like velvet and roses.
Hermione tried to find her voice, but it was useless. Seeing him standing there, with his arms folded across his chest, made her want to feel his arms around her.
That was when she noticed his cloak; it was the exact replica of the ones she had just received. But where her's matched her own house colours, his were in Slytherin house colors. They clung to his form like everything else he wore, as if they were painted there.
As if he had read her mind he spoke, "I see you have opened your last gift." Severus looked around her to the bed. Yet Hermione hadn't failed to notice that his eyes settled upon her, causing her heart to jump, and begin to pound.
"Excuse me, sir, but did you..." Hermione turned around to gesture to the open box and its contents. She already felt the blush rise in her cheeks. She dared not turn back around to face him.
"If I had known sooner of your birthday, you would have had them this morning. Be that as it may, are they to your liking?" Severus' voice was husky with desire.
Severus was behind her now, causing her breath to come in short gasps. Reaching around her he grabbed up a cloak, bringing it to her shoulders. His long slender fingers coming about her throat to clasp it.
Hermione let out a sigh as she leaned into him. It felt so good to be this close to him. Severus pulled Hermione tighter into his embrace, causing her to feel every inch of him. "See what you do to me." He hissed in her ear.
Showing her what she did to his body. Hermione noted every hard muscle that belonged to him, until she realized exactly what it was he was talking about.
Hermione pulled away in one hurried movement, and spun around to look into his eyes. She saw lust deep within them. "Professor Snape, you should leave, this isn't right. Not to mention it breaks quite a few rules about student and teacher relations." The moment he pulled away from her, Hermione regretted her words. Although her mind said it was right to stop him; her heart and body disagreed.
He hadn't even flinched at her words. At least not that Hermione could notice. "I must be going. I have a meeting with the Headmaster." Severus made his leave without further discussion.
Hermione threw herself on her bed, how could he run so hot and cold. Just a moment ago he was tempting her beyond measure with just his arms around her; then as if someone had thrown cold water upon her, he left. True she had been the one to ask him to stop, but he hadn't even acknowledged what had happened.
Why she stopped him was an altogether different thing. 'Maybe', Hermione thought to herself, 'I'm frightened.' In the end Hermione decided to follow through the next time she had such a chance. Fear be damned! If Severus Snape ever got within ten feet of her again, she wasn't going to stop him, no matter what. After all there must be something he wants from her, the looks, the gifts; a Slytherin doesn't just give something, and seek nothing in return.'
Toxic Part 6
On the morning of her 18th birthday Hermione came into the kitchen humming to herself. She found Severus standing by the stove making a pot of tea. All though he didn't turn around when she made her entrance he did acknowledge her. "Miss Granger, I have been bombarded by owls all morning, and that one, doesn't want to leave."
There was a great black owl sitting on the kitchen table, and all around him were boxes. 'Well now, where should I start?'
There was a letter in a shaky hand, attached to a small blue present, 'Must be from Harry.' Hermione picked up the parcel and read the note.
iHermione,
Happy birthday! I have a feeling you are going to need some of this. So have fun and know that we all miss you.
With Love, Harry /i
Hermione pulled the paper off of the box, and then dug through layer after layer of tissue paper. There within the depths of the paper, lay a beautiful black satin bag. Pulling it out she felt its weight. It was like water against her fingers.
Turning it over Hermione noticed some stitching. i'Pro perficio diligo usquequague, in totus mores.'/i
Oh, Harry was worried about her. It was so sweet of him to care about her enough to want a lasting, loving friendship. Hermione's heart melted at the thought of how Harry had grown. He could have been bitter with all he had gone through, but no, he was unselfish when it came to his friends.
The second present was from Ron; the note was also short and sweet.
iMione',
I thought of you when I saw this. I figured you finally needed some good bedtime reading. Although it isn't Hogwarts: A History, I hope you enjoy it. Hope you are safe, and if that greasy git does anything to make you mad just tell me. I would love to show him what I'v learned in his class.
Enjoy, Ron/i
There was only one layer of paper on Ron's gift, and the minute Hermione opened it her mouth dropped. The journal was leather bound and had her name etched on the cover. It must have cost Ron a pretty penny, and Hermione was thankful for such a gift.
Hermione had her eye on the Journal of living dreams since the beginning of last year. Ron had remembered, and had gotten it for her instead of the Firebolt she knew he had been saving for.
There was still Ginny's gift. The Eagle owl had now taken up the space on the table to her left; he had begun to nip at her hair playfully. Hermione turned her full attention to him, and was offered his leg, to remove the letter fastened there.
Slowly Hermione unlaced the envelope; opening it with her slender fingers. The letter was not too long, same as the boys accept Ginny had thought of something they didn't.
iMinoe',
Happy birthday. I hope you like your new owl. I have also enclosed parchment and some new quills. Mione' have fun, and don't leave anything out.
Love and Hugs
Ginny
P.S. His name is Professor./i
Hermione folded the letter and put it back in its envelope. "Well, aren't you a handsome little man, Professor?" She said as the owl nipped her hair again.
Severus hesitated for only a moment, getting his Deatheater mask in place, and then he turned on her. "Miss Granger, you should refrain from ever calling me a little man again." He closed the gap between them and leaned down so they were at eye level. His breath brushed her lips. "I can assure you I am many things," his eyes were dangerously narrow, "but little is not one of them."
She was heady from the scent of him. It was hard to concentrate with Severus this close, especially after his last comment. "Sir," she swallowed trying hard to keep eye contact with the powerful man in front of her. Her mind was filled with the double meaning behind his words "I was speaking to my new owl."
Hermione struggled to keep eye contact, and not allow her eyes to roam his form. She made to get up, and leave when his hand on her arm stilled her movements. "I think you have one more to open." Snape nodded his head in the direction of the last and smallest package, which bore the Wood crest.
Her stomach rolled in apprehension; this was the gift Hermione wanted to forget about. And she most definitely didn't want to open it with Snape hanging over her shoulder. Severus picked it up, dropped it into her hands; and then turned back to what he had been doing. Leaving Hermione alone to fight her demons.
Slowly she pulled back the wrapping, looking at the box beneath, as if it were a snake coiled to strike. 'I can't. I promised myself I would forget about that.' Sure, Oliver promised to give her everything her heart desired. Yet what he didn't know was that he never could.
Severus moved silently and was behind her once more, taunting her. "Miss Granger, don't you want to know what it is?" His voice caressed her senses like velvet and roses; forcing Hermione to forget all about her gift as she leaned into him.
Hermione jumped away from the Professor as if burnt by a fire. Snape fought to keep his heartbeat steady with her this close. "Granger, open it." His voice was deathly low as he shoved the box once more into her shaking hands.
There was no way out of this now; she held her breath as she tore the box open. Snape was pleased with himself for convincing Hermione to open the gift in his presence. After all, one needs to know their enemy. 'Enemy, now where did that come from, Severus?' Before he even had time to process his thoughts, the tinkling of a fallen object brought him back around.
There upon the rough-hewn table sat a breathtaking ring. Rubies, and Citrine set in platinum made up the band. 'Typical Gryffindor', was the only thought that came to Severus' mind at the sight.
"Very beautiful, Miss Granger. Don't you think?" His breath stirred her hair, and she was all too aware of Severus' closeness.
What was his purpose in baiting her? Did he really need to hear that her heart could never be his? When had he begun to care about whom her heart belonged to? Hermione was arousing too many questions within his mind and soul.
"Yes, Sir it is. But I can't accept it." Hermione could do nothing more but stare at the ring.
"Here, let me." Severus leaned past her, picking up the ring. Slowly he took her hand in his. The brush of her hand sent lightning through his body. Severus locked eyes with Hermione, and slid the ring on her finger.
"I told you I couldn't wear this." Hermione hissed.
He was inches away from her face now. "And why is that?" Snape still held her hand, and he wanted an answer, nothing less would do.
Her eyes had gone wide with his question. "Because it isn't from the right person." Her voice was barely above a whisper. All too quickly Hermione realized what she had just said, and pulled her hand from his. Severus narrowed his eyes as if trying to see inside her mind.
"And I thought I told you to keep out of my love life?" Hermione made to turn and leave, with some dignity still intact; but his voice stopped her.
"Very well. We are going out later Granger. Be ready in one hour." His cool mask of indifference was back in place.
She continued out of the room not bothering to acknowledge him; leaving Severus alone with his thoughts. 'What was he thinking, she was a student!'
***********************************************************
Hermione tossed herself onto her bed, "What was I thinking?" She said aloud to the room. Looking around she noticed that Professor, her owl, had followed her.
He flew to her, "Well at least one Professor likes me." Damn Oliver, and his ring. Hermione knew that Severus would be pissed if she wasn't ready to leave, in the time allotted.
Slowly she dressed as if in a trance, the feel of Severus' fingers still lingered on her hand. And if they could make her feel this way with an innocent touch, what could they do to her if...
"No, Hermione, you can't think of that. It will never happen." Yet her hands still lingered longer then normal when she pulled up her panties, wondering what his hands would feel like there. Would he be gentle?
In the last few months Hermione had been having erotic dreams, starring Snape, yet Hermione didn't want to question his presence in her dreams. She would wake so frustrated in the middle of the night that she often took to finishing what the dreams had started. It started as just a way to get back to sleep. Yet now Hermione touched herself each evening, as she thought of her Potions Master. These thoughts were interrupted by a light breeze that reminded Hermione she needed to get dressed.
There within her wardrobe were all kinds of muggle outfits. Which should she wear? Then an emerald green peasant blouse and ankle skirt caught her eye. Why not, Hermione thought as she pulled it from the hanger?
With last minute adjustments to her hair, and makeup, Hermione was ready. She looked at herself in the mirror, and noticed the ring still on her hand where Professor Snape had placed it. Hermione moved to take it off but then thought better of it.
'Leave it on Hermione. After all that is what Snape wanted.' Damn that silly little Gryffindor voice was right.
***********************************************************
Hermione was seething. It had been half an hour since Snape, the great git, had sent her on her way around Diagon Alley. He had just given her the list and sent her off, telling her he had things to do.
'What in Merlin's name is so important that he has to do it now?' Hermione shrugged her shoulders knowing that she needed to get started shopping, or face the wrath of Snape.
Within the potions shop Hermione wandered for an hour. The list of things he had given her were easy enough to find, and she had picked them out quickly. But there were things she needed for herself. Hermione sought out all the ingredients for her hair straightner, and a long list of essential oils.
Finally she was ready to check out. Coming up to the counter Hermione noticed the all trademark Malfoy drawl. "When will you be getting it in Madam Savliaggo?"
The witch behind the counter spotted Hermione, and cleared her throat, letting Lucious know they had company. Slowly the eldest Malfoy turned, "Ah, Miss Granger, where is the rest of Hogwart's misfits?"
Hermione noticed that his eyes, while cold, roamed over her body in a most inappropriate way. Placing her items atop the counter, she answered softly, "Harry and Ron didn't accompany me, Sir."
Before the conversation could go any further she paid Madam Savliaggo, and left. Making her way to where she was to meet her Professor. All the while thinking to herself how odd Mr. Malfoy had acted, never noticing him following her.
***********************************************************
Severus had just finished sending off and owl to 12 Grimmauld Place. He smiled to himself, 'Let's see our dear Mr. Wood top that.' The Deatheater in his head said.
All was going as planned, and soon this damn charade would be over. The Dark Lord would fall before the Order, leaving Severus to have a normal life once again. No more spying, or lying. No more heinous acts.
That was when he spotted her, sitting outside one of the many shops of Diagon Alley. "Miss Granger, are you ready to leave. Or would you like to sightsee all day?"
She visibly bristled at his near contact. Or was it his biting comments? Severus didn't care, as long as he kept her on her toes.
"I was waiting for you." Hermione's eyes had grown dark as if there was a storm brewing behind them.
"Come along then Miss Granger." Severus took her by the arm and led her to a quite corner to disapperate.
He waited until he thought no one was watching them, Severus pulled her tightly against him, and then they vanished from sight. Unknown to Severus, Malfoy was just out of sight witnessing the whole thing.
***********************************************************
12 Grimmauld place was as alive with arguing as it had been that first night. 'Just who the hells button's did he think he was pushing?' There was no way Hermione was going to be able to take this the whole summer.
"I can't believe you think I am some sort of servant. Fetch this Hermione. Do that Hermione." She yelled at him.
Snape just watched her, knowing that her self-righteous Gryffindor nature would not allow him to get a word in. "What makes you any better than me?" Hermione's face was red with frustration.
"Miss Granger, it would be prudent to remember your manners. I am still your professor, and you are my assistant." There was electricity arching across the room between them.
"My apologies, Professor. I forgot I was the servant of a Deatheater." Hermione's words were sharp and had cut him deep, the impact visible on his face.
Severus rose from his seat before the fire, "Enough! I think you need some time to think over your actions." He turned from her once again, letting Hermione know that she had been dismissed.
"Who the hell do you think you are, you insufferable bastard? How dare you just dismiss me?" Hermione was insulted and hurt. Did she mean so little to him, to the cause that he could treat her this way? "You cold hearted monster!" Tears stained her voice as she fled the room in a flurry of silk. Hermione needed to get away from him, she needed to be where she could think clearly.
Severus made to follow her, and then thought twice about it. Besides hadn't he behaved himself well? When all during their exchange he had wanted to stop her yelling, by kissing her senseless. Yet once again Severus was a perfect gentleman, just as he knew she wanted him to be.
***********************************************************
An audible gasp filled Hermione's bedchamber, there on the bed sat Professor, her owl, and a large box wrapped in forest green wrapping paper. Atop the box sat a frozen rose in her house colors.
"Odd, I already opened all my presents this morning." Hermione racked her brain as she walked over to her bed. She had completely forgotten her words with Severus.
Hermione picked up the box and opened it, there inside sat a set of dress robes. They were each made of the finest silk and velvet. One for summer, burgundy lined gold silk; one for winter burgundy velvet lined with gold silk as well. Both had golden gryffions with ruby eyes as the clasps. There was no card or note, and Hermione was at a loss as to whom could have sent them.
It couldn't have possibly been Oliver; he had already sent her the ring. Hermione absently spun the platinum band around on her finger at the thought of it. All too quickly she felt weighed down buy Wood's actions and he wasn't within one hundred miles of her.
Even though Snape had done nothing but needle her since she had gotten to Grimmauld Place, she had a feeling something was just beneath the surface. Once or twice Hermione had noticed Severus' eyes wander over her; in a much different way then when she sat in his classroom. Yet she felt that if Oliver kept sending her things, Snape's secret looks would stop.
"Come on, Hermione, what chance do you think you have with him?" She had taken to talking to herself a lot since coming to Grimmauld Place.
"Miss Granger, to whom are you speaking?" Severus stood looming like a dark storm cloud in her doorway. His voice caressed her senses like velvet and roses.
Hermione tried to find her voice, but it was useless. Seeing him standing there, with his arms folded across his chest, made her want to feel his arms around her.
That was when she noticed his cloak; it was the exact replica of the ones she had just received. But where her's matched her own house colours, his were in Slytherin house colors. They clung to his form like everything else he wore, as if they were painted there.
As if he had read her mind he spoke, "I see you have opened your last gift." Severus looked around her to the bed. Yet Hermione hadn't failed to notice that his eyes settled upon her, causing her heart to jump, and begin to pound.
"Excuse me, sir, but did you..." Hermione turned around to gesture to the open box and its contents. She already felt the blush rise in her cheeks. She dared not turn back around to face him.
"If I had known sooner of your birthday, you would have had them this morning. Be that as it may, are they to your liking?" Severus' voice was husky with desire.
Severus was behind her now, causing her breath to come in short gasps. Reaching around her he grabbed up a cloak, bringing it to her shoulders. His long slender fingers coming about her throat to clasp it.
Hermione let out a sigh as she leaned into him. It felt so good to be this close to him. Severus pulled Hermione tighter into his embrace, causing her to feel every inch of him. "See what you do to me." He hissed in her ear.
Showing her what she did to his body. Hermione noted every hard muscle that belonged to him, until she realized exactly what it was he was talking about.
Hermione pulled away in one hurried movement, and spun around to look into his eyes. She saw lust deep within them. "Professor Snape, you should leave, this isn't right. Not to mention it breaks quite a few rules about student and teacher relations." The moment he pulled away from her, Hermione regretted her words. Although her mind said it was right to stop him; her heart and body disagreed.
He hadn't even flinched at her words. At least not that Hermione could notice. "I must be going. I have a meeting with the Headmaster." Severus made his leave without further discussion.
Hermione threw herself on her bed, how could he run so hot and cold. Just a moment ago he was tempting her beyond measure with just his arms around her; then as if someone had thrown cold water upon her, he left. True she had been the one to ask him to stop, but he hadn't even acknowledged what had happened.
Why she stopped him was an altogether different thing. 'Maybe', Hermione thought to herself, 'I'm frightened.' In the end Hermione decided to follow through the next time she had such a chance. Fear be damned! If Severus Snape ever got within ten feet of her again, she wasn't going to stop him, no matter what. After all there must be something he wants from her, the looks, the gifts; a Slytherin doesn't just give something, and seek nothing in return.'