Disclaimer: The characters, settings, etc. of the Harry Potter series are not mine. I just play with them.
Accidental Affection
Part Five
When Severus Snape awoke on the morning of the 18th of June, it was to the melodic laughter of Albus Dumbledore. However, given the nature of the headache Severus was suffering, Dumbledore's laughter sounded more like a jackhammer attempting to break through steel than the light tinkling of glasses Severus sometimes associated it with.
"Oh," said Severus before releasing a string of some of the more vulgar curses he had ever learned to use.
"Oh dear," said Albus when Severus had finished. "I suppose you'd like some hangover potion then?"
Severus said another very nasty word, and grabbed at the vial Albus was dangling before him. He downed the potion in two gulps, and almost instantaneously began to feel the healing effects of the potion. "Mmm," said Severus as he closed his eyes. "Oh thank all the gods and angels and cherubim in the heavens. Thank you, thank you, thank you."
"You're welcome," said Dumbledore.
Severus frowned as he opened his eyes and sat up, looking at the old man who stood beside the couch, smiling cheerfully down at him. "What time is it?"
"It's just a little after noon," Dumbledore replied. "From what Miss Granger told me, that means you've had a nice eight hour rest."
"Hmph," said Severus as he rubbed a hand across his forehead and tried to remember the previous night. Images of grabbing Hermione around the waist and licking her neck suddenly danced across his mind's view, and he was struck with the distinct impression that he might have said some things to his former student that he shouldn't have. "Did," Severus began, "did she, um, happen to mention what sort of state I was in, Albus?"
Severus watched as the old man chuckled before settling himself beside Snape on the couch. "Completely smashed, apparently."
Severus frowned. "Indeed?"
"Called her your Hermione, apparently," Dumbledore continued.
Severus winced. "Indeed?"
"Licked her and propositioned her, too." Dumbledore said and chuckled.
"Indeed?" Severus said as he buried his face in his hands and groaned. "How wonderful."
"Oh, it's not so bad, Severus," Dumbledore said as he patted the Potions Professor lightly on the back. "Miss Granger said she'd still go as your date to the wedding."
Severus raised his head and stared at the headmaster. "When did I ask her to be my date?"
Albus shrugged. "Maybe you asked last night. Anyway, she hasn't changed her mind. She said she'd be happy to go on a proper date with you for once."
Severus felt his eyes widen. It wasn't that he was complaining, really, for he was quite pleased by the idea of going to the wedding with Hermione Granger, it was just that he didn't remember asking her to be his date at all. He did remember licking her, and he sort of remembered telling her that he loved her. But when, exactly, had he asked her to accompany him to the wedding?
"So Severus," Dumbledore was saying on his left, "Minerva was wondering whether or not you needed to accompany her to Diagon Alley tomorrow for a last minute wedding gift purchase."
"Oh," said Severus as he turned his head quickly in the headmaster's direction. "Oh, shit."
Dumbledore chuckled. "In that case, I will tell Minerva to expect you by the front doors at one o'clock tomorrow afternoon."
Minerva McGonagall was standing with her arms crossed while tapping her foot impatiently when Severus finally arrived in the hallway before the front doors. He frowned as he approached her. "What?" he said. "You do realize it's five 'til one."
"Yes, well," grumbled Minerva, "I could be having tea with Hermione Granger, you know, but instead I am chaperoning your little sojourn to London."
Severus felt his eyes widen and his pulse pick up its pace. "Tea with Miss Granger? Well, certainly we could have tea before we go, Minerva. It would be no problem, really."
"No, no," she said, frowning. "Albus insisted we take care of this as early as possible. I have to be back in time to escort him to some silly Ministry do."
Severus raised an eyebrow as he opened the door and held it open for his companion. "Another one?"
"Yes," said Minerva as she stepped through the door. "They're always having one sort of celebration or another. Now," she continued as they walked to the school's gate, "Albus did some tricky bits of magic and weakened the wards so that we'll be able to apparate to London when we're just a bit beyond the gates. He thought it would be better for us so that we don't waste time walking all the way to Hogsmeade to apparate."
"We could always just floo to The Leaky Cauldron," Severus offered as he followed Minerva through the gate.
"After how filthy we got last time?" she asked, and gave an incredulous snort. "I think not, Severus." And with a shake of her head and a pop, Minerva disapparated; Severus followed a few seconds after.
"Honestly, Severus," Minerva said after they'd covered every inch of Harrison's Shop three times. "There must be something here for you to purchase."
Severus shook his head, frowning. "There's nothing practical here, Minerva. Nothing that would be of any use to them."
"Well what do you think you're going to find them here? A book with one hundred and one magical ways to prevent pregnancy in the first year of marriage?" Minerva asked, laughing.
Severus whirled around quickly to look at his companion, slightly pleased by the dramatic effect of his robes swirling about his legs. "My goodness, Minerva! That's it! That's exactly what I'll give them!"
Minerva's eyebrows raised. "What, there is such a book?"
"Don't be daft. Of course there isn't. Well, I don't think there is, anyway," Severus replied. "But the purpose of the book gave me an idea!"
"And that would be?" prompted Minerva.
"No Malfoy I've known has ever wanted children in the first year of marriage, so I will prepare for them a year's worth of contraceptive potion! Instead of spending of a ridiculous amount of money on the ingredients and making a shoddy potion for themselves, I will do it and save them the trouble. Free of charge, of course."
"Oh," said Minerva, "how very generous of you, not charging them anything."
Severus felt a small smile forming itself on his face. "Why, I suppose it is."
Minerva snorted again. "Are you really going to spend all that money on the ingredients?"
"Of course not!" exclaimed Severus. "I am going to steal them from the school's supply. Now, all I need to purchase is a card."
And Minerva gawked as Snape turned away from her and strolled purposefully towards the store's exit.
Contraceptive potions did not take very long to create. Severus knew this from experience. He hadn't always lived alone in his dungeons. No, there had been a time when he had often kept female company. Female company with whom he might get carried away until she happened to whisper, "Oh shit, Severus. The potion." And there were times when he would have gotten carried away so often that he depleted his stores, creating the need for him to brew a batch as quickly as possible. And, accordingly, Severus found that if he diced and stirred at top speeds, a night's worth of contraceptive potion could be brewed in approximately fifteen minutes.
Due, of course, to the sheer magnitude of the amount of potion that needed brewing, Severus found that it took slightly longer to make a year's supply of the potion. But it didn't bother him much. While the ingredients were simmering in a cauldron on one of the student work tables, Severus took up a recently published journal and sat himself behind his desk. He had, in his estimation, a good five hours before the potion would need to be taken off of the burner to cool. And even if he lost track of the time, he wouldn't be able to miss the unmistakable berry scent that accompanied the completed product.
When the door to the classroom banged open after an hour or so of reading, Severus's heart skipped a beat. His eyes shot up immediately and narrowed just as quickly when he saw who is was who had surprised him so.
"Miss Granger," he sneered.
"Oh Miss Granger again, is it?" she said, grinning as she walked into the classroom. He watched as she walked to the front row of tables, and took a seat behind the one that held the cauldron. "You were a good deal more familiar with me just the other evening, Severus. What has happened that would change our relationship?"
"Miss Granger," he began again, hoping that she noted his cold tone of voice. "I apologize for my behavior the other evening."
She snorted. "I never thought I'd ever hear you apologize for anything."
He glowered at her. "Of course. I apologize nonetheless, Miss Granger. There is no excuse for my behavior."
"I think that half bottle or so of firewhiskey might have been a fair excuse," she replied.
"Indeed," he said and frowned.
"So," said Hermione as she looked at the cauldron which was simmering nicely. "Minerva told me about your gift idea. It's very good. Very creative."
Severus raised an eyebrow, and could not help feeling suspicious. "Thank you."
"But are you sure they won't want to have children?" Hermione asked.
Severus shrugged. "I've never known a Malfoy to want a child in his first few years of marriage."
"Yes," Hermione said, "but a Weasley?"
Severus frowned. "Well, the potion doesn't spoil. They can keep it until they need it."
Hermione grinned before settling back in her seat. Severus watched as she crossed her legs and placed her hands in her lap. He could not shake the suspicion that she was up to something. "So, what do you remember from the other night, Severus?"
He flinched. "I remember saying some inappropriate things, Miss Granger, and doing some inappropriate things."
"But you don't recall asking me to go as your date to Draco and Ginny's wedding, do you?"
"No," Severus said, "And I wanted to ask you about that-"
Hermione held up a hand. "You said many things to me that night, Severus, but you needn't worry, you didn't once ask me to accompany you to the wedding. And though you didn't ask me, I think it's the least you could do to make up for your behavior that evening."
Severus raised an eyebrow. "Indeed."
"Yes," Hermione said, grinning as she leant forward towards the desk. "Now ask me."
"Ask you what?" said Severus.
"Ask me to the wedding. You have to do it officially, or it won't count as a proper date. And I'm certain you remember what I said about a proper date," she finished, her voice dropping slightly.
Severus thought, as he let his eyebrow move upwards once more, that he rather liked that suggestive tone of voice. He could not recall what she'd said about a proper date, but her demeanor led him to believe it had something to do with sex. Not one to forgo an opportunity to shag, Severus decided to play along. "All right then, Miss Granger," he said. "Would you do me the very great honor of accompanying me to Draco and Ginny's wedding?"
Hermione smiled at him. "Why, Severus, I would love to."
On Saturday, the 21st day of June and the first day of summer, Severus found himself standing in the front hall of Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with Albus Dumbledore and Minerva McGonagall. Albus was humming pleasantly as he sucked on a lemon drop, Minerva was picking imaginary pieces of lint from Severus's robes, and Severus was scowling.
"I told her to be here for two o'clock," growled Severus.
"Yes, well," Minerva began as she picked at his sleeve, "I'm sure she's just making herself look as nice as possible. I think she's quite taken with you, Severus. She probably thinks this is a good opportunity to dress up for you."
"For me?" Severus said, his tone incredulous.
"It is an official date, Severus," said Dumbledore cheerfully.
"Indeed," said Severus, but his reply was simply automatic. His mind was too busy thinking about the implications of Hermione Granger getting dressed up for him. It seemed too fantastic to be true.
"Oh, hello," said a voice behind him, and Severus and his companions turned to look in its direction. There Hermione Granger stood, wearing the same dress she had worn to Draco's dinner party, transfigured slightly to look a bit more formal. Her hair and makeup was done the same way as it had been the night of the dinner party, and Severus could smell her perfume, a light rose scent, from where he stood. He could not help but think of her as absolute perfection.
"My goodness, Hermione!" Dumbledore said, moving forward to embrace the young woman. "You are absolutely stunning! Isn't she Minerva?"
"Oh yes," said Minerva as she walked over to where Hermione stood and the pair exchanged a quick kiss on the cheek. "You do look beautiful, my dear."
Severus watched as she blushed prettily and felt something inside him warm when she turned her bashful smile on him. He cleared his throat and offered her a small grin. "You do look quite gorgeous, Miss Granger."
He was pleased to see her smile grow and her blush deepen as she took a few steps towards him. She took his hand in hers when she stood beside him, and reached up on tip toe to kiss the corner of his mouth. "Thank you," she whispered as she pulled away.
Severus felt his cheeks flush and his eyes widen, but he was fairly certain that he didn't care one bit. "You're most welcome," he said, softly.
Hermione giggled in response and pulled on his hand gently as she led him after Minerva and Albus out of the front doors and onto the path towards the school gates and Hogsmeade.
The wedding was over before Severus knew what was happening really. He was crammed onto a bench with the Potter family, a bunch of Weasleys, and one or two Malfoy cousins. He'd spent so much time trying to get comfortable and not grin idiotically when he noticed Hermione holding his hand, that he barely noticed Draco and Ginny had exchanged vows until Hermione was poking him and telling him it was time to apparate to the reception.
The reception was alike most of the others Severus had attended: too many flowers, loud music, and plenty of champagne. Severus followed Hermione to their table, and after assisting her in seating herself, collapsed into the chair beside her. He was only slightly displeased to see the Potters, George and Kathryn Weasley, Ron Weasley, and a Malfoy cousin he thought was called Javier seat themselves at the table with him and Hermione.
The reception was underway a few moments later. The couple was presented to the gathered party, and Severus tried to pay attention as Gregory Goyle, the best man, made his speech only to be followed by and, truly, shown up by Arthur Weasley. Then the Muggle music player Kathryn had arranged to play something she referred to as records started the music, and Severus was disappointed to hear it was something fast, bass heavy, and headache inducing.
"Ooh," Hermione squealed as she squeezed his hand. "What a fun song! Severus you will dance with me, won't you?"
"Er," said Severus, and he watched as George pulled his wife from her seat. George dragged her away from the tables, and Severus feared he too would soon be pulled away from the safety and comfort of his chair. "I don't know, Hermione. The music is quite upbeat."
"Yes," Hermione said, "it is, but look if George can dance to it, so can you."
Severus looked to where she indicated and saw George Weasley on the dance floor. Severus was slightly encouraged when he saw the Weasley twin making a total arse out of himself, waving his arms around wildly, shaking his bum, and thrusting his pelvis, all the while singing at the top of his lungs.
"Well," said Severus, and he supposed Hermione took this as an acceptance for she was suddenly dragging him onto the dance floor in a way very similar to what George had done to his wife only minutes ago. And quite suddenly, Severus found himself standing in front of Hermione Granger on a dance floor while loud music thumped all around him.
"Do you know how to dance?" Hermione asked over the music, as she took his hands and placed them on her hips.
"Not to this kind of music," he replied, and it was true. He had no idea, really, how to dance to quick, upbeat songs like this. Most of the social engagements he had taken part in did not really feature dancing as a main event, and all of the dancing he had ever done had been to slower and more soothing music. Severus avoided this chaotic, fast, loud music.
"Ok," Hermione said, and Severus watched as she moved closer to him so that she was pressed up against him. "Just try to move with me in time to the music."
And if life experience had prepared him for anything, it did not prepare him for what happened next. Hermione began to writhe against him in a rhythm similar to the bass line of the music. Severus felt his jaw drop as she moved against him. Her movements felt wonderful, of course, and was quite reminiscent to another activity he greatly enjoyed, but this wasn't dancing. This was what those drunken and hormone infested students did at those blasted school dances Albus insisted upon occasionally having. This was some kind of quasi sexual exhibitionism, and was definitely not dancing.
Though, he did kind of like it.
Hermione grinned up at him when he started moving with her in time to the music. So, it wasn't dancing. But it was fairly pleasant, feeling her body rub against his, feeling the soft flesh of her hips beneath the thin material of her dress, watching her lose herself in the music.
And as suddenly as it began, it was over. The song changed, the tempo slowed, and Severus became aware of Hermione's arms sliding up his chest and to rest on his shoulders as they began to sway together to the music.
Severus wondered if he should whisper things in her ear like George Weasley was doing to his wife, if he should tell jokes like he knew Albus was telling Minerva, or if he should grin idiotically at her like Potter was doing to his wife. When he looked down at her face, he saw her smile shyly up at him.
"Hi," she said, and he felt her tighten her grip on him and pull herself closer.
He grinned. "Hello."
He watched as she bit down on her lip in what looked to be a very thoughtful gesture. "Severus," she said after gnawing on her lip for a few moments, "I think we need to talk."
And he frowned. What could she possibly want to discuss with him now? Was his dancing that awful that it had to be discussed? He couldn't be worse than George Weasley. God, no, he could not be worse than George Weasley. Severus knew he had a bit of natural grace so what could there to be to complain about? "What about?"
Hermione sighed. "Not here," she said and abruptly pulled away from him. Severus was surprised when he noticed how keenly he felt the loss. "Come on," she said, grabbing his hand and pulling him off of the dance floor. She pulled him through the reception hall, past the exit, and into an abandoned corridor.
The hallway was dimly lit, and as far as he could see, they were alone. Wanting to get this little discussion over with, he opened his mouth immediately to speak to her when he heard it. There were moans coming from their right along with soft whispers of words that sounded Spanish.
Years of teaching and breaking up illicit relations between students had given Severus a great deal of experience in situations such as the one he found himself and Hermione presently in. He held a finger to his lips, silently ordering Hermione to keep quiet, as he pulled his wand from his robe pocket. "Lumos," he said, loudly and clearly, so that the hidden lovers would be made aware of their company.
He was quite pleased when he was rewarded with a loud squeal in response, and a person leapt up from the floor in one of the darkened corners. "P..Pro..Professor!" stammered the very rumpled form of Ron Weasley as he stared wide eyed with horror at the pair before him. "And Hermione! It's not what you think!"
Hermione snickered. "Of course it is, Ron. You've been snogging. Now be a good boy and tell us who with?"
Another form moved to stand from the floor, and though he also looked rather rumpled, Severus decided that Javier Malfoy certainly carried himself with a bit more dignity than Ron did. "Hello Severus," he said as he casually dusted the back of his dress robes in a way that suggested to Severus that this was not the first time Javier Malfoy had been walked in on.
"Hello Javier," Severus replied and nearly laughed aloud when he saw Ron Weasley gawking at him.
"You know Javier?" Ron asked, his tone incredulous.
"Of course he knows me, silly," said Javier. "We're cousins. In some way or another. Haven't quite figured it out, really, too many times removed, but we are cousins."
"Indeed," said Severus as he smirked at Ron's look of horror. He supposed that Weasley was quite upset by the thought of having been snogging someone related to his favorite former professor, and tried to ignore the voice that reminded him of Weasley's attempts to do more than snog his former professor just a few evenings before.
"But forgive me for being rude," Javier continued, turning to offer a hand to Hermione. "I am Javier Malfoy."
"Javier?" said Hermione as she shook his hand. "Is Javier a Malfoy family name or something?"
"No, Severus is, though," Javier replied, giving her a very dashing smile as he nodded in Snape's direction. "No, no, I am just teasing," he said before Hermione could respond. "My Mum was Spanish, and if her son could not carry on her family's last name, she supposed the least he could do would be to carry on her father's first name. My father did not oppose as the name was unique enough for a Malfoy."
"Ah," Hermione said and smiled. "Makes sense."
"Well," Ron said suddenly, looking as if he'd had quite enough socializing, "this has been fun, but Javier and I will leave you two now. Good bye." And grabbing Javier by the hand, Ron Weasley practically ran all the way back to the reception hall, dragging his companion behind him.
Severus chuckled once they'd gone. "Ah, young love," he said softly as he turned his attention to Hermione.
She grinned up at him as she took one of his hands in her own and laced her fingers with his. "Careful Professor, you're starting to sound like Dumbledore."
He scowled. "Never," he grumbled in response.
She laughed as she took hold of his other hand. "There's the Severus Snape I know and love."
His eyebrows shot up towards his hairline. "Love, Miss Granger?"
He watched as she again blushed prettily and smiled shyly at him. "It's Hermione. But, yes, love."
Severus felt his lips curl into a small smile and a feeling of contentment settle itself into his chest. "Well, my dear," Severus purred as he lightly brushed the back of her hands with his thumbs, "rest assured, the feeling is mutual."
Hermione grinned as she moved closer to him, and standing on tip toes, brushed her lips against his gently. Severus let himself deepen the kiss, and allowed all of the emotions that had been building for her pour into it. He was slightly surprised by the amount of passion that overwhelmed him as he kissed her, but he brushed his wonderment aside and concentrated solely on the lovely feeling of her warm, soft mouth against his.
"Severus," she whispered as she pulled away slightly. "Apparate us back to my flat. I think this will conclude the first half of our proper date."
"And what will happen in the second half?" Severus asked as he raised an eyebrow.
"I'm sure you can guess," she said softly, using the same suggestive tone Severus had found quite to his liking.
He smirked. "As you wish, then, Miss Granger."
She squeezed his hands none too gently, and growled, "It's Hermione," as with a gentle pop, the pair disappeared into the night.
The End
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Author's Note: Thanks so very, very much for reading and thanks to those of you have reviewed. You're all very kind, and I am very glad that you have enjoyed this story! So, thank you!