A/N: Well, once again here is another chapter. I had wanted to finish it last night, but well I had to get up early this morning for a job interview. So anyway, I've been getting a few not so discreetly dropped hints :D that you guys want to see a little more action, hopefully this chapter will satisfy you all, and hopefully it's not too sudden of a step in the right direction.
decadentserenity: Ahh yes, you are quite right my dear.. oops. Though it would indeed be quite amusing to see a bunch of gorilla's hanging about in Severus' quarters lobbing bananas at him! As always thank you so very much for your gushing reviews, I absolutely adore them! And yes, I rather liked the vase myself... should have hit him though he he. Oh and where are you that you're 12 hours ahead?
Alakasandra: Oh, my dear, I am extremely positive that this chapter will make you incredibly happy! ;)
dubtheeunforgiven: Yes indeed, her famous Gryffindor courage does seem to vanish whenever he gets too close for comfort, but I'm sure when she wants him closer she'll have enough courage for the both of them. Remus? Oh no no no... ha ha, Lucius all the way baby! Two bad boys, mmm mmm...
TheRealiz: You want action? Well then I must submit to your plea and deliver...
Velvet Storm: Thank you sweety, you are still much too kind! And yes, Lucius will make an appearance, though not just yet. Let a little more tension rise first, and perhaps let Severus feel that the danger has passed, false sense of security and all that tension building stuff, he he
thornblack: And I am grateful for your "ragging" on me dear, it is nice to have someone catch the things I overlook. As for your question, it was supposed to be Severus' POV, and upon reading that sentence I do agree that it is a little muddy as to whose POV it is written in. I honestly don't have any excuse for it other than perhaps I was tired when I wrote it and didn't catch it when I did my read-through, I believe that it happens to us all at some point. Okay, moving on, I am very pleased you enjoyed the dialogue, I was hoping someone would comment on it, I put a great deal of effort into it, and its reassuring to know that my work paid off.
Fairy of Fire and Fury: Me? Devious?... well maybe just a little ;) I honestly didn't intentionally mean to make him this snarky and cruel, he just kinda wrote himself that way, but to me it makes him all the more tempting and mysterious (and I'm afraid, this chapter only adds more mystery to him... a promise broken, a dark secret partially revealed, ooh I'm so evil). And as for how long until he breaks, not very long apparently.. ahem.. I was in a sappy mood when I wrote this.
Taste's Like Home: Thank you dear :) he he
goodmorningstarshine: As I stated a few comments previous, I do not intentionally write him to be so callous and mean, he just kinda comes out that way, perhaps he is a little darker than in most other fanfics, but I feel that with the situation he's in and the fact that the Dark Lord is still a very large threat, his attitude is fitting. Yes, he is perhaps slightly aroused by her fear, well let me clarify that actually, the part of him that is still a Death Eater, the dark and disgusting part of himself he so desperately wants to deny, is aroused by her fear. It is a thrill to that part of him, and while for the most part he does manage to control that portion of himself, once in a while it makes an appearance. He is not necessarily angry with her for being upset, he is angry because she does not realize the danger she is in, and well she is acting a little selfish and childish, but then so is he. He is concerned with her safety, trying to protect her from Lucius and Voldemorte, while at the same time trying to keep his distance and not admit the feelings he does have for her. What better defense than anger? It is an easy way to make her keep her distance from him and encourage her to dislike him. It's easier to control his own feelings for her when they aren't reciprocated.
Seph7: Teasing? Me? Well yes, he he.. but it's so much fun. But hopefully this chapter makes up for it. And hey, I am sex starved, maybe that's why I relented on his snarkiness a little.
Kimi kimz: Well yes it is true that she could probably have stayed in Gryffindor Tower, but well that would kinda break the whole plot right there, besides, I thoroughly enjoy the tension that their close quarters creates. Makes for good and sudden outbursts, and unexpected moments of weakness.
Severus-Fan: Your wish is my command, M'Lady.
MysticSong1987: Ahh yes the tension, sweet sweet cruelty. And yes, the slap was good, I'm sure there was a resounding wince and grin of delight from everyone at that little episode. But yes, this is still most definitely going to be HG/SS, I promise there will be a turning point... right about... now.
litachk9: Oh yes, he wants her so bad he can taste it.
ScreaminChild: Now, that is something I simply cannot reveal, for one because it would kill the suspense and there would be no point in anyone reading this anymore, and two because, well I'm not entirely certain, things keep changing.
slytherinsess: Nor me my dear.
PhantomPirate: Oh how sweet of you! It's nice to know I'm not the only one loosing sleep over this, he he. I am very glad you like it :)
Okay, well that's it for me rambling on today. As per usual, thank you so much to everyone who reads and reviews, you are all so wonderful! Enjoy.
Half an hour later Hermione emerged from the bathroom, a fresh towel wrapped around her clean body, beads of water trickling down her back from her hair. Pausing in the doorway she peered into the room cautiously, her eyes sweeping over the quite drastic change to her surroundings. A dozen enchanted candles placed about the room burned softly, casting their flickering and dancing light over the walls. The large bed stood gleaming in the soft light, the rumpled and tangled black sheets gone, replaced by clean and fresh emerald green satin that seemed to sparkle in the light, the thick black velvet duvet folded down to the foot of the bed, a small mountain of green, black and silver velvet cushions piled at the head. Unaware of her movements Hermione lifted a small hand to her chest, her mouth hanging open in wonder as she surveyed the room, her small pile of "weapons" gone, the boots and shoes presumably neatly lined up in the bottom of the wardrobe once more, the books lining the top of the dresser to her right, methodically stacked and organized as they had been before. If I didn't know that it was Snape who did this, I would say it was almost romantic she snorted to herself as she stepped further into the room, running her fingers absently over the cool smooth surface of the sheets. With a small squeal of delight she saw that beside the bed stood her open trunk, her clothes and belongings arranged neatly as she had left them.
Quickly reaching into the trunk she withdrew clean clothes, shedding the towel in a flash to replace it with clean undergarments, a snug-fitting pair of dark blue jeans and a light pink thick wool sweater that clung to her still slightly damp skin like a warm and comforting embrace. Snuggling down into the sweater with a faint smile she dug into the trunk once more briefly before pulling out a pair of what could quite possibly be the most hideous socks in all of creation. Looking halfway between a muddled rainbow and something that Crookshanks would deposit at the foot of her bed as a "trophy" they were certainly the ugliest thing she owned, but one of her most treasured possessions too. A gift from Molly Weasley the Christmas before they were warm and snug, if not all that pleasant to look at. Once her feet began to warm a little she gave her toes a small wiggle, already beginning to feel a great deal better simply with the blessing of her own clothing instead of the make-shift toga.
Searching through the trunk once more she sat back on the edge of the bed with a sigh when she discovered that it was unfortunately completely devoid of her wand, running a hand through the painfully tangled mass of her hair she groaned as she realized she was going to have to do it the Muggle way. As much as she typically preferred to use Muggle methods as much as possible as she would have back at home, her hair was definitely one thing that required a magical touch. Gritting her teeth and squeezing her eyes shut at the tingling pain that had begun to ripple over her scalp she yanked the brush through her hair, wincing at every rats nest and snag that caught upon the bristles.
It was with the brush firmly tangled in the cloud of her hair, her arms raised as she fretfully tugged desperately to dislodge it, the position of her arms drawing up the hem of her sweater to reveal a small line of creamy flesh, that Severus found the young woman. Pausing in the doorway he casually leaned against the door frame, the long line of his right arm raised with his left hand idly played with the folds in his room as he studied the rather amusing sight before him. Feeling another presence in the room Hermione froze suddenly, her eyes large and dark as she looked up to meet the black gaze of the Potions Professor. She felt her breath hitch in her throat as she eyes swept over him, observing the minute details of his stance and actions, reminded all too clearly of the dream that had turned dark and disturbing. A flush infused her cheeks and forced her to look away quickly as something deep in her stomach stirred, the memory of the feelings she had so clearly felt in her dream flooding her mind.
Watching the embarrassment flicker across her face Severus' coal black brows dipped down into a frown of confusion for a brief moment, before he quickly stiffened his back and squared his shoulders in an attempt to cover up the weakness that had begun to settle within him. Do not show weakness Severus. Do not let her know that you… that… you…care… his mind warned at first scathingly, fading softly until it was far too much akin to a tender whisper for his own comfort. Oh Merlin, I know I am going to regret this later he sighed internally as smoothing his robes he stepped slowly towards her, making his movements slow and measured so as not to alarm her while her chocolate brown eyes immediately snapped to his face, her gaze soft and warm though tinged with a hint of repressed fear. Without uttering a word he carefully withdrew his wand from his robes watching the minute shudder that passed through her body, her eyes narrowing just a little as she looked up into his face. A subtle shake of his head and a condescending frown eased her tensions a little as he reached pale hands towards her hair, a few softly spoken words and flicks of his wrist releasing the brush from the unruly tangle. Gently placing the brush in the slightly trembling hands folded in her lap, Severus continued to untangle and smooth the great mess of hair before him until after several moments it hung softly about her slender shoulders in a cascading veil of honey and softness, shimmering in the dancing light.
Stepping back from what many would consider a miracle and masterpiece Severus clasped his hands in front of him and watched with perhaps a small amount of satisfaction as Hermione tentatively ran her hands over her hair, feeling it for once silken and smooth beneath her fingertips. With her mouth hanging open in surprise she rose to her feet slowly, seemingly unable to stop stroking her own hair with amazement.
"How… I mean I don't… how…" she floundered helplessly, causing a small smile of amusement to blossom on the dark man's lips as he watched her take a few unconscious steps towards him.
"I had a younger sister at one point Miss Granger, certain things you do not forget how to do. Now, if you are sufficiently clean and dressed I will bring in your food" he stated coolly, though despite his callous nature Hermione could not help but detect a small amount of sadness in his voice.
"Oh, yes thank you" she muttered dazedly, her eyes flickering between his face and the hairbrush she now clasped tightly in her hands. As Severus reached the door she took a couple more steps towards him, her hand raising timidly towards his arm as she spoke softly, "Professor could I not eat out there? I am so very tired of seeing nothing beyond these four walls…"
Pausing in the doorway Severus turned slowly to see Hermione standing quite close to him, a small hand stretched towards him in pleading, her eyes soft and full of sadness. Bowing his head a little he slowly shook it in a negative motion,
"I am sorry Miss Granger, I simply cannot allow you to leave this room, you have been confined here for your own safety. I will return shortly" he replied in an almost sullen tone as he turned away once more and strode into the other room. Sighing with a culmination of irritation and sadness Hermione sank back onto the edge of the bed, sullenly tugging at a loose strand of wool on her sweater as she listened to the small shuffling sounds from the sitting room. Why does he continue to keep me cooped up in here? She wondered sadly as she brushed a lock of hair back behind her ear, still surprised and amazed at the miracle he had worked on her long tresses. What did he mean he had a sister? What happened? I've never heard mention of a sibling, or hell, even mention of his family… she mused, her thoughts suddenly interrupted as the man in question swept back into the room, a small breakfast tray hovering behind him, merrily drifting along on the air currents as he directed it towards the bed.
"Thank you Professor" Hermione said softly keeping her gaze locked upon his unreadable face as she fought the urge to simply turn and devour whatever had been placed before her. A small look of shock rippled over his face as he returned her gaze, those ink black eyes sending a shiver down her spine and once more causing something to tighten low in her stomach.
"You are welcome Miss Granger, now I will leave you in peace to enjoy your meal" he replied flatly as he turned to leave.
"Please Professor…" she ventured timidly, her voice faltering and barely above a whisper as she implored him mentally to not leave her alone again.
"Yes Miss Granger?" Severus asked with a sigh over his shoulder, refusing to look around at the young woman that looked so utterly tempting in the dancing candlelight.
"Will you join me?" she asked in a rush of breath, too nervous and afraid of rejection to pause between words. She watched with a hopefully expression as he turned just a little towards her, studying her over his shoulder, his eyes gleaming like freshly polished obsidian as they reflected the warm light.
"I do not think that is approp…" he began slowly, his words carefully chosen to not show the small swell of what was that? Apprehension? that hung in his voice.
"Please Professor" she pleaded softly, looking up to him imploringly, her brow creased in a frown. "I am lonely and I would appreciate your company" she continued as she lowered her eyes finally to the hands clasped in her lap.
Bowing his head again Severus gritted his teeth and sighed heavily as he pinched the bridge of his nose in obvious frustration. What in the name of Merlin is this child doing to me? I cannot seriously be entertaining the idea of… once more her soft and gentle voice interrupted him, weaving like fragrant smoke into his thoughts, the mere tone of it drawing his eyes up to meet hers as she gazed at him through the thick fringe of her eyelashes.
"Please Professor?" Shaking his head slowly in defeat he turned towards her, leaving the door standing open behind him, the wards still firmly in place to bar anyone other than himself from crossing the threshold.
"Very well Miss Granger, if it will get you to grant me a small amount of peace at the end of the day" he said coolly as he crossed the small amount of space between them, pausing for a moment beside the bed feeling uncertain and suddenly for some reason quite nervous at being in such close proximity to her. After a few moments of looking uncertainly between her upturned and hopeful face and the bed he hunched his shoulders in resignation and smoothing his robes sat opposite her on the edge of the bed, leaning cautiously back against the bed post. "Satisfied?" he snapped coldly, his eyes narrowed and his expression pinched as he sneered at the girl across from him.
Ignoring the icy tone of his voice Hermione drew her eyes away from him, letting them settle on the tray between them, the small surface littered with all manners of food ranging from steaming roast chicken to glistening and succulent looking slices of fruit, the aromas that filled the air instantly making her mouth water. As her hand instantly began to reach out for the tantalizing food she stopped suddenly, her fingers hovering at the edge of the tray as she looked up into cold black eyes feeling a tremor run through her body.
"Are… are you hungry?" she asked quietly.
"No Miss Granger, I am fine" Severus replied flatly even though he could feel the rumble deep in his stomach, remembering the mere few cups of tea that had sustained him throughout the day.
"Please Professor" she pleaded again, it quickly becoming somewhat of an opening line in their small amounts of conversation. "Please eat something, I would feel much more at ease if you did."
"My purpose Miss Granger, is not to put you at ease, but merely to ensure your safety, your happiness does not concern me" he snapped as he turned his gaze elsewhere, focusing instead on the distant blank wall rather that the soft light that filled her deep brown eyes. Sighing heavily as she bowed her head and slumped her shoulders she reached out slowly and plucked a piece of chicken from the tray, her mouth watering profusely as it passed between her lips, juices running down her fingers and chin as she moaned happily.
"It really is very good" she said around a mouthful of chicken, her eyes closed in bliss and contentment. Turning his head just a little Severus watched Hermione from the corner of his eye, his tongue mindlessly moving to moisten his lips as his heart beat like a jack hammer in his chest. The sight of her halted his breath in his throat and caused his body to stiffen, her plump and rosy lips pursed in a smile of ecstasy as she began licking the juices from each of her long and slender fingers, her head thrown back and her eyes fluttering wildly against her cheeks. Oh Merlin give me strength his voice whispered breathlessly even in his mind as he felt a deep flush sweep over his cheeks. His robes suddenly felt far too tight, the room too hot and Hermione too far away, yet at the same time much too close. He watched intently, unable to draw his gaze away as she delved each finger in turn into the heated confines of her sumptuous mouth, wishing to what gods may be that he was one of those lucky fingers, that he could feel the heat and wetness of her, taste the sweetness of her mouth and sink deep into her. I am loosing my mind! He exclaimed in exasperation at the thoughts that went tramping through his mind, thoughts that were most definitely not appropriate, and would certainly get him into a large amount of trouble should he act upon them.
Seeing her eyes begin to flicker open he quickly trained his gaze back upon the wall, trying with all his will to ignore the soft sounds of her tongue moving across her lips as she sighed contentedly.
"Are you sure you don't want any Professor? I can't finish all this on my own" Hermione said softly, her gentle voice as always breaking through his barriers instantly, making him curse the day she had set foot into his classroom and his life.
"As I told you only moments ago Miss Granger, I am fine" he replied without looking at her, his statement punctuated by the loud and ravenous growling of his stomach. Her giggle sounded like so many small and tinkling bells upon the cool air, another wave of heat flooding his cheeks as he glared first at his stomach for betraying him and then her for laughing at him. "Miss Granger" he growled in a warning as she continued to chuckle and giggle like a child, her hands clamped over her mouth as she rocked back and forth on the bed. "Miss Granger, please get a hold of yourself, it was not that funny!" he snapped, his temper flaring at his own insecurity, the sound of her tinkling laughter stirring up too many memories of too many people laughing at him. Her laughter halted suddenly at the chill tone of his voice, her hands falling to her lap as she felt herself shrinking beneath his cruel gaze.
"I… I'm sorry Professor, I meant no offense" she ventured softly, her hand instinctively reaching out across the tray to touch his arm. The tender and selfless touch that grazed Severus' arm broke something deep inside of him, melting away one of the many layers of ice that had encased his heart for so many years. Gently and slowly drawing his arm from beneath her touch so as not to startle her he gave a slow nod and said almost softly,
"No offense taken Miss Granger, simply try to conduct yourself with a little more decorum." Drawing her hand back into her own lap Hermione lowered her head a little and nodded subtly, appearing the epitome of calm and collected on the outside, while deep inside a small child was clapping its hands ecstatically. While not a gushing apology or acceptance of her presence, Severus' almost cordial reply was for him a rather large acquiescence, and Hermione knew it.
After a few long and drawn out moments of uncomfortable silence Hermione took it upon herself to try to break the ice and offer the flag of truce in the only way she knew how.
"Tea?" she asked softly, her warm brown eyes hopeful as she studied the distant man's face. Raising his head and his gaze from focusing on his own hands in his lap Severus let a shadow of a smile grace his lips as he nodded subtly,
"Yes, thank you." Beaming happily Hermione nodded and then stopped, her expression suddenly crestfallen and nervous as she lowered her eyes in shame. "Is there a problem Miss Granger?" Severus asked with a hint of the usual sting in his voice.
"No, it's just that I um… you will have to summon the tea Professor, I seem to have misplaced my wand" she replied barely above a whisper, her cheeks coloring darkly with embarrassment and fear. Ah yes, her wand Severus mused internally as he stealthily felt it through the folds of his robe, struggling with the decision of whether or not he should inform her that he had found the wand in question and return it or merely let her stew for a couple more days. While he knew that she would be immensely relieved to have her wand back, he could not deny the fact that he would receive a small amount of amusement from watching her squirm and depend upon him for certain things with the absence of her own wand. Contenting himself that perhaps it was safer in his care for the moment, he gave the small object a discreet pat and turned to face Hermione with a sneer.
"And just how did you accomplish this foolish and careless act Miss Granger?" he asked as he summoned a pot of tea and two delicate china cups, carefully filling one and then the other, handing the first to the woman who now refused to meet his inquiring gaze.
"I… I'm not sure…" she stammered as she stared down into the cup in her hands, watching the softly scented steam swirl around in front of her face. "When I was in the Forbidden Forest is when I realized it was missing" she continued tentatively, refusing to lift her gaze for fear of the disappointment she would find in his eyes.
"I see" Severus mused coolly in reply as he sipped his own tea, relishing the warmth of it as it spread through his hands and chest, the slight sweetness of honey having a calming affect on his frayed nerves. "While I am indeed disappointed by your continuing careless behavior, I am certain that your wand could not have gotten far" he said softer than he had intended to, instantly scolding himself mentally for turning soft. Weak Severus, you are weak!
"Yes Professor" Hermione said curtly with a small bow of her head, feeling at least some of the tension release itself from her shoulders at his comforting words. "Scone?" she offered many long and silent moments later in an attempt to lighten the mood and ease the tension that continued to prickle between them. Raising his eyes from the amber liquid in his cup Severus held back the chuckle at the utterly domestic sight of her leaning towards him with a plate piled high with scones. Bowing his head to hide his smile he shook his head,
"Thank you, no. Trying to maintain my figure Miss Granger" he ventured jokingly, his voice soft with a hint of playfulness. Smiling and chuckling herself Hermione placed the plate back on the tray, looking down into her own teacup as she joked,
"No room for pudgy Death-Eaters in the inner circle?" Instantly she froze, afraid that her joke had been too crass and forthright, her breath halted in her throat as she waited painfully for his response, which to her relief came as a liquid laugh that felt like silk against her ears.
"Indeed no" Severus found himself chuckling in reply despite his best efforts to maintain his air of cool indifference. Stop this charade immediately! a voice sneered within his mind, what charade? he asked softly, staring into his cup, watching the steam rise in curling tendrils. What charade indeed? The one in which you are pretending to actually like this girl! that cold and unfeeling voice growled in reply. But I do like her… he replied, his body suddenly growing stiff at his internal confession, his hands trembling subtly around the small cup, his breath caught in his throat while his heart began to pound against his ribs. Seeing the emotions flickering across the Potion Professor's face Hermione felt something in her chest twinge, her breath coming short and heavy as she laid her cup down gently on the tray and once more stretched out a comforting hand towards him. Her delicate fingers ran gently over the wool of his sleeve, lingering for a moment on one of the shinning black buttons as her eyes studied his lowered and shadowed face.
"Are you alright Professor?" she asked as she bent down to better see his face, her breath catching in her throat, her chest tightening as his eyes locked upon her own. Before she had the chance to withdraw her hand she felt long, cool tapered fingers closing around her own gently, almost tenderly as they entwined with hers, the surprisingly soft touch sending tremors up her arms, rippling out into the rest of her body. A shuddering breath escaped her lips as she felt herself falling deep into the coal black eyes that stared at her just as intensely, her body frozen to the spot, the only thing keeping her breathing the whisper soft touch of cool fingers stroking her palm.
With great difficulty Severus drew his gaze away from the chocolate brown pools that threatened to entrance him for all eternity, and observed the hand that with a mind of its own now tenderly held Hermione's, softly stroking and caressing her fingers and palm. You've done it now you fool his mind warned acidly, yet despite his better judgment he was completely unable to withdraw his hand from hers. A trembling electricity hung heavily in the air between them, a feeling of softness and warmth tinged with the mingling fragrances of lavender and spices. His skin prickled and tingled as though a thousand tiny pins were being marched across his skin, his chest suddenly tight, his mouth dry and his lips aching with the need to feel hers crushed to him. Unconsciously he found himself drifting towards her, the distance between them dwindling at a painfully slow pace.
All the while Hermione was a jumble of panic and buzzing nerves, her entire body trembling in an culmination of anticipation and fear as her breaths came low and fast. She felt herself drawn towards him, all but falling into the bottomless pools of his eyes as she moved inch by slow inch towards him, her fingers flexing nervously in his, the reassuring squeeze of his hand sending a cooling wave of relief through her. What are you doing? her mind exclaimed in alarm, are you seriously contemplating… kissing… him? It's Professor Snape! You must be mad to consider such a thing! her mind continued to rant and rave, yet all the while she felt herself moving ever closer to him, one hand blissfully entangled in his while the other drifted to rest upon his knee for support as she leaned over the breakfast tray towards him.
Severus could feel a panicked heat coursing through his veins, igniting each nerve it encountered until he was no more than a mass of screaming nerve endings, each one thrumming in time with his heart beat, each one demanding to be touched and caressed. Don't do this! his mind wailed hopelessly, his drawn-out and tested resolve no more than a fragile whisper floating through his thoughts. You will regret this once it is over, you are crossing a line, she is a student and a child! Don't do it, you promised… his internal battle raged within him, the voice fighting against his muscles growing ever fainter and weaker until it was no more than a pathetic breath in the whirlwind of his mind. There was nothing in the world now beyond those warm and enchanting brown eyes that filled his gaze, nor the hot and small fingers that twitched and flexed in his own demanding reassurance and comfort.
His mind had grown silent and numb, his body aching on its own as his free hand rose slowly towards her, his long fingers effortlessly gliding through the brushed silk of her hair, tenderly cradling her skull as he guided her sumptuous lips ever closer to his own. Hermione's breath was soft, heated and sweet smelling as it brushed over his face, filled with the sweetness of honeyed tea it stroked his cheeks and ruffled his loose hair. With half-mast eyes he watched hers softly slide closed, her lips barely parted in anticipation, her lashes fluttering wildly against her cheeks as in a sudden rush from each of them, the remaining inches between them closed.
"Hermione…" Severus whispered in a long breath before his lips brushed feather soft along hers, that one simple word conveying all the hope, panic, fear, longing, loneliness and desperation he had held at bay over the years.