Warning

This story is not suitable for readers under the age of seventeen. It contains sexual content, including some non-consensual, and may offend some readers. If this subject is offensive to you, please do not read this story.

Chapter 6 - Controlling the Flames

Snape saw Hermione flinch as he stood. Her words had caught him totally off- guard. - - - I liked it, when you kissed me - - -. How could that be true, when her reaction to his movement betrayed her terror of him? She was barely of age, and so innocent - inexperienced - that her confused emotions had her mixed up to the point of not knowing what she felt. Quickly, he turned away from her - concealing his own emotions and hiding from hers.

Again, she took him by surprise with a question. Why had he kissed her? He couldn't explain that one to himself, never mind to her. Most of his life had been spent in a world of deception and betrayal. His very life had depended on being in control - control of his thoughts, his emotions and his expressions. Now this young witch had him unable to master any of these. Damn it! What was she doing to him? He turned to her, knuckles white as he clutched the chair-back, the anger in his eyes very real. Anger was good - he needed to drive her away from him and get them both out of this dangerous situation. But he couldn't do it. Just another example of the effect she was having on him - his brief flash of anger melted at the sight of her.

Fumbling for words, he told her the truth, as it came to him, hoping that maybe she would be able to make more sense of it than he could. No - she would never be able to understand it. He turned away, terrified and ashamed of this uncertainty and weakness that was so unfamiliar to him.

The touch on his shoulder was gentle. To part of him, it was a shock that she would reach out to him like this. To another part, it seemed somehow - - - inevitable. His heart fluttered at his name on those sweet lips. He turned. A soft hand reached up to his face and, in answer to the unspoken request in her eyes, he drew her close to him.

The touch of Hermione's lips was gentle and tender, like nothing Snape had ever experienced before. It was so soft, so comforting - like a gentle flame reaching in to warm his soul. He was certain, in one perfect, blissful moment, that he could never feel pain or anger or hatred again.

Last night, he had taught her passion and fear, but now, for all her young innocence, she had become the teacher. And he had so much to learn. He had never before felt so vulnerable. She was awakening in him a need - not a lust for her body, but a need for her soul. He wanted to hold her and protect her from the world, but somehow it seemed that his greater need was for her to protect him. He had no idea where these thoughts were coming from, but they scared him more than anything ever had in his life.

Willingly, he surrendered himself to her as they kissed. Their tongues met and explored each other, as they held each other tenderly. He wrapped his fingers in her hair and caressed the soft waves, feeling a thrill of joy as her fingertips stroked the back of his neck. Instinctively, his body responded, and he started to pull her closer, but stopped himself at once. He mustn't do that - he couldn't trust himself right now. Imperceptible though his movements had been, she seemed to be aware of them, and subtly pulled away, smiling shyly. There was no hint of criticism in that smile - more of an understanding between them.

"Let's sit down," she smiled. Taking him by the hand, she led him round the chair and gently pushed him into it. He felt a little foolish being led like that, and more than a little nervous as she calmly reached for her wand and pointed it at him with a mischievously coy smile. No, not at him - at the chair. A muttered word, and the chair widened slightly, allowing her to slide in close to him, placing his arm around her, and resting her head on his shoulder.

It was the first time that Snape could remember laughing in a very, very long time. Occasionally, he allowed himself a sneer or smirk, but laughter was a sensation long forgotten. It brought a tremendous sense of relief as he held her close to him. This was something he must do more often - and he had a feeling that laughing was something he would not find difficult, in Hermione Granger's company. Just one of the many things he knew he could learn from her.

Her wand was still in her hand as it lay in his lap, and with an unexpected sense of fun, he reached out for it. Using someone else's wand was not exactly taboo, but was not often done. However, it seemed appropriate in this situation, and Hermione gave it up freely.

"You forgot something," he smiled. With a flick, he aimed it at the empty fireplace, which promptly sprang to life with crackling flames.

Laughing quietly, they snuggled close in its warmth, then sat in a comfortable silence, each mulling over the evening's events. The one thing that dominated the thoughts of both was how much things had changed for them in the last few days. It had been only Tuesday when they had spent their first few hours alone together, distant, but beginning to appreciate each other's company in a purely intellectual way. Now, Saturday, they were in each other's arms, unsure of their changing emotions but, for the moment, content to be so.

Beneath the surface, thoughts plagued both of them about both yesterday and tomorrow but, for a few contented hours, they pushed them aside.

In the early hours of the morning, Hermione awoke. Turning to look up at Severus, she smiled at his sleeping face. Trying not to disturb him, she slipped from his arms and stood, stretching. The fire still burned in the grate, its glow on his pale skin. Leaning close, she traced the scratch on his cheek with a finger, then kissed it.

Leaving him sleeping, she stepped out of the office and hurried back to the Gryffindor tower and to her bed, thankful that, as a Sixth-year and a Prefect, she would not be questioned too closely by the Fat Lady about her late return. Now, if Ron and Harry had noticed, that might be another story - - -