A/N: Okay, so everyone now has full permission to beat me into a bloody pulp for takin so long to update this, I'm really sorry guys. I've had a lot going on lately, some good, some bad and I have had pretty much no creativity which for obvious reasons has made working on this very hard. The first part of this chapter was written back when I was still on a roll and the rest today, so hopefully it all flows well. Next chapter should be up soon too, I'm going to go work on it after I post this. Next chapter will contain a delicious dose of Lucious Lucius too so stay stuned, mmm mmm. Things heating up nicely...
The clock on the mantel began to chime all too soon as Severus stood stiffly before the hearth, a tumbler of Firewhiskey clutched in his hand as he stared solemnly into the flames. His typically thin lips were drawn together in a tight expression of foreboding, glistening with spicy residue as the burning sensation of the alcohol caused them to swell sensually and flush a deep shade of rose. It was thus, with plump succulent lips pursed and sleek black brows pulled down into the beginnings of a frown, that Hermione happened upon him. For several moments she simply leant against the doorframe between the living room and bedchamber, her breath halted in her throat as she gazed in wonder upon the man who had in a matter of a few minutes transformed from the great bat of the dungeons to a handsome and beguiling man.
Firelight danced in his downcast eyes, casting a golden shine upon his polished obsidian orbs, appearing for a moment as if you could see into the very pits of hell through his gaze, terrifying and yet undeniably alluring in a dangerously beautiful way. Softly curling ebony locks framed his narrow and angular face, the dancing light throwing his prominent cheekbones into jagged relief, accentuating the long line of his crooked nose. It was true, Severus was not a beautiful man, women did not throw themselves at his feet nor send him letters confessing their undying love, but as the golden light kissed his troubled features and shone upon the lustrous cascades of hair that rippled about his shoulders, Hermione could not deny that in that moment, he was completely and utterly breathtaking. While he remained unaware of her presence Hermione took the brief respite from his penetrating gaze to admire his sleek form encased in unusually formal attire. The subtly sloping lines of his broad shoulders rather than shrouded in layers upon layers of heavy black cloth were for once distinct and defined in the closely fitting fabric of his frock coat. Flickering flames cast soft light upon him, catching the faint fleur de lis pattern upon the damask of his coat, glittering upon the black buttons that looked as though they were crafted of real obsidian. The fabric shimmered and gleamed as though it were an eternally moving creature swirling about his body as Hermione watched in something akin to awe, the coat pulling a little tighter across his chest as Severus lifted his arm to drain some of the burning liquid from the glass clasped in his pale elegant fingers. She felt frozen as she continued to study him, committing each minute detail of the moment to memory, the slight flush that clung to his cheeks as the alcohol raced through his veins, drawing a soothing calm along with it, the subtle tightening of his deliciously plump lips as the Firewhiskey burnt its way down his throat and clung to his rounded flesh like honey just waiting to be collected by her own hungry lips.
As he lowered his head once more to gaze unaware and distantly into the flames his hair tumbled into the high collar of his frock coat, his coal black locks a dazzling contrast against the brilliant emerald green cravat at his throat that shimmered like a thousand jewels against the small pale expanse of his throat that showed above. Hungry eyes tracked the flash of stunning green down the front of his frock coat, many layers of silver trimmed green lace spilling out in a decadent display over his chest, trembling and catching the light with each breath that he took. Another flash of that fine lace emerged from the wide velvet trimmed cuff at each wrist, the delicate fabric almost covering his dexterous and enchanting hands, hands that begrudgingly Hermione had to admit that she had been fascinated by for the past seven years. Immaculately tailored and sleek fitting black trousers clung to his long and surprisingly muscular legs, the lower half of them encased in lustrous black leather boots that had been polished to a brilliant shine. The soft leather gave a small creak as Severus shifted his weight from one foot to the other, the muscles of his thighs rippling beneath the taunt fabric as he turned at the sound of a softly hitching breath and found himself frozen and breathless gazing upon the woman standing in the doorway.
Hermione's typically wild and uncontrollable honeyed locks had been piled atop her head, a spill of them cascading down her back in delicate ringlets that bounced with each small movement and nervous breath she took. Several small curls hung at the sides of her face, framing the pale skin of her face, causing her chocolate eyes to gleam darkly in the flickering firelight. Her long and delicate neck was adorned only with a simple string of black pearls, matching teardrops suspended from each earlobe, shuddering in a mesmerizing dance against the sweeping line of her throat. Deliciously rounded shoulders were bare beyond their fading smattering of freckles, the devilishly plunging neckline of her dress leaving little to the imagination and providing a delectable feast for Severus' ravenous eyes. Brilliant red satin molded to her form like a glove, the wide straps clinging to the tops of her arms before sweeping down across her chest, plunging dangerously low revealing a sumptuous portion of creamy skin, the deep crevice between her breasts drawing Severus' gaze. Begrudgingly he managed to pull his eyes away from the shadowy crease, allowing his eyes to roam over the rest of her attire. Shimmering material hugged each cure and swell of Hermione's body, flowing down the revealed expanse of flesh to cling tightly to her ribs and small waist in a corset style top before falling in a swell of satin over her hips, folds rippling and shuddering as she took a few hesitant steps forward. The air was heavy with a silence and want, the only sound that of the gently swishing fabric as it glided across the floor, trailing a few steps behind Hermione, each movement accentuating her petite form.
Much to his shock and dismay Severus found himself completely speechless, his heart caught somewhere between sinking to the pit of stomach and hammering in his throat, his mouth suddenly growing dry and his lips aching with need as his eyes seemed unable to stop themselves from devouring every visible inch of the woman before him. He was utterly entranced and consumed with a burning lust as he saw two small spots of color rise high upon her cheeks, her long and golden lashes fluttering against her glowing skin as she lowered her head shyly. There was no way that this could possibly be the awkward and persistently annoying girl that had entered his chambers only moments ago, no way that the enchanting creature who now stood before him drawing a boiling lust to the surface until he felt it prickling his skin had been the girl he had so cruelly tormented and berated for the past seven years. But try as he might, Severus could not deny that indeed she was one and the same, the siren before him was undoubtedly the know-it-all who had spent half her time at Hogwarts with her hand raised in his class, itching for the chance to regale all with her astounding knowledge, and yet at the same time she was ravishing and quite simply perfect as she hesitantly stepped from one foot to the other, growing ever more nervous beneath his scrutinizing gaze.
Say something you fool! his mind snarled viciously, tinged with what could possibly be seen as a hint of fear and awe. Do not simply stand there gaping like a fish, staring like those insipid brats you are forced to endure day in and day out, say something, quickly, before she thinks you've gone mad! The voice continued bracingly, urging him to say the first thing that came to mind. Placing a cool look of annoyance and indifference upon his slender face Severus turned to face her fully, feeling the heat of the firelight caressing the backs of his thighs and soaking into the heavy fabric of his frock coat.
"While I appreciate your festive spirit at a time such as this Miss Granger, I hardly think that robes as blunt and tactless as everything else concerning Gryffindor is appropriate, do you?" he asked with a cool and casual tone, his sneer of amusement faltering for just a moment as he watched the heat infuse her cheeks once more and an indignant expression fill her eyes.
"This is all that I have that was appropriate Professor, it was for a party planned at the Burrow" Hermione replied with a stinging tone to her voice, her shoulders squared valiantly as she lifted her dark eyes to meet his. "I was unable to change the color to something that would perhaps be a little more fitting seeing as I still cannot locate my wand" she snarled, her enchanting features for a moment contorted into an expression that was both ugly and horrifying causing Severus to steel himself so as not to take a step back. Fascinating he mused as he placed the now empty glass on the mantle and took several swaggering steps towards the young woman before him, feeling a large swell of pride in his chest as he observed her lifting her chin just a little higher to keep his gaze, her lips set firmly as her hands held stiffly at her sides. The little whelp has courage, I'll give her that, but how ever will she survive beneath whatever torments Lucius has planned for us this evening?
Striding forward with his ever present ominous air and calculating snarl he quickly crossed the distance between them until he stood no more than a foot from her, his much taller frame casting her into shadow so that only her eyes and the pearls at her throat and ears gleamed in the dull light. Swiftly pulling his wand from the hidden pocket in his sleeve he fought back the flicker of a grin as he watched her eyes briefly snap to his wand and then back to his eyes, only a small twitch in her jaw giving away any fear she might have felt.
"Well then Miss Granger" he crooned as he let his eyes obviously sweep over her, doing little to hold back the gleam of ravenous desire that was surging through his veins like fire. "Allow me" he continued as he swept the tip of his wand over her, watching as the red satin slowly faded into a deep and gleaming midnight blue, the color accentuating the paleness of her skin all the more. Quite delicious his mind purred as he once again ravaged her with his gaze. "Much better" he purred silkily as he reached out a pale hand to push a stray curl back from her face, his lips curling back in a grin of amusement as he watched her gaze waver for a moment, her lips parting a fraction of an inch as if in invitation. What sweet torture it shall be to have this woman at my arm all evening he mused as he took several slow steps back and then swiftly turned back to face the fire lest he succumb to the carnal urges that now thrummed through his body like an overpowering drumbeat, pounding out the rhythm of his need and desire.
Stunned Hermione watched as Severus turned his back to her before glancing down at the full skirt of her robes, the dark fabric shimmering back and forth between black and a deep blue as the firelight danced over its iridescent surface. Fingering the material gently she glanced up at the man before her, once again admiring the flowing lines of his shoulders and the soft curls of his hair.
"Something other than Slytherin green, I am truly surprised Professor" she chuckled softly as she turned slowly, watching the light play across her transformed robes. Snorting with indignation Severus glanced over his shoulder to see her coming to a stop, the long skirt of her robes continuing to swish and sway around her, looking utterly tantalizing. Growling to himself he quickly pushed the urge to ravage her on the spot to the pit of his stomach before purring,
"Indeed Miss Granger. My tastes are not limited only to the close-minded and vulgar selections of my House." Severus watched with delight as Hermione visibly shuddered at the sound of his voice, her cheeks once again filled with that delectable heat that betrayed her thoroughly inappropriate thoughts and feelings, her chocolate eyes burning as rampantly as the fire in the grate. Once more fluidly yet languidly crossing the small distance between them he stood merely inches from her, her breath soft and fragrant upon his face as he leant ever closer to her, their noses almost touching as he whispered silkily "you will find my dear Hermione that they extend to the unexpected and exquisite." Sweet Merlin what am I saying? he thought as he gazed down into Hermione's face, watching as two brilliant spots of red alighted on her cheeks.
Hermione's eyes flashed brightly in the firelight to the color of sun-warmed honey as her eyelashes fluttered like the wings of a trapped butterfly. Her breath hitched and faltered in her throat as she gazed up into the face of the man before her, her honeyed glaze met by his gleaming obsidian orbs, his glistening lips barely inches from her own. Slowly her heavy-lidded eyes slid shut, her fine curling lashes resting upon the succulent swell of her cheeks as she titled her head back, accentuating the smooth plane of her slender throat and presenting her delectable lips for his ravenous tasting. As though connected to some invisible line, Severus, despite the swirling mass of apprehension in his stomach found himself against all logical thought lowering his own lips towards Hermione's, the soft and warm caress of her breath slipping over his face and ruffling his hair. I cannot do this his mind raged vainly, I cannot allow myself to succumb to these base desires, I cannot let myself surrender to this, I simply will not give in he continued as his hands unconsciously moved towards her, his fingers gliding over the smooth satin encasing her heated flesh, skimming over the silky fabric to encircle her waist, drawing her ever closer to him. Such delicious softness he mused as a sizzling bolt of electricity ran through him, starting at the tips of his fingers and shooting along the nerves of his arms before crashing down deep into the apex of his thighs as his fingers connected with the bare flesh of her back, his breath flowing over his lips in a shuddering breath. This woman has defeated me; a young slip of a girl has conquered the great Severus Snape. Dear Merlin, we are truly doomed he thought as of their own accord his fingers lazily danced up and down her spine, failing to encounter a single stitch of fabric until they once again came to rest at her waist. What a dress! He exclaimed to himself as another sudden surge of sensation rocketed through him, setting his nerves ablaze with want.
Hermione's heart thundered deafeningly in her ears while her pulse raced a thousand miles a second in her throat, her fingers halting for a moment as they brushed against the embellished fabric of Severus' frock coat, hesitantly exploring the cool obsidian buttons before spreading over his chest, her palms laid flat against him so that she could feel each labored breath he took and the furious hammering of his heart. Who ever would have thought that this fearsome man could possess such passion? she thought, her mind heavy and fuzzy with desire. The sweet and spicy scent of Firewhiskey surrounded her, making her feel suddenly light-headed as though she were floating several inches above the ground. Time slipped by slowly as Hermione stood quivering and filled with anticipation encased in Severus' warmth, her entire being focused upon the aching in her lips, the craving that permeated her swollen flesh. Once more her breath faltered in her throat as she felt Severus' small movement towards her, her hands trapped between them, feeling the heat of her own breasts against the backs of her fingers, while his heart thundered beneath her palms. Suddenly his lips were a hair's breath from her own, his sweet scented exhalations flooding her senses as he closed the remaining distance between them, his silken flesh sliding over her own, sending jolts of sensation buzzing through her.
In that moment, there was nothing in the world to Severus but the feel of Hermione's soft and yielding lips beneath his own, her silken flesh quivering against his as her lips parted just enough for the tip of his tongue to tease the tender flesh within. Immediately he felt himself infused with a ravaging hunger, the need to devour her entirely racing through his veins, erasing all sensible thought so that he was quite simply a man controlled by desire. Cool fingers skidded over florid flesh, teasing and tantalizing each available inch, seeking to bare ever more in an attempt to feed their own hunger. A strangled squeak was emitted from the deliciously quivering flesh beneath his own hungry lips as he pulled Hermione swiftly against him, crushing her small frame against his chest so that he could feel each swell and curve of her body through the thick fabric of his coat and the cool satin of her robes. Oh to feel that flesh, to touch those curves with tongue and fingers he mused as his fingers continued their exploration of the young woman within his embrace. Drawing back barely an inch he gazed down at her through the dark ring of his lashes, taking in the flush that suffused her cheeks, the swollen and reddened appearance of her parted lips and the fluttering of her eyelashes he felt something snap deep within him.
"Hermione…" he breathed in a sigh against her lips as he fought to find the clasp of her robes, his fingers shaking as he barely managed to restrain himself from raking his nails over her exposed flesh.
"Severus…" she moaned in response, her breaths heavy and her skin tingling as though a thousand ants were marching all over her body. Expert silken fingers brushed against her heated cheeks, drawing her heavy eyes open slowly until she was peering into the inky black depths of Severus' penetrating gaze, his own face flushed, his eyes sparkling as he looked down at her.
"Hermione I need…" he began in a breathy whisper, barely loud enough to hear over the crackling of the fire, his voice dying away in his throat as he once again claimed her lips, tasting the sweetness of her upon his tongue as he hesitantly and slowly explored the heated depths of her mouth, savoring the sweet taste of honey that clung to her flesh.
"I need…" he continued as he paused for breath, his eyelids heavy as he watched her swollen lips through the dark fringe of his lashes. "I need to feel…" he began falteringly, his mind muddled by the feel of her pressed so tightly against him, his entire being focused upon the deep and resonating ache between his legs, the crushing need to be buried deep inside of her and to hear the sweet obscenities flowing from her swollen lips as he pushed her deep into the endless sea of surrender. Suddenly Severus was cut off by the shrill chime of the clock upon the mantle as it signaled the passing of a quarter hour, the small sound making both of them jump at its sudden and unwanted intrusion, bringing a jarring halt to the passion that had flowed between them, leaving them both feeling awkward and hesitant. Fuck! he cursed internally as realization washed over him like a chilling flood, precisely what you were about to do my dear fellow he scowled callously to himself, you were about to deflower that delectable little thing, about to ravage her innocence and infuse her with your filth. Gods be praised that you finally came to your senses! Growling beneath his breath he cast his eyes about the room, refusing to let them settle upon Hermione's still upturned face, avoiding the sight of her proffered lips that glistened in the firelight, refusing to see the swell of her heaving breasts as they threatened to spill forth from the tight satin of her robes. Dear Merlin I need a cold shower his mind scolded as he prepared to disentangle himself from the uncomfortable situation his lust-idled brain had placed them in.
"I need… I need to get us on our way" he finished, his tone sounding dejected and full of unease. Once more donning his cold and calculating mask he quickly pulled back from Hermione, wincing internally as he watched her waver on her feet for a moment, groping for the back of the nearby wing-back chair to steady herself. His heart clenching painfully in his chest as she lowered her eyes in what he could only assume was guilt.
Consumed with disappointment Hermione nodded sullenly, the heat of Severus' kisses quickly fading, leaving in their stead only the choking dread of facing Lucius Malfoy in a matter of minutes. I can't believe that I am willingly casting myself in the snake pit she thought to herself as she studied the floor before her, feeling the heated gaze of the dark man beside her weighing heavily upon her. Glancing discreetly at him through her lowered lashes she saw him turning swiftly away from her, his broad shoulders filled with tension as he moved jerkily about the room gathering first the damned invitation from atop his desk and then a thick black traveling cloak from the back of his chair. She could see the shame in his posture, the anger that rippled through his muscles as he turned back towards her, and the ferocity in his gaze as he eyes skimmed over her quickly, lingering for only a moment on her face before he quickly looked away again. Sighing heavily she surrendered to the fact that never again was she likely to feel those lips upon her own, she knew now that his shame would crush all hope of him ever succumbing to his desires again. And so she enveloped herself in the logical efficiency that she was known and ridiculed for amongst her peers and squaring her own shoulders defiantly she smoothed the rumpled fabric of her robes and carefully ran her hands over her still perfect hair.
"Are you ready, Miss Granger?" Severus asked gruffly, intently focusing his gaze upon the door, terrified that if he looked at her flushed cheeks and still slightly tousled robes he would once again fall prey to his own lust and ravage her upon the rug before the hearth. Though I am sure that she would make a lovely sight spread open and willing before the dancing flames a deep and dark part of him mused with a smug tone, can you imagine it dear boy? The firelight caressing all that wonderfully creamy flesh? Those swollen lips parted and waiting for you to claim them? Such heaven we could discover between those thighs, such rapture we could find in her arms the voice continued silkily, attempting to seduce him once more into giving in to the desire that bubbled and boiled just beneath the surface of his skin.
"Yes Professor" was the simple and sullen sounding response he received, the sound of her voice interrupting his internal battle and bringing him swiftly back to his senses. It was surprising how such a simple title could infuse his heart with a sudden coldness, the formality of it reaffirming his sensibilities and flooding him with shame that he had so easily succumb to his wholly inappropriate desires. He moved with a mechanical precision as he wrapped the thick black wool traveling cloak about his shoulders, focusing on the fingers that trembled at the clasp rather than submitting to the overwhelming urge to look in the direction of the faint sound of rustling fabric as Hermione donned her own traveling cloak, the plain black clothe quickly hiding all traces of the stunning robes beneath.
An uneasy silence descended upon the pair as they stood quiet and unmoving before the hearth, each shrouded in the thick black cloaks, each feeling awkward and slightly embarrassed, each consumed with the desire to once again feel the heat of the other, and each of them terrified of the consequences of their new found desires. So, with his ever present silent efficiency Severus guided Hermione to the door, drawing the thick mahogany open slowly, peering out into the darkness of the dungeons, his fine tuned senses delving into the shadows, searching for the smallest indication of the presence of another. Once Severus was sure that the hallway was as deserted as it seemed he drew the door open just wide enough for them both to slip out unnoticed. Glancing over his shoulder he felt his heart skip a beat as he eyes settled upon the sight of Hermione standing barely three feet from him, backlit by the crackling fire, the flickering light casting her porcelain features into stark relief, her chocolate eyes gleaming in the darkness like tiny jewels while the wisps of hair around her face shone like some kind of heavenly nimbus. She was breathtaking and astounding, yet she had no perception of the dazzling beauty she possessed, her naïve innocence making her all the more alluring. For a moment he found himself simply staring at her, unable to form any sort of coherent thought, his mouth dry, his tongue thick and unmoving as he fought to draw his eyes away from Hermione's face.
"Is it safe, Professor?" she asked softly, feeling nervous and hesitant beneath his gaze, his eyes shinning in the firelight like black diamonds, his gaze pregnant with hesitation and a hint of something else that made her heart flutter and her blood run hot and rampant through her veins.
As though suddenly awakened from a dream Severus quickly burst into action, giving a brief nod of his head he peered out into the hallway once more before ushering Hermione out before him. After closing and heavily warding the door he once again cast a scrutinizing gaze over the shadowed hallway before sharply turning on his heel and walking deeper into the darkness, heading away from the main staircase and further into the bowels of the castle. With every step he took closer to the hidden tunnel Severus felt his anxiety raise a notch, each muffled sound of his steps and the softer footfall of Hermione behind him sounding like the hammer nailing down the lid of his coffin. Beneath the billowing woolen traveling cloak, thick damask frock coat and silken shirt his pale skin was covered in a sheen of sweat, his palms feeling clammy and slick as they curled into uneasy fists at his sides, itching to feel the comfort of his wand wrapped in his fingers.
Choking uneasiness filled Hermione, swelling up within her until she felt bloated, ready to burst beneath its weight and pressure. Focusing on the broad wool clad shoulders before her Hermione trudged along behind Severus, all but scampering through the twisting and turning maze of hallways in an attempt to keep up with his long and swift strides, her shorter legs struggling to match his pace. None too soon Severus came to a sudden halt, his coal black eyes narrowed until they were barely more than slits as he looked around the hallway once more before closing a cool hand around Hermione's small wrist and quickly pulling her into what had previously appeared to be no more than shadow. Several feet into the darkness Hermione realized that it was a tunnel, much like the one that she and her friends had traversed many times to sneak into Hogsmeade, though this one appeared far more frequently traveled, the ground worn smooth from the passing of many feet, the walls devoid of cobwebs though overhanging branches still attempted to pull at her hair and cloak as she was swiftly pulled along by Severus.
"Professor" she called ahead of her as she stumbled and faltered behind him, his grip upon her wrist unrelenting, each stumbling step she took jarring her shoulder painfully. "Professor slow down!" she demanded scornfully, her voice sounding harsh and loud in the enclosed space as she pulled back against his iron grip. Swiftly he stopped and turned on her, his eyes gleaming in the faint light that flowed from the tip of his wand, his face contorted into a mask of impatience and irritation.
"Do not speak a word until we have reached the apparition point" he hissed though his voice was devoid of much of its usual bite, conveying no more than annoyance and failing to hint at the urgency his words possessed. "Now come along, quickly, we cannot afford to be late" he continued before once more turning his back on his her, his grip unrelenting as Hermione yet again found herself being pulled along the cramped passageway with only the frail light from Severus' wand and his firm grasp upon her arm to guide her.
Time seemed to come to a halt as Hermione fumbled and struggled her way down the passageway until finally she burst out into the freezing night air, the sudden change causing her to fight for breath, her lungs momentarily frozen by the winter chill, her eyes stinging as she fought for air. Coughing and spluttering she stumbled forward a few paces to stand beside Severus as he cast his ever-scrutinizing gaze over the land around them, surveying the area for unwanted witnesses. Hermione had barely managed to catch her breath when once again Severus had grasped her wrist and was pulling her along at a fast past over the lawns of Hogswarts and down towards the main gate. Biting back a berating deluge of curses Hermione gathered her cloak tightly around herself and stumbled along through the snow, her feet instantly frozen as the crisp fresh snow flowed over her entirely impractical shoes while Severus ambled along easily at a fast pace. Bloody man might have warned me that we would trekking through the snow she scowled as they made their way across the glistening field of white, her toes now completely numb from the cold while her eyes watered and her nose turned a brilliant shade of red. Breathless and fuming Hermione was relieved when they finally reached the main gate and she was allowed to rest for a moment while Severus yet again surveyed their surroundings, making Hermione for once grateful of his overly suspicious nature.
Satisfied that no one was about Severus paused to catch his breath and turned to face Hermione, barely restraining a deep and hearty chuckle as his gaze settled upon her all but glowing nose and petulant expression. Before him stood the completely charming and endearing sight of a young woman with windswept curls, bright red nose and cheeks, pouting lower lip with her arms crossed angrily across her chest.
"You could have warned me about the snow" she scowled sulkily, "my feet are numb" she continued sullenly while sniffing loudly and swiping at her nose. Restraining his chuckle Severus reached into his robes and pulled out a dazzling white handkerchief which he then handed to the irritated young woman standing before him. Quickly snatching the handkerchief out of his grasp Hermione turned away from him before wiping her nose, and then glancing back over her shoulder while mumbling a meager "thank you." Shaking his head in amusement Severus stepped closer to her as she turned back to face him fully and offering the handkerchief back to him. With a hint of a smile he shook his head and said,
"Keep it, you may well need it for the journey back." He chuckled softly under his breath as he watched her scowl at him though a faint smile tugged at the corners of her mouth.
"Have you apparated before?" he asked as he came to stand beside her.
"Of course I have" she replied defiantly, "I received my apparition license over the summer" she continued defensively, her brows drawn down into a stubborn expression.
"Good, then hold tightly to me" Severus responded evenly as he drew Hermione close to his chest, the delicate fragrance of her hair once again tickling his sensitive nose and causing his loins to tighten. Sweet Merlin, this is going to be a long night he mused as he felt her cling fiercely to his robes while tucking her head beneath his chin, and with a pop they disappeared from sight.